CdTe quantum-dot-modified ZnO nanowire heterostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahi, Kanchana; Singh, R. S.; Singh, Ajaya Kumar; Aleksandrova, Mariya; Khenata, Rabah

2018-03-01

The effect of CdTe quantum-dot (QD) decoration on the photoluminescence (PL) behaviour of ZnO nanowire (NW) array is presented in the present work. Highly crystalline and vertically 40-50 nm diameter range and 1 µm in length aligned ZnO NWs are synthesized using low-cost method. The crystallinity and morphology of the NWs are studied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction methods.Optical properties of the nanowires are studied using photo-response and PL spectroscopy. CdTe QDs are successfully synthesized on ZnO nanowire surface by dip-coating method. ZnO NWs are sensitized with CdTe QDs characterized by transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and PL spectroscopy. The highly quenched PL intensity indicates the charge transfer at interface between CdTe QDs and ZnO NWs and is due to the formation of type-II heterostructure between QDs and NWs. Photo-response behaviour of heterostructure of the film is also been incorporated in the present work.

Sensitive arginine sensing based on inner filter effect of Au nanoparticles on the fluorescence of CdTe quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Haijian; Li, Ming; Jiang, Linye; Shen, Feng; Hu, Yufeng; Ren, Xueqin

2017-02-01

Arginine plays an important role in many biological functions, whose detection is very significant. Herein, a sensitive, simple and cost-effective fluorescent method for the detection of arginine has been developed based on the inner filter effect (IFE) of citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the fluorescence of thioglycolic acid-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs). When citrate-stabilized AuNPs were mixed with thioglycolic acid-capped CdTe QDs, the fluorescence of CdTe QDs was significantly quenched by AuNPs via the IFE. With the presence of arginine, arginine could induce the aggregation and corresponding absorption spectra change of AuNPs, which then IFE-decreased fluorescence could gradually recover with increasing amounts of arginine, achieving fluorescence ;turn on; sensing for arginine. The detection mechanism is clearly illustrated and various experimental conditions were also optimized. Under the optimum conditions, a decent linear relationship was obtained in the range from 16 to 121 μg L- 1 and the limit of detection was 5.6 μg L- 1. And satisfactory results were achieved in arginine analysis using arginine injection, compound amino acid injection, even blood plasma as samples. Therefore, the present assay showed various merits, such as simplicity, low cost, high sensitivity and selectivity, making it promising for sensing arginine in biological samples.

Development and evaluation of polycrystalline cadmium telluride dosimeters for accurate quality assurance in radiation therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, K.; Han, M.; Kim, K.; Heo, Y.; Moon, C.; Park, S.; Nam, S.

2016-02-01

For quality assurance in radiation therapy, several types of dosimeters are used such as ionization chambers, radiographic films, thermo-luminescent dosimeter (TLD), and semiconductor dosimeters. Among them, semiconductor dosimeters are particularly useful for in vivo dosimeters or high dose gradient area such as the penumbra region because they are more sensitive and smaller in size compared to typical dosimeters. In this study, we developed and evaluated Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) dosimeters, one of the most promising semiconductor dosimeters due to their high quantum efficiency and charge collection efficiency. Such CdTe dosimeters include single crystal form and polycrystalline form depending upon the fabrication process. Both types of CdTe dosimeters are commercially available, but only the polycrystalline form is suitable for radiation dosimeters, since it is less affected by volumetric effect and energy dependence. To develop and evaluate polycrystalline CdTe dosimeters, polycrystalline CdTe films were prepared by thermal evaporation. After that, CdTeO3 layer, thin oxide layer, was deposited on top of the CdTe film by RF sputtering to improve charge carrier transport properties and to reduce leakage current. Also, the CdTeO3 layer which acts as a passivation layer help the dosimeter to reduce their sensitivity changes with repeated use due to radiation damage. Finally, the top and bottom electrodes, In/Ti and Pt, were used to have Schottky contact. Subsequently, the electrical properties under high energy photon beams from linear accelerator (LINAC), such as response coincidence, dose linearity, dose rate dependence, reproducibility, and percentage depth dose, were measured to evaluate polycrystalline CdTe dosimeters. In addition, we compared the experimental data of the dosimeter fabricated in this study with those of the silicon diode dosimeter and Thimble ionization chamber which widely used in routine dosimetry system and dose measurements for radiation therapy.

CdTe quantum dot as a fluorescence probe for vitamin B12 in dosage form

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaishnavi, E.; Renganathan, R.

2013-11-01

We here report the CdTe quantum dot (CdTe QDs)-based sensor for probing vitamin B12 derivatives in aqueous solution. In this paper, simple and sensitive fluorescence quenching measurements has been employed. The Stern-Volmer constant (KSV), quenching rate constant (kq) and binding constant (K) were rationalized from fluorescence quenching measurement. Furthermore, the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism was discussed. This method was applicable over the concentration ranging from 1 to 14 μg/mL (VB12) with correlation coefficient of 0.993. The limit of detection (LOD) of VB12 was found to be 0.15 μg/mL. Moreover, the present approach opens a simple pathway for developing cost-effective, sensitive and selective QD-based fluorescence sensors/probes for biologically significant VB12 in pharmaceutical sample with mean recoveries in the range of 100-102.1%.

CdTe quantum dot as a fluorescence probe for vitamin B(12) in dosage form.

PubMed

Vaishnavi, E; Renganathan, R

2013-11-01

We here report the CdTe quantum dot (CdTe QDs)-based sensor for probing vitamin B12 derivatives in aqueous solution. In this paper, simple and sensitive fluorescence quenching measurements has been employed. The Stern-Volmer constant (KSV), quenching rate constant (kq) and binding constant (K) were rationalized from fluorescence quenching measurement. Furthermore, the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism was discussed. This method was applicable over the concentration ranging from 1 to 14μg/mL (VB12) with correlation coefficient of 0.993. The limit of detection (LOD) of VB12 was found to be 0.15μg/mL. Moreover, the present approach opens a simple pathway for developing cost-effective, sensitive and selective QD-based fluorescence sensors/probes for biologically significant VB12 in pharmaceutical sample with mean recoveries in the range of 100-102.1%. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation of quantum dots CdTe decorated graphene composite for sensitive detection of uric acid and dopamine.

PubMed

Yu, Hong-Wei; Jiang, Jing-Hui; Zhang, Ze; Wan, Guang-Cai; Liu, Zhi-Yong; Chang, Dong; Pan, Hong-Zhi

2017-02-15

The assembly of quantum dots (QDs) in a simply method opens up opportunities to obtain access to the full potential of assembled QDs by virtue of the collective properties of the ensembles. In this study, quantum dots CdTe and graphene (Gr) nanocomposite was constructed for the simultaneous determination of uric acid (UA) and dopamine (DA). The CdTe QDs-Gr nanocomposite was prepared by ultrasonication and was characterized with microscopic techniques. The nanocomposite modified electrode was characterized by cyclicvoltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Due to the synergistic effects between CdTe QDs and Gr, the fabricated electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical catalytic activities, good biological compatibility and high sensitivity toward the oxidation of UA and DA. Under optimum conditions, in the co-existence system the linear calibration plots for UA and DA were obtained over the range of 3-600 μM and 1-500 μM with detection limits of 1.0 μM and 0.33 μM. The fabricated biosensor also exhibits the excellent repeatability, reproducibility, storage stability along with acceptable selectivity. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

CdTe quantum dots@luminol as signal amplification system for chrysoidine with chemiluminescence-chitosan/graphene oxide-magnetite-molecularly imprinting sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Huimin; Li, Leilei; Wang, Xiaojiao; Wang, Yanhui; Li, Jianbo; Luo, Chuannan

2016-01-01

A sensitive chemiluminescence (CL) sensor based on chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) in CdTe quantum dots@luminol (CdTe QDs@luminol) nanomaterials combined with chitosan/graphene oxide-magnetite-molecularly imprinted polymer (Cs/GM-MIP) for sensing chrysoidine was developed. CdTe QDs@luminol was designed to not only amplify the signal of CL but also reduce luminol consumption in the detection of chrysoidine. On the basis of the abundant hydroxy and amino, Cs and graphene oxide were introduced into the GM-MIP to improve the adsorption ability. The adsorption capacities of chrysoidine by both Cs/GM-MIP and non-imprinted polymer (Cs/GM-NIP) were investigated, and the CdTe QDs@luminol and Cs/GM-MIP were characterized by UV-vis, FTIR, SEM and TEM. The proposed sensor can detect chrysoidine within a linear range of 1.0 × 10- 7 - 1.0 × 10- 5 mol/L with a detection limit of 3.2 × 10- 8 mol/L (3δ) due to considerable chemiluminescence signal enhancement of the CdTe quantum dots@luminol detector and the high selectivity of the Cs/GM-MIP system. Under the optimal conditions of CL, the CdTe QDs@luminol-Cs/GM-MIP-CL sensor was used for chrysoidine determination in samples with satisfactory recoveries in the range of 90-107%.

Photo-induced interaction of thioglycolic acid (TGA)-capped CdTe quantum dots with cyanine dyes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelbar, Mostafa F.; Fayed, Tarek A.; Meaz, Talaat M.; Ebeid, El-Zeiny M.

2016-11-01

The photo-induced interaction of three different sizes of thioglycolic acid (TGA)-capped CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs) with two monomethine cyanine dyes belonging to the thiazole orange (TO) family has been studied. Positively charged cyanines interact with QDs surface which is negatively charged due to capping agent carboxylate ions. The energy transfer parameters including Stern-Volmer constant, Ksv, number of binding sites, n, quenching sphere radius, r, the critical energy transfer distance, R0, and energy transfer efficiencies, E have been calculated. The effect of structure and the number of aggregating molecules have been studied as a function of CdTe QDs particle size. Combining organic and inorganic semiconductors leads to increase of the effective absorption cross section of the QDs which can be utilized in novel nanoscale designs for light-emitting, photovoltaic and sensor applications. A synthesized triplet emission of the studied dyes was observed using CdTe QDs as donors and this is expected to play a potential role in molecular oxygen sensitization and in photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications.

High-sensitivity brain SPECT system using cadmium telluride (CdTe) semiconductor detector and 4-pixel matched collimator.

PubMed

Suzuki, Atsuro; Takeuchi, Wataru; Ishitsu, Takafumi; Tsuchiya, Katsutoshi; Morimoto, Yuichi; Ueno, Yuichiro; Kobashi, Keiji; Kubo, Naoki; Shiga, Tohru; Tamaki, Nagara

2013-11-07

For high-sensitivity brain imaging, we have developed a two-head single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system using a CdTe semiconductor detector and 4-pixel matched collimator (4-PMC). The term, '4-PMC' indicates that the collimator hole size is matched to a 2 × 2 array of detector pixels. By contrast, a 1-pixel matched collimator (1-PMC) is defined as a collimator whose hole size is matched to one detector pixel. The performance of the higher-sensitivity 4-PMC was experimentally compared with that of the 1-PMC. The sensitivities of the 1-PMC and 4-PMC were 70 cps/MBq/head and 220 cps/MBq/head, respectively. The SPECT system using the 4-PMC provides superior image resolution in cold and hot rods phantom with the same activity and scan time to that of the 1-PMC. In addition, with half the usual scan time the 4-PMC provides comparable image quality to that of the 1-PMC. Furthermore, (99m)Tc-ECD brain perfusion images of healthy volunteers obtained using the 4-PMC demonstrated acceptable image quality for clinical diagnosis. In conclusion, our CdTe SPECT system equipped with the higher-sensitivity 4-PMC can provide better spatial resolution than the 1-PMC either in half the imaging time with the same administered activity, or alternatively, in the same imaging time with half the activity.

Highly sensitive colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for cyanazine based on the inner filter effect of gold nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Liang; Hou, Changjun; Yang, Mei; Fa, Huanbao; Wu, Huixiang; Shen, Caihong; Huo, Danqun

2016-06-01

Cyanazine residue poses a great threat to human health and its derivatives would remain in soils, natural waters, and other environmental domains for a long time. Herein, a simple, rapid, and ultra-sensitive analytical method for the determination of cyanazine (CZ) based on inner filter effect (IFE) of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the fluorescence of CdTe quantum dots (QDs) is first described in this study. With the presence of citrate-stabilized AuNPs, the fluorescence of GSH-capped CdTe QDs was remarkably quenched by AuNPs via IFE. The fluorescence of the AuNP-CdTe QD system was recovered upon addition of CZ. CZ can adsorb on to the surface of AuNPs due to its cyano group that has good affinity with gold, which could induce the aggregation of AuNPs accompanying color change from red to blue. Thus, the IFE of AuNPs on CdTe QDs was weakened, and the fluorescence intensity of CdTe QDs was recovered accordingly. A good linear correlation for detection of CZ was exhibited from 0.05 to 9 μM, and the detection limit reached 0.1568 μM, which was much lower than the safety limit required by the USA, the UK, and China. In order to probe into the selectivity of AuNPs towards CZ over other pesticides, various frequently used pesticides were mixed with AuNPs. AuNP composite solution shows good selectivity towards CZ among other pesticides. This method was successfully carried out for the assessment of CZ in real samples with satisfactory results, which revealed many advantages such as high sensitivity, low cost, and non-time-consuming compared with traditional methods.

Highly sensitive electrochemiluminescent immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles-functionalized zinc oxide nanorod and poly(amidoamine)-graphene for detecting brombuterol.

PubMed

Zhu, Qing; Cai, Fudong; Zhang, Jing; Zhao, Kang; Deng, Anping; Li, Jianguo

2016-12-15

β-adrenergic agonists (β-agonists) recognized as a growth promoter will reflect the health of human. Sensitive detection of β-agonists in foodstuff is valuable for the health of animals and human. A novel ultrasensitive competition-type electrochemiluminescent (ECL) immunosensor was developed for detecting brombuterol (Brom) based on CdTe Quantum dot (QDs) and polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM, G2) modified graphene oxide (GO) (CdTe QDs-PAMAM-GO composite) as bioprobe for the first time. The surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was coated with AuNPs-ZnO NRs composite film as the platform, which facilitated the electronic transmission rate to enhance the ECL intensity and provide enough active sites for capturing antibody. The resulting ECL immunosensor enabled the real samples detection of Brom with a lower detection limit of 0.3pgmL(-1) (S/N=3) and a wider linear range from 0.001 to 500ngmL(-1). The proposed immunosensor coupled with the excellent advantages of CdTe QDs-PAMAM-GO and AuNPs-ZnO NRs composite displayed high sensitivity and long-term stability, and provided an approach for determining other important biomarkers. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Emerging materials for solar cell applications: Electrodeposited CdTe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rod, R. L.; Basol, B. M.; Stafsudd, O.

1980-09-01

Work was centered about improving electroplating processes and cell fabrication techniques, with emphasis being given to three differing n-CdTe/Au Schottky configurations. The highest values of efficiency related parameters achieved with a simulated solar irradiation of 100 mW/sq cm were 0.57V for open circuit voltage, 0.6 for fill factor, and 6 mA/sq cm for short circuit current. Four important parameters are known to control the quality of the Monosolar electrodeposition process and resultant solar cells. They are electrolyte temperature, Te concentration in the solution at a specific pH, deposition or quasi-rest potential, and flow pattern of the electrolyte (stirring). The first three considerations are believed to be fully understood and optimized. Work is underway to further understand the effects of stirring on the diffusion of ionic components and the effects on CdTe film performance. Work was accelerated during the quarter to increase the short circuit current. Parallel programs using laser irradiation of finished CdTe films, heat treatment, and changes in the electrodeposition process itself to recrystallize films were started.

Resonance light-scattering spectrometric study of interaction between enzyme and MPA-modified CdTe nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Juan; Li, Minjie; Tang, Jieli; Li, Xiaozhou; Zhang, Hanqi; Zhang, Yihua

2008-08-01

This paper described a novel assay of enzyme based on the measurement of enhanced resonance light-scattering (RLS) signals resulting from the electrostatic and coordination interaction of functionalized CdTe nanoparticles with enzyme. The CdTe nanoparticles which were modified with 3-mercaptocarboxylic acid (MPA) have abundant carboxylic groups ( sbnd COOH). So the nanoparticles are water-soluble, stable and biocompatible. At pH 8.3 phosphate buffered saline (PBS), the RLS signals of functionalized nano-CdTe are greatly enhanced by bromelain and papain in the region of 220-800 nm characterized by the peak around 318-314 nm, respectively. The optimization conditions of the reaction were also examined and selected. Under the selected conditions, the enhanced RLS intensity is linearly proportional to the concentration of bromelain and papain. The liner range is (0.09-0.9) × 10 -6 mol/L for bromelain and (0.048-0.702) × 10 -6 mol/L for papain. The influences of some foreign substances were also examined. This method can be applied to the determination of enzyme.

Interactions between N-acetyl-L-cysteine protected CdTe quantum dots and doxorubicin through spectroscopic method

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

Yang, Xiupei, E-mail: xiupeiyang@163.com; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637000; Lin, Jia

2015-06-15

Highlights: • CdTe quantum dots with the diameter of 3–5 nm were synthesized in aqueous solution. • The modified CdTe quantum dots showed well fluorescence properties. • The interaction between the CdTe quantum dots and doxorubicin (DR) was investigated. - Abstract: N-acetyl-L-cysteine protected cadmium telluride quantum dots with a diameter of 3–5 nm were synthesized in aqueous solution. The interaction between N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride quantum dots and doxorubicin was investigated by ultraviolet–visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy at physiological conditions (pH 7.2, 37 °C). The results indicate that electron transfer has occurred between N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride quantum dots and doxorubicin under light illumination.more » The quantum dots react readily with doxorubicin to form a N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride-quantum dots/doxorubicin complex via electrostatic attraction between the −NH{sub 3}{sup +} moiety of doxorubicin and the −COO{sup −} moiety of N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride quantum dots. The interaction of N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride-quantum dots/doxorubicin complex with bovine serum albumin was studied as well, showing that the complex might induce the conformation change of bovine serum due to changes in microenvironment of bovine serum.« less

Performance and Metastability of CdTe Solar Cells with a Te Back-Contact Buffer Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moore, Andrew

Thin-film CdTe photovoltaics are quickly maturing into a viable clean-energy solution through demonstration of competitive costs and performance stability with existing energy sources. Over the last half decade, CdTe solar technology has achieved major gains in performance; however, there are still aspects that can be improved to progress toward their theoretical maximum efficiency. Perhaps equally valuable as high photovoltaic efficiency and a low levelized cost of energy, is device reliability. Understanding the root causes for changes in performance is essential for accomplishing long-term stability. One area for potential performance enhancement is the back contact of the CdTe device. This research incorporated a thin-film Te-buffer layer into the contact structure, between the CdTe and contact metal. The device performance and characteristics of many different back contact configurations were rigorously studied. CdTe solar cells fabricated with the Te-buffer contact showed short-circuit current densities and open-circuit voltages that were on par with the traditional back-contacts used at CSU. However, the Te-buffer contact typically produced 2% larger fill-factors on average, leading to greater conversation efficiency. Furthermore, using the Te buffer allowed for incorporation of 50% less Cu, which is used for p-type doping but is also known to decrease lifetime and stability. This resulted in an additional 3% fill-factor gain with no change in other parameters compared to the standard-Cu treated device. In order to better understand the physical mechanisms of the Te-buffer contact, electrical and material properties of the Te layer were extracted and used to construct a simple energy band diagram. The Te layer was found to be highly p-type (>1018 cm-3) and possess a positive valence-band offset of 0.35-0.40 eV with CdTe. An existing simulation model incorporating the Te-layer properties was implemented and validated by comparing simulated results of CdTe device performance to experimental values. The Te layer improves performance is attributed to a reduction in the downward energy band bending between the CdTe and typical contact metals. The stability, or rather the metastability, of CdTe solar cells was also studied with a focus on the Te back contact. A metastable device has a series of quasi-stable local energy-minimuma which the device may transition among. This work primarily focused on changes, both beneficial and detrimental, caused by diffusion and drift of atoms in the CdTe lattice. As atoms moved and/or became ionized their defect states were shifted, which resulted in changes in the CdTe doping and recombination. Changes in performance for devices in equilibrium and under stress conditions were analyzed by electrical and material characterization. Mobile impurities and mechanisms responsible for the changes were identified--primarily the migration of interstitial Cu and Cl. The stability of CdTe solar cells with different back contacts were compared. It was found that any contact that included the Te layer was almost always more stable than the traditional contact used at CSU, most likely because of less sensitivity to the impurity profiles in the CdTe. Moreover, the Te contact configuration that introduced the least amount of Cu into the CdTe was discovered to be the most stable, both in storage and under stress conditions.

Ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical aptasensor for lead ion detection based on sensitization effect of CdTe QDs on MoS2-CdS:Mn nanocomposites by the formation of G-quadruplex structure.

PubMed

Shi, Jian-Jun; Zhu, Jing-Chun; Zhao, Ming; Wang, Yan; Yang, Ping; He, Jie

2018-06-01

An ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor for lead ion (Pb 2+ ) detection was fabricated based on MoS 2 -CdS:Mn nanocomposites and sensitization effect of CdTe quantum dots (QDs). MoS 2 -CdS:Mn modified electrode was used as the PEC matrix for the immobilization of probe DNA (pDNA) labeled with CdTe QDs. Target DNA (tDNA) were hybridized with pDNA to made the QDs locate away from the electrode surface by the rod-like double helix. The detection of Pb 2+ was based on the conformational change of the pDNA to G-quadruplex structure in the presence of Pb 2+ , which made the labeled QDs move close to the electrode surface, leading to the generation of sensitization effect and evident increase of the photocurrent intensity. The linear range was 50 fM to 100 nM with a detection limit of 16.7 fM. The recoveries of the determination of Pb 2+ in real samples were in the range of 102.5-108.0%. This proposed PEC aptasensor provides a new sensing strategy for various heavy metal ions at ultralow levels. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Biomimetic, Mild Chemical Synthesis of CdTe-GSH Quantum Dots with Improved Biocompatibility

PubMed Central

Pérez-Donoso, José M.; Monrás, Juan P.; Bravo, Denisse; Aguirre, Adam; Quest, Andrew F.; Osorio-Román, Igor O.; Aroca, Ricardo F.; Chasteen, Thomas G.; Vásquez, Claudio C.

2012-01-01

Multiple applications of nanotechnology, especially those involving highly fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) or quantum dots (QDs) have stimulated the research to develop simple, rapid and environmentally friendly protocols for synthesizing NPs exhibiting novel properties and increased biocompatibility. In this study, a simple protocol for the chemical synthesis of glutathione (GSH)-capped CdTe QDs (CdTe-GSH) resembling conditions found in biological systems is described. Using only CdCl2, K2TeO3 and GSH, highly fluorescent QDs were obtained under pH, temperature, buffer and oxygen conditions that allow microorganisms growth. These CdTe-GSH NPs displayed similar size, chemical composition, absorbance and fluorescence spectra and quantum yields as QDs synthesized using more complicated and expensive methods. CdTe QDs were not freely incorporated into eukaryotic cells thus favoring their biocompatibility and potential applications in biomedicine. In addition, NPs entry was facilitated by lipofectamine, resulting in intracellular fluorescence and a slight increase in cell death by necrosis. Toxicity of the as prepared CdTe QDs was lower than that observed with QDs produced by other chemical methods, probably as consequence of decreased levels of Cd+2 and higher amounts of GSH. We present here the simplest, fast and economical method for CdTe QDs synthesis described to date. Also, this biomimetic protocol favors NPs biocompatibility and helps to establish the basis for the development of new, “greener” methods to synthesize cadmium-containing QDs. PMID:22292028

Fabrication of Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Cell by a Cost-Effective Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nithyayini, K. N.; Ramasesha, Sheela K.

2015-09-01

Semi-transparent inorganic thin film PV cells have been fabricated using n-type (CdS) and p-type (CdTe) semiconductors. Large area devices which can be used as windows and skylights in buildings can be fabricated using cost effective solution processes. The device structure is Glass/TCO/CdTe/CdS/TCO. Chemically stable CdS and CdTe layers are deposited at temperatures 353 K to 373 K (80 °C to 100 °C) under controlled pH. The CdCl2 activation is carried out followed by air annealing. The p-n junction is formed by sintering the device at 673 K to 723 K (400 °C to 450 °C). The characterization of cells is carried out using XRD, SEM, AFM, and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The thickness of the cell is ~600 nm. The band gap values are 2.40 eV for CdS and 1.36 eV for CdTe with transmittance of about 70 pct in the visible region. Under 1.5 AM solar spectrum, V oc, and I sc of the initial device are 3.56e-01 V and 6.20e-04 A, respectively.

New Signal Amplification Strategy Using Semicarbazide as Co-reaction Accelerator for Highly Sensitive Electrochemiluminescent Aptasensor Construction.

PubMed

Ma, Meng-Nan; Zhuo, Ying; Yuan, Ruo; Chai, Ya-Qin

2015-11-17

A highly sensitive electrochemiluminescent (ECL) aptasensor was constructed using semicarbazide (Sem) as co-reaction accelerator to promote the ECL reaction rate of CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs) and the co-reactant of peroxydisulfate (S2O8(2-)) for boosting signal amplification. The co-reaction accelerator is a species that when it is introduced into the ECL system containing luminophore and co-reactant, it can interact with co-reactant rather than luminophore to promote the ECL reaction rate of luminophore and co-reactant; thus the ECL signal is significantly amplified in comparison with that in which only luminophore and co-reactant are present. In this work, the ECL signal probes were first fabricated by alternately assembling the Sem and Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) onto the surfaces of hollow Au nanocages (AuNCs) via Au-N bond to obtain the multilayered nanomaterials of (AuNPs-Sem)n-AuNCs for immobilizing amino-terminated detection aptamer of thrombin (TBA2). Notably, the Sem with two -NH2 terminal groups could not only serve as cross-linking reagent to assemble AuNPs and AuNCs but also act as co-reaction accelerator to enhance the ECL reaction rate of CdTe QDs and S2O8(2-) for signal amplification. With the sandwich-type format, TBA2 signal probes could be trapped on the CdTe QD-based sensing interface in the presence of thrombin (TB) to achieve a considerably enhanced ECL signal in S2O8(2-) solution. As a result, the Sem in the TBA2 signal probes could accelerate the reduction of S2O8(2-) to produce the more oxidant mediators of SO4(•-), which further boosted the production of excited states of CdTe QDs to emit light. With the employment of the novel co-reaction accelerator Sem, the proposed ECL biosensor exhibited ultrahigh sensitivity to quantify the concentration of TB from 1 × 10(-7) to 1 nM with a detection limit of 0.03 fM, which demonstrated that the co-reaction accelerator could provide a simple, efficient, and low-cost approach for signal amplification and hold great potential for other ECL biosensors construction.

Evaluation of a CdTe semiconductor based compact γ camera for sentinel lymph node imaging.

PubMed

Russo, Paolo; Curion, Assunta S; Mettivier, Giovanni; Esposito, Michela; Aurilio, Michela; Caracò, Corradina; Aloj, Luigi; Lastoria, Secondo

2011-03-01

The authors assembled a prototype compact gamma-ray imaging probe (MediPROBE) for sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization. This probe is based on a semiconductor pixel detector. Its basic performance was assessed in the laboratory and clinically in comparison with a conventional gamma camera. The room-temperature CdTe pixel detector (1 mm thick) has 256 x 256 square pixels arranged with a 55 microm pitch (sensitive area 14.08 x 14.08 mm2), coupled pixel-by-pixel via bump-bonding to the Medipix2 photon-counting readout CMOS integrated circuit. The imaging probe is equipped with a set of three interchangeable knife-edge pinhole collimators (0.94, 1.2, or 2.1 mm effective diameter at 140 keV) and its focal distance can be regulated in order to set a given field of view (FOV). A typical FOV of 70 mm at 50 mm skin-to-collimator distance corresponds to a minification factor 1:5. The detector is operated at a single low-energy threshold of about 20 keV. For 99 mTc, at 50 mm distance, a background-subtracted sensitivity of 6.5 x 10(-3) cps/kBq and a system spatial resolution of 5.5 mm FWHM were obtained for the 0.94 mm pinhole; corresponding values for the 2.1 mm pinhole were 3.3 x 10(-2) cps/kBq and 12.6 mm. The dark count rate was 0.71 cps. Clinical images in three patients with melanoma indicate detection of the SLNs with acquisition times between 60 and 410 s with an injected activity of 26 MBq 99 mTc and prior localization with standard gamma camera lymphoscintigraphy. The laboratory performance of this imaging probe is limited by the pinhole collimator performance and the necessity of working in minification due to the limited detector size. However, in clinical operative conditions, the CdTe imaging probe was effective in detecting SLNs with adequate resolution and an acceptable sensitivity. Sensitivity is expected to improve with the future availability of a larger CdTe detector permitting operation at shorter distances from the patient skin.

Fine-Pitch CdTe Detector for Hard X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy of the Sun with the FOXSI Rocket Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ishikawa, Shin-nosuke; Katsuragawa, Miho; Watanabe, Shin; Uchida, Yuusuke; Takeda, Shin'lchiro; Takahashi, Tadayuki; Saito, Shinya; Glesener, Lindsay; Bultrago-Casas, Juan Camilo; Krucker, Sam;

Fine-pitch CdTe detector for hard X-ray imaging and spectroscopy of the Sun with the FOXSI rocket experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishikawa, Shin-nosuke; Katsuragawa, Miho; Watanabe, Shin; Uchida, Yuusuke; Takeda, Shin'ichiro; Takahashi, Tadayuki; Saito, Shinya; Glesener, Lindsay; Buitrago-Casas, Juan Camilo; Krucker, Säm.; Christe, Steven

2016-07-01

We have developed a fine-pitch hard X-ray (HXR) detector using a cadmium telluride (CdTe) semiconductor for imaging and spectroscopy for the second launch of the Focusing Optics Solar X-ray Imager (FOXSI). FOXSI is a rocket experiment to perform high sensitivity HXR observations from 4 to 15 keV using the new technique of HXR focusing optics. The focal plane detector requires <100μm position resolution (to take advantage of the angular resolution of the optics) and ≈1 keV energy resolution (full width at half maximum (FWHM)) for spectroscopy down to 4 keV, with moderate cooling (>-30°C). Double-sided silicon strip detectors were used for the first FOXSI flight in 2012 to meet these criteria. To improve the detectors' efficiency (66% at 15 keV for the silicon detectors) and position resolution of 75 μm for the second launch, we fabricated double-sided CdTe strip detectors with a position resolution of 60 μm and almost 100% efficiency for the FOXSI energy range. The sensitive area is 7.67 mm × 7.67 mm, corresponding to the field of view of 791'' × 791''. An energy resolution of 1 keV (FWHM) and low-energy threshold of ≈4 keV were achieved in laboratory calibrations. The second launch of FOXSI was performed on 11 December 2014, and images from the Sun were successfully obtained with the CdTe detector. Therefore, we successfully demonstrated the detector concept and the usefulness of this technique for future HXR observations of the Sun.

CdTe devices and method of manufacturing same

DOEpatents

Gessert, Timothy A.; Noufi, Rommel; Dhere, Ramesh G.; Albin, David S.; Barnes, Teresa; Burst, James; Duenow, Joel N.; Reese, Matthew

2015-09-29

A method of producing polycrystalline CdTe materials and devices that incorporate the polycrystalline CdTe materials are provided. In particular, a method of producing polycrystalline p-doped CdTe thin films for use in CdTe solar cells in which the CdTe thin films possess enhanced acceptor densities and minority carrier lifetimes, resulting in enhanced efficiency of the solar cells containing the CdTe material are provided.

Photosensitive space charge limited current in screen printed CdTe thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vyas, C. U.; Pataniya, Pratik; Zankat, Chetan K.; Patel, Alkesh B.; Pathak, V. M.; Patel, K. D.; Solanki, G. K.

2018-05-01

Group II-VI Compounds have emerged out as most suitable in the class of photo sensitive material. They represent a strong position in terms of their applications in the field of detectors as well as photo voltaic devices. Cadmium telluride is the prime member of this Group, because of high acceptance of this material as active component in opto-electronic devices. In this paper we report preparation and characterization of CdTe thin films by using a most economical screen printing technique in association with sintering at 510°C temperature. Surface morphology and smoothness are prime parameters of any deposited to be used as an active region of devices. Thus, we studied of the screen printed thin film by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for this purpose. However, growth processes induced intrinsic defects in fabricated films work as charge traps and affect the conduction process significantly. So the conduction mechanism of deposited CdTe thin film is studied under dark as well as illuminated conditions. It is found that the deposited films showed the space charge limited conduction (SCLC) mechanism and hence various parameters of space charge limited conduction (SCLC) of CdTe film were evaluated and discussed and the photo responsive resistance is also presented in this paper.

Basic performance and stability of a CdTe solid-state detector panel.

PubMed

Tsuchiya, Katsutoshi; Takahashi, Isao; Kawaguchi, Tsuneaki; Yokoi, Kazuma; Morimoto, Yuuichi; Ishitsu, Takafumi; Suzuki, Atsurou; Ueno, Yuuichirou; Kobashi, Keiji

2010-05-01

We have developed a prototype gamma camera system (R1-M) using a cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector panel and evaluated the basic performance and the spectral stability. The CdTe panel consists of 5-mm-thick crystals. The field of view is 134 x 268 mm comprising 18,432 pixels with a pixel pitch of 1.4 mm. Replaceable small CdTe modules are mounted on to the circuit board by dedicated zero insertion force connectors. To make the readout circuit compact, the matrix read out is processed by dedicated ASICs. The panel is equipped with a cold-air cooling system. The temperature and humidity in the panel were kept at 20 degrees C and below 70% relative humidity. CdTe polarization was suppressed by the bias refresh technique to stabilize the detector. We also produced three dedicated square pixel-matched collimators: LEGP (20 mm-thick), LEHR (27 mm-thick), and LEUHR (35 mm-thick). We evaluated their basic performance (energy resolution, system resolution, and sensitivity) and the spectral stability in terms of short-term (several hours of continuous acquisition) and long-term (infrequent measurements over more than a year) activity. The intrinsic energy resolution (FWHM) acquired with Tc-99m (140.5 keV) was 6.6%. The spatial resolutions (FWHM at a distance of 100 mm) with LEGP, LEHR, and LEUHR collimators were 5.7, 4.9, and 4.2 mm, and the sensitivities were 71, 39, and 23 cps/MBq, respectively. The energy peak position and the intrinsic energy resolution after several hours of operation were nearly the same as the values a few minutes after the system was powered on; the variation of the peak position was <0.2%, and that of the resolution was about 0.3%. Infrequent measurements conducted over a year showed that the variations of the energy peak position and the intrinsic energy resolution of the system were at a similar level to those described above. The basic performance of the CdTe-gamma camera system was evaluated, and its stability was verified. It was shown that the camera could be operated daily for several months without calibration.

A cross-reactive sensor array for the fluorescence qualitative analysis of heavy metal ions.

PubMed

Kang, Huaizhi; Lin, Liping; Rong, Mingcong; Chen, Xi

2014-11-01

A cross-reactive sensor array using mercaptopropionic acid modified cadmium telluride (CdTe), glutathione modified CdTe, poly(methacrylic acid) modified silver nanoclusters, bovine serum albumin modified gold nanoclusters, rhodamine derivative and calcein blue as fluorescent indicators has been designed for the detection of seven heavy metal ions (Ag(+), Hg(2+), Pb(2+), Cu(2+), Cr(3+), Mn(2+) and Cd(2+)). The discriminatory capacity of the sensor array to different heavy metal ions in different pH solutions has been tested and the results have been analyzed with linear discriminant analysis. Results showed that the sensor array could be used to qualitatively analyze the selected heavy metal ions. The array performance was also evaluated in the identification of known and unknown samples and the preliminary results suggested the promising practicability of the designed sensor assay. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Emerging materials for solar cell applications: electrodeposited CdTe. Second quarter report, May 16-August 15, 1980

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

Basol, B.; Stafsudd, O.

1980-09-10

Work was centered about improving electroplating processes and cell fabrication techniques, with emphasis being given to three differing n-CdTe/Au Schottky configurations. The highest values of efficiency-related parmeters achieved with a simulated solar irradiation of 100 mW/cm/sup 2/ were 0.57V for open circuit voltage, 0.6 for fill factor, and 6 mA/cm/sup 2/ for short circuit current. Four important parameters are known to control the quality of the Monosolar electrodeposition process and resultant solar cells. They are electrolyte temperature, Te concentration in the solution at a specific pH, deposition or quasi-rest potential, and flow pattern of the electrolyte (stirring). The first threemore » considerations are believed to be fully understood and optimized. Work is underway to further understand the effects of stirring on the diffusion of ionic components and the effects on CdTe film performance. Work was accelerated during the quarter to increase the short circuit current. Parallel programs using laser irradiation of finished CdTe films, heat treatment, and changes in the electrodeposition process itself to recrystallize films were started. The surface etching technique has been highly refined, while the entire cell manufacturing process is now reproducible when defect-free substrates are used.« less

Modeling and simulation of Positron Emission Mammography (PEM) based on double-sided CdTe strip detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozsahin, I.; Unlu, M. Z.

2014-03-01

Breast cancer is the most common leading cause of cancer death among women. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Mammography, also known as Positron Emission Mammography (PEM), is a method for imaging primary breast cancer. Over the past few years, PEMs based on scintillation crystals dramatically increased their importance in diagnosis and treatment of early stage breast cancer. However, these detectors have significant limitations like poor energy resolution resulting with false-negative result (missed cancer), and false-positive result which leads to suspecting cancer and suggests an unnecessary biopsy. In this work, a PEM scanner based on CdTe strip detectors is simulated via the Monte Carlo method and evaluated in terms of its spatial resolution, sensitivity, and image quality. The spatial resolution is found to be ~ 1 mm in all three directions. The results also show that CdTe strip detectors based PEM scanner can produce high resolution images for early diagnosis of breast cancer.

Determination of hyperin in seed of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. by enhanced chemiluminescence of CdTe quantum dots on calcein/K3Fe(CN)6 system.

PubMed

Kang, Jing; Li, Xuwen; Geng, Jiayang; Han, Lu; Tang, Jieli; Jin, Yongri; Zhang, Yihua

2012-10-15

In this paper, 3-mercaptocarboxylic acid (MPA) modified CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were used as sensitizers, to enhance the chemiluminescence (CL) of the calcein/K(3)Fe(CN)(6) system. A new CL system of CdTe/calcein/K(3)Fe(CN)(6) was developed. The effects of reactant concentrations and the particle sizes of CdTe QDs on the CL emission were investigated in detail. The possible enhancement mechanism of the CL was also further investigated based on the photoluminescence (PL) and CL spectra. Polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid, quercetin, hyperin, catechin and kaempferol, were observed to inhibit the CL signal of the CdTe/calcein/K(3)Fe(CN)(6) system and determined by the proposed method. The proposed method was applied to the determination of hyperin in seed of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. and the results obtained were satisfactory. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interfacial charge transfer between CdTe quantum dots and Gram negative vs. Gram positive bacteria.

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

Dumas, E.; Gao, C.; Suffern, D.

Oxidative toxicity of semiconductor and metal nanomaterials to cells has been well established. However, it may result from many different mechanisms, some requiring direct cell contact and others resulting from the diffusion of reactive species in solution. Published results are contradictory due to differences in particle preparation, bacterial strain, and experimental conditions. It has been recently found that C{sub 60} nanoparticles can cause direct oxidative damage to bacterial proteins and membranes, including causing a loss of cell membrane potential (depolarization). However, this did not correlate with toxicity. In this study we perform a similar analysis using fluorescent CdTe quantum dots,more » adapting our tools to make use of the particles fluorescence. We find that two Gram positive strains show direct electron transfer to CdTe, resulting in changes in CdTe fluorescence lifetimes. These two strains also show changes in membrane potential upon nanoparticle binding. Two Gram negative strains do not show these effects - nevertheless, they are over 10-fold more sensitive to CdTe than the Gram positives. We find subtoxic levels of Cd{sup 2+} release from the particles upon irradiation of the particles, but significant production of hydroxyl radicals, suggesting that the latter is a major source of toxicity. These results help establish mechanisms of toxicity and also provide caveats for use of certain reporter dyes with fluorescent nanoparticles which will be of use to anyone performing these assays. The findings also suggest future avenues of inquiry into electron transfer processes between nanomaterials and bacteria.« less

Temperature Sensitivity of Water-Soluble CdTe and CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots Incorporated into Biopolymer Submicron Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slyusarenko, N. V.; Gerasimova, M. A.; Slabko, V. V.; Slyusareva, E. A.

2017-07-01

Polymer particles with sizes 0.3-0.4 μm are synthesized based on chitosan and chondroitin sulfate with incorporated CdTe (core) and CdSe/ZnS (core-shell) quantum dots. Their morphological and spectral properties are investigated by the methods of dynamic scattering, electron microscopy, and absorption and luminescence spectroscopy at temperatures from 10 to 80°C. Spectral effects associated with a change in temperature (a red shift and a decrease in the amplitude of the photoluminescence spectrum) can be explained by the temperature expansion of the quantum dots and activation of surface traps. It is shown that the temperature sensitivity of spectra of the quantum dots incorporated into the biopolymer particles is not less than in water. To develop an optical temperature sensor, the core quantum dots are more preferable than the core-shell quantum dots.

Evaluation of a CdTe semiconductor based compact gamma camera for sentinel lymph node imaging

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

Russo, Paolo; Curion, Assunta S.; Mettivier, Giovanni

2011-03-15

Purpose: The authors assembled a prototype compact gamma-ray imaging probe (MediPROBE) for sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization. This probe is based on a semiconductor pixel detector. Its basic performance was assessed in the laboratory and clinically in comparison with a conventional gamma camera. Methods: The room-temperature CdTe pixel detector (1 mm thick) has 256x256 square pixels arranged with a 55 {mu}m pitch (sensitive area 14.08x14.08 mm{sup 2}), coupled pixel-by-pixel via bump-bonding to the Medipix2 photon-counting readout CMOS integrated circuit. The imaging probe is equipped with a set of three interchangeable knife-edge pinhole collimators (0.94, 1.2, or 2.1 mm effective diametermore » at 140 keV) and its focal distance can be regulated in order to set a given field of view (FOV). A typical FOV of 70 mm at 50 mm skin-to-collimator distance corresponds to a minification factor 1:5. The detector is operated at a single low-energy threshold of about 20 keV. Results: For {sup 99m}Tc, at 50 mm distance, a background-subtracted sensitivity of 6.5x10{sup -3} cps/kBq and a system spatial resolution of 5.5 mm FWHM were obtained for the 0.94 mm pinhole; corresponding values for the 2.1 mm pinhole were 3.3x10{sup -2} cps/kBq and 12.6 mm. The dark count rate was 0.71 cps. Clinical images in three patients with melanoma indicate detection of the SLNs with acquisition times between 60 and 410 s with an injected activity of 26 MBq {sup 99m}Tc and prior localization with standard gamma camera lymphoscintigraphy. Conclusions: The laboratory performance of this imaging probe is limited by the pinhole collimator performance and the necessity of working in minification due to the limited detector size. However, in clinical operative conditions, the CdTe imaging probe was effective in detecting SLNs with adequate resolution and an acceptable sensitivity. Sensitivity is expected to improve with the future availability of a larger CdTe detector permitting operation at shorter distances from the patient skin.« less

Highly sensitive detection of caspase-3 activities via a nonconjugated gold nanoparticle-quantum dot pair mediated by an inner-filter effect.

PubMed

Li, Jingwen; Li, Xinming; Shi, Xiujuan; He, Xuewen; Wei, Wei; Ma, Nan; Chen, Hong

2013-10-09

We describe here a simple fluorometric assay for the highly sensitive detection of caspase-3 activities on the basis of the inner-filter effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on CdTe quantum dots (QDs). The method takes advantage of the high molar absorptivity of the plasmon band of gold nanoparticles as well as the large absorption band shift from 520 to 680 nm upon nanoparticle aggregation. When labeled with a peptide possessing the caspase-3 cleavage sequence (DEVD), the monodispersed Au-Ps (peptide-modified AuNPs) exhibited a tendency to aggregate when exposed to caspase-3, which induced the absorption band transition from 520 to 680 nm and turned on the fluorescence of the CdTe QDs for caspase-3 sensing. Under optimum conditions, a high sensitivity towards caspase-3 was achieved with a detection limit as low as 18 pM, which was much lower than the corresponding assays based on absorbance or other approaches. Overall, we demonstrated a facile and sensitive approach for caspase-3 detection, and we expected that this method could be potentially generalized to design more fluorescent assays for sensing other bioactive entities.

Sensitive determination of enoxacin in pharmaceutical formulations by its quench effect on the fluorescence of glutathione-capped CdTe quantum dots.

PubMed

Yang, Qiong; Tan, Xuanping; Yang, Jidong

2016-02-01

A sensitive and simple method for the determination of enoxacin (ENX) was developed based on the fluorescence quenching effect of ENX for glutathione (GSH)-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs). Under optimum conditions, a good linear relationship was obtained from 4.333 × 10(-9)  mol⋅L(-1) to 1.4 × 10(-5)  mol⋅L(-1) with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9987, and the detection limit (3σ/K) was 1.313 × 10(-9)  mol⋅L(-1). The corresponding mechanism has been proposed on the basis of electron transfer supported by ultraviolet-visible (UV) light absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy, and the measurement of fluorescence lifetime. The method has been applied to the determination of ENX in pharmaceutical formulations (enoxacin gluconate injections and commercial tablets) with satisfactory results. The proposed method manifested several advantages such as high sensitivity, short analysis time, low cost and ease of operation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Permethylated-β-Cyclodextrin Capped CdTe Quantum Dot and its Sensitive Fluorescence Analysis of Malachite Green.

PubMed

Cao, Yujuan; Wei, Jiongling; Wu, Wei; Wang, Song; Hu, Xiaogang; Yu, Ying

2015-09-01

In the present work, the CdTe quantum dots were covalently conjugated with permethylated-β-cyclodextrin (OMe-β-CD) using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride as cross-linking reagent. The obtained functional quantum dots (OMe-β-CD/QDs) showed highly luminescent, water solubility and photostability as well as good inclusion ability to malachite green. A sensitive fluorescence method was developed for the analysis of malachite green in different samples. The good linearity was 2.0 × 10(-7)-1.0 × 10(-5) mol/L and the limit of detect was 1.7 × 10(-8) mol/L. The recoveries for three environmental water samples were 92.0-108.2 % with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.24-1.87 %, while the recovery for the fish sample was 94.3 % with RSD of 1.04 %. The results showed that the present method was sensitive and convenient to determine malachite green in complex samples. Graphical Abstract The analytical mechanism of OMe-β-CD/QDs and its linear response to MG.

Ultrasensitive fluorescence immunoassay for detection of ochratoxin A using catalase-mediated fluorescence quenching of CdTe QDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Xiaolin; Zhan, Shengnan; Xu, Hengyi; Meng, Xianwei; Xiong, Yonghua; Chen, Xiaoyuan

2016-04-01

Herein, for the first time we report an improved competitive fluorescent enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the ultrasensitive detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) by using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced fluorescence quenching of mercaptopropionic acid-modified CdTe quantum dots (QDs). In this immunoassay, catalase (CAT) was labeled with OTA as a competitive antigen to connect the fluorescence signals of the QDs with the concentration of the target. Through the combinatorial use of H2O2-induced fluorescence quenching of CdTe QDs as a fluorescence signal output and the ultrahigh catalytic activity of CAT to H2O2, our proposed method could be used to perform a dynamic linear detection of OTA ranging from 0.05 pg mL-1 to 10 pg mL-1. The half maximal inhibitory concentration was 0.53 pg mL-1 and the limit of detection was 0.05 pg mL-1. These values were approximately 283- and 300-folds lower than those of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-based conventional ELISA, respectively. The reported method is accurate, highly reproducible, and specific against other mycotoxins in agricultural products as well. In summary, the developed fluorescence immunoassay based on H2O2-induced fluorescence quenching of CdTe QDs can be used for the rapid and highly sensitive detection of mycotoxins or haptens in food safety monitoring.Herein, for the first time we report an improved competitive fluorescent enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the ultrasensitive detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) by using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced fluorescence quenching of mercaptopropionic acid-modified CdTe quantum dots (QDs). In this immunoassay, catalase (CAT) was labeled with OTA as a competitive antigen to connect the fluorescence signals of the QDs with the concentration of the target. Through the combinatorial use of H2O2-induced fluorescence quenching of CdTe QDs as a fluorescence signal output and the ultrahigh catalytic activity of CAT to H2O2, our proposed method could be used to perform a dynamic linear detection of OTA ranging from 0.05 pg mL-1 to 10 pg mL-1. The half maximal inhibitory concentration was 0.53 pg mL-1 and the limit of detection was 0.05 pg mL-1. These values were approximately 283- and 300-folds lower than those of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-based conventional ELISA, respectively. The reported method is accurate, highly reproducible, and specific against other mycotoxins in agricultural products as well. In summary, the developed fluorescence immunoassay based on H2O2-induced fluorescence quenching of CdTe QDs can be used for the rapid and highly sensitive detection of mycotoxins or haptens in food safety monitoring. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr01136e

Photocurrent polarization anisotropy of randomly oriented nanowire networks.

PubMed

Yu, Yanghai; Protasenko, Vladimir; Jena, Debdeep; Xing, Huili Grace; Kuno, Masaru

2008-05-01

While the polarization sensitivity of single or aligned NW ensembles is well-known, this article reports on the existence of residual photocurrent polarization sensitivities in random NW networks. In these studies, CdSe and CdTe NWs were deposited onto glass substrates and contacted with Au electrodes separated by 30-110 microm gaps. SEM and AFM images of resulting devices show isotropically distributed NWs between the electrodes. Complementary high resolution TEM micrographs reveal component NWs to be highly crystalline with diameters between 10 and 20 nm and with lengths ranging from 1 to 10 microm. When illuminated with visible (linearly polarized) light, such random NW networks exhibit significant photocurrent anisotropies rho = 0.25 (sigma = 0.04) [rho = 0.22 (sigma = 0.04)] for CdSe (CdTe) NWs. Corresponding bandwidth measurements yield device polarization sensitivities up to 100 Hz. Additional studies have investigated the effects of varying the electrode potential, gap width, and spatial excitation profile. These experiments suggest electrode orientation as the determining factor behind the polarization sensitivity of NW devices. A simple geometric model has been developed to qualitatively explain the phenomenon. The main conclusion from these studies, however, is that polarization sensitive devices can be made from random NW networks without the need to align component wires.

Cadmium Telluride Semiconductor Detector for Improved Spatial and Energy Resolution Radioisotopic Imaging

PubMed Central

Abbaspour, Samira; Mahmoudian, Babak; Islamian, Jalil Pirayesh

2017-01-01

The detector in single-photon emission computed tomography has played a key role in the quality of the images. Over the past few decades, developments in semiconductor detector technology provided an appropriate substitution for scintillation detectors in terms of high sensitivity, better energy resolution, and also high spatial resolution. One of the considered detectors is cadmium telluride (CdTe). The purpose of this paper is to review the CdTe semiconductor detector used in preclinical studies, small organ and small animal imaging, also research in nuclear medicine and other medical imaging modalities by a complete inspect on the material characteristics, irradiation principles, applications, and epitaxial growth method. PMID:28553175

Ligand replacement-induced fluorescence switch of quantum dots for ultrasensitive detection of organophosphorothioate pesticides.

PubMed

Zhang, Kui; Mei, Qingsong; Guan, Guijian; Liu, Bianhua; Wang, Suhua; Zhang, Zhongping

2010-11-15

The development of a simple and on-site assay for the detection of organophosphorus pesticed residues is very important for food safety and exosystem protection. This paper reports the surface coordination-originated fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) of CdTe quantum dots (QDs) and a simple ligand-replacement turn-on mechanism for the highly sensitive and selective detection of organophosphorothioate pesticides. It has been demonstrated that coordination of dithizone at the surface of CdTe QDs in basic media can strongly quench the green emission of CdTe QDs by a FRET mechanism. Upon the addition of organophosphorothioate pesticides, the dithizone ligands at the CdTe QD surface are replaced by the hydrolyzate of the organophosphorothioate, and hence the fluorescence is turned on. The fluorescence turn on is immediate, and the limit of detection for chlorpyrifos is as low as ∼0.1 nM. Two consecutive linear ranges allow a wide determination of chlorpyrifos concentrations from 0.1 nM to 10 μM. Importantly, the fluorescence turn-on chemosensor can directly detect chlorpyrifos residues in apples at a limit of 5.5 ppb, which is under the maximum residue limit allowed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The very simple strategy reported here should facilitate the development of fluorescence turn-on chemosensors for chemo/biodetection.

IDeF-X ECLAIRs: A CMOS ASIC for the Readout of CdTe and CdZnTe Detectors for High Resolution Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gevin, Olivier; Baron, Pascal; Coppolani, Xavier; Daly, FranÇois; Delagnes, Eric; Limousin, Olivier; Lugiez, Francis; Meuris, Aline; Pinsard, FrÉdÉric; Renaud, Diana

2009-08-01

The very last member of the IDeF-X ASIC family is presented: IDeF-X ECLAIRs is a 32-channel front end ASIC designed for the readout of Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) and Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CdZnTe) Detectors. Thanks to its noise performance (Equivalent Noise Charge floor of 33 e- rms) and to its radiation hardened design (Single Event Latchup Linear Energy Transfer threshold of 56 MeV.cm2.mg-1), the chip is well suited for soft X-rays energy discrimination and high energy resolution, ldquospace proof,rdquo hard X-ray spectroscopy. We measured an energy low threshold of less than 4 keV with a 10 pF input capacitor and a minimal reachable sensitivity of the Equivalent Noise Charge (ENC) to input capacitance of less than 7 e-/pF obtained with a 6 mus peak time. IDeF-X ECLAIRs will be used for the readout of 6400 CdTe Schottky monopixel detectors of the 2D coded mask imaging telescope ECLAIRs aboard the SVOM satellite. IDeF-X ECLAIRs (or IDeF-X V2) has also been designed for the readout of a pixelated CdTe detector in the miniature spectro-imager prototype Caliste 256 that is currently foreseen for the high energy detector module of the Simbol-X mission.

Specific detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus by fluorescence quenching immunoassay based on quantum dots.

PubMed

Wang, Ling; Zhang, Junxian; Bai, Haili; Li, Xuan; Lv, Pintian; Guo, Ailing

2014-07-01

In this study, anti-Vibrio parahaemolyticus polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were prepared through intradermal injection immune and lymphocyte hybridoma technique respectively. CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized at pH 9.3, 98 °C for 1 h with stabilizer of 2.7:1. The fluorescence intensity was 586.499, and the yield was 62.43%. QD probes were successfully prepared under the optimized conditions of pH 7.4, 37 °C for 1 h, 250 μL of 50 mg/mL EDC · HCl, 150 μL of 4 mg/mL NHS, buffer system of Na2HPO4-citric acid, and 8 μL of 2.48 mg/mL polyclonal antibodies. As gold nanoparticles could quench fluorescence of quantum dots, the concentration of V. parahaemolyticus could be detected through measuring the reduction of fluorescence intensity in immune sandwich reaction composed of quantum dot probe, gold-labeled antibody, and the sample. For pure culture, fluorescence intensity of the system was proportional with logarithm concentration of antigen, and the correlation coefficient was 99.764%. The fluorescence quenching immunoassay based on quantum dots is established for the first time to detect Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This method may be used as rapid testing procedure due to its high simplicity and sensitivity.

Zn influence on the plasticity of Cdo{0.96}Zn{0.04}Te

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imhoff, D.; Zozime, A.; Triboulet, R.

1991-11-01

Compression tests were performed on CdTe and Cd{0.96}Zn{0.04}Te to elucidate the mechanism through which Zn inhibits dislocation formation and motion during CdTe crystal growth, thus leading to a decreasing of the dislocation density. Uniaxial deformation experiments performed with CdTe and CdZnTe at constant strain rate within a wide temperature range (0. 14;T_m le T le 0.87;T_m,;T_m = 1 365; K), have revealed a strong hardening effect of Zn within the whole temperature range. They also showed in CdZnTe a Portevin Le Chatelier effect between 770 K and 920 K confirmed by static strain aging experiments. Critical resolved shear stress (C.R.S.S.) values at T = 195; K and static strain aging results with CdZnTe point to size effect as the dominant interaction between Zn and dislocations. Thermal activation parameters were estimated in both materials. La déformation plastique a été utilisée comme approche des mécanismes par lesquels le zinc entrave le mouvement des dislocations au cours du processus de croissance cristalline de CdTe massif, réduisant ainsi la densité de dislocations. Les expériences de compression uniaxiale à vitesse constante, réalisées dans CdTe et CdZnTe entre 0,14 T_f et 0,87 T_f ont montré que le zinc est responsable d'un fort durcissement sur tout le domaine de températures étudié. Les expériences de déformation dans CdZnTe ont mis en évidence un phénomène du type Portevin Le Chatelier entre 770 K et 920 K, confirmé par des expériences de vieillissement statique. Les valeurs de scission critique tau_c à 195 K et les résultats des expériences de vieillissement statique dans CdZnTe sont compatibles avec un effet de taille dominant pour les interactions Zndislocations. Les paramètres d'activation thermique ont été estimés dans les deux matériaux.

Leaching of cadmium and tellurium from cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar panels under simulated landfill conditions

PubMed Central

Ramos-Ruiz, Adriana; Wilkening, Jean V.; Field, James A.; Sierra-Alvarez, Reyes

2017-01-01

A crushed non-encapsulated CdTe thin-film solar cell was subjected to two standardized batch leaching tests (i.e., Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and California Waste Extraction Test (WET)) and to a continuous-flow column test to assess cadmium (Cd) and tellurium (Te) dissolution under conditions simulating the acidic- and the methanogenic phases of municipal solid waste landfills. Low levels of Cd and Te were solubilized in both batch leaching tests (<8.2% and <3.6% of added Cd and Te, respectively). On the other hand, over the course of 30 days, 73% of the Cd and 21% of the Te were released to the synthetic leachate of a continuous-flow column simulating the acidic landfill phase. The dissolved Cd concentration was 3.24-fold higher than the TCLP limit (1 mg L-1), and 650-fold higher than the maximum contaminant level established by the US-EPA for this metal in drinking water (0.005 mg L-1). In contrast, the release of Cd and Te to the effluent of the continuous-flow column simulating the methanogenic phase of a landfill was negligible. The remarkable difference in the leaching behavior of CdTe in the columns is related to different aqueous pH and redox conditions promoted by the microbial communities in the columns, and is in agreement with thermodynamic predictions. PMID:28472709

Energy-discriminating X-ray computed tomography system utilizing a cadmium telluride detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Eiichi; Abderyim, Purkhet; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Hitomi, Keitaro; Takahasi, Kiyomi; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawae, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2010-07-01

An energy-discriminating K-edge X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is useful for increasing contrast resolution of a target region utilizing contrast media and for reducing the absorbed dose for patients. The CT system is of the first-generation type with a cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector, and a projection curve is obtained by translation scanning using the CdTe detector in conjunction with an x-stage. An object is rotated by the rotation step angle using a turntable between the translation scans. Thus, CT is carried out by repeating the translation scanning and the rotation of an object. Penetrating X-ray photons from the object are detected by the CdTe detector, and event signals of X-ray photons are produced using charge-sensitive and shaping amplifiers. Both the photon energy and the energy width are selected by use of a multi-channel analyzer, and the number of photons is counted by a counter card. Demonstration of enhanced iodine K-edge X-ray CT was carried out by selecting photons with energies just beyond the iodine K-edge energy of 33.2 keV.

Chiral recognition of phenylglycinol enantiomers based on N-acetyl-L-cysteine capped CdTe quantum dots in the presence of Ag+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Yuan; Zeng, Xiaoqing; Yuan, Haiyan; Huang, Yunmei; Zhao, Yanmei; Wu, Huan; Yang, Jidong

2017-08-01

In this study, a novel method for chiral recognition of phenylglycinol (PG) enantiomers was proposed. Firstly, water-soluble N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NALC)-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized and experiment showed that the fluorescence intensity of the reaction system slightly enhancement when added PG enantiomers to NALC-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs), but the R-PG and S-PG could not be distinguished. Secondly, when there was Ag+ presence in the reaction system, the experiment result was extremely interesting, the PG enantiomers cloud make NALC-capped CdTe QDs produce different fluorescence signal, in which the fluorescence of S-PG + Ag+ + NALC-CdTe system was significantly enhanced, and the fluorescence of R-PG + Ag+ + NALC-CdTe system was markedly decreased. Thirdly, all the enhanced and decreased of the fluorescence intensity were directly proportional to the concentration of R-PG and S-PG in the linearly range 10- 5-10- 7 mol·L- 1, respectively. So, the new method for simultaneous determination of the PG enantiomers was built too. The experiment result of the method was satisfactory with the detection limit of PG can reached 10- 7 mol·L- 1 and the related coefficient of S-PG and R-PG are 0.995 and 0.980, respectively. The method was highly sensitive, selective and had wider detection range compared with other methods.

Application of Timepix3 based CdTe spectral sensitive photon counting detector for PET imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turecek, Daniel; Jakubek, Jan; Trojanova, Eliska; Sefc, Ludek; Kolarova, Vera

2018-07-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine functional imaging technique. It is used in clinical oncology (medical imaging of tumors and the search for metastases), and pre-clinical studies using animals. PET uses small amounts of radioactive materials (radiotracers) and a special photon sensitive camera. Most of these cameras use scintillators with photomultipliers as detectors. However, these detectors have limited energy sensitivity and large pixels. Therefore, the false signal caused by a scattering poses a significant problem. In this work we study properties of position, energy and time sensitive semiconductor detector of Timepix3 type and its applicability for PET measurements. This work presents an initial study and evaluation of two Timepix3 detectors with 2 mm thick CdTe sensors used in simplified geometry for PET imaging. The study is performed on 2 samples - a capillary tube and a cylindrical plexiglass phantom with cavities. Both samples are filled with fluodeoxyglucose (FDG) solution that is used as a radiotracer. The Timepix3 offers better properties compared to conventional detectors - high granularity (55 μm pixel pitch), good energy resolution (1 keV at 60 keV) and sufficient time resolution (1.6 ns). The spectral sensitivity of Timepix3 together with coincidence/anticoincidence technique allows for significant reduction of background signal caused by Compton scattering and internal X-ray fluorescence of Cd and Te.

First-principles study of roles of Cu and Cl in polycrystalline CdTe

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

Yang, Ji-Hui; Park, Ji-Sang; Metzger, Wyatt

2016-01-28

Cu and Cl treatments are important processes to achieve high efficiency polycrystalline cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells, thus it will be beneficial to understand the roles they play in both bulk CdTe and CdTe grain boundaries (GBs). Using first-principles calculations, we systematically study Cu and Cl-related defects in bulk CdTe. We find that Cl has only a limited effect on improving p-type doping and too much Cl can induce deep traps in bulk CdTe, whereas Cu can enhance p-type doping of bulk CdTe. In the presence of GBs, we find that, in general, Cl and Cu will prefer to staymore » at GBs, especially for those with Te-Te wrong bonds, in agreement with experimental observations.« less

Epitaxial Growth of Cadmium Telluride Films on Silicon and Indium Antimonide Substrates Using a Closed Hot Wall Epitaxy System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Tien-Chuan

For many applications, such as infrared detector and high speed devices, we need high quality cadmium telluride (CdTe) films. To fabricate CdTe films we are using a home -built Closed Hot Wall Epitaxy system (CHWE). This system consists of two growth chambers, preheat chamber, substrate exchange load lock and ultra-high vacuum system. It can exchange the substrates without disturbing the vacuum environment and prevents the source materials from contamination. Two different substrate materials, Si and InSb, are used in this work. Deposition parameters were varied in order to determine the growth condition for obtaining good quality CdTe films. The characteristics of the films were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscope, X-ray diffractormeter and Auger Electron Spectroscope. The electrical properties of Al/CdTe/InSb MIS diodes are also examined. Experimental results show that the quality of the CdTe films on these two substrates are functions of the source and substrate temperatures. The surface of CdTe films grown on Si substrate are rougher than CdTe films grown on InSb substrate. X -ray patterns show that the crystal orientations of the CdTe films are, (100) and (111), similar to those of the substrates under optimum growth conditions. The CdTe film are stoichiometric based on the results of Auger survey. Electrical measurement also indicates that CdTe films grown on InSb substrates have very high purity and are insulator. The induced stresses due to the differences of lattice constant and thermal expansion coefficient between CdTe films and substrates were observed in CdTe films. The critical thickness of CdTe films on InSb substrates are measured by X-ray diffraction to be 2.63 um.

Raman characterization of a new Te-rich binary compound: CdTe2.

PubMed

Rousset, Jean; Rzepka, Edouard; Lincot, Daniel

2009-04-02

Structural characterization by Raman spectroscopy of CdTe thin films electrodeposited in acidic conditions is considered in this work. This study focuses on the evolution of material properties as a function of the applied potential and the film thickness, demonstrating the possibility to obtain a new Te-rich compound with a II/VI ratio of 1/2 under specific bath conditions. Raman measurements carried out on etched samples first allow the elimination of the assumption of a mixture of phases CdTe + Te and tend to confirm the formation of the CdTe(2) binary compound. The signature of this phase on the Raman spectrum is the increase of the LO band intensity compared to that obtained for the CdTe. The influence of the laser power is also considered. While no effect is observed on CdTe films, the increase of the incident irradiation power leads to the decomposition of the CdTe(2) compound into two more stable phases namely CdTe and Te.

First-principles study of roles of Cu and Cl in polycrystalline CdTe

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

Yang, Ji -Hui; Yin, Wan -Jian; Park, Ji -Sang

2016-01-25

In this study, Cu and Cl treatments are important processes to achieve high efficiency polycrystalline cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells, thus it will be beneficial to understand the roles they play in both bulk CdTe and CdTe grain boundaries (GBs). Using first-principles calculations, we systematically study Cu and Cl-related defects in bulk CdTe. We find that Cl has only a limited effect on improving p-type doping and too much Cl can induce deep traps in bulk CdTe, whereas Cu can enhance ptype doping of bulk CdTe. In the presence of GBs, we find that, in general, Cl and Cu willmore » prefer to stay at GBs, especially for those with Te-Te wrong bonds, in agreement with experimental observations.« less

Influence of EDTA{sup 2-} on the hydrothermal synthesis of CdTe nanocrystallites

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

Gong Haibo; School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022; Hao Xiaopeng, E-mail: xphao@sdu.edu.cn

2011-12-15

Transformation from Te nanorods to CdTe nanoparticles was achieved with the assistance of EDTA as a ligand under hydrothermal conditions. Experimental results showed that at the beginning of reaction Te nucleated and grew into nanorods. With the proceeding of reaction, CdTe nucleus began to emerge on the surface, especially on the tips of Te nanorods. Finally, nearly monodispersed hexagonal CdTe nanoparticles with diameters of about 200 nm were obtained. The effects of EDTA on the morphology and formation of CdTe nanoparticles were discussed in consideration of the strong ligand-effect of EDTA, which greatly decreased the concentration of Cd{sup 2+}. Furthermore,more » the possible formation process of CdTe nanoparticles from Te nanorods was further proposed. The crystal structure and morphology of the products were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). - Graphical Abstract: Firstly, Te nucleated and grew into nanorods in the presence of EDTA{sup 2-}. Then CdTe nucleus began to emerge on Te nanorods and finally monodispersed CdTe nanoparticles were obtained. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer EDTA serves as a strong ligand with Cd{sup 2+}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The existence of EDTA constrains the nucleation of CdTe and promotes the formation of Te nanorods. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer With the proceeding of reaction, CdTe nucleus began to emerge on the surface, especially on the tips of Te nanorods. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nearly monodispersed hexagonal CdTe nanoparticles with diameters of about 200 nm were finally obtained.« less

Leaching of cadmium and tellurium from cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar panels under simulated landfill conditions.

PubMed

Ramos-Ruiz, Adriana; Wilkening, Jean V; Field, James A; Sierra-Alvarez, Reyes

2017-08-15

A crushed non-encapsulated CdTe thin-film solar cell was subjected to two standardized batch leaching tests (i.e., Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and California Waste Extraction Test (WET)) and to a continuous-flow column test to assess cadmium (Cd) and tellurium (Te) dissolution under conditions simulating the acidic- and the methanogenic phases of municipal solid waste landfills. Low levels of Cd and Te were solubilized in both batch leaching tests (<8.2% and <3.6% of added Cd and Te, respectively). On the other hand, over the course of 30days, 73% of the Cd and 21% of the Te were released to the synthetic leachate of a continuous-flow column simulating the acidic landfill phase. The dissolved Cd concentration was 3.24-fold higher than the TCLP limit (1mgL -1 ), and 650-fold higher than the maximum contaminant level established by the US-EPA for this metal in drinking water (0.005mgL -1 ). In contrast, the release of Cd and Te to the effluent of the continuous-flow column simulating the methanogenic phase of a landfill was negligible. The remarkable difference in the leaching behavior of CdTe in the columns is related to different aqueous pH and redox conditions promoted by the microbial communities in the columns, and is in agreement with thermodynamic predictions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

NREL Collaboration Breaks 1-Volt Barrier in CdTe Solar Technology

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

2016-05-01

NREL scientists have worked with Washington State University and the University of Tennessee to improve the maximum voltage available from CdTe solar cells. Changes in dopants, stoichiometry, interface design, and defect chemistry improved the CdTe conductivity and carrier lifetime by orders of magnitude, thus enabling CdTe solar cells with open-circuit voltages exceeding 1 volt for the first time. Values of current density and fill factor for CdTe solar cells are already at high levels, but sub-par voltages has been a barrier to improved efficiencies. With voltages pushed beyond 1 volt, CdTe cells have a path to produce electricity at costsmore » less than fossil fuels.« less

Space-charge limited current in CdTe thin film solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qiang; Shen, Kai; Li, Xun; Yang, Ruilong; Deng, Yi; Wang, Deliang

2018-04-01

In this study, we demonstrate that space-charge limited current (SCLC) is an intrinsic current shunting leakage in CdTe thin film solar cells. The SCLC leakage channel, which is formed by contact between the front electrode, CdTe, and the back electrode, acts as a metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) like transport path. The presence of SCLC leaking microchannels in CdTe leads to a band bending at the MSM structure, which enhances minority carrier recombination and thus decreases the minority carrier lifetime in CdTe thin film solar cells. SCLC was found to be a limiting factor both for the fill factor and the open-circuit voltage of CdTe thin film solar cells.

Phonon Raman spectra of colloidal CdTe nanocrystals: effect of size, non-stoichiometry and ligand exchange

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Resonant Raman study reveals the noticeable effect of the ligand exchange on the nanocrystal (NC) surface onto the phonon spectra of colloidal CdTe NC of different size and composition. The oleic acid ligand exchange for pyridine ones was found to change noticeably the position and width of the longitudinal optical (LO) phonon mode, as well as its intensity ratio to overtones. The broad shoulder above the LO peak frequency was enhanced and sharpened after pyridine treatment, as well as with decreasing NC size. The low-frequency mode around 100 cm-1 which is commonly related with the disorder-activated acoustical phonons appears in smaller NCs but is not enhanced after pyridine treatment. Surprisingly, the feature at low-frequency shoulder of the LO peak, commonly assigned to the surface optical phonon mode, was not sensitive to ligand exchange and concomitant close packing of the NCs. An increased structural disorder on the NC surface, strain and modified electron-phonon coupling is discussed as the possible reason of the observed changes in the phonon spectrum of ligand-exchanged CdTe NCs. PACS: 63.20.-e, 78.30.-j, 78.67.-n, 78.67.Bf PMID:21711581

Analysis of the electrodeposition and surface chemistry of CdTe, CdSe, and CdS thin films through substrate-overlayer surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

PubMed

Gu, Junsi; Fahrenkrug, Eli; Maldonado, Stephen

2014-09-02

The substrate-overlayer approach has been used to acquire surface enhanced Raman spectra (SERS) during and after electrochemical atomic layer deposition (ECALD) of CdSe, CdTe, and CdS thin films. The collected data suggest that SERS measurements performed with off-resonance (i.e. far from the surface plasmonic wavelength of the underlying SERS substrate) laser excitation do not introduce perturbations to the ECALD processes. Spectra acquired in this way afford rapid insight on the quality of the semiconductor film during the course of an ECALD process. For example, SERS data are used to highlight ECALD conditions that yield crystalline CdSe and CdS films. In contrast, SERS measurements with short wavelength laser excitation show evidence of photoelectrochemical effects that were not germane to the intended ECALD process. Using the semiconductor films prepared by ECALD, the substrate-overlayer SERS approach also affords analysis of semiconductor surface adsorbates. Specifically, Raman spectra of benzenethiol adsorbed onto CdSe, CdTe, and CdS films are detailed. Spectral shifts in the vibronic features of adsorbate bonding suggest subtle differences in substrate-adsorbate interactions, highlighting the sensitivity of this methodology.

Eddy current sensor concepts for the Bridgman growth of semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dharmasena, Kumar P.; Wadley, Haydn N. G.

1997-03-01

Electromagnetic finite element methods have been used to identify eddy current sensor designs for monitoring CdTe vertical Bridgman crystal growth. A model system consisting of pairs of silicon cylinders with electrical conductivities similar to those of solid and liquid CdTe has been used to evaluate the multifrequency response of several sensors designed for locating and characterizing the curvature of liquid-solid interfaces during vertical Bridgman growth. At intermediate frequencies (100-800 kHz), the sensor's imaginary impedance monotonically increases as interfacial curvature changes from concave to convex or the interface location moves upwards through the sensor. The experimental data are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. At higher test frequencies (˜ 5 MHz), the test circuit's parasitics contribute to the sensor's response. Even so, the predicted trends with interface location/curvature were found to be still preserved, and the experiments confirm that the sensor's high frequency response depends more on interface location and has only a small sensitivity to curvature. Multifrequency data obtained from these types of sensors have the potential to separately discriminate the location and the shape of liquid-solid interfaces during the vertical Bridgman growth of CdTe and other semiconductor materials of higher electrical conductivity.

Tunable single and double emission semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots: a multianalyte sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratnesh, Ratneshwar Kumar; Singh Mehata, Mohan

2018-07-01

We have prepared stable colloidal CdTe and CdTe/ZnS core–shell quantum dots (QDs) using hot injection chemical route. The developed CdTe QDs emit tunable single and dual photoluminescence (PL) bands, originating from the direct band edge and the surface state of QDs, as evident by the steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy. The developed CdTe and CdTe/ZnS QDs act as optical sensors for the detection of metal ions (e.g., Fe2+ and Pb2+) in the feed water. The PL quenching in the presence of analytes has been examined by both the steady-state and time-resolved PL spectroscopy. The linear Stern–Volmer (S–V) plots obtained for PL intensity and lifetime as a function of metal ion concentration demonstrates the diffusion-mediated collisional quenching as a dominant mechanism together with the possibility of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Thus, the prepared core and core–shell QDs which cover a broad spectral range of white light with high quantum yield (QY) are highly sensitive to the detection of metal ions in feed water and are also important for biological applications (Ratnesh and Mehata 2017 Spectrochim. Acta A: Mol. Biomol. Spectro. 179 201–10).

Application of an oscillation-type linear cadmium telluride detector to enhanced gadolinium K-edge computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Sato, Eiichi; Hagiwara, Osahiko; Abudurexiti, Abulajiang; Osawa, Akihiro; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Nagao, Jiro; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2011-03-01

A linear cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector is useful for carrying out energy-discrimination X-ray imaging, including computed tomography (CT). To perform enhanced gadolinium K-edge CT, we used an oscillation-type linear CdTe detector with an energy resolution of 1.2 keV. CT is performed by repeating the linear scan and the rotation of an object. Penetrating X-ray photons from the object are detected by the CdTe detector, and event signals of X-ray photons are produced using charge-sensitive and shaping amplifiers. Both the photon energy and the energy width are selected using a multichannel analyzer, and the number of photons is counted by a counter card. In energy-discrimination CT, tube voltage and current were 80 kV and 20 μA, respectively, and X-ray intensity was 1.55 μGy/s at 1.0 m from the source at a tube voltage of 80 kV. Demonstration of enhanced gadolinium K-edge X-ray CT was carried out by selecting photons with energies just beyond gadolinium K-edge energy of 50.3 keV.

The Si/CdTe semiconductor camera of the ASTRO-H Hard X-ray Imager (HXI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Goro; Hagino, Kouichi; Watanabe, Shin; Genba, Kei; Harayama, Atsushi; Kanematsu, Hironori; Kataoka, Jun; Katsuragawa, Miho; Kawaharada, Madoka; Kobayashi, Shogo; Kokubun, Motohide; Kuroda, Yoshikatsu; Makishima, Kazuo; Masukawa, Kazunori; Mimura, Taketo; Miyake, Katsuma; Murakami, Hiroaki; Nakano, Toshio; Nakazawa, Kazuhiro; Noda, Hirofumi; Odaka, Hirokazu; Onishi, Mitsunobu; Saito, Shinya; Sato, Rie; Sato, Tamotsu; Tajima, Hiroyasu; Takahashi, Hiromitsu; Takahashi, Tadayuki; Takeda, Shin`ichiro; Yuasa, Takayuki

2016-09-01

The Hard X-ray Imager (HXI) is one of the instruments onboard the ASTRO-H mission [1-4] to be launched in early 2016. The HXI is the focal plane detector of the hard X-ray reflecting telescope that covers an energy range from 5 to 80 keV. It will execute observations of astronomical objects with a sensitivity for point sources as faint as 1/100,000 of the Crab nebula at > 10 keV. The HXI camera - the imaging part of the HXI - is realized by a hybrid semiconductor detector system that consists of silicon (Si) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) semiconductor detectors. Here, we present the final design of the HXI camera and report on the development of the flight model. The camera is composed of four layers of Double-sided Silicon Strip Detectors (DSSDs) and one layer of CdTe Double-sided Strip Detector (CdTe-DSD), each with an imaging area of 32 mm×32 mm. The strip pitch of the Si and CdTe sensors is 250 μm, and the signals from all 1280 strips are processed by 40 Application Specified Integrated Circuits (ASICs) developed for the HXI. The five layers of sensors are vertically stacked with a 4 mm spacing to increase the detection efficiency. The thickness of the sensors is 0.5 mm for the Si, and 0.75 mm for the CdTe. In this configuration, soft X-ray photons will be absorbed in the Si part, while hard X-ray photons will go through the Si part and will be detected in the CdTe part. The design of the sensor trays, peripheral circuits, power connections, and readout schemes are also described. The flight models of the HXI camera have been manufactured, tested and installed in the HXI instrument and then on the satellite.

Efficient fluorescence energy transfer system between CdTe-doped silica nanoparticles and gold nanoparticles for turn-on fluorescence detection of melamine.

PubMed

Gao, Feng; Ye, Qingqing; Cui, Peng; Zhang, Lu

2012-05-09

We here report an efficient and enhanced fluorescence energy transfer system between confined quantum dots (QDs) by entrapping CdTe into the mesoporous silica shell (CdTe@SiO₂) as donors and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as acceptors. At pH 6.50, the CdTe@SiO₂-AuNPs assemblies coalesce to form larger clusters due to charge neutralization, leading to the fluorescence quenching of CdTe@SiO₂ as a result of energy transfer. As compared with the energy transfer system between unconfined CdTe and AuNPs, the maximum fluorescence quenching efficiency of the proposed system is improved by about 27.0%, and the quenching constant, K(sv), is increased by about 2.4-fold. The enhanced quenching effect largely turns off the fluorescence of CdTe@SiO₂ and provides an optimal "off-state" for sensitive "turn-on" assay. In the present study, upon addition of melamine, the weak fluorescence system of CdTe@SiO₂-AuNPs is enhanced due to the strong interactions between the amino group of melamine and the gold nanoparticles via covalent bond, leading to the release of AuNPs from the surfaces of CdTe@SiO₂; thus, its fluorescence is restored. A "turn-on" fluorimetric method for the detection of melamine is proposed based on the restored fluorescence of the system. Under the optimal conditions, the fluorescence enhanced efficiency shows a linear function against the melamine concentrations ranging from 7.5 × 10⁻⁹ to 3.5 × 10⁻⁷ M (i.e., 1.0-44 ppb). The analytical sensitivity is improved by about 50%, and the detection limit is decreased by 5.0-fold, as compared with the analytical results using the CdTe-AuNPs system. Moreover, the proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of melamine in real samples with excellent recoveries in the range from 97.4 to 104.1%. Such a fluorescence energy transfer system between confined QDs and AuNPs may pave a new way for designing chemo/biosensing.

Doping of polycrystalline CdTe for high-efficiency solar cells on flexible metal foil.

PubMed

Kranz, Lukas; Gretener, Christina; Perrenoud, Julian; Schmitt, Rafael; Pianezzi, Fabian; La Mattina, Fabio; Blösch, Patrick; Cheah, Erik; Chirilă, Adrian; Fella, Carolin M; Hagendorfer, Harald; Jäger, Timo; Nishiwaki, Shiro; Uhl, Alexander R; Buecheler, Stephan; Tiwari, Ayodhya N

2013-01-01

Roll-to-roll manufacturing of CdTe solar cells on flexible metal foil substrates is one of the most attractive options for low-cost photovoltaic module production. However, various efforts to grow CdTe solar cells on metal foil have resulted in low efficiencies. This is caused by the fact that the conventional device structure must be inverted, which imposes severe restrictions on device processing and consequently limits the electronic quality of the CdTe layer. Here we introduce an innovative concept for the controlled doping of the CdTe layer in the inverted device structure by means of evaporation of sub-monolayer amounts of Cu and subsequent annealing, which enables breakthrough efficiencies up to 13.6%. For the first time, CdTe solar cells on metal foil exceed the 10% efficiency threshold for industrialization. The controlled doping of CdTe with Cu leads to increased hole density, enhanced carrier lifetime and improved carrier collection in the solar cell. Our results offer new research directions for solving persistent challenges of CdTe photovoltaics.

High fidelity polycrystalline CdTe/CdS heterostructures via molecular dynamics

DOE PAGES

Aguirre, Rodolfo; Chavez, Jose Juan; Zhou, Xiaowang; ...

2017-06-20

Molecular dynamics simulations of polycrystalline growth of CdTe/CdS heterostructures have been performed. First, CdS was deposited on an amorphous CdS substrate, forming a polycrystalline film. Subsequently, CdTe was deposited on top of the polycrystalline CdS film. Cross-sectional images show grain formation at early stages of the CdS growth. During CdTe deposition, the CdS structure remains almost unchanged. Concurrently, CdTe grain boundary motion was detected after the first 24.4 nanoseconds of CdTe deposition. With the elapse of time, this grain boundary pins along the CdS/CdTe interface, leaving only a small region of epitaxial growth. CdTe grains are larger than CdS grainsmore » in agreement with experimental observations in the literature. Crystal phase analysis shows that zinc blende structure dominates over the wurtzite structure inside both CdS and CdTe grains. Composition analysis shows Te and S diffusion to the CdS and CdTe films, respectively. Lastly, these simulated results may stimulate new ideas for studying and improving CdTe solar cell efficiency.« less

Doping of polycrystalline CdTe for high-efficiency solar cells on flexible metal foil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kranz, Lukas; Gretener, Christina; Perrenoud, Julian; Schmitt, Rafael; Pianezzi, Fabian; La Mattina, Fabio; Blösch, Patrick; Cheah, Erik; Chirilă, Adrian; Fella, Carolin M.; Hagendorfer, Harald; Jäger, Timo; Nishiwaki, Shiro; Uhl, Alexander R.; Buecheler, Stephan; Tiwari, Ayodhya N.

2013-08-01

Roll-to-roll manufacturing of CdTe solar cells on flexible metal foil substrates is one of the most attractive options for low-cost photovoltaic module production. However, various efforts to grow CdTe solar cells on metal foil have resulted in low efficiencies. This is caused by the fact that the conventional device structure must be inverted, which imposes severe restrictions on device processing and consequently limits the electronic quality of the CdTe layer. Here we introduce an innovative concept for the controlled doping of the CdTe layer in the inverted device structure by means of evaporation of sub-monolayer amounts of Cu and subsequent annealing, which enables breakthrough efficiencies up to 13.6%. For the first time, CdTe solar cells on metal foil exceed the 10% efficiency threshold for industrialization. The controlled doping of CdTe with Cu leads to increased hole density, enhanced carrier lifetime and improved carrier collection in the solar cell. Our results offer new research directions for solving persistent challenges of CdTe photovoltaics.

Glucose biosensor based on nanocomposite films of CdTe quantum dots and glucose oxidase.

PubMed

Li, Xinyu; Zhou, Yunlong; Zheng, Zhaozhu; Yue, Xiuli; Dai, Zhifei; Liu, Shaoqin; Tang, Zhiyong

2009-06-02

A blood glucose sensor has been developed based on the multilayer films of CdTe semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and glucose oxidase (GOD) by using the layer-by-layer assembly technique. When the composite films were contacted with glucose solution, the photoluminescence of QDs in the films was quickly quenched because the enzyme-catalyzed reaction product (H2O2) of GOD and glucose gave rise to the formation of surface defects on QDs. The quenching rate was a function of the concentration of glucose. The linear range and sensitivity for glucose determination could be adjusted by controlling the layers of QDs and GOD. The biosensor was used to successfully determine the concentration of blood glucose in real serum samples without sample pretreatment and exhibited satisfactory reproducibility and accuracy.

Processing and Characterization of Thin Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wojtowicz, Anna

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) has the highest theoretical limit to conversion efficiency of single-junction photovoltaic (PV) technologies today. However, despite a maximum theoretical open-circuit voltage of 1.20 V, record devices have historically had voltages pinned around only 900 mV. Voltage losses due to high recombination rates remains to be the most complex hurdle to CdTe technology today, and the subject of on-going research in the physics PV group at Colorado State University. In this work, an ultrathin CdTe device architecture is proposed in an effort to reduce bulk recombination and boost voltages. By thinning the CdTe layer, a device's internal electric field extends fully towards the back contact. This quickly separates electrons-hole pairs throughout the bulk of the device and reduces overall recombination. Despite this advantage, very thin CdTe layers also present a unique set of optical and electrical challenges which result in performance losses not as prevalent in thicker devices. When fabricating CdTe solar cells, post-deposition treatments applied to the absorber layer are a critical step for achieving high efficiency devices. Exposure of the polycrystalline CdTe film to a chlorine species encourages the passivation of dangling bonds and larger grain formation, while copper-doping improves device uniformity and voltages. This work focuses on experiments conducted via close-space sublimation to optimize CdCl2 and CuCl treatments for thin CdTe solar cells. Sweeps of both exposure and anneal time were performed for both post-deposition treatments on CdTe devices with 1.0 mum absorber layers. The results demonstrate that thin CdTe devices require substantially less post-deposition processing than standard thicker devices as expected. Additionally, the effects of CdTe growth temperature on thin devices is briefly investigated. The results suggest that higher growth temperatures lead to both electrical and stoichiometric changes in CdTe closely associated with lower carrier lifetimes and poorer overall performance.

The HEXITEC Hard X-Ray Pixelated CdTe Imager for Fast Solar Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baumgartner, Wayne H.; Christe, Steven D.; Ryan, Daniel; Inglis, Andrew R.; Shih, Albert Y.; Gregory, Kyle; Wilson, Matt; Seller, Paul; Gaskin, Jessica; Wilson-Hodge, Colleen

2016-01-01

There is an increasing demand in solar and astrophysics for high resolution X-ray spectroscopic imaging. Such observations would present ground breaking opportunities to study the poorly understood high energy processes in our solar system and beyond, such as solar flares, X-ray binaries, and active galactic nuclei. However, such observations require a new breed of solid state detectors sensitive to high energy X-rays with fine independent pixels to sub-sample the point spread function (PSF) of the X-ray optics. For solar observations in particular, they must also be capable of handling very high count rates as photon fluxes from solar flares often cause pile up and saturation in present generation detectors. The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) has recently developed a new cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector system, called HEXITEC (High Energy X-ray Imaging Technology). It is an 80 x 80 array of 250 micron independent pixels sensitive in the 2-200 keV band and capable of a high full frame read out rate of 10 kHz. HEXITEC provides the smallest independently read out CdTe pixels currently available, and are well matched to the few arcsecond PSF produced by current and next generation hard X-ray focusing optics. NASA's Goddard and Marshall Space Flight Centers are collaborating with RAL to develop these detectors for use on future space borne hard X-ray focusing telescopes. We show the latest results on HEXITEC's imaging capability, energy resolution, high read out rate, and reveal it to be ideal for such future instruments.

Surface passivation for CdTe devices

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

Reese, Matthew O.; Perkins, Craig L.; Burst, James M.

2017-08-01

In one embodiment, a method for surface passivation for CdTe devices is provided. The method includes adjusting a stoichiometry of a surface of a CdTe material layer such that the surface becomes at least one of stoichiometric or Cd-rich; and reconstructing a crystalline lattice at the surface of the CdTe material layer by annealing the adjusted surface.

Electrooptic modulation methods for high sensitivity tunable diode laser spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glenar, David A.; Jennings, Donald E.; Nadler, Shacher

1990-01-01

A CdTe phase modulator and low power RF sources have been used with Pb-salt tunable diode lasers operating near 8 microns to generate optical sidebands for high sensitivity absorption spectroscopy. Sweep averaged, first-derivative sample spectra of CH4 were acquired by wideband phase sensitive detection of the electrooptically (EO) generated carrier-sideband beat signal. EO generated beat signals were also used to frequency lock the TDL to spectral lines. This eliminates low frequency diode jitter, and avoids the excess laser linewidth broadening that accompanies TDL current modulation frequency locking methods.

Pixel CdTe semiconductor module to implement a sub-MeV imaging detector for astrophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gálvez, J.-L.; Hernanz, M.; Álvarez, L.; Artigues, B.; Álvarez, J.-M.; Ullán, M.; Pellegrini, G.; Lozano, M.; Cabruja, E.; Martínez, R.; Chmeissani, M.; Puigdengoles, C.

2017-03-01

Stellar explosions are relevant and interesting astrophysical phenomena. Since long ago we have been working on the characterization of nova and supernova explosions in X and gamma rays, with the use of space missions such as INTEGRAL, XMM-Newton and Swift. We have been also involved in feasibility studies of future instruments in the energy range from several keV up to a few MeV, in collaboration with other research institutes, such as GRI, DUAL and e-ASTROGAM. High sensitivities are essential to perform detailed studies of cosmic explosions and cosmic accelerators, e.g., Supernovae, Classical Novae, Supernova Remnants (SNRs), Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). In order to fulfil the combined requirement of high detection efficiency with good spatial and energy resolution, an initial module prototype based on CdTe pixel detectors is being developed. The detector dimensions are 12.5mm x 12.5mm x 2mm, with a pixel pitch of 1mm x 1mm. Each pixel is bump bonded to a fanout board made of Sapphire substrate and routed to the corresponding input channel of the readout ASIC, to measure pixel position and pulse height for each incident gamma-ray photon. An ohmic CdTe pixel detector has been characterised by means of 57Co, 133Ba and 22Na sources. Based on this, its spectroscopic performance and the influence of charge sharing is reported here. The pixel study is complemented by the simulation of the CdTe module performance using the GEANT 4 and MEGALIB tools, which will help us to optimise the pixel size selection.

Design of epitaxial CdTe solar cells on InSb substrates

DOE PAGES

Song, Tao; Kanevce, Ana; Sites, James R.

2015-11-01

Epitaxial CdTe has been shown by others to have a radiative recombination rate approaching unity, high carrier concentration, and low defect density. It has, therefore, become an attractive candidate for high-efficiency solar cells, perhaps becoming competitive with GaAs. The choice of substrate is a key design feature for epitaxial CdTe solar cells, and several possibilities (CdTe, Si, GaAs, and InSb) have been investigated by others. All have challenges, and these have generally been addressed through the addition of intermediate layers between the substrate and CdTe absorber. InSb is an attractive substrate choice for CdTe devices, because it has a closemore » lattice match with CdTe, it has low resistivity, and it is easy to contact. However, the valence-band alignment between InSb and p-type CdTe, which can both impede hole current and enhance forward electron current, is not favorable. Three strategies to address the band-offset problem are investigated by numerical simulation: heavy doping of the back part of the CdTe layer, incorporation of an intermediate CdMgTe or CdZnTe layer, and the formation of an InSb tunnel junction. Lastly, wach of these strategies is predicted to be helpful for higher cell performance, but a combination of the first two should be most effective.« less

The effects of anode material type on the optoelectronic properties of electroplated CdTe thin films and the implications for photovoltaic application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Echendu, O. K.; Dejene, B. F.; Dharmadasa, I. M.

2018-03-01

The effects of the type of anode material on the properties of electrodeposited CdTe thin films for photovoltaic application have been studied. Cathodic electrodeposition of two sets of CdTe thin films on glass/fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) was carried out in two-electrode configuration using graphite and platinum anodes. Optical absorption spectra of films grown with graphite anode displayed significant spread across the deposition potentials compared to those grown with platinum anode. Photoelectrochemical cell result shows that the CdTe grown with graphite anode became p-type after post-deposition annealing with prior CdCl2 treatment, as a result of carbon incorporation into the films, while those grown with platinum anode remained n-type after annealing. A review of recent photoluminescence characterization of some of these CdTe films reveals the persistence of a defect level at (0.97-0.99) eV below the conduction band in the bandgap of CdTe grown with graphite anode after annealing while films grown with platinum anode showed the absence of this defect level. This confirms the impact of carbon incorporation into CdTe. Solar cell made with CdTe grown with platinum anode produced better conversion efficiency compared to that made with CdTe grown using graphite anode, underlining the impact of anode type in electrodeposition.

Red Light-Emitting Diode Based on Blue InGaN Chip with CdTe x S(1 - x) Quantum Dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Rongfang; Wei, Xingming; Qin, Liqin; Luo, Zhihui; Liang, Chunjie; Tan, Guohang

2017-01-01

Thioglycolic acid-capped CdTe x S(1 - x) quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized through a one-step approach in an aqueous medium. The CdTe x S(1 - x) QDs played the role of a color conversion center. The structural and luminescent properties of the obtained CdTe x S(1 - x) QDs were investigated. The fabricated red light-emitting hybrid device with the CdTe x S(1 - x) QDs as the phosphor and a blue InGaN chip as the excitation source showed a good luminance. The Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage coordinates of the light-emitting diode (LED) at (0.66, 0.29) demonstrated a red LED. Results showed that CdTe x S(1 - x) QDs can be excited by blue or near-UV regions. This feature presents CdTe x S(1 - x) QDs with an advantage over wavelength converters for LEDs.

Self-Catalyzed CdTe Wires.

PubMed

Baines, Tom; Papageorgiou, Giorgos; Hutter, Oliver S; Bowen, Leon; Durose, Ken; Major, Jonathan D

2018-04-25

CdTe wires have been fabricated via a catalyst free method using the industrially scalable physical vapor deposition technique close space sublimation. Wire growth was shown to be highly dependent on surface roughness and deposition pressure, with only low roughness surfaces being capable of producing wires. Growth of wires is highly (111) oriented and is inferred to occur via a vapor-solid-solid growth mechanism, wherein a CdTe seed particle acts to template the growth. Such seed particles are visible as wire caps and have been characterized via energy dispersive X-ray analysis to establish they are single phase CdTe, hence validating the self-catalysation route. Cathodoluminescence analysis demonstrates that CdTe wires exhibited a much lower level of recombination when compared to a planar CdTe film, which is highly beneficial for semiconductor applications.

2d distribution mapping of quantum dots injected onto filtration paper by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Škarková, Pavlína; Novotný, Karel; Lubal, Přemysl; Jebavá, Alžběta; Pořízka, Pavel; Klus, Jakub; Farka, Zdeněk; Hrdlička, Aleš; Kaiser, Jozef

2017-05-01

In this study, the feasibility of Quantum dots (QDs) 2D distribution mapping on the substrate by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) was examined. The major objective of this study was to describe phenomena occurring after applying aqueous solutions of QDs onto filtration paper. Especially, the influence of pH and presence of Cu2 + cations in QDs solutions on LIBS signal was investigated. Cadmium Telluride QDs (CdTe QDs) were prepared by formation of nanosized semiconductor particles in so called ;one-pot; synthesis. CdTe QDs were capped by glutathione or by 3-mercaptopropionic acid. The technique described in this work allows detection of QDs injected on the selected substrate - filtration paper. Results obtained from LIBS experiments were collated with a comparative method, fluorescence microscopy, which showed variations in the distribution of QDs on the substrate surface and possibilities for quenching. Due to the immediate signal response, relatively simple instrumentation and automatization possibility, LIBS offers promising and fast alternative to other techniques, as it is able to detect also nanoparticles with no visible luminescence.

Embedded vertically aligned cadmium telluride nanorod arrays grown by one-step electrodeposition for enhanced energy conversion efficiency in three-dimensional nanostructured solar cells.

PubMed

Wang, Jun; Liu, Shurong; Mu, Yannan; Liu, Li; A, Runa; Yang, Jiandong; Zhu, Guijie; Meng, Xianwei; Fu, Wuyou; Yang, Haibin

2017-11-01

Vertically aligned CdTe nanorods (NRs) arrays are successfully grown by a simple one-step and template-free electrodeposition method, and then embedded in the CdS window layer to form a novel three-dimensional (3D) heterostructure on flexible substrates. The parameters of electrodeposition such as deposition potential and pH of the solution are varied to analyze their important role in the formation of high quality CdTe NRs arrays. The photovoltaic conversion efficiency of the solar cell based on the 3D heterojunction structure is studied in detail. In comparison with the standard planar heterojunction solar cell, the 3D heterojunction solar cell exhibits better photovoltaic performance, which can be attributed to its enhanced optical absorption ability, increased heterojunction area and improved charge carrier transport. The better photoelectric property of the 3D heterojunction solar cell suggests great application potential in thin film solar cells, and the simple electrodeposition process represents a promising technique for large-scale fabrication of other nanostructured solar energy conversion devices. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Self-Assembled Core-Shell CdTe/Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Nanoensembles as Novel Donor-Acceptor Light-Harvesting Systems.

PubMed

Istif, Emin; Kagkoura, Antonia; Hernandez-Ferrer, Javier; Stergiou, Anastasios; Skaltsas, Theodosis; Arenal, Raul; Benito, Ana M; Maser, Wolfgang K; Tagmatarchis, Nikos

2017-12-27

The self-assembly of novel core-shell nanoensembles consisting of regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanoparticles (P3HT NPs ) of 100 nm as core and semiconducting CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs ) as shell with a thickness of a few tens of nanometers was accomplished by employing a reprecipitation approach. The structure, morphology, and composition of CdTe QDs /P3HT NPs nanoensembles were confirmed by high-resolution scanning transmission microscopy and dynamic light-scattering studies. Intimate interface contact between the CdTe QDs shell and the P3HT NPs core leads to the stabilization of the CdTe QDs /P3HT NPs nanoensemble as probed by the steady-state absorption spectroscopy. Effective quenching of the characteristic photoluminescence of CdTe QDs at 555 nm, accompanied by simultaneous increase in emission of P3HT NPs at 660 and 720 nm, reveals photoinduced charge-transfer processes. Probing the redox properties of films of CdTe QDs /P3HT NPs further proves the formation of a stabilized core-shell system in the solid state. Photoelectrochemical assays on CdTe QDs /P3HT NPs films show a reversible on-off photoresponse at a bias voltage of +0.8 V with a 3 times increased photocurrent compared to CdTe QDs . The improved charge separation is directly related to the unique core-shell configuration, in which the outer CdTe QDs shell forces the P3HT NPs core to effectively act as electron acceptor. The creation of novel donor-acceptor core-shell hybrid materials via self-assembly is transferable to other types of conjugated polymers and semiconducting nanoparticles. This work, therefore, opens new pathways for the design of improved optoelectronic devices.

Imaging, microscopic analysis, and modeling of a CdTe module degraded by heat and light

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

Johnston, Steve; Albin, David; Hacke, Peter

Photoluminescence (PL), electroluminescence (EL), and dark lock-in thermography are collected during stressing of a CdTe module under one-Sun light at an elevated temperature of 100 degrees C. The PL imaging system is simple and economical. The PL images show differing degrees of degradation across the module and are less sensitive to effects of shunting and resistance that appear on the EL images. Regions of varying degradation are chosen based on avoiding pre-existing shunt defects. These regions are evaluated using time-of-flight secondary ion-mass spectrometry and Kelvin probe force microscopy. Reduced PL intensity correlates to increased Cu concentration at the front interface.more » Numerical modeling and measurements agree that the increased Cu concentration at the junction also correlates to a reduced space charge region.« less

Imaging, microscopic analysis, and modeling of a CdTe module degraded by heat and light

DOE PAGES

Johnston, Steve; Albin, David; Hacke, Peter; ...

2018-01-12

Photoluminescence (PL), electroluminescence (EL), and dark lock-in thermography are collected during stressing of a CdTe module under one-Sun light at an elevated temperature of 100 degrees C. The PL imaging system is simple and economical. The PL images show differing degrees of degradation across the module and are less sensitive to effects of shunting and resistance that appear on the EL images. Regions of varying degradation are chosen based on avoiding pre-existing shunt defects. These regions are evaluated using time-of-flight secondary ion-mass spectrometry and Kelvin probe force microscopy. Reduced PL intensity correlates to increased Cu concentration at the front interface.more » Numerical modeling and measurements agree that the increased Cu concentration at the junction also correlates to a reduced space charge region.« less

Choice of Substrate Material for Epitaxial CdTe Solar Cells

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

Song, Tao; Kanevce, Ana; Sites, James R.

2015-06-14

Epitaxial CdTe with high quality, low defect density, and high carrier concentration should in principle yield high-efficiency photovoltaic devices. However, insufficient effort has been given to explore the choice of substrate for high-efficiency epitaxial CdTe solar cells. In this paper, we use numerical simulations to investigate three crystalline substrates: silicon (Si), InSb, and CdTe each substrate material are generally discussed.

Spatial luminescence imaging of dopant incorporation in CdTe Films

DOE PAGES

Guthrey, Harvey; Moseley, John; Colegrove, Eric; ...

2017-01-25

State-of-the-art cathodoluminescence (CL) spectrum imaging with spectrum-per-pixel CL emission mapping is applied to spatially profile how dopant elements are incorporated into Cadmium telluride (CdTe). Emission spectra and intensity monitor the spatial distribution of additional charge carriers through characteristic variations in the CL emission based on computational modeling. Our results show that grain boundaries play a role in incorporating dopants in CdTe exposed to copper, phosphorus, and intrinsic point defects in CdTe. Furthermore, the image analysis provides critical, unique feedback to understand dopant incorporation and activation in the inhomogeneous CdTe material, which has struggled to reach high levels of hole density.

Thermodynamic analysis of vapor-phase epitaxy of CdTe using a metallic Cd source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iso, Kenji; Murakami, Hisashi; Koukitu, Akinori

2017-07-01

Thermodynamic analysis of CdTe growth using cost-effective metallic Cd and dialkyl telluride was performed. The major vapor species at source zone in equilibrium were gaseous Cd for the group-II precursor, and Te2 and H2Te for the group-VI precursors. The driving force for the CdTe deposition was still positive even at 650 °C. This indicates that CdTe formation from gaseous Cd can proceed thermodynamically. Furthermore, the calculations showed that CdTe decomposes at higher temperature and increasing the II/VI ratio increases the limit of the growth temperature, which coincides with the experimental results.

[Oxidative damage effects induced by CdTe quantum dots in mice].

PubMed

Xie, G Y; Chen, W; Wang, Q K; Cheng, X R; Xu, J N; Huang, P L

2017-07-20

Objective: To investigate Oxidative damage effects induced by CdTe Quantum Dots (QDs) in mice. Methods: 40 ICR mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: one control group (normal saline) ; four CdTe QDs (exposed by intravenous injection of 0.2 ml of CdTe QDs at the concentration of 0、0.5、5.0、50.0 and 500.0 nmol/ml respectively) . After 24 h, the mice were decapitated and the blood was collected for serum biochemically indexes、hematology indexes, the activities of SOD、GSH-Px and the concentration of MDA were all detected. Results: The results showed in the four CdTe QDs exposure groups, the level of CRE、PLT and the concentration of MDA were all significantly lower than those of the control group ( P <0.05 or P <0.01) ; the activities GSH - Px in 50.0 and 500.0 nmol/ml CdTe QDs group were significantly higher than those of control group ( P <0.01) . Conclusion: It was suggested that CdTe QDs at 0.5 nmol/ml could induce Oxidative damage effects in mice.

Synergetic effect of functional cadmium–tellurium quantum dots conjugated with gambogic acid for HepG2 cell-labeling and proliferation inhibition

PubMed Central

Xu, Peipei; Li, Jingyuan; Shi, Lixin; Selke, Matthias; Chen, Baoan; Wang, Xuemei

2013-01-01

We prepared and studied novel fluorescent nanocomposites based on gambogic acid (GA) and cadmium–tellurium (CdTe) quantum dots (CdTe QDs) modified with cysteamine for purpose of cancer cell labeling and combined treatment. The nanocomposites were denoted as GA-CdTe. Characterization results indicated that the CdTe QDs can readily bind onto cell plasma membranes and then be internalized into cancer cells for real-time labeling and tracing of human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) cells. GA-CdTe significantly enhanced drug accumulation in HepG2 cells and inhibited cancer cell proliferation. GA-CdTe nanocomposites also improved the drug action of GA molecules in HepG2 cells and induced the G2/M phase arrest of the cancer cell cycle, promoting cell apoptosis. Given the sensitive, pH-triggered release of GA-CdTe, the side effects of GA anticancer agents on normal cells/tissues in the blood circulation markedly decreased. Efficient drug release and accumulation in target tumor cells were also facilitated. Thus, the fluorescent GA-CdTe offered a new strategy for potential multimode cancer therapy and provided new channels for research into naturally-active compounds extracted from traditional Chinese medicinal plants. PMID:24109183

Synergetic effect of functional cadmium-tellurium quantum dots conjugated with gambogic acid for HepG2 cell-labeling and proliferation inhibition.

PubMed

Xu, Peipei; Li, Jingyuan; Shi, Lixin; Selke, Matthias; Chen, Baoan; Wang, Xuemei

2013-01-01

We prepared and studied novel fluorescent nanocomposites based on gambogic acid (GA) and cadmium-tellurium (CdTe) quantum dots (CdTe QDs) modified with cysteamine for purpose of cancer cell labeling and combined treatment. The nanocomposites were denoted as GA-CdTe. Characterization results indicated that the CdTe QDs can readily bind onto cell plasma membranes and then be internalized into cancer cells for real-time labeling and tracing of human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) cells. GA-CdTe significantly enhanced drug accumulation in HepG2 cells and inhibited cancer cell proliferation. GA-CdTe nanocomposites also improved the drug action of GA molecules in HepG2 cells and induced the G2/M phase arrest of the cancer cell cycle, promoting cell apoptosis. Given the sensitive, pH-triggered release of GA-CdTe, the side effects of GA anticancer agents on normal cells/tissues in the blood circulation markedly decreased. Efficient drug release and accumulation in target tumor cells were also facilitated. Thus, the fluorescent GA-CdTe offered a new strategy for potential multimode cancer therapy and provided new channels for research into naturally-active compounds extracted from traditional Chinese medicinal plants.

A sensitive fluorescent nanosensor for chloramphenicol based on molecularly imprinted polymer-capped CdTe quantum dots.

PubMed

Amjadi, Mohammad; Jalili, Roghayeh; Manzoori, Jamshid L

2016-05-01

A novel fluorescent nanosensor using molecularly imprinted silica nanospheres embedded CdTe quantum dots (CdTe@SiO2 @MIP) was developed for detection and quantification of chloramphenicol (CAP). The imprinted sensor was prepared by synthesis of molecularly imprinting polymer (MIP) on the hydrophilic CdTe quantum dots via reverse microemulsion method using small amounts of solvents. The resulting CdTe@SiO2 @MIP nanoparticles were characterized by fluorescence, UV-vis absorption and FT-IR spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. They preserved 48% of fluorescence quantum yield of the parent quantum dots. CAP remarkably quenched the fluorescence of prepared CdTe@SiO2 @MIP, probably via electron transfer mechanism. Under the optimal conditions, the relative fluorescence intensity of CdTe@SiO2 @MIP decreased with increasing CAP by a Stern-Volmer type equation in the concentration range of 40-500 µg L(-1). The corresponding detection limit was 5.0 µg L(-1). The intra-day and inter-day values for the precision of the proposed method were all <4%. The developed sensor had a good selectivity and was applied to determine CAP in spiked human and bovine serum and milk samples with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Influence of the layer parameters on the performance of the CdTe solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haddout, Assiya; Raidou, Abderrahim; Fahoume, Mounir

2018-03-01

Influence of the layer parameters on the performances of the CdTe solar cells is analyzed by SCAPS-1D. The ZnO: Al film shows a high efficiency than SnO2:F. Moreover, the thinner window layer and lower defect density of CdS films are the factor in the enhancement of the short-circuit current density. As well, to increase the open-circuit voltage, the responsible factors are low defect density of the absorbing layer CdTe and high metal work function. For the low cost of cell production, ultrathin film CdTe cells are used with a back surface field (BSF) between CdTe and back contact, such as PbTe. Further, the simulation results show that the conversion efficiency of 19.28% can be obtained for the cell with 1-μm-thick CdTe, 0.1-μm-thick PbTe and 30-nm-thick CdS.

Growth of wurtzite CdTe nanowires on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass substrates and room-temperature bandgap parameter determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Seon Bin; Song, Man Suk; Kim, Yong

2018-04-01

The growth of CdTe nanowires, catalyzed by Sn, was achieved on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass by physical vapor transport. CdTe nanowires grew along the 〈0001〉 direction, with a very rare and phase-pure wurtzite structure, at 290 °C. CdTe nanowires grew under Te-limited conditions by forming SnTe nanostructures in the catalysts and the wurtzite structure was energetically favored. By polarization-dependent and power-dependent micro-photoluminescence measurements of individual nanowires, heavy and light hole-related transitions could be differentiated, and the fundamental bandgap of wurtzite CdTe at room temperature was determined to be 1.562 eV, which was 52 meV higher than that of zinc-blende CdTe. From the analysis of doublet photoluminescence spectra, the valence band splitting energy between heavy hole and light hole bands was estimated to be 43 meV.

Detection of malachite green in fish based on magnetic fluorescent probe of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe3O4@MIPs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Le; Lin, Zheng-Zhong; Zeng, Jun; Zhong, Hui-Ping; Chen, Xiao-Mei; Huang, Zhi-Yong

2018-05-01

A magnetic fluorescent probe of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe3O4@MIPs was prepared using CdTe QDs and Fe3O4 nanoparticles as co-nucleus and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as specific recognition sites based on a reverse microemulsion method. With the specific enrichment and magnetic separation properties, the probe of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe3O4@MIPs was used to detect malachite green (MG) in fish samples. The TEM analysis showed that the particles of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe3O4@MIPs were spherical with average diameter around 53 nm, and a core-shell structure was well-shaped with several Fe3O4 nanoparticles and CdTe QDs embedded in each of the microsphere. Quick separation of the probes from solutions could be realized with a magnet, indicating the excellent magnetic property of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe3O4@MIPs. The probe exhibited high specific adsorption towards MG and excellent fluorescence emission at λem 598 nm. The fluorescence of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe3O4@MIPs could be linearly quenched by MG at the concentrations from 0.025 to 1.5 μmol L-1. The detection limit was 0.014 μmol L-1. The average recovery of spiked MG in fish samples was 105.2%. The result demonstrated that the as-prepared CdTe QDs/nano-Fe3O4@MIPs could be used as a probe to the detection of trace MG in fish samples.

Superstrate sub-cell voltage-matched multijunction solar cells

DOEpatents

Mascarenhas, Angelo; Alberi, Kirstin

2016-03-15

Voltage-matched thin film multijunction solar cell and methods of producing cells having upper CdTe pn junction layers formed on a transparent substrate which in the completed device is operatively positioned in a superstate configuration. The solar cell also includes a lower pn junction formed independently of the CdTe pn junction and an insulating layer between CdTe and lower pn junctions. The voltage-matched thin film multijunction solar cells further include a parallel connection between the CdTe pn junction and lower pn junctions to form a two-terminal photonic device. Methods of fabricating devices from independently produced upper CdTe junction layers and lower junction layers are also disclosed.

Effect of substrate and post-deposition annealing on nanostructure and optical properties of CdTe thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasani, Ebrahim; Raoufi, Davood

2018-04-01

Thermal evaporation is one of the promising methods for depositing CdTe thin films, which can obtain the thin films with the small thickness. In this work, CdTe nanoparticles have deposited on SiO2 substrates such as quartz (crystal) and glass (amorphous) at a temperature (Ts) of 150 °C under a vacuum pressure of 2 × 10‑5 mbar. The thickness of CdTe thin films prepared under vacuum pressure is 100 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) results showed the formation of CdTe cubic phase with a strong preferential orientation of (111) crystalline plane on both substrates. The grain size (D) in this orientation obtained about 7.41 and 5.48 nm for quartz and glass respectively. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) measurements indicated the optical band gap about 1.5 and 1.52 eV for CdTe thin films deposited on quartz and glass respectively. Furthermore, to show the effect of annealing temperature on structure and optical properties of CdTe thin films on quartz and glass substrates, the thin films have been annealed at temperatures 50 and 70 °C for one hour. The results of this work indicate that the structure’s parameters and optical properties of CdTe thin films change due to increase in annealing temperature.

Switch-on fluorescent strategy based on crystal violet-functionalized CdTe quantum dots for detecting L-cysteine and glutathione in water and urine.

PubMed

Sheng, Zhen; Chen, Ligang

2017-10-01

The concentration of L-cysteine (Cys) and glutathione (GSH) is closely related to the critical risk of various diseases. In our study, a new rapid method for the determination of Cys and GSH in water and urine samples has been developed using a fluorescent probe technique, which was based on crystal violet (CV)-functionalized CdTe quantum dots (QDs). The original QDs emitted fluorescence light, which was turned off upon adding CV. This conjugation of CV and QDs could be attributed to electrostatic interaction between COO - of mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) on the surface of QDs and N + of CV in aqueous solution. In addition, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) also occurred between CdTe QDs and CV. After adding Cys or GSH to the solution, Cys or GSH exhibited a stronger binding preference toward Cd 2+ than Cd 2+ -MPA, which disturbed the interaction between MPA and QDs. Thus, most MPA was able to be separated from the surface of QDs because of the participation of Cys or GSH. Then, the fluorescence intensity of the CdTe QDs was enhanced. Good linear relationships were obtained in the range of 0.02-40 μg mL -1 and 0.02-50 μg mL -1 , and the detection limits were calculated as 10.5 ng mL -1 and 8.2 ng mL -1 , for Cys and GSH, respectively. In addition, the concentrations of biological thiols in water and urine samples were determined by the standard addition method using Cys as the standard; the quantitative recoveries were in the range of 97.3-105.8%, and relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranged from 2.5 to 3.7%. The method had several unique properties, such as simplicity, lower cost, high sensitivity, and environmental acceptability. Graphical abstract Crystal violet-functionalized CdTe quantum dots for detecting L-cysteine and glutathione with switch-on fluorescent strategy.

First flight of SMASH, the SwRI Miniature Assembly for Solar Hard X-rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caspi, Amir; Laurent, Glenn Thomas; Shoffner, Michael; Higuera Caubilla, David; Meurisse, Jeremie; Smith, Kelly; Shih, Albert Y.; Saint-Hilaire, Pascal; DeForest, Craig; Mansour, Nagi N.; Hathaway, David H.

2016-05-01

The SwRI Miniature Assembly for Solar Hard X-rays (SMASH) was successfully flown from Antarctica in January (19-30) 2016, as a piggy-back instrument on the Gamma-Ray Imager/Polarimeter for Solar flares (GRIPS) high altitude balloon payload. SMASH is a technological demonstration of a new miniaturized hard X-ray (HXR) detector for use on CubeSats and other small spacecraft, including the proposed CubeSat Imaging X-ray Solar Spectrometer (CubIXSS).HXRs are the observational signatures of energetic processes on the Sun, including plasma heating and particle acceleration. One of the goals of CubIXSS will be to address the question of how plasma is heated during solar flares, including the relationship between thermal plasma and non-thermal particles. SMASH demonstrated the space-borne application of the commercial off-the-shelf Amptek X123-CdTe, a miniature cadmium telluride photon-counting HXR spectrometer. The CdTe detector has a physical area of 25 mm^2 and 1 mm fully-depleted thickness, with a ~100 micron Be window; with on-board thermoelectric cooling and pulse pile-up rejection, it is sensitive to solar photons from ~5 to ~100 keV with ~0.5-1.0 keV FWHM resolution. Photons are accumulated into histogram spectra with customizable energy binning and integration time. With modest resource requirements (~1/8 U, ~200 g, ~2.5 W) and low cost (~$10K), the X123-CdTe is an attractive solution for HXR measurements from budget- and resource-limited platforms such as CubeSats. SMASH flew two identical X123-CdTe detectors for redundancy and increased collecting area; the supporting electronics (power, CPU) were largely build-to-print using the Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer (MinXSS) CubeSat design.We review the SMASH mission, design, and detector performance during the 12-day Antarctic flight. We present current progress on our data analysis of observed solar flares, and discuss future applications of the space-qualified X123-CdTe detector, including the CubIXSS mission concept that incorporates two such detectors.

Heat transfer simulation in a vertical Bridgman CdTe growth configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez-Tomas, C.; Muñoz, V.; Triboulet, R.

1999-02-01

Modelling and numerical simulation of crystal growth processes have been shown to be powerful tools in order to understand the physical effects of different parameters on the growth conditions. In this study a finite difference/control volume technique for the study of heat transfer has been employed. This model takes into account the whole system: furnace temperature profile, air gap between furnace walls and ampoule, ampoule geometry, crucible coating if any, solid and liquid CdTe thermal properties, conduction, convection and radiation of heat and phase change. We have used the commercial code FLUENT for the numerical resolution that can be running on a personal computer. Results show that the temperature field is very sensitive to the charge and ampoule peculiarities. As a consequence, significant differences between the velocity of the ampoule and that of the isotherm determining the solid/liquid interface have been found at the onset of the growth.

Prompt gamma and neutron detection in BNCT utilizing a CdTe detector.

PubMed

Winkler, Alexander; Koivunoro, Hanna; Reijonen, Vappu; Auterinen, Iiro; Savolainen, Sauli

2015-12-01

In this work, a novel sensor technology based on CdTe detectors was tested for prompt gamma and neutron detection using boronated targets in (epi)thermal neutron beam at FiR1 research reactor in Espoo, Finland. Dedicated neutron filter structures were omitted to enable simultaneous measurement of both gamma and neutron radiation at low reactor power (2.5 kW). Spectra were collected and analyzed in four different setups in order to study the feasibility of the detector to measure 478 keV prompt gamma photons released from the neutron capture reaction of boron-10. The detector proved to have the required sensitivity to detect and separate the signals from both boron neutron and cadmium neutron capture reactions, which makes it a promising candidate for monitoring the spatial and temporal development of in vivo boron distribution in boron neutron capture therapy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermal analysis of Bridgman-Stockbarger growth. [mercury cadmium telluride single crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knopf, F. W.

1979-01-01

A thermal analysis of a cylindrical HgCdTe sample in a Bridgman-Stockbarger crystal growth configuration was conducted with emphasis on the thermal profile, interface shape and position, and the thermal gradients at the liquid-solid interface. Alloys of HgTe and CdTe with compositions approximating 20 percent CdTe, 80 percent HgTe were used. This composition results in a bandgap suited for the detection of 10.6 micron CO2 radiation. The sensitivity of the sample thermal characteristics to important growth parameters, such as thermal diffusivities, thermal conductivities, furnace temperature profile, ampoule dimensions, and growth velocity was assessed. Numerical techniques and associated computational models necessary to analyze the heat transfer process within the sample and the Bridgman-Stockbarger boundary conditions were developed. This thermal analysis mode was programmed in FORTRAN V, and is currently operational on the MSFC Univac 1100 system.

Detection of malachite green in fish based on magnetic fluorescent probe of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe3O4@MIPs.

PubMed

Wu, Le; Lin, Zheng-Zhong; Zeng, Jun; Zhong, Hui-Ping; Chen, Xiao-Mei; Huang, Zhi-Yong

2018-05-05

A magnetic fluorescent probe of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe 3 O 4 @MIPs was prepared using CdTe QDs and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles as co-nucleus and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as specific recognition sites based on a reverse microemulsion method. With the specific enrichment and magnetic separation properties, the probe of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe 3 O 4 @MIPs was used to detect malachite green (MG) in fish samples. The TEM analysis showed that the particles of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe 3 O 4 @MIPs were spherical with average diameter around 53nm, and a core-shell structure was well-shaped with several Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles and CdTe QDs embedded in each of the microsphere. Quick separation of the probes from solutions could be realized with a magnet, indicating the excellent magnetic property of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe 3 O 4 @MIPs. The probe exhibited high specific adsorption towards MG and excellent fluorescence emission at λ em 598nm. The fluorescence of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe 3 O 4 @MIPs could be linearly quenched by MG at the concentrations from 0.025 to 1.5μmolL -1 . The detection limit was 0.014μmolL -1 . The average recovery of spiked MG in fish samples was 105.2%. The result demonstrated that the as-prepared CdTe QDs/nano-Fe 3 O 4 @MIPs could be used as a probe to the detection of trace MG in fish samples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A novel ascorbic acid sensor based on the Fe3+/Fe2+ modulated photoluminescence of CdTe quantum dots@SiO2 nanobeads.

PubMed

Ma, Qiang; Li, Yang; Lin, Zi-Han; Tang, Guangchao; Su, Xing-Guang

2013-10-21

In this paper, CdTe quantum dot (QD)@silica nanobeads were used as modulated photoluminescence (PL) sensors for the sensing of ascorbic acid in aqueous solution for the first time. The sensor was developed based on the different quenching effects of Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) on the PL intensity of the CdTe QD@ silica nanobeads. Firstly, the PL intensity of the CdTe QDs was quenched in the presence of Fe(3+). Although both Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) could quench the PL intensity of the CdTe QDs, the quenching efficiency were quite different for Fe(2+) and Fe(3+). The PL intensity of the CdTe QD@silica nanobeads can be quenched by about 15% after the addition of Fe(3+) (60 μmol L(-1)), while the PL intensity of the CdTe QD@silica nanobeads can be quenched about 49% after the addition of Fe(2+) (60 μmol L(-1)). Therefore, the PL intensity of the CdTe QD@silica nanobeads decreased significantly when Fe(3+) was reduced to Fe(2+) by ascorbic acid. To confirm the strategy of PL modulation in this sensing system, trace H2O2 was introduced to oxidize Fe(2+) to Fe(3+). As a result, the PL intensity of the CdTe QD@silica nanobeads was partly recovered. The proposed sensor could be used for ascorbic acid sensing in the concentration range of 3.33-400 μmol L(-1), with a detection limit (3σ) of 1.25 μmol L(-1) The feasibility of the proposed sensor for ascorbic acid determination in tablet samples was also studied, and satisfactory results were obtained.

Fabrication of transparent TiO2 nanotube-based photoanodes for CdS/CdTe quantum co-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gualdrón-Reyes, A. F.; Cárdenas-Arenas, A.; Martínez, C. A.; Kouznetsov, V. V.; Meléndez, A. M.

2017-01-01

In order to fabricate a solar cell, ordered TiO2 nanotube (TNT) arrays were prepared by double anodization. TNT arrays with variable lengths were obtained by changing the duration of the anodizing process of up to 3h. TNT membranes were transferred to indium tin oxide substrates and attached with a B-TiO2 sol. TNT photoanode with the best photoelectrochemical performance was sensitized with CdS by SILAR method. On other hand, CdTe quantum dots prepared via colloidal synthesis were deposited on TNT photoanodes for 2h, 4h and 6h. In addition, TNT/CdS was loaded with CdTe quantum dots for 4 h. Morphology and chemical modification of TiO2 were characterized by FESEM and XPS, while their photoelectrochemical performance was measured by open-circuit photopotential and photovoltammetry under visible light. TiO2 nanotubes grown during 2.5h showed the highest photocurrent due to presence of Ti3+ donor states by N and F co-doping, increasing the number of photogenerated electrons transported to back collector. TNT/CdS/CdTe photoanode reach the highest conversion efficiency under AM 1.5G simulated solar illumination.

Precision timing detectors with cadmium-telluride sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bornheim, A.; Pena, C.; Spiropulu, M.; Xie, S.; Zhang, Z.

2017-09-01

Precision timing detectors for high energy physics experiments with temporal resolutions of a few 10 ps are of pivotal importance to master the challenges posed by the highest energy particle accelerators such as the LHC. Calorimetric timing measurements have been a focus of recent research, enabled by exploiting the temporal coherence of electromagnetic showers. Scintillating crystals with high light yield as well as silicon sensors are viable sensitive materials for sampling calorimeters. Silicon sensors have very high efficiency for charged particles. However, their sensitivity to photons, which comprise a large fraction of the electromagnetic shower, is limited. To enhance the efficiency of detecting photons, materials with higher atomic numbers than silicon are preferable. In this paper we present test beam measurements with a Cadmium-Telluride (CdTe) sensor as the active element of a secondary emission calorimeter with focus on the timing performance of the detector. A Schottky type CdTe sensor with an active area of 1cm2 and a thickness of 1 mm is used in an arrangement with tungsten and lead absorbers. Measurements are performed with electron beams in the energy range from 2 GeV to 200 GeV. A timing resolution of 20 ps is achieved under the best conditions.

Magnetron sputtering based direct fabrication of three dimensional CdTe hierarchical nanotrees exhibiting stable superhydrophobic property

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Bingwei; Deng, Yuan; Wang, Yao; Shi, Yongming; Cao, Lili; Zhu, Wei

2013-09-01

Three dimensional CdTe hierarchical nanotrees are initially prepared by a simple one-step magnetron sputtering method without any templates or additives. The CdTe hierarchical nanotrees are constructed by the spear-like vertical trunks and horizontal branches with the diameters of about 100 nm at bottom and became cuspidal on the top. The particular nanostructure imparts these materials superhydrophobic property, and this property can be preserved after placing in air for 90 days, and is stable even after the ultraviolet light and X-ray irradiation, respectively. This study provides a simple strategy to achieve superhydrophobic properties for CdTe materials at lower temperature, which opens a new potential for CdTe solar cell with self-cleaning property.

Effect of cadmium telluride quantum dots on the dielectric and electro-optical properties of ferroelectric liquid crystals.

PubMed

Kumar, A; Biradar, A M

2011-04-01

We present here the dielectric and electro-optical studies of cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) doped ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs). It has been observed that the doping of CdTe QDs not only induced a pronounced memory effect but also affected the physical parameters of FLC material (LAHS19). The modifications in the physical parameters and memory effect of LAHS19 are found to depend on the concentration ratio of CdTe QDs. The lower concentration of CdTe QDs (1-3 wt%) enhanced the values of spontaneous polarization and rotational viscosity of LAHS19 material but did not favor the memory effect, whereas a higher concentration of CdTe QDs (>5 wt%) degraded the alignment of LAHS19 material. The doping of ∼5 wt% of CdTe QDs is found to be the most suitable for achieving good memory effect without significantly affecting the material parameters. ©2011 American Physical Society

van der Waals epitaxy of CdTe thin film on graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohanty, Dibyajyoti; Xie, Weiyu; Wang, Yiping; Lu, Zonghuan; Shi, Jian; Zhang, Shengbai; Wang, Gwo-Ching; Lu, Toh-Ming; Bhat, Ishwara B.

2016-10-01

van der Waals epitaxy (vdWE) facilitates the epitaxial growth of materials having a large lattice mismatch with the substrate. Although vdWE of two-dimensional (2D) materials on 2D materials have been extensively studied, the vdWE for three-dimensional (3D) materials on 2D substrates remains a challenge. It is perceived that a 2D substrate passes little information to dictate the 3D growth. In this article, we demonstrated the vdWE growth of the CdTe(111) thin film on a graphene buffered SiO2/Si substrate using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition technique, despite a 46% large lattice mismatch between CdTe and graphene and a symmetry change from cubic to hexagonal. Our CdTe films produce a very narrow X-ray rocking curve, and the X-ray pole figure analysis showed 12 CdTe (111) peaks at a chi angle of 70°. This was attributed to two sets of parallel epitaxy of CdTe on graphene with a 30° relative orientation giving rise to a 12-fold symmetry in the pole figure. First-principles calculations reveal that, despite the relatively small energy differences, the graphene buffer layer does pass epitaxial information to CdTe as the parallel epitaxy, obtained in the experiment, is energetically favored. The work paves a way for the growth of high quality CdTe film on a large area as well as on the amorphous substrates.

Synthesis of Colloidal Quantum Dots Coated with Mercaptosuccinic Acid for Early Detection and Therapeutics of Oral Cancers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jocelin, G.; Arivarasan, A.; Ganesan, M.; Prasad, N. Rajendra; Sasikala, G.

2016-04-01

Quantum dots (QDs) are gaining widespread recognition for its luminescence behavior and unique photo physical properties as a bio-marker and inorganic fluorophore. In spite of such rampant advantages, its application is clinically hampered depending on the surface coating decreasing its luminescence efficiency. The present study reports preparation of CdTe QDs capped with biologically active thiol based material, mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) for diagnosis of oral cancer (KB) cells by acting as a fluorophore marking targeted tumor cells and at the same time exhibiting certain cytotoxic effects. Synthesized MSA coated CdTe QDs is spherical in shape with an average particle size of 3-5nm. In vitro, the rapid uptake of MSA CdTe QDs in oral cancer cell lines were assessed through fluorescence microscopy. Further, this study evaluates the therapeutic efficiency of MSA CdTe QDs in human oral cancer cell lines using MTT analysis. MSA CdTe QDs exhibit significant cytotoxicity in oral cancer cells in a dose dependent manner with low IC50 when compared with other raw CdTe QDs. MSA CdTe QDs were also treated with human lymphocytes (normal cells) to assess and compare the toxicity profile of QDs in normal and oral tumors. The results of our present study strengthen our hypothesis of using MSA CdTe QDs as detector for tracking and fluorescence imaging of oral cancer cells and exhibiting sufficient cytotoxicity in them.

Role of the copper-oxygen defect in cadmium telluride solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corwine, Caroline R.

Thin-film CdTe is one of the leading materials used in photovoltaic (PV) solar cells. One way to improve device performance and stability is through understanding how various device processing steps alter defect states in the CdTe layer. Photoluminescence (PL) studies can be used to examine radiative defects in materials. This study uses low-temperature PL to probe the defects present in thin-film CdTe deposited for solar cells. One key defect seen in the thin-film CdTe was reproduced in single-crystal (sX) CdTe by systematic incorporation of known impurities in the thin-film growth process, hence demonstrating that both copper and oxygen were necessary for its formation. Polycrystalline (pX) thin-film glass/SnO2:F/CdS/CdTe structures were examined. The CdTe layer was grown via close-spaced sublimation (CSS), vapor transport deposition (VTD), and physical vapor deposition (PVD). After CdTe deposition, followed by a standard CdC12 treatment and a ZnTe:Cu back contact, a PL peak was seen at ˜1.46 eV from the free back surface of all samples (1.456 eV for CSS and PVD, 1.460-1.463 eV for VTD). However, before the Cu-containing contact was added, this peak was not seen from the front of the CdTe (the CdS/CdTe junction region) in any device with CdTe thickness greater than 4 mum. The CdCl2 treatment commonly used to increase CdTe grain size did not enhance or reduce the peak at ˜1.46 eV relative to the rest of the PL spectrum. When the Cu-containing contact was applied, the PL spectra from both the front and back of the CdTe exhibited the peak at 1.456 eV. The PL peak at ˜1.46 eV was present in thin-film CdTe after deposition, when the dominant impurities are expected to be both Cu from the CdTe source material and O introduced in the chamber during growth to assist in CdTe film density. Since Cu and/or O appeared to be involved in this defect, PL studies were done with sX CdTe to distinguish between the separate effects of Cu or O and the combined effect of Cu and O. Photoluminescence on the sX samples revealed a unique transition at 1.456 eV, identical to the one seen in CSS thin-film CdTe, only when both Cu and O were introduced simultaneously. Theoretical calculations indicate that this PL line is likely a transition between the valence band and a Cui-OTe donor complex 150 meV below the conduction band. Formation of a Cui-OT, donor complex was expected to limit the performance of the CdS/CdTe solar cell. However, this was difficult to observe in the prepared devices, likely because other beneficial processes occurred simultaneously, such as formation of CUCd acceptors in the CdTe layer and improvement in the quality of the back contact by including Cu. It was possible to see the theoretical effects of this defect using AMPS--1D numerical simulations. The simulated J-V curves indicated that a donor level 150 meV from the conduction band would reduce the Voc, hence reducing the overall device efficiency. Therefore, despite the lack of direct experimental evidence, it is very plausible that the CU i-OTe defect observed with photoluminescence may serve to limit the possible attainable efficiency in CdS/CdTe solar cells.

Experimental validation of L-shell x-ray fluorescence computed tomography imaging: phantom study

PubMed Central

Bazalova-Carter, Magdalena; Ahmad, Moiz; Xing, Lei; Fahrig, Rebecca

2015-01-01

Abstract. Thanks to the current advances in nanoscience, molecular biochemistry, and x-ray detector technology, x-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) has been considered for molecular imaging of probes containing high atomic number elements, such as gold nanoparticles. The commonly used XFCT imaging performed with K-shell x rays appears to have insufficient imaging sensitivity to detect the low gold concentrations observed in small animal studies. Low energy fluorescence L-shell x rays have exhibited higher signal-to-background ratio and appeared as a promising XFCT mode with greatly enhanced sensitivity. The aim of this work was to experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of L-shell XFCT imaging and to assess its achievable sensitivity. We built an experimental L-shell XFCT imaging system consisting of a miniature x-ray tube and two spectrometers, a silicon drift detector (SDD), and a CdTe detector placed at ±120  deg with respect to the excitation beam. We imaged a 28-mm-diameter water phantom with 4-mm-diameter Eppendorf tubes containing gold solutions with concentrations of 0.06 to 0.1% Au. While all Au vials were detectable in the SDD L-shell XFCT image, none of the vials were visible in the CdTe L-shell XFCT image. The detectability limit of the presented L-shell XFCT SDD imaging setup was 0.007% Au, a concentration observed in small animal studies. PMID:26839910

A facile and green preparation of high-quality CdTe semiconductor nanocrystals at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yan; Shen, Qihui; Yu, Dongdong; Shi, Weiguang; Li, Jixue; Zhou, Jianguang; Liu, Xiaoyang

2008-06-01

One chemical reagent, hydrazine hydrate, was discovered to accelerate the growth of semiconductor nanocrystals (cadmium telluride) instead of additional energy, which was applied to the synthesis of high-quality CdTe nanocrystals at room temperature and ambient conditions within several hours. Under this mild condition the mercapto stabilizers were not destroyed, and they guaranteed CdTe nanocrystal particle sizes with narrow and uniform distribution over the largest possible range. The CdTe nanocrystals (photoluminescence emission range of 530-660 nm) synthesized in this way had very good spectral properties; for instance, they showed high photoluminescence quantum yield of up to 60%. Furthermore, we have succeeded in detecting the living Borrelia burgdorferi of Lyme disease by its photoluminescence image using CdTe nanocrystals.

Spatial Distribution of Dopant Incorporation in CdTe

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

Guthrey, Harvey; Moseley, John; Colegrove, Eric

2016-11-21

In this work we use state-of-the-art cathodoluminescence (CL) spectrum imaging that provides spectrum-per-pixel mapping of the CL emission to examine how dopant elements are incorporated into CdTe. Emission spectra and intensity are used to monitor the spatial distribution of additional charge carriers through characteristic variations in the CL emission based on theoretical modeling. Our results show that grain boundaries play a role in the incorporation of dopants in CdTe, whether intrinsic or extrinsic. This type of analysis is crucial for providing feedback to design different processing schedules that optimize dopant incorporation in CdTe photovoltaic material, which has struggled to reachmore » high carrier concentration values. Here, we present results on CdTe films exposed to copper, phosphorus, and intrinsic doping treatments.« less

Understanding misfit strain releasing mechanisms via molecular dynamics simulations of CdTe growth on {112}zinc-blende CdS

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

Zhou, Xiaowang; Chavez, Jose J.; Almeida, Sergio F.

Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to analyse microstructures of CdTe films grown on {112} surfaces of zinc-blende CdS. Interestingly, CdTe films grow in <331> orientations as opposed to <112> epitaxial orientations. At the CdTe-{331}/CdS-{112} interface, however, there exists an axis that is parallel to the <110> orientation of both CdS and CdTe. It is the direction orthogonal to this <110> that becomes different, being <116> for CdTe and <111> for CdS, respectively. Missing CdTe-{110} planes are found along the <110> axis, suggesting that the misfit strain is released by the conventional misfit dislocation mechanism along this axis. In themore » orthogonal axis, the misfit strain is found to be more effectively released by the new grain orientation mechanism. Our finding is supported by literature experimental observations of the change of growth direction when Cd 0.96Zn 0.04Te films are deposited on GaAs. Lastly the analyses of energetics clearly demonstrate the cause for the formation of the new orientation, and the insights gained from our studies can help understand the grain structures experimentally observed in lattice mismatched systems.« less

Folic acid-CdTe quantum dot conjugates and their applications for cancer cell targeting

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

Suriamoorthy, Preethi; Zhang, Xing; Hao, Guiyang

2010-12-01

In this study, we report the preparation,luminescence, and targeting properties of folic acid- CdTe quantum dot conjugates. Water-soluble CdTe quantum dots were synthesized and conjugated with folic acid using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide-N-hydroxysuccinimide chemistry. The in-fluence of folic acid on the luminescence properties of CdTe quantum dots was investigated, and no energy transfer between them was observed. To investigate the efficiency of folic acid-CdTe nanoconjugates for tumor targeting, pure CdTe quantum dots and folic acid-coated CdTe quantum dots were incubated with human naso- pharyngeal epidermal carcinoma cell line with positive expressing folic acid receptors (KB cells) and lung cancer cells without expressionmore » of folic acid receptors (A549 cells). For the cancer cells with positive folate receptors (KB cells), the uptake for CdTe quantum dots is very low, but for folic acid-CdTe nanoconjugates, the uptake is very high. For the lung cancer cells without folate receptors (A549 cells), the uptake for folic acid- CdTe nanoconjugates is also very low. The results indicate that folic acid is an effective targeting molecule for tumor cells with overexpressed folate receptors.« less

Understanding misfit strain releasing mechanisms via molecular dynamics simulations of CdTe growth on {112}zinc-blende CdS

DOE PAGES

Zhou, Xiaowang; Chavez, Jose J.; Almeida, Sergio F.; ...

2016-07-25

Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to analyse microstructures of CdTe films grown on {112} surfaces of zinc-blende CdS. Interestingly, CdTe films grow in <331> orientations as opposed to <112> epitaxial orientations. At the CdTe-{331}/CdS-{112} interface, however, there exists an axis that is parallel to the <110> orientation of both CdS and CdTe. It is the direction orthogonal to this <110> that becomes different, being <116> for CdTe and <111> for CdS, respectively. Missing CdTe-{110} planes are found along the <110> axis, suggesting that the misfit strain is released by the conventional misfit dislocation mechanism along this axis. In themore » orthogonal axis, the misfit strain is found to be more effectively released by the new grain orientation mechanism. Our finding is supported by literature experimental observations of the change of growth direction when Cd 0.96Zn 0.04Te films are deposited on GaAs. Lastly the analyses of energetics clearly demonstrate the cause for the formation of the new orientation, and the insights gained from our studies can help understand the grain structures experimentally observed in lattice mismatched systems.« less

A novel signal-off electrochemiluminescence biosensor for the determination of glucose based on double nanoparticles.

PubMed

Liu, Linlin; Ma, Qiang; Li, Yang; Liu, ZiPing; Su, Xingguang

2015-01-15

In this work, a novel facile signal-off electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor has been developed for the determination of glucose based on the integration of chitosan (CHIT), CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs) and Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Chitosan displays high water permeability, hydrophilic property, strong hydrogel ability and good adhesion to load the double nanoparticles to the glassy carbon electrode surfaces. Au NPs are efficient glucose oxidase (GOx)-mimickess to catalytically oxidize glucose, similar to the natural process. Upon the addition of glucose, the Au NPs catalyzed glucose to produce gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) based on the consumption of dissolved oxygen (O2), which resulted in a quenching effect on the ECL emission. Therefore, the determination of glucose could be achieved by monitoring the signal-off ECL biosensor. Under the optimum conditions, the ECL intensity of CdTe QDs and the concentration of glucose have a good linear relationship in the range of 0.01-10 mmol L(-1). The limit of detection for glucose was 5.28 μmol L(-1) (S/N=3). The biosensor showed good sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility and stability. The proposed biosensor has been employed for the detection of glucose in human serum samples with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CdTe1-x S x (x  ⩽  0.05) thin films synthesized by aqueous solution deposition and annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pruzan, Dennis S.; Hahn, Carina E.; Misra, Sudhajit; Scarpulla, Michael A.

2017-11-01

While CdS thin films are commonly deposited from aqueous solutions, CdTe thin films are extremely difficult to deposit directly from aqueous solution. In this work, we report on polycrystalline CdTe1-x S x thin films synthesized via deposition from aqueous precursor solutions followed by annealing treatments and on their physical properties. The deposition method uses spin-coating of alternating Cd2+ and Te2- aqueous solutions and rinse steps to allow formation of the films but to shear off excess reactants and poorly-bonded solids. Films are then annealed in the presence of CdCl2 as is commonly done for CdTe photovoltaic absorber layers deposited by any means. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals low void fractions and grain sizes up to 4 µm and x-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the films are primarily cubic CdTe1-x S x (x  ⩽  0.05) with random crystallographic orientation. Optical transmission yields bandgap absorption consistent with a CdTe1-x S x dilute alloy and low-temperature photoluminescence (PL) consists of an emission band centered at 1.35 eV consistent with donor-acceptor pair (DAP) transitions in CdTe1-x S x . Together, the crystalline quality and PL yield from films produced by this method represent an important step towards electroless, ligand-free solution processed CdTe and related alloy thin films suitable for optoelectronic device applications such as thin film heterojunction or nanodipole-based photovoltaics.

Polycrystalline Thin-Film Photovoltaics | Photovoltaic Research | NREL

Science.gov Websites

(CdTe) We develop processes and a range of materials for CdTe photovoltaic (PV) devices. Our work partners. Our objectives are to improve CdTe PV performance, reduce costs, and advance fundamental processes and materials related to thin-film polycrystalline PV devices, and our measurements and

Influence of CdTe Deposition Temperature and Window Thickness on CdTe Grain Size and Lifetime After CdCl 2 Recrystallization

DOE PAGES

Amarasinghe, Mahisha; Colegrove, Eric; Moutinho, Helio; ...

2018-01-23

Grain structure influences both transport and recombination in CdTe solar cells. Larger grains generally are obtained with higher deposition temperatures, but commercially it is important to avoid softening soda-lime glass. Furthermore, depositing at lower temperatures can enable different substrates and reduced cost in the future. We examine how initial deposition temperatures and morphology influence grain size and lifetime after CdCl 2 recrystallization. Techniques are developed to estimate grain distribution quickly with low-cost optical microscopy, which compares well with electron backscatter diffraction data providing corroborative assessments of exposed CdTe grain structures. Average grain size increases as a function of CdCl 2more » temperature. For lower temperature close-spaced sublimation CdTe depositions, there can be more stress and grain segregation during recrystallization. However, the resulting lifetimes and grain sizes are similar to high-temperature CdTe depositions. The grain structures and lifetimes are largely independent of the presence and/or interdiffusion of Se at the interface, before and after the CdCl 2 treatment.« less

Structural and compositional dependence of the CdTexSe 1-x alloy layer photoactivity in CdTe-based solar cells

DOE PAGES

Poplawsky, Jonathan D.; Guo, Wei; Paudel, Naba; ...

2016-07-27

The published external quantum efficiency data of the world-record CdTe solar cell suggests that the device uses bandgap engineering, most likely with a CdTe xSe 1₋x alloy layer to increase the short-circuit current and overall device efficiency. Here atom probe tomography, transmission electron microscopy and electron beam-induced current are used to clarify the dependence of Se content on the photoactive properties of CdTe xSe 1₋x alloy layers in bandgap-graded CdTe solar cells. Four solar cells were prepared with 50, 100, 200 and 400 nm-thick CdSe layers to reveal the formation, growth, composition, structure and photoactivity of the CdTe xSe 1₋xmore » alloy with respect to the degree of Se diffusion. Finally, the results show that the CdTe xSe 1₋x layer photoactivity is highly dependent on the crystalline structure of the alloy (zincblende versus wurtzite), which is also dependent on the Se and Te concentrations.« less

CdTe layer structures for X-ray and gamma-ray detection directly grown on the Medipix readout-chip by MBE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogt, A.; Schütt, S.; Frei, K.; Fiederle, M.

2017-11-01

This work investigates the potential of CdTe semiconducting layers used for radiation detection directly deposited on the Medipix readout-chip by MBE. Due to the high Z-number of CdTe and the low electron-hole pair creation energy a thin layer suffices for satisfying photon absorption. The deposition takes place in a modified MBE system enabling growth rates up to 10 μm/h while the UHV conditions allow the required high purity for detector applications. CdTe sensor layers deposited on silicon substrates show resistivities up to 5.8 × 108 Ω cm and a preferred (1 1 1) orientation. However, the resistivity increases with higher growth temperature and the orientation gets more random. Additionally, the deposition of a back contact layer sequence in one process simplifies the complex production of an efficient contact on CdTe with aligned work functions. UPS measurements verify a decrease of the work function of 0.62 eV induced by Te doping of the CdTe.

Influence of CdTe Deposition Temperature and Window Thickness on CdTe Grain Size and Lifetime After CdCl 2 Recrystallization

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

Amarasinghe, Mahisha; Colegrove, Eric; Moutinho, Helio

Grain structure influences both transport and recombination in CdTe solar cells. Larger grains generally are obtained with higher deposition temperatures, but commercially it is important to avoid softening soda-lime glass. Furthermore, depositing at lower temperatures can enable different substrates and reduced cost in the future. We examine how initial deposition temperatures and morphology influence grain size and lifetime after CdCl 2 recrystallization. Techniques are developed to estimate grain distribution quickly with low-cost optical microscopy, which compares well with electron backscatter diffraction data providing corroborative assessments of exposed CdTe grain structures. Average grain size increases as a function of CdCl 2more » temperature. For lower temperature close-spaced sublimation CdTe depositions, there can be more stress and grain segregation during recrystallization. However, the resulting lifetimes and grain sizes are similar to high-temperature CdTe depositions. The grain structures and lifetimes are largely independent of the presence and/or interdiffusion of Se at the interface, before and after the CdCl 2 treatment.« less

Investigation of Processing, Microstructures and Efficiencies of Polycrystalline CdTe Photovoltaic Films and Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munshi, Amit Harenkumar

CdTe based photovoltaics have been commercialized at multiple GWs/year level. The performance of CdTe thin film photovoltaic devices is sensitive to process conditions. Variations in deposition temperatures as well as other treatment parameters have a significant impact on film microstructure and device performance. In this work, extensive investigations are carried out using advanced microstructural characterization techniques in an attempt to relate microstructural changes due to varying deposition parameters and their effects on device performance for cadmium telluride based photovoltaic cells deposited using close space sublimation (CSS). The goal of this investigation is to apply advanced material characterization techniques to aid process development for higher efficiency CdTe based photovoltaic devices. Several techniques have been used to observe the morphological changes to the microstructure along with materials and crystallographic changes as a function of deposition temperature and treatment times. Traditional device structures as well as advanced structures with electron reflector and films deposited on Mg1-xZnxO instead of conventional CdS window layer are investigated. These techniques include Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Electron Back Scattered Diffraction (EBSD) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to study grain structure and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) with electron diffraction and EDS. These investigations have provided insights into the mechanisms that lead to change in film structure and device performance with change in deposition conditions. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) is used for chemical mapping of the films as well as to understand interlayer material diffusion between subsequent layers. Electrical performance of these devices has been studied using current density vs voltage plots. Devices with efficiency over 18% have been fabricated on low cost commercial glass substrates with processes suitable for mass production. These are the highest efficiencies reported by any university or national laboratory for polycrystalline thin-film CdTe photovoltaics bettered only by researchers at First Solar Inc. Processing experiments are traditionally designed based on simulation results however in these study microscopic materials characterization has been used as the primary driving force to understand the effects of processing conditions. Every structure and efficiency reported in this study has been extensively studied using microscopic imaging and materials characterization and processing conditions accordingly altered to achieve higher efficiencies. Understanding CdCl2 passivation treatment out of this has been critical to this process. Several observations with regard to effect of CdCl 2 passivation have allowed the use to this treatment to achieve optimum performance. The effects of deposition temperature are also studied in rigorous details. All of these studies have played an important role in optimization of process that lead to high efficiency thin-film CdTe photovoltaic devices. An effort is made in this study to better understand and establish a 3-way relationship between processing conditions, film microstructure and device efficiency for sublimated thin-film CdTe photovoltaics. Some crucial findings include impact of grain size on efficiency of photovoltaic devices and improvement in fill-factor resulting from use of thicker CdTe absorber with larger grain size. An attempt is also made to understand the microstructure as the device efficiency improves from 1% efficiency to over 18% efficiency.

CdTe Photovoltaics for Sustainable Electricity Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munshi, Amit; Sampath, Walajabad

2016-09-01

Thin film CdTe (cadmium telluride) is an important technology in the development of sustainable and affordable electricity generation. More than 10 GW of installations have been carried out using this technology around the globe. It has been demonstrated as a sustainable, green, renewable, affordable and abundant source of electricity. An advanced sublimation tool has been developed that allows highly controlled deposition of CdTe films onto commercial soda lime glass substrates. All deposition and treatment steps can be performed without breaking the vacuum within a single chamber in an inline process that can be conveniently scaled to a commercial process. In addition, an advanced cosublimation source has been developed to allow the deposition of ternary alloys such as Cd x Mg1- x Te to form an electron reflector layer which is expected to address the voltage deficits in current CdTe devices and to achieve very high efficiency. Extensive materials characterization, including but not limited to scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron back-scatter diffraction, has been performed to get a better understanding of the effects of processing conditions on CdTe thin film photovoltaics. This combined with computer modeling such as density function theory modeling gives a new insight into the mechanism of CdTe photovoltaic function. With all these efforts, CdTe photovoltaics has seen great progress in the last few years. Currently, it has been recorded as the cheapest source of electricity in the USA on a commercial scale, and further improvements are predicted to further reduce the cost while increasing its utilization. Here, we give an overview of the advantages of thin film CdTe photovoltaics as well as a brief review of the challenges that need to be addressed. Some fundamental studies of processing conditions for thin film CdTe are also presented along with fabrication conditions using the closed-space sublimation method.

Antimony diffusion in CdTe

DOE PAGES

Colegrove, Eric; Harvey, Steven P.; Yang, Ji -Hui; ...

2017-02-08

Group V dopants may be used for next-generation high-voltage cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar photovoltaics, but fundamental defect energetics and kinetics need to be understood. Here, antimony (Sb) diffusion is studied in single-crystal and polycrystalline CdTe under Cd-rich conditions. Diffusion profiles are determined by dynamic secondary ion mass spectroscopy and analyzed with analytical bulk and grain-boundary diffusion models. Slow bulk and fast grain-boundary diffusion are found. Density functional theory is used to understand formation energy and mechanisms. Lastly, the theory and experimental results create new understanding of group V defect kinetics in CdTe.

Properties of RF sputtered cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin films: Influence of deposition pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulkarni, R. R.; Pawbake, A. S.; Waykar, R. G.; Rondiya, S. R.; Jadhavar, A. A.; Pandharkar, S. M.; Karpe, S. D.; Diwate, K. D.; Jadkar, S. R.

2016-04-01

Influence of deposition pressure on structural, morphology, electrical and optical properties of CdTe thin films deposited at low substrate temperature (100°C) by RF magnetron sputtering was investigated. The formation of CdTe was confirmed by low angle XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The low angle XRD analysis revealed that the CdTe films have zinc blende (cubic) structure with crystallites having preferred orientation in (111) direction. Raman spectra show the longitudinal optical (LO) phonon mode peak ˜ 165.4 cm-1 suggesting high quality CdTe film were obtained over the entire range of deposition pressure studied. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that films are smooth, homogenous, and crack-free with no evidence of voids. The EDAX data revealed that CdTe films deposited at low deposition pressure are high-quality stoichiometric. However, for all deposition pressures, films are rich in Cd relative to Te. The UV-Visible spectroscopy analysis show the blue shift in absorption edge with increasing the deposition pressure while the band gap show decreasing trend. The highest electrical conductivity was obtained for the film deposited at deposition pressure 1 Pa which indicates that the optimized deposition pressure for our sputtering unit is 1 Pa. Based on the experimental results, these CdTe films can be useful for the application in the flexible solar cells and other opto-electronic devices.

Effects of various deposition times and RF powers on CdTe thin film growth using magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghorannevis, Z.; Akbarnejad, E.; Ghoranneviss, M.

2016-09-01

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is a p-type II-VI compound semiconductor, which is an active component for producing photovoltaic solar cells in the form of thin films, due to its desirable physical properties. In this study, CdTe film was deposited using the radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering system onto a glass substrate. To improve the properties of the CdTe film, effects of two experimental parameters of deposition time and RF power were investigated on the physical properties of the CdTe films. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectrophotometer were used to study the structural, morphological and optical properties of the CdTe samples grown at different experimental conditions, respectively. Our results suggest that film properties strongly depend on the experimental parameters and by optimizing these parameters, it is possible to tune the desired structural, morphological and optical properties. From XRD data, it is found that increasing the deposition time and RF power leads to increasing the crystallinity as well as the crystal sizes of the grown film, and all the films represent zinc blende cubic structure. Roughness values given from AFM images suggest increasing the roughness of the CdTe films by increasing the RF power and deposition times. Finally, optical investigations reveal increasing the film band gaps by increasing the RF power and the deposition time.

Molecular beam epitaxial growth, transmittance and photoluminescence spectra of zinc-blende CdTe thin films with high-quality on perovskite SrTiO3 (1 1 1) substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Kun; Zhu, Xuanting; Tang, Kai; Bai, W.; Zhu, Liangqing; Yang, Jing; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Tang, Xiaodong; Chu, Junhao

2018-03-01

High-crystalline quality CdTe thin films are grown on the largely lattice-mismatched SrTiO3 (STO) (1 1 1) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. A transformation from a three dimensional regime to a two dimensional one is observed by the reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The formation of an elastic deformation CdTe layer on STO (1 1 1), namely a pseudomorphic growth mode with a critical thickness of ∼40 nm, is supported by the RHEED, AFM and X-ray diffraction. Crystal structures and epitaxial relationships of CdTe epitaxial films on STO (1 1 1) are characterized by 2θ-ω scans and reciprocal space mapping. Two strong absorption peaks at the energies of ∼1.621 eV and ∼1.597 eV at 5 K are clearly observed for a ∼120 nm thick CdTe epitaxial film, which are proposed to be ascribed to the strained and unstrained epitaxial CdTe layers, respectively. Moreover, the presence of the exciton band while the absence of deep level defect states for the ∼120 nm thick CdTe film characterized by the temperature dependent photoluminescence spectra further supports the high-crystalline quality.

Inhibition of autophagy contributes to the toxicity of cadmium telluride quantum dots in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Fan, Junpeng; Shao, Ming; Lai, Lu; Liu, Yi; Xie, Zhixiong

2016-01-01

Cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) are used as near-infrared probes in biologic and medical applications, but their cytological effects and mechanism of potential toxicity are still unclear. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of CdTe QDs of different sizes and investigated their mechanism of toxicity in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A growth inhibition assay revealed that orange-emitting CdTe (O-CdTe) QDs (half inhibitory concentration [IC50] =59.44±12.02 nmol/L) were more toxic than green-emitting CdTe QDs (IC50 =186.61±19.74 nmol/L) to S. cerevisiae. Further studies on toxicity mechanisms using a transmission electron microscope and green fluorescent protein tagged Atg8 processing assay revealed that O-CdTe QDs could partially inhibit autophagy at a late stage, which differs from the results reported in mammalian cells. Moreover, autophagy inhibited at a late stage by O-CdTe QDs could be partially recovered by enhancing autophagy with rapamycin (an autophagy activator), combined with an increased number of living cells. These results indicate that inhibition of autophagy acts as a toxicity mechanism of CdTe QDs in S. cerevisiae. This work reports a novel toxicity mechanism of CdTe QDs in yeast and provides valuable information on the effect of CdTe QDs on the processes of living cells.

Design Strategies for High-Efficiency CdTe Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Tao

With continuous technology advances over the past years, CdTe solar cells have surged to be a leading contributor in thin-film photovoltaic (PV) field. While empirical material and device optimization has led to considerable progress, further device optimization requires accurate device models that are able to provide an in-depth understanding of CdTe device physics. Consequently, this thesis is intended to develop a comprehensive model system for high-efficiency CdTe devices through applying basic design principles of solar cells with numerical modeling and comparing results with experimental CdTe devices. The CdTe absorber is central to cell performance. Numerical simulation has shown the feasibility of high energy-conversion efficiency, which requires both high carrier density and long minority carrier lifetime. As the minority carrier lifetime increases, the carrier recombination at the back surface becomes a limitation for cell performance with absorber thickness < 3 microm. Hence, either a thicker absorber or an appropriate back-surface-field layer is a requisite for reducing the back-surface recombination. When integrating layers into devices, more careful design of interfaces is needed. One consideration is the emitter/absorber interface. It is shown that a positive conduction-band offset DeltaEC ("spike") at the interface is beneficial to cell performance, since it can induce a large valence-band bending which suppresses the hole injection near the interface for the electron-hole recombination, but too large a spike is detrimental to photocurrent transport. In a heterojunction device with many defects at the emitter/absorber interface (high SIF), a thin and highly-doped emitter can induce strong absorber inversion and hence help maintain good cell performance. Performance losses from acceptor-type interface defects can be significant when interface defect states are located near mid-gap energies. In terms of specific emitter materials, the calculations suggest that the (Mg,Zn)O alloy with 20% Mg, or a similar type-I heterojunction partner with moderate DeltaE C (e.g., Cd(S,O) or (Cd,Mg)Te with appropriate oxygen or magnesium ratios) should yield higher voltages and would therefore be better candidates for the CdTe-cell emitter. The CdTe/substrate interface is also of great importance, particularly in the growth of epitaxial monocrystalline CdTe cells. Several substrate materials have been discussed and all have challenges. These have generally been addressed through the addition of intermediate layers between the substrate and CdTe absorber. InSb is an attractive substrate choice for CdTe devices, because it has a close lattice match with CdTe, it has low resistivity, and it is easy to contact. However, the valence-band alignment between InSb and p-type CdTe, which can both impede hole current and enhance forward electron current, is not favorable. In addition, the CdTe/back contact interface plays a significant role in carrier transport for conventional polycrystalline thin-film CdTe devices. A significant back-contact barrier φb caused by metallic contact with low work function can block hole transport and enhance the forward current and thus result in a reduced VOC, particularly with fully-depleted CdTe devices. A buffer contact layer between CdTe absorber and metallic contact is strongly needed to mitigate this detrimental impact. The simulation has shown that a thin tellurium (Te) buffer as well as a highly doped p-type CdTe layer can assume such a role by reducing the downward valence-band bending caused by large φb and hence enhancing the extraction of the charge carriers. Finally, experimental CdTe cells are discussed in parallel with the simulation results to identify limiting mechanisms and give guidance for future efficiency improvement. For the monocrystalline CdTe cells made at NREL, it is found that the sputter damage causing large numbers of defect states near the Cd(S,O)/CdTe interface plays an important role in limiting cell performance, particularly for cells with low oxygen Cd(

Review on first-principles study of defect properties of CdTe as a solar cell absorber

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

Yang, Ji-Hui; Yin, Wan-Jian; Park, Ji-Sang

2016-07-15

CdTe is one of the leading materials for high-efficiency, low-cost, and thin-film solar cells. In this work, we review the recent first-principles study of defect properties of CdTe and present that: (1) When only intrinsic defects are present, p-type doping in CdTe is weak and the hole density is low due to the relatively deep acceptor levels of Cd vacancy. (2) When only intrinsic defects present, the dominant non-radiative recombination center in p-type CdTe is Te-2+/Cd, which limits the carrier lifetime to be around 200 ns. (3) Extrinsic p-type doping in CdTe by replacing Te with group V elements generallymore » will be limited by the formation of AX centers. This could be overcome through a non-equilibrium cooling process and the hole density can achieve 10^17 cm-3. However, the long-term stability will be a challenging issue. (4) Extrinsic p-type doping by replacing Cd with alkaline group I elements is limited by alkaline interstitials and a non-equilibrium cooling process can efficiently enhance the hole density to the order of 10^17 cm-3. (5) Cu and Cl treatments are discussed. In bulk CdTe, Cu can enhance p-type doping, but Cl is found to be unsuitable for this. Both Cu and Cl show segregation at grain boundaries, especially at those with Te-Te wrong bonds. (6) External impurities are usually incorporated by diffusion. Therefore, the diffusion processes in CdTe are investigated. We find that cation interstitial (Nai, Cui) diffusion follows relatively simple diffusion paths, but anion diffusion (Cli, Pi) follows more complicated paths due to the degenerated defect wavefunctions.« less

Substrate preparation effects on defect density in molecular beam epitaxial growth of CdTe on CdTe (100) and (211)B

DOE PAGES

Burton, George L.; Diercks, David R.; Perkins, Craig L.; ...

2017-07-01

Recent studies have demonstrated that growth of CdTe on CdTe (100) and (211)B substrates via molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) results in planar defect densities 2 and 3 orders of magnitude higher than growth on InSb (100) substrates, respectively. To understand this shortcoming, MBE growth on CdTe substrates with a variety of substrate preparation methods is studied by scanning electron microscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cross sectional transmission electron microscopy, and atom probe tomography (APT). Prior to growth, carbon is shown to remain on substrate surfaces even after atomic hydrogen cleaning. APT revealed that following the growth ofmore » films, trace amounts of carbon remained at the substrate/film interface. This residual carbon may lead to structural degradation, which was determined as the main cause of higher defect density.« less

APT mass spectrometry and SEM data for CdTe solar cells

DOE PAGES

Li, Chen; Paudel, Naba R.; Yan, Yanfa; ...

2016-03-16

Atom probe tomography (APT) data acquired from a CAMECA LEAP 4000 XHR for the CdS/CdTe interface for a non-CdCl 2 treated CdTe solar cell as well as the mass spectrum of an APT data set including a GB in a CdCl 2-treated CdTe solar cell are presented. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data showing the evolution of sample preparation for APT and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) electron beam induced current (EBIC) are also presented. As a result, these data show mass spectrometry peak decomposition of Cu and Te within an APT dataset, the CdS/CdTe interface of an untreated CdTe solarmore » cell, preparation of APT needles from the CdS/CdTe interface in superstrate grown CdTe solar cells, and the preparation of a cross-sectional STEM EBIC sample.« less

Coexistence of optically active radial and axial CdTe insertions in single ZnTe nanowire.

PubMed

Wojnar, P; Płachta, J; Zaleszczyk, W; Kret, S; Sanchez, Ana M; Rudniewski, R; Raczkowska, K; Szymura, M; Karczewski, G; Baczewski, L T; Pietruczik, A; Wojtowicz, T; Kossut, J

2016-03-14

We report on the growth, cathodoluminescence and micro-photoluminescence of individual radial and axial CdTe insertions in ZnTe nanowires. In particular, the cathodoluminescence technique is used to determine the position of each emitting object inside the nanowire. It is demonstrated that depending on the CdTe deposition temperature, one can obtain an emission either from axial CdTe insertions only, or from both, radial and axial heterostructures, simultaneously. At 350 °C CdTe grows only axially, whereas at 310 °C and 290 °C, there is also significant deposition on the nanowire sidewalls resulting in radial core/shell heterostructures. The presence of Cd atoms on the sidewalls is confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Micro-photoluminescence study reveals a strong linear polarization of the emission from both types of heterostructures in the direction along the nanowire axis.

Supply Constraints Analysis | Energy Analysis | NREL

Science.gov Websites

module cost, and future price could be critical to the economic viability of this PV technology. Even constraints on future CdTe PV module deployment and found that: CdTe PV modules can remain cost-competitive and 4070 GW of annual CdTe production by 2030. Cost estimates were based on NREL's manufacturing cost

A novel strategy to evaluate the degradation of quantum dots: identification and quantification of CdTe quantum dots and corresponding ionic species by CZE-ICP-MS.

PubMed

Meng, Peijun; Xiong, Yamin; Wu, Yingting; Hu, Yue; Wang, Hui; Pang, Yuanfeng; Jiang, Shuqing; Han, Sihai; Huang, Peili

2018-05-09

In view of the significance and urgency of the speciation analysis of quantum dots (QDs) and their degradation products for clarifying their degradation rules and toxicity mechanisms, a method for the identification and quantification of CdTe QDs and corresponding ionic species in complex matrices was developed using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) coupled to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The quality assessment of commercial CdTe QDs and serum pharmacokinetics of synthesized CdTe QDs in rats were successfully undertaken using the developed CZE-ICP-MS method.

Fabrication and characterization of Au/n-CdTe Schottky barrier under illumination and dark

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bera, Swades Ranjan; Saha, Satyajit

2018-04-01

CdTe nanoparticles have been grown by chemical reduction method using EDA as capping agent. These are used to fabricate Schottky barrier in a simple cost-effective way at room temperature. The grown nanoparticles are structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The optical properties of nano CdTe is characterized by UV-Vis absorption spectra, PL spectra. The band gap of the CdTe nanoparticles is increased as compared to CdTe bulk form indicating there is blue shift. The increase of band gap is due to quantum confinement. Photoluminescence spectra shows peak which corresponds to emission from surface state. CdTe nanofilm is grown on ITO coated glass substrate by dipping it on toluene containing dispersed CdTe nanoparticles. Schottky barrier of Au/n-CdTe is fabricated on ITO coated glass by vacuum deposition of gold. I- V and C- V characteristics of Au/n-CdTe Schottky barrier junction have been studied under dark and light condition. It is found that these characteristics are influenced by surface or interface traps. The values of barrier height, ideality factor, donor concentration and series resistance are obtained from the reverse bias capacitance-voltage measurements.

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

Cingarapu, Sreeram; Yang, Zhiqiang; Sorensen, Christopher M.

We report synthesis of CdSe and CdTe quantum dots (QDs) from the bulk CdSe and CdTe material by evaporation/co-condensation using the solvated metal atom dispersion (SMAD) technique and refined digestive ripening. The outcomes of this new process are (1) the reduction of digestive ripening time by employing ligands (trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) and oleylamine (OA)) as capping agent as well as digestive ripening solvent, (2) ability to tune the photoluminescence (PL) from 410 nm to 670 nm, (3) demonstrate the ability of SMAD synthesis technique for other semiconductors (CdTe), (4) direct comparison of CdSe QDs growth with CdTe QDs growth based on digestivemore » ripening times, and (5) enhanced PL quantum yield (QY) of CdSe QDs and CdTe QDs upon covering with a ZnS shell. Further, the merit of this synthesis is the use of bulk CdSe and CdTe as the starting materials, which avoids usage of toxic organometallic compounds, eliminates the hot injection procedure, and size selective precipitation processes. It also allows the possibility of scale up. These QDs were characterized by UV-vis, photoluminescence (PL), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and powder XRD.« less

Application of hybrid SiO2-coated CdTe nanocrystals for sensitive sensing of Cu2+ and Ag+ ions.

PubMed

Cao, Yongqiang; Zhang, Aiyu; Ma, Qian; Liu, Ning; Yang, Ping

2013-01-01

A new ion sensor based on hybrid SiO2 -coated CdTe nanocrystals (NCs) was prepared and applied for sensitive sensing of Cu(2+) and Ag(+) for the selective quenching of photoluminescence (PL) of NCs in the presence of ions. As shown by ion detection experiments conducted in pure water rather than buffer solution, PL responses of NCs were linearly proportional to concentrations of Cu(2+) and Ag(+) ions < 3 and 7 uM, respectively. Much lower detection limits of 42.37 nM for Cu(2+) and 39.40 nM for Ag(+) were also observed. In addition, the NC quenching mechanism was discussed in terms of the characterization of static and transient optical spectra. The transfer and trapping of photoinduced charges in NCs by surface energy levels of CuS and Ag2 S clusters as well as surface defects generated by the exchange of Cu(2+) and Ag(+) ions with Cd(2+) ion in NCs, resulted in PL quenching and other optical spectra changes, including steady-state absorption and transient PL spectra. It is our hope that these results will be helpful in the future preparation of new ion sensors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In vitro immunotoxicology of quantum dots and comparison with dissolved cadmium and tellurium.

PubMed

Bruneau, Audrey; Fortier, Marlene; Gagne, Francois; Gagnon, Christian; Turcotte, Patrice; Tayabali, Azam; Davis, Thomas A; Auffret, Michel; Fournier, Michel

2015-01-01

The increasing use of products derived from nanotechnology has raised concerns about their potential toxicity, especially at the immunocompetence level in organisms. This study compared the immunotoxicity of cadmium sulfate/cadmium telluride (CdS/Cd-Te) mixture quantum dots (QDs) and their dissolved components, cadmium chloride (CdCl2 )/sodium telluride (NaTeO3 ) salts, and a CdCl2 /NaTeO3 mixture on four animal models commonly used in risk assessment studies: one bivalve (Mytilus edulis), one fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and two mammals (mice and humans). Our results of viability and phagocytosis biomarkers revealed that QDs were more toxic than dissolved metals for blue mussels. For other species, dissolved metals (Cd, Te, and Cd-Te mixture) were more toxic than the nanoparticles (NPs). The most sensitive species toward QDs, according to innate immune cells, was humans (inhibitory concentration [IC50 ] = 217 μg/mL). However, for adaptative immunity, lymphoblastic transformation in mice was decreased for small QD concentrations (EC50 = 4 μg/mL), and was more sensitive than other model species tested. Discriminant function analysis revealed that blue mussel hemocytes were able to discriminate the toxicity of QDs, Cd, Te, and Cd-Te mixture (Partial Wilk's λ = 0.021 and p < 0.0001). For rainbow trout and human cells, the immunotoxic effects of QDs were similar to those obtained with the dissolved fraction of Cd and Te mixture. For mice, the toxicity of QDs markedly differed from those observed with Cd, Te, and dissolved Cd-Te mixture. The results also suggest that aquatic species responded more differently than vertebrates to these compounds. The results lead to the recommendation that mussels and mice were most able to discriminate the effects of Cd-based NPs from the effects of dissolved Cd and Te at the immunocompetence level. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Interaction and energy transfer studies between bovine serum albumin and CdTe quantum dots conjugates: CdTe QDs as energy acceptor probes.

PubMed

Kotresh, M G; Inamdar, L S; Shivkumar, M A; Adarsh, K S; Jagatap, B N; Mulimani, B G; Advirao, G M; Inamdar, S R

2017-06-01

In this paper, a systematic investigation of the interaction of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with water-soluble CdTe quantum dots (QDs) of two different sizes capped with carboxylic thiols is presented based on steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. Efficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) was observed to occur from BSA donor to CdTe acceptor as noted from reduction in the fluorescence of BSA and enhanced fluorescence from CdTe QDs. FRET parameters such as Förster distance, spectral overlap integral, FRET rate constant and efficiency were determined. The quenching of BSA fluorescence in aqueous solution observed in the presence of CdTe QDs infers that fluorescence resonance energy transfer is primarily responsible for the quenching phenomenon. Bimolecular quenching constant (k q ) determined at different temperatures and the time-resolved fluorescence data provide additional evidence for this. The binding stoichiometry and various thermodynamic parameters are evaluated by using the van 't Hoff equation. The analysis of the results suggests that the interaction between BSA and CdTe QDs is entropy driven and hydrophobic forces play a key role in the interaction. Binding of QDs significantly shortened the fluorescence lifetime of BSA which is one of the hallmarks of FRET. The effect of size of the QDs on the FRET parameters are discussed in the light of FRET parameters obtained. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Surface and interface of epitaxial CdTe film on CdS buffered van der Waals mica substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Y.-B.; Seewald, L.; Mohanty, Dibyajyoti; Wang, Y.; Zhang, L. H.; Kisslinger, K.; Xie, Weiyu; Shi, J.; Bhat, I.; Zhang, Shengbai; Lu, T.-M.; Wang, G.-C.

2017-08-01

Single crystal CdTe films are desirable for optoelectronic device applications. An important strategy of creating films with high crystallinity is through epitaxial growth on a proper single crystal substrate. We report the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of epitaxial CdTe films on the CdS/mica substrate. The epitaxial CdS film was grown on a mica surface by thermal evaporation. Due to the weak van der Waals forces, epitaxy is achieved despite the very large interface lattice mismatch between CdS and mica (∼21-55%). The surface morphology of mica, CdS and CdTe were quantified by atomic force microscopy. The near surface structures, orientations and texture of CdTe and CdS films were characterized by the unique reflection high-energy electron diffraction surface pole figure technique. The interfaces of CdTe and CdS films and mica were characterized by X-ray pole figure technique and transmission electron microscopy. The out-of-plane and in-plane epitaxy of the heteroepitaxial films stack are determined to be CdTe(111)//CdS(0001)//mica(001) and [1 bar2 1 bar]CdTe//[ 1 bar100]CdS//[010]mica, respectively. The measured photoluminescence (PL), time resolved PL, photoresponse, and Hall mobility of the CdTe/CdS/mica indicate quality films. The use of van der Waals surface to grow epitaxial CdTe/CdS films offers an alternative strategy towards infrared imaging and solar cell applications.

Opto-Electronic Characterization CdTe Solar Cells from TCO to Back Contact with Nano-Scale CL Probe

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

Moseley, John; Al-Jassim, Mowafak M.; Paudel, Naba

2015-06-14

We used cathodoluminescence (CL) (spectrum-per-pixel) imaging on beveled CdTe solar cell sections to investigate the opto-electronic properties of these devices from the TCO to the back contact. We used a nano-scale CL probe to resolve luminescence from grain boundary (GB) and grain interior (GI) locations near the CdS/CdTe interface where the grains are very small. As-deposited, CdCl2-treated, Cu-treated, and (CdCl2+Cu)-treated cells were analyzed. Color-coded CL spectrum imaging maps on bevels illustrate the distribution of the T=6 K luminescence transitions through the depth of devices with unprecedented spatial resolution. The CL at the GBs and GIs is shown to vary significantlymore » from the front to the back of devices and is a sensitive function of processing. Supporting D-SIMS depth profile, TRPL lifetime, and C-V measurements are used to link the CL data to the J-V performance of devices.« less

Rapid determination of melamine in milk using water-soluble CdTe quantum dots as fluorescence probes.

PubMed

Zhang, Minwei; Ping, Hong; Cao, Xianyi; Li, Hongkun; Guan, Fengrui; Sun, Chunyan; Liu, Jingbo

2012-01-01

Water-soluble CdTe quantum dots of different sizes capped with thioglycolic acid (TGA-CdTe QDs) were synthesised via a microwave-assisted method. It was found that melamine could quench the fluorescence emission of TGA-CdTe QDs in aqueous solution. Based on this, a novel method for the determination of melamine has been developed. Under optimum conditions, the fluorescence intensity of TGA-CdTe QDs versus melamine concentrations gave a linear response according to the Stern-Volmer equation. The proposed method has been successfully used to detect melamine in liquid milk with a detection limit of 0.04 mg L⁻¹, and the whole process including sample pre-treatment could be accomplished within 30 min. The obvious merits provided by this method, such as simplicity, rapidity, low cost and high sensitivity would make it promising for on-site screening of melamine adulterant in milk products. The possible mechanism involved in the interaction of melamine with TGA-CdTe QDs is discussed.

Development of dual-emission ratiometric probe-based on fluorescent silica nanoparticle and CdTe quantum dots for determination of glucose in beverages and human body fluids.

PubMed

Zhai, Hong; Feng, Ting; Dong, Lingyu; Wang, Liyun; Wang, Xiangfeng; Liu, Hailing; Liu, Yuan; Chen, Luan; Xie, MengXia

2016-08-01

A novel dual emission ratiometric fluorescence probe for determination of glucose has been developed. The reference dye fluorescence isothiocyanate (FITC) has been encapsulated in the silica nanoparticles and then the red emission CdTe QDs were grafted on the surface of the silica particles to obtain the fluorescence probe. With glucose and dopamine as substrates, the glucose level was proportional to the fluorescence ratio change of above probe caused by dopamine oxidation, which was produced via bienzyme catalysis (glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase). The established approach was sensitive and selective, and has been applied to determine the glucose in beverage, urine and serum samples. The average recoveries of the glucose at various spiking levels ranged from 95.5% to 108.9% with relative standard deviations from 1.5% to 4.3%. The results provided a clue to develop sensors for rapid determination of the target analytes from complex matrices. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inflight proton activation and damage on a CdTe detection plane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simões, N.; Maia, J. M.; Curado da Silva, R. M.; Ghithan, S.; Crespo, P.; do Carmo, S. J. C.; Alves, Francisco; Moita, M.; Auricchio, N.; Caroli, E.

2018-01-01

Future high-energy space telescope missions require further analysis of orbital environment induced activation and radiation damage on main instruments. A scientific satellite is exposed to the charged particles harsh environment, mainly geomagnetically trapped protons (up to ∼300 MeV) that interact with the payload materials, generating nuclear activation background noise within instruments' operational energy range and causing radiation damage in detector material. As a consequence, instruments' performances deteriorate during the mission time-frame. In order to optimize inflight operational performances of future CdTe high-energy telescope detection planes under orbital radiation environment, we measured and analyzed the effects generated by protons on CdTe ACRORAD detectors with 2.56 cm2 sensitive area and 2 mm thickness. To carry-out this study, several sets of measurements were performed under a ∼14 MeV cyclotron proton beam. Nuclear activation radionuclides' identification was performed. Estimation of activation background generated by short-lived radioisotopes during one day was less than ∼1.3 ×10-5 counts cm-2 s-1 keV-1 up to 800 keV. A noticeable gamma-rays energy resolution degradation was registered (∼60% @ 122 keV, ∼14% @ 511 and ∼2.2% @ 1275 keV) after an accumulated proton fluence of 4.5 ×1010 protons cm-2, equivalent to ∼22 years in-orbit fluence. One year later, the energy resolution of the irradiated prototype showed a good level of performancerecovery.

Carrier Transport, Recombination, and the Effects of Grain Boundaries in Polycrystalline Cadmium Telluride Thin Films for Photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuteja, Mohit

Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), a chalcogenide semiconductor, is currently used as the absorber layer in one of the highest efficiency thin film solar cell technologies. Current efficiency records are over 22%. In 2011, CdTe solar cells accounted for 8% of all solar cells installed. This is because, in part, CdTe has a low degradation rate, high optical absorption coefficient, and high tolerance to intrinsic defects. Solar cells based on polycrystalline CdTe exhibit a higher short-circuit current, fill factor, and power conversion efficiency than their single crystal counterparts. This is despite the fact that polycrystalline CdTe devices exhibit lower open-circuit voltages. This is contrary to the observation for silicon and III-V semiconductors, where material defects cause a dramatic drop in device performance. For example, grain boundaries in covalently-bonded semiconductors (a) act as carrier recombination centers, and (b) lead to localized energy states, causing carrier trapping. Despite significant research to date, the mechanism responsible for the superior current collection properties of polycrystalline CdTe solar cells has not been conclusively answered. This dissertation focuses on the macro-scale electronic band structure, and micro scale electronic properties of grains and grain boundaries in device-grade CdTe thin films to answer this open question. My research utilized a variety of experimental techniques. Samples were obtained from leading groups fabricating the material and devices. A CdCl 2 anneal is commonly performed as part of this fabrication and its effects were also investigated. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was employed to study the band structure and defect states in CdTe polycrystals. Cadmium vacancy- and chlorine-related states lead to carrier recombination, as in CdTe films grown by other methods. Comparing polycrystalline and single crystal CdTe, showed that the key to explaining the improved performance of polycrystalline CdTe does not lie in macroscopic analysis. The nanoscale majority carrier concentration was studied using scanning microwave impedance microscopy, which revealed an existence of majority carrier depletion along the grain boundaries, independent of the growth process used, which was absent in films that were not subjected to CdCl2 annealing. This effect promotes carrier separation and collection. Conductive atomic force microscopy showed enhanced conduction of electrons along the grain boundaries in samples subjected to the CdCl2 anneal treatment while holes were shown to move through the grain bulk. The separation of conduction channels minimizes recombination while simultaneously reducing series resistance and hence enhancing fill factor. Several technical capabilities demonstrated in this work can be easily extended to other semiconductor materials.

Infiltration of CdTe nano crystals into a ZnO wire vertical matrix by using the isothermal closed space technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larramendi, S.; Vaillant Roca, Lidice; Saint-Gregoire, Pierre; Ferraz Dias, Johnny; Behar, Moni

2017-10-01

A ZnO nanorod structure was grown by the hydrothermal method and interpenetrated with CdTe using the isothermal closed space sublimation technique. The obtained structure was studied by using the Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) technique confirmed the presence of CdTe nanocrystals (NCs) of very small size formed on the surface and in the interspaces between the ZnO nanorods. The RBS observations together with the SEM observations give information on the obtained structure. Finally the photoluminescence studies show a strong energy confinement effect on the grown CdTe NCs.

Photoluminescence and time-resolved carrier dynamics in thiol-capped CdTe nanocrystals under high pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yan-Cheng; Chou, Wu-Ching; Susha, Andrei S.; Kershaw, Stephen V.; Rogach, Andrey L.

2013-03-01

The application of static high pressure provides a method for precisely controlling and investigating many fundamental and unique properties of semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs). This study systematically investigates the high-pressure photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved carrier dynamics of thiol-capped CdTe NCs of different sizes, at different concentrations, and in various stress environments. The zincblende-to-rocksalt phase transition in thiol-capped CdTe NCs is observed at a pressure far in excess of the bulk phase transition pressure. Additionally, the process of transformation depends strongly on NC size, and the phase transition pressure increases with NC size. These peculiar phenomena are attributed to the distinctive bonding of thiols to the NC surface. In a nonhydrostatic environment, considerable flattening of the PL energy of CdTe NC powder is observed above 3.0 GPa. Furthermore, asymmetric and double-peak PL emissions are obtained from a concentrated solution of CdTe NCs under hydrostatic pressure, implying the feasibility of pressure-induced interparticle coupling.

Water-soluble CdTe nanocrystals under high pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yan-Cheng

2015-02-01

The application of static high pressure provides a method for precisely controlling and investigating many fundamental and unique properties of semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs). This study systematically investigates the high-pressure photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved carrier dynamics of thiol-capped CdTe NCs of different sizes, at different concentrations, and in various stress environments. The zincblende-to-rocksalt phase transition in thiol-capped CdTe NCs is observed at a pressure far in excess of the bulk phase transition pressure. Additionally, the process of transformation depends strongly on NC size, and the phase transition pressure increases with NC size. These peculiar phenomena are attributed to the distinctive bonding of thiols to the NC surface. In a nonhydrostatic environment, considerable flattening of the PL energy of CdTe NCs powder is observed above 3.0 GPa. Furthermore, asymmetric and double-peak PL emissions are obtained from a concentrated solution of CdTe NCs under hydrostatic pressure, implying the feasibility of pressure-induced interparticle coupling.

Transparent ohmic contacts for solution-processed, ultrathin CdTe solar cells

DOE PAGES

Kurley, J. Matthew; Panthani, Matthew G.; Crisp, Ryan W.; ...

2016-12-19

Recently, solution-processing became a viable route for depositing CdTe for use in photovoltaics. Ultrathin (~500 nm) solar cells have been made using colloidal CdTe nanocrystals with efficiencies exceeding 12% power conversion efficiency (PCE) demonstrated by using very simple device stacks. Further progress requires an effective method for extracting charge carriers generated during light harvesting. Here, we explored solution-based methods for creating transparent Ohmic contacts to the solution-deposited CdTe absorber layer and demonstrated molecular and nanocrystal approaches to Ohmic hole-extracting contacts at the ITO/CdTe interface. Furthermore, we used scanning Kelvin probe microscopy to further show how the above approaches improved carriermore » collection by reducing the potential drop under reverse bias across the ITO/CdTe interface. Other methods, such as spin-coating CdTe/A 2CdTe 2 (A = Na, K, Cs, N 2H 5), can be used in conjunction with current/light soaking to improve PCE further.« less

Experimental and theoretical comparison of Sb, As, and P diffusion mechanisms and doping in CdTe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colegrove, E.; Yang, J.-H.; Harvey, S. P.; Young, M. R.; Burst, J. M.; Duenow, J. N.; Albin, D. S.; Wei, S.-H.; Metzger, W. K.

2018-02-01

Fundamental material doping challenges have limited CdTe electro-optical applications. In this work, the As atomistic diffusion mechanisms in CdTe are examined by spatially resolving dopant incorporation in both single-crystalline and polycrystalline CdTe over a range of experimental conditions. Density-functional theory calculations predict experimental activation energies and indicate that As diffuses slowly through the Te sublattice and quickly along GBs similar to Sb. Because of its atomic size and associated defect chemistry, As does not have a fast interstitial diffusion component similar to P. Experiments to incorporate and activate P, As, and Sb in polycrystalline CdTe are conducted to examine if ex situ Group V doping can overcome historic polycrystalline doping limits. The distinct P, As, and Sb diffusion characteristics create different strategies for increasing hole density. Because fast interstitial diffusion is prominent for P, less aggressive diffusion conditions followed by Cd overpressure to relocate the Group V element to the Te lattice site is effective. For larger atoms, slower diffusion through the Te sublattice requires more aggressive diffusion, however further activation is not always necessary. Based on the new physical understanding, we have obtained greater than 1016 cm-3 hole density in polycrystalline CdTe films by As and P diffusion.

Physics of grain boundaries in polycrystalline photovoltaic semiconductors

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

Yan, Yanfa, E-mail: yanfa.yan@utoledo.edu; Yin, Wan-Jian; Wu, Yelong

2015-03-21

Thin-film solar cells based on polycrystalline Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} (CIGS) and CdTe photovoltaic semiconductors have reached remarkable laboratory efficiencies. It is surprising that these thin-film polycrystalline solar cells can reach such high efficiencies despite containing a high density of grain boundaries (GBs), which would seem likely to be nonradiative recombination centers for photo-generated carriers. In this paper, we review our atomistic theoretical understanding of the physics of grain boundaries in CIGS and CdTe absorbers. We show that intrinsic GBs with dislocation cores exhibit deep gap states in both CIGS and CdTe. However, in each solar cell device, the GBs can bemore » chemically modified to improve their photovoltaic properties. In CIGS cells, GBs are found to be Cu-rich and contain O impurities. Density-functional theory calculations reveal that such chemical changes within GBs can remove most of the unwanted gap states. In CdTe cells, GBs are found to contain a high concentration of Cl atoms. Cl atoms donate electrons, creating n-type GBs between p-type CdTe grains, forming local p-n-p junctions along GBs. This leads to enhanced current collections. Therefore, chemical modification of GBs allows for high efficiency polycrystalline CIGS and CdTe thin-film solar cells.« less

Local Electronic Structure Changes in Polycrystalline CdTe with CdCl 2 Treatment and Air Exposure

DOE PAGES

Berg, Morgann; Kephart, Jason M.; Munshi, Amit; ...

2018-03-12

Postdeposition CdCl 2 treatment of polycrystalline CdTe is known to increase the photovoltaic device efficiency. However, the precise chemical, structural, and electronic changes that underpin this improvement are still debated. In this work, spectroscopic photoemission electron microscopy was used to spatially map the vacuum level and ionization energy of CdTe films, enabling the identification of electronic structure variations between grains and grain boundaries (GBs). In vacuo preparation and inert transfer of oxide-free CdTe surfaces isolated the separate effects of CdCl 2 treatment and ambient oxygen exposure. Qualitatively, grain boundaries displayed lower work function and downward band bending relative to grainmore » interiors, but only after air exposure of CdCl 2-treated CdTe. Analysis of numerous space charge regions at grain boundaries showed an average depletion width of 290 nm and an average band bending magnitude of 70 meV, corresponding to a GB trap density of 10 11 cm –2 and a net carrier density of 10 15 cm –3. Finally, these results suggest that both CdCl 2 treatment and oxygen exposure may be independently tuned to enhance the CdTe photovoltaic performance by engineering the interface and bulk electronic structure.« less

Synthesis of CdSe/ZnS and CdTe/ZnS Quantum Dots: Refined Digestive Ripening

DOE PAGES

Cingarapu, Sreeram; Yang, Zhiqiang; Sorensen, Christopher M.; ...

2012-01-01

We report synthesis of CdSe and CdTe quantum dots (QDs) from the bulk CdSe and CdTe material by evaporation/co-condensation using the solvated metal atom dispersion (SMAD) technique and refined digestive ripening. The outcomes of this new process are (1) the reduction of digestive ripening time by employing ligands (trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) and oleylamine (OA)) as capping agent as well as digestive ripening solvent, (2) ability to tune the photoluminescence (PL) from 410 nm to 670 nm, (3) demonstrate the ability of SMAD synthesis technique for other semiconductors (CdTe), (4) direct comparison of CdSe QDs growth with CdTe QDs growth based on digestivemore » ripening times, and (5) enhanced PL quantum yield (QY) of CdSe QDs and CdTe QDs upon covering with a ZnS shell. Further, the merit of this synthesis is the use of bulk CdSe and CdTe as the starting materials, which avoids usage of toxic organometallic compounds, eliminates the hot injection procedure, and size selective precipitation processes. It also allows the possibility of scale up. These QDs were characterized by UV-vis, photoluminescence (PL), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and powder XRD.« less

Obtaining Large Columnar CdTe Grains and Long Lifetime on CdSe, MgZnO, or CdS Layers

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

Amarasinghe, Mahisha; Colegrove, Eric M; Moseley, John

CdTe solar cells have reached efficiencies comparable to multicrystalline silicon and produce electricity at costs competitive with traditional energy sources. Recent efficiency gains have come partly from shifting from the traditional CdS window layer to new materials such as CdSe and MgZnO, yet substantial headroom still exists to improve performance. Thin film technologies including Cu(In,Ga)Se2, perovskites, Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4, and CdTe inherently have many grain boundaries that can form recombination centers and impede carrier transport; however, grain boundary engineering has been difficult and not practical. In this work, it is demonstrated that wide columnar grains reaching through the entire CdTe layer canmore » be achieved by aggressive postdeposition CdTe recrystallization. This reduces the grain structure constraints imposed by nucleation on nanocrystalline window layers and enables diverse window layers to be selected for other properties critical for electro-optical applications. Computational simulations indicate that increasing grain size from 1 to 7 um can be equivalent to decreasing grain-boundary recombination velocity by three orders of magnitude. Here, large high-quality grains enable CdTe lifetimes exceeding 50 ns.« less

Experimental and theoretical comparison of Sb, As, and P diffusion mechanisms and doping in CdTe

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

Colegrove, E.; Yang, J-H; Harvey, S. P.

Fundamental material doping challenges have limited CdTe electro-optical applications. In this work, the As atomistic diffusion mechanisms in CdTe are examined by spatially resolving dopant incorporation in both single-crystalline and polycrystalline CdTe over a range of experimental conditions. Density-functional theory calculations predict experimental activation energies and indicate As diffuses slowly through the Te sublattice and quickly along GBs similar to Sb. Because of its atomic size and associated defect chemistry, As does not have a fast interstitial diffusion component similar to P. Experiments to incorporate and activate P, As, and Sb in polycrystalline CdTe are conducted to examine if ex-situmore » Group V doping can overcome historic polycrystalline doping limits. The distinct P, As, and Sb diffusion characteristics create different strategies for increasing hole density. Because fast interstitial diffusion is prominent for P, less aggressive diffusion conditions followed by Cd overpressure to relocate the Group V element to the Te lattice site is effective. For larger atoms, slower diffusion through the Te sublattice requires more aggressive diffusion, however further activation is not always necessary. Based on the new physical understanding, we have obtained greater than 10^16 cm^-3 hole density in polycrystalline CdTe films by As and P diffusion.« less

Experimental and theoretical comparison of Sb, As, and P diffusion mechanisms and doping in CdTe

DOE PAGES

Colegrove, E.; Yang, J-H; Harvey, S. P.; ...

2018-01-29

Fundamental material doping challenges have limited CdTe electro-optical applications. In this work, the As atomistic diffusion mechanisms in CdTe are examined by spatially resolving dopant incorporation in both single-crystalline and polycrystalline CdTe over a range of experimental conditions. Density-functional theory calculations predict experimental activation energies and indicate As diffuses slowly through the Te sublattice and quickly along GBs similar to Sb. Because of its atomic size and associated defect chemistry, As does not have a fast interstitial diffusion component similar to P. Experiments to incorporate and activate P, As, and Sb in polycrystalline CdTe are conducted to examine if ex-situmore » Group V doping can overcome historic polycrystalline doping limits. The distinct P, As, and Sb diffusion characteristics create different strategies for increasing hole density. Because fast interstitial diffusion is prominent for P, less aggressive diffusion conditions followed by Cd overpressure to relocate the Group V element to the Te lattice site is effective. For larger atoms, slower diffusion through the Te sublattice requires more aggressive diffusion, however further activation is not always necessary. Based on the new physical understanding, we have obtained greater than 10^16 cm^-3 hole density in polycrystalline CdTe films by As and P diffusion.« less

Physics of grain boundaries in polycrystalline photovoltaic semiconductors

DOE PAGES

Yan, Yanfa; Yin, Wan-Jian; Wu, Yelong; ...

2015-03-16

Thin-film solar cells based on polycrystalline Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) and CdTe photovoltaic semiconductors have reached remarkable laboratory efficiencies. It is surprising that these thin-film polycrystalline solar cells can reach such high efficiencies despite containing a high density of grain boundaries (GBs), which would seem likely to be nonradiative recombination centers for photo-generated carriers. In this study, we review our atomistic theoretical understanding of the physics of grain boundaries in CIGS and CdTe absorbers. We show that intrinsic GBs with dislocation cores exhibit deep gap states in both CIGS and CdTe. Although, in each solar cell device, the GBs can bemore » chemically modified to improve their photovoltaic properties. In CIGS cells, GBs are found to be Cu-rich and contain O impurities. Density-functional theory calculations reveal that such chemical changes within GBs can remove most of the unwanted gap states. In CdTe cells, GBs are found to contain a high concentration of Cl atoms. Cl atoms donate electrons, creating n-type GBs between p-type CdTe grains, forming local p-n-p junctions along GBs. This leads to enhanced current collections. In conclusion, chemical modification of GBs allows for high efficiency polycrystalline CIGS and CdTe thin-film solar cells.« less

Local Electronic Structure Changes in Polycrystalline CdTe with CdCl 2 Treatment and Air Exposure

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

Berg, Morgann; Kephart, Jason M.; Munshi, Amit

Postdeposition CdCl 2 treatment of polycrystalline CdTe is known to increase the photovoltaic device efficiency. However, the precise chemical, structural, and electronic changes that underpin this improvement are still debated. In this work, spectroscopic photoemission electron microscopy was used to spatially map the vacuum level and ionization energy of CdTe films, enabling the identification of electronic structure variations between grains and grain boundaries (GBs). In vacuo preparation and inert transfer of oxide-free CdTe surfaces isolated the separate effects of CdCl 2 treatment and ambient oxygen exposure. Qualitatively, grain boundaries displayed lower work function and downward band bending relative to grainmore » interiors, but only after air exposure of CdCl 2-treated CdTe. Analysis of numerous space charge regions at grain boundaries showed an average depletion width of 290 nm and an average band bending magnitude of 70 meV, corresponding to a GB trap density of 10 11 cm –2 and a net carrier density of 10 15 cm –3. Finally, these results suggest that both CdCl 2 treatment and oxygen exposure may be independently tuned to enhance the CdTe photovoltaic performance by engineering the interface and bulk electronic structure.« less

Turn-off-on chemiluminescence determination of cyanide.

PubMed

Han, Suqin; Wang, Jianbo; Jia, Shize

2015-02-01

A flow injection chemiluminescence (FI-CL) method was developed for the determination of cyanide (CN(-) ) based on the recovered CL signal by Cu(2+) inhibiting a glutathione (GSH)-capped CdTe quantum dot (QD) and hydrogen peroxide system. In an alkaline medium, strong CL signals were observed from the reaction of CdTe QDs and H2O2 , and addition of Cu(2+) could cause significant CL inhibition of the CdTe QDs-H2O2 system. In the presence of CN(-) , Cu(2+) can be removed from the surface of CdTe QDs via the formation of particularly stable [Cu(CN)n ]((n-1)-) species, and the CL signal of the CdTe QDs-H2O2 system was efficiently recovered. Thus, the CL signals of CdTe QDs-H2O2 system were turned off and turned on by the addition of Cu(2+) and CN(-) , respectively. Further, the results showed that among the tested ions, only CN(-) could recover the CL signal, which suggested that the CdTe QDs-H2O2 -Cu(2+) CL system had highly selectivity for CN(-) . Under optimum conditions, the CL intensity and the concentration of CN(-) show a good linear relationship in the range 0.0-650.0 ng/mL (R(2)  = 0.9996). The limit of detection for CN(-) was 6.0 ng/mL (3σ). This method has been applied to detect CN(-) in river water and industrial wastewater with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Highly Luminescent Hybrid SiO2-Coated CdTe Quantum Dots Retained Initial Photoluminescence Efficiency in Sol-Gel SiO2 Film.

PubMed

Sun, Hongsheng; Xing, Yugui; Wu, Qinan; Yang, Ping

2015-02-01

A highly luminescent silica film was fabricated using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS) through a controlled sol-gel reaction. The pre-hydrolysis of TEOS and APS which resulted in the mixture of TEOS and APS in a molecular level is a key for the formation of homogenous films. The aminopropyl groups in APS play an important role for obtaining homogeneous film with high photoluminescence (PL). Red-emitting hybrid SiO2-coated CdTe nano-crystals (NCs) were fabricated by a two-step synthesis including a thin SiO2 coating via a sol-gel process and a subsequent refluxing using green-emitting CdTe NCs. The hybrid SiO2-coated CdTe NCs were embedded in a functional SiO2 film via a two-step process including adding the NCs in SiO2 sol with a high viscosity and almost without ethanol and a subsequent spinning coating. The hybrid SiO2-coated CdTe NCs retained their initial PL efficiency (54%) in the film. Being encapsulated with the hybrid NCs in the film, no change on the absorption and PL spectra of red-emitting CdTe NCs (632 nm) was observed. This indicates the hybrid NCs is stable enough during preparation. This phenomenon is ascribed to the controlled sol-gel process and a hybrid SiO2 shell on CdTe NCs. Because these films exhibited high PL efficiency and stability, they will be utilizable for potential applications in many fields.

Electrodeposition of CdTe thin film from acetate-based ionic liquid bath

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waldiya, Manmohansingh; Bhagat, Dharini; Mukhopadhyay, Indrajit

2018-05-01

CdTe being a direct band gap semiconductor, is mostly used in photovoltaics. Here we present, the synthesis of CdTe thin film on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate potentiostatically using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Bmim][Ac]) ionic liquid (IL) bath at 90 °C. Major advantages of using electrodeposition involves process simplicity, large scalability & economic viability. Some of the benefits offered by IL electrolytic bath are low vapour pressure, wide electrochemical window, and good ionic mobility. Cd(CH3COO)2 (anhydrous) and TeO2 were used as the source precursors. The IL electrolytic bath temperature was kept at 90 °C for deposition, owing to the limited solubility of TeO2 in [Bmim][Ac] IL at room temperature. Cathodic electrodeposition was carried out using a three electrode cell setup at a constant potential of -1.20 V vs. platinum (Pt) wire. The CdTe/FTO thin film were annealed in argon (Ar) atmosphere. Optical study of nanostructured CdTe film were done using UV-Vis-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Raman analysis confirms the formation of CdTe having surface optics (SO) mode at 160.6 cm-1 and transverse optics (TO) mode at 140.5 cm-1. Elemental Te peaks at 123, 140.5 and 268 cm-1 were also observed. The optical band gap of Ar annealed CdTe thin film were found to be 1.47 eV (absorbance band edge ˜ 846 nm). The optimization of deposition parameters using acetate-based IL electrolytic bath to get nearly stoichiometric CdTe thin film is currently being explored.

Surface and interface of epitaxial CdTe film on CdS buffered van der Waals mica substrate

DOE PAGES

Yang, Y. -B.; Seewald, L.; Mohanty, Dibyajyoti; ...

2017-03-31

We report single crystal CdTe films are desirable for optoelectronic device applications. An important strategy of creating films with high crystallinity is through epitaxial growth on a proper single crystal substrate. We report the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of epitaxial CdTe films on the CdS/mica substrate. The epitaxial CdS film was grown on a mica surface by thermal evaporation. Due to the weak van der Waals forces, epitaxy is achieved despite the very large interface lattice mismatch between CdS and mica (~21–55%). The surface morphology of mica, CdS and CdTe were quantified by atomic force microscopy. The near surface structures, orientations and texture of CdTe and CdS films were characterized by the unique reflection high-energy electron diffraction surface pole figure technique. The interfaces of CdTe and CdS films and mica were characterized by X-ray pole figure technique and transmission electron microscopy. The out-of-plane and in-plane epitaxy of the heteroepitaxial films stack are determined to be CdTe(111)//CdS(0001)//mica(001) and [more » $$\\overline{1}2\\overline{1}$$] CdTe//[$$\\overline{1}100$$] CdS//[010] mica, respectively. The measured photoluminescence (PL), time resolved PL, photoresponse, and Hall mobility of the CdTe/CdS/mica indicate quality films. Finally, the use of van der Waals surface to grow epitaxial CdTe/CdS films offers an alternative strategy towards infrared imaging and solar cell applications.« less

Surface and interface of epitaxial CdTe film on CdS buffered van der Waals mica substrate

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

Yang, Y. -B.; Seewald, L.; Mohanty, Dibyajyoti

We report single crystal CdTe films are desirable for optoelectronic device applications. An important strategy of creating films with high crystallinity is through epitaxial growth on a proper single crystal substrate. We report the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of epitaxial CdTe films on the CdS/mica substrate. The epitaxial CdS film was grown on a mica surface by thermal evaporation. Due to the weak van der Waals forces, epitaxy is achieved despite the very large interface lattice mismatch between CdS and mica (~21–55%). The surface morphology of mica, CdS and CdTe were quantified by atomic force microscopy. The near surface structures, orientations and texture of CdTe and CdS films were characterized by the unique reflection high-energy electron diffraction surface pole figure technique. The interfaces of CdTe and CdS films and mica were characterized by X-ray pole figure technique and transmission electron microscopy. The out-of-plane and in-plane epitaxy of the heteroepitaxial films stack are determined to be CdTe(111)//CdS(0001)//mica(001) and [more » $$\\overline{1}2\\overline{1}$$] CdTe//[$$\\overline{1}100$$] CdS//[010] mica, respectively. The measured photoluminescence (PL), time resolved PL, photoresponse, and Hall mobility of the CdTe/CdS/mica indicate quality films. Finally, the use of van der Waals surface to grow epitaxial CdTe/CdS films offers an alternative strategy towards infrared imaging and solar cell applications.« less

A novel fluorescence immunoassay for the sensitive detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in milk based on catalase-mediated fluorescence quenching of CdTe quantum dots.

PubMed

Chen, Rui; Huang, Xiaolin; Li, Juan; Shan, Shan; Lai, Weihua; Xiong, Yonghua

2016-12-01

Immunoassay is a powerful tool for rapid detection of food borne pathogens in food safety monitoring. However, conventional immunoassay always suffers from low sensitivity when it employs enzyme-catalyzing chromogenic substrates to generate colored molecules as signal outputs. In the present study, we report a novel fluorescence immunoassay for the sensitive detection of E. coli O157:H7 through combination of the ultrahigh bioactivity of catalase to hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and H 2 O 2 -sensitive mercaptopropionic acid modified CdTe QDs (MPA-QDs) as a signal transduction. Various parameters, including the concentrations of anti-E. coli O157:H7 polyclonal antibody and biotinylated monoclonal antibody, the amounts of H 2 O 2 and streptavidin labeled catalase (CAT), the hydrolysis temperature and time of CAT to H 2 O 2 , as well as the incubation time between H 2 O 2 and MPA-QDs, were systematically investigated and optimized. With optimal conditions, the catalase-mediated fluorescence quenching immunoassay exhibits an excellent sensitivity for E. coli O157:H7 with a detection limit of 5 × 10 2  CFU/mL, which was approximately 140 times lower than that of horseradish peroxidase-based colorimetric immunoassay. The reliability of the proposed method was further evaluated using E. coli O157:H7 spiked milk samples. The average recoveries of E. coli O157:H7 concentrations from 1.18 × 10 3  CFU/mL to 1.18 × 10 6  CFU/mL were in the range of 65.88%-105.6%. In brief, the proposed immunoassay offers a great potential for rapid and sensitive detection of other pathogens in food quality control. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new nanobiosensor for glucose with high sensitivity and selectivity in serum based on fluorescence resonance Energy transfer (FRET) between CdTe quantum dots and Au nanoparticles.

PubMed

Tang, Bo; Cao, Lihua; Xu, Kehua; Zhuo, Linhai; Ge, Jiechao; Li, Qingling; Yu, Lijuan

2008-01-01

A novel assembled nanobiosensor QDs-ConA-beta-CDs-AuNPs was designed for the direct determination of glucose in serum with high sensitivity and selectivity. The sensing approach is based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between CdTe quantum dots (QDs) as an energy donor and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as an energy acceptor. The specific combination of concanavalin A (ConA)-conjugated QDs and thiolated beta-cyclodextrins (beta-SH-CDs)-modified AuNPs assembles a hyperefficient FRET nanobiosensor. In the presence of glucose, the AuNPs-beta-CDs segment of the nanobiosensor is displaced by glucose which competes with beta-CDs on the binding sites of ConA, resulting in the fluorescence recovery of the quenched QDs. Experimental results show that the increase in fluorescence intensity is proportional to the concentration of glucose within the range of 0.10-50 muM under the optimized experimental conditions. In addition, the nanobiosensor has high sensitivity with a detection limit as low as 50 nM, and has excellent selectivity for glucose over other sugars and most biological species present in serum. The nanobiosensor was applied directly to determine glucose in normal adult human serum, and the recovery and precision of the method were satisfactory. The unique combination of high sensitivity and good selectivity of this biosensor indicates its potential for the clinical determination of glucose directly and simply in serum, and provides the possibility to detect low levels of glucose in single cells or bacterial cultures. Moreover, the designed nanobiosensor achieves direct detection in biological samples, suggesting the use of nanobiotechnology-based assembled sensors for direct analytical applications in vivo or in vitro.

Plasmonic light-sensitive skins of nanocrystal monolayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akhavan, Shahab; Gungor, Kivanc; Mutlugun, Evren; Demir, Hilmi Volkan

2013-04-01

We report plasmonically coupled light-sensitive skins of nanocrystal monolayers that exhibit sensitivity enhancement and spectral range extension with plasmonic nanostructures embedded in their photosensitive nanocrystal platforms. The deposited plasmonic silver nanoparticles of the device increase the optical absorption of a CdTe nanocrystal monolayer incorporated in the device. Controlled separation of these metallic nanoparticles in the vicinity of semiconductor nanocrystals enables optimization of the photovoltage buildup in the proposed nanostructure platform. The enhancement factor was found to depend on the excitation wavelength. We observed broadband sensitivity improvement (across 400-650 nm), with a 2.6-fold enhancement factor around the localized plasmon resonance peak. The simulation results were found to agree well with the experimental data. Such plasmonically enhanced nanocrystal skins hold great promise for large-area UV/visible sensing applications.

3D Lifetime Tomography Reveals How CdCl 2 Improves Recombination Throughout CdTe Solar Cells

DOE PAGES

Barnard, Edward S.; Ursprung, Benedikt; Colegrove, Eric; ...

2016-11-15

When using two-photon tomography, carrier lifetimes are mapped in polycrystalline CdTe photovoltaic devices. These 3D maps probe subsurface carrier dynamics that are inaccessible with traditional optical techniques. They reveal that CdCl 2 treatment of CdTe solar cells suppresses nonradiative recombination and enhances carrier lifetimes throughout the film with substantial improvements particularly near subsurface grain boundaries and the critical buried p-n junction.

Energy resolution improvement of CdTe detectors by using the principal component analysis technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alharbi, T.

2018-02-01

In this paper, we report on the application of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique for the improvement of the γ-ray energy resolution of CdTe detectors. The PCA technique is used to estimate the amount of charge-trapping effect which is reflected in the shape of each detector pulse, thereby correcting for the charge-trapping effect. The details of the method are described and the results obtained with a CdTe detector are shown. We have achieved an energy resolution of 1.8 % (FWHM) at 662 keV with full detection efficiency from a 1 mm thick CdTe detector which gives an energy resolution of 4.5 % (FWHM) by using the standard pulse processing method.

Carrier density and lifetime for different dopants in single-crystal and polycrystalline CdTe

DOE PAGES

Burst, James M.; Farrell, Stuart B.; Albin, David S.; ...

2016-11-01

CdTe defect chemistry is adjusted by annealing samples with excess Cd or Te vapor with and without extrinsic dopants. We observe that Group I (Cu and Na) elements can increase hole density above 10 16 cm -3, but compromise lifetime and stability. By post-deposition incorporation of a Group V dopant (P) in a Cd-rich ambient, lifetimes of 30 ns with 10 16 cm -3 hole density are achieved in single-crystal and polycrystalline CdTe without CdCl 2 or Cu. Furthermore, phosphorus doping appears to be thermally stable. In conclusion, this combination of long lifetime, high carrier concentration, and improved stability canmore » help overcome historic barriers for CdTe solar cell development.« less

Carrier density and lifetime for different dopants in single-crystal and polycrystalline CdTe

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

Burst, James M.; Farrell, Stuart B.; Albin, David S.

CdTe defect chemistry is adjusted by annealing samples with excess Cd or Te vapor with and without extrinsic dopants. We observe that Group I (Cu and Na) elements can increase hole density above 10 16 cm -3, but compromise lifetime and stability. By post-deposition incorporation of a Group V dopant (P) in a Cd-rich ambient, lifetimes of 30 ns with 10 16 cm -3 hole density are achieved in single-crystal and polycrystalline CdTe without CdCl 2 or Cu. Furthermore, phosphorus doping appears to be thermally stable. In conclusion, this combination of long lifetime, high carrier concentration, and improved stability canmore » help overcome historic barriers for CdTe solar cell development.« less

The next generation CdTe technology- Substrate foil based solar cells

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

Ferekides, Chris

The main objective of this project was the development of one of the most promising Photovoltaic (PV) materials CdTe into a versatile, cost effective, and high throughput technology, by demonstrating substrate devices on foil substrates using high throughput fabrication conditions. The typical CdTe cell is of the superstrate configuration where the solar cell is fabricated on a glass superstrate by the sequential deposition of a TCO, n-type heterojunction partner, p-CdTe absorber, and back contact. Large glass modules are heavy and present significant challenges during manufacturing (uniform heating, etc.). If a substrate CdTe cell could be developed (the main goal ofmore » this project) a roll-to-toll high throughput technology could be developed.« less

High-resolution CdTe detectors with application to various fields (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Shin'ichiro; Orita, Tadashi; Arai, Yasuo; Sugawara, Hirotaka; Tomaru, Ryota; Katsuragawa, Miho; Sato, Goro; Watanabe, Shin; Ikeda, Hirokazu; Takahashi, Tadayuki; Furenlid, Lars R.; Barber, H. Bradford

2016-10-01

High-quality CdTe semiconductor detectors with both fine position resolution and high energy resolution hold great promise to improve measurement in various hard X-ray and gamma-ray imaging fields. ISAS/JAXA has been developing CdTe imaging detectors to meet scientific demands in latest celestial observation and severe environmental limitation (power consumption, vibration, radiation) in space for over 15 years. The energy resolution of imaging detectors with a CdTe Schottky diode of In/CdTe/Pt or Al/CdTe/Pt contact is a highlight of our development. We can extremely reduce a leakage current of devises, meaning it allows us to supply higher bias voltage to collect charges. The 3.2cm-wide and 0.75mm-thick CdTe double-sided strip detector with a strip pitch of 250 µm has been successfully established and was mounted in the latest Japanese X-ray satellite. The energy resolution measured in the test on ground was 2.1 keV (FWHM) at 59.5 keV. The detector with much finer resolution of 60 µm is ready, and it was actually used in the FOXSI rocket mission to observe hard X-ray from the sun. In this talk, we will focus on our research activities to apply space sensor technologies to such various imaging fields as medical imaging. Recent development of CdTe detectors, imaging module with pinhole and coded-mask collimators, and experimental study of response to hard X-rays and gamma-rays are presented. The talk also includes research of the Compton camera which has a configuration of accumulated Si and CdTe imaging detectors.

A computational ab initio study of surface diffusion of sulfur on the CdTe (111) surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naderi, Ebadollah; Ghaisas, S. V.

2016-08-01

In order to discern the formation of epitaxial growth of CdS shell over CdTe nanocrystals, kinetics related to the initial stages of the growth of CdS on CdTe is investigated using ab-initio methods. We report diffusion of sulfur adatom on the CdTe (111) A-type (Cd-terminated) and B-type (Te-terminated) surfaces within the density functional theory (DFT). The barriers are computed by applying the climbing Nudge Elastic Band (c-NEB) method. From the results surface hopping emerges as the major mode of diffusion. In addition, there is a distinct contribution from kick-out type diffusion in which a CdTe surface atom is kicked out from its position and is replaced by the diffusing sulfur atom. Also, surface vacancy substitution contributes to the concomitant dynamics. There are sites on the B- type surface that are competitively close in terms of the binding energy to the lowest energy site of epitaxy on the surface. The kick-out process is more likely for B-type surface where a Te atom of the surface is displaced by a sulfur adatom. Further, on the B-type surface, subsurface migration of sulfur is indicated. Furthermore, the binding energies of S on CdTe reveal that on the A-type surface, epitaxial sites provide relatively higher binding energies and barriers than on B-type.

A computational ab initio study of surface diffusion of sulfur on the CdTe (111) surface

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

Naderi, Ebadollah, E-mail: enaderi42@gmail.com; Ghaisas, S. V.

2016-08-15

In order to discern the formation of epitaxial growth of CdS shell over CdTe nanocrystals, kinetics related to the initial stages of the growth of CdS on CdTe is investigated using ab-initio methods. We report diffusion of sulfur adatom on the CdTe (111) A-type (Cd-terminated) and B-type (Te-terminated) surfaces within the density functional theory (DFT). The barriers are computed by applying the climbing Nudge Elastic Band (c-NEB) method. From the results surface hopping emerges as the major mode of diffusion. In addition, there is a distinct contribution from kick-out type diffusion in which a CdTe surface atom is kicked outmore » from its position and is replaced by the diffusing sulfur atom. Also, surface vacancy substitution contributes to the concomitant dynamics. There are sites on the B- type surface that are competitively close in terms of the binding energy to the lowest energy site of epitaxy on the surface. The kick-out process is more likely for B-type surface where a Te atom of the surface is displaced by a sulfur adatom. Further, on the B-type surface, subsurface migration of sulfur is indicated. Furthermore, the binding energies of S on CdTe reveal that on the A-type surface, epitaxial sites provide relatively higher binding energies and barriers than on B-type.« less

Hydride Generation for Headspace Solid-Phase Extraction with CdTe Quantum Dots Immobilized on Paper for Sensitive Visual Detection of Selenium.

PubMed

Huang, Ke; Xu, Kailai; Zhu, Wei; Yang, Lu; Hou, Xiandeng; Zheng, Chengbin

2016-01-05

A low-cost, simple, and highly selective analytical method was developed for sensitive visual detection of selenium in human urine both outdoors and at home, by coupling hydride generation with headspace solid-phase extraction using quantum dots (QDs) immobilized on paper. The visible fluorescence from the CdTe QDs immobilized on paper was quenched by H2Se from hydride generation reaction and headspace solid-phase extraction. The potential mechanism was investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as well as Density Functional Theory (DFT). Potential interferences from coexisting ions, particularly Ag(+), Cu(2+), and Zn(2+), were eliminated. The selectivity was significantly increased because the selenium hydride was effectively separated from sample matrices by hydride generation. Moreover, due to the high sampling efficiency of hydride generation and headspace solid phase extraction, the sensitivity and the limit of detection (LOD) were significantly improved compared to conventional methods. A LOD of 0.1 μg L(-1) and a relative standard deviation (RSD, n = 7) of 2.4% at a concentration of 20 μg L(-1) were obtained when using a commercial spectrofluorometer as the detector. Furthermore, a visual assay based on the proposed method was developed for the detection of Se, 5 μg L(-1) of selenium in urine can be discriminated from the blank solution with the naked eye. The proposed method was validated by analysis of certified reference materials and human urine samples with satisfactory results.

Ordered CdTe/CdS Arrays for High-Performance Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zubía, David; López, Cesar; Rodríguez, Mario; Escobedo, Arev; Oyer, Sandra; Romo, Luis; Rogers, Scott; Quiñónez, Stella; McClure, John

2007-12-01

The deposition of uniform arrays of CdTe/CdS heterostructures suitable for solar cells via close-spaced sublimation is presented. The approach used to create the arrays consists of two basic steps: the deposition of a patterned growth mask on CdS, and the selective-area deposition of CdTe. CdTe grains grow selectively on the CdS but not on the SiO2 due to the differential surface mobility between the two surfaces. Furthermore, the CdTe mesas mimic the size and shape of the window opening in the SiO2. Measurements of the current density in the CdTe were high at 28 mA/cm2. To our knowledge, this is the highest reported current density for these devices. This implies that either the quantum efficiency is very high or the electrons generated throughout the CdTe are being concentrated by the patterned structure analogous to solar concentration. The enhancement in crystal uniformity and the relatively unexplored current concentration phenomenon could lead to significant performance improvements.

Determination of the mean inner potential of cadmium telluride via electron holography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cassidy, C.; Dhar, A.; Shintake, T.

2017-04-01

Mean inner potential is a fundamental material parameter in solid state physics and electron microscopy and has been experimentally measured in CdTe, a technologically important semiconductor. As a first step, the inelastic mean free path for electron scattering in CdTe was determined, using electron energy loss spectroscopy, to enable precise thickness mapping of thin CdTe lamellae. The obtained value was λi(CdTe, 300 kV) = 192 ± 10 nm. This value is relatively large, given the high density of the material, and is discussed in the text. Next, electron diffraction and specimen tilting were employed to identify weakly diffracting lattice orientations, to enable the straightforward measurement of the electron phase shift. Finally, electron holography was utilized to quantitatively map the phase shift experienced by electron waves passing through a CdTe crystal, with several different propagation vectors. Utilization of both thickness and phase data allowed computation of mean inner potential as V0 (CdTe) = 14.0 ± 0.9 V, within the range of previous theoretical estimates.

Analysis of electroluminescence images in small-area circular CdTe solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bokalič, Matevž; Raguse, John; Sites, James R.; Topič, Marko

2013-09-01

The electroluminescence (EL) imaging process of small area solar cells is investigated in detail to expose optical and electrical effects that influence image acquisition and corrupt the acquired image. An approach to correct the measured EL images and to extract the exact EL radiation as emitted from the photovoltaic device is presented. EL images of circular cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells are obtained under different conditions. The power-law relationship between forward injection current and EL emission and a negative temperature coefficient of EL radiation are observed. The distributed Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE®) model of the circular CdTe solar cell is used to simulate the dark J-V curve and current distribution under the conditions used during EL measurements. Simulation results are presented as circularly averaged EL intensity profiles, which clearly show that the ratio between resistive parameters determines the current distribution in thin-film solar cells. The exact resistance values for front and back contact layers and for CdTe bulk layer are determined at different temperatures, and a negative temperature coefficient for the CdTe bulk resistance is observed.

Calibration of the hard x-ray detectors for the FOXSI solar sounding rocket

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Athiray, P. S.; Buitrago-Casas, Juan Camilo; Bergstedt, Kendra; Vievering, Juliana; Musset, Sophie; Ishikawa, Shin-nosuke; Glesener, Lindsay; Takahashi, Tadayuki; Watanabe, Shin; Courtade, Sasha; Christe, Steven; Krucker, Säm.; Goetz, Keith; Monson, Steven

2017-08-01

The Focusing Optics X-ray Solar Imager (FOXSI) sounding rocket experiment conducts direct imaging and spectral observation of the Sun in hard X-rays, in the energy range 4 to 20 keV. These high-sensitivity observations are used to study particle acceleration and coronal heating. FOXSI is designed with seven grazing incidence optics modules that focus X-rays onto seven focal plane detectors kept at a 2m distance. FOXSI-1 was flown with seven Double-sided Si Strip Detectors (DSSD), and two of them were replaced with CdTe detectors for FOXSI-2. The upcoming FOXSI-3 flight will carry DSSD and CdTe detectors with upgraded optics for enhanced sensitivity. The detectors are calibrated using various radioactive sources. The detector's spectral response matrix was constructed with diagonal elements using a Gaussian approximation with a spread (sigma) that accounts for the energy resolution of the detector. Spectroscopic studies of past FOXSI flight data suggest that the inclusion of lower energy X-rays could better constrain the spectral modeling to yield a more precise temperature estimation of the hot plasma. This motivates us to carry out an improved calibration to better understand the finer-order effects on the spectral response, especially at lower energies. Here we report our improved calibration of FOXSI detectors using experiments and Monte-Carlo simulations.

Tests of UFXC32k chip with CdTe pixel detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maj, P.; Taguchi, T.; Nakaye, Y.

2018-02-01

The paper presents the performance of the UFXC32K—a hybrid pixel detector readout chip working with CdTe detectors. The UFXC32K has a pixel pitch of 75 μm and can cope with both input signal polarities. This functionality allows operating with widely used silicon sensors collecting holes and CdTe sensors collecting electrons. This article describes the chip focusing on solving the issues connected to high-Z sensor material, namely high leakage currents, slow charge collection time and thick material resulting in increased charge-sharring effects. The measurements were conducted with higher X-ray energies including 17.4 keV from molybdenum. Conclusions drawn inside the paper show the UFXC32K's usability for CdTe sensors in high X-ray energy applications.

Structural and electronic properties of rectangular CdTe nanowire: A DST study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Md. Shahzad; Bhatia, Manjeet; Srivastava, Anurag

2018-05-01

CdTe rectangular nanowire of different diameter in zinc-blende phase is investigated using density functional theory. Enhancement of diameter increased stability and improved electronic qualities suitable for device purpose applications. Cohesive energy per atom enhanced on enlarging diameter advocating the stability. Large diameter nanowire (22.62Å) exhibits bandgap of 1.21eV and electronic effective mass is observed to be 0.51me. The bonding between Cd-Te atoms are predominantly observed as covalent assuring its inertness towards moisture.

Comparison of efficiency degradation in polycrystalline-Si and CdTe thin-film PV modules via accelerated lifecycle testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, T.; Potter, B. G.; Simmons-Potter, K.

2017-08-01

Thin-film solar cells normally have the shortest energy payback time due to their simpler mass-production process compared to polycrystalline-Si photovoltaic (PV) modules, despite the fact that crystalline-Si-based technology typically has a longer total lifetime and a higher initial power conversion efficiency. For both types of modules, significant aging occurs during the first two years of usage with slower long-term aging over the module lifetime. The PV lifetime and the return-on-investment for local PV system installations rely on long-term device performance. Understanding the efficiency degradation behavior under a given set of environmental conditions is, therefore, a primary goal for experimental research and economic analysis. In the present work, in-situ measurements of key electrical characteristics (J, V, Pmax, etc.) in polycrystalline-Si and CdTe thin-film PV modules have been analyzed. The modules were subjected to identical environmental conditions, representative of southern Arizona, in a full-scale, industrial-standard, environmental degradation chamber, equipped with a single-sun irradiance source, temperature, and humidity controls, and operating an accelerated lifecycle test (ALT) sequence. Initial results highlight differences in module performance with environmental conditions, including temperature de-rating effects, for the two technologies. Notably, the thin-film CdTe PV module was shown to be approximately 15% less sensitive to ambient temperature variation. After exposure to a seven-month equivalent compressed night-day weather cycling regimen the efficiency degradation rates of both PV technology types were obtained and will be discussed.

Study of copper-free back contacts to thin film cadmium telluride solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viswanathan, Vijay

The goals of this project are to study Cu free back contact alternatives for CdS/CdTe thin film solar cells, and to research dry etching for CdTe surface preparation before contact application. In addition, an attempt has been made to evaluate the stability of some of the contacts researched. The contacts studied in this work include ZnTe/Cu2Te, Sb2Te 3, and Ni-P alloys. The ZnTe/Cu2Te contact system is studied as basically an extension of the earlier work done on Cu2Te at USF. RF sputtering from a compound target of ZnTe and Cu2Te respectively deposits these layers on etched CdTe surface. The effect of Cu2Te thickness and deposition temperature on contact and cell performance will be studied with the ZnTe depositions conditions kept constant. C-V measurements to study the effect of contact deposition conditions on CdTe doping will also be performed. These contacts will then be stressed to high temperatures (70--100°C) and their stability with stress time is analyzed. Sb2Te3 will be deposited on glass using RF sputtering, to study film properties with deposition temperature. The Sb2Te 3 contact performance will also be studied as a function of the Sb 2Te3 deposition temperature and thickness. The suitability of Ni-P alloys for back contacts to CdTe solar cells was studied by forming a colloidal mixture of Ni2P in graphite paste. The Ni-P contacts, painted on Br-methanol etched CdTe surface, will be studied as a function of Ni-P concentration (in the graphite paste), annealing temperature and time. Some of these cells will undergo temperature stress testing to determine contact behavior with time. Dry etching of CdTe will be studied as an alternative for wet etching processes currently used for CdTe solar cells. The CdTe surface is isotropically etched in a barrel reactor in N2, Ar or Ar:O 2 ambient. The effect of etching ambient, pressure, plasma power and etch time on contact performance will be studied.

Medipix2 based CdTe microprobe for dental imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vykydal, Z.; Fauler, A.; Fiederle, M.; Jakubek, J.; Svestkova, M.; Zwerger, A.

2011-12-01

Medical imaging devices and techniques are demanded to provide high resolution and low dose images of samples or patients. Hybrid semiconductor single photon counting devices together with suitable sensor materials and advanced techniques of image reconstruction fulfil these requirements. In particular cases such as the direct observation of dental implants also the size of the imaging device itself plays a critical role. This work presents the comparison of 2D radiographs of tooth provided by a standard commercial dental imaging system (Gendex 765DC X-ray tube with VisualiX scintillation detector) and two Medipix2 USB Lite detectors one equipped with a Si sensor (300 μm thick) and one with a CdTe sensor (1 mm thick). Single photon counting capability of the Medipix2 device allows virtually unlimited dynamic range of the images and thus increases the contrast significantly. The dimensions of the whole USB Lite device are only 15 mm × 60 mm of which 25% consists of the sensitive area. Detector of this compact size can be used directly inside the patients' mouth.

A highly selective and simple fluorescent sensor for mercury (II) ion detection based on cysteamine-capped CdTe quantum dots synthesized by the reflux method.

PubMed

Ding, Xiaojie; Qu, Lingbo; Yang, Ran; Zhou, Yuchen; Li, Jianjun

2015-06-01

Cysteamine (CA)-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) (CA-CdTe QDs) were prepared by the reflux method and utilized as an efficient nano-sized fluorescent sensor to detect mercury (II) ions (Hg(2+) ). Under optimum conditions, the fluorescence quenching effect of CA-CdTe QDs was linear at Hg(2+) concentrations in the range of 6.0-450 nmol/L. The detection limit was calculated to be 4.0 nmol/L according to the 3σ IUPAC criteria. The influence of 10-fold Pb(2+) , Cu(2+) and Ag(+) on the determination of Hg(2+) was < 7% (superior to other reports based on crude QDs). Furthermore, the detection sensitivity and selectivity were much improved relative to a sensor based on the CA-CdTe QDs probe, which was prepared using a one-pot synthetic method. This CA-CdTe QDs sensor system represents a new feasibility to improve the detection performance of a QDs sensor by changing the synthesis method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Rapid detection of malachite green in fish based on CdTe quantum dots coated with molecularly imprinted silica.

PubMed

Wu, Le; Lin, Zheng-Zhong; Zhong, Hui-Ping; Peng, Ai-Hong; Chen, Xiao-Mei; Huang, Zhi-Yong

2017-08-15

A sensitive fluorescence sensor for the detection of malachite green (MG) was fabricated by grafting molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) onto the surface of CdTe quantum dots (QDs). The MIP-coated QDs were synthesized via a reverse microemulsion method using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as functional monomer and cross-linker, respectively. The optimum molar ratio of MG, functional monomer and cross-linker was 1:3:10. The MIP-coated QDs exhibited uniform spheres with diameter around 49nm and excellent fluorescence emission at λ ex 370nm. A linear relationship with two segments between the relative fluorescence intensities and the MG concentrations ranging from 0.08 to 20μmol·L -1 could be obtained with a detection limit of 12μg·kg -1 . The fluorescent probe was successfully applied to the determination of MG in fish samples with the spiked recoveries ranging from 94.3% to 109.5% which were in accordance with those of the measurement by HPLC-UV. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Energy-discrimination x-ray computed tomography system utilizing a scanning cadmium-telluride detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Eiichi; Abduraxit, Ablajan; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Hitomi, Keitaro; Takahashi, Kiyomi; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2010-04-01

An energy-discrimination K-edge x-ray computed tomography (CT) system is useful for controlling the image contrast of a target region by selecting both the photon energy and the energy width. The CT system has an oscillation-type linear cadmium telluride (CdTe) detectror. CT is performed by repeated linear scans and rotations of an object. Penetrating x-ray photons from the object are detected by a CdTe detector, and event signals of x-ray photons are produced using charge-sensitive and shaping amplifiers. Both photon energy and energy width are selected out using a multichannel analyzer, and the number of photons is counted by a counter card. In energy-discrimination CT, the tube voltage and tube current were 80 kV and 20 μA, respectively, and the x-ray intensity was 1.92 μGy/s at a distance of 1.0 m from the source and a tube voltage of 80 kV. The energy-discrimination CT was carried out by selecting x-ray photon energies.

Quantum efficiency as a device-physics interpretation tool for thin-film solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagle, Timothy J.

2007-12-01

Thin-film solar cells made from CdTe and CIGS p-type absorbers are promising candidates for generating pollution-free electricity. The challenge faced by the thin-film photovoltaics (PV) community is to improve the electrical properties of devices, without straying from low-cost, industry-friendly techniques. This dissertation will focus on the use of quantum-efficiency (QE) measurements to deduce the device physics of thin-film devices, in the hope of improving electrical properties and efficiencies of PV materials. Photons which are absorbed, but not converted into electrical energy can modify the energy bands in the solar cell. Under illumination, photoconductivity in the CdS window layer can result in bands different from those in the dark. QE data presented here was taken under a variety of light-bias conditions. These results suggest that 0.10 sun of white-light bias incident on the CdS layer is usually sufficient to achieve accurate QE results. QE results are described by models based on carrier collection by drift and diffusion, and photon absorption. These models are sensitive to parameters such as carrier mobility and lifetime. Comparing calculated QE curves with experiments, it was determined that electron lifetimes in CdTe are less than 0.1 ns. Lifetime determinations also suggest that copper serves as a recombination center in CdTe. The spatial uniformity of QE results has been investigated with the LBIC apparatus, and several experiments are described which investigate cell uniformity. Electrical variations that occur in solar cells often occur in a nonuniform fashion, and can be detected with the LBIC apparatus. Studies discussed here include investigation of patterned deposition of Cu in back-contacts, the use of high-resistivity TCO layers to mitigate nonuniformity, optical effects, and local shunts. CdTe devices with transparent back contacts were also studied with LBIC, including those that received a strong bromine/dichrol/hydrazine (BDH) etch and those that received a weak bromine etch at the back contact. Back-side results showed improved uniformity in BDH-etched devices, attributed to better back contacts in these devices. In thin-absorber devices, the uniformity trend would likely extend to front-side measurements.

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

Li, Chen; Paudel, Naba R.; Yan, Yanfa

Atom probe tomography (APT) data acquired from a CAMECA LEAP 4000 XHR for the CdS/CdTe interface for a non-CdCl 2 treated CdTe solar cell as well as the mass spectrum of an APT data set including a GB in a CdCl 2-treated CdTe solar cell are presented. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data showing the evolution of sample preparation for APT and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) electron beam induced current (EBIC) are also presented. As a result, these data show mass spectrometry peak decomposition of Cu and Te within an APT dataset, the CdS/CdTe interface of an untreated CdTe solarmore » cell, preparation of APT needles from the CdS/CdTe interface in superstrate grown CdTe solar cells, and the preparation of a cross-sectional STEM EBIC sample.« less

High resistivity in undoped CdTe: carrier compensation of Te antisites and Cd vacancies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindström, A.; Mirbt, S.; Sanyal, B.; Klintenberg, M.

2016-01-01

In this paper, we focus on the high resistivity of intentionally undoped CdTe, where the most prevalent defects are Cd vacancies and Te antisites. Our calculated formation energies lead to the conclusion that the Fermi energy of undoped CdTe is at midgap due to carrier compensation of Te antisites and Cd vacancies, which explains the experimentally observed high resistivity. We use density functional theory with the hybrid functional of Heyd, Scuseria and Ernzerhof (HSE06) and show that the proper description of the native defects in general fails using the local density approximation (LDA) instead of HSE06. We conclude that LDA is insufficient to understand the high resistivity of undoped CdTe. We calculate the neutral and double acceptor state of the Te antisite to be intrinsic DX-centers.

Modeling of axial vibrational control technique for CdTe VGF crystal growth under controlled cadmium partial pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avetissov, I.; Kostikov, V.; Meshkov, V.; Sukhanova, E.; Grishechkin, M.; Belov, S.; Sadovskiy, A.

2014-01-01

A VGF growth setup assisted by axial vibrations of baffle submerged into CdTe melt with controlled Cd partial pressure was designed. An influence of baffle shape on flow velocity map, temperature distribution in CdTe melt and interface shape of growing crystal was analyzed by numerical simulation and physical modeling. To produce the desirable shape of crystal melt interface we slant under different angles vertical generatrix in a cylindrical disk and made chasing on faceplates of a disk. It was ascertained that a disk with conical generatrix formed more intensive convective flows from a faceplate with larger diameter. It was shown that at CdTe VGF crystal growth rate about 10 mm/h application of AVC technique made it possible to produce convex interface for 2 in. crystal diameter.

Direct Growth of CdTe on a (211) Si Substrate with Vapor Phase Epitaxy Using a Metallic Cd Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iso, Kenji; Gokudan, Yuya; Shiraishi, Masumi; Murakami, Hisashi; Koukitu, Akinori

2017-10-01

We successfully performed epitaxial CdTe growth on a Si (211) substrate with vapor-phase epitaxy using a cost-effective metallic cadmium source as a group-II precursor. The thermodynamic data demonstrate that the combination of metallic Cd and diisopropyl-telluride (DiPTe) with a H2 carrier gas enables the growth of CdTe crystals. A CdTe single crystal with a (422) surface orientation was obtained when a growth temperature between 600°C and 650°C was employed. The surface morphology and crystalline quality were improved with increasing film thickness. The full-width at half-maximum of the x-ray rocking curves with a film thickness of 15.7 μm for the skew-symmetrical (422) and asymmetrical (111) reflection were 528 arcsec and 615 arcsec, respectively.

Atomic-resolution characterization of the effects of CdCl2 treatment on poly-crystalline CdTe thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paulauskas, T.; Buurma, C.; Colegrove, E.; Guo, Z.; Sivananthan, S.; Chan, M. K. Y.; Klie, R. F.

2014-08-01

Poly-crystalline CdTe thin films on glass are used in commercial solar-cell superstrate devices. It is well known that post-deposition annealing of the CdTe thin films in a CdCl2 environment significantly increases the device performance, but a fundamental understanding of the effects of such annealing has not been achieved. In this Letter, we report a change in the stoichiometry across twin boundaries in CdTe and propose that native point defects alone cannot account for this variation. Upon annealing in CdCl2, we find that the stoichiometry is restored. Our experimental measurements using atomic-resolution high-angle annular dark field imaging, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope are supported by first-principles density functional theory calculations.

Optimization of material/device parameters of CdTe photovoltaic for solar cells applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wijewarnasuriya, Priyalal S.

2016-05-01

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) has been recognized as a promising photovoltaic material for thin-film solar cell applications due to its near optimum bandgap of ~1.5 eV and high absorption coefficient. The energy gap is near optimum for a single-junction solar cell. The high absorption coefficient allows films as thin as 2.5 μm to absorb more than 98% of the above-bandgap radiation. Cells with efficiencies near 20% have been produced with poly-CdTe materials. This paper examines n/p heterostructure device architecture. The performance limitations related to doping concentrations, minority carrier lifetimes, absorber layer thickness, and surface recombination velocities at the back and front interfaces is assessed. Ultimately, the paper explores device architectures of poly- CdTe and crystalline CdTe to achieve performance comparable to gallium arsenide (GaAs).

Ion-beam-induced damage formation in CdTe

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

Rischau, C. W.; Schnohr, C. S.; Wendler, E.

2011-06-01

Damage formation in <111>- and <112>-oriented CdTe single crystals irradiated at room temperature and 15 K with 270 keV Ar or 730 keV Sb ions was investigated in situ using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) in channeling configuration. Defect profiles were calculated from the RBS spectra using the computer code DICADA and additional energy-dependent RBS measurements were performed to identify the type of defects. At both temperatures no formation of a buried amorphous layer was detected even after prolonged irradiation with several 10{sup 16} ions/cm{sup 2}. The fact that CdTe is not rendered amorphous even at 15 K suggests that themore » high resistance to amorphization is caused by the high ionicity of CdTe rather than thermal effects. The calculated defect profiles show the formation of a broad defect distribution that extends much deeper into the crystal than the projected range of the implanted ions at both temperatures. The post-range defects in CdTe thus do not seem to be of thermal origin either, but are instead believed to result from migration driven by the electronic energy loss.« less

Differential effects of β-mercaptoethanol on CdSe/ZnS and InP/ZnS quantum dots.

PubMed

Georgin, Marcel; Carlini, Lina; Cooper, Daniel; Bradforth, Stephen E; Nadeau, Jay L

2013-07-07

The small thiol β-mercaptoethanol (BME) has been used as an anti-blinking reagent for CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs), although its effects on QD photoluminescence are complex. It acts as an antioxidant as well as a hole scavenger on both CdSe and CdTe, which leads to changes in emission intensity and lifetime that vary qualitatively according to BME concentration, time of incubation, and pH of the solution. Because the band edge energies of InP/ZnS are shifted from those of CdTe and CdSe, it may be expected that thiols including BME might be unable to trap holes from these QDs. In this study, we use steady-state and time-resolved emission spectroscopy with physical fitting models combined with blinking analysis to compare the effects of different concentrations of BME on CdSe/ZnS vs. InP/ZnS QDs over time. We also find excellent correspondence between simple physical model parameters and blinking off times, a finding that will be useful for all blinking studies involving semiconductor nanoparticles. BME alters blinking in InP/ZnS QDs with a single ZnS shell, but not those with double thickness shells. The effects are similar to those seen with CdSe/ZnS, despite very different effects of BME on steady-state spectra, and highly pH-dependent.

Density functional theory calculations establish the experimental evidence of the DX center atomic structure in CdTe.

PubMed

Lany, Stephan; Wolf, Herbert; Wichert, Thomas

2004-06-04

The In DX center and the DX-like configuration of the Cd host atom in CdTe are investigated using density functional theory. The simultaneous calculation of the atomic structure and the electric field gradient (EFG) allows one to correlate the theoretically predicted structure of the DX center with an experimental observable, namely, the EFG obtained from radioactive 111In/111Cd probe atoms in In doped CdTe. In this way, the experimental identification of the DX center structure is established.

Metal-Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxial Reactor for the Deposition of Infrared Detector Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-09

out during 2013. A set of growth experiments to deposit CdTe and ZnTe thin films on GaAs and Si substrates was carried out to test the system...After several dummy runs, a few growth runs to deposit CdTe and ZnTe, both doped and undoped, were grown on 3-inch diameter Si substrates or part of...to deposit CdTe and ZnTe on Si and GaAs substrates for use in this project. Some layers have been processed to make solar cells. Project 3

The room-temperature synthesis of anisotropic CdHgTe quantum dot alloys: a "molecular welding" effect.

PubMed

Taniguchi, Shohei; Green, Mark; Lim, Teck

2011-03-16

The room-temperature chemical transformation of spherical CdTe nanoparticles into anisotropic alloyed CdHgTe particles using mercury bromide in a toluene/methanol system at room temperature has been investigated. The resulting materials readily dissolved in toluene and exhibited a significant red-shift in the optical properties toward the infrared region. Structural transformations were observed, with electron microscopy showing that the CdTe nanoparticles were chemically attached ('welded') to other CdTe nanoparticles, creating highly complex anisotropic heterostructures which also incorporated mercury.

Characterization of high-resistivity CdTe and Cd0.9Zn0.1Te crystals grown by Bridgman method for radiation detector applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandal, Krishna C.; Krishna, Ramesh M.; Pak, Rahmi O.; Mannan, Mohammad A.

2014-09-01

CdTe and Cd0.9Zn0.1Te (CZT) crystals have been studied extensively for various applications including x- and γ-ray imaging and high energy radiation detectors. The crystals were grown from zone refined ultra-pure precursor materials using a vertical Bridgman furnace. The growth process has been monitored, controlled, and optimized by a computer simulation and modeling program developed in our laboratory. The grown crystals were thoroughly characterized after cutting wafers from the ingots and processed by chemo-mechanical polishing (CMP). The infrared (IR) transmission images of the post-treated CdTe and CZT crystals showed average Te inclusion size of ~10 μm for CdTe and ~8 μm for CZT crystal. The etch pit density was ≤ 5×104 cm-2 for CdTe and ≤ 3×104 cm-2 for CZT. Various planar and Frisch collar detectors were fabricated and evaluated. From the current-voltage measurements, the electrical resistivity was estimated to be ~ 1.5×1010 Ω-cm for CdTe and 2-5×1011 Ω-cm for CZT. The Hecht analysis of electron and hole mobility-lifetime products (μτe and μτh) showed μτe = 2×10-3 cm2/V (μτh = 8×10-5 cm2/V) and 3-6×10-3 cm2/V (μτh = 4- 6×10-5 cm2/V) for CdTe and CZT, respectively. Detectors in single pixel, Frisch collar, and coplanar grid geometries were fabricated. Detectors in Frisch grid and guard-ring configuration were found to exhibit energy resolution of 1.4% and 2.6 %, respectively, for 662 keV gamma rays. Assessments of the detector performance have been carried out also using 241Am (60 keV) showing energy resolution of 4.2% FWHM.

Progress in the Development of CdTe and CdZnTe Semiconductor Radiation Detectors for Astrophysical and Medical Applications

PubMed Central

Sordo, Stefano Del; Abbene, Leonardo; Caroli, Ezio; Mancini, Anna Maria; Zappettini, Andrea; Ubertini, Pietro

2009-01-01

Over the last decade, cadmium telluride (CdTe) and cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) wide band gap semiconductors have attracted increasing interest as X-ray and gamma ray detectors. Among the traditional high performance spectrometers based on silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge), CdTe and CdZnTe detectors show high detection efficiency and good room temperature performance and are well suited for the development of compact and reliable detection systems. In this paper, we review the current status of research in the development of CdTe and CdZnTe detectors by a comprehensive survey on the material properties, the device characteristics, the different techniques for improving the overall detector performance and some major applications. Astrophysical and medical applications are discussed, pointing out the ongoing Italian research activities on the development of these detectors. PMID:22412323

Heavy doping of CdTe single crystals by Cr ion implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popovych, Volodymyr D.; Böttger, Roman; Heller, Rene; Zhou, Shengqiang; Bester, Mariusz; Cieniek, Bogumil; Mroczka, Robert; Lopucki, Rafal; Sagan, Piotr; Kuzma, Marian

2018-03-01

Implantation of bulk CdTe single crystals with high fluences of 500 keV Cr+ ions was performed to achieve Cr concentration above the equilibrium solubility limit of this element in CdTe lattice. The structure and composition of the implanted samples were studied using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) to characterize the incorporation of chromium into the host lattice and to investigate irradiation-induced damage build-up. It was found that out-diffusion of Cr atoms and sputtering of the targets alter the depth distribution and limit concentration of the projectile ions in the as-implanted samples. Appearance of crystallographically oriented, metallic α-Cr nanoparticles inside CdTe matrix was found after implantation, as well as a strong disorder at the depth far beyond the projected range of the implanted ions.

Spectrum-per-Pixel Cathodoluminescence Imaging of CdTe Thin-Film Bevels

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

Moseley, John; Al-Jassim, Mowafak M.; Burst, James

2016-11-21

We conduct T=6 K cathodoluminescence (CL) spectrum imaging with a nano-scale electron beam on beveled surfaces of CdTe thin-films at different critical stages of standard CdTe device fabrication. The through-thickness total CL intensity profiles are consistent with a reduction in grain boundary recombination due to the CdCl2 treatment. Color-coded maps of the low-temperature luminescence transition energies reveal that CdTe thin films have remarkably non-uniform opto-electronic properties, which depend strongly on sample processing history. The grain-to-grain S content in the interdiffused CdTe/CdS region is estimated from a sample size of thirty-five grains, and the S content in adjacent grains varies significantlymore » in CdCl2-treated samples. A low-temperature luminescence model is developed to interpret spectral behavior at grain boundaries and grain interiors.« less

Synthesis of positively charged CdTe quantum dots and detection for uric acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Tiliang; Sun, Xiangying; Liu, Bin

2011-09-01

The CdTe dots (QDs) coated with 2-Mercaptoethylamine was prepared in aqueous solution and characterized with fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectra, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. When the λex = 350 nm, the fluorescence peak of positively charged CdTe quantum dots is at 592 nm. The uric acid is able to quench their fluorescence. Under optimum conditions, the change of fluorescence intensity is linearly proportional to the concentration of uric acid in the range 0.4000-3.600 μmol L -1, and the limit of detection calculated according to IUPAC definitions is 0.1030 μmol L -1. Compared with routine method, the present method determines uric acid in human serum with satisfactory results. The mechanism of this strategy is due to the interaction of the tautomeric keto/hydroxyl group of uric acid and the amino group coated at the CdTe QDs.

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.

Emitter/absorber interface of CdTe solar cells

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

Song, Tao; Kanevce, Ana; Sites, James R.

The performance of CdTe solar cells can be very sensitive to their emitter/absorber interfaces, especially for high-efficiency cells with improved bulk properties. When interface defect states are located at efficient recombination energies, performance losses from acceptor-type interface defects can be significant. Numerical simulations show that the emitter/absorber band alignment, the emitter doping and thickness, and the defect properties of the interface (i.e. defect density, defect type, and defect energy) can all play significant roles in the interface recombination. In particular, a type I heterojunction with small conduction-band offset (0.1 eV /= 0.4 eV), however, can impede electron transport and leadmore » to a reduction of photocurrent and fill-factor. In contrast to the spike, a 'cliff' (.delta..EC < 0 eV) is likely to allow many holes in the vicinity of the interface, which will assist interface recombination and result in a reduced open-circuit voltage. In addition, a thin and highly-doped emitter can invert the absorber, form a large hole barrier, and decrease device performance losses due to high interface defect density. CdS is the most common emitter material used in CdTe solar cells, but the CdS/CdTe interface is in the cliff category and is not favorable from the band-offset perspective. Other n-type emitter choices, such as (Mg,Zn)O, Cd(S,O), or (Cd,Mg)Te, can be tuned by varying the elemental ratio for an optimal positive value of ..delta..EC. These materials are predicted to yield higher voltages and would therefore be better candidates for the CdTe-cell emitter.« less

Demonstration of iodine K-edge imaging by use of an energy-discrimination X-ray computed tomography system with a cadmium telluride detector.

PubMed

Abudurexiti, Abulajiang; Kameda, Masashi; Sato, Eiichi; Abderyim, Purkhet; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Hitomi, Keitaro; Tanaka, Etsuro; Mori, Hidezo; Kawai, Toshiaki; Takahashi, Kiyomi; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2010-07-01

An energy-discrimination K-edge X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is useful for increasing the contrast resolution of a target region by utilizing contrast media. The CT system has a cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector, and a projection curve is obtained by linear scanning with use of the CdTe detector in conjunction with an X-stage. An object is rotated by a rotation step angle with use of a turntable between the linear scans. Thus, CT is carried out by repetition of the linear scanning and the rotation of an object. Penetrating X-ray photons from the object are detected by the CdTe detector, and event signals of X-ray photons are produced with use of charge-sensitive and shaping amplifiers. Both the photon energy and the energy width are selected by use of a multi-channel analyzer, and the number of photons is counted by a counter card. For performing energy discrimination, a low-dose-rate X-ray generator for photon counting was developed; the maximum tube voltage and the minimum tube current were 110 kV and 1.0 microA, respectively. In energy-discrimination CT, the tube voltage and the current were 60 kV and 20.0 microA, respectively, and the X-ray intensity was 0.735 microGy/s at 1.0 m from the source and with a tube voltage of 60 kV. Demonstration of enhanced iodine K-edge X-ray CT was carried out by selection of photons with energies just beyond the iodine K-edge energy of 33.2 keV.

Helio Moutinho | NREL

Science.gov Websites

length in single grains and the effect of grain boundaries in CdTe, and the effects of defects on the diffraction of CdTe thin films: Effects of CdCl2 treatment, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 26, 1068 (2008). H.R

Whispering gallery modes in photoluminescence and Raman spectra of a spherical microcavity with CdTe quantum dots: anti-Stokes emission and interference effects

PubMed Central

Gaponik, Nikolai; Gerlach, Matthias; Donegan, John F; Savateeva, Diana; Rogach, Andrey L

2006-01-01

We have studied the photoluminescence and Raman spectra of a system consisting of a polystyrene latex microsphere coated by CdTe colloidal quantum dots. The cavity-induced enhancement of the Raman scattering allows the observation of Raman spectra from only a monolayer of CdTe quantum dots. Periodic structure with very narrow peaks in the photoluminescence spectra of a single microsphere was detected both in the Stokes and anti-Stokes spectral regions, arising from the coupling between the emission of quantum dots and spherical cavity modes.

Molecular beam epitaxy and metalorganic chemical vapor deposition growth of epitaxial CdTe on (100) GaAs/Si and (111) GaAs/Si substrates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nouhi, A.; Radhakrishnan, G.; Katz, J.; Koliwad, K.

1988-01-01

Epitaxial CdTe has been grown on both (100)GaAs/Si and (111)GaAs/Si substrates. A combination of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) has been employed for the first time to achieve this growth: the GaAs layers are grown on Si substrates by MBE and the CdTe film is subsequently deposited on GaAs/Si by MOCVD. The grown layers have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence.

Improvement of the energy resolution of pixelated CdTe detectors for applications in 0νββ searches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gleixner, T.; Anton, G.; Filipenko, M.; Seller, P.; Veale, M. C.; Wilson, M. D.; Zang, A.; Michel, T.

2015-07-01

Experiments trying to detect 0νββ are very challenging. Their requirements include a good energy resolution and a good detection efficiency. With current fine pixelated CdTe detectors there is a trade off between the energy resolution and the detection efficiency, which limits their performance. It will be shown with simulations that this problem can be mostly negated by analysing the cathode signal which increases the optimal sensor thickness. We will compare different types of fine pixelated CdTe detectors (Timepix, Dosepix, HEXITEC) from this point of view.

Radiation hardness studies of CdTe thin films for clinical high-energy photon beam detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shvydka, Diana; Parsai, E. I.; Kang, J.

2008-02-01

In radiation oncology applications, the need for higher-quality images has been driven by recent advances in radiation delivery systems that require online imaging. The existing electronic imaging devices commonly used to acquire portal images implement amorphous silicon (a-Si) detector, which exhibits poor image quality. Efforts for improvement have mostly been in the areas of noise and scatter reduction through software. This has not been successful due to inherent shortcomings of a-Si material. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) semiconductor has long been recognized as highly suitable for use in X-ray detectors in both spectroscopic and imaging applications. Development of such systems has mostly concentrated on single crystal CdTe. Recent advances in thin-film deposition technology suggest replacement of crystalline material with its polycrystalline counterpart, offering ease of large-area device fabrication and achievement of higher resolution as well as a favorable cost difference. While bulk CdTe material was found to have superior radiation hardness, thin films have not been evaluated from that prospective, in particular under high-energy photon beam typical of radiation treatment applications. We assess the performance of thin-film CdTe devices utilizing 6 MeV photon beam and find no consistent trend for material degradation under doses far exceeding the typical radiation therapy detector lifetime dose.

Cu-doped CdS and its application in CdTe thin film solar cell

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

Deng, Yi; College of Electronic and Information Engineering, Hankou University, Wuhan, Hubei 430212; Yang, Jun

2016-01-15

Cu is widely used in the back contact formation of CdTe thin film solar cells. However, Cu is easily to diffuse from the back contact into the CdTe absorber layer and even to the cell junction interface CdS/CdTe. This phenomenon is generally believed to be the main factor affecting the CdTe solar cell stability. In this study Cu was intentionally doped in CdS thin film to study its effect on the microstructural, optical and electrical properties of the CdS material. Upon Cu doping, the V{sub Cd{sup −}} and the surface-state-related photoluminescence emissions were dramatically decreased/quenched. The presence of Cu atommore » hindered the recrystallization/coalescence of the nano-sized grains in the as-deposited CdS film during the air and the CdCl{sub 2} annealing. CdTe thin film solar cell fabricated with Cu-doped CdS window layers demonstrated much decreased fill factor, which was induced by the increased space-charge recombination near the p-n junction and the worsened junction crystalline quality. Temperature dependent current-voltage curve measurement indicated that the doped Cu in the CdS window layer was not stable at both room and higher temperatures.« less

Room-temperature detection of mobile impurities in compound semiconductors by transient ion drift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyubomirsky, Igor; Rabinal, M. K.; Cahen, David

1997-05-01

We show that the transient ion drift (TID) method, which is based on recording junction capacitance under constant reverse bias [A. Zamouche, T. Heiser, and A. Mesli, Appl. Phys. Lett. 66, 631 (1995)], can be used not only for measurements of the diffusion coefficient of mobile impurities, but also to estimate the concentration of mobile species as part of the total dopant density. This is illustrated for CdTe, contaminated by Cu, and intentionally doped by Li or Ag and for CuInSe2. We show also that, with some restrictions, the TID method can be used if the mobile ions are major dopants. This is demonstrated using Schottky barriers on CdTe, and p-n junction devices in (Hg,Cd)Te, and CuInSe2. The values that we obtain for the diffusion coefficients (for Li, Ag, and Cu in CdTe and for Cu in CuInSe2) agree well with measured or extrapolated values, obtained by other methods, as reported in the literature. Furthermore, we could distinguish between diffusion and chemical reactions of dopants, as demonstrated for the case of Cu in CdTe and Ag-doped (Hg,Cd)Te. In the former case this allows us to separate copper-free from contaminated CdTe samples.

Synthesis of surface molecular imprinting polymer on SiO2-coated CdTe quantum dots as sensor for selective detection of sulfadimidine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Zhiping; Ying, Haiqin; Liu, Yanyan; Xu, Wanzhen; Yang, Yanfei; Luan, Yu; Lu, Yi; Liu, Tianshu; Yu, Shui; Yang, Wenming

2017-05-01

This paper demonstrates a facile method to synthesize surface molecular imprinting polymer (MIP) on SiO2-coated CdTe QDs for selective detection of sulfadimidine (SM2). The fluorescent MIP sensor was prepared using cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) as the material of fluorescent signal readout, sulfadimidine as template molecule, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as functional monomer and tetraethyloxysilane (TEOS) as cross-linking agent. The CdTe cores were embed in the silicon shells by a sol-gel reaction and then the molecular imprinting layers were immobilized on the surface of the SiO2-coated CdTe QDs. Under the optimized conditions, the relative fluorescent intensity weakened in a linear way with the increasing concentration of sulfadimidine in the range of 10-60 μmol L-1. The practical application of the fluorescent MIP sensor was evaluated by means of analyzing sulfadimidine in the real milk samples. The recoveries were at the range of 90.3-99.6% and the relative standard deviation (RSD) ranged from 1.9 to 3.1%, which indicates the successful synthesis of the fluorescent MIP sensor. This sensor provides an alternative solution for selective determination of sulfadimidine from real milk samples.

Experimental determination of the absorption cross-section and molar extinction coefficient of CdSe and CdTe nanowires.

PubMed

Protasenko, Vladimir; Bacinello, Daniel; Kuno, Masaru

2006-12-21

Absorption cross-sections and corresponding molar extinction coefficients of solution-based CdSe and CdTe nanowires (NWs) are determined. Chemically grown semiconductor NWs are made via a recently developed solution-liquid-solid (SLS) synthesis, employing low melting Au/Bi bimetallic nanoparticle "catalysts" to induce one-dimensional (1D) growth. Resulting wires are highly crystalline and have diameters between 5 and 12 nm as well as lengths exceeding 10 microm. Narrow diameters, below twice the corresponding bulk exciton Bohr radius of each material, place CdSe and CdTe NWs within their respective intermediate to weak confinement regimes. Supporting this are solution linear absorption spectra of NW ensembles showing blue shifts relative to the bulk band gap as well as structure at higher energies. In the case of CdSe, the wires exhibit band edge emission as well as strong absorption/emission polarization anisotropies at the ensemble and single-wire levels. Analogous photocurrent polarization anisotropies have been measured in recently developed CdSe NW photodetectors. To further support fundamental NW optical/electrical studies as well as to promote their use in device applications, experimental absorption cross-sections are determined using correlated transmission electron microscopy, UV/visible extinction spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Measured CdSe NW cross-sections for 1 microm long wires (diameters, 6-42 nm) range from 6.93 x 10(-13) to 3.91 x 10(-11) cm2 at the band edge (692-715 nm, 1.73-1.79 eV) and between 3.38 x 10(-12) and 5.50 x 10(-11) cm2 at 488 nm (2.54 eV). Similar values are obtained for 1 microm long CdTe NWs (diameters, 7.5-11.5 nm) ranging from 4.32 x 10(-13) to 5.10 x 10(-12) cm2 at the band edge (689-752 nm, 1.65-1.80 eV) and between 1.80 x 10(-12) and 1.99 x 10(-11) cm2 at 2.54 eV. These numbers compare well with previous theoretical estimates of CdSe/CdTe NW cross-sections far to the blue of the band edge, having order of magnitude values of 1.0 x 10(-11) cm2 at 488 nm. In all cases, experimental NW absorption cross-sections are 4-5 orders of magnitude larger than those for corresponding colloidal CdSe and CdTe quantum dots. Even when volume differences are accounted for, band edge NW cross-sections are larger by up to a factor of 8. When considered along with their intrinsic polarization sensitivity, obtained NW cross-sections illustrate fundamental and potentially exploitable differences between 0D and 1D materials.

Electroluminescence of thin-film CdTe solar cells and modules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raguse, John Michael

Thin-film photovoltaics has the potential to be a major source of world electricity. Mitigation of non-uniformities in thin-film solar cells and modules may help improve photovoltaic conversion efficiencies. In this manuscript, a measurement technique is discussed in detail which has the capability of detecting such non-uniformities in a form useful for analysis. Thin-film solar cells emit radiation while operating at forward electrical bias, analogous to an LED, a phenomena known as electroluminescence (EL). This process relatively is inefficient for polycrystalline CdTe devices, on the order of 10-4%, as most of the energy is converted into heat, but still strong enough for many valuable measurements. A EL system was built at the Colorado State University Photovoltaics Laboratory to measure EL from CdTe cells and modules. EL intensity normalized to exposure time and injection current density has been found to correlate very well with the difference between ideal and measured open-circuit voltage from devices that include a GaAs cell, an AlGaAs LED, and several CdTe cells with variations in manufacturing. Furthermore, these data points were found to be in good agreement when overlaid with calibrated data from two additional sources. The magnitude of the inverse slope of the fit is in agreement with the thermal voltage and the intercept was found to have a value near unity, in agreement with theory. The expanded data set consists of devices made from one of seven different band gaps and spans eight decades of EQELED efficiencies. As expected, cells which exhibit major failure of light-dark J-V superposition did not follow trend of well-behaved cells. EL images of selected defects from CdTe cells and modules are discussed and images are shown to be highly sensitive to defects in devices, since the intensity depends exponentially on the cells' voltages. The EL technique has proven to be a useful high-throughput tool for screening of cells. In addition to EL images, other opto-electronics characterization techniques were used to analyze defects in cells and modules such as weak-diode areas, cell delineation near substrate edge, non-uniform chlorine passivation, holes in back contact, high-resistance foreign layer, high back-contact sheet resistance, a discontinuous P3 line scribe (intercell shunt) and shunt through a cell (intracell shunt). Although EL images are proficient at illustrating the location and severity of defects with potentially high spatial resolution and short measurement times, their ability to identify the cause of such defects is limited. EL in concert with Light-Beam-Induced Current (LBIC), however, makes for a powerful ensemble as LBIC can probe different film layers at arbitrary voltage bias conditions, albeit with increased measurement times and potentially reduced spatial resolution.

Structural and chemical evolution of the CdS:O window layer during individual CdTe solar cell processing steps

DOE PAGES

Abbas, A.; Meysing, D. M.; Reese, M. O.; ...

2017-12-01

Oxygenated cadmium sulfide (CdS:O) is often used as the n-type window layer in high-performance CdTe heterojunction solar cells. The as-deposited layer prepared by reactive sputtering is XRD amorphous, with a bulk composition of CdS0.8O1.2. Recently it was shown that this layer undergoes significant transformation during device fabrication, but the roles of the individual high temperature processing steps was unclear. In this work high resolution transmission electron microscopy coupled to elemental analysis was used to understand the evolution of the heterojunction region through the individual high temperature fabrication steps of CdTe deposition, CdCl2 activation, and back contact activation. It is foundmore » that during CdTe deposition by close spaced sublimation at 600 degrees C the CdS:O film undergoes recrystallization, accompanied by a significant (~30%) reduction in thickness. It is observed that oxygen segregates during this step, forming a bi-layer morphology consisting of nanocrystalline CdS adjacent to the tin oxide contact and an oxygen-rich layer adjacent to the CdTe absorber. This bilayer structure is then lost during the 400 degrees C CdCl2 treatment where the film transforms into a heterogeneous structure with cadmium sulfate clusters distributed randomly throughout the window layer. The thickness of window layer remains essentially unchanged after CdCl2 treatment, but a ~25 nm graded interfacial layer between CdTe and the window region is formed. Finally, the rapid thermal processing step used to activate the back contact was found to have a negligible impact on the structure or composition of the heterojunction region.« less

Synthesis and characterization of colloidal CdTe nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semendy, Fred; Jaganathan, Gomatam; Dhar, Nibir; Trivedi, Sudhir; Bhat, Ishwara; Chen, Yuanping

2008-08-01

We synthesized CdTe nano crystals (NCs) in uniform sizes and in good quality as characterized by photoluminescence (PL), AFM, and X-ray diffraction. In this growth procedure, CdTe nano-crystal band gap is strongly dependent on the growth time and not on the injection temperature or organic ligand concentration. This is very attractive because of nano-crystal size can be easily controlled by the growth time only and is very attractive for large scale synthesis. The color of the solution changes from greenish yellow to light orange then to deep orange and finally grayish black to black over a period of one hour. This is a clear indication of the gradual growth of different size (and different band gap) of CdTe nano-crystals as a function of the growth time. In other words, the size of the nano-crystal and its band gap can be controlled by adjusting the growth time after injection of the tellurium. The prepared CdTe NCs were characterized by absorption spectra, photoluminescence (PL), AFM and X-ray diffraction. Measured absorption maxima are at 521, 560, 600 and 603 nm corresponding to band gaps of 2.38, 2.21,2,07 and 2.04 eV respectively for growth times of 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes. From the absorption data nano-crystal growth size saturates out after 45 minutes. AFM scanning of these materials indicate that the size of these particles is between 4 - 10 nm in diameter for growth time of 45 minutes. XD-ray diffraction indicates that these nano crystals are of cubic zinc blende phase. This paper will present growth and characterization data on CdTe nano crystals for various growth times.

Structural and chemical evolution of the CdS:O window layer during individual CdTe solar cell processing steps

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

Abbas, A.; Meysing, D. M.; Reese, M. O.

Oxygenated cadmium sulfide (CdS:O) is often used as the n-type window layer in high-performance CdTe heterojunction solar cells. The as-deposited layer prepared by reactive sputtering is XRD amorphous, with a bulk composition of CdS0.8O1.2. Recently it was shown that this layer undergoes significant transformation during device fabrication, but the roles of the individual high temperature processing steps was unclear. In this work high resolution transmission electron microscopy coupled to elemental analysis was used to understand the evolution of the heterojunction region through the individual high temperature fabrication steps of CdTe deposition, CdCl2 activation, and back contact activation. It is foundmore » that during CdTe deposition by close spaced sublimation at 600 degrees C the CdS:O film undergoes recrystallization, accompanied by a significant (~30%) reduction in thickness. It is observed that oxygen segregates during this step, forming a bi-layer morphology consisting of nanocrystalline CdS adjacent to the tin oxide contact and an oxygen-rich layer adjacent to the CdTe absorber. This bilayer structure is then lost during the 400 degrees C CdCl2 treatment where the film transforms into a heterogeneous structure with cadmium sulfate clusters distributed randomly throughout the window layer. The thickness of window layer remains essentially unchanged after CdCl2 treatment, but a ~25 nm graded interfacial layer between CdTe and the window region is formed. Finally, the rapid thermal processing step used to activate the back contact was found to have a negligible impact on the structure or composition of the heterojunction region.« less

Versatile organic (fullerene)-inorganic (CdTe nanoparticle) nanoensembles.

PubMed

Guldi, Dirk M; Zilbermann, Israel; Anderson, Greg; Kotov, Nicholas A; Tagmatarchis, Nikos; Prato, Maurizio

2004-11-10

Novel organic (positively charged fullerene)-inorganic (negatively charged CdTe nanoparticle) nanoensembles were devised through electrostatic interactions and probed as versatile donor-acceptor hybrids. Photoirradiation of their homogeneous solutions, containing the electrostatically packed components, let to very long-lived (1.3 ms) charge separated states.

The roles of carrier concentration and interface, bulk, and grain-boundary recombination for 25% efficient CdTe solar cells

DOE PAGES

Kanevce, A.; Reese, Matthew O.; Barnes, T. M.; ...

2017-06-06

CdTe devices have reached efficiencies of 22% due to continuing improvements in bulk material properties, including minority carrier lifetime. Device modeling has helped to guide these device improvements by quantifying the impacts of material properties and different device designs on device performance. One of the barriers to truly predictive device modeling is the interdependence of these material properties. For example, interfaces become more critical as bulk properties, particularly, hole density and carrier lifetime, increase. We present device-modeling analyses that describe the effects of recombination at the interfaces and grain boundaries as lifetime and doping of the CdTe layer change. Themore » doping and lifetime should be priorities for maximizing open-circuit voltage (V oc) and efficiency improvements. However, interface and grain boundary recombination become bottlenecks for device performance at increased lifetime and doping levels. In conclusion, this work quantifies and discusses these emerging challenges for next-generation CdTe device efficiency.« less

Carrier providers or killers: The case of Cu defects in CdTe

DOE PAGES

Yang, Ji -Hui; Metzger, Wyatt K.; Wei, Su -Huai

2017-07-24

Defects play important roles in semiconductors for optoelectronic applications. Common intuition is that defects with shallow levels act as carrier providers and defects with deep levels are carrier killers. Here, taking the Cu defects in CdTe as an example, we show that relatively shallow defects can play both roles. Using first-principles calculation methods combined with thermodynamic simulations, we study the dialectic effects of Cu-related defects on hole density and lifetime in bulk CdTe. Because CuCd can form a relatively shallow acceptor, we find that increased Cu incorporation into CdTe indeed can help achieve high hole density; however, too much Cumore » can cause significant non-radiative recombination. We discuss strategies to balance the contradictory effects of Cu defects based on the calculated impact of Cd chemical potential, copper defect concentrations, and annealing temperature on lifetime and hole density. Lastly, these findings advance the understanding of the potential complex defect behaviors of relatively shallow defect states in semiconductors.« less

Preparation of High Purity CdTe for Nuclear Detector: Electrical and Nuclear Characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaiour, A.; Ayoub, M.; Hamié, A.; Fawaz, A.; Hage-ali, M.

High purity crystal with controllable electrical properties, however, control of the electrical properties of CdTe has not yet been fully achieved. Using the refined Cd and Te as starting materials, extremely high-purity CdTe single crystals were prepared by the traditional vertical THM. The nature of the defects involved in the transitions was studied by analyzing the position of the energy levels by TSC method. The resolution of 4.2 keV (FWHM) confirms the high quality and stability of the detectors: TSC spectrum was in coherence with detectors spectrum with a horizontal plate between 0.2 and 0.6 eV. The enhancement in resolution of detectors with a full width at half- maximum (less than 0.31 meV), lead to confirm that the combination of vacuum distillation and zone refining was very effective to obtain more purified CdTe single crystals for photovoltaic or nuclear detectors with better physical properties.

Nanocrystal grain growth and device architectures for high-efficiency CdTe ink-based photovoltaics.

PubMed

Crisp, Ryan W; Panthani, Matthew G; Rance, William L; Duenow, Joel N; Parilla, Philip A; Callahan, Rebecca; Dabney, Matthew S; Berry, Joseph J; Talapin, Dmitri V; Luther, Joseph M

2014-09-23

We study the use of cadmium telluride (CdTe) nanocrystal colloids as a solution-processable "ink" for large-grain CdTe absorber layers in solar cells. The resulting grain structure and solar cell performance depend on the initial nanocrystal size, shape, and crystal structure. We find that inks of predominantly wurtzite tetrapod-shaped nanocrystals with arms ∼5.6 nm in diameter exhibit better device performance compared to inks composed of smaller tetrapods, irregular faceted nanocrystals, or spherical zincblende nanocrystals despite the fact that the final sintered film has a zincblende crystal structure. Five different working device architectures were investigated. The indium tin oxide (ITO)/CdTe/zinc oxide structure leads to our best performing device architecture (with efficiency >11%) compared to others including two structures with a cadmium sulfide (CdS) n-type layer typically used in high efficiency sublimation-grown CdTe solar cells. Moreover, devices without CdS have improved response at short wavelengths.

Characterization of core/shell structures based on CdTe and GaAs nanocrystalline layers deposited on SnO2 microwires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghimpu, L.; Ursaki, V. V.; Pantazi, A.; Mesterca, R.; Brâncoveanu, O.; Shree, Sindu; Adelung, R.; Tiginyanu, I. M.; Enachescu, M.

2018-04-01

We report the fabrication and characterization of SnO2/CdTe and SnO2/GaAs core/shell microstructures. CdTe or GaAs shell layers were deposited by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering on core SnO2 microwires synthesized by a flame-based thermal oxidation method. The produced structures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscope (HR-STEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman scattering and FTIR spectroscopy. It was found that the SnO2 core is of the rutile type, while the shells are composed of CdTe or GaAs nanocrystallites of zincblende structure with the dimensions of crystallites in the range of 10-20 nm. The Raman scattering investigations demonstrated that the quality of the porous nanostructured shell is improved by annealing at temperatures of 420-450 °C. The prospects of implementing these microstructures in intrinsic type fiber optic sensors are discussed.

Carrier providers or killers: The case of Cu defects in CdTe

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

Yang, Ji -Hui; Metzger, Wyatt K.; Wei, Su -Huai

Defects play important roles in semiconductors for optoelectronic applications. Common intuition is that defects with shallow levels act as carrier providers and defects with deep levels are carrier killers. Here, taking the Cu defects in CdTe as an example, we show that relatively shallow defects can play both roles. Using first-principles calculation methods combined with thermodynamic simulations, we study the dialectic effects of Cu-related defects on hole density and lifetime in bulk CdTe. Because CuCd can form a relatively shallow acceptor, we find that increased Cu incorporation into CdTe indeed can help achieve high hole density; however, too much Cumore » can cause significant non-radiative recombination. We discuss strategies to balance the contradictory effects of Cu defects based on the calculated impact of Cd chemical potential, copper defect concentrations, and annealing temperature on lifetime and hole density. Lastly, these findings advance the understanding of the potential complex defect behaviors of relatively shallow defect states in semiconductors.« less

Extracellular biosynthesis of CdTe quantum dots by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum and their anti-bacterial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syed, Asad; Ahmad, Absar

2013-04-01

The growing demand for semiconductor [quantum dots (Q-dots)] nanoparticles has fuelled significant research in developing strategies for their synthesis and characterization. They are extensively investigated by the chemical route; on the other hand, use of microbial sources for biosynthesis witnessed the highly stable, water dispersible nanoparticles formation. Here we report, for the first time, an efficient fungal-mediated synthesis of highly fluorescent CdTe quantum dots at ambient conditions by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum when reacted with a mixture of CdCl2 and TeCl4. Characterization of these biosynthesized nanoparticles was carried out by different techniques such as Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Photoluminescence (PL), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. CdTe nanoparticles shows antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The fungal based fabrication provides an economical, green chemistry approach for production of highly fluorescent CdTe quantum dots.

S–Te Interdiffusion within Grains and Grain Boundaries in CdTe Solar Cells

DOE PAGES

Li, C.; Poplawsky, J.; Paudel, N.; ...

2014-09-19

At the CdTe/CdS interface, a significant Te-S interdiffusion has been found a few nanometers into the grain interiors with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). S substitution at Te sites has been directly resolved in CdTe with STEM Z-contrast images. Moreover, when enough S substitutes for Te, a structural transformation from zinc-blende to wurtzite has been observed. Cl segregation has also been found at the interface. STEM electron-beam-induced current (EBIC) shows that the p-n junction occurs a few nm into the CdTe grains, which is consistent with the S diffusion range we observe. The shiftmore » of the p-n junction suggests a buried homo-junction which would help reduce non-radiative recombination at the junction. Meanwhile, long-range S diffusion in CdTe grain boundaries (GBs) has been detected, as well as Te and Cl diffusion in CdS GBs.« less

Rapid and sensitive detection of clenbuterol using a fluorescence nanosensor based on diazo coupling mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thanh Hop Tran, Thi; Huong Do, Thi Mai; Hoang, Mai Ha; Tuyen Nguyen, Duc; Le, Quang Tuan; Nghia Nguyen, Duc; Ngo, Trinh Tung

2015-01-01

In this paper, the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) effect has been used for fabrication of nanosensor for the detection of clenbuterol. In the nanosensor, the CdTe quantum dots (QDs) are the donors while the acceptor is the super-macromolecule formed by the diazoation coupling mechanism between diazo clenbuterol and naphthylethylene diamine. Changes in fluorescence intensities of nanosensor were used to determine the clenbuterol concentration. We have successfully fabricated a nanosensor for detection of clenbuterol sensible to clenbuterol concentration of 10-12 g ml-1.

CdTe and EDS HR-PIXE Ta L and M spectra induced by duoplasmatron generated proton and oxygen ion beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reis, M. A.; Chaves, P. C.

2018-02-01

Particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) is a powerful technique for quantitative analysis because it is non-destructive, multi-elemental (from Na to U), highly sensitive and requires no special sample preparation. Heavy Ions PIXE (HI-PIXE), may represent a further step in versatility but it comes with added complexity of the physical processes involved in X-ray production, which require among other things new software capabilities. In this work, the specific capacities of the DT2 code are used to simulate and fit Ta L- and M-shell spectra obtained during the irradiation of a Ta2O5 thin film deposited upon a polished vitreous graphite substrate, produced in the frame of the Heavy Ions PIXE workpakage of the IAEA Coordinated Research Project F11019 on analytical uses of MeV focused ion beams. Proton and oxygen beams from a duoplasmatron ion source were used, and spectra were collected using both the CdTe and the X-ray Microcalorimeter Spectrometer detectors of the High Resolution High X-ray Energy PIXE (HRHE-PIXE) facility of C2TN. Results obtained from the simulation and the fitting of these spectra are presented and discussed.

Hydrophilic ionic liquid-passivated CdTe quantum dots for mercury ion detection.

PubMed

Chao, Mu-Rong; Chang, Yan-Zin; Chen, Jian-Lian

2013-04-15

A hydrophilic ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide (EMIDCA), was used as a medium for the synthesis of highly luminescent CdTe nanocrystals (NCs) capped with thioglycolic acid (TGA). The synthesis was performed for 8 h at 130 °C, was similar to nanocrystal preparation in an aqueous medium, and used safe, low-cost inorganic salts as precursors. After the reaction, the photoluminescence quantum yield of the CdTe NCs (NC(IL-130)) prepared in EMIDCA was significantly higher than that of the nanocrystals prepared in water (NC(w)) at 100 °C (86% vs. 35%). Moreover, the emission wavelength and particle size of NC(IL-130) were smaller than NC(w) (450 nm vs. 540 nm and 4.0 nm vs. 5.2 nm, respectively). The activation of NC(IL-130) was successful due to the coordinated action of two ligands, EMIDCA and TGA, in the primary steps of the NC formation pathway. An increase or decrease in the synthesis temperature, to 160 °C or 100 °C, respectively, was detrimental to the luminescence quality. However, the quenching effect of Hg²⁺ on the fluorescence signals of the NC(IL-130) was distinctively unique, whereas certain interfering ions, such as Pb²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Ag⁺, and Cu²⁺, could also quench the emission of the NC(w). Based on the Perrin model, the quenching signals of NC(w) and NC(IL-130) were well correlated with the Hg²⁺ concentrations in the phosphate buffer (pH 7.5, 50 mM). In comparison with the NC(w), the NC(IL-130) had a high tolerance of the interfering ions coexisting with the Hg²⁺ analyte, high recovery of Hg²⁺ spiked in the BSA- or FBS-containing medium, and high stability of fluorescence quenching signals between trials and days. The NC(IL-130) nanocrystals can potentially be used to develop a probe system for the determination of Hg²⁺ in physiological samples. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Toxicity evaluation of hydrophilic CdTe quantum dots and CdTe@SiO2 nanoparticles in mice.

PubMed

Sadaf, Asma; Zeshan, Basit; Wang, Zhuyuan; Zhang, Ruohu; Xu, Shuhong; Wang, Chunlei; Cui, Yiping

2012-11-01

Quantum dots have drawn tremendous attention in the field of in vitro and small animal in vivo fluorescence imaging in the last decade. However, concerns over the cytotoxicity of their heavy metal constituents have limited their use in clinical applications. Here, we report our comparative studies on the toxicities of quantum dots (QDs) and silica coated CdTe nanoparticles (NPs) to mice after intravenous injection. The blood cells analysis showed significant increased level of white blood cells (WBCs) in groups treated with CdTe QDs as compared to the control while red blood cells (RBCs) and platelet counts were normal in treated as well as control groups. The concentration of biochemical markers of hepatic damage, alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were in the normal range in all the groups. However, renal function analyses of mice showed significantly increased in the concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA) in mice treated with CdTe QDs while remained within normal ranges in both the CdTe@SiO2 NPs and control group. The results of histopathology showed that the CdTe QDs caused mild nephrotoxicity while other organs were normal and no abnormalities were detected in control and CdTe@SiO2 treated group. These findings suggest that the nephrotoxicity could be minimized by silica coating which would be useful for many biomedical applications.

Transport Properties of ZnSe- ITO Hetero Junction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichibakase, Tsuyoshi

In this report, ITO(Indium Tin Oxide) was used on the glass substrates as the transparent electrode, and ZnSe layer was prepared by the vacuum deposition on this ITO. Then, the electrical characteristics of this sample were investigated by mans of the electric current transport analysis. The sample that ZnSe was prepared as 3.4 μm in case of ITO-ZnSe sample, has high density level at the junction surface. The ITO-ZnSe junction has two type of diffusion current. However, the ITO-ZnSe sample that ZnSe layer was prepared as 0.1 μm can be assumed as the ohmic contact, and ITO-ZnSe(0.1μm) -CdTe sample shows the avalanche breakdown, and it is considered that the avalanche breakdown occurs in CdTe layer. It is difficult to occur the avalanche breakdown, if ZnSe-CdTe junction has high-density level and CdTe layer has high-density defect. Hence, the ZnSe-CdTe sample that CdTe layer was prepared on ITO-ZnSe(0.1μm) substrate has not high-density level at the junction surface, and the CdTe layer with little lattice imperfection can be prepared. It found that ITO-ZnSe(0.1μm) substrate is available for the II-VI compounds semiconductor device through above analysis result.

Self-compensation in arsenic doping of CdTe

DOE PAGES

Ablekim, Tursun; Swain, Santosh K.; Yin, Wan -Jian; ...

2017-07-04

Efficient p-type doping in CdTe has remained a critical challenge for decades, limiting the performance of CdTe-based semiconductor devices. Arsenic is a promising p-type dopant; however, reproducible doping with high concentration is difficult and carrier lifetime is low. We systematically studied defect structures in As-doped CdTe using high-purity single crystal wafers to investigate the mechanisms that limit p-type doping. Two As-doped CdTe with varying acceptor density and two undoped CdTe were grown in Cd-rich and Te-rich environments. The defect structures were investigated by thermoelectric-effect spectroscopy (TEES), and first-principles calculations were used for identifying and assigning the experimentally observed defects. Measurementsmore » revealed activation of As is very low in both As-doped samples with very short lifetimes indicating strong compensation and the presence of significant carrier trapping defects. Defect studies suggest two acceptors and one donor level were introduced by As doping with activation energies at ~88 meV, ~293 meV and ~377 meV. In particular, the peak shown at ~162 K in the TEES spectra is very prominent in both As-doped samples, indicating a signature of AX-center donors. In conclusion, the AX-centers are believed to be responsible for most of the compensation because of their low formation energy and very prominent peak intensity in TEES spectra.« less

Self-compensation in arsenic doping of CdTe

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

Ablekim, Tursun; Swain, Santosh K.; Yin, Wan -Jian

Efficient p-type doping in CdTe has remained a critical challenge for decades, limiting the performance of CdTe-based semiconductor devices. Arsenic is a promising p-type dopant; however, reproducible doping with high concentration is difficult and carrier lifetime is low. We systematically studied defect structures in As-doped CdTe using high-purity single crystal wafers to investigate the mechanisms that limit p-type doping. Two As-doped CdTe with varying acceptor density and two undoped CdTe were grown in Cd-rich and Te-rich environments. The defect structures were investigated by thermoelectric-effect spectroscopy (TEES), and first-principles calculations were used for identifying and assigning the experimentally observed defects. Measurementsmore » revealed activation of As is very low in both As-doped samples with very short lifetimes indicating strong compensation and the presence of significant carrier trapping defects. Defect studies suggest two acceptors and one donor level were introduced by As doping with activation energies at ~88 meV, ~293 meV and ~377 meV. In particular, the peak shown at ~162 K in the TEES spectra is very prominent in both As-doped samples, indicating a signature of AX-center donors. In conclusion, the AX-centers are believed to be responsible for most of the compensation because of their low formation energy and very prominent peak intensity in TEES spectra.« less

Iodine Doping of CdTe and CdMgTe for Photovoltaic Applications

DOE PAGES

Ogedengbe, O. S.; Swartz, C. H.; Jayathilaka, P. A. R. D.; ...

2017-06-06

Here, iodine-doped CdTe and Cd 1-xMg xTe layers were grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Secondary ion mass spectrometry characterization was used to measure dopant concentration, while Hall measurement was used for determining carrier concentration. Photoluminescence intensity and time-resolved photoluminescence techniques were used for optical characterization. Maximum n-type carrier concentrations of 7.4 x 10 18 cm -3 for CdTe and 3 x 10 17 cm -3 for Cd 0.65Mg 0.35Te were achieved. Studies suggest that electrically active doping with iodine is limited with dopant concentration much above these values. Dopant activation of about 80% was observed in most of the CdTemore » samples. The estimated activation energy is about 6 meV for CdTe and the value for Cd 0.65Mg 0.35Te is about 58 meV. Iodine-doped samples exhibit long lifetimes with no evidence of photoluminescence degradation with doping as high as 2 x 10 18 cm -3, while indium shows substantial non-radiative recombination at carrier concentrations above 5 x 10 16 cm -3. Iodine was shown to be thermally stable in CdTe at temperatures up to 600 °C. Results suggest iodine may be a preferred n-type dopant compared to indium in achieving heavily doped n-type CdTe.« less

Development of a high sensitivity pinhole type gamma camera using semiconductors for low dose rate fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueno, Yuichiro; Takahashi, Isao; Ishitsu, Takafumi; Tadokoro, Takahiro; Okada, Koichi; Nagumo, Yasushi; Fujishima, Yasutake; Yoshida, Akira; Umegaki, Kikuo

2018-06-01

We developed a pinhole type gamma camera, using a compact detector module of a pixelated CdTe semiconductor, which has suitable sensitivity and quantitative accuracy for low dose rate fields. In order to improve the sensitivity of the pinhole type semiconductor gamma camera, we adopted three methods: a signal processing method to set the discriminating level lower, a high sensitivity pinhole collimator and a smoothing image filter that improves the efficiency of the source identification. We tested basic performances of the developed gamma camera and carefully examined effects of the three methods. From the sensitivity test, we found that the effective sensitivity was about 21 times higher than that of the gamma camera for high dose rate fields which we had previously developed. We confirmed that the gamma camera had sufficient sensitivity and high quantitative accuracy; for example, a weak hot spot (0.9 μSv/h) around a tree root could be detected within 45 min in a low dose rate field test, and errors of measured dose rates with point sources were less than 7% in a dose rate accuracy test.

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

Poplawsky, Jonathan D.

Here, the performance of CdTe solar cells — cheaper alternatives to silicon photovoltaics — is hampered by their low output voltages, which are normally well below the theoretical limit. Now, record voltages of over 1 V have been reported in single-crystal CdTe heterostructure solar cells, which are close to those of benchmark GaAs cells.

Growth and Characterization of (211)B Cadmium Telluride Buffer Layer Grown by Metal-organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy on Nanopatterned Silicon for Mercury Cadmium Telluride Based Infrared Detector Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shintri, Shashidhar S.

Mercury cadmium telluride (MCT or Hg1-xCdxTe) grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is presently the material of choice for fabricating infrared (IR) detectors used in night vision based military applications. The focus of MCT epitaxy has gradually shifted since the last decade to using Si as the starting substrate since it offers several advantages. But the ˜19 % lattice mismatch between MCT and Si generates lots of crystal defects some of which degrade the performance of MCT devices. Hence thick CdTe films are used as buffer layers on Si to accommodate the defects. However, growth of high quality single crystal CdTe on Si is challenging and to date, the best MBE CdTe/Si reportedly has defects in the mid-105 cm -2 range. There is a critical need to reduce the defect levels by at least another order of magnitude, which is the main motivation behind the present work. The use of alternate growth technique called metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) offers some advantages over MBE and in this work MOVPE has been employed to grow the various epitaxial films. In the first part of this work, conditions for obtaining high quality (211)B CdTe epitaxy on (211)Si were achieved, which also involved studying the effect of having additional intermediate buffer layers such as Ge and ZnTe and incorporation of in-situ thermal cyclic annealing (TCA) to reduce the dislocation density. A critical problem of Si cross-contamination due to 'memory effect' of different reactant species was minimized by introducing tertiarybutylArsine (TBAs) which resulted in As-passivation of (211)Si. The best 8-10 µm thick CdTe films on blanket (non-patterned) Si had dislocations around 3×105 cm-2, which are the best reported by MOVPE till date and comparable to the highest quality films available by MBE. In the second part of the work, nanopatterned (211)Si was used to study the effect of patterning on the crystal quality of epitaxial CdTe. In one such study, patterning of ˜20 nm holes in SiO2/Ge/(211)Si was achieved by block co-polymer (BCP) lithography. Conditions for selective CdTe epitaxy was achieved and results showed different defect propagation mechanism at the patterned interface compared to the films grown on blanket Si. In another study, patterning of ˜360 nm holes in SiO2/(211)Si was done by molecular transfer lithography (MxL). Conditions for selective Ge and CdTe epitaxy were achieved which was the most challenging part of this work. Thin CdTe films were characterized to check the effect of nanopatterning. Certain results invariably showed that CdTe grown on nanopatterned substrates demonstrated promise of defect reduction and blocking close to the growth interface. But presently, nanopatterning also offers some serious challenges such as uniformity of patterns and substrate cleaning prior to growth for successful implementation of epitaxy on very large areas. Such factors resulted in degradation of overall crystal quality and will be discussed in this work. This is the first successful demonstration of selective (211)B CdTe epitaxy on Si by MOVPE using some of the relatively novel and promising nanopatterning techniques.

Solar cells based on electrodeposited thin films of ZnS, CdS, CdSSe and CdTe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weerasinghe, Ajith R.

The motivations of this research were to produce increased efficiency and low-cost solar cells. The production efficiency of Si solar cells has almost reached their theoretical limit, and reducing the manufacturing cost of Si solar cells is difficult to achieve due to the high-energy usage in material purifying and processing stages. Due to the low usage of materials and input energy, thin film solar cells have the potential to reduce the costs. CdS/CdTe thin film solar cells are already the cheapest on $/W basis. The cost of CdTe solar cells can be further reduced if all the semiconducting layers are fabricated using the electrodeposition (ED) method. ED method is scalable, low in the usage of energy and raw materials. These benefits lead to the cost effective production of semiconductors. The conventional method of fabricating CdS layers produces Cd containing waste solutions routinely, which adds to the cost of solar cells.ZnS, CdS and CdS(i-X)Sex buffer and window layers and CdTe absorber layers have been successfully electrodeposited and explored under this research investigation. These layers were fully characterised using complementary techniques to evaluate the material properties. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) studies, optical absorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy were utilised to evaluate the material properties of these solid thin film layers. ZnS and CdS thin film layers were electrodeposited from Na-free chemical precursors to avoid the group I element (Na) to reduce deterioration of CdTe devices. Deposition parameters such as, growth substrates, temperature, pH, growth cathodic voltage, stirring rate, time and chemical concentrations were identified to fabricate the above semiconductors. To further optimise these layers, a heat treatment process specific to the material was developed. In addition, the deposition parameters of CdTe layers were further optimised. This research programme has demonstrated that electrodeposited ZnS, CdS and CdTe thin film layers have material characteristics comparable with those of the materials reported in the literature and can be used in thin film solar cell devices. Furthermore, the electrolytes were used for up to two years, reducing the wastage even further, in comparison to other fabrication methods, such as chemical bath deposition. Several large-area semiconducting layers were successfully fabricated to test the scalability of the method. Nano-rods perpendicular to the glass/FTO surface with gaps among grains in CdS layers were observed. In order to reduce the possible pinholes due the gaps, a deposition of a semiconducting layer to cover completely the substrate was investigated. CdS(i-X)Sex layers were investigated to produce a layer-by-layer deposition of the material. However it was observed the surface morphology of CdS(j.X)Sex is a function of the growth parameters which produced nano-wires, nano-tubes and nano-sheets. This is the first recording of this effect for a low temperature deposition method, minimising the cost of producing this highly photosensitive material for use in various nano technology applications.The basic structure experimented was glass/conducting-glass/buffer layer/window material/absorber material/metal. By utilising all the semiconducting layers developed, several solar cell device structures were designed, fabricated and tested. This included a novel all-electrodeposited multi-layer graded bandgap device, to enhance the absorption of solar photons. The device efficiencies varied from batch to batch, and efficiencies in the range (3-7)% were observed. The variations in chemical concentrations, surface states and the presence of pin-hole defects in CdS were the main reasons for the range of efficiencies obtained. In the future work section, ways to avoid these variations and to increase efficiencies are identified and presented.

CDTE alloys and their application for increasing solar cell performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swanson, Drew E.

Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) thin film solar is the largest manufactured solar cell technology in the United States and is responsible for one of the lowest costs of utility scale solar electricity at a purchase agreement of $0.0387/kWh. However, this cost could be further reduced by increasing the cell efficiency. To bridge the gap between the high efficiency technology and low cost manufacturing, a research and development tool and process was built and tested. This fully automated single vacuum PV manufacturing tool utilizes multiple inline close space sublimation (CSS) sources with automated substrate control. This maintains the proven scalability of the CSS technology and CSS source design but with the added versatility of independent substrate motion. This combination of a scalable deposition technology with increased cell fabrication flexibility has allowed for high efficiency cells to be manufactured and studied. The record efficiency of CdTe solar cells is lower than fundamental limitations due to a significant deficit in voltage. It has been modeled that there are two potential methods of decreasing this voltage deficiency. The first method is the incorporation of a high band gap film at the back contact to induce a conduction-band barrier that can reduce recombination by reflecting electrons from the back surface. The addition of a Cd1-x MgxTe (CMT) layer at the back of a CdTe solar cell should induce this desired offset and reflect both photoelectrons and forward-current electrons away from the rear surface. Higher collection of photoelectrons will increase the cells current and the reduction of forward current will increase the cells voltage. To have the optimal effect, CdTe must have reasonable carrier lifetimes and be fully depleted. To achieve this experimentally, CdTe layers have been grown sufficiently thin to help produce a fully depleted cell. A variety of measurements including performance curves, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were performed to characterize these cells. Voltage improvements on the order of 50 mV are presented at a thin (1 ?m) CdTe absorber condition. However an overall reduction in fill factor (FF) is seen, with a strong reduction in FF as the magnesium incorporation is increased. Detailed material characterization shows the formation of oxides at the back of CdMgTe during the passivation process. A CdTe capping layer is added to reduce oxidation and help maintain the uniformity of the CdMgTe layer. A tellurium back contact is also added in place of a carbon paint back contact, reducing the impact of the valance band offset (VBO) from the CMT. With the addition of the capping layer and tellurium back contact a consistent 50 mV increase is seen with improved FF. However this voltage increase is well below modeled Voc increases of 150 mV. CMT double hetero-structures are manufactured and analyzed to estimate the interface recombination at the CdTe/CMT interface. The CdTe/CMT interface is approximated at 2*105 cm s-1 and modeling is referenced predicting significant reduction in performance based on this interface quality. To improve interface quality by removing the need for a vacuum break, the deposition hardware is incorporated into the primary deposition system. Second, CdTe has a somewhat higher band gap than optimal for single-junction terrestrial solar-cell power generation. A reduction in the band gap could therefore result in an overall improvement in performance. To reduce the band gap, selenium was alloyed with CdTe using a novel co-sublimation extension of the close-space-sublimation process. Co-sublimated layers of CdSeTe with various selenium concentrations were characterized for optical absorption and atomic concentrations, as well as to track changes in their morphology and crystallinity. The lower band-gap CdSeTe films were then incorporated into the front of CdTe cells. This two-layer band-gap structure demonstrated higher current collection and increased quantum efficiency at longer wavelengths. Material characterization shows the diffusion of selenium through the CdTe during passivation resulting in improved in lifetime and a reduced voltage deficit at lower band gaps.

Direct Analysis of JV-Curves Applied to an Outdoor-Degrading CdTe Module (Presentation)

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

Jordan, D; Kurtz, S.; Ulbrich, C.

2014-03-01

We present the application of a phenomenological four parameter equation to fit and analyze regularly measured current density-voltage JV curves of a CdTe module during 2.5 years of outdoor operation. The parameters are physically meaningful, i.e. the short circuit current density Jsc, open circuit voltage Voc and differential resistances Rsc, and Roc. For the chosen module, the fill factor FF degradation overweighs the degradation of Jsc and Voc. Interestingly, with outdoor exposure, not only the conductance at short circuit, Gsc, increases but also the Gsc(Jsc)-dependence. This is well explained with an increase in voltage dependent charge carrier collection in CdTe.

Understanding individual defects in CdTe thin-film solar cells via STEM: From atomic structure to electrical activity

DOE PAGES

Li, Chen; Poplawsky, Jonathan; Yan, Yanfa; ...

2017-07-01

Here in this paper we review a systematic study of the structure-property correlations of a series of defects in CdTe solar cells. A variety of experimental methods, including aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and electron-beam-induced current have been combined with density-functional theory. The research traces the connections between the structures and electrical activities of individual defects including intra-grain partial dislocations, grain boundaries and the CdTe/CdS interface. The interpretations of the physical origin underlying the structure-property correlation provide insights that should further the development of future CdTe solar cells.

Improving nanoparticle dispersion and charge transfer in cadmium telluride tetrapod and conjugated polymer blends.

PubMed

Monson, Todd C; Hollars, Christopher W; Orme, Christine A; Huser, Thomas

2011-04-01

The dispersion of CdTe tetrapods in a conducting polymer and the resulting charge transfer is studied using a combination of confocal fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results of this work show that both the tetrapod dispersion and charge transfer between the CdTe and conducting polymer (P3HT) are greatly enhanced by exchanging the ligands on the surface of the CdTe and by choosing proper solvent mixtures. The ability to experimentally probe the relationship between particle dispersion and charge transfer through the combination of AFM and fluorescence microscopy provides another avenue to assess the performance of polymer/semiconductor nanoparticle composites. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Synthesis and transport characterization of electrochemically deposited CdTe nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Jaskiran; Kaur, Harmanmeet; Singh, R. C.

2018-04-01

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of CdTe nanowires. A thin polymeric films were irradiated with 80MeV Ag ions at a fluence of 8E7 ions/cm2, followed by UV irradiation and chemically etching in aqueous NaOH. Nanosizes go-through pores so formed were filled using a specially designed cell via electrodeposition. Nanowires so formed were further studied using SEM, I-V, UV and XRD analysis. SEM images show very smooth and uniform CdTe nanowires freely standing on the substrate. The in-situ I-V characteristics of nano-/micro structures was carried out at room temperature by leaving the structures embedded in the insulating template membrane itself.

Study of polarization phenomena in Schottky CdTe diodes using infrared light illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Goro; Fukuyama, Taro; Watanabe, Shin; Ikeda, Hirokazu; Ohta, Masayuki; Ishikawa, Shin'nosuke; Takahashi, Tadayuki; Shiraki, Hiroyuki; Ohno, Ryoichi

2011-10-01

Schottky CdTe diode detectors suffer from a polarization phenomenon, which is characterized by degradation of the spectral properties over time following exposure to high bias voltage. This is considered attributable to charge accumulation at deep acceptor levels. A Schottky CdTe diode was illuminated with an infrared light for a certain period during a bias operation, and two opposite behaviors emerged. The detector showed a recovery when illuminated after the bias-induced polarization had completely progressed. Conversely, when the detector was illuminated before the emergence of bias-induced polarization, the degradation of the spectral properties was accelerated. Interpretation of these effects and discussion on the energy level of deep acceptors are presented.

Understanding individual defects in CdTe thin-film solar cells via STEM: From atomic structure to electrical activity

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

Li, Chen; Poplawsky, Jonathan; Yan, Yanfa

Here in this paper we review a systematic study of the structure-property correlations of a series of defects in CdTe solar cells. A variety of experimental methods, including aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and electron-beam-induced current have been combined with density-functional theory. The research traces the connections between the structures and electrical activities of individual defects including intra-grain partial dislocations, grain boundaries and the CdTe/CdS interface. The interpretations of the physical origin underlying the structure-property correlation provide insights that should further the development of future CdTe solar cells.

Compositional homogeneity and X-ray topographic analyses of CdTe xSe 1-x grown by the vertical Bridgman technique

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

Roy, U. N.; Bolotnikov, A. E.; Camarda, G. S.

2015-02-01

We grew CdTe xSe 1-x crystals with nominal Se concentrations of 5%, 7%, and 10% by the vertical Bridgman technique, and evaluated their compositional homogeneity and structural quality at the NSLS’ X-ray fluorescence and white beam X-ray topography beam lines. Both X-ray fluorescence and photoluminescence mapping revealed very high compositional homogeneity of the CdTe xSe 1-x crystals. Here, we noted that those crystals with higher concentrations of Se were more prone to twinning than those with a lower content. The crystals were fairly free from strains and contained low concentrations of sub-grain boundaries and their networks.

Cl-doping of Te-rich CdTe: Complex formation, self-compensation and self-purification from first principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindström, A.; Klintenberg, M.; Sanyal, B.; Mirbt, S.

2015-08-01

The coexistence in Te-rich CdTe of substitutional Cl-dopants, ClTe, which act as donors, and Cd vacancies, VC d - 1 , which act as electron traps, was studied from first principles utilising the HSE06 hybrid functional. We find ClTe to preferably bind to VC d - 1 and to form an acceptor complex, (ClTe-VCd)-1. The complex has a (0,-1) charge transfer level close to the valence band and shows no trap state (deep level) in the band gap. During the complex formation, the defect state of VCd-1 is annihilated and leaves the Cl-doped CdTe bandgap without any trap states (self-purification). We calculate Cl-doped CdTe to be semi-insulating with a Fermi energy close to midgap. We calculate the formation energy of the complex to be sufficiently low to allow for spontanous defect formation upon Cl-doping (self-compensation). In addition, we quantitatively analyse the geometries, DOS, binding energies and formation energies of the (ClTe-VCd) complexes.

CdTe Nanocrystal Hetero-Junction Solar Cells with High Open Circuit Voltage Based on Sb-doped TiO₂ Electron Acceptor Materials.

PubMed

Li, Miaozi; Liu, Xinyan; Wen, Shiya; Liu, Songwei; Heng, Jingxuan; Qin, Donghuan; Hou, Lintao; Wu, Hongbin; Xu, Wei; Huang, Wenbo

2017-05-03

We propose Sb-doped TiO₂ as electron acceptor material for depleted CdTe nanocrystal (NC) hetero-junction solar cells. Novel devices with the architecture of FTO/ZnO/Sb:TiO₂/CdTe/Au based on CdTe NC and TiO₂ precursor are fabricated by rational ambient solution process. By introducing TiO₂ with dopant concentration, we are able to tailor the optoelectronic properties of NC solar cells. Our novel devices demonstrate a very high open circuit voltage of 0.74 V, which is the highest V oc reported for any CdTe NC based solar cells. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of solar cells increases with the increase of Sb-doped content from 1% to 3%, then decreases almost linearly with further increase of Sb content due to the recombination effect. The champion device shows J sc , V oc , FF, and PCE of 14.65 mA/cm², 0.70 V, 34.44, and 3.53% respectively, which is prospective for solution processed NC solar cells with high V oc .

Preparation and properties of evaporated CdTe films compared with single crystal CdTe. Progress report No. 3, May 1-July 31, 1981

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

Bube, R.H.

1981-01-01

Preparation of the hot-wall vacuum deposition system nears completion and the first trial evaporation should take place in mid October. A UTI 100C Mass Analyzer with a 1 to 300 AMU capability has been ordered for the system. Preliminary tests indicate good temperature tracking between the furnace core and the CdTe source itself. Homojunction cells prepared by HWVE deposition of n-CdTe on p-CdTe substrates in October 1980 show no significant change in dark or light properties after open-circuit storage for the next 9 months. CdTe single crystal boules have been grown with P, As and Cs impurity. For P impuritymore » it appears from our data that the segregation coefficient is close to unity, that the value of hole density is controlled by the P and not by some unknown background acceptor, and that growth with excess Cd gives slightly higher values of hole density than growth with excess Te. CdTe:As crystals appear similar to CdTe:P crystals.« less

Synthesis and characterization of CdTe nanostructures grown by RF magnetron sputtering method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akbarnejad, Elaheh; Ghoranneviss, Mahmood; Hantehzadeh, Mohammad Reza

2017-08-01

In this paper, we synthesize Cadmium Telluride nanostructures by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering system on soda lime glass at various thicknesses. The effect of CdTe nanostructures thickness on crystalline, optical and morphological properties has been studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. The XRD parameters of CdTe nanostructures such as microstrain, dislocation density, and crystal size have been examined. From XRD analysis, it could be assumed that increasing deposition time caused the formation of the wurtzite hexagonal structure of the sputtered films. Optical properties of the grown nanostructures as a function of film thickness have been observed. All the films indicate more than 60% transmission over a wide range of wavelengths. The optical band gap values of the films have obtained in the range of 1.62-1.45 eV. The results indicate that an RF sputtering method succeeded in depositing of CdTe nanostructures with high purity and controllable physical properties, which is appropriate for photovoltaic and nuclear detector applications.

Advantages of a Special Post-Growth THM Program for the Reduction of Inclusions in CdTe Crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fochuk, P.; Zakharuk, Z.; Nykonyuk, Ye.; Rarenko, A.; Kolesnik, M.; Bolotnikov, A. E.; Yang, G.; James, R. B.

2016-06-01

CdTe crystals are used widely for manufacturing gamma-ray radiation sensors, and we can improve their properties if we eliminate as many as possible of their Te inclusions. In this paper, we describe our two modes of removing them; first, we used the traveling heater method for growing them, and then we applied post-growth cooling, for which we used a special slow-cooling program. Here, we placed the CdTe ingot, containing inclusions, into a quartz container, and moved a narrow heater zone along it. The molten inclusions moved together with the hot zone, and, at end of the process, they were concentrated heavily at the ingot's surface. Consequently, very few inclusions were observed in much of the CdTe ingot. Hall effect measurements showed that after such annealing the value of the carrier mobility was increased significantly, and the concentration of ionized centers was reduced. One major advantage of this treatment, compared to thermal annealing alone, is that both the inclusions and impurities are eliminated simultaneously.

Strain relaxation of CdTe on Ge studied by medium energy ion scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pillet, J. C.; Pierre, F.; Jalabert, D.

2016-10-01

We have used the medium energy ion scattering (MEIS) technique to assess the strain relaxation in molecular-beam epitaxial (MBE) grown CdTe (2 1 1)/Ge (2 1 1) system. A previous X-ray diffraction study, on 10 samples of the same heterostructure having thicknesses ranging from 25 nm to 10 μm has allowed the measurement of the strain relaxation on a large scale. However, the X-ray diffraction measurements cannot achieve a stress measurement in close proximity to the CdTe/Ge interface at the nanometer scale. Due to the huge lattice misfit between the CdTe and Ge, a high degree of disorder is expected at the interface. The MEIS in channeling mode is a good alternative in order to profile defects with a high depth resolution. For a 21 nm thick CdTe layer, we observed, at the interface, a high density of Cd and/or Te atoms moved from their expected crystallographic positions followed by a rapid recombination of defects. Strain relaxation mechanisms in the vicinity of the interface are discussed

CdTe Nanocrystal Hetero-Junction Solar Cells with High Open Circuit Voltage Based on Sb-doped TiO2 Electron Acceptor Materials

PubMed Central

Li, Miaozi; Liu, Xinyan; Wen, Shiya; Liu, Songwei; Heng, Jingxuan; Qin, Donghuan; Hou, Lintao; Wu, Hongbin; Xu, Wei; Huang, Wenbo

2017-01-01

We propose Sb-doped TiO2 as electron acceptor material for depleted CdTe nanocrystal (NC) hetero-junction solar cells. Novel devices with the architecture of FTO/ZnO/Sb:TiO2/CdTe/Au based on CdTe NC and TiO2 precursor are fabricated by rational ambient solution process. By introducing TiO2 with dopant concentration, we are able to tailor the optoelectronic properties of NC solar cells. Our novel devices demonstrate a very high open circuit voltage of 0.74 V, which is the highest Voc reported for any CdTe NC based solar cells. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of solar cells increases with the increase of Sb-doped content from 1% to 3%, then decreases almost linearly with further increase of Sb content due to the recombination effect. The champion device shows Jsc, Voc, FF, and PCE of 14.65 mA/cm2, 0.70 V, 34.44, and 3.53% respectively, which is prospective for solution processed NC solar cells with high Voc. PMID:28467347

Rational design of tetraphenylethylene-based luminescent down-shifting molecules: photophysical studies and photovoltaic applications in a CdTe solar cell from small to large units.

PubMed

Li, Yilin; Li, Zhipeng; Ablekim, Tursunjan; Ren, Tianhui; Dong, Wen-Ji

2014-12-21

A rational design strategy of novel fluorophores for luminescent down-shifting (LDS) application was proposed and tested in this paper. Three new fluorophores (1a-c) with specific intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics were synthesized as LDS molecules for increasing the output short circuit current density (Jsc) of a CdTe solar cell. Photophysical studies of their solution and solid states, and photovoltaic measurements of their PMMA solid films applied on a CdTe solar cell suggested that the specific spectroscopic properties and Jsc enhancement effects of these molecules were highly related to their chemical structures. The Jsc enhancement effects of these fluorophores were measured on both a CdTe small cell and a large panel. An increase in the output Jsc by as high as 5.69% for a small cell and 8.88% for a large panel was observed. Compared to a traditional LDS molecule, Y083, these fluorophores exhibited more superior capabilities of LDS.

How grain boundaries affect the efficiency of poly-CdTe solar-cells: A fundamental atomic-scale study of grain boundary dislocation cores using CdTe bi-crystal thin films.

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

Klie, Robert

It is now widely accepted that grain boundaries in poly-crystalline CdTe thin film devices have a detrimental effect on the minority carrier lifetimes, the open circuit voltage and therefore the overall solar-cell performance. The goal of this project was to develop a fundamental understanding of the role of grain boundaries in CdTe on the carrier life-time, open-circuit voltage, Voc, and the diffusion of impurities. To achieve this goal, i) CdTe bi-crystals were fabricated with various misorientation angels, ii) the atomic- and electronic structures of the grain boundaries were characterized using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and iii) first-principles density functionalmore » theory modeling was performed on the structures determined by STEM to predict the grain boundary potential. The transport properties and minority carrier lifetimes of the bi-crystal grain boundaries were measured using a variety of approaches, including TRPL, and provided feedback to the characterization and modeling effort about the effectiveness of the proposed models.« less

Understanding and managing health and environmental risks of CIS, CGS, and CdTe photovoltaic module production and use: A workshop

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

Moskowitz, P.D.; Zweibel, K.; DePhillips, M.P.

1994-04-28

Environmental, health and safety (EH&S) risks presented by CIS, CGS and CdTe photovoltaic module production, use and decommissioning have been reviewed and discussed by several authors. Several EH&S concerns exit. The estimated EH&S risks are based on extrapolations of toxicity, environmental mobility, and bioavailability data for other related inorganic compounds. Sparse data, however, are available for CIS, CGS or CdTe. In response to the increased interest in these materials, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has been engaged in a cooperative research program with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Fraunhofer Institute for Solid State Technology (IFT), the Institute of Ecotoxicitymore » of the GSF Forschungszentrum fair Umwelt und Gesundheit, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to develop fundamental toxicological and environmental data for these three compounds. This workshop report describes the results of these studies and describes their potential implications with respect to the EH&S risks presented by CIS, CGS, and CdTe module production, use and decommissioning.« less

Cadmium sulfate and CdTe-quantum dots alter DNA repair in zebrafish (Danio rerio) liver cells.

PubMed

Tang, Song; Cai, Qingsong; Chibli, Hicham; Allagadda, Vinay; Nadeau, Jay L; Mayer, Gregory D

2013-10-15

Increasing use of quantum dots (QDs) makes it necessary to evaluate their toxicological impacts on aquatic organisms, since their contamination of surface water is inevitable. This study compares the genotoxic effects of ionic Cd versus CdTe nanocrystals in zebrafish hepatocytes. After 24h of CdSO4 or CdTe QD exposure, zebrafish liver (ZFL) cells showed a decreased number of viable cells, an accumulation of Cd, an increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and an induction of DNA strand breaks. Measured levels of stress defense and DNA repair genes were elevated in both cases. However, removal of bulky DNA adducts by nucleotide excision repair (NER) was inhibited with CdSO4 but not with CdTe QDs. The adverse effects caused by acute exposure of CdTe QDs might be mediated through differing mechanisms than those resulting from ionic cadmium toxicity, and studying the effects of metallic components may be not enough to explain QD toxicities in aquatic organisms. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

MPA-capped CdTe quantum dots exposure causes neurotoxic effects in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans by affecting the transporters and receptors of glutamate, serotonin and dopamine at the genetic level, or by increasing ROS, or both

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Tianshu; He, Keyu; Zhan, Qinglin; Ang, Shengjun; Ying, Jiali; Zhang, Shihan; Zhang, Ting; Xue, Yuying; Tang, Meng

2015-12-01

As quantum dots (QDs) are widely used in biomedical applications, the number of studies focusing on their biological properties is increasing. While several studies have attempted to evaluate the toxicity of QDs towards neural cells, the in vivo toxic effects on the nervous system and the molecular mechanisms are unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neurotoxic effects and the underlying mechanisms of water-soluble cadmium telluride (CdTe) QDs capped with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Our results showed that exposure to MPA-capped CdTe QDs induced behavioral defects, including alterations to body bending, head thrashing, pharyngeal pumping and defecation intervals, as well as impaired learning and memory behavior plasticity, based on chemotaxis or thermotaxis, in a dose-, time- and size-dependent manner. Further investigations suggested that MPA-capped CdTe QDs exposure inhibited the transporters and receptors of glutamate, serotonin and dopamine in C. elegans at the genetic level within 24 h, while opposite results were observed after 72 h. Additionally, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was observed in the CdTe QD-treated worms, which confirmed the common nanotoxicity mechanism of oxidative stress damage, and might overcome the increased gene expression of neurotransmitter transporters and receptors in C. elegans induced by long-term QD exposure, resulting in more severe behavioral impairments.

Comparative investigation of the detective quantum efficiency of direct and indirect conversion detector technologies in dedicated breast CT.

PubMed

Kuttig, Jan D; Steiding, Christian; Kolditz, Daniel; Hupfer, Martin; Karolczak, Marek; Kalender, Willi A

2015-06-01

To investigate the dose saving potential of direct-converting CdTe photon-counting detector technology for dedicated breast CT. We analyzed the modulation transfer function (MTF), the noise power spectrum (NPS) and the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of two detector technologies, suitable for breast CT (BCT): a flat-panel energy-integrating detector with a 70 μm and a 208 μm thick gadolinium oxysulfide (GOS) and a 150 μm thick cesium iodide (CsI) scintillator and a photon-counting detector with a 1000 μm thick CdTe sensor. The measurements for GOS scintillator thicknesses of 70 μm and 208 μm delivered 10% pre-sampled MTF values of 6.6 mm(-1) and 3.2 mm(-1), and DQE(0) values of 23% and 61%. The 10% pre-sampled MTF value for the 150 μm thick CsI scintillator 6.9 mm(-1), and the DQE(0) value was 49%. The CdTe sensor reached a 10% pre-sampled MTF value of 8.5 mm(-1) and a DQE(0) value of 85%. The photon-counting CdTe detector technology allows for significant dose reduction compared to the energy-integrating scintillation detector technology used in BCT today. Our comparative evaluation indicates that a high potential dose saving may be possible for BCT by using CdTe detectors, without loss of spatial resolution. Copyright © 2015 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Advanced processing of CdTe pixel radiation detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gädda, A.; Winkler, A.; Ott, J.; Härkönen, J.; Karadzhinova-Ferrer, A.; Koponen, P.; Luukka, P.; Tikkanen, J.; Vähänen, S.

2017-12-01

We report a fabrication process of pixel detectors made of bulk cadmium telluride (CdTe) crystals. Prior to processing, the quality and defect density in CdTe material was characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The semiconductor detector and Flip-Chip (FC) interconnection processing was carried out in the clean room premises of Micronova Nanofabrication Centre in Espoo, Finland. The chip scale processes consist of the aluminum oxide (Al2O3) low temperature thermal Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), titanium tungsten (TiW) metal sputtering depositions and an electroless Nickel growth. CdTe crystals with the size of 10×10×0.5 mm3 were patterned with several photo-lithography techniques. In this study, gold (Au) was chosen as the material for the wettable Under Bump Metalization (UBM) pads. Indium (In) based solder bumps were grown on PSI46dig read out chips (ROC) having 4160 pixels within an area of 1 cm2. CdTe sensor and ROC were hybridized using a low temperature flip-chip (FC) interconnection technique. The In-Au cold weld bonding connections were successfully connecting both elements. After the processing the detector packages were wire bonded into associated read out electronics. The pixel detectors were tested at the premises of Finnish Radiation Safety Authority (STUK). During the measurement campaign, the modules were tested by exposure to a 137Cs source of 1.5 TBq for 8 minutes. We detected at the room temperature a photopeak at 662 keV with about 2 % energy resolution.

Effect of Gallium Doping on the Characteristic Properties of Polycrystalline Cadmium Telluride Thin Film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ojo, A. A.; Dharmadasa, I. M.

2017-08-01

Ga-doped CdTe polycrystalline thin films were successfully electrodeposited on glass/fluorine doped tin oxide substrates from aqueous electrolytes containing cadmium nitrate (Cd(NO3)2·4H2O) and tellurium oxide (TeO2). The effects of different Ga-doping concentrations on the CdTe:Ga coupled with different post-growth treatments were studied by analysing the structural, optical, morphological and electronic properties of the deposited layers using x-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, photoelectrochemical cell measurement and direct-current conductivity test respectively. XRD results show diminishing (111)C CdTe peak above 20 ppm Ga-doping and the appearance of (301)M GaTe diffraction above 50 ppm Ga-doping indicating the formation of two phases; CdTe and GaTe. Although, reductions in the absorption edge slopes were observed above 20 ppm Ga-doping for the as-deposited CdTe:Ga layer, no obvious influence on the energy gap of CdTe films with Ga-doping were detected. Morphologically, reductions in grain size were observed at 50 ppm Ga-doping and above with high pinhole density within the layer. For the as-deposited CdTe:Ga layers, conduction type change from n- to p- were observed at 50 ppm, while the n-type conductivity were retained after post-growth treatment. Highest conductivity was observed at 20 ppm Ga-doping of CdTe. These results are systematically reported in this paper.

ABC transporters affect the elimination and toxicity of CdTe quantum dots in liver and kidney cells

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

Chen, Mingli; Yin, Huancai; Bai, Pengli

This paper aimed to investigate the role of adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) transporters on the efflux and the toxicity of nanoparticles in liver and kidney cells. In this study, we synthesized CdTe quantum dots (QDs) that were monodispersed and emitted green fluorescence (maximum peak at 530 nm). Such QDs tended to accumulate in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2), human kidney cells 2 (HK-2), and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, and cause significant toxicity in all the three cell lines. Using specific inhibitors and inducers of P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and multidrug resistance associated proteins (Mrps), the cellular accumulation and subsequent toxicity ofmore » QDs in HepG2 and HK-2 cells were significantly affected, while only slight changes appeared in MDCK cells, corresponding well with the functional expressions of ABC transporters in cells. Moreover, treatment of QDs caused concentration- and time- dependent induction of ABC transporters in HepG2 and HK-2 cells, but such phenomenon was barely found in MDCK cells. Furthermore, the effects of CdTe QDs on ABC transporters were found to be greater than those of CdCl{sub 2} at equivalent concentrations of cadmium, indicating that the effects of QDs should be a combination of free Cd{sup 2+} and specific properties of QDs. Overall, these results indicated a strong dependence between the functional expressions of ABC transporters and the efflux of QDs, which could be an important reason for the modulation of QDs toxicity by ABC transporters. - Highlights: • ABC transporters contributed actively to the cellular efflux of CdTe quantum dots. • ABC transporters affected the cellular toxicity of CdTe quantum dots. • Treatment of CdTe quantum dots induced the gene expression of ABC transporters. • Free Cd{sup 2+} should be partially involved in the effects of QDs on ABC transporters. • Cellular efflux of quantum dots could be an important modulator for its toxicity.« less

Cadmium telluride solar cells: Record-breaking voltages

DOE PAGES

Poplawsky, Jonathan D.

2016-01-01

Here, the performance of CdTe solar cells — cheaper alternatives to silicon photovoltaics — is hampered by their low output voltages, which are normally well below the theoretical limit. Now, record voltages of over 1 V have been reported in single-crystal CdTe heterostructure solar cells, which are close to those of benchmark GaAs cells.

Pressure induced phase transition in CdTe nanowire: A DFT study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatia, Manjeet; Khan, Md. Shahzad; Srivastava, Anurag

2018-05-01

We have studied structural phase transition and electronic properties of CdTe nanowires in their wurtzite (B4) to rocksalt (B1) phase by first principles density functional calculations using SIESTA code. Nanowires are derived from wurtzite and rocksalt phase of bulk CdTe with growth direction along 100 planes. We observed structural phase transition from B4→B1 at 4.79 GPa. Wurtzite structure is found to have band gap 2.30 eV while rocksalt is metallic in nature. Our calculated lattice constant (4.55 Å for B4 and 5.84 Å for B1), transition pressure (4.79 GPa) and electronic structure results are in close agreement with the previous calculations on bulk and nanostructures.

Cadmium telluride quantum dots induce apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines.

PubMed

Naderi, Saeed; Zare, Hakimeh; Taghavinia, Nima; Irajizad, Azam; Aghaei, Mahmoud; Panjehpour, Mojtaba

2018-05-01

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), especially those containing cadmium, have undergone marked improvements and are now widely used nanomaterials in applicable biological fields. However, great concerns exist regarding their toxicity in biomedical applications. Because of the lack of sufficient data regarding the toxicity mechanism of QDs, this study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of three types of QDs: CdTe QDs, high yield CdTe QDs, and CdTe/CdS core/shell QDs on two human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB468 and MCF-7. The breast cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of QDs, and cell viability was evaluated via MTT assay. Hoechst staining was applied for observation of morphological changes due to apoptosis. Apoptotic DNA fragmentation was visualized by the agarose gel electrophoresis assay. Flow cytometric annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) measurement was used for apoptosis detection. A significant decrease in cell viability was observed after QDs treatment ( p < 0.05). Apoptotic bodies and chromatin condensation was observed by Hoechst staining. DNA fragmentation assay demonstrated a DNA ladder profile in the exposed cells and also annexin V/PI flow cytometry confirmed apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Our results revealed that CdTe, high yield CdTe, and CdTe/CdS core/shell QDs induce apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. This study would help realizing the underlying cytotoxicity mechanism, at least partly, of CdTe QDs and may provide information for the development of nanotoxicology and safe use of biological applications of QDs.

High luminescent L-cysteine capped CdTe quantum dots prepared at different reaction times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiprotich, Sharon; Onani, Martin O.; Dejene, Francis B.

2018-04-01

This paper reports a facile synthesis route of high luminescent L-cysteine capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs). The effect of reaction time on the growth mechanism, optical and physical properties of the CdTe QDs was investigated in order to find the suitability of them towards optical and medical applications. The representative high-resolution transmission microscopy (HRTEM) analysis showed that the as-obtained CdTe QDs appeared as spherical particles with excellent monodispersity. The images exhibited clear lattice fringes which are indicative of good crystallinity. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern displayed polycrystalline nature of the QDs which correspond well to zinc blende phase of bulk CdTe. The crystallite sizes calculated from the Scherrer equation were less than 10 nm for different reaction times which were in close agreement with the values estimated from HRTEM. An increase in reaction time improved crystallinity of the sample as explained by highest peak intensity of the XRD supported by the photoluminescence emission spectra which showed high intensity at a longer growth time. It was observed that for prolonged growth time the emission bands were red shifted from about 517-557 nm for 5-180 min of reaction time due to increase in particle sizes. Ultraviolet and visible analysis displayed well-resolved absorption bands which were red shifted upon an increase in reaction time. There was an inverse relation between the band gap and reaction time. Optical band gap decreases from 3.98 to 2.59 eV with the increase in reaction time from 15 to 180 min.

The Dosepix detector—an energy-resolving photon-counting pixel detector for spectrometric measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zang, A.; Anton, G.; Ballabriga, R.; Bisello, F.; Campbell, M.; Celi, J. C.; Fauler, A.; Fiederle, M.; Jensch, M.; Kochanski, N.; Llopart, X.; Michel, N.; Mollenhauer, U.; Ritter, I.; Tennert, F.; Wölfel, S.; Wong, W.; Michel, T.

2015-04-01

The Dosepix detector is a hybrid photon-counting pixel detector based on ideas of the Medipix and Timepix detector family. 1 mm thick cadmium telluride and 300 μm thick silicon were used as sensor material. The pixel matrix of the Dosepix consists of 16 x 16 square pixels with 12 rows of (200 μm)2 and 4 rows of (55 μm)2 sensitive area for the silicon sensor layer and 16 rows of pixels with 220 μm pixel pitch for CdTe. Besides digital energy integration and photon-counting mode, a novel concept of energy binning is included in the pixel electronics, allowing energy-resolved measurements in 16 energy bins within one acquisition. The possibilities of this detector concept range from applications in personal dosimetry and energy-resolved imaging to quality assurance of medical X-ray sources by analysis of the emitted photon spectrum. In this contribution the Dosepix detector, its response to X-rays as well as spectrum measurements with Si and CdTe sensor layer are presented. Furthermore, a first evaluation was carried out to use the Dosepix detector as a kVp-meter, that means to determine the applied acceleration voltage from measured X-ray tubes spectra.

Shuttle Mission STS-50: Orbital Processing of High-Quality CdTe Compound Semiconductors Experiment: Final Flight Sample Characterization Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larson, David J.; Casagrande, Luis G.; DiMarzio, Don; Alexander, J. Iwan D.; Carlson, Fred; Lee, Taipo; Dudley, Michael; Raghathamachar, Balaji

1998-01-01

The Orbital Processing of High-Quality Doped and Alloyed CdTe Compound Semiconductors program was initiated to investigate, quantitatively, the influences of gravitationally dependent phenomena on the growth and quality of bulk compound semiconductors. The objective was to improve crystal quality (both structural and compositional) and to better understand and control the variables within the crystal growth production process. The empirical effort entailed the development of a terrestrial (one-g) experiment baseline for quantitative comparison with microgravity (mu-g) results. This effort was supported by the development of high-fidelity process models of heat transfer, fluid flow and solute redistribution, and thermo-mechanical stress occurring in the furnace, safety cartridge, ampoule, and crystal throughout the melting, seeding, crystal growth, and post-solidification processing. In addition, the sensitivity of the orbital experiments was analyzed with respect to the residual microgravity (mu-g) environment, both steady state and g-jitter. CdZnTe crystals were grown in one-g and in mu-g. Crystals processed terrestrially were grown at the NASA Ground Control Experiments Laboratory (GCEL) and at Grumman Aerospace Corporation (now Northrop Grumman Corporation). Two mu-g crystals were grown in the Crystal Growth Furnace (CGF) during the First United States Microgravity Laboratory Mission (USML-1), STS-50, June 24 - July 9, 1992.

Novel hybrid structure silica/CdTe/molecularly imprinted polymer: synthesis, specific recognition, and quantitative fluorescence detection of bovine hemoglobin.

PubMed

Li, Dong-Yan; He, Xi-Wen; Chen, Yang; Li, Wen-You; Zhang, Yu-Kui

2013-12-11

This work presented a novel strategy for the synthesis of the hybrid structure silica/CdTe/molecularly imprinted polymer (Si-NP/CdTe/MIP) to recognize and detect the template bovine hemoglobin (BHb). First, amino-functionalized silica nanoparticles (Si-NP) and carboxyl-terminated CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were assembled into composite nanoparticles (Si-NP/CdTe) using the EDC (1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride) chemistry. Next, Si-NP/CdTe/MIP was synthesized by anchoring molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) layer on the surface of Si-NP/CdTe through the sol-gel technique and surface imprinting technique. The hybrid structure possessed the selectivity of molecular imprinting technique and the sensitivity of CdTe QDs as well as well-defined morphology. The binding experiment and fluorescence method demonstrated its special recognition performance toward the template BHb. Under the optimized conditions, the fluorescence intensity of the Si-NP/CdTe/MIP decreased linearly with the increase of BHb in the concentration range 0.02-2.1 μM, and the detection limit was 9.4 nM. Moreover, the reusability and reproducibility and the successful applications in practical samples indicated the synthesis of Si-NP/CdTe/MIP provided an alternative solution for special recognition and determination of protein from real samples.

Ionic electrodeposition of II-VI and III-V compounds. III. Computer simulation of quasi-rest potentials for M/sub 1/X/sub 1/ compounds analogous to CdTe

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

Engelken, R.D.

1987-04-01

The quasi-rest potential (QRP) has been proposed as a key quantity in characterizing compound semiconductor (e.g. CdTe) electrodeposition. This article expands the modeling/simulation representative of Cd/sub x/Te in chemical equilibrium to calculate two ''QRP's'': E/sub M/1/sub /, the mixed potential occurring immediately after current interruption and before any relaxation in double layer ion concentration and significant ion exchange/surface stoichiometry change occur, and E/sub M/2/sub /, another mixed potential occurring after the double layer ion concentrations have relaxed to their bulk values but still before any significant surface composition change occurs. Significant predictions include existence of a dramatic negative transition inmore » QRP, with negative-going deposition potential, centered on the potential of perfect stoichiometry (PPS), inequality, in general, between the PPS and E/sub M/1/sub / unless the deposit remains in equilibrium with the electrolyte (no ion exchange at open circuit), negligible sensitivity of QRP-E curves to the activity coefficient parameter implying the importance of the PPS in characterizing compound deposition, and disappearance of the transition structure for sufficiently positive Gibbs free energies.« less

Iodine X-ray fluorescence computed tomography system utilizing a cadmium telluride detector in conjunction with a cerium-target tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hagiwara, Osahiko; Watanabe, Manabu; Sato, Eiichi; Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Osawa, Akihiro; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Nagao, Jiro; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2011-06-01

An X-ray fluorescence computed tomography system (XRF-CT) is useful for determining the main atoms in objects. To detect iodine atoms without using a synchrotron, we developed an XRF-CT system utilizing a cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector and a cerium X-ray generator. CT is performed by repeated linear scans and rotations of an object. When cerium K-series characteristic X-rays are absorbed by iodine atoms in objects, iodine K fluorescence is produced from atoms and is detected by the CdTe detector. Next, event signals of X-ray photons are produced with the use of charge-sensitive and shaping amplifiers. Iodine Kα fluorescence is isolated using a multichannel analyzer, and the number of photons is counted using a counter card. In energy-dispersive XRF-CT, the tube voltage and tube current were 70 kV and 0.40 mA, respectively, and the X-ray intensity was 115.3 μGy/s at a distance of 1.0 m from the source. The demonstration of XRF-CT was carried out by the selection of photons in an energy range from 27.5 to 29.5 keV with a photon-energy resolution of 1.2 keV.

Investigation of Energy-Dispersive X-ray Computed Tomography System with CdTe Scan Detector and Comparing-Differentiator and Its Application to Gadolinium K-Edge Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiba, Hiraku; Sato, Yuichi; Sato, Eiichi; Maeda, Tomoko; Matsushita, Ryo; Yanbe, Yutaka; Hagiwara, Osahiko; Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Osawa, Akihiro; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Kusachi, Shinya; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2012-10-01

An energy-dispersive (ED) X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is useful for carrying out monochromatic imaging by selecting optimal energy photons. CT is performed by repeated linear scans and rotations of an object. X-ray photons from the object are detected by the cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector, and event pulses of X-ray photons are produced using charge-sensitive and shaping amplifiers. The lower photon energy is determined by a comparator, and the maximum photon energy of 70 keV corresponds to the tube voltage. Logical pulses from the comparator are counted by a counter card through a differentiator to reduce pulse width and rise time. In the ED-CT system, tube voltage and current were 70 kV and 0.30 mA, respectively, and X-ray intensity was 18.2 µGy/s at 1.0 m from the source at a tube voltage of 70 kV. Demonstration of gadolinium K-edge CT for cancer diagnosis was carried out by selecting photons with energies ranging from 50.4 to 70 keV, and photon-count energy subtraction imaging from 30 to 50.3 keV was also performed.

Lightening Soldiers' Loads by Lifting PV Cells onto Flexible Surfaces |

Science.gov Websites

efficiency of cells grown on thick-glass substrates. Reese's challenge has been to combine the best of both CdTe solar cells on flexible glass. "When you grow a CdTe cell, you need to grow it for highest glass, which can withstand high temperatures, was promising, this approach had a drawback. Even flexible

Relationship of Open-Circuit Voltage to CdTe Hole Concentration and Lifetime

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

Duenow, Joel N.; Burst, James M.; Albin, David S.

We investigate the correlation of bulk CdTe and CdZnTe material properties with experimental open-circuit voltage (Voc) through fabrication and characterization of diverse single-crystal solar cells with different dopants. Several distinct crystal types reach Voc >900 mV. Correlations are in general agreement with Voc limits modeled from bulk minority-carrier lifetime and hole concentration.

Novel Approach to Front Contact Passivation for CdTe Photovoltaics

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

Kephart, Jason M.

2018-02-18

The goal of this project was to study the use of sputter-deposited oxide materials for interface passivation of CdTe-based photovoltaics. Several candidate materials were chosen based on their promise in passivating the CdTe and CdSeTe semiconductor interface, chemical and thermal stability to device processing, and ability to be deposited by sputter deposition.

Doping properties of cadmium-rich arsenic-doped CdTe single crystals: Evidence of metastable AX behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagaoka, Akira; Kuciauskas, Darius; Scarpulla, Michael A.

2017-12-01

Cd-rich composition and group-V element doping are of interest for simultaneously maximizing the hole concentration and minority carrier lifetime in CdTe, but the critical details concerning point defects are not yet fully established. Herein, we report on the properties of arsenic doped CdTe single crystals grown from Cd solvent by the travelling heater method. The photoluminescence spectra and activation energy of 74 ± 2 meV derived from the temperature-dependent Hall effect are consistent with AsTe as the dominant acceptor. Doping in the 1016 to 1017/cm3 range is achieved for measured As concentrations between 1016 and 1020/cm3 with the highest doping efficiency of 40% occurring near 1017 As/cm3. We observe persistent photoconductivity, a hallmark of light-induced metastable configuration changes consistent with AX behavior. Additionally, quenching experiments reveal at least two mechanisms of increased p-type doping in the dark, one decaying over 2-3 weeks and the other persisting for at least 2 months. These results provide essential insights for the application of As-doped CdTe in thin film solar cells.

Doping properties of cadmium-rich arsenic-doped CdTe single crystals: Evidence of metastable AX behavior

DOE PAGES

Nagaoka, Akira; Kuciauskas, Darius; Scarpulla, Michael A.

2017-12-04

Cd-rich composition and group-V element doping are of interest for simultaneously maximizing the hole concentration and minority carrier lifetime in CdTe, but the critical details concerning point defects are not yet fully established. Herein, we report on the properties of arsenic doped CdTe single crystals grown from Cd solvent by the travelling heater method. The photoluminescence spectra and activation energy of 74 +/- 2 meV derived from the temperature-dependent Hall effect are consistent with AsTe as the dominant acceptor. Doping in the 10^16 to 10^17/cm^3 range is achieved for measured As concentrations between 10^16 and 10^20/cm^3 with the highest dopingmore » efficiency of 40% occurring near 10^17 As/cm^3. We observe persistent photoconductivity, a hallmark of light-induced metastable configuration changes consistent with AX behavior. Additionally, quenching experiments reveal at least two mechanisms of increased p-type doping in the dark, one decaying over 2-3 weeks and the other persisting for at least 2 months. These results provide essential insights for the application of As-doped CdTe in thin film solar cells.« less

Synthesis and characterization of surface-modified colloidal CdTe Quantum Dots

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

Rajh, T.; Micic, O.I.; Nozik, A.J.

1993-11-18

The controlled synthesis of quantized colloidal CdTe nanocrystals (in aqueous solutions) with narrow size distributions and stabilized against rapid oxidation was achieved by capping the quantum dot particles with 3-mercapto-1,2-propanediol. Nanocrystals (i.e., quantum dots) with mean diameters of 20, 25, 35, and 40 A were produced. Optical absorption spectra showed strong excitonic peaks at the smallest size; the absorption coefficient was shown to follow an inverse cube dependence on particle diameter, while the extinction coefficient per particle remained constant. The quantum yield for photoluminescence increased with decreasing particle size and reached 20% at 20 A. The valence band edges ofmore » the CdTe quantum dots were determined by pulse radiolysis experiments (hole injection from oxidizing radicals); the bandgaps were estimated from pulse radiolysis data (redox potentials of hole and electron injecting radicals) and from the optical spectra. The dependence of the CdTe bandgap on quantum dot size was found to be much weaker than predicted by the effective mass approximation; this result is consistent with recently published theoretical calculations by several groups. 36 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.« less

Doping properties of cadmium-rich arsenic-doped CdTe single crystals: Evidence of metastable AX behavior

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

Nagaoka, Akira; Kuciauskas, Darius; Scarpulla, Michael A.

Cd-rich composition and group-V element doping are of interest for simultaneously maximizing the hole concentration and minority carrier lifetime in CdTe, but the critical details concerning point defects are not yet fully established. Herein, we report on the properties of arsenic doped CdTe single crystals grown from Cd solvent by the travelling heater method. The photoluminescence spectra and activation energy of 74 +/- 2 meV derived from the temperature-dependent Hall effect are consistent with AsTe as the dominant acceptor. Doping in the 10^16 to 10^17/cm^3 range is achieved for measured As concentrations between 10^16 and 10^20/cm^3 with the highest dopingmore » efficiency of 40% occurring near 10^17 As/cm^3. We observe persistent photoconductivity, a hallmark of light-induced metastable configuration changes consistent with AX behavior. Additionally, quenching experiments reveal at least two mechanisms of increased p-type doping in the dark, one decaying over 2-3 weeks and the other persisting for at least 2 months. These results provide essential insights for the application of As-doped CdTe in thin film solar cells.« less

Reduction of Fermi level pinning and recombination at polycrystalline CdTe surfaces by laser irradiation

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

Simonds, Brian J.; Kheraj, Vipul; Department of Applied Physics, S. V. National Institute of Technology, Surat 395 007

2015-06-14

Laser processing of polycrystalline CdTe is a promising approach that could potentially increase module manufacturing throughput while reducing capital expenditure costs. For these benefits to be realized, the basic effects of laser irradiation on CdTe must be ascertained. In this study, we utilize surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS) to investigate the changes to the electronic properties of the surface of polycrystalline CdTe solar cell stacks induced by continuous-wave laser annealing. The experimental data explained within a model consisting of two space charge regions, one at the CdTe/air interface and one at the CdTe/CdS junction, are used to interpret our SPS results.more » The frequency dependence and phase spectra of the SPS signal are also discussed. To support the SPS findings, low-temperature spectrally-resolved photoluminescence and time-resolved photoluminescence were also measured. The data show that a modest laser treatment of 250 W/cm{sup 2} with a dwell time of 20 s is sufficient to reduce the effects of Fermi level pinning at the surface due to surface defects.« less

Understanding arsenic incorporation in CdTe with atom probe tomography

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

Burton, G. L.; Diercks, D. R.; Ogedengbe, O. S.

Overcoming the open circuit voltage deficiency in Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) photovoltaics may be achieved by increasing p-type doping while maintaining or increasing minority carrier lifetimes. Here, routes to higher doping efficiency using arsenic are explored through an atomic scale understanding of dopant incorporation limits and activation in molecular beam epitaxy grown CdTe layers. Atom probe tomography reveals spatial segregation into nanometer scale clusters containing > 60 at% As for samples with arsenic incorporation levels greater than 7-8 x 10^17 cm-3. The presence of arsenic clusters was accompanied by crystal quality degradation, particularly the introduction of arsenic-enriched extended defects. Post-growth annealingmore » treatments are shown to increase the size of the As precipitates and the amount of As within the precipitates.« less

Understanding arsenic incorporation in CdTe with atom probe tomography

DOE PAGES

Burton, G. L.; Diercks, D. R.; Ogedengbe, O. S.; ...

2018-03-22

Overcoming the open circuit voltage deficiency in Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) photovoltaics may be achieved by increasing p-type doping while maintaining or increasing minority carrier lifetimes. Here, routes to higher doping efficiency using arsenic are explored through an atomic scale understanding of dopant incorporation limits and activation in molecular beam epitaxy grown CdTe layers. Atom probe tomography reveals spatial segregation into nanometer scale clusters containing > 60 at% As for samples with arsenic incorporation levels greater than 7-8 x 10^17 cm-3. The presence of arsenic clusters was accompanied by crystal quality degradation, particularly the introduction of arsenic-enriched extended defects. Post-growth annealingmore » treatments are shown to increase the size of the As precipitates and the amount of As within the precipitates.« less

Inclusion free cadmium zinc tellurium and cadmium tellurium crystals and associated growth method

DOEpatents

Bolotnikov, Aleskey E [South Setauket, NY; James, Ralph B [Ridge, NY

2010-07-20

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for crystal growth of cadmium zinc tellurium (CZT) and cadmium tellurium (CdTe) crystals with an inverted growth reactor chamber. The inverted growth reactor chamber enables growth of single, large, high purity CZT and CdTe crystals that can be used, for example, in X-ray and gamma detection, substrates for infrared detectors, or the like. The inverted growth reactor chamber enables reductions in the presence of Te inclusions, which are recognized as an important limiting factor in using CZT or CdTe as radiation detectors. The inverted growth reactor chamber can be utilized with existing crystal growth techniques such as the Bridgman crystal growth mechanism and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the inverted growth reactor chamber is a U-shaped ampoule.

Characteristic of x-ray tomography performance using CdTe timepix detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zain, R. M.; O'Shea, V.; Maneuski, D.

2017-01-01

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) is a non-destructive technique for visualizing interior features within solid objects, and for obtaining digital information on their 3-D geometries and properties. The selection of CdTe Timepix detector has a sufficient performance of imaging detector is based on quality of detector performance and energy resolution. The study of Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) shows a 70% contrast at 4 lp/mm was achieved for the 55 µm pixel pitch detector with the 60 kVp X-ray tube and 5 keV noise level. No significant degradation in performance was observed for X-ray tube energies of 20 - 60 keV. The paper discusses the application of the CdTe Timepix detector to produce a good quality image of X-ray tomography imaging.

Recent Progress in Nanoelectrical Characterizations of CdTe and Cu(In,Ga)Se2

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

Jiang, Chun-Sheng; To, Bobby; Glynn, Stephen

2016-11-21

We report two recent nanoelectrical characterizations of CdTe and Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin-film solar cells by developing atomic force microscopy-based nanoelectrical probes. Charges trapped at defects at the CdS/CdTe interface were probed by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) potential mapping and by ion-milling the CdTe superstrate device in a bevel glancing angle of ~0.5 degrees. The results show randomly distributed donor-like defects at the interface. The effect of K post-deposition treatment on the near-surface region of the CIGS film was studied by KPFM potential and scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM) resistivity mapping, which shows passivation of grain-boundary potential and improvementmore » of resistivity uniformity by the K treatment.« less

Fluorescent "on-off-on" switching sensor based on CdTe quantum dots coupled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes@graphene oxide nanoribbons for simultaneous monitoring of dual foreign DNAs in transgenic soybean.

PubMed

Li, Yaqi; Sun, Li; Qian, Jing; Long, Lingliang; Li, Henan; Liu, Qian; Cai, Jianrong; Wang, Kun

2017-06-15

With the increasing concern of potential health and environmental risk, it is essential to develop reliable methods for transgenic soybean detection. Herein, a simple, sensitive and selective assay was constructed based on homogeneous fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between CdTe quantum dots (QDs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes@graphene oxide nanoribbons (MWCNTs@GONRs) to form the fluorescent "on-off-on" switching for simultaneous monitoring dual target DNAs of promoter cauliflower mosaic virus 35s (P35s) and terminator nopaline synthase (TNOS) from transgenic soybean. The capture DNAs were immobilized with corresponding QDs to obtain strong fluorescent signals (turning on). The strong π-π stacking interaction between single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes and MWCNTs@GONRs led to minimal background fluorescence due to the FRET process (turning off). The targets of P35s and TNOS were recognized by dual fluorescent probes to form double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) through the specific hybridization between target DNAs and ssDNA probes. And the dsDNA were released from the surface of MWCNTs@GONRs, which leaded the dual fluorescent probes to generate the strong fluorescent emissions (turning on). Therefore, this proposed homogeneous assay can be achieved to detect P35s and TNOS simultaneously by monitoring the relevant fluorescent emissions. Moreover, this assay can distinguish complementary and mismatched nucleic acid sequences with high sensitivity. The constructed approach has the potential to be a tool for daily detection of genetically modified organism with the merits of feasibility and reliability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Core-Level Photoemission Investigations of the CADMIUM-TELLURIDE(100) and INDIUM-ANTIMONY(100) Surface and Interfacial Structures.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

John, Peter James

1988-12-01

Photoemission techniques, utilizing a synchrotron light source, were used to analyze the clean (100) surfaces of the zinc-blende semiconductor materials CdTe and InSb. Several interfacial systems involving the surfaces of these materials were also studied, including the CdTe(100)-Ag interface, the CdTe(100)-Sb system, and the InSb(100)-Sn interface. High -energy electron diffraction was also employed to acquire information about of surface structure. A one-domain (2x1) structure was observed for the CdTe(100) surface. Analysis of photoemission spectra of the Cd 4d core level for this surface structure revealed two components resulting from Cd surface atoms. The total intensity of these components accounts for a full monolayer of Cd atoms on the surface. A structural model is discussed commensurate with these results. Photoemission spectra of the Cd and Te 4d core levels indicate that Ag or Sb deposited on the CdTe(100)-(2x1) surface at room temperature do not bound strongly to the surface Cd atoms. The room temperature growth characteristics for these two elements on the CdTe(100)-(2x1) are discussed. The growth at elevated substrate temperatures was also studied for Sb deposition. The InSb(100) surface differed from the CdTe(100) surface. Using molecular beam epitaxy, several structures could be generated for the InSb(100) surface, including a c(8x2), a c(4x4), an asymmetric (1x3), a symmetric (1x3), and a (1x1). Analysis of photoemission intensities and line shapes indicates that the c(4x4) surface is terminated with 1{3 over 4} monolayers of Sb atoms. The c(8x2) surface is found to be terminated with {3over 4} monolayer of In atoms. Structural models for both of these surfaces are proposed based upon the photoemission results and upon models of the similar GaAs(100) structures. The room temperature growth characteristics of grey Sn on the InSb(100)-c(4x4) and InSb(100)-c(8x2) surfaces were studied with photoemission. The discontinuity in the valence band maximum for this semiconductor heterojunction system is measured to be 0.40 eV, independent of the starting surface structure and stoichiometry. This result is reconciled with theoretical predictions for heterostructure behavior.

Novel Contact Materials for Improved Performance CdTe Solar Cells Final Report

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

Rockett, Angus; Marsillac, Sylvain; Collins, Robert

This program has explored a number of novel materials for contacts to CdTe solar cells in order to reduce the back contact Schottky barrier to zero and produce an ohmic contact. The project tested a wide range of potential contact materials including TiN, ZrN, CuInSe 2:N, a-Si:H and alloys with C, and FeS2. Improved contacts were achieved with FeS 2. As part of understanding the operation of the devices and controlling the deposition processes, a number of other important results were obtained. In the process of this project and following its conclusion it led to research that resulted in sevenmore » journal articles, nine conference publications, 13 talks presented at conferences, and training of eight graduate students. The seven journal articles were published in 2015, 2016, and 2017 and have been cited, as of March 2018, 52 times (one cited 19 times and two cited 11 times). We demonstrated high levels of doping of CIS with N but electrical activity of the resulting N was not high and the results were difficult to reproduce. Furthermore, even with high doping the contacts were not good. Annealing did not improve the contacts. A-Si:H was found to produce acceptable but unstable contacts, degrading even over a day or two, apparently due to H incorporation into the CdTe. Alloying with C did not improve the contacts or stability. The transition metal nitrides produced Schottky type contacts for all materials tested. While these contacts were found to be unsatisfactory, we investigated FeS 2 and found this material to be effective and comparable to the best contacts currently available. The contacts were found to be chemically stable under heat treatment and preferable to Cu doped contacts. Thus, we demonstrated an improved contact material in the course of this project. In addition, we developed new ways of controlling the deposition of CdTe and other materials, demonstrated the nature of defects in CdTe, and studied the distribution of conductivity and carrier type in CdTe devices. We demonstrated the conduction mechanism by which CdTe polycrystals improve the performance of the devices relative to single crystal devices. The mechanism shows that grain boundaries are conduction pathways for photogenerated electrons and that the corresponding holes are confined to the grains and therefore do not contribute to recombination.« less

A low-cost non-toxic post-growth activation step for CdTe solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Major, J. D.; Treharne, R. E.; Phillips, L. J.; Durose, K.

2014-07-01

Cadmium telluride, CdTe, is now firmly established as the basis for the market-leading thin-film solar-cell technology. With laboratory efficiencies approaching 20 per cent, the research and development targets for CdTe are to reduce the cost of power generation further to less than half a US dollar per watt (ref. 2) and to minimize the environmental impact. A central part of the manufacturing process involves doping the polycrystalline thin-film CdTe with CdCl2. This acts to form the photovoltaic junction at the CdTe/CdS interface and to passivate the grain boundaries, making it essential in achieving high device efficiencies. However, although such doping has been almost ubiquitous since the development of this processing route over 25 years ago, CdCl2 has two severe disadvantages; it is both expensive (about 30 cents per gram) and a water-soluble source of toxic cadmium ions, presenting a risk to both operators and the environment during manufacture. Here we demonstrate that solar cells prepared using MgCl2, which is non-toxic and costs less than a cent per gram, have efficiencies (around 13%) identical to those of a CdCl2-processed control group. They have similar hole densities in the active layer (9 × 1014 cm-3) and comparable impurity profiles for Cl and O, these elements being important p-type dopants for CdTe thin films. Contrary to expectation, CdCl2-processed and MgCl2-processed solar cells contain similar concentrations of Mg; this is because of Mg out-diffusion from the soda-lime glass substrates and is not disadvantageous to device performance. However, treatment with other low-cost chlorides such as NaCl, KCl and MnCl2 leads to the introduction of electrically active impurities that do compromise device performance. Our results demonstrate that CdCl2 may simply be replaced directly with MgCl2 in the existing fabrication process, thus both minimizing the environmental risk and reducing the cost of CdTe solar-cell production.

Enhanced electrochemiluminescence quenching of CdS:Mn nanocrystals by CdTe QDs-doped silica nanoparticles for ultrasensitive detection of thrombin.

PubMed

Shan, Yun; Xu, Jing-Juan; Chen, Hong-Yuan

2011-07-01

This work reports an aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of thrombin based on remarkably efficient energy-transfer induced electrochemiluminescence (ECL) quenching from CdS:Mn nanocrystals (NCs) film to CdTe QDs-doped silica nanoparticles (CdTe/SiO(2) NPs). CdTe/SiO(2) NPs were synthesized via the Stöber method and showed black bodies' strong absorption in a wide spectral range without excitonic emission, which made them excellent ECL quenchers. Within the effective distance of energy scavenging, the ECL quenching efficiency was dependent on the number of CdTe QDs doped into the silica NPs. Using ca. 200 CdTe QDs doped silica NPs on average of 40 nm in diameter as ECL quenching labels, attomolar detection of thrombin was successfully realized. The protein detection involves a competition binding event, based on thrombin replacing CdTe/SiO(2) NPs labeled probing DNA which is hybridized with capturing aptamer immobilized on a CdS:Mn NCs film modified glassy carbon electrode surface by specific aptamer-protein affinity interactions. It results in the displacement of ECL quenching labels from CdS:Mn NCs film and concomitant ECL signal recovery. Owing to the high-content CdTe QDs in silica NP, the increment of ECL intensity (ΔI(ECL)) and the concentration of thrombin showed a double logarithmic linear correlation in the range of 5.0 aM∼5.0 fM with a detection limit of 1aM. And, the aptasensor hardly responded to antibody, bovine serum albumin (BSA), haemoglobin (Hb) and lysozyme, showing good detection selectivity for thrombin. This long-distance energy scavenging could have a promising application perspective in the detection of biological recognition events on a molecular level.

Adhesion of CdTe quantum dots on model membranes and internalization into RBL-2H3 cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Mengmeng; Wei, Xiaoran; Ding, Lei; Hu, Jingtian; Jiang, Wei

2017-06-01

Quantum dots (QDs) have attracted broad attention due to their special optical properties and promising prospect in medical and biological applications. However, the process of QDs on cell membrane is worth further investigations because such process may lead to harmful effects on organisms and also important for QD application. In this study, adhesion of amino- and carboxyl-coated CdTe QDs (A-QDs and C-QDs) on cell membrane and the subsequent internalization are studied using a series of endocytosis-free model membranes, including giant and small unilamellar vesicles, supported lipid bilayers and giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs). The adhered QD amounts on model membranes are quantified by a quartz crystal microbalance. The CdTe QD adhesion on model membranes is governed by electrostatic forces. Positively charged A-QDs adhere on GPMV surface and passively penetrate the plasma membrane via endocytosis-free mechanism, but negatively charged C-QDs cannot. Rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells are exposed to CdTe QDs to monitor the QD internalization process. Both A- and C-QDs are internalized by RBL-2H3 cells mainly via endocytosis. CdTe QDs do not accumulate on the plasma membrane of living cells due to the fast endocytosis and the weakened electrostatic attraction in biological medium, resulting in low chance of passive penetration. The suspended cells after trypsin digestion take more QDs than the adherent cells. A-QDs cause lower cell viability than C-QDs, probably because the approach of positively charged QDs to cells is favored and the smaller aggregates of A-QDs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polycrystalline Thin Film Photovoltaics: Research, Development, and Technologies: Preprint

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

Ullal, H. S.; Zweibel, K.; von Roedern, B.

2002-05-01

II-VI binary thin-film solar cells based on cadmium telluride (CdTe) and I-III-VI ternary thin-film solar cells based on copper indium diselenide (CIS) and related materials have been the subject of intense research and development in the past few years. Substantial progress has been made thus far in the area of materials research, device fabrication, and technology development, and numerous applications based on CdTe and CIS have been deployed worldwide. World record efficiency of 16.5% has been achieved by NREL scientists for a thin-film CdTe solar cell using a modified device structure. Also, NREL scientists achieved world-record efficiency of 21.1% formore » a thin-film CIGS solar cell under a 14X concentration and AM1.5 global spectrum. When measured under a AM1.5 direct spectrum, the efficiency increases to 21.5%. Pathways for achieving 25% efficiency for tandem polycrystalline thin-film solar cells are elucidated. R&D issues relating to CdTe and CIS are reported in this paper, such as contact stability and accelerated life testing in CdTe, and effects of moisture ingress in thin-film CIS devices. Substantial technology development is currently under way, with various groups reporting power module efficiencies in the range of 7.0% to 12.1% and power output of 40.0 to 92.5 W. A number of lessons learned during the scale-up activities of the technology development for fabrication of thin-film power modules are discussed. The major global players actively involved in the technology development and commercialization efforts using both rigid and flexible power modules are highlighted.« less

Impairments of spatial learning and memory following intrahippocampal injection in rats of 3-mercaptopropionic acid-modified CdTe quantum dots and molecular mechanisms.

PubMed

Wu, Tianshu; He, Keyu; Ang, Shengjun; Ying, Jiali; Zhang, Shihan; Zhang, Ting; Xue, Yuying; Tang, Meng

2016-01-01

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, quantum dots (QDs) as advanced nanotechnology products have been widely used in neuroscience, including basic neurological studies and diagnosis or therapy for neurological disorders, due to their superior optical properties. In recent years, there has been intense concern regarding the toxicity of QDs, with a growing number of studies. However, knowledge of neurotoxic consequences of QDs applied in living organisms is lagging behind their development, even if several studies have attempted to evaluate the toxicity of QDs on neural cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adverse effects of intrahippocampal injection in rats of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-modified CdTe QDs and underlying mechanisms. First of all, we observed impairments in learning efficiency and spatial memory in the MPA-modified CdTe QD-treated rats by using open-field and Y-maze tests, which could be attributed to pathological changes and disruption of ultrastructure of neurons and synapses in the hippocampus. In order to find the mechanisms causing these effects, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), an advanced technology, was used to gain the potentially molecular targets of MPA-modified CdTe QDs. According to ample data from RNA-seq, we chose the signaling pathways of PI3K-Akt and MPAK-ERK to do a thorough investigation, because they play important roles in synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation, and spatial memory. The data demonstrated that phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), p-ERK1/2, and c-FOS signal transductions in the hippocampus of rats were involved in the mechanism underlying spatial learning and memory impairments caused by 3.5 nm MPA-modified CdTe QDs.

Increased short circuit current in organic photovoltaic using high-surface area electrode based on ZnO nanowires decorated with CdTe quantum dots.

PubMed

Aga, R S; Gunther, D; Ueda, A; Pan, Z; Collins, W E; Mu, R; Singer, K D

2009-11-18

A photosensitized high-surface area transparent electrode has been employed to increase the short circuit current of a photovoltaic device with a blend of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and (6,6)-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the active layer. This is achieved by directly growing ZnO nanowires on indium tin oxide (ITO) film via a physical vapor method. The nanowire surface is then decorated with CdTe quantum dots by pulsed electron-beam deposition (PED). The nanowires alone provided a 20-fold increase in the short circuit current under visible light illumination. This was further increased by a factor of approximately 1.5 by the photosensitization effect of CdTe, which has an optical absorption of up to 820 nm.

Dependence of CdTe response of bias history

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

Sites, J.R.; Sasala, R.A.; Eisgruber, I.L.

1995-11-01

Several time-dependent effect have been observed in CdTe cells and modules in recent years. Some appear to be related to degradation at the back contact, some to changes in temperature at the thin-film junction, and some to the bias history of the cell or module. Back-contact difficulties only occur in some cases, and the other two effects are reversible. Nevertheless, confusion in data interpretation can arise when these effects are not characterized. This confusion can be particularly acute when more than one time-dependent effect occurs during the same measurement cycle. The purpose of this presentation is to help categorize time-dependentmore » effects in CdTe and other thin-film cells to elucidate those related to bias history, and to note differences between cell and module analysis.« less

Blinking suppression of CdTe quantum dots on epitaxial graphene and the analysis with Marcus electron transfer

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

Hirose, Takuya; Tamai, Naoto, E-mail: tamai@kwansei.ac.jp; Kutsuma, Yasunori

We have prepared epitaxial graphene by a Si sublimation method from 4H-SiC. Single-particle spectroscopy of CdTe quantum dots (QDs) on epitaxial graphene covered with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or polyethylene glycol (PEG) showed the suppression of luminescence blinking and ∼10 times decreased luminescence intensity as compared with those on a glass. The electronic coupling constant, H{sub 01}, between CdTe QDs and graphene was calculated to be (3.3 ± 0.4) × 10{sup 2 }cm{sup −1} in PVP and (3.7 ± 0.8) × 10{sup 2 }cm{sup −1} in PEG based on Marcus theory of electron transfer and Tang-Marcus model of blinking with statistical distribution.

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

Guo, D.; Akis, R.; Brinkman, D.

An improved model of copper p-type doping in CdTe absorbers is proposed that accounts for the mechanisms related to tightly bound Cu(i)-Cu(Cd) and Cd(i)-Cu(Cd) complexes that both limit diffusion and cause self-compensation of Cu species. The new model explains apparent discrepancy between DFT-calculated and fitted diffusion parameters of Cu reported in our previous work, and allows for better understanding of performance and metastabilities in CdTe PV devices.

Recycling of CdTe photovoltaic waste

DOEpatents

Goozner, Robert E.; Long, Mark O.; Drinkard, Jr., William F.

1999-01-01

A method for extracting and reclaiming metals from scrap CdTe photovoltaic cells and manufacturing waste by leaching the waste with a leaching solution comprising nitric acid and water, skimming any plastic material from the top of the leaching solution, separating the glass substrate from the liquid leachate and electrolyzing the leachate to separate Cd from Te, wherein the Te is deposits onto a cathode while the Cd remains in solution.

Development of 4-Sides Buttable CdTe-ASIC Hybrid Module for X-ray Flat Panel Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamaki, Mitsuru; Mito, Yoshio; Shuto, Yasuhiro; Kiyuna, Tatsuya; Yamamoto, Masaya; Sagae, Kenichi; Kina, Tooru; Koizumi, Tatsuhiro; Ohno, Ryoichi

2009-08-01

A 4-sides buttable CdTe-ASIC hybrid module suitable for use in an X-ray flat panel detector (FPD) has been developed by applying through silicon via (TSV) technology to the readout ASIC. The ASIC has 128 times 256 channels of charge integration type readout circuitry and an area of 12.9 mm times 25.7 mm. The CdTe sensor of 1 mm thickness, having the same area and pixel of 100 mum pitch, was fabricated from the Cl-doped CdTe single crystal grown by traveling heater method (THM). Then the CdTe pixel sensor was hybridized with the ASIC using the bump-bonding technology. The basic performance of this 4-sides buttable module was evaluated by taking X-ray images, and it was compared with that of a commercially available indirect type CsI(Tl) FPD. A prototype CdTe FPD was made by assembling 9 pieces of the 4-sides buttable modules into 3 times 3 arrays in which the neighboring modules were mounted on the interface board. The FPD covers an active area of 77 mm times 39 mm. The results showed the great potential of this 4-sides buttable module for the new real time X-ray FPD with high spatial resolution.

Effect of CdTe Back Surface Field on the Efficiency Enhancement of a CGS Based Thin Film Solar Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khattak, Yousaf Hameed; Baig, Faisal; Marí, Bernabé; Beg, Saira; Gillani, Syed Rizwan; Ahmed, Tanveer

2018-05-01

Numerical analysis of the proposed solar cell is based on cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper gallium sulfide (CuGaS2), also known as CGS, is proposed in this research work. Performance of a CdTe/CGS/CdS/ZnO cell is analyzed in Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS) software, by changing the physical parameters like doping density of acceptor, doping density of donor, absorber thickness and buffer thickness. The cell structure is in the same order as the CGS/CdS/ZnO with CdTe used for the back surface field layer. Power conversion efficiency of the CGS/CdS/ZnO solar cell without CdTe is 10.578% (with FF = 83.70%, V oc = 0.82 V, J sc = 15.40 mA/cm2) and conversion efficiency of CdTe/CGS/CdS/ZnO is 28.20% (with FF = 77.66%, V oc = 1.22 V, J sc = 29.63 mA/cm3). The overall investigation and simulation results from the modeling of a proposed device in SCAPS is very useful for the understanding of the fundamentals of photovoltaic devices and gives feedback to engineers and designers for the fabrication of CdTe/CGS based solar cells.

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

Ogedengbe, O. S.; Swartz, C. H.; Jayathilaka, P. A. R. D.

Here, iodine-doped CdTe and Cd 1-xMg xTe layers were grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Secondary ion mass spectrometry characterization was used to measure dopant concentration, while Hall measurement was used for determining carrier concentration. Photoluminescence intensity and time-resolved photoluminescence techniques were used for optical characterization. Maximum n-type carrier concentrations of 7.4 x 10 18 cm -3 for CdTe and 3 x 10 17 cm -3 for Cd 0.65Mg 0.35Te were achieved. Studies suggest that electrically active doping with iodine is limited with dopant concentration much above these values. Dopant activation of about 80% was observed in most of the CdTemore » samples. The estimated activation energy is about 6 meV for CdTe and the value for Cd 0.65Mg 0.35Te is about 58 meV. Iodine-doped samples exhibit long lifetimes with no evidence of photoluminescence degradation with doping as high as 2 x 10 18 cm -3, while indium shows substantial non-radiative recombination at carrier concentrations above 5 x 10 16 cm -3. Iodine was shown to be thermally stable in CdTe at temperatures up to 600 °C. Results suggest iodine may be a preferred n-type dopant compared to indium in achieving heavily doped n-type CdTe.« less

Interface properties of MIS structures based on hetero-epitaxial graded-gap Hg1-xCdxTe with CdTe interlayer created in situ during MBE growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voitsekhovskii, Alexander V.; Nesmelov, Sergey N.; Dzyadukh, Stanislav M.; Varavin, Vasily S.; Dvoretsky, Sergey A.; Mikhailov, Nikolay N.; Yakushev, Maksim V.; Sidorov, Georgy Yu.

2017-11-01

Heterostructures based on n-Hg1-xCdxTe (x = 0.23-0.40) with near-surface graded-gap layers were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on Si (013) substrates. At 77 K, the admittance of the In/Al2O3/Hg1-xCdxTe metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structures with grown in situ CdTe intermediate layer and without such a layer was investigated. It has been established that MIS structures of In/Al2O3/Hg1-xCdxTe with an interlayer of in situ grown CdTe are characterized by the electrical strength of the dielectric and the qualitative interface. The hysteresis of the capacitive characteristics is practically absent within a small range of variation in the bias voltage. The density of fast surface states at the minimum does not exceed 2.2 × 1010 eV-1 cm-2. MIS structures of In/Al2O3/Hg1-xCdxTe without an intermediate layer of CdTe have significantly higher densities of fast and slow surface states, as well as lower values of the differential resistance of the space-charge region in the regime of strong inversion.

Segmented-spectrum detection mechanism for medical x-ray in CdTe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Zaifeng; Meng, Qingzhen; Cao, Qingjie; Yao, Suying

2016-01-01

This paper presents a segmented X-ray spectrum detection method based on a layered X-ray detector in Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) substrate. We describe the three-dimensional structure of proposed detector pixel and investigate the matched spectrum-resolving method. Polychromatic X-ray beam enter the CdTe substrate edge on and will be absorbed completely in different thickness varying with photon energy. Discrete potential wells are formed under external controlling voltage to collect the photo-electrons generated in different layers, and segmented X-ray spectrum can be deduced from the quantity of photo-electrons. In this work, we verify the feasibility of the segmented-spectrum detection mechanism by simulating the absorption of monochromatic X-ray in a CdTe substrate. Experiments in simulation show that the number of photo-electrons grow exponentially with the increase of incident thickness, and photons with different energy will be absorbed in various thickness. The charges generated in different layers are collected into adjacent potential wells, and collection efficiency is estimated to be about 87% for different incident intensity under the 40000V/cm electric field. Errors caused by charge sharing between neighboring layers are also analyzed, and it can be considered negligible by setting appropriate size of electrodes.

High Resolution Dopant Profiles Revealed by Atom Probe Tomography and STEM-EBIC for CdTe Based Solar Cells

DOE PAGES

Poplawsky, Jonathan D.; Li, Chen; Paudel, Naba; ...

2016-01-01

Segregated elements and their diffusion profiles within grain boundaries and interfaces resulting from post deposition heat treatments are revealed using atom probe tomography (APT), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and electron beam induced current (EBIC) techniques. The results demonstrate how these techniques complement each other to provide conclusive evidence for locations of space charge regions and mechanisms that create them at the nanoscale. Most importantly, a Cl dopant profile that extends ~5 nm into CdTe grains interfacing the CdS is shown using APT and STEM synergy, which has been shown to push the pn-junction into the CdTe layer indicative ofmore » a homojunction (revealed by STEM EBIC). In addition, Cu and Cl concentrations within grain boundaries within several nms and µms from the CdS/CdTe interface are compared, Na segregation of <0.1% is detected, and S variations of ~1–3% are witnessed between CdTe grains close to the CdS/CdTe interface. The segregation and diffusion of these elements directly impacts on the material properties, such as band gap energy and n/p type properties. Optimization of the interfacial and grain boundary doping will lead to higher efficiency solar cells.« less

Hard x-ray imager for the NeXT mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakazawa, Kazuhiro; Fukazawa, Yasushi; Kamae, Tuneyoshi; Kataoka, Jun; Kokubun, Motohide; Makishima, Kazuo; Mizuno, Tsunefumi; Murakami, Toshio; Nomachi, Masaharu; Tajima, Hiroyasu; Takahashi, Tadayuki; Tashiro, Makoto; Tamagawa, Toru; Terada, Yukikatsu; Watanabe, Shin; Yamaoka, Kazutaka; Yonetoku, Daisuke

2006-06-01

The hard X-ray imager (HXI) is the primary detector of the NeXT mission, proposed to explore high-energy non-thermal phenomena in the universe. Combined with a novel hard X-ray mirror optics, the HXI is designed to provide better than arc-minutes imaging capability with 1 keV level spectroscopy, and more than 30 times higher sensitivity compared with any existing hard X-ray instruments. The base-line design of the HXI is improving to secure high sensitivity. The key is to reduce the detector background as far as possible. Based on the experience of the Suzaku satellite launched in July 2005, the current design has a well-type tight active shield and multi layered, multi material imaging detector made of Si and CdTe. Technology has been under development for a few years so that we have reached the level where a basic detector performance is satisfied. Design tuning to further improve the sensitivity and reliability is on-going.

Development of a (Hg, Cd)Te photodiode detector, Phase 2. [for 10.6 micron spectral region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

High speed sensitive (Hg,Cd)Te photodiode detectors operating in the 77 to 90 K temperature range have been developed for the 10.6 micron spectral region. P-N junctions formed by impurity (gold) diffusion in p-type (Hg, Cd) Te have been investigated. It is shown that the bandwidth and quantum efficiency of a diode are a constant for a fixed ratio of mobility/lifetime ratio of minority carriers. The minority carrier mobility and lifetime uniquely determine the bandwidth and quantum efficiency and indicate the shallow n on p (Hg,Cd) Te diodes are preferable as high performance, high frequency devices.

Sensitivity of sea urchin fertilization to pH varies across a natural pH mosaic.

PubMed

Kapsenberg, Lydia; Okamoto, Daniel K; Dutton, Jessica M; Hofmann, Gretchen E

2017-03-01

In the coastal ocean, temporal fluctuations in pH vary dramatically across biogeographic ranges. How such spatial differences in pH variability regimes might shape ocean acidification resistance in marine species remains unknown. We assessed the pH sensitivity of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus in the context of ocean pH variability. Using unique male-female pairs, originating from three sites with similar mean pH but different variability and frequency of low pH (pH T  ≤ 7.8) exposures, fertilization was tested across a range of pH (pH T 7.61-8.03) and sperm concentrations. High fertilization success was maintained at low pH via a slight right shift in the fertilization function across sperm concentration. This pH effect differed by site. Urchins from the site with the narrowest pH variability regime exhibited the greatest pH sensitivity. At this site, mechanistic fertilization dynamics models support a decrease in sperm-egg interaction rate with decreasing pH. The site differences in pH sensitivity build upon recent evidence of local pH adaptation in S. purpuratus and highlight the need to incorporate environmental variability in the study of global change biology.

Effect of Intense Optical Excitation on Internal Electric Field Evolution in CdTe Gamma-Ray Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, K.; Ichinohe, Y.; Seto, S.

2018-03-01

The time-of-flight (TOF) transient currents in radiation detectors made of CdTe and Cd0.9Zn0.1Te (CZT) have been measured at several optical excitation intensities to investigate the effect of drifting carriers on the internal field. Both detectors show so-called space-charge-perturbed (SCP) current under intense optical excitation. A Monte Carlo (MC) simulation combined with an iterative solution of Poisson's equation is used to reproduce the observed currents under several bias voltages and excitation intensities. The SCP theory describes well the transient current in the CZT detector, whereas injection of holes from the anode and a corresponding reduction of the electron lifetime are further required to describe that in the CdTe detector. We visualize the temporal changes in the charge distribution and internal electric field profiles of both detectors.

Crystal Growth of CdTe by Gradient Freeze in Universal Multizone Crystallizator (UMC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Su, Ching-Hua; Lehoczky, S. L.; Li, C.; Knuteson, D.; Raghothamachar, B.; Dudley, M.; Szoke, J.; Barczy, P.

2004-01-01

In the case of unsealed melt growth of an array of II-VI compounds, namely, CdTe, CdZnTe and ZnSe, there is a tremendous amount of experimental data describing the correlations between melt conditions and crystal quality. The results imply that the crystallinity quality can be improved if the melt was markedly superheated or long-time held before growth. It is speculated that after high superheating the associated complex dissociate and the spontaneous nucleation is retarded. In this study, crystals of CdTe were grown from melts which have undergone different thermal history by the unseeded gradient freeze method using the Universal Multizone Crystallizator (UMC). The effects of melt conditions on the quality of grown crystal were studied by various characterization techniques, including Synchrotron White Beam X-ray Topography (SWSXT), infrared microscopy, chemical analysis by glow discharge mass spectroscopy (GDMS), electrical conductivity and Hall measurements.

Melt-growth dynamics in CdTe crystals

DOE PAGES

Zhou, X. W.; Ward, D. K.; Wong, B. M.; ...

2012-06-01

We use a new, quantum-mechanics-based bond-order potential (BOP) to reveal melt growth dynamics and fine scale defect formation mechanisms in CdTe crystals. Previous molecular dynamics simulations of semiconductors have shown qualitatively incorrect behavior due to the lack of an interatomic potential capable of predicting both crystalline growth and property trends of many transitional structures encountered during the melt → crystal transformation. Here, we demonstrate successful molecular dynamics simulations of melt growth in CdTe using a BOP that significantly improves over other potentials on property trends of different phases. Our simulations result in a detailed understanding of defect formation during themore » melt growth process. Equally important, we show that the new BOP enables defect formation mechanisms to be studied at a scale level comparable to empirical molecular dynamics simulation methods with a fidelity level approaching quantum-mechanical methods.« less

Nanowire growth and sublimation: CdTe quantum dots in ZnTe nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orrù, M.; Robin, E.; Den Hertog, M.; Moratis, K.; Genuist, Y.; André, R.; Ferrand, D.; Cibert, J.; Bellet-Amalric, E.

2018-04-01

The role of the sublimation of the compound and of the evaporation of the constituents from the gold nanoparticle during the growth of semiconductor nanowires is exemplified with CdTe-ZnTe heterostructures. Operating close to the upper temperature limit strongly reduces the amount of Cd present in the gold nanoparticle and the density of adatoms on the nanowire sidewalls. As a result, the growth rate is small and strongly temperature dependent, but a good control of the growth conditions allows the incorporation of quantum dots in nanowires with sharp interfaces and adjustable shape, and it minimizes the radial growth and the subsequent formation of additional CdTe clusters on the nanowire sidewalls, as confirmed by photoluminescence. Uncapped CdTe segments dissolve into the gold nanoparticle when interrupting the flux, giving rise to a bulblike (pendant-droplet) shape attributed to the Kirkendall effect.

Passivation effect on optical and electrical properties of molecular beam epitaxy-grown HgCdTe/CdTe/Si layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiran, Rajni; Mallick, Shubhrangshu; Hahn, Suk-Ryong; Lee, T. S.; Sivananthan, Sivalingam; Ghosh, Siddhartha; Wijewarnasuriya, P. S.

2006-06-01

The effects of passivation with two different passivants, ZnS and CdTe, and two different passivation techniques, physical vapor deposition (PVD) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), were quantified in terms of the minority carrier lifetime and extracted surface recombination velocity on both MBE-grown medium-wavelength ir (MWIR) and long-wavelength ir HgCdTe samples. A gradual increment of the minority carrier lifetime was reported as the passivation technique was changed from PVD ZnS to PVD CdTe, and finally to MBE CdTe, especially at low temperatures. A corresponding reduction in the extracted surface recombination velocity in the same order was also reported for the first time. Initial data on the 1/ f noise values of as-grown MWIR samples showed a reduction of two orders of noise power after 1200-Å ZnS deposition.

DFT-derived reactive potentials for the simulation of activated processes: the case of CdTe and CdTe:S.

PubMed

Hu, Xiao Liang; Ciaglia, Riccardo; Pietrucci, Fabio; Gallet, Grégoire A; Andreoni, Wanda

2014-06-19

We introduce a new ab initio derived reactive potential for the simulation of CdTe within density functional theory (DFT) and apply it to calculate both static and dynamical properties of a number of systems (bulk solid, defective structures, liquid, surfaces) at finite temperature. In particular, we also consider cases with low sulfur concentration (CdTe:S). The analysis of DFT and classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations performed with the same protocol leads to stringent performance tests and to a detailed comparison of the two schemes. Metadynamics techniques are used to empower both Car-Parrinello and classical molecular dynamics for the simulation of activated processes. For the latter, we consider surface reconstruction and sulfur diffusion in the bulk. The same procedures are applied using previously proposed force fields for CdTe and CdTeS materials, thus allowing for a detailed comparison of the various schemes.

High efficiency solution processed sintered CdTe nanocrystal solar cells: the role of interfaces.

PubMed

Panthani, Matthew G; Kurley, J Matthew; Crisp, Ryan W; Dietz, Travis C; Ezzyat, Taha; Luther, Joseph M; Talapin, Dmitri V

2014-02-12

Solution processing of photovoltaic semiconducting layers offers the potential for drastic cost reduction through improved materials utilization and high device throughput. One compelling solution-based processing strategy utilizes semiconductor layers produced by sintering nanocrystals into large-grain semiconductors at relatively low temperatures. Using n-ZnO/p-CdTe as a model system, we fabricate sintered CdTe nanocrystal solar cells processed at 350 °C with power conversion efficiencies (PCE) as high as 12.3%. JSC of over 25 mA cm(-2) are achieved, which are comparable or higher than those achieved using traditional, close-space sublimated CdTe. We find that the VOC can be substantially increased by applying forward bias for short periods of time. Capacitance measurements as well as intensity- and temperature-dependent analysis indicate that the increased VOC is likely due to relaxation of an energetic barrier at the ITO/CdTe interface.

Tuning optical properties of CdTe films with nanocolumnar morphology grown using OAD for improving light absorption in thin-film solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daza, L. G.; Canché-Caballero, V.; Chan y Díaz, E.; Castro-Rodríguez, R.; Iribarren, A.

2017-11-01

CdTe films with transversal morphology in form of tilted nanocolumns were obtained by sublimation method using a rotating vapour source combined with the oblique angle deposition technique. The tilt angles of the nanocolumnar structures increases as the substrate inclination also increase. CdTe films exhibited cubic zinc blend lattice under compressive strain. Morphological and x-ray diffractometry analysis indicated that the nanocolumns are grains stacked in the nanocolumn preferential growth direction, except for the films with non-inclined substrate. We found an interesting dependence of band gap energy and the refractive index as functions of the microstrain distribution due to the nanocolumn tilt in the films from 0° to about 25°. These facts evidence the possibility of carried out film strain engineering for optimizing optoelectronics devices as we propose for the case of thin-film solar cells.

Fluorescence Determination of Warfarin Using TGA-capped CdTe Quantum Dots in Human Plasma Samples.

PubMed

Dehbozorgi, A; Tashkhourian, J; Zare, S

2015-11-01

In this study, some effort has been performed to provide low temperature, less time consuming and facile routes for the synthesis of CdTe quantum dots using ultrasound and water soluble capping agent thioglycolic acid. TGA-capped CdTe quantum dots were characterized through x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The prepared quantum dots were used for warfarin determination based on the quenching of the fluorescence intensity in aqueous solution. Under the optimized conditions, the linear range of quantum dots fluorescence intensity versus the concentration of warfarin was 0.1-160.0 μM, with the correlation coefficient of 0.9996 and a limit of detection of 77.5 nM. There was no interference to coexisting foreign substances. The selectivity of the sensor was also tested and the results show that the developed method possesses a high selectivity for warfarin.

Ionic-to-Electronic Conductivity Crossover in CdTe-AgI-As2Te3 Glasses: An 110mAg Tracer Diffusion Study.

PubMed

Kassem, M; Alekseev, I; Bokova, M; Le Coq, D; Bychkov, E

2018-04-12

Conductivity isotherms of (CdTe) x (AgI) 0.5- x/2 (As 2 Te 3 ) 0.5- x/2 glasses (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) reveal a nonmonotonic behavior with increasing CdTe content reminiscent of mixed cation effect in oxide and chalcogenide glasses. Nevertheless, the apparent similarity appears to be partly incorrect. Using 110m Ag tracer diffusion measurements, we show that semiconducting CdTe additions produce a dual effect: (i) decreasing the Ag + ion transport by a factor of ≈200 with a simultaneous increase of the diffusion activation energy and (ii) increasing the electronic conductivity by 1.5 orders of magnitude. Consequently, the conductivity minimum at x = 0.05 reflects an ionic-to-electronic transport crossover; the silver-ion transport number decreases by 3 orders of magnitude with increasing x.

Impact of thermal annealing on optical properties of vacuum evaporated CdTe thin films for solar cells

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

Chander, Subhash, E-mail: sckhurdra@gmail.com; Purohit, A.; Lal, C.

2016-05-06

In this paper, the impact of thermal annealing on optical properties of cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin films is investigated. The films of thickness 650 nm were deposited on thoroughly cleaned glass substrate employing vacuum evaporation followed by thermal annealing in the temperature range 250-450 °C. The as-deposited and annealed films were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The optical band gap is found to be decreased from 1.88 eV to 1.48 eV with thermal annealing. The refractive index is found to be in the range 2.73-2.92 and observed to increase with annealing treatment. The experimental results reveal that the thermal annealing plays anmore » important role to enhance the optical properties of CdTe thin films and annealed films may be used as absorber layer in CdTe/CdS solar cells.« less

The enhanced cyan fluorescent protein: a sensitive pH sensor for fluorescence lifetime imaging.

PubMed

Poëa-Guyon, Sandrine; Pasquier, Hélène; Mérola, Fabienne; Morel, Nicolas; Erard, Marie

2013-05-01

pH is an important parameter that affects many functions of live cells, from protein structure or function to several crucial steps of their metabolism. Genetically encoded pH sensors based on pH-sensitive fluorescent proteins have been developed and used to monitor the pH of intracellular compartments. The quantitative analysis of pH variations can be performed either by ratiometric or fluorescence lifetime detection. However, most available genetically encoded pH sensors are based on green and yellow fluorescent proteins and are not compatible with multicolor approaches. Taking advantage of the strong pH sensitivity of enhanced cyan fluorescent protein (ECFP), we demonstrate here its suitability as a sensitive pH sensor using fluorescence lifetime imaging. The intracellular ECFP lifetime undergoes large changes (32 %) in the pH 5 to pH 7 range, which allows accurate pH measurements to better than 0.2 pH units. By fusion of ECFP with the granular chromogranin A, we successfully measured the pH in secretory granules of PC12 cells, and we performed a kinetic analysis of intragranular pH variations in living cells exposed to ammonium chloride.

Macromolecular Systems with MSA-Capped CdTe and CdTe/ZnS Core/Shell Quantum Dots as Superselective and Ultrasensitive Optical Sensors for Picric Acid Explosive.

PubMed

Dutta, Priyanka; Saikia, Dilip; Adhikary, Nirab Chandra; Sarma, Neelotpal Sen

2015-11-11

This work reports the development of highly fluorescent materials for the selective and efficient detection of picric acid explosive in the nanomolar range by fluorescence quenching phenomenon. Poly(vinyl alcohol) grafted polyaniline (PPA) and its nanocomposites with 2-mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA)-capped CdTe quantum dots (PPA-Q) and with MSA-capped CdTe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (PPA-CSQ) are synthesized in a single step free radical polymerization reaction. The thermal stability and photo stability of the polymer increases in the order of PPA < PPA-Q < PPA-CSQ. The polymers show remarkably high selectivity and efficient sensitivity toward picric acid, and the quenching efficiency for PPA-CSQ reaches up to 99%. The detection limits of PPA, PPA-Q, and PPA-CSQ for picric acid are found to be 23, 1.6, and 0.65 nM, respectively, which are remarkably low. The mechanism operating in the quenching phenomenon is proposed to be a combination of a strong inner filter effect and ground state electrostatic interaction between the polymers and picric acid. A portable and cost-effective electronic device for the visual detection of picric acid by the sensory system is successfully fabricated. The device is further employed for quantitative detection of picric acid in real water samples.

High-Sensitivity High-Speed X-ray Fluorescence Scanning Cadmium Telluride Detector for Deep-Portion Cancer Diagnosis Utilizing Tungsten-Kα-Excited Gadolinium Mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanbe, Yutaka; Sato, Eiichi; Chiba, Hiraku; Maeda, Tomoko; Matsushita, Ryo; Oda, Yasuyuki; Hagiwara, Osahiko; Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Osawa, Akihiro; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Kusachi, Shinya; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira

2013-09-01

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis is useful for mapping various atoms in objects. Bremsstrahlung X-rays with energies beyond tantalum (Ta) K-edge energy 67.4 keV are absorbed effectively using a 100-µm-thick Ta filter, and the filtered X-rays including tungsten (W) Kα rays are absorbed by gadolinium (Gd) atoms in objects. The Gd XRF is then produced from Gd atoms in the objects and is counted by a cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector. Gd Kα photons with a maximum count rate of 1 kilo counts per second are dispersed using a multichannel analyzer, and the number of photons is counted by a counter card. The distance between the CdTe detector and the object is minimized to 40 mm to increase the count rate. The object is scanned using an x-y stage with a velocity of 5.0 mm/s, and Gd mapping are shown on a computer monitor. The scan steps of the x- and y-axes were both 2.5 mm, and the photon-counting time per mapping point was 0.5 s. We obtained Gd XRF images at high contrast, and Gd Kα photons were easily detected from cancerous regions in a nude mouse placed behind a 20-mm-thick poly(methyl methacrylate) plate.

A comparison investigation of optical, structural and luminescence properties of CdOxTe1-x and CdTexSe1-x nanoparticles prepared by a simple one pot method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiprotich, Sharon; Onani, Martin O.; Dejene, Francis B.

2018-04-01

We present L-cysteine capped CdOXTe1-X and CdTeXSe1-X nanoparticles (NPs) prepared in one pot. The as-prepared CdOXTe1-X NPs were found to have a hexagonal crystal structure of CdTe with a cubic phase of CdO. There was, however, change in phase to cubic type when 2 mM of Se was introduced into the CdTe at 60 min of reaction time. The average crystallite sizes obtained from X-ray diffraction analysis for CdOXTe1-X and CdTeXSe1-X NPs were in the range of 10-36 nm. The diffraction peaks shifted to higher diffraction angle with longer growth time. Scanning electron microscope images display change in shape and size as reaction progress. Photoluminescence (PL) emission was observed to shift from 510-566 nm and 620-653 nm for CdOXTe1-X and CdTeXSe1-X NPs respectively followed by variation in the peak intensities. The emission spectra displayed a good symmetry and a narrow full width at half maximum ranging from 41 to 100 nm in both cases. The absorbance analysis of the as-prepared NPs displayed well-resolved absorption bands. The optical band gaps of the as-prepared NPs were found to decrease with increase in reaction time. Reaction parameters such as pH, reaction time, reaction temperature and the molar concentration could have major effects on the optical properties of the as-prepared nanoparticles hence their need to control them.

Bulk Nuclear Hyperpolarization of Inorganic Solids by Relay from the Surface.

PubMed

Björgvinsdóttir, Snædís; Walder, Brennan J; Pinon, Arthur C; Emsley, Lyndon

2018-06-14

NMR is a method of choice to determine structural and electronic features in inorganic materials, and has been widely used in the past, but its application is severely limited by its low relative sensitivity. We show how the bulk of proton-free inorganic solids can be hyperpolarized with a general strategy using impregnation dynamic nuclear polarization through homonuclear spin diffusion between low-γ nuclei. This is achieved either through direct hyperpolarization or with a pulse cooling cross-polarization method, transferring hyperpolarization from protons to heteronuclei at particle surfaces. We demonstrate a factor of 50 gain in overall sensitivity for the 119 Sn spectrum of powdered SnO 2 , corresponding to an acceleration of a factor >2500 in acquisition times. The method is also shown for 31 P spectra of GaP, 113 Cd spectra of CdTe, and 29 Si spectra of α-quartz.

pH and temperature dual-sensitive liposome gel based on novel cleavable mPEG-Hz-CHEMS polymeric vaginal delivery system

PubMed Central

Chen, Daquan; Sun, Kaoxiang; Mu, Hongjie; Tang, Mingtan; Liang, Rongcai; Wang, Aiping; Zhou, Shasha; Sun, Haijun; Zhao, Feng; Yao, Jianwen; Liu, Wanhui

2012-01-01

Background In this study, a pH and temperature dual-sensitive liposome gel based on a novel cleavable hydrazone-based pH-sensitive methoxy polyethylene glycol 2000-hydrazone-cholesteryl hemisuccinate (mPEG-Hz-CHEMS) polymer was used for vaginal administration. Methods The pH-sensitive, cleavable mPEG-Hz-CHEMS was designed as a modified pH-sensitive liposome that would selectively degrade under locally acidic vaginal conditions. The novel pH-sensitive liposome was engineered to form a thermogel at body temperature and to degrade in an acidic environment. Results A dual-sensitive liposome gel with a high encapsulation efficiency of arctigenin was formed and improved the solubility of arctigenin characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The dual-sensitive liposome gel with a sol-gel transition at body temperature was degraded in a pH-dependent manner, and was stable for a long period of time at neutral and basic pH, but cleavable under acidic conditions (pH 5.0). Arctigenin encapsulated in a dual-sensitive liposome gel was more stable and less toxic than arctigenin loaded into pH-sensitive liposomes. In vitro drug release results indicated that dual-sensitive liposome gels showed constant release of arctigenin over 3 days, but showed sustained release of arctigenin in buffers at pH 7.4 and pH 9.0. Conclusion This research has shed some light on a pH and temperature dual-sensitive liposome gel using a cleavable mPEG-Hz-CHEMS polymer for vaginal delivery. PMID:22679372

CdTe X-ray detectors under strong optical irradiation

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

Cola, Adriano; Farella, Isabella

2014-11-17

The perturbation behaviour of Ohmic and Schottky CdTe detectors under strong optical pulses is investigated. To this scope, the electric field profiles and the induced charge transients are measured, thus simultaneously addressing fixed and free charges properties, interrelated by one-carrier trapping. The results elucidate the different roles of the contacts and deep levels, both under dark and strong irradiation conditions, and pave the way for the improvement of detector performance control under high X-ray fluxes.

Impact of extended defects on recombination in CdTe heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaunbrecher, Katherine N.; Kuciauskas, Darius; Swartz, Craig H.; Dippo, Pat; Edirisooriya, Madhavie; Ogedengbe, Olanrewaju S.; Sohal, Sandeep; Hancock, Bobby L.; LeBlanc, Elizabeth G.; Jayathilaka, Pathiraja A. R. D.; Barnes, Teresa M.; Myers, Thomas H.

2016-08-01

Heterostructures with CdTe and CdTe1-xSex (x ˜ 0.01) absorbers between two wider-band-gap Cd1-xMgxTe barriers (x ˜ 0.25-0.3) were grown by molecular beam epitaxy to study carrier generation and recombination in bulk materials with passivated interfaces. Using a combination of confocal photoluminescence (PL), time-resolved PL, and low-temperature PL emission spectroscopy, two extended defect types were identified and the impact of these defects on charge-carrier recombination was analyzed. The dominant defects identified by confocal PL were dislocations in samples grown on (211)B CdTe substrates and crystallographic twinning-related defects in samples on (100)-oriented InSb substrates. Low-temperature PL shows that twin-related defects have a zero-phonon energy of 1.460 eV and a Huang-Rhys factor of 1.50, while dislocation-dominated samples have a 1.473-eV zero-phonon energy and a Huang-Rhys factor of 1.22. The charge carrier diffusion length near both types of defects is ˜6 μm, suggesting that recombination is limited by diffusion dynamics. For heterostructures with a low concentration of extended defects, the bulk lifetime was determined to be 2.2 μs with an interface recombination velocity of 160 cm/s and an estimated radiative lifetime of 91 μs.

Spectroscopic and microscopic investigation of MBE-grown CdTe (211)B epitaxial thin films on GaAs (211)B substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Özden, Selin; Koc, Mumin Mehmet

2018-03-01

CdTe epitaxial thin films, for use as a buffer layer for HgCdTe defectors, were grown on GaAs (211)B using the molecular beam epitaxy method. Wet chemical etching (Everson method) was applied to the epitaxial films using various concentrations and application times to quantify the crystal quality and dislocation density. Surface characterization of the epitaxial films was achieved using Atomic force microscopy and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after each treatment. The Energy Dispersive X-Ray apparatus of SEM was used to characterize the chemical composition. Untreated CdTe films show smooth surface characteristics with root mean square (RMS) roughnesses of 1.18-3.89 nm. The thicknesses of the CdTe layers formed were calculated via FTIR spectrometry and obtained by ex situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. Raman spectra were obtained for various temperatures. Etch pit densities (EPD) were measured, from which it could be seen that EPD changes between 1.7 × 108 and 9.2 × 108 cm-2 depending on the concentration of the Everson etch solution and treatment time. Structure, shape and depth of pits resulting from each etch pit implementation were also evaluated. Pit widths varying between 0.15 and 0.71 µm with heights varying between 2 and 80 nm were observed. RMS roughness was found to vary by anything from 1.56 to 26 nm.

Optimization of the photorefractivity in II-IV semiconductors. Final report, March 1996--March 1997

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

Jagannathan, G.V.; Trivedi, S.B.; Kutcher, S.W.

1998-11-01

This work was aimed at optimization of the photorefractivity in the II-VI semiconductors CdTe, ZnTe and Cd{sub x{minus}1}Zn{sub (x)}Te for real-time optical signal processing applications at near infrared wavelengths. During this work, several crystals of ZnTe, CdTe and Cd{sub x{minus}1}Zn{sub (x)}Te were grown. Crystal growth of ZnTe and CdTe was carried out using low supersaturation nucleation and `contactless` growth by Vertical Physical Vapor Transport (PVT) in closed ampoules and the CdTe and Cd{sub x{minus}1}Zn{sub (x)}Te crystals were grown using the vertical Bridgman technique. The quality of the crystals grown during this work was evaluated based on optical, electrical and structuralmore » characterization. Infrared microscopy was used to examine the internal crystalline structure of the samples. Most of the crystals grown during this work exhibited photorefractivity and photoconductivity. The resistivity of the vanadium doped crystals under dark conditions was found to be between 10 {sup 8} to 10 {sup 10} ohms cm. The resistivity decreased significantly in the presence of illumination indicating that the crystals were highly photoconductive. The photorefractive properties of the crystals grown during this project were characterized by two beam coupling. All of the measurements revealed a strong photorefractive nonlinear effect.« less

Impact of extended defects on recombination in CdTe heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy

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

Zaunbrecher, Katherine N.; Kuciauskas, Darius; Swartz, Craig H.

Heterostructures with CdTe and CdTe 1-xSex (x ~ 0.01) absorbers between two wider-band-gap Cd1-xMgxTe barriers (x ~ 0.25-0.3) were grown by molecular beam epitaxy to study carrier generation and recombination in bulk materials with passivated interfaces. Using a combination of confocal photoluminescence (PL), time-resolved PL, and low-temperature PL emission spectroscopy, two extended defect types were identified and the impact of these defects on charge-carrier recombination was analyzed. The dominant defects identified by confocal PL were dislocations in samples grown on (211)B CdTe substrates and crystallographic twinning-related defects in samples on (100)-oriented InSb substrates. Low-temperature PL shows that twin-related defects havemore » a zero-phonon energy of 1.460 eV and a Huang-Rhys factor of 1.50, while dislocation-dominated samples have a 1.473-eV zero-phonon energy and a Huang-Rhys factor of 1.22. The charge carrier diffusion length near both types of defects is ~6 um, suggesting that recombination is limited by diffusion dynamics. For heterostructures with a low concentration of extended defects, the bulk lifetime was determined to be 2.2 us with an interface recombination velocity of 160 cm/s and an estimated radiative lifetime of 91 us.« less

Spectral correction algorithm for multispectral CdTe x-ray detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christensen, Erik D.; Kehres, Jan; Gu, Yun; Feidenhans'l, Robert; Olsen, Ulrik L.

2017-09-01

Compared to the dual energy scintillator detectors widely used today, pixelated multispectral X-ray detectors show the potential to improve material identification in various radiography and tomography applications used for industrial and security purposes. However, detector effects, such as charge sharing and photon pileup, distort the measured spectra in high flux pixelated multispectral detectors. These effects significantly reduce the detectors' capabilities to be used for material identification, which requires accurate spectral measurements. We have developed a semi analytical computational algorithm for multispectral CdTe X-ray detectors which corrects the measured spectra for severe spectral distortions caused by the detector. The algorithm is developed for the Multix ME100 CdTe X-ray detector, but could potentially be adapted for any pixelated multispectral CdTe detector. The calibration of the algorithm is based on simple attenuation measurements of commercially available materials using standard laboratory sources, making the algorithm applicable in any X-ray setup. The validation of the algorithm has been done using experimental data acquired with both standard lab equipment and synchrotron radiation. The experiments show that the algorithm is fast, reliable even at X-ray flux up to 5 Mph/s/mm2, and greatly improves the accuracy of the measured X-ray spectra, making the algorithm very useful for both security and industrial applications where multispectral detectors are used.

Identification of key amino acid residues responsible for internal and external pH sensitivity of Orai1/STIM1 channels.

PubMed

Tsujikawa, Hiroto; Yu, Albert S; Xie, Jia; Yue, Zhichao; Yang, Wenzhong; He, Yanlin; Yue, Lixia

2015-11-18

Changes of intracellular and extracellular pH are involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, in which regulation of the Ca(2+) release activated Ca(2+) channel (I CRAC) by pH has been implicated. Ca(2+) entry mediated by I CRAC has been shown to be regulated by acidic or alkaline pH. Whereas several amino acid residues have been shown to contribute to extracellular pH (pHo) sensitivity, the molecular mechanism for intracellular pH (pHi) sensitivity of Orai1/STIM1 is not fully understood. By investigating a series of mutations, we find that the previously identified residue E106 is responsible for pHo sensitivity when Ca(2+) is the charge carrier. Unexpectedly, we identify that the residue E190 is responsible for pHo sensitivity when Na(+) is the charge carrier. Furthermore, the intracellular mutant H155F markedly diminishes the response to acidic and alkaline pHi, suggesting that H155 is responsible for pHi sensitivity of Orai1/STIM1. Our results indicate that, whereas H155 is the intracellular pH sensor of Orai1/STIM1, the molecular mechanism of external pH sensitivity varies depending on the permeant cations. As changes of pH are involved in various physiological/pathological functions, Orai/STIM channels may be an important mediator for various physiological and pathological processes associated with acidosis and alkalinization.

Study of the pH-sensitive mechanism of tumor-targeting liposomes.

PubMed

Fan, Yang; Chen, Cong; Huang, Yiheng; Zhang, Fang; Lin, Guimei

2017-03-01

Currently, the phosphatidylethanolamine-based, pH-sensitive, liposome drug-delivery system has been widely developed for efficient, targeted cancer therapy. However, the mechanism of pH sensitivity was unclear; it is a main obstacle in controlling the preparation of pH-sensitive liposomes (PSLs).Therefore, our research is aimed at clarifying the pH-response mechanism of the various molecules that compose liposomes. We chose the small pH-sensitive molecules oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA) and cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHEMS) and the fundamental lipids cholesterol and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) as test molecules. The PSLs were prepared using the thin-film hydration method and characterized in detail at various pH values (pH 5.0, 6.0 and 7.4), including particle size, ζ-potential, drug encapsulation efficiency and drug loading. The surface structure was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the electrical conductivity of the liposome dispersion was also tested. The calorimetric analysis was conducted by Nano-differential scanning calorimetry (Nano-DSC). The in vitro drug release profile showed that PSLs exhibit good pH sensitivity. At neutral pH, the particle size was approximately 150nm, and it dramatically increased at pH 5.0. The ζ-potential increased as the pH decreased. The Nano-DSC results showed that cholesterol and CHEMS can both increase the stability and phase transfer temperature of PSLs. Conductivity increased to a maximum at pH 5.0 and was rather low at pH 7.4. In conclusion, results show that the three kinds of liposomes have pH responsive release characteristics in acidic pH. The OA-PSLs have a pH sensitive point of 5. Since CHEMS has a cholesterol-like structure, it can stabilizes the phospholipid bilayer under neutral conditions as shown in the Nano-DSC data, and because it has a special steroidal rigid structure, it exhibits better pH response characteristics under acidic conditions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Unified Numerical Solver for Device Metastabilities in CdTe Thin-Film PV

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

Vasileska, Dragica

Thin-film modules of all technologies often suffer from performance degradation over time. Some of the performance changes are reversible and some are not, which makes deployment, testing, and energy-yield prediction more challenging. Manufacturers de-vote significant empirical efforts to study these phenomena and to improve semiconduc-tor device stability. Still, understanding the underlying reasons of these instabilities re-mains clouded due to the lack of ability to characterize materials at atomistic levels and the lack of interpretation from the most fundamental material science. The most com-monly alleged causes of metastability in CdTe device, such as “migration of Cu,” have been investigated rigorously overmore » the past fifteen years. Still, the discussion often ended prematurely with stating observed correlations between stress conditions and changes in atomic profiles of impurities or CV doping concentration. Multiple hypotheses sug-gesting degradation of CdTe solar cell devices due to interaction and evolution of point defects and complexes were proposed, and none of them received strong theoretical or experimental confirmation. It should be noted that atomic impurity profiles in CdTe pro-vide very little intelligence on active doping concentrations. The same elements could form different energy states, which could be either donors or acceptors, depending on their position in crystalline lattice. Defects interact with other extrinsic and intrinsic de-fects; for example, changing the state of an impurity from an interstitial donor to a sub-stitutional acceptor often is accompanied by generation of a compensating intrinsic in-terstitial donor defect. Moreover, all defects, intrinsic and extrinsic, interact with the elec-trical potential and free carriers so that charged defects may drift in the electric field and the local electrical potential affects the formation energy of the point defects. Such complexity of interactions in CdTe makes understanding of temporal changes in device performance even more challenging and a closed solution that can treat the entire sys-tem and its interactions is required.« less

Thin-film CdTe detector for microdosimetric study of radiation dose enhancement at gold-tissue interface.

PubMed

Paudel, Nava Raj; Shvydka, Diana; Parsai, E Ishmael

2016-09-08

Presence of interfaces between high and low atomic number (Z) materials, often encountered in diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy, leads to radiation dose perturbation. It is characterized by a very narrow region of sharp dose enhancement at the interface. A rapid falloff of dose enhancement over a very short distance from the interface makes the experimental dosimetry nontrivial. We use an in-house-built inexpensive thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) photodetector to study this effect at the gold-tissue interface and verify our experimental results with Monte Carlo (MC) modeling. Three-micron thick thin-film CdTe photodetectors were fabricated in our lab. One-, ten- or one hundred-micron thick gold foils placed in a tissue-equivalent-phantom were irradiated with a clinical Ir-192 high-dose-rate (HDR) source and current measured with a CdTe detector in each case was compared with the current measured for all uniform tissue-equivalent phantom. Percentage signal enhancement (PSE) due to each gold foil was then compared against MC modeled percentage dose enhancement (PDE), obtained from the geometry mimicking the experimental setup. The experimental PSEs due to 1, 10, and 100 μm thick gold foils at the closest measured distance of 12.5μm from the interface were 42.6 ± 10.8 , 137.0 ± 11.9, and 203.0 ± 15.4, respectively. The corresponding MC modeled PDEs were 38.1 ± 1, 164 ± 1, and 249 ± 1, respectively. The experimental and MC modeled values showed a closer agreement at the larger distances from the interface. The dose enhancement in the vicinity of gold-tissue interface was successfully measured using an in-house-built, high-resolution CdTe-based photodetector and validated with MC simulations. A close agreement between experimental and the MC modeled results shows that CdTe detector can be utilized for mapping interface dose distribution encountered in the application of ionizing radiation. © 2016 The Authors.

Metastability and reliability of CdTe solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Da; Brinkman, Daniel; Shaik, Abdul R.; Ringhofer, Christian; Vasileska, Dragica

2018-04-01

Thin-film modules of all technologies often suffer from performance degradation over time. Some of the performance changes are reversible and some are not, which makes deployment, testing, and energy-yield prediction more challenging. Manufacturers devote significant empirical efforts to study these phenomena and to improve semiconductor device stability. Still, understanding the underlying reasons of these instabilities remains clouded due to the lack of ability to characterize materials at atomistic levels and the lack of interpretation from the most fundamental material science. The most commonly alleged causes of metastability in CdTe devices, such as ‘migration of Cu’, have been investigated rigorously over the past fifteen years. Still, the discussion often ended prematurely with stating observed correlations between stress conditions and changes in atomic profiles of impurities or CV doping concentration. Multiple hypotheses suggesting degradation of CdTe solar cell devices due to interaction and evolution of point defects and complexes were proposed, and none of them received strong theoretical or experimental confirmation. It should be noted that atomic impurity profiles in CdTe provide very little intelligence on active doping concentrations. The same elements could form different energy states, which could be either donors or acceptors, depending on their position in crystalline lattice. Defects interact with other extrinsic and intrinsic defects; for example, changing the state of an impurity from an interstitial donor to a substitutional acceptor often is accompanied by generation of a compensating intrinsic interstitial donor defect. Moreover, all defects, intrinsic and extrinsic, interact with the electrical potential and free carriers so that charged defects may drift in the electric field and the local electrical potential affects the formation energy of the point defects. Such complexity of interactions in CdTe makes understanding of temporal changes in device performance even more challenging and a closed solution that can treat the entire system and its interactions is required.

The Si/CdTe semiconductor Compton camera of the ASTRO-H Soft Gamma-ray Detector (SGD)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Shin; Tajima, Hiroyasu; Fukazawa, Yasushi; Ichinohe, Yuto; Takeda, Shin`ichiro; Enoto, Teruaki; Fukuyama, Taro; Furui, Shunya; Genba, Kei; Hagino, Kouichi; Harayama, Atsushi; Kuroda, Yoshikatsu; Matsuura, Daisuke; Nakamura, Ryo; Nakazawa, Kazuhiro; Noda, Hirofumi; Odaka, Hirokazu; Ohta, Masayuki; Onishi, Mitsunobu; Saito, Shinya; Sato, Goro; Sato, Tamotsu; Takahashi, Tadayuki; Tanaka, Takaaki; Togo, Atsushi; Tomizuka, Shinji

2014-11-01

The Soft Gamma-ray Detector (SGD) is one of the instrument payloads onboard ASTRO-H, and will cover a wide energy band (60-600 keV) at a background level 10 times better than instruments currently in orbit. The SGD achieves low background by combining a Compton camera scheme with a narrow field-of-view active shield. The Compton camera in the SGD is realized as a hybrid semiconductor detector system which consists of silicon and cadmium telluride (CdTe) sensors. The design of the SGD Compton camera has been finalized and the final prototype, which has the same configuration as the flight model, has been fabricated for performance evaluation. The Compton camera has overall dimensions of 12 cm×12 cm×12 cm, consisting of 32 layers of Si pixel sensors and 8 layers of CdTe pixel sensors surrounded by 2 layers of CdTe pixel sensors. The detection efficiency of the Compton camera reaches about 15% and 3% for 100 keV and 511 keV gamma rays, respectively. The pixel pitch of the Si and CdTe sensors is 3.2 mm, and the signals from all 13,312 pixels are processed by 208 ASICs developed for the SGD. Good energy resolution is afforded by semiconductor sensors and low noise ASICs, and the obtained energy resolutions with the prototype Si and CdTe pixel sensors are 1.0-2.0 keV (FWHM) at 60 keV and 1.6-2.5 keV (FWHM) at 122 keV, respectively. This results in good background rejection capability due to better constraints on Compton kinematics. Compton camera energy resolutions achieved with the final prototype are 6.3 keV (FWHM) at 356 keV and 10.5 keV (FWHM) at 662 keV, which satisfy the instrument requirements for the SGD Compton camera (better than 2%). Moreover, a low intrinsic background has been confirmed by the background measurement with the final prototype.

Emerging materials for solar cell applications: electrodeposited CdTe. Final report, February 14, 1979-February 14, 1980

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

Rod, R.L.; Bunshah, R.; Stafsudd, O.

1980-05-15

Thin film gold/polycrystalline cadmium telluride Schottky solar cells made by electrodepositing the semiconductor on an ITO-coated glass substrate serving also as an ohmic contact demonstrated an internal efficiency of 4% over 2 mm/sup 2/ areas. During the year being reported upon, Monosolar devoted mator attention to refining the electroplating process and determining the parameters governing CdTe film stoichiometry, grain size, substrate adhesion, and quality. UCLA acting as a Monosolar sub-contractor characterized both the CdTe films themselves and solar cells made from them. Techniques were developed for making measurements on films often less than 1 micron in thickness. The highest valuesmore » achieved for efficiency parameters, not necessarily all in the same cell, were V/sub oc/ = 0.5 V, J/sub sc/ = 11 mA/cm/sup 2/, and fill factor = 0.55 before corrections in the absence of anti-reflection coatings. Typical resistivities for n-CdTe films were 10/sup 5/ ..cap omega..-cm. Lifetimes of about 10/sup -10/ sec were measured. Absorption coefficient of these films is in the order of 10/sup 4/ for lambda < 0.7 ..mu..m. Measured energy gap for these CdTe films is 1.55 eV, sightly higher than the 1.45 eV value for single crystal CdTe. The activation energy of the dominating trap level is 0.55 eV. Trap density is in the order of 10/sup 16//cm/sup 3/. Schottky diodes were of excellent quality and pinhole-free. The measured barrier height varied between 0.75 and 0.85 eV. Rectification ratios of 10/sup 4/ were obtained reproducibly. Films measure about 1 inch square. Indications are that larger and more efficient low cost solar devices can readily be obtained soon using the techniques developed in this program.« less

Advanced Research Deposition System (ARDS) for processing CdTe solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barricklow, Keegan Corey

CdTe solar cells have been commercialized at the Gigawatt/year level. The development of volume manufacturing processes for next generation CdTe photovoltaics (PV) with higher efficiencies requires research systems with flexibility, scalability, repeatability and automation. The Advanced Research Deposition Systems (ARDS) developed by the Materials Engineering Laboratory (MEL) provides such a platform for the investigation of materials and manufacturing processes necessary to produce the next generation of CdTe PV. Limited by previous research systems, the ARDS was developed to provide process and hardware flexibility, accommodating advanced processing techniques, and capable of producing device quality films. The ARDS is a unique, in-line process tool with nine processing stations. The system was designed, built and assembled at the Materials Engineering Laboratory. Final assembly, startup, characterization and process development are the focus of this research. Many technical challenges encountered during the startup of the ARDS were addressed in this research. In this study, several hardware modifications needed for the reliable operation of the ARDS were designed, constructed and successfully incorporated into the ARDS. The effect of process condition on film properties for each process step was quantified. Process development to achieve 12% efficient baseline solar cell required investigation of discrete processing steps, troubleshooting process variation, and developing performance correlations. Subsequent to this research, many advances have been demonstrated with the ARDS. The ARDS consistently produces devices of 12% +/-.5% by the process of record (POR). The champion cell produced to date utilizing the ARDS has an efficiency of 16.2% on low cost commercial sodalime glass and utilizes advanced films. The ARDS has enabled investigation of advanced concepts for processing CdTe devices including, Plasma Cleaning, Plasma Enhanced Closed Space Sublimation (PECSS), Electron Reflector (ER) using Cd1-xMgxTe (CMT) structure and alternative device structures. The ARDS has been instrumental in the collaborative research with many institutions.

TASK-2 Channels Contribute to pH Sensitivity of Retrotrapezoid Nucleus Chemoreceptor Neurons

PubMed Central

Wang, Sheng; Benamer, Najate; Zanella, Sébastien; Kumar, Natasha N.; Shi, Yingtang; Bévengut, Michelle; Penton, David; Guyenet, Patrice G.; Lesage, Florian

2013-01-01

Phox2b-expressing glutamatergic neurons of the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) display properties expected of central respiratory chemoreceptors; they are directly activated by CO2/H+ via an unidentified pH-sensitive background K+ channel and, in turn, facilitate brainstem networks that control breathing. Here, we used a knock-out mouse model to examine whether TASK-2 (K2P5), an alkaline-activated background K+ channel, contributes to RTN neuronal pH sensitivity. We made patch-clamp recordings in brainstem slices from RTN neurons that were identified by expression of GFP (directed by the Phox2b promoter) or β-galactosidase (from the gene trap used for TASK-2 knock-out). Whereas nearly all RTN cells from control mice were pH sensitive (95%, n = 58 of 61), only 56% of GFP-expressing RTN neurons from TASK-2−/− mice (n = 49 of 88) could be classified as pH sensitive (>30% reduction in firing rate from pH 7.0 to pH 7.8); the remaining cells were pH insensitive (44%). Moreover, none of the recorded RTN neurons from TASK-2−/− mice selected based on β-galactosidase activity (a subpopulation of GFP-expressing neurons) were pH sensitive. The alkaline-activated background K+ currents were reduced in amplitude in RTN neurons from TASK-2−/− mice that retained some pH sensitivity but were absent from pH-insensitive cells. Finally, using a working heart–brainstem preparation, we found diminished inhibition of phrenic burst amplitude by alkalization in TASK-2−/− mice, with apneic threshold shifted to higher pH levels. In conclusion, alkaline-activated TASK-2 channels contribute to pH sensitivity in RTN neurons, with effects on respiration in situ that are particularly prominent near apneic threshold. PMID:24107938

Producible Alternative to CdTe for Epitaxy (PACE-2) of LWIR HgCdTe

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

esmv and .de~aty "p bisto momnberl isrepor cover the progre made toward the achievenientof device quality LWIR HgCdTe on an alternate substrte...initial phase of the research program en- titled, _Producible Alternative to CdTe for Epitaxyý(PACE-2) of LWIR HgCJie". Also described are alternate...objective of this program is the demonstration of the feasibility of PACE-2 technology through fabrication and evaluation of multi- plexed LWIR hybrid

Silicon Solar Cell Efficiency Improvement Employing the Photoluminescent, Down-Shifting Effects of Carbon and CdTe Quantum Dots (Open Access Publisher’s Version)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-21

ORIGINAL PAPER Silicon solar cell efficiency improvement employing the photoluminescent, down-shifting effects of carbon and CdTe quantum dots Elias...smaller influence on solar cell performance, they are con- sidered to be a more attractive option due to their afford- ability and minimal impact in the...Photovoltaics Solar cells Introduction There is a generalized trend to demonstrate higher solar cell efficiency with more affordable devices to promote

Charge transport in CdTe solar cells revealed by conductive tomographic atomic force microscopy

DOE PAGES

Luria, Justin; Kutes, Yasemin; Moore, Andrew; ...

2016-09-26

Polycrystalline photovoltaics comprising cadmium telluride (CdTe) represent a growing portion of the solar cell market, yet the physical picture of charge transport through the meso-scale grain morphology remains a topic of debate. It is unknown how thin film morphology affects the transport of electron-hole pairs. Accordingly this study is the first to generate three dimensional images of photocurrent throughout a thin-film solar cell, revealing the profound influence of grain boundaries and stacking faults on device efficiency.

Annealing of Solar Cells and Other Thin Film Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Escobar, Hector; Kuhlman, Franz; Dils, D. W.; Lush, G. B.; Mackey, Willie R. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Annealing is a key step in most semiconductor fabrication processes, especially for thin films where annealing enhances performance by healing defects and increasing grain sizes. We have employed a new annealing oven for the annealing of CdTe-based solar cells and have been using this system in an attempt to grow US on top of CdTe by annealing in the presence of H2S gas. Preliminary results of this process on CdTe solar cells and other thin-film devices will be presented.

Recycling of CdTe photovoltaic waste

DOEpatents

Goozner, Robert E.; Long, Mark O.; Drinkard, Jr., William F.

1999-04-27

A method for extracting and reclaiming metals from scrap CdTe photovoltaic cells and manufacturing waste by leaching the metals in dilute nitric acid, leaching the waste with a leaching solution comprising nitric acid and water, skimming any plastic material from the top of the leaching solution, separating the glass substrate from the liquid leachate, adding a calcium containing base to the leachate to precipitate Cd and Te, separating the precipitated Cd and Te from the leachate, and recovering the calcium-containing base.

Recycling of CdTe photovoltaic waste

DOEpatents

Goozner, R.E.; Long, M.O.; Drinkard, W.F. Jr.

1999-04-27

A method for extracting and reclaiming metals from scrap CdTe photovoltaic cells and manufacturing waste by leaching the metals in dilute nitric acid, leaching the waste with a leaching solution comprising nitric acid and water, skimming any plastic material from the top of the leaching solution, separating the glass substrate from the liquid leachate, adding a calcium containing base to the leachate to precipitate Cd and Te, separating the precipitated Cd and Te from the leachate, and recovering the calcium-containing base. 3 figs.

Microstructured Optical Fiber for X-ray Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeHaven, Stanton L.

2009-01-01

A novel scintillating optical fiber is presented using a composite micro-structured quartz optical fiber. Scintillating materials are introduced into the multiple inclusions of the fiber. This creates a composite optical fiber having quartz as a cladding with an organic scintillating material core. X-ray detection using these fibers is compared to a collimated cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector over an energy range from 10 to 40 keV. Results show a good correlation between the fiber count rate trend and that of the CdTe detector.

Anionic pH-Sensitive Lipoplexes.

PubMed

Mignet, Nathalie; Scherman, Daniel

2017-01-01

To provide long circulating nanoparticles able to carry a gene to tumors, we have designed anionic pegylated lipoplexes which are pH sensitive. Anionic pegylated lipoplexes have been prepared from the combined formulation of cationic lipoplexes and pegylated anionic liposomes. The neutralization of the particle surface charge as a function of the pH was monitored by light scattering in order to determine the ratio between anionic and cationic lipids that would give pH sensitive complexes. This ratio has been optimized to form particles sensitive to pH change in the range 5.5-6.5. Compaction of DNA into these newly formed anionic complexes is checked by DNA accessibility to picogreen. The transfection efficiency and pH sensitive property of these formulations has been shown in vitro using bafilomycin, a vacuolar H + -ATPase inhibitor.

Excitonic enhancement of nonradiative energy transfer to bulk silicon with the hybridization of cascaded quantum dots

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

Yeltik, Aydan; Guzelturk, Burak; Akhavan, Shahab

2013-12-23

We report enhanced sensitization of silicon through nonradiative energy transfer (NRET) of the excitons in an energy-gradient structure composed of a cascaded bilayer of green- and red-emitting CdTe quantum dots (QDs) on bulk silicon. Here NRET dynamics were systematically investigated comparatively for the cascaded energy-gradient and mono-dispersed QD structures at room temperature. We show experimentally that NRET from the QD layer into silicon is enhanced by 40% in the case of an energy-gradient cascaded structure as compared to the mono-dispersed structures, which is in agreement with the theoretical analysis based on the excited state population-depopulation dynamics of the QDs.

RuO2 pH Sensor with Super-Glue-Inspired Reference Electrode

PubMed Central

Wajrak, Magdalena; Alameh, Kamal

2017-01-01

A pH-sensitive RuO2 electrode coated in a commercial cyanoacrylate adhesive typically exhibits very low pH sensitivity, and could be paired with a RuO2 working electrode as a differential type pH sensor. However, such sensors display poor performance in real sample matrices. A pH sensor employing a RuO2 pH-sensitive working electrode and a SiO2-PVB junction-modified RuO2 reference electrode is developed as an alternative high-performance solution. This sensor exhibits a performance similar to that of a commercial glass pH sensor in some common sample matrices, particularly, an excellent pH sensitivity of 55.7 mV/pH, a hysteresis as low as 2.7 mV, and a drift below 2.2 mV/h. The developed sensor structure opens the way towards the development of a simple, cost effective, and robust pH sensor for pH analysis in various sample matrices. PMID:28878182

RuO₂ pH Sensor with Super-Glue-Inspired Reference Electrode.

PubMed

Lonsdale, Wade; Wajrak, Magdalena; Alameh, Kamal

2017-09-06

A pH-sensitive RuO₂ electrode coated in a commercial cyanoacrylate adhesive typically exhibits very low pH sensitivity, and could be paired with a RuO₂ working electrode as a differential type pH sensor. However, such sensors display poor performance in real sample matrices. A pH sensor employing a RuO₂ pH-sensitive working electrode and a SiO₂-PVB junction-modified RuO₂ reference electrode is developed as an alternative high-performance solution. This sensor exhibits a performance similar to that of a commercial glass pH sensor in some common sample matrices, particularly, an excellent pH sensitivity of 55.7 mV/pH, a hysteresis as low as 2.7 mV, and a drift below 2.2 mV/h. The developed sensor structure opens the way towards the development of a simple, cost effective, and robust pH sensor for pH analysis in various sample matrices.

Post-deposition annealing temperature dependence TiO{sub 2}-based EGFET pH sensor sensitivity

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

Zulkefle, M. A., E-mail: alhadizulkefle@gmail.com; Rahman, R. A., E-mail: rohanieza.abdrahman@gmail.com; Yusoff, K. A., E-mail: khairul.aimi.yusof@gmail.com

EGFET pH sensor is one type of pH sensor that is used to measure and determine pH of a solution. The sensing membrane of EGFET pH sensor plays vital role in the overall performance of the sensor. This paper studies the effects of different annealing temperature of the TiO{sub 2} sensing membranes towards sensitivity of EGFET pH sensor. Sol-gel spin coating was chosen as TiO{sub 2} deposition techniques since it is cost-effective and produces thin film with uniform thickness. Deposited TiO{sub 2} thin films were then annealed at different annealing temperatures and then were connected to the gate of MOSFETmore » as a part of the EGFET pH sensor structure. The thin films now act as sensing membranes of the EGFET pH sensor and sensitivity of each sensing membrane towards pH was measured. From the results it was determined that sensing membrane annealed at 300 °C gave the highest sensitivity followed by sample annealed at 400 °C and 500 °C.« less

The influence of reaction times on structural, optical and luminescence properties of cadmium telluride nanoparticles prepared by wet-chemical process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiprotich, Sharon; Dejene, Francis B.; Ungula, Jatani; Onani, Martin O.

2016-01-01

This paper explains one pot synthesis of type II water soluble L-cysteine capped cadmium telluride (CdTe) core shell quantum dots using cadmium acetate, potassium tellurite and L-cysteine as the starting materials. The reaction was carried out in a single three necked flask without nitrogen under reflux at 100 °C. Results from PL show a sharp absorption excitonic band edge of the CdTe core with respect to the core shell which loses its shoulder during the growth of the shell on the core. The PL spectra indicate a drastic shift in emission window of the core which is simultaneously accompanied by an increase in emission intensity. X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the formation of hexagonal phase for all samples. Some difference in absorption edges were observed due to varying synthesis time of CdTe NPs. The position of the absorption band is observed to shift towards the lower wavelength side for shorter durations of synthesis.

Emitter Choice for Epitaxial CdTe Solar Cells

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

Song, Tao; Kanevce, Ana; Sites, James R.

2016-11-21

High-quality epitaxial CdTe layers with low defect density and high carrier concentration have been demonstrated by several research groups. Nevertheless, one primary challenge for high-performance epitaxial CdTe solar cells is how to choose a suitable emitter partner for the junction formation. The numerical simulations show that a type I heterojunction with small conduction band offset (0.1 eV = ..delta..Ec = 0.3 eV) is necessary to maintain a good cell efficiency even with large interface recombination. Otherwise, a small 'cliff' can assist interface recombination causing smaller Voc, and a large 'spike' (..delta..Ec = 0.4 eV) can impede the photo current andmore » lead to a reduction of JSC and FF. Among the three possible emitters, CdS, CdMgTe, and MgZnO, CdMgTe (with ~30% Mg) and MgZnO (with ~ 20% Mg) are likely to be a better choice since their type-I junction can tolerate a larger density of interface defects.« less

Sputter-Deposited Oxides for Interface Passivation of CdTe Photovoltaics

DOE PAGES

Kephart, Jason M.; Kindvall, Anna; Williams, Desiree; ...

2018-01-18

Commercial CdTe PV modules have polycrystalline thin films deposited on glass, and devices made in this format have exceeded 22% efficiency. Devices made by the authors with a magnesium zinc oxide window layer and tellurium back contact have achieved efficiency over 18%, but these cells still suffer from an open-circuit voltage far below ideal values. Oxide passivation layers made by sputter deposition have the potential to increase voltage by reducing interface recombination. CdTe devices with these passivation layers were studied with photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) to detect an increase in minority carrier lifetime. Because these oxidemore » materials exhibit barriers to carrier collection, micropatterning was used to expose small point contacts while still allowing interface passivation. TRPL decay lifetimes have been greatly enhanced for thin polycrystalline absorber films with interface passivation. Device performance was measured and current collection was mapped spatially by light-beam-induced current.« less

Photodynamic therapy potential of thiol-stabilized CdTe quantum dot-group 3A phthalocyanine conjugates (QD-Pc).

PubMed

Tekdaş, Duygu Aydın; Durmuş, Mahmut; Yanık, Hülya; Ahsen, Vefa

2012-07-01

Thiol stabilized CdTe quantum dot (QD) nanoparticles were synthesized in aqueous phase and were used as energy donors to tetra-triethyleneoxythia substituted aluminum, gallium and indium phthalocyanines through fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Energy transfer occurred from the QDs to phthalocyanines upon photoexcitation of the QDs. An enhancement in efficiency of energy transfer with the nature of the carboxylic thiol stabilizer on the QDs was observed. As a result of the nanoparticle and the phthalocyanine mixing, the photoluminescence efficiency of the phthalocyanine moieties in the mixtures does not strictly follow the quantum yields of the bare phthalocyanines. The photochemistry study of phthalocyanines in the presence of the QDs revealed high singlet oxygen quantum yield, hence the possibility of using QDs in combination with phthalocyanines as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy of cancer. The fluorescence of the CdTe quantum dots-phthalocyanine conjugates (QDs-Pc) were effectively quenched by addition of 1,4-benzoquinone. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Surface acceptor states in MBE-grown CdTe layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wichrowska, Karolina; Wosinski, Tadeusz; Tkaczyk, Zbigniew; Kolkovsky, Valery; Karczewski, Grzegorz

2018-04-01

A deep-level hole trap associated with surface defect states has been revealed with deep-level transient spectroscopy investigations of metal-semiconductor junctions fabricated on nitrogen doped p-type CdTe layers grown by the molecular-beam epitaxy technique. The trap displayed the hole-emission activation energy of 0.33 eV and the logarithmic capture kinetics indicating its relation to extended defect states at the metal-semiconductor interface. Strong electric-field-induced enhancement of the thermal emission rate of holes from the trap has been attributed to the phonon-assisted tunneling effect from defect states involving very large lattice relaxation around the defect and metastability of its occupied state. Passivation with ammonium sulfide of the CdTe surface, prior to metallization, results in a significant decrease in the trap density. It also results in a distinct reduction in the width of the surface-acceptor-state-induced hysteresis loops in the capacitance vs. voltage characteristics of the metal-semiconductor junctions.

Apparatus and processes for the mass production of photovoltaic modules

DOEpatents

Barth, Kurt L [Ft. Collins, CO; Enzenroth, Robert A [Fort Collins, CO; Sampath, Walajabad S [Fort Collins, CO

2007-05-22

An apparatus and processes for large scale inline manufacturing of CdTe photovoltaic modules in which all steps, including rapid substrate heating, deposition of CdS, deposition of CdTe, CdCl.sub.2 treatment, and ohmic contact formation, are performed within a single vacuum boundary at modest vacuum pressures. A p+ ohmic contact region is formed by subliming a metal salt onto the CdTe layer. A back electrode is formed by way of a low cost spray process, and module scribing is performed by means of abrasive blasting or mechanical brushing through a mask. The vacuum process apparatus facilitates selective heating of substrates and films, exposure of substrates and films to vapor with minimal vapor leakage, deposition of thin films onto a substrate, and stripping thin films from a substrate. A substrate transport apparatus permits the movement of substrates into and out of vacuum during the thin film deposition processes, while preventing the collection of coatings on the substrate transport apparatus itself.

Apparatus and processes for the mass production of photovotaic modules

DOEpatents

Barth, Kurt L.; Enzenroth, Robert A.; Sampath, Walajabad S.

2002-07-23

An apparatus and processes for large scale inline manufacturing of CdTe photovoltaic modules in which all steps, including rapid substrate heating, deposition of CdS, deposition of CdTe, CdCl.sub.2 treatment, and ohmic contact formation, are performed within a single vacuum boundary at modest vacuum pressures. A p+ ohmic contact region is formed by subliming a metal salt onto the CdTe layer. A back electrode is formed by way of a low cost spray process, and module scribing is performed by means of abrasive blasting or mechanical brushing through a mask. The vacuum process apparatus facilitates selective heating of substrates and films, exposure of substrates and films to vapor with minimal vapor leakage, deposition of thin films onto a substrate, and stripping thin films from a substrate. A substrate transport apparatus permits the movement of substrates into and out of vacuum during the thin film deposition processes, while preventing the collection of coatings on the substrate transport apparatus itself.

Large area graphene ion sensitive field effect transistors with tantalum pentoxide sensing layers for pH measurement at the Nernstian limit

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

Fakih, Ibrahim, E-mail: ibrahim.fakih@mail.mcgill.ca; Sabri, Shadi; Szkopek, Thomas, E-mail: thomas.szkopek@mcgill.ca

2014-08-25

We have fabricated and characterized large area graphene ion sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs) with tantalum pentoxide sensing layers and demonstrated pH sensitivities approaching the Nernstian limit. Low temperature atomic layer deposition was used to deposit tantalum pentoxide atop large area graphene ISFETs. The charge neutrality point of graphene, inferred from quantum capacitance or channel conductance, was used to monitor surface potential in the presence of an electrolyte with varying pH. Bare graphene ISFETs exhibit negligible response, while graphene ISFETs with tantalum pentoxide sensing layers show increased sensitivity reaching up to 55 mV/pH over pH 3 through pH 8. Applying themore » Bergveld model, which accounts for site binding and a Guoy-Chapman-Stern picture of the surface-electrolyte interface, the increased pH sensitivity can be attributed to an increased buffer capacity reaching up to 10{sup 14} sites/cm{sup 2}. ISFET response was found to be stable to better than 0.05 pH units over the course of two weeks.« less

Large area graphene ion sensitive field effect transistors with tantalum pentoxide sensing layers for pH measurement at the Nernstian limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fakih, Ibrahim; Sabri, Shadi; Mahvash, Farzaneh; Nannini, Matthieu; Siaj, Mohamed; Szkopek, Thomas

2014-08-01

We have fabricated and characterized large area graphene ion sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs) with tantalum pentoxide sensing layers and demonstrated pH sensitivities approaching the Nernstian limit. Low temperature atomic layer deposition was used to deposit tantalum pentoxide atop large area graphene ISFETs. The charge neutrality point of graphene, inferred from quantum capacitance or channel conductance, was used to monitor surface potential in the presence of an electrolyte with varying pH. Bare graphene ISFETs exhibit negligible response, while graphene ISFETs with tantalum pentoxide sensing layers show increased sensitivity reaching up to 55 mV/pH over pH 3 through pH 8. Applying the Bergveld model, which accounts for site binding and a Guoy-Chapman-Stern picture of the surface-electrolyte interface, the increased pH sensitivity can be attributed to an increased buffer capacity reaching up to 1014 sites/cm2. ISFET response was found to be stable to better than 0.05 pH units over the course of two weeks.

Stability of a pH-sensitive polymer matrix

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

Northrup, M.A.; Langry, K.; Angel, S.M.

1990-03-01

A ratiometric pH-sensitive fluorescent dye (hydroxypyrenetrisulfonic acid) was covalently attached to an acrylamide polymer. These pH-sensitive copolymers were either covalently bonded to the end of an optical fiber or polymerized into separate gels. Long-term, accelerated aging studies were performed on the fibers and gels in 43{degree}C distilled H{sub 2}O. The fiber-immobilized optrodes gave good pH responses for up to 2 months. The pH-sensitive gels were physically attached to optical fibers and gave very good pH responses for over one year. These physically immobilized, one-year-old, pH-sensitive copolymers provided optrodes with linear pH responses between pH 6 and 8 and resolution greatermore » than 0.25 pH unit. A simple photostability experiment on these optrodes showed that they were very photostable. The results of this study indicate that pH-sensitive copolymers in a simple optrode design can be employed as pH sensors with useful lifetimes exceeding one year. 11 refs., 6 figs.« less

CdCl2 passivation of polycrystalline CdMgTe and CdZnTe absorbers for tandem photovoltaic cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swanson, Drew E.; Reich, Carey; Abbas, Ali; Shimpi, Tushar; Liu, Hanxiao; Ponce, Fernando A.; Walls, John M.; Zhang, Yong-Hang; Metzger, Wyatt K.; Sampath, W. S.; Holman, Zachary C.

2018-05-01

As single-junction silicon solar cells approach their theoretical limits, tandems provide the primary path to higher efficiencies. CdTe alloys can be tuned with magnesium (CdMgTe) or zinc (CdZnTe) for ideal tandem pairing with silicon. A II-VI/Si tandem holds the greatest promise for inexpensive, high-efficiency top cells that can be quickly deployed in the market using existing polycrystalline CdTe manufacturing lines combined with mature silicon production lines. Currently, all high efficiency polycrystalline CdTe cells require a chloride-based passivation process to passivate grain boundaries and bulk defects. This research examines the rich chemistry and physics that has historically limited performance when extending Cl treatments to polycrystalline 1.7-eV CdMgTe and CdZnTe absorbers. A combination of transmittance, quantum efficiency, photoluminescence, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy clearly reveals that during passivation, Mg segregates and out-diffuses, initially at the grain boundaries but eventually throughout the bulk. CdZnTe exhibits similar Zn segregation behavior; however, the onset and progression is localized to the back of the device. After passivation, CdMgTe and CdZnTe can render a layer that is reduced to predominantly CdTe electro-optical behavior. Contact instabilities caused by inter-diffusion between the layers create additional complications. The results outline critical issues and paths for these materials to be successfully implemented in Si-based tandems and other applications.

High p-type doping, mobility, and photocarrier lifetime in arsenic-doped CdTe single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagaoka, Akira; Kuciauskas, Darius; McCoy, Jedidiah; Scarpulla, Michael A.

2018-05-01

Group-V element doping is promising for simultaneously maximizing the hole concentration and minority carrier lifetime in CdTe for thin film solar cells, but there are roadblocks concerning point defects including the possibility of self-compensation by AX metastability. Herein, we report on doping, lifetime, and mobility of CdTe single crystals doped with As between 1016 and 1020 cm-3 grown from the Cd solvent by the travelling heater method. Evidence consistent with AX instability as a major contributor to compensation in samples doped below 1017 cm-3 is presented, while for higher-doped samples, precipitation of a second phase on planar structural defects is also observed and may explain spatial variation in properties such as lifetime. Rapid cooling after crystal growth increases doping efficiency and mobility for times up to 20-30 days at room temperature with the highest efficiencies observed close to 45% and a hole mobility of 70 cm2/Vs at room temperature. A doping limit in the low 1017/cm3 range is observed for samples quenched at 200-300 °C/h. Bulk minority carrier lifetimes exceeding 20 ns are observed for samples doped near 1016 cm-3 relaxed in the dark and for unintentionally doped samples, while a lifetime of nearly 5 ns is observed for 1018 cm-3 As doping. These results help us to establish limits on properties expected for group-V doped CdTe polycrystalline thin films for use in photovoltaics.

Tandem Solar Cells from Solution-Processed CdTe and PbS Quantum Dots Using a ZnTe–ZnO Tunnel Junction

DOE PAGES

Crisp, Ryan W.; Pach, Gregory F.; Kurley, J. Matthew; ...

2017-01-10

Here, we developed a monolithic CdTe-PbS tandem solar cell architecture in which both the CdTe and PbS absorber layers are solution-processed from nanocrystal inks. Due to their tunable nature, PbS quantum dots (QDs), with a controllable band gap between 0.4 and ~1.6 eV, are a promising candidate for a bottom absorber layer in tandem photovoltaics. In the detailed balance limit, the ideal configuration of a CdTe (E g = 1.5 eV)-PbS tandem structure assumes infinite thickness of the absorber layers and requires the PbS band gap to be 0.75 eV to theoretically achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 45%.more » But, modeling shows that by allowing the thickness of the CdTe layer to vary, a tandem with efficiency over 40% is achievable using bottom cell band gaps ranging from 0.68 and 1.16 eV. In a first step toward developing this technology, we explore CdTe-PbS tandem devices by developing a ZnTe-ZnO tunnel junction, which appropriately combines the two subcells in series. Furthermore, we examine the basic characteristics of the solar cells as a function of layer thickness and bottom-cell band gap and demonstrate open-circuit voltages in excess of 1.1 V with matched short circuit current density of 10 mA/cm 2 in prototype devices.« less

Effect of Annealing on the Density of Defects in Epitaxial CdTe (211)/GaAs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakali, Emine; Selamet, Yusuf; Tarhan, Enver

2018-05-01

CdTe thin films were grown on GaAs (211) wafers by molecular beam epitaxy as the buffer layer for HgCdTe infrared detector applications. We studied the effect of annealing on the density of dislocation of these CdTe thin films under varying annealing parameters such as annealing temperature, annealing duration, and number of cycles. Annealings were carried out using a homemade annealing reactor possessing a special heater element made of a Si wafer for rapid heating. The density of dislocations, which were made observable with a scanning electron microscope after etching with an Everson solution, were calculated by counting the number of dislocations per unit surface area, hence the term etch pit density (EPD). We were able to decrease EPD values by one order of magnitude after annealing. For example, the best EPD value after a 20-min annealing at 400°C was ˜ 2 × 107 cm-2 for a 1.63-μm CdTe thin film which was about 9.5 × 107 cm-2 before annealing. We also employed Raman scattering measurements to see the changes in the structural quality of the samples. From the Raman measurements, we were able to see improvements in the quality of our samples from the annealing by studying the ratio of 2LO/LO phonon mode Raman intensities. We also observed a clear decrease in the intensity of Te precipitations-related modes, indicating a decrease in the size and number of these precipitations.

Tandem Solar Cells from Solution-Processed CdTe and PbS Quantum Dots Using a ZnTe-ZnO Tunnel Junction.

PubMed

Crisp, Ryan W; Pach, Gregory F; Kurley, J Matthew; France, Ryan M; Reese, Matthew O; Nanayakkara, Sanjini U; MacLeod, Bradley A; Talapin, Dmitri V; Beard, Matthew C; Luther, Joseph M

2017-02-08

We developed a monolithic CdTe-PbS tandem solar cell architecture in which both the CdTe and PbS absorber layers are solution-processed from nanocrystal inks. Due to their tunable nature, PbS quantum dots (QDs), with a controllable band gap between 0.4 and ∼1.6 eV, are a promising candidate for a bottom absorber layer in tandem photovoltaics. In the detailed balance limit, the ideal configuration of a CdTe (E g = 1.5 eV)-PbS tandem structure assumes infinite thickness of the absorber layers and requires the PbS band gap to be 0.75 eV to theoretically achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 45%. However, modeling shows that by allowing the thickness of the CdTe layer to vary, a tandem with efficiency over 40% is achievable using bottom cell band gaps ranging from 0.68 and 1.16 eV. In a first step toward developing this technology, we explore CdTe-PbS tandem devices by developing a ZnTe-ZnO tunnel junction, which appropriately combines the two subcells in series. We examine the basic characteristics of the solar cells as a function of layer thickness and bottom-cell band gap and demonstrate open-circuit voltages in excess of 1.1 V with matched short circuit current density of 10 mA/cm 2 in prototype devices.

Thin Film CIGS and CdTe Photovoltaic Technologies: Commercialization, Critical Issues, and Applications; Preprint

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

Ullal, H. S.; von Roedern, B.

2007-09-01

We report here on the major commercialization aspects of thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technologies based on CIGS and CdTe (a-Si and thin-Si are also reported for completeness on the status of thin-film PV). Worldwide silicon (Si) based PV technologies continues to dominate at more than 94% of the market share, with the share of thin-film PV at less than 6%. However, the market share for thin-film PV in the United States continues to grow rapidly over the past several years and in CY 2006, they had a substantial contribution of about 44%, compared to less than 10% in CY 2003. Inmore » CY 2007, thin-film PV market share is expected to surpass that of Si technology in the United States. Worldwide estimated projections for CY 2010 are that thin-film PV production capacity will be more than 3700 MW. A 40-MW thin-film CdTe solar field is currently being installed in Saxony, Germany, and will be completed in early CY 2009. The total project cost is Euro 130 million, which equates to an installed PV system price of Euro 3.25/-watt averaged over the entire solar project. This is the lowest price for any installed PV system in the world today. Critical research, development, and technology issues for thin-film CIGS and CdTe are also elucidated in this paper.« less

First results of a highly granulated 3D CdTe detector module for PET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chmeissani, Mokhtar; Kolstein, Machiel; Macias-Montero, José Gabriel; Puigdengoles, Carles; García, Jorge; Prats, Xavier; Martínez, Ricardo

2018-01-01

We present the performance of a highly granulated 3D detector module for PET, consisting of a stack of pixelated CdTe detectors. Each detector module has 2 cm  ×  2 cm  ×  2 cm of CdTe material, subdivided into 4000 voxels, where each voxel has size 1 mm  ×  1 mm  ×  2 mm and is connected to its own read-out electronics via a BiSn solder ball. Each read-out channel consists of a preamp, a discriminator, a shaper, a peak-and-hold circuit and a 10 bits SAR ADC. The preamp has variable gain where at the maximum gain the ADC resolution is equivalent to 0.7 keV. Each ASIC chip reads 100 CdTe pixel channels and has one TDC to measure the time stamp of the triggered events, with a time resolution of less than 1 ns. With the bias voltage set at  -250 V mm-1 and for 17838 working channels out of a total of 20 000, we have obtained an average energy resolution of 2.2% FWHM for 511 keV photons. For 511 keV photons that have undergone Compton scattering, we measured an energy resolution of 3.2% FWHM. A timing resolution for PET coincidence events of 60 ns FWHM was found.

Optimization of Monocrystalline MgxCd1-xTe/MgyCd1-yTe Double-Heterostructure Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, Jacob J.

Polycrystalline CdS/CdTe solar cells continue to dominate the thin-film photovoltaics industry with an achieved record efficiency of over 22% demonstrated by First Solar, yet monocrystalline CdTe devices have received considerably less attention over the years. Monocrystalline CdTe double-heterostructure solar cells show great promise with respect to addressing the problem of low Voc with the passing of the 1 V benchmark. Rapid progress has been made in driving the efficiency in these devices ever closer to the record presently held by polycrystalline thin-films. This achievement is primarily due to the utilization of a remote p-n heterojunction in which the heavily doped contact materials, which are so problematic in terms of increasing non-radiative recombination inside the absorber, are moved outside of the CdTe double heterostructure with two MgyCd1-yTe barrier layers to provide confinement and passivation at the CdTe surfaces. Using this design, the pursuit and demonstration of efficiencies beyond 20% in CdTe solar cells is reported through the study and optimization of the structure barriers, contacts layers, and optical design. Further development of a wider bandgap MgxCd1-xTe solar cell based on the same design is included with the intention of applying this knowledge to the development of a tandem solar cell constructed on a silicon subcell. The exploration of different hole-contact materials--ZnTe, CuZnS, and a-Si:H--and their optimization is presented throughout the work. Devices utilizing a-Si:H hole contacts exhibit open-circuit voltages of up to 1.11 V, a maximum total-area efficiency of 18.5% measured under AM1.5G, and an active-area efficiency of 20.3% for CdTe absorber based devices. The achievement of voltages beyond 1.1V while still maintaining relatively high fill factors with no rollover, either before or after open-circuit, is a promising indicator that this approach can result in devices surpassing the 22% record set by polycrystalline designs. MgxCd1-xTe absorber based devices have been demonstrated with open-circuit voltages of up to 1.176 V and a maximum active-area efficiency of 11.2%. A discussion of the various loss mechanisms present within these devices, both optical and electrical, concludes with the presentation of a series of potential design changes meant to address these issues.

Characterization and modeling of cadmium chloride treated cadmium telluride/cadmium sulfide thin-film solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maxwell, Graham Lane

CdTe photovoltaic technology has the potential to become a leading energy producer in the coming decades. Its physical properties are well suited for photovoltaic energy conversion. A key processing step in the production of high efficiency CdTe/CdS solar cells is a post-CdTe deposition heat treatment with CdCl2, which can improve performance by promoting CdTe rectrystallization, QE response, defect passivation and others. Understanding the effects of the CdCl2 treatment is crucial in order to optimize processing conditions and improve performance. This study investigates the effects of variations of CdCl2 treatment duration on CdTe/CdS solar cells manufactured at Colorado State University. In order to investigate the optimal time of CdCl 2 treatment, sample solar cells were tested for microstructural and performance properties. Device microstructure was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Device performance was analyzed using current density-voltage (J-V) measurements, time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL), quantum efficiency (QE), and laser beam induced current (LBIC) measurements. Little change in microstructure was observed with extended CdCl 2 treatment and is attributed to the high CdTe deposition temperatures used by heat pocket deposition (HPD). This deposition technique allows for large initial grains to be formed with low lattice strain energy which prevents recrystallization and grain growth that is often seen with other deposition techniques. The CdCl2 treatment initially improves performance significantly, but it was shown to that extending the CdCl2 treatment can reduce performance. Overall performance was reduced despite an increase in minority carrier lifetime values. The mechanism of reduced performance is suggested to be the formation of a low bandgap CdTe layer resulting from sulfur diffusion from the CdS layer. Sulfur diffusion primarily occurs during the CdCl 2 treatment and also leads to thinning of the CdS layer. Solar cell modeling was employed to investigate possible mechanisms for performance degradation. Modeling was done with AMPS and SCAPS modeling software. Models were created to investigate the effects of minority carrier lifetime, CdS thickness, and a low bandgap CdTe layer. Modeling results showed that the formation of a low bandgap CdTe layer combined with CdS thinning reduces device performance. Further research is needed using a statistically significant number of samples to investigate other possible degradation mechanisms associated with extended CdCl2 treatment.

Highly Sensitive and Reproducible SERS Sensor for Biological pH Detection Based on a Uniform Gold Nanorod Array Platform.

PubMed

Bi, Liyan; Wang, Yunqing; Yang, Ying; Li, Yuling; Mo, Shanshan; Zheng, Qingyin; Chen, Lingxin

2018-05-09

Conventional research on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based pH sensors often depends on nanoparticle aggregation, whereas the variability in nanoparticle aggregation gives rise to poor repeatability in the SERS signal. Herein, we fabricated a gold nanorod array platform via an efficient evaporative self-assembly method. The platform exhibits great SERS sensitivity with an enhancement factor of 5.6 × 10 7 and maintains excellent recyclability and reproducibility with relative standard deviation (RSD) values of less than 8%. On the basis of the platform, we developed a highly sensitive bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated 4-mercaptopyridine (4-MPy)-linked (BMP) SERS-based pH sensor to report pH ranging from pH 3.0 to pH 8.0. The intensity ratio variation of 1004 and 1096 cm -1 in 4-MPy showed excellent pH sensitivity, which decreased as the surrounding pH increased. Furthermore, this BMP SERS-based pH sensor was employed to measure the pH value in C57BL/6 mouse blood. We have demonstrated that the pH sensor has great advantages such as good stability, reliability, and accuracy, which could be extended for the design of point-of-care devices.

An efficient ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on metal-organic frameworks and quantum dots for highly selective detection of 6-mercaptopurine.

PubMed

Jin, Meng; Mou, Zhao-Li; Zhang, Rui-Ling; Liang, Si-Si; Zhang, Zhi-Qi

2017-05-15

The development of a simple and accurate quantitative method for the determination of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) is of great importance because of its serious side effects. Ratiometric fluorescence (RF) sensors are not subject to interference from environmental factors, and exhibit enhanced precision and accuracy. Therefore, a novel RF sensor for the selective detection of 6-MP was developed based on a dual-emission nanosensor. The nanosensor was fabricated by combining a blue-emission metal-organic framework (MOF) NH 2 -MIL-53(Al) (λ em =425nm) with green-emission 3-mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdTe quantum dots (MPA-CdTe QDs) (λ em =528nm) under a single excitation wavelength (335nm). Upon addition of 6-MP, the fluorescence of NH 2 -MIL-53(Al) in the nanohybrid was selectively quenched due to strong inner filter effects, while the fluorescence of the MPA-CdTe QDs was enhanced. The novel RF sensor exhibited higher selectivity towards 6-MP than CdTe QDs alone, and higher sensitivity than MOFs alone. 6-MP could be detected in the range of 0-50μM with a detection limit of 0.15μM (S/N=3). The developed sensor was applied for the determination of 6-MP in human urine samples and satisfactory results were obtained. Overall, a novel and efficient fluorescence-based method was developed for the detection of 6-MP in biosamples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Selective collection and detection of MCF-7 breast cancer cells using aptamer-functionalized magnetic beads and quantum dots based nano-bio-probes.

PubMed

Hua, Xin; Zhou, Zhenxian; Yuan, Liang; Liu, Songqin

2013-07-25

A novel strategy for selective collection and detection of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) based on aptamer-cell interaction was developed. Mucin 1 protein (MUC1) aptamer (Apt1) was covalently conjugated to magnetic beads to capture MCF-7 cell through affinity interaction between Apt1 and MUC1 protein that overexpressed on the surface of MCF-7 cells. Meanwhile, a nano-bio-probe was constructed by coupling of nucleolin aptamer AS1411 (Apt2) to CdTe quantum dots (QDs) which were homogeneously coated on the surfaces of monodispersed silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs). The nano-bio-probe displayed similar optical and electrochemical performances to free CdTe QDs, and remained high affinity to nucleolin overexpressed cells through the interaction between AS1411 and nucleolin protein. Photoluminescence (PL) and square-wave voltammetric (SWV) assays were used to quantitatively detect MCF-7 cells. Improved selectivity was obtained by using these two aptamers together as recognition elements simultaneously, compared to using any single aptamer. Based on the signal amplification of QDs coated silica nanoparticles (QDs/SiO2), the detection sensitivity was enhanced and a detection limit of 201 and 85 cells mL(-1) by PL and SWV method were achieved, respectively. The proposed strategy could be extended to detect other cells, and showed potential applications in cell imaging and drug delivery. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characteristics of TiO2/ZnO bilayer film towards pH sensitivity prepared by different spin coating deposition process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, Rohanieza Abdul; Zulkefle, Muhammad Al Hadi; Abdullah, Wan Fazlida Hanim; Rusop, M.; Herman, Sukreen Hana

2016-07-01

In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) bilayer film for pH sensing application will be presented. TiO2/ZnO bilayer film with different speed of spin-coating process was deposited on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), prepared by sol-gel method. This fabricated bilayer film was used as sensing membrane for Extended Gate Field-Effect Transistor (EGFET) for pH sensing application. Experimental results indicated that the sensor is able to detect the sensitivity towards pH buffer solution. In order to obtained the result, sensitivity measurement was done by using the EGFET setup equipment with constant-current (100 µA) and constant-voltage (0.3 V) biasing interfacing circuit. TiO2/ZnO bilayer film which the working electrode, act as the pH-sensitive membrane was connected to a commercial metal-oxide semiconductor FET (MOSFET). This MOSFET then was connected to the interfacing circuit. The sensitivity of the TiO2 thin film towards pH buffer solution was measured by dipping the sensing membrane in pH4, pH7 and pH10 buffer solution. These thin films were characterized by using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) to obtain the surface morphology of the composite bilayer films. In addition, I-V measurement was done in order to determine the electrical properties of the bilayer films. According to the result obtained in this experiment, bilayer film that spin at 4000 rpm, gave highest sensitivity which is 52.1 mV/pH. Relating the I-V characteristic of the thin films and sensitivity, the sensing membrane with higher conductivity gave better sensitivity.

Characteristics of TiO{sub 2}/ZnO bilayer film towards pH sensitivity prepared by different spin coating deposition process

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

Rahman, Rohanieza Abdul, E-mail: rohanieza.abdrahman@gmail.com; Zulkefle, Muhammad Al Hadi, E-mail: alhadizulkefle@gmail.com; Abdullah, Wan Fazlida Hanim, E-mail: wanfaz@salam.uitm.edu.my

In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) and zinc oxide (ZnO) bilayer film for pH sensing application will be presented. TiO{sub 2}/ZnO bilayer film with different speed of spin-coating process was deposited on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), prepared by sol-gel method. This fabricated bilayer film was used as sensing membrane for Extended Gate Field-Effect Transistor (EGFET) for pH sensing application. Experimental results indicated that the sensor is able to detect the sensitivity towards pH buffer solution. In order to obtained the result, sensitivity measurement was done by using the EGFET setup equipment with constant-current (100 µA) and constant-voltage (0.3 V)more » biasing interfacing circuit. TiO{sub 2}/ZnO bilayer film which the working electrode, act as the pH-sensitive membrane was connected to a commercial metal-oxide semiconductor FET (MOSFET). This MOSFET then was connected to the interfacing circuit. The sensitivity of the TiO2 thin film towards pH buffer solution was measured by dipping the sensing membrane in pH4, pH7 and pH10 buffer solution. These thin films were characterized by using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) to obtain the surface morphology of the composite bilayer films. In addition, I-V measurement was done in order to determine the electrical properties of the bilayer films. According to the result obtained in this experiment, bilayer film that spin at 4000 rpm, gave highest sensitivity which is 52.1 mV/pH. Relating the I-V characteristic of the thin films and sensitivity, the sensing membrane with higher conductivity gave better sensitivity.« less

Physical properties of the heterojunction MoOx/n-CdTe as a function of the parameters of CdTe crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mostovyi, Andrii I.; Solovan, Mykhailo M.; Brus, Viktor V.; Pullerits, Toǧnu; Maryanchuk, Pavlo D.

2018-01-01

MoOx/n-CdTe photosensitive heterostructures were prepared by the deposition of molybdenum oxide thin films onto three different n-type CdTe substrates (ρ1=0.4 Ωṡcm, ρ2=10 Ωṡcm, ρ3=40 Ωṡcm) by DC reactive magnetron sputtering. The height of the potential barrier and series resistance of the MoOx/CdTe heterojunctions were investigated. The dominating current transport mechanisms through the heterojunctions were determined at forward and reverse biases.

Characterization of p-Type CdTe Electrodes in Acetonitrile/Electrolyte Solutions. Nearly Ideal Behavior from Reductive Surface Pretreatments.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-06-30

using Ag conductive palnt and the entire assembly was mounted in glass tubing with ordinary epoxy leaving only the front crystal face, ...energy set, several eV higher than either Te2- or Teo (as measured for sputtered CdTe and Te, respectively) is assigned to TeO2 , the lowest stable...binding energy reported for TeO2 (575.9 eV). 33 The lower binding energy set of bands, lying midway between Teo and Te2 - , results from both Teo and

Sensitivity of early-life stage golden trout to low pH and elevated aluminum

USGS Publications Warehouse

Delonay, Aaron J.; Little, Edward E.; Woodward, Daniel F.; Brumbaugh, William G.; Farag, Aïda M.; Rabeni, Charles F.

1993-01-01

Early-life-stage golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita aguabonita) were exposed to acid and Al to examine the response and determine the sensitivity of a western, alpine salmonid to conditions simulating an episodic pH depression. Freshly fertilized eggs, alevins, and swim-up larvae were exposed for 7 d to one of 12 combinations of pH and Al, and surviving fish were held to 40 d post-hatch to determine the effect of exposure on subsequent survival and recovery. Golden trout are sensitive to conditions simulating episodic acidification events typically observed in the field. Significant mortality occurred when the pH of test waters was below 5.0 in the absence of Al or when pH was 5.5 in the presence of 100 μg/L total Al. Behavioral impairments were sensitive indicators of low pH and Al stress. Impaired locomotory and feeding behavior occurred at pH 5.5 without Al and at Al concentrations > 50 μg/L. In contrast, growth, RNA-to-DNA ratio, and whole-body ion concentration were relatively less sensitive indicators of sublethal acid and Al stress.

Optimization of pH sensing using silicon nanowire field effect transistors with HfO2 as the sensing surface.

PubMed

Zafar, Sufi; D'Emic, Christopher; Afzali, Ali; Fletcher, Benjamin; Zhu, Y; Ning, Tak

2011-10-07

Silicon nanowire field effect transistor sensors with SiO(2)/HfO(2) as the gate dielectric sensing surface are fabricated using a top down approach. These sensors are optimized for pH sensing with two key characteristics. First, the pH sensitivity is shown to be independent of buffer concentration. Second, the observed pH sensitivity is enhanced and is equal to the Nernst maximum sensitivity limit of 59 mV/pH with a corresponding subthreshold drain current change of ∼ 650%/pH. These two enhanced pH sensing characteristics are attributed to the use of HfO(2) as the sensing surface and an optimized fabrication process compatible with silicon processing technology.

BSA-coated nanoparticles for improved SERS-based intracellular pH sensing.

PubMed

Zheng, Xiao-Shan; Hu, Pei; Cui, Yan; Zong, Cheng; Feng, Jia-Min; Wang, Xin; Ren, Bin

2014-12-16

Local microenvironment pH sensing is one of the key parameters for the understanding of many biological processes. As a noninvasive and high sensitive technique, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has attracted considerable interest in the detection of the local pH of live cells. We herein develop a facile way to prepare Au-(4-MPy)-BSA (AMB) pH nanosensor. The 4-MPy (4-mercaptopyridine) was used as the pH sensing molecule. The modification of the nanoparticles with BSA not only provides a high sensitive response to pH changes ranging from pH 4.0 to 9.0 but also exhibits a high sensitivity and good biocompatibility, stability, and reliability in various solutions (including the solutions of high ionic strength or with complex composition such as the cell culture medium), both in the aggregation state or after long-term storage. The AMB pH nanosensor shows great advantages for reliable intracellular pH analysis and has been successfully used to monitor the pH distribution of live cells and can address the grand challenges in SERS-based pH sensing for practical biological applications.

TH-CD-201-01: BEST IN PHYSICS (THERAPY): Assessment of Thin-Film CdTe as An Effective Detector for Microdosimety at Gold-Tissue Interface

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

Paudel, N; University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH; Shvydka, D

Purpose: Presence of interfaces between high and low atomic number materials, often encountered in diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy, leads to radiation dose perturbation. This phenomenon is characterized by a very narrow region of sharp dose enhancement at the interface. The rapid fall-off of the dose enhancement over a very short distance from the interface makes the experimental dosimetry nontrivial. We use an in-house-built inexpensive thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) photodetector to study this effect at the gold-tissue interface and verify our experimental results with Monte Carlo (MC) modeling. Methods: Three micron thick CdTe photodetectors were fabricated in our lab. One,more » ten or one hundred micron thick gold foils placed in a tissue-equivalent-phantom were irradiated with a clinical Ir-192 high dose rate source and current measured with a CdTe detector in each case was compared against the current measured for all uniform tissue-equivalent phantom. Percentage signal enhancement (PSE) due to each gold foil was compared against MC modeled percentage dose enhancement (PDE), obtained from the geometry mimicking the experimental setup. Results: The experiment based PSEs due to 1, 10, and 100 micron thick gold foils at the closest measured distance of measurement (12.5 micron) from the interface were 42.6 ± 10.8, 137.0 ± 11.9 and 203.0 ± 15.4 respectively. The corresponding MC modeled PDEs were 38.1 ± 1, 164 ± 1 and 249 ± 1 respectively. The experimental and MC modeled values showed a closer agreement at the larger distances from the interface. Conclusion: The dose enhancement near the gold-tissue interface was measured using an in-house-built high-resolution CdTe-based photodetector and validated with MC simulations. A close agreement of the experimental results with the corresponding MC modeled results shows that CdTe detector can be utilized for mapping interface dose distribution encountered in the application of ionizing radiation.« less

WE-G-204-03: Photon-Counting Hexagonal Pixel Array CdTe Detector: Optimal Resampling to Square Pixels

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

Shrestha, S; Vedantham, S; Karellas, A

Purpose: Detectors with hexagonal pixels require resampling to square pixels for distortion-free display of acquired images. In this work, the presampling modulation transfer function (MTF) of a hexagonal pixel array photon-counting CdTe detector for region-of-interest fluoroscopy was measured and the optimal square pixel size for resampling was determined. Methods: A 0.65mm thick CdTe Schottky sensor capable of concurrently acquiring up to 3 energy-windowed images was operated in a single energy-window mode to include ≥10 KeV photons. The detector had hexagonal pixels with apothem of 30 microns resulting in pixel spacing of 60 and 51.96 microns along the two orthogonal directions.more » Images of a tungsten edge test device acquired under IEC RQA5 conditions were double Hough transformed to identify the edge and numerically differentiated. The presampling MTF was determined from the finely sampled line spread function that accounted for the hexagonal sampling. The optimal square pixel size was determined in two ways; the square pixel size for which the aperture function evaluated at the Nyquist frequencies along the two orthogonal directions matched that from the hexagonal pixel aperture functions, and the square pixel size for which the mean absolute difference between the square and hexagonal aperture functions was minimized over all frequencies up to the Nyquist limit. Results: Evaluation of the aperture functions over the entire frequency range resulted in square pixel size of 53 microns with less than 2% difference from the hexagonal pixel. Evaluation of the aperture functions at Nyquist frequencies alone resulted in 54 microns square pixels. For the photon-counting CdTe detector and after resampling to 53 microns square pixels using quadratic interpolation, the presampling MTF at Nyquist frequency of 9.434 cycles/mm along the two directions were 0.501 and 0.507. Conclusion: Hexagonal pixel array photon-counting CdTe detector after resampling to square pixels provides high-resolution imaging suitable for fluoroscopy.« less

Thin‐film CdTe detector for microdosimetric study of radiation dose enhancement at gold‐tissue interface

PubMed Central

Paudel, Nava Raj; Shvydka, Diana

2016-01-01

Presence of interfaces between high and low atomic number (Z) materials, often encountered in diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy, leads to radiation dose perturbation. It is characterized by a very narrow region of sharp dose enhancement at the interface. A rapid falloff of dose enhancement over a very short distance from the interface makes the experimental dosimetry nontrivial. We use an in‐house‐built inexpensive thin‐film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) photodetector to study this effect at the gold‐tissue interface and verify our experimental results with Monte Carlo (MC) modeling. Three‐micron thick thin‐film CdTe photodetectors were fabricated in our lab. One‐, ten‐ or one hundred‐micron thick gold foils placed in a tissue‐equivalent‐phantom were irradiated with a clinical Ir‐192 high‐dose‐rate (HDR) source and current measured with a CdTe detector in each case was compared with the current measured for all uniform tissue‐equivalent phantom. Percentage signal enhancement (PSE) due to each gold foil was then compared against MC modeled percentage dose enhancement (PDE), obtained from the geometry mimicking the experimental setup. The experimental PSEs due to 1, 10, and 100 μm thick gold foils at the closest measured distance of 12.5 μm from the interface were 42.6±10.8, 137.0±11.9, and 203.0±15.4, respectively. The corresponding MC modeled PDEs were 38.1±1., 164±1, and 249±1, respectively. The experimental and MC modeled values showed a closer agreement at the larger distances from the interface. The dose enhancement in the vicinity of gold‐tissue interface was successfully measured using an in‐house‐built, high‐resolution CdTe‐based photodetector and validated with MC simulations. A close agreement between experimental and the MC modeled results shows that CdTe detector can be utilized for mapping interface dose distribution encountered in the application of ionizing radiation. PACS number(s): 29.40.Wk, 73.50.Pz, 87.53.Jw, 87.55.K‐ PMID:27685139

m-Cresol purple functionalized surface enhanced Raman scattering paper chips for highly sensitive detection of pH in the neutral pH range.

PubMed

Zou, Xinxin; Wang, Yunqing; Liu, Wanhui; Chen, Lingxin

2017-06-26

Herein, a pH sensitive paper SERS chip was prepared by selecting m-cresol purple, a molecule with halochromic properties in the neutral pH range as a Raman reporter. The adsorbed m-cresol purple underwent a reversible change in its electronic configuration from a non-resonant species to a resonant species, which resulted in a significant Raman signal intensity variation due to the transformation of the sensing mode from SERS to surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS). The chips have a sensitive pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 and exhibited good performance for the detection of natural water samples with detection precision of approximately 0.03 pH units, suggesting great potential for environmental pH monitoring applications.

A comprehensive experimental characterization of the iPIX gamma imager

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amgarou, K.; Paradiso, V.; Patoz, A.; Bonnet, F.; Handley, J.; Couturier, P.; Becker, F.; Menaa, N.

2016-08-01

The results of more than 280 different experiments aimed at exploring the main features and performances of a newly developed gamma imager, called iPIX, are summarized in this paper. iPIX is designed to quickly localize radioactive sources while estimating the ambient dose equivalent rate at the measurement point. It integrates a 1 mm thick CdTe detector directly bump-bonded to a Timepix chip, a tungsten coded-aperture mask, and a mini RGB camera. It also represents a major technological breakthrough in terms of lightness, compactness, usability, response sensitivity, and angular resolution. As an example of its key strengths, an 241Am source with a dose rate of only few nSv/h can be localized in less than one minute.

Evaluation of vaginal pH for detection of bacterial vaginosis

PubMed Central

Hemalatha, R.; Ramalaxmi, Baru Anantha; Swetha, Eluru; Balakrishna, N.; Mastromarino, Paola

2013-01-01

Background & objectives: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is highly prevalent among women in reproductive age group. Little information exists on routine vaginal pH measurement in women with BV. We undertook this study to assess the utility of vaginal pH determination for initial evaluation of bacterial vaginosis. Methods: In this cross-sectional study vaginal swabs were collected from women with complaints of white discharge, back ache and pain abdomen attending a government hospital and a community health clinic, and subjected to vaginal pH determination, Gram stain, wet mount and whiff test. Nugent score and Amsel criteria were used for BV confirmation. Results: Of the 270 women included in the analysis, 154 had BV based on Nugents’ score. The mean vaginal pH in women with BV measured by pH strips and pH glove was 5 and 4.9, respectively. The vaginal pH was significantly higher in women with BV. Vaginal discharge was prevalent in 84.8 per cent women, however, only 56.8 per cent of these actually had BV by Nugent score (NS). Presence of clue cells and positive whiff test were significant for BV. Vaginal pH >4.5 by pH strips and pH Glove had a sensitivity of 72 and 79 per cent and specificity of 60 and 53 per cent, respectively to detect BV. Among the combination criteria, clue cells and glove pH >4.5 had highest sensitivity and specificity to detect BV. Interpretation & conclusions: Vaginal pH determination is relatively sensitive, but less specific in detecting women with BV. Inclusion of whiff test along with pH test reduced the sensitivity, but improved specificity. Both, the pH strip and pH glove are equally suitable for screening women with BV on outpatient basis. PMID:24135180

Novel aspects of application of cadmium telluride quantum dots nanostructures in radiation oncology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fazaeli, Yousef; Zare, Hakimeh; Karimi, Shokufeh; Rahighi, Reza; Feizi, Shahzad

2017-08-01

In the last two decades, quantum dots nanomaterials have garnered a great deal of scientific interest because of their unique properties. Quantum dots (QDs) are inorganic fluorescent nanocrystals in the size range between 1 and 20 nm. Due to their structural properties, they possess distinctive properties and behave in different way from crystals in macro scale, in many branches of human life. Cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) were labeled with 68Ga radio nuclide for fast in vivo targeting and coincidence imaging of tumors. Using instant paper chromatography, the physicochemical properties of the Cadmium telluride quantum dots labeled with 68Ga NPs (68Ga@ CdTe QDs) were found high enough stable in organic phases, e.g., a human serum, to be reliably used in bioapplications. In vivo biodistribution of the 68Ga@ CdTe QDs nanoconposite was investigated in rats bearing fibro sarcoma tumor after various post-injection periods of time. The 68Ga NPs exhibited a rapid as well as high tumor uptake in a very short period of time (less than 10 min), resulting in an efficient tumor targeting/imaging agent. Meantime, the low lipophilicity of the 68Ga NPs caused to their fast excretion throughout the body by kidneys (as also confirmed by the urinary tract). Because of the short half-life of 68Ga radionuclide, the 68Ga@ CdTe QDs with an excellent tumor targeting/imaging and fast washing out from the body can be suggested as one of the most effective and promising nanomaterials in nanotechnology-based cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Physical properties of electron beam evaporated CdTe and CdTe:Cu thin films

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

Punitha, K.; Sivakumar, R., E-mail: krsivakumar1979@yahoo.com; Sanjeeviraja, C.

2014-12-07

In this paper, we report on physical properties of pure and Cu doped cadmium telluride (CdTe) films deposited onto corning 7059 microscopic glass substrates by electron beam evaporation technique. X-ray diffraction study showed that all the deposited films belong to amorphous nature. The average transmittance of the films is varied between 77% and 90%. The optical energy band gap of pure CdTe film is 1.57 eV and it decreased to 1.47 eV upon 4 wt. % of Cu addition, which may be due to the extension of localized states in the band structure. The refractive index of the films was calculated using Swanepoel method.more » It was observed that the dispersion data obeyed the single oscillator of the Wemple-Didomenico model, from which the dispersion energy (E{sub d}) parameters, dielectric constants, plasma frequency, and oscillator energy (E{sub o}) of CdTe and CdTe:Cu films were calculated and discussed in detail with the light of possible mechanisms underlying the phenomena. The variation in intensity of photoluminescence band edge emission peak observed at 820 nm with Cu dopant is due to the change in surface state density. The observed trigonal lattice of Te peaks in the micro-Raman spectra confirms the p-type conductive nature of films, which was further corroborated by the Hall effect measurement. The lowest resistivity of 6.61 × 10{sup 4} Ω cm was obtained for the CdTe:Cu (3 wt. %) film.« less

High p-type doping, mobility, and photocarrier lifetime in arsenic-doped CdTe single crystals

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

Nagaoka, Akira; Kuciauskas, Darius; McCoy, Jedidiah

Here, Group-V element doping is promising for simultaneously maximizing the hole concentration and minority carrier lifetime in CdTe for thin film solar cells, but there are roadblocks concerning point defects including the possibility of self-compensation by AX metastability. Herein, we report on doping, lifetime, and mobility of CdTe single crystals doped with As between 10 16 and 10 20 cm –3 grown from the Cd solvent by the travelling heater method. Evidence consistent with AX instability as a major contributor to compensation in samples doped below 10 17 cm –3 is presented, while for higher-doped samples, precipitation of a secondmore » phase on planar structural defects is also observed and may explain spatial variation in properties such as lifetime. Rapid cooling after crystal growth increases doping efficiency and mobility for times up to 20–30 days at room temperature with the highest efficiencies observed close to 45% and a hole mobility of 70 cm 2/Vs at room temperature. A doping limit in the low 10 17/cm 3 range is observed for samples quenched at 200–300 °C/h. Bulk minority carrier lifetimes exceeding 20 ns are observed for samples doped near 10 16 cm –3 relaxed in the dark and for unintentionally doped samples, while a lifetime of nearly 5 ns is observed for 10 18 cm –3 As doping. These results help us to establish limits on properties expected for group-V doped CdTe polycrystalline thin films for use in photovoltaics.« less

CdCl2 Passivation of Polycrystalline CdMgTe and CdZnTe Absorbers for Tandem Photovoltaic Cells

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

Metzger, Wyatt K; Swanson, Drew; Reich, Carey

As single-junction silicon solar cells approach their theoretical limits, tandems provide the primary path to higher efficiencies. CdTe alloys can be tuned with magnesium (CdMgTe) or zinc (CdZnTe) for ideal tandem pairing with silicon. A II-VI/Si tandem holds the greatest promise for inexpensive, high-efficiency top cells that can be quickly deployed in the market using existing polycrystalline CdTe manufacturing lines combined with mature silicon production lines. Currently, all high efficiency polycrystalline CdTe cells require a chloride-based passivation process to passivate grain boundaries and bulk defects. This research examines the rich chemistry and physics that has historically limited performance when extendingmore » Cl treatments to polycrystalline 1.7-eV CdMgTe and CdZnTe absorbers. A combination of transmittance, quantum efficiency, photoluminescence, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy clearly reveals that during passivation, Mg segregates and out-diffuses, initially at the grain boundaries but eventually throughout the bulk. CdZnTe exhibits similar Zn segregation behavior; however, the onset and progression is localized to the back of the device. After passivation, CdMgTe and CdZnTe can render a layer that is reduced to predominantly CdTe electro-optical behavior. Contact instabilities caused by inter-diffusion between the layers create additional complications. The results outline critical issues and paths for these materials to be successfully implemented in Si-based tandems and other applications.« less

High p-type doping, mobility, and photocarrier lifetime in arsenic-doped CdTe single crystals

DOE PAGES

Nagaoka, Akira; Kuciauskas, Darius; McCoy, Jedidiah; ...

2018-05-07

Here, Group-V element doping is promising for simultaneously maximizing the hole concentration and minority carrier lifetime in CdTe for thin film solar cells, but there are roadblocks concerning point defects including the possibility of self-compensation by AX metastability. Herein, we report on doping, lifetime, and mobility of CdTe single crystals doped with As between 10 16 and 10 20 cm –3 grown from the Cd solvent by the travelling heater method. Evidence consistent with AX instability as a major contributor to compensation in samples doped below 10 17 cm –3 is presented, while for higher-doped samples, precipitation of a secondmore » phase on planar structural defects is also observed and may explain spatial variation in properties such as lifetime. Rapid cooling after crystal growth increases doping efficiency and mobility for times up to 20–30 days at room temperature with the highest efficiencies observed close to 45% and a hole mobility of 70 cm 2/Vs at room temperature. A doping limit in the low 10 17/cm 3 range is observed for samples quenched at 200–300 °C/h. Bulk minority carrier lifetimes exceeding 20 ns are observed for samples doped near 10 16 cm –3 relaxed in the dark and for unintentionally doped samples, while a lifetime of nearly 5 ns is observed for 10 18 cm –3 As doping. These results help us to establish limits on properties expected for group-V doped CdTe polycrystalline thin films for use in photovoltaics.« less

Herceptin conjugated PLGA-PHis-PEG pH sensitive nanoparticles for targeted and controlled drug delivery.

PubMed

Zhou, Zilan; Badkas, Apurva; Stevenson, Max; Lee, Joo-Youp; Leung, Yuet-Kin

2015-06-20

A dual functional nano-scaled drug carrier, comprising of a targeting ligand and pH sensitivity, has been made in order to increase the specificity and efficacy of the drug delivery system. The nanoparticles are made of a tri-block copolymer, poly(d,l lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)-b-poly(l-histidine) (PHis)-b-polyethylene glycol (PEG), via nano-precipitation. To provide the nanoparticle feature of endolysosomal escape and pH sensitivity, poly(l-histidine) was chosen as a proton sponge polymer. Herceptin, which specifically binds to HER2 antigen, was conjugated to the nanoparticles through click chemistry. The nanoparticles were characterized via dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both methods showed the sizes of about 100nm with a uniform size distribution. The pH sensitivity was assessed by drug releases and size changes at different pH conditions. As pH decreased from 7.4 to 5.2, the drug release rate accelerated and the size significantly increased. During in vitro tests against human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 showed significantly increased uptake for Herceptin-conjugated nanoparticles, as compared to non-targeted nanoparticles. Herceptin-conjugated pH-sensitive nanoparticles showed the highest therapeutic effect, and thus validated the efficacy of a combined approach of pH sensitivity and active targeting. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Orbitals, Occupation Numbers, and Band Structure of Short One-Dimensional Cadmium Telluride Polymers.

PubMed

Valentine, Andrew J S; Talapin, Dmitri V; Mazziotti, David A

2017-04-27

Recent work found that soldering CdTe quantum dots together with a molecular CdTe polymer yielded field-effect transistors with much greater electron mobility than quantum dots alone. We present a computational study of the CdTe polymer using the active-space variational two-electron reduced density matrix (2-RDM) method. While analogous complete active-space self-consistent field (CASSCF) methods scale exponentially with the number of active orbitals, the active-space variational 2-RDM method exhibits polynomial scaling. A CASSCF calculation using the (48o,64e) active space studied in this paper requires 10 24 determinants and is therefore intractable, while the variational 2-RDM method in the same active space requires only 2.1 × 10 7 variables. Natural orbitals, natural-orbital occupations, charge gaps, and Mulliken charges are reported as a function of polymer length. The polymer, we find, is strongly correlated, despite possessing a simple sp 3 -hybridized bonding scheme. Calculations reveal the formation of a nearly saturated valence band as the polymer grows and a charge gap that decreases sharply with polymer length.

Preparation of p-type NiO films by reactive sputtering and their application to CdTe solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishikawa, Ryousuke; Furuya, Yasuaki; Araki, Ryouichi; Nomoto, Takahiro; Ogawa, Yohei; Hosono, Aikyo; Okamoto, Tamotsu; Tsuboi, Nozomu

2016-02-01

Transparent p-type NiO films were prepared by reactive sputtering using the facing-target system under Ar-diluted O2 gas at Tsub of 30 and 200 °C. The increasing intensity of dominant X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks indicates improvements in the crystallinity of NiO films upon Cu doping. In spite of the crystallographic and optical changes after Cu-doping, the electrical properties of Cu-doped NiO films were slightly improved. Upon Ag-doping at 30 °C under low O2 concentration, on the other hand, the intensity of the dominant (111) XRD peaks was suppressed and p-type conductivity increased from ˜10-3 to ˜10-1 S cm-1. Finally, our Ag-doped NiO films were applied as the back contact of CdTe solar cells. CdTe solar cells with a glass/ITO/CdS/CdTe/NiO structure exhibited an efficiency of 6.4%, suggesting the high potential of using p-type NiO for the back-contact film in thin-film solar cells.

Emerging photovoltaic technologies: Environmental and health issues update

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fthenakis, Vasilis M.; Moskowitz, Paul D.

1997-02-01

New photovoltaic (PV) technologies promise low-cost, reliable PV modules and have the potential for significant PV penetration into the energy market. These prospects for commercialization have attracted renewed interest in the advantageous environmental impact of using PV and also in the potential environmental, health and safety (EHS) burdens in PV manufacturing and decommissioning. In this paper, we highlight recent studies on EHS issues: a) An integrated energy-environmental-economic analysis which shows that large-scale use of PV can significantly contribute to alleviating the greenhouse effect; in the United States alone, it could displace 450 million tons of carbon emissions by the year 2030, b) Recycling of the spent modules and scarp is economically feasible; current research centers on improving the efficiency and economics of recycling CdTe and CIS modules, c) Toxicological studies conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) compared the acute toxicity of CdTe, CIS, and CGS; CdTe was the most toxic, and CGS the least toxic of the three. Additional studies are now comparing the systemic toxicity of these compounds with the toxicity of their precursors.

Advances in all-sputtered CdTe solar cells on flexible substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wieland, Kristopher; Mahabaduge, Hasitha; Vasko, Anthony; Compaan, Alvin

2010-03-01

The University of Toledo II-VI semiconductor group has developed magnetron sputtering (MS) for the deposition of thin films of CdS, CdTe, and related materials for photovoltaic applications. On glass superstrates, we have reached air mass 1.5 efficiencies of 14%.[1] Recently we have studied the use of MS for the fabrication of thin-film CdS/CdTe cells on flexible polyimide superstrates. This takes advantage of the high film quality that can be achieved at substrate temperatures below 300 C when RF MS is used. Our recent CdS/CdTe solar cells have reached 10.5% on flexible polyimide substrates. [2] This all-sputtered cell (except for back contact) has a structure of polyimide/ZnO:Al/ZnO/CdS/CdTe/Cu/Au. The physics of this device will be discussed through the use of spectral quantum efficiency and current-voltage measurements as a function of CdTe layer thickness. Pathways toward further increases in device efficiencies will also be discussed. [1] Appl. Phys. Lett. 85, 684 (2004) [2] Phys. Stat. Sol. (B) 241, No. 3, 779--782 (2004)

Polycrystalline CdTe detectors: A luminosity monitor for the LHC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gschwendtner, E.; Placidia, M.; Schmicklera, H.

2003-09-01

The luminosity at the four interaction points of the Large Hadron Collider must be continuously monitored in order to provide an adequate tool for the control and optimization of the collision parameters and the beam optics. At both sides of the interaction points absorbers are installed to protect the super-conducting accelerator elements from quenches caused by the deposited energy of collision products. The luminosity detectors will be installed in the copper core of these absorbers to measure the electromagnetic and hadronic showers caused by neutral particles that are produced at the proton-proton collision in the interaction points. The detectors have to withstand extreme radiation levels (108 Gy/yr at the design luminosity) and their long-term operation has to be assured without requiring human intervention. In addition the demand for bunch-by-bunch luminosity measurements, i.e. 40 MHz detection speed, puts severe constraints on the detectors. Polycrystalline CdTe detectors have a high potential to fulfill the requirements and are considered as LHC luminosity monitors. In this paper the interaction region is shown and the characteristics of the CdTe detectors are presented.

Pulse-height loss in the signal readout circuit of compound semiconductor detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakhostin, M.; Hitomi, K.

2018-06-01

Compound semiconductor detectors such as CdTe, CdZnTe, HgI2 and TlBr are known to exhibit large variations in their charge collection times. This paper considers the effect of such variations on the measurement of induced charge pulses by using resistive feedback charge-sensitive preamplifiers. It is shown that, due to the finite decay-time constant of the preamplifiers, the capacitive decay during the signal readout leads to a variable deficit in the measurement of ballistic signals and a digital pulse processing method is employed to correct for it. The method is experimentally examined by using sampled pulses from a TlBr detector coupled to a charge-sensitive preamplifier with 150 μs of decay-time constant and 20 % improvement in the energy resolution of the detector at 662 keV is achieved. The implications of the capacitive decay on the correction of charge-trapping effect by using depth-sensing technique are also considered.

Utilizing a CdTe quantum dots-enzyme hybrid system for the determination of both phenolic compounds and hydrogen peroxide.

PubMed

Yuan, Jipei; Guo, Weiwei; Wang, Erkang

2008-02-15

In this paper, we attempt to construct a simple and sensitive detection method for both phenolic compounds and hydrogen peroxide, with the successful combination of the unique property of quantum dots and the specificity of enzymatic reactions. In the presence of H2O2 and horseradish peroxidase, phenolic compounds can quench quantum dots' photoluminescence efficiently, and the extent of quenching is severalfold to more than 100-fold increase. Quinone intermediates produced from the enzymatic catalyzed oxidation of phenolic compounds were believed to play the main role in the photoluminescence quenching. Using a quantum dots-enzyme system, the detection limits for phenolic compounds and hydrogen peroxide were detected to be approximately 10(-7) mol L(-1). The coupling of efficient quenching of quantum dot photoluminescence by quinone and the effective enzymatic reactions make this a simple and sensitive method for phenolic compound detection and great potential in the development of H2O2 biosensors for various analytes.

Development of pH Sensitive Nanoparticles for Intestinal Drug Delivery Using Chemically Modified Guar Gum Co-Polymer.

PubMed

Varma, Vegesna Naga Sravan Kumar; Shivakumar, Hosakote Gurumalappa; Balamuralidhara, Veerna; Navya, Manne; Hani, Umme

2016-01-01

The aim of the research work was to chemically modify guargum (GG) as a pH sensitive co-polymer and formulating intestinal targeting ESO nanoparticles (NPs) using the synthesized co-polymer. Poly acrylamide-grafted-guar gum (PAAm-g-GG) co-polymer was synthesized by free radical polymerization. Chemical modification of PAAm-g-GG by alkaline hydrolysis results in formation of a pH-sensitive co-polymer. The effect of GG and acryl amide (AAm) on grafting was studied. Esomeprazole magnesium (ESO) loaded pH sensitive NPs were prepared by nano-emulsification polymer crosslinking method and characterized. Sixteen formulations were prepared and the concentration of process variables wasvaried to obtain nanoparticles of 200-600 nm. The NPs were found to be homogenous in size distribution. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading ranged from 33.2% to 50.1% and 12.2% to 17.2% respectively. Particle size, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading increasedalong with co-polymer concentration. In-vitro release studies at pH 1.2 for 2 h, followed by pH 6.8 showed that environment pH significantly affected the drug release. SEM has shown that NPsare spherical with smooth surface. The pH sensitive PAAm-g-GGNPs resisted the initial release of the drug from the drug loaded NPs in acidic pH and delayed the release process to a longer period in alkaline environment.

Development of pH Sensitive Nanoparticles for Intestinal Drug Delivery Using Chemically Modified Guar Gum Co-Polymer

PubMed Central

Varma, Vegesna Naga Sravan Kumar; Shivakumar, Hosakote Gurumalappa; Balamuralidhara, Veerna; Navya, Manne; Hani, Umme

2016-01-01

The aim of the research work was to chemically modify guargum (GG) as a pH sensitive co-polymer and formulating intestinal targeting ESO nanoparticles (NPs) using the synthesized co-polymer. Poly acrylamide-grafted-guar gum (PAAm-g-GG) co-polymer was synthesized by free radical polymerization. Chemical modification of PAAm-g-GG by alkaline hydrolysis results in formation of a pH-sensitive co-polymer. The effect of GG and acryl amide (AAm) on grafting was studied. Esomeprazole magnesium (ESO) loaded pH sensitive NPs were prepared by nano-emulsification polymer crosslinking method and characterized. Sixteen formulations were prepared and the concentration of process variables wasvaried to obtain nanoparticles of 200-600 nm. The NPs were found to be homogenous in size distribution. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading ranged from 33.2% to 50.1% and 12.2% to 17.2% respectively. Particle size, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading increasedalong with co-polymer concentration. In-vitro release studies at pH 1.2 for 2 h, followed by pH 6.8 showed that environment pH significantly affected the drug release. SEM has shown that NPsare spherical with smooth surface. The pH sensitive PAAm-g-GGNPs resisted the initial release of the drug from the drug loaded NPs in acidic pH and delayed the release process to a longer period in alkaline environment. PMID:27610149

pH- and ion-sensitive polymers for drug delivery

PubMed Central

Yoshida, Takayuki; Lai, Tsz Chung; Kwon, Glen S; Sako, Kazuhiro

2013-01-01

Introduction Drug delivery systems (DDSs) are important for effective, safe, and convenient administration of drugs. pH- and ion-responsive polymers have been widely employed in DDS for site-specific drug release due to their abilities to exploit specific pH- or ion-gradients in the human body. Areas covered Having pH-sensitivity, cationic polymers can mask the taste of drugs and release drugs in the stomach by responding to gastric low pH. Anionic polymers responsive to intestinal high pH are used for preventing gastric degradation of drug, colon drug delivery and achieving high bioavailability of weak basic drugs. Tumor-targeted DDSs have been developed based on polymers with imidazole groups or poly(β-amino ester) responsive to tumoral low pH. Polymers with pH-sensitive chemical linkages, such as hydrazone, acetal, ortho ester and vinyl ester, pH-sensitive cell-penetrating peptides and cationic polymers undergoing pH-dependent protonation have been studied to utilize the pH gradient along the endocytic pathway for intracellular drug delivery. As ion-sensitive polymers, ion-exchange resins are frequently used for taste-masking, counterion-responsive drug release and sustained drug release. Polymers responding to ions in the saliva and gastrointestinal fluids are also used for controlled drug release in oral drug formulations. Expert opinion Stimuli-responsive DDSs are important for achieving site-specific and controlled drug release; however, intraindividual, interindividual and intercellular variations of pH should be considered when designing DDSs or drug products. Combination of polymers and other components, and deeper understanding of human physiology are important for development of pH- and ion-sensitive polymeric DDS products for patients. PMID:23930949

Hydroxy-Al and cell-surface negativity are responsible for the enhanced sensitivity of Rhodotorula taiwanensis to aluminum by increased medium pH.

PubMed

Zhao, Xue Qiang; Bao, Xue Min; Wang, Chao; Xiao, Zuo Yi; Hu, Zhen Min; Zheng, Chun Li; Shen, Ren Fang

2017-10-01

Aluminum (Al) is ubiquitous and toxic to microbes. High Al 3+ concentration and low pH are two key factors responsible for Al toxicity, but our present results contradict this idea. Here, an Al-tolerant yeast strain Rhodotorula taiwanensis RS1 was incubated in glucose media containing Al with a continuous pH gradient from pH 3.1-4.2. The cells became more sensitive to Al and accumulated more Al when pH increased. Calculations using an electrostatic model Speciation Gouy Chapman Stern indicated that, the increased Al sensitivity of cells was associated with AlOH 2+ and Al(OH) 2 + rather than Al 3+ . The alcian blue (a positively charged dye) adsorption and zeta potential determination of cell surface indicated that, higher pH than 3.1 increased the negative charge and Al adsorption at the cell surface. Taken together, the enhanced sensitivity of R. taiwanensis RS1 to Al from pH 3.1-4.2 was associated with increased hydroxy-Al and cell-surface negativity.

Miniaturized radiation chirper

DOEpatents

Umbarger, C. John; Wolf, Michael A.

1980-01-01

The disclosure relates to a miniaturized radiation chirper for use with a small battery supplying on the order of 5 volts. A poor quality CdTe crystal which is not necessarily suitable for high resolution gamma ray spectroscopy is incorporated with appropriate electronics so that the chirper emits an audible noise at a rate that is proportional to radiation exposure level. The chirper is intended to serve as a personnel radiation warning device that utilizes new and novel electronics with a novel detector, a CdTe crystal. The resultant device is much smaller and has much longer battery life than existing chirpers.

Magnetic circular dichroism of CdTe nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malakhovskii, A. V.; Sokolov, A. E.; Tsipotan, A. S.; Zharkov, S. M.; Zabluda, V. N.

2018-04-01

Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) of water-soluble CdTe nanoparticles was observed in the visible spectral range for the first time. Diameter of nanoparticles varied from 2.3 to 4.5 nm. Absorption and photoluminescence spectra were also recorded. Absorption line at 19400 cm-1 and luminescent line at 18200 cm-1 were observed. Splitting of value 960 cm-1 was revealed in the MCD spectrum. Approximately the same splitting was extracted from the absorption spectrum. The MCD was identified as the temperature independent paramagnetic mixing effect. Nature of the absorption line and of its splitting are discussed.

Analysis of Recombination in CdTe Heterostructures With Time-Resolved Two-Photon Excitation Microscopy

DOE PAGES

Kuciauskas, Darius; Wernsing, Keith; Jensen, Soren Alkaersig; ...

2016-11-01

Here, we used time-resolved photoluminescence microscopy to analyze charge carrier transport and recombination in CdTe double heterostructures fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). This allowed us to determine the charge carrier mobility in this system, which was found to be 500-625 cm 2/(V s). Charge carrier lifetimes in the 15-100 ns range are limited by the interface recombination, and the data indicate higher interface recombination velocity near extended defects. This study describes a new method to analyze the spatial distribution of the interface recombination velocity and the interface defects in semiconductor heterostructures.

Numerical simulation of temperature and pressure fields in CdTe growth experiment in the Material Science Laboratory (MSL) onboard the International Space Station in relation to dewetting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sylla, Lamine; Duffar, Thierry

2007-05-01

A global thermal modelling of a cadmium telluride (CdTe) space experiment has been performed to determine the temperature field within the sample cartridge assembly of the Material Science Laboratory-low gradient furnace (MSL-LGF) apparatus. Heat transfer and phase change have been treated with a commercial CFD software based on a control volume technique. This work underlines the difficult compromise between enhancing the crystal quality and the occurrence of the dewetting phenomenon when using a Cd overpressure or inert gas in the ampoule.

Study of tellurium precipitates in CdTe crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jayatirtha, H. N.; Henderson, D. O.; Burger, A.; Volz, M. P.

1993-01-01

The effect of tellurium precipitates was studied in medium resistivity (10 exp 3-10 exp 6 ohm cm) undoped and Cl-doped CdTe using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mid-infrared spectroscopy and the results were correlated with near-infrared microscopy photographs. When present in a significant quantity (about 0.25 wt pct), we show that Te precipitates are detectable using DSC measurements. In the mid-infrared, the contribution of the absorption by free-carriers is negligible, and therefore, the effect of the Te precipitates in these crystals can be considered uncoupled from the effects of Cd vacancies.

Study of CdTe quantum dots grown using a two-step annealing method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Kriti; Pandey, Praveen K.; Nagpal, Swati; Bhatnagar, P. K.; Mathur, P. C.

2006-02-01

High size dispersion, large average radius of quantum dot and low-volume ratio has been a major hurdle in the development of quantum dot based devices. In the present paper, we have grown CdTe quantum dots in a borosilicate glass matrix using a two-step annealing method. Results of optical characterization and the theoretical model of absorption spectra have shown that quantum dots grown using two-step annealing have lower average radius, lesser size dispersion, higher volume ratio and higher decrease in bulk free energy as compared to quantum dots grown conventionally.

Structure of CdTe nanoparticles in glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayes, T. M.; Nagpal, Swati; Persans, P. D.

2000-03-01

Optical long-pass wavelength filters are generally made by growing small crystallites of appropriate semiconductors in a transparent glass matrix. Depending on the semiconductor, these systems are candidates for interesting and important nonlinear optical switching applications. The structure of these nanocrystals has been shown to be a valuable indicator of the chemical and thermodynamic processes during crystallite growth and dissolution. We have used x-ray absorption spectroscopy to study the structure of the crystallites produced during heat treatment of filter glasses containing Cd and Te and producing optical absorption edges at the band gap of bulk CdTe. The results will be discussed.

Voltammetry as a Tool for Characterization of CdTe Quantum Dots

PubMed Central

Sobrova, Pavlina; Ryvolova, Marketa; Hubalek, Jaromir; Adam, Vojtech; Kizek, Rene

2013-01-01

Electrochemical detection of quantum dots (QDs) has already been used in numerous applications. However, QDs have not been well characterized using voltammetry, with respect to their characterization and quantification. Therefore, the main aim was to characterize CdTe QDs using cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. The obtained peaks were identified and the detection limit (3 S/N) was estimated down to 100 fg/mL. Based on the convincing results, a new method for how to study stability and quantify the dots was suggested. Thus, the approach was further utilized for the testing of QDs stability. PMID:23807507

Analysis of Recombination in CdTe Heterostructures With Time-Resolved Two-Photon Excitation Microscopy

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

Kuciauskas, Darius; Wernsing, Keith; Jensen, Soren Alkaersig

Here, we used time-resolved photoluminescence microscopy to analyze charge carrier transport and recombination in CdTe double heterostructures fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). This allowed us to determine the charge carrier mobility in this system, which was found to be 500-625 cm 2/(V s). Charge carrier lifetimes in the 15-100 ns range are limited by the interface recombination, and the data indicate higher interface recombination velocity near extended defects. This study describes a new method to analyze the spatial distribution of the interface recombination velocity and the interface defects in semiconductor heterostructures.

Hyperpolarized Amino Acid Derivatives as Multivalent Magnetic Resonance pH Sensor Molecules.

PubMed

Hundshammer, Christian; Düwel, Stephan; Ruseckas, David; Topping, Geoffrey; Dzien, Piotr; Müller, Christoph; Feuerecker, Benedikt; Hövener, Jan B; Haase, Axel; Schwaiger, Markus; Glaser, Steffen J; Schilling, Franz

2018-02-15

pH is a tightly regulated physiological parameter that is often altered in diseased states like cancer. The development of biosensors that can be used to non-invasively image pH with hyperpolarized (HP) magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging has therefore recently gained tremendous interest. However, most of the known HP-sensors have only individually and not comprehensively been analyzed for their biocompatibility, their pH sensitivity under physiological conditions, and the effects of chemical derivatization on their logarithmic acid dissociation constant (p K a ). Proteinogenic amino acids are biocompatible, can be hyperpolarized and have at least two pH sensitive moieties. However, they do not exhibit a pH sensitivity in the physiologically relevant pH range. Here, we developed a systematic approach to tailor the p K a of molecules using modifications of carbon chain length and derivatization rendering these molecules interesting for pH biosensing. Notably, we identified several derivatives such as [1- 13 C]serine amide and [1- 13 C]-2,3-diaminopropionic acid as novel pH sensors. They bear several spin-1/2 nuclei ( 13 C, 15 N, 31 P) with high sensitivity up to 4.8 ppm/pH and we show that 13 C spins can be hyperpolarized with dissolution dynamic polarization (DNP). Our findings elucidate the molecular mechanisms of chemical shift pH sensors that might help to design tailored probes for specific pH in vivo imaging applications.

Development of an extended-range fiber optic pH sensor using evanescent wave absorption of sol-gel-entrapped pH indicators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butler, Thomas M.; MacCraith, Brian D.; McDonagh, Colette M.

1995-09-01

The sol-gel process has been used to entrap pH indicators in porous glass coatings for sensor applications. This sensor is based on evanescent wave absorption using an unclad optical fiber dipcoated with the pH sensitive coating. The entrapped pH indicators show a broadening of the pH range with respect to the behavior in solution giving accurate measurement over three pH units when one indicator is used (bromophenol blue) and over six pH units (pH 3-9) when two indicators are used (bromophenol blue and bromocresol purple). The response of the pH sensor was monitored by measuring absorption at 590 nm referenced against a nonabsorbing region of the spectrum. This enabled the use of LED sources together with low cost photodiodes. The sensor displayed short response time and good repeatability. The thickness and stability of the pH sensitive coatings can be influenced by modifying the composition of the starting sol mixture. The evanescent absorption, and hence the sensitivity of the sensor, can be increased by selectively launching higher order modes in the fiber. These issues together with a full sensor characterization will be reported.

Variability in larval gut pH regulation defines sensitivity to ocean acidification in six species of the Ambulacraria superphylum.

PubMed

Hu, Marian; Tseng, Yung-Che; Su, Yi-Hsien; Lein, Etienne; Lee, Hae-Gyeong; Lee, Jay-Ron; Dupont, Sam; Stumpp, Meike

2017-10-11

The unusual rate and extent of environmental changes due to human activities may exceed the capacity of marine organisms to deal with this phenomenon. The identification of physiological systems that set the tolerance limits and their potential for phenotypic buffering in the most vulnerable ontogenetic stages become increasingly important to make large-scale projections. Here, we demonstrate that the differential sensitivity of non-calcifying Ambulacraria (echinoderms and hemichordates) larvae towards simulated ocean acidification is dictated by the physiology of their digestive systems. Gastric pH regulation upon experimental ocean acidification was compared in six species of the superphylum Ambulacraria. We observed a strong correlation between sensitivity to ocean acidification and the ability to regulate gut pH. Surprisingly, species with tightly regulated gastric pH were more sensitive to ocean acidification. This study provides evidence that strict maintenance of highly alkaline conditions in the larval gut of Ambulacraria early life stages may dictate their sensitivity to decreases in seawater pH. These findings highlight the importance of identifying and understanding pH regulatory systems in marine larval stages that may contribute to substantial energetic challenges under near-future ocean acidification scenarios. © 2017 The Author(s).

ISFET pH Sensitivity: Counter-Ions Play a Key Role.

PubMed

Parizi, Kokab B; Xu, Xiaoqing; Pal, Ashish; Hu, Xiaolin; Wong, H S Philip

2017-02-02

The Field Effect sensors are broadly used for detecting various target analytes in chemical and biological solutions. We report the conditions under which the pH sensitivity of an Ion Sensitive Field Effect transistor (ISFET) sensor can be significantly enhanced. Our theory and simulations show that by using pH buffer solutions containing counter-ions that are beyond a specific size, the sensor shows significantly higher sensitivity which can exceed the Nernst limit. We validate the theory by measuring the pH response of an extended gate ISFET pH sensor. The consistency and reproducibility of the measurement results have been recorded in hysteresis free and stable operations. Different conditions have been tested to confirm the accuracy and validity of our experiment results such as using different solutions, various oxide dielectrics as the sensing layer and off-the-shelf versus IC fabricated transistors as the basis of the ISFET sensor.

ISFET pH Sensitivity: Counter-Ions Play a Key Role

PubMed Central

Parizi, Kokab B.; Xu, Xiaoqing; Pal, Ashish; Hu, Xiaolin; Wong, H. S. Philip

2017-01-01

The Field Effect sensors are broadly used for detecting various target analytes in chemical and biological solutions. We report the conditions under which the pH sensitivity of an Ion Sensitive Field Effect transistor (ISFET) sensor can be significantly enhanced. Our theory and simulations show that by using pH buffer solutions containing counter-ions that are beyond a specific size, the sensor shows significantly higher sensitivity which can exceed the Nernst limit. We validate the theory by measuring the pH response of an extended gate ISFET pH sensor. The consistency and reproducibility of the measurement results have been recorded in hysteresis free and stable operations. Different conditions have been tested to confirm the accuracy and validity of our experiment results such as using different solutions, various oxide dielectrics as the sensing layer and off-the-shelf versus IC fabricated transistors as the basis of the ISFET sensor. PMID:28150700

Expression of pH-sensitive green fluorescent protein in Arabidopsis thaliana

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moseyko, N.; Feldman, L. J.

2001-01-01

This is the first report on using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a pH reporter in plants. Proton fluxes and pH regulation play important roles in plant cellular activity and therefore, it would be extremely helpful to have a plant gene reporter system for rapid, non-invasive visualization of intracellular pH changes. In order to develop such a system, we constructed three vectors for transient and stable transformation of plant cells with a pH-sensitive derivative of green fluorescent protein. Using these vectors, transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and tobacco plants were produced. Here the application of pH-sensitive GFP technology in plants is described and, for the first time, the visualization of pH gradients between different developmental compartments in intact whole-root tissues of A. thaliana is reported. The utility of pH-sensitive GFP in revealing rapid, environmentally induced changes in cytoplasmic pH in roots is also demonstrated.

Emitter/absorber interface of CdTe solar cells

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

Song, Tao, E-mail: tsong241@gmail.com; Sites, James R.; Kanevce, Ana

The performance of CdTe solar cells can be very sensitive to the emitter/absorber interface, especially for high-efficiency cells with high bulk lifetime. Performance losses from acceptor-type interface defects can be significant when interface defect states are located near mid-gap energies. Numerical simulations show that the emitter/absorber band alignment, the emitter doping and thickness, and the defect properties of the interface (i.e., defect density, defect type, and defect energy) can all play significant roles in the interface recombination. In particular, a type I heterojunction with small conduction-band offset (0.1 eV ≤ ΔE{sub C} ≤ 0.3 eV) can help maintain good cell efficiency in spite of high interfacemore » defect density, much like with Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} (CIGS) cells. The basic principle is that positive ΔE{sub C}, often referred to as a “spike,” creates an absorber inversion and hence a large hole barrier adjacent to the interface. As a result, the electron-hole recombination is suppressed due to an insufficient hole supply at the interface. A large spike (ΔE{sub C} ≥ 0.4 eV), however, can impede electron transport and lead to a reduction of photocurrent and fill-factor. In contrast to the spike, a “cliff” (ΔE{sub C} < 0 eV) allows high hole concentration in the vicinity of the interface, which will assist interface recombination and result in a reduced open-circuit voltage. Another way to mitigate performance losses due to interface defects is to use a thin and highly doped emitter, which can invert the absorber and form a large hole barrier at the interface. CdS is the most common emitter material used in CdTe solar cells, but the CdS/CdTe interface is in the cliff category and is not favorable from the band-offset perspective. The ΔE{sub C} of other n-type emitter choices, such as (Mg,Zn)O, Cd(S,O), or (Cd,Mg)Te, can be tuned by varying the elemental ratio for an optimal positive value of ΔE{sub C}. These materials are predicted to yield higher voltages and would therefore be better candidates for the CdTe-cell emitter.« less

Pyrene functionalized molecular beacon with pH-sensitive i-motif in a loop.

PubMed

Dembska, Anna; Juskowiak, Bernard

2015-01-01

In this work, we present a spectral characterization of pH-sensitive system, which combines the i-motif properties with the spatially sensitive fluorescence signal of pyrene molecules attached to hairpin ends. The excimer production (fluorescence max. ∼480 nm) by pyrene labels at the ends of the molecular beacon is driven by pH-dependent i-motif formation in the loop. To illustrate the performance and reversible work of our systems, we performed the experiments with repeatedly pH cycling between pH values of 7.5±0.3 and 6.5±0.3. The sensor gives analytical response in excimer-monomer switching mode in narrow pH range (1.5 pH units) and exhibits high pH resolution (0.1 pH unit). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Growth and survival of cowpea rhizobia in acid, aluminum-rich soils

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

Hartel, P.G.; Alexander, M.

1983-01-01

A study was undertaken to determine whether Al-sensitive cowpea Rhizobium survives in acid, Al-rich soils. The lower pH limit for growth of 20 strains in a defined liquid medium varied from pH 4.2 to less than pH 3.6. The mean lower limit for growth was pH 3.9. Several of the strains clumped in this medium at pH 4.5. Of 11 strains that were tested for tolerance to high levels of Al in a defined liquid medium at pH 4.5, nine tolerated 75 ..mu..M Al, and the other two were sensitive to levels above 15 ..mu..M. Three strains, one Al-tolerant, onemore » Al-sensitive, and one Al-tolerant or Al-sensitive depending on the presence of vitamins in the medium, were selected for studies in Al-rich sterile and nonsterile soils. These rhizobia did not survive in soils of less than pH 4.7 sterilized by /sup 60/Co irradiation. When inoculated into sterile soil at pH 4.7, the consistently sensitive strain initially failed to proliferate and then grew slowly, but populations of the other two rhizobia increased rapidly. No consistent relationship was found between the Al tolerance of these three rhizobia and their growth and survival in four acid, Al-rich soils. The data suggest that Al is of minor importance to growth and survival of cowpea Rhizobium strains in acid soils. 16 references, 4 figures, 1 table.« less

External pH modulates EAG superfamily K+ channels through EAG-specific acidic residues in the voltage sensor

PubMed Central

Kazmierczak, Marcin; Zhang, Xiaofei; Chen, Bihan; Mulkey, Daniel K.; Shi, Yingtang; Wagner, Paul G.; Pivaroff-Ward, Kendra; Sassic, Jessica K.; Bayliss, Douglas A.

2013-01-01

The Ether-a-go-go (EAG) superfamily of voltage-gated K+ channels consists of three functionally distinct gene families (Eag, Elk, and Erg) encoding a diverse set of low-threshold K+ currents that regulate excitability in neurons and muscle. Previous studies indicate that external acidification inhibits activation of three EAG superfamily K+ channels, Kv10.1 (Eag1), Kv11.1 (Erg1), and Kv12.1 (Elk1). We show here that Kv10.2, Kv12.2, and Kv12.3 are similarly inhibited by external protons, suggesting that high sensitivity to physiological pH changes is a general property of EAG superfamily channels. External acidification depolarizes the conductance–voltage (GV) curves of these channels, reducing low threshold activation. We explored the mechanism of this high pH sensitivity in Kv12.1, Kv10.2, and Kv11.1. We first examined the role of acidic voltage sensor residues that mediate divalent cation block of voltage activation in EAG superfamily channels because protons reduce the sensitivity of Kv12.1 to Zn2+. Low pH similarly reduces Mg2+ sensitivity of Kv10.1, and we found that the pH sensitivity of Kv11.1 was greatly attenuated at 1 mM Ca2+. Individual neutralizations of a pair of EAG-specific acidic residues that have previously been implicated in divalent block of diverse EAG superfamily channels greatly reduced the pH response in Kv12.1, Kv10.2, and Kv11.1. Our results therefore suggest a common mechanism for pH-sensitive voltage activation in EAG superfamily channels. The EAG-specific acidic residues may form the proton-binding site or alternatively are required to hold the voltage sensor in a pH-sensitive conformation. The high pH sensitivity of EAG superfamily channels suggests that they could contribute to pH-sensitive K+ currents observed in vivo. PMID:23712551

External pH modulates EAG superfamily K+ channels through EAG-specific acidic residues in the voltage sensor.

PubMed

Kazmierczak, Marcin; Zhang, Xiaofei; Chen, Bihan; Mulkey, Daniel K; Shi, Yingtang; Wagner, Paul G; Pivaroff-Ward, Kendra; Sassic, Jessica K; Bayliss, Douglas A; Jegla, Timothy

2013-06-01

The Ether-a-go-go (EAG) superfamily of voltage-gated K(+) channels consists of three functionally distinct gene families (Eag, Elk, and Erg) encoding a diverse set of low-threshold K(+) currents that regulate excitability in neurons and muscle. Previous studies indicate that external acidification inhibits activation of three EAG superfamily K(+) channels, Kv10.1 (Eag1), Kv11.1 (Erg1), and Kv12.1 (Elk1). We show here that Kv10.2, Kv12.2, and Kv12.3 are similarly inhibited by external protons, suggesting that high sensitivity to physiological pH changes is a general property of EAG superfamily channels. External acidification depolarizes the conductance-voltage (GV) curves of these channels, reducing low threshold activation. We explored the mechanism of this high pH sensitivity in Kv12.1, Kv10.2, and Kv11.1. We first examined the role of acidic voltage sensor residues that mediate divalent cation block of voltage activation in EAG superfamily channels because protons reduce the sensitivity of Kv12.1 to Zn(2+). Low pH similarly reduces Mg(2+) sensitivity of Kv10.1, and we found that the pH sensitivity of Kv11.1 was greatly attenuated at 1 mM Ca(2+). Individual neutralizations of a pair of EAG-specific acidic residues that have previously been implicated in divalent block of diverse EAG superfamily channels greatly reduced the pH response in Kv12.1, Kv10.2, and Kv11.1. Our results therefore suggest a common mechanism for pH-sensitive voltage activation in EAG superfamily channels. The EAG-specific acidic residues may form the proton-binding site or alternatively are required to hold the voltage sensor in a pH-sensitive conformation. The high pH sensitivity of EAG superfamily channels suggests that they could contribute to pH-sensitive K(+) currents observed in vivo.

Improvement of the physical properties of ZnO/CdTe core-shell nanowire arrays by CdCl2 heat treatment for solar cells

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

CdTe is an important compound semiconductor for solar cells, and its use in nanowire-based heterostructures may become a critical requirement, owing to the potential scarcity of tellurium. The effects of the CdCl2 heat treatment are investigated on the physical properties of vertically aligned ZnO/CdTe core-shell nanowire arrays grown by combining chemical bath deposition with close space sublimation. It is found that recrystallization phenomena are induced by the CdCl2 heat treatment in the CdTe shell composed of nanograins: its crystallinity is improved while grain growth and texture randomization occur. The presence of a tellurium crystalline phase that may decorate grain boundaries is also revealed. The CdCl2 heat treatment further favors the chlorine doping of the CdTe shell with the formation of chlorine A-centers and can result in the passivation of grain boundaries. The absorption properties of ZnO/CdTe core-shell nanowire arrays are highly efficient, and more than 80% of the incident light can be absorbed in the spectral range of the solar irradiance. The resulting photovoltaic properties of solar cells made from ZnO/CdTe core-shell nanowire arrays covered with CuSCN/Au back-side contact are also improved after the CdCl2 heat treatment. However, recombination and trap phenomena are expected to operate, and the collection of the holes that are mainly photo-generated in the CdTe shell from the CuSCN/Au back-side contact is presumably identified as the main critical point in these solar cells. PMID:24910576

Accuracy of existing atomic potentials for the CdTe semiconductor compound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ward, D. K.; Zhou, X. W.; Wong, B. M.; Doty, F. P.; Zimmerman, J. A.

2011-06-01

CdTe and CdTe-based Cd1-xZnxTe (CZT) alloys are important semiconductor compounds that are used in a variety of technologies including solar cells, radiation detectors, and medical imaging devices. Performance of such systems, however, is limited due to the propensity of nano- and micro-scale defects that form during crystal growth and manufacturing processes. Molecular dynamics simulations offer an effective approach to study the formation and interaction of atomic scale defects in these crystals, and provide insight on how to minimize their concentrations. The success of such a modeling effort relies on the accuracy and transferability of the underlying interatomic potential used in simulations. Such a potential must not only predict a correct trend of structures and energies of a variety of elemental and compound lattices, defects, and surfaces but also capture correct melting behavior and should be capable of simulating crystalline growth during vapor deposition as these processes sample a variety of local configurations. In this paper, we perform a detailed evaluation of the performance of two literature potentials for CdTe, one having the Stillinger-Weber form and the other possessing the Tersoff form. We examine simulations of structures and the corresponding energies of a variety of elemental and compound lattices, defects, and surfaces compared to those obtained from ab initio calculations and experiments. We also perform melting temperature calculations and vapor deposition simulations. Our calculations show that the Stillinger-Weber parameterization produces the correct lowest energy structure. This potential, however, is not sufficiently transferrable for defect studies. Origins of the problems of these potentials are discussed and insights leading to the development of a more transferrable potential suitable for molecular dynamics simulations of defects in CdTe crystals are provided.

Preparation of pH-sensitive poly(glycidol) derivatives with varying hydrophobicities: their ability to sensitize stable liposomes to pH.

PubMed

Sakaguchi, Naoki; Kojima, Chie; Harada, Atsushi; Kono, Kenji

2008-05-01

We have previously shown that modification with succinylated poly(glycidol) (SucPG) provides stable egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC) liposomes with pH-sensitive fusogenic property. Toward production of efficient pH-sensitive liposomes, in this study, we newly prepared three carboxylated poly(glycidol) derivatives with varying hydrophobicities by reacting poly(glycidol) with glutaric anhydride, 3-methylglutaric anhydride, and 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride, respectively, designated as GluPG, MGluPG, and CHexPG. Correlation between side-chain structures of these polymers and their respective abilities to sensitize stable liposomes to pH was investigated. These polymers are soluble in water at neutral pH but became water-insoluble in weakly acidic conditions. The pH at which the polymer precipitated was higher in the order SucPG < GluPG < MGluPG < CHexPG, which is consistent with the number of carbon atoms of these polymers' side chains. Although CHexPG destabilized EYPC liposomes even at neutral pH, attachment of other polymers provided pH-sensitive properties to the liposomes. The liposomes bearing polymers with higher hydrophobicity exhibited more intense responses, such as content release and membrane fusion, at mildly acidic pH and achieved more efficient cytoplasmic delivery of membrane-impermeable dye molecules. As a result, modification with appropriate hydrophobicity, MGluPG, produced highly potent pH-sensitive liposomes, which might be useful for efficient cytoplasmic delivery of bioactive molecules, such as proteins and genes.

Imaging Lysosomal pH Alteration in Stressed Cells with a Sensitive Ratiometric Fluorescence Sensor.

PubMed

Xue, Zhongwei; Zhao, Hu; Liu, Jian; Han, Jiahuai; Han, Shoufa

2017-03-24

The organelle-specific pH is crucial for cell homeostasis. Aberrant pH of lysosomes has been manifested in myriad diseases. To probe lysosome responses to cell stress, we herein report the detection of lysosomal pH changes with a dual colored probe (CM-ROX), featuring a coumarin domain with "always-on" blue fluorescence and a rhodamine-lactam domain activatable to lysosomal acidity to give red fluorescence. With sensitive ratiometric signals upon subtle pH changes, CM-ROX enables discernment of lysosomal pH changes in cells undergoing autophagy, cell death, and viral infection.

PH-sensitive dispersion of carbon nanotubes by myoglobin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nie, Haiyu; Shen, Ganni; Sun, Junlin; Zhang, Tao

2017-03-01

A facile and effective method of dispersion of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) was developed. At appropriate pH value and sonication, myoglobin helps the solubilization of DWNTs. The product is a pH-sensitive dispersion, which remains in a highly dispersed state at pH<3.0 and pH>10.0. This approach can be used to disperse DWNTs in scale. A reversible conversion of the highly dispersed state to the aggregated state could be observed by changing the pH value. This feature holds great promise for the development of pH sensors.

The interplay between pH sensitivity and label-free protein detection in immunologically modified nano-scaled field-effect transistor.

PubMed

Shalev, Gil; Rosenwaks, Yossi; Levy, Ilan

2012-01-15

We present experimental results in order to establish a correlation between pH sensitivity of immunologically modified nano-scaled field-effect transistor (NS-ImmunoFET) with their sensing capacity for label-free detection. The NS-ImmunoFETs are fabricated from silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers and are fully-depleted with thickness of ~20 nm. The data shows that higher sensitivity to pH entails enhanced sensitivity to analyte detection. This suggests that the mechanism of analyte detection as pure electrostatic perturbation induced by antibody-analyte interaction is over simplified. The fundamental assumption, in existing models for field-effect sensing mechanism assumes that the analyte molecules do not directly interact with the surface but rather stand 'deep' in the solution and away from the dielectric surface. Recent studies clearly provide contradicting evidence demonstrating that antibodies lie down flat on the surface. These observations led us to propose that the proteins that cover the gate area intimately interact with active sites on the surface thus forming a network of interacting sites. Since sensitivity to pH is directly correlated with the amount of amphoteric sites, we witness a direct correlation between sensitivity to pH and analyte detection. The highest and lowest threshold voltage shift for a label-free and specific detection of 6.5 nM IgG were 40 mV and 2.3 mV for NS-ImmunoFETs with pH sensitivity of 35 mV/decade and 15 mV/decade, respectively. Finally, physical modeling of the NS-ImmunoFET is presented and charge of a single IgG protein at pH 6 is calculated. The obtained value is consistent with charge of IgG protein cited in literature. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A novel "modularized" optical sensor for pH monitoring in biological matrixes.

PubMed

Liu, Xun; Zhang, Shang-Qing; Wei, Xing; Yang, Ting; Chen, Ming-Li; Wang, Jian-Hua

2018-06-30

A novel core-shell structure optical pH sensor is developed with upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) serving as the core and silica as the shell, followed by grafting bovineserumalbumin (BSA) as another shell via glutaraldehyde cross-linking. The obtained core-shell-shell structure is shortly termed as UCNPs@SiO 2 @BSA, and its surface provides a platform for loading various pH sensitive dyes, which are alike "modules" to make it feasible for measuring pHs within different pH ranges by simply regulating the type of dyes. Generally, a single pH sensitive dye is adopted to respond within a certain pH range. This study employs bromothymol blue (BTB) and rhodamine B (RhB) to facilitate their responses to pH variations within two ranges, i.e., pH 5.99-8.09 and pH 4.98-6.40, respectively, with detection by ratio-fluorescence protocol. The core-shell-shell structure offers superior sensitivity, which is tens of times more sensitive than those achieved by ratio-fluorescence approaches based on various nanostructures, and favorable stability is achieved in high ionic strength medium. In addition, this sensor exhibits superior photostability under continuous excitation at 980 nm. Thanks to the near infrared excitation in the core-shell-shell structure, it effectively avoids the self-fluorescence from biological samples and thus facilitates accurate sensing of pH in various biological sample matrixes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantum dots as optical labels for ultrasensitive detection of polyphenols.

PubMed

Akshath, Uchangi Satyaprasad; Shubha, Likitha R; Bhatt, Praveena; Thakur, Munna Singh

2014-07-15

Considering the fact that polyphenols have versatile activity in-vivo, its detection and quantification is very much important for a healthy diet. Laccase enzyme can convert polyphenols to yield mono/polyquinones which can quench Quantum dots fluorescence. This phenomenon of charge transfer from quinones to QDs was exploited as optical labels to detect polyphenols. CdTe QD may undergo dipolar interaction with quinones as a result of broad spectral absorption due to multiple excitonic states resulting from quantum confinement effects. Thus, "turn-off" fluorescence method was applied for ultrasensitive detection of polyphenols by using laccase. We observed proportionate quenching of QDs fluorescence with respect to polyphenol concentration in the range of 100 µg to 1 ng/mL. Also, quenching of the photoluminescence was highly efficient and stable and could detect individual and total polyphenols with high sensitivity (LOD-1 ng/mL). Moreover, proposed method was highly efficient than any other reported methods in terms of sensitivity, specificity and selectivity. Therefore, a novel optical sensor was developed for the detection of polyphenols at a sensitive level based on the charge transfer mechanism. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improved fiber-optic chemical sensor for penicillin

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

Healy, B.G.; Walt, D.R.

An optical penicillin biosensor is described, based on the enzyme penicillinase. The sensor is fabricated by selective photodeposition of analyte-sensitive polymer matrices on optical imaging fibers. The penicillin-sensitive matrices are fabricated by immobilizing the enzyme as micrometer-sized particles in a polymer hydrogel with a covalently bound pH indicator. An array of penicillin-sensitive and pH-sensitive matrices are fabricated on the same fiber. This array allows for the simultaneous, independent measurement of pH and penicillin. Independent measurement of the two analytes allows penicillin to be quantitated in the presence of a concurrent pH change. An analysis was conducted of enzyme kinetic parametersmore » in order to model the penicillin response of the sensor at all pH values. This analysis accounts for the varying activity of the immobilized penicillinase at different pH values. The sensor detects penicillin in the range 0.25-10.0 mM in the pH range 6.2-7.5. The sensor was used to quantify penicillin concentration produced during a Penicillium chrysogenum fermentation. 27 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab.« less

Flexible Sensory Platform Based on Oxide-based Neuromorphic Transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ning; Zhu, Li Qiang; Feng, Ping; Wan, Chang Jin; Liu, Yang Hui; Shi, Yi; Wan, Qing

2015-12-01

Inspired by the dendritic integration and spiking operation of a biological neuron, flexible oxide-based neuromorphic transistors with multiple input gates are fabricated on flexible plastic substrates for pH sensor applications. When such device is operated in a quasi-static dual-gate synergic sensing mode, it shows a high pH sensitivity of ~105 mV/pH. Our results also demonstrate that single-spike dynamic mode can remarkably improve pH sensitivity and reduce response/recover time and power consumption. Moreover, we find that an appropriate negative bias applied on the sensing gate electrode can further enhance the pH sensitivity and reduce the power consumption. Our flexible neuromorphic transistors provide a new-concept sensory platform for biochemical detection with high sensitivity, rapid response and ultralow power consumption.

Flexible Sensory Platform Based on Oxide-based Neuromorphic Transistors

PubMed Central

Liu, Ning; Zhu, Li Qiang; Feng, Ping; Wan, Chang Jin; Liu, Yang Hui; Shi, Yi; Wan, Qing

2015-01-01

Inspired by the dendritic integration and spiking operation of a biological neuron, flexible oxide-based neuromorphic transistors with multiple input gates are fabricated on flexible plastic substrates for pH sensor applications. When such device is operated in a quasi-static dual-gate synergic sensing mode, it shows a high pH sensitivity of ~105 mV/pH. Our results also demonstrate that single-spike dynamic mode can remarkably improve pH sensitivity and reduce response/recover time and power consumption. Moreover, we find that an appropriate negative bias applied on the sensing gate electrode can further enhance the pH sensitivity and reduce the power consumption. Our flexible neuromorphic transistors provide a new-concept sensory platform for biochemical detection with high sensitivity, rapid response and ultralow power consumption. PMID:26656113

Block of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by philanthotoxins is strongly dependent on their subunit composition

PubMed Central

Kachel, Hamid S.; Patel, Rohit N.; Franzyk, Henrik; Mellor, Ian R.

2016-01-01

Philanthotoxin-433 (PhTX-433) is an active component of the venom from the Egyptian digger wasp, Philanthus triangulum. PhTX-433 inhibits several excitatory ligand-gated ion channels, and to improve selectivity two synthetic analogues, PhTX-343 and PhTX-12, were developed. Previous work showed a 22-fold selectivity of PhTX-12 over PhTX-343 for embryonic muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in TE671 cells. We investigated their inhibition of different neuronal nAChR subunit combinations as well as of embryonic muscle receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Whole-cell currents in response to application of acetylcholine alone or co-applied with PhTX analogue were studied by using two-electrode voltage-clamp. α3β4 nAChRs were most sensitive to PhTX-343 (IC50 = 12 nM at −80 mV) with α4β4, α4β2, α3β2, α7 and α1β1γδ being 5, 26, 114, 422 and 992 times less sensitive. In contrast α1β1γδ was most sensitive to PhTX-12 along with α3β4 (IC50 values of 100 nM) with α4β4, α4β2, α3β2 and α7 being 3, 3, 26 and 49 times less sensitive. PhTX-343 inhibition was strongly voltage-dependent for all subunit combinations except α7, whereas this was not the case for PhTX-12 for which weak voltage dependence was observed. We conclude that PhTX-343 mainly acts as an open-channel blocker of nAChRs with strong subtype selectivity. PMID:27901080

Photovoltaic materials and devices 2016

DOE PAGES

Sopori, Bhushan; Basnyat, Prakash; Mehta, Vishal

2016-01-01

Photovoltaic energy continues to grow with about 59 GW of solar PV installed in 2015. While most of the PV production (about 93%) was Si wafer based, both CdTe and CI(G)S are growing in their shares. There is also continued progress at the laboratory scale in OPV and dye sensitized solar cells. As the market grows, emphasis on reducing the cost of modules and systems continues to grow. This is the fourth special issue of this journal that is dedicated to gathering selected papers on recent advances in materials, devices, and modules/PV systems. This issue contains sixteen papers on variousmore » aspects of photovoltaics. As a result, these fall in four broad categories of novel materials, device design and fabrication, modules, and systems.« less

[The construction of cell-penetrating peptide R8 and pH sensitive cleavable polyethylene glycols co-modified liposomes].

PubMed

Zhang, Li; Wang, Yang; Gao, Hui-le; He, Qin

2015-06-01

The purpose of the study is to construct R8 peptide (RRRRRRRR) and pH sensitive polyethylene glycols (PEG) co-modified liposomes (Cl-Lip) and utilize them in breast cancer treatment. The co-modified liposomes were prepared with soybean phospholipid, cholesterol, DSPE-PEG2K-R8 and PEG5K-Hz-PE (pH sensitive PEG). The size and zeta potential of Cl-Lip were also characterized. The in vitro experiment demonstrated that the Cl-Lip had high serum stability in 50% fetal bovine serum. The cellular uptake of Cl-Lip under different pre-incubated conditions was evaluated on 4T1 cells. And the endocytosis pathway, lysosome escape ability and tumor spheroid penetration ability were also evaluated. The results showed the particle size of the Cl-Lip was (110.4 ± 5.2) nm, PDI of the Cl-Lip was 0.207 ± 0.039 and zeta potential of the Cl-Lip was (-3.46 ± 0.05) mV. The cellular uptake of Cl-Lip on 4T1 cells was pH sensitive, as the cellular uptake of Cl-Lip pre-incubated in pH 6.0 was higher than that of pH 7.4 under each time point. The main endocytosis pathways of Cl-Lip under pH 6.0 were micropinocytosis and energy-dependent pathway. At the same time, the Cl-Lip with pre-incubation in pH 6.0 had high lysosome escape ability and high tumor spheroid penetration ability. All the above results demonstrated that the Cl-Lip we constructed had high pH sensitivity and is a promising drug delivery system.

High throughput manufacturing of thin-film CdTe photovoltaic modules. Annual subcontract report, 16 November 1993--15 November 1994

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

Sandwisch, D W

1995-11-01

This report describes work performed by Solar Cells, Inc. (SCI), under a 3-year subcontract to advance SCI`s PV manufacturing technologies, reduce module production costs, increase module performance, and provide the groundwork for SCI to expand its commercial production capacities. SCI will meet these objectives in three phases by designing, debugging, and operating a 20-MW/year, automated, continuous PV manufacturing line that produces 60-cm {times} 120-cm thin-film CdTe PV modules. This report describes tasks completed under Phase 1 of the US Department of Energy`s PV Manufacturing Technology program.

Growth of group II-VI semiconductor quantum dots with strong quantum confinement and low size dispersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Praveen K.; Sharma, Kriti; Nagpal, Swati; Bhatnagar, P. K.; Mathur, P. C.

2003-11-01

CdTe quantum dots embedded in glass matrix are grown using two-step annealing method. The results for the optical transmission characterization are analysed and compared with the results obtained from CdTe quantum dots grown using conventional single-step annealing method. A theoretical model for the absorption spectra is used to quantitatively estimate the size dispersion in the two cases. In the present work, it is established that the quantum dots grown using two-step annealing method have stronger quantum confinement, reduced size dispersion and higher volume ratio as compared to the single-step annealed samples. (

Visualization of hormone binding proteins in vivo based on Mn-doped CdTe QDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Fang fei; Yu, Ying; Lin, Bi xia; Hu, Xiao gang; Cao, Yu juan; Wu, Jian zhong

2014-10-01

Daminozide (B9) is a growth inhibitor with important regulatory roles in plant growth and development. Locating and quantifying B9-binding proteins in plant tissues will assist in investigating the mechanism behind the signal transduction of B9. In this study, red fluorescent Mn-doped CdTe quantum dots (CdTeMn QDs) were synthesized by a high-temperature hydrothermal process. Since CdTeMn QDs possess a maximum fluorescence emission peak at 610 nm, their fluorescence properties are more stable than those of CdTe QDs. A B9-CdTeMn probe was synthesized by coupling B9 with CdTeMn QDs. The fluorescence intensity of the probe is double that of CdTeMn QDs; its fluorescence stability is also superior under different ambient conditions. The probe retains the biological activity of B9 and is unaffected by interference from the green fluorescent protein present in plants. Therefore, we used this probe to label B9-binding proteins selectively in root tissue sections of mung bean seedlings. These proteins were observed predominantly on the surfaces of the cell membranes of the cortex and epidermal parenchyma.

Modification of electron states in CdTe absorber due to a buffer layer in CdTe/CdS solar cells

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

Fedorenko, Y. G., E-mail: y.fedorenko@liverpool.ac.uk; Major, J. D.; Pressman, A.

2015-10-28

By application of the ac admittance spectroscopy method, the defect state energy distributions were determined in CdTe incorporated in thin film solar cell structures concluded on ZnO, ZnSe, and ZnS buffer layers. Together with the Mott-Schottky analysis, the results revealed a strong modification of the defect density of states and the concentration of the uncompensated acceptors as influenced by the choice of the buffer layer. In the solar cells formed on ZnSe and ZnS, the Fermi level and the energy position of the dominant deep trap levels were observed to shift closer to the midgap of CdTe, suggesting the mid-gapmore » states may act as recombination centers and impact the open-circuit voltage and the fill factor of the solar cells. For the deeper states, the broadening parameter was observed to increase, indicating fluctuations of the charge on a microscopic scale. Such changes can be attributed to the grain-boundary strain and the modification of the charge trapped at the grain-boundary interface states in polycrystalline CdTe.« less

Concentration and size dependence of peak wavelength shift on quantum dots in colloidal suspension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rinehart, Benjamin S.; Cao, Caroline G. L.

2016-08-01

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals that have significant advantages over organic fluorophores, including their extremely narrow Gaussian emission bands and broad absorption bands. Thus, QDs have a wide range of potential applications, such as in quantum computing, photovoltaic cells, biological sensing, and electronics. For these applications, aliasing provides a detrimental effect on signal identification efficiency. This can be avoided through characterization of the QD fluorescence signals. Characterization of the emissivity of CdTe QDs as a function of concentration (1 to 10 mg/ml aqueous) was conducted on 12 commercially available CdTe QDs (emission peaks 550 to 730 nm). The samples were excited by a 50-mW 405-nm laser with emission collected via a free-space CCD spectrometer. All QDs showed a redshift effect as concentration increased. On average, the CdTe QDs exhibited a maximum shift of +35.6 nm at 10 mg/ml and a minimum shift of +27.24 nm at 1 mg/ml, indicating a concentration dependence for shift magnitude. The concentration-dependent redshift function can be used to predict emission response as QD concentration is changed in a complex system.

Using atomistic simulations to model cadmium telluride thin film growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Miao; Kenny, Steven D.

2016-03-01

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is an excellent material for low-cost, high efficiency thin film solar cells. It is important to conduct research on how defects are formed during the growth process, since defects lower the efficiency of solar cells. In this work we use computer simulation to predict the growth of a sputter deposited CdTe thin film. On-the-fly kinetic Monte Carlo technique is used to simulate the CdTe thin film growth on the (1 1 1) surfaces. The results show that on the (1 1 1) surfaces the growth mechanisms on surfaces which are terminated by Cd or Te are quite different, regardless of the deposition energy (0.1∼ 10 eV). On the Te-terminated (1 1 1) surface the deposited clusters first form a single mixed species layer, then the Te atoms in the mixed layer moved up to form a new layer. Whilst on the Cd-terminated (1 1 1) surface the new Cd and Te layers are formed at the same time. Such differences are probably caused by stronger bonding between ad-atoms and surface atoms on the Te layer than on the Cd layer.

Electrochemical control over photoinduced electron transfer and trapping in CdSe-CdTe quantum-dot solids.

PubMed

Boehme, Simon C; Walvis, T Ardaan; Infante, Ivan; Grozema, Ferdinand C; Vanmaekelbergh, Daniël; Siebbeles, Laurens D A; Houtepen, Arjan J

2014-07-22

Understanding and controlling charge transfer between different kinds of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) is important for devices such as light-emitting diodes and solar cells and for thermoelectric applications. Here we study photoinduced electron transfer between CdTe and CdSe QDs in a QD film. We find that very efficient electron trapping in CdTe QDs obstructs electron transfer to CdSe QDs under most conditions. Only the use of thiol ligands results in somewhat slower electron trapping; in this case the competition between trapping and electron transfer results in a small fraction of electrons being transferred to CdSe. However, we demonstrate that electron trapping can be controlled and even avoided altogether by using the unique combination of electrochemistry and transient absorption spectroscopy. When the Fermi level is raised electrochemically, traps are filled with electrons and electron transfer from CdTe to CdSe QDs occurs with unity efficiency. These results show the great importance of knowing and controlling the Fermi level in QD films and open up the possibility of studying the density of trap states in QD films as well as the systematic investigation of the intrinsic electron transfer rates in donor-acceptor films.

Vapor-Phase Stoichiometry and Heat Treatment of CdTe Starting Material for Physical Vapor Transport

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Su, Ching-Hua; Sha, Yi-Gao; Lehoczky, S. L.; Liu, Hao-Chieh; Fang, Rei; Brebrick, R. F.

1998-01-01

Six batches of CdTe, having total amounts of material from 99 to 203 g and gross mole fraction of Te, X(sub Te), 0.499954-0.500138, were synthesized from pure Cd and Te elements. The vapor-phase stoichiometry of the assynthesized CdTe batches was determined from the partial pressure of Te2, P(sub Te2) using an optical absorption technique. The measured vapor compositions at 870 C were Te-rich for all of the batches with partial pressure ratios of Cd to Te2, P(sub Cd)/P(sub Te2), ranging from 0.00742 to 1.92. After the heat treatment of baking under dynamic vacuum at 870 C for 8 min, the vapor-phase compositions moved toward that of the congruent sublimation, i.e. P(sub Cd)/P(sub Te2) = 2.0, with the measured P(sub Cd)/P(sub Te2) varying from 1.84 to 3.47. The partial pressure measurements on one of the heat-treated samples also showed that the sample remained close to the congruent sublimation condition over the temperature range 800-880 C.

Self-passivation rule and structure of CdTe Σ3 (112) grain boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Cheng-yan; Zhang, Yue-yu; Hou, Yu-sheng; Chen, Shi-you; Xiang, Hong-jun; Gong, Xin-gao

2016-05-01

The theoretical study of grain boundaries (GBs) in polycrystalline semiconductors is currently stalemated by their complicated nature, which is difficult to extract from any direct experimental characterization. Usually, coincidence-site-lattice models are constructed simply by aligning two symmetric planes ignoring various possible reconstructions. Here, we propose a general self-passivation rule to determine the low-energy GB reconstruction and find new configurations for the CdTe Σ3 (112) GBs. First-principles calculations show that it has lower formation energies than the prototype GBs adopted widely in previous studies. Surprisingly, the reconstructed GBs show self-passivated electronic properties without deep-level states in the band gap. Based on the reconstructed configurations, we revisited the influence of CdC l2 post-treatment on the CdTe GBs and found that the addition of both Cd and Cl atoms in the GB improves the photovoltaic properties by promoting self-passivation and inducing n -type levels, respectively. The present study provides a new route for further studies of GBs in covalent polycrystalline semiconductors and highlights that previous studies on the GBs of multinary semiconductors, which are based on the unreconstructed prototype GB models, should be revisited.

Novel patterning of CdS / CdTe thin film with back contacts for photovoltaic application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilango, Murugaiya Sridar; Ramasesha, Sheela K.

2018-04-01

The heterostructure of patterned CdS / CdTe thin films with back contact have been devised with electron beam lithography and fabricated using sputter deposition technique. The metallic contacts for n-CdS and p-CdTe are patterned such that both are placed at the bottom of the cell. This avoids losses due to contact shading and increases absorption in the window layer. Patterning of the device surface helps in increasing the junction area which can modulate the absorption of more number of photons due to total internal reflection. Computing the surface area between a planar and a patterned device has revealed 133% increase in the junction area. The physical and optical properties of the sputter-deposited CdS / CdTe layers are also presented. J- V characteristics of the solar cell showed the fill factor to be 25.9%, open circuit voltage to be 17 mV and short-circuit current density to be 113.68 A/m2. The increase in surface area is directly related to the increase in the short circuit current of the photovoltaic cell, which is observed from the results of simulated model in Atlas / Silvaco.

Biaxially oriented CdTe films on glass substrate through nanostructured Ge/CaF2 buffer layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lord, R. J.; Su, P.-Y.; Bhat, I.; Zhang, S. B.; Lu, T.-M.; Wang, G.-C.

2015-09-01

Heteroepitaxial CdTe films were grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition on glass substrates through nanostructured Ge/CaF2 buffer layers which were biaxially oriented. It allows us to explore the structural properties of multilayer biaxial semiconductor films which possess small angle grain boundaries and to test the principle of a solar cell made of such low-cost, low-growth-temperature semiconductor films. Through the x-ray diffraction and x-ray pole figure analysis, the heteroepitaxial relationships of the mutilayered films are determined as [111] in the out-of-plane direction and <1\\bar{1}0>CdTe//<1\\bar{1}0>Ge//{< \\bar{1}10> }{{{CaF}}2} in the in-plane direction. The I-V curves measured from an ITO/CdS/CdTe/Ge/CaF2/glass solar cell test structure shows a power conversion efficiency of ˜η = 1.26%, illustrating the initial success of such an approach. The observed non-ideal efficiency is believed to be due to a low shunt resistance and high series resistance as well as some residual large-angle grain boundary effects, leaving room for significant further improvement.

Nanoscale imaging of photocurrent and efficiency in CdTe solar cells

DOE PAGES

Leite, Marina S.; National Inst. of Standards and Technology; Abashin, Maxim; ...

2014-10-15

The local collection characteristics of grain interiors and grain boundaries in thin film CdTe polycrystalline solar cells are investigated using scanning photocurrent microscopy. The carriers are locally generated by light injected through a small aperture (50-300 nm) of a near-field scanning optical microscope in an illumination mode. Possible influence of rough surface topography on light coupling is examined and eliminated by sculpting smooth wedges on the granular CdTe surface. By varying the wavelength of light, nanoscale spatial variations in external quantum efficiency are mapped. We find that the grain boundaries (GBs) are better current collectors than the grain interiors (GIs).more » The increased collection efficiency is caused by two distinct effects associated with the material composition of GBs. First, GBs are charged, and the corresponding built-in field facilitates the separation and the extraction of the photogenerated carriers. Second, the GB regions generate more photocurrent at long wavelength corresponding to the band edge, which can be caused by a smaller local band gap. As a result, resolving carrier collection with nanoscale resolution in solar cell materials is crucial for optimizing the polycrystalline device performance through appropriate thermal processing and passivation of defect and surfaces.« less

Apollo(R) Thin Film Process Development: Final Technical Report, April 1998 - April 2002

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

Cunningham, D.W.

2002-10-01

BP Solar first started investigative work on CdTe photovoltaics in 1986. The module product name chosen for the CdTe devices is Apollo. The deposition method chosen was electrochemical deposition due to its simplicity and good control of stoichiometric composition. The window layer used is CdS, produced from a chemical-bath deposition. Initial work focused on increasing photovoltaic cell size from a few mm2 to 900 cm2. At BP Solar's Fairfield plant, work is focused on increasing semiconductor deposition to 1 m2. The primary objective of this subcontract is to establish the conditions required for the efficient plating of CdS/CdTe on large-area,more » transparent conducting tin-oxide-coated glass superstrate. The initial phase concentrates on superstrate sizes up to 0.55 m2. Later phases will include work on 0.94 m2 superstrates. The tasks in this subcontract have been split into four main categories: (1) CdS and CdTe film studies; (2) Enhanced laser processing; (3) Outdoor testing program for the Apollo module; and (4) Production waste abatement and closed loop study.« less

Green synthesis of water soluble semiconductor nanocrystals and their applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ying

II-VI semiconductor nanomaterials, e.g. CdSe and CdTe, have attracted great attention over the past decades due to their fascinating optical and electrical properties. The research presented here focuses on aqueous semiconductor nanomaterials. The work can be generally divided into three parts: synthesis, property study and application. The synthetic work is devoted to develop new methods to prepare shape- and structure-controlled II-VI semiconductor nanocrystals including nanoparticles and nanowires. CdSe and CdSe CdS semiconductor nanocrystals have been synthesized using sodium citrate as a stabilizer. Upon prolonged illumination with visible light, photoluminescence quantum yield of those quantum dots can be enhanced up to 5000%. The primary reason for luminescence enhancement is considered to be the removing of specific surface states (photocorrosion) and the smoothing of the CdSe core surface (photoannealing). CdTe nanowires are prepared through self-organization of stabilizer-depleted CdTe nanoparticles. The dipolar-dipolar attraction is believed to be the driving force of nanowire formation. The rich surface chemistry of CdTe nanowire is reflected by the formation of silica shell with different morphologies when nanowires with different capping ligands are used. Te and Se nanowires are prepared by chemical decomposition of CdTe and CdSe nanoparticles in presence of an external chemical stimulus, EDTA. These results not only provide a new example of NP→NW transformation, but also lead to a better understanding of the molecular process occurring in the stabilizer-depleted nanoparticles. The applications of those semiconductor materials are primarily based on the construction of nano-structured ultrathin films with desirable functions by using layer-by-layer technique (LBL). We demonstrate that light-induced micro-scale multicolor luminescent patterns can be obtained on photoactivable CdSe/CdS nanoparticles thin films by combining the advantages of LBL as well as high-throughput and simplicity of photolithography. Photoconductive LBL thin films are fabricated from Te nanowires. The thin film has distinctively metallic mirror-like appearance and displays strong photoconductance effect characteristic of narrow band-gap semiconductors. In-situ reduction of gold results in formation of Au nanoparticles adhering to Te nanowires, which leads to the disappearance of photoconductivity of the Te thin film. Those nanomaterials are considered for various applications, such as light emitting devices, data storage materials, biosensors, photodetectors.

Temperature influences neuronal activity and CO2/pH sensitivity of locus coeruleus neurons in the bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus.

PubMed

Santin, Joseph M; Watters, Kayla C; Putnam, Robert W; Hartzler, Lynn K

2013-12-15

The locus coeruleus (LC) is a chemoreceptive brain stem region in anuran amphibians and contains neurons sensitive to physiological changes in CO2/pH. The ventilatory and central sensitivity to CO2/pH is proportional to the temperature in amphibians, i.e., sensitivity increases with increasing temperature. We hypothesized that LC neurons from bullfrogs, Lithobates catesbeianus, would increase CO2/pH sensitivity with increasing temperature and decrease CO2/pH sensitivity with decreasing temperature. Further, we hypothesized that cooling would decrease, while warming would increase, normocapnic firing rates of LC neurons. To test these hypotheses, we used whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiology to measure firing rate, membrane potential (V(m)), and input resistance (R(in)) in LC neurons in brain stem slices from adult bullfrogs over a physiological range of temperatures during normocapnia and hypercapnia. We found that cooling reduced chemosensitive responses of LC neurons as temperature decreased until elimination of CO2/pH sensitivity at 10°C. Chemosensitive responses increased at elevated temperatures. Surprisingly, chemosensitive LC neurons increased normocapnic firing rate and underwent membrane depolarization when cooled and decreased normocapnic firing rate and underwent membrane hyperpolarization when warmed. These responses to temperature were not observed in nonchemosensitive LC neurons or neurons in a brain stem slice 500 μm rostral to the LC. Our results indicate that modulation of cellular chemosensitivity within the LC during temperature changes may influence temperature-dependent respiratory drive during acid-base disturbances in amphibians. Additionally, cold-activated/warm-inhibited LC neurons introduce paradoxical temperature sensitivity in respiratory control neurons of amphibians.

pH optrode

DOEpatents

Northrup, M. Allen; Langry, Kevin C.

1993-01-01

A process is provided for forming a long-lasting, stable, pH-sensitive dye-acrylamide copolymer useful as a pH-sensitive material for use in an optrode or other device sensitive to pH. An optrode may be made by mechanically attaching the copolymer to a sensing device such as an optical fiber.

A genetic variant of the sperm-specific SLO3 K+ channel has altered pH and Ca2+ sensitivities.

PubMed

Geng, Yanyan; Ferreira, Juan J; Dzikunu, Victor; Butler, Alice; Lybaert, Pascale; Yuan, Peng; Magleby, Karl L; Salkoff, Lawrence; Santi, Celia M

2017-05-26

To fertilize an oocyte, sperm must first undergo capacitation in which the sperm plasma membrane becomes hyperpolarized via activation of potassium (K + ) channels and resultant K + efflux. Sperm-specific SLO3 K + channels are responsible for these membrane potential changes critical for fertilization in mouse sperm, and they are only sensitive to pH i However, in human sperm, the major K + conductance is both Ca 2+ - and pH i -sensitive. It has been debated whether Ca 2+ -sensitive SLO1 channels substitute for human SLO3 (hSLO3) in human sperm or whether human SLO3 channels have acquired Ca 2+ sensitivity. Here we show that hSLO3 is rapidly evolving and reveal a natural structural variant with enhanced apparent Ca 2+ and pH sensitivities. This variant allele (C382R) alters an amino acid side chain at a principal interface between the intramembrane-gated pore and the cytoplasmic gating ring of the channel. Because the gating ring contains sensors to intracellular factors such as pH and Ca 2+ , the effectiveness of transduction between the gating ring and the pore domain appears to be enhanced. Our results suggest that sperm-specific genes can evolve rapidly and that natural genetic variation may have led to a SLO3 variant that differs from wild type in both pH and intracellular Ca 2+ sensitivities. Whether this physiological variation confers differences in fertility among males remains to be established. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Preparation of dual-stimuli-responsive liposomes using methacrylate-based copolymers with pH and temperature sensitivities for precisely controlled release.

PubMed

Sugimoto, Takumi; Yamazaki, Naoko; Hayashi, Takaaki; Yuba, Eiji; Harada, Atsushi; Kotaka, Aki; Shinde, Chiharu; Kumei, Takayuki; Sumida, Yasushi; Fukushima, Mitsuhiro; Munekata, Yuki; Maruyama, Keiichi; Kono, Kenji

2017-07-01

Dual-signal-sensitive copolymers were synthesized by copolymerization of methoxy diethylene glycol methacrylate, methacrylic acid, and lauroxy tetraethylene glycol methacrylate, which respectively provide temperature sensitivity, pH sensitivity, and anchoring to liposome surfaces. These novel copolymers, with water solubility that differs depending on temperature and pH, are soluble in water under neutral pH and low-temperature conditions, but they become water-insoluble and form aggregates under acidic pH and high-temperature conditions. Liposomes modified with these copolymers exhibited enhanced content release at weakly acidic pH with increasing temperature, although no temperature-dependent content release was observed in neutral conditions. Interaction between the copolymers and the lipid monolayer at the air-water interface revealed that the copolymer chains penetrate more deeply into the monolayer with increasing temperature at acidic pH than at neutral pH, where the penetration of copolymer chains was moderate and temperature-independent at neutral pH. Interaction of the copolymer-modified liposomes with HeLa cells demonstrated that the copolymer-modified liposomes were adsorbed quickly and efficiently onto the cell surface and that they were internalized more gradually than the unmodified liposomes through endocytosis. Furthermore, the copolymer-modified liposomes enhanced the content release in endosomes with increasing temperature, but no such temperature-dependent enhancement of content release was observed for unmodified liposomes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Taiwan Roselle anthocyanin treatment and single-walled carbon nanotube addition on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chou, C. S.; Tsai, P. J.; Wu, P.; Shu, G. G.; Huang, Y. H.; Chen, Y. S.

2014-04-01

This study investigates the relationship between the performance of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) sensitized by a natural sensitizer of Taiwan Roselle anthocyanin (TRA) and fabrication process conditions of the DSSC. A set of systematic experiments has been carried out at various soaking temperatures, soaking periods, sensitizer concentrations, pH values, and additions of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT). An absorption peak (520 nm) is found for TRA, and it is close to that of the N719 dye (518 nm). At a fixed concentration of TRA and a fixed soaking period, a lower pH of the extract or a lower soaking temperature is found favorable to the formation of pigment cations, which leads to an enhanced power conversion efficiency (η) of DSSC. For instance, by applying 17.53 mg/100ml TRA at 30 for 10 h, as the pH of the extract decreases to 2.00 from 2.33 (the original pH of TRA), the η of DSSC with TiO2+SWCNT electrode increases to 0.67% from 0.11% of a traditional DSSC with TiO2 electrode. This performance improvement can be explained by the combined effect of the pH of sensitizer and the additions of SWCNT, a first investigation in DSSC using the natural sensitizer with SWCNT.

Present-day nearshore pH differentially depresses fertilization in congeneric sea urchins.

PubMed

Frieder, Christina A

2014-02-01

Ocean acidification impacts fertilization in some species of sea urchin, but whether sensitivity is great enough to be influenced by present-day pH variability has not been documented. In this study, fertilization in two congeneric sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and S. franciscanus, was found to be sensitive to reduced pH, <7.50, but only within a range of sperm-egg ratios that was species-specific. By further testing fertilization across a broad range of pH, pH-fertilization curves were generated and revealed that S. purpuratus was largely robust to pH, while fertilization in S. franciscanus was sensitive to even modest reductions in pH. Combining the pH-fertilization response curves with pH data collected from these species' habitat demonstrated that relative fertilization success remained high for S. purpuratus but could be as low as 79% for S. franciscanus during periods of naturally low pH. In order for S. franciscanus to maintain high fertilization success in the present and future, adequate adult densities, and thus sufficient sperm-egg ratios, will be required to negate the effects of low pH. In contrast, fertilization of S. purpuratus was robust to a broad range of pH, encompassing both present-day and future ocean acidification scenarios, even though the two congeners have similar habitats.

Analysis of Chameleonic Change of Red Cabbage Depending on Broad pH Range for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Park, Kyung Hee; Kim, Tae Young; Ko, Hyun Seok; Han, Eun Mi; Lee, Suk-Ho; Kim, Jung-Hun; Lee, Jae Wook

2015-08-01

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were assembled using natural dyes extracted from red cabbage as a sensitizer. In this work, we investigated the adsorption characteristics and the electrochemical behavior for harvesting sunlight and electron transfer in red cabbage DSSCs under different solvents and pH. For the red cabbage dye-sensitized electrode adsorbed at pH 3.5, the solar cell yields a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 1.60 mA/cm2, a photovoltage (Vcc) of 0.46 V, and a fill factor of 0.55, corresponding to an energy conversion efficiency (η) of 0.41%.

Low temperature annealed amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) as a pH sensitive layer for applications in field effect based sensors

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

Kumar, Narendra; Samtel Centre for Display Technologies, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur-208016; Kumar, Jitendra

The use of a-IGZO instead of the conventional high-k dielectrics as a pH sensitive layer could lead to the simplification of fabrication steps of field effect based devices. In this work, the pH sensitivities of a-IGZO films directly deposited over a SiO{sub 2}/Si surface were studied utilizing electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) structures. Annealing of the films was found to affect the sensitivity of the devices and the device with the film annealed at 400 {sup o}C in N{sub 2} ambience showed the better sensitivity, which reduced with further increase in the annealing temperature to 500 {sup o}C. The increased pH sensitivity withmore » the film annealed at 400 {sup o}C in N{sub 2} gas was attributed to the enhanced lattice oxygen ions (based on the XPS data) and improved C-V characteristics, while the decrease in sensitivity at an increased annealing temperature of 500 {sup o}C was attributed to defects in the films as well as the induced traps at the IGZO/SiO{sub 2} interface based on the stretched accumulation and the peak in the inversion region of C-V curves. This study could help to develop a sensor where the material (a-IGZO here) used as the active layer in a thin film transistors (TFTs) possibly could also be used as the pH sensitive layer without affecting the TFT characteristics, and thus obviating the need of high-K dielectrics for sensitivity enhancement.« less

A graphene oxide pH sensor for wound monitoring.

PubMed

Melai, B; Salvo, P; Calisi, N; Moni, L; Bonini, A; Paoletti, C; Lomonaco, T; Mollica, V; Fuoco, R; Di Francesco, F

2016-08-01

This article describes the fabrication and characterization of a pH sensor for monitoring the wound status. The pH sensitive layer consists of a graphene oxide (GO) layer obtained by drop-casting 5 μΐ of GO dispersion onto the working electrode of a screen-printed substrate. Sensitivity was 31.8 mV/pH with an accuracy of 0.3 unit of pH. Open-circuit potentiometry was carried out to measure pH in an exudate sample. The GO pH sensor proved to be reliable as the comparison with results obtained from a standard glass electrode pH-meter showed negligible differences (<; 0.09 pH units in the worst case) for measurements performed over a period of 4 days.

External hyphae of Rhizophagus irregularis DAOM 197198 are less sensitive to low pH than roots in arbuscular mycorrhizae: evidence from axenic culture system.

PubMed

Wang, Ning; Feng, Zengwei; Zhou, Yang; Zhu, Honghui; Yao, Qing

2017-10-01

The growth of plant roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can be inhibited by low pH; however, it is largely unknown which is more sensitive to low pH. This study aimed to compare the physiological and molecular responses of external hyphae (EH) and roots to low pH in terms of growth, development and functioning. We established AM symbiosis in a two-compartmented system (root compartment, RC; hyphal compartment, HC) using AMF and transformed hairy roots and exposed them to pH 6.5 and/or pH 4.5. The results showed that pH 4.5 significantly decreased root cell viability, while EH at pH 6.5 attenuated the effect. In either RC or HC, pH 4.5 reduced biomass, P content, colonization, ALP activity in roots, and ALP activity and polyphosphate accumulation in EH. GintPT expression in EH was inhibited by pH 4.5 in HC but not in RC. The expression of mycorrhiza-responsive LePTs was significantly reduced by the lower colonization due to decreased pH in either RC or HC, while the expression of non-mycorrhiza-responsive LePTs was not affected. Variation partitioning analysis indicated that EH was less sensitive to low pH than roots. The interactions between roots and EH under low pH stress merit further investigation. © 2017 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Optimization of Urea-EnFET Based on Ta2O5 Layer with Post Annealing

PubMed Central

Lue, Cheng-En; Yu, Ting-Chun; Yang, Chia-Ming; Pijanowska, Dorota G.; Lai, Chao-Sung

2011-01-01

In this study, the urea-enzymatic field effect transistors (EnFETs) were investigated based on pH-ion sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs) with tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) sensing membranes. In addition, a post N2 annealing was used to improve the sensing properties. At first, the pH sensitivity, hysteresis, drift, and light induced drift of the ISFETs were evaluated. After the covalent bonding process and urease immobilization, the urea sensitivity of the EnFETs were also investigated and compared with the conventional Si3N4 sensing layer. The ISFETs and EnFETs with annealed Ta2O5 sensing membranes showed the best responses, including the highest pH sensitivity (56.9 mV/pH, from pH 2 to pH 12) and also corresponded to the highest urea sensitivity (61 mV/pCurea, from 1 mM to 7.5 mM). Besides, the non-ideal factors of pH hysteresis, time drift, and light induced drift of the annealed samples were also lower than the controlled Ta2O5 and Si3N4 sensing membranes. PMID:22163862

Optimization of urea-EnFET based on Ta2O5 layer with post annealing.

PubMed

Lue, Cheng-En; Yu, Ting-Chun; Yang, Chia-Ming; Pijanowska, Dorota G; Lai, Chao-Sung

2011-01-01

In this study, the urea-enzymatic field effect transistors (EnFETs) were investigated based on pH-ion sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs) with tantalum pentoxide (Ta(2)O(5)) sensing membranes. In addition, a post N(2) annealing was used to improve the sensing properties. At first, the pH sensitivity, hysteresis, drift, and light induced drift of the ISFETs were evaluated. After the covalent bonding process and urease immobilization, the urea sensitivity of the EnFETs were also investigated and compared with the conventional Si(3)N(4) sensing layer. The ISFETs and EnFETs with annealed Ta(2)O(5) sensing membranes showed the best responses, including the highest pH sensitivity (56.9 mV/pH, from pH 2 to pH 12) and also corresponded to the highest urea sensitivity (61 mV/pC(urea), from 1 mM to 7.5 mM). Besides, the non-ideal factors of pH hysteresis, time drift, and light induced drift of the annealed samples were also lower than the controlled Ta(2)O(5) and Si(3)N(4) sensing membranes.

Cascading electron and hole transfer dynamics in a CdS/CdTe core-shell sensitized with bromo-pyrogallol red (Br-PGR): slow charge recombination in type II regime.

PubMed

Maity, Partha; Debnath, Tushar; Chopra, Uday; Ghosh, Hirendra Nath

2015-02-14

Ultrafast cascading hole and electron transfer dynamics have been demonstrated in a CdS/CdTe type II core-shell sensitized with Br-PGR using transient absorption spectroscopy and the charge recombination dynamics have been compared with those of CdS/Br-PGR composite materials. Steady state optical absorption studies suggest that Br-PGR forms strong charge transfer (CT) complexes with both the CdS QD and CdS/CdTe core-shell. Hole transfer from the photo-excited QD and QD core-shell to Br-PGR was confirmed by both steady state and time-resolved emission spectroscopy. Charge separation was also confirmed by detecting electrons in the conduction band of the QD and the cation radical of Br-PGR as measured from femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. Charge separation in the CdS/Br-PGR composite materials was found to take place in three different pathways, by transferring the photo-excited hole of CdS to Br-PGR, electron injection from the photo-excited Br-PGR to the CdS QD, and direct electron transfer from the HOMO of Br-PGR to the conduction band of the CdS QD. However, in the CdS/CdTe/Br-PGR system hole transfer from the photo-excited CdS to Br-PGR and electron injection from the photo-excited Br-PGR to CdS take place after cascading through the CdTe shell QD. Charge separation also takes place via direct electron transfer from the Br-PGR HOMO to the conduction band of CdS/CdTe. Charge recombination (CR) dynamics between the electron in the conduction band of the CdS QD and the Br-PGR cation radical were determined by monitoring the bleach recovery kinetics. The CR dynamics were found to be much slower in the CdS/CdTe/Br-PGR system than in the CdS/Br-PGR system. The formation of the strong CT complex and the separation of charges cascading through the CdTe shell help to slow down charge recombination in the type II regime.

High-sensitivity pH sensor using separative extended-gate field-effect transistors with single-walled carbon-nanotube networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pyo, Ju-Young; Cho, Won-Ju

2018-04-01

We fabricate high-sensitivity pH sensors using single-walled carbon-nanotube (SWCNT) network thin-film transistors (TFTs). The sensing and transducer parts of the pH sensor are composed of separative extended-sensing gates (ESGs) with SnO2 ion-sensitive membranes and double-gate structure TFTs with thin SWCNT network channels of ∼1 nm and AlO x top-gate insulators formed by the solution-deposition method. To prevent thermal process-induced damages on the SWCNT channel layer due to the post-deposition annealing process and improve the electrical characteristics of the SWCNT-TFTs, microwave irradiation is applied at low temperatures. As a result, a pH sensitivity of 7.6 V/pH, far beyond the Nernst limit, is obtained owing to the capacitive coupling effect between the top- and bottom-gate insulators of the SWCNT-TFTs. Therefore, double-gate structure SWCNT-TFTs with separated ESGs are expected to be highly beneficial for high-sensitivity disposable biosensor applications.

Enhanced pH sensitivity of AlGaN/GaN ion-sensitive field effect transistor with Al2O3 synthesized by atomic layer deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lei; Li, Liuan; Zhang, Tong; Liu, Xinke; Ao, Jin-Ping

2018-01-01

In this study, we evaluated the pH sensitivity enhancement of AlGaN/GaN ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) coated by Al2O3 film on the sensing area utilizing atomic layer deposition (ALD). The presence of the Al2O3 film leads to an obvious reduction of surface state density as well as leakage current in the solution, which is beneficial for improving the stability of the ISFET. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the ISFET was improved to 57.8 mV/pH, which is very close to the Nernstian limit at room temperature. The pH sensitivity enhancement can be explained by the higher density of sensing site as well as better surface hydrophilicity.

Three dimensional graphene transistor for ultra-sensitive pH sensing directly in biological media.

PubMed

Ameri, Shideh Kabiri; Singh, Pramod K; Sonkusale, Sameer R

2016-08-31

In this work, pH sensing directly in biological media using three dimensional liquid gated graphene transistors is presented. The sensor is made of suspended network of graphene coated all around with thin layer of hafnium oxide (HfO2), showing high sensitivity and sensing beyond the Debye-screening limit. The performance of the pH sensor is validated by measuring the pH of isotonic buffered, Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS) solution, and of blood serum derived from Sprague-Dawley rat. The pH sensor shows high sensitivity of 71 ± 7 mV/pH even in high ionic strength media with molarities as high as 289 ± 1 mM. High sensitivity of this device is owing to suspension of three dimensional graphene in electrolyte which provides all around liquid gating of graphene, leading to higher electrostatic coupling efficiency of electrolyte to the channel and higher gating control of transistor channel by ions in the electrolyte. Coating graphene with hafnium oxide film (HfO2) provides binding sites for hydrogen ions, which results in higher sensitivity and sensing beyond the Debye-screening limit. The 3D graphene transistor offers the possibility of real-time pH measurement in biological media without the need for desaltation or sample preparation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detecting activity-evoked pH changes in human brain

PubMed Central

Magnotta, Vincent A.; Heo, Hye-Young; Dlouhy, Brian J.; Dahdaleh, Nader S.; Follmer, Robin L.; Thedens, Daniel R.; Welsh, Michael J.; Wemmie, John A.

2012-01-01

Localized pH changes have been suggested to occur in the brain during normal function. However, the existence of such pH changes has also been questioned. Lack of methods for noninvasively measuring pH with high spatial and temporal resolution has limited insight into this issue. Here we report that a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) strategy, T1 relaxation in the rotating frame (T1ρ), is sufficiently sensitive to detect widespread pH changes in the mouse and human brain evoked by systemically manipulating carbon dioxide or bicarbonate. Moreover, T1ρ detected a localized acidosis in the human visual cortex induced by a flashing checkerboard. Lactate measurements and pH-sensitive 31P spectroscopy at the same site also identified a localized acidosis. Consistent with the established role for pH in blood flow recruitment, T1ρ correlated with blood oxygenation level-dependent contrast commonly used in functional MRI. However, T1ρ was not directly sensitive to blood oxygen content. These observations indicate that localized pH fluctuations occur in the human brain during normal function. Furthermore, they suggest a unique functional imaging strategy based on pH that is independent of traditional functional MRI contrast mechanisms. PMID:22566645

Analytical advantages of copolymeric microspheres for fluorimetric sensing - tuneable sensitivity sensors and titration agents.

PubMed

Stelmach, Emilia; Maksymiuk, Krzysztof; Michalska, Agata

2017-01-15

Analytical benefits related to application of copolymeric microspheres containing different number of carboxylic acid mers have been studied on example of acrylate copolymers. These structures can be used as a reagent in heterogeneous pH titration, benefiting from different number of reactive groups - i.e. different concentration of a titrant - within the series of copolymers. Thus introducing the same amount of different microspheres from a series to the sample, different amount of the titrant is introduced. Copolymeric microspheres also can be used as optical sensors - in this respect the increasing number of reactive groups in the series is useful to improve the analytical performance of microprobes - sensitivity of determination or/and response range. The increase in ion-permeability of the spheres with increasing number of reactive mers is advantageous. It is shown that for pH sensitive microspheres containing higher number of carboxyl groups the higher sensitivity for alkaline pH samples is observed for an indicator present in the beads. The significant increase of optical responses is related to enhanced ion transport within the microspheres. For zinc or potassium ions model sensors tested it was shown that by choice of pH conditions and type of microspheres from the series, the optical responses can be tuned - to enhance sensitivity for analyte concentration change as well as to change the response pattern from sigmoidal (higher sensitivity, narrow range) to linear (broader response range). For classical optode systems (e.g. microspheres containing an optical transducer - pH sensitive dye and optically silent ionophore - receptor) copolymeric microspheres containing carboxylic acid mers in their structure allow application of the sensor in alkaline pH range, which is usually inaccessible for applied optical transducer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

pH-sensitive fluorescent sensors based on europium(III) complexes.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaolin; Jiao, Yang; Jing, Xu; Wu, Hongmei; He, Guangjie; Duan, Chunying

2011-03-21

New europium(III) complexes Eu(TTA)(2)-DSQ and Eu(TTA)(3)-DR1 were designed and synthesized as new fluorescent pH probes (where HDSQ = 5-(dimethylamino)-N-(4-(2-((8-hydroxyquinolin-2-yl)methylene)hydrazinecarbonyl)phenyl)naphthalene-1-sulfonamide, DR1 = N(1)-(4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)-N(2)-(rhodamine-6G) lactamethylene-diamine and TTA = thiophentrifluoroacetone). Eu(TTA)(2)-DSQ exhibited high sensitivity in monitoring pH changes in neutral aqueous solution with negligible background fluorescence. Eu(TTA)(3)-DR1 comprised a green light emitting Rhodamine 6G fluorophore and a Eu(III) moiety as the origin of red light. These pH-sensitive emitter components have pK(a) values of 5.0 and 7.2 respectively, and exhibit isolated protonated steps within one molecule. Luminescence titrations demonstrate that Eu(TTA)(3)-DR1 was able to detect pH values at both near neutral pH and acidic pH ranges, and was also able to detect pH in both cultured cells and in vivo.

Modulation of foot-and-mouth disease virus pH threshold for uncoating correlates with differential sensitivity to inhibition of cellular Rab GTPases and decreases infectivity in vivo.

PubMed

Vázquez-Calvo, Angela; Caridi, Flavia; Rodriguez-Pulido, Miguel; Borrego, Belén; Sáiz, Margarita; Sobrino, Francisco; Martín-Acebes, Miguel A

2012-11-01

The role of cellular Rab GTPases that govern traffic between different endosome populations was analysed on foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection. Changes of viral receptor specificity did not alter Rab5 requirement for infection. However, a correlation between uncoating pH and requirement of Rab5 for infection was observed. A mutant FMDV with less acidic uncoating pH threshold was less sensitive to inhibition of Rab5, whereas another mutant with more acidic requirements was more sensitive to inhibition of Rab5. On the contrary, opposed correlations between uncoating pH and dependence of Rab function were observed upon expression of dominant-negative forms of Rab7 or 11. Modulation of uncoating pH also reduced FMDV virulence in suckling mice. These results are consistent with FMDV uncoating inside early endosomes and indicate that displacements from optimum pH for uncoating reduce viral fitness in vivo.

Effects of Inductively Coupled Plasma Hydrogen on Long-Wavelength Infrared HgCdTe Photodiodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boieriu, P.; Buurma, C.; Bommena, R.; Blissett, C.; Grein, C.; Sivananthan, S.

2013-12-01

Bulk passivation of semiconductors with hydrogen continues to be investigated for its potential to improve device performance. In this work, hydrogen-only inductively coupled plasma (ICP) was used to incorporate hydrogen into long-wavelength infrared HgCdTe photodiodes grown by molecular-beam epitaxy. Fully fabricated devices exposed to ICP showed statistically significant increases in zero-bias impedance values, improved uniformity, and decreased dark currents. HgCdTe photodiodes on Si substrates passivated with amorphous ZnS exhibited reductions in shunt currents, whereas devices on CdZnTe substrates passivated with polycrystalline CdTe exhibited reduced surface leakage, suggesting that hydrogen passivates defects in bulk HgCdTe and in CdTe.

Thin film CdTe based neutron detectors with high thermal neutron efficiency and gamma rejection for security applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, L.; Murphy, J. W.; Kim, J.; Rozhdestvenskyy, S.; Mejia, I.; Park, H.; Allee, D. R.; Quevedo-Lopez, M.; Gnade, B.

2016-12-01

Solid-state neutron detectors offer an alternative to 3He based detectors, but suffer from limited neutron efficiencies that make their use in security applications impractical. Solid-state neutron detectors based on single crystal silicon also have relatively high gamma-ray efficiencies that lead to false positives. Thin film polycrystalline CdTe based detectors require less complex processing with significantly lower gamma-ray efficiencies. Advanced geometries can also be implemented to achieve high thermal neutron efficiencies competitive with silicon based technology. This study evaluates these strategies by simulation and experimentation and demonstrates an approach to achieve >10% intrinsic efficiency with <10-6 gamma-ray efficiency.

Chemiluminescence studies between aqueous phase synthesized mercaptosuccinic acid capped cadmium telluride quantum dots and luminol-H2O2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaviyarasan, Kulandaivelu; Anandan, Sambandam; Mangalaraja, Ramalinga Viswanathan; Asiri, Abdullah M.; Wu, Jerry J.

2016-08-01

Mercaptosuccinic acid capped Cadmium telluride quantum dots have been successfully synthesized via aqueous phase method. The products were well characterized by a number of analytical techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, HRTEM, and a corrected particle size analysis by the statistical treatment of several AFM measurements. Chemiluminescence experiments were performed to explore the resonance energy transfer between chemiluminescence donor (luminol-H2O2 system) and acceptor CdTe QDs. The combination of such donor and acceptor dramatically reduce the fluorescence while compared to pristine CdTe QDs without any exciting light source, which is due to the occurrence of chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) processes.

Interaction of Water-Soluble CdTe Quantum Dots with Bovine Serum Albumin

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Semiconductor nanoparticles (quantum dots) are promising fluorescent markers, but it is very little known about interaction of quantum dots with biological molecules. In this study, interaction of CdTe quantum dots coated with thioglycolic acid (TGA) with bovine serum albumin was investigated. Steady state spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering methods were used. It was explored how bovine serum albumin affects stability and spectral properties of quantum dots in aqueous media. CdTe–TGA quantum dots in aqueous solution appeared to be not stable and precipitated. Interaction with bovine serum albumin significantly enhanced stability and photoluminescence quantum yield of quantum dots and prevented quantum dots from aggregating. PMID:27502633

A simple fluorescence quenching method for berberine determination using water-soluble CdTe quantum dots as probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Ming; Liu, Meigui; Cao, Chun; Xia, Yunsheng; Bao, Linjun; Jin, Yingqiong; Yang, Song; Zhu, Changqing

2010-03-01

A novel method for the determination of berberine has been developed based on quenching of the fluorescence of thioglycolic acid-capped CdTe quantum dots (TGA-CdTe QDs) by berberine in aqueous solutions. Under optimum conditions, the relative fluorescence intensity was linearly proportional to the concentration of berberine between 2.5 × 10 -8 and 8.0 × 10 -6 mol L -1 with a detection limit of 6.0 × 10 -9 mol L -1. The method has been applied to the determination of berberine in real samples, and satisfactory results were obtained. The mechanism of the proposed reaction was also discussed.

Elucidating PID Degradation Mechanisms and In Situ Dark I–V Monitoring for Modeling Degradation Rate in CdTe Thin-Film Modules

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

Hacke, Peter; Spataru, Sergiu; Johnston, Steve

A progression of potential-induced degradation (PID) mechanisms are observed in CdTe modules, including shunting/junction degradation and two different manifestations of series resistance depending on the stress level and water ingress. The dark I-V method for in-situ characterization of Pmax based on superposition was adapted for the thin-film modules undergoing PID in view of the degradation mechanisms observed. An exponential model based on module temperature and relative humidity was fit to the PID rate for multiple stress levels in chamber tests and validated by predicting the observed degradation of the module type in the field.

Alkali Halide Microstructured Optical Fiber for X-Ray Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeHaven, S. L.; Wincheski, R. A.; Albin, S.

2014-01-01

Microstructured optical fibers containing alkali halide scintillation materials of CsI(Na), CsI(Tl), and NaI(Tl) are presented. The scintillation materials are grown inside the microstructured fibers using a modified Bridgman-Stockbarger technique. The x-ray photon counts of these fibers, with and without an aluminum film coating are compared to the output of a collimated CdTe solid state detector over an energy range from 10 to 40 keV. The photon count results show significant variations in the fiber output based on the materials. The alkali halide fiber output can exceed that of the CdTe detector, dependent upon photon counter efficiency and fiber configuration. The results and associated materials difference are discussed.

Norcyanine dyes with benzo[c,d]indolium moiety: Spectral sensitivity with pH change for fluorescence pH imaging in living cells.

PubMed

Guan, Li; Liu, Qi; Zhang, Borui; Wang, Lanying

2017-01-01

Fluorescence pH imaging in living cells is a rapidly expanding research direction, however, it relies on the development of pH-sensitive fluorescent imaging agents. Here four norcyanine dyes with benzo[c,d]indolium moiety, exhibiting high spectral sensitivity with pH changes, were synthesized for fluorescence pH imaging in living cells, and characterized by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, IR, UV-Vis and HRMS. The investigation of their spectral properties in methanol and water showed that the absorption and emission maxima were in the region 488-618nm and 583-651nm, respectively, and four dyes exhibited high photostability. The pH spectral titrations showed that selective dye D1 had pH-dependent absorption spectral changes within the pH range of 2.4 to 9.4, and high fluorescent spectral sensitivity at pH5.0-8.0, with a pK a of 5.0. A cell association study indicated that dye D1 exhibited no or mild cytotoxicity at the application dose and duration, and could be accumulated in cells and mainly distributed in the cytoplasm, giving red fluorescence imaging. In particular, dye D1 could achieve pH-dependent fluorescence imaging in living cells with the increase of pH from 3.0 to 8.0, at excitation wavelength of 543nm and receiving wavelength of 655-755nm, which was valuable for studying the weak acidic, neutral and weak alkaline biological tissue compartments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.