Nanoscale integration is the next frontier for nanotechnology

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

Picraux, Samuel T

2009-01-01

Nanoscale integration of materials and structures is the next critical step to exploit the promise of nanomaterials. Many novel and fascinating properties have been revealed for nanostructured materials. But if nanotechnology is to live up to its promise we must incorporate these nanoscale building blocks into functional systems that connect to the micro- and macroscale world. To do this we will inevitably need to understand and exploit the resulting combined unique properties of these integrated nanosystems. Much science waits to be discovered in the process. Nanoscale integration extends from the synthesis and fabrication of individual nanoscale building blocks, to themore » assembly of these building blocks into composite structures, and finally to the formation of complex functional systems. As illustrated in Figure 1, the building blocks may be homogeneous or heterogeneous, the composite materials may be nanocomposite or patterned structures, and the functional systems will involve additional combinations of materials. Nanoscale integration involves assembling diverse nanoscale materials across length scales to design and achieve new properties and functionality. At each stage size-dependent properties, the influence of surfaces in close proximity, and a multitude of interfaces all come into play. Whether the final system involves coherent electrons in a quantum computing approach, the combined flow of phonons and electrons for a high efficiency thermoelectric micro-generator, or a molecular recognition structure for bio-sensing, the combined effects of size, surface, and interface will be critical. In essence, one wants to combine the novel functions available through nanoscale science to achieve unique multi-functionalities not available in bulk materials. Perhaps the best-known example of integration is that of combining electronic components together into very large scale integrated circuits (VLSI). The integrated circuit has revolutionized electronics in many ways, from exploiting field-effect transistor devices and low power complementary logic to enable the electronic watch and hand calculator in the 1970's, to today's microprocessors and memories with billions of devices and a computational power not imagined a few decades ago. The manipulation of charges on a chip, the new concepts in combining devices for logic functions, and the new approaches to computation, information processing, and imaging have all emerged from Kilby and Noyce's simple concept of integrating devices on a single chip. Moving from hard to soft materials, a second more recent example of integration is the DNA microarray. These microarrays, with up to millions of elements in a planar array that can be optically read out, can simultaneously measure the expression of 10's of thousands of genes to study the effects of disease and treatment, or screen for single nucleotide polymorphisms for uses ranging from forensics to predisposition to disease. While still at an early stage, microarrays have revolutionized biosciences by providing the means to interrogate the complex genetic control of biological functions. Just as integrated circuits and microarrays have led to completely new functionalities and performance, the integration of nanoscale materials and structures is anticipated to lead to new performance and enable the design of new functionalities not previously envisioned. The fundamental questions underlying integration go beyond just complex fabrication or the engineering of known solutions; they lead to new discoveries and new science. The scientific challenges around nanoscale integration necessitate the development of new knowledge that is central to the advance of nanotechnology. To move forward one must address key science questions that arise in nanoscience integration and go beyond a single system or materials area. New science and discoveries especially await around three questions. How does one: (1) Control energy transfer and other interactions across interfaces and over mUltiple length scales? (2) Understand and control the interactions between nanoscale building blocks to assemble specific integrated structures? (3) Design and exploit interactions within assembled structures to achieve new properties and specific functionalities? These high level questions can serve to drive research, and to advance understanding of the complex phenomena and multifunctionality that may emerge from integration. For example, in photonics there is considerable effort to understand and control the response of nanoscale conducting structures on dielectrics, to allow one to localize, manipulate, and control electromagnetic energy in integrated systems such as in the field known as metamaterials. Essential to this area is a fundamental understanding of energy transfer across multiple length scales (question 1 above).« less

Spin-neurons: A possible path to energy-efficient neuromorphic computers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharad, Mrigank; Fan, Deliang; Roy, Kaushik

2013-12-01

Recent years have witnessed growing interest in the field of brain-inspired computing based on neural-network architectures. In order to translate the related algorithmic models into powerful, yet energy-efficient cognitive-computing hardware, computing-devices beyond CMOS may need to be explored. The suitability of such devices to this field of computing would strongly depend upon how closely their physical characteristics match with the essential computing primitives employed in such models. In this work, we discuss the rationale of applying emerging spin-torque devices for bio-inspired computing. Recent spin-torque experiments have shown the path to low-current, low-voltage, and high-speed magnetization switching in nano-scale magnetic devices. Such magneto-metallic, current-mode spin-torque switches can mimic the analog summing and "thresholding" operation of an artificial neuron with high energy-efficiency. Comparison with CMOS-based analog circuit-model of a neuron shows that "spin-neurons" (spin based circuit model of neurons) can achieve more than two orders of magnitude lower energy and beyond three orders of magnitude reduction in energy-delay product. The application of spin-neurons can therefore be an attractive option for neuromorphic computers of future.

Spin-neurons: A possible path to energy-efficient neuromorphic computers

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

Sharad, Mrigank; Fan, Deliang; Roy, Kaushik

Recent years have witnessed growing interest in the field of brain-inspired computing based on neural-network architectures. In order to translate the related algorithmic models into powerful, yet energy-efficient cognitive-computing hardware, computing-devices beyond CMOS may need to be explored. The suitability of such devices to this field of computing would strongly depend upon how closely their physical characteristics match with the essential computing primitives employed in such models. In this work, we discuss the rationale of applying emerging spin-torque devices for bio-inspired computing. Recent spin-torque experiments have shown the path to low-current, low-voltage, and high-speed magnetization switching in nano-scale magnetic devices.more » Such magneto-metallic, current-mode spin-torque switches can mimic the analog summing and “thresholding” operation of an artificial neuron with high energy-efficiency. Comparison with CMOS-based analog circuit-model of a neuron shows that “spin-neurons” (spin based circuit model of neurons) can achieve more than two orders of magnitude lower energy and beyond three orders of magnitude reduction in energy-delay product. The application of spin-neurons can therefore be an attractive option for neuromorphic computers of future.« less

Quantum interference in plasmonic circuits.

PubMed

Heeres, Reinier W; Kouwenhoven, Leo P; Zwiller, Valery

2013-10-01

Surface plasmon polaritons (plasmons) are a combination of light and a collective oscillation of the free electron plasma at metal/dielectric interfaces. This interaction allows subwavelength confinement of light beyond the diffraction limit inherent to dielectric structures. As a result, the intensity of the electromagnetic field is enhanced, with the possibility to increase the strength of the optical interactions between waveguides, light sources and detectors. Plasmons maintain non-classical photon statistics and preserve entanglement upon transmission through thin, patterned metallic films or weakly confining waveguides. For quantum applications, it is essential that plasmons behave as indistinguishable quantum particles. Here we report on a quantum interference experiment in a nanoscale plasmonic circuit consisting of an on-chip plasmon beamsplitter with integrated superconducting single-photon detectors to allow efficient single plasmon detection. We demonstrate a quantum-mechanical interaction between pairs of indistinguishable surface plasmons by observing Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) interference, a hallmark non-classical interference effect that is the basis of linear optics-based quantum computation. Our work shows that it is feasible to shrink quantum optical experiments to the nanoscale and offers a promising route towards subwavelength quantum optical networks.

Electrically driven monolithic subwavelength plasmonic interconnect circuits

PubMed Central

Liu, Yang; Zhang, Jiasen; Liu, Huaping; Wang, Sheng; Peng, Lian-Mao

2017-01-01

In the post-Moore era, an electrically driven monolithic optoelectronic integrated circuit (OEIC) fabricated from a single material is pursued globally to enable the construction of wafer-scale compact computing systems with powerful processing capabilities and low-power consumption. We report a monolithic plasmonic interconnect circuit (PIC) consisting of a photovoltaic (PV) cascading detector, Au-strip waveguides, and electrically driven surface plasmon polariton (SPP) sources. These components are fabricated from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor)–compatible doping-free technique in the same feature size, which can be reduced to deep-subwavelength scale (~λ/7 to λ/95, λ = 1340 nm) compared with the 14-nm technique node. An OEIC could potentially be configured as a repeater for data transport because of its “photovoltaic” operation mode to transform SPP energy directly into electricity to drive subsequent electronic circuits. Moreover, chip-scale throughput capability has also been demonstrated by fabricating a 20 × 20 PIC array on a 10 mm × 10 mm wafer. Tailoring photonics for monolithic integration with electronics beyond the diffraction limit opens a new era of chip-level nanoscale electronic-photonic systems, introducing a new path to innovate toward much faster, smaller, and cheaper computing frameworks. PMID:29062890

High accuracy digital aging monitor based on PLL-VCO circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuejun, Zhang; Zhidi, Jiang; Pengjun, Wang; Xuelong, Zhang

2015-01-01

As the manufacturing process is scaled down to the nanoscale, the aging phenomenon significantly affects the reliability and lifetime of integrated circuits. Consequently, the precise measurement of digital CMOS aging is a key aspect of nanoscale aging tolerant circuit design. This paper proposes a high accuracy digital aging monitor using phase-locked loop and voltage-controlled oscillator (PLL-VCO) circuit. The proposed monitor eliminates the circuit self-aging effect for the characteristic of PLL, whose frequency has no relationship with circuit aging phenomenon. The PLL-VCO monitor is implemented in TSMC low power 65 nm CMOS technology, and its area occupies 303.28 × 298.94 μm2. After accelerating aging tests, the experimental results show that PLL-VCO monitor improves accuracy about high temperature by 2.4% and high voltage by 18.7%.

Performance characteristics of a nanoscale double-gate reconfigurable array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beckett, Paul

2008-12-01

The double gate transistor is a promising device applicable to deep sub-micron design due to its inherent resistance to short-channel effects and superior subthreshold performance. Using both TCAD and SPICE circuit simulation, it is shown that the characteristics of fully depleted dual-gate thin-body Schottky barrier silicon transistors will not only uncouple the conflicting requirements of high performance and low standby power in digital logic, but will also allow the development of a locally-connected reconfigurable computing mesh. The magnitude of the threshold shift effect will scale with device dimensions and will remain compatible with oxide reliability constraints. A field-programmable architecture based on the double gate transistor is described in which the operating point of the circuit is biased via one gate while the other gate is used to form the logic array, such that complex heterogeneous computing functions may be developed from this homogeneous, mesh-connected organization.

Chaotic dynamics in nanoscale NbO2 Mott memristors for analogue computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Suhas; Strachan, John Paul; Williams, R. Stanley

2017-08-01

At present, machine learning systems use simplified neuron models that lack the rich nonlinear phenomena observed in biological systems, which display spatio-temporal cooperative dynamics. There is evidence that neurons operate in a regime called the edge of chaos that may be central to complexity, learning efficiency, adaptability and analogue (non-Boolean) computation in brains. Neural networks have exhibited enhanced computational complexity when operated at the edge of chaos, and networks of chaotic elements have been proposed for solving combinatorial or global optimization problems. Thus, a source of controllable chaotic behaviour that can be incorporated into a neural-inspired circuit may be an essential component of future computational systems. Such chaotic elements have been simulated using elaborate transistor circuits that simulate known equations of chaos, but an experimental realization of chaotic dynamics from a single scalable electronic device has been lacking. Here we describe niobium dioxide (NbO2) Mott memristors each less than 100 nanometres across that exhibit both a nonlinear-transport-driven current-controlled negative differential resistance and a Mott-transition-driven temperature-controlled negative differential resistance. Mott materials have a temperature-dependent metal-insulator transition that acts as an electronic switch, which introduces a history-dependent resistance into the device. We incorporate these memristors into a relaxation oscillator and observe a tunable range of periodic and chaotic self-oscillations. We show that the nonlinear current transport coupled with thermal fluctuations at the nanoscale generates chaotic oscillations. Such memristors could be useful in certain types of neural-inspired computation by introducing a pseudo-random signal that prevents global synchronization and could also assist in finding a global minimum during a constrained search. We specifically demonstrate that incorporating such memristors into the hardware of a Hopfield computing network can greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of converging to a solution for computationally difficult problems.

Quantum-circuit refrigerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Kuan Yen; Partanen, Matti; Lake, Russell E.; Govenius, Joonas; Masuda, Shumpei; Möttönen, Mikko

2017-05-01

Quantum technology promises revolutionizing applications in information processing, communications, sensing and modelling. However, efficient on-demand cooling of the functional quantum degrees of freedom remains challenging in many solid-state implementations, such as superconducting circuits. Here we demonstrate direct cooling of a superconducting resonator mode using voltage-controllable electron tunnelling in a nanoscale refrigerator. This result is revealed by a decreased electron temperature at a resonator-coupled probe resistor, even for an elevated electron temperature at the refrigerator. Our conclusions are verified by control experiments and by a good quantitative agreement between theory and experimental observations at various operation voltages and bath temperatures. In the future, we aim to remove spurious dissipation introduced by our refrigerator and to decrease the operational temperature. Such an ideal quantum-circuit refrigerator has potential applications in the initialization of quantum electric devices. In the superconducting quantum computer, for example, fast and accurate reset of the quantum memory is needed.

A Theoretical and Experimental Study of DNA Self-assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandran, Harish

The control of matter and phenomena at the nanoscale is fast becoming one of the most important challenges of the 21st century with wide-ranging applications from energy and health care to computing and material science. Conventional top-down approaches to nanotechnology, having served us well for long, are reaching their inherent limitations. Meanwhile, bottom-up methods such as self-assembly are emerging as viable alternatives for nanoscale fabrication and manipulation. A particularly successful bottom up technique is DNA self-assembly where a set of carefully designed DNA strands form a nanoscale object as a consequence of specific, local interactions among the different components, without external direction. The final product of the self-assembly process might be a static nanostructure or a dynamic nanodevice that performs a specific function. Over the past two decades, DNA self-assembly has produced stunning nanoscale objects such as 2D and 3D lattices, polyhedra and addressable arbitrary shaped substrates, and a myriad of nanoscale devices such as molecular tweezers, computational circuits, biosensors and molecular assembly lines. In this dissertation we study multiple problems in the theory, simulations and experiments of DNA self-assembly. We extend the Turing-universal mathematical framework of self-assembly known as the Tile Assembly Model by incorporating randomization during the assembly process. This allows us to reduce the tile complexity of linear assemblies. We develop multiple techniques to build linear assemblies of expected length N using far fewer tile types than previously possible. We abstract the fundamental properties of DNA and develop a biochemical system, which we call meta-DNA, based entirely on strands of DNA as the only component molecule. We further develop various enzyme-free protocols to manipulate meta-DNA systems and provide strand level details along with abstract notations for these mechanisms. We simulate DNA circuits by providing detailed designs for local molecular computations that involve spatially contiguous molecules arranged on addressable substrates via enzyme-free DNA hybridization reaction cascades. We use the Visual DSD simulation software in conjunction with localized reaction rates obtained from biophysical modeling to create chemical reaction networks of localized hybridization circuits that are then model checked using the PRISM model checking software. We develop a DNA detection system employing the triggered self-assembly of a novel DNA dendritic nanostructure. Detection begins when a specific, single-stranded target DNA strand triggers a hybridization chain reaction between two distinct DNA hairpins. Each hairpin opens and hybridizes up to two copies of the other, and hence each layer of the growing dendritic nanostructure can in principle accommodate an exponentially increasing number of cognate molecules, generating a nanostructure with high molecular weight. We build linear activatable assemblies employing a novel protection/deprotection strategy to strictly enforce the direction of tiling assembly growth to ensure the robustness of the assembly process. Our system consists of two tiles that can form a linear co-polymer. These tiles, which are initially protected such that they do not react with each other, can be activated to form linear co-polymers via the use of a strand displacing enzyme.

Recent trends in hardware security exploiting hybrid CMOS-resistive memory circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahay, Shubham; Suri, Manan

2017-12-01

This paper provides a comprehensive review and insight of recent trends in the field of random number generator (RNG) and physically unclonable function (PUF) circuits implemented using different types of emerging resistive non-volatile (NVM) memory devices. We present a detailed review of hybrid RNG/PUF implementations based on the use of (i) Spin-Transfer Torque (STT-MRAM), and (ii) metal-oxide based (OxRAM), NVM devices. Various approaches on Hybrid CMOS-NVM RNG/PUF circuits are considered, followed by a discussion on different nanoscale device phenomena. Certain nanoscale device phenomena (variability/stochasticity etc), which are otherwise undesirable for reliable memory and storage applications, form the basis for low power and highly scalable RNG/PUF circuits. Detailed qualitative comparison and benchmarking of all implementations is performed.

Electric Current Flow Through Two-Dimensional Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaspard, Mallory

In modern nanotechnology, two-dimensional atomic network structures boast promising applications as nanoscale circuit boards to serve as the building blocks of more sustainable and efficient, electronic devices. However, properties associated with the network connectivity can be beneficial or deleterious to the current flow. Taking a computational approach, we will study large uniform networks, as well as large random networks using Kirchhoff's Equations in conjunction with graph theoretical measures of network connectedness and flows, to understand how network connectivity affects overall ability for successful current flow throughout a network. By understanding how connectedness affects flow, we may develop new ways to design more efficient two-dimensional materials for the next generation of nanoscale electronic devices, and we will gain a deeper insight into the intricate balance between order and chaos in the universe. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, SURP Institutional Grant.

Modeling of electrical and mesoscopic circuits at quantum nanoscale from heat momentum operator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Nabulsi, Rami Ahmad

2018-04-01

We develop a new method to study electrical circuits at quantum nanoscale by introducing a heat momentum operator which reproduces quantum effects similar to those obtained in Suykens's nonlocal-in-time kinetic energy approach for the case of reversible motion. The series expansion of the heat momentum operator is similar to the momentum operator obtained in the framework of minimal length phenomenologies characterized by the deformation of Heisenberg algebra. The quantization of both LC and mesoscopic circuits revealed a number of motivating features like the emergence of a generalized uncertainty relation and a minimal charge similar to those obtained in the framework of minimal length theories. Additional features were obtained and discussed accordingly.

Mapping photovoltaic performance with nanoscale resolution

DOE PAGES

Kutes, Yasemin; Aguirre, Brandon A.; Bosse, James L.; ...

2015-10-16

Photo-conductive AFM spectroscopy (‘pcAFMs’) is proposed as a high-resolution approach for investigating nanostructured photovoltaics, uniquely providing nanoscale maps of photovoltaic (PV) performance parameters such as the short circuit current, open circuit voltage, maximum power, or fill factor. The method is demonstrated with a stack of 21 images acquired during in situ illumination of micropatterned polycrystalline CdTe/CdS, providing more than 42,000 I/V curves spatially separated by ~5 nm. For these CdTe/CdS microcells, the calculated photoconduction ranges from 0 to 700 picoSiemens (pS) upon illumination with ~1.6 suns, depending on location and biasing conditions. Mean short circuit currents of 2 pA, maximummore » powers of 0.5 pW, and fill factors of 30% are determined. The mean voltage at which the detected photocurrent is zero is determined to be 0.7 V. Significantly, enhancements and reductions in these more commonly macroscopic PV performance metrics are observed to correlate with certain grains and grain boundaries, and are confirmed to be independent of topography. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the benefits of nanoscale resolved PV functional measurements, reiterate the importance of microstructural control down to the nanoscale for 'PV devices, and provide a widely applicable new approach for directly investigating PV materials.« less

Memristive Mixed-Signal Neuromorphic Systems: Energy-Efficient Learning at the Circuit-Level

DOE PAGES

Chakma, Gangotree; Adnan, Md Musabbir; Wyer, Austin R.; ...

2017-11-23

Neuromorphic computing is non-von Neumann computer architecture for the post Moore’s law era of computing. Since a main focus of the post Moore’s law era is energy-efficient computing with fewer resources and less area, neuromorphic computing contributes effectively in this research. Here in this paper, we present a memristive neuromorphic system for improved power and area efficiency. Our particular mixed-signal approach implements neural networks with spiking events in a synchronous way. Moreover, the use of nano-scale memristive devices saves both area and power in the system. We also provide device-level considerations that make the system more energy-efficient. The proposed systemmore » additionally includes synchronous digital long term plasticity, an online learning methodology that helps the system train the neural networks during the operation phase and improves the efficiency in learning considering the power consumption and area overhead.« less

Memristive Mixed-Signal Neuromorphic Systems: Energy-Efficient Learning at the Circuit-Level

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

Chakma, Gangotree; Adnan, Md Musabbir; Wyer, Austin R.

Neuromorphic computing is non-von Neumann computer architecture for the post Moore’s law era of computing. Since a main focus of the post Moore’s law era is energy-efficient computing with fewer resources and less area, neuromorphic computing contributes effectively in this research. Here in this paper, we present a memristive neuromorphic system for improved power and area efficiency. Our particular mixed-signal approach implements neural networks with spiking events in a synchronous way. Moreover, the use of nano-scale memristive devices saves both area and power in the system. We also provide device-level considerations that make the system more energy-efficient. The proposed systemmore » additionally includes synchronous digital long term plasticity, an online learning methodology that helps the system train the neural networks during the operation phase and improves the efficiency in learning considering the power consumption and area overhead.« less

Proposal for nanoscale cascaded plasmonic majority gates for non-Boolean computation.

PubMed

Dutta, Sourav; Zografos, Odysseas; Gurunarayanan, Surya; Radu, Iuliana; Soree, Bart; Catthoor, Francky; Naeemi, Azad

2017-12-19

Surface-plasmon-polariton waves propagating at the interface between a metal and a dielectric, hold the key to future high-bandwidth, dense on-chip integrated logic circuits overcoming the diffraction limitation of photonics. While recent advances in plasmonic logic have witnessed the demonstration of basic and universal logic gates, these CMOS oriented digital logic gates cannot fully utilize the expressive power of this novel technology. Here, we aim at unraveling the true potential of plasmonics by exploiting an enhanced native functionality - the majority voter. Contrary to the state-of-the-art plasmonic logic devices, we use the phase of the wave instead of the intensity as the state or computational variable. We propose and demonstrate, via numerical simulations, a comprehensive scheme for building a nanoscale cascadable plasmonic majority logic gate along with a novel referencing scheme that can directly translate the information encoded in the amplitude and phase of the wave into electric field intensity at the output. Our MIM-based 3-input majority gate displays a highly improved overall area of only 0.636 μm 2 for a single-stage compared with previous works on plasmonic logic. The proposed device demonstrates non-Boolean computational capability and can find direct utility in highly parallel real-time signal processing applications like pattern recognition.

Nanoscale x-ray imaging of circuit features without wafer etching.

PubMed

Deng, Junjing; Hong, Young Pyo; Chen, Si; Nashed, Youssef S G; Peterka, Tom; Levi, Anthony J F; Damoulakis, John; Saha, Sayan; Eiles, Travis; Jacobsen, Chris

2017-03-01

Modern integrated circuits (ICs) employ a myriad of materials organized at nanoscale dimensions, and certain critical tolerances must be met for them to function. To understand departures from intended functionality, it is essential to examine ICs as manufactured so as to adjust design rules, ideally in a non-destructive way so that imaged structures can be correlated with electrical performance. Electron microscopes can do this on thin regions, or on exposed surfaces, but the required processing alters or even destroys functionality. Microscopy with multi-keV x-rays provides an alternative approach with greater penetration, but the spatial resolution of x-ray imaging lenses has not allowed one to see the required detail in the latest generation of ICs. X-ray ptychography provides a way to obtain images of ICs without lens-imposed resolution limits, with past work delivering 20-40 nm resolution on thinned ICs. We describe a simple model for estimating the required exposure, and use it to estimate the future potential for this technique. Here we show for the first time that this approach can be used to image circuit detail through an unprocessed 300 μ m thick silicon wafer, with sub-20 nm detail clearly resolved after mechanical polishing to 240 μ m thickness was used to eliminate image contrast caused by Si wafer surface scratches. By using continuous x-ray scanning, massively parallel computation, and a new generation of synchrotron light sources, this should enable entire non-etched ICs to be imaged to 10 nm resolution or better while maintaining their ability to function in electrical tests.

Nanoscale x-ray imaging of circuit features without wafer etching

DOE PAGES

Deng, Junjing; Hong, Young Pyo; Chen, Si; ...

2017-03-24

Modern integrated circuits (ICs) employ a myriad of materials organized at nanoscale dimensions, and certain critical tolerances must be met for them to function. To understand departures from intended functionality, it is essential to examine ICs as manufactured so as to adjust design rules ideally in a nondestructive way so that imaged structures can be correlated with electrical performance. Electron microscopes can do this on thin regions or on exposed surfaces, but the required processing alters or even destroys functionality. Microscopy with multi-keV x-rays provides an alternative approach with greater penetration, but the spatial resolution of x-ray imaging lenses hasmore » not allowed one to see the required detail in the latest generation of ICs. X-ray ptychography provides a way to obtain images of ICs without lens-imposed resolution limits with past work delivering 20–40-nm resolution on thinned ICs. We describe a simple model for estimating the required exposure and use it to estimate the future potential for this technique. Here we show that this approach can be used to image circuit detail through an unprocessed 300-μm-thick silicon wafer with sub-20-nm detail clearly resolved after mechanical polishing to 240-μm thickness was used to eliminate image contrast caused by Si wafer surface scratches. Here, by using continuous x-ray scanning, massively parallel computation, and a new generation of synchrotron light sources, this should enable entire nonetched ICs to be imaged to 10-nm resolution or better while maintaining their ability to function in electrical tests.« less

Nanoscale x-ray imaging of circuit features without wafer etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Junjing; Hong, Young Pyo; Chen, Si; Nashed, Youssef S. G.; Peterka, Tom; Levi, Anthony J. F.; Damoulakis, John; Saha, Sayan; Eiles, Travis; Jacobsen, Chris

2017-03-01

Modern integrated circuits (ICs) employ a myriad of materials organized at nanoscale dimensions, and certain critical tolerances must be met for them to function. To understand departures from intended functionality, it is essential to examine ICs as manufactured so as to adjust design rules ideally in a nondestructive way so that imaged structures can be correlated with electrical performance. Electron microscopes can do this on thin regions or on exposed surfaces, but the required processing alters or even destroys functionality. Microscopy with multi-keV x rays provides an alternative approach with greater penetration, but the spatial resolution of x-ray imaging lenses has not allowed one to see the required detail in the latest generation of ICs. X-ray ptychography provides a way to obtain images of ICs without lens-imposed resolution limits with past work delivering 20-40-nm resolution on thinned ICs. We describe a simple model for estimating the required exposure and use it to estimate the future potential for this technique. Here we show that this approach can be used to image circuit detail through an unprocessed 300 -μ m -thick silicon wafer with sub-20-nm detail clearly resolved after mechanical polishing to 240 -μ m thickness was used to eliminate image contrast caused by Si wafer surface scratches. By using continuous x-ray scanning, massively parallel computation, and a new generation of synchrotron light sources, this should enable entire nonetched ICs to be imaged to 10-nm resolution or better while maintaining their ability to function in electrical tests.

Vertically integrated, three-dimensional nanowire complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor circuits.

PubMed

Nam, SungWoo; Jiang, Xiaocheng; Xiong, Qihua; Ham, Donhee; Lieber, Charles M

2009-12-15

Three-dimensional (3D), multi-transistor-layer, integrated circuits represent an important technological pursuit promising advantages in integration density, operation speed, and power consumption compared with 2D circuits. We report fully functional, 3D integrated complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuits based on separate interconnected layers of high-mobility n-type indium arsenide (n-InAs) and p-type germanium/silicon core/shell (p-Ge/Si) nanowire (NW) field-effect transistors (FETs). The DC voltage output (V(out)) versus input (V(in)) response of vertically interconnected CMOS inverters showed sharp switching at close to the ideal value of one-half the supply voltage and, moreover, exhibited substantial DC gain of approximately 45. The gain and the rail-to-rail output switching are consistent with the large noise margin and minimal static power consumption of CMOS. Vertically interconnected, three-stage CMOS ring oscillators were also fabricated by using layer-1 InAs NW n-FETs and layer-2 Ge/Si NW p-FETs. Significantly, measurements of these circuits demonstrated stable, self-sustained oscillations with a maximum frequency of 108 MHz, which represents the highest-frequency integrated circuit based on chemically synthesized nanoscale materials. These results highlight the flexibility of bottom-up assembly of distinct nanoscale materials and suggest substantial promise for 3D integrated circuits.

Programmable resistive-switch nanowire transistor logic circuits.

PubMed

Shim, Wooyoung; Yao, Jun; Lieber, Charles M

2014-09-10

Programmable logic arrays (PLA) constitute a promising architecture for developing increasingly complex and functional circuits through nanocomputers from nanoscale building blocks. Here we report a novel one-dimensional PLA element that incorporates resistive switch gate structures on a semiconductor nanowire and show that multiple elements can be integrated to realize functional PLAs. In our PLA element, the gate coupling to the nanowire transistor can be modulated by the memory state of the resistive switch to yield programmable active (transistor) or inactive (resistor) states within a well-defined logic window. Multiple PLA nanowire elements were integrated and programmed to yield a working 2-to-4 demultiplexer with long-term retention. The well-defined, controllable logic window and long-term retention of our new one-dimensional PLA element provide a promising route for building increasingly complex circuits with nanoscale building blocks.

IIIV/Si Nanoscale Lasers and Their Integration with Silicon Photonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bondarenko, Olesya

The rapidly evolving global information infrastructure requires ever faster data transfer within computer networks and stations. Integrated chip scale photonics can pave the way to accelerated signal manipulation and boost bandwidth capacity of optical interconnects in a compact and ergonomic arrangement. A key building block for integrated photonic circuits is an on-chip laser. In this dissertation we explore ways to reduce the physical footprint of semiconductor lasers and make them suitable for high density integration on silicon, a standard material platform for today's integrated circuits. We demonstrated the first room temperature metalo-dielectric nanolaser, sub-wavelength in all three dimensions. Next, we demonstrated a nanolaser on silicon, showing the feasibility of its integration with this platform. We also designed and realized an ultracompact feedback laser with edge-emitting structure, amenable for in-plane coupling with a standard silicon waveguide. Finally, we discuss the challenges and propose solutions for improvement of the device performance and practicality.

A memristor-based nonvolatile latch circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinett, Warren; Pickett, Matthew; Borghetti, Julien; Xia, Qiangfei; Snider, Gregory S.; Medeiros-Ribeiro, Gilberto; Williams, R. Stanley

2010-06-01

Memristive devices, which exhibit a dynamical conductance state that depends on the excitation history, can be used as nonvolatile memory elements by storing information as different conductance states. We describe the implementation of a nonvolatile synchronous flip-flop circuit that uses a nanoscale memristive device as the nonvolatile memory element. Controlled testing of the circuit demonstrated successful state storage and restoration, with an error rate of 0.1%, during 1000 power loss events. These results indicate that integration of digital logic devices and memristors could open the way for nonvolatile computation with applications in small platforms that rely on intermittent power sources. This demonstrated feasibility of tight integration of memristors with CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) circuitry challenges the traditional memory hierarchy, in which nonvolatile memory is only available as a large, slow, monolithic block at the bottom of the hierarchy. In contrast, the nonvolatile, memristor-based memory cell can be fast, fine-grained and small, and is compatible with conventional CMOS electronics. This threatens to upset the traditional memory hierarchy, and may open up new architectural possibilities beyond it.

Microcircuit Modeling and Simulation beyond Ohm's Law

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saxena, T.; Chek, D. C. Y.; Tan, M. L. P.; Arora, V. K.

2011-01-01

Circuit theory textbooks rely heavily on the applicability of Ohm's law, which collapses as electronic components reach micro- and nanoscale dimensions. Circuit analysis is examined in the regime where the applied voltage V is greater than the critical voltage V[subscript c], which triggers the nonlinear behavior. The critical voltage is infinity…

Logic computation in phase change materials by threshold and memory switching.

PubMed

Cassinerio, M; Ciocchini, N; Ielmini, D

2013-11-06

Memristors, namely hysteretic devices capable of changing their resistance in response to applied electrical stimuli, may provide new opportunities for future memory and computation, thanks to their scalable size, low switching energy and nonvolatile nature. We have developed a functionally complete set of logic functions including NOR, NAND and NOT gates, each utilizing a single phase-change memristor (PCM) where resistance switching is due to the phase transformation of an active chalcogenide material. The logic operations are enabled by the high functionality of nanoscale phase change, featuring voltage comparison, additive crystallization and pulse-induced amorphization. The nonvolatile nature of memristive states provides the basis for developing reconfigurable hybrid logic/memory circuits featuring low-power and high-speed switching. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Neural-like computing with populations of superparamagnetic basis functions.

PubMed

Mizrahi, Alice; Hirtzlin, Tifenn; Fukushima, Akio; Kubota, Hitoshi; Yuasa, Shinji; Grollier, Julie; Querlioz, Damien

2018-04-18

In neuroscience, population coding theory demonstrates that neural assemblies can achieve fault-tolerant information processing. Mapped to nanoelectronics, this strategy could allow for reliable computing with scaled-down, noisy, imperfect devices. Doing so requires that the population components form a set of basis functions in terms of their response functions to inputs, offering a physical substrate for computing. Such a population can be implemented with CMOS technology, but the corresponding circuits have high area or energy requirements. Here, we show that nanoscale magnetic tunnel junctions can instead be assembled to meet these requirements. We demonstrate experimentally that a population of nine junctions can implement a basis set of functions, providing the data to achieve, for example, the generation of cursive letters. We design hybrid magnetic-CMOS systems based on interlinked populations of junctions and show that they can learn to realize non-linear variability-resilient transformations with a low imprint area and low power.

Intelligent layered nanoflare: ``lab-on-a-nanoparticle'' for multiple DNA logic gate operations and efficient intracellular delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Bin; Zhang, Xiao-Bing; Kang, Li-Ping; Huang, Zhi-Mei; Shen, Guo-Li; Yu, Ru-Qin; Tan, Weihong

2014-07-01

DNA strand displacement cascades have been engineered to construct various fascinating DNA circuits. However, biological applications are limited by the insufficient cellular internalization of naked DNA structures, as well as the separated multicomponent feature. In this work, these problems are addressed by the development of a novel DNA nanodevice, termed intelligent layered nanoflare, which integrates DNA computing at the nanoscale, via the self-assembly of DNA flares on a single gold nanoparticle. As a ``lab-on-a-nanoparticle'', the intelligent layered nanoflare could be engineered to perform a variety of Boolean logic gate operations, including three basic logic gates, one three-input AND gate, and two complex logic operations, in a digital non-leaky way. In addition, the layered nanoflare can serve as a programmable strategy to sequentially tune the size of nanoparticles, as well as a new fingerprint spectrum technique for intelligent multiplex biosensing. More importantly, the nanoflare developed here can also act as a single entity for intracellular DNA logic gate delivery, without the need of commercial transfection agents or other auxiliary carriers. By incorporating DNA circuits on nanoparticles, the presented layered nanoflare will broaden the applications of DNA circuits in biological systems, and facilitate the development of DNA nanotechnology.DNA strand displacement cascades have been engineered to construct various fascinating DNA circuits. However, biological applications are limited by the insufficient cellular internalization of naked DNA structures, as well as the separated multicomponent feature. In this work, these problems are addressed by the development of a novel DNA nanodevice, termed intelligent layered nanoflare, which integrates DNA computing at the nanoscale, via the self-assembly of DNA flares on a single gold nanoparticle. As a ``lab-on-a-nanoparticle'', the intelligent layered nanoflare could be engineered to perform a variety of Boolean logic gate operations, including three basic logic gates, one three-input AND gate, and two complex logic operations, in a digital non-leaky way. In addition, the layered nanoflare can serve as a programmable strategy to sequentially tune the size of nanoparticles, as well as a new fingerprint spectrum technique for intelligent multiplex biosensing. More importantly, the nanoflare developed here can also act as a single entity for intracellular DNA logic gate delivery, without the need of commercial transfection agents or other auxiliary carriers. By incorporating DNA circuits on nanoparticles, the presented layered nanoflare will broaden the applications of DNA circuits in biological systems, and facilitate the development of DNA nanotechnology. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Additional figures (Table S1, Fig. S1-S5). See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr01676a

Hybrid CMOS/Molecular Integrated Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stan, M. R.; Rose, G. S.; Ziegler, M. M.

CMOS silicon technologies are likely to run out of steam in the next 10-15 years despite revolutionary advances in the past few decades. Molecular and other nanoscale technologies show significant promise but it is unlikely that they will completely replace CMOS, at least in the near term. This chapter explores opportunities for using CMOS and nanotechnology to enhance and complement each other in hybrid circuits. As an example of such a hybrid CMOS/nano system, a nanoscale programmable logic array (PLA) based on majority logic is described along with its supplemental CMOS circuitry. It is believed that such systems will be able to sustain the historical advances in the semiconductor industry while addressing manufacturability, yield, power, cost, and performance challenges.

A molybdenum disulfide/carbon nanotube heterogeneous complementary inverter.

PubMed

Huang, Jun; Somu, Sivasubramanian; Busnaina, Ahmed

2012-08-24

We report a simple, bottom-up/top-down approach for integrating drastically different nanoscale building blocks to form a heterogeneous complementary inverter circuit based on layered molybdenum disulfide and carbon nanotube (CNT) bundles. The fabricated CNT/MoS(2) inverter is composed of n-type molybdenum disulfide (MOS(2)) and p-type CNT transistors, with a high voltage gain of 1.3. The CNT channels are fabricated using directed assembly while the layered molybdenum disulfide channels are fabricated by mechanical exfoliation. This bottom-up fabrication approach for integrating various nanoscale elements with unique characteristics provides an alternative cost-effective methodology to complementary metal-oxide-semiconductors, laying the foundation for the realization of high performance logic circuits.

Complex computation in the retina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deshmukh, Nikhil Rajiv

Elucidating the general principles of computation in neural circuits is a difficult problem requiring both a tractable model circuit as well as sophisticated measurement tools. This thesis advances our understanding of complex computation in the salamander retina and its underlying circuitry and furthers the development of advanced tools to enable detailed study of neural circuits. The retina provides an ideal model system for neural circuits in general because it is capable of producing complex representations of the visual scene, and both its inputs and outputs are accessible to the experimenter. Chapter 2 describes the biophysical mechanisms that give rise to the omitted stimulus response in retinal ganglion cells described in Schwartz et al., (2007) and Schwartz and Berry, (2008). The extra response to omitted flashes is generated at the input to bipolar cells, and is separable from the characteristic latency shift of the OSR apparent in ganglion cells, which must occur downstream in the circuit. Chapter 3 characterizes the nonlinearities at the first synapse of the ON pathway in response to high contrast flashes and develops a phenomenological model that captures the effect of synaptic activation and intracellular signaling dynamics on flash responses. This work is the first attempt to model the dynamics of the poorly characterized mGluR6 transduction cascade unique to ON bipolar cells, and explains the second lobe of the biphasic flash response. Complementary to the study of neural circuits, recent advances in wafer-scale photolithography have made possible new devices to measure the electrical and mechanical properties of neurons. Chapter 4 reports a novel piezoelectric sensor that facilitates the simultaneous measurement of electrical and mechanical signals in neural tissue. This technology could reveal the relationship between the electrical activity of neurons and their local mechanical environment, which is critical to the study of mechanoreceptors, neural development, and traumatic brain injury. Chapter 5 describes advances in the development, fabrication, and testing of a prototype silicon micropipette for patch clamp physiology. Nanoscale photolithography addresses some of the limitations of traditional glass patch electrodes, such as the rapid dialysis of the cell with internal solution, and provides a platform for integration of microfluidics and electronics into the device, which can enable novel experimental methodology.

Bottom-up nanoconstruction by the welding of individual metallic nanoobjects using nanoscale solder.

PubMed

Peng, Yong; Cullis, Tony; Inkson, Beverley

2009-01-01

We report that individual metallic nanowires and nanoobjects can be assembled and welded together into complex nanostructures and conductive circuits by a new nanoscale electrical welding technique using nanovolumes of metal solder. At the weld sites, nanoscale volumes of a chosen metal are deposited using a sacrificial nanowire, which ensures that the nanoobjects to be bonded retain their structural integrity. We demonstrate by welding both similar and dissimilar materials that the use of nanoscale solder is clean, controllable, and reliable and ensures both mechanically strong and electrically conductive contacts. Nanoscale weld resistances of just 20Omega are achieved by using Sn solder. Precise engineering of nanowelds by this technique, including the chemical flexibility of the nanowire solder, and high spatial resolution of the nanowelding method, should result in research applications including fabrication of nanosensors and nanoelectronics constructed from a small number of nanoobjects, and repair of interconnects and failed nanoscale electronics.

Adaptive Circuits for the 0.5-V Nanoscale CMOS Era

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Itoh, Kiyoo; Yamaoka, Masanao; Oshima, Takashi

The minimum operating voltage, Vmin, of nanoscale CMOS LSIs is investigated to breach the 1-V wall that we are facing in the 65-nm device generation, and open the door to the below 0.5-V era. A new method using speed variation is proposed to evaluate Vmin. It shows that Vmin is very sensitive to the lowest necessary threshold voltage, Vt0, of MOSFETs and to threshold-voltage variations, ΔVt, which become more significant with device scaling. There is thus a need for low-Vt0 circuits and ΔVt-immune MOSFETs to reduce Vmin. For memory-rich LSIs, the SRAM block is particularly problematic because it has the highest Vmin. Various techniques are thus proposed to reduce the Vmin: using RAM repair, shortening the data line, up-sizing, and using more relaxed MOSFET scaling. To effectively reduce Vmin of other circuit blocks, dual-Vt0 and dual-VDD circuits using gate-source reverse biasing, temporary activation, and series connection of another small low-Vt0 MOSFET are proposed. They are dynamic logic circuits enabling the power-delay product of the conventional static CMOS inverter to be reduced to 0.09 at a 0.2-V supply, and a DRAM dynamic sense amplifier and power switches operable at below 0.5V. In addition, a fully-depleted structure (FD-SOI) and fin-type structure (FinFET) for Vt-immune MOSFETs are discussed in terms of their low-voltage potential and challenges. As a result, the height up-scalable FinFETs turns out to be quite effective to reduce Vmin to less than 0.5V, if combined with the low-Vt0 circuits. For mixed-signal LSIs, investigation of low-voltage potential of analog circuits, especially for comparators and operational amplifiers, reveals that simple inverter op-amps, in which the low gain and nonlinearity are compensated for by digitally assisted analog designs, are crucial to 0.5-V operations. Finally, it is emphasized that the development of relevant devices and fabrication processes is the key to the achievement of 0.5-V nanoscale LSIs.

Growth and analysis of micro and nano CdTe arrays for solar cell applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguirre, Brandon Adrian

CdTe is an excellent material for infrared detectors and photovoltaic applications. The efficiency of CdTe/CdS solar cells has increased very rapidly in the last 3 years to ˜20% but is still below the maximum theoretical value of 30%. Although the short-circuit current density is close to its maximum of 30 mA/cm2, the open circuit voltage has potential to be increased further to over 1 Volt. The main limitation that prevents further increase in the open-circuit voltage and therefore efficiency is the high defect density in the CdTe absorber layer. Reducing the defect density will increase the open-circuit voltage above 1 V through an increase in the carrier lifetime and concentration to tau >10 ns and p > 10 16 cm-3, respectively. However, the large lattice mismatch (10%) between CdTe and CdS and the polycrystalline nature of the CdTe film are the fundamental reasons for the high defect density and pose a difficult challenge to solve. In this work, a method to physically and electrically isolate the different kinds of defects at the nanoscale and understand their effect on the electrical performance of CdTe is presented. A SiO2 template with arrays of window openings was deposited between the CdTe and CdS to achieve selective-area growth of the CdTe via close-space sublimation. The diameter of the window openings was varied from the micro to the nanoscale to study the effect of size on nucleation, grain growth, and defect density. The resulting structures enabled the possibility to electrically isolate and individually probe micrometer and nanoscale sized CdTe/CdS cells. Electron back-scattered diffraction was used to observe grain orientation and defects in the miniature cells. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy was used to study the morphology, grain boundaries, grain orientation, defect structure, and strain in the layers. Finally, conducting atomic force microscopy was used to study the current-voltage characteristics of the solar cells. An important part of this work was the ability to directly correlate the one-to-one relationship between the electrical performance and defect structure of individual nanoscale cells. This method is general and can be applied to other material systems to study the electrical-microstructure relationship on a one-to-one basis with nanoscale resolution.

Real-Time Nanoscale Open-Circuit Voltage Dynamics of Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Garrett, Joseph L; Tennyson, Elizabeth M; Hu, Miao; Huang, Jinsong; Munday, Jeremy N; Leite, Marina S

2017-04-12

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites based on methylammonium lead (MAPbI 3 ) are an emerging material with great potential for high-performance and low-cost photovoltaics. However, for perovskites to become a competitive and reliable solar cell technology their instability and spatial variation must be understood and controlled. While the macroscopic characterization of the devices as a function of time is very informative, a nanoscale identification of their real-time local optoelectronic response is still missing. Here, we implement a four-dimensional imaging method through illuminated heterodyne Kelvin probe force microscopy to spatially (<50 nm) and temporally (16 s/scan) resolve the voltage of perovskite solar cells in a low relative humidity environment. Local open-circuit voltage (V oc ) images show nanoscale sites with voltage variation >300 mV under 1-sun illumination. Surprisingly, regions of voltage that relax in seconds and after several minutes consistently coexist. Time-dependent changes of the local V oc are likely due to intragrain ion migration and are reversible at low injection level. These results show for the first time the real-time transient behavior of the V oc in perovskite solar cells at the nanoscale. Understanding and controlling the light-induced electrical changes that affect device performance are critical to the further development of stable perovskite-based solar technologies.

Nanoscale memory elements based on the superconductor-ferromagnet proximity effect and spin-transfer torque magnetization switching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baek, Burm

Superconducting-ferromagnetic hybrid devices have potential for a practical memory technology compatible with superconducting logic circuits and may help realize energy-efficient, high-performance superconducting computers. We have developed Josephson junction devices with pseudo-spin-valve barriers. We observed changes in Josephson critical current depending on the magnetization state of the barrier (parallel or anti-parallel) through the superconductor-ferromagnet proximity effect. This effect persists to nanoscale devices in contrast to the remanent field effect. In nanopillar devices, the magnetization states of the pseudo-spin-valve barriers could also be switched with applied bias currents at 4 K, which is consistent with the spin-transfer torque effect in analogous room-temperature spin valve devices. These results demonstrate devices that combine major superconducting and spintronic effects for scalable read and write of memory states, respectively. Further challenges and proposals towards practical devices will also be discussed.In collaboration with: William Rippard, NIST - Boulder, Matthew Pufall, NIST - Boulder, Stephen Russek, NIST-Boulder, Michael Schneider, NIST - Boulder, Samuel Benz, NIST - Boulder, Horst Rogalla, NIST-Boulder, Paul Dresselhaus, NIST - Boulder

EDITORIAL: Synaptic electronics Synaptic electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demming, Anna; Gimzewski, James K.; Vuillaume, Dominique

2013-09-01

Conventional computers excel in logic and accurate scientific calculations but make hard work of open ended problems that human brains handle easily. Even von Neumann—the mathematician and polymath who first developed the programming architecture that forms the basis of today's computers—was already looking to the brain for future developments before his death in 1957 [1]. Neuromorphic computing uses approaches that better mimic the working of the human brain. Recent developments in nanotechnology are now providing structures with very accommodating properties for neuromorphic approaches. This special issue, with guest editors James K Gimzewski and Dominique Vuillaume, is devoted to research at the serendipitous interface between the two disciplines. 'Synaptic electronics', looks at artificial devices with connections that demonstrate behaviour similar to synapses in the nervous system allowing a new and more powerful approach to computing. Synapses and connecting neurons respond differently to incident signals depending on the history of signals previously experienced, ultimately leading to short term and long term memory behaviour. The basic characteristics of a synapse can be replicated with around ten simple transistors. However with the human brain having around 1011 neurons and 1015 synapses, artificial neurons and synapses from basic transistors are unlikely to accommodate the scalability required. The discovery of nanoscale elements that function as 'memristors' has provided a key tool for the implementation of synaptic connections [2]. Leon Chua first developed the concept of the 'The memristor—the missing circuit element' in 1971 [3]. In this special issue he presents a tutorial describing how memristor research has fed into our understanding of synaptic behaviour and how they can be applied in information processing [4]. He also describes, 'The new principle of local activity, which uncovers a minuscule life-enabling "Goldilocks zone", dubbed the edge of chaos, where complex phenomena, including creativity and intelligence, may emerge'. Also in this issue R Stanley Williams and colleagues report results from simulations that demonstrate the potential for using Mott transistors as building blocks for scalable neuristor-based integrated circuits without transistors [5]. The scalability of neural chip designs is also tackled in the design reported by Narayan Srinivasa and colleagues in the US [6]. Meanwhile Carsten Timm and Massimiliano Di Ventra describe simulations of a molecular transistor in which electrons strongly coupled to a vibrational mode lead to a Franck-Condon (FC) blockade that mimics the spiking action potentials in synaptic memory behaviour [7]. The 'atomic switches' used to demonstrate synaptic behaviour by a collaboration of researchers in California and Japan also come under further scrutiny in this issue. James K Gimzewski and colleagues consider the difference between the behaviour of an atomic switch in isolation and in a network [8]. As the authors point out, 'The work presented represents steps in a unified approach of experimentation and theory of complex systems to make atomic switch networks a uniquely scalable platform for neuromorphic computing'. Researchers in Germany [9] and Sweden [10] also report on theoretical approaches to modelling networks of memristive elements and complementary resistive switches for synaptic devices. As Vincent Derycke and colleagues in France point out, 'Actual experimental demonstrations of neural network type circuits based on non-conventional/non-CMOS memory devices and displaying function learning capabilities remain very scarce'. They describe how their work using carbon nanotubes provides a rare demonstration of actual function learning with synapses based on nanoscale building blocks [11]. However, this is far from the only experimental work reported in this issue, others include: short-term memory of TiO2-based electrochemical capacitors [12]; a neuromorphic circuit composed of a nanoscale 1-kbit resistive random-access memory (RRAM) cross-point array of synapses and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) neuron circuits [13]; a WO3-x-based nanoionics device from Masakazu Aono's group with a wide scale of reprogrammable memorization functions [14]; a new spike-timing dependent plasticity scheme based on a MOS transistor as a selector and a RRAM as a variable resistance device [15]; a new hybrid memristor-CMOS neuromorphic circuit [16]; and a photo-assisted atomic switch [17]. Synaptic electronics evidently has many emerging facets, and Duygu Kuzum, Shimeng Yu, and H-S Philip Wong in the US provide a review of the field, including the materials, devices and applications [18]. In embracing the expertise acquired over thousands of years of evolution, biomimetics and bio-inspired design is a common, smart approach to technological innovation. Yet in successfully mimicking the physiological mechanisms of the human mind synaptic electronics research has a potential impact that is arguably unprecedented. That the quirks and eccentricities recently unearthed in the behaviour of nanomaterials should lend themselves so accommodatingly to emulating synaptic functions promises some very exciting developments in the field, as the articles in this special issue emphasize. References [1] von Neumann J (ed) 2012 The Computer and the Brain 3rd edn (Yale: Yale University Press) [2] Strukov D B, Snider G S, Stewart D R and Williams R S 2008 The missing memristor found Nature 453 80-3 [3] Chua L O 1971 Memristor—the missing circuit element IEEE Trans. Circuit Theory 18 507-19 [4] Chua L O 2013 Memristor, Hodgkin-Huxley, and Edge of Chaos Nanotechnology 24 383001 [5] Pickett M D and Williams R S 2013 Phase transitions enable computational universality in neuristor-based cellular automata Nanotechnology 24 384002 [6] Cruz-Albrecht J M, Derosier T and Srinivasa N 2013 Scalable neural chip with synaptic electronics using CMOS integrated memristors Nanotechnology 24 384011 [7] Timm C and Di Ventra M 2013 Molecular neuron based on the Franck-Condon blockade Nanotechnology 24 384001 [8] Sillin H O, Aguilera R, Shieh H-H, Avizienis A V, Aono M, Stieg A Z and Gimzewski J K 2013 A theoretical and experimental study of neuromorphic atomic switch networks for reservoir computing Nanotechnology 24 384004 [9] Linn E, Menzel S, Ferch S and Waser R 2013 Compact modeling of CRS devices based on ECM cells for memory, logic and neuromorphic applications Nanotechnology 24 384008 [10] Konkoli Z and Wendin G 2013 A generic simulator for large networks of memristive elements Nanotechnology 24 384007 [11] Gacem K, Retrouvey J-M, Chabi D, Filoramo A, Zhao W, Klein J-O and Derycke V 2013 Neuromorphic function learning with carbon nanotube-based synapses Nanotechnology 24 384013 [12] Lim H, Kim I, Kim J-S, Hwang C S and Jeong D S 2013 Short-term memory of TiO2-based electrochemical capacitors: empirical analysis with adoption of a sliding threshold Nanotechnology 24 384005 [13] Park S, Noh J, Choo M-L, Sheri A M, Chang M, Kim Y-B, Kim C J, Jeon M, Lee B-G, Lee B H and Hwang H 2013 Nanoscale RRAM-based synaptic electronics: toward a neuromorphic computing device Nanotechnology 24 384009 [14] Yang R, Terabe K, Yao Y, Tsuruoka T, Hasegawa T, Gimzewski J K and Aono M 2013 Synaptic plasticity and memory functions achieved in WO3-x-based nanoionics device by using principle of atomic switch operation Nanotechnology 24 384002 [15] Ambrogio S, Balatti S, Nardi F, Facchinetti S and Ielmini D 2013 Spike-timing dependent plasticity in a transistor-selected resistive switching memory Nanotechnology 24 384012 [16] Indiveria G, Linares-Barranco B, Legenstein R, Deligeorgis G and Prodromakise T 2013 Integration of nanoscale memristor synapses in neuromorphic computing architectures Nanotechnology 24 384010 [17] Hino T, Hasegawa T, Tanaka H, Tsuruoka T, Terabe K, Ogawa T and Aono M 2013 Volatile and nonvolatile selective switching of a photo-assited initialized atomic switch Nanotechnology 24 384006 [18] Kuzum D, Yu S and Wong H-S P 2013 Synaptic electronics: materials, devices and applications Nanotechnology 24 382001

Boolean and brain-inspired computing using spin-transfer torque devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Deliang

Several completely new approaches (such as spintronic, carbon nanotube, graphene, TFETs, etc.) to information processing and data storage technologies are emerging to address the time frame beyond current Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) roadmap. The high speed magnetization switching of a nano-magnet due to current induced spin-transfer torque (STT) have been demonstrated in recent experiments. Such STT devices can be explored in compact, low power memory and logic design. In order to truly leverage STT devices based computing, researchers require a re-think of circuit, architecture, and computing model, since the STT devices are unlikely to be drop-in replacements for CMOS. The potential of STT devices based computing will be best realized by considering new computing models that are inherently suited to the characteristics of STT devices, and new applications that are enabled by their unique capabilities, thereby attaining performance that CMOS cannot achieve. The goal of this research is to conduct synergistic exploration in architecture, circuit and device levels for Boolean and brain-inspired computing using nanoscale STT devices. Specifically, we first show that the non-volatile STT devices can be used in designing configurable Boolean logic blocks. We propose a spin-memristor threshold logic (SMTL) gate design, where memristive cross-bar array is used to perform current mode summation of binary inputs and the low power current mode spintronic threshold device carries out the energy efficient threshold operation. Next, for brain-inspired computing, we have exploited different spin-transfer torque device structures that can implement the hard-limiting and soft-limiting artificial neuron transfer functions respectively. We apply such STT based neuron (or 'spin-neuron') in various neural network architectures, such as hierarchical temporal memory and feed-forward neural network, for performing "human-like" cognitive computing, which show more than two orders of lower energy consumption compared to state of the art CMOS implementation. Finally, we show the dynamics of injection locked Spin Hall Effect Spin-Torque Oscillator (SHE-STO) cluster can be exploited as a robust multi-dimensional distance metric for associative computing, image/ video analysis, etc. Our simulation results show that the proposed system architecture with injection locked SHE-STOs and the associated CMOS interface circuits can be suitable for robust and energy efficient associative computing and pattern matching.

Single In x Ga1-x As nanowire/p-Si heterojunction based nano-rectifier diode.

PubMed

Sarkar, K; Palit, M; Guhathakurata, S; Chattopadhyay, S; Banerji, P

2017-09-20

Nanoscale power supply units will be indispensable for fabricating next generation smart nanoelectronic integrated circuits. Fabrication of nanoscale rectifier circuits on a Si platform is required for integrating nanoelectronic devices with on-chip power supply units. In the present study, a nanorectifier diode based on a single standalone In x Ga 1-x As nanowire/p-Si (111) heterojunction fabricated by metal organic chemical vapor deposition technique has been studied. The nanoheterojunction diodes have shown good rectification and fast switching characteristics. The rectification characteristics of the nanoheterojunction have been demonstrated by different standard waveforms of sinusoidal, square, sawtooth and triangular for two different frequencies of 1 and 0.1 Hz. Reverse recovery time of around 150 ms has been observed in all wave response. A half wave rectifier circuit with a simple capacitor filter has been assembled with this nanoheterojunction diode which provides 12% output efficiency. The transport of carriers through the heterojunction is investigated. The interface states density of the nanoheterojunction has also been determined. Occurrence of output waveforms incommensurate with the input is attributed to higher series resistance of the diode which is further explained considering the dimension of p-side and n-side of the junction. The sudden change of ideality factor after 1.7 V bias is attributed to recombination through interface states in space charge region. Low interface states density as well as high rectification ratio makes this heterojunction diode a promising candidate for future nanoscale electronics.

Carbon Nanotube Self-Gating Diode and Application in Integrated Circuits.

PubMed

Si, Jia; Liu, Lijun; Wang, Fanglin; Zhang, Zhiyong; Peng, Lian-Mao

2016-07-26

A nano self-gating diode (SGD) based on nanoscale semiconducting material is proposed, simulated, and realized on semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through a doping-free fabrication process. The relationships between the performance and material/structural parameters of the SGD are explored through numerical simulation and verified by experiment results. Based on these results, performance optimization strategy is outlined, and high performance CNT SGDs are fabricated and demonstrated to surpass other published CNT diodes. In particular the CNT SGD exhibits high rectifier factor of up to 1.4 × 10(6) while retains large on-state current. Benefiting from high yield and stability, CNT SGDs are used for constructing logic and analog integrated circuits. Two kinds of basic digital gates (AND and OR) have been realized on chip through using CNT SGDs and on-chip Ti wire resistances, and a full wave rectifier circuit has been demonstrated through using two CNT SGDs. Although demonstrated here using CNT SGDs, this device structure may in principle be implemented using other semiconducting nanomaterials, to provide ideas and building blocks for electronic applications based on nanoscale materials.

Intelligent layered nanoflare: "lab-on-a-nanoparticle" for multiple DNA logic gate operations and efficient intracellular delivery.

PubMed

Yang, Bin; Zhang, Xiao-Bing; Kang, Li-Ping; Huang, Zhi-Mei; Shen, Guo-Li; Yu, Ru-Qin; Tan, Weihong

2014-08-07

DNA strand displacement cascades have been engineered to construct various fascinating DNA circuits. However, biological applications are limited by the insufficient cellular internalization of naked DNA structures, as well as the separated multicomponent feature. In this work, these problems are addressed by the development of a novel DNA nanodevice, termed intelligent layered nanoflare, which integrates DNA computing at the nanoscale, via the self-assembly of DNA flares on a single gold nanoparticle. As a "lab-on-a-nanoparticle", the intelligent layered nanoflare could be engineered to perform a variety of Boolean logic gate operations, including three basic logic gates, one three-input AND gate, and two complex logic operations, in a digital non-leaky way. In addition, the layered nanoflare can serve as a programmable strategy to sequentially tune the size of nanoparticles, as well as a new fingerprint spectrum technique for intelligent multiplex biosensing. More importantly, the nanoflare developed here can also act as a single entity for intracellular DNA logic gate delivery, without the need of commercial transfection agents or other auxiliary carriers. By incorporating DNA circuits on nanoparticles, the presented layered nanoflare will broaden the applications of DNA circuits in biological systems, and facilitate the development of DNA nanotechnology.

Memristor-based cellular nonlinear/neural network: design, analysis, and applications.

PubMed

Duan, Shukai; Hu, Xiaofang; Dong, Zhekang; Wang, Lidan; Mazumder, Pinaki

2015-06-01

Cellular nonlinear/neural network (CNN) has been recognized as a powerful massively parallel architecture capable of solving complex engineering problems by performing trillions of analog operations per second. The memristor was theoretically predicted in the late seventies, but it garnered nascent research interest due to the recent much-acclaimed discovery of nanocrossbar memories by engineers at the Hewlett-Packard Laboratory. The memristor is expected to be co-integrated with nanoscale CMOS technology to revolutionize conventional von Neumann as well as neuromorphic computing. In this paper, a compact CNN model based on memristors is presented along with its performance analysis and applications. In the new CNN design, the memristor bridge circuit acts as the synaptic circuit element and substitutes the complex multiplication circuit used in traditional CNN architectures. In addition, the negative differential resistance and nonlinear current-voltage characteristics of the memristor have been leveraged to replace the linear resistor in conventional CNNs. The proposed CNN design has several merits, for example, high density, nonvolatility, and programmability of synaptic weights. The proposed memristor-based CNN design operations for implementing several image processing functions are illustrated through simulation and contrasted with conventional CNNs. Monte-Carlo simulation has been used to demonstrate the behavior of the proposed CNN due to the variations in memristor synaptic weights.

Nanoscale thermal transport: Theoretical method and application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Yu-Jia; Liu, Yue-Yang; Zhou, Wu-Xing; Chen, Ke-Qiu

2018-03-01

With the size reduction of nanoscale electronic devices, the heat generated by the unit area in integrated circuits will be increasing exponentially, and consequently the thermal management in these devices is a very important issue. In addition, the heat generated by the electronic devices mostly diffuses to the air in the form of waste heat, which makes the thermoelectric energy conversion also an important issue for nowadays. In recent years, the thermal transport properties in nanoscale systems have attracted increasing attention in both experiments and theoretical calculations. In this review, we will discuss various theoretical simulation methods for investigating thermal transport properties and take a glance at several interesting thermal transport phenomena in nanoscale systems. Our emphasizes will lie on the advantage and limitation of calculational method, and the application of nanoscale thermal transport and thermoelectric property. Project supported by the Nation Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2017YFB0701602) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 11674092).

Nano-scale optical circuits and self-organized lightwave network (SOLNET) fabricated using sol-gel materials with photo-induced refractive index increase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ono, Shigeru; Yoshimura, Tetsuzo; Sato, Tetsuo; Oshima, Juro

2009-02-01

Recently, Nissan Chemical Industries, LTD, developed the photo-induced refractive index variation sol-gel materials, in which the refractive index increases from 1.65 to 1.85 by ultra-violet (UV) light exposure and baking. The materials enable us to fabricate high-index-contract waveguides without developing/etching processes and strong-lightconfinement self-organized lightwave network (SOLNET). Therefore, the materials are expected promising for nanoscale optical circuits with self-alignment capability. Nano-scale optical circuits with core thickness of ~230 nm and core width of ~1 μm were fabricated. Propagation loss was 1.86 dB/cm for TE mode and 1.89 dB/cm for TM mode at 633 nm in wavelength, indicating that there were small polarization dependences. Spot sizes of guided beams along core width direction and along core thickness direction were respectively 0.6 μm and 0.3 μm for both TE and TM mode. Bending loss of S-bending waveguides was reduced from 0.44 dB to 0.24 dB for TE mode with increasing the bending curvature radius from 5 μm to 60 μm. Difference in bending loss between TM and TE mode was less than 10%. Branching loss of Y-branching waveguides was reduced from 1.33 dB to 0.08 dB for TE mode, and from 1.34 dB to 0.12 dB for TM mode with decreasing the branching angle from 80° to 20°. These results indicate that the photoinduced refractive index variation sol-gel materials can realize miniaturized optical circuits with sizes of several tens μm and guided beam confinement within a cross-section area less than 1.0 μm2 with small polarization dependences, suggesting potential applications to intra-chip optical interconnects. In addtion, we fabricated self-organized lightwave network (SOLNET) using the photo-induced refractive index variation sol-gel materials. When write beams of 405 nm in wavelength were introduced into the sol-gel thin film under baking at 200°C, self-focusing was induced, and SOLNET was formed. SOLNET fabricated by low write beam intensity exhibited strong light confinement. Furthermore, SOLNET was found to be drawn automatically to reflective portion such as a defect and a silver paste droplet in the sol-gel thin film during SOLNET formation, indicating that reflective SOLNET is formed. The results suggest that the photo-induced refractive index variation sol-gel materials can provide self-alignment capability to the nano-scale optical circuits.

Experimental demonstration of two-dimensional hybrid waveguide-integrated plasmonic crystals on silicon-on-insulator platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Guanghui; Yudistira, Didit; Nguyen, Thach G.; Khodasevych, Iryna; Schoenhardt, Steffen; Berean, Kyle J.; Hamm, Joachim M.; Hess, Ortwin; Mitchell, Arnan

2017-07-01

Nanoscale plasmonic structures can offer unique functionality due to extreme sub-wavelength optical confinement, but the realization of complex plasmonic circuits is hampered by high propagation losses. Hybrid approaches can potentially overcome this limitation, but only few practical approaches based on either single or few element arrays of nanoantennas on dielectric nanowire have been experimentally demonstrated. In this paper, we demonstrate a two dimensional hybrid photonic plasmonic crystal interfaced with a standard silicon photonic platform. Off resonance, we observe low loss propagation through our structure, while on resonance we observe strong propagation suppression and intense concentration of light into a dense lattice of nanoscale hot-spots on the surface providing clear evidence of a hybrid photonic plasmonic crystal bandgap. This fully integrated approach is compatible with established silicon-on-insulator (SOI) fabrication techniques and constitutes a significant step toward harnessing plasmonic functionality within SOI photonic circuits.

Final Technical Report for Riedo Georgia Tech

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

Riedo, Elisa

Nanosheets, nanotubes, nanowires, and nanoparticles are gaining a large interest in the scientific community for their exciting properties, and they hold the potential to become building blocks in integrated nano-electronic and photonic circuits, nano-sensors, batteries electrodes, energy harvesting nano-systems, and nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS). While several experiments and theoretical calculations have revealed exciting novel phenomena in these nanostructures, many scientific and technological questions remain open. A fundamental objective guiding the study of nanoscale materials is understanding what are the new rules governing nanoscale properties and at what extent well-known physical macroscopic laws still apply in the nano-world. The vision of thismore » DoE research program is to understand the mechanical properties of nanoscale materials by exploring new experimental methods and theoretical models at the boundaries between continuum mechanics and atomistic models, with the overarching goal of defining the basic laws of mechanics at the nanoscale.« less

Biophysically Inspired Rational Design of Structured Chimeric Substrates for DNAzyme Cascade Engineering

PubMed Central

Lakin, Matthew R.; Brown, Carl W.; Horwitz, Eli K.; Fanning, M. Leigh; West, Hannah E.; Stefanovic, Darko; Graves, Steven W.

2014-01-01

The development of large-scale molecular computational networks is a promising approach to implementing logical decision making at the nanoscale, analogous to cellular signaling and regulatory cascades. DNA strands with catalytic activity (DNAzymes) are one means of systematically constructing molecular computation networks with inherent signal amplification. Linking multiple DNAzymes into a computational circuit requires the design of substrate molecules that allow a signal to be passed from one DNAzyme to another through programmed biochemical interactions. In this paper, we chronicle an iterative design process guided by biophysical and kinetic constraints on the desired reaction pathways and use the resulting substrate design to implement heterogeneous DNAzyme signaling cascades. A key aspect of our design process is the use of secondary structure in the substrate molecule to sequester a downstream effector sequence prior to cleavage by an upstream DNAzyme. Our goal was to develop a concrete substrate molecule design to achieve efficient signal propagation with maximal activation and minimal leakage. We have previously employed the resulting design to develop high-performance DNAzyme-based signaling systems with applications in pathogen detection and autonomous theranostics. PMID:25347066

Delay dynamics of neuromorphic optoelectronic nanoscale resonators: Perspectives and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romeira, Bruno; Figueiredo, José M. L.; Javaloyes, Julien

2017-11-01

With the recent exponential growth of applications using artificial intelligence (AI), the development of efficient and ultrafast brain-like (neuromorphic) systems is crucial for future information and communication technologies. While the implementation of AI systems using computer algorithms of neural networks is emerging rapidly, scientists are just taking the very first steps in the development of the hardware elements of an artificial brain, specifically neuromorphic microchips. In this review article, we present the current state of the art of neuromorphic photonic circuits based on solid-state optoelectronic oscillators formed by nanoscale double barrier quantum well resonant tunneling diodes. We address, both experimentally and theoretically, the key dynamic properties of recently developed artificial solid-state neuron microchips with delayed perturbations and describe their role in the study of neural activity and regenerative memory. This review covers our recent research work on excitable and delay dynamic characteristics of both single and autaptic (delayed) artificial neurons including all-or-none response, spike-based data encoding, storage, signal regeneration and signal healing. Furthermore, the neural responses of these neuromorphic microchips display all the signatures of extended spatio-temporal localized structures (LSs) of light, which are reviewed here in detail. By taking advantage of the dissipative nature of LSs, we demonstrate potential applications in optical data reconfiguration and clock and timing at high-speeds and with short transients. The results reviewed in this article are a key enabler for the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices in future high-speed brain-inspired optical memories and neuromorphic computing.

Delay dynamics of neuromorphic optoelectronic nanoscale resonators: Perspectives and applications.

PubMed

Romeira, Bruno; Figueiredo, José M L; Javaloyes, Julien

2017-11-01

With the recent exponential growth of applications using artificial intelligence (AI), the development of efficient and ultrafast brain-like (neuromorphic) systems is crucial for future information and communication technologies. While the implementation of AI systems using computer algorithms of neural networks is emerging rapidly, scientists are just taking the very first steps in the development of the hardware elements of an artificial brain, specifically neuromorphic microchips. In this review article, we present the current state of the art of neuromorphic photonic circuits based on solid-state optoelectronic oscillators formed by nanoscale double barrier quantum well resonant tunneling diodes. We address, both experimentally and theoretically, the key dynamic properties of recently developed artificial solid-state neuron microchips with delayed perturbations and describe their role in the study of neural activity and regenerative memory. This review covers our recent research work on excitable and delay dynamic characteristics of both single and autaptic (delayed) artificial neurons including all-or-none response, spike-based data encoding, storage, signal regeneration and signal healing. Furthermore, the neural responses of these neuromorphic microchips display all the signatures of extended spatio-temporal localized structures (LSs) of light, which are reviewed here in detail. By taking advantage of the dissipative nature of LSs, we demonstrate potential applications in optical data reconfiguration and clock and timing at high-speeds and with short transients. The results reviewed in this article are a key enabler for the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices in future high-speed brain-inspired optical memories and neuromorphic computing.

A Hybrid CMOS-Memristor Neuromorphic Synapse.

PubMed

Azghadi, Mostafa Rahimi; Linares-Barranco, Bernabe; Abbott, Derek; Leong, Philip H W

2017-04-01

Although data processing technology continues to advance at an astonishing rate, computers with brain-like processing capabilities still elude us. It is envisioned that such computers may be achieved by the fusion of neuroscience and nano-electronics to realize a brain-inspired platform. This paper proposes a high-performance nano-scale Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)-memristive circuit, which mimics a number of essential learning properties of biological synapses. The proposed synaptic circuit that is composed of memristors and CMOS transistors, alters its memristance in response to timing differences among its pre- and post-synaptic action potentials, giving rise to a family of Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity (STDP). The presented design advances preceding memristive synapse designs with regards to the ability to replicate essential behaviours characterised in a number of electrophysiological experiments performed in the animal brain, which involve higher order spike interactions. Furthermore, the proposed hybrid device CMOS area is estimated as [Formula: see text] in a [Formula: see text] process-this represents a factor of ten reduction in area with respect to prior CMOS art. The new design is integrated with silicon neurons in a crossbar array structure amenable to large-scale neuromorphic architectures and may pave the way for future neuromorphic systems with spike timing-dependent learning features. These systems are emerging for deployment in various applications ranging from basic neuroscience research, to pattern recognition, to Brain-Machine-Interfaces.

Low-Temperature Scanning Capacitance Probe for Imaging Electron Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhandari, S.; Westervelt, R. M.

2014-12-01

Novel techniques to probe electronic properties at the nanoscale can shed light on the physics of nanoscale devices. In particular, studying the scattering of electrons from edges and apertures at the nanoscale and imaging the electron profile in a quantum dot, have been of interest [1]. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a cooled scanning capacitance probe that operates at liquid He temperatures to image electron waves in nanodevices. The conducting tip of a scanned probe microscope is held above the nanoscale structure, and an applied sample-to-tip voltage creates an image charge that is measured by a cooled charge amplifier [2] adjacent to the tip. The circuit is based on a low-capacitance, high- electron-mobility transistor (Fujitsu FHX35X). The input is a capacitance bridge formed by a low capacitance pinched-off HEMT transistor and tip-sample capacitance. We have achieved low noise level (0.13 e/VHz) and high spatial resolution (100 nm) for this technique, which promises to be a useful tool to study electronic behavior in nanoscale devices.

Programmable nanowire circuits for nanoprocessors.

PubMed

Yan, Hao; Choe, Hwan Sung; Nam, SungWoo; Hu, Yongjie; Das, Shamik; Klemic, James F; Ellenbogen, James C; Lieber, Charles M

2011-02-10

A nanoprocessor constructed from intrinsically nanometre-scale building blocks is an essential component for controlling memory, nanosensors and other functions proposed for nanosystems assembled from the bottom up. Important steps towards this goal over the past fifteen years include the realization of simple logic gates with individually assembled semiconductor nanowires and carbon nanotubes, but with only 16 devices or fewer and a single function for each circuit. Recently, logic circuits also have been demonstrated that use two or three elements of a one-dimensional memristor array, although such passive devices without gain are difficult to cascade. These circuits fall short of the requirements for a scalable, multifunctional nanoprocessor owing to challenges in materials, assembly and architecture on the nanoscale. Here we describe the design, fabrication and use of programmable and scalable logic tiles for nanoprocessors that surmount these hurdles. The tiles were built from programmable, non-volatile nanowire transistor arrays. Ge/Si core/shell nanowires coupled to designed dielectric shells yielded single-nanowire, non-volatile field-effect transistors (FETs) with uniform, programmable threshold voltages and the capability to drive cascaded elements. We developed an architecture to integrate the programmable nanowire FETs and define a logic tile consisting of two interconnected arrays with 496 functional configurable FET nodes in an area of ∼960 μm(2). The logic tile was programmed and operated first as a full adder with a maximal voltage gain of ten and input-output voltage matching. Then we showed that the same logic tile can be reprogrammed and used to demonstrate full-subtractor, multiplexer, demultiplexer and clocked D-latch functions. These results represent a significant advance in the complexity and functionality of nanoelectronic circuits built from the bottom up with a tiled architecture that could be cascaded to realize fully integrated nanoprocessors with computing, memory and addressing capabilities.

Toward high performance nanoscale optoelectronic devices: super solar energy harvesting in single standing core-shell nanowire.

PubMed

Zhou, Jian; Wu, Yonggang; Xia, Zihuan; Qin, Xuefei; Zhang, Zongyi

2017-11-27

Single nanowire solar cells show great promise for next-generation photovoltaics and for powering nanoscale devices. Here, we present a detailed study of light absorption in a single standing semiconductor-dielectric core-shell nanowire (CSNW). We find that the CSNW structure can not only concentrate the incident light into the structure, but also confine most of the concentrated light to the semiconductor core region, which boosts remarkably the light absorption cross-section of the semiconductor core. The CSNW can support multiple higher-order HE modes, as well as Fabry-Pérot (F-P) resonance, compared to the bare nanowire (BNW). Overlapping of the adjacent higher-order HE modes results in broadband light absorption enhancement in the solar radiation spectrum. Results based on detailed balance analysis demonstrate that the super light concentration of the single CSNW gives rise to higher short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage, and thus higher apparent power conversion efficiency (3644.2%), which goes far beyond that of the BNW and the Shockley-Queisser limit that restricts the performance of a planar counterparts. Our study shows that the single CSNW can be a promising platform for construction of high performance nanoscale photodetectors, nanoelectronic power sources, super miniature cells, and diverse integrated nanosystems.

Atomistic Design and Simulations of Nanoscale Machines and Assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goddard, William A., III; Cagin, Tahir; Walch, Stephen P.

2000-01-01

Over the three years of this project, we made significant progress on critical theoretical and computational issues in nanoscale science and technology, particularly in:(1) Fullerenes and nanotubes, (2) Characterization of surfaces of diamond and silicon for NEMS applications, (3) Nanoscale machine and assemblies, (4) Organic nanostructures and dendrimers, (5) Nanoscale confinement and nanotribology, (6) Dynamic response of nanoscale structures nanowires (metals, tubes, fullerenes), (7) Thermal transport in nanostructures.

Thermometry and thermal management of carbon nanotube circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayle, Scott; Gupta, Tanuj; Davis, Sam; Chandrasekhar, Venkat; Shafraniuk, Serhii

2015-05-01

Monitoring of the intrinsic temperature and the thermal management is discussed for the carbon nanotube nano-circuits. The experimental results concerning fabricating and testing of a thermometer able to monitor the intrinsic temperature on nanoscale are reported. We also suggest a model which describes a bi-metal multilayer system able to filter the heat flow, based on separating the electron and phonon components one from another. The bi-metal multilayer structure minimizes the phonon component of the heat flow, while retaining the electronic part. The method allows one to improve the overall performance of the electronic nano-circuits due to minimizing the energy dissipation.

Computational Study on Atomic Structures, Electronic Properties, and Chemical Reactions at Surfaces and Interfaces and in Biomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takano, Yu; Kobayashi, Nobuhiko; Morikawa, Yoshitada

2018-06-01

Through computer simulations using atomistic models, it is becoming possible to calculate the atomic structures of localized defects or dopants in semiconductors, chemically active sites in heterogeneous catalysts, nanoscale structures, and active sites in biological systems precisely. Furthermore, it is also possible to clarify physical and chemical properties possessed by these nanoscale structures such as electronic states, electronic and atomic transport properties, optical properties, and chemical reactivity. It is sometimes quite difficult to clarify these nanoscale structure-function relations experimentally and, therefore, accurate computational studies are indispensable in materials science. In this paper, we review recent studies on the relation between local structures and functions for inorganic, organic, and biological systems by using atomistic computer simulations.

Nanoelectronic programmable synapses based on phase change materials for brain-inspired computing.

PubMed

Kuzum, Duygu; Jeyasingh, Rakesh G D; Lee, Byoungil; Wong, H-S Philip

2012-05-09

Brain-inspired computing is an emerging field, which aims to extend the capabilities of information technology beyond digital logic. A compact nanoscale device, emulating biological synapses, is needed as the building block for brain-like computational systems. Here, we report a new nanoscale electronic synapse based on technologically mature phase change materials employed in optical data storage and nonvolatile memory applications. We utilize continuous resistance transitions in phase change materials to mimic the analog nature of biological synapses, enabling the implementation of a synaptic learning rule. We demonstrate different forms of spike-timing-dependent plasticity using the same nanoscale synapse with picojoule level energy consumption.

Modeling and simulation of electronic structure, material interface and random doping in nano electronic devices

PubMed Central

Chen, Duan; Wei, Guo-Wei

2010-01-01

The miniaturization of nano-scale electronic devices, such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), has given rise to a pressing demand in the new theoretical understanding and practical tactic for dealing with quantum mechanical effects in integrated circuits. Modeling and simulation of this class of problems have emerged as an important topic in applied and computational mathematics. This work presents mathematical models and computational algorithms for the simulation of nano-scale MOSFETs. We introduce a unified two-scale energy functional to describe the electrons and the continuum electrostatic potential of the nano-electronic device. This framework enables us to put microscopic and macroscopic descriptions in an equal footing at nano scale. By optimization of the energy functional, we derive consistently-coupled Poisson-Kohn-Sham equations. Additionally, layered structures are crucial to the electrostatic and transport properties of nano transistors. A material interface model is proposed for more accurate description of the electrostatics governed by the Poisson equation. Finally, a new individual dopant model that utilizes the Dirac delta function is proposed to understand the random doping effect in nano electronic devices. Two mathematical algorithms, the matched interface and boundary (MIB) method and the Dirichlet-to-Neumann mapping (DNM) technique, are introduced to improve the computational efficiency of nano-device simulations. Electronic structures are computed via subband decomposition and the transport properties, such as the I-V curves and electron density, are evaluated via the non-equilibrium Green's functions (NEGF) formalism. Two distinct device configurations, a double-gate MOSFET and a four-gate MOSFET, are considered in our three-dimensional numerical simulations. For these devices, the current fluctuation and voltage threshold lowering effect induced by the discrete dopant model are explored. Numerical convergence and model well-posedness are also investigated in the present work. PMID:20396650

Neuromorphic computing with nanoscale spintronic oscillators.

PubMed

Torrejon, Jacob; Riou, Mathieu; Araujo, Flavio Abreu; Tsunegi, Sumito; Khalsa, Guru; Querlioz, Damien; Bortolotti, Paolo; Cros, Vincent; Yakushiji, Kay; Fukushima, Akio; Kubota, Hitoshi; Yuasa, Shinji; Stiles, Mark D; Grollier, Julie

2017-07-26

Neurons in the brain behave as nonlinear oscillators, which develop rhythmic activity and interact to process information. Taking inspiration from this behaviour to realize high-density, low-power neuromorphic computing will require very large numbers of nanoscale nonlinear oscillators. A simple estimation indicates that to fit 10 8 oscillators organized in a two-dimensional array inside a chip the size of a thumb, the lateral dimension of each oscillator must be smaller than one micrometre. However, nanoscale devices tend to be noisy and to lack the stability that is required to process data in a reliable way. For this reason, despite multiple theoretical proposals and several candidates, including memristive and superconducting oscillators, a proof of concept of neuromorphic computing using nanoscale oscillators has yet to be demonstrated. Here we show experimentally that a nanoscale spintronic oscillator (a magnetic tunnel junction) can be used to achieve spoken-digit recognition with an accuracy similar to that of state-of-the-art neural networks. We also determine the regime of magnetization dynamics that leads to the greatest performance. These results, combined with the ability of the spintronic oscillators to interact with each other, and their long lifetime and low energy consumption, open up a path to fast, parallel, on-chip computation based on networks of oscillators.

A new regime of nanoscale thermal transport: Collective diffusion increases dissipation efficiency

DOE PAGES

Hoogeboom-Pot, Kathleen M.; Hernandez-Charpak, Jorge N.; Gu, Xiaokun; ...

2015-03-23

Understanding thermal transport from nanoscale heat sources is important for a fundamental description of energy flow in materials, as well as for many technological applications including thermal management in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics, thermoelectric devices, nanoenhanced photovoltaics, and nanoparticle-mediated thermal therapies. Thermal transport at the nanoscale is fundamentally different from that at the macroscale and is determined by the distribution of carrier mean free paths and energy dispersion in a material, the length scales of the heat sources, and the distance over which heat is transported. Past work has shown that Fourier’s law for heat conduction dramatically overpredicts the rate ofmore » heat dissipation from heat sources with dimensions smaller than the mean free path of the dominant heat-carrying phonons. In this work, we uncover a new regime of nanoscale thermal transport that dominates when the separation between nanoscale heat sources is small compared with the dominant phonon mean free paths. Surprisingly, the interaction of phonons originating from neighboring heat sources enables more efficient diffusive-like heat dissipation, even from nanoscale heat sources much smaller than the dominant phonon mean free paths. This finding suggests that thermal management in nanoscale systems including integrated circuits might not be as challenging as previously projected. In conclusion, we demonstrate a unique capability to extract differential conductivity as a function of phonon mean free path in materials, allowing the first (to our knowledge) experimental validation of predictions from the recently developed first-principles calculations.« less

A new regime of nanoscale thermal transport: Collective diffusion increases dissipation efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoogeboom-Pot, Kathleen M.; Hernandez-Charpak, Jorge N.; Gu, Xiaokun; Frazer, Travis D.; Anderson, Erik H.; Chao, Weilun; Falcone, Roger W.; Yang, Ronggui; Murnane, Margaret M.; Kapteyn, Henry C.; Nardi, Damiano

2015-04-01

Understanding thermal transport from nanoscale heat sources is important for a fundamental description of energy flow in materials, as well as for many technological applications including thermal management in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics, thermoelectric devices, nanoenhanced photovoltaics, and nanoparticle-mediated thermal therapies. Thermal transport at the nanoscale is fundamentally different from that at the macroscale and is determined by the distribution of carrier mean free paths and energy dispersion in a material, the length scales of the heat sources, and the distance over which heat is transported. Past work has shown that Fourier's law for heat conduction dramatically overpredicts the rate of heat dissipation from heat sources with dimensions smaller than the mean free path of the dominant heat-carrying phonons. In this work, we uncover a new regime of nanoscale thermal transport that dominates when the separation between nanoscale heat sources is small compared with the dominant phonon mean free paths. Surprisingly, the interaction of phonons originating from neighboring heat sources enables more efficient diffusive-like heat dissipation, even from nanoscale heat sources much smaller than the dominant phonon mean free paths. This finding suggests that thermal management in nanoscale systems including integrated circuits might not be as challenging as previously projected. Finally, we demonstrate a unique capability to extract differential conductivity as a function of phonon mean free path in materials, allowing the first (to our knowledge) experimental validation of predictions from the recently developed first-principles calculations.

CHAIRMAN'S FOREWORD: First International Symposium on Advanced Nanodevices and Nanotechnology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoyagi, Yoshinobu; Goodnick, Stephen M.

2008-03-01

This volume of Journal of Physics: Conference Series contains selected papers from the First International Symposium on Advanced Nanodevices and Nanotechnology. This conference is a merging of the two previous series New Phenomena in Mesoscopic Structures and the Surfaces and Interfaces of Mesoscopic Devices. This year's conference was held 2-7 December 2007 at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott on the Kohala coast of the big island of Hawaii. The scope of ISANN spans nano-fabrication through complex phase coherent mesoscopic systems including nano-transistors and nano-scale characterization. Topics of interest included: Nano-scale fabrication (high-resolution electron lithography, FIB nano-patterning SFM lithography, SFM stimulated growth, novel patterning, nano-imprint lithography, special etching, and SAMs) Nano-characterization (SFM characterization, BEEM, optical studies of nanostructures, tunneling, properties of discrete impurities, phase coherence, noise, THz studies, electro-luminescence in small structures) Nano-devices (ultra-scaled FETs, quantum SETs, RTDs, ferromagnetic, and spin devices, superlattice arrays, IR detectors with quantum dots and wires, quantum point contacts, non-equilibrium transport, simulation, ballistic transport, molecular electronic devices, carbon nanotubes, spin selection devices, spin-coupled quantum dots, nano-magnetics) Quantum coherent transport (quantum Hall effect, ballistic quantum systems, quantum computing implementations and theory, magnetic spin systems, quantum NEMs) Mesoscopic structures (quantum wires and dots, chaos, non-equilibrium transport, instabilities, nano-electro-mechanical systems, mesoscopic Josephson effects, phase coherence and breaking, Kondo effect) Systems of nano-devices (QCAs, systolic SET processors, quantum neural nets, adaptive effects in circuits, molecular circuits, NEMs) Nanomaterials (nanotubes, nanowires, organic and molecular materials, self-assembled nanowires, organic devices) Nano-bio-electronics (electronic properties of biological structures on the nanoscale) We were very pleased and honored to have the opportunity to organize the first International Symposium on Advanced Nanodevices and Nanotechnology. The conference benefited from 14 invited speakers, whose topics spanned the above list, and a total of 90 registered attendees. The largest contingent was from Japan, followed closely by the USA. We wish to particularly thank the sponsors for the meeting: Arizona State University on the US side, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, through their 151 Committee, on the Japanese side. We would also like to thank Dr Koji Ishibashi, of RIKEN, for his assistance in the organization of the conference, and Professor David K Ferry for serving as the Editor for the ISANN Proceedings. Yoshinobu Aoyagi and Stephen M Goodnick Conference Co-Chairs

Architecture design of resistor/FET-logic demultiplexer for hybrid CMOS/nanodevice circuit interconnect.

PubMed

Li, Shu; Zhang, Tong

2008-05-07

Hybrid nanoelectronics consisting of nanodevice crossbars on top of CMOS backplane circuits is emerging as one viable option to sustain Moore's law after the CMOS scaling limit is reached. One main design challenge in such hybrid nanoelectronics is the interface between the highly dense nanowires in nanodevice crossbars and relatively coarse microwires in the CMOS domain. Such an interface can be realized through a logic circuit called a demultiplexer (demux). In this context, all the prior work on demux design uses a single type of device, such as resistor, diode or field effect transistor (FET), to realize the demultiplexing function. However, different types of devices have their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of functionality, manufacturability, speed and power consumption. This makes none of them provide a satisfactory solution. To tackle this challenge, this work proposes to combine resistor with FET to implement the demux, leading to the hybrid resistor/FET-logic demux. Such hybrid demux architecture can make these two types of devices complement each other well to improve the overall demux design effectiveness. Furthermore, due to the inevitable fabrication process variations at the nanoscale, the effects of resistor conductance and FET threshold voltage variability are analyzed and evaluated based on computer simulations. The simulation results provide the requirement on the fabrication process to ensure a high demux reliability, and promise the hybrid resistor/FET-logic demux an improved addressability and process variance tolerance.

All-Optical Nanoscale Thermometry using Silicon-Vacancy Centers in Diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Christian; Evans, Ruffin; Sipahigil, Alp; Bhaskar, Mihir; Sukachev, Denis; Lukin, Mikhail

2017-04-01

Accurate thermometry at the nanoscale is a difficult challenge, but building such a thermometer would be a powerful tool for discovering and understanding new processes in biology, chemistry and physics. Applications include cell-selective treatment of disease, engineering of more efficient integrated circuits, or even the development of new chemical and biological reactions. In this work, we study how the bulk properties of the Silicon Vacancy center (SiV) in diamond depend on temperature, and use them to measure temperature with 100mK accuracy. Using SiVs in 200 nm nanodiamonds, we measure the temperature with 100 nm spatial resolution over a 10 μm area.

Nanoscale displacement sensing using microfabricated variable-inductance planar coils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coskun, M. Bulut; Thotahewa, Kasun; Ying, York-Sing; Yuce, Mehmet; Neild, Adrian; Alan, Tuncay

2013-09-01

Microfabricated spiral inductors were employed for nanoscale displacement detection, suitable for use in implantable pressure sensor applications. We developed a variable inductor sensor consisting of two coaxially positioned planar coils connected in series to a measurement circuit. The devices were characterized by varying the air gap between the coils hence changing the inductance, while a Colpitts oscillator readout was used to obtain corresponding frequencies. Our approach shows significant advantages over existing methodologies combining a displacement resolution of 17 nm and low hysteresis (0.15%) in a 1 × 1 mm2 device. We show that resolution could be further improved by shrinking the device's lateral dimensions.

Electronic Circuit Analysis Language (ECAL)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chenghang, C.

1983-03-01

The computer aided design technique is an important development in computer applications and it is an important component of computer science. The special language for electronic circuit analysis is the foundation of computer aided design or computer aided circuit analysis (abbreviated as CACD and CACA) of simulated circuits. Electronic circuit analysis language (ECAL) is a comparatively simple and easy to use circuit analysis special language which uses the FORTRAN language to carry out the explanatory executions. It is capable of conducting dc analysis, ac analysis, and transient analysis of a circuit. Futhermore, the results of the dc analysis can be used directly as the initial conditions for the ac and transient analyses.

Grating-assisted coupling to nanophotonic circuits in microcrystalline diamond thin films.

PubMed

Rath, Patrik; Khasminskaya, Svetlana; Nebel, Christoph; Wild, Christoph; Pernice, Wolfram Hp

2013-01-01

Synthetic diamond films can be prepared on a waferscale by using chemical vapour deposition (CVD) on suitable substrates such as silicon or silicon dioxide. While such films find a wealth of applications in thermal management, in X-ray and terahertz window design, and in gyrotron tubes and microwave transmission lines, their use for nanoscale optical components remains largely unexplored. Here we demonstrate that CVD diamond provides a high-quality template for realizing nanophotonic integrated optical circuits. Using efficient grating coupling devices prepared from partially etched diamond thin films, we investigate millimetre-sized optical circuits and achieve single-mode waveguiding at telecoms wavelengths. Our results pave the way towards broadband optical applications for sensing in harsh environments and visible photonic devices.

Toehold-Mediated Displacement of an Adenosine-Binding Aptamer from a DNA Duplex by its Ligand.

PubMed

Monserud, Jon H; Macri, Katherine M; Schwartz, Daniel K

2016-10-24

DNA is increasingly used to engineer dynamic nanoscale circuits, structures, and motors, many of which rely on DNA strand-displacement reactions. The use of functional DNA sequences (e.g., aptamers, which bind to a wide range of ligands) in these reactions would potentially confer responsiveness on such devices, and integrate DNA computation with highly varied molecular stimuli. By using high-throughput single-molecule FRET methods, we compared the kinetics of a putative aptamer-ligand and aptamer-complement strand-displacement reaction. We found that the ligands actively disrupted the DNA duplex in the presence of a DNA toehold in a similar manner to complementary DNA, with kinetic details specific to the aptamer structure, thus suggesting that the DNA strand-displacement concept can be extended to functional DNA-ligand systems. © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Toward all-carbon electronics: fabrication of graphene-based flexible electronic circuits and memory cards using maskless laser direct writing.

PubMed

Liang, Jiajie; Chen, Yongsheng; Xu, Yanfei; Liu, Zhibo; Zhang, Long; Zhao, Xin; Zhang, Xiaoliang; Tian, Jianguo; Huang, Yi; Ma, Yanfeng; Li, Feifei

2010-11-01

Owing to its extraordinary electronic property, chemical stability, and unique two-dimensional nanostructure, graphene is being considered as an ideal material for the highly expected all-carbon-based micro/nanoscale electronics. Herein, we present a simple yet versatile approach to constructing all-carbon micro/nanoelectronics using solution-processing graphene films directly. From these graphene films, various graphene-based microcosmic patterns and structures have been fabricated using maskless computer-controlled laser cutting. Furthermore, a complete system involving a prototype of a flexible write-once-read-many-times memory card and a fast data-reading system has been demonstrated, with infinite data retention time and high reliability. These results indicate that graphene could be the ideal material for fabricating the highly demanded all-carbon and flexible devices and electronics using the simple and efficient roll-to-roll printing process when combined with maskless direct data writing.

Quantum soldering of individual quantum dots.

PubMed

Roy, Xavier; Schenck, Christine L; Ahn, Seokhoon; Lalancette, Roger A; Venkataraman, Latha; Nuckolls, Colin; Steigerwald, Michael L

2012-12-07

Making contact to a quantum dot: Single quantum-dot electronic circuits are fabricated by wiring atomically precise metal chalcogenide clusters with conjugated molecular connectors. These wired clusters can couple electronically to nanoscale electrodes and be tuned to control the charge-transfer characteristics (see picture). Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Waveguide metatronics: Lumped circuitry based on structural dispersion.

PubMed

Li, Yue; Liberal, Iñigo; Della Giovampaola, Cristian; Engheta, Nader

2016-06-01

Engineering optical nanocircuits by exploiting modularization concepts and methods inherited from electronics may lead to multiple innovations in optical information processing at the nanoscale. We introduce the concept of "waveguide metatronics," an advanced form of optical metatronics that uses structural dispersion in waveguides to obtain the materials and structures required to construct this class of circuitry. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the design of a metatronic circuit can be carried out by using a waveguide filled with materials with positive permittivity. This includes the implementation of all "lumped" circuit elements and their assembly in a single circuit board. In doing so, we extend the concepts of optical metatronics to frequency ranges where there are no natural plasmonic materials available. The proposed methodology could be exploited as a platform to experimentally validate optical metatronic circuits in other frequency regimes, such as microwave frequency setups, and/or to provide a new route to design optical nanocircuitry.

Synthetic Analog and Digital Circuits for Cellular Computation and Memory

PubMed Central

Purcell, Oliver; Lu, Timothy K.

2014-01-01

Biological computation is a major area of focus in synthetic biology because it has the potential to enable a wide range of applications. Synthetic biologists have applied engineering concepts to biological systems in order to construct progressively more complex gene circuits capable of processing information in living cells. Here, we review the current state of computational genetic circuits and describe artificial gene circuits that perform digital and analog computation. We then discuss recent progress in designing gene circuits that exhibit memory, and how memory and computation have been integrated to yield more complex systems that can both process and record information. Finally, we suggest new directions for engineering biological circuits capable of computation. PMID:24794536

Neuromorphic computing with nanoscale spintronic oscillators

PubMed Central

Torrejon, Jacob; Riou, Mathieu; Araujo, Flavio Abreu; Tsunegi, Sumito; Khalsa, Guru; Querlioz, Damien; Bortolotti, Paolo; Cros, Vincent; Fukushima, Akio; Kubota, Hitoshi; Yuasa, Shinji; Stiles, M. D.; Grollier, Julie

2017-01-01

Neurons in the brain behave as non-linear oscillators, which develop rhythmic activity and interact to process information1. Taking inspiration from this behavior to realize high density, low power neuromorphic computing will require huge numbers of nanoscale non-linear oscillators. Indeed, a simple estimation indicates that, in order to fit a hundred million oscillators organized in a two-dimensional array inside a chip the size of a thumb, their lateral dimensions must be smaller than one micrometer. However, despite multiple theoretical proposals2–5, and several candidates such as memristive6 or superconducting7 oscillators, there is no proof of concept today of neuromorphic computing with nano-oscillators. Indeed, nanoscale devices tend to be noisy and to lack the stability required to process data in a reliable way. Here, we show experimentally that a nanoscale spintronic oscillator8,9 can achieve spoken digit recognition with accuracies similar to state of the art neural networks. We pinpoint the regime of magnetization dynamics leading to highest performance. These results, combined with the exceptional ability of these spintronic oscillators to interact together, their long lifetime, and low energy consumption, open the path to fast, parallel, on-chip computation based on networks of oscillators. PMID:28748930

Direct Probing of Polarization Charge at Nanoscale Level

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

Kwon, Owoong; Seol, Daehee; Lee, Dongkyu

Ferroelectric materials possess spontaneous polarization that can be used for multiple applications. Owing to a long-term development of reducing the sizes of devices, the preparation of ferroelectric materials and devices is entering the nanometer-scale regime. In order to evaluate the ferroelectricity, there is a need to investigate the polarization charge at the nanoscale. Nonetheless, it is generally accepted that the detection of polarization charges using a conventional conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM) without a top electrode is not feasible because the nanometer-scale radius of an atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip yields a very low signal-to-noise ratio. But, the detection ismore » unrelated to the radius of an AFM tip and, in fact, a matter of the switched area. In this work, the direct probing of the polarization charge at the nanoscale is demonstrated using the positive-up-negative-down method based on the conventional CAFM approach without additional corrections or circuits to reduce the parasitic capacitance. The polarization charge densities of 73.7 and 119.0 µC cm -2 are successfully probed in ferroelectric nanocapacitors and thin films, respectively. The results we obtained show the feasibility of the evaluation of polarization charge at the nanoscale and provide a new guideline for evaluating the ferroelectricity at the nanoscale.« less

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

Mayle, Scott; Gupta, Tanuj; Davis, Sam

Monitoring of the intrinsic temperature and the thermal management is discussed for the carbon nanotube nano-circuits. The experimental results concerning fabricating and testing of a thermometer able to monitor the intrinsic temperature on nanoscale are reported. We also suggest a model which describes a bi-metal multilayer system able to filter the heat flow, based on separating the electron and phonon components one from another. The bi-metal multilayer structure minimizes the phonon component of the heat flow, while retaining the electronic part. The method allows one to improve the overall performance of the electronic nano-circuits due to minimizing the energy dissipation.

Nanoscale superconducting memory based on the kinetic inductance of asymmetric nanowire loops

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, Andrew; Averin, Dmitri V.; Bezryadin, Alexey

2017-06-01

The demand for low-dissipation nanoscale memory devices is as strong as ever. As Moore’s law is staggering, and the demand for a low-power-consuming supercomputer is high, the goal of making information processing circuits out of superconductors is one of the central goals of modern technology and physics. So far, digital superconducting circuits could not demonstrate their immense potential. One important reason for this is that a dense superconducting memory technology is not yet available. Miniaturization of traditional superconducting quantum interference devices is difficult below a few micrometers because their operation relies on the geometric inductance of the superconducting loop. Magnetic memories do allow nanometer-scale miniaturization, but they are not purely superconducting (Baek et al 2014 Nat. Commun. 5 3888). Our approach is to make nanometer scale memory cells based on the kinetic inductance (and not geometric inductance) of superconducting nanowire loops, which have already shown many fascinating properties (Aprili 2006 Nat. Nanotechnol. 1 15; Hopkins et al 2005 Science 308 1762). This allows much smaller devices and naturally eliminates magnetic-field cross-talk. We demonstrate that the vorticity, i.e., the winding number of the order parameter, of a closed superconducting loop can be used for realizing a nanoscale nonvolatile memory device. We demonstrate how to alter the vorticity in a controlled fashion by applying calibrated current pulses. A reliable read-out of the memory is also demonstrated. We present arguments that such memory can be developed to operate without energy dissipation.

A carbon nanotube optical rectenna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Asha; Singh, Virendra; Bougher, Thomas L.; Cola, Baratunde A.

2015-12-01

An optical rectenna—a device that directly converts free-propagating electromagnetic waves at optical frequencies to direct current—was first proposed over 40 years ago, yet this concept has not been demonstrated experimentally due to fabrication challenges at the nanoscale. Realizing an optical rectenna requires that an antenna be coupled to a diode that operates on the order of 1 PHz (switching speed on the order of 1 fs). Diodes operating at these frequencies are feasible if their capacitance is on the order of a few attofarads, but they remain extremely difficult to fabricate and to reliably couple to a nanoscale antenna. Here we demonstrate an optical rectenna by engineering metal-insulator-metal tunnel diodes, with a junction capacitance of ˜2 aF, at the tip of vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (˜10 nm in diameter), which act as the antenna. Upon irradiation with visible and infrared light, we measure a d.c. open-circuit voltage and a short-circuit current that appear to be due to a rectification process (we account for a very small but quantifiable contribution from thermal effects). In contrast to recent reports of photodetection based on hot electron decay in a plasmonic nanoscale antenna, a coherent optical antenna field appears to be rectified directly in our devices, consistent with rectenna theory. Finally, power rectification is observed under simulated solar illumination, and there is no detectable change in diode performance after numerous current-voltage scans between 5 and 77 °C, indicating a potential for robust operation.

A carbon nanotube optical rectenna.

PubMed

Sharma, Asha; Singh, Virendra; Bougher, Thomas L; Cola, Baratunde A

2015-12-01

An optical rectenna--a device that directly converts free-propagating electromagnetic waves at optical frequencies to direct current--was first proposed over 40 years ago, yet this concept has not been demonstrated experimentally due to fabrication challenges at the nanoscale. Realizing an optical rectenna requires that an antenna be coupled to a diode that operates on the order of 1 PHz (switching speed on the order of 1 fs). Diodes operating at these frequencies are feasible if their capacitance is on the order of a few attofarads, but they remain extremely difficult to fabricate and to reliably couple to a nanoscale antenna. Here we demonstrate an optical rectenna by engineering metal-insulator-metal tunnel diodes, with a junction capacitance of ∼2 aF, at the tip of vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (∼10 nm in diameter), which act as the antenna. Upon irradiation with visible and infrared light, we measure a d.c. open-circuit voltage and a short-circuit current that appear to be due to a rectification process (we account for a very small but quantifiable contribution from thermal effects). In contrast to recent reports of photodetection based on hot electron decay in a plasmonic nanoscale antenna, a coherent optical antenna field appears to be rectified directly in our devices, consistent with rectenna theory. Finally, power rectification is observed under simulated solar illumination, and there is no detectable change in diode performance after numerous current-voltage scans between 5 and 77 °C, indicating a potential for robust operation.

Recycling of WEEE: Characterization of spent printed circuit boards from mobile phones and computers

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

Yamane, Luciana Harue, E-mail: lucianayamane@uol.com.br; Tavares de Moraes, Viviane, E-mail: tavares.vivi@gmail.com; Crocce Romano Espinosa, Denise, E-mail: espinosa@usp.br

Highlights: > This paper presents new and important data on characterization of wastes of electric and electronic equipments. > Copper concentration is increasing in mobile phones and remaining constant in personal computers. > Printed circuit boards from mobile phones and computers would not be mixed prior treatment. - Abstract: This paper presents a comparison between printed circuit boards from computers and mobile phones. Since printed circuits boards are becoming more complex and smaller, the amount of materials is constantly changing. The main objective of this work was to characterize spent printed circuit boards from computers and mobile phones applying mineralmore » processing technique to separate the metal, ceramic, and polymer fractions. The processing was performed by comminution in a hammer mill, followed by particle size analysis, and by magnetic and electrostatic separation. Aqua regia leaching, loss-on-ignition and chemical analysis (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy - ICP-OES) were carried out to determine the composition of printed circuit boards and the metal rich fraction. The composition of the studied mobile phones printed circuit boards (PCB-MP) was 63 wt.% metals; 24 wt.% ceramics and 13 wt.% polymers; and of the printed circuit boards from studied personal computers (PCB-PC) was 45 wt.% metals; 27 wt.% polymers and ceramics 28 wt.% ceramics. The chemical analysis showed that copper concentration in printed circuit boards from personal computers was 20 wt.% and in printed circuit boards from mobile phones was 34.5 wt.%. According to the characteristics of each type of printed circuit board, the recovery of precious metals may be the main goal of the recycling process of printed circuit boards from personal computers and the recovery of copper should be the main goal of the recycling process of printed circuit boards from mobile phones. Hence, these printed circuit boards would not be mixed prior treatment. The results of this paper show that copper concentration is increasing in mobile phones and remaining constant in personal computers.« less

Layer-by-layer assembly of nanostructured composites: Mechanics and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podsiadlo, Paul

The development of efficient methods for preparation of nanometer-sized materials and our evolving ability to manipulate the nanoscale objects have brought about a scientific and technological revolution called: nanotechnology. This revolution has been especially driven by discovery of unique nanoscale properties of the nanomaterials which are governed by their inherent size. Today, the total societal impact of nanotechnology is expected to be greater than the combined influences that the silicon integrated circuit, medical imaging, computer-aided engineering, and man-made polymers have had in the last century. Many nanomaterials were also found to possess exceptional mechanical properties. This led to tremendous interest into developing composite materials by exploiting the mechanical properties of these building blocks. In spite of a tremendous volume of work done in the field, preparation of such nanocomposites (NCs) has proven to be elusive due to inability of traditional "top-down" fabrication approaches to effectively harness properties of the nano-scale building blocks. This thesis focuses on preparation of organic/inorganic and solely organic NCs via a bottom-up nano-manufacturing approach called the layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly. Two natural and inexpensive nanoscale building blocks are explored: nanosheets of Na+-montmorillonite clay (MTM) and rod-shaped nanocrystals of cellulose (CNRs). In the first part of the thesis, we present results from systematic study of mechanics of MTM-based NCs. Different compositions are explored with a goal of understanding the nanoscale mechanics. Ultimately, development of a transparent composite with record-high strength and stiffness is presented. In the second part, we present results from LBL assembly of the CNRs. We demonstrate feasibility of assembly and mechanical properties of the resulting films. We also demonstrate preparation of LBL films with anti- reflective properties from tunicate (a sea animal) CNRs. In the final part, we show preparation of high toughness and hierarchically organized NCs using two concepts: "exponential" LBL (e-LBL) assembly and charged polyurethanes. We show preparation of novel e-LBL structures and highly flexible LBL multilayers. We also demonstrate preparation of macro-scale composites from hierarchical, post-assembly consolidation of LBL sheets. This last result represents a potential paradigm change in the practice of LBL assembly by enabling transformation of the thin-films into macro-scale structures.

Mimicking subsecond neurotransmitter dynamics with femtosecond laser stimulated nanosystems.

PubMed

Nakano, Takashi; Chin, Catherine; Myint, David Mo Aung; Tan, Eng Wui; Hale, Peter John; Krishna M, Bala Murali; Reynolds, John N J; Wickens, Jeff; Dani, Keshav M

2014-06-23

Existing nanoscale chemical delivery systems target diseased cells over long, sustained periods of time, typically through one-time, destructive triggering. Future directions lie in the development of fast and robust techniques capable of reproducing the pulsatile chemical activity of living organisms, thereby allowing us to mimic biofunctionality. Here, we demonstrate that by applying programmed femtosecond laser pulses to robust, nanoscale liposome structures containing dopamine, we achieve sub-second, controlled release of dopamine--a key neurotransmitter of the central nervous system--thereby replicating its release profile in the brain. The fast delivery system provides a powerful new interface with neural circuits, and to the larger range of biological functions that operate on this short timescale.

Mechanical writing of n-type conductive layers on the SrTiO3 surface in nanoscale

PubMed Central

Wang, Yuhang; Zhao, Kehan; Shi, Xiaolan; Li, Geng; Xie, Guanlin; Lai, Xubo; Ni, Jun; Zhang, Liuwan

2015-01-01

The fabrication and control of the conductive surface and interface on insulating SrTiO3 bulk provide a pathway for oxide electronics. The controllable manipulation of local doping concentration in semiconductors is an important step for nano-electronics. Here we show that conductive patterns can be written on bare SrTiO3 surface by controllable doping in nanoscale using the mechanical interactions of atomic force microscopy tip without applying external electric field. The conductivity of the layer is n-type, oxygen sensitive, and can be effectively tuned by the gate voltage. Hence, our findings have potential applications in oxide nano-circuits and oxygen sensors. PMID:26042679

Ion-damage-free planarization or shallow angle sectioning of solar cells for mapping grain orientation and nanoscale photovoltaic properties

DOE PAGES

Kutes, Yasemin; Luria, Justin; Sun, Yu; ...

2017-04-11

Ion beam milling is the most common modern method for preparing specific features for microscopic analysis, even though concomitant ion implantation and amorphization remain persistent challenges, particularly as they often modify materials properties of interest. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), on the other hand, can mechanically mill specific nanoscale regions in plan-view without chemical or high energy ion damage, due to its resolution, directionality, and fine load control. As an example, AFM-nanomilling (AFM-NM) is implemented for top-down planarization of polycrystalline CdTe thin film solar cells, with a resulting decrease in the root mean square (RMS) roughness by an order of magnitude,more » even better than for a low incidence FIB polished surface. Subsequently AFM-based property maps reveal a substantially stronger contrast, in this case of the short-circuit current or open circuit voltage during light exposure. Furthermore, electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD) imaging also becomes possible upon AFM-NM, enabling direct correlations between the local materials properties and the polycrystalline microstructure. Smooth shallow-angle cross-sections are demonstrated as well, based on targeted oblique milling. As expected, this reveals a gradual decrease in the average short-circuit current and maximum power as the underlying CdS and electrode layers are approached, but a relatively consistent open-circuit voltage through the diminishing thickness of the CdTe absorber. AFM-based nanomilling is therefore a powerful tool for material characterization, uniquely providing ion-damage free, selective area, planar smoothing or low-angle sectioning of specimens while preserving their functionality. This then enables novel, co-located advanced AFM measurements, EBSD analysis, and investigations by related techniques that are otherwise hindered by surface morphology or surface damage.« less

Ion-damage-free planarization or shallow angle sectioning of solar cells for mapping grain orientation and nanoscale photovoltaic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kutes, Yasemin; Luria, Justin; Sun, Yu; Moore, Andrew; Aguirre, Brandon A.; Cruz-Campa, Jose L.; Aindow, Mark; Zubia, David; Huey, Bryan D.

2017-05-01

Ion beam milling is the most common modern method for preparing specific features for microscopic analysis, even though concomitant ion implantation and amorphization remain persistent challenges, particularly as they often modify materials properties of interest. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), on the other hand, can mechanically mill specific nanoscale regions in plan-view without chemical or high energy ion damage, due to its resolution, directionality, and fine load control. As an example, AFM-nanomilling (AFM-NM) is implemented for top-down planarization of polycrystalline CdTe thin film solar cells, with a resulting decrease in the root mean square (RMS) roughness by an order of magnitude, even better than for a low incidence FIB polished surface. Subsequent AFM-based property maps reveal a substantially stronger contrast, in this case of the short-circuit current or open circuit voltage during light exposure. Electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD) imaging also becomes possible upon AFM-NM, enabling direct correlations between the local materials properties and the polycrystalline microstructure. Smooth shallow-angle cross-sections are demonstrated as well, based on targeted oblique milling. As expected, this reveals a gradual decrease in the average short-circuit current and maximum power as the underlying CdS and electrode layers are approached, but a relatively consistent open-circuit voltage through the diminishing thickness of the CdTe absorber. AFM-based nanomilling is therefore a powerful tool for material characterization, uniquely providing ion-damage free, selective area, planar smoothing or low-angle sectioning of specimens while preserving their functionality. This enables novel, co-located advanced AFM measurements, EBSD analysis, and investigations by related techniques that are otherwise hindered by surface morphology or surface damage.

Three-phase short circuit calculation method based on pre-computed surface for doubly fed induction generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, J.; Liu, Q.

2018-02-01

This paper presents an improved short circuit calculation method, based on pre-computed surface to determine the short circuit current of a distribution system with multiple doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs). The short circuit current, injected into power grid by DFIG, is determined by low voltage ride through (LVRT) control and protection under grid fault. However, the existing methods are difficult to calculate the short circuit current of DFIG in engineering practice due to its complexity. A short circuit calculation method, based on pre-computed surface, was proposed by developing the surface of short circuit current changing with the calculating impedance and the open circuit voltage. And the short circuit currents were derived by taking into account the rotor excitation and crowbar activation time. Finally, the pre-computed surfaces of short circuit current at different time were established, and the procedure of DFIG short circuit calculation considering its LVRT was designed. The correctness of proposed method was verified by simulation.

Nicholas Metropolis Award for Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Work in Computational Physics Talk: Understanding Nano-scale Electronic Systems via Large-scale Computation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Chao

2009-03-01

Nano-scale physical phenomena and processes, especially those in electronics, have drawn great attention in the past decade. Experiments have shown that electronic and transport properties of functionalized carbon nanotubes are sensitive to adsorption of gas molecules such as H2, NO2, and NH3. Similar measurements have also been performed to study adsorption of proteins on other semiconductor nano-wires. These experiments suggest that nano-scale systems can be useful for making future chemical and biological sensors. Aiming to understand the physical mechanisms underlying and governing property changes at nano-scale, we start off by investigating, via first-principles method, the electronic structure of Pd-CNT before and after hydrogen adsorption, and continue with coherent electronic transport using non-equilibrium Green’s function techniques combined with density functional theory. Once our results are fully analyzed they can be used to interpret and understand experimental data, with a few difficult issues to be addressed. Finally, we discuss a newly developed multi-scale computing architecture, OPAL, that coordinates simultaneous execution of multiple codes. Inspired by the capabilities of this computing framework, we present a scenario of future modeling and simulation of multi-scale, multi-physical processes.

Recycling of WEEE: characterization of spent printed circuit boards from mobile phones and computers.

PubMed

Yamane, Luciana Harue; de Moraes, Viviane Tavares; Espinosa, Denise Crocce Romano; Tenório, Jorge Alberto Soares

2011-12-01

This paper presents a comparison between printed circuit boards from computers and mobile phones. Since printed circuits boards are becoming more complex and smaller, the amount of materials is constantly changing. The main objective of this work was to characterize spent printed circuit boards from computers and mobile phones applying mineral processing technique to separate the metal, ceramic, and polymer fractions. The processing was performed by comminution in a hammer mill, followed by particle size analysis, and by magnetic and electrostatic separation. Aqua regia leaching, loss-on-ignition and chemical analysis (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy - ICP-OES) were carried out to determine the composition of printed circuit boards and the metal rich fraction. The composition of the studied mobile phones printed circuit boards (PCB-MP) was 63 wt.% metals; 24 wt.% ceramics and 13 wt.% polymers; and of the printed circuit boards from studied personal computers (PCB-PC) was 45 wt.% metals; 27 wt.% polymers and ceramics 28 wt.% ceramics. The chemical analysis showed that copper concentration in printed circuit boards from personal computers was 20 wt.% and in printed circuit boards from mobile phones was 34.5 wt.%. According to the characteristics of each type of printed circuit board, the recovery of precious metals may be the main goal of the recycling process of printed circuit boards from personal computers and the recovery of copper should be the main goal of the recycling process of printed circuit boards from mobile phones. Hence, these printed circuit boards would not be mixed prior treatment. The results of this paper show that copper concentration is increasing in mobile phones and remaining constant in personal computers. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cell-specific STORM superresolution imaging reveals nanoscale organization of cannabinoid signaling

PubMed Central

Szabó, Szilárd I.; Szabadits, Eszter; Pintér, Balázs; Woodhams, Stephen G.; Henstridge, Christopher M.; Balla, Gyula Y.; Nyilas, Rita; Varga, Csaba; Lee, Sang-Hun; Matolcsi, Máté; Cervenak, Judit; Kacskovics, Imre; Watanabe, Masahiko; Sagheddu, Claudia; Melis, Miriam; Pistis, Marco; Soltesz, Ivan; Katona, István

2014-01-01

A major challenge in neuroscience is to determine the nanoscale position and quantity of signaling molecules in a cell-type-, and subcellular compartment-specific manner. We therefore developed a novel approach combining cell-specific physiological and anatomical characterization with superresolution imaging, and studied the molecular and structural parameters shaping the physiological properties of synaptic endocannabinoid signaling in the mouse hippocampus. We found that axon terminals of perisomatically-projecting GABAergic interneurons possess increased CB1 receptor number, active-zone complexity, and receptor/effector ratio compared to dendritically-projecting interneurons, in agreement with higher efficiency of cannabinoid signaling at somatic versus dendritic synapses. Furthermore, chronic Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol administration, which reduces cannabinoid efficacy on GABA release, evoked dramatic CB1-downregulation in a dose-dependent manner. Full receptor recovery required several weeks after cessation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol treatment. These findings demonstrate that cell-type-specific nanoscale analysis of endogenous protein distribution is possible in brain circuits, and identify novel molecular properties controlling endocannabinoid signaling and cannabis-induced cognitive dysfunction. PMID:25485758

Magnetization switching schemes for nanoscale three-terminal spintronics devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukami, Shunsuke; Ohno, Hideo

2017-08-01

Utilizing spintronics-based nonvolatile memories in integrated circuits offers a promising approach to realize ultralow-power and high-performance electronics. While two-terminal devices with spin-transfer torque switching have been extensively developed nowadays, there has been a growing interest in devices with a three-terminal structure. Of primary importance for applications is the efficient manipulation of magnetization, corresponding to information writing, in nanoscale devices. Here we review the studies of current-induced domain wall motion and spin-orbit torque-induced switching, which can be applied to the write operation of nanoscale three-terminal spintronics devices. For domain wall motion, the size dependence of device properties down to less than 20 nm will be shown and the underlying mechanism behind the results will be discussed. For spin-orbit torque-induced switching, factors governing the threshold current density and strategies to reduce it will be discussed. A proof-of-concept demonstration of artificial intelligence using an analog spin-orbit torque device will also be reviewed.

3D electron tomography of pretreated biomass informs atomic modeling of cellulose microfibrils.

PubMed

Ciesielski, Peter N; Matthews, James F; Tucker, Melvin P; Beckham, Gregg T; Crowley, Michael F; Himmel, Michael E; Donohoe, Bryon S

2013-09-24

Fundamental insights into the macromolecular architecture of plant cell walls will elucidate new structure-property relationships and facilitate optimization of catalytic processes that produce fuels and chemicals from biomass. Here we introduce computational methodology to extract nanoscale geometry of cellulose microfibrils within thermochemically treated biomass directly from electron tomographic data sets. We quantitatively compare the cell wall nanostructure in corn stover following two leading pretreatment strategies: dilute acid with iron sulfate co-catalyst and ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX). Computational analysis of the tomographic data is used to extract mathematical descriptions for longitudinal axes of cellulose microfibrils from which we calculate their nanoscale curvature. These nanostructural measurements are used to inform the construction of atomistic models that exhibit features of cellulose within real, process-relevant biomass. By computational evaluation of these atomic models, we propose relationships between the crystal structure of cellulose Iβ and the nanoscale geometry of cellulose microfibrils.

Synthetic analog and digital circuits for cellular computation and memory.

PubMed

Purcell, Oliver; Lu, Timothy K

2014-10-01

Biological computation is a major area of focus in synthetic biology because it has the potential to enable a wide range of applications. Synthetic biologists have applied engineering concepts to biological systems in order to construct progressively more complex gene circuits capable of processing information in living cells. Here, we review the current state of computational genetic circuits and describe artificial gene circuits that perform digital and analog computation. We then discuss recent progress in designing gene networks that exhibit memory, and how memory and computation have been integrated to yield more complex systems that can both process and record information. Finally, we suggest new directions for engineering biological circuits capable of computation. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Coupling control based on Adiabatic elimination for densely integrated nano-photonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mrejen, Michael; Suchowski, Haim; Hatakeyama, Taiki; Wu, Chihhui; Feng, Liang; O'Brien, Kevin; Wang, Yuan; Zhang, Xiang

2015-03-01

The ever growing need for energy-efficient and fast communications is driving the development of highly integrated photonic circuits where controlling light at the nanoscale becomes the most critical aspect of information transfer. Here we develop a unique scheme of adiabatic elimination (AE) modulation to actively control the coupling among waveguides for densely integrated photonics. Analogous to atomic systems, AE is achieved by applying a decomposition on a three waveguide coupler, where the two outer waveguides serve as an effective two-mode system with an effective coupling of Veff = [(V*13 + V*23V*12/Δβ12) (V13-V23V12/Δβ23) ]1/2,and the middle waveguide is the equivalent to the intermediate level `dark state'. We experimentally demonstrate the first all optical AE modulation and its ability to control the coupling between the two waveguides by manipulating the mode index of the decoupled middle one. In addition, we show that the strong modes interactions allowed at the nano-scale offer a unique configuration of zero-coupling between all the waveguides, a phenomena that paves the way for ultra-high density photonic integrated circuits where small footprint is of crucial importance.

A novel FPGA-programmable switch matrix interconnection element in quantum-dot cellular automata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashemi, Sara; Rahimi Azghadi, Mostafa; Zakerolhosseini, Ali; Navi, Keivan

2015-04-01

The Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) is a novel nanotechnology, promising extra low-power, extremely dense and very high-speed structure for the construction of logical circuits at a nanoscale. In this paper, initially previous works on QCA-based FPGA's routing elements are investigated, and then an efficient, symmetric and reliable QCA programmable switch matrix (PSM) interconnection element is introduced. This element has a simple structure and offers a complete routing capability. It is implemented using a bottom-up design approach that starts from a dense and high-speed 2:1 multiplexer and utilise it to build the target PSM interconnection element. In this study, simulations of the proposed circuits are carried out using QCAdesigner, a layout and simulation tool for QCA circuits. The results demonstrate high efficiency of the proposed designs in QCA-based FPGA routing.

Selective positioning and integration of individual single-walled carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Jiao, Liying; Xian, Xiaojun; Wu, Zhongyun; Zhang, Jin; Liu, Zhongfan

2009-01-01

We present a general selective positioning and integration technique for fabricating single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) circuits with preselected individual SWNTs as building blocks by utilizing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin film as a macroscopically handlable mediator. The transparency and marker-replicating capability of PMMA mediator allow the selective placement of chirality-specific nanotubes onto predesigned patterned surfaces with a resolution of ca. 1 mum. This technique is compatible with multiple operations and p-n conversion by chemical doping, which enables the construction of complex and logic circuits. As demonstrations of building SWNTs circuits, we fabricated a field effect inverter, a 2 x 2 all-SWNT crossbar field effect transistor (FET), and flexible FETs on plastic with this technique. This selective positioning approach can also be extended to construct purpose-directed architecture with various nanoscale building blocks.

Waveguide metatronics: Lumped circuitry based on structural dispersion

PubMed Central

Li, Yue; Liberal, Iñigo; Della Giovampaola, Cristian; Engheta, Nader

2016-01-01

Engineering optical nanocircuits by exploiting modularization concepts and methods inherited from electronics may lead to multiple innovations in optical information processing at the nanoscale. We introduce the concept of “waveguide metatronics,” an advanced form of optical metatronics that uses structural dispersion in waveguides to obtain the materials and structures required to construct this class of circuitry. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the design of a metatronic circuit can be carried out by using a waveguide filled with materials with positive permittivity. This includes the implementation of all “lumped” circuit elements and their assembly in a single circuit board. In doing so, we extend the concepts of optical metatronics to frequency ranges where there are no natural plasmonic materials available. The proposed methodology could be exploited as a platform to experimentally validate optical metatronic circuits in other frequency regimes, such as microwave frequency setups, and/or to provide a new route to design optical nanocircuitry. PMID:27386566

Expansion microscopy: development and neuroscience applications.

PubMed

Karagiannis, Emmanouil D; Boyden, Edward S

2018-06-01

Many neuroscience questions center around understanding how the molecules and wiring in neural circuits mechanistically yield behavioral functions, or go awry in disease states. However, mapping the molecules and wiring of neurons across the large scales of neural circuits has posed a great challenge. We recently developed expansion microscopy (ExM), a process in which we physically magnify biological specimens such as brain circuits. We synthesize throughout preserved brain specimens a dense, even mesh of a swellable polymer such as sodium polyacrylate, anchoring key biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids to the polymer. After mechanical homogenization of the specimen-polymer composite, we add water, and the polymer swells, pulling biomolecules apart. Due to the larger separation between molecules, ordinary microscopes can then perform nanoscale resolution imaging. We here review the ExM technology as well as applications to the mapping of synapses, cells, and circuits, including deployment in species such as Drosophila, mouse, non-human primate, and human. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Programmed coherent coupling in a synthetic DNA-based excitonic circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boulais, Étienne; Sawaya, Nicolas P. D.; Veneziano, Rémi; Andreoni, Alessio; Banal, James L.; Kondo, Toru; Mandal, Sarthak; Lin, Su; Schlau-Cohen, Gabriela S.; Woodbury, Neal W.; Yan, Hao; Aspuru-Guzik, Alán; Bathe, Mark

2018-02-01

Natural light-harvesting systems spatially organize densely packed chromophore aggregates using rigid protein scaffolds to achieve highly efficient, directed energy transfer. Here, we report a synthetic strategy using rigid DNA scaffolds to similarly program the spatial organization of densely packed, discrete clusters of cyanine dye aggregates with tunable absorption spectra and strongly coupled exciton dynamics present in natural light-harvesting systems. We first characterize the range of dye-aggregate sizes that can be templated spatially by A-tracts of B-form DNA while retaining coherent energy transfer. We then use structure-based modelling and quantum dynamics to guide the rational design of higher-order synthetic circuits consisting of multiple discrete dye aggregates within a DX-tile. These programmed circuits exhibit excitonic transport properties with prominent circular dichroism, superradiance, and fast delocalized exciton transfer, consistent with our quantum dynamics predictions. This bottom-up strategy offers a versatile approach to the rational design of strongly coupled excitonic circuits using spatially organized dye aggregates for use in coherent nanoscale energy transport, artificial light-harvesting, and nanophotonics.

Universal computing by DNA origami robots in a living animal

PubMed Central

Levner, Daniel; Ittah, Shmulik; Abu-Horowitz, Almogit; Bachelet, Ido

2014-01-01

Biological systems are collections of discrete molecular objects that move around and collide with each other. Cells carry out elaborate processes by precisely controlling these collisions, but developing artificial machines that can interface with and control such interactions remains a significant challenge. DNA is a natural substrate for computing and has been used to implement a diverse set of mathematical problems1-3, logic circuits4-6 and robotics7-9. The molecule also naturally interfaces with living systems, and different forms of DNA-based biocomputing have previously been demonstrated10-13. Here we show that DNA origami14-16 can be used to fabricate nanoscale robots that are capable of dynamically interacting with each other17-18 in a living animal. The interactions generate logical outputs, which are relayed to switch molecular payloads on or off. As a proof-of-principle, we use the system to create architectures that emulate various logic gates (AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOT, CNOT, and a half adder). Following an ex vivo prototyping phase, we successfully employed the DNA origami robots in living cockroaches (Blaberus discoidalis) to control a molecule that targets the cells of the animal. PMID:24705510

Arithmetic Circuit Verification Based on Symbolic Computer Algebra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Yuki; Homma, Naofumi; Aoki, Takafumi; Higuchi, Tatsuo

This paper presents a formal approach to verify arithmetic circuits using symbolic computer algebra. Our method describes arithmetic circuits directly with high-level mathematical objects based on weighted number systems and arithmetic formulae. Such circuit description can be effectively verified by polynomial reduction techniques using Gröbner Bases. In this paper, we describe how the symbolic computer algebra can be used to describe and verify arithmetic circuits. The advantageous effects of the proposed approach are demonstrated through experimental verification of some arithmetic circuits such as multiply-accumulator and FIR filter. The result shows that the proposed approach has a definite possibility of verifying practical arithmetic circuits.

Difference-Equation/Flow-Graph Circuit Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcvey, I. M.

1988-01-01

Numerical technique enables rapid, approximate analyses of electronic circuits containing linear and nonlinear elements. Practiced in variety of computer languages on large and small computers; for circuits simple enough, programmable hand calculators used. Although some combinations of circuit elements make numerical solutions diverge, enables quick identification of divergence and correction of circuit models to make solutions converge.

Detecting Nano-Scale Vibrations in Rotating Devices by Using Advanced Computational Methods

PubMed Central

del Toro, Raúl M.; Haber, Rodolfo E.; Schmittdiel, Michael C.

2010-01-01

This paper presents a computational method for detecting vibrations related to eccentricity in ultra precision rotation devices used for nano-scale manufacturing. The vibration is indirectly measured via a frequency domain analysis of the signal from a piezoelectric sensor attached to the stationary component of the rotating device. The algorithm searches for particular harmonic sequences associated with the eccentricity of the device rotation axis. The detected sequence is quantified and serves as input to a regression model that estimates the eccentricity. A case study presents the application of the computational algorithm during precision manufacturing processes. PMID:22399918

An "Off-the-Shelf" System for Intraprocedural Electrical Current Evaluation and Monitoring of Irreversible Electroporation Therapy.

PubMed

Neal, Robert E; Kavnoudias, Helen; Thomson, Kenneth R

2015-06-01

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) ablation uses a series of brief electric pulses to create nanoscale defects in cell membranes, killing the cells. It has shown promise in numerous soft-tissue tumor applications. Larger voltages between electrodes will increase ablation volume, but exceeding electrical limits may risk damage to the patient, cause ineffective therapy delivery, or require generator restart. Monitoring electrical current for these conditions in real-time enables managing these risks. This capacity is not presently available in clinical IRE generators. We describe a system using a Tektronix TCP305 AC/DC Current Probe connected to a TCPA300 AC/DC Current Probe Amplifier, which is read on a computer using a Protek DSO-2090 USB computer-interfacing oscilloscope. Accuracy of the system was tested with a resistor circuit and by comparing measured currents with final outputs from the NanoKnife clinical electroporation pulse generator. Accuracy of measured currents was 1.64 ± 2.4 % relative to calculations for the resistor circuit and averaged 0.371 ± 0.977 % deviation from the NanoKnife. During clinical pulse delivery, the system offers real-time evaluation of IRE procedure progress and enables a number of methods for identifying approaching issues from electrical behavior of therapy delivery, facilitating protocol changes before encountering therapy delivery issues. This system can monitor electrical currents in real-time without altering the electric pulses or modifying the pulse generator. This facilitates delivering electric pulse protocols that remain within the optimal range of electrical currents-sufficient strength for clinically relevant ablation volumes, without the risk of exceeding safe electric currents or causing inadequate ablation.

Nanotechnology Research

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

expected as new nanomaterial capabilities as well as new nanoscale-centric circuit architectures are developed. However, the emerging trend in IT-focused...was eventually achieved. Proceeding from LRS to HRS afterwards shows a similar trend : several pulses are needed to completely switch the device from...resulted in unstable switching behavior. Similar trends were observed by Vallee, et al. for HfOx-based devices in which the switching behavior for Pt TEs

Whole-brain serial-section electron microscopy in larval zebrafish.

PubMed

Hildebrand, David Grant Colburn; Cicconet, Marcelo; Torres, Russel Miguel; Choi, Woohyuk; Quan, Tran Minh; Moon, Jungmin; Wetzel, Arthur Willis; Scott Champion, Andrew; Graham, Brett Jesse; Randlett, Owen; Plummer, George Scott; Portugues, Ruben; Bianco, Isaac Henry; Saalfeld, Stephan; Baden, Alexander David; Lillaney, Kunal; Burns, Randal; Vogelstein, Joshua Tzvi; Schier, Alexander Franz; Lee, Wei-Chung Allen; Jeong, Won-Ki; Lichtman, Jeff William; Engert, Florian

2017-05-18

High-resolution serial-section electron microscopy (ssEM) makes it possible to investigate the dense meshwork of axons, dendrites, and synapses that form neuronal circuits. However, the imaging scale required to comprehensively reconstruct these structures is more than ten orders of magnitude smaller than the spatial extents occupied by networks of interconnected neurons, some of which span nearly the entire brain. Difficulties in generating and handling data for large volumes at nanoscale resolution have thus restricted vertebrate studies to fragments of circuits. These efforts were recently transformed by advances in computing, sample handling, and imaging techniques, but high-resolution examination of entire brains remains a challenge. Here, we present ssEM data for the complete brain of a larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) at 5.5 days post-fertilization. Our approach utilizes multiple rounds of targeted imaging at different scales to reduce acquisition time and data management requirements. The resulting dataset can be analysed to reconstruct neuronal processes, permitting us to survey all myelinated axons (the projectome). These reconstructions enable precise investigations of neuronal morphology, which reveal remarkable bilateral symmetry in myelinated reticulospinal and lateral line afferent axons. We further set the stage for whole-brain structure-function comparisons by co-registering functional reference atlases and in vivo two-photon fluorescence microscopy data from the same specimen. All obtained images and reconstructions are provided as an open-access resource.

Whole-brain serial-section electron microscopy in larval zebrafish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hildebrand, David Grant Colburn; Cicconet, Marcelo; Torres, Russel Miguel; Choi, Woohyuk; Quan, Tran Minh; Moon, Jungmin; Wetzel, Arthur Willis; Scott Champion, Andrew; Graham, Brett Jesse; Randlett, Owen; Plummer, George Scott; Portugues, Ruben; Bianco, Isaac Henry; Saalfeld, Stephan; Baden, Alexander David; Lillaney, Kunal; Burns, Randal; Vogelstein, Joshua Tzvi; Schier, Alexander Franz; Lee, Wei-Chung Allen; Jeong, Won-Ki; Lichtman, Jeff William; Engert, Florian

2017-05-01

High-resolution serial-section electron microscopy (ssEM) makes it possible to investigate the dense meshwork of axons, dendrites, and synapses that form neuronal circuits. However, the imaging scale required to comprehensively reconstruct these structures is more than ten orders of magnitude smaller than the spatial extents occupied by networks of interconnected neurons, some of which span nearly the entire brain. Difficulties in generating and handling data for large volumes at nanoscale resolution have thus restricted vertebrate studies to fragments of circuits. These efforts were recently transformed by advances in computing, sample handling, and imaging techniques, but high-resolution examination of entire brains remains a challenge. Here, we present ssEM data for the complete brain of a larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) at 5.5 days post-fertilization. Our approach utilizes multiple rounds of targeted imaging at different scales to reduce acquisition time and data management requirements. The resulting dataset can be analysed to reconstruct neuronal processes, permitting us to survey all myelinated axons (the projectome). These reconstructions enable precise investigations of neuronal morphology, which reveal remarkable bilateral symmetry in myelinated reticulospinal and lateral line afferent axons. We further set the stage for whole-brain structure-function comparisons by co-registering functional reference atlases and in vivo two-photon fluorescence microscopy data from the same specimen. All obtained images and reconstructions are provided as an open-access resource.

Material Targets for Scaling All-Spin Logic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manipatruni, Sasikanth; Nikonov, Dmitri E.; Young, Ian A.

2016-01-01

All-spin-logic devices are promising candidates to augment and complement beyond-CMOS integrated circuit computing due to nonvolatility, ultralow operating voltages, higher logical efficiency, and high density integration. However, the path to reach lower energy-delay product performance compared to CMOS transistors currently is not clear. We show that scaling and engineering the nanoscale magnetic materials and interfaces is the key to realizing spin-logic devices that can surpass the energy-delay performance of CMOS transistors. With validated stochastic nanomagnetic and vector spin-transport numerical models, we derive the target material and interface properties for the nanomagnets and channels. We identify promising directions for material engineering and discovery focusing on the systematic scaling of magnetic anisotropy (Hk ) and saturation magnetization (Ms ), the use of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, and the interface spin-mixing conductance of the ferromagnet-spin-channel interface (Gmix ). We provide systematic targets for scaling a spin-logic energy-delay product toward 2 aJ ns, comprehending the stochastic noise for nanomagnets.

An assessment of memristor intrinsic fluctuations: a measurement of single atomic motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borghetti, Julien; Yang, J. Joshua; Medeiros-Ribeiro, Gilberto; Williams, R. Stanley

2010-03-01

Memristors provides electrically tunable resistance for upcoming non-volatile memory and future neuromorphic computing. One of the key benefits of such a device is its scalability, which can be demonstrated from an architectural perspective as well as from a fundamental physics limit. 4D addressing schemes utilizing cross bar structures that can be stacked several layers high above the chip embodies unlimited addressing space. On the other limit, the basic operating principles of memristive devices allow one to reach storage of information in a single atom. In this report of nanoscale (sub 50nm) devices, we detect single atom fluctuations, which would then represent the ultimate limit for noise sources thus delineating the boundary conditions for circuit design. We show that electrically induced individual atom migrations do not affect the overall device atomic configuration until a critical bias where a single local fluctuation triggers a general atomic reconfiguration. This instability illustrates the robustness of the device non-volatility upon small electrical stress.

The Influence of Fluorination on Nano-Scale Phase Separation and Photovoltaic Performance of Small Molecular/PC71BM Blends

PubMed Central

Lu, Zhen; Liu, Wen; Li, Jingjing; Fang, Tao; Li, Wanning; Zhang, Jicheng; Feng, Feng; Li, Wenhua

2016-01-01

To investigate the fluorination influence on the photovoltaic performance of small molecular based organic solar cells (OSCs), six small molecules based on 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BT), and diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) as core and fluorinated phenyl (DFP) and triphenyl amine (TPA) as different terminal units (DFP-BT-DFP, DFP-BT-TPA, TPA-BT-TPA, DFP-DPP-DFP, DFP-DPP-TPA, and TPA-DPP-TPA) were synthesized. With one or two fluorinated phenyl as the end group(s), HOMO level of BT and DPP based small molecular donors were gradually decreased, inducing high open circuit voltage for fluorinated phenyl based OSCs. DFP-BT-TPA and DFP-DPP-TPA based blend films both displayed stronger nano-scale aggregation in comparison to TPA-BT-TPA and TPA-DPP-TPA, respectively, which would also lead to higher hole motilities in devices. Ultimately, improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.17% and 1.22% was acquired for DFP-BT-TPA and DFP-DPP-TPA based devices, respectively. These results demonstrated that the nano-scale aggregation size of small molecules in photovoltaic devices could be significantly enhanced by introducing a fluorine atom at the donor unit of small molecules, which will provide understanding about the relationship of chemical structure and nano-scale phase separation in OSCs. PMID:28335208

Excitability and optical pulse generation in semiconductor lasers driven by resonant tunneling diode photo-detectors.

PubMed

Romeira, Bruno; Javaloyes, Julien; Ironside, Charles N; Figueiredo, José M L; Balle, Salvador; Piro, Oreste

2013-09-09

We demonstrate, experimentally and theoretically, excitable nanosecond optical pulses in optoelectronic integrated circuits operating at telecommunication wavelengths (1550 nm) comprising a nanoscale double barrier quantum well resonant tunneling diode (RTD) photo-detector driving a laser diode (LD). When perturbed either electrically or optically by an input signal above a certain threshold, the optoelectronic circuit generates short electrical and optical excitable pulses mimicking the spiking behavior of biological neurons. Interestingly, the asymmetric nonlinear characteristic of the RTD-LD allows for two different regimes where one obtain either single pulses or a burst of multiple pulses. The high-speed excitable response capabilities are promising for neurally inspired information applications in photonics.

Mixed-Mode Operation of Hybrid Phase-Change Nanophotonic Circuits.

PubMed

Lu, Yegang; Stegmaier, Matthias; Nukala, Pavan; Giambra, Marco A; Ferrari, Simone; Busacca, Alessandro; Pernice, Wolfram H P; Agarwal, Ritesh

2017-01-11

Phase change materials (PCMs) are highly attractive for nonvolatile electrical and all-optical memory applications because of unique features such as ultrafast and reversible phase transitions, long-term endurance, and high scalability to nanoscale dimensions. Understanding their transient characteristics upon phase transition in both the electrical and the optical domains is essential for using PCMs in future multifunctional optoelectronic circuits. Here, we use a PCM nanowire embedded into a nanophotonic circuit to study switching dynamics in mixed-mode operation. Evanescent coupling between light traveling along waveguides and a phase-change nanowire enables reversible phase transition between amorphous and crystalline states. We perform time-resolved measurements of the transient change in both the optical transmission and resistance of the nanowire and show reversible switching operations in both the optical and the electrical domains. Our results pave the way toward on-chip multifunctional optoelectronic integrated devices, waveguide integrated memories, and hybrid processing applications.

Guiding electrical current in nanotube circuits using structural defects: a step forward in nanoelectronics.

PubMed

Romo-Herrera, Jose M; Terrones, Mauricio; Terrones, Humberto; Meunier, Vincent

2008-12-23

Electrical current could be efficiently guided in 2D nanotube networks by introducing specific topological defects within the periodic framework. Using semiempirical transport calculations coupled with Landauer-Buttiker formalism of quantum transport in multiterminal nanoscale systems, we provide a detailed analysis of the processes governing the atomic-scale design of nanotube circuits. We found that when defects are introduced as patches in specific sites, they act as bouncing centers that reinject electrons along specific paths, via a wave reflection process. This type of defects can be incorporated while preserving the 3-fold connectivity of each carbon atom embedded within the graphitic lattice. Our findings open up a new way to explore bottom-up design, at the nanometer scale, of complex nanotube circuits which could be extended to 3D nanosystems and applied in the fabrication of nanoelectronic devices.

Performance of Topological Insulator Interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Philip, Timothy M.; Hirsbrunner, Mark R.; Park, Moon Jip; Gilbert, Matthew J.

2017-01-01

The poor performance of copper interconnects at the nanometer scale calls for new material solutions for continued scaling of integrated circuits. We propose the use of three dimensional time-reversal-invariant topological insulators (TIs), which host backscattering-protected surface states, for this purpose. Using semiclassical methods, we demonstrate that nanoscale TI interconnects have a resistance 1-3 orders of magnitude lower than copper interconnects and graphene nanoribbons at the nanometer scale. We use the nonequilibrium Green function (NEGF) formalism to measure the change in conductance of nanoscale TI and metal interconnects caused by the presence of impurity disorder. We show that metal interconnects suffer a resistance increase, relative to the clean limit, in excess of 500% due to disorder while the TI's surface states increase less than 35% in the same regime.

Ultra-low switching energy and scaling in electric-field-controlled nanoscale magnetic tunnel junctions with high resistance-area product

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

Grezes, C.; Alzate, J. G.; Cai, X.

2016-01-04

We report electric-field-induced switching with write energies down to 6 fJ/bit for switching times of 0.5 ns, in nanoscale perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with high resistance-area product and diameters down to 50 nm. The ultra-low switching energy is made possible by a thick MgO barrier that ensures negligible spin-transfer torque contributions, along with a reduction of the Ohmic dissipation. We find that the switching voltage and time are insensitive to the junction diameter for high-resistance MTJs, a result accounted for by a macrospin model of purely voltage-induced switching. The measured performance enables integration with same-size CMOS transistors in compact memorymore » and logic integrated circuits.« less

Fault-tolerant computer study. [logic designs for building block circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rennels, D. A.; Avizienis, A. A.; Ercegovac, M. D.

1981-01-01

A set of building block circuits is described which can be used with commercially available microprocessors and memories to implement fault tolerant distributed computer systems. Each building block circuit is intended for VLSI implementation as a single chip. Several building blocks and associated processor and memory chips form a self checking computer module with self contained input output and interfaces to redundant communications buses. Fault tolerance is achieved by connecting self checking computer modules into a redundant network in which backup buses and computer modules are provided to circumvent failures. The requirements and design methodology which led to the definition of the building block circuits are discussed.

A Look Inside Argonne's Center for Nanoscale Materials

ScienceCinema

Divan, Ralu; Rosenthal, Dan; Rose, Volker; Wai Hla

2018-05-23

At a very small, or "nano" scale, materials behave differently. The study of nanomaterials is much more than miniaturization - scientists are discovering how changes in size change a material's properties. From sunscreen to computer memory, the applications of nanoscale materials research are all around us. Researchers at Argonne's Center for Nanoscale Materials are creating new materials, methods and technologies to address some of the world's greatest challenges in energy security, lightweight but durable materials, high-efficiency lighting, information storage, environmental stewardship and advanced medical devices.

Design and Analysis of Compact DNA Strand Displacement Circuits for Analog Computation Using Autocatalytic Amplifiers.

PubMed

Song, Tianqi; Garg, Sudhanshu; Mokhtar, Reem; Bui, Hieu; Reif, John

2018-01-19

A main goal in DNA computing is to build DNA circuits to compute designated functions using a minimal number of DNA strands. Here, we propose a novel architecture to build compact DNA strand displacement circuits to compute a broad scope of functions in an analog fashion. A circuit by this architecture is composed of three autocatalytic amplifiers, and the amplifiers interact to perform computation. We show DNA circuits to compute functions sqrt(x), ln(x) and exp(x) for x in tunable ranges with simulation results. A key innovation in our architecture, inspired by Napier's use of logarithm transforms to compute square roots on a slide rule, is to make use of autocatalytic amplifiers to do logarithmic and exponential transforms in concentration and time. In particular, we convert from the input that is encoded by the initial concentration of the input DNA strand, to time, and then back again to the output encoded by the concentration of the output DNA strand at equilibrium. This combined use of strand-concentration and time encoding of computational values may have impact on other forms of molecular computation.

Cell-specific STORM super-resolution imaging reveals nanoscale organization of cannabinoid signaling.

PubMed

Dudok, Barna; Barna, László; Ledri, Marco; Szabó, Szilárd I; Szabadits, Eszter; Pintér, Balázs; Woodhams, Stephen G; Henstridge, Christopher M; Balla, Gyula Y; Nyilas, Rita; Varga, Csaba; Lee, Sang-Hun; Matolcsi, Máté; Cervenak, Judit; Kacskovics, Imre; Watanabe, Masahiko; Sagheddu, Claudia; Melis, Miriam; Pistis, Marco; Soltesz, Ivan; Katona, István

2015-01-01

A major challenge in neuroscience is to determine the nanoscale position and quantity of signaling molecules in a cell type- and subcellular compartment-specific manner. We developed a new approach to this problem by combining cell-specific physiological and anatomical characterization with super-resolution imaging and studied the molecular and structural parameters shaping the physiological properties of synaptic endocannabinoid signaling in the mouse hippocampus. We found that axon terminals of perisomatically projecting GABAergic interneurons possessed increased CB1 receptor number, active-zone complexity and receptor/effector ratio compared with dendritically projecting interneurons, consistent with higher efficiency of cannabinoid signaling at somatic versus dendritic synapses. Furthermore, chronic Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol administration, which reduces cannabinoid efficacy on GABA release, evoked marked CB1 downregulation in a dose-dependent manner. Full receptor recovery required several weeks after the cessation of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol treatment. These findings indicate that cell type-specific nanoscale analysis of endogenous protein distribution is possible in brain circuits and identify previously unknown molecular properties controlling endocannabinoid signaling and cannabis-induced cognitive dysfunction.

Universal programmable quantum circuit schemes to emulate an operator

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

Daskin, Anmer; Grama, Ananth; Kollias, Giorgos

Unlike fixed designs, programmable circuit designs support an infinite number of operators. The functionality of a programmable circuit can be altered by simply changing the angle values of the rotation gates in the circuit. Here, we present a new quantum circuit design technique resulting in two general programmable circuit schemes. The circuit schemes can be used to simulate any given operator by setting the angle values in the circuit. This provides a fixed circuit design whose angles are determined from the elements of the given matrix-which can be non-unitary-in an efficient way. We also give both the classical and quantummore » complexity analysis for these circuits and show that the circuits require a few classical computations. For the electronic structure simulation on a quantum computer, one has to perform the following steps: prepare the initial wave function of the system; present the evolution operator U=e{sup -iHt} for a given atomic and molecular Hamiltonian H in terms of quantum gates array and apply the phase estimation algorithm to find the energy eigenvalues. Thus, in the circuit model of quantum computing for quantum chemistry, a crucial step is presenting the evolution operator for the atomic and molecular Hamiltonians in terms of quantum gate arrays. Since the presented circuit designs are independent from the matrix decomposition techniques and the global optimization processes used to find quantum circuits for a given operator, high accuracy simulations can be done for the unitary propagators of molecular Hamiltonians on quantum computers. As an example, we show how to build the circuit design for the hydrogen molecule.« less

Computer-aided engineering of semiconductor integrated circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meindl, J. D.; Dutton, R. W.; Gibbons, J. F.; Helms, C. R.; Plummer, J. D.; Tiller, W. A.; Ho, C. P.; Saraswat, K. C.; Deal, B. E.; Kamins, T. I.

1980-07-01

Economical procurement of small quantities of high performance custom integrated circuits for military systems is impeded by inadequate process, device and circuit models that handicap low cost computer aided design. The principal objective of this program is to formulate physical models of fabrication processes, devices and circuits to allow total computer-aided design of custom large-scale integrated circuits. The basic areas under investigation are (1) thermal oxidation, (2) ion implantation and diffusion, (3) chemical vapor deposition of silicon and refractory metal silicides, (4) device simulation and analytic measurements. This report discusses the fourth year of the program.

Digital circuits for computer applications: A compilation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The innovations in this updated series of compilations dealing with electronic technology represent a carefully selected collection of digital circuits which have direct application in computer oriented systems. In general, the circuits have been selected as representative items of each section and have been included on their merits of having universal applications in digital computers and digital data processing systems. As such, they should have wide appeal to the professional engineer and scientist who encounter the fundamentals of digital techniques in their daily activities. The circuits are grouped as digital logic circuits, analog to digital converters, and counters and shift registers.

Electromagnetic Compatibility Design of the Computer Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zitai, Hong

2018-02-01

Computers and the Internet have gradually penetrated into every aspect of people’s daily work. But with the improvement of electronic equipment as well as electrical system, the electromagnetic environment becomes much more complex. Electromagnetic interference has become an important factor to hinder the normal operation of electronic equipment. In order to analyse the computer circuit compatible with the electromagnetic compatibility, this paper starts from the computer electromagnetic and the conception of electromagnetic compatibility. And then, through the analysis of the main circuit and system of computer electromagnetic compatibility problems, we can design the computer circuits in term of electromagnetic compatibility. Finally, the basic contents and methods of EMC test are expounded in order to ensure the electromagnetic compatibility of equipment.

47 CFR 15.32 - Test procedures for CPU boards and computer power supplies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... result in a complete personal computer system. If the oscillator and the microprocessor circuits are... microprocessor circuits are contained on separate circuit boards, both boards, typical of the combination that...

47 CFR 15.32 - Test procedures for CPU boards and computer power supplies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... result in a complete personal computer system. If the oscillator and the microprocessor circuits are... microprocessor circuits are contained on separate circuit boards, both boards, typical of the combination that...

47 CFR 15.32 - Test procedures for CPU boards and computer power supplies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... result in a complete personal computer system. If the oscillator and the microprocessor circuits are... microprocessor circuits are contained on separate circuit boards, both boards, typical of the combination that...

47 CFR 15.32 - Test procedures for CPU boards and computer power supplies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... result in a complete personal computer system. If the oscillator and the microprocessor circuits are... microprocessor circuits are contained on separate circuit boards, both boards, typical of the combination that...

47 CFR 15.32 - Test procedures for CPU boards and computer power supplies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... result in a complete personal computer system. If the oscillator and the microprocessor circuits are... microprocessor circuits are contained on separate circuit boards, both boards, typical of the combination that...

Energy Harvesting A Nano-Scale Based Magnetothermal-Electric Element

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-21

induction ,  H  is  the...field   and   L   is   the   length   of   the  magnetic   circuit .   As   the   area,   path   length   and   applied...subsequently   annealed   to   850   C,   for   1   hour,   in   a   tube   furnace   under   a  

Energy Harvesting A Nano-Scale Based Magneto-Thermal-Electric Element

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-21

induction ,  H  is...magnetic   field   and   L   is   the   length   of   the  magnetic   circuit .   As   the   area,   path   length   and...sample   was   subsequently   annealed   to   850   C,   for   1   hour,   in   a   tube   furnace   under  

A programming language for composable DNA circuits

PubMed Central

Phillips, Andrew; Cardelli, Luca

2009-01-01

Recently, a range of information-processing circuits have been implemented in DNA by using strand displacement as their main computational mechanism. Examples include digital logic circuits and catalytic signal amplification circuits that function as efficient molecular detectors. As new paradigms for DNA computation emerge, the development of corresponding languages and tools for these paradigms will help to facilitate the design of DNA circuits and their automatic compilation to nucleotide sequences. We present a programming language for designing and simulating DNA circuits in which strand displacement is the main computational mechanism. The language includes basic elements of sequence domains, toeholds and branch migration, and assumes that strands do not possess any secondary structure. The language is used to model and simulate a variety of circuits, including an entropy-driven catalytic gate, a simple gate motif for synthesizing large-scale circuits and a scheme for implementing an arbitrary system of chemical reactions. The language is a first step towards the design of modelling and simulation tools for DNA strand displacement, which complements the emergence of novel implementation strategies for DNA computing. PMID:19535415

A programming language for composable DNA circuits.

PubMed

Phillips, Andrew; Cardelli, Luca

2009-08-06

Recently, a range of information-processing circuits have been implemented in DNA by using strand displacement as their main computational mechanism. Examples include digital logic circuits and catalytic signal amplification circuits that function as efficient molecular detectors. As new paradigms for DNA computation emerge, the development of corresponding languages and tools for these paradigms will help to facilitate the design of DNA circuits and their automatic compilation to nucleotide sequences. We present a programming language for designing and simulating DNA circuits in which strand displacement is the main computational mechanism. The language includes basic elements of sequence domains, toeholds and branch migration, and assumes that strands do not possess any secondary structure. The language is used to model and simulate a variety of circuits, including an entropy-driven catalytic gate, a simple gate motif for synthesizing large-scale circuits and a scheme for implementing an arbitrary system of chemical reactions. The language is a first step towards the design of modelling and simulation tools for DNA strand displacement, which complements the emergence of novel implementation strategies for DNA computing.

FDTD based model of ISOCT imaging for validation of nanoscale sensitivity (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eid, Aya; Zhang, Di; Yi, Ji; Backman, Vadim

2017-02-01

Many of the earliest structural changes associated with neoplasia occur on the micro and nanometer scale, and thus appear histologically normal. Our group has established Inverse Spectroscopic OCT (ISOCT), a spectral based technique to extract nanoscale sensitive metrics derived from the OCT signal. Thus, there is a need to model light transport through relatively large volumes (< 50 um^3) of media with nanoscale level resolution. Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) is an iterative approach which directly solves Maxwell's equations to robustly estimate the electric and magnetic fields propagating through a sample. The sample's refractive index for every spatial voxel and wavelength are specified upon a grid with voxel sizes on the order of λ/20, making it an ideal modelling technique for nanoscale structure analysis. Here, we utilize the FDTD technique to validate the nanoscale sensing ability of ISOCT. The use of FDTD for OCT modelling requires three components: calculating the source beam as it propagates through the optical system, computing the sample's scattered field using FDTD, and finally propagating the scattered field back through the optical system. The principles of Fourier optics are employed to focus this interference field through a 4f optical system and onto the detector. Three-dimensional numerical samples are generated from a given refractive index correlation function with known parameters, and subsequent OCT images and mass density correlation function metrics are computed. We show that while the resolvability of the OCT image remains diffraction limited, spectral analysis allows nanoscale sensitive metrics to be extracted.

Plasticity in single neuron and circuit computations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Destexhe, Alain; Marder, Eve

2004-10-01

Plasticity in neural circuits can result from alterations in synaptic strength or connectivity, as well as from changes in the excitability of the neurons themselves. To better understand the role of plasticity in the brain, we need to establish how brain circuits work and the kinds of computations that different circuit structures achieve. By linking theoretical and experimental studies, we are beginning to reveal the consequences of plasticity mechanisms for network dynamics, in both simple invertebrate circuits and the complex circuits of mammalian cerebral cortex.

Synthetic in vitro transcriptional oscillators

PubMed Central

Kim, Jongmin; Winfree, Erik

2011-01-01

The construction of synthetic biochemical circuits from simple components illuminates how complex behaviors can arise in chemistry and builds a foundation for future biological technologies. A simplified analog of genetic regulatory networks, in vitro transcriptional circuits, provides a modular platform for the systematic construction of arbitrary circuits and requires only two essential enzymes, bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase and Escherichia coli ribonuclease H, to produce and degrade RNA signals. In this study, we design and experimentally demonstrate three transcriptional oscillators in vitro. First, a negative feedback oscillator comprising two switches, regulated by excitatory and inhibitory RNA signals, showed up to five complete cycles. To demonstrate modularity and to explore the design space further, a positive-feedback loop was added that modulates and extends the oscillatory regime. Finally, a three-switch ring oscillator was constructed and analyzed. Mathematical modeling guided the design process, identified experimental conditions likely to yield oscillations, and explained the system's robust response to interference by short degradation products. Synthetic transcriptional oscillators could prove valuable for systematic exploration of biochemical circuit design principles and for controlling nanoscale devices and orchestrating processes within artificial cells. PMID:21283141

Non-unitary probabilistic quantum computing circuit and method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Colin P. (Inventor); Gingrich, Robert M. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

A quantum circuit performing quantum computation in a quantum computer. A chosen transformation of an initial n-qubit state is probabilistically obtained. The circuit comprises a unitary quantum operator obtained from a non-unitary quantum operator, operating on an n-qubit state and an ancilla state. When operation on the ancilla state provides a success condition, computation is stopped. When operation on the ancilla state provides a failure condition, computation is performed again on the ancilla state and the n-qubit state obtained in the previous computation, until a success condition is obtained.

Superior model for fault tolerance computation in designing nano-sized circuit systems

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

Singh, N. S. S., E-mail: narinderjit@petronas.com.my; Muthuvalu, M. S., E-mail: msmuthuvalu@gmail.com; Asirvadam, V. S., E-mail: vijanth-sagayan@petronas.com.my

2014-10-24

As CMOS technology scales nano-metrically, reliability turns out to be a decisive subject in the design methodology of nano-sized circuit systems. As a result, several computational approaches have been developed to compute and evaluate reliability of desired nano-electronic circuits. The process of computing reliability becomes very troublesome and time consuming as the computational complexity build ups with the desired circuit size. Therefore, being able to measure reliability instantly and superiorly is fast becoming necessary in designing modern logic integrated circuits. For this purpose, the paper firstly looks into the development of an automated reliability evaluation tool based on the generalizationmore » of Probabilistic Gate Model (PGM) and Boolean Difference-based Error Calculator (BDEC) models. The Matlab-based tool allows users to significantly speed-up the task of reliability analysis for very large number of nano-electronic circuits. Secondly, by using the developed automated tool, the paper explores into a comparative study involving reliability computation and evaluation by PGM and, BDEC models for different implementations of same functionality circuits. Based on the reliability analysis, BDEC gives exact and transparent reliability measures, but as the complexity of the same functionality circuits with respect to gate error increases, reliability measure by BDEC tends to be lower than the reliability measure by PGM. The lesser reliability measure by BDEC is well explained in this paper using distribution of different signal input patterns overtime for same functionality circuits. Simulation results conclude that the reliability measure by BDEC depends not only on faulty gates but it also depends on circuit topology, probability of input signals being one or zero and also probability of error on signal lines.« less

Analog Computation by DNA Strand Displacement Circuits.

PubMed

Song, Tianqi; Garg, Sudhanshu; Mokhtar, Reem; Bui, Hieu; Reif, John

2016-08-19

DNA circuits have been widely used to develop biological computing devices because of their high programmability and versatility. Here, we propose an architecture for the systematic construction of DNA circuits for analog computation based on DNA strand displacement. The elementary gates in our architecture include addition, subtraction, and multiplication gates. The input and output of these gates are analog, which means that they are directly represented by the concentrations of the input and output DNA strands, respectively, without requiring a threshold for converting to Boolean signals. We provide detailed domain designs and kinetic simulations of the gates to demonstrate their expected performance. On the basis of these gates, we describe how DNA circuits to compute polynomial functions of inputs can be built. Using Taylor Series and Newton Iteration methods, functions beyond the scope of polynomials can also be computed by DNA circuits built upon our architecture.

General purpose computer programs for numerically analyzing linear ac electrical and electronic circuits for steady-state conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egebrecht, R. A.; Thorbjornsen, A. R.

1967-01-01

Digital computer programs determine steady-state performance characteristics of active and passive linear circuits. The ac analysis program solves the basic circuit parameters. The compiler program solves these circuit parameters and in addition provides a more versatile program by allowing the user to perform mathematical and logical operations.

Integrating DNA strand-displacement circuitry with DNA tile self-assembly

PubMed Central

Zhang, David Yu; Hariadi, Rizal F.; Choi, Harry M.T.; Winfree, Erik

2013-01-01

DNA nanotechnology has emerged as a reliable and programmable way of controlling matter at the nanoscale through the specificity of Watson–Crick base pairing, allowing both complex self-assembled structures with nanometer precision and complex reaction networks implementing digital and analog behaviors. Here we show how two well-developed frameworks, DNA tile self-assembly and DNA strand-displacement circuits, can be systematically integrated to provide programmable kinetic control of self-assembly. We demonstrate the triggered and catalytic isothermal self-assembly of DNA nanotubes over 10 μm long from precursor DNA double-crossover tiles activated by an upstream DNA catalyst network. Integrating more sophisticated control circuits and tile systems could enable precise spatial and temporal organization of dynamic molecular structures. PMID:23756381

Maximum efficiency of state-space models of nanoscale energy conversion devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Einax, Mario; Nitzan, Abraham

2016-07-01

The performance of nano-scale energy conversion devices is studied in the framework of state-space models where a device is described by a graph comprising states and transitions between them represented by nodes and links, respectively. Particular segments of this network represent input (driving) and output processes whose properly chosen flux ratio provides the energy conversion efficiency. Simple cyclical graphs yield Carnot efficiency for the maximum conversion yield. We give general proof that opening a link that separate between the two driving segments always leads to reduced efficiency. We illustrate these general result with simple models of a thermoelectric nanodevice and an organic photovoltaic cell. In the latter an intersecting link of the above type corresponds to non-radiative carriers recombination and the reduced maximum efficiency is manifested as a smaller open-circuit voltage.

Maximum efficiency of state-space models of nanoscale energy conversion devices.

PubMed

Einax, Mario; Nitzan, Abraham

2016-07-07

The performance of nano-scale energy conversion devices is studied in the framework of state-space models where a device is described by a graph comprising states and transitions between them represented by nodes and links, respectively. Particular segments of this network represent input (driving) and output processes whose properly chosen flux ratio provides the energy conversion efficiency. Simple cyclical graphs yield Carnot efficiency for the maximum conversion yield. We give general proof that opening a link that separate between the two driving segments always leads to reduced efficiency. We illustrate these general result with simple models of a thermoelectric nanodevice and an organic photovoltaic cell. In the latter an intersecting link of the above type corresponds to non-radiative carriers recombination and the reduced maximum efficiency is manifested as a smaller open-circuit voltage.

Demonstration of Inexact Computing Implemented in the JPEG Compression Algorithm using Probabilistic Boolean Logic applied to CMOS Components

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-24

Signal to Noise Ratio SPICE Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis TIFF Tagged Image File Format USC University of Southern California xvii...sources can create errors in digital circuits. These effects can be simulated using Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis ( SPICE ) or...compute summary statistics. 4.1 Circuit Simulations Noisy analog circuits can be simulated in SPICE or Cadence SpectreTM software via noisy voltage

Computer-aided design of large-scale integrated circuits - A concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schansman, T. T.

1971-01-01

Circuit design and mask development sequence are improved by using general purpose computer with interactive graphics capability establishing efficient two way communications link between design engineer and system. Interactive graphics capability places design engineer in direct control of circuit development.

A spatially localized architecture for fast and modular DNA computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatterjee, Gourab; Dalchau, Neil; Muscat, Richard A.; Phillips, Andrew; Seelig, Georg

2017-09-01

Cells use spatial constraints to control and accelerate the flow of information in enzyme cascades and signalling networks. Synthetic silicon-based circuitry similarly relies on spatial constraints to process information. Here, we show that spatial organization can be a similarly powerful design principle for overcoming limitations of speed and modularity in engineered molecular circuits. We create logic gates and signal transmission lines by spatially arranging reactive DNA hairpins on a DNA origami. Signal propagation is demonstrated across transmission lines of different lengths and orientations and logic gates are modularly combined into circuits that establish the universality of our approach. Because reactions preferentially occur between neighbours, identical DNA hairpins can be reused across circuits. Co-localization of circuit elements decreases computation time from hours to minutes compared to circuits with diffusible components. Detailed computational models enable predictive circuit design. We anticipate our approach will motivate using spatial constraints for future molecular control circuit designs.

Petri-net-based 2D design of DNA walker circuits.

PubMed

Gilbert, David; Heiner, Monika; Rohr, Christian

2018-01-01

We consider localised DNA computation, where a DNA strand walks along a binary decision graph to compute a binary function. One of the challenges for the design of reliable walker circuits consists in leakage transitions, which occur when a walker jumps into another branch of the decision graph. We automatically identify leakage transitions, which allows for a detailed qualitative and quantitative assessment of circuit designs, design comparison, and design optimisation. The ability to identify leakage transitions is an important step in the process of optimising DNA circuit layouts where the aim is to minimise the computational error inherent in a circuit while minimising the area of the circuit. Our 2D modelling approach of DNA walker circuits relies on coloured stochastic Petri nets which enable functionality, topology and dimensionality all to be integrated in one two-dimensional model. Our modelling and analysis approach can be easily extended to 3-dimensional walker systems.

VLSI circuits implementing computational models of neocortical circuits.

PubMed

Wijekoon, Jayawan H B; Dudek, Piotr

2012-09-15

This paper overviews the design and implementation of three neuromorphic integrated circuits developed for the COLAMN ("Novel Computing Architecture for Cognitive Systems based on the Laminar Microcircuitry of the Neocortex") project. The circuits are implemented in a standard 0.35 μm CMOS technology and include spiking and bursting neuron models, and synapses with short-term (facilitating/depressing) and long-term (STDP and dopamine-modulated STDP) dynamics. They enable execution of complex nonlinear models in accelerated-time, as compared with biology, and with low power consumption. The neural dynamics are implemented using analogue circuit techniques, with digital asynchronous event-based input and output. The circuits provide configurable hardware blocks that can be used to simulate a variety of neural networks. The paper presents experimental results obtained from the fabricated devices, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the analogue circuit approach to computational neural modelling. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dopant atoms as quantum components in silicon nanoscale devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xiaosong; Han, Weihua; Wang, Hao; Ma, Liuhong; Li, Xiaoming; Zhang, Wang; Yan, Wei; Yang, Fuhua

2018-06-01

Recent progress in nanoscale fabrication allows many fundamental studies of the few dopant atoms in various semiconductor nanostructures. Since the size of nanoscale devices has touched the limit of the nature, a single dopant atom may dominate the performance of the device. Besides, the quantum computing considered as a future choice beyond Moore's law also utilizes dopant atoms as functional units. Therefore, the dopant atoms will play a significant role in the future novel nanoscale devices. This review focuses on the study of few dopant atoms as quantum components in silicon nanoscale device. The control of the number of dopant atoms and unique quantum transport characteristics induced by dopant atoms are presented. It can be predicted that the development of nanoelectronics based on dopant atoms will pave the way for new possibilities in quantum electronics. Project supported by National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2016YFA0200503).

Electric Circuit Theory--Computer Illustrated Text.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riches, Brian

1990-01-01

Discusses the use of a computer-illustrated text (CIT) with integrated software to teach electric circuit theory to college students. Examples of software use are given, including simple animation, graphical displays, and problem-solving programs. Issues affecting electric circuit theory instruction are also addressed, including mathematical…

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

Deng, Junjing; Hong, Young Pyo; Chen, Si

Modern integrated circuits (ICs) employ a myriad of materials organized at nanoscale dimensions, and certain critical tolerances must be met for them to function. To understand departures from intended functionality, it is essential to examine ICs as manufactured so as to adjust design rules ideally in a nondestructive way so that imaged structures can be correlated with electrical performance. Electron microscopes can do this on thin regions or on exposed surfaces, but the required processing alters or even destroys functionality. Microscopy with multi-keV x-rays provides an alternative approach with greater penetration, but the spatial resolution of x-ray imaging lenses hasmore » not allowed one to see the required detail in the latest generation of ICs. X-ray ptychography provides a way to obtain images of ICs without lens-imposed resolution limits with past work delivering 20–40-nm resolution on thinned ICs. We describe a simple model for estimating the required exposure and use it to estimate the future potential for this technique. Here we show that this approach can be used to image circuit detail through an unprocessed 300-μm-thick silicon wafer with sub-20-nm detail clearly resolved after mechanical polishing to 240-μm thickness was used to eliminate image contrast caused by Si wafer surface scratches. Here, by using continuous x-ray scanning, massively parallel computation, and a new generation of synchrotron light sources, this should enable entire nonetched ICs to be imaged to 10-nm resolution or better while maintaining their ability to function in electrical tests.« less

Simple proof of equivalence between adiabatic quantum computation and the circuit model.

PubMed

Mizel, Ari; Lidar, Daniel A; Mitchell, Morgan

2007-08-17

We prove the equivalence between adiabatic quantum computation and quantum computation in the circuit model. An explicit adiabatic computation procedure is given that generates a ground state from which the answer can be extracted. The amount of time needed is evaluated by computing the gap. We show that the procedure is computationally efficient.

A reliable ground bounce noise reduction technique for nanoscale CMOS circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Vijay Kumar; Pattanaik, Manisha

2015-11-01

Power gating is the most effective method to reduce the standby leakage power by adding header/footer high-VTH sleep transistors between actual and virtual power/ground rails. When a power gating circuit transitions from sleep mode to active mode, a large instantaneous charge current flows through the sleep transistors. Ground bounce noise (GBN) is the high voltage fluctuation on real ground rail during sleep mode to active mode transitions of power gating circuits. GBN disturbs the logic states of internal nodes of circuits. A novel and reliable power gating structure is proposed in this article to reduce the problem of GBN. The proposed structure contains low-VTH transistors in place of high-VTH footer. The proposed power gating structure not only reduces the GBN but also improves other performance metrics. A large mitigation of leakage power in both modes eliminates the need of high-VTH transistors. A comprehensive and comparative evaluation of proposed technique is presented in this article for a chain of 5-CMOS inverters. The simulation results are compared to other well-known GBN reduction circuit techniques at 22 nm predictive technology model (PTM) bulk CMOS model using HSPICE tool. Robustness against process, voltage and temperature (PVT) variations is estimated through Monte-Carlo simulations.

Neuromorphic crossbar circuit with nanoscale filamentary-switching binary memristors for speech recognition.

PubMed

Truong, Son Ngoc; Ham, Seok-Jin; Min, Kyeong-Sik

2014-01-01

In this paper, a neuromorphic crossbar circuit with binary memristors is proposed for speech recognition. The binary memristors which are based on filamentary-switching mechanism can be found more popularly and are easy to be fabricated than analog memristors that are rare in materials and need a more complicated fabrication process. Thus, we develop a neuromorphic crossbar circuit using filamentary-switching binary memristors not using interface-switching analog memristors. The proposed binary memristor crossbar can recognize five vowels with 4-bit 64 input channels. The proposed crossbar is tested by 2,500 speech samples and verified to be able to recognize 89.2% of the tested samples. From the statistical simulation, the recognition rate of the binary memristor crossbar is estimated to be degraded very little from 89.2% to 80%, though the percentage variation in memristance is increased very much from 0% to 15%. In contrast, the analog memristor crossbar loses its recognition rate significantly from 96% to 9% for the same percentage variation in memristance.

Enhanced ground bounce noise reduction in a low-leakage CMOS multiplier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Bipin Kumar; Akashe, Shyam; Sharma, Sanjay

2015-09-01

In this paper, various parameters are used to reduce leakage power, leakage current and noise margin of circuits to enhance their performance. A multiplier is proposed with low-leakage current and low ground bounce noise for the microprocessor, digital signal processors (DSP) and graphics engines. The ground bounce noise problem appears when a conventional power-gating circuit transits from sleep-to-active mode. This paper discusses a reduction in leakage current in the stacking power-gating technique by three modes - sleep, active and sleep-to-active. The simulation results are performed on a 4 × 4 carry-save multiplier for leakage current, active power, leakage power and ground bounce noise, and comparison made for different nanoscales. Ground bounce noise is limited to 90%. The leakage current of the circuit is decimated up to 80% and the active power is reduced to 31%. We performed simulations using cadence virtuoso 180 and 45 nm at room temperature at various supply voltages.

An Optimized Three-Level Design of Decoder Based on Nanoscale Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seyedi, Saeid; Navimipour, Nima Jafari

2018-03-01

Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) has been potentially considered as a supersede to Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) because of its inherent advantages. Many QCA-based logic circuits with smaller feature size, improved operating frequency, and lower power consumption than CMOS have been offered. This technology works based on electron relations inside quantum-dots. Due to the importance of designing an optimized decoder in any digital circuit, in this paper, we design, implement and simulate a new 2-to-4 decoder based on QCA with low delay, area, and complexity. The logic functionality of the 2-to-4 decoder is verified using the QCADesigner tool. The results have shown that the proposed QCA-based decoder has high performance in terms of a number of cells, covered area, and time delay. Due to the lower clock pulse frequency, the proposed 2-to-4 decoder is helpful for building QCA-based sequential digital circuits with high performance.

CIRCUS--A digital computer program for transient analysis of electronic circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, W. T.; Steinbert, L. L.

1968-01-01

Computer program simulates the time domain response of an electronic circuit to an arbitrary forcing function. CIRCUS uses a charge-control parameter model to represent each semiconductor device. Given the primary photocurrent, the transient behavior of a circuit in a radiation environment is determined.

Nanoscale solid-state quantum computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ardavan, A.; Austwick, M.; Benjamin, S.C.; Briggs, G.A.D.; Dennis, T.J.S.; Ferguson, A.; Hasko, D.G.; Kanai, M.; Khlobystov, A.N.; Lovett, B.W.; Morley, G.W.; Oliver, R.A.; Pettifor, D.G.; Porfyrakis, K.; Reina, J.H.; Rice, J.H.; Smith, J.D.; Taylor, R.A.; Williams, D.A.; Adelmann, C.; Mariette, H.; Hamers, R.J.

2003-07-01

Most experts agree that it is too early to say how quantum computers will eventually be built, and several nanoscale solid-state schemes are being implemented in a range of materials. Nanofabricated quantum dots can be made in designer configurations, with established technology for controlling interactions and for reading out results. Epitaxial quantum dots can be grown in vertical arrays in semiconductors, and ultrafast optical techniques are available for controlling and measuring their excitations. Single-walled carbon nanotubes can be used for molecular self-assembly of endohedral fullerenes, which can embody quantum information in the electron spin. The challenges of individual addressing in such tiny structures could rapidly become intractable with increasing numbers of qubits, but these schemes are amenable to global addressing methods for computation.

GaAs Optoelectronic Integrated-Circuit Neurons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, Steven H.; Kim, Jae H.; Psaltis, Demetri

1992-01-01

Monolithic GaAs optoelectronic integrated circuits developed for use as artificial neurons. Neural-network computer contains planar arrays of optoelectronic neurons, and variable synaptic connections between neurons effected by diffraction of light from volume hologram in photorefractive material. Basic principles of neural-network computers explained more fully in "Optoelectronic Integrated Circuits For Neural Networks" (NPO-17652). In present circuits, devices replaced by metal/semiconductor field effect transistors (MESFET's), which consume less power.

Computer-aided linear-circuit design.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Penfield, P.

1971-01-01

Usually computer-aided design (CAD) refers to programs that analyze circuits conceived by the circuit designer. Among the services such programs should perform are direct network synthesis, analysis, optimization of network parameters, formatting, storage of miscellaneous data, and related calculations. The program should be embedded in a general-purpose conversational language such as BASIC, JOSS, or APL. Such a program is MARTHA, a general-purpose linear-circuit analyzer embedded in APL.

PERSONAL COMPUTER MONITORS: A SCREENING EVALUATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC EMISSIONS FROM EXISTING PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD LAMINATES AND POTENTIAL POLLUTION PREVENTION ALTERNATIVES

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of a screening evaluation of volatile organic emissions from printed circuit board laminates and potential pollution prevention alternatives. In the evaluation, printed circuit board laminates, without circuitry, commonly found in personal computer (PC) m...

Synthetic analog computation in living cells.

PubMed

Daniel, Ramiz; Rubens, Jacob R; Sarpeshkar, Rahul; Lu, Timothy K

2013-05-30

A central goal of synthetic biology is to achieve multi-signal integration and processing in living cells for diagnostic, therapeutic and biotechnology applications. Digital logic has been used to build small-scale circuits, but other frameworks may be needed for efficient computation in the resource-limited environments of cells. Here we demonstrate that synthetic analog gene circuits can be engineered to execute sophisticated computational functions in living cells using just three transcription factors. Such synthetic analog gene circuits exploit feedback to implement logarithmically linear sensing, addition, ratiometric and power-law computations. The circuits exhibit Weber's law behaviour as in natural biological systems, operate over a wide dynamic range of up to four orders of magnitude and can be designed to have tunable transfer functions. Our circuits can be composed to implement higher-order functions that are well described by both intricate biochemical models and simple mathematical functions. By exploiting analog building-block functions that are already naturally present in cells, this approach efficiently implements arithmetic operations and complex functions in the logarithmic domain. Such circuits may lead to new applications for synthetic biology and biotechnology that require complex computations with limited parts, need wide-dynamic-range biosensing or would benefit from the fine control of gene expression.

New Deformation-Induced Nanostructure in Silicon.

PubMed

Wang, Bo; Zhang, Zhenyu; Chang, Keke; Cui, Junfeng; Rosenkranz, Andreas; Yu, Jinhong; Lin, Cheng-Te; Chen, Guoxin; Zang, Ketao; Luo, Jun; Jiang, Nan; Guo, Dongming

2018-06-18

Nanostructures in silicon (Si) induced by phase transformations have been investigated during the past 50 years. Performances of nanostructures are improved compared to that of bulk counterparts. Nevertheless, the confinement and loading conditions are insufficient to machine and fabricate high-performance devices. As a consequence, nanostructures fabricated by nanoscale deformation at loading speeds of m/s have not been demonstrated yet. In this study, grinding or scratching at a speed of 40.2 m/s was performed on a custom-made setup by an especially designed diamond tip (calculated stress under the diamond tip in the order of 5.11 GPa). This leads to a novel approach for the fabrication of nanostructures by nanoscale deformation at loading speeds of m/s. A new deformation-induced nanostructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), consisting of an amorphous phase, a new tetragonal phase, slip bands, twinning superlattices, and a single crystal. The formation mechanism of the new phase was elucidated by ab initio simulations at shear stress of about 2.16 GPa. This approach opens a new route for the fabrication of nanostructures by nanoscale deformation at speeds of m/s. Our findings provide new insights for potential applications in transistors, integrated circuits, diodes, solar cells, and energy storage systems.

The evolvability of programmable hardware.

PubMed

Raman, Karthik; Wagner, Andreas

2011-02-06

In biological systems, individual phenotypes are typically adopted by multiple genotypes. Examples include protein structure phenotypes, where each structure can be adopted by a myriad individual amino acid sequence genotypes. These genotypes form vast connected 'neutral networks' in genotype space. The size of such neutral networks endows biological systems not only with robustness to genetic change, but also with the ability to evolve a vast number of novel phenotypes that occur near any one neutral network. Whether technological systems can be designed to have similar properties is poorly understood. Here we ask this question for a class of programmable electronic circuits that compute digital logic functions. The functional flexibility of such circuits is important in many applications, including applications of evolutionary principles to circuit design. The functions they compute are at the heart of all digital computation. We explore a vast space of 10(45) logic circuits ('genotypes') and 10(19) logic functions ('phenotypes'). We demonstrate that circuits that compute the same logic function are connected in large neutral networks that span circuit space. Their robustness or fault-tolerance varies very widely. The vicinity of each neutral network contains circuits with a broad range of novel functions. Two circuits computing different functions can usually be converted into one another via few changes in their architecture. These observations show that properties important for the evolvability of biological systems exist in a commercially important class of electronic circuitry. They also point to generic ways to generate fault-tolerant, adaptable and evolvable electronic circuitry.

The evolvability of programmable hardware

PubMed Central

Raman, Karthik; Wagner, Andreas

2011-01-01

In biological systems, individual phenotypes are typically adopted by multiple genotypes. Examples include protein structure phenotypes, where each structure can be adopted by a myriad individual amino acid sequence genotypes. These genotypes form vast connected ‘neutral networks’ in genotype space. The size of such neutral networks endows biological systems not only with robustness to genetic change, but also with the ability to evolve a vast number of novel phenotypes that occur near any one neutral network. Whether technological systems can be designed to have similar properties is poorly understood. Here we ask this question for a class of programmable electronic circuits that compute digital logic functions. The functional flexibility of such circuits is important in many applications, including applications of evolutionary principles to circuit design. The functions they compute are at the heart of all digital computation. We explore a vast space of 1045 logic circuits (‘genotypes’) and 1019 logic functions (‘phenotypes’). We demonstrate that circuits that compute the same logic function are connected in large neutral networks that span circuit space. Their robustness or fault-tolerance varies very widely. The vicinity of each neutral network contains circuits with a broad range of novel functions. Two circuits computing different functions can usually be converted into one another via few changes in their architecture. These observations show that properties important for the evolvability of biological systems exist in a commercially important class of electronic circuitry. They also point to generic ways to generate fault-tolerant, adaptable and evolvable electronic circuitry. PMID:20534598

Nanotools for Neuroscience and Brain Activity Mapping

PubMed Central

Alivisatos, A. Paul; Andrews, Anne M.; Boyden, Edward S.; Chun, Miyoung; Church, George M.; Deisseroth, Karl; Donoghue, John P.; Fraser, Scott E.; Lippincott-Schwartz, Jennifer; Looger, Loren L.; Masmanidis, Sotiris; McEuen, Paul L.; Nurmikko, Arto V.; Park, Hongkun; Peterka, Darcy S.; Reid, Clay; Roukes, Michael L.; Scherer, Axel; Schnitzer, Mark; Sejnowski, Terrence J.; Shepard, Kenneth L.; Tsao, Doris; Turrigiano, Gina; Weiss, Paul S.; Xu, Chris; Yuste, Rafael; Zhuang, Xiaowei

2013-01-01

Neuroscience is at a crossroads. Great effort is being invested into deciphering specific neural interactions and circuits. At the same time, there exist few general theories or principles that explain brain function. We attribute this disparity, in part, to limitations in current methodologies. Traditional neurophysiological approaches record the activities of one neuron or a few neurons at a time. Neurochemical approaches focus on single neurotransmitters. Yet, there is an increasing realization that neural circuits operate at emergent levels, where the interactions between hundreds or thousands of neurons, utilizing multiple chemical transmitters, generate functional states. Brains function at the nanoscale, so tools to study brains must ultimately operate at this scale, as well. Nanoscience and nanotechnology are poised to provide a rich toolkit of novel methods to explore brain function by enabling simultaneous measurement and manipulation of activity of thousands or even millions of neurons. We and others refer to this goal as the Brain Activity Mapping Project. In this Nano Focus, we discuss how recent developments in nanoscale analysis tools and in the design and synthesis of nanomaterials have generated optical, electrical, and chemical methods that can readily be adapted for use in neuroscience. These approaches represent exciting areas of technical development and research. Moreover, unique opportunities exist for nanoscientists, nanotechnologists, and other physical scientists and engineers to contribute to tackling the challenging problems involved in understanding the fundamentals of brain function. PMID:23514423

Compact chromium oxide thin film resistors for use in nanoscale quantum circuits

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

Nash, C. R.; Fenton, J. C.; Constantino, N. G. N.

We report on the electrical characterisation of a series of thin amorphous chromium oxide (CrO{sub x}) films, grown by dc sputtering, to evaluate their suitability for use as on-chip resistors in nanoelectronics. By increasing the level of oxygen doping, the room-temperature sheet resistance of the CrO{sub x} films was varied from 28 Ω/◻ to 32.6 kΩ/◻. The variation in resistance with cooling to 4.2 K in liquid helium was investigated; the sheet resistance at 4.2 K varied with composition from 65 Ω/◻ to above 20 GΩ/◻. All of the films measured displayed linear current–voltage characteristics at all measured temperatures. For on-chip devices for quantummore » phase-slip measurements using niobium–silicon nanowires, interfaces between niobium–silicon and chromium oxide are required. We also characterised the contact resistance for one CrO{sub x} composition at an interface with niobium–silicon. We found that a gold intermediate layer is favourable: the specific contact resistivity of chromium-oxide-to-gold interfaces was 0.14 mΩcm{sup 2}, much lower than the value for direct CrO{sub x} to niobium–silicon contact. We conclude that these chromium oxide films are suitable for use in nanoscale circuits as high-value resistors, with resistivity tunable by oxygen content.« less

Functional Circuitry on Commercial Fabric via Textile-Compatible Nanoscale Film Coating Process for Fibertronics.

PubMed

Bae, Hagyoul; Jang, Byung Chul; Park, Hongkeun; Jung, Soo-Ho; Lee, Hye Moon; Park, Jun-Young; Jeon, Seung-Bae; Son, Gyeongho; Tcho, Il-Woong; Yu, Kyoungsik; Im, Sung Gap; Choi, Sung-Yool; Choi, Yang-Kyu

2017-10-11

Fabric-based electronic textiles (e-textiles) are the fundamental components of wearable electronic systems, which can provide convenient hand-free access to computer and electronics applications. However, e-textile technologies presently face significant technical challenges. These challenges include difficulties of fabrication due to the delicate nature of the materials, and limited operating time, a consequence of the conventional normally on computing architecture, with volatile power-hungry electronic components, and modest battery storage. Here, we report a novel poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (pEGDMA)-textile memristive nonvolatile logic-in-memory circuit, enabling normally off computing, that can overcome those challenges. To form the metal electrode and resistive switching layer, strands of cotton yarn were coated with aluminum (Al) using a solution dip coating method, and the pEGDMA was conformally applied using an initiated chemical vapor deposition process. The intersection of two Al/pEGDMA coated yarns becomes a unit memristor in the lattice structure. The pEGDMA-Textile Memristor (ETM), a form of crossbar array, was interwoven using a grid of Al/pEGDMA coated yarns and untreated yarns. The former were employed in the active memristor and the latter suppressed cell-to-cell disturbance. We experimentally demonstrated for the first time that the basic Boolean functions, including a half adder as well as NOT, NOR, OR, AND, and NAND logic gates, are successfully implemented with the ETM crossbar array on a fabric substrate. This research may represent a breakthrough development for practical wearable and smart fibertronics.

Catalytic nucleic acids (DNAzymes) as functional units for logic gates and computing circuits: from basic principles to practical applications.

PubMed

Orbach, Ron; Willner, Bilha; Willner, Itamar

2015-03-11

This feature article addresses the implementation of catalytic nucleic acids as functional units for the construction of logic gates and computing circuits, and discusses the future applications of these systems. The assembly of computational modules composed of DNAzymes has led to the operation of a universal set of logic gates, to field programmable logic gates and computing circuits, to the development of multiplexers/demultiplexers, and to full-adder systems. Also, DNAzyme cascades operating as logic gates and computing circuits were demonstrated. DNAzyme logic systems find important practical applications. These include the use of DNAzyme-based systems for sensing and multiplexed analyses, for the development of controlled release and drug delivery systems, for regulating intracellular biosynthetic pathways, and for the programmed synthesis and operation of cascades.

Compact modeling of nanoscale triple-gate junctionless transistors covering drift-diffusion to quasi-ballistic carrier transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oproglidis, T. A.; Karatsori, T. A.; Barraud, S.; Ghibaudo, G.; Dimitriadis, C. A.

2018-04-01

In this work, we extend our analytical compact model for nanoscale junctionless triple-gate (JL TG) MOSFETs, capturing carrier transport from drift-diffusion to quasi-ballistic regime. This is based on a simple formulation of the low-field mobility extracted from experimental data using the Y-function method, taking into account the ballistic carrier motion and an increased carrier scattering in process-induced defects near the source/drain regions. The case of a Schottky junction in non-ideal ohmic contact at the drain side was also taken into account by modifying the threshold voltage and ideality factor of the JL transistor. The model is validated with experimental data for n-channel JL TG MOSFETs with channel length varying from 95 down to 25 nm. It can be easily implemented as a compact model for use in Spice circuit simulators.

Epitaxial strain relaxation by provoking edge dislocation dipoles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soufi, A.; El-Hami, K.

2018-02-01

Thin solid films have been used in various devices and engineering systems such as rapid development of highly integrated electronic circuits, the use of surface coatings to protect structural materials in high temperature environments, and thin films are integral parts of many micro-electro-mechanical systems designed to serve as sensors, actuators. Among techniques of ultra-thin films deposition, the heteroepitaxial method becomes the most useful at nanoscale level to obtain performed materials in various applications areas. On the other hand, stresses that appeared during the elaboration of thin films could rise deformations and fractures in materials. The key solution to solve this problem at the nanoscale level is the nucleation of interface dislocations from free surfaces. By provoking edge dislocation dipoles we obtained a strain relaxation in thin films. Moreover, the dynamic of nucleation in edge dislocations from free lateral surfaces was also studied.

Neural assembly models derived through nano-scale measurements.

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

Fan, Hongyou; Branda, Catherine; Schiek, Richard Louis

2009-09-01

This report summarizes accomplishments of a three-year project focused on developing technical capabilities for measuring and modeling neuronal processes at the nanoscale. It was successfully demonstrated that nanoprobes could be engineered that were biocompatible, and could be biofunctionalized, that responded within the range of voltages typically associated with a neuronal action potential. Furthermore, the Xyce parallel circuit simulator was employed and models incorporated for simulating the ion channel and cable properties of neuronal membranes. The ultimate objective of the project had been to employ nanoprobes in vivo, with the nematode C elegans, and derive a simulation based on the resultingmore » data. Techniques were developed allowing the nanoprobes to be injected into the nematode and the neuronal response recorded. To the authors's knowledge, this is the first occasion in which nanoparticles have been successfully employed as probes for recording neuronal response in an in vivo animal experimental protocol.« less

Nanoscale cryptography: opportunities and challenges.

PubMed

Masoumi, Massoud; Shi, Weidong; Xu, Lei

2015-01-01

While most of the electronics industry is dependent on the ever-decreasing size of lithographic transistors, this scaling cannot continue indefinitely. To improve the performance of the integrated circuits, new emerging and paradigms are needed. In recent years, nanoelectronics has become one of the most important and exciting forefront in science and engineering. It shows a great promise for providing us in the near future with many breakthroughs that change the direction of technological advances in a wide range of applications. In this paper, we discuss the contribution that nanotechnology may offer to the evolution of cryptographic hardware and embedded systems and demonstrate how nanoscale devices can be used for constructing security primitives. Using a custom set of design automation tools, it is demonstrated that relative to a conventional 45-nm CMOS system, performance gains can be obtained up to two orders of magnitude reduction in area and up to 50 % improvement in speed.

Nanoscale imaging of photocurrent enhancement by resonator array photovoltaic coatings.

PubMed

Ha, Dongheon; Yoon, Yohan; Zhitenev, Nikolai B

2018-04-06

Nanoscale surface patterning commonly used to increase absorption of solar cells can adversely impact the open-circuit voltage due to increased surface area and recombination. Here, we demonstrate absorptivity and photocurrent enhancement using silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) nanosphere arrays on a gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cell that do not require direct surface patterning. Due to the combined effects of thin-film interference and whispering gallery-like resonances within nanosphere arrays, there is more than 20% enhancement in both absorptivity and photocurrent. To determine the effect of the resonance coupling between nanospheres, we perform a scanning photocurrent microscopy based on a near-field scanning optical microscopy measurement and find a substantial local photocurrent enhancement. The nanosphere-based antireflection coating (ARC), made by the Meyer rod rolling technique, is a scalable and a room-temperature process; and, can replace the conventional thin-film-based ARCs requiring expensive high-temperature vacuum deposition.

Nanoscale imaging of photocurrent enhancement by resonator array photovoltaic coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ha, Dongheon; Yoon, Yohan; Zhitenev, Nikolai B.

2018-04-01

Nanoscale surface patterning commonly used to increase absorption of solar cells can adversely impact the open-circuit voltage due to increased surface area and recombination. Here, we demonstrate absorptivity and photocurrent enhancement using silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanosphere arrays on a gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cell that do not require direct surface patterning. Due to the combined effects of thin-film interference and whispering gallery-like resonances within nanosphere arrays, there is more than 20% enhancement in both absorptivity and photocurrent. To determine the effect of the resonance coupling between nanospheres, we perform a scanning photocurrent microscopy based on a near-field scanning optical microscopy measurement and find a substantial local photocurrent enhancement. The nanosphere-based antireflection coating (ARC), made by the Meyer rod rolling technique, is a scalable and a room-temperature process; and, can replace the conventional thin-film-based ARCs requiring expensive high-temperature vacuum deposition.

A preferential design approach for energy-efficient and robust implantable neural signal processing hardware.

PubMed

Narasimhan, Seetharam; Chiel, Hillel J; Bhunia, Swarup

2009-01-01

For implantable neural interface applications, it is important to compress data and analyze spike patterns across multiple channels in real time. Such a computational task for online neural data processing requires an innovative circuit-architecture level design approach for low-power, robust and area-efficient hardware implementation. Conventional microprocessor or Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chips would dissipate too much power and are too large in size for an implantable system. In this paper, we propose a novel hardware design approach, referred to as "Preferential Design" that exploits the nature of the neural signal processing algorithm to achieve a low-voltage, robust and area-efficient implementation using nanoscale process technology. The basic idea is to isolate the critical components with respect to system performance and design them more conservatively compared to the noncritical ones. This allows aggressive voltage scaling for low power operation while ensuring robustness and area efficiency. We have applied the proposed approach to a neural signal processing algorithm using the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and observed significant improvement in power and robustness over conventional design.

Computational Methods for Nanoscale X-ray Computed Tomography Image Analysis of Fuel Cell and Battery Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Arjun S.

Over the last fifteen years, there has been a rapid growth in the use of high resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT) imaging in material science applications. We use it at nanoscale resolutions up to 50 nm (nano-CT) for key research problems in large scale operation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries in automotive applications. PEMFC are clean energy sources that electrochemically react with hydrogen gas to produce water and electricity. To reduce their costs, capturing their electrode nanostructure has become significant in modeling and optimizing their performance. For Li-ion batteries, a key challenge in increasing their scope for the automotive industry is Li metal dendrite growth. Li dendrites are structures of lithium with 100 nm features of interest that can grow chaotically within a battery and eventually lead to a short-circuit. HRXCT imaging is an effective diagnostics tool for such applications as it is a non-destructive method of capturing the 3D internal X-ray absorption coefficient of materials from a large series of 2D X-ray projections. Despite a recent push to use HRXCT for quantitative information on material samples, there is a relative dearth of computational tools in nano-CT image processing and analysis. Hence, we focus on developing computational methods for nano-CT image analysis of fuel cell and battery materials as required by the limitations in material samples and the imaging environment. The first problem we address is the segmentation of nano-CT Zernike phase contrast images. Nano-CT instruments are equipped with Zernike phase contrast optics to distinguish materials with a low difference in X-ray absorption coefficient by phase shifting the X-ray wave that is not diffracted by the sample. However, it creates image artifacts that hinder the use of traditional image segmentation techniques. To restore such images, we setup an inverse problem by modeling the X-ray phase contrast optics. We solve for the artifact-free images through an optimization function that uses novel edge detection and fast image interpolation methods. We use this optics-based segmentation method in two main research problems - 1) the characterization of a failure mechanism in the internal structure of Li-ion battery electrodes and 2) the measurement of Li metal dendrite morphology for different current and temperature parameters of Li-ion battery cell operation. The second problem we address is the development of a space+time (4D) reconstruction method for in-operando imaging of samples undergoing temporal change, particularly for X-ray sources with low throughput and nanoscale spatial resolutions. The challenge in using such systems is achieving a sufficient temporal resolution despite exposure times of a 2D projection on the order of 1 minute. We develop a 4D dynamic X-ray computed tomography (CT) reconstruction method, capable of reconstructing a temporal 3D image every 2 to 8 projections. Its novel properties are its projection angle sequence and the probabilistic detection of experimental change. We show its accuracy on phantom and experimental datasets to show its promise in temporally resolving Li metal dendrite growth and in elucidating mitigation strategies.

Equivalent circuit simulation of HPEM-induced transient responses at nonlinear loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotzev, Miroslav; Bi, Xiaotang; Kreitlow, Matthias; Gronwald, Frank

2017-09-01

In this paper the equivalent circuit modeling of a nonlinearly loaded loop antenna and its transient responses to HPEM field excitations are investigated. For the circuit modeling the general strategy to characterize the nonlinearly loaded antenna by a linear and a nonlinear circuit part is pursued. The linear circuit part can be determined by standard methods of antenna theory and numerical field computation. The modeling of the nonlinear circuit part requires realistic circuit models of the nonlinear loads that are given by Schottky diodes. Combining both parts, appropriate circuit models are obtained and analyzed by means of a standard SPICE circuit simulator. It is the main result that in this way full-wave simulation results can be reproduced. Furthermore it is clearly seen that the equivalent circuit modeling offers considerable advantages with respect to computation speed and also leads to improved physical insights regarding the coupling between HPEM field excitation and nonlinearly loaded loop antenna.

THz-circuits driven by photo-thermoelectric, gate-tunable graphene-junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brenneis, Andreas; Schade, Felix; Drieschner, Simon; Heimbach, Florian; Karl, Helmut; Garrido, Jose A.; Holleitner, Alexander W.

2016-10-01

For future on-chip communication schemes, it is essential to integrate nanoscale materials with an ultrafast optoelectronic functionality into high-frequency circuits. The atomically thin graphene has been widely demonstrated to be suitable for photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices because of its broadband optical absorption and its high electron mobility. Moreover, the ultrafast relaxation of photogenerated charge carriers has been verified in graphene. Here, we show that dual-gated graphene junctions can be functional parts of THz-circuits. As the underlying optoelectronic process, we exploit ultrafast photo-thermoelectric currents. We describe an immediate photo-thermoelectric current of the unbiased device following a femtosecond laser excitation. For a picosecond time-scale after the optical excitation, an additional photo-thermoelectric contribution shows up, which exhibits the fingerprint of a spatially inverted temperature profile. The latter can be understood by the different time-constants and thermal coupling mechanisms of the electron and phonon baths within graphene to the substrate and the metal contacts. The interplay of the processes gives rise to ultrafast electromagnetic transients in high-frequency circuits, and it is equally important for a fundamental understanding of graphene-based ultrafast photodetectors and switches.

THz-circuits driven by photo-thermoelectric, gate-tunable graphene-junctions

PubMed Central

Brenneis, Andreas; Schade, Felix; Drieschner, Simon; Heimbach, Florian; Karl, Helmut; Garrido, Jose A.; Holleitner, Alexander W.

2016-01-01

For future on-chip communication schemes, it is essential to integrate nanoscale materials with an ultrafast optoelectronic functionality into high-frequency circuits. The atomically thin graphene has been widely demonstrated to be suitable for photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices because of its broadband optical absorption and its high electron mobility. Moreover, the ultrafast relaxation of photogenerated charge carriers has been verified in graphene. Here, we show that dual-gated graphene junctions can be functional parts of THz-circuits. As the underlying optoelectronic process, we exploit ultrafast photo-thermoelectric currents. We describe an immediate photo-thermoelectric current of the unbiased device following a femtosecond laser excitation. For a picosecond time-scale after the optical excitation, an additional photo-thermoelectric contribution shows up, which exhibits the fingerprint of a spatially inverted temperature profile. The latter can be understood by the different time-constants and thermal coupling mechanisms of the electron and phonon baths within graphene to the substrate and the metal contacts. The interplay of the processes gives rise to ultrafast electromagnetic transients in high-frequency circuits, and it is equally important for a fundamental understanding of graphene-based ultrafast photodetectors and switches. PMID:27762291

THz-circuits driven by photo-thermoelectric, gate-tunable graphene-junctions.

PubMed

Brenneis, Andreas; Schade, Felix; Drieschner, Simon; Heimbach, Florian; Karl, Helmut; Garrido, Jose A; Holleitner, Alexander W

2016-10-20

For future on-chip communication schemes, it is essential to integrate nanoscale materials with an ultrafast optoelectronic functionality into high-frequency circuits. The atomically thin graphene has been widely demonstrated to be suitable for photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices because of its broadband optical absorption and its high electron mobility. Moreover, the ultrafast relaxation of photogenerated charge carriers has been verified in graphene. Here, we show that dual-gated graphene junctions can be functional parts of THz-circuits. As the underlying optoelectronic process, we exploit ultrafast photo-thermoelectric currents. We describe an immediate photo-thermoelectric current of the unbiased device following a femtosecond laser excitation. For a picosecond time-scale after the optical excitation, an additional photo-thermoelectric contribution shows up, which exhibits the fingerprint of a spatially inverted temperature profile. The latter can be understood by the different time-constants and thermal coupling mechanisms of the electron and phonon baths within graphene to the substrate and the metal contacts. The interplay of the processes gives rise to ultrafast electromagnetic transients in high-frequency circuits, and it is equally important for a fundamental understanding of graphene-based ultrafast photodetectors and switches.

E-Learning System Using Segmentation-Based MR Technique for Learning Circuit Construction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Takemura, Atsushi

2016-01-01

This paper proposes a novel e-Learning system using the mixed reality (MR) technique for technical experiments involving the construction of electronic circuits. The proposed system comprises experimenters' mobile computers and a remote analysis system. When constructing circuits, each learner uses a mobile computer to transmit image data from the…

State-variable analysis of non-linear circuits with a desk computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, E.

1981-01-01

State variable analysis was used to analyze the transient performance of non-linear circuits on a desk top computer. The non-linearities considered were not restricted to any circuit element. All that is required for analysis is the relationship defining each non-linearity be known in terms of points on a curve.

Logic circuits from zero forcing.

PubMed

Burgarth, Daniel; Giovannetti, Vittorio; Hogben, Leslie; Severini, Simone; Young, Michael

We design logic circuits based on the notion of zero forcing on graphs; each gate of the circuits is a gadget in which zero forcing is performed. We show that such circuits can evaluate every monotone Boolean function. By using two vertices to encode each logical bit, we obtain universal computation. We also highlight a phenomenon of "back forcing" as a property of each function. Such a phenomenon occurs in a circuit when the input of gates which have been already used at a given time step is further modified by a computation actually performed at a later stage. Finally, we show that zero forcing can be also used to implement reversible computation. The model introduced here provides a potentially new tool in the analysis of Boolean functions, with particular attention to monotonicity. Moreover, in the light of applications of zero forcing in quantum mechanics, the link with Boolean functions may suggest a new directions in quantum control theory and in the study of engineered quantum spin systems. It is an open technical problem to verify whether there is a link between zero forcing and computation with contact circuits.

3D X-ray ultra-microscopy of bone tissue.

PubMed

Langer, M; Peyrin, F

2016-02-01

We review the current X-ray techniques with 3D imaging capability at the nano-scale: transmission X-ray microscopy, ptychography and in-line phase nano-tomography. We further review the different ultra-structural features that have so far been resolved: the lacuno-canalicular network, collagen orientation, nano-scale mineralization and their use as basis for mechanical simulations. X-ray computed tomography at the micro-metric scale is increasingly considered as the reference technique in imaging of bone micro-structure. The trend has been to push towards increasingly higher resolution. Due to the difficulty of realizing optics in the hard X-ray regime, the magnification has mainly been due to the use of visible light optics and indirect detection of the X-rays, which limits the attainable resolution with respect to the wavelength of the visible light used in detection. Recent developments in X-ray optics and instrumentation have allowed to implement several types of methods that achieve imaging that is limited in resolution by the X-ray wavelength, thus enabling computed tomography at the nano-scale. We review here the X-ray techniques with 3D imaging capability at the nano-scale: transmission X-ray microscopy, ptychography and in-line phase nano-tomography. Further, we review the different ultra-structural features that have so far been resolved and the applications that have been reported: imaging of the lacuno-canalicular network, direct analysis of collagen orientation, analysis of mineralization on the nano-scale and use of 3D images at the nano-scale to drive mechanical simulations. Finally, we discuss the issue of going beyond qualitative description to quantification of ultra-structural features.

Emerging Nanophotonic Applications Explored with Advanced Scientific Parallel Computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Xiang

The domain of nanoscale optical science and technology is a combination of the classical world of electromagnetics and the quantum mechanical regime of atoms and molecules. Recent advancements in fabrication technology allows the optical structures to be scaled down to nanoscale size or even to the atomic level, which are far smaller than the wavelength they are designed for. These nanostructures can have unique, controllable, and tunable optical properties and their interactions with quantum materials can have important near-field and far-field optical response. Undoubtedly, these optical properties can have many important applications, ranging from the efficient and tunable light sources, detectors, filters, modulators, high-speed all-optical switches; to the next-generation classical and quantum computation, and biophotonic medical sensors. This emerging research of nanoscience, known as nanophotonics, is a highly interdisciplinary field requiring expertise in materials science, physics, electrical engineering, and scientific computing, modeling and simulation. It has also become an important research field for investigating the science and engineering of light-matter interactions that take place on wavelength and subwavelength scales where the nature of the nanostructured matter controls the interactions. In addition, the fast advancements in the computing capabilities, such as parallel computing, also become as a critical element for investigating advanced nanophotonic devices. This role has taken on even greater urgency with the scale-down of device dimensions, and the design for these devices require extensive memory and extremely long core hours. Thus distributed computing platforms associated with parallel computing are required for faster designs processes. Scientific parallel computing constructs mathematical models and quantitative analysis techniques, and uses the computing machines to analyze and solve otherwise intractable scientific challenges. In particular, parallel computing are forms of computation operating on the principle that large problems can often be divided into smaller ones, which are then solved concurrently. In this dissertation, we report a series of new nanophotonic developments using the advanced parallel computing techniques. The applications include the structure optimizations at the nanoscale to control both the electromagnetic response of materials, and to manipulate nanoscale structures for enhanced field concentration, which enable breakthroughs in imaging, sensing systems (chapter 3 and 4) and improve the spatial-temporal resolutions of spectroscopies (chapter 5). We also report the investigations on the confinement study of optical-matter interactions at the quantum mechanical regime, where the size-dependent novel properties enhanced a wide range of technologies from the tunable and efficient light sources, detectors, to other nanophotonic elements with enhanced functionality (chapter 6 and 7).

Nanoscience Research for Energy Needs

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-06-01

demonstrated using highly defective nanoscale inorganic materials in battery chemistry (e.g., Li-ion insertion into V2O5 aerogels at unprecedented Li-to...devices. One future path of nanoscale design and synthesis of disordered high-performance energy materials may be to mimic glass science; however, to...stabilize a technically important but unstable glass composition, another ingredient may be necessary. Computational chemistry will be key in selecting

Phonon scattering in nanoscale systems: lowest order expansion of the current and power expressions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paulsson, Magnus; Frederiksen, Thomas; Brandbyge, Mads

2006-04-01

We use the non-equilibrium Green's function method to describe the effects of phonon scattering on the conductance of nano-scale devices. Useful and accurate approximations are developed that both provide (i) computationally simple formulas for large systems and (ii) simple analytical models. In addition, the simple models can be used to fit experimental data and provide physical parameters.

Two- and three-input TALE-based AND logic computation in embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Lienert, Florian; Torella, Joseph P; Chen, Jan-Hung; Norsworthy, Michael; Richardson, Ryan R; Silver, Pamela A

2013-11-01

Biological computing circuits can enhance our ability to control cellular functions and have potential applications in tissue engineering and medical treatments. Transcriptional activator-like effectors (TALEs) represent attractive components of synthetic gene regulatory circuits, as they can be designed de novo to target a given DNA sequence. We here demonstrate that TALEs can perform Boolean logic computation in mammalian cells. Using a split-intein protein-splicing strategy, we show that a functional TALE can be reconstituted from two inactive parts, thus generating two-input AND logic computation. We further demonstrate three-piece intein splicing in mammalian cells and use it to perform three-input AND computation. Using methods for random as well as targeted insertion of these relatively large genetic circuits, we show that TALE-based logic circuits are functional when integrated into the genome of mouse embryonic stem cells. Comparing construct variants in the same genomic context, we modulated the strength of the TALE-responsive promoter to improve the output of these circuits. Our work establishes split TALEs as a tool for building logic computation with the potential of controlling expression of endogenous genes or transgenes in response to a combination of cellular signals.

STICAP: A linear circuit analysis program with stiff systems capability. Volume 1: Theory manual. [network analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooke, C. H.

1975-01-01

STICAP (Stiff Circuit Analysis Program) is a FORTRAN 4 computer program written for the CDC-6400-6600 computer series and SCOPE 3.0 operating system. It provides the circuit analyst a tool for automatically computing the transient responses and frequency responses of large linear time invariant networks, both stiff and nonstiff (algorithms and numerical integration techniques are described). The circuit description and user's program input language is engineer-oriented, making simple the task of using the program. Engineering theories underlying STICAP are examined. A user's manual is included which explains user interaction with the program and gives results of typical circuit design applications. Also, the program structure from a systems programmer's viewpoint is depicted and flow charts and other software documentation are given.

Computer aided design of monolithic microwave and millimeter wave integrated circuits and subsystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ku, Walter H.

1989-05-01

The objectives of this research are to develop analytical and computer aided design techniques for monolithic microwave and millimeter wave integrated circuits (MMIC and MIMIC) and subsystems and to design and fabricate those ICs. Emphasis was placed on heterojunction-based devices, especially the High Electron Mobility Transition (HEMT), for both low noise and medium power microwave and millimeter wave applications. Circuits to be considered include monolithic low noise amplifiers, power amplifiers, and distributed and feedback amplifiers. Interactive computer aided design programs were developed, which include large signal models of InP MISFETs and InGaAs HEMTs. Further, a new unconstrained optimization algorithm POSM was developed and implemented in the general Analysis and Design program for Integrated Circuit (ADIC) for assistance in the design of largesignal nonlinear circuits.

Multiferroic nanomagnetic logic: Hybrid spintronics-straintronic paradigm for ultra-low energy computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salehi Fashami, Mohammad

Excessive energy dissipation in CMOS devices during switching is the primary threat to continued downscaling of computing devices in accordance with Moore's law. In the quest for alternatives to traditional transistor based electronics, nanomagnet-based computing [1, 2] is emerging as an attractive alternative since: (i) nanomagnets are intrinsically more energy-efficient than transistors due to the correlated switching of spins [3], and (ii) unlike transistors, magnets have no leakage and hence have no standby power dissipation. However, large energy dissipation in the clocking circuit appears to be a barrier to the realization of ultra low power logic devices with such nanomagnets. To alleviate this issue, we propose the use of a hybrid spintronics-straintronics or straintronic nanomagnetic logic (SML) paradigm. This uses a piezoelectric layer elastically coupled to an elliptically shaped magnetostrictive nanomagnetic layer for both logic [4-6] and memory [7-8] and other information processing [9-10] applications that could potentially be 2-3 orders of magnitude more energy efficient than current CMOS based devices. This dissertation focuses on studying the feasibility, performance and reliability of such nanomagnetic logic circuits by simulating the nanoscale magnetization dynamics of dipole coupled nanomagnets clocked by stress. Specifically, the topics addressed are: 1. Theoretical study of multiferroic nanomagnetic arrays laid out in specific geometric patterns to implement a "logic wire" for unidirectional information propagation and a universal logic gate [4-6]. 2. Monte Carlo simulations of the magnetization trajectories in a simple system of dipole coupled nanomagnets and NAND gate described by the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equations simulated in the presence of random thermal noise to understand the dynamics switching error [11, 12] in such devices. 3. Arriving at a lower bound for energy dissipation as a function of switching error [13] for a practical nanomagnetic logic scheme. 4. Clocking of nanomagnetic logic with surface acoustic waves (SAW) to drastically decrease the lithographic burden needed to contact each multiferroic nanomagnet while maintaining pipelined information processing. 5. Nanomagnets with four (or higher states) implemented with shape engineering. Two types of magnet that encode four states: (i) diamond, and (ii) concave nanomagnets are studied for coherence of the switching process.

Compressed quantum computation using a remote five-qubit quantum computer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hebenstreit, M.; Alsina, D.; Latorre, J. I.; Kraus, B.

2017-05-01

The notion of compressed quantum computation is employed to simulate the Ising interaction of a one-dimensional chain consisting of n qubits using the universal IBM cloud quantum computer running on log2(n ) qubits. The external field parameter that controls the quantum phase transition of this model translates into particular settings of the quantum gates that generate the circuit. We measure the magnetization, which displays the quantum phase transition, on a two-qubit system, which simulates a four-qubit Ising chain, and show its agreement with the theoretical prediction within a certain error. We also discuss the relevant point of how to assess errors when using a cloud quantum computer with a limited amount of runs. As a solution, we propose to use validating circuits, that is, to run independent controlled quantum circuits of similar complexity to the circuit of interest.

Nano-solenoid: helicoid carbon-boron nitride hetero-nanotube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zi-Yue; Miao, Chunyang; Guo, Wanlin

2013-11-01

As a fundamental element of a nanoscale passive circuit, a nano-inductor is proposed based on a hetero-nanotube consisting of a spiral carbon strip and a spiral boron nitride strip. It is shown by density functional theory associated with nonequilibrium Green function calculations that the nanotube exhibits attractive transport properties tunable by tube chirality, diameter, component proportion and connection manner between the two strips, with excellent `OFF' state performance and high current on the order of 10-100 μA. All the hetero-nanotubes show negative differential resistance. The transmission peaks of current are absolutely derived from the helicoid carbon strips or C-BN boundaries, giving rise to a spiral current analogous with an energized nano-solenoid. According to Ampere's Law, the energized nano-solenoid can generate a uniform and tremendous magnetic field of more than 1 tesla, closing to that generated by the main magnet of medical nuclear magnetic resonance. Moreover, the magnitude of magnetic field can be easily modulated by bias voltage, providing great promise for a nano-inductor to realize electromagnetic conversion at the nanoscale.As a fundamental element of a nanoscale passive circuit, a nano-inductor is proposed based on a hetero-nanotube consisting of a spiral carbon strip and a spiral boron nitride strip. It is shown by density functional theory associated with nonequilibrium Green function calculations that the nanotube exhibits attractive transport properties tunable by tube chirality, diameter, component proportion and connection manner between the two strips, with excellent `OFF' state performance and high current on the order of 10-100 μA. All the hetero-nanotubes show negative differential resistance. The transmission peaks of current are absolutely derived from the helicoid carbon strips or C-BN boundaries, giving rise to a spiral current analogous with an energized nano-solenoid. According to Ampere's Law, the energized nano-solenoid can generate a uniform and tremendous magnetic field of more than 1 tesla, closing to that generated by the main magnet of medical nuclear magnetic resonance. Moreover, the magnitude of magnetic field can be easily modulated by bias voltage, providing great promise for a nano-inductor to realize electromagnetic conversion at the nanoscale. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr02914j

Simulated Laboratory in Digital Logic.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cleaver, Thomas G.

Design of computer circuits used to be a pencil and paper task followed by laboratory tests, but logic circuit design can now be done in half the time as the engineer accesses a program which simulates the behavior of real digital circuits, and does all the wiring and testing on his computer screen. A simulated laboratory in digital logic has been…

Computer-Aided Design Package for Designers of Digital Optical Computers

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-02-01

circuit depth and in circuit breadth. It appears, from initial studies by PhD students Gupta and Majidi using the newly modified tools, that a few irregular...Gupta, which is based on an earlier tool developed by Majidi . The tool allows logic gates to have fan-ins and fan-outs that vary, and allows circuits

Ferroelectric nanostructure having switchable multi-stable vortex states

DOEpatents

Naumov, Ivan I [Fayetteville, AR; Bellaiche, Laurent M [Fayetteville, AR; Prosandeev, Sergey A [Fayetteville, AR; Ponomareva, Inna V [Fayetteville, AR; Kornev, Igor A [Fayetteville, AR

2009-09-22

A ferroelectric nanostructure formed as a low dimensional nano-scale ferroelectric material having at least one vortex ring of polarization generating an ordered toroid moment switchable between multi-stable states. A stress-free ferroelectric nanodot under open-circuit-like electrical boundary conditions maintains such a vortex structure for their local dipoles when subject to a transverse inhomogeneous static electric field controlling the direction of the macroscopic toroidal moment. Stress is also capable of controlling the vortex's chirality, because of the electromechanical coupling that exists in ferroelectric nanodots.

Thermoelectric energy harvesting with quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sothmann, Björn; Sánchez, Rafael; Jordan, Andrew N.

2015-01-01

We review recent theoretical work on thermoelectric energy harvesting in multi-terminal quantum-dot setups. We first discuss several examples of nanoscale heat engines based on Coulomb-coupled conductors. In particular, we focus on quantum dots in the Coulomb-blockade regime, chaotic cavities and resonant tunneling through quantum dots and wells. We then turn toward quantum-dot heat engines that are driven by bosonic degrees of freedom such as phonons, magnons and microwave photons. These systems provide interesting connections to spin caloritronics and circuit quantum electrodynamics.

Nonlinear interferometry approach to photonic sequential logic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mabuchi, Hideo

2011-10-01

Motivated by rapidly advancing capabilities for extensive nanoscale patterning of optical materials, I propose an approach to implementing photonic sequential logic that exploits circuit-scale phase coherence for efficient realizations of fundamental components such as a NAND-gate-with-fanout and a bistable latch. Kerr-nonlinear optical resonators are utilized in combination with interference effects to drive the binary logic. Quantum-optical input-output models are characterized numerically using design parameters that yield attojoule-scale energy separation between the latch states.

Single-server blind quantum computation with quantum circuit model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaoqian; Weng, Jian; Li, Xiaochun; Luo, Weiqi; Tan, Xiaoqing; Song, Tingting

2018-06-01

Blind quantum computation (BQC) enables the client, who has few quantum technologies, to delegate her quantum computation to a server, who has strong quantum computabilities and learns nothing about the client's quantum inputs, outputs and algorithms. In this article, we propose a single-server BQC protocol with quantum circuit model by replacing any quantum gate with the combination of rotation operators. The trap quantum circuits are introduced, together with the combination of rotation operators, such that the server is unknown about quantum algorithms. The client only needs to perform operations X and Z, while the server honestly performs rotation operators.

EDITORIAL: Physical behaviour at the nanoscale: a model for fertile research Physical behaviour at the nanoscale: a model for fertile research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demming, Anna

2013-06-01

At the nanoscale physics follows familiar principles that lead to unfamiliar and even unlikely responses. The change in the balance of a range of physical features results in behaviour that can differ wildly from the same materials at the macroscale. In this issue Di Ventra and Pershin examine some of the memory effects that have attracted increasing interest in investigations of nanoscale electronic systems [1]. The work builds on the familiar premise that external perturbations cannot have an instantaneous effect on any condensed matter system. As they point out, 'This is even more so in systems of nanoscale dimensions where the dynamics of a few atoms may affect the whole structure dramatically'. In this way they explain that the response of these systems will always have some degree of memory present and that memristive, memcapacitive and meminductive systems are simply examples where this feature is particularly prominent. In the late 1990s investigations into the use of carbon nanotubes and SiC nanorods revealed that the moduli of these structures changes with diameter, highlighting the eccentricities of mechanical properties at the nanoscale. These results prompted Miller at the University of Saskatchewan and Shenoy at the Indian Institute of Technology to study the properties of nanotubes and nanorods in detail [2]. 'In the eyes of an engineer these structures are essentially little beams', they explained, 'Albeit they are "little" to a degree that challenges our traditional notions of continuum mechanics'. In their work they developed one of the first simple models for explaining the behaviour of the Young's modulus of nanostructures, verified by direct atomistic simulation of axial loading of these structures. Since then, consideration of different nanoscale structures and the dissipation of energy under stress and strain have also demystified the extraordinary mechanical properties of natural materials such as collagen [3] and spider's silk [4]. The increasing availability of nanomaterials provided a number of advantages for research in field emission for displays, microwave and x-ray generation, electron-beam lithography and photonic devices [5, 6]. However the results reported in these studies have often misapplied the Fowler-Nordheim theory for describing field-emission behaviour, as changes in scale alter the validity of the widely cited simplified equation. As Forbes at the University of Surrey points out, this equation over-predicts the large-area field-emission average current density by a large highly variable factor thought to usually lie between 103 and 109. In his paper he explains how to modify the Fowler-Nordheim type equations so that they can be applied to large-area field emitters with recommendations for improved practice in this area of research [7]. The unusual nuances of behaviour in electronic circuits at the nanoscale has piqued avid interest in 'the memristor', the fourth circuit element reported 'missing' by Leon Chua in 1971 [8] and 'found' by researchers at HP Labs in 2008 [9]. The past five years have seen intense research into the mechanisms governing memristor behaviour [10], as well as the potential to apply this behaviour in novel electronic devices capable of mimicking the biological synapses that implement human learning [11]. (Keep an eye out for Nanotechnology's special issue on synaptic electronics later this year.) However, as Di Ventra and Pershin point out, 'Although this whole field of research has been growing at a fast pace, there is still much confusion about the fundamental physical properties that realistic systems with memory (as opposed to ideal ones) satisfy'. In this issue they derive expressions for memristances, memcapacitances and meminductances from the Kubo response and microscopic theories and show that they are indeed simply response functions that satisfy well defined physical properties. In the midst of concrete facts, cutting edge research often exploits cracks that allow new ideas and a deepening understanding to take root. Over the last few decades nanoscale research has matured into a science with generally well understood principles, allowing technology companies to develop next-generation devices with functions that dwarf some of the most creative fancies of science fiction. Yet some of the greatest leaps of inspiration have come where observations tax the limits of what current theory can explain, forcing researchers to question and examine historic reasoning. As Di Ventra and Pershin demonstrate in this issue, current memristor research is proving very fertile ground for such questioning and examining, ultimately leading to a deepening understanding of the physical properties of these nanoscale systems. References [1] Di Ventra M and Pershin Y V 2013 On the physical properties of memristive, memcapacitive, and meminductive systems Nanotechnology 24 255201 [2] Miller R E and Shenoy V B 2000 Size-dependent elastic properties of nanosized structural elements Nanotechnology 11 139-47 [3] Buehler M J 2006 Nature designs tough collagen: explaining the nanostructure of collagen fibrils Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 103 12285-90 [4] Keten S, Xu Z, Ihle B and Buehler M J 2010 Nanoconfinement controls stiffness, strength and mechanical toughness of B-sheet crystals in silk Nature Mater. 9 359-67 [5] Misewich J A, Martel R, Avouris Ph, Tsang J C, Heinze S and Tersoff J 2003 Electrically induced optical emission from a carbon nanotube FET Science 300 783-6 [6]Jiang H, Hu J, Gu F and Li C 2009 Stable field emission performance from urchin-like ZnO nanostructures Nanotechnology 20 055706 [7] Forbes R G 2012 Extraction of emission parameters for large-area field emitters, using a technically complete Fowler-Nordheim-type equation Nanotechnology 23 095706 [8] Chua L O 1971 Memristor—the missing circuit element IEEE Trans. Circuit Theory 18 507-19 [9]Strukov D B, Snider G S, Stewart D R and Williams R S 2008 The missing memristor found Nature 453 80-3 [10] Yang J J, Miao F, Pickett M D, Ohlberg D A A, Stewart D R, Lau C N and Williams R S 2009 The mechanism of electroforming of metal oxide memristive switches Nanotechnology 20 215201 [11] Seo K, Kim I, Jung S, Jo M, Park S, Park J, Shin J and Hwang H 2011 Analog memory and spike-timing-dependent plasticity characteristics of a nanoscale titanium oxide bilayer resistive switching device Nanotechnology 22 254023

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

Bolme, David S; Mikkilineni, Aravind K; Rose, Derek C

Analog computational circuits have been demonstrated to provide substantial improvements in power and speed relative to digital circuits, especially for applications requiring extreme parallelism but only modest precision. Deep machine learning is one such area and stands to benefit greatly from analog and mixed-signal implementations. However, even at modest precisions, offsets and non-linearity can degrade system performance. Furthermore, in all but the simplest systems, it is impossible to directly measure the intermediate outputs of all sub-circuits. The result is that circuit designers are unable to accurately evaluate the non-idealities of computational circuits in-situ and are therefore unable to fully utilizemore » measurement results to improve future designs. In this paper we present a technique to use deep learning frameworks to model physical systems. Recently developed libraries like TensorFlow make it possible to use back propagation to learn parameters in the context of modeling circuit behavior. Offsets and scaling errors can be discovered even for sub-circuits that are deeply embedded in a computational system and not directly observable. The learned parameters can be used to refine simulation methods or to identify appropriate compensation strategies. We demonstrate the framework using a mixed-signal convolution operator as an example circuit.« less

Educational Support System for Experiments Involving Construction of Sound Processing Circuits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Takemura, Atsushi

2012-01-01

This paper proposes a novel educational support system for technical experiments involving the production of practical electronic circuits for sound processing. To support circuit design and production, each student uses a computer during the experiments, and can learn circuit design, virtual circuit making, and real circuit making. In the…

Nonvolatile “AND,” “OR,” and “NOT” Boolean logic gates based on phase-change memory

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

Li, Y.; Zhong, Y. P.; Deng, Y. F.

2013-12-21

Electronic devices or circuits that can implement both logic and memory functions are regarded as the building blocks for future massive parallel computing beyond von Neumann architecture. Here we proposed phase-change memory (PCM)-based nonvolatile logic gates capable of AND, OR, and NOT Boolean logic operations verified in SPICE simulations and circuit experiments. The logic operations are parallel computing and results can be stored directly in the states of the logic gates, facilitating the combination of computing and memory in the same circuit. These results are encouraging for ultralow-power and high-speed nonvolatile logic circuit design based on novel memory devices.

Geometry of Quantum Computation with Qudits

PubMed Central

Luo, Ming-Xing; Chen, Xiu-Bo; Yang, Yi-Xian; Wang, Xiaojun

2014-01-01

The circuit complexity of quantum qubit system evolution as a primitive problem in quantum computation has been discussed widely. We investigate this problem in terms of qudit system. Using the Riemannian geometry the optimal quantum circuits are equivalent to the geodetic evolutions in specially curved parametrization of SU(dn). And the quantum circuit complexity is explicitly dependent of controllable approximation error bound. PMID:24509710

Computer Power: Part 1: Distribution of Power (and Communications).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Price, Bennett J.

1988-01-01

Discussion of the distribution of power to personal computers and computer terminals addresses options such as extension cords, perimeter raceways, and interior raceways. Sidebars explain: (1) the National Electrical Code; (2) volts, amps, and watts; (3) transformers, circuit breakers, and circuits; and (4) power vs. data wiring. (MES)

Computer modeling of batteries from nonlinear circuit elements

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

Waaben, S.; Dyer, C.K.; Federico, J.

1985-06-01

Circuit analogs for a single battery cell have previously been composed of resistors, capacitors, and inductors. This work introduces a nonlinear circuit model for cell behavior. The circuit is configured around the PIN junction diode, whose charge-storage behavior has features similar to those of electrochemical cells. A user-friendly integrated circuit simulation computer program has reproduced a variety of complex cell responses including electrica isolation effects causing capacity loss, as well as potentiodynamic peaks and discharge phenomena hitherto thought to be thermodynamic in origin. However, in this work, they are shown to be simply due to spatial distribution of stored chargemore » within a practical electrode.« less

Classical verification of quantum circuits containing few basis changes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demarie, Tommaso F.; Ouyang, Yingkai; Fitzsimons, Joseph F.

2018-04-01

We consider the task of verifying the correctness of quantum computation for a restricted class of circuits which contain at most two basis changes. This contains circuits giving rise to the second level of the Fourier hierarchy, the lowest level for which there is an established quantum advantage. We show that when the circuit has an outcome with probability at least the inverse of some polynomial in the circuit size, the outcome can be checked in polynomial time with bounded error by a completely classical verifier. This verification procedure is based on random sampling of computational paths and is only possible given knowledge of the likely outcome.

New Computational Approach to Electron Transport in Irregular Graphene Nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mason, Douglas; Heller, Eric; Prendergast, David; Neaton, Jeffrey

2009-03-01

For novel graphene devices of nanoscale-to-macroscopic scale, many aspects of their transport properties are not easily understood due to difficulties in fabricating devices with regular edges. Here we develop a framework to efficiently calculate and potentially screen electronic transport properties of arbitrary nanoscale graphene device structures. A generalization of the established recursive Green's function method is presented, providing access to arbitrary device and lead geometries with substantial computer-time savings. Using single-orbital nearest-neighbor tight-binding models and the Green's function-Landauer scattering formalism, we will explore the transmission function of irregular two-dimensional graphene-based nanostructures with arbitrary lead orientation. Prepared by LBNL under contract DE-AC02-05CH11231 and supported by the U.S. Dept. of Energy Computer Science Graduate Fellowship under grant DE-FG02-97ER25308.

Switching and Rectification in Carbon-Nanotube Junctions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Srivastava, Deepak; Andriotis, Antonis N.; Menon, Madhu; Chernozatonskii, Leonid

2003-01-01

Multi-terminal carbon-nanotube junctions are under investigation as candidate components of nanoscale electronic devices and circuits. Three-terminal "Y" junctions of carbon nanotubes (see Figure 1) have proven to be especially interesting because (1) it is now possible to synthesize them in high yield in a controlled manner and (2) results of preliminary experimental and theoretical studies suggest that such junctions could exhibit switching and rectification properties. Following the preliminary studies, current-versus-voltage characteristics of a number of different "Y" junctions of single-wall carbon nanotubes connected to metal wires were computed. Both semiconducting and metallic nanotubes of various chiralities were considered. Most of the junctions considered were symmetric. These computations involved modeling of the quantum electrical conductivity of the carbon nanotubes and junctions, taking account of such complicating factors as the topological defects (pentagons, heptagons, and octagons) present in the hexagonal molecular structures at the junctions, and the effects of the nanotube/wire interfaces. A major component of the computational approach was the use of an efficient Green s function embedding scheme. The results of these computations showed that symmetric junctions could be expected to support both rectification and switching. The results also showed that rectification and switching properties of a junction could be expected to depend strongly on its symmetry and, to a lesser degree, on the chirality of the nanotubes. In particular, it was found that a zigzag nanotube branching at a symmetric "Y" junction could exhibit either perfect rectification or partial rectification (asymmetric current-versus-voltage characteristic, as in the example of Figure 2). It was also found that an asymmetric "Y" junction would not exhibit rectification.

Quantum-Circuit Refrigerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MöTtöNen, Mikko; Tan, Kuan Y.; Masuda, Shumpei; Partanen, Matti; Lake, Russell E.; Govenius, Joonas; Silveri, Matti; Grabert, Hermann

Quantum technology holds great potential in providing revolutionizing practical applications. However, fast and precise cooling of the functional quantum degrees of freedom on demand remains a major challenge in many solid-state implementations, such as superconducting circuits. We demonstrate direct cooling of a superconducting resonator mode using voltage-controllable quantum tunneling of electrons in a nanoscale refrigerator. In our first experiments on this type of a quantum-circuit refrigerator, we measure the drop in the mode temperature by electron thermometry at a resistor which is coupled to the resonator mode through ohmic losses. To eliminate unwanted dissipation, we remove the probe resistor and directly observe the power spectrum of the resonator output in agreement with the so-called P(E) theory. We also demonstrate in microwave reflection experiments that the internal quality factor of the resonator can be tuned by orders of magnitude. In the future, our refrigerator can be integrated with different quantum electric devices, potentially enhancing their performance. For example, it may prove useful in the initialization of superconducting quantum bits and in dissipation-assisted quantum annealing. We acknowledge European Research Council Grant SINGLEOUT (278117) and QUESS (681311) for funding.

Nanoscale Photosynthesis and the Photophysics of Neural Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenbaum, Elias; Kuritz, Tanya; Owens, Elizabeth; Lee, Ida; Humayun, Mark

2004-03-01

We extracted and purified integral membrane Photosystem I (PSI) reaction centers from spinach leaves and measured their open and closed circuit photovoltages. The open circuit value is at least 1 V whereas the closed circuit value is at least 0.6 V. A quantitative analysis of the physical properties of PSI reaction centers and voltage-gated ion channels indicates that PSI should be able to trigger the opening of the channels. The cell membrane can be depolarized or hyperpolarized depending on the orientation of the PSI reaction center in the membrane. PSI-proteoliposomes were used as the delivery vehicle. We inserted PSI reaction centers into liposome membranes and, using P700 absorption spectroscopy, demonstrated that the reaction centers retain their functional activity in the liposomes. We have also obtained microscopic evidence that the liposomes are capable of fusing with the membranes of retinoblastoma cells. We report the creation of photoreceptor activity in retinoblastoma cells by PSI reaction centers as indicated by light-induced movement of calcium ions. These results may have application in the field of artificial sight in treating age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

Ultrashort broadband polarization beam splitter based on a combined hybrid plasmonic waveguide.

PubMed

Chang, Ken-Wei; Huang, Chia-Chien

2016-01-20

We propose an ultracompact broadband polarization beam splitter (PBS) based on a combined hybrid plasmonic waveguide (HPW). The proposed PBS separates transverse-electric (TE) and transverse-magnetic (TM) modes using a bent lower HPW with vertical nanoscale gaps and a straight upper HPW with a horizontal nanoscale gap, respectively, without relying on an additional coupling region. This design considerably reduces the length of the PBS to the submicron scale (920 nm, the shortest PBS reported to date) while offering polarization extinction ratios (PERs) of ~19 dB (~18 dB) and insertion losses (ILs) of ~0.6 dB (~0.3 dB) for the TE (TM) mode over an extremely broad band of 400 nm (from λ = 1300 nm to 1700 nm, covering entirely second and third telecom windows). The length of the designed PBS can be reduced further to 620 nm while still offering PERs of 15 dB, realizing a densely photonic integrated circuit. Considering the fabrication tolerance, the designed PBS allows for large geometrical deviations of ± 20 nm while restricting PER variations to within 1 dB, except for those in the nanoscale gaps smaller than 10nm. Additionally, we also address the input and ouput coupling efficiencies of the proposed PBS.

PUZZLE - A program for computer-aided design of printed circuit artwork

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harrell, D. A. W.; Zane, R.

1971-01-01

Program assists in solving spacing problems encountered in printed circuit /PC/ design. It is intended to have maximum use for two-sided PC boards carrying integrated circuits, and also aids design of discrete component circuits.

Analysis and calculation of lightning-induced voltages in aircraft electrical circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plumer, J. A.

1974-01-01

Techniques to calculate the transfer functions relating lightning-induced voltages in aircraft electrical circuits to aircraft physical characteristics and lightning current parameters are discussed. The analytical work was carried out concurrently with an experimental program of measurements of lightning-induced voltages in the electrical circuits of an F89-J aircraft. A computer program, ETCAL, developed earlier to calculate resistive and inductive transfer functions is refined to account for skin effect, providing results more valid over a wider range of lightning waveshapes than formerly possible. A computer program, WING, is derived to calculate the resistive and inductive transfer functions between a basic aircraft wing and a circuit conductor inside it. Good agreement is obtained between transfer inductances calculated by WING and those reduced from measured data by ETCAL. This computer program shows promise of expansion to permit eventual calculation of potential lightning-induced voltages in electrical circuits of complete aircraft in the design stage.

Placement of clock gates in time-of-flight optoelectronic circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feehrer, John R.; Jordan, Harry F.

1995-12-01

Time-of-flight synchronized optoelectronic circuits capitalize on the highly controllable delays of optical waveguides. Circuits have no latches; synchronization is achieved by adjustment of the lengths of waveguides that connect circuit elements. Clock gating and pulse stretching are used to restore timing and power. A functional circuit requires that every feedback loop contain at least one clock gate to prevent cumulative timing drift and power loss. A designer specifies an ideal circuit, which contains no or very few clock gates. To make the circuit functional, we must identify locations in which to place clock gates. Because clock gates are expensive, add area, and increase delay, a minimal set of locations is desired. We cast this problem in graph-theoretical form as the minimum feedback edge set problem and solve it by using an adaptation of an algorithm proposed in 1966 [IEEE Trans. Circuit Theory CT-13, 399 (1966)]. We discuss a computer-aided-design implementation of the algorithm that reduces computational complexity and demonstrate it on a set of circuits.

Paper Circuits: A Tangible, Low Threshold, Low Cost Entry to Computational Thinking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Victor R.; Recker, Mimi

2018-01-01

In this paper, we propose that paper circuitry provides a productive space for exploring aspects of computational thinking, an increasingly critical 21st century skills for all students. We argue that the creation and operation of paper circuits involve learning about computational concepts such as rule-based constraints, operations, and defined…

The Properties of Confined Water and Fluid Flow at the Nanoscale

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

Schwegler, E; Reed, J; Lau, E

This project has been focused on the development of accurate computational tools to study fluids in confined, nanoscale geometries, and the application of these techniques to probe the structural and electronic properties of water confined between hydrophilic and hydrophobic substrates, including the presence of simple ions at the interfaces. In particular, we have used a series of ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations and quantum Monte Carlo calculations to build an understanding of how hydrogen bonding and solvation are modified at the nanoscale. The properties of confined water affect a wide range of scientific and technological problems - including protein folding, cell-membranemore » flow, materials properties in confined media and nanofluidic devices.« less

Dendritic nonlinearities are tuned for efficient spike-based computations in cortical circuits.

PubMed

Ujfalussy, Balázs B; Makara, Judit K; Branco, Tiago; Lengyel, Máté

2015-12-24

Cortical neurons integrate thousands of synaptic inputs in their dendrites in highly nonlinear ways. It is unknown how these dendritic nonlinearities in individual cells contribute to computations at the level of neural circuits. Here, we show that dendritic nonlinearities are critical for the efficient integration of synaptic inputs in circuits performing analog computations with spiking neurons. We developed a theory that formalizes how a neuron's dendritic nonlinearity that is optimal for integrating synaptic inputs depends on the statistics of its presynaptic activity patterns. Based on their in vivo preynaptic population statistics (firing rates, membrane potential fluctuations, and correlations due to ensemble dynamics), our theory accurately predicted the responses of two different types of cortical pyramidal cells to patterned stimulation by two-photon glutamate uncaging. These results reveal a new computational principle underlying dendritic integration in cortical neurons by suggesting a functional link between cellular and systems--level properties of cortical circuits.

Efficient quantum walk on a quantum processor

PubMed Central

Qiang, Xiaogang; Loke, Thomas; Montanaro, Ashley; Aungskunsiri, Kanin; Zhou, Xiaoqi; O'Brien, Jeremy L.; Wang, Jingbo B.; Matthews, Jonathan C. F.

2016-01-01

The random walk formalism is used across a wide range of applications, from modelling share prices to predicting population genetics. Likewise, quantum walks have shown much potential as a framework for developing new quantum algorithms. Here we present explicit efficient quantum circuits for implementing continuous-time quantum walks on the circulant class of graphs. These circuits allow us to sample from the output probability distributions of quantum walks on circulant graphs efficiently. We also show that solving the same sampling problem for arbitrary circulant quantum circuits is intractable for a classical computer, assuming conjectures from computational complexity theory. This is a new link between continuous-time quantum walks and computational complexity theory and it indicates a family of tasks that could ultimately demonstrate quantum supremacy over classical computers. As a proof of principle, we experimentally implement the proposed quantum circuit on an example circulant graph using a two-qubit photonics quantum processor. PMID:27146471

Teaching Oscillations with a Small Computer.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calvo, J. L.; And Others

1983-01-01

Describes a simple, inexpensive electronic circuit used as a small analog computer in an experimental approach to the study of oscillations. Includes circuit diagram and an example of the method using steps followed by students studying underdamped oscillatory motion. (JN)

On equivalent resistance of electrical circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kagan, Mikhail

2015-01-01

While the standard (introductory physics) way of computing the equivalent resistance of nontrivial electrical circuits is based on Kirchhoff's rules, there is a mathematically and conceptually simpler approach, called the method of nodal potentials, whose basic variables are the values of the electric potential at the circuit's nodes. In this paper, we review the method of nodal potentials and illustrate it using the Wheatstone bridge as an example. We then derive a closed-form expression for the equivalent resistance of a generic circuit, which we apply to a few sample circuits. The result unveils a curious interplay between electrical circuits, matrix algebra, and graph theory and its applications to computer science. The paper is written at a level accessible by undergraduate students who are familiar with matrix arithmetic. Additional proofs and technical details are provided in appendices.

Computer Simulation of Microwave Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kory, Carol L.

1997-01-01

The accurate simulation of cold-test results including dispersion, on-axis beam interaction impedance, and attenuation of a helix traveling-wave tube (TWT) slow-wave circuit using the three-dimensional code MAFIA (Maxwell's Equations Solved by the Finite Integration Algorithm) was demonstrated for the first time. Obtaining these results is a critical step in the design of TWT's. A well-established procedure to acquire these parameters is to actually build and test a model or a scale model of the circuit. However, this procedure is time-consuming and expensive, and it limits freedom to examine new variations to the basic circuit. These limitations make the need for computational methods crucial since they can lower costs, reduce tube development time, and lessen limitations on novel designs. Computer simulation has been used to accurately obtain cold-test parameters for several slow-wave circuits. Although the helix slow-wave circuit remains the mainstay of the TWT industry because of its exceptionally wide bandwidth, until recently it has been impossible to accurately analyze a helical TWT using its exact dimensions because of the complexity of its geometrical structure. A new computer modeling technique developed at the NASA Lewis Research Center overcomes these difficulties. The MAFIA three-dimensional mesh for a C-band helix slow-wave circuit is shown.

Fundamentals handbook of electrical and computer engineering. Volume 1 Circuits fields and electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, S. S. L.

State of the art technology in circuits, fields, and electronics is discussed. The principles and applications of these technologies to industry, digital processing, microwave semiconductors, and computer-aided design are explained. Important concepts and methodologies in mathematics and physics are reviewed, and basic engineering sciences and associated design methods are dealt with, including: circuit theory and the design of magnetic circuits and active filter synthesis; digital signal processing, including FIR and IIR digital filter design; transmission lines, electromagnetic wave propagation and surface acoustic wave devices. Also considered are: electronics technologies, including power electronics, microwave semiconductors, GaAs devices, and magnetic bubble memories; digital circuits and logic design.

Automated Design of Quantum Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Colin P.; Gray, Alexander G.

2000-01-01

In order to design a quantum circuit that performs a desired quantum computation, it is necessary to find a decomposition of the unitary matrix that represents that computation in terms of a sequence of quantum gate operations. To date, such designs have either been found by hand or by exhaustive enumeration of all possible circuit topologies. In this paper we propose an automated approach to quantum circuit design using search heuristics based on principles abstracted from evolutionary genetics, i.e. using a genetic programming algorithm adapted specially for this problem. We demonstrate the method on the task of discovering quantum circuit designs for quantum teleportation. We show that to find a given known circuit design (one which was hand-crafted by a human), the method considers roughly an order of magnitude fewer designs than naive enumeration. In addition, the method finds novel circuit designs superior to those previously known.

Interface between a printed circuit board computer aided design tool (Tektronix 4051 based) and a numerical paper tape controlled drill press (Slo-Syn 530: 100 w/ Dumore Automatic Head Number 8391)

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

Heckman, B.K.; Chinn, V.K.

1981-01-01

The development and use of computer programs written to produce the paper tape needed for the automation, or numeric control, of drill presses employed to fabricate computed-designed printed circuit boards are described. (LCL)

Memristor-Based Computing Architecture: Design Methodologies and Circuit Techniques

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

MEMRISTOR-BASED COMPUTING ARCHITECTURE : DESIGN METHODOLOGIES AND CIRCUIT TECHNIQUES POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE OF NEW YORK UNIVERSITY...TECHNICAL REPORT 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) OCT 2010 – OCT 2012 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE MEMRISTOR-BASED COMPUTING ARCHITECTURE : DESIGN METHODOLOGIES...schemes for a memristor-based reconfigurable architecture design have not been fully explored yet. Therefore, in this project, we investigated

Present Status of Power Circuit Breaker and its Future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshioka, Yoshio

Gas circuit breaker and vacuum circuit breaker are the 2 main types of circuit breaker used in extra high voltage and medium voltage networks. After reviewing the history of these circuit breakers, their present status and technologies are described. As for future technology, computation of interrupting phenomena, SF6 gas less apparatus and expectation of the high voltage vacuum circuit breaker are discussed.

High-yield transfer printing of metal-insulator-metal nanodiodes.

PubMed

Bareiss, Mario; Ante, Frederik; Kälblein, Daniel; Jegert, Gunther; Jirauschek, Christian; Scarpa, Giuseppe; Fabel, Bernhard; Nelson, Edward M; Timp, Gregory; Zschieschang, Ute; Klauk, Hagen; Porod, Wolfgang; Lugli, Paolo

2012-03-27

Nanoscale metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diodes represent important devices in the fields of electronic circuits, detectors, communication, and energy, as their cutoff frequencies may extend into the "gap" between the electronic microwave range and the optical long-wave infrared regime. In this paper, we present a nanotransfer printing method, which allows the efficient and simultaneous fabrication of large-scale arrays of MIM nanodiode stacks, thus offering the possibility of low-cost mass production. In previous work, we have demonstrated the successful transfer and electrical characterization of macroscopic structures. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the fabrication of several millions of nanoscale diodes with a single transfer-printing step using a temperature-enhanced process. The electrical characterization of individual MIM nanodiodes was performed using a conductive atomic force microscope (AFM) setup. Our analysis shows that the tunneling current is the dominant conduction mechanism, and the electrical measurement data agree well with experimental data on previously fabricated microscale diodes and numerical simulations. © 2012 American Chemical Society

Computational modeling and simulation study of electronic and thermal properties in semiconductor nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paul, Abhijeet

2011-07-01

The technological progress in dimensional scaling has not only kept Silicon CMOS industry on Moore's law for the past five decades but has also benefited many other areas such as thermoelectricity, photo-voltaics, and energy storage. Extending CMOS beyond Si (More Moore, MM) and adding functional diversity to CMOS (More Than Moore, MTM) requires a thorough understanding of the basic electron and heat flow in semiconductors. Along with experiments computer modeling and simulation are playing an increasingly vital role in exploring the numerous possibilities in materials, devices and systems. With these aspects in mind the present work applies computational physics modeling and simulations to explore the, (i) electronic, (ii) thermal, and (iii) thermoelectric properties in nano-scale semiconductors. The electronic structure of zinc-blende and lead-chalcogenide nano-materials is calculated using an atomistic Tight-Binding model. The phonon dispersion in zinc-blende materials is obtained using the Modified Valence Force Field model. Electronic and thermal transport at the nano-scale is explored using Green's function method and Landauer's method. Thermoelectric properties of semiconductor nanostructures are calculated using Landauer's method. Using computer modeling and simulations the variation of the three physical properties (i-iii) are explored with varying size, transport orientation, shape, porosity, strain and alloying of nanostructures. The key findings are, (a) III-Vs and Ge with optimized strain and orientation can improve transistors' and thermoelectric performance, (b) porous Si nanowires provide a lucrative idea for enhancing the thermoelectric efficiency at room temperature, and (c) Si/Ge superlattice nanowires can be used for nano-scale tuning of lattice thermal conductivity by period control. The present work led to the development of two new interface trap density extraction methods in ultra-scaled FinFETs and correlation of the phonon shifts in Si nanowires to their shape, size and orientation benchmarked against experimental Raman spectroscopy data, thereby enabling nano-scale metrology. Contribution of two research and six educational tools on nanoHUB.org forms an integral part of the work for global dissemination of semiconductor knowledge. Atomic level manipulation holds the key to engineer material properties at the nano-scale. The findings of this work will hopefully open and guide new ways of engineering the electronic and thermal properties for better performance.

Analysis of ballistic transport in nanoscale devices by using an accelerated finite element contact block reduction approach

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

Li, H.; Li, G., E-mail: gli@clemson.edu

2014-08-28

An accelerated Finite Element Contact Block Reduction (FECBR) approach is presented for computational analysis of ballistic transport in nanoscale electronic devices with arbitrary geometry and unstructured mesh. Finite element formulation is developed for the theoretical CBR/Poisson model. The FECBR approach is accelerated through eigen-pair reduction, lead mode space projection, and component mode synthesis techniques. The accelerated FECBR is applied to perform quantum mechanical ballistic transport analysis of a DG-MOSFET with taper-shaped extensions and a DG-MOSFET with Si/SiO{sub 2} interface roughness. The computed electrical transport properties of the devices obtained from the accelerated FECBR approach and associated computational cost as amore » function of system degrees of freedom are compared with those obtained from the original CBR and direct inversion methods. The performance of the accelerated FECBR in both its accuracy and efficiency is demonstrated.« less

The computational worm: spatial orientation and its neuronal basis in C. elegans.

PubMed

Lockery, Shawn R

2011-10-01

Spatial orientation behaviors in animals are fundamental for survival but poorly understood at the neuronal level. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans orients to a wide range of stimuli and has a numerically small and well-described nervous system making it advantageous for investigating the mechanisms of spatial orientation. Recent work by the C. elegans research community has identified essential computational elements of the neural circuits underlying two orientation strategies that operate in five different sensory modalities. Analysis of these circuits reveals novel motifs including simple circuits for computing temporal derivatives of sensory input and for integrating sensory input with behavioral state to generate adaptive behavior. These motifs constitute hypotheses concerning the identity and functionality of circuits controlling spatial orientation in higher organisms. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Label-Free Direct Electronic Detection of Biomolecules with Amorphous Silicon Nanostructures

PubMed Central

Lund, John; Mehta, Ranjana; Parviz, Babak A.

2007-01-01

We present the fabrication and characterization of a nano-scale sensor made of amorphous silicon for the label-free, electronic detection of three classes of biologically important molecules: ions, oligonucleotides, and proteins. The sensor structure has an active element which is a 50 nm wide amorphous silicon semicircle and has a total footprint of less than 4 μm2. We demonstrate the functionalization of the sensor with receptor molecules and the electronic detection of three targets: H+ ions, short single-stranded DNAs, and streptavidin. The sensor is able to reliably distinguish single base-pair mismatches in 12 base long strands of DNA and monitor the introduction and identification of straptavidin in real-time. The versatile sensor structure can be readily functionalized with a wide range of receptor molecules and is suitable for integration with high-speed electronic circuits as a post-process on an integrated circuit chip. PMID:17292148

Numerical investigation of a tunable band-pass plasmonic filter with a hollow-core ring resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setayesh, Amir; Mirnaziry, S. Reza; Sadegh Abrishamian, Mohammad

2011-03-01

In this study, a compact nanoscale plasmonic filter which consists of two metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides coupled to each other by a rectangular ring resonator is presented and investigated numerically. The propagating modes of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are studied in this structure. By replacing a portion of the ring core with air, while the outer dimensions of the structure are kept constant, we illustrate the possibility of the redshift of resonant wavelengths in order to tune the resonance modes. This feature is useful for integrated circuits in which we have limitations on the outer dimensions of the filter structure and it is not possible to enlarge the dimension of the ring resonator to reach longer resonant wavelengths. The corresponding results are illustrated by the 2D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The proposed structure has potential applications in plasmonic integrated circuits and can be simply fabricated.

Quantum electromechanics on silicon nitride nanomembranes

PubMed Central

Fink, J. M.; Kalaee, M.; Pitanti, A.; Norte, R.; Heinzle, L.; Davanço, M.; Srinivasan, K.; Painter, O.

2016-01-01

Radiation pressure has recently been used to effectively couple the quantum motion of mechanical elements to the fields of optical or microwave light. Integration of all three degrees of freedom—mechanical, optical and microwave—would enable a quantum interconnect between microwave and optical quantum systems. We present a platform based on silicon nitride nanomembranes for integrating superconducting microwave circuits with planar acoustic and optical devices such as phononic and photonic crystals. Using planar capacitors with vacuum gaps of 60 nm and spiral inductor coils of micron pitch we realize microwave resonant circuits with large electromechanical coupling to planar acoustic structures of nanoscale dimensions and femtoFarad motional capacitance. Using this enhanced coupling, we demonstrate microwave backaction cooling of the 4.48 MHz mechanical resonance of a nanobeam to an occupancy as low as 0.32. These results indicate the viability of silicon nitride nanomembranes as an all-in-one substrate for quantum electro-opto-mechanical experiments. PMID:27484751

Control of DNA strand displacement kinetics using toehold exchange.

PubMed

Zhang, David Yu; Winfree, Erik

2009-12-02

DNA is increasingly being used as the engineering material of choice for the construction of nanoscale circuits, structures, and motors. Many of these enzyme-free constructions function by DNA strand displacement reactions. The kinetics of strand displacement can be modulated by toeholds, short single-stranded segments of DNA that colocalize reactant DNA molecules. Recently, the toehold exchange process was introduced as a method for designing fast and reversible strand displacement reactions. Here, we characterize the kinetics of DNA toehold exchange and model it as a three-step process. This model is simple and quantitatively predicts the kinetics of 85 different strand displacement reactions from the DNA sequences. Furthermore, we use toehold exchange to construct a simple catalytic reaction. This work improves the understanding of the kinetics of nucleic acid reactions and will be useful in the rational design of dynamic DNA and RNA circuits and nanodevices.

Full control of far-field radiation via photonic integrated circuits decorated with plasmonic nanoantennas.

PubMed

Sun, Yi-Zhi; Feng, Li-Shuang; Bachelot, Renaud; Blaize, Sylvain; Ding, Wei

2017-07-24

We theoretically develop a hybrid architecture consisting of photonic integrated circuit and plasmonic nanoantennas to fully control optical far-field radiation with unprecedented flexibility. By exploiting asymmetric and lateral excitation from silicon waveguides, single gold nanorod and cascaded nanorod pair can function as component radiation pixels, featured by full 2π phase coverage and nanoscale footprint. These radiation pixels allow us to design scalable on-chip devices in a wavefront engineering fashion. We numerically demonstrate beam collimation with 30° out of the incident plane and nearly diffraction limited divergence angle. We also present high-numerical-aperture (NA) beam focusing with NA ≈0.65 and vector beam generation (the radially-polarized mode) with the mode similarity greater than 44%. This concept and approach constitutes a designable optical platform, which might be a future bridge between integrated photonics and metasurface functionalities.

Heterogeneous Monolithic Integration of Single-Crystal Organic Materials.

PubMed

Park, Kyung Sun; Baek, Jangmi; Park, Yoonkyung; Lee, Lynn; Hyon, Jinho; Koo Lee, Yong-Eun; Shrestha, Nabeen K; Kang, Youngjong; Sung, Myung Mo

2017-02-01

Manufacturing high-performance organic electronic circuits requires the effective heterogeneous integration of different nanoscale organic materials with uniform morphology and high crystallinity in a desired arrangement. In particular, the development of high-performance organic electronic and optoelectronic devices relies on high-quality single crystals that show optimal intrinsic charge-transport properties and electrical performance. Moreover, the heterogeneous integration of organic materials on a single substrate in a monolithic way is highly demanded for the production of fundamental organic electronic components as well as complex integrated circuits. Many of the various methods that have been designed to pattern multiple heterogeneous organic materials on a substrate and the heterogeneous integration of organic single crystals with their crystal growth are described here. Critical issues that have been encountered in the development of high-performance organic integrated electronics are also addressed. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Quantum electromechanics on silicon nitride nanomembranes.

PubMed

Fink, J M; Kalaee, M; Pitanti, A; Norte, R; Heinzle, L; Davanço, M; Srinivasan, K; Painter, O

2016-08-03

Radiation pressure has recently been used to effectively couple the quantum motion of mechanical elements to the fields of optical or microwave light. Integration of all three degrees of freedom-mechanical, optical and microwave-would enable a quantum interconnect between microwave and optical quantum systems. We present a platform based on silicon nitride nanomembranes for integrating superconducting microwave circuits with planar acoustic and optical devices such as phononic and photonic crystals. Using planar capacitors with vacuum gaps of 60 nm and spiral inductor coils of micron pitch we realize microwave resonant circuits with large electromechanical coupling to planar acoustic structures of nanoscale dimensions and femtoFarad motional capacitance. Using this enhanced coupling, we demonstrate microwave backaction cooling of the 4.48 MHz mechanical resonance of a nanobeam to an occupancy as low as 0.32. These results indicate the viability of silicon nitride nanomembranes as an all-in-one substrate for quantum electro-opto-mechanical experiments.

Mechanical Designs for Inorganic Stretchable Circuits in Soft Electronics.

PubMed

Wang, Shuodao; Huang, Yonggang; Rogers, John A

2015-09-01

Mechanical concepts and designs in inorganic circuits for different levels of stretchability are reviewed in this paper, through discussions of the underlying mechanics and material theories, fabrication procedures for the constituent microscale/nanoscale devices, and experimental characterization. All of the designs reported here adopt heterogeneous structures of rigid and brittle inorganic materials on soft and elastic elastomeric substrates, with mechanical design layouts that isolate large deformations to the elastomer, thereby avoiding potentially destructive plastic strains in the brittle materials. The overall stiffnesses of the electronics, their stretchability, and curvilinear shapes can be designed to match the mechanical properties of biological tissues. The result is a class of soft stretchable electronic systems that are compatible with traditional high-performance inorganic semiconductor technologies. These systems afford promising options for applications in portable biomedical and health-monitoring devices. Mechanics theories and modeling play a key role in understanding the underlining physics and optimization of these systems.

Mechanical Designs for Inorganic Stretchable Circuits in Soft Electronics

PubMed Central

Wang, Shuodao; Huang, Yonggang; Rogers, John A.

2016-01-01

Mechanical concepts and designs in inorganic circuits for different levels of stretchability are reviewed in this paper, through discussions of the underlying mechanics and material theories, fabrication procedures for the constituent microscale/nanoscale devices, and experimental characterization. All of the designs reported here adopt heterogeneous structures of rigid and brittle inorganic materials on soft and elastic elastomeric substrates, with mechanical design layouts that isolate large deformations to the elastomer, thereby avoiding potentially destructive plastic strains in the brittle materials. The overall stiffnesses of the electronics, their stretchability, and curvilinear shapes can be designed to match the mechanical properties of biological tissues. The result is a class of soft stretchable electronic systems that are compatible with traditional high-performance inorganic semiconductor technologies. These systems afford promising options for applications in portable biomedical and health-monitoring devices. Mechanics theories and modeling play a key role in understanding the underlining physics and optimization of these systems. PMID:27668126

Experimental verification of ‘waveguide’ plasmonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prudêncio, Filipa R.; Costa, Jorge R.; Fernandes, Carlos A.; Engheta, Nader; Silveirinha, Mário G.

2017-12-01

Surface plasmons polaritons are collective excitations of an electron gas that occur at an interface between negative-ɛ and positive-ɛ media. Here, we report the experimental observation of such surface waves using simple waveguide metamaterials filled only with available positive-ɛ media at microwave frequencies. In contrast to optical designs, in our setup the propagation length of the surface plasmons can be rather long as low loss conventional dielectrics are chosen to avoid typical losses from negative-ɛ media. Plasmonic phenomena have potential applications in enhancing light-matter interactions, implementing nanoscale photonic circuits and integrated photonics.

Analysis of a Distributed Pulse Power System Using a Circuit Analysis Code

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-06-01

dose rate was then integrated to give a number that could be compared with measure- ments made using thermal luminescent dosimeters ( TLD ’ s). Since...NM 8 7117 AND THE BDM CORPORATION, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87106 Abstract A sophisticated computer code (SCEPTRE), used to analyze electronic circuits...computer code (SCEPTRE), used to analyze electronic circuits, was used to evaluate the performance of a large flash X-ray machine. This device was

Artwork Interactive Design System (AIDS) program description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, B. T.; Taylor, J. F.

1976-01-01

An artwork interactive design system is described which provides the microelectronic circuit designer/engineer a tool to perform circuit design, automatic layout modification, standard cell design, and artwork verification at a graphics computer terminal using a graphics tablet at the designer/computer interface.

Parallel Computations in Insect and Mammalian Visual Motion Processing

PubMed Central

Clark, Damon A.; Demb, Jonathan B.

2016-01-01

Sensory systems use receptors to extract information from the environment and neural circuits to perform subsequent computations. These computations may be described as algorithms composed of sequential mathematical operations. Comparing these operations across taxa reveals how different neural circuits have evolved to solve the same problem, even when using different mechanisms to implement the underlying math. In this review, we compare how insect and mammalian neural circuits have solved the problem of motion estimation, focusing on the fruit fly Drosophila and the mouse retina. Although the two systems implement computations with grossly different anatomy and molecular mechanisms, the underlying circuits transform light into motion signals with strikingly similar processing steps. These similarities run from photoreceptor gain control and spatiotemporal tuning to ON and OFF pathway structures, motion detection, and computed motion signals. The parallels between the two systems suggest that a limited set of algorithms for estimating motion satisfies both the needs of sighted creatures and the constraints imposed on them by metabolism, anatomy, and the structure and regularities of the visual world. PMID:27780048

Parallel Computations in Insect and Mammalian Visual Motion Processing.

PubMed

Clark, Damon A; Demb, Jonathan B

2016-10-24

Sensory systems use receptors to extract information from the environment and neural circuits to perform subsequent computations. These computations may be described as algorithms composed of sequential mathematical operations. Comparing these operations across taxa reveals how different neural circuits have evolved to solve the same problem, even when using different mechanisms to implement the underlying math. In this review, we compare how insect and mammalian neural circuits have solved the problem of motion estimation, focusing on the fruit fly Drosophila and the mouse retina. Although the two systems implement computations with grossly different anatomy and molecular mechanisms, the underlying circuits transform light into motion signals with strikingly similar processing steps. These similarities run from photoreceptor gain control and spatiotemporal tuning to ON and OFF pathway structures, motion detection, and computed motion signals. The parallels between the two systems suggest that a limited set of algorithms for estimating motion satisfies both the needs of sighted creatures and the constraints imposed on them by metabolism, anatomy, and the structure and regularities of the visual world. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthetic mixed-signal computation in living cells

PubMed Central

Rubens, Jacob R.; Selvaggio, Gianluca; Lu, Timothy K.

2016-01-01

Living cells implement complex computations on the continuous environmental signals that they encounter. These computations involve both analogue- and digital-like processing of signals to give rise to complex developmental programs, context-dependent behaviours and homeostatic activities. In contrast to natural biological systems, synthetic biological systems have largely focused on either digital or analogue computation separately. Here we integrate analogue and digital computation to implement complex hybrid synthetic genetic programs in living cells. We present a framework for building comparator gene circuits to digitize analogue inputs based on different thresholds. We then demonstrate that comparators can be predictably composed together to build band-pass filters, ternary logic systems and multi-level analogue-to-digital converters. In addition, we interface these analogue-to-digital circuits with other digital gene circuits to enable concentration-dependent logic. We expect that this hybrid computational paradigm will enable new industrial, diagnostic and therapeutic applications with engineered cells. PMID:27255669

Implementation of Multivariable Logic Functions in Parallel by Electrically Addressing a Molecule of Three Dopants in Silicon.

PubMed

Fresch, Barbara; Bocquel, Juanita; Hiluf, Dawit; Rogge, Sven; Levine, Raphael D; Remacle, Françoise

2017-07-05

To realize low-power, compact logic circuits, one can explore parallel operation on single nanoscale devices. An added incentive is to use multivalued (as distinct from Boolean) logic. Here, we theoretically demonstrate that the computation of all the possible outputs of a multivariate, multivalued logic function can be implemented in parallel by electrical addressing of a molecule made up of three interacting dopant atoms embedded in Si. The electronic states of the dopant molecule are addressed by pulsing a gate voltage. By simulating the time evolution of the non stationary electronic density built by the gate voltage, we show that one can implement a molecular decision tree that provides in parallel all the outputs for all the inputs of the multivariate, multivalued logic function. The outputs are encoded in the populations and in the bond orders of the dopant molecule, which can be measured using an STM tip. We show that the implementation of the molecular logic tree is equivalent to a spectral function decomposition. The function that is evaluated can be field-programmed by changing the time profile of the pulsed gate voltage. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Faster Evolution of More Multifunctional Logic Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoica, Adrian; Zebulum, Ricardo

2005-01-01

A modification in a method of automated evolutionary synthesis of voltage-controlled multifunctional logic circuits makes it possible to synthesize more circuits in less time. Prior to the modification, the computations for synthesizing a four-function logic circuit by this method took about 10 hours. Using the method as modified, it is possible to synthesize a six-function circuit in less than half an hour. The concepts of automated evolutionary synthesis and voltage-controlled multifunctional logic circuits were described in a number of prior NASA Tech Briefs articles. To recapitulate: A circuit is designed to perform one of several different logic functions, depending on the value of an applied control voltage. The circuit design is synthesized following an automated evolutionary approach that is so named because it is modeled partly after the repetitive trial-and-error process of biological evolution. In this process, random populations of integer strings that encode electronic circuits play a role analogous to that of chromosomes. An evolved circuit is tested by computational simulation (prior to testing in real hardware to verify a final design). Then, in a fitness-evaluation step, responses of the circuit are compared with specifications of target responses and circuits are ranked according to how close they come to satisfying specifications. The results of the evaluation provide guidance for refining designs through further iteration.

Fast and Accurate Circuit Design Automation through Hierarchical Model Switching.

PubMed

Huynh, Linh; Tagkopoulos, Ilias

2015-08-21

In computer-aided biological design, the trifecta of characterized part libraries, accurate models and optimal design parameters is crucial for producing reliable designs. As the number of parts and model complexity increase, however, it becomes exponentially more difficult for any optimization method to search the solution space, hence creating a trade-off that hampers efficient design. To address this issue, we present a hierarchical computer-aided design architecture that uses a two-step approach for biological design. First, a simple model of low computational complexity is used to predict circuit behavior and assess candidate circuit branches through branch-and-bound methods. Then, a complex, nonlinear circuit model is used for a fine-grained search of the reduced solution space, thus achieving more accurate results. Evaluation with a benchmark of 11 circuits and a library of 102 experimental designs with known characterization parameters demonstrates a speed-up of 3 orders of magnitude when compared to other design methods that provide optimality guarantees.

Computation of magnetic suspension of maglev systems using dynamic circuit theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

He, J. L.; Rote, D. M.; Coffey, H. T.

1992-01-01

Dynamic circuit theory is applied to several magnetic suspensions associated with maglev systems. These suspension systems are the loop-shaped coil guideway, the figure-eight-shaped null-flux coil guideway, and the continuous sheet guideway. Mathematical models, which can be used for the development of computer codes, are provided for each of these suspension systems. The differences and similarities of the models in using dynamic circuit theory are discussed in the paper. The paper emphasizes the transient and dynamic analysis and computer simulation of maglev systems. In general, the method discussed here can be applied to many electrodynamic suspension system design concepts. It is also suited for the computation of the performance of maglev propulsion systems. Numerical examples are presented in the paper.

Industrial Electronics II for ICT. Student's Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snider, Bob

This student manual contains the following six units for classroom and laboratory experiences in high school industrial electronics: (1) introduction and review of DC and AC circuits; (2) semiconductors; (3) integrated circuits; (4) digital basics; (5) complex digital circuits; and (6) computer circuits. The units include unit objectives, specific…

Fundamental energy limits of SET-based Brownian NAND and half-adder circuits. Preliminary findings from a physical-information-theoretic methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ercan, İlke; Suyabatmaz, Enes

2018-06-01

The saturation in the efficiency and performance scaling of conventional electronic technologies brings about the development of novel computational paradigms. Brownian circuits are among the promising alternatives that can exploit fluctuations to increase the efficiency of information processing in nanocomputing. A Brownian cellular automaton, where signals propagate randomly and are driven by local transition rules, can be made computationally universal by embedding arbitrary asynchronous circuits on it. One of the potential realizations of such circuits is via single electron tunneling (SET) devices since SET technology enable simulation of noise and fluctuations in a fashion similar to Brownian search. In this paper, we perform a physical-information-theoretic analysis on the efficiency limitations in a Brownian NAND and half-adder circuits implemented using SET technology. The method we employed here establishes a solid ground that enables studying computational and physical features of this emerging technology on an equal footing, and yield fundamental lower bounds that provide valuable insights into how far its efficiency can be improved in principle. In order to provide a basis for comparison, we also analyze a NAND gate and half-adder circuit implemented in complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology to show how the fundamental bound of the Brownian circuit compares against a conventional paradigm.

Dendritic nonlinearities are tuned for efficient spike-based computations in cortical circuits

PubMed Central

Ujfalussy, Balázs B; Makara, Judit K; Branco, Tiago; Lengyel, Máté

2015-01-01

Cortical neurons integrate thousands of synaptic inputs in their dendrites in highly nonlinear ways. It is unknown how these dendritic nonlinearities in individual cells contribute to computations at the level of neural circuits. Here, we show that dendritic nonlinearities are critical for the efficient integration of synaptic inputs in circuits performing analog computations with spiking neurons. We developed a theory that formalizes how a neuron's dendritic nonlinearity that is optimal for integrating synaptic inputs depends on the statistics of its presynaptic activity patterns. Based on their in vivo preynaptic population statistics (firing rates, membrane potential fluctuations, and correlations due to ensemble dynamics), our theory accurately predicted the responses of two different types of cortical pyramidal cells to patterned stimulation by two-photon glutamate uncaging. These results reveal a new computational principle underlying dendritic integration in cortical neurons by suggesting a functional link between cellular and systems--level properties of cortical circuits. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10056.001 PMID:26705334

Large-scale neural circuit mapping data analysis accelerated with the graphical processing unit (GPU).

PubMed

Shi, Yulin; Veidenbaum, Alexander V; Nicolau, Alex; Xu, Xiangmin

2015-01-15

Modern neuroscience research demands computing power. Neural circuit mapping studies such as those using laser scanning photostimulation (LSPS) produce large amounts of data and require intensive computation for post hoc processing and analysis. Here we report on the design and implementation of a cost-effective desktop computer system for accelerated experimental data processing with recent GPU computing technology. A new version of Matlab software with GPU enabled functions is used to develop programs that run on Nvidia GPUs to harness their parallel computing power. We evaluated both the central processing unit (CPU) and GPU-enabled computational performance of our system in benchmark testing and practical applications. The experimental results show that the GPU-CPU co-processing of simulated data and actual LSPS experimental data clearly outperformed the multi-core CPU with up to a 22× speedup, depending on computational tasks. Further, we present a comparison of numerical accuracy between GPU and CPU computation to verify the precision of GPU computation. In addition, we show how GPUs can be effectively adapted to improve the performance of commercial image processing software such as Adobe Photoshop. To our best knowledge, this is the first demonstration of GPU application in neural circuit mapping and electrophysiology-based data processing. Together, GPU enabled computation enhances our ability to process large-scale data sets derived from neural circuit mapping studies, allowing for increased processing speeds while retaining data precision. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Large scale neural circuit mapping data analysis accelerated with the graphical processing unit (GPU)

PubMed Central

Shi, Yulin; Veidenbaum, Alexander V.; Nicolau, Alex; Xu, Xiangmin

2014-01-01

Background Modern neuroscience research demands computing power. Neural circuit mapping studies such as those using laser scanning photostimulation (LSPS) produce large amounts of data and require intensive computation for post-hoc processing and analysis. New Method Here we report on the design and implementation of a cost-effective desktop computer system for accelerated experimental data processing with recent GPU computing technology. A new version of Matlab software with GPU enabled functions is used to develop programs that run on Nvidia GPUs to harness their parallel computing power. Results We evaluated both the central processing unit (CPU) and GPU-enabled computational performance of our system in benchmark testing and practical applications. The experimental results show that the GPU-CPU co-processing of simulated data and actual LSPS experimental data clearly outperformed the multi-core CPU with up to a 22x speedup, depending on computational tasks. Further, we present a comparison of numerical accuracy between GPU and CPU computation to verify the precision of GPU computation. In addition, we show how GPUs can be effectively adapted to improve the performance of commercial image processing software such as Adobe Photoshop. Comparison with Existing Method(s) To our best knowledge, this is the first demonstration of GPU application in neural circuit mapping and electrophysiology-based data processing. Conclusions Together, GPU enabled computation enhances our ability to process large-scale data sets derived from neural circuit mapping studies, allowing for increased processing speeds while retaining data precision. PMID:25277633

GPS synchronized power system phase angle measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Robert E.; Sterlina, Patrick S.

1994-09-01

This paper discusses the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) synchronized equipment for the measurement and analysis of key power system quantities. Two GPS synchronized phasor measurement units (PMU) were installed before testing. It was indicated that PMUs recorded the dynamic response of the power system phase angles when the northern California power grid was excited by the artificial short circuits. Power system planning engineers perform detailed computer generated simulations of the dynamic response of the power system to naturally occurring short circuits. The computer simulations use models of transmission lines, transformers, circuit breakers, and other high voltage components. This work will compare computer simulations of the same event with field measurement.

The silicon chip: A versatile micro-scale platform for micro- and nano-scale systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Edward

Cutting-edge advances in micro- and nano-scale technology require instrumentation to interface with the external world. While technology feature sizes are continually being reduced, the size of experimentalists and their instrumentation do not mirror this trend. Hence there is a need for effective application-specific instrumentation to bridge the gap from the micro and nano-scale phenomena being studied to the comparative macro-scale of the human interfaces. This dissertation puts forward the idea that the silicon CMOS integrated circuit, or microchip in short, serves as an excellent platform to perform this functionality. The electronic interfaces designed for the semiconductor industry are particularly attractive as development platforms, and the reduction in feature sizes that has been a hallmark of the industry suggests that chip-scale instrumentation may be more closely coupled to the phenomena of interest, allowing finer control or improved measurement capabilities. Compatibility with commercial processes will further enable economies of scale through mass production, another welcome feature of this approach. Thus chip-scale instrumentation may replace the bulky, expensive, cumbersome-to-operate macro-scale prototypes currently in use for many of these applications. The dissertation examines four specific applications in which the chip may serve as the ideal instrumentation platform. These are nanorod manipulation, polypyrrole bilayer hinge microactuator control, organic transistor hybrid circuits, and contact fluorescence imaging. The thesis is structured around chapters devoted to each of these projects, in addition to a chapter on preliminary work on an RFID system that serves as a wireless interface model. Each of these chapters contains tools and techniques developed for chip-scale instrumentation, from custom scripts for automated layout and data collection to microfabrication processes. Implementation of these tools to develop systems for the applications above is evaluated. The viability of this approach is not limited to the examples listed in this work, and innovative new methodologies beyond those included here may be developed in the future for other systems which would benefit from the versatility of chip-scale platforms.

A dc model for power switching transistors suitable for computer-aided design and analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, P. M.; George, R. T., Jr.; Owen, H. A.; Wilson, T. G.

1979-01-01

A model for bipolar junction power switching transistors whose parameters can be readily obtained by the circuit design engineer, and which can be conveniently incorporated into standard computer-based circuit analysis programs is presented. This formulation results from measurements which may be made with standard laboratory equipment. Measurement procedures, as well as a comparison between actual and computed results, are presented.

Reliability Evaluation of Computer Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

algorithms in hardware is not restricted by the designs of particular circuits. Applications could be made in new computer architectures; one candidate...pp. 137-148, IEEE, Chicago, Illinois, September 1963. (With J.F. Wakerly ) "Design of Low-Cost General-Purpose Self- Diagnosing Computers," Proc...34 Proc., IEEE Int’l Solid-State Circuits Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 16-18, 1977. (With J.F. Wakerly ) "Microcomputers in the

Modelling nanoscale objects in order to conduct an empirical research into their properties as part of an engineering system designed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makarov, M.; Shchanikov, S.; Trantina, N.

2017-01-01

We have conducted a research into the major, in terms of their future application, properties of nanoscale objects, based on modelling these objects as free-standing physical elements beyond the structure of an engineering system designed for their integration as well as a part of a system that operates under the influence of the external environment. For the empirical research suggested within the scope of this work, we have chosen a nanoscale electronic element intended to be used while designing information processing systems with the parallel architecture - a memristor. The target function of the research was to provide the maximum fault-tolerance index of a memristor-based system when affected by all possible impacts of the internal destabilizing factors and external environment. The research results have enabled us to receive and classify all the factors predetermining the fault-tolerance index of the hardware implementation of a computing system based on the nanoscale electronic element base.

A Simple Memristor Model for Circuit Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fullerton, Farrah-Amoy; Joe, Aaleyah; Gergel-Hackett, Nadine; Department of Chemistry; Physics Team

This work describes the development of a model for the memristor, a novel nanoelectronic technology. The model was designed to replicate the real-world electrical characteristics of previously fabricated memristor devices, but was constructed with basic circuit elements using a free widely available circuit simulator, LT Spice. The modeled memrsistors were then used to construct a circuit that performs material implication. Material implication is a digital logic that can be used to perform all of the same basic functions as traditional CMOS gates, but with fewer nanoelectronic devices. This memristor-based digital logic could enable memristors' use in new paradigms of computer architecture with advantages in size, speed, and power over traditional computing circuits. Additionally, the ability to model the real-world electrical characteristics of memristors in a free circuit simulator using its standard library of elements could enable not only the development of memristor material implication, but also the development of a virtually unlimited array of other memristor-based circuits.

Hierarchical MFMO Circuit Modules for an Energy-Efficient SDR DBF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mar, Jeich; Kuo, Chi-Cheng; Wu, Shin-Ru; Lin, You-Rong

The hierarchical multi-function matrix operation (MFMO) circuit modules are designed using coordinate rotations digital computer (CORDIC) algorithm for realizing the intensive computation of matrix operations. The paper emphasizes that the designed hierarchical MFMO circuit modules can be used to develop a power-efficient software-defined radio (SDR) digital beamformer (DBF). The formulas of the processing time for the scalable MFMO circuit modules implemented in field programmable gate array (FPGA) are derived to allocate the proper logic resources for the hardware reconfiguration. The hierarchical MFMO circuit modules are scalable to the changing number of array branches employed for the SDR DBF to achieve the purpose of power saving. The efficient reuse of the common MFMO circuit modules in the SDR DBF can also lead to energy reduction. Finally, the power dissipation and reconfiguration function in the different modes of the SDR DBF are observed from the experiment results.

Ultrashort broadband polarization beam splitter based on a combined hybrid plasmonic waveguide

PubMed Central

Chang, Ken-Wei; Huang, Chia-Chien

2016-01-01

We propose an ultracompact broadband polarization beam splitter (PBS) based on a combined hybrid plasmonic waveguide (HPW). The proposed PBS separates transverse-electric (TE) and transverse-magnetic (TM) modes using a bent lower HPW with vertical nanoscale gaps and a straight upper HPW with a horizontal nanoscale gap, respectively, without relying on an additional coupling region. This design considerably reduces the length of the PBS to the submicron scale (920 nm, the shortest PBS reported to date) while offering polarization extinction ratios (PERs) of ~19 dB (~18 dB) and insertion losses (ILs) of ~0.6 dB (~0.3 dB) for the TE (TM) mode over an extremely broad band of 400 nm (from λ = 1300 nm to 1700 nm, covering entirely second and third telecom windows). The length of the designed PBS can be reduced further to 620 nm while still offering PERs of 15 dB, realizing a densely photonic integrated circuit. Considering the fabrication tolerance, the designed PBS allows for large geometrical deviations of ±20 nm while restricting PER variations to within 1 dB, except for those in the nanoscale gaps smaller than 10nm. Additionally, we also address the input and ouput coupling efficiencies of the proposed PBS. PMID:26786972

Separating OR, SUM, and XOR Circuits.

PubMed

Find, Magnus; Göös, Mika; Järvisalo, Matti; Kaski, Petteri; Koivisto, Mikko; Korhonen, Janne H

2016-08-01

Given a boolean n × n matrix A we consider arithmetic circuits for computing the transformation x ↦ Ax over different semirings. Namely, we study three circuit models: monotone OR-circuits, monotone SUM-circuits (addition of non-negative integers), and non-monotone XOR-circuits (addition modulo 2). Our focus is on separating OR-circuits from the two other models in terms of circuit complexity: We show how to obtain matrices that admit OR-circuits of size O ( n ), but require SUM-circuits of size Ω( n 3/2 /log 2 n ).We consider the task of rewriting a given OR-circuit as a XOR-circuit and prove that any subquadratic-time algorithm for this task violates the strong exponential time hypothesis.

Module Twelve: Series AC Resistive-Reactive Circuits; Basic Electricity and Electronics Individualized Learning System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, DC.

The module covers series circuits which contain both resistive and reactive components and methods of solving these circuits for current, voltage, impedance, and phase angle. The module is divided into six lessons: voltage and impedance in AC (alternating current) series circuits, vector computations, rectangular and polar notation, variational…

In Vitro Simulation and Validation of the Circulation with Congenital Heart Defects

PubMed Central

Figliola, Richard S.; Giardini, Alessandro; Conover, Tim; Camp, Tiffany A.; Biglino, Giovanni; Chiulli, John; Hsia, Tain-Yen

2010-01-01

Despite the recent advances in computational modeling, experimental simulation of the circulation with congenital heart defect using mock flow circuits remains an important tool for device testing, and for detailing the probable flow consequences resulting from surgical and interventional corrections. Validated mock circuits can be applied to qualify the results from novel computational models. New mathematical tools, coupled with advanced clinical imaging methods, allow for improved assessment of experimental circuit performance relative to human function, as well as the potential for patient-specific adaptation. In this review, we address the development of three in vitro mock circuits specific for studies of congenital heart defects. Performance of an in vitro right heart circulation circuit through a series of verification and validation exercises is described, including correlations with animal studies, and quantifying the effects of circuit inertiance on test results. We present our experience in the design of mock circuits suitable for investigations of the characteristics of the Fontan circulation. We use one such mock circuit to evaluate the accuracy of Doppler predictions in the presence of aortic coarctation. PMID:21218147

High-speed on-chip windowed centroiding using photodiode-based CMOS imager

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pain, Bedabrata (Inventor); Sun, Chao (Inventor); Yang, Guang (Inventor); Cunningham, Thomas J. (Inventor); Hancock, Bruce (Inventor)

2003-01-01

A centroid computation system is disclosed. The system has an imager array, a switching network, computation elements, and a divider circuit. The imager array has columns and rows of pixels. The switching network is adapted to receive pixel signals from the image array. The plurality of computation elements operates to compute inner products for at least x and y centroids. The plurality of computation elements has only passive elements to provide inner products of pixel signals the switching network. The divider circuit is adapted to receive the inner products and compute the x and y centroids.

High-speed on-chip windowed centroiding using photodiode-based CMOS imager

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pain, Bedabrata (Inventor); Sun, Chao (Inventor); Yang, Guang (Inventor); Cunningham, Thomas J. (Inventor); Hancock, Bruce (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A centroid computation system is disclosed. The system has an imager array, a switching network, computation elements, and a divider circuit. The imager array has columns and rows of pixels. The switching network is adapted to receive pixel signals from the image array. The plurality of computation elements operates to compute inner products for at least x and y centroids. The plurality of computation elements has only passive elements to provide inner products of pixel signals the switching network. The divider circuit is adapted to receive the inner products and compute the x and y centroids.

Molecular-Scale Electronics: From Concept to Function.

PubMed

Xiang, Dong; Wang, Xiaolong; Jia, Chuancheng; Lee, Takhee; Guo, Xuefeng

2016-04-13

Creating functional electrical circuits using individual or ensemble molecules, often termed as "molecular-scale electronics", not only meets the increasing technical demands of the miniaturization of traditional Si-based electronic devices, but also provides an ideal window of exploring the intrinsic properties of materials at the molecular level. This Review covers the major advances with the most general applicability and emphasizes new insights into the development of efficient platform methodologies for building reliable molecular electronic devices with desired functionalities through the combination of programmed bottom-up self-assembly and sophisticated top-down device fabrication. First, we summarize a number of different approaches of forming molecular-scale junctions and discuss various experimental techniques for examining these nanoscale circuits in details. We then give a full introduction of characterization techniques and theoretical simulations for molecular electronics. Third, we highlight the major contributions and new concepts of integrating molecular functionalities into electrical circuits. Finally, we provide a critical discussion of limitations and main challenges that still exist for the development of molecular electronics. These analyses should be valuable for deeply understanding charge transport through molecular junctions, the device fabrication process, and the roadmap for future practical molecular electronics.

An Undergraduate Experiment in Alarm System Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martini, R. A.; And Others

1988-01-01

Describes an experiment involving data acquisition by a computer, digital signal transmission from the computer to a digital logic circuit and signal interpretation by this circuit. The system is being used at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Discusses the fundamental concepts involved. Demonstrates the alarm experiment as it is used in…

TEACHING ENGINEERING DESIGN, A STUDY OF JOBSHOP.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

ENTWISLE, DORIS R.; HUGGINS, W.H.

THE USE OF A COMPUTER PROGRAM BY ENGINEERING STUDENTS TO SIMULATE A JOB SHOP THAT MANUFACTURES ELECTRONIC DEVICES HAS INDICATED THAT SIMULATION METHODS OFFER REALISTIC ASSISTANCE IN TEACHING. EACH STUDENT IN THE STUDY SUBMITTED SPECIFICATIONS FOR A CIRCUIT DESIGN AND, FROM THE COMPUTER, RECEIVED PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS OF THE CIRCUIT WHICH…

Computational integration of nanoscale physical biomarkers and cognitive assessments for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and prognosis

PubMed Central

Yue, Tao; Jia, Xinghua; Petrosino, Jennifer; Sun, Leming; Fan, Zhen; Fine, Jesse; Davis, Rebecca; Galster, Scott; Kuret, Jeff; Scharre, Douglas W.; Zhang, Mingjun

2017-01-01

With the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), significant efforts have been directed toward developing novel diagnostics and biomarkers that can enhance AD detection and management. AD affects the cognition, behavior, function, and physiology of patients through mechanisms that are still being elucidated. Current AD diagnosis is contingent on evaluating which symptoms and signs a patient does or does not display. Concerns have been raised that AD diagnosis may be affected by how those measurements are analyzed. Unbiased means of diagnosing AD using computational algorithms that integrate multidisciplinary inputs, ranging from nanoscale biomarkers to cognitive assessments, and integrating both biochemical and physical changes may provide solutions to these limitations due to lack of understanding for the dynamic progress of the disease coupled with multiple symptoms in multiscale. We show that nanoscale physical properties of protein aggregates from the cerebral spinal fluid and blood of patients are altered during AD pathogenesis and that these properties can be used as a new class of “physical biomarkers.” Using a computational algorithm, developed to integrate these biomarkers and cognitive assessments, we demonstrate an approach to impartially diagnose AD and predict its progression. Real-time diagnostic updates of progression could be made on the basis of the changes in the physical biomarkers and the cognitive assessment scores of patients over time. Additionally, the Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem was used to determine the minimum number of necessary patient checkups to effectively predict disease progression. This integrated computational approach can generate patient-specific, personalized signatures for AD diagnosis and prognosis. PMID:28782028

Harnessing vision for computation.

PubMed

Changizi, Mark

2008-01-01

Might it be possible to harness the visual system to carry out artificial computations, somewhat akin to how DNA has been harnessed to carry out computation? I provide the beginnings of a research programme attempting to do this. In particular, new techniques are described for building 'visual circuits' (or 'visual software') using wire, NOT, OR, and AND gates in a visual 6modality such that our visual system acts as 'visual hardware' computing the circuit, and generating a resultant perception which is the output.

Nanoparticles Stabilize Thin Polymer Films: A Fundamental Study to Understand the Phenomenon

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

Michael E. Mackay

2009-03-04

A new understanding of thermodynamics at the nanoscale resulted in a recently discovered first order phase transition that nanoparticles in a polymer film will all segregate to the supporting substrate. This is an unusual phase transition that was predicted using a modeling technique developed at Sandia National Laboratories and required the equivalent of many computational years on one computer. This project is a collaboration between Prof. Michael Mackay's group and Dr. Amalie Frischknecht (Sandia National Laboratories) where experimental observation and theoretical rationalization and prediction are brought together. Other discoveries were that this phase transition could be avoided by changing themore » nanoparticle properties yielding control of the assembly process at the nanoscale. In fact, the nanoparticles could be made to assemble to the supporting substrate, to the air interface or not assemble at all within a thin polymer film of order 100 nm in thickness. However, when the assembly process is present it is so robust that it is possible to make rough liquid films at the nanoscale due to nanoparticles assembling around three-dimensional objects. From this knowledge we are able to design and manufacture new coatings with particular emphasis on polymer-based solar cells. Careful control of the morphology at the nanoscale is expected to provide more efficient devices since the physics of these systems is dictated at this length scale and assembly of nanoparticles to various interfaces is critical to operation.« less

Reduced circuit implementation of encoder and syndrome generator

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

Trager, Barry M; Winograd, Shmuel

An error correction method and system includes an Encoder and Syndrome-generator that operate in parallel to reduce the amount of circuitry used to compute check symbols and syndromes for error correcting codes. The system and method computes the contributions to the syndromes and check symbols 1 bit at a time instead of 1 symbol at a time. As a result, the even syndromes can be computed as powers of the odd syndromes. Further, the system assigns symbol addresses so that there are, for an example GF(2.sup.8) which has 72 symbols, three (3) blocks of addresses which differ by a cubemore » root of unity to allow the data symbols to be combined for reducing size and complexity of odd syndrome circuits. Further, the implementation circuit for generating check symbols is derived from syndrome circuit using the inverse of the part of the syndrome matrix for check locations.« less

An algorithmic approach to solving polynomial equations associated with quantum circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerdt, V. P.; Zinin, M. V.

2009-12-01

In this paper we present two algorithms for reducing systems of multivariate polynomial equations over the finite field F 2 to the canonical triangular form called lexicographical Gröbner basis. This triangular form is the most appropriate for finding solutions of the system. On the other hand, the system of polynomials over F 2 whose variables also take values in F 2 (Boolean polynomials) completely describes the unitary matrix generated by a quantum circuit. In particular, the matrix itself can be computed by counting the number of solutions (roots) of the associated polynomial system. Thereby, efficient construction of the lexicographical Gröbner bases over F 2 associated with quantum circuits gives a method for computing their circuit matrices that is alternative to the direct numerical method based on linear algebra. We compare our implementation of both algorithms with some other software packages available for computing Gröbner bases over F 2.

Computer design of porous active materials at different dimensional scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasedkin, Andrey

2017-12-01

The paper presents a mathematical and computer modeling of effective properties of porous piezoelectric materials of three types: with ordinary porosity, with metallized pore surfaces, and with nanoscale porosity structure. The described integrated approach includes the effective moduli method of composite mechanics, simulation of representative volumes, and finite element method.

High performance computing in biology: multimillion atom simulations of nanoscale systems

PubMed Central

Sanbonmatsu, K. Y.; Tung, C.-S.

2007-01-01

Computational methods have been used in biology for sequence analysis (bioinformatics), all-atom simulation (molecular dynamics and quantum calculations), and more recently for modeling biological networks (systems biology). Of these three techniques, all-atom simulation is currently the most computationally demanding, in terms of compute load, communication speed, and memory load. Breakthroughs in electrostatic force calculation and dynamic load balancing have enabled molecular dynamics simulations of large biomolecular complexes. Here, we report simulation results for the ribosome, using approximately 2.64 million atoms, the largest all-atom biomolecular simulation published to date. Several other nanoscale systems with different numbers of atoms were studied to measure the performance of the NAMD molecular dynamics simulation program on the Los Alamos National Laboratory Q Machine. We demonstrate that multimillion atom systems represent a 'sweet spot' for the NAMD code on large supercomputers. NAMD displays an unprecedented 85% parallel scaling efficiency for the ribosome system on 1024 CPUs. We also review recent targeted molecular dynamics simulations of the ribosome that prove useful for studying conformational changes of this large biomolecular complex in atomic detail. PMID:17187988

Nanoscale superstructures assembled by polymerase chain reaction (PCR): programmable construction, structural diversity, and emerging applications.

PubMed

Kuang, Hua; Ma, Wei; Xu, Liguang; Wang, Libing; Xu, Chuanlai

2013-11-19

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an essential tool in biotechnology laboratories and is becoming increasingly important in other areas of research. Extensive data obtained over the last 12 years has shown that the combination of PCR with nanoscale dispersions can resolve issues in the preparation DNA-based materials that include both inorganic and organic nanoscale components. Unlike conventional DNA hybridization and antibody-antigen complexes, PCR provides a new, effective assembly platform that both increases the yield of DNA-based nanomaterials and allows researchers to program and control assembly with predesigned parameters including those assisted and automated by computers. As a result, this method allows researchers to optimize to the combinatorial selection of the DNA strands for their nanoparticle conjugates. We have developed a PCR approach for producing various nanoscale assemblies including organic motifs such as small molecules, macromolecules, and inorganic building blocks, such as nanorods (NRs), metal, semiconductor, and magnetic nanoparticles (NPs). We start with a nanoscale primer and then modify that building block using the automated steps of PCR-based assembly including initialization, denaturation, annealing, extension, final elongation, and final hold. The intermediate steps of denaturation, annealing, and extension are cyclic, and we use computer control so that the assembled superstructures reach their predetermined complexity. The structures assembled using a small number of PCR cycles show a lower polydispersity than similar discrete structures obtained by direct hybridization between the nanoscale building blocks. Using different building blocks, we assembled the following structural motifs by PCR: (1) discrete nanostructures (NP dimers, NP multimers including trimers, pyramids, tetramers or hexamers, etc.), (2) branched NP superstructures and heterochains, (3) NP satellite-like superstructures, (4) Y-shaped nanostructures and DNA networks, (5) protein-DNA co-assembly structures, and (6) DNA block copolymers including trimers and pentamers. These results affirm that this method can produce a variety of chemical structures and in yields that are tunable. Using PCR-based preparation of DNA-bridged nanostructures, we can program the assembly of the nanoscale blocks through the adjustment of the primer intensity on the assembled units, the number of PCR cycles, or both. The resulting structures are highly complex and diverse and have interesting dynamics and collective properties. Potential applications of these materials include chirooptical materials, probe fabrication, and environmental and biomedical sensors.

Interactive Electronic Circuit Simulation on Small Computer Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-11-01

longer needed. Do not return it to the originator. UNCLASSIFIED SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE (Whan Dots Entered) REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE... CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE(H7i»n Data Entend) Interactive-mode circuit simulation and batch-mode circuit simulation on minicomputers are compared...on the circuit Q. For circuits with Q less than 1, this ratio is typically 10:1. UNCLASSIFIED 2 SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGEflWiim Data

Cortico-striatal language pathways dynamically adjust for syntactic complexity: A computational study.

PubMed

Szalisznyó, Krisztina; Silverstein, David; Teichmann, Marc; Duffau, Hugues; Smits, Anja

2017-01-01

A growing body of literature supports a key role of fronto-striatal circuits in language perception. It is now known that the striatum plays a role in engaging attentional resources and linguistic rule computation while also serving phonological short-term memory capabilities. The ventral semantic and the dorsal phonological stream dichotomy assumed for spoken language processing also seems to play a role in cortico-striatal perception. Based on recent studies that correlate deep Broca-striatal pathways with complex syntax performance, we used a previously developed computational model of frontal-striatal syntax circuits and hypothesized that different parallel language pathways may contribute to canonical and non-canonical sentence comprehension separately. We modified and further analyzed a thematic role assignment task and corresponding reservoir computing model of language circuits, as previously developed by Dominey and coworkers. We examined the models performance under various parameter regimes, by influencing how fast the presented language input decays and altering the temporal dynamics of activated word representations. This enabled us to quantify canonical and non-canonical sentence comprehension abilities. The modeling results suggest that separate cortico-cortical and cortico-striatal circuits may be recruited differently for processing syntactically more difficult and less complicated sentences. Alternatively, a single circuit would need to dynamically and adaptively adjust to syntactic complexity. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A compound memristive synapse model for statistical learning through STDP in spiking neural networks

PubMed Central

Bill, Johannes; Legenstein, Robert

2014-01-01

Memristors have recently emerged as promising circuit elements to mimic the function of biological synapses in neuromorphic computing. The fabrication of reliable nanoscale memristive synapses, that feature continuous conductance changes based on the timing of pre- and postsynaptic spikes, has however turned out to be challenging. In this article, we propose an alternative approach, the compound memristive synapse, that circumvents this problem by the use of memristors with binary memristive states. A compound memristive synapse employs multiple bistable memristors in parallel to jointly form one synapse, thereby providing a spectrum of synaptic efficacies. We investigate the computational implications of synaptic plasticity in the compound synapse by integrating the recently observed phenomenon of stochastic filament formation into an abstract model of stochastic switching. Using this abstract model, we first show how standard pulsing schemes give rise to spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) with a stabilizing weight dependence in compound synapses. In a next step, we study unsupervised learning with compound synapses in networks of spiking neurons organized in a winner-take-all architecture. Our theoretical analysis reveals that compound-synapse STDP implements generalized Expectation-Maximization in the spiking network. Specifically, the emergent synapse configuration represents the most salient features of the input distribution in a Mixture-of-Gaussians generative model. Furthermore, the network's spike response to spiking input streams approximates a well-defined Bayesian posterior distribution. We show in computer simulations how such networks learn to represent high-dimensional distributions over images of handwritten digits with high fidelity even in presence of substantial device variations and under severe noise conditions. Therefore, the compound memristive synapse may provide a synaptic design principle for future neuromorphic architectures. PMID:25565943

Parallelizing quantum circuit synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Matteo, Olivia; Mosca, Michele

2016-03-01

Quantum circuit synthesis is the process in which an arbitrary unitary operation is decomposed into a sequence of gates from a universal set, typically one which a quantum computer can implement both efficiently and fault-tolerantly. As physical implementations of quantum computers improve, the need is growing for tools that can effectively synthesize components of the circuits and algorithms they will run. Existing algorithms for exact, multi-qubit circuit synthesis scale exponentially in the number of qubits and circuit depth, leaving synthesis intractable for circuits on more than a handful of qubits. Even modest improvements in circuit synthesis procedures may lead to significant advances, pushing forward the boundaries of not only the size of solvable circuit synthesis problems, but also in what can be realized physically as a result of having more efficient circuits. We present a method for quantum circuit synthesis using deterministic walks. Also termed pseudorandom walks, these are walks in which once a starting point is chosen, its path is completely determined. We apply our method to construct a parallel framework for circuit synthesis, and implement one such version performing optimal T-count synthesis over the Clifford+T gate set. We use our software to present examples where parallelization offers a significant speedup on the runtime, as well as directly confirm that the 4-qubit 1-bit full adder has optimal T-count 7 and T-depth 3.

Introducing Creativity in a Design Laboratory for a Freshman Level Electrical and Computer Engineering Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burkett, Susan L.; Kotru, Sushma; Lusth, John C.; McCallum, Debra; Dunlap, Sarah

2014-01-01

Dunlap, The University of Alabama, USA ABSTRACT In the electrical and computer engineering (ECE) curriculum at The University of Alabama, freshmen are introduced to fundamental electrical concepts and units, DC circuit analysis techniques, operational amplifiers, circuit simulation, design, and professional ethics. The two credit course has both…

Easy-to-Implement Project Integrates Basic Electronics and Computer Programming

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Richard; Shackelford, Ray

2008-01-01

The activities described in this article give students excellent experience with both computer programming and basic electronics. During the activities, students will work in small groups, using a BASIC Stamp development board to fabricate digital circuits and PBASIC to write program code that will control the circuits they have built. The…

Quantum plug n’ play: modular computation in the quantum regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Jayne; Modi, Kavan; Vedral, Vlatko; Gu, Mile

2018-01-01

Classical computation is modular. It exploits plug n’ play architectures which allow us to use pre-fabricated circuits without knowing their construction. This bestows advantages such as allowing parts of the computational process to be outsourced, and permitting individual circuit components to be exchanged and upgraded. Here, we introduce a formal framework to describe modularity in the quantum regime. We demonstrate a ‘no-go’ theorem, stipulating that it is not always possible to make use of quantum circuits without knowing their construction. This has significant consequences for quantum algorithms, forcing the circuit implementation of certain quantum algorithms to be rebuilt almost entirely from scratch after incremental changes in the problem—such as changing the number being factored in Shor’s algorithm. We develop a workaround capable of restoring modularity, and apply it to design a modular version of Shor’s algorithm that exhibits increased versatility and reduced complexity. In doing so we pave the way to a realistic framework whereby ‘quantum chips’ and remote servers can be invoked (or assembled) to implement various parts of a more complex quantum computation.

Dual-mode MOS SOI nanoscale transistor serving as a building block for optical communication between blocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bendayan, Michael; Sabo, Roi; Zolberg, Roee; Mandelbaum, Yaakov; Chelly, Avraham; Karsenty, Avi

2017-02-01

We developed a new type of silicon MOSFET Quantum Well transistor, coupling both electronic and optical properties which should overcome the indirect silicon bandgap constraint, and serve as a future light emitting device in the range 0.8-2μm, as part of a new building block in integrated circuits allowing ultra-high speed processors. Such Quantum Well structure enables discrete energy levels for light recombination. Model and simulations of both optical and electric properties are presented pointing out the influence of the channel thickness and the drain voltage on the optical emission spectrum.

Nanoscale Microelectronic Circuit Development

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-17

structure to obtain a one-hot-encoded output instead of a thermometer code …………………………………………………………………………44 Figure 37. A folded ...thermometer code Figure 37. A folded PLINCO cell. The output of the PLINCO is 8-wide, but only the left half or right half is passed on. A carry...noise figure requirements are not stringent since the GPS signal is spread spectrum coded , providing over 40 dB of processing gain and easing the

Noise reduction in plasmonic amplifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vyshnevyy, Andrey A.; Fedyanin, Dmitry Yu.

2018-06-01

Surface plasmon polaritons amplification give the possibility to overcome strong absorption in metals and design truly nanoscale devices for on-chip photonic circuits. However, the process of stimulated emission in the gain medium is inevitably accompanied by spontaneous emission, which greatly increases the noise power. Herein we present an efficient strategy for noise reduction in plasmonic amplifiers,which is based on gain redistribution along the amplifier. We show that even a very small gain redistribution (∼3%) makes it possible to increase the signal-to-noise ratio by ∼100% and improve the bit error ratio by orders of magnitude.

Fail-safe bidirectional valve driver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fujimoto, H.

1974-01-01

Cross-coupled diodes are added to commonly used bidirectional valve driver circuit to protect circuit and power supply. Circuit may be used in systems requiring fail-safe bidirectional valve operation, particularly in chemical- and petroleum-processing control systems and computer-controlled hydraulic or pneumatic systems.

Logic Circuits as a Vehicle for Technological Literacy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hazeltine, Barrett

1985-01-01

Provides basic information on logic circuits, points out that the topic is a good vehicle for developing technological literacy. The subject could be included in such courses as philosophy, computer science, communications, as well as in courses dealing with electronic circuits. (JN)

Systems with a constant heat flux with applications to radiative heat transport across nanoscale gaps and layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budaev, Bair V.; Bogy, David B.

2018-06-01

We extend the statistical analysis of equilibrium systems to systems with a constant heat flux. This extension leads to natural generalizations of Maxwell-Boltzmann's and Planck's equilibrium energy distributions to energy distributions of systems with a net heat flux. This development provides a long needed foundation for addressing problems of nanoscale heat transport by a systematic method based on a few fundamental principles. As an example, we consider the computation of the radiative heat flux between narrowly spaced half-spaces maintained at different temperatures.

Optical Computers and Space Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdeldayem, Hossin A.; Frazier, Donald O.; Penn, Benjamin; Paley, Mark S.; Witherow, William K.; Banks, Curtis; Hicks, Rosilen; Shields, Angela

1995-01-01

The rapidly increasing demand for greater speed and efficiency on the information superhighway requires significant improvements over conventional electronic logic circuits. Optical interconnections and optical integrated circuits are strong candidates to provide the way out of the extreme limitations imposed on the growth of speed and complexity of nowadays computations by the conventional electronic logic circuits. The new optical technology has increased the demand for high quality optical materials. NASA's recent involvement in processing optical materials in space has demonstrated that a new and unique class of high quality optical materials are processible in a microgravity environment. Microgravity processing can induce improved orders in these materials and could have a significant impact on the development of optical computers. We will discuss NASA's role in processing these materials and report on some of the associated nonlinear optical properties which are quite useful for optical computers technology.

Separating OR, SUM, and XOR Circuits☆

PubMed Central

Find, Magnus; Göös, Mika; Järvisalo, Matti; Kaski, Petteri; Koivisto, Mikko; Korhonen, Janne H.

2017-01-01

Given a boolean n × n matrix A we consider arithmetic circuits for computing the transformation x ↦ Ax over different semirings. Namely, we study three circuit models: monotone OR-circuits, monotone SUM-circuits (addition of non-negative integers), and non-monotone XOR-circuits (addition modulo 2). Our focus is on separating OR-circuits from the two other models in terms of circuit complexity: We show how to obtain matrices that admit OR-circuits of size O(n), but require SUM-circuits of size Ω(n3/2/log2n).We consider the task of rewriting a given OR-circuit as a XOR-circuit and prove that any subquadratic-time algorithm for this task violates the strong exponential time hypothesis. PMID:28529379

The Induction of Chaos in Electronic Circuits Final Report-October 1, 2001

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

R.M.Wheat, Jr.

2003-04-01

This project, now known by the name ''Chaos in Electronic Circuits,'' was originally tasked as a two-year project to examine various ''fault'' or ''non-normal'' operational states of common electronic circuits with some focus on determining the feasibility of exploiting these states. Efforts over the two-year duration of this project have been dominated by the study of the chaotic behavior of electronic circuits. These efforts have included setting up laboratory space and hardware for conducting laboratory tests and experiments, acquiring and developing computer simulation and analysis capabilities, conducting literature surveys, developing test circuitry and computer models to exercise and test ourmore » capabilities, and experimenting with and studying the use of RF injection as a means of inducing chaotic behavior in electronics. An extensive array of nonlinear time series analysis tools have been developed and integrated into a package named ''After Acquisition'' (AA), including capabilities such as Delayed Coordinate Embedding Mapping (DCEM), Time Resolved (3-D) Fourier Transform, and several other phase space re-creation methods. Many computer models have been developed for Spice and for the ATP (Alternative Transients Program), modeling the several working circuits that have been developed for use in the laboratory. And finally, methods of induction of chaos in electronic circuits have been explored.« less

Compiling probabilistic, bio-inspired circuits on a field programmable analog array

PubMed Central

Marr, Bo; Hasler, Jennifer

2014-01-01

A field programmable analog array (FPAA) is presented as an energy and computational efficiency engine: a mixed mode processor for which functions can be compiled at significantly less energy costs using probabilistic computing circuits. More specifically, it will be shown that the core computation of any dynamical system can be computed on the FPAA at significantly less energy per operation than a digital implementation. A stochastic system that is dynamically controllable via voltage controlled amplifier and comparator thresholds is implemented, which computes Bernoulli random variables. From Bernoulli variables it is shown exponentially distributed random variables, and random variables of an arbitrary distribution can be computed. The Gillespie algorithm is simulated to show the utility of this system by calculating the trajectory of a biological system computed stochastically with this probabilistic hardware where over a 127X performance improvement over current software approaches is shown. The relevance of this approach is extended to any dynamical system. The initial circuits and ideas for this work were generated at the 2008 Telluride Neuromorphic Workshop. PMID:24847199

Nonlinear relaxation algorithms for circuit simulation

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

Saleh, R.A.

Circuit simulation is an important Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tool in the design of Integrated Circuits (IC). However, the standard techniques used in programs such as SPICE result in very long computer-run times when applied to large problems. In order to reduce the overall run time, a number of new approaches to circuit simulation were developed and are described. These methods are based on nonlinear relaxation techniques and exploit the relative inactivity of large circuits. Simple waveform-processing techniques are described to determine the maximum possible speed improvement that can be obtained by exploiting this property of large circuits. Three simulation algorithmsmore » are described, two of which are based on the Iterated Timing Analysis (ITA) method and a third based on the Waveform-Relaxation Newton (WRN) method. New programs that incorporate these techniques were developed and used to simulate a variety of industrial circuits. The results from these simulations are provided. The techniques are shown to be much faster than the standard approach. In addition, a number of parallel aspects of these algorithms are described, and a general space-time model of parallel-task scheduling is developed.« less

Computer-Aided Design of Low-Noise Microwave Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wedge, Scott William

1991-02-01

Devoid of most natural and manmade noise, microwave frequencies have detection sensitivities limited by internally generated receiver noise. Low-noise amplifiers are therefore critical components in radio astronomical antennas, communications links, radar systems, and even home satellite dishes. A general technique to accurately predict the noise performance of microwave circuits has been lacking. Current noise analysis methods have been limited to specific circuit topologies or neglect correlation, a strong effect in microwave devices. Presented here are generalized methods, developed for computer-aided design implementation, for the analysis of linear noisy microwave circuits comprised of arbitrarily interconnected components. Included are descriptions of efficient algorithms for the simultaneous analysis of noisy and deterministic circuit parameters based on a wave variable approach. The methods are therefore particularly suited to microwave and millimeter-wave circuits. Noise contributions from lossy passive components and active components with electronic noise are considered. Also presented is a new technique for the measurement of device noise characteristics that offers several advantages over current measurement methods.

Theoretical, Experimental, and Computational Evaluation of Disk-Loaded Circular Wave Guides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wallett, Thomas M.; Qureshi, A. Haq

1994-01-01

A disk-loaded circular wave guide structure and test fixture were fabricated. The dispersion characteristics were found by theoretical analysis, experimental testing, and computer simulation using the codes ARGUS and SOS. Interaction impedances were computed based on the corresponding dispersion characteristics. Finally, an equivalent circuit model for one period of the structure was chosen using equivalent circuit models for cylindrical wave guides of different radii. Optimum values for the discrete capacitors and inductors describing discontinuities between cylindrical wave guides were found using the computer code TOUCHSTONE.

Rational growth of branched nanowire heterostructures with synthetically encoded properties and function

PubMed Central

Jiang, Xiaocheng; Tian, Bozhi; Xiang, Jie; Qian, Fang; Zheng, Gengfeng; Wang, Hongtao; Mai, Liqiang; Lieber, Charles M.

2011-01-01

Branched nanostructures represent unique, 3D building blocks for the “bottom-up” paradigm of nanoscale science and technology. Here, we report a rational, multistep approach toward the general synthesis of 3D branched nanowire (NW) heterostructures. Single-crystalline semiconductor, including groups IV, III–V, and II–VI, and metal branches have been selectively grown on core or core/shell NW backbones, with the composition, morphology, and doping of core (core/shell) NWs and branch NWs well controlled during synthesis. Measurements made on the different composition branched NW structures demonstrate encoding of functional p-type/n-type diodes and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as well as field effect transistors with device function localized at the branch/backbone NW junctions. In addition, multibranch/backbone NW structures were synthesized and used to demonstrate capability to create addressable nanoscale LED arrays, logic circuits, and biological sensors. Our work demonstrates a previously undescribed level of structural and functional complexity in NW materials, and more generally, highlights the potential of bottom-up synthesis to yield increasingly complex functional systems in the future. PMID:21730174

Dynamic microscopy of nanoscale cluster growth at the solid-liquid interface.

PubMed

Williamson, M J; Tromp, R M; Vereecken, P M; Hull, R; Ross, F M

2003-08-01

Dynamic processes at the solid-liquid interface are of key importance across broad areas of science and technology. Electrochemical deposition of copper, for example, is used for metallization in integrated circuits, and a detailed understanding of nucleation, growth and coalescence is essential in optimizing the final microstructure. Our understanding of processes at the solid-vapour interface has advanced tremendously over the past decade due to the routine availability of real-time, high-resolution imaging techniques yielding data that can be compared quantitatively with theory. However, the difficulty of studying the solid-liquid interface leaves our understanding of processes there less complete. Here we analyse dynamic observations--recorded in situ using a novel transmission electron microscopy technique--of the nucleation and growth of nanoscale copper clusters during electrodeposition. We follow in real time the evolution of individual clusters, and compare their development with simulations incorporating the basic physics of electrodeposition during the early stages of growth. The experimental technique developed here is applicable to a broad range of dynamic phenomena at the solid-liquid interface.

Imaging and tuning polarity at SrTiO3 domain walls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frenkel, Yiftach; Haham, Noam; Shperber, Yishai; Bell, Christopher; Xie, Yanwu; Chen, Zhuoyu; Hikita, Yasuyuki; Hwang, Harold Y.; Salje, Ekhard K. H.; Kalisky, Beena

2017-12-01

Electrostatic fields tune the ground state of interfaces between complex oxide materials. Electronic properties, such as conductivity and superconductivity, can be tuned and then used to create and control circuit elements and gate-defined devices. Here we show that naturally occurring twin boundaries, with properties that are different from their surrounding bulk, can tune the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface 2DEG at the nanoscale. In particular, SrTiO3 domain boundaries have the unusual distinction of remaining highly mobile down to low temperatures, and were recently suggested to be polar. Here we apply localized pressure to an individual SrTiO3 twin boundary and detect a change in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface current distribution. Our data directly confirm the existence of polarity at the twin boundaries, and demonstrate that they can serve as effective tunable gates. As the location of SrTiO3 domain walls can be controlled using external field stimuli, our findings suggest a novel approach to manipulate SrTiO3-based devices on the nanoscale.

Nanobiotechnology: synthetic biology meets materials science.

PubMed

Jewett, Michael C; Patolsky, Fernando

2013-08-01

Nanotechnology, the area of science focused on the control of matter in the nanometer scale, allows ground-breaking changes of the fundamental properties of matter that are often radically different compared to those exhibited by the bulk counterparts. In view of the fact that dimensionality plays a key role in determining the qualities of matter, the realization of the great potential of nanotechnology has opened the door to other disciplines such as life sciences and medicine, where the merging between them offers exciting new applications, along with basic science research. The application of nanotechnology in life sciences, nanobiotechnology, is now having a profound impact on biological circuit design, bioproduction systems, synthetic biology, medical diagnostics, disease therapy and drug delivery. This special issue is dedicated to the overview of how we are learning to control biopolymers and biological machines at the molecular- and nanoscale. In addition, it covers far-reaching progress in the design and synthesis of nanoscale materials, thus enabling the construction of integrated systems in which the component blocks are comparable in size to the chemical and biological entities under investigation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Big Thinking: The Power of Nanoscience (LBNL Science at the Theater)

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

Milliron, Delia; Sanili, Babak; Weber-Bargioni, Alex

2011-06-06

Science at the Theater, June 6th, 2011: Berkeley Lab scientists reveal how nanoscience will bring us cleaner energy, faster computers, and improved medicine. Alex Weber-Bargioni: How can we see things at the nanoscale? Alex is pioneering new methods that provide unprecedented insight into nanoscale materials and molecular interactions. The goal is to create rules for building nanoscale materials. Babak Sanii: Nature is an expert at making nanoscale devices such as proteins. Babak is developing ways to see these biological widgets, which could help scientists develop synthetic devices that mimic the best that nature has to offer. Ting Xu: How aremore » we going to make nanoscale devices? A future in which materials and devices are able to assemble themselves may not be that far down the road. Ting is finding ways to induce a wide range of nanoscopic building blocks to assemble into complex structures. Delia Milliron: The dividends of nanoscience could reshape the way we live, from smart windows and solar cells to artificial photosynthesis and improved medical diagnosis. Delia is at the forefront of converting fundamental research into nanotechnology. Moderated by Jim DeYoreo, interim director of the Molecular Foundry, a facility located at Berkeley Lab where scientists from around the world address the myriad challenges in nanoscience.« less

Low-Complexity Noncoherent Signal Detection for Nanoscale Molecular Communications.

PubMed

Li, Bin; Sun, Mengwei; Wang, Siyi; Guo, Weisi; Zhao, Chenglin

2016-01-01

Nanoscale molecular communication is a viable way of exchanging information between nanomachines. In this investigation, a low-complexity and noncoherent signal detection technique is proposed to mitigate the inter-symbol-interference (ISI) and additive noise. In contrast to existing coherent detection methods of high complexity, the proposed noncoherent signal detector is more practical when the channel conditions are hard to acquire accurately or hidden from the receiver. The proposed scheme employs the molecular concentration difference to detect the ISI corrupted signals and we demonstrate that it can suppress the ISI effectively. The difference in molecular concentration is a stable characteristic, irrespective of the diffusion channel conditions. In terms of complexity, by excluding matrix operations or likelihood calculations, the new detection scheme is particularly suitable for nanoscale molecular communication systems with a small energy budget or limited computation resource.

Conceptual strategies and inter-theory relations: The case of nanoscale cracks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bursten, Julia R.

2018-05-01

This paper introduces a new account of inter-theory relations in physics, which I call the conceptual strategies account. Using the example of a multiscale computer simulation model of nanoscale crack propagation in silicon, I illustrate this account and contrast it with existing reductive, emergent, and handshaking approaches. The conceptual strategies account develops the notion that relations among physical theories, and among their models, are constrained but not dictated by limitations from physics, mathematics, and computation, and that conceptual reasoning within those limits is required both to generate and to understand the relations between theories. Conceptual strategies result in a variety of types of relations between theories and models. These relations are themselves epistemic objects, like theories and models, and as such are an under-recognized part of the epistemic landscape of science.

Applications of Synthetic Microchannel and Nanopore Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinkle, Thomas Preston

This thesis describes research conducted on the physics and applications of micro- and nanoscale ion-conducting channels. Making use of the nanoscale physics that takes place in the vicinity of charged surfaces, there is the possibility that nanopores, holes on the order of 1 nm in size, could be used to make complex integrated ionic circuits. For inspiration on what such circuits could achieve we only need to look to biology systems, immensely complex machines that at their most basic level require precise control of ions and intercellular electric potentials to function. In order to contribute to the ever expanding field of nanopore research, we engineered novel hybrid insulator-conductor nanopores that behave analagously to ionic diodes, which allow passage of current flow in one direction but severely limit the current in the opposite direction. The experiments revealed that surface polarization of the conducting material can induce the formation of an electrical double layer in the same way static surface charges can. Furthermore, we showed that the hybrid device behaved similar to an ionic diode, and could see potential use as a standard rectifying element in ionic circuits. Another application based on ion conducting channels is resistive pulse sensing, a single particle detection and characterization method. We present three main experiments that expand the capacity of resistive pulse sensing for particle characterization. First, we demonstrate how resistive pulse sensing in pores with longitudinal irregularities can be used to measure the lengths of individual nanoparticles. Then, we describe an entirely new hybrid approach to resistive pulse sensing, whereby the electrical measurements are combined with simultaneous optical imaging. The hybrid method allows for validation of the resistive pulse signals and will greatly contribute to their interpretability. We present experiments that explore some of the possibilities of the hybrid method. Then, building off the hybrid method we present experiments performed to measure single particle deformability with resistive pulse sensing. Using a novel microfluidic channel design, we were able to reproducibily induce bidirectional deformation of cells. We describe how these deformations could be detected with the resistive pulse signal alone, paving the way for resistive pulse sensing based cell deformability cytometers.

A Multiple-Sessions Interactive Computer-Based Learning Tool for Ability Cultivation in Circuit Simulation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xu, Q.; Lai, L. L.; Tse, N. C. F.; Ichiyanagi, K.

2011-01-01

An interactive computer-based learning tool with multiple sessions is proposed in this paper, which teaches students to think and helps them recognize the merits and limitations of simulation tools so as to improve their practical abilities in electrical circuit simulation based on the case of a power converter with progressive problems. The…

Method and apparatus for transfer function simulator for testing complex systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kavaya, M. J. (Inventor)

1985-01-01

A method and apparatus for testing the operation of a complex stabilization circuit in a closed loop system is presented. The method is comprised of a programmed analog or digital computing system for implementing the transfer function of a load thereby providing a predictable load. The digital computing system employs a table stored in a microprocessor in which precomputed values of the load transfer function are stored for values of input signal from the stabilization circuit over the range of interest. This technique may be used not only for isolating faults in the stabilization circuit, but also for analyzing a fault in a faulty load by so varying parameters of the computing system as to simulate operation of the actual load with the fault.

From biological neural networks to thinking machines: Transitioning biological organizational principles to computer technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, Muriel D.

1991-01-01

The three-dimensional organization of the vestibular macula is under study by computer assisted reconstruction and simulation methods as a model for more complex neural systems. One goal of this research is to transition knowledge of biological neural network architecture and functioning to computer technology, to contribute to the development of thinking computers. Maculas are organized as weighted neural networks for parallel distributed processing of information. The network is characterized by non-linearity of its terminal/receptive fields. Wiring appears to develop through constrained randomness. A further property is the presence of two main circuits, highly channeled and distributed modifying, that are connected through feedforward-feedback collaterals and biasing subcircuit. Computer simulations demonstrate that differences in geometry of the feedback (afferent) collaterals affects the timing and the magnitude of voltage changes delivered to the spike initiation zone. Feedforward (efferent) collaterals act as voltage followers and likely inhibit neurons of the distributed modifying circuit. These results illustrate the importance of feedforward-feedback loops, of timing, and of inhibition in refining neural network output. They also suggest that it is the distributed modifying network that is most involved in adaptation, memory, and learning. Tests of macular adaptation, through hyper- and microgravitational studies, support this hypothesis since synapses in the distributed modifying circuit, but not the channeled circuit, are altered. Transitioning knowledge of biological systems to computer technology, however, remains problematical.

Working Memory and Decision-Making in a Frontoparietal Circuit Model

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Working memory (WM) and decision-making (DM) are fundamental cognitive functions involving a distributed interacting network of brain areas, with the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) at the core. However, the shared and distinct roles of these areas and the nature of their coordination in cognitive function remain poorly understood. Biophysically based computational models of cortical circuits have provided insights into the mechanisms supporting these functions, yet they have primarily focused on the local microcircuit level, raising questions about the principles for distributed cognitive computation in multiregional networks. To examine these issues, we developed a distributed circuit model of two reciprocally interacting modules representing PPC and PFC circuits. The circuit architecture includes hierarchical differences in local recurrent structure and implements reciprocal long-range projections. This parsimonious model captures a range of behavioral and neuronal features of frontoparietal circuits across multiple WM and DM paradigms. In the context of WM, both areas exhibit persistent activity, but, in response to intervening distractors, PPC transiently encodes distractors while PFC filters distractors and supports WM robustness. With regard to DM, the PPC module generates graded representations of accumulated evidence supporting target selection, while the PFC module generates more categorical responses related to action or choice. These findings suggest computational principles for distributed, hierarchical processing in cortex during cognitive function and provide a framework for extension to multiregional models. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Working memory and decision-making are fundamental “building blocks” of cognition, and deficits in these functions are associated with neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. These cognitive functions engage distributed networks with prefrontal cortex (PFC) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC) at the core. It is not clear, however, what the contributions of PPC and PFC are in light of the computations that subserve working memory and decision-making. We constructed a biophysical model of a reciprocally connected frontoparietal circuit that revealed shared and distinct functions for the PFC and PPC across working memory and decision-making tasks. Our parsimonious model connects circuit-level properties to cognitive functions and suggests novel design principles beyond those of local circuits for cognitive processing in multiregional brain networks. PMID:29114071

Working Memory and Decision-Making in a Frontoparietal Circuit Model.

PubMed

Murray, John D; Jaramillo, Jorge; Wang, Xiao-Jing

2017-12-13

Working memory (WM) and decision-making (DM) are fundamental cognitive functions involving a distributed interacting network of brain areas, with the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) at the core. However, the shared and distinct roles of these areas and the nature of their coordination in cognitive function remain poorly understood. Biophysically based computational models of cortical circuits have provided insights into the mechanisms supporting these functions, yet they have primarily focused on the local microcircuit level, raising questions about the principles for distributed cognitive computation in multiregional networks. To examine these issues, we developed a distributed circuit model of two reciprocally interacting modules representing PPC and PFC circuits. The circuit architecture includes hierarchical differences in local recurrent structure and implements reciprocal long-range projections. This parsimonious model captures a range of behavioral and neuronal features of frontoparietal circuits across multiple WM and DM paradigms. In the context of WM, both areas exhibit persistent activity, but, in response to intervening distractors, PPC transiently encodes distractors while PFC filters distractors and supports WM robustness. With regard to DM, the PPC module generates graded representations of accumulated evidence supporting target selection, while the PFC module generates more categorical responses related to action or choice. These findings suggest computational principles for distributed, hierarchical processing in cortex during cognitive function and provide a framework for extension to multiregional models. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Working memory and decision-making are fundamental "building blocks" of cognition, and deficits in these functions are associated with neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. These cognitive functions engage distributed networks with prefrontal cortex (PFC) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC) at the core. It is not clear, however, what the contributions of PPC and PFC are in light of the computations that subserve working memory and decision-making. We constructed a biophysical model of a reciprocally connected frontoparietal circuit that revealed shared and distinct functions for the PFC and PPC across working memory and decision-making tasks. Our parsimonious model connects circuit-level properties to cognitive functions and suggests novel design principles beyond those of local circuits for cognitive processing in multiregional brain networks. Copyright © 2017 the authors 0270-6474/17/3712167-20$15.00/0.

DNA-based construction at the nanoscale: emerging trends and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lourdu Xavier, P.; Chandrasekaran, Arun Richard

2018-02-01

The field of structural DNA nanotechnology has evolved remarkably—from the creation of artificial immobile junctions to the recent DNA-protein hybrid nanoscale shapes—in a span of about 35 years. It is now possible to create complex DNA-based nanoscale shapes and large hierarchical assemblies with greater stability and predictability, thanks to the development of computational tools and advances in experimental techniques. Although it started with the original goal of DNA-assisted structure determination of difficult-to-crystallize molecules, DNA nanotechnology has found its applications in a myriad of fields. In this review, we cover some of the basic and emerging assembly principles: hybridization, base stacking/shape complementarity, and protein-mediated formation of nanoscale structures. We also review various applications of DNA nanostructures, with special emphasis on some of the biophysical applications that have been reported in recent years. In the outlook, we discuss further improvements in the assembly of such structures, and explore possible future applications involving super-resolved fluorescence, single-particle cryo-electron (cryo-EM) and x-ray free electron laser (XFEL) nanoscopic imaging techniques, and in creating new synergistic designer materials.

DNA-based construction at the nanoscale: emerging trends and applications.

PubMed

Xavier, P Lourdu; Chandrasekaran, Arun Richard

2018-02-09

The field of structural DNA nanotechnology has evolved remarkably-from the creation of artificial immobile junctions to the recent DNA-protein hybrid nanoscale shapes-in a span of about 35 years. It is now possible to create complex DNA-based nanoscale shapes and large hierarchical assemblies with greater stability and predictability, thanks to the development of computational tools and advances in experimental techniques. Although it started with the original goal of DNA-assisted structure determination of difficult-to-crystallize molecules, DNA nanotechnology has found its applications in a myriad of fields. In this review, we cover some of the basic and emerging assembly principles: hybridization, base stacking/shape complementarity, and protein-mediated formation of nanoscale structures. We also review various applications of DNA nanostructures, with special emphasis on some of the biophysical applications that have been reported in recent years. In the outlook, we discuss further improvements in the assembly of such structures, and explore possible future applications involving super-resolved fluorescence, single-particle cryo-electron (cryo-EM) and x-ray free electron laser (XFEL) nanoscopic imaging techniques, and in creating new synergistic designer materials.

Binary-selectable detector holdoff circuit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kadrmas, K. A.

1974-01-01

High-speed switching circuit protects detectors from sudden, extremely-intense backscattered radiation that results from short-range atmospheric dust layers, or low-level clouds, entering laser/radar field of view. Function of circuit is to provide computer-controlled switching of photodiode detector, preamplifier power-supply voltages, in approximately 10 nanoseconds.

Computer circuit card puller

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sawyer, R. V.; Szuwalski, B. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

The invention generally relates to hand tools, and more particularly to an improved device for facilitating removal of printed circuit cards from a card rack characterized by longitudinal side rails arranged in a mutually spaced parallelism and a plurality of printed circuit cards extended between the rails of the rack.

Electronic circuit detects left ventricular ejection events in cardiovascular system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gebben, V. D.; Webb, J. A., Jr.

1972-01-01

Electronic circuit processes arterial blood pressure waveform to produce discrete signals that coincide with beginning and end of left ventricular ejection. Output signals provide timing signals for computers that monitor cardiovascular systems. Circuit operates reliably for heart rates between 50 and 200 beats per minute.

Automated Transmission-Mode Scanning Electron Microscopy (tSEM) for Large Volume Analysis at Nanoscale Resolution

PubMed Central

Kuwajima, Masaaki; Mendenhall, John M.; Lindsey, Laurence F.; Harris, Kristen M.

2013-01-01

Transmission-mode scanning electron microscopy (tSEM) on a field emission SEM platform was developed for efficient and cost-effective imaging of circuit-scale volumes from brain at nanoscale resolution. Image area was maximized while optimizing the resolution and dynamic range necessary for discriminating key subcellular structures, such as small axonal, dendritic and glial processes, synapses, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, vesicles, microtubules, polyribosomes, and endosomes which are critical for neuronal function. Individual image fields from the tSEM system were up to 4,295 µm2 (65.54 µm per side) at 2 nm pixel size, contrasting with image fields from a modern transmission electron microscope (TEM) system, which were only 66.59 µm2 (8.160 µm per side) at the same pixel size. The tSEM produced outstanding images and had reduced distortion and drift relative to TEM. Automated stage and scan control in tSEM easily provided unattended serial section imaging and montaging. Lens and scan properties on both TEM and SEM platforms revealed no significant nonlinear distortions within a central field of ∼100 µm2 and produced near-perfect image registration across serial sections using the computational elastic alignment tool in Fiji/TrakEM2 software, and reliable geometric measurements from RECONSTRUCT™ or Fiji/TrakEM2 software. Axial resolution limits the analysis of small structures contained within a section (∼45 nm). Since this new tSEM is non-destructive, objects within a section can be explored at finer axial resolution in TEM tomography with current methods. Future development of tSEM tomography promises thinner axial resolution producing nearly isotropic voxels and should provide within-section analyses of structures without changing platforms. Brain was the test system given our interest in synaptic connectivity and plasticity; however, the new tSEM system is readily applicable to other biological systems. PMID:23555711

Three-Dimensional Simulation of Traveling-Wave Tube Cold-Test Characteristics Using MAFIA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kory, Carol L.; Wilson, Jeffrey D.

1995-01-01

The three-dimensional simulation code MAFIA was used to compute the cold-test parameters - frequency-phase dispersion, beam on-axis interaction impedance, and attenuation - for two types of traveling-wave tube (TWT) slow-wave circuits. The potential for this electromagnetic computer modeling code to reduce the time and cost of TWT development is demonstrated by the high degree of accuracy achieved in calculating these parameters. Generalized input files were developed for ferruled coupled-cavity and TunneLadder slow-wave circuits. These files make it easy to model circuits of arbitrary dimensions. The utility of these files was tested by applying each to a specific TWT slow-wave circuit and comparing the results with experimental data. Excellent agreement was obtained.

Analog synthetic biology.

PubMed

Sarpeshkar, R

2014-03-28

We analyse the pros and cons of analog versus digital computation in living cells. Our analysis is based on fundamental laws of noise in gene and protein expression, which set limits on the energy, time, space, molecular count and part-count resources needed to compute at a given level of precision. We conclude that analog computation is significantly more efficient in its use of resources than deterministic digital computation even at relatively high levels of precision in the cell. Based on this analysis, we conclude that synthetic biology must use analog, collective analog, probabilistic and hybrid analog-digital computational approaches; otherwise, even relatively simple synthetic computations in cells such as addition will exceed energy and molecular-count budgets. We present schematics for efficiently representing analog DNA-protein computation in cells. Analog electronic flow in subthreshold transistors and analog molecular flux in chemical reactions obey Boltzmann exponential laws of thermodynamics and are described by astoundingly similar logarithmic electrochemical potentials. Therefore, cytomorphic circuits can help to map circuit designs between electronic and biochemical domains. We review recent work that uses positive-feedback linearization circuits to architect wide-dynamic-range logarithmic analog computation in Escherichia coli using three transcription factors, nearly two orders of magnitude more efficient in parts than prior digital implementations.

Analog synthetic biology

PubMed Central

Sarpeshkar, R.

2014-01-01

We analyse the pros and cons of analog versus digital computation in living cells. Our analysis is based on fundamental laws of noise in gene and protein expression, which set limits on the energy, time, space, molecular count and part-count resources needed to compute at a given level of precision. We conclude that analog computation is significantly more efficient in its use of resources than deterministic digital computation even at relatively high levels of precision in the cell. Based on this analysis, we conclude that synthetic biology must use analog, collective analog, probabilistic and hybrid analog–digital computational approaches; otherwise, even relatively simple synthetic computations in cells such as addition will exceed energy and molecular-count budgets. We present schematics for efficiently representing analog DNA–protein computation in cells. Analog electronic flow in subthreshold transistors and analog molecular flux in chemical reactions obey Boltzmann exponential laws of thermodynamics and are described by astoundingly similar logarithmic electrochemical potentials. Therefore, cytomorphic circuits can help to map circuit designs between electronic and biochemical domains. We review recent work that uses positive-feedback linearization circuits to architect wide-dynamic-range logarithmic analog computation in Escherichia coli using three transcription factors, nearly two orders of magnitude more efficient in parts than prior digital implementations. PMID:24567476

Excitonic Resonant Emission–Absorption of Surface Plasmons in Transition Metal Dichalcogenides for Chip-Level Electronic–Photonic Integrated Circuits

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Zhuan; Yuan, Jiangtan; Zhou, Haiqing; ...

2016-04-19

The monolithic integration of electronics and photonics has attracted enormous attention due to its potential applications. A major challenge to this integration is the identification of suitable materials that can emit and absorb light at the same wavelength. In this paper we utilize unique excitonic transitions in WS 2 monolayers and show that WS 2 exhibits a perfect overlap between its absorption and photoluminescence spectra. By coupling WS 2 to Ag nanowires, we then show that WS 2 monolayers are able to excite and absorb surface plasmons of Ag nanowires at the same wavelength of exciton photoluminescence. This resonant absorptionmore » by WS 2 is distinguished from that of the ohmic propagation loss of silver nanowires, resulting in a short propagation length of surface plasmons. Our demonstration of resonant optical generation and detection of surface plasmons enables nanoscale optical communication and paves the way for on-chip electronic–photonic integrated circuits.« less

Implementation of a spike-based perceptron learning rule using TiO2-x memristors.

PubMed

Mostafa, Hesham; Khiat, Ali; Serb, Alexander; Mayr, Christian G; Indiveri, Giacomo; Prodromakis, Themis

2015-01-01

Synaptic plasticity plays a crucial role in allowing neural networks to learn and adapt to various input environments. Neuromorphic systems need to implement plastic synapses to obtain basic "cognitive" capabilities such as learning. One promising and scalable approach for implementing neuromorphic synapses is to use nano-scale memristors as synaptic elements. In this paper we propose a hybrid CMOS-memristor system comprising CMOS neurons interconnected through TiO2-x memristors, and spike-based learning circuits that modulate the conductance of the memristive synapse elements according to a spike-based Perceptron plasticity rule. We highlight a number of advantages for using this spike-based plasticity rule as compared to other forms of spike timing dependent plasticity (STDP) rules. We provide experimental proof-of-concept results with two silicon neurons connected through a memristive synapse that show how the CMOS plasticity circuits can induce stable changes in memristor conductances, giving rise to increased synaptic strength after a potentiation episode and to decreased strength after a depression episode.

Coherent coupling between radio frequency, optical, and acoustic waves in piezo-optomechanical circuits

PubMed Central

Balram, Krishna C.; Davanço, Marcelo I.; Song, Jin Dong; Srinivasan, Kartik

2016-01-01

Optomechanical cavities have been studied for applications ranging from sensing to quantum information science. Here, we develop a platform for nanoscale cavity optomechanical circuits in which optomechanical cavities supporting co-localized 1550 nm photons and 2.4 GHz phonons are combined with photonic and phononic waveguides. Working in GaAs facilitates manipulation of the localized mechanical mode either with a radio frequency (RF) field through the piezo-electric effect, which produces acoustic waves that are routed and coupled to the optomechanical cavity by phononic crystal waveguides, or optically through the strong photoelastic effect. Along with mechanical state preparation and sensitive readout, we use this to demonstrate an acoustic wave interference effect, similar to atomic coherent population trapping, in which RF-driven coherent mechanical motion is cancelled by optically-driven motion. Manipulating cavity optomechanical systems with equal facility through both photonic and phononic channels enables new architectures for signal transduction between the optical, electrical, and mechanical domains. PMID:27446234

Co-integration of nano-scale vertical- and horizontal-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors for low power CMOS technology.

PubMed

Sun, Min-Chul; Kim, Garam; Kim, Sang Wan; Kim, Hyun Woo; Kim, Hyungjin; Lee, Jong-Ho; Shin, Hyungcheol; Park, Byung-Gook

2012-07-01

In order to extend the conventional low power Si CMOS technology beyond the 20-nm node without SOI substrates, we propose a novel co-integration scheme to build horizontal- and vertical-channel MOSFETs together and verify the idea using TCAD simulations. From the fabrication viewpoint, it is highlighted that this scheme provides additional vertical devices with good scalability by adding a few steps to the conventional CMOS process flow for fin formation. In addition, the benefits of the co-integrated vertical devices are investigated using a TCAD device simulation. From this study, it is confirmed that the vertical device shows improved off-current control and a larger drive current when the body dimension is less than 20 nm, due to the electric field coupling effect at the double-gated channel. Finally, the benefits from the circuit design viewpoint, such as the larger midpoint gain and beta and lower power consumption, are confirmed by the mixed-mode circuit simulation study.

A quantum diffractor for thermal flux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

José Martínez-Pérez, Maria; Giazotto, Francesco

2014-04-01

Macroscopic phase coherence between weakly coupled superconductors leads to peculiar interference phenomena. Among these, magnetic flux-driven diffraction might be produced, in full analogy to light diffraction through a rectangular slit. This can be experimentally revealed by the electric current and, notably, also by the heat current transmitted through the circuit. The former was observed more than 50 years ago and represented the first experimental evidence of the phase-coherent nature of the Josephson effect, whereas the second one was still lacking. Here we demonstrate the existence of heat diffraction by measuring the modulation of the electronic temperature of a small metallic electrode nearby-contacted to a thermally biased short Josephson junction subjected to an in-plane magnetic field. The observed temperature dependence exhibits symmetry under magnetic flux reversal, and clear resemblance with a Fraunhofer-like modulation pattern. Our approach, joined to widespread methods for phase-biasing superconducting circuits, might represent an effective tool for controlling the thermal flux in nanoscale devices.

The research of laser marking control technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qiue; Zhang, Rong

2009-08-01

In the area of Laser marking, the general control method is insert control card to computer's mother board, it can not support hot swap, it is difficult to assemble or it. Moreover, the one marking system must to equip one computer. In the system marking, the computer can not to do the other things except to transmit marking digital information. Otherwise it can affect marking precision. Based on traditional control methods existed some problems, introduced marking graphic editing and digital processing by the computer finish, high-speed digital signal processor (DSP) control marking the whole process. The laser marking controller is mainly contain DSP2812, digital memorizer, DAC (digital analog converting) transform unit circuit, USB interface control circuit, man-machine interface circuit, and other logic control circuit. Download the marking information which is processed by computer to U disk, DSP read the information by USB interface on time, then processing it, adopt the DSP inter timer control the marking time sequence, output the scanner control signal by D/A parts. Apply the technology can realize marking offline, thereby reduce the product cost, increase the product efficiency. The system have good effect in actual unit markings, the marking speed is more quickly than PCI control card to 20 percent. It has application value in practicality.

Remote reset circuit

DOEpatents

Gritzo, R.E.

1985-09-12

A remote reset circuit acts as a stand-along monitor and controller by clocking in each character sent by a terminal to a computer and comparing it to a given reference character. When a match occurs, the remote reset circuit activates the system's hardware reset line. The remote reset circuit is hardware based centered around monostable multivibrators and is unaffected by system crashes, partial serial transmissions, or power supply transients. 4 figs.

A study of microwave downcoverters operating in the K sub u band

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fellers, R. G.; Simpson, T. L.; Tseng, B.

1982-01-01

A computer program for parametric amplifier design is developed with special emphasis on practical design considerations for microwave integrated circuit degenerate amplifiers. Precision measurement techniques are developed to obtain a more realistic varactor equivalent circuit. The existing theory of a parametric amplifier is modified to include the equivalent circuit, and microwave properties, such as loss characteristics and circuit discontinuities are investigated.

A SUBSATELLITE AREA-OF-VIEW CIRCUIT.

DTIC Science & Technology

A subsatellite circle circuit is included in the NRL experimental satellite position prediction and display equipment ( SPAD ). The circuit paints, on...center is defined by the subsatellite position, and the SPAD prediction computer uses the satellite look-cone angle (say, that of a cloud-cover camera) and...modification the circle circuit used for SPAD is applicable to any cathode-ray tube display having either electrostatic or magnetic deflection

Remote reset circuit

DOEpatents

Gritzo, Russell E.

1987-01-01

A remote reset circuit acts as a stand-alone monitor and controller by clocking in each character sent by a terminal to a computer and comparing it to a given reference character. When a match occurs, the remote reset circuit activates the system's hardware reset line. The remote reset circuit is hardware based centered around monostable multivibrators and is unaffected by system crashes, partial serial transmissions, or power supply transients.

Continuous-Variable Instantaneous Quantum Computing is Hard to Sample.

PubMed

Douce, T; Markham, D; Kashefi, E; Diamanti, E; Coudreau, T; Milman, P; van Loock, P; Ferrini, G

2017-02-17

Instantaneous quantum computing is a subuniversal quantum complexity class, whose circuits have proven to be hard to simulate classically in the discrete-variable realm. We extend this proof to the continuous-variable (CV) domain by using squeezed states and homodyne detection, and by exploring the properties of postselected circuits. In order to treat postselection in CVs, we consider finitely resolved homodyne detectors, corresponding to a realistic scheme based on discrete probability distributions of the measurement outcomes. The unavoidable errors stemming from the use of finitely squeezed states are suppressed through a qubit-into-oscillator Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill encoding of quantum information, which was previously shown to enable fault-tolerant CV quantum computation. Finally, we show that, in order to render postselected computational classes in CVs meaningful, a logarithmic scaling of the squeezing parameter with the circuit size is necessary, translating into a polynomial scaling of the input energy.

Power Efficient Hardware Architecture of SHA-1 Algorithm for Trusted Mobile Computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Mooseop; Ryou, Jaecheol

The Trusted Mobile Platform (TMP) is developed and promoted by the Trusted Computing Group (TCG), which is an industry standard body to enhance the security of the mobile computing environment. The built-in SHA-1 engine in TMP is one of the most important circuit blocks and contributes the performance of the whole platform because it is used as key primitives supporting platform integrity and command authentication. Mobile platforms have very stringent limitations with respect to available power, physical circuit area, and cost. Therefore special architecture and design methods for low power SHA-1 circuit are required. In this paper, we present a novel and efficient hardware architecture of low power SHA-1 design for TMP. Our low power SHA-1 hardware can compute 512-bit data block using less than 7,000 gates and has a power consumption about 1.1 mA on a 0.25μm CMOS process.

GaN Nanowire Devices: Fabrication and Characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scott, Reum

The development of microelectronics in the last 25 years has been characterized by an exponential increase of the bit density in integrated circuits (ICs) with time. Scaling solid-state devices improves cost, performance, and power; as such, it is of particular interest for companies, who gain a market advantage with the latest technology. As a result, the microelectronics industry has driven transistor feature size scaling from 10 μm to ~30 nm during the past 40 years. This trend has persisted for 40 years due to optimization, new processing techniques, device structures, and materials. But when noting processor speeds from the 1970's to 2009 and then again in 2010, the implication would be that the trend has ceased. To address the challenge of shrinking the integrated circuit (IC), current research is centered on identifying new materials and devices that can supplement and/or potentially supplant it. Bottom-up methods tailor nanoscale building blocks---atoms, molecules, quantum dots, and nanowires (NWs)---to be used to overcome these limitations. The Group IIIA nitrides (InN, AlN, and GaN) possess appealing properties such as a direct band gap spanning the whole solar spectrum, high saturation velocity, and high breakdown electric field. As a result nanostructures and nanodevices made from GaN and related nitrides are suitable candidates for efficient nanoscale UV/ visible light emitters, detectors, and gas sensors. To produce devices with such small structures new fabrication methods must be implemented. Devices composed of GaN nanowires were fabricated using photolithography and electron beam lithography. The IV characteristics of these devices were noted under different illuminations and the current tripled from 4.8*10-7 A to 1.59*10 -6 A under UV light which persisted for at least 5hrs.

Review: engineering particles using the aerosol-through-plasma method

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

Phillips, Jonathan; Luhrs, Claudia C; Richard, Monique

2009-01-01

For decades, plasma processing of materials on the nanoscale has been an underlying enabling technology for many 'planar' technologies, particularly virtually every aspect of modern electronics from integrated-circuit fabrication with nanoscale elements to the newest generation of photovoltaics. However, it is only recent developments that suggest that plasma processing can be used to make 'particulate' structures of value in fields, including catalysis, drug delivery, imaging, higher energy density batteries, and other forms of energy storage. In this paper, the development of the science and technology of one class of plasma production of particulates, namely, aerosol-through-plasma (A-T-P), is reviewed. Various plasmamore » systems, particularly RF and microwave, have been used to create nanoparticles of metals and ceramics, as well as supported metal catalysts. Gradually, the complexity of the nanoparticles, and concomitantly their potential value, has increased. First, unique two-layer particles were generated. These were postprocessed to create unique three-layer nanoscale particles. Also, the technique has been successfully employed to make other high-value materials, including carbon nanotubes, unsupported graphene, and spherical boron nitride. Some interesting plasma science has also emerged from efforts to characterize and map aerosol-containing plasmas. For example, it is clear that even a very low concentration of particles dramatically changes plasma characteristics. Some have also argued that the local-thermodynamic-equilibrium approach is inappropriate to these systems. Instead, it has been suggested that charged- and neutral-species models must be independently developed and allowed to 'interact' only in generation terms.« less

EDITORIAL: Nanomemory: information and ingenuity Nanomemory: information and ingenuity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demming, Anna

2013-04-01

The age of information has placed unprecedented demands on data storage. In response, a rich hub of research activity has erupted in the search for new types of memory with improved capacity and data processing speed [1, 2]. There has even been progress in mimicking the subtleties of how the human neural system remembers and forgets with artificial synaptic devices [3, 4]. Yet many challenges remain. As researchers at Brigham Young University in the US point out, 'Current data storage technologies have limitations that prevent their use in archival data storage applications'. Anthony C Pearson and colleagues look at the potential role of graphene in data storage solutions. Graphene's wide range of extraordinary properties has recommended it for a number of applications. This issue reports how it can form the basis of nanofuses that may be used for permanent, write-once-read-many (WORM) data storage devices [5]. Leon Chua's forecast of 'Memristor—the missing circuit element' [6] and the subsequent demonstration of memristance in nanoscale systems by researchers at HP Labs [7] triggered a surge of studies investigating the application of memristor devices in non-volatile memory [8]. In fact these structures may have a still broader impact in nanotechnology. At the nanoscale statistical variations in defect concentrations give rise to vast differences in behaviour, and device variability and ageing can be profound. These characteristics led George Snider to observe, 'Nanodevices are crummy', when considering their application in conventional Boolean logic systems [9]. Yet Snider's grim assessment was merely a prologue to an insightful recount of simulations demonstrating how to side-step a number of nanotechnology's main challenges by using self-organizing networks based on memristive devices. Similar fault tolerance is demonstrated in the organic-nanoparticle transistors developed by researchers at the University of Lille, who demonstrate a weighting behaviour that mimics aspects of synaptic functions that may be key to implementing neuromorphic computing [10]. Developments in this field show increasingly more sophisticated imitation of human neural processing with analogue memory functionality [3] and circuits that both learn and forget [4]. Keep an eye out for the Nanotechnology special issue on synaptic electronics later this year with guest editors James Gimzewski from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Dominique Vuillaume from the University of Lille, for a one-stop update on the latest cutting edge developments in this field. Graphene has demonstrated excellent potential in a number of applications from supercapacitors [11] to photomechanical actuators [12]. However, so far its potential in memory has been notably less explored. In this issue Anthony C Pearson and colleagues at Brigham Young University report how they fabricate graphene 'bow-tie' structures for fuses and program them though thermal oxidation [5]. As the researchers point out graphene's low atomic mobility, high chemical resistance to oxidation and excellent electrical conductivity make it well suited as archival data storage fuse material. They also highlight a number of attractive attributes in the devices as a whole: 'graphene WORM devices can be read and written electronically, can potentially have the very high data densities of flash memory, appear to be highly stable in both the on and off states, have a high on/off current ratio, and can be programmed with low voltages and powers'. In fuses an electrical connection is destroyed by an applied voltage. The process sounds destructive yet fuses are incredibly useful. Edison once famously commented, 'Just because something does not do what you planned it to do does not mean it is useless' [13]. There are synergies of this philosophy throughout nanotechnology research where apparently awkward behaviour is put to good use. Adding the dynamical nature of nanodevices to the list of obstacles to scalability, Snider rounded up his assessment, 'So we are faced with the challenge of computing with devices that are not only crummy, but dynamical as well'. Yet it was that dynamic behaviour that he went on to exploit in his demonstration of robust self-organizing networks using memristor devices. Successful research is by nature continually revealing behaviour that is unexpected or unusual. The work described here is just some of the many examples of how successful development in research does not tolerate the unexpected, but embraces it. References [1] Waser R and Aono M 2007 Nanoionics-based resistive switching memories Nature Mater 6 833-40 [2] Vontobel P O, Robinett W, Kuekes P J, Stewart D R, Straznicky J and Stanley Williams R 2009 Writing to and reading from a nano-scale crossbar memory based on memristors Nanotechnology 20 425204 [3] Seo K et al 2011 Analog memory and spike-timing-dependent plasticity characteristics of a nanoscale titanium oxide bilayer resistive switching device Nanotechnology 22 254023 [4] Yang R, Terabe K, Liu G, Tsuruoka T, Hasegawa T, Gimzewski J K and Aono M 2012 On-demand nanodevice with electrical and neuromorphic multifunction realized by local ion migration ACS Nano 6 9515-20 [5] Pearson A C, Jamieson S, Linford M R, Lunt B M and Davis R C 2013 Oxidation of graphene 'bow tie' nanofuses for permanent, write-once-read-many data storage devices Nanotechnology 24 135202 [6]Chua L O 1971 Memristor—the missing circuit element IEEE Trans. Circuit Theory 18 507-19 [7] Strukov D B, Snider G S, Stewart D R and Williams R S 2008 The missing memristor found Nature 453 80-3 [8] Non-volatile memory based on nanostructures http://iopscience.iop.org/0957-4484/22/25 [9] Snider G S 2007 Self-organized computation with unreliable, memristive nanodevices Nanotechnology 18 365202 [10] Alibart F, Pieutin S, Guérin D, Novembre C, Lenfant S, Lmimouni K, Gamrat C and Vuillaume D 2010 An organic nanoparticle transistor behaving as a biological spiking synapse Adv. Funct. Mater 20 330-7 [11] Bose S, Kim N H, Kuila T, Lau K-T and Lee J H 2011 Electrochemical performance of a graphene-polypyrrole nanocomposite as a supercapacitor electrode Nanotechnology 22 295202 [12] Loomis J, King B, Burkhead T, Xu P, Bessler N, Terentjev E and Panchapakesan B 2012 Graphene-nanoplatelet-based photomechanical actuators Nanotechnology 23 045501 [13] Finn C A 2001 Artifacts: An Archaeologist's Year in Silicon Valley (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press)

Design of a specialized computer for on-line monitoring of cardiac stroke volume

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Webb, J. A., Jr.; Gebben, V. D.

1972-01-01

The design of a specialized analog computer for on-line determination of cardiac stroke volume by means of a modified version of the pressure pulse contour method is presented. The design consists of an analog circuit for computation and a timing circuit for detecting necessary events on the pressure waveform. Readouts of arterial pressures, systolic duration, heart rate, percent change in stroke volume, and percent change in cardiac output are provided for monitoring cardiac patients. Laboratory results showed that computational accuracy was within 3 percent, while animal experiments verified the operational capability of the computer. Patient safety considerations are also discussed.

Large Signal Modeling and Analysis of the GaAs MESFET.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-07-09

various dimensions and physical parameters. A powerful computer aided design system can be developed by automating the circuit element and parameter...circuit model of the GaAs MESFET to aid in the designs of microwave MESFET circuits. The circuit elements of this model are obtained either directly...34. -. ’ Abstract The purpose of this work is to develop a large signal signal lumped circuit model of the GaAs MESFET to aid In the designs of microwave MESFET

Design of micro-ring optical sensors and circuits for integration on optical printed circuit boards (O-PCBs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, El-Hang; Lee, Hyun S.; Lee, S. G.; O, B. H.; Park, S. G.; Kim, K. H.

2007-05-01

We report on the design of micro-ring resonator optical sensors for integration on what we call optical printed circuit boards (O-PCBs). The objective is to realize application-specific O-PCBs, either on hard board or on flexible board, by integrating micro/nano-scale optical sensors for compact, light-weight, low-energy, high-speed, intelligent, and environmentally friendly processing of information. The O-PCBs consist of two-dimensional planar arrays of micro/nano-scale optical wires, circuits and devices that are interconnected and integrated to perform the functions of sensing and then storing, transporting, processing, switching, routing and distributing optical signals that have been collected by means of sensors. For fabrication, the polymer and organic optical wires and waveguides are first fabricated on a board and are used to interconnect and integrate sensors and other micro/ nano-scale photonic devices. Here, in our study, we focus on the sensors based on the micro-ring structures. We designed bio-sensors using silicon based micro-ring resonator. We investigate the characteristics such as sensitivity and selectivity (or quality factor) of micro-ring resonator for their use in bio-sensing application. We performed simulation studies on the quality factor of micro-ring resonators by varying the radius of the ring resonators and the separation between adjacent waveguides. We introduce the effective coupling coefficient as a realistic value to describe the strength of the coupling in micro-ring resonators.

Erbium-doped zinc-oxide waveguide amplifiers for hybrid photonic integrated circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Neal, Lawrence; Anthony, Deion; Bonner, Carl; Geddis, Demetris

2016-02-01

CMOS logic circuits have entered the sub-100nm regime, and research is on-going to investigate the quantum effects that are apparent at this dimension. To avoid some of the constraints imposed by fabrication, entropy, energy, and interference considerations for nano-scale devices, many have begun designing hybrid and/or photonic integrated circuits. These circuits consist of transistors, light emitters, photodetectors, and electrical and optical waveguides. As attenuation is a limiting factor in any communications system, it is advantageous to integrate a signal amplifier. There are numerous examples of electrical amplifiers, but in order to take advantage of the benefits provided by optically integrated systems, optical amplifiers are necessary. The erbium doped fiber amplifier is an example of an optical amplifier which is commercially available now, but the distance between the amplifier and the device benefitting from amplification can be decreased and provide greater functionality by providing local, on-chip amplification. Zinc oxide is an attractive material due to its electrical and optical properties. Its wide bandgap (≍3.4 eV) and high refractive index (≍2) make it an excellent choice for integrated optics systems. Moreover, erbium doped zinc oxide (Er:ZnO) is a suitable candidate for optical waveguide amplifiers because of its compatibility with semiconductor processing technology, 1.54 μm luminescence, transparency, low resistivity, and amplification characteristics. This research presents the characterization of radio frequency magnetron sputtered Er:ZnO, the design and fabrication of integrated waveguide amplifiers, and device analysis.

Programmable full-adder computations in communicating three-dimensional cell cultures.

PubMed

Ausländer, David; Ausländer, Simon; Pierrat, Xavier; Hellmann, Leon; Rachid, Leila; Fussenegger, Martin

2018-01-01

Synthetic biologists have advanced the design of trigger-inducible gene switches and their assembly into input-programmable circuits that enable engineered human cells to perform arithmetic calculations reminiscent of electronic circuits. By designing a versatile plug-and-play molecular-computation platform, we have engineered nine different cell populations with genetic programs, each of which encodes a defined computational instruction. When assembled into 3D cultures, these engineered cell consortia execute programmable multicellular full-adder logics in response to three trigger compounds.

Computer aided design of monolithic microwave and millimeter wave integrated circuits and subsystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ku, Walter H.; Gang, Guan-Wan; He, J. Q.; Ichitsubo, I.

1988-05-01

This final technical report presents results on the computer aided design of monolithic microwave and millimeter wave integrated circuits and subsystems. New results include analytical and computer aided device models of GaAs MESFETs and HEMTs or MODFETs, new synthesis techniques for monolithic feedback and distributed amplifiers and a new nonlinear CAD program for MIMIC called CADNON. This program incorporates the new MESFET and HEMT model and has been successfully applied to the design of monolithic millimeter-wave mixers.

The development of an interim generalized gate logic software simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcgough, J. G.; Nemeroff, S.

1985-01-01

A proof-of-concept computer program called IGGLOSS (Interim Generalized Gate Logic Software Simulator) was developed and is discussed. The simulator engine was designed to perform stochastic estimation of self test coverage (fault-detection latency times) of digital computers or systems. A major attribute of the IGGLOSS is its high-speed simulation: 9.5 x 1,000,000 gates/cpu sec for nonfaulted circuits and 4.4 x 1,000,000 gates/cpu sec for faulted circuits on a VAX 11/780 host computer.

Scaling up digital circuit computation with DNA strand displacement cascades.

PubMed

Qian, Lulu; Winfree, Erik

2011-06-03

To construct sophisticated biochemical circuits from scratch, one needs to understand how simple the building blocks can be and how robustly such circuits can scale up. Using a simple DNA reaction mechanism based on a reversible strand displacement process, we experimentally demonstrated several digital logic circuits, culminating in a four-bit square-root circuit that comprises 130 DNA strands. These multilayer circuits include thresholding and catalysis within every logical operation to perform digital signal restoration, which enables fast and reliable function in large circuits with roughly constant switching time and linear signal propagation delays. The design naturally incorporates other crucial elements for large-scale circuitry, such as general debugging tools, parallel circuit preparation, and an abstraction hierarchy supported by an automated circuit compiler.

Noise in Neuronal and Electronic Circuits: A General Modeling Framework and Non-Monte Carlo Simulation Techniques.

PubMed

Kilinc, Deniz; Demir, Alper

2017-08-01

The brain is extremely energy efficient and remarkably robust in what it does despite the considerable variability and noise caused by the stochastic mechanisms in neurons and synapses. Computational modeling is a powerful tool that can help us gain insight into this important aspect of brain mechanism. A deep understanding and computational design tools can help develop robust neuromorphic electronic circuits and hybrid neuroelectronic systems. In this paper, we present a general modeling framework for biological neuronal circuits that systematically captures the nonstationary stochastic behavior of ion channels and synaptic processes. In this framework, fine-grained, discrete-state, continuous-time Markov chain models of both ion channels and synaptic processes are treated in a unified manner. Our modeling framework features a mechanism for the automatic generation of the corresponding coarse-grained, continuous-state, continuous-time stochastic differential equation models for neuronal variability and noise. Furthermore, we repurpose non-Monte Carlo noise analysis techniques, which were previously developed for analog electronic circuits, for the stochastic characterization of neuronal circuits both in time and frequency domain. We verify that the fast non-Monte Carlo analysis methods produce results with the same accuracy as computationally expensive Monte Carlo simulations. We have implemented the proposed techniques in a prototype simulator, where both biological neuronal and analog electronic circuits can be simulated together in a coupled manner.

A strand graph semantics for DNA-based computation

PubMed Central

Petersen, Rasmus L.; Lakin, Matthew R.; Phillips, Andrew

2015-01-01

DNA nanotechnology is a promising approach for engineering computation at the nanoscale, with potential applications in biofabrication and intelligent nanomedicine. DNA strand displacement is a general strategy for implementing a broad range of nanoscale computations, including any computation that can be expressed as a chemical reaction network. Modelling and analysis of DNA strand displacement systems is an important part of the design process, prior to experimental realisation. As experimental techniques improve, it is important for modelling languages to keep pace with the complexity of structures that can be realised experimentally. In this paper we present a process calculus for modelling DNA strand displacement computations involving rich secondary structures, including DNA branches and loops. We prove that our calculus is also sufficiently expressive to model previous work on non-branching structures, and propose a mapping from our calculus to a canonical strand graph representation, in which vertices represent DNA strands, ordered sites represent domains, and edges between sites represent bonds between domains. We define interactions between strands by means of strand graph rewriting, and prove the correspondence between the process calculus and strand graph behaviours. Finally, we propose a mapping from strand graphs to an efficient implementation, which we use to perform modelling and simulation of DNA strand displacement systems with rich secondary structure. PMID:27293306

Advanced User Interface Capabilities for Application on Portable Computers

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-02-01

0 060 iI 1 ........ ... r: switch_ e( pressure , switch ) r6 : pilot- valvecircuit(A, pilot valve) pilot_ valve_ circuit(B, pilot valve) r7...shutoff_valvecircwt(A, shutoff valve) shutoff_valve circuit(B, shutoff valve) r: pressure_ switch_ circuit(A, pressure switch ) pressure_ switch circuit(B... pressure switch ) r: indicator(A, pilot valve) indicator(B, pilot valve) indicator(A, shutoff valve) indicator(B, shutoff valve) indicator(A, pressure

Algorithms and architecture for multiprocessor based circuit simulation

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

Deutsch, J.T.

Accurate electrical simulation is critical to the design of high performance integrated circuits. Logic simulators can verify function and give first-order timing information. Switch level simulators are more effective at dealing with charge sharing than standard logic simulators, but cannot provide accurate timing information or discover DC problems. Delay estimation techniques and cell level simulation can be used in constrained design methods, but must be tuned for each application, and circuit simulation must still be used to generate the cell models. None of these methods has the guaranteed accuracy that many circuit designers desire, and none can provide detailed waveformmore » information. Detailed electrical-level simulation can predict circuit performance if devices and parasitics are modeled accurately. However, the computational requirements of conventional circuit simulators make it impractical to simulate current large circuits. In this dissertation, the implementation of Iterated Timing Analysis (ITA), a relaxation-based technique for accurate circuit simulation, on a special-purpose multiprocessor is presented. The ITA method is an SOR-Newton, relaxation-based method which uses event-driven analysis and selective trace to exploit the temporal sparsity of the electrical network. Because event-driven selective trace techniques are employed, this algorithm lends itself to implementation on a data-driven computer.« less

Highly Selective and Sensitive Self-Powered Glucose Sensor Based on Capacitor Circuit.

PubMed

Slaughter, Gymama; Kulkarni, Tanmay

2017-05-03

Enzymatic glucose biosensors are being developed to incorporate nanoscale materials with the biological recognition elements to assist in the rapid and sensitive detection of glucose. Here we present a highly sensitive and selective glucose sensor based on capacitor circuit that is capable of selectively sensing glucose while simultaneously powering a small microelectronic device. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is chemically modified with pyrroloquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase (PQQ-GDH) and bilirubin oxidase (BOD) at anode and cathode, respectively, in the biofuel cell arrangement. The input voltage (as low as 0.25 V) from the biofuel cell is converted to a stepped-up power and charged to the capacitor to the voltage of 1.8 V. The frequency of the charge/discharge cycle of the capacitor corresponded to the oxidation of glucose. The biofuel cell structure-based glucose sensor synergizes the advantages of both the glucose biosensor and biofuel cell. In addition, this glucose sensor favored a very high selectivity towards glucose in the presence of competing and non-competing analytes. It exhibited unprecedented sensitivity of 37.66 Hz/mM.cm 2 and a linear range of 1 to 20 mM. This innovative self-powered glucose sensor opens new doors for implementation of biofuel cells and capacitor circuits for medical diagnosis and powering therapeutic devices.

A differential memristive synapse circuit for on-line learning in neuromorphic computing systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nair, Manu V.; Muller, Lorenz K.; Indiveri, Giacomo

2017-12-01

Spike-based learning with memristive devices in neuromorphic computing architectures typically uses learning circuits that require overlapping pulses from pre- and post-synaptic nodes. This imposes severe constraints on the length of the pulses transmitted in the network, and on the network’s throughput. Furthermore, most of these circuits do not decouple the currents flowing through memristive devices from the one stimulating the target neuron. This can be a problem when using devices with high conductance values, because of the resulting large currents. In this paper, we propose a novel circuit that decouples the current produced by the memristive device from the one used to stimulate the post-synaptic neuron, by using a novel differential scheme based on the Gilbert normalizer circuit. We show how this circuit is useful for reducing the effect of variability in the memristive devices, and how it is ideally suited for spike-based learning mechanisms that do not require overlapping pre- and post-synaptic pulses. We demonstrate the features of the proposed synapse circuit with SPICE simulations, and validate its learning properties with high-level behavioral network simulations which use a stochastic gradient descent learning rule in two benchmark classification tasks.

A Hierarchical Multiscale Particle Computational Method for Simulation of Nanoscale Flows on 3D Unstructured Grids

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-14

3 is presented in Figure 12. These cases simulate the smallest na- nochannels with H = 0.1 /im and correspond to the near free -molecular flow with a...nal energy flux (or heat transfer rate) from a free stream with p, T.S to a flat plate with surface temperature T aligned with the flow is, 25 S2... Simulation of Nanoscale Flows on 3D Unstructured Grids 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER FA9950-06-1-0236 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S

Dynamic Discharge Arc Driver. [computerized simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dannenberg, R. E.; Slapnicar, P. I.

1975-01-01

A computer program using nonlinear RLC circuit analysis was developed to accurately model the electrical discharge performance of the Ames 1-MJ energy storage and arc-driver system. Solutions of circuit parameters are compared with experimental circuit data and related to shock speed measurements. Computer analysis led to the concept of a Dynamic Discharge Arc Driver (DDAD) capable of increasing the range of operation of shock-driven facilities. Utilization of mass addition of the driver gas offers a unique means of improving driver performance. Mass addition acts to increase the arc resistance, which results in better electrical circuit damping with more efficient Joule heating, producing stronger shock waves. Preliminary tests resulted in an increase in shock Mach number from 34 to 39 in air at an initial pressure of 2.5 torr.

ADDER CIRCUIT

DOEpatents

Jacobsohn, D.H.; Merrill, L.C.

1959-01-20

An improved parallel addition unit is described which is especially adapted for use in electronic digital computers and characterized by propagation of the carry signal through each of a plurality of denominationally ordered stages within a minimum time interval. In its broadest aspects, the invention incorporates a fast multistage parallel digital adder including a plurality of adder circuits, carry-propagation circuit means in all but the most significant digit stage, means for conditioning each carry-propagation circuit during the time period in which information is placed into the adder circuits, and means coupling carry-generation portions of thc adder circuit to the carry propagating means.

Ultimate computing. Biomolecular consciousness and nano Technology

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

Hameroff, S.R.

1987-01-01

The book advances the premise that the cytoskeleton is the cell's nervous system, the biological controller/computer. If indeed cytoskeletal dynamics in the nanoscale (billionth meter, billionth second) are the texture of intracellular information processing, emerging ''NanoTechnologies'' (scanning tunneling microscopy, Feynman machines, von Neumann replicators, etc.) should enable direct monitoring, decoding and interfacing between biological and technological information devices. This in turn could result in important biomedical applications and perhaps a merger of mind and machine: Ultimate Computing.

Multi-paradigm simulation at nanoscale: Methodology and application to functional carbon material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Haibin

2012-12-01

Multiparadigm methods to span the scales from quantum mechanics to practical issues of functional nanoassembly and nanofabrication are enabling first principles predictions to guide and complement the experimental developments by designing and optimizing computationally the materials compositions and structures to assemble nanoscale systems with the requisite properties. In this talk, we employ multi-paradigm approaches to investigate functional carbon materials with versatile character, including fullerene, carbon nanotube (CNT), graphene, and related hybrid structures, which have already created an enormous impact on next generation nano devices. The topics will cover the reaction dynamics of C60 dimerization and the more challenging complex tubular fullerene formation process in the peapod structures; the computational design of a new generation of peapod nano-oscillators, the predicted magnetic state in Nano Buds; opto-electronic properties of graphene nanoribbons; and disorder / vibronic effects on transport in carbonrich materials.

Integrated all-optical logic discriminators based on plasmonic bandgap engineering

PubMed Central

Lu, Cuicui; Hu, Xiaoyong; Yang, Hong; Gong, Qihuang

2013-01-01

Optical computing uses photons as information carriers, opening up the possibility for ultrahigh-speed and ultrawide-band information processing. Integrated all-optical logic devices are indispensible core components of optical computing systems. However, up to now, little experimental progress has been made in nanoscale all-optical logic discriminators, which have the function of discriminating and encoding incident light signals according to wavelength. Here, we report a strategy to realize a nanoscale all-optical logic discriminator based on plasmonic bandgap engineering in a planar plasmonic microstructure. Light signals falling within different operating wavelength ranges are differentiated and endowed with different logic state encodings. Compared with values previously reported, the operating bandwidth is enlarged by one order of magnitude. Also the SPP light source is integrated with the logic device while retaining its ultracompact size. This opens up a way to construct on-chip all-optical information processors and artificial intelligence systems. PMID:24071647

Frequency method for determining the parameters of the electromagnetic brakes and slip-type couplings with solid magnetic circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guseynov, F. G.; Abbasova, E. M.

1977-01-01

The equivalent representation of brakes and coupling by lumped circuits is investigated. Analytical equations are derived for relating the indices of the transients to the parameters of the equivalent circuits for arbitrary rotor speed. A computer algorithm is given for the calculations.

Advances in genetic circuit design: novel biochemistries, deep part mining, and precision gene expression.

PubMed

Nielsen, Alec A K; Segall-Shapiro, Thomas H; Voigt, Christopher A

2013-12-01

Cells use regulatory networks to perform computational operations to respond to their environment. Reliably manipulating such networks would be valuable for many applications in biotechnology; for example, in having genes turn on only under a defined set of conditions or implementing dynamic or temporal control of expression. Still, building such synthetic regulatory circuits remains one of the most difficult challenges in genetic engineering and as a result they have not found widespread application. Here, we review recent advances that address the key challenges in the forward design of genetic circuits. First, we look at new design concepts, including the construction of layered digital and analog circuits, and new approaches to control circuit response functions. Second, we review recent work to apply part mining and computational design to expand the number of regulators that can be used together within one cell. Finally, we describe new approaches to obtain precise gene expression and to reduce context dependence that will accelerate circuit design by more reliably balancing regulators while reducing toxicity. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Spike timing precision of neuronal circuits.

PubMed

Kilinc, Deniz; Demir, Alper

2018-06-01

Spike timing is believed to be a key factor in sensory information encoding and computations performed by the neurons and neuronal circuits. However, the considerable noise and variability, arising from the inherently stochastic mechanisms that exist in the neurons and the synapses, degrade spike timing precision. Computational modeling can help decipher the mechanisms utilized by the neuronal circuits in order to regulate timing precision. In this paper, we utilize semi-analytical techniques, which were adapted from previously developed methods for electronic circuits, for the stochastic characterization of neuronal circuits. These techniques, which are orders of magnitude faster than traditional Monte Carlo type simulations, can be used to directly compute the spike timing jitter variance, power spectral densities, correlation functions, and other stochastic characterizations of neuronal circuit operation. We consider three distinct neuronal circuit motifs: Feedback inhibition, synaptic integration, and synaptic coupling. First, we show that both the spike timing precision and the energy efficiency of a spiking neuron are improved with feedback inhibition. We unveil the underlying mechanism through which this is achieved. Then, we demonstrate that a neuron can improve on the timing precision of its synaptic inputs, coming from multiple sources, via synaptic integration: The phase of the output spikes of the integrator neuron has the same variance as that of the sample average of the phases of its inputs. Finally, we reveal that weak synaptic coupling among neurons, in a fully connected network, enables them to behave like a single neuron with a larger membrane area, resulting in an improvement in the timing precision through cooperation.

Harmonics Generation by Surface Plasmon Polaritons on Single Nanowires.

PubMed

de Hoogh, Anouk; Opheij, Aron; Wulf, Matthias; Rotenberg, Nir; Kuipers, L

2016-08-17

We present experimental observations of visible wavelength second- and third-harmonic generation on single plasmonic nanowires of variable widths. We identify that near-infrared surface plasmon polaritons, which are guided along the nanowire, act as the source of the harmonics generation. We discuss the underlying mechanism of this nonlinear process, using a combination of spatially resolved measurements and numerical simulations to show that the visible harmonics are generated via a combination of both local and propagating plasmonic modes. Our results provide the first demonstration of nanoscale nonlinear optics with guided, propagating plasmonic modes on a lithographically defined chip, opening up new routes toward integrated optical circuits for information processing.

A Content-Addressable Memory structure using quantum cells in nanotechnology with energy dissipation analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadoghifar, Ali; Heikalabad, Saeed Rasouli

2018-05-01

Quantum-dot cellular automata is one of the recent new technologies at the nanoscale that can be a suitable replacement for CMOS technology. The circuits constructed in QCA technology have desirable features such as low power consumption, high speed and small size. These features can be more distinct in memory structures. In this paper, we design a new structure for content addressable memory cell in QCA. For this purpose, first, a unique gate is introduced for mask operation in QCA and then this gate is used to improve the performance of CAM. These structures are evaluated with QCADesigner simulator.

Reversible Flip-Flops in Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rad, Samaneh Kazemi; Heikalabad, Saeed Rasouli

2017-09-01

Quantum-dot cellular automata is a new technology to design the efficient combinational and sequential circuits at the nano-scale. This technology has many desirable advantages compared to the CMOS technology such as low power consumption, less occupation area and low latency. These features make it suitable for use in flip-flop design. In this paper, with knowing the characteristics of reversible logic, we design new structures for flip-flops. The operations of these structures are evaluated with QCADesigner Version 2.0.3 simulator. In addition, we calculate the power dissipation of these structures by QCAPro tool. The results illustrated that proposed structures are efficient compared to the previous ones.

Coulomb-coupled quantum-dot thermal transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yanchao; Yang, Zhimin; Zhang, Xin; Lin, Bihong; Lin, Guoxing; Chen, Jincan

2018-04-01

A quantum-dot thermal transistor consisting of three Coulomb-coupled quantum dots coupled to the respective electronic reservoirs by tunnel contacts is established. The heat flows through the collector and emitter can be controlled by the temperature of the base. It is found that a small change in the base heat flow can induce a large heat flow change in the collector and emitter. The huge amplification factor can be obtained by optimizing the Coulomb interaction between the collector and the emitter or by decreasing the tunneling rate at the base. The proposed quantum-dot thermal transistor may open up potential applications in low-temperature solid-state thermal circuits at the nanoscale.

Test Generation for Highly Sequential Circuits

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-08-01

Sequential CircuitsI Abhijit Ghosh, Srinivas Devadas , and A. Richard Newton Abstract We address the problem of generating test sequences for stuck-at...Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720. Devadas : Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer...attn1 b ~een propagatedl to ltne nnext state lites aloine. then we obtain tine fnalty Is as bit. valunes is called A miniteri state. Iti genecral. a

To Compare the Effects of Computer Based Learning and the Laboratory Based Learning on Students' Achievement Regarding Electric Circuits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bayrak, Bekir; Kanli, Uygar; Kandil Ingeç, Sebnem

2007-01-01

In this study, the research problem was: "Is the computer based physics instruction as effective as laboratory intensive physics instruction with regards to academic success on electric circuits 9th grade students?" For this research of experimental quality the design of pre-test and post-test are applied with an experiment and a control…

A Serial Bus Architecture for Parallel Processing Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-01

pins are needed to effect the data transfer. As Integrated Circuits grow in computational power, more communication capacity is needed, pushing...chip. The wider the communication path the more pins are needed to effect the data transfer. As Integrated Circuits grow in computational power, more...13 2. A Suitable Architecture Sought 14 II. OPTIMUM ARCHITECTURE OF LARGE INTEGRATED A. PARTIONING SILICON FOR MAXIMUM 1? 1. Transistor

Computational Models for Nanoscale Fluid Dynamics and Transport Inspired by Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics1

PubMed Central

Radhakrishnan, Ravi; Yu, Hsiu-Yu; Eckmann, David M.; Ayyaswamy, Portonovo S.

2017-01-01

Traditionally, the numerical computation of particle motion in a fluid is resolved through computational fluid dynamics (CFD). However, resolving the motion of nanoparticles poses additional challenges due to the coupling between the Brownian and hydrodynamic forces. Here, we focus on the Brownian motion of a nanoparticle coupled to adhesive interactions and confining-wall-mediated hydrodynamic interactions. We discuss several techniques that are founded on the basis of combining CFD methods with the theory of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics in order to simultaneously conserve thermal equipartition and to show correct hydrodynamic correlations. These include the fluctuating hydrodynamics (FHD) method, the generalized Langevin method, the hybrid method, and the deterministic method. Through the examples discussed, we also show a top-down multiscale progression of temporal dynamics from the colloidal scales to the molecular scales, and the associated fluctuations, hydrodynamic correlations. While the motivation and the examples discussed here pertain to nanoscale fluid dynamics and mass transport, the methodologies presented are rather general and can be easily adopted to applications in convective heat transfer. PMID:28035168

Silicon photonics integrated circuits: a manufacturing platform for high density, low power optical I/O's.

PubMed

Absil, Philippe P; Verheyen, Peter; De Heyn, Peter; Pantouvaki, Marianna; Lepage, Guy; De Coster, Jeroen; Van Campenhout, Joris

2015-04-06

Silicon photonics integrated circuits are considered to enable future computing systems with optical input-outputs co-packaged with CMOS chips to circumvent the limitations of electrical interfaces. In this paper we present the recent progress made to enable dense multiplexing by exploiting the integration advantage of silicon photonics integrated circuits. We also discuss the manufacturability of such circuits, a key factor for a wide adoption of this technology.

Concrete resource analysis of the quantum linear-system algorithm used to compute the electromagnetic scattering cross section of a 2D target

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scherer, Artur; Valiron, Benoît; Mau, Siun-Chuon; Alexander, Scott; van den Berg, Eric; Chapuran, Thomas E.

2017-03-01

We provide a detailed estimate for the logical resource requirements of the quantum linear-system algorithm (Harrow et al. in Phys Rev Lett 103:150502, 2009) including the recently described elaborations and application to computing the electromagnetic scattering cross section of a metallic target (Clader et al. in Phys Rev Lett 110:250504, 2013). Our resource estimates are based on the standard quantum-circuit model of quantum computation; they comprise circuit width (related to parallelism), circuit depth (total number of steps), the number of qubits and ancilla qubits employed, and the overall number of elementary quantum gate operations as well as more specific gate counts for each elementary fault-tolerant gate from the standard set { X, Y, Z, H, S, T, { CNOT } }. In order to perform these estimates, we used an approach that combines manual analysis with automated estimates generated via the Quipper quantum programming language and compiler. Our estimates pertain to the explicit example problem size N=332{,}020{,}680 beyond which, according to a crude big-O complexity comparison, the quantum linear-system algorithm is expected to run faster than the best known classical linear-system solving algorithm. For this problem size, a desired calculation accuracy ɛ =0.01 requires an approximate circuit width 340 and circuit depth of order 10^{25} if oracle costs are excluded, and a circuit width and circuit depth of order 10^8 and 10^{29}, respectively, if the resource requirements of oracles are included, indicating that the commonly ignored oracle resources are considerable. In addition to providing detailed logical resource estimates, it is also the purpose of this paper to demonstrate explicitly (using a fine-grained approach rather than relying on coarse big-O asymptotic approximations) how these impressively large numbers arise with an actual circuit implementation of a quantum algorithm. While our estimates may prove to be conservative as more efficient advanced quantum-computation techniques are developed, they nevertheless provide a valid baseline for research targeting a reduction of the algorithmic-level resource requirements, implying that a reduction by many orders of magnitude is necessary for the algorithm to become practical.

User's Guide for Computer Program that Routes Signal Traces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hedgley, David R., Jr.

2000-01-01

This disk contains both a FORTRAN computer program and the corresponding user's guide that facilitates both its incorporation into your system and its utility. The computer program represents an efficient algorithm that routes signal traces on layers of a printed circuit with both through-pins and surface mounts. The computer program included is an implementation of the ideas presented in the theoretical paper titled "A Formal Algorithm for Routing Signal Traces on a Printed Circuit Board", NASA TP-3639 published in 1996. The computer program in the "connects" file can be read with a FORTRAN compiler and readily integrated into software unique to each particular environment where it might be used.

Corrosion chemistry closing comments: opportunities in corrosion science facilitated by operando experimental characterization combined with multi-scale computational modelling.

PubMed

Scully, John R

2015-01-01

Recent advances in characterization tools, computational capabilities, and theories have created opportunities for advancement in understanding of solid-fluid interfaces at the nanoscale in corroding metallic systems. The Faraday Discussion on Corrosion Chemistry in 2015 highlighted some of the current needs, gaps and opportunities in corrosion science. Themes were organized into several hierarchical categories that provide an organizational framework for corrosion. Opportunities to develop fundamental physical and chemical data which will enable further progress in thermodynamic and kinetic modelling of corrosion were discussed. These will enable new and better understanding of unit processes that govern corrosion at the nanoscale. Additional topics discussed included scales, films and oxides, fluid-surface and molecular-surface interactions, selected topics in corrosion science and engineering as well as corrosion control. Corrosion science and engineering topics included complex alloy dissolution, local corrosion, and modelling of specific corrosion processes that are made up of collections of temporally and spatially varying unit processes such as oxidation, ion transport, and competitive adsorption. Corrosion control and mitigation topics covered some new insights on coatings and inhibitors. Further advances in operando or in situ experimental characterization strategies at the nanoscale combined with computational modelling will enhance progress in the field, especially if coupling across length and time scales can be achieved incorporating the various phenomena encountered in corrosion. Readers are encouraged to not only to use this ad hoc organizational scheme to guide their immersion into the current opportunities in corrosion chemistry, but also to find value in the information presented in their own ways.

Intrinsic neuromodulation: altering neuronal circuits from within.

PubMed

Katz, P S; Frost, W N

1996-02-01

There are two sources of neuromodulation for neuronal circuits: extrinsic inputs and intrinsic components of the circuits themselves. Extrinsic neuromodulation is known to be pervasive in nervous systems, but intrinsic neuromodulation is less recognized, despite the fact that it has now been demonstrated in sensory and neuromuscular circuits and in central pattern generators. By its nature, intrinsic neuromodulation produces local changes in neuronal computation, whereas extrinsic neuromodulation can cause global changes, often affecting many circuits simultaneously. Studies in a number of systems are defining the different properties of these two forms of neuromodulation.

Research on the equivalent circuit model of a circular flexural-vibration-research on the equivalent circuit model of a circular flexural-vibration-mode piezoelectric transformer with moderate thickness.

PubMed

Huang, Yihua; Huang, Wenjin; Wang, Qinglei; Su, Xujian

2013-07-01

The equivalent circuit model of a piezoelectric transformer is useful in designing and optimizing the related driving circuits. Based on previous work, an equivalent circuit model for a circular flexural-vibration-mode piezoelectric transformer with moderate thickness is proposed and validated by finite element analysis. The input impedance, voltage gain, and efficiency of the transformer are determined through computation. The basic behaviors of the transformer are shown by numerical results.

NASA Tech Briefs, June 2000. Volume 24, No. 6

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

Topics include: Computer-Aided Design and Engineering; Electronic Components and Circuits; Electronic Systems; Test and Measurement; Physical Sciences; Materials; Computer Programs; Computers and Peripherals;

Modular chassis simplifies packaging and interconnecting of circuit boards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arens, W. E.; Boline, K. G.

1964-01-01

A system of modular chassis structures has simplified the design for mounting a number of printed circuit boards. This design is structurally adaptable to computer and industrial control system applications.

Bennett clocking of quantum-dot cellular automata and the limits to binary logic scaling.

PubMed

Lent, Craig S; Liu, Mo; Lu, Yuhui

2006-08-28

We examine power dissipation in different clocking schemes for molecular quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) circuits. 'Landauer clocking' involves the adiabatic transition of a molecular cell from the null state to an active state carrying data. Cell layout creates devices which allow data in cells to interact and thereby perform useful computation. We perform direct solutions of the equation of motion for the system in contact with the thermal environment and see that Landauer's Principle applies: one must dissipate an energy of at least k(B)T per bit only when the information is erased. The ideas of Bennett can be applied to keep copies of the bit information by echoing inputs to outputs, thus embedding any logically irreversible circuit in a logically reversible circuit, at the cost of added circuit complexity. A promising alternative which we term 'Bennett clocking' requires only altering the timing of the clocking signals so that bit information is simply held in place by the clock until a computational block is complete, then erased in the reverse order of computation. This approach results in ultralow power dissipation without additional circuit complexity. These results offer a concrete example in which to consider recent claims regarding the fundamental limits of binary logic scaling.

Exact Synthesis of Reversible Circuits Using A* Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Datta, K.; Rathi, G. K.; Sengupta, I.; Rahaman, H.

2015-06-01

With the growing emphasis on low-power design methodologies, and the result that theoretical zero power dissipation is possible only if computations are information lossless, design and synthesis of reversible logic circuits have become very important in recent years. Reversible logic circuits are also important in the context of quantum computing, where the basic operations are reversible in nature. Several synthesis methodologies for reversible circuits have been reported. Some of these methods are termed as exact, where the motivation is to get the minimum-gate realization for a given reversible function. These methods are computationally very intensive, and are able to synthesize only very small functions. There are other methods based on function transformations or higher-level representation of functions like binary decision diagrams or exclusive-or sum-of-products, that are able to handle much larger circuits without any guarantee of optimality or near-optimality. Design of exact synthesis algorithms is interesting in this context, because they set some kind of benchmarks against which other methods can be compared. This paper proposes an exact synthesis approach based on an iterative deepening version of the A* algorithm using the multiple-control Toffoli gate library. Experimental results are presented with comparisons with other exact and some heuristic based synthesis approaches.

Bennett clocking of quantum-dot cellular automata and the limits to binary logic scaling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lent, Craig S.; Liu, Mo; Lu, Yuhui

2006-08-01

We examine power dissipation in different clocking schemes for molecular quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) circuits. 'Landauer clocking' involves the adiabatic transition of a molecular cell from the null state to an active state carrying data. Cell layout creates devices which allow data in cells to interact and thereby perform useful computation. We perform direct solutions of the equation of motion for the system in contact with the thermal environment and see that Landauer's Principle applies: one must dissipate an energy of at least kBT per bit only when the information is erased. The ideas of Bennett can be applied to keep copies of the bit information by echoing inputs to outputs, thus embedding any logically irreversible circuit in a logically reversible circuit, at the cost of added circuit complexity. A promising alternative which we term 'Bennett clocking' requires only altering the timing of the clocking signals so that bit information is simply held in place by the clock until a computational block is complete, then erased in the reverse order of computation. This approach results in ultralow power dissipation without additional circuit complexity. These results offer a concrete example in which to consider recent claims regarding the fundamental limits of binary logic scaling.

Fast modeling of flux trapping cascaded explosively driven magnetic flux compression generators.

PubMed

Wang, Yuwei; Zhang, Jiande; Chen, Dongqun; Cao, Shengguang; Li, Da; Liu, Chebo

2013-01-01

To predict the performance of flux trapping cascaded flux compression generators, a calculation model based on an equivalent circuit is investigated. The system circuit is analyzed according to its operation characteristics in different steps. Flux conservation coefficients are added to the driving terms of circuit differential equations to account for intrinsic flux losses. To calculate the currents in the circuit by solving the circuit equations, a simple zero-dimensional model is used to calculate the time-varying inductance and dc resistance of the generator. Then a fast computer code is programmed based on this calculation model. As an example, a two-staged flux trapping generator is simulated by using this computer code. Good agreements are achieved by comparing the simulation results with the measurements. Furthermore, it is obvious that this fast calculation model can be easily applied to predict performances of other flux trapping cascaded flux compression generators with complex structures such as conical stator or conical armature sections and so on for design purpose.

Beyond excitation/inhibition imbalance in multidimensional models of neural circuit changes in brain disorders.

PubMed

O'Donnell, Cian; Gonçalves, J Tiago; Portera-Cailliau, Carlos; Sejnowski, Terrence J

2017-10-11

A leading theory holds that neurodevelopmental brain disorders arise from imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) brain circuitry. However, it is unclear whether this one-dimensional model is rich enough to capture the multiple neural circuit alterations underlying brain disorders. Here, we combined computational simulations with analysis of in vivo two-photon Ca 2+ imaging data from somatosensory cortex of Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mice, a model of Fragile-X Syndrome, to test the E/I imbalance theory. We found that: (1) The E/I imbalance model cannot account for joint alterations in the observed neural firing rates and correlations; (2) Neural circuit function is vastly more sensitive to changes in some cellular components over others; (3) The direction of circuit alterations in Fmr1 KO mice changes across development. These findings suggest that the basic E/I imbalance model should be updated to higher dimensional models that can better capture the multidimensional computational functions of neural circuits.

Using NCAP to predict RFI effects in linear bipolar integrated circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, T.-F.; Whalen, J. J.; Chen, G. K. C.

1980-11-01

Applications of the Nonlinear Circuit Analysis Program (NCAP) to calculate RFI effects in electronic circuits containing discrete semiconductor devices have been reported upon previously. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate that the computer program NCAP also can be used to calcuate RFI effects in linear bipolar integrated circuits (IC's). The IC's reported upon are the microA741 operational amplifier (op amp) which is one of the most widely used IC's, and a differential pair which is a basic building block in many linear IC's. The microA741 op amp was used as the active component in a unity-gain buffer amplifier. The differential pair was used in a broad-band cascode amplifier circuit. The computer program NCAP was used to predict how amplitude-modulated RF signals are demodulated in the IC's to cause undesired low-frequency responses. The predicted and measured results for radio frequencies in the 0.050-60-MHz range are in good agreement.

Beyond excitation/inhibition imbalance in multidimensional models of neural circuit changes in brain disorders

PubMed Central

Gonçalves, J Tiago; Portera-Cailliau, Carlos

2017-01-01

A leading theory holds that neurodevelopmental brain disorders arise from imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) brain circuitry. However, it is unclear whether this one-dimensional model is rich enough to capture the multiple neural circuit alterations underlying brain disorders. Here, we combined computational simulations with analysis of in vivo two-photon Ca2+ imaging data from somatosensory cortex of Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mice, a model of Fragile-X Syndrome, to test the E/I imbalance theory. We found that: (1) The E/I imbalance model cannot account for joint alterations in the observed neural firing rates and correlations; (2) Neural circuit function is vastly more sensitive to changes in some cellular components over others; (3) The direction of circuit alterations in Fmr1 KO mice changes across development. These findings suggest that the basic E/I imbalance model should be updated to higher dimensional models that can better capture the multidimensional computational functions of neural circuits. PMID:29019321

Accurate Cold-Test Model of Helical TWT Slow-Wave Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kory, Carol L.; Dayton, James A., Jr.

1997-01-01

Recently, a method has been established to accurately calculate cold-test data for helical slow-wave structures using the three-dimensional electromagnetic computer code, MAFIA. Cold-test parameters have been calculated for several helical traveling-wave tube (TWT) slow-wave circuits possessing various support rod configurations, and results are presented here showing excellent agreement with experiment. The helical models include tape thickness, dielectric support shapes and material properties consistent with the actual circuits. The cold-test data from this helical model can be used as input into large-signal helical TWT interaction codes making it possible, for the first time, to design a complete TWT via computer simulation.

Analysis and synthesis of distributed-lumped-active networks by digital computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

The use of digital computational techniques in the analysis and synthesis of DLA (distributed lumped active) networks is considered. This class of networks consists of three distinct types of elements, namely, distributed elements (modeled by partial differential equations), lumped elements (modeled by algebraic relations and ordinary differential equations), and active elements (modeled by algebraic relations). Such a characterization is applicable to a broad class of circuits, especially including those usually referred to as linear integrated circuits, since the fabrication techniques for such circuits readily produce elements which may be modeled as distributed, as well as the more conventional lumped and active ones.

Benchmarking gate-based quantum computers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michielsen, Kristel; Nocon, Madita; Willsch, Dennis; Jin, Fengping; Lippert, Thomas; De Raedt, Hans

2017-11-01

With the advent of public access to small gate-based quantum processors, it becomes necessary to develop a benchmarking methodology such that independent researchers can validate the operation of these processors. We explore the usefulness of a number of simple quantum circuits as benchmarks for gate-based quantum computing devices and show that circuits performing identity operations are very simple, scalable and sensitive to gate errors and are therefore very well suited for this task. We illustrate the procedure by presenting benchmark results for the IBM Quantum Experience, a cloud-based platform for gate-based quantum computing.

Experiences in Digital Circuit Design Courses: A Self-Study Platform for Learning Support

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bañeres, David; Clarisó, Robert; Jorba, Josep; Serra, Montse

2014-01-01

The synthesis of digital circuits is a basic skill in all the bachelor programmes around the ICT area of knowledge, such as Computer Science, Telecommunication Engineering or Electrical Engineering. An important hindrance in the learning process of this skill is that the existing educational tools for the design of circuits do not allow the…

Engineering integrated digital circuits with allosteric ribozymes for scaling up molecular computation and diagnostics.

PubMed

Penchovsky, Robert

2012-10-19

Here we describe molecular implementations of integrated digital circuits, including a three-input AND logic gate, a two-input multiplexer, and 1-to-2 decoder using allosteric ribozymes. Furthermore, we demonstrate a multiplexer-decoder circuit. The ribozymes are designed to seek-and-destroy specific RNAs with a certain length by a fully computerized procedure. The algorithm can accurately predict one base substitution that alters the ribozyme's logic function. The ability to sense the length of RNA molecules enables single ribozymes to be used as platforms for multiple interactions. These ribozymes can work as integrated circuits with the functionality of up to five logic gates. The ribozyme design is universal since the allosteric and substrate domains can be altered to sense different RNAs. In addition, the ribozymes can specifically cleave RNA molecules with triplet-repeat expansions observed in genetic disorders such as oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy. Therefore, the designer ribozymes can be employed for scaling up computing and diagnostic networks in the fields of molecular computing and diagnostics and RNA synthetic biology.

An Analogue VLSI Implementation of the Meddis Inner Hair Cell Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEwan, Alistair; van Schaik, André

2003-12-01

The Meddis inner hair cell model is a widely accepted, but computationally intensive computer model of mammalian inner hair cell function. We have produced an analogue VLSI implementation of this model that operates in real time in the current domain by using translinear and log-domain circuits. The circuit has been fabricated on a chip and tested against the Meddis model for (a) rate level functions for onset and steady-state response, (b) recovery after masking, (c) additivity, (d) two-component adaptation, (e) phase locking, (f) recovery of spontaneous activity, and (g) computational efficiency. The advantage of this circuit, over other electronic inner hair cell models, is its nearly exact implementation of the Meddis model which can be tuned to behave similarly to the biological inner hair cell. This has important implications on our ability to simulate the auditory system in real time. Furthermore, the technique of mapping a mathematical model of first-order differential equations to a circuit of log-domain filters allows us to implement real-time neuromorphic signal processors for a host of models using the same approach.

Electrical Circuits in the Mathematics/Computer Science Classroom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McMillan, Robert D.

1988-01-01

Shows how, with little or no electrical background, students can apply Boolean algebra concepts to design and build integrated electrical circuits in the classroom that will reinforce important ideas in mathematics. (PK)

46 CFR 169.682 - Distribution and circuit loads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... the rating of the overcurrent protective device, computed using the greater of— (1) The lamp sizes to be installed; or (2) 50 watts per outlet. (b) Circuits supplying electrical discharge lamps must be...

Irreversibility and entanglement spectrum statistics in quantum circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaffer, Daniel; Chamon, Claudio; Hamma, Alioscia; Mucciolo, Eduardo R.

2014-12-01

We show that in a quantum system evolving unitarily under a stochastic quantum circuit the notions of irreversibility, universality of computation, and entanglement are closely related. As the state evolves from an initial product state, it gets asymptotically maximally entangled. We define irreversibility as the failure of searching for a disentangling circuit using a Metropolis-like algorithm. We show that irreversibility corresponds to Wigner-Dyson statistics in the level spacing of the entanglement eigenvalues, and that this is obtained from a quantum circuit made from a set of universal gates for quantum computation. If, on the other hand, the system is evolved with a non-universal set of gates, the statistics of the entanglement level spacing deviates from Wigner-Dyson and the disentangling algorithm succeeds. These results open a new way to characterize irreversibility in quantum systems.

Fabric circuits and method of manufacturing fabric circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chu, Andrew W. (Inventor); Dobbins, Justin A. (Inventor); Scully, Robert C. (Inventor); Trevino, Robert C. (Inventor); Lin, Greg Y. (Inventor); Fink, Patrick W. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A flexible, fabric-based circuit comprises a non-conductive flexible layer of fabric and a conductive flexible layer of fabric adjacent thereto. A non-conductive thread, an adhesive, and/or other means may be used for attaching the conductive layer to the non-conductive layer. In some embodiments, the layers are attached by a computer-driven embroidery machine at pre-determined portions or locations in accordance with a pre-determined attachment layout before automated cutting. In some other embodiments, an automated milling machine or a computer-driven laser using a pre-designed circuit trace as a template cuts the conductive layer so as to separate an undesired portion of the conductive layer from a desired portion of the conductive layer. Additional layers of conductive fabric may be attached in some embodiments to form a multi-layer construct.

Nuclear sensor signal processing circuit

DOEpatents

Kallenbach, Gene A [Bosque Farms, NM; Noda, Frank T [Albuquerque, NM; Mitchell, Dean J [Tijeras, NM; Etzkin, Joshua L [Albuquerque, NM

2007-02-20

An apparatus and method are disclosed for a compact and temperature-insensitive nuclear sensor that can be calibrated with a non-hazardous radioactive sample. The nuclear sensor includes a gamma ray sensor that generates tail pulses from radioactive samples. An analog conditioning circuit conditions the tail-pulse signals from the gamma ray sensor, and a tail-pulse simulator circuit generates a plurality of simulated tail-pulse signals. A computer system processes the tail pulses from the gamma ray sensor and the simulated tail pulses from the tail-pulse simulator circuit. The nuclear sensor is calibrated under the control of the computer. The offset is adjusted using the simulated tail pulses. Since the offset is set to zero or near zero, the sensor gain can be adjusted with a non-hazardous radioactive source such as, for example, naturally occurring radiation and potassium chloride.

Extra high speed modified Lundell alternator parameters and open/short-circuit characteristics from global 3D-FE magnetic field solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, R.; Demerdash, N. A.

1992-06-01

The combined magnetic vector potential - magnetic scalar potential method of computation of 3D magnetic fields by finite elements, introduced in a companion paper, is used for global 3D field analysis and machine performance computations under open-circuit and short-circuit conditions for an example 14.3 kVA modified Lundell alternator, whose magnetic field is of intrinsic 3D nature. The computed voltages and currents under these machine test conditions were verified and found to be in very good agreement with corresponding test data. Results of use of this modelling and computation method in the study of a design alteration example, in which the stator stack length of the example alternator is stretched in order to increase voltage and volt-ampere rating, are given here. These results demonstrate the inadequacy of conventional 2D-based design concepts and the imperative of use of this type of 3D magnetic field modelling in the design and investigation of such machines.

Extra high speed modified Lundell alternator parameters and open/short-circuit characteristics from global 3D-FE magnetic field solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, R.; Demerdash, N. A.

1992-01-01

The combined magnetic vector potential - magnetic scalar potential method of computation of 3D magnetic fields by finite elements, introduced in a companion paper, is used for global 3D field analysis and machine performance computations under open-circuit and short-circuit conditions for an example 14.3 kVA modified Lundell alternator, whose magnetic field is of intrinsic 3D nature. The computed voltages and currents under these machine test conditions were verified and found to be in very good agreement with corresponding test data. Results of use of this modelling and computation method in the study of a design alteration example, in which the stator stack length of the example alternator is stretched in order to increase voltage and volt-ampere rating, are given here. These results demonstrate the inadequacy of conventional 2D-based design concepts and the imperative of use of this type of 3D magnetic field modelling in the design and investigation of such machines.

Bethe-Salpeter Eigenvalue Solver Package (BSEPACK) v0.1

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

SHAO, MEIYEU; YANG, CHAO

2017-04-25

The BSEPACK contains a set of subroutines for solving the Bethe-Salpeter Eigenvalue (BSE) problem. This type of problem arises in this study of optical excitation of nanoscale materials. The BSE problem is a structured non-Hermitian eigenvalue problem. The BSEPACK software can be used to compute all or subset of eigenpairs of a BSE Hamiltonian. It can also be used to compute the optical absorption spectrum without computing BSE eigenvalues and eigenvectors explicitly. The package makes use of the ScaLAPACK, LAPACK and BLAS.

Slow Computing Simulation of Bio-plausible Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

information networks, neuromorphic chips would become necessary. Small unstable flying platforms currently require RTK, GPS, or Vicon closed-circuit...Visual, and IR Sensing FPGA ASIC Neuromorphic Chip Simulation Quad Rotor Robotic Insect Uniform Independent Network Single Modality Neural Network... neuromorphic Processing across parallel computational elements =0.54 N u m b e r o f c o m p u ta tio n s - No info 14 integrated circuit

The J3 SCR model applied to resonant converter simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Avant, R. L.; Lee, F. C. Y.

1985-01-01

The J3 SCR model is a continuous topology computer model for the SCR. Its circuit analog and parameter estimation procedure are uniformly applicable to popular computer-aided design and analysis programs such as SPICE2 and SCEPTRE. The circuit analog is based on the intrinsic three pn junction structure of the SCR. The parameter estimation procedure requires only manufacturer's specification sheet quantities as a data base.

The many worlds hypothesis of dopamine prediction error: implications of a parallel circuit architecture in the basal ganglia.

PubMed

Lau, Brian; Monteiro, Tiago; Paton, Joseph J

2017-10-01

Computational models of reinforcement learning (RL) strive to produce behavior that maximises reward, and thus allow software or robots to behave adaptively [1]. At the core of RL models is a learned mapping between 'states'-situations or contexts that an agent might encounter in the world-and actions. A wealth of physiological and anatomical data suggests that the basal ganglia (BG) is important for learning these mappings [2,3]. However, the computations performed by specific circuits are unclear. In this brief review, we highlight recent work concerning the anatomy and physiology of BG circuits that suggest refinements in our understanding of computations performed by the basal ganglia. We focus on one important component of basal ganglia circuitry, midbrain dopamine neurons, drawing attention to data that has been cast as supporting or departing from the RL framework that has inspired experiments in basal ganglia research over the past two decades. We suggest that the parallel circuit architecture of the BG might be expected to produce variability in the response properties of different dopamine neurons, and that variability in response profile may not reflect variable functions, but rather different arguments that serve as inputs to a common function: the computation of prediction error. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An electronic circuit that detects left ventricular ejection events by processing the arterial pressure waveform

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gebben, V. D.; Webb, J. A., Jr.

1972-01-01

An electronic circuit for processing arterial blood pressure waveform signals is described. The circuit detects blood pressure as the heart pumps blood through the aortic valve and the pressure distribution caused by aortic valve closure. From these measurements, timing signals for use in measuring the left ventricular ejection time is determined, and signals are provided for computer monitoring of the cardiovascular system. Illustrations are given of the circuit and pressure waveforms.

Computer Instrumentation and the New Tools of Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snyder, H. David

1990-01-01

The impact and uses of new technologies in science teaching are discussed. Included are computers, software, sensors, integrated circuits, computer signal access, and computer interfaces. Uses and advantages of these new technologies are suggested. (CW)

Tunable Low Energy, Compact and High Performance Neuromorphic Circuit for Spike-Based Synaptic Plasticity

PubMed Central

Rahimi Azghadi, Mostafa; Iannella, Nicolangelo; Al-Sarawi, Said; Abbott, Derek

2014-01-01

Cortical circuits in the brain have long been recognised for their information processing capabilities and have been studied both experimentally and theoretically via spiking neural networks. Neuromorphic engineers are primarily concerned with translating the computational capabilities of biological cortical circuits, using the Spiking Neural Network (SNN) paradigm, into in silico applications that can mimic the behaviour and capabilities of real biological circuits/systems. These capabilities include low power consumption, compactness, and relevant dynamics. In this paper, we propose a new accelerated-time circuit that has several advantages over its previous neuromorphic counterparts in terms of compactness, power consumption, and capability to mimic the outcomes of biological experiments. The presented circuit simulation results demonstrate that, in comparing the new circuit to previous published synaptic plasticity circuits, reduced silicon area and lower energy consumption for processing each spike is achieved. In addition, it can be tuned in order to closely mimic the outcomes of various spike timing- and rate-based synaptic plasticity experiments. The proposed circuit is also investigated and compared to other designs in terms of tolerance to mismatch and process variation. Monte Carlo simulation results show that the proposed design is much more stable than its previous counterparts in terms of vulnerability to transistor mismatch, which is a significant challenge in analog neuromorphic design. All these features make the proposed design an ideal circuit for use in large scale SNNs, which aim at implementing neuromorphic systems with an inherent capability that can adapt to a continuously changing environment, thus leading to systems with significant learning and computational abilities. PMID:24551089

Tunable low energy, compact and high performance neuromorphic circuit for spike-based synaptic plasticity.

PubMed

Rahimi Azghadi, Mostafa; Iannella, Nicolangelo; Al-Sarawi, Said; Abbott, Derek

2014-01-01

Cortical circuits in the brain have long been recognised for their information processing capabilities and have been studied both experimentally and theoretically via spiking neural networks. Neuromorphic engineers are primarily concerned with translating the computational capabilities of biological cortical circuits, using the Spiking Neural Network (SNN) paradigm, into in silico applications that can mimic the behaviour and capabilities of real biological circuits/systems. These capabilities include low power consumption, compactness, and relevant dynamics. In this paper, we propose a new accelerated-time circuit that has several advantages over its previous neuromorphic counterparts in terms of compactness, power consumption, and capability to mimic the outcomes of biological experiments. The presented circuit simulation results demonstrate that, in comparing the new circuit to previous published synaptic plasticity circuits, reduced silicon area and lower energy consumption for processing each spike is achieved. In addition, it can be tuned in order to closely mimic the outcomes of various spike timing- and rate-based synaptic plasticity experiments. The proposed circuit is also investigated and compared to other designs in terms of tolerance to mismatch and process variation. Monte Carlo simulation results show that the proposed design is much more stable than its previous counterparts in terms of vulnerability to transistor mismatch, which is a significant challenge in analog neuromorphic design. All these features make the proposed design an ideal circuit for use in large scale SNNs, which aim at implementing neuromorphic systems with an inherent capability that can adapt to a continuously changing environment, thus leading to systems with significant learning and computational abilities.

Exercises in molecular computing.

PubMed

Stojanovic, Milan N; Stefanovic, Darko; Rudchenko, Sergei

2014-06-17

CONSPECTUS: The successes of electronic digital logic have transformed every aspect of human life over the last half-century. The word "computer" now signifies a ubiquitous electronic device, rather than a human occupation. Yet evidently humans, large assemblies of molecules, can compute, and it has been a thrilling challenge to develop smaller, simpler, synthetic assemblies of molecules that can do useful computation. When we say that molecules compute, what we usually mean is that such molecules respond to certain inputs, for example, the presence or absence of other molecules, in a precisely defined but potentially complex fashion. The simplest way for a chemist to think about computing molecules is as sensors that can integrate the presence or absence of multiple analytes into a change in a single reporting property. Here we review several forms of molecular computing developed in our laboratories. When we began our work, combinatorial approaches to using DNA for computing were used to search for solutions to constraint satisfaction problems. We chose to work instead on logic circuits, building bottom-up from units based on catalytic nucleic acids, focusing on DNA secondary structures in the design of individual circuit elements, and reserving the combinatorial opportunities of DNA for the representation of multiple signals propagating in a large circuit. Such circuit design directly corresponds to the intuition about sensors transforming the detection of analytes into reporting properties. While this approach was unusual at the time, it has been adopted since by other groups working on biomolecular computing with different nucleic acid chemistries. We created logic gates by modularly combining deoxyribozymes (DNA-based enzymes cleaving or combining other oligonucleotides), in the role of reporting elements, with stem-loops as input detection elements. For instance, a deoxyribozyme that normally exhibits an oligonucleotide substrate recognition region is modified such that a stem-loop closes onto the substrate recognition region, making it unavailable for the substrate and thus rendering the deoxyribozyme inactive. But a conformational change can then be induced by an input oligonucleotide, complementary to the loop, to open the stem, allow the substrate to bind, and allow its cleavage to proceed, which is eventually reported via fluorescence. In this Account, several designs of this form are reviewed, along with their application in the construction of large circuits that exhibited complex logical and temporal relationships between the inputs and the outputs. Intelligent (in the sense of being capable of nontrivial information processing) theranostic (therapy + diagnostic) applications have always been the ultimate motivation for developing computing (i.e., decision-making) circuits, and we review our experiments with logic-gate elements bound to cell surfaces that evaluate the proximal presence of multiple markers on lymphocytes.

Sensitivity and Switching Delay in Trigger Circuits; SENSIBILITA E RITARDO ENI CIRCUITI A SCATTO

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

De Lotto, I.; Stanchi, L.

The problem of regeneration in trigger circuits is studied, particularly in relation to switching delay and switching time. The factors that affect the speed, such as the threshold as a function of the input signal duration, are examined. The sensitivity of the circuit is also discussed. The characteristics of the dipole equivalent to a trigger circuit are determined, and the switching delay and switching rise time are examined using considerable simplifications (circuits with constant parameters) and graphical methods. For the particular case of a transistor circuit, the equation of the equivalent circuit is derived taking into account the nonlinearity ofmore » the parameters. This equation is processed by means of an analog computer. Using experimental data, the circuits are classified according to their sensitivity and the switching delay. A merit figure is obtained for synthetically evaluating different circuits and optimizing circuit sensitivity and speed. (auth)« less

CHAIRMEN'S FOREWORD: The Seventh International Conference on New Phenomena in Mesoscopic Structures & The Fifth International Conference on Surfaces and Interfaces of Mesoscopic Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoyagi, Yoshinobu; Goodnick, Stephen M.

2006-05-01

This special issue of the Journal of Physics: Conference Series contains the proceedings of the joint Seventh International Conference on New Phenomena in Mesoscopic Structures and Fifth International Conference on Surfaces and Interfaces of Mesoscopic Devices, which was held from November 27th - December 2nd, 2005, at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii. The string of these conferences dates back to the first one in 1989. Of special importance is that this year's conference was dedicated to Professor Gottfried Landwehr, in recognition of his many outstanding contributions to semiconductor physics. A personal tribute to Prof Landwehr by Dr K von Klitzing leads off this issue. The scope of NPMS-7/SIMD-5 spans nano-fabrication through complex phase coherent mesoscopic systems including nano-transistors and nano-scale characterization. Topics of interest include: •Nanoscale fabrication: high-resolution electron lithography, FIB nano-patterning, scanning- force-microscopy (SFM) lithography, SFM-stimulated growth, novel patterning, nano-imprint lithography, special etching, and self-assembled monolayers •Nanocharacterization: SFM characterization, ballistic-electron emission microscopy (BEEM), optical studies of nanostructures, tunneling, properties of discrete impurities, phase coherence, noise, THz studies, and electro-luminescence in small structures •Nanodevices: ultra-scaled FETs, quantum single-electron transistors (SETS), resonant tunneling diodes, ferromagnetic and spin devices, superlattice arrays, IR detectors with quantum dots and wires, quantum point contacts, non-equilibrium transport, simulation, ballistic transport, molecular electronic devices, carbon nanotubes, spin selection devices, spin-coupled quantum dots, and nanomagnetics •Quantum-coherent transport: the quantum Hall effect, ballistic quantum systems, quantum-computing implementations and theory, and magnetic spin systems •Mesoscopic structures: quantum wires and dots, quantum chaos, non-equilibrium transport, instabilities, nano-electro-mechanical systems, mesoscopic Josephson effects, phase coherence and breaking, and the Kondo effect •Systems of nanodevices: Quantum cellular automata, systolic SET processors, quantum neural nets, adaptive effects in circuits, and molecular circuits •Nanomaterials: nanotubes, nanowires, organic and molecular materials, self-assembled nano wires, and organic devices •Nanobioelectronics: electronic properties of biological structures on the nanoscale. This year's conference was organized by Prof Stephen Goodnick, Arizona State University, and Prof Yoshinobu Aoyagi, Tokyo Institute of Technology. The conference benefited from 14 invited speakers, whose topics spanned the above list, and a total of 97 registered attendees. The largest contingent was from Japan, followed closely by the US. In total, there were 49 from Japan, 31 fiom the US, and 17 from Europe. The organizers want to especially thank the sponsors for the meeting: The Office of Naval Research, the Army Research Office, and Arizona State University on the US side, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, through their 151 Committee, on the Japanese side. PROGRAM COMMITTEE •Prof Gerhard Abstreiter, Technical University of Munich •Prof Tsuneya Ando, Tokyo Institute of Technology •Prof John Barker, University of Glasgow •Prof Jonathan Bird, the University at Buffalo •Prof Robert Blick, University of Wisconsin •Prof David Ferry, Chair, Arizona State University •Dr Yoshiro Hirayama, NTT Basic Research Laboratories •Dr Koji Ishibashi, RIKEN •Prof Carlo Jacoboni, University of Modena •Prof David Janes, Purdue University •Prof Friedl Kuchar, University of Leoben •Prof K. Matsumoto, Osaka University •Prof Wolfgang Porod, Notre Dame University •Prof Michiharu Tabe, Shizuoka University •Prof Joachim Wolter, Eindhoven Institute of Technology •Prof Lukas Worschech, University of Würzburg •Dr Naoki Yokoyama, Fujitsu Research

One-way quantum computing in superconducting circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albarrán-Arriagada, F.; Alvarado Barrios, G.; Sanz, M.; Romero, G.; Lamata, L.; Retamal, J. C.; Solano, E.

2018-03-01

We propose a method for the implementation of one-way quantum computing in superconducting circuits. Measurement-based quantum computing is a universal quantum computation paradigm in which an initial cluster state provides the quantum resource, while the iteration of sequential measurements and local rotations encodes the quantum algorithm. Up to now, technical constraints have limited a scalable approach to this quantum computing alternative. The initial cluster state can be generated with available controlled-phase gates, while the quantum algorithm makes use of high-fidelity readout and coherent feedforward. With current technology, we estimate that quantum algorithms with above 20 qubits may be implemented in the path toward quantum supremacy. Moreover, we propose an alternative initial state with properties of maximal persistence and maximal connectedness, reducing the required resources of one-way quantum computing protocols.

A nano-scale mirror-like surface of Ti-6Al-4V attained by chemical mechanical polishing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chenliang, Liang; Weili, Liu; Shasha, Li; Hui, Kong; Zefang, Zhang; Zhitang, Song

2016-05-01

Metal Ti and its alloys have been widely utilized in the fields of aviation, medical science, and micro-electro-mechanical systems, for its excellent specific strength, resistance to corrosion, and biological compatibility. As the application of Ti moves to the micro or nano scale, however, traditional methods of planarization have shown their short slabs. Thus, we introduce the method of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) to provide a new way for the nano-scale planarization method of Ti alloys. We obtain a mirror-like surface, whose flatness is of nano-scale, via the CMP method. We test the basic mechanical behavior of Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) in the CMP process, and optimize the composition of CMP slurry. Furthermore, the possible reactions that may take place in the CMP process have been studied by electrochemical methods combined with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). An equivalent circuit has been built to interpret the dynamic of oxidation. Finally, a model has been established to explain the synergy of chemical and mechanical effects in the CMP of Ti-6Al-4V. Project supported by the National Major Scientific and Technological Special Project during the Twelfth Five-year Plan Period of China (Grant No. 2009ZX02030-1), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51205387), the Support by Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai City, China (Grant No. 11nm0500300), and the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai City, China (Grant No. 14XD1425300).

Optical Forging of Graphene into Three-Dimensional Shapes.

PubMed

Johansson, Andreas; Myllyperkiö, Pasi; Koskinen, Pekka; Aumanen, Jukka; Koivistoinen, Juha; Tsai, Hung-Chieh; Chen, Chia-Hao; Chang, Lo-Yueh; Hiltunen, Vesa-Matti; Manninen, Jyrki J; Woon, Wei Yen; Pettersson, Mika

2017-10-11

Atomically thin materials, such as graphene, are the ultimate building blocks for nanoscale devices. But although their synthesis and handling today are routine, all efforts thus far have been restricted to flat natural geometries, since the means to control their three-dimensional (3D) morphology has remained elusive. Here we show that, just as a blacksmith uses a hammer to forge a metal sheet into 3D shapes, a pulsed laser beam can forge a graphene sheet into controlled 3D shapes in the nanoscale. The forging mechanism is based on laser-induced local expansion of graphene, as confirmed by computer simulations using thin sheet elasticity theory.

Imaging and tuning polarity at SrTiO 3 domain walls

DOE PAGES

Frenkel, Yiftach; Haham, Noam; Shperber, Yishai; ...

2017-09-18

Electrostatic fields tune the ground state of interfaces between complex oxide materials. Electronic properties, such as conductivity and superconductivity, can be tuned and then used to create and control circuit elements and gate-defined devices. Here in this paper, we show that naturally occurring twin boundaries, with properties that are different from their surrounding bulk, can tune the LaAlO 3/SrTiO 3 interface 2DEG at the nanoscale. In particular, SrTiO 3 domain boundaries have the unusual distinction of remaining highly mobile down to low temperatures, and were recently suggested to be polar. Here we apply localized pressure to an individual SrTiO 3more » twin boundary and detect a change in LaAlO 3/SrTiO 3 interface current distribution. Our data directly confirm the existence of polarity at the twin boundaries, and demonstrate that they can serve as effective tunable gates. As the location of SrTiO 3 domain walls can be controlled using external field stimuli, our findings suggest a novel approach to manipulate SrTiO 3-based devices on the nanoscale.« less

The challenge of screen printed Ag metallization on nano-scale poly-silicon passivated contacts for silicon solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Lin; Song, Lixin; Yan, Li; Becht, Gregory; Zhang, Yi; Hoerteis, Matthias

2017-08-01

Passivated contacts can be used to reduce metal-induced recombination for higher energy conversion efficiency for silicon solar cells, and are obtained increasing attentions by PV industries in recent years. The reported thicknesses of passivated contact layers are mostly within tens of nanometer range, and the corresponding metallization methods are realized mainly by plating/evaporation technology. This high cost metallization cannot compete with the screen printing technology, and may affect its market potential comparing with the presently dominant solar cell technology. Very few works have been reported on screen printing metallization on passivated contact solar cells. Hence, there is a rising demand to realize screen printing metallization technology on this topic. In this work, we investigate applying screen printing metallization pastes on poly-silicon passivated contacts. The critical challenge for us is to build low contact resistance that can be competitive to standard technology while restricting the paste penetrations within the thin nano-scale passivated contact layers. The contact resistivity of 1.1mohm-cm2 and the open circuit voltages > 660mV are achieved, and the most appropriate thickness range is estimated to be around 80 150nm.

Method and apparatus for remote sensing of molecular species at nanoscale utilizing a reverse photoacoustic effect

DOEpatents

Su, Ming [Oviedo, FL; Thundat, Thomas G [Knoxville, TN; Hedden, David [Lenoir City, TN

2010-02-23

A method and apparatus for identifying a sample, involves illuminating the sample with light of varying wavelengths, transmitting an acoustic signal against the sample from one portion and receiving a resulting acoustic signal on another portion, detecting a change of phase in the acoustic signal corresponding to the light of varying wavelengths, and analyzing the change of phase in the acoustic signal for the varying wavelengths of illumination to identify the sample. The apparatus has a controlled source for illuminating the sample with light of varying wavelengths, a transmitter for transmitting an acoustic wave, a receiver for receiving the acoustic wave and converting the acoustic wave to an electronic signal, and an electronic circuit for detecting a change of phase in the acoustic wave corresponding to respective ones of the varying wavelengths and outputting the change of phase for the varying wavelengths to allow identification of the sample. The method and apparatus can be used to detect chemical composition or visual features. A transmission mode and a reflection mode of operation are disclosed. The method and apparatus can be applied at nanoscale to detect molecules in a biological sample.

Nano-Gap Embedded Plasmonic Gratings for Surface Plasmon Enhanced Fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatnagar, Kunal; Bok, Sangho; Korampally, Venumadhav; Gangopadhyay, Shubhra

2012-02-01

Plasmonic nanostructures have been extensively used in the past few decades for applications in sub-wavelength optics, data storage, optoelectronic circuits, microscopy and bio-photonics. The enhanced electromagnetic field produced at the metal/dielectric interface by the excitation of surface plasmons via incident radiation can be used for signal enhancement in fluorescence and surface enhanced Raman scattering studies. Novel plasmonic structures on the sub wavelength scale have been shown to provide very efficient and extreme light concentration at the nano-scale. The enhanced electric field produced within a few hundred nanometers of these structures can be used to excite fluorophores in the surrounding environment. Fluorescence based bio-detection and bio-imaging are two of the most important tools in the life sciences. Improving the qualities and capabilities of fluorescence based detectors and imaging equipment has been a big challenge to the industry manufacturers. We report the novel fabrication of nano-gap embedded periodic grating substrates on the nanoscale using micro-contact printing and polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSSQ) polymer. Fluorescence enhancement of up to 118 times was observed with these silver nanostructures in conjugation with Rhodamine-590 fluorescent dye. These substrates are ideal candidates for low-level fluorescence detection and single molecule imaging.

Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor Nanowire Network Solar Cells.

PubMed

Oener, Sebastian Z; van de Groep, Jorik; Macco, Bart; Bronsveld, Paula C P; Kessels, W M M; Polman, Albert; Garnett, Erik C

2016-06-08

Metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) junctions provide the charge separating properties of Schottky junctions while circumventing the direct and detrimental contact of the metal with the semiconductor. A passivating and tunnel dielectric is used as a separation layer to reduce carrier recombination and remove Fermi level pinning. When applied to solar cells, these junctions result in two main advantages over traditional p-n-junction solar cells: a highly simplified fabrication process and excellent passivation properties and hence high open-circuit voltages. However, one major drawback of metal-insulator-semiconductor solar cells is that a continuous metal layer is needed to form a junction at the surface of the silicon, which decreases the optical transmittance and hence short-circuit current density. The decrease of transmittance with increasing metal coverage, however, can be overcome by nanoscale structures. Nanowire networks exhibit precisely the properties that are required for MIS solar cells: closely spaced and conductive metal wires to induce an inversion layer for homogeneous charge carrier extraction and simultaneously a high optical transparency. We experimentally demonstrate the nanowire MIS concept by using it to make silicon solar cells with a measured energy conversion efficiency of 7% (∼11% after correction), an effective open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 560 mV and estimated short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 33 mA/cm(2). Furthermore, we show that the metal nanowire network can serve additionally as an etch mask to pattern inverted nanopyramids, decreasing the reflectivity substantially from 36% to ∼4%. Our extensive analysis points out a path toward nanowire based MIS solar cells that exhibit both high Voc and Jsc values.

The Management of Cognitive Load During Complex Cognitive Skill Acquisition by Means of Computer-Simulated Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kester, Liesbeth; Kirschner, Paul A.; van Merrienboer, Jeroen J.G.

2005-01-01

This study compared the effects of two information presentation formats on learning to solve problems in electrical circuits. In one condition, the split-source format, information relating to procedural aspects of the functioning of an electrical circuit was not integrated in a circuit diagram, while information in the integrated format condition…

Photochromic molecular implementations of universal computation.

PubMed

Chaplin, Jack C; Krasnogor, Natalio; Russell, Noah A

2014-12-01

Unconventional computing is an area of research in which novel materials and paradigms are utilised to implement computation. Previously we have demonstrated how registers, logic gates and logic circuits can be implemented, unconventionally, with a biocompatible molecular switch, NitroBIPS, embedded in a polymer matrix. NitroBIPS and related molecules have been shown elsewhere to be capable of modifying many biological processes in a manner that is dependent on its molecular form. Thus, one possible application of this type of unconventional computing is to embed computational processes into biological systems. Here we expand on our earlier proof-of-principle work and demonstrate that universal computation can be implemented using NitroBIPS. We have previously shown that spatially localised computational elements, including registers and logic gates, can be produced. We explain how parallel registers can be implemented, then demonstrate an application of parallel registers in the form of Turing machine tapes, and demonstrate both parallel registers and logic circuits in the form of elementary cellular automata. The Turing machines and elementary cellular automata utilise the same samples and same hardware to implement their registers, logic gates and logic circuits; and both represent examples of universal computing paradigms. This shows that homogenous photochromic computational devices can be dynamically repurposed without invasive reconfiguration. The result represents an important, necessary step towards demonstrating the general feasibility of interfacial computation embedded in biological systems or other unconventional materials and environments. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Packaging printed circuit boards: A production application of interactive graphics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perrill, W. A.

1975-01-01

The structure and use of an Interactive Graphics Packaging Program (IGPP), conceived to apply computer graphics to the design of packaging electronic circuits onto printed circuit boards (PCB), were described. The intent was to combine the data storage and manipulative power of the computer with the imaginative, intuitive power of a human designer. The hardware includes a CDC 6400 computer and two CDC 777 terminals with CRT screens, light pens, and keyboards. The program is written in FORTRAN 4 extended with the exception of a few functions coded in COMPASS (assembly language). The IGPP performs four major functions for the designer: (1) data input and display, (2) component placement (automatic or manual), (3) conductor path routing (automatic or manual), and (4) data output. The most complex PCB packaged to date measured 16.5 cm by 19 cm and contained 380 components, two layers of ground planes and four layers of conductors mixed with ground planes.

Comparative analysis of gene regulatory networks: from network reconstruction to evolution.

PubMed

Thompson, Dawn; Regev, Aviv; Roy, Sushmita

2015-01-01

Regulation of gene expression is central to many biological processes. Although reconstruction of regulatory circuits from genomic data alone is therefore desirable, this remains a major computational challenge. Comparative approaches that examine the conservation and divergence of circuits and their components across strains and species can help reconstruct circuits as well as provide insights into the evolution of gene regulatory processes and their adaptive contribution. In recent years, advances in genomic and computational tools have led to a wealth of methods for such analysis at the sequence, expression, pathway, module, and entire network level. Here, we review computational methods developed to study transcriptional regulatory networks using comparative genomics, from sequence to functional data. We highlight how these methods use evolutionary conservation and divergence to reliably detect regulatory components as well as estimate the extent and rate of divergence. Finally, we discuss the promise and open challenges in linking regulatory divergence to phenotypic divergence and adaptation.

All-optical differential equation solver with constant-coefficient tunable based on a single microring resonator.

PubMed

Yang, Ting; Dong, Jianji; Lu, Liangjun; Zhou, Linjie; Zheng, Aoling; Zhang, Xinliang; Chen, Jianping

2014-07-04

Photonic integrated circuits for photonic computing open up the possibility for the realization of ultrahigh-speed and ultra wide-band signal processing with compact size and low power consumption. Differential equations model and govern fundamental physical phenomena and engineering systems in virtually any field of science and engineering, such as temperature diffusion processes, physical problems of motion subject to acceleration inputs and frictional forces, and the response of different resistor-capacitor circuits, etc. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate a feasible integrated scheme to solve first-order linear ordinary differential equation with constant-coefficient tunable based on a single silicon microring resonator. Besides, we analyze the impact of the chirp and pulse-width of input signals on the computing deviation. This device can be compatible with the electronic technology (typically complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology), which may motivate the development of integrated photonic circuits for optical computing.

All-optical differential equation solver with constant-coefficient tunable based on a single microring resonator

PubMed Central

Yang, Ting; Dong, Jianji; Lu, Liangjun; Zhou, Linjie; Zheng, Aoling; Zhang, Xinliang; Chen, Jianping

2014-01-01

Photonic integrated circuits for photonic computing open up the possibility for the realization of ultrahigh-speed and ultra wide-band signal processing with compact size and low power consumption. Differential equations model and govern fundamental physical phenomena and engineering systems in virtually any field of science and engineering, such as temperature diffusion processes, physical problems of motion subject to acceleration inputs and frictional forces, and the response of different resistor-capacitor circuits, etc. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate a feasible integrated scheme to solve first-order linear ordinary differential equation with constant-coefficient tunable based on a single silicon microring resonator. Besides, we analyze the impact of the chirp and pulse-width of input signals on the computing deviation. This device can be compatible with the electronic technology (typically complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology), which may motivate the development of integrated photonic circuits for optical computing. PMID:24993440

Pausing and activating thread state upon pin assertion by external logic monitoring polling loop exit time condition

DOEpatents

Chen, Dong; Giampapa, Mark; Heidelberger, Philip; Ohmacht, Martin; Satterfield, David L; Steinmacher-Burow, Burkhard; Sugavanam, Krishnan

2013-05-21

A system and method for enhancing performance of a computer which includes a computer system including a data storage device. The computer system includes a program stored in the data storage device and steps of the program are executed by a processer. The processor processes instructions from the program. A wait state in the processor waits for receiving specified data. A thread in the processor has a pause state wherein the processor waits for specified data. A pin in the processor initiates a return to an active state from the pause state for the thread. A logic circuit is external to the processor, and the logic circuit is configured to detect a specified condition. The pin initiates a return to the active state of the thread when the specified condition is detected using the logic circuit.

An Integrated-Circuit Temperature Sensor for Calorimetry and Differential Temperature Measurement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muyskens, Mark A.

1997-01-01

Describes the application of an integrated-circuit (IC) chip which provides an easy-to-use, inexpensive, rugged, computer-interfaceable temperature sensor for calorimetry and differential temperature measurement. Discusses its design and advantages. (JRH)

Computer programs: Electronic circuit design criteria: A compilation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

A Technology Utilization Program for the dissemination of information on technological developments which have potential utility outside the aerospace community is presented. The 21 items reported herein describe programs that are applicable to electronic circuit design procedures.

Compact quantum gates on electron-spin qubits assisted by diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers inside cavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Hai-Rui; Deng, Fu-Guo

2013-10-01

Constructing compact quantum circuits for universal quantum gates on solid-state systems is crucial for quantum computing. We present some compact quantum circuits for a deterministic solid-state quantum computing, including the cnot, Toffoli, and Fredkin gates on the diamond NV centers confined inside cavities, achieved by some input-output processes of a single photon. Our quantum circuits for these universal quantum gates are simple and economic. Moreover, additional electron qubits are not employed, but only a single-photon medium. These gates have a long coherent time. We discuss the feasibility of these universal solid-state quantum gates, concluding that they are feasible with current technology.

Unified Ultrasonic/Eddy-Current Data Acquisition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chern, E. James; Butler, David W.

1993-01-01

Imaging station for detecting cracks and flaws in solid materials developed combining both ultrasonic C-scan and eddy-current imaging. Incorporation of both techniques into one system eliminates duplication of computers and of mechanical scanners; unifies acquisition, processing, and storage of data; reduces setup time for repetitious ultrasonic and eddy-current scans; and increases efficiency of system. Same mechanical scanner used to maneuver either ultrasonic or eddy-current probe over specimen and acquire point-by-point data. For ultrasonic scanning, probe linked to ultrasonic pulser/receiver circuit card, while, for eddy-current imaging, probe linked to impedance-analyzer circuit card. Both ultrasonic and eddy-current imaging subsystems share same desktop-computer controller, containing dedicated plug-in circuit boards for each.

High-resolution mapping of bifurcations in nonlinear biochemical circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Genot, A. J.; Baccouche, A.; Sieskind, R.; Aubert-Kato, N.; Bredeche, N.; Bartolo, J. F.; Taly, V.; Fujii, T.; Rondelez, Y.

2016-08-01

Analog molecular circuits can exploit the nonlinear nature of biochemical reaction networks to compute low-precision outputs with fewer resources than digital circuits. This analog computation is similar to that employed by gene-regulation networks. Although digital systems have a tractable link between structure and function, the nonlinear and continuous nature of analog circuits yields an intricate functional landscape, which makes their design counter-intuitive, their characterization laborious and their analysis delicate. Here, using droplet-based microfluidics, we map with high resolution and dimensionality the bifurcation diagrams of two synthetic, out-of-equilibrium and nonlinear programs: a bistable DNA switch and a predator-prey DNA oscillator. The diagrams delineate where function is optimal, dynamics bifurcates and models fail. Inverse problem solving on these large-scale data sets indicates interference from enzymatic coupling. Additionally, data mining exposes the presence of rare, stochastically bursting oscillators near deterministic bifurcations.

Organization of the Drosophila larval visual circuit

PubMed Central

Gendre, Nanae; Neagu-Maier, G Larisa; Fetter, Richard D; Schneider-Mizell, Casey M; Truman, James W; Zlatic, Marta; Cardona, Albert

2017-01-01

Visual systems transduce, process and transmit light-dependent environmental cues. Computation of visual features depends on photoreceptor neuron types (PR) present, organization of the eye and wiring of the underlying neural circuit. Here, we describe the circuit architecture of the visual system of Drosophila larvae by mapping the synaptic wiring diagram and neurotransmitters. By contacting different targets, the two larval PR-subtypes create two converging pathways potentially underlying the computation of ambient light intensity and temporal light changes already within this first visual processing center. Locally processed visual information then signals via dedicated projection interneurons to higher brain areas including the lateral horn and mushroom body. The stratified structure of the larval optic neuropil (LON) suggests common organizational principles with the adult fly and vertebrate visual systems. The complete synaptic wiring diagram of the LON paves the way to understanding how circuits with reduced numerical complexity control wide ranges of behaviors.

SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS: A quasi-3-dimensional simulation method for a high-voltage level-shifting circuit structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jizhi, Liu; Xingbi, Chen

2009-12-01

A new quasi-three-dimensional (quasi-3D) numeric simulation method for a high-voltage level-shifting circuit structure is proposed. The performances of the 3D structure are analyzed by combining some 2D device structures; the 2D devices are in two planes perpendicular to each other and to the surface of the semiconductor. In comparison with Davinci, the full 3D device simulation tool, the quasi-3D simulation method can give results for the potential and current distribution of the 3D high-voltage level-shifting circuit structure with appropriate accuracy and the total CPU time for simulation is significantly reduced. The quasi-3D simulation technique can be used in many cases with advantages such as saving computing time, making no demands on the high-end computer terminals, and being easy to operate.

Modular design of synthetic gene circuits with biological parts and pools.

PubMed

Marchisio, Mario Andrea

2015-01-01

Synthetic gene circuits can be designed in an electronic fashion by displaying their basic components-Standard Biological Parts and Pools of molecules-on the computer screen and connecting them with hypothetical wires. This procedure, achieved by our add-on for the software ProMoT, was successfully applied to bacterial circuits. Recently, we have extended this design-methodology to eukaryotic cells. Here, highly complex components such as promoters and Pools of mRNA contain hundreds of species and reactions whose calculation demands a rule-based modeling approach. We showed how to build such complex modules via the joint employment of the software BioNetGen (rule-based modeling) and ProMoT (modularization). In this chapter, we illustrate how to utilize our computational tool for synthetic biology with the in silico implementation of a simple eukaryotic gene circuit that performs the logic AND operation.

Implementation of Complex Biological Logic Circuits Using Spatially Distributed Multicellular Consortia

PubMed Central

Urrios, Arturo; de Nadal, Eulàlia; Solé, Ricard; Posas, Francesc

2016-01-01

Engineered synthetic biological devices have been designed to perform a variety of functions from sensing molecules and bioremediation to energy production and biomedicine. Notwithstanding, a major limitation of in vivo circuit implementation is the constraint associated to the use of standard methodologies for circuit design. Thus, future success of these devices depends on obtaining circuits with scalable complexity and reusable parts. Here we show how to build complex computational devices using multicellular consortia and space as key computational elements. This spatial modular design grants scalability since its general architecture is independent of the circuit’s complexity, minimizes wiring requirements and allows component reusability with minimal genetic engineering. The potential use of this approach is demonstrated by implementation of complex logical functions with up to six inputs, thus demonstrating the scalability and flexibility of this method. The potential implications of our results are outlined. PMID:26829588

Solving search problems by strongly simulating quantum circuits

PubMed Central

Johnson, T. H.; Biamonte, J. D.; Clark, S. R.; Jaksch, D.

2013-01-01

Simulating quantum circuits using classical computers lets us analyse the inner workings of quantum algorithms. The most complete type of simulation, strong simulation, is believed to be generally inefficient. Nevertheless, several efficient strong simulation techniques are known for restricted families of quantum circuits and we develop an additional technique in this article. Further, we show that strong simulation algorithms perform another fundamental task: solving search problems. Efficient strong simulation techniques allow solutions to a class of search problems to be counted and found efficiently. This enhances the utility of strong simulation methods, known or yet to be discovered, and extends the class of search problems known to be efficiently simulable. Relating strong simulation to search problems also bounds the computational power of efficiently strongly simulable circuits; if they could solve all problems in P this would imply that all problems in NP and #P could be solved in polynomial time. PMID:23390585

Emulating weak localization using a solid-state quantum circuit.

PubMed

Chen, Yu; Roushan, P; Sank, D; Neill, C; Lucero, Erik; Mariantoni, Matteo; Barends, R; Chiaro, B; Kelly, J; Megrant, A; Mutus, J Y; O'Malley, P J J; Vainsencher, A; Wenner, J; White, T C; Yin, Yi; Cleland, A N; Martinis, John M

2014-10-14

Quantum interference is one of the most fundamental physical effects found in nature. Recent advances in quantum computing now employ interference as a fundamental resource for computation and control. Quantum interference also lies at the heart of sophisticated condensed matter phenomena such as Anderson localization, phenomena that are difficult to reproduce in numerical simulations. Here, employing a multiple-element superconducting quantum circuit, with which we manipulate a single microwave photon, we demonstrate that we can emulate the basic effects of weak localization. By engineering the control sequence, we are able to reproduce the well-known negative magnetoresistance of weak localization as well as its temperature dependence. Furthermore, we can use our circuit to continuously tune the level of disorder, a parameter that is not readily accessible in mesoscopic systems. Demonstrating a high level of control, our experiment shows the potential for employing superconducting quantum circuits as emulators for complex quantum phenomena.

Foundations and Emerging Paradigms for Computing in Living Cells.

PubMed

Ma, Kevin C; Perli, Samuel D; Lu, Timothy K

2016-02-27

Genetic circuits, composed of complex networks of interacting molecular machines, enable living systems to sense their dynamic environments, perform computation on the inputs, and formulate appropriate outputs. By rewiring and expanding these circuits with novel parts and modules, synthetic biologists have adapted living systems into vibrant substrates for engineering. Diverse paradigms have emerged for designing, modeling, constructing, and characterizing such artificial genetic systems. In this paper, we first provide an overview of recent advances in the development of genetic parts and highlight key engineering approaches. We then review the assembly of these parts into synthetic circuits from the perspectives of digital and analog logic, systems biology, and metabolic engineering, three areas of particular theoretical and practical interest. Finally, we discuss notable challenges that the field of synthetic biology still faces in achieving reliable and predictable forward-engineering of artificial biological circuits. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A method for identifying EMI critical circuits during development of a large C3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barr, Douglas H.

The circuit analysis methods and process Boeing Aerospace used on a large, ground-based military command, control, and communications (C3) system are described. This analysis was designed to help identify electromagnetic interference (EMI) critical circuits. The methodology used the MIL-E-6051 equipment criticality categories as the basis for defining critical circuits, relational database technology to help sort through and account for all of the approximately 5000 system signal cables, and Macintosh Plus personal computers to predict critical circuits based on safety margin analysis. The EMI circuit analysis process systematically examined all system circuits to identify which ones were likely to be EMI critical. The process used two separate, sequential safety margin analyses to identify critical circuits (conservative safety margin analysis, and detailed safety margin analysis). These analyses used field-to-wire and wire-to-wire coupling models using both worst-case and detailed circuit parameters (physical and electrical) to predict circuit safety margins. This process identified the predicted critical circuits that could then be verified by test.

A Parallel Genetic Algorithm for Automated Electronic Circuit Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Long, Jason D.; Colombano, Silvano P.; Haith, Gary L.; Stassinopoulos, Dimitris

2000-01-01

Parallelized versions of genetic algorithms (GAs) are popular primarily for three reasons: the GA is an inherently parallel algorithm, typical GA applications are very compute intensive, and powerful computing platforms, especially Beowulf-style computing clusters, are becoming more affordable and easier to implement. In addition, the low communication bandwidth required allows the use of inexpensive networking hardware such as standard office ethernet. In this paper we describe a parallel GA and its use in automated high-level circuit design. Genetic algorithms are a type of trial-and-error search technique that are guided by principles of Darwinian evolution. Just as the genetic material of two living organisms can intermix to produce offspring that are better adapted to their environment, GAs expose genetic material, frequently strings of 1s and Os, to the forces of artificial evolution: selection, mutation, recombination, etc. GAs start with a pool of randomly-generated candidate solutions which are then tested and scored with respect to their utility. Solutions are then bred by probabilistically selecting high quality parents and recombining their genetic representations to produce offspring solutions. Offspring are typically subjected to a small amount of random mutation. After a pool of offspring is produced, this process iterates until a satisfactory solution is found or an iteration limit is reached. Genetic algorithms have been applied to a wide variety of problems in many fields, including chemistry, biology, and many engineering disciplines. There are many styles of parallelism used in implementing parallel GAs. One such method is called the master-slave or processor farm approach. In this technique, slave nodes are used solely to compute fitness evaluations (the most time consuming part). The master processor collects fitness scores from the nodes and performs the genetic operators (selection, reproduction, variation, etc.). Because of dependency issues in the GA, it is possible to have idle processors. However, as long as the load at each processing node is similar, the processors are kept busy nearly all of the time. In applying GAs to circuit design, a suitable genetic representation 'is that of a circuit-construction program. We discuss one such circuit-construction programming language and show how evolution can generate useful analog circuit designs. This language has the desirable property that virtually all sets of combinations of primitives result in valid circuit graphs. Our system allows circuit size (number of devices), circuit topology, and device values to be evolved. Using a parallel genetic algorithm and circuit simulation software, we present experimental results as applied to three analog filter and two amplifier design tasks. For example, a figure shows an 85 dB amplifier design evolved by our system, and another figure shows the performance of that circuit (gain and frequency response). In all tasks, our system is able to generate circuits that achieve the target specifications.

Nonlinear optics quantum computing with circuit QED.

PubMed

Adhikari, Prabin; Hafezi, Mohammad; Taylor, J M

2013-02-08

One approach to quantum information processing is to use photons as quantum bits and rely on linear optical elements for most operations. However, some optical nonlinearity is necessary to enable universal quantum computing. Here, we suggest a circuit-QED approach to nonlinear optics quantum computing in the microwave regime, including a deterministic two-photon phase gate. Our specific example uses a hybrid quantum system comprising a LC resonator coupled to a superconducting flux qubit to implement a nonlinear coupling. Compared to the self-Kerr nonlinearity, we find that our approach has improved tolerance to noise in the qubit while maintaining fast operation.

Exercises in Molecular Computing

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Conspectus The successes of electronic digital logic have transformed every aspect of human life over the last half-century. The word “computer” now signifies a ubiquitous electronic device, rather than a human occupation. Yet evidently humans, large assemblies of molecules, can compute, and it has been a thrilling challenge to develop smaller, simpler, synthetic assemblies of molecules that can do useful computation. When we say that molecules compute, what we usually mean is that such molecules respond to certain inputs, for example, the presence or absence of other molecules, in a precisely defined but potentially complex fashion. The simplest way for a chemist to think about computing molecules is as sensors that can integrate the presence or absence of multiple analytes into a change in a single reporting property. Here we review several forms of molecular computing developed in our laboratories. When we began our work, combinatorial approaches to using DNA for computing were used to search for solutions to constraint satisfaction problems. We chose to work instead on logic circuits, building bottom-up from units based on catalytic nucleic acids, focusing on DNA secondary structures in the design of individual circuit elements, and reserving the combinatorial opportunities of DNA for the representation of multiple signals propagating in a large circuit. Such circuit design directly corresponds to the intuition about sensors transforming the detection of analytes into reporting properties. While this approach was unusual at the time, it has been adopted since by other groups working on biomolecular computing with different nucleic acid chemistries. We created logic gates by modularly combining deoxyribozymes (DNA-based enzymes cleaving or combining other oligonucleotides), in the role of reporting elements, with stem–loops as input detection elements. For instance, a deoxyribozyme that normally exhibits an oligonucleotide substrate recognition region is modified such that a stem–loop closes onto the substrate recognition region, making it unavailable for the substrate and thus rendering the deoxyribozyme inactive. But a conformational change can then be induced by an input oligonucleotide, complementary to the loop, to open the stem, allow the substrate to bind, and allow its cleavage to proceed, which is eventually reported via fluorescence. In this Account, several designs of this form are reviewed, along with their application in the construction of large circuits that exhibited complex logical and temporal relationships between the inputs and the outputs. Intelligent (in the sense of being capable of nontrivial information processing) theranostic (therapy + diagnostic) applications have always been the ultimate motivation for developing computing (i.e., decision-making) circuits, and we review our experiments with logic-gate elements bound to cell surfaces that evaluate the proximal presence of multiple markers on lymphocytes. PMID:24873234

nanostructures for dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rashad, M. M.; Shalan, A. E.

2014-08-01

Hierarchical architectures consisting of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures are of great interest for potential use in energy and environmental applications in recent years. In this work, hierarchical tungsten oxide (WO3) has been synthesized via a facile hydrothermal route from ammonium metatungstate hydrate and implemented as photoelectrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. The urchin-like WO3 micro-patterns are constructed by self-organized nanoscale length 1D building blocks, which are single crystalline in nature, grown along (001) direction and confirm an orthorhombic crystal phase. The obtained powders were investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM and UV-Vis Spectroscopy. The photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells based on WO3 photoanodes was investigated. With increasing the calcination temperature of the prepared nanopowders, the light-electricity conversion efficiency ( η) was increased. The results were attributed to increase the crystallinity of the particles and ease of electron movement. The DSSC based on hierarchical WO3 showed a short-circuit current, an open-circuit voltage, a fill factor, and a conversion efficiency of 4.241 mA/cm2, 0.656 V, 66.74, and 1.85 %, respectively.

Colloidal quantum dot solar cells exploiting hierarchical structuring.

PubMed

Labelle, André J; Thon, Susanna M; Masala, Silvia; Adachi, Michael M; Dong, Haopeng; Farahani, Maryam; Ip, Alexander H; Fratalocchi, Andrea; Sargent, Edward H

2015-02-11

Extremely thin-absorber solar cells offer low materials utilization and simplified manufacture but require improved means to enhance photon absorption in the active layer. Here, we report enhanced-absorption colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells that feature transfer-stamped solution-processed pyramid-shaped electrodes employed in a hierarchically structured device. The pyramids increase, by up to a factor of 2, the external quantum efficiency of the device at absorption-limited wavelengths near the absorber band edge. We show that absorption enhancement can be optimized with increased pyramid angle with an appreciable net improvement in power conversion efficiency, that is, with the gain in current associated with improved absorption and extraction overcoming the smaller fractional decrease in open-circuit voltage associated with increased junction area. We show that the hierarchical combination of micron-scale structured electrodes with nanoscale films provides for an optimized enhancement at absorption-limited wavelengths. We fabricate 54.7° pyramid-patterned electrodes, conformally apply the quantum dot films, and report pyramid CQD solar cells that exhibit a 24% improvement in overall short-circuit current density with champion devices providing a power conversion efficiency of 9.2%.

Functional imaging of photovoltaic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leite, Marina

For the past two decades, extensive efforts have been made to increase the short-circuit current (Jsc) of non-epitaxial solar cells to achieve higher efficiency devices. Yet, improvements in the overall device performance are still limited by the open-circuit voltage (Voc). We address this critical limiting factor of all promising materials for photovoltaics by realizing a novel nanoscale imaging platform with unprecedented spatial resolution (<100 nm), based on a variant of Kelvin-probe force microscopy. We mapped the local Voc of a variety of inorganic materials, and measured local changes >150 mV in CIGS, not resolved by conventional electrical measurements. To identify the origin of the instability frequently observed in perovskite solar cells, we leveraged our recently developed method to scan one frame in 16 seconds to spatially and temporally resolve their photo-voltage. Surprisingly, we observed local and reversible changes in the Voc of the devices upon post-illumination treatments. Our innovative functional imaging is non destructive and can be applied to other optoelectronic devices, such as LEDs and photodetectors. The author acknowledge APS and NSF (Award # 16-10833) for funding.

A water-soluble hybrid material of single-walled carbon nanotubes with an amphiphilic poly(phenyleneethynylene): preparation, characterization, and photovoltaic properties.

PubMed

Mao, Jie; Liu, Qian; Lv, Xin; Liu, Zunfeng; Huang, Yi; Ma, Yanfeng; Chen, Yongsheng; Yin, Shougen

2007-08-01

A novel rigid linear polymer poly(phenyleneethynylene) (PPE) was synthesized and the polymer exhibits good solubility in both water and common organic solvents. The interaction at both ground and excited state between this polymer and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) was studied and a water-soluble nano-scale PPE/SWNTs hybrid was fabricated, where the water solubility of SWNTs was enhanced to 1.8 mg/ml. Steady state fluorescence spectra and fluorescence lifetime decay measurements showed that the emissions from PPEs in this hybrid at excited state were efficiently quenched by the attachment of SWNTs, where an efficient energy transfer happened from PPEs to SWNTs as the electron acceptor. Using this hybrid as the active layer we fabricated a photovoltaic cell with the bulk heterojunction configuration, and it showed a photoresponse with an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 105 mV and a short circuit current density (Isc) of 28.7 microA/cm2 under standard AM 1.5 illumination (100 mW/cm2).

Unipolar n-Type Black Phosphorus Transistors with Low Work Function Contacts.

PubMed

Wang, Ching-Hua; Incorvia, Jean Anne C; McClellan, Connor J; Yu, Andrew C; Mleczko, Michal J; Pop, Eric; Wong, H-S Philip

2018-05-09

Black phosphorus (BP) is a promising two-dimensional (2D) material for nanoscale transistors, due to its expected higher mobility than other 2D semiconductors. While most studies have reported ambipolar BP with a stronger p-type transport, it is important to fabricate both unipolar p- and n-type transistors for low-power digital circuits. Here, we report unipolar n-type BP transistors with low work function Sc and Er contacts, demonstrating a record high n-type current of 200 μA/μm in 6.5 nm thick BP. Intriguingly, the electrical transport of the as-fabricated, capped devices changes from ambipolar to n-type unipolar behavior after a month at room temperature. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of the contact cross-section reveals an intermixing layer consisting of partly oxidized metal at the interface. This intermixing layer results in a low n-type Schottky barrier between Sc and BP, leading to the unipolar behavior of the BP transistor. This unipolar transport with a suppressed p-type current is favorable for digital logic circuits to ensure a lower off-power consumption.

Bright Electroluminescence from Single Graphene Nanoribbon Junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chong, Michael C.; Afshar-Imani, Nasima; Scheurer, Fabrice; Cardoso, Claudia; Ferretti, Andrea; Prezzi, Deborah; Schull, Guillaume

2018-01-01

Thanks to their highly tunable band gaps, graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with atomically precise edges are emerging as mechanically and chemically robust candidates for nanoscale light emitting devices of modulable emission color. While their optical properties have been addressed theoretically in depth, only few experimental studies exist, limited to ensemble measurements and without any attempt to integrate them in an electronic-like circuit. Here we report on the electroluminescence of individual GNRs suspended between the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and a Au(111) substrate, constituting thus a realistic opto-electronic circuit. Emission spectra of such GNR junctions reveal a bright and narrow band emission of red light, whose energy can be tuned with the bias voltage applied to the junction, but always lying below the gap of infinite GNRs. Comparison with {\\it ab initio} calculations indicate that the emission involves electronic states localized at the GNR termini. Our results shed light on unpredicted optical transitions in GNRs and provide a promising route for the realization of bright, robust and controllable graphene-based light emitting devices.

Computational Modelling of Materials for Wind Turbine Blades: Selected DTU Wind Energy Activities.

PubMed

Mikkelsen, Lars Pilgaard; Mishnaevsky, Leon

2017-11-08

Computational and analytical studies of degradation of wind turbine blade materials at the macro-, micro-, and nanoscale carried out by the modelling team of the Section Composites and Materials Mechanics, Department of Wind Energy, DTU, are reviewed. Examples of the analysis of the microstructural effects on the strength and fatigue life of composites are shown. Computational studies of degradation mechanisms of wind blade composites under tensile and compressive loading are presented. The effect of hybrid and nanoengineered structures on the performance of the composite was studied in computational experiments as well.

Computational Modelling of Materials for Wind Turbine Blades: Selected DTU Wind Energy Activities

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Computational and analytical studies of degradation of wind turbine blade materials at the macro-, micro-, and nanoscale carried out by the modelling team of the Section Composites and Materials Mechanics, Department of Wind Energy, DTU, are reviewed. Examples of the analysis of the microstructural effects on the strength and fatigue life of composites are shown. Computational studies of degradation mechanisms of wind blade composites under tensile and compressive loading are presented. The effect of hybrid and nanoengineered structures on the performance of the composite was studied in computational experiments as well. PMID:29117138

Uncovering New Thermal and Elastic Properties of Nanostructured Materials Using Coherent EUV Light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernandez Charpak, Jorge Nicolas

Advances in nanofabrication have pushed the characteristic dimensions of nanosystems well below 100nm, where physical properties are often significantly different from their bulk counterparts, and accurate models are lacking. Critical technologies such as thermoelectrics for energy harvesting, nanoparticle-mediated thermal therapy, nano-enhanced photovoltaics, and efficient thermal management in integrated circuits depend on our increased understanding of the nanoscale. However, traditional microscopic characterization tools face fundamental limits at the nanoscale. Theoretical efforts to build a fundamental picture of nanoscale thermal dynamics lack experimental validation and still struggle to account for newly reported behaviors. Moreover, precise characterization of the elastic behavior of nanostructured systems is needed for understanding the unique physics that become apparent in small-scale systems, such as thickness-dependent or fabrication-dependent elastic properties. In essence, our ability to fabricate nanosystems has outstripped our ability to understand and characterize them. In my PhD thesis, I present the development and refinement of coherent extreme ultraviolet (EUV) nanometrology, a novel tool used to probe material properties at the intrinsic time- and length-scales of nanoscale dynamics. By extending ultrafast photoacoustic and thermal metrology techniques to very short probing wavelengths using tabletop coherent EUV beams from high-harmonic upconversion (HHG) of femtosecond lasers, coherent EUV nanometrology allows for a new window into nanoscale physics, previously unavailable with traditional techniques. Using this technique, I was able to probe both thermal and acoustic dynamics in nanostructured systems with characteristic dimensions below 50nm with high temporal (sub-ps) and spatial (<10pm vertical) resolution, including the smallest heat sources probed (20nm) and thinnest film (10.9nm) fully mechanically characterized to date. By probing nanoscale thermal transport (i.e. cooling) of periodic hot nanostructures down to 20nm in characteristic dimension in both 1D (nanolines) and 2D (nanocubes) geometries, I uncovered a new surprising regime of nanoscale thermal transport called the "collectively-diffusive regime". In this regime, nanoscale hot spots cool faster when placed closer together than when farther apart. This is a consequence of the interplay between both the size and spacing of the nanoscale heat sources with the phonon spectrum of a material. This makes our technique one of the only experimental routes to directly probe the dynamics of phonons in complex materials, which is critical to both technological applications and fundamental condensed matter physics. I developed a proof of concept model and used it to extract the first experimental differential conductivity phonon mean free path (MFP) spectra for silicon and sapphire, which compare well with first-principles calculations. However, a complete picture of the physics is still elusive. Thus, I developed a computational solver for the phonon Boltzmann transport equation in realistic experimental geometries. Using this approach, I successfully found confirmation of the influence of the period in thermal transport from periodic heat sources: a smaller periodicity can enhance the heat dissipation efficiency. This result is qualitatively consistent with the results of the "collectively-diffusive regime", but more work is needed for a full theoretical quantitative picture of the experimental results. In other work, I used coherent EUV nanometrology to simultaneously measure, in a non-contact and non-destructive way, Young's modulus and, for the first time, Poisson's ratio of ultra-thin films. I successfully extracted the full elastic tensor of the thinnest films to date (10.9nm). Moreover, by using our technique on a series of low-k dielectric sub-100 nm SiC:H films, I uncovered an unexpected transition from compressible to non-compressible behavior. This new behavior is observed for materials whose network connectivity had been modified through hydrogenation (that breaks bonds in order to decrease the dielectric constant of these materials). This finding demonstrates that coherent EUV nanometrology provides a valuable, quantitative new tool for measuring nanomaterial properties with dimensions an order of magnitude smaller than what was possible with traditional techniques. I also present here some of my written work on science and technology policy studies. I present my thoughts on the Kuhnian model of scientific revolutions and how it relates to my own experience. I also discuss two case studies to illustrate the critical importance of defining appropriate metrics to measure science policies by looking at the design of metrics for the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, and the results of exploring a novel modality of funding for large complex scientific and technological challenges: the US Department of Energy Innovation HUBs. Coherent EUV nanometrology presents an exciting new window into nanoscale phonon dynamics, making measurements of the phonon MFP spectrum of materials and the full elastic tensor of ultra-thin films possible. It is now a robust technique that is already having impact in many areas of materials science and condensed matter physics, and it will continue to do so in the future.

A reconfigurable NAND/NOR genetic logic gate

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Engineering genetic Boolean logic circuits is a major research theme of synthetic biology. By altering or introducing connections between genetic components, novel regulatory networks are built in order to mimic the behaviour of electronic devices such as logic gates. While electronics is a highly standardized science, genetic logic is still in its infancy, with few agreed standards. In this paper we focus on the interpretation of logical values in terms of molecular concentrations. Results We describe the results of computational investigations of a novel circuit that is able to trigger specific differential responses depending on the input standard used. The circuit can therefore be dynamically reconfigured (without modification) to serve as both a NAND/NOR logic gate. This multi-functional behaviour is achieved by a) varying the meanings of inputs, and b) using branch predictions (as in computer science) to display a constrained output. A thorough computational study is performed, which provides valuable insights for the future laboratory validation. The simulations focus on both single-cell and population behaviours. The latter give particular insights into the spatial behaviour of our engineered cells on a surface with a non-homogeneous distribution of inputs. Conclusions We present a dynamically-reconfigurable NAND/NOR genetic logic circuit that can be switched between modes of operation via a simple shift in input signal concentration. The circuit addresses important issues in genetic logic that will have significance for more complex synthetic biology applications. PMID:22989145

A reconfigurable NAND/NOR genetic logic gate.

PubMed

Goñi-Moreno, Angel; Amos, Martyn

2012-09-18

Engineering genetic Boolean logic circuits is a major research theme of synthetic biology. By altering or introducing connections between genetic components, novel regulatory networks are built in order to mimic the behaviour of electronic devices such as logic gates. While electronics is a highly standardized science, genetic logic is still in its infancy, with few agreed standards. In this paper we focus on the interpretation of logical values in terms of molecular concentrations. We describe the results of computational investigations of a novel circuit that is able to trigger specific differential responses depending on the input standard used. The circuit can therefore be dynamically reconfigured (without modification) to serve as both a NAND/NOR logic gate. This multi-functional behaviour is achieved by a) varying the meanings of inputs, and b) using branch predictions (as in computer science) to display a constrained output. A thorough computational study is performed, which provides valuable insights for the future laboratory validation. The simulations focus on both single-cell and population behaviours. The latter give particular insights into the spatial behaviour of our engineered cells on a surface with a non-homogeneous distribution of inputs. We present a dynamically-reconfigurable NAND/NOR genetic logic circuit that can be switched between modes of operation via a simple shift in input signal concentration. The circuit addresses important issues in genetic logic that will have significance for more complex synthetic biology applications.

A reconfigurable on-line learning spiking neuromorphic processor comprising 256 neurons and 128K synapses.

PubMed

Qiao, Ning; Mostafa, Hesham; Corradi, Federico; Osswald, Marc; Stefanini, Fabio; Sumislawska, Dora; Indiveri, Giacomo

2015-01-01

Implementing compact, low-power artificial neural processing systems with real-time on-line learning abilities is still an open challenge. In this paper we present a full-custom mixed-signal VLSI device with neuromorphic learning circuits that emulate the biophysics of real spiking neurons and dynamic synapses for exploring the properties of computational neuroscience models and for building brain-inspired computing systems. The proposed architecture allows the on-chip configuration of a wide range of network connectivities, including recurrent and deep networks, with short-term and long-term plasticity. The device comprises 128 K analog synapse and 256 neuron circuits with biologically plausible dynamics and bi-stable spike-based plasticity mechanisms that endow it with on-line learning abilities. In addition to the analog circuits, the device comprises also asynchronous digital logic circuits for setting different synapse and neuron properties as well as different network configurations. This prototype device, fabricated using a 180 nm 1P6M CMOS process, occupies an area of 51.4 mm(2), and consumes approximately 4 mW for typical experiments, for example involving attractor networks. Here we describe the details of the overall architecture and of the individual circuits and present experimental results that showcase its potential. By supporting a wide range of cortical-like computational modules comprising plasticity mechanisms, this device will enable the realization of intelligent autonomous systems with on-line learning capabilities.

Three-dimensional integration of nanotechnologies for computing and data storage on a single chip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shulaker, Max M.; Hills, Gage; Park, Rebecca S.; Howe, Roger T.; Saraswat, Krishna; Wong, H.-S. Philip; Mitra, Subhasish

2017-07-01

The computing demands of future data-intensive applications will greatly exceed the capabilities of current electronics, and are unlikely to be met by isolated improvements in transistors, data storage technologies or integrated circuit architectures alone. Instead, transformative nanosystems, which use new nanotechnologies to simultaneously realize improved devices and new integrated circuit architectures, are required. Here we present a prototype of such a transformative nanosystem. It consists of more than one million resistive random-access memory cells and more than two million carbon-nanotube field-effect transistors—promising new nanotechnologies for use in energy-efficient digital logic circuits and for dense data storage—fabricated on vertically stacked layers in a single chip. Unlike conventional integrated circuit architectures, the layered fabrication realizes a three-dimensional integrated circuit architecture with fine-grained and dense vertical connectivity between layers of computing, data storage, and input and output (in this instance, sensing). As a result, our nanosystem can capture massive amounts of data every second, store it directly on-chip, perform in situ processing of the captured data, and produce ‘highly processed’ information. As a working prototype, our nanosystem senses and classifies ambient gases. Furthermore, because the layers are fabricated on top of silicon logic circuitry, our nanosystem is compatible with existing infrastructure for silicon-based technologies. Such complex nano-electronic systems will be essential for future high-performance and highly energy-efficient electronic systems.

Three-dimensional integration of nanotechnologies for computing and data storage on a single chip.

PubMed

Shulaker, Max M; Hills, Gage; Park, Rebecca S; Howe, Roger T; Saraswat, Krishna; Wong, H-S Philip; Mitra, Subhasish

2017-07-05

The computing demands of future data-intensive applications will greatly exceed the capabilities of current electronics, and are unlikely to be met by isolated improvements in transistors, data storage technologies or integrated circuit architectures alone. Instead, transformative nanosystems, which use new nanotechnologies to simultaneously realize improved devices and new integrated circuit architectures, are required. Here we present a prototype of such a transformative nanosystem. It consists of more than one million resistive random-access memory cells and more than two million carbon-nanotube field-effect transistors-promising new nanotechnologies for use in energy-efficient digital logic circuits and for dense data storage-fabricated on vertically stacked layers in a single chip. Unlike conventional integrated circuit architectures, the layered fabrication realizes a three-dimensional integrated circuit architecture with fine-grained and dense vertical connectivity between layers of computing, data storage, and input and output (in this instance, sensing). As a result, our nanosystem can capture massive amounts of data every second, store it directly on-chip, perform in situ processing of the captured data, and produce 'highly processed' information. As a working prototype, our nanosystem senses and classifies ambient gases. Furthermore, because the layers are fabricated on top of silicon logic circuitry, our nanosystem is compatible with existing infrastructure for silicon-based technologies. Such complex nano-electronic systems will be essential for future high-performance and highly energy-efficient electronic systems.

Parallel reduced-instruction-set-computer architecture for real-time symbolic pattern matching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parson, Dale E.

1991-03-01

This report discusses ongoing work on a parallel reduced-instruction- set-computer (RISC) architecture for automatic production matching. The PRIOPS compiler takes advantage of the memoryless character of automatic processing by translating a program's collection of automatic production tests into an equivalent combinational circuit-a digital circuit without memory, whose outputs are immediate functions of its inputs. The circuit provides a highly parallel, fine-grain model of automatic matching. The compiler then maps the combinational circuit onto RISC hardware. The heart of the processor is an array of comparators capable of testing production conditions in parallel, Each comparator attaches to private memory that contains virtual circuit nodes-records of the current state of nodes and busses in the combinational circuit. All comparator memories hold identical information, allowing simultaneous update for a single changing circuit node and simultaneous retrieval of different circuit nodes by different comparators. Along with the comparator-based logic unit is a sequencer that determines the current combination of production-derived comparisons to try, based on the combined success and failure of previous combinations of comparisons. The memoryless nature of automatic matching allows the compiler to designate invariant memory addresses for virtual circuit nodes, and to generate the most effective sequences of comparison test combinations. The result is maximal utilization of parallel hardware, indicating speed increases and scalability beyond that found for course-grain, multiprocessor approaches to concurrent Rete matching. Future work will consider application of this RISC architecture to the standard (controlled) Rete algorithm, where search through memory dominates portions of matching.

Corticostriatal circuit mechanisms of value-based action selection: Implementation of reinforcement learning algorithms and beyond.

PubMed

Morita, Kenji; Jitsev, Jenia; Morrison, Abigail

2016-09-15

Value-based action selection has been suggested to be realized in the corticostriatal local circuits through competition among neural populations. In this article, we review theoretical and experimental studies that have constructed and verified this notion, and provide new perspectives on how the local-circuit selection mechanisms implement reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms and computations beyond them. The striatal neurons are mostly inhibitory, and lateral inhibition among them has been classically proposed to realize "Winner-Take-All (WTA)" selection of the maximum-valued action (i.e., 'max' operation). Although this view has been challenged by the revealed weakness, sparseness, and asymmetry of lateral inhibition, which suggest more complex dynamics, WTA-like competition could still occur on short time scales. Unlike the striatal circuit, the cortical circuit contains recurrent excitation, which may enable retention or temporal integration of information and probabilistic "soft-max" selection. The striatal "max" circuit and the cortical "soft-max" circuit might co-implement an RL algorithm called Q-learning; the cortical circuit might also similarly serve for other algorithms such as SARSA. In these implementations, the cortical circuit presumably sustains activity representing the executed action, which negatively impacts dopamine neurons so that they can calculate reward-prediction-error. Regarding the suggested more complex dynamics of striatal, as well as cortical, circuits on long time scales, which could be viewed as a sequence of short WTA fragments, computational roles remain open: such a sequence might represent (1) sequential state-action-state transitions, constituting replay or simulation of the internal model, (2) a single state/action by the whole trajectory, or (3) probabilistic sampling of state/action. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Electric control of emergent magnonic spin current and dynamic multiferroicity in magnetic insulators at finite temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xi-guang; Chotorlishvili, L.; Guo, Guang-hua; Berakdar, J.

2018-04-01

Conversion of thermal energy into magnonic spin currents and/or effective electric polarization promises new device functionalities. A versatile approach is presented here for generating and controlling open circuit magnonic spin currents and an effective multiferroicity at a uniform temperature with the aid of spatially inhomogeneous, external, static electric fields. This field applied to a ferromagnetic insulator with a Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya type coupling changes locally the magnon dispersion and modifies the density of thermally excited magnons in a region of the scale of the field inhomogeneity. The resulting gradient in the magnon density can be viewed as a gradient in the effective magnon temperature. This effective thermal gradient together with local magnon dispersion result in an open-circuit, electric field controlled magnonic spin current. In fact, for a moderate variation in the external electric field the predicted magnonic spin current is on the scale of the spin (Seebeck) current generated by a comparable external temperature gradient. Analytical methods supported by full-fledge numerics confirm that both, a finite temperature and an inhomogeneous electric field are necessary for this emergent non-equilibrium phenomena. The proposal can be integrated in magnonic and multiferroic circuits, for instance to convert heat into electrically controlled pure spin current using for example nanopatterning, without the need to generate large thermal gradients on the nanoscale.

Composite Thermal Switch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McDonald, Robert; Brawn, Shelly; Harrison, Katherine; O'Toole, Shannon; Moeller, Michael

2011-01-01

Lithium primary and lithium ion secondary batteries provide high specific energy and energy density. The use of these batteries also helps to reduce launch weight. Both primary and secondary cells can be packaged as high-rate cells, which can present a threat to crew and equipment in the event of external or internal short circuits. Overheating of the cell interior from high current flows induced by short circuits can result in exothermic reactions in lithium primary cells and fully charged lithium ion secondary cells. Venting of the cell case, ejection of cell components, and fire have been reported in both types of cells, resulting from abuse, cell imperfections, or faulty electronic control design. A switch has been developed that consists of a thin layer of composite material made from nanoscale particles of nickel and Teflon that conducts electrons at room temperature and switches to an insulator at an elevated temperature, thus interrupting current flow to prevent thermal runaway caused by internal short circuits. The material is placed within the cell, as a thin layer incorporated within the anode and/or the cathode, to control excess currents from metal-to-metal or metal-to-carbon shorts that might result from cell crush or a manufacturing defect. The safety of high-rate cells is thus improved, preventing serious injury to personnel and sensitive equipment located near the battery. The use of recently available nanoscale particles of nickel and Teflon permits an improved, homogeneous material with the potential to be fine-tuned to a unique switch temperature, sufficiently below the onset of a catastrophic chemical reaction. The smaller particles also permit the formation of a thinner control film layer (<50 m), which can be incorporated into commercial high-rate lithium primary and secondary cells. The innovation permits incorporation in current lithium and lithium-ion cell designs with a minimal impact on cell weight and volume. The composite thermal switch (CTS(TradeMark)) coating can be incorporated in either the anode or cathode or both. The coating can be applied in a variety of different processes that permits incorporation in the cell and electrode manufacturing processes. The CTS responds quickly and halts current flow in the hottest parts of the cell first. The coating can be applied to metal foil and supplied as a cell component onto which the active electrode materials are coated.

NASA Tech Briefs, February 2000. Volume 24, No. 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

Topics covered include: Test and Measurement; Computer-Aided Design and Engineering; Electronic Components and Circuits; Electronic Systems; Physical Sciences; Materials; Computer Programs; Mechanics; Bio-Medical; Mathematics and Information Sciences; Computers and Peripherals.

Simple Electronic Analog of a Josephson Junction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Henry, R. W.; And Others

1981-01-01

Demonstrates that an electronic Josephson junction analog constructed from three integrated circuits plus an external reference oscillator can exhibit many of the circuit phenomena of a real Josephson junction. Includes computer and other applications of the analog. (Author/SK)

Polymorphic Electronic Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoica, Adrian

2004-01-01

Polymorphic electronics is a nascent technological discipline that involves, among other things, designing the same circuit to perform different analog and/or digital functions under different conditions. For example, a circuit can be designed to function as an OR gate or an AND gate, depending on the temperature (see figure). Polymorphic electronics can also be considered a subset of polytronics, which is a broader technological discipline in which optical and possibly other information- processing systems could also be designed to perform multiple functions. Polytronics is an outgrowth of evolvable hardware (EHW). The basic concepts and some specific implementations of EHW were described in a number of previous NASA Tech Briefs articles. To recapitulate: The essence of EHW is to design, construct, and test a sequence of populations of circuits that function as incrementally better solutions of a given design problem through the selective, repetitive connection and/or disconnection of capacitors, transistors, amplifiers, inverters, and/or other circuit building blocks. The evolution is guided by a search-and-optimization algorithm (in particular, a genetic algorithm) that operates in the space of possible circuits to find a circuit that exhibits an acceptably close approximation of the desired functionality. The evolved circuits can be tested by computational simulation (in which case the evolution is said to be extrinsic), tested in real hardware (in which case the evolution is said to be intrinsic), or tested in random sequences of computational simulation and real hardware (in which case the evolution is said to be mixtrinsic).

Electro-optical graphene plasmonic logic gates.

PubMed

Ooi, Kelvin J A; Chu, Hong Son; Bai, Ping; Ang, Lay Kee

2014-03-15

The versatile control of graphene's plasmonic modes via an external gate-voltage inspires us to design efficient electro-optical graphene plasmonic logic gates at the midinfrared wavelengths. We show that these devices are superior to the conventional optical logic gates because the former possess cut-off states and interferometric effects. Moreover, the designed six basic logic gates (i.e., NOR/AND, NAND/OR, XNOR/XOR) achieved not only ultracompact size lengths of less than λ/28 with respect to the operating wavelength of 10 μm, but also a minimum extinction ratio as high as 15 dB. These graphene plasmonic logic gates are potential building blocks for future nanoscale midinfrared photonic integrated circuits.

Preface to the special issue of Solid State Electronics EUROSOI/ULIS 2017

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nassiopoulou, Androula G.

2018-05-01

This special issue is devoted to selected papers presented at the EuroSOI-ULIS2017 international conference, held in Athens on 3-5 April 2017. EuroSOI-ULIS2017 Conference was mainly devoted to Si devices, which constitute the basic building blocks of any microelectronic circuit. It included papers on advanced Si technologies, novel nanoscale devices, advanced electronic materials and device architectures, mechanisms involved, test structures, substrate materials and technologies, modeling/simulation and characterization. Both CMOS and beyond CMOS devices were presented, covering the More Moore domain, as well as new functionalities in silicon-compatible nanostructures and innovative devices, representing the More than Moore domain (on-chip sensors, biosensors, energy harvesting devices, RF passives, etc.).

Joining and interconnect formation of nanowires and carbon nanotubes for nanoelectronics and nanosystems.

PubMed

Cui, Qingzhou; Gao, Fan; Mukherjee, Subhadeep; Gu, Zhiyong

2009-06-01

Interconnect formation is critical for the assembly and integration of nanocomponents to enable nanoelectronics- and nanosystems-related applications. Recent progress on joining and interconnect formation of key nanomaterials, especially nanowires and carbon nanotubes, into functional circuits and/or prototype devices is reviewed. The nanosoldering technique through nanoscale lead-free solders is discussed in more detail in this Review. Various strategies of fabricating lead-free nanosolders and the utilization of the nanosoldering technique to form functional solder joints are reviewed, and related challenges facing the nanosoldering technique are discussed. A perspective is given for using lead-free nanosolders and the nanosoldering technique for the construction of complex and/or hybrid nanoelectronics and nanosystems.

Resistor-logic demultiplexers for nanoelectronics based on constant-weight codes.

PubMed

Kuekes, Philip J; Robinett, Warren; Roth, Ron M; Seroussi, Gadiel; Snider, Gregory S; Stanley Williams, R

2006-02-28

The voltage margin of a resistor-logic demultiplexer can be improved significantly by basing its connection pattern on a constant-weight code. Each distinct code determines a unique demultiplexer, and therefore a large family of circuits is defined. We consider using these demultiplexers for building nanoscale crossbar memories, and determine the voltage margin of the memory system based on a particular code. We determine a purely code-theoretic criterion for selecting codes that will yield memories with large voltage margins, which is to minimize the ratio of the maximum to the minimum Hamming distance between distinct codewords. For the specific example of a 64 × 64 crossbar, we discuss what codes provide optimal performance for a memory.

Searching for memories, Sudoku, implicit check bits, and the iterative use of not-always-correct rapid neural computation.

PubMed

Hopfield, J J

2008-05-01

The algorithms that simple feedback neural circuits representing a brain area can rapidly carry out are often adequate to solve easy problems but for more difficult problems can return incorrect answers. A new excitatory-inhibitory circuit model of associative memory displays the common human problem of failing to rapidly find a memory when only a small clue is present. The memory model and a related computational network for solving Sudoku puzzles produce answers that contain implicit check bits in the representation of information across neurons, allowing a rapid evaluation of whether the putative answer is correct or incorrect through a computation related to visual pop-out. This fact may account for our strong psychological feeling of right or wrong when we retrieve a nominal memory from a minimal clue. This information allows more difficult computations or memory retrievals to be done in a serial fashion by using the fast but limited capabilities of a computational module multiple times. The mathematics of the excitatory-inhibitory circuits for associative memory and for Sudoku, both of which are understood in terms of energy or Lyapunov functions, is described in detail.

Comparing the Robustness of High-Frequency Traveling-Wave Tube Slow-Wave Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chevalier, Christine T.; Wilson, Jeffrey D.; Kory, Carol L.

2007-01-01

A three-dimensional electromagnetic field simulation software package was used to compute the cold-test parameters, phase velocity, on-axis interaction impedance, and attenuation, for several high-frequency traveling-wave tube slow-wave circuit geometries. This research effort determined the effects of variations in circuit dimensions on cold-test performance. The parameter variations were based on the tolerances of conventional micromachining techniques.

Uncovering many-body correlations in nanoscale nuclear spin baths by central spin decoherence

PubMed Central

Ma, Wen-Long; Wolfowicz, Gary; Zhao, Nan; Li, Shu-Shen; Morton, John J.L.; Liu, Ren-Bao

2014-01-01

Central spin decoherence caused by nuclear spin baths is often a critical issue in various quantum computing schemes, and it has also been used for sensing single-nuclear spins. Recent theoretical studies suggest that central spin decoherence can act as a probe of many-body physics in spin baths; however, identification and detection of many-body correlations of nuclear spins in nanoscale systems are highly challenging. Here, taking a phosphorus donor electron spin in a 29Si nuclear spin bath as our model system, we discover both theoretically and experimentally that many-body correlations in nanoscale nuclear spin baths produce identifiable signatures in decoherence of the central spin under multiple-pulse dynamical decoupling control. We demonstrate that under control by an odd or even number of pulses, the central spin decoherence is principally caused by second- or fourth-order nuclear spin correlations, respectively. This study marks an important step toward studying many-body physics using spin qubits. PMID:25205440

Machine Detection of Enhanced Electromechanical Energy Conversion in PbZr 0.2Ti 0.8O 3 Thin Films

DOE PAGES

Agar, Joshua C.; Cao, Ye; Naul, Brett; ...

2018-05-28

Many energy conversion, sensing, and microelectronic applications based on ferroic materials are determined by the domain structure evolution under applied stimuli. New hyperspectral, multidimensional spectroscopic techniques now probe dynamic responses at relevant length and time scales to provide an understanding of how these nanoscale domain structures impact macroscopic properties. Such approaches, however, remain limited in use because of the difficulties that exist in extracting and visualizing scientific insights from these complex datasets. Using multidimensional band-excitation scanning probe spectroscopy and adapting tools from both computer vision and machine learning, an automated workflow is developed to featurize, detect, and classify signatures ofmore » ferroelectric/ferroelastic switching processes in complex ferroelectric domain structures. This approach enables the identification and nanoscale visualization of varied modes of response and a pathway to statistically meaningful quantification of the differences between those modes. Lastly, among other things, the importance of domain geometry is spatially visualized for enhancing nanoscale electromechanical energy conversion.« less

High Volume Fraction Carbon Nanotube Composites for Aerospace Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siochi, Emilie J.; Kim, Jae-Woo; Sauti, Godfrey; Cano, Roberto J.; Wincheski, Russell A.; Ratcliffe, James G.; Czabaj, Michael; Jensen, Benjamin D.; Wise, Kristopher E.

2015-01-01

Reported nanoscale mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) suggest that their use may enable the fabrication of significantly lighter structures for use in space applications. To be useful in the fabrication of large structures, however, their attractive nanoscale properties must be retained as they are scaled up to bulk materials and converted into practically useful forms. Advances in CNT production have significantly increased the quantities available for use in manufacturing processes, but challenges remain with the retention of nanoscale properties in larger assemblies of CNTs. This work summarizes recent progress in producing carbon nanotube composites with tensile properties approaching those of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. These advances were achieved in nanocomposites with CNT content of 70% by weight. The processing methods explored to yield these CNT composite properties will be discussed, as will the characterization and test methods that were developed to provide insight into the factors that contribute to the enhanced tensile properties. Technology maturation was guided by parallel advancements in computational modeling tools that aided in the interpretation of experimental data.

Computer-aided applications of nanoscale smart materials for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Rakesh, L; Howell, B A; Chai, M; Mueller, A; Kujawski, M; Fan, D; Ravi, S; Slominski, C

2008-10-01

Nanotechnology has the potential to impact the treatment of many diseases that currently plague society: cancer, AIDS, dementia of various kinds and so on. Nanoscale smart materials, such as carbon nanotubes, C(60), dendrimers and cyclodextrins, hold great promise for use in the development of better diagnostics, drug delivery and the alteration of biological function. Although experimentation is being used to explore the potential offered by these materials, it is by its very nature expensive in terms of time, resources and expertise. Insight with respect to the behavior of these materials in the presence of biological entities can be obtained much more rapidly by molecular dynamics simulation. Furthermore, the results of simulation may be used to guide experimentation so that it is much more productive than it might be in the absence of such information. The interactions of several nanoscale structures with biological macromolecules can already be probed effectively using molecular dynamics simulation. The results obtained should form the basis for significant new developments in the treatment of disease.

Machine Detection of Enhanced Electromechanical Energy Conversion in PbZr 0.2Ti 0.8O 3 Thin Films

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

Agar, Joshua C.; Cao, Ye; Naul, Brett

Many energy conversion, sensing, and microelectronic applications based on ferroic materials are determined by the domain structure evolution under applied stimuli. New hyperspectral, multidimensional spectroscopic techniques now probe dynamic responses at relevant length and time scales to provide an understanding of how these nanoscale domain structures impact macroscopic properties. Such approaches, however, remain limited in use because of the difficulties that exist in extracting and visualizing scientific insights from these complex datasets. Using multidimensional band-excitation scanning probe spectroscopy and adapting tools from both computer vision and machine learning, an automated workflow is developed to featurize, detect, and classify signatures ofmore » ferroelectric/ferroelastic switching processes in complex ferroelectric domain structures. This approach enables the identification and nanoscale visualization of varied modes of response and a pathway to statistically meaningful quantification of the differences between those modes. Lastly, among other things, the importance of domain geometry is spatially visualized for enhancing nanoscale electromechanical energy conversion.« less

Nanoscale Rheology and Anisotropic Diffusion Using Single Gold Nanorod Probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molaei, Mehdi; Atefi, Ehsan; Crocker, John C.

2018-03-01

The complex rotational and translational Brownian motion of anisotropic particles depends on their shape and the viscoelasticity of their surroundings. Because of their strong optical scattering and chemical versatility, gold nanorods would seem to provide the ultimate probes of rheology at the nanoscale, but the suitably accurate orientational tracking required to compute rheology has not been demonstrated. Here we image single gold nanorods with a laser-illuminated dark-field microscope and use optical polarization to determine their three-dimensional orientation to better than one degree. We convert the rotational diffusion of single nanorods in viscoelastic polyethylene glycol solutions to rheology and obtain excellent agreement with bulk measurements. Extensions of earlier models of anisotropic translational diffusion to three dimensions and viscoelastic fluids give excellent agreement with the observed motion of single nanorods. We find that nanorod tracking provides a uniquely capable approach to microrheology and provides a powerful tool for probing nanoscale dynamics and structure in a range of soft materials.

Plasmonic computing of spatial differentiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Tengfeng; Zhou, Yihan; Lou, Yijie; Ye, Hui; Qiu, Min; Ruan, Zhichao; Fan, Shanhui

2017-05-01

Optical analog computing offers high-throughput low-power-consumption operation for specialized computational tasks. Traditionally, optical analog computing in the spatial domain uses a bulky system of lenses and filters. Recent developments in metamaterials enable the miniaturization of such computing elements down to a subwavelength scale. However, the required metamaterial consists of a complex array of meta-atoms, and direct demonstration of image processing is challenging. Here, we show that the interference effects associated with surface plasmon excitations at a single metal-dielectric interface can perform spatial differentiation. And we experimentally demonstrate edge detection of an image without any Fourier lens. This work points to a simple yet powerful mechanism for optical analog computing at the nanoscale.

A computational model for epidural electrical stimulation of spinal sensorimotor circuits.

PubMed

Capogrosso, Marco; Wenger, Nikolaus; Raspopovic, Stanisa; Musienko, Pavel; Beauparlant, Janine; Bassi Luciani, Lorenzo; Courtine, Grégoire; Micera, Silvestro

2013-12-04

Epidural electrical stimulation (EES) of lumbosacral segments can restore a range of movements after spinal cord injury. However, the mechanisms and neural structures through which EES facilitates movement execution remain unclear. Here, we designed a computational model and performed in vivo experiments to investigate the type of fibers, neurons, and circuits recruited in response to EES. We first developed a realistic finite element computer model of rat lumbosacral segments to identify the currents generated by EES. To evaluate the impact of these currents on sensorimotor circuits, we coupled this model with an anatomically realistic axon-cable model of motoneurons, interneurons, and myelinated afferent fibers for antagonistic ankle muscles. Comparisons between computer simulations and experiments revealed the ability of the model to predict EES-evoked motor responses over multiple intensities and locations. Analysis of the recruited neural structures revealed the lack of direct influence of EES on motoneurons and interneurons. Simulations and pharmacological experiments demonstrated that EES engages spinal circuits trans-synaptically through the recruitment of myelinated afferent fibers. The model also predicted the capacity of spatially distinct EES to modulate side-specific limb movements and, to a lesser extent, extension versus flexion. These predictions were confirmed during standing and walking enabled by EES in spinal rats. These combined results provide a mechanistic framework for the design of spinal neuroprosthetic systems to improve standing and walking after neurological disorders.

Computational strategies for the automated design of RNA nanoscale structures from building blocks using NanoTiler.

PubMed

Bindewald, Eckart; Grunewald, Calvin; Boyle, Brett; O'Connor, Mary; Shapiro, Bruce A

2008-10-01

One approach to designing RNA nanoscale structures is to use known RNA structural motifs such as junctions, kissing loops or bulges and to construct a molecular model by connecting these building blocks with helical struts. We previously developed an algorithm for detecting internal loops, junctions and kissing loops in RNA structures. Here we present algorithms for automating or assisting many of the steps that are involved in creating RNA structures from building blocks: (1) assembling building blocks into nanostructures using either a combinatorial search or constraint satisfaction; (2) optimizing RNA 3D ring structures to improve ring closure; (3) sequence optimisation; (4) creating a unique non-degenerate RNA topology descriptor. This effectively creates a computational pipeline for generating molecular models of RNA nanostructures and more specifically RNA ring structures with optimized sequences from RNA building blocks. We show several examples of how the algorithms can be utilized to generate RNA tecto-shapes.

Computational strategies for the automated design of RNA nanoscale structures from building blocks using NanoTiler☆

PubMed Central

Bindewald, Eckart; Grunewald, Calvin; Boyle, Brett; O’Connor, Mary; Shapiro, Bruce A.

2013-01-01

One approach to designing RNA nanoscale structures is to use known RNA structural motifs such as junctions, kissing loops or bulges and to construct a molecular model by connecting these building blocks with helical struts. We previously developed an algorithm for detecting internal loops, junctions and kissing loops in RNA structures. Here we present algorithms for automating or assisting many of the steps that are involved in creating RNA structures from building blocks: (1) assembling building blocks into nanostructures using either a combinatorial search or constraint satisfaction; (2) optimizing RNA 3D ring structures to improve ring closure; (3) sequence optimisation; (4) creating a unique non-degenerate RNA topology descriptor. This effectively creates a computational pipeline for generating molecular models of RNA nanostructures and more specifically RNA ring structures with optimized sequences from RNA building blocks. We show several examples of how the algorithms can be utilized to generate RNA tecto-shapes. PMID:18838281

Probabilistic Simulation for Nanocomposite Characterization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamis, Christos C.; Coroneos, Rula M.

2007-01-01

A unique probabilistic theory is described to predict the properties of nanocomposites. The simulation is based on composite micromechanics with progressive substructuring down to a nanoscale slice of a nanofiber where all the governing equations are formulated. These equations have been programmed in a computer code. That computer code is used to simulate uniaxial strengths properties of a mononanofiber laminate. The results are presented graphically and discussed with respect to their practical significance. These results show smooth distributions.

Circuit For Control Of Electromechanical Prosthetic Hand

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bozeman, Richard J., Jr.

1995-01-01

Proposed circuit for control of electromechanical prosthetic hand derives electrical control signals from shoulder movements. Updated, electronic version of prosthesis, that includes two hooklike fingers actuated via cables from shoulder harness. Circuit built around favored shoulder harness, provides more dexterous movement, without incurring complexity of computer-controlled "bionic" or hydraulically actuated devices. Additional harness and potentiometer connected to similar control circuit mounted on other shoulder. Used to control stepping motor rotating hand about prosthetic wrist to one of number of angles consistent with number of digital outputs. Finger-control signals developed by circuit connected to first shoulder harness transmitted to prosthetic hand via sliprings at prosthetic wrist joint.

Modeling of Stiffness and Strength of Bone at Nanoscale.

PubMed

Abueidda, Diab W; Sabet, Fereshteh A; Jasiuk, Iwona M

2017-05-01

Two distinct geometrical models of bone at the nanoscale (collagen fibril and mineral platelets) are analyzed computationally. In the first model (model I), minerals are periodically distributed in a staggered manner in a collagen matrix while in the second model (model II), minerals form continuous layers outside the collagen fibril. Elastic modulus and strength of bone at the nanoscale, represented by these two models under longitudinal tensile loading, are studied using a finite element (FE) software abaqus. The analysis employs a traction-separation law (cohesive surface modeling) at various interfaces in the models to account for interfacial delaminations. Plane stress, plane strain, and axisymmetric versions of the two models are considered. Model II is found to have a higher stiffness than model I for all cases. For strength, the two models alternate the superiority of performance depending on the inputs and assumptions used. For model II, the axisymmetric case gives higher results than the plane stress and plane strain cases while an opposite trend is observed for model I. For axisymmetric case, model II shows greater strength and stiffness compared to model I. The collagen-mineral arrangement of bone at nanoscale forms a basic building block of bone. Thus, knowledge of its mechanical properties is of high scientific and clinical interests.

EHW Approach to Temperature Compensation of Electronics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoica, Adrian

2004-01-01

Efforts are under way to apply the concept of evolvable hardware (EHW) to compensate for variations, with temperature, in the operational characteristics of electronic circuits. To maintain the required functionality of a given circuit at a temperature above or below the nominal operating temperature for which the circuit was originally designed, a new circuit would be evolved; moreover, to obtain the required functionality over a very wide temperature range, there would be evolved a number of circuits, each of which would satisfy the performance requirements over a small part of the total temperature range. The basic concepts and some specific implementations of EHW were described in a number of previous NASA Tech Briefs articles, namely, "Reconfigurable Arrays of Transistors for Evolvable Hardware" (NPO-20078), Vol. 25, No. 2 (February 2001), page 36; Evolutionary Automated Synthesis of Electronic Circuits (NPO- 20535), Vol. 26, No. 7 (July 2002), page 37; "Designing Reconfigurable Antennas Through Hardware Evolution" (NPO-20666), Vol. 26, No. 7 (July 2002), page 38; "Morphing in Evolutionary Synthesis of Electronic Circuits" (NPO-20837), Vol. 26, No. 8 (August 2002), page 31; "Mixtrinsic Evolutionary Synthesis of Electronic Circuits" (NPO-20773) Vol. 26, No. 8 (August 2002), page 32; and "Synthesis of Fuzzy-Logic Circuits in Evolvable Hardware" (NPO-21095) Vol. 26, No. 11 (November 2002), page 38. To recapitulate from the cited prior articles: EHW is characterized as evolutionary in a quasi-genetic sense. The essence of EHW is to construct and test a sequence of populations of circuits that function as incrementally better solutions of a given design problem through the selective, repetitive connection and/or disconnection of capacitors, transistors, amplifiers, inverters, and/or other circuit building blocks. The connection and disconnection can be effected by use of field-programmable transistor arrays (FPTAs). The evolution is guided by a search-andoptimization algorithm (in particular, a genetic algorithm) that operates in the space of possible circuits to find a circuit that exhibits an acceptably close approximation of the desired functionality. The evolved circuits can be tested by mathematical modeling (that is, computational simulation) only, tested in real hardware, or tested in combinations of computational simulation and real hardware.

GATING CIRCUITS

DOEpatents

Merrill, L.C.

1958-10-14

Control circuits for vacuum tubes are described, and a binary counter having an improved trigger circuit is reported. The salient feature of the binary counter is the application of the input signal to the cathode of each of two vacuum tubes through separate capacitors and the connection of each cathode to ground through separate diodes. The control of the binary counter is achieved in this manner without special pulse shaping of the input signal. A further advantage of the circuit is the simplicity and minimum nuruber of components required, making its use particularly desirable in computer machines.

An efficient quantum circuit analyser on qubits and qudits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loke, T.; Wang, J. B.

2011-10-01

This paper presents a highly efficient decomposition scheme and its associated Mathematica notebook for the analysis of complicated quantum circuits comprised of single/multiple qubit and qudit quantum gates. In particular, this scheme reduces the evaluation of multiple unitary gate operations with many conditionals to just two matrix additions, regardless of the number of conditionals or gate dimensions. This improves significantly the capability of a quantum circuit analyser implemented in a classical computer. This is also the first efficient quantum circuit analyser to include qudit quantum logic gates.

Circuit Design Features of a Stable Two-Cell System.

PubMed

Zhou, Xu; Franklin, Ruth A; Adler, Miri; Jacox, Jeremy B; Bailis, Will; Shyer, Justin A; Flavell, Richard A; Mayo, Avi; Alon, Uri; Medzhitov, Ruslan

2018-02-08

Cell communication within tissues is mediated by multiple paracrine signals including growth factors, which control cell survival and proliferation. Cells and the growth factors they produce and receive constitute a circuit with specific properties that ensure homeostasis. Here, we used computational and experimental approaches to characterize the features of cell circuits based on growth factor exchange between macrophages and fibroblasts, two cell types found in most mammalian tissues. We found that the macrophage-fibroblast cell circuit is stable and robust to perturbations. Analytical screening of all possible two-cell circuit topologies revealed the circuit features sufficient for stability, including environmental constraint and negative-feedback regulation. Moreover, we found that cell-cell contact is essential for the stability of the macrophage-fibroblast circuit. These findings illustrate principles of cell circuit design and provide a quantitative perspective on cell interactions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Functional Laser Trimming Of Thin Film Resistors On Silicon ICs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, Michael J.; Mickanin, Wes

1986-07-01

Modern Laser Wafer Trimming (LWT) technology achieves exceptional analog circuit performance and precision while maintain-ing the advantages of high production throughput and yield. Microprocessor-driven instrumentation has both emphasized the role of data conversion circuits and demanded sophisticated signal conditioning functions. Advanced analog semiconductor circuits with bandwidths over 1 GHz, and high precision, trimmable, thin-film resistors meet many of todays emerging circuit requirements. Critical to meeting these requirements are optimum choices of laser characteristics, proper materials, trimming process control, accurate modeling of trimmed resistor performance, and appropriate circuit design. Once limited exclusively to hand-crafted, custom integrated circuits, designs are now available in semi-custom circuit configurations. These are similar to those provided for digital designs and supported by computer-aided design (CAD) tools. Integrated with fully automated measurement and trimming systems, these quality circuits can now be produced in quantity to meet the requirements of communications, instrumentation, and signal processing markets.