Thin-film solar cells on flexible, lightweight, space-qualified substrates provide an attractive approach to fabricating solar arrays with high mass-specific power. A polycrystalline chalcopyrite absorber layer is among the new generation of photovoltaic device technologies for thin film solar cells. At NASA Glenn Research Center we have focused on the development of new single-source precursors (SSPs) for deposition of semiconducting chalcopyrite materials onto lightweight, flexible substrates. We describe the syntheses and thermal modulation of SSPs via molecular engineering. Copper indium disulfide and related thin-film materials were deposited via aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition using SSPs. Processing and post-processing parameters were varied in order to modify morphology, stoichiometry, crystallography, electrical properties, and optical properties to optimize ...
This paper reports on a series of experiments performed to examine the ability of ion beam assisted thermal deposition to produce good adhesion of Au metallization on GaAs left-angle 100 right-angle substrates. A study of the influence of Ar ion-assisted thermal deposition of the Au films as well as in situ pre-sputtering of the GaAs surface with low-energy Ar ions prior to thermal deposition, shows that strong adhesion can be achieved without resorting to chemical cleaning. The substrate temperature and the relative flux of Ar ions to incident Au atoms were varied in order to correlate these parameters with film adhesion. The interfaces of films processed under these various conditions were examined by XTEM, RBS and XPS. Orientation texture was studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD).
Both (001)- and (111)-oriented CeO[sub 2] thin films have been grown on amorphous fused silica (SiO[sub 2]) substrates by ion-beam assisted pulsed laser ablation of a polycrystalline CeO[sub 2] target. Using 200 eV Ar[sup +] ions incident at 55[degree] to the substrate normal, the preferred orientation for CeO[sub 2] film growth is (001) at room temperature, but changes to (111) for temperatures [ge]300 [degree]C. Furthermore, the ion-beam assisted CeO[sub 2] films exhibit strong in-plane crystallographic alignment. In contrast, CeO[sub 2] films grown without ion-beam assistance exhibit a mixture of polycrystalline orientations with the relative amounts depending on growth temperature. Under optimum conditions, off-normal-incidence Ar[sup +] ions produce a (111)-oriented crystalline CeO[sub 2] film that is aligned with ...
The combined process of low temperature plasma nitriding and TiN film deposition was realized on the plasma-assisted vacuum arc plating set. The process of plasma nitriding can be done below 200 degree C. The low temperature plasma nitriding and TiN film deposition was realized on the same device. By the SEM analysis of the plating structure, low hardness grads from the substrate to the film was obtained, and it was found that the mixed nitride plating formed at the interface between the substrate and the film. The quantitative measurement of substrate-film adherence showed that the adherence was improved notably by using the process. The adherence between film and substrate can reach to 59.6 MPa without the bias voltage supplying
High-purity and doped GaAs films have been grown by Liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE) for development of a blocked impurity band (BIB) detector for far-infrared radiation. The film growth process developed has resulted in the capability to grow GaAs with a net active impurity concentration below 1 x 10{sup 13} cm{sup -3}, ideal for the blocking layer of the BIB detector. The growth of n-type LPE GaAs films with donor concentrations below the metal-insulator transition, as required for the absorbing layer of a BIB detector, has been achieved. The control of the donor concentration, however, was found to be insufficient for detector production. The growth by LPE of a high-purity film onto a commercially grown vapor-phase epitaxial (VPE) n-type GaAs doped absorbing layer resulted in a BIB device that showed a significant reduction in the low-temperature dark current ...
The optical properties and microstructure of germanium (Ge) films, prepared by ion-assisted deposition (IAD) process, were investigated. The Ge films were deposited on sapphire and silicon substrates, with and without simultaneous Ar+ bombardment. Higher index films, with a refractive index 7.7% larger than that of the single crystalline Ge wafer, were obtained with the IAD process. The density of the IAD film could be 1.5% greater than that of the e-beam film. The results of the heat treatment indicated that the optical and structural properties of the IAD films were more stable. Ge nano-crystallites could be observed under high ion power density, which induced a crystalline structure in the Ge thin films. The average size of the nano-crystallites, as determined from both the X-ray diffraction data and the transmission ...
Iron oxide thin films have been obtained by spray pyrolysis using 100% methanolic and ethanolic solutions of iron tri-chloride. The films were deposited onto ITO-coated glass substrates. The preparative conditions have been optimized to obtain compact, pin-hole-free and smooth thin films which are adherent to the substrate. The structural, morphological and compositional characterizations have been carried out by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The films deposited using ethanolic solution results into pure hematite; #alpha#-Fe_2O_3 thin films, however, films deposited using methanolic solution consists of hematite and maghemite-c phases of iron oxide. The films are nanocrystalline with particle size of 30-40 nm. The optical absorbance of the film ...
Microwave Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) Plasma assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) technology has been used to prepare Si_3N_4 films, which were analyzed by using infrared (IR) transmission spectroscopy and XPS. The analysis results show that with the increase of the deposition temperature, the H content decrease, and the densification of the film increases. When the temperature is up to 360 degree C, the stoichiometrical rate of Si:N is close to 0.75. The protective property of Si_3N_4 films is also examined
One of the main problems related to optical thin film materials used in high power laser environments is the catastrophic damage caused to them due to laser irradiation. While the influence of ion bombardment on the optical properties of oxide thin films is now a well understood subject, the morphology and crystalline behaviour of these films under ion incidence is not so well studied. Hence, it is of great importance to investigate the effects of ion bombardment during growth on the microstructure and crystalline behaviour of oxide materials.
For obtaining radiation less damagable laser mirrors, a preliminary optimization of film fabrication suitable for the analysis of laser damage mechanism has been done as the first step. Here, the optimization requires not only the stable fabrication process but also the ideal film structure i.e., the amorphous and smooth film structure simultaneously, eliminating latently unwanted secondary effects such as light scattering during laser damage test. For this purpose, we adopted the ion assisted deposition (IAD) method and modified the deposition conditions for titanium and tantalum oxide films, both of which compose typical high index layers, and where SiO_2 layers are also chosen as low index layers because of their amorphous and smooth nature, in alternative multilayer laser mirrors. Surface and cross sectional film structures and film ...
The capability of screen-film combinations of detection and representation of information is described by the detective quantum efficiency (DQE). The DQE may be calculated from the sensitivity, the gradient of the characteristic curve, the modulation transfer function and the Wiener spectrum. These parameters have been determined for fourteen screen-film combinations and the DQE's have been calculated. It is shown that the low frequency region the DQE does not depend on spatial frequency. This constant level of DQE is mostly dependent on the absorbance of the screens. Consequences from this fact, as well for the manufacturer as for the user of the screens, are discussed.
The capability of screen-film combinations of detection and representation of information is described by the detective quantum efficiency (DQE). The DQE may be calculated from the sensitivity, the gradient of the characteristic curve, the modulation transfer function and the Wiener spectrum. These parameters have been determined for fourteen screen-film combinations and the DQE's have been calculated. It is shown that the low frequency region the DQE does not depend on spatial frequency. This constant level of DQE is mostly dependent on the absorbance of the screens. Consequences from this fact, as well for the manufacturer as for the user of the screens, are discussed. (orig.).
A theoretical model, which describes subband gap photoexcitation involving localized electronic states, was developed. The escape probability of a charge carrier trapped in a localized state is considered via Poole-Frenkel, direct tunneling, or phonon-assisted tunneling processes, as competing escape mechanisms. Photoelectrochemical experiments were performed on the passive films formed on zirconium and amorphous iron-zirconium alloys and on pure HfO/sub 2/ films and HfO/sub 2/ films implanted with varying concentrations of xenon. These films were found to possess some degree of disorder depending on the substrate, the thickness of the film, and the extent of implantation. The spectral dependence of the photocurrent in all of the films studied is considerably different from what was found for crystalline passive films. ...
Significant ion irradiation during film growth is required for the formation of cubic boron nitride (cBN) films. Meanwhile, a huge level of intrinsic stress possibly induced by the ion bombardment has been frequently reported to result in cracking and/or lack of adhesion of deposited cBN films. The present work has been performed to investigate the interfacial and/or the buffer layer structures with better matching to the cBN film by relaxation of the film stress using ion-beam-assisted deposition (IBAD). Boron nitride films have been synthesized on Si(100) wafer and tungsten carbide (WC) substrates by depositing boron vapor under simultaneous bombardment with nitrogen ions and nitrogen-argon mixture ions in the energy range of 0.5-10 keV. Cubic BN films with enhanced tribological properties have been explored by ...
Graft copolymerization of sodium styrene sulfonate (SSS) onto electron beam (EB) irradiated poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films was investigated to find out a simple preparation process for sulfonic acid proton exchange membranes with respect to monomer concentration, absorbed dose, temperature, film thickness and storage time. The reaction order of the monomer concentration and absorbed dose of grafting was found to be 2.84 and 1.20, respectively. The overall activation energy for graft copolymerization reaction was calculated to be 11.36 kJ/mol. The initial rate of grafting was found to decrease with an increase in the film thickness. The trapped radicals in the irradiated PVDF films remained effective in initiating the reaction without considerable loss in grafting level up to 180 days, when stored under -60 {sup o}C. The presence and distribution of ...
We have developed a low-temperature particle detector that uses a novel quasiparticle trapping mechanism to funnel athermal phonon energy from an 80 mg Ge absorber into a 1.6 mg doped Ge thermistor via a superconducting Al film. We report on pulse height spectra obtained at 320 mK by scanning a {sup 241}Am alpha source along the device, and show that up to 20% of the energy deposited in the Ge absorber by a 5.5 MeV alpha particle interaction can be collected into a thermistor via quasiparticle trapping. We show that this device is sensitive to the position of an alpha particle interaction in the Ge absorber for interaction distances of up to 5 mm from a quasiparticle trap.
The aim of this contract is to investigate, develop, and characterize laser-assisted processing techniques utilized to produce the fine-line, thin-metal grid structures that are required to fabricate high-efficiency solar cells. During the first quarter of this contract, a comprehensive literature search was carried out in the various state-of-the-art laser-assisted techniques for metal deposition, including laser chemical vapor deposition and laser photolysis of organometallics, as well as laser-enhanced electroplating. A compact system for the experiments involving laser-assisted photolysis of gas-phase compounds was designed and constructed. The work performed in the second quarter is detailed in this report. Metal deposition experiments have been carried out utilizing laser-assisted pyrolysis of a variety of metal-bearing polymer films and metallo-organic inks spun onto silicon ...
Investigations of the properties of absorbed monolayers have received great experimental and theoretical attention recently, both because of the importance of surface processes in practical applications such as catalysis, and the importance of such systems to the understanding of the fundamentals of thermodynamics in two dimensions. We have adapted the composite bolometer technology to the construction of microcalorimeters. For these calorimeters, the adsorption substrate is an evaporated film deposited on one surface of an optically polished sapphire wafer. This approach has allowed us to make the first measurements of the heat capacity of submonolayer films of /sup 4/He adsorbed on metallic films. In contrast to measurements of /sup 4/He adsorbed on all other insulating substrates, we have shown that /sup 4/He on silver films occupies a two-dimensional gas phase over a broad range ...
The in-depth distribution of phases in c-BN films deposited by Ion Beam Assisted Deposition (IBAD) at two different ion energy values (300 and 600 eV) was investigated using the quantitative IR transmission measurements and the HREM technique. Whatever the value of the studied ion energies, the characteristic layered morphology of c-BN film is observed including the interfacial sp"2 zone between the substrate and the c-BN volume. In the case of 600 eV ion energy, this interfacial zone is less well-defined in comparison with 300 eV ion energy and the corresponding thickness is more important. Furthermore, the h-BN phase is more diluted within the c-BN film volume showing that the purest phase concentration of c-BN is found for the lowest ion energy, i.e., 300 eV.
Thin films of the protein, lysozyme, have been deposited by the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. Frozen targets of 0.3-1.0 wt.% lysozyme dissolved in ultrapure water were irradiated by laser light at 355 nm with a fluence of 2 J/cm{sup 2}. The surface quality of the thin lysozyme films of different thickness deposited on 7 mm x 7 mm Si-<1 0 0>-wafers was investigated with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Already at comparatively low thickness, {approx}20 nm, the substrate is covered by intact lysozyme molecules and fragments. The concentration of lysozyme in the ice matrix apparently does not play any significant role for the morphology of the film. The morphology obtained with MAPLE has been compared with results for direct laser irradiation of a pressed lysozyme sample (i.e. pulsed laser deposition (PLD))
This report summarizes work performed by Argonne National Laboratory on fatigue and environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) in light water reactors from January 1997 to June 1997. Topics that have been investigated include (a) fatigue of carbon, low-alloy, and austenitic stainless steels (SSs) used in reactor piping and pressure vessels, (b) irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking of Types 304 and 304L SS, and (c) EAC of Alloys 600 and 690. Fatigue tests were conducted on ferritic and austenitic SSs in water that contained various concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO) to determine whether a slow strain rate applied during various portions of a tensile-loading cycle is equally effective in decreasing fatigue life. Slow-strain-rate-tensile tests were conducted in simulated boiling water reactor (BWR) water at 288 C on SS specimens irradiated to a low fluence in the Halden reactor and the results were compared with similar data from a ...
Advanced techniques for focused-ion-beam (FIB) device modification have been developed for complex, multistep modifications to circuitry on planar chip technology. Applying gas-assisted etching (GAE) techniques for high-aspect-ratio milling and the selective milling of both conductive and insulating films enhances process latitude. Localized ion-beam-induced deposition of an insulating film provides reconstructive capability in previously modified areas. The application of both techniques for complex device modification on VSLI devices fabricated with CMOS process technology is reviewed. (UK).
Oregon State University (OSU) and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) were funded by the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct research focused on resolving the key technical issues that limited the deployment of efficient and extremely compact microtechnology based heat actuated absorption heat pumps and gas absorbers. Success in demonstrating these technologies will reduce the main barriers to the deployment of a technology that can significantly reduce energy consumption in the building, automotive and industrial sectors while providing a technology that can improve our ability to sequester CO{sub 2}. The proposed research cost $939,477. $539,477 of the proposed amount funded research conducted at OSU while the balance ($400,000) was used at PNNL. The project lasted 42 months and started in April 2001. Recent developments at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Oregon State University suggest that the performance of absorption and desorption ...
Laser-assisted processing techniques for producing high-quality solar cell metallization patterns have been investigated, developed, and characterized. During the early stages, preliminary investigations were carried out on a variety of promising laser-assisted metallization schemes, and the best of these was selected for further development. A comprehensive literature search initially yielded information on state-of-the-art laser-assisted techniques for metal deposition such as laser chemical vapor deposition and laser photolysis of organometallics, as well as laser-enhanced electroplating. Initial experiments on laser-enhanced electroplating yielded very promising results with linewidths as narrow as 25 ..mu..m and local plating speeds as high as 12 ..mu..m/s being achieved. Metal deposition experiments were carried out utilizing laser-assisted pyrolysis of a variety of metal-bearing polymer ...
Laser-assisted processing techniques, utilized to produce fine, metal grid patterns for high-efficiency solar cells, are being investigated, developed, and characterized. The work performed in the third quarter of this contract is detailed here. A preliminary economic evaluation has yielded the conclusion that laser-assisted pyrolysis of spun-on silver neodecanoate is the most promising of all the metallization techniques being investigated in this contract. Early adhesion problems have been solved by optimizing deposition parameters. Linewidth studies have been carried out as a function of laser power, scan speed, and film thickness. Preliminary solar cells have been fabricated and characterized using this metallization scheme. Silver neodecanoate films have also been decomposed using a pulsed uv laser and metal mask. A detailed study of the various models of localized surface temperature rise in ...
Laser-assisted processing techniques for producing high-quality solar cell metallization patterns are being investigated, developed, and characterized. A literature search was carried out on the various state-of-the-art laser-assisted techniques for metal deposition, including laser chemical vapor deposition and laser photolysis of organometallics, as well as laser-enhanced electroplating. The results of the literature survey are briefly summarized. Experiments were carried out on laser-enhanced electroplating. Deposition of metals by laser-assisted pyrolysis of a variety of metallo-organic inks and metal-bearing polymer solutions spun as films onto silicon wafers was carried out. A detailed study of the various models of localized surface temperature rise in silicon due to laser heating has been carried out. Progress is reported in fabricating laser-metallized solar cells with improved efficiencies. ...
Accelerated aging tests on tin-oxide-coated anodized aluminium selective absorber surfaces have been performed. It is shown that the tin oxide layer provides excellent protection for the anodized surface. The thermal stability of the double layer is equal to, or better than, the stability of the bare anodized surface. Both surfaces degrade very slowly at 450deg C. The anodic layer is porous and therefore not very scratch resistant and it degrades when exposed to humidity, both acidic and alcaline. It is shown that the tin oxide film, which is hard and chemically very stable, almost completely protects the anodized surface from chemical degradation. The mechanical wear resistance is also considerably improved. The optical selectivity does not quite match that of the the anodized surface, but the remarkable stability together with the solar parameters of {alpha}=0.91 and hemispherical emittance {epsilon}= 0.16 (normal emittance {epsilon}{sub ...
Basic experimental investigations were carried out with an aqueous solution of a mixture of KOH and NaOH for use as an absorbent in absorption heat pumps. Due to its thermophysical properties this mixture allows temperature lifts from evaporator to absorber of more than 75 K (135 F) in a single-stage absorption chiller. Thermophysical and hydrodynamical properties of the solution were measured. Vapor-liquid-equilibrium data and specific heat capacities were determined for concentrations ranging from 35% up to 75% and temperatures up to 200 C (392 F). From these data the enthalpy of the solution was calculated. Additionally the crystallization temperatures, the density, and the viscosity of the solution were determined. The experimental equipment is described. The data are presented as polynomials and diagrams including experimental accuracy. An apparatus was constructed to measure heat and mass transfer coefficients of the absorption process ...
An impingement jet system was used to study flow-assisted corrosion (FAC) of 3003 aluminum (Al) alloy in ethylene glycol-water solutions that simulates the automotive coolant by corrosion potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements as well as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The effects of solution pH and fluid impact angle on Al FAC were determined. An increase of solution pH enhances the activity of Al due to dissolution of Al oxide film in alkaline environment. Moreover, Al activity decreases with the increasing fluid impact angle to the specimen. A CFD simulation shows that, with the increase of impact angle, the electrode area under high-velocity flow field decreases and that under low-velocity flow field increases. Consequently, the shear str...
The changes in microstructure of a specially prepared boron nitride (BN) film as a function of film depth were studied by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and other materials analysis tools. These changes were then correlated to the changes in processing parameters during film growth. The analyzed film was fabricated by the four-step ion-assisted deposition procedure known to be effective in film-stress engineering for the formation and retention of a thick cubic BN (cBN) layer with a three-step buffer-layer deposition. In this deposition, the energy of the ions assisting cBN formation was increased stepwise from 200 to 280, and then to 360 eV [S.F. Wong, C. W. Ong, G.K.H. Pang, K.Z. Baba-Kishi, W. M. Lau, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 22 (2004) 676]. The nominal thickness of the cBN layer was 650 nm and that for each of ...
Magnetic particles (MAG*SEP"S"M) coated with various absorbents were evaluated for the separation and recovery of low concentrations of cesium from nuclear waste solutions. The MAG*SEP"S"M particles were coated with (1) clinoptilolite, (2) transylvanian volcanic tuff, (3) resorcinol formaldehyde, and (4) crystalline silico-titanate, and then were contacted with a Hanford supernatant simulant. Particles coated with the crystalline silico-titanate were identified by Bradtec as having the highest capacity for cesium removal under the conditions tested (variation of pH, ionic strength, cesium concentration, and absorbent/solution ratio). The MAG*SEP"S"M particles coated with resorcinol formaldehyde had high distribution ratios values and could also be used to remove cesium from Hanford supernant simulant. Gamma irradiation studies were performed on the MAG*SEP"S"M particles with a gamma dose equivalent to 100 cycles of use. This irradiation ...
Presented are the results of the investigation of the kinetics and micromechanism of the failure in impact bending of oriented-crystallized specimens having the eutectic composition Ni_3Al-Ni_3Nb and of the bimetal composed of 45 steel + M3 copper. The failure kinetics was studied by high-speed filming, whereas the fractures were studied by electron fractography. The particularities of the failure of the laminar-type composite materials were found. Analyzed was the effect of the kinetic factors and the mechanism of failure upon its energy consumption.
This paper presents a mathematical model to analyze the solar evaporation in a shallow pond in steady state, when the inlet flow rate, concentration, surface area and solar radiation are given. The simultaneous heat and mass transfer mechanisms are considered for quantifying the amount of evaporated water to the atmosphere and the actual absorbed heat by wastewater is calculated to obtain the bottom temperature of water pond. The heat losses to air by radiation and convection mechanisms are considered and the heat transmission across the water film is evaluated by the forced convection mechanism. 6 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.
The layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly has been extensively used as a simple and effective method for the preparation of polyelectrolyte multilayer films. In this work, we utilized this unique method to prepare polyimide precursor/layered double hydroxide (LDH) ultrathin films. Well-crystallized Co-Al-CO_3 LDH and subsequent anion exchanged Co-Al-NO_3 LDH were prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). By vigorous shaking of the as-prepared Co-Al-NO_3 LDH, positively charged and exfoliated LDH nanosheets were obtained. Atomic force microscopy and XRD investigations indicated the delamination of LDH nanosheets. The precursor of polyimide, poly(amic acid) tertiary amine salt (PAS) was prepared by the polycondensation of dianhydride and diamine, and subsequent amine salt formation. By using the LBL method, heterogeneous ultrathin films of PAS and LDH were prepared. The formation of ...
Advanced modality of high-precision radiotherapy fulfilled by a composition of large numbers of small field beams called 'beamlets' can be achieved via nonuniform intensity fluencies. In case of radiation measurements and calculations with narrow high-energy photon beams, however, an accurate two-dimensional dosimetry is a challenging task due to dosimetrically unfavorable phenomena such as dramatic changes of the dose at the field boundaries, dis-equilibrium of the electrons resulting from larger detector volume, and non-uniformity between the detector and the phantom materials. Meanwhile, with the advantages of high spatial resolution and wide range of absorbed doses, there is a growing demand of GAFCHROMICat..EBT film to confirm delivered dose distribution. Especially, the effects from the material differences between the phantom and the film can be minimized in the heterogeneous condition since the GAFCHROMICat..EBT ...
The impact properties of high-strength low alloy TRIP steels such as 'TRIP-aided dual-phase steel' and 'TRIP-aided bainitic steel' associated with the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) of retained austenite were investigated for some applications to the automotive impact members. The TRIP steels possessed far higher impact absorbed value and lower ductile-brittle transition temperature than the conventional ferrite-martensite and ferrite-pearlite steels. The stress relaxation resulting from the strain-induced transformation of retained austenite islands or films improved the impact properties in terms of suppressing void and/or crack initiation and these propagation. The best impact properties were completed in the steel composing of uniform fine bainitic lath structure and a large amount of stable interlath retained austenite films. (author)
A method was proposed and examined to deposit thick cubic boron nitride (cBN)-rich layer of good adhesion to silicon substrate. The method combined (i) the insertion of a thick sp"2 buffer layer, and (ii) the use of an appropriate assist ion beam energy for the growth of the cBN-rich top layer. The sp"2-bonded boron nitride buffer layer was deposited under irradiation of ions with energies in the range of 200-360 eV. The buffer layer was found to contain curled graphitic basal planes, and so was supposed to be relatively deformable, and facilitate the relaxation of stresses in the cBN-rich top layer. The ion assist introduced during the growth of the cBN-rich layer was supposed to both create and annihilate defects, and so resulted in the generation and relaxation of internal stresses. Results showed that the insertion of a 492 nm sp"2 buffer layer, and the use of a beam energy of 450 eV for assisting the growth of the top ...
Highly conductive biaxially textured RuO_2 thin films were deposited on technically important SiO_2/Si substrates by pulsed laser deposition, where yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) produced by ion-beam-assisted-deposition (IBAD) was used as a template to enhance the biaxial texture of RuO_2 on SiO_2/Si. The biaxially oriented RuO_2 had a room-temperature resistivity of 37 #mu##OMEGA#-cm and residual resistivity ratio above 2. We then deposited Ba_0_._5Sr_0_._5TiO_3 thin films on RuO_2/IBAD-YSZ/SiO_2/Si. The Ba_0_._5Sr_0_._5TiO_3 had a pure (111) orientation normal to the substrate surface and a dielectric constant above 360 at 100 kHz. copyright 1998 Materials Research Society.
Zinc oxide thin films were obtained by laser ablation of a Zn target in oxygen reactive atmosphere, the oxygen being supplied either by a standard gas inlet valve or from a radio-frequency (rf) oxygen plasma. Pt-coated silicon and MgO were used as substrates. The influence of the deposition parameters as laser wavelength (266, 355, 1064 nm), laser fluence (1.5-20 J/cm2) and oxygen pressure (1-60 Pa) was studied. The influence of the rf plasma beam addition on the morphological proprieties of zinc oxide films was particularly investigated, simultaneously with several configurations of the direction of the ablation plasma, the rf plasma beam and the substrate. The obtained films, with thicknesses in the range of 50 nm to 1 ?m have been characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
A new lens was installed in the laser; the laser power was lowered and solar cells were made at different power levels. The concentration of the silver neodecanoate solution was changed to reduce linewidth. A cell fabrication run was completed using low-resistivity float-zone silicon. Experiments were initiated to investigate the use of titanium organometallic film, which not only forms an AR coating with a 400/sup 0/C hard bake, but may also help in bypassing front-metal evaporation because of high-reactivity of Ti with silicon. Progress in these areas is discussed.
The Westinghouse Electric Corporation has undertaken to investigate, develop, and characterize laser-assisted processing techniques utilized to produce the fine line, thin metal grid structures that are required to fabricate high-efficiency solar cells. Two basic techniques for metal deposition will be investigated, as follows: (1) photochemical decomposition of liquid or gas phase organometallic compounds utilizing either a focused, CW ultraviolet laser (System 1) or a mask and ultraviolet flood illumination, such as that provided by a repetitively pulsed, defocused excimer laser (System 2), for pattern definition, and (2) thermal deposition of metals from organometallic solutions or vapors utilizing a focused, CW laser beam as a local heat source to draw the metallization pattern. The purpose of this contract is to investigate the various existing laser-assistedfilm deposition techniques in order to develop a new, ...
The production and characterisation of thin films made from molybdenum sulphide, molybdenum selenide, tungsten sulphide and tungsten selenide are described. The electronic properties of the thin films were examined by Hall measurements and by thermal sensors. For the MoSe[sub 2] films, the majority of the samples were n-conducting and p-conduction was only found for a few examples. All the other films (MoS[sub 2], WS[sub 2], WSe[sub 2]) were p-conducting. The electrical transport properties of the thin films are comparable to those of single crystals. With these thin films as absorber materials, it was possible for the first time to produce the polycrystalline solid n-ZnO/p-MoSe[sub 2], n-ZnO/WSe[sub 2], n-ZnO/WS[sub 2]- and n-ITO/WS[sub 2] solar cells. In spite of not yet optimized diode geometry (lateral build-up), a maximum short circuit ...
Fluorinated amorphous carbon (a-C:F) films were deposited by radio frequency bias assisted microwave plasma electron cyclotron resonance chemical vapor deposition with tetrafluoromethane (CF_4) and acetylene (C_2H_2) as precursors. The deposition process was performed at two flow ratios R=0.90 and R=0.97, where R=CF_4/(CF_4+C_2H_2). The samples were annealed at 300 deg. C for 30 min. in a N_2 atmosphere. Both Fourier transform infrared and electron spectroscopy for chemical analyzer were used to characterize the a-C:F film chemical bond and fluorine concentration, respectively. A high resolution electron energy loss spectrometer was applied to detect the electronic structure. The higher CF_4 flow ratio (R=0.97) produced more sp"3 linear structure, and it made the a-C:F film smoother and softer. A lifetime of around 0.34 #mu#s and an energy gap of #approx#2.75 eV were observed in both the as-deposited ...
A combined PVD/PECVD process for the vacuum deposition of titanium containing amorphous hydrogenated carbon films is described. Elemental compositions of the deposited films have been determined by in situ core level photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The long-term stability of the plasma process has been demonstrated. Target poisoning has not been observed. We have fabricated optical selective surfaces by the deposition of a-C:H/Ti multilayers onto aluminum substrates. Even though we have not optimized layer thicknesses and stoichiometries so far, the experimental results are promising: solar absorptance {alpha}{sub S} of 0.876 and thermal emittance {epsilon}{sub 100C} of 0.061 have been achieved yielding an optical selectivity sis defined as{alpha}{sub S}/{epsilon}{sub 100C} of 14.4. Accelerated aging tests of these coatings have demonstrated their aging stability: the service lifetime is predicted to amount to more than 25 years. Raman ...
International standards and guidelines for calibrating high-dose dosimetry systems to be used in industrial radiation processing recommend that dose-rate effects on dosimeters be evaluated under conditions of use. This is important when the irradiation relies on high-current electron accelerators, which usually provide very high dose-rates. However, most dosimeter calibration facilities use low-intensity gamma radiation or low-current electron accelerators, which deliver comparatively low dose-rates. Because of issues of thermal conductivity and response, portable calorimeters cannot be practically used with high-current accelerators, where product conveyor speeds under an electron beam can exceed several meters per second and the calorimeter is not suitable for use with product handling systems. As an alternative, Monte Carlo calculations can give theoretical estimates of the absorbed dose in materials with flat or complex configurations such that the results are ...
This report summarizes work performed by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) on fatigue and environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) in light water reactors (LWRs) during the six months from October 1993 to March 1994. EAC and fatigue of piping, pressure vessels, and core components in LWRs are important concerns in operating plants and as extended reactor lifetimes are envisaged. Topics that have been investigated include (a) fatigue of low-alloy steel used in piping, steam generators, and reactor pressure vessels, (b) EAC of wrought and cast austenitic stainless steels (SSs), and (c) radiation-induced segregation and irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) of Type 304 SS after accumulation of relatively high fluence. Fatigue tests have been conducted on A302-Gr B low-alloy steel to verify whether the current predictions of modest decreases of fatigue life in simulated pressurized water reactor water are valid for high-sulfur heats ...
The transport properties of a 'thin' polycrystalline diamond film are analyzed after the sample exposure to 8.06-keV x-ray radiation. Structure and morphology of the as-grown film have been evaluated by Raman, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The transport properties have been investigated by measuring dark current-voltage characteristics in the temperature range of 60 to 360 K. Ohmic transport has been evidenced on the as-grown film up to 1.16x10"5 V/cm. After irradiation, nonlinear contributions to the dark current have been evidenced and related to field-assisted thermal ionization of traps. Below 200 K, hopping mechanisms have been observed. Correlations have been found among x-ray irradiation, density of traps involved in the transport processes, and the nonhomogeneous nature of the sample. A simple model of the grain boundary structure is proposed to explain the ...
Radon concentration measurements were carried out using solid-state nuclear track-etch detectors (SSNTDs) type CA 80-15 cellulose nitrate films, in a Pleistocenic cave at Petralona, in Halkidiki, Northern Greece, at 55 km from the city of Thessaloniki. Radon levels as high as 88 kBqxm"-"3 (2.38 nCi x l"-"1) have been recorded inside the cave equivalent to 11.90 WL in terms of occupational exposure to radon and its decay products. Absorbed dose rates were performed using TL dosimeters, type TLD-200 (CaF_2-Dy) in a continuous monitoring program (integrated measurements). Dose rate levels as high as 110 nGy x h"-"1 were recorded inside the cave. In interpreting the high levels of radiation doses, radioactivity measurements regarding the naturally occurring "2"3"8U, "2"3"2Th and "4"0K radionuclides were carried out in various speleothems found at different sites in the cave. (author)
In neutron radiography, as in other forms of NDE, it is sometimes desirable to observe dynamic events. This need has generated increased interest in the development of real-time neutron radiography systems and neutron-to-light converter screens optimized for real-time application. Two screens currently available at MURR are: (1) a 0.041-cm-thick Gd_2O_2S screen manufactured by 3M Company and (2) a "6KiF-ZnS(Ag) screen (NE 426) manufactured by Nuclear Enterprises. These screens are presently used in conventional film neutron radiography and represent two of the commercially available screens that have demonstrated the greatest resolution and sensitivity. Unfortunately, these screens have severe limitations when used for real-time neutron radiography. In order to isolate and minimize the factors contributing to these limitations, several neutron absorbers and phosphorus were studied at MURR. The screen thickness and the neutron ...
A liquid column was used for the experiments reported in Part 1. However, it only gives the observation of the effect of fast reaction because the liquid flow was controlled to uniform laminar flow and the contact is limited to short time of around 10 ms. In practical absorbing operation, turbulence is involved in liquid flow, and the residence time for contact is long. Hence, the absorption of trace iodine in the purified air has been experimented by using a constant interface area type stirred absorption tank. Prior to the experiment, the characteristics of the absorption tank was investigated by conducting pure carbon dioxide absorption test with purified water. It gave the conclusion that the tank was sufficiently usable for fundamental researches. In short contact time absorption, the iodine dissolved and absorbed in liquid phase is affected by reaction of hypoiodous acid and poly-iodide ion formation due to hydrolysis by basic catalyst, ...
The long-term stability of pentacene thin-film transistors (TFTs) encapsulated with a transparent SnO{sub 2} thin-film prepared by ion beam-assisted deposition (IBAD) was investigated. After encapsulation process, our organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) showed somewhat degraded field-effect mobility of 0.5 cm{sup 2}/(V s) that was initially 0.62 cm{sup 2}/(V s), when a buffer layer of thermally evaporated 100 nm SnO{sub 2} film had been deposited prior to IBAD process. However, the mobility was surprisingly sustained up to 1 month and then gradually degraded down to 0.35 cm{sup 2}/(V s) which was still three times higher than that of the OTFT without any encapsulation layer after 100 days in air ambient. The encapsulated OTFTs also exhibited superior on/off current ratio of over 10{sup 5} to that of the unprotected devices ({approx}10{sup 4}) which was reduced from {approx}10{sup ...
The somatic and genetic radiation exposure of patients undergoing Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) and traditional Film Arteriography (FA) of cranial, cervical, thoracic and abdominal vascular territories are compared. The radiation doses absorbed within the critical organs - red bone marrow, lung, thyroid gland and female breast - and in the gonads were measured using an anthropomorphic Alderson phantom. A Somatic Dose Index was calculated in order to estimate the somatic radiation risk. The somatic radiation exposure depends upon the location of the critical organs with respect to the entrance site of the x-ray beam, and can be reduced by an appropriate choice of the angiographic projection. Under this condition, the radiation exposure of the patient during DSA can be lower than during FA. For renal DSA an a.p. projection, the use of an abdominal compression device and careful caudal shielding of the field are advocated. (orig.).
The economy of medicinal plant production is burdened considerably by the energy costs of drying. To substitute fossil energy, a solar heated dryer was developed, taking a plastic film greenhouse as superstructure to lower the initial costs. The solar air heaters, being incorporated into the roof, consist of a black absorber tissue, which is placed between the transparent cover of the greenhouse and an insulating air-bubble foil. To obtain a modular design, the system is structured along the ridge into segments of 2 m width. Each segment forms an independent solar air heater/batch dryer unit and is operated by a fan with a power consumption of 500 W. A prototype was tested in Yugoslavia, drying mint, sage and hops. (author).
There has been a growing interest in new laser systems for use at mid-infra-red wavelengths, driven by requirements for a number of diverse applications. Developments in mid-IR coating technology are following three major thrusts. In the first, the potential of ion-assisted process is being exploited and the technology is already becoming well established in the optical coating industry. In the second, the benefits of using gas-phase precursors are being explored, driven by the potential of avoiding the generation of second phase inclusion in the coatings with associated reduction in laser damage threshold. Research is also addressing the use of nanocomposite materials with an engineered microstructure to produce coatings with dielectric properties of choice. This paper presents a review of progress in some of these areas with special emphasis on the comparison of the properties of materials at DF laser wavelengths. Evidence is presented which suggests that laser ...
The 540 MWe PHWR has two fully independent shutdown systems. The first shutdown system (SDS-1) comprises of 28 spring assisted, vertical gravity drop shut-off rods, each consisting of a cadmium absorber sandwiched between stainless steel tubes. The second shutdown system (SDS-2) constitutes six poison tanks connected to respective zircaloy injection tubes. This system is capable of high speed injection of gadolinium nitrate solution (in D2O) into the moderator through these tubes. Theoretical estimation was carried out at different injection pressures and different concentration of gadolinium nitrate solution to arrive at the limiting value of these parameters from reactivity consideration point of view. The plant measurements of SDS-2 actuations at 60 and 80 Kg/cm2 pressure of helium was used to validate and upgrade the estimation model. The paper gives the details of the validation details of SDS-2 actuation. (author)
The pentenary compound semiconductor Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 is one of the most attractive materials for high-efficiency solar cells due to its tunable band gap to match well the solar spectrum. In this study, semiconducting Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 thin films were prepared by a classical two-step growth process, which involves the selenization and/or sulfurization of In/Cu?Ga precursor. During the precursor formation step metallic In/Cu?Ga alloys were deposited onto the Mo-coated soda-lime glass substrates by DC magnetron sputter process. The respective precursors were subsequently reacted with H2Se and/or H2S gasses, at elevated temperatures. By optimizing the selenization parameters, such as the gas concentrations, reaction time, reaction temperature, and the flow of H2Se and H2S, high quality, single...
A stable isotope mass-balance of dissolved inorganic carbon during a blue-green algae bloom in a softwater lake demonstrates that at low partial pressure of carbon dioxide there must be a large net negative carbon isotope fractionation between atmospheric CO/sub 2/ and the CO/sub 2/ absorbed by lake water at pH = 9.5. Chemical enhancement of CO/sub 2/ invasion at high pH by the reaction CO/sub 2/ + OH/sup -/ ..-->.. HCO/sub 3//sup -/ at large apparent film thicknesses may result in carbon isotope fractionation approaching that for a hydroxide solution. This phenomenon, coupled with a decrease in the photosynthetic fractionation, forced the surface water of a softwater lake to achieve increasingly negative delta /sup 13/C values during an algal bloom, which is in the opposite sense to the trend that results from photosynthesis under less extreme conditions. This and other similar systems must operate under non-equilibrium (kinetic) ...
Spectral room temperature photoluminescence (pl) of polycrystalline Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films (CIGSe) is evaluated with respect to optoelectronic properties and in particular for the determination of the splitting of quasi-Fermi levels (EFn - EFp). For lateral resolution of ? 1 ?m a confocal pl-setup is used. The depth profile of the excess carrier densities determining the rates of radiative transitions strongly govern the spectral pl-shape which has been numerically modeled with a matrix transfer formalism. In this optical approach we discriminate for wave propagation and attenuation in a multilayer system between a plane-wave ansatz and a 3D-spherical formalism, depending on excitation area large or small/similar compared to the thickness of the absorber. In both cases re-absorption of photons in energetic regimes with absorption approaches unity, from which the splitting of the quasi-Fermi levels is preferentially deduced, substantially influence ...
Successful interface engineering requires compositional and electronic material characterization as a prerequisite for understanding and intentionally generating interfaces in photovoltaic devices. The paper gives an overview with several examples, all referring to Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se){sub 2} ('CIGSSe')-based solar cells, with an emphasis on characterization using highly specialized methods, such as elastic recoil detection analysis, X-ray emission spectroscopy and photoelectron spectroscopy using synchrotron and ultraviolet light for excitation, inverse photoemission spectroscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy. First, the determination of the depth profile of the band gap energy E{sub g} in the absorber layer is demonstrated. The modification of E{sub g} towards both interfaces is discussed in terms of beneficial electronic effects. Next, the interface between absorber and buffer layers with alternative and promising non-toxic ...
Research highlights: ? Correlations between microstructure and internal stress during Ti anodising are established. ? Large internal compressive stresses are accumulated in the film during anodising upto 12 V. ?A transition from compressive to tensile stress is observed when the cell voltage exceeds 12 V. ? At 40 V, the oxide films consist of two regions with different compositions and microstructures. Crystallisation of amorphous to anatase TiO2 contributes to the compressive stress relaxation. - Abstract: The relationship between the microstructural and internal stress evolution during Ti anodising is discussed. Samples anodised galvanostatically to 12 V and 40 V, corresponding to different stages of the internal stress evolution, were examined by in-plane and cross-section transmission electron microscopy. Electron diffraction patterns have been complemented with stoichiometry data obtained from energy loss near edge structure spectra. The ...
A non-synthetic polymer material, polyterpenol, was fabricated using a dry polymerization process namely RF plasma polymerization from an environmentally friendly monomer and its surface, optical and electrical properties investigated. Polyterpenol films were found to be transparent over the visible wavelength range, with a smooth surface with an average roughness of less than 0.4 nm and hardness of 0.4 GPa. The dielectric constant of 3.4 for polyterpenol was higher than that of the conventional polymer materials used in the organic electronic devices. The non-synthetic polymer material was then implemented as a surface modification of the gate insulator in field effect transistor (OFET) and the properties of the device were examined. In comparison to the similar device without the polymer insulating layer, the polyterpenol based OFET device showed significant improvements. The addition of the polyterpenol interlayer in the OFET shifted the threshold voltage ...
The ternary compound CuInS{sub 2} is attractive for solar cells due to its band gap of 1.54 eV which borders the optimum value necessary for conversion of a solar spectrum. Recently, works on thin film cells based on this material (ZnO/CuInS{sub 2}) has been reported to show efficiency as high as 11.4%. In this paper, the orientation and the morphology of CuInS{sub 2} sprayed films are determined by the means of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Sprayed CuInS{sub 2} films deposited onto a transparent Pyrex substrate with standard fabrication parameters show a chalcopyrite structure with a preferential orientation (1 1 2). A model based on the calculation of the relative dielectric function {epsilon} has been performed in order to obtain the profile of variation of this parameter and to understand the optical behavior of this material via its transmittance and reflectance in visible and near-infrared ...
The ternary compound CuInS2 is attractive for solar cells due to its band gap of 1.54 eV which borders the optimum value necessary for conversion of a solar spectrum. Recently, works on thin film cells based on this material (ZnO/CuInS2) has been reported to show efficiency as high as 11.4%. In this paper, the orientation and the morphology of CuInS2 sprayed films are determined by the means of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Sprayed CuInS2 films deposited onto a transparent Pyrex substrate with standard fabrication parameters show a chalcopyrite structure with a preferential orientation (1 1 2). A model based on the calculation of the relative dielectric function ? has been performed in order to obtain the profile of variation of this parameter and to understand the optical behavior of this material via its transmittance and reflectance in visible and near-infrared regions (0.35-2.5 ?m). In the same ...
A cooperative effort of the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (ZSW) and Phototronics Solartechnik GmbH (PST) aimed at the transfer of highly efficient solar cells developed on a laboratory scale, to large-area thin-film solar modules suitable for production. This work was based on research and development at the Institute for Physical Electronics (IPE) of Stuttgart University and ZSW on one hand, and on the know-how of PST in regard to large-area module fabrication on the other hand. The various thin-film layers of the cells and modules comprize molybdenum as rear contact, copper-indium(gallium)-diselenide (CIGS) as absorber material, the combination of cadmium sulphide (CdS) and ZnO as window layer. To produce these layers on large areas (30x30 cm{sup 2}), equipment was constructed and procedures were developed. Monolithic series connection of cells, used in other thin-film technologies, ...
In this work dosimetric analysis using thermoluminescence technique to study the beams characteristics of x-rays employed in dental radiology has been carried out. The obtained results with CaSO{sub 4}:Dy thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) were compared to the doses obtained with parallel-plates ionization chamber. Dosimetric evaluations were also done using radiographic films of large dimensions. The x-rays equipments analyzed were installed in the radiological services of Odontology Department of Sergipe Federal University (U.F.S.). Depending on the anatomical region to be examined the proper exposure time was select, for a fix voltage of 70 kV. The results with TLD and ionization chamber have been determined to female and male individuals. The intraoral regions analysed were the peri apical of the incisors, molar and pre-molar teeth and the occlusive region. These regions were simulated using acrylic plates absorbers installed on the ...
The thermodynamic aspects of indium-face InN growth by radio frequency plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy (rf-MBE) and the nucleation of InN on gallium-face GaN (0001) surface were investigated. The rates of InN decomposition and indium desorption from the surface were measured in situ using reflected high-energy electron diffraction and the rf-MBE 'growth window' of In-face InN (0001) was identified. It is shown that sustainable growth can be achieved only when the arrival rate of active nitrogen species on the surface is higher than the arrival rate of indium atoms. The maximum substrate temperature permitting InN growth as a function of the active nitrogen flux was determined. The growth mode of InN on Ga-face GaN (0001) surface was investigated by reflected high-energy electron diffraction and atomic force microscopy. It was found to be of the Volmer-Weber-type for substrate temperatures less than 350 deg. C and of the Stranski-Krastanov for substrate ...
[sup 13]C epitaxial diamond films have been grown on [sup 12]C-type IIb diamond substrates doped with boron, using electron assisted chemical vapor deposition. The relation between etch pits to dislocations in [sup 13]C diamond film and the broadening of the first-order Raman peak was examined. The reactant gas was [sup 13]CH[sub 4] of > 99% purity. The substrate temperature was varied from 943 to 1300 C. The uneven surface morphology was confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and laser microscopy. From 943 to 1030 C, etch pit rows along left angle 100 right angle were observed. At 991 C, the etch pit density on a row was 3300 to 5000 pits/cm. The Ar[sup +] laser beam was focused on a transparent area near the row of etch pits, where the boron impurity of the substrate is less than several 10 ppm. The first-order Raman line of [sup 13]C epitaxial diamond film was broadened to 3.6-4.0 cm[sup -1]. ...
The detector for retrospective radon exposure measurements is developed. The detector consists of the multilayer package of solid-state nuclear track detectors LR-115 type. Nitrocellulose films works both as {alpha}-particle detector and as absorber decreasing the energy of {alpha}-particles. The uncertainties of implanted {sup 210}Pb measurements by two- and three-layer detectors are assessed in dependence on surface {sup 210}Po activity and gross background activity of the glass. The generalized compartment behavior model of radon decay products in the room atmosphere was developed and verified. It is shown that the most influencing parameters on the value of conversion coefficient from {sup 210}Po surface activity to average radon concentration are aerosol particles concentration, deposition velocity of unattached {sup 218}Po and air exchange rate. It is demonstrated that with the use of additional information on surface to volume room ...
We have developed a chemical process for incorporating copper into indium gallium selenide layers with the goal of creating a precursor structure for the formation of copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) photovoltaic absorbers. Stylus profilometry, EDX, Raman spectroscopy, XRD and SIMS measurements show that when indium gallium selenide layers are immersed in a hot copper chloride solution, copper is incorporated as copper selenide with no increase in the thickness of the layers. Further measurements show that annealing this precursor structure in the presence of selenium results in the formation of CIGS and that the supply of selenium during the annealing process has a strong effect on the morphology and preferred orientation of these layers. When the supply of Se during annealing begins only once the substrate temperature reaches ? 400 deg. C , the resulting CIGS layers are smoother and have more pronounced preferred orientation than when Se is supplied ...
In this work, we use lasers to enhance possibilities of laser desorption methods and to optimize coating procedure for capillary electrophoresis (CE). We use several different instrumental arrangements to characterize matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALD) at atmospheric pressure and in vacuum. In imaging mode, 488-nm argon-ion laser beam is deflected by two acousto-optic deflectors to scan plumes desorbed at atmospheric pressure via absorption. All absorbing species, including neutral molecules, are monitored. Interesting features, e.g. differences between the initial plume and subsequent plumes desorbed from the same spot, or the formation of two plumes from one laser shot are observed. Total plume absorbance can be correlated with the acoustic signal generated by the desorption event. A model equation for the plume velocity as a function of time is proposed. Alternatively, the use of a static laser beam for observation ...
OBJECTIVES: Personal and equipment assistance are common strategies to reduce disability. This study sought to determine how often assistance reduces or even completely resolves health-related difficulties...Full Text Available
In this research, new thin freestanding films of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/50% epoxidised natural rubber (ENR 50) were doped with lithium triflate, LiCF3SO3 salt was prepared by a solvent casting method. The incorporation of ENR 50 is found to increase the conductivity of PMMA/LiCF3SO3 by two orders of magnitude at room temperature. The highest conductivity achieved was 5.09x10-5Scm-1 at room temperature when 60% of LiCF3SO3 salt was introduced into the PMMA blend containing 10% ENR 50. The formation of excessive hydrogen bonds and interchain crosslinking limit the performance of the blend at higher concentrations of ENR 50. The ionic conduction mechanisms in PMMA/ENR 50/LiCF3SO3 electrolytes obey the Arrhenius rule in which the ion transport in these materials is thermally assisted...
Abstract A next generation material for surface passivation of crystalline Si is Al2O3. It has been shown that both thermal and plasma-assisted (PA) atomic layer deposition (ALD) Al2O3 provide an adequate level of surface passivation for both p- and n-type Si substrates. However, conventional time-resolved ALD is limited by its low deposition rate. Therefore, an experimental high-deposition-rate prototype ALD reactor based on the spatially separated ALD principle has been developed and Al2O3 deposition rates up to 1.2-nm/s have been demonstrated. In this work, the passivation quality and uniformity of the experimental spatially separated ALD Al2O3 films are evaluated and compared to conventional temporal ALD Al2O3, by use of quasi-steady-state photo-conductance (QSSPC) and carrier density ...
ROBOT-ASSISTED RADICAL LAPAROSCOPIC PROSTATECTOMY WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER WINSTON-SALEM, NC 00:00:08 ANTHONY ATALA, MD: I would like ...
Ultra-low pure Pt-based electrodes (0.04-0.12 mg_P_t/cm"2) were prepared by dual ion-beam assisted deposition (dual IBAD) method on the surface of a non-catalyzed gas diffusion layer (GDL) substrate. Film thicknesses ranged between 250 and 750 A, these are compared with a control, a conventional Pt/C (1.0 mg_P_t_(_M_E_A_)/cm"2, E-TEK). The IBAD electrode constituted a significantly different morphology, where low density Pt deposits (largely amorphous) were formed with varying depths of penetration into the gas diffusion layer, exhibiting a gradual change towards increasing crystalline character (from 250 to 750 A). Mass specific power density of 0.297 g_P_t/kW is reported with 250 A IBAD deposit (0.04 mg_P_t/cm"2 for a total MEA loading of 0.08 mg_P_t/cm"2) at 0.65 V. This is contrasted with the commercial MEA with a loading of 1 mg_P_t_(_M_E_A_)/cm"2 where mass specific power density obtained was 1.18 g_P_t/kW (at 0.65 V), a value typical of ...
The Seismic Proving Test of Heavy Component with Energy Absorbing Supports has been conducted to prove the reliability of advanced seismic technology, supporting heavy component such as PWR steam generator with large capacity energy absorbing supports under the sponsorship of Ministry of Economical Trade and Industry. If energy absorbing supports are adopted for NPP heavy components, support structure of facility will be much simplified due to their seismic energy absorbing effect. The paper describes the results of lead damper element test and seismic test at Tadotsu Laboratory, using 1/2.5 scale PWR Steam Generator model supported by Lead Extraction Damper (LED) and development of characteristics evaluation formula of energy absorbing support. (author)
The use of aqueous methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) for selective removal of hydrogen sulfide from acid gas streams has been studied in a 2 inch column packed with 1/4 inch ceramic Intalox saddles. The column was operated in a counter-current, steady state fashion. The feed gas composition varied between 1 and 5 mole % hydrogen sulfide and between 0 and 50 mole % carbon dioxide. In order to assist the development of packed column absorption models, the rate at which pure carbon dioxide absorbs into 2 M MDEA was measured as a function of pressure, liquid flow rate and packed bed length. The importance of end effects was carefully evaluated. In addition, draining and tracer methods were used to estimate the amount of static holdup present in the column. Using classical draining methods, as much as 50 % of the total holdup was found to be static. However, according to the step decrease in tracer method, less than 5 % of the total holdup was static. ...
...2010-10-01 false Low-income home energy assistance. 96.48 Section 96...Organizations § 96.48 Low-income home energy assistance. (a) This section applies...Indian tribes under the low-income home energy assistance program. (b) The...
This study investigates the effect of solid and liquid lubrication on friction and wear performance of silicon nitride (Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}) and cast iron. The solid lubricant was a thin silver film ({approx}2 {mu}m thick) produced on Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} by ion-beam-assisted deposition. A high-temperature polyol-ester-base synthetic oil served as the liquid lubricant. Friction and wear tests were performed with pin-on-disk and oscillating-slider wear test machines at temperatures up to 300{degrees}C. Without the silver films, the friction coefficients of Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}/Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} test pairs were 0.05 to 0.14, and the average wear rates of Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} pins were {approx}5 x 10{sup -8} mm{sup 3} N{sup -1}. The friction coefficients of Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}/cast iron test pairs ranged from 0.08 to 0.11, depending on test temperature. The average specific wear rates of cast iron pins were {approx}3 x 10{sup -7} mm{sup 3} ...
The thin windows for the Muon Ionization Cooling Experiment (MICE) liquid Absorber will be fabricated from 6061-T6-aluminum. The absorber and vacuum vessel thin windows are 300-mm in diameter and are 180 mm thick at the center. The windows are designed for an internal burst pressure of 0.68 MPa (100 psig) when warm. The MICE experiment design calls for changeable windows on the absorber, so a bolted window design was adopted. Welded windows offer some potential advantages over bolted windows when they are on the absorber itself. This report describes the bolted window and its seal. This report also describes an alternate window that is welded directly to the absorber body. The welded window design presented permits the weld to be ground off and re-welded. This report presents a thermal FEA analysis of the window seal-weld, while the window is being welded. Finally, the results of a ...
Throughout the last decades, plasma technology has been established in a series of surface treatment applications, e.g. for semiconductor processing or optical coatings. The majority of plasma assisted technologies is based on low pressure processes. In recent years, however, non-thermal atmospheric pressure discharges have attracted considerable interest because of their simplified technical devices for industrial applications as compared to low pressure processes which require vacuum equipment. Hence, batch processing can be avoided, thus facilitating the implementation of plasma process steps into production lines. Investment costs are cut down significantly. The use of atmospheric pressure plasmas for technical applications dates back to the ozone production with dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) by Siemens in 1857. Lately, the application of atmospheric pressure plasmas for surface treatment has been reported, e.g. for the treatment of foils to improve ...
... energy absorption characteristics of composite sandwich panels, thermoplastic energy-absorbing subfloor structures, and shoulder belt pre- tensioners. ...
Full text: Thermoluminescence (TL) is a phenomenon of light emission caused by heating a pre-irradiated material. When ionizing radiation hits a TL material, electrons are freed from some atoms and moved in the material, leaving behind 'holes' of positive charge. Subsequently when the TL material is heated, the electrons and the 'holes' re-combine, and release the extra energy in the form of light. The light intensity can be measured, and related to the amount of energy initially absorbed through exposure to the ionizing radiation. In nineteen sixties thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD) became popular for dosimetric applications in view of their small size, sensitivity and accuracy. Consequently, in early seventies, several countries started adopting of TLD for personnel monitoring. The idea of introducing TLD to replace the then prevalent film dosimeter for personnel monitoring in India was mooted and successfully implemented by Dr. K G Vohra. ...
Random motion of a particle, emitting and absorbing tachyons, is investigated. It is shown that if bradyon is in equilibrium with neutral gas, i.e. it absorbs and emits tachyons, which do not have any charges, tha particle with each absorption-emittance of a tachyon changes its energy and momentum, never varying its own mass, and as a result it moves like a brownian particle. Thus, bradyon, interacting with tachyon gas, increases its momentum continuously in agreement with the Einstein-Fokker-Planck type equation.
The performance of PAN-based composite absorbers was evaluated in dynamic experiments at flow rates ranging from 25--100 bed volumes (BV) per hour. Composite absorbers with active components of ammonium molybdophosphate (AMP) PAN and K-Co ferrocyanide (KCoFC) PAN were used for separating Cs from a 1 M HNO{sub 3} + 1 M NaNO{sub 3} + 2 {times} 10{sup {minus}5} M CsCl acidic simulant solution. KCoFC-PAN and two other FC-based composite absorbers were tested for separating Cs from alkaline simulant solutions containing 0.01 M to 1 M NaOH and 1 M NaNO{sub 3} + x {times} 10{sup {minus}4} M CsCl. The efficiency of the Cs sorption on the AMP-PAN absorber from acidic simulant solutions was negatively influenced by the dissolution of the AMP active component. At flow rates of 50 BV/hr, the decontamination factor of about 10{sup 3} could be maintained for treatment of 380 BV of the feed. With the KCoFC-PAN ...
The pitting resistance of Fe-Cr and Fe-Cr-Mo alloys has been correlated with characteristics of the passive films analyzed by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Increased film protectiveness as a result of increased Cr in the alloy can be directly attributed to Cr enrichment of the film and decreased film thickness. Increased Mo in the alloy or passivation at noble potentials promotes passive film resistance to breakdown, but neither does much to change the macrocharacteristics of the film. Rather, it is suggested that the roles of alloying and/or passivation conditions are related to the susceptibility and distribution of weak points of the film. In solutions in which pitting occurs, chloride is generally not incorporated into the film, suggesting that the role of halides is to interact with weak points of the ...
The purpose of the invention is to improve a radiation receiver, consisting of a hollow body with an opening for the entry of radiation and a ceramic absorber situated in the hollow body, which absorbs the radiation energy entering through the opening, and emits it as thermal radiation to a heat medium, so that a higher efficiency can be achieved. According to the invention, the problem is solved by the fact that the absorber consists of ceramic material on the side towards the solar radiation, which has a low emission value and a high absorption value, and that the side of the absorber towards the heat medium has ceramic material of high emission value and low absorption value. This ensures that reradiation is prevented near the opening of the hollow body, and that the solar energy entering is largely absorbed in the hollow body.
The effects of fine-particle C, such as diesel soot, on the optical properties of urban haze in the visible wavelength range were explored to determine the dominant effects and to see if simple parameters (such as visual range in green) provide an adequate measure of these effects. It is known that fine-particle C absorbs more strongly in the blue than in the red, so that when it is mixed with a white pigment, the resulting gray can appear somewhat brown. The possibility of a similar effect in urban hazes was investigated, but found not to occur. When the sun is overhead, the near-horizon sky chromaticities caused by mixtures of fine-particle C and non-absorbing aerosol can also be produced by non-absorbing aerosols alone. It is shown that absorbing aerosol will darken the horizon sky, and a simple equation for the radiance of the horizon sky is derived. The effect of absorbing ...
Laser assisted solar cell metallization processing which is a one step process is examined. The potential advantages of laser disposition techniques for photovoltaic systems are: a high resolution, no photolithography, clean and contamination free, in-situ sintering, and low contact resistance.
Laser-assisted processing techniques for producing high-quality solar cell metallization patterns are being investigated, developed, and characterized. The tasks comprising these investigations are outlined.
PurposeThe objective of this study is to evaluate the continence rate following reconstruction of the posterior urethral plate in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy...Full Text Available
A Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance investigation was performed by NIOSH on February 1-4, 1977, at ASARCO, East Helena, Montana, a facility engaged in lead smelting. The survey was prompted by a request from the Regional OSHA Director in referenc...
With the advent of powerful, widely-available mathematical software, combined with ever-faster computer hardware, we are approaching a day when both the discovery and proof of mathematical facts can be done in a computer-assisted manner. his article presents several specific examples of this new paradigm in action.
For over 20 years advocates of computer assisted instruction (CAI) have been proclaiming impending revolutionary developments in the educational process, yet progress in acceptance has been slow. This...Full Text Available
Objectives.To understand how “cumulative inequality” (CI), expressed as individual advantage and choice, and “external social supports” contribute...Full Text Available
PURPOSETo compare hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and pure laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy techniques in live donor nephrectomy.METHODSIn...Full Text Available
Objective: To evaluate technical feasibility and acute and subacute radiotolerance of a self-expandable stent loaded with {sup 125}I seeds in the rabbit esophagus. Methods: A self-expandable stent designed for esophageal application was made of 0.16 mm nitinol wire and loaded with {sup 125}I seeds (CIAE-6711). Twenty-seven stents with three different radioactive dosages (n = 9 in each dosage group) were implanted in the esophagus of healthy rabbits, while nine stents alone were used as controls. The stents were perorally deployed into the esophagus under fluoroscopic guidance. Radiological follow-up included plain chest film, CT scan, and barium esophagography which were undertaken in all rabbits of each group at 2, 4, and 8 weeks, respectively, which were correlated to histopathological findings. The stented esophageal segments along with their adjacent tissues were harvested for histopathological examinations. Results: The stent was successfully deployed into the ...
Neutron Coded Aperture Imaging is a nondestructive imaging technique that utilizes neutrons scattered from an object through specially designed apertures. Coded Aperture Imaging is an alternative technique to Computed Tomography for three-dimensional imaging. Coded Aperture Imaging has the advantage that all of the three-dimensional information is contained in a single image, whereas Computed Tomography requires several images or projections. This technique has been implemented by other using photographic film as an image recording medium and optical reconstruction or decoding of the images. In this work, the possibility of using a real-time neutron video camera to record the images, followed by digital decoding methodology has been investigated. Because only a small fraction of the neutrons incident on the object are scattered to the neutron camera, a new neutron beamport facility, with a larger neutron flux (7.3 x 10[sup 7] n/cm[sup 2]/s) than the previous ...
The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) results a highly appropriate dosimetric technique for readings of absorbed radiation 'in alive' and 'in situ', as well as in real time. The CVD diamond on the other hand presents excellent qualities like radiation reader thanks to its reproducibility, radiation resistance, biocompatibility and non toxicity. The present work studies the answer of two diamond films pure and polluted with nitrogen (750 ppm) grown by the Chemical Vapor Deposition method (CVD) on silicon substrate (001) irradiated with beta (Sr-90) in the 0.833-100 Gy interval. The optical stimulation was carried out by 40 seconds with infrared laser (830 nm, 0.36 W/cm{sup 2}) and the filter BG-39 (300-600 nm) coupled the PM. The intensity and the decay of the hyperbolic type of the LOE curves were similar in both samples, for the non doped diamond were observed trapping states in 200-380 C being ...
Thin films (1-10 ?m thickness) of nanocomposites (NC) based on organic coordinated compound (OCC) Eu(TTA)2(Ph3PO)2NO3 (where TTA is thenoyl trifluoroacetonate (C8H5F3O2S), Ph3PO - triphenylphosphine (C6H5PO) and polymer-polyvinylpyrrolidone ((C6H9NO)n) (PVP)) were obtained by chemical methods and with different molar ratios into organic polymer matrix. NC have been characterized by measurements of optical transmission, excitation spectra of photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescence of NC at different concentrations of Eu(TTA)2(Ph3PO)2NO3 in NC. In the optical transmission of NC, the characteristic parameters of NC such as threshold absorbance, dependence on the concentration of the organic coordinated compound in NC, etc., have been determined The displacement of threshold absorption to infrared is observed with increasing of the concentration of the coordination material in NC. The excitation spectrum of photoluminescence of NC led the ...
... they assisted in the 2000 attack on the USS Cole? ... List the types of targets that ETA has attacked. ... was at least partially responsible for the attack. ...
... military medical education, environmental security activities, and provides e-mail capabilities and other basic information management capabilities. ...
The Remote Teaching Assistant (RTA) software currently under development at UC Davis allows students and Teaching Assistants (TA`s) to interact through multimedia communication via the Internet. To resolve the problem of TA unavailability and limited knowledge, an Expert Teaching Assistant (ETA) module is being developed. When TA`s are not on-line, students in need of help consult ETA. The focus of this research is the development and integration of ETA with RTA, the establishment of an architecture suitable for use with education (the domain) in any sub-domain (course), and the creation of a mechanism usable by non-technical personnel to maintain knowledge bases.
... which extend beyond the upper airway. These include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, failure to thrive, and enuresis. Tonsillectomies ...
Water-assisted mining machinery is beginning to be considered in the US, although it has been in use in Europe for some time. A waterjet roof bolter is currently under test and should greatly increase drilling rate with longer bit life and no dust. Water-assisted roadheaders and longwall winning machines under development in Europe and the US are described.
Based on a mathematical simulation which reproduces accurate split and velocity profiles for the 100 and 200 metre sprints, the magnitudes of altitude and mixed wind/altitude-assisted performances as compared to their sea-level equivalents are presented. It is shown that altitude-assisted times for the 200 metre are significantly higher than for the 100 metre, suggesting that the ``legality'' of such marks perhaps be reconsidered.
This paper looks at the various battery technologies available for use in solar assist plug-in hybrid electric tractors In this context, solar assist plug-in hybrid electric tractors are those that may be used in light-duty agricultural operations. To determine the most suitable battery, four common technologies are analyzed looking at the environmental life-cycle effects and costs.
The US Department of Energy, Office of Technical and Financial Assistance (OTFA) promotes the application of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices by working cooperatively with state and local governments and private and nonprofit organizations, providing technical and financial assistance and serving as network for sharing information. This report is an overview of some of the programs designed to aid in solving our national energy problems.
Polyacrylonitrile films have been spin cast and pyrolyzed to produce thin (500--1500 A) carbon films. These films have higher electrical conductivities than films produced by other methods at similar temperatures. The conductivity can be varied by at least four orders of magnitude by changing the pyrolysis temperature. Ultraviolet, infrared, and Raman spectroscopies were used to investigate the chemical structure of the films during different stages of processing.
Mechanical testing of controlled-purity Ni-xCr-9Fe-yC alloys at 360 C revealed an environmental enhancement in IG cracking and time-dependent deformation in high purity and primary water over that exhibited in argon. Dimples on the IG facets indicate a creep void nucleation and growth failure mode. IG cracking was primarily located at the interior of the specimen and not necessarily linked to direct contact with the environment. Controlled potential CERT experiments showed increases in IG cracking as the applied potential decreased, suggesting that hydrogen is detrimental to the mechanical properties. It is proposed that the environment, through the presence of hydrogen, enhances IG cracking by enhancing the matrix dislocation mobility. This is based on observations that dislocation-controlled creep controls the IG cracking of controlled-purity Ni-xCr-9Fe-yC in argon at 360 C and grain boundary cavitation and sliding results that show the environmental enhancement of the creep rate is ...
The recent rapid progress in surface treatment techniques dictates that the titanium alloys should have an improved resistance to frictional wear without any loss of their high corrosion resistance. These requirements can be satisfied by producing surface layers of specified microstructure and phase composition. The present paper describes a modification of the plasma discharge nitriding treatment of titanium alloys, i.e. the glow discharge-assisted oxycarbonitriding, which by introducing oxygen, nitrogen and carbon into the surface zone of the layer [a Ti(NCO) type layer] improves its useful properties, primarily the resistance to frictional wear and the resistance to corrosion [T. Wierzchon, J. Sobiecki, Vacuum, 44 (1993) 975; T. Wierzchon et al., in: G. Hecht, F. Richter, J. Hahn (Eds.), Thin Films, DGM Informationgesellschaft, Germany, 1994, p. 195] [1:2]. This is because titanium shows a good affinity to oxygen, carbon and nitrogen, ...
Pitting crevice and intergranular corrosion resistances of titanium-modified low-carbon austenitic stainless steel with a nominal composition of 15% Cr, 15% Ni, 0.24% Ti and 2.5% Mo were found superior to conventional type 316 SS. Potentiodynamic anodic polarization studies in a neutral chloride medium (0.5M NaCl solution) and the immersion studies in boiling solution containing (by wt%) 11% H_2SO_4 + 3% HCl + 1% CuCl_2 + 1% FeCl_3 for 24 h showed higher critical pitting and crevice potentials and lower corrosion rate values respectively. The elemental composition across the pit sites was also determined by EPMA analysis. Sensitization studies carried out by following ASTM A262 practices A and E and electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (EPR) tests on this alloy heat treated at 923 K for 1 and 50 h showed a better resistance to intergranular corrosion than that for conventional type 316 SS. From the results available, the most likely reason for the improvement in the localized ...
The formation and properties of Pd{sub 2}Si formed by focused ion beam implantation of Pd ions into Si is presented in this thesis. An extensive microstructural study using transmission electron microscopy was undertaken and the as-implanted as well as annealed microstructure is shown. Results of other analysis techniques such as Rutherford back scattering and secondary ion mass spectrometry etc. are also presented. Kinetic information on the growth of Pd{sub 2}Si obtained by both microstructural and resistance measurements indicates that the activation energy for growth of the silicide is around 0.36 to 0.39 eV. This can be compared with the normally reported value of 1.5 eV for Pd{sub 2}Si formed by annealing thin film Pd on Si. The growth of the silicide was found to follow t{sup 1/2} kinetics. Microstructural observation of the as-implanted samples showed extensive in-situ formation of Pd{sub 2}Di and also surprisingly few defect structures. A heat transfer ...
The formation and properties of Pd_2Si formed by focused ion beam implantation of Pd ions into Si is presented in this thesis. An extensive microstructural study using transmission electron microscopy was undertaken and the as-implanted as well as annealed microstructure is shown. Results of other analysis techniques such as Rutherford back scattering and secondary ion mass spectrometry etc. are also presented. Kinetic information on the growth of Pd_2Si obtained by both microstructural and resistance measurements indicates that the activation energy for growth of the silicide is around 0.36 to 0.39 eV. This can be compared with the normally reported value of 1.5 eV for Pd_2Si formed by annealing thin film Pd on Si. The growth of the silicide was found to follow t"1"/"2 kinetics. Microstructural observation of the as-implanted samples showed extensive in-situ formation of Pd_2Di and also surprisingly few defect structures. A heat transfer model for the implantation ...
For the purpose of searching some effective absorbents of gaseous radioactive iodine, 16 substances considered as having an affinity for iodine were investigated with regular iodine and /sup 125/I. In a preliminary survey, only tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) was found to have satisfactory absorbing properties comparable to activated charcoal. A further detailed comparison of the properties between TTF and activated charcoal led us to the conclusion that the former has more preferable properties as absorbent of radioactive iodine than the latter in all points studied. The results are summarized as follows: (1) The absorption of iodine on TTF in atmosphere was about twice as much as that on activated charcoal. Desorption of iodine from saturatedly absorbed iodine on TTF was practically negligible except trace amount of initial desorption, while that on activated charcoal was considerable (3%/50h) even in the ...
Electricity generation from wind turbines is now cost competitive for grid and off-grid applications in many developing regions, and close to competitive in others. Wind resources could generate thousands of megawatts of badly-needed power in Asia, North Africa, and Latin America. Barriers to penetrating power generation markets remain, however, including unequal access to investment capital, energy price and other market distortions, and often weak institutions for commercializing new technologies. Recognizing the potential economic and environmental benefits of wind power, bilateral and multilateral assistance organizations have for several years offered financial and technical assistance to promote its diffusion. Based on this experience and assistance for other renewable electric technologies, lessons and recommendations can be drawn regarding how assistance could more effectively overcome ...
Two transition metal ions (Cu^2^+ and Co^2^+) and two rare earth metal ions (Ce^3^+ and La^3^+) were used as the assisted metal ions, respectively to prepare the transition metal and rare metal assisted Fe bimetallic amidoximated polyacrylonitrile (AO-PAN) fiber complexes. And their coordination configuration and visible light adsorption properties were examined by coordination number determination and UV-vis-DRS. Then the catalytic performance of these complexes was evaluated as the heterogeneous Fenton catalysts in Rhodamine B degradation by changing the nature and dosage of the assisted ions added. The results indicated that the incorporation of the assisted metal ions led to Fe bimetallic AO-PAN complexes with the more unsaturated configurations than Fe monometallic AO-PAN complex due ...
YBa_2Cu_3O_7_-_x thick films have been deposited on silver sheets and MgO single crystals by spray pyrolysis. Film texture is related to film thickness and sintering temperature. The X-ray intensity ratio of the 005 peak to the 110 peak is higher for thin films deposited at the higher temperatures. However, elevated temperatures promote copper diffusion and second-phase formation in films deposited on silver. Films deposited on MgO can have larger grain sizes and are more oriented than those deposited on silver.
The optical pressure exerted o a thin film, which is locked in the evanescent field formed at the plane interface with a totally-reflected Gaussian beam, is investigated. Some calculations of the pressure on the film caused by the evanescent field are presented in the different conditions of film thickness, film position, incident angle and polarization of a gaussian beam. The results show that the pressure exertion on the thin film can change from pushing to pulling as the parameters are varied. In particular, we find that the direction of optical pressure can act oppositely at the different positions of the film surface in the evanescent field.
This patent describes a process for removing carbon dioxide from a feed stream of natural gas having at least methane, ethane and heavier. It comprises: first, separating the feed stream in a first separator to form a first stream having substantially all of the propane and heavier hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide and ethane and a second stream, having methane, carbon dioxide and ethane; separating the second stream in a second separator into a stream of carbon dioxide product and a third stream having ethane, methane and carbon dioxide: mixing at least a portion of the third stream with a polar compound; stream after the mixing in an absorber; separating the vapor and liquid of the third stream after the mixing in an absorber; absorbing the remaining unabsorbed carbon dioxide in a lean portion of the polar compound in the absorber, the absorber carbon dioxide and ethane with the ...
A shock absorber mechanism and method for use on the leg structure of a jack-up offshore drilling rig is described. It is mounted on the bottom of each existing leg of a drilling rig and comprises a pointed piston member which is positioned on the bottom of the leg structure and projects downwards through the can/footing of the rig leg. The piston member is held in place by a resilient tension member which is designed to absorb shock forces during vertical/axial impact of the leg structure when contact is made with the ocean floor. (author).
Use of hydrogen absorbing alloys in various practical applications is always connected with the problem of production of starting alloys. The transition from laboratory samples to small-scale production involves the change of furnace and its operation mode and this has an effect on the preparation method of mixture of starting metal. Also, for some applications such as thermosorption compressors the exact values of thermodynamical parameters of reaction are needed. In the present work we present the results of investigation of series Laves phase hydrogen-absorbing alloys which can be promising in for use in different devices. 1 ref.
The design of the absorber blocks for internal and external dumping of the SPS proton beam is discussed. In addition, the external target stations for slow and fast extracted proton beams are described.
This paper presents the development and evaluation of field- controllable, semi-active magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) shock absorbers for a mountain bicycle. Recent trends in the bicycle industry show a movement towards semi-active suspension systems. Two new MRF dampers are designed and tested with the intent of being used on the front and rear suspension of a modern mountain bicycle. The MRF shock absorbers are designed to emulate the performance of the original equipment manufacturer shock absorbers in passive mode. Application of an input electric current to the MRF shock absorber causes a dramatic increase in the damping capacity. Procedures and results are presented for the design and experimental characterization of these MRF dampers.
This invention is an improved solar energy cavity receiver for exposing materials and components to high temperatures. The receiver includes a housing having an internal reflective surface defining a cavity and having an inlet for admitting solar radiation thereto. A photothermal absorber is positioned in the cavity to receive radiation from the inlet. A reflective baffle is positioned between the absorber and the inlet to severely restrict the re-radiation of energy through the inlet. The front surface of the baffle defines a narrow annulus with the internal reflective surface of the housing. The front surface of the baffle is contoured to reflect incoming radiation onto the internal surface of the housing, from which it is reflected through the annulus and onto the front surface of the absorber. The back surface of the baffle intercepts infrared radiation from the front of the absorber. With this ...
This invention is an improved solar energy cavity receiver for exposing materials and components to high temperatures. The receiver includes a housing having an internal reflective surface defining a cavity and having an inlet for admitting solar radiation thereto. A photothermal absorber is positioned in the cavity to receive radiation from the inlet. A reflective baffle is positioned between the absorber and the inlet to severely restrict the re-radiation of energy through the inlet. The front surface of the baffle defines a narrow annulus with the internal reflective surface of the housing. The front surface of the baffle is contoured to reflect incoming radiation onto the internal surface of the housing, from which it is reflected through the annulus and onto the front surface of the absorber. The back surface of the baffle intercepts infrared radiation from the front of the absorber. With this ...
An emergency shutdown system for high-temperature gas-cooled pebble-bed reactors is proposed in addition to the common absorber rod shutdown system. This system is based on the strongly absorbing effect of small boronated graphite spheres (called KLAK), which trickle in case of emergency by gravity from the top reflector into the reactor core. The inner reflector of the Siemens-Argonaut reactor was substituted by an assembly of spherical Arbeitsgemeinschaft Versuchsreaktor fuel elements, and the shutdown effect was examined by installing well-defined KLAK nests inside this assembly. The purpose was to develop and prove a calculational procedure for determining criticality values for assemblies of large fuel spheres and small absorbing spheres.
This invention is an improved solar energy cavity receiver for exposing materials and components to high temperatures. The receiver includes a housing having an internal reflective surface defining a cavity and having an inlet for admitting solar radiation thereto. A photothermal absorber is positiond in the cavity to receive radiation from the inlet. A reflective baffle is positioned between the absorber and the inlet to severely restrict the re-radiation of energy through the inlet. The front surface of the baffle defines a narrow annulus with the internal reflective surface of the housing. The front surface of the baffle is contoured to reflect incoming radiation onto the internal surface of the housing, from which it is reflected through the annulus and onto the front surface of the absorber. The back surface of the baffle intercepts radiation from the front of the absorber. With this arrangement, a ...
Abstract The characteristics of desulfurization and denitrification with composite absorbent were researched through aqueous absorption experiments. The removal efficiencies of SO2 and NO were up to 100 and 95%, respectively. The composite absorbent included NaClO2 and component M. Existence of component M in the solution could reduce the absorbent cost compared with using sodium chlorite alone. Chlorine dioxide, as main reaction intermediate product, participated in oxidation reaction. The optimal experimental conditions involved NaClO2 concentration of1.13 mmol/L, solution pH of 5.5, molar ratio (M/NaClO2) of 4.1, reaction temperature of 323 K. The optimal solution pH and reaction temperature were both in the required ranges of limestone-gypsum wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) process....
In the WWER-440 reactor the primary piping consists of six horizontal loops going radially from the pressure vessel, each loop having a horizontal steam generator. In this reactor type the relatively long primary piping with many curved sections requires special attention in order to successfully eliminate the consequences of the design basis accident. Emergency supports are located in appropriate places to restrict the movements of the pipe. Under normal conditions there is a gap of some centimeters between the pipe and a support so that in the pipe can be deformed freely under changing loads. This paper deals with those energy-absorbing structures used at the Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant for protection against impact loading. Places and circumstances where energy-absorbing structures are employed are specified. Development and design of impact absorber elements are discussed and impact tests are described. (Auth.).
First, absorbed dose at entrance surface was measured in routine mammography. Secondly, a possibility of dose reduction after introduction of Fuji computed radiography (FCR) system was examined. In a total of 350 mammographic studies including craniocaudal and medilateral projections, average thickness of compressed breast was less than 4 cm and most frequently recorded absorbed dose was 0.2-0.3 cGy (200-300 mrad). Minimum dose to obtain clinically acceptable mammograms in FCR system was estimated by comparing image quality of routine versus reduced dose studies. It was concluded that absorbed dose could be reduced to 1/4 of routine dose without creating significant drawback in diagnosis. (author).
The kinetics of passive film formation on iron in borate buffer solution has been studied at different anodic potentials. The process of film growth has been found to occur in four distinct stages. About 80-90% of the total film thickness formed in 1h grows during the initial two stages which last for only 1-3s (depending upon potential). The electric field strength across the film is not constant but decreases with progressing film growth. The thickness of the film determined ellipsometrically is less than that calculated from the electric charge consumed. The process of anodic film formation is accompanied by the dissolution of iron which occurs over the whole range of potentials.
A super-hydrophobic coating was prepared by combining a rigid base film with crater-like hemispherical holes and acicular nanoparticles. The acicular boehmite powder provides a high contact angle on the film surface. The rigid base film with crater-like hemispherical holes inhibits the rapid decrease of contact angle by surface rubbing. The combination of different roughness is an effective method for improving the abrasion resistance of super-hydrophobic films.
The K 2010 exhibition saw the introduction of PolyOne Corps OnCap Antifog Additive for polypropylene (PP) films, the first such additive for PP films that does not require corona treatment. According to the company, this new additive simplifies production of antifog films for the flexible food packaging industry, improving production efficiencies for both cast and blown film producers.
By means of ESCA the composition and the thickness of passive films formed on austenitic stainless steels were investigated after the attack of nitric acid at various temperatures and acid concentrations. The outermost layers of the oxide film consist of SiO_2, then a layer rich of Cr-oxid follows, containing also some Mo in the four- and sixvalent state. Ni does not contribute to the oxide film. Cr is also enriched in the metal just below the oxide film. (orig.).
Shell Solar GmbH is working on a variant of the so-called stacked elemental layer process for CIGSSe absorber production. The metal films resp. the selenium are deposited on the Mb electrode at room temperature by DC sputtering (CIG) or evaporation (Se) and then processed into semiconductors by rapid thermal annealing (RTP). Currently, the mean efficiency of the pilot plant is i 12.6 {+-} 0.2 % for non-sealed 30 x 30 cm{sup 2} modules, the key efficiency is 13.0 %. In addition to the 30 x 30 cm{sup 2} pilot line, a small series of 60x90cm2 modules was constructed in December 2004. Here, the mean efficiency was 13.0 percent while the average module power was higher than 60 W. The contribution also describes investigations of ceramically sputtered n-ZnO:Al layers with reduced Al concedntrations of 1 percent and on reactively sputtered n-ZnO.Al layers from the double roller magnetron. (orig.) [German] Bei Shell Solar GmbH wird eine Variante des ...
This work proposes an innovative blend of potassium carbonate (K{sub 2}CO{sub 3}) and piperazine (PZ) as a solvent for CO{sub 2} removal from combustion flue gas in an absorber/stripper. The equilibrium partial pressure and the rate of absorption of CO{sub 2} were measured in a wetted-wall column in 0.0 to 6.2 m K{sup +} and 0.6 to 3.6 m PZ at 25 to 110 C. The equilibrium speciation of the solution was determined by {sup 1}H NMR under similar conditions. A rigorous thermodynamic model, based on electrolyte non-random two-liquid (ENRTL) theory, was developed to represent equilibrium behavior. A rate model was developed to describe the absorption rate by integration of eddy diffusivity theory with complex kinetics. Both models were used to explain behavior in terms of equilibrium constants, activity coefficients, and rate constants. The addition of potassium to the amine increases the concentration of CO{sub 3}{sup 2-}/HCO{sub 3}{sup -} in solution. The buffer ...
The recent development of matrix-assisted UV laser desorption (LD) mass spectrometry has made possible the ionization and detection of extremely large molecules (with molecular weights exceeding 100,000 Daltons). This technique has generated enormous interest in the biological community for the direct examination of large peptides and oligonucleotides. Although this matrix-assisted ionization method has been developed and used almost exclusively with time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometers, research is currently in progress to demonstrate this technique with trapped ion mass spectrometers, such as Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTMS). The potential capabilities of FTMS for wide mass range, high resolution measurement, and ion trapping experiments suggest that this instrumental technique should be useful for the detailed structural characterization of large ions generated by the matrix-assisted ...
Impurity effects on the photon-assisted spin-polarized transport through armchair carbon nanotubes connected with ferromagnetic leads are investigated theoretically. The impurity induces one resonant state whose position depends on the impurity strength, which can break the electron-hole symmetry. Whether the impurity suppresses or enhances the spin-coherent current depends on the nanotube length. When the microwave fields are applied on the nanotube, additional small side peaks caused by the photon-assisted tunneling are found. With increasing the impurity strength, one new current peak appears under the influence of both the microwave fields and the impurity.
A chemically assisted micro-beam etching system for 3D microanalysis was designed. Using chemically assisted ion beam etching (CAIBE) method with FIB shave-off scanning, about several hundred micrometers clean cross-section will be acquired in a few hours. We use focused ion beam (FIB) and electron beam (EB) as micro-beams, halogen or halide mainly as reactive gases. The apparatus was manufactured based on this concept. We found that the FIB, Q-MS and SED worked as expected. The instrumentation has been completed.
A computer software system, CLEO, is used to assist in the planning and performance of the reactor refueling operations at the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). It is a recently developed application of artificial intelligence software with both expert systems and automated reasoning aspects. CLEO, an acronym for Cloned LEO, is a logic-based computer program written in Pascal. It imitates the processes that the refueling expert for FFTF performs in organizing the refueling of FFTF. The computer assistant seeks to organize the sequence of core component movements according to the rules and logic used by the expert. In this form, CLEO has aspects that tie it to both the expert systems and automated reasoning areas within the artificial intelligence field.
The use of absorbable polyglactin 910 mesh (Vicryl) is described in a case of Ewing's sarcoma of the pelvis. An operation was performed to hold the small bowel and colon out of the pelvis for a temporary period during which radical radiotherapy was delivered. The mesh allowed the temporary displacement of bowel and obviated bowel radiation morbidity. (author).
One of the main disadvantages of solar air collectors in practical applications is their relatively low efficiency. In this experimental investigation, the shape and arrangement of absorber surfaces of the collectors were reorganized to provide better heat transfer surfaces suitable for the passive heat transfer augmentation techniques. The performance of such solar air collectors with staggered absorber sheets was tested. The experimental results show that it is possible to provide 10 to 25% enhancement in the efficiency compared to the conventional solar air collectors. (authors)
The brochure reports on the construction and method of operation of heat pumps: - Efficiency and temperature difference - output figure - circuit processes - saving of primary energy - monovalent and bivalent plants - absorber, earth collectors - heat recovery. (HW) [Deutsch] Die Broschuere berichtet ueber den Aufbau und die Wirkungsweise von Waermepumpen: - Wirkungsgrad und Temperaturdifferenz - Leistungszahl - Kreisprozesse - Einsparung von Primaerenergie - monovalente und bivalente Anlagen - Absorber, Erdkollektoren - Waermerueckgewinnung. (HW)
In studying the absorption of carbon dioxide by absorbents impregnated with alkanol amines, researchers used a laboratory-scale packed column to determine the overall gas-phase mass-transfer coefficients and enhancement factors. A model derived for the mechanism of the chemical reaction taking place in the interfacial layer accounts for the effect of the reaction upon the absorption rate better than other models.
The concept of a multi-cavity volumetric solar receiver is very attractive for the profitability of certain of its characteristics such as high efficiency and economy. The absorber is based on a pack of small ceramic cavities which intercept and absorb the inherent high solar flux reflected from an array of mirrors. Atmospheric air acts as a coolant medium when it is drawn through the pack. A model for an overall heat transfer performance of the receiver is given and numerically solved.
The author discusses the formulation and application of the theory of quasi-catastrophes for the behaviour and properties of tachyons. This approach assists in the interpretation of experiments where tachyons may be involved. (W.D.L.).
This program deals with solid waste disposal with topics/services covering: Reusable Building Materials and Large Household Items Exchange, Beneficial Use Determination, Biosolids, Certification, Compost Facil...
In the wake of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, medical relief organizations and individual practitioners mobilized to provide assistance. Here, an emergency medicine physician who worked with a Louisiana-based...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVE: New surgical procedures designed to assist in the treatment of peritoneal surface malignancy were sought. BACKGROUND: Decisions regarding the treatment of cancer depend on the anatomic location...Full Text Available
that needs to change is the ambiguity in the laws themselves. QUESTION: The issue of WikiLeaks raised? DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY BAER: It was not. It was raised by the students....
... for a stapling or division of tissue the creation of a small gastric pouch which then assists ... follow up. Laparoscopic gastric bypass entails the surgical creation of a small gastric pouch, typically about an ...
Over the past decade, dramatic increases in computational power and improvement in image analysis algorithms have allowed the development of powerful computer-assisted analytical approaches...Full Text Available
The Procurement and Assistance Data System (PADS) provides a mechanism for collecting, assembling, organizing, and presenting acquisition and assistance data for the Department of Energy (DOE). This handbook and associated documents establish a uniform system to report acquisition/assistance data to PADS for the collection, processing, and dissemination of official statistical data on the Department's acquisition and assistance actions. The data provides, based on information available at the time of request, a basis for any recurring and special reports to the senior procurement executive, Congress, General Accounting Office (GAO), Federal executive agencies, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the general public. PADS is also used to satisfy DOE's statutory reporting requirements to the Office of Management Budget, Congress, and other Federal agencies. Accurate and timely ...
... Ward, William E. Brigadier General, Assistant Division Commander (Support), 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Chief, Office of ...
A case of intrathoracic lipoma in a child is presented. The diagnosis was made before operation by means of computer-assisted tomography, a non-interventional procedure.
airborne separation assistance systems (ASAS) to ... operations should be limited to the outer traffic flow ...... AGARD Meeting on Machine Intelligence in Air ...
RationaleProcedures for studying the effects of medications on satiation will assist the development of obesity medications.ObjectivesFull Text Available
Metallic Zn films were deposited on glass substrates by electron-beam evaporation. ZnO films were synthesized by thermal oxidation of Zn metallic films in air. At the annealing temperature of 550 ?C, ZnO nanowires appeared on the surface, which mainly result from the decrease of oxidation rate. A ZnO ultraviolet photodetector was fabricated based on a metal-semiconductor-metal planar structure. The detector showed a large UV photoresponse with an increase of two orders of magnitude. It is concluded that promising UV detectors can be obtained on ZnO films by thermal oxidation of Zn metallic films. The ways of performing spectral response measurements for polycrystalline ZnO films are also discussed.
As thin films become increasingly popular (for solar cells, LEDs, microelectronics, batteries), quantitative morphological information is needed to predict and optimize the film's electronic, optical and mechanical properties. This quantification can be obtained quickly and easily with X-ray diffraction using an area detector and synchrotron radiation in two simple geometries. In this paper, we describe a methodology for constructing complete pole figures for thin films with fiber texture (isotropic in-plane orientation). We demonstrate this technique on semicrystalline polymer films, self-assembled nanoparticle semiconductor films, and randomly-packed metallic nanoparticle films. This method can be immediately implemented to help understand the relationship between film processing and microstructure, enabling the development of ...
Metastable yttrium-oxide films are synthesized using reactive sputter deposition. The yttrium concentration of the as-deposited film is found to vary as a function of the sputter deposition rate. In addition to the synthesis of the cubic equilibrium phase...
Fe-Cr amorphous films have been formed by both in situ evaporation of multilayered films and ion beam mixing in a target chamber of a 200 keV implanter. The effects of Cr content and ion irradiation on the amorphization of films were examined by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Corrosion of film was investigated by means of a potential dynamic polarization. Corrosion resistance of amorphous film in 0.5 mol H-2SO-4 solution is considerably increased than that of pure iron. Using X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) corrosion resistance in atmosphere of amorphous Fe-Cr passive films formed by P"+ mixing was studied. Results show that the richness of Cr and P exist at the surface of Fe-Cr film.
To eliminate their classical brittleness and flexibility problems zein films were plasticized by incorporation of different phenolic acids (gallic acid (GA), p-hydroxy benzoic acid (HBA) or ferulic acids (FA)) or flavonoids (catechin (CAT), flavone (FLA) or quercetin (QU)). The use of GA, CAT, FA and HBA at 3 mg/cm2 eliminated the brittleness of films and gave highly flexible films showing elongations between 135% and 189%, while FLA and QU caused no considerable effect on film elongation. The films containing FA and HBA showed extreme swelling and lost their structural integrity when hydrated in distilled water. In contrast, CAT and GA containing films maintained their integrity following hydration. Most of the GA (up to 93%) and a considerable portion of CAT (up to 60%) in the films exis...
Palladium chloride films have been found to be useful as ... when suitably prepared palladium chlo- ride films are exposed ... Like the palladium chloride ( PdCl2) ...
While there have been many experimental and calculational investigations on absorbed dose distribution in the patient resulting from conventional X-ray procedures, such data for computerized tomography (CT) are still sparse. As this diagnostic procedure has shown a rapid increase in application during recent years, we have determined absorbed dose to body organs in a human phantom resulting from CT examinations. The exposure model consists of the heterogeneous MIRD-5 phantom and a suitable Monte-Carlo method to calculate absorbed dose to organs of interest. The exposure conditions are specified according to the exposure specifications of a CT-scanner currently in use. The calculations cover the range of body tissues of interest in terms of organ absorbed doses as well as a risk weighted absorbed dose. A detailed example showing the calculation of red bone marrow dose is given and a ...
The current primary standards at NPL for the measurement of absorbed dose to water in high energy photon and electron beams are graphite calorimeters. However, the quantity of interest in radiation dosimetry is absorbed dose to water. Therefore, a new absorbed dose to water standard based on water calorimetry has been developed for use in high energy photon and electron beams. The calorimeter operates at 4 deg C, with temperature control being provided by liquid cooling. The sealed glass inner vessel of the calorimeter was designed to minimise the effect of non-water materials on the measurement of absorbed dose. The temperature sensing thermistor probes were designed and constructed so that glass is the only material in contact with high purity water inside the vessel. Initial measurements of absorbed dose to water made in 6, 10, and 19 MV photons, and 16 MeV electrons agreed, ...
This paper reports that the point defect model for steady-state passive films formed anodically on metal s in aqueous environments has been extended to include irreversible dissolution of the film and the irreversible generation and annihilation of cation and oxygen vacancies at the metal/film and film/solution interfaces. THe model yields a number of diagnostic criteria that can be used to identify the majority (vacancy) charge carrier and to characterize the kinetic nature of the interfacial vacancy generation and annihilation processes. We use these criteria to show that the steady-state passive film that forms on nickel in acidic phosphate buffer solutions is a cation conductor and that cation transport from the metal to the solution involves irreversible ejection of cations from the film. On the other hand, the passive film that forms ...
The comprehension of passivity and its protective character against corrosion is closely connected with the electronic properties of passive films. Passive films formed anodically on carbon steel in borate/boric acid solution, pH 9.2, have been characterised by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Mott-Schottky plots and impedance measurements were made on films formed at different potentials and times. The investigation allowed the determination of the semiconductive properties of the films. The results of the capacitance response indicate that the passive films behave like highly doped n-type semiconductors, showing that the passive film properties are dominated by iron. The value of donors density (N {sub D}) for the passive film is of the order of 10{sup 21} cm{sup -3} and decreases with increasing formation time and potential, ...
The comprehension of passivity and its protective character against corrosion is closely connected with the electronic properties of passive films. Passive films formed anodically on carbon steel in borate/boric acid solution, pH 9.2, have been characterised by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Mott-Schottky plots and impedance measurements were made on films formed at different potentials and times. The investigation allowed the determination of the semiconductive properties of the films. The results of the capacitance response indicate that the passive films behave like highly doped n-type semiconductors, showing that the passive film properties are dominated by iron. The value of donors density (N _D) for the passive film is of the order of 10"2"1 cm"-"3 and decreases with increasing formation time and potential, indicating ...
The ROI Proposal Preparation Guide is a tool to assist Hanford waste generators in preparing ROI proposal forms for submittal to Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office (DOE/RL) for funding. The guide describes the requirements for submitting an ROI proposal and provides examples of completed ROI forms. The intent is to assist waste generators in identifying projects that meet the criteria, provide information necessary to complete the ROI forms, and submit a proposal that is eligible to receive funding.
Effective barrier pillar design is essential for safe and productive underground coal mining. This U.S. Bureau of Mines report presents an overview of available barrier pillar design methodologies that incorporate sound engineering principles while remaining practical for everyday usage. Nomographs and examples are presented to assist in the determination of proper barrier pillar sizing. Additionally, performance evaluation techniques and criteria are included to assist in determining the effectiveness of selected barrier pillar configurations.
ObjectivesObjectives Not AvailableDescriptionOne significant research challenge posed by the growing number of older people in the population concerns the mobility-related problems which increase with age, inhibit independence, and can be a prime cause of admission to expensive institutional settings. The scope for engineering advances, particularly in the field of rehabilitation and assistive technology, is immense. The challenge is to produce aids, devices and products that are attractive to older people themselves, since without such [continued...
The paper will report the experience gained in the implementation of the national assistance projects, including the detailed assessment of the national situation compared to the ITWG Model Action Plan, the upgrading of the technical skills, the training of national experts and the joint analysis of nuclear material at ITU. The status of the work with the 13 future Member States to the European Union will also be reported on during the conference
Several computer assisted processing and display methods are evaluated using a series of 100 normal brain scintigrams, 50 of which have had single 'mathematical tumours' superimposed. Using a standard rating system, or in some cases quantitative estimation, LROC curves are generated for each method and compared. (author).
Surface-sensitive UV photoelectron yield spectroscopy was employed to study electron acceptor levels at surfaces of chalcopyrite structure Cu-In-Se thin films. Surface Fermi level pinning was observed for Cu-rich films. Shallow acceptor levels ascribable to defects Cu_I_n and V_C_u were observed for near-stoichiometric and In-rich films respectively. (orig.).
This work has analyzed the key variables of indentation tip radius, contact radius, delamination radius, residual stress and superlayer/film/interlayer properties on nanoindentation measurements of adhesion. The goal to connect practical works of adhesion for very thin films to true works of adhesion has been achieved. A review of this work titled ''Interfacial toughness measurements of thin metal films,'' which has been submitted to Acta Materialia, is included.
The structure and composition of the passive films formed on 304 stainless steel in deaerated IN H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} were studied by RHEED, XPS and AES. The stability of the passive films as a function of passivation potential and passivation time were investigated. The role of bound water in affecting the stability of the passive films is discussed. 7 refs., 3 figs.
Only two years ago, plastic film recycling was considered an onerous task. Different resins had to be identified, colors had to be separated, and minute contaminants had to be weeded out almost by hand to produce a quality material. But the tide of plastic film recycling is changing now that new technologies have emerged and more organized collection infrastructure have been developed. Today, plastic film recycling maintains a lucrative market for those with the right combination of equipment and know-how.
Both the sign and magnitude of residual stress can vary with the thickness of sputter deposited films. The origins of this behavior are not well understood. In this work, the authors consider the correlation between the residual stress behavior and the depth dependence of impurities in thin (2.5 nm--150 nm) sputtered Mo and Ta films. They also consider the effects of phase transformations and microstructural changes on the stress behavior. Films were deposited onto Si substrates with native oxide. The residual stress observed in the Mo films varied from highly compressive at 2.5 nm film thickness to {approximately}0 at 10 nm thickness. Ta films also exhibited a high compressive stress, which relaxed from highly compressive to tensile between 10 nm and 50 nm film thickness. Impurities in the films may originate from the ...
The authors study the nonuniformity of a-Si:H films obtained by the method of vacuum condensation, with the help of x-ray small-angle scattering (SLS) and transmission electron microscopy. Films of hydrogenated amorphous silicon are greatest interest, because the electronic properties of this material can be controlled by doping. As a result of the compensation of the ruptured bonds, and possibly, effects of melting, the properties of such films are analogous to those of singlecrystalline silicon. XLS enables a quantitative determination of the prameters of the regions of low electron density (RLD) in such objects.
The importance of cellular dosimetry in both diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine is becoming increasingly recognized. Experimental range-energy relations for electrons and alpha particles, along with derived geometric reduction factors, are used to calculate cellular absorbed fractions for these radiations. The resulting absorbed fractions are employed to calculate cellular S-values for several radionuclides. Cellular absorbed fractions for monoenergetic electron sources with energies ranging from 0.1 keV to 1 MeV, distributed uniformly in the source region, are calculated for several target {l_arrow} source combinations including cell{l_arrow}cell, cell{l_arrow}cell surface, nucleus{l_arrow}nucleus, nucleus {l_arrow}cytoplasm and nucleus {l_arrow}cell surface. Similar data are also provided for monoenergetic alpha particle sources with energies ranging from 3 to 10 MeV. S-values are also conveniently tabulated for ...
Size-controllable Ag nanoparticle ultrathin films, which were fabricated by vacuum deposition method from high purity Ag wire onto cleaned indium tin oxide conducting glass, have different color fabricated by variation of preparation conditions. The UV/Vis spectra showed that optical absorption peak of these Ag nanoparticle films can be tuned in a range from 457nm to >650nm. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that with increasing film thickness Ag particle size was larger. Ag/WO3 composite films were prepared by cathodic electrodeposition of WO3 onto the surface of Ag nanoparticle films. Spectroelectrochemistry and electrochromic properties of the resulting composite films were characterized. It was found that the electrochemical and electrochromatic properties of the composite fil...
Passive films formed on stainless steels in a borate buffer solution (pH 9.2) have been investigated by capacitance measurements and photoelectrochemistry. The study was carried out on films formed on AISI type 304 and 316 stainless steels and high purity alloys with differing chromium, nickel, and molybdenum contents. Complementary research by Auger analysis shows that the passive films are composed essentially of an inner chromium region in contact with the metallic substrate and an outer iron oxide region developed at the film/electrolyte interface. The semiconducting properties of the passive films are determined by those of the constituent chromium and iron oxides which are of p-type and n-type, respectively. Thus the influence of the alloying elements on the semiconducting properties of the passive films is explained by changes in the electronic structure ...
The conductive ultra thin films were fabricated from mixed monolayers containing stearic acid and Head-to-Tail poly(3-alkylthiophene). These films exhibited well-defined layered structures as determined by optical absorption and X-ray diffraction measurements. The UV-Vis absorption spectra of these films showed lower energy absorption shifts of 48 nm from that of the random poly(3-alkylthiophene)/stearic acid LB films. The blue shift of absorption maximum of the LB film is attributed to the increase of {pi}-conjugation length caused by no steric hindrance of alkyl side chains. The conductivity of the Head-to-Tail poly(3-hexylthiophene)/stearic acid LB films was greatly improved in the range of 67-100 S/cm. (orig.)
X-Ray reflectivity has been used to investigate the microstructural changes of solution-cast stearic acid films before and after immersion in CoCl{sub 2} solutions. Before immersion, the films possess a well-defined layered structure with an interlayer spacing of 4.01{+-}0.05 nm. After the films were immersed in the CoCl{sub 2} solutions, a new set of equidistant diffraction peaks emerge, the corresponding interlayer spacing of which is 5.13{+-}0.05 nm. The X-ray photoelectron spectra of the films indicate the existence of cobalt ions inside the films after immersion. It is concluded that the permeation of the cobalt ions into the hydrophilic interlayer causes the stearic acid molecules to reorient perpendicular to the films, resulting in the increase of interlayer spacing and the roughening of the interfaces.
Cold spray was employed as a novel low temperature approach to deposit titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) photocatalytic film. The film microstructure was characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The photocatalytic performance was examined through acetaldehyde degradation under ultraviolet illumination. Results showed that TiO{sub 2} film was successfully deposited on substrate surface through cold spray. The film thickness reached up to 15 {mu}m. The film presented a rough surface and porous structure. Owing to the low temperature of spray powder, no phase and particle size changes occurred to TiO{sub 2} during deposition. It was found that the cold-sprayed TiO{sub 2} film was active for photodegradation of acetaldehyde.
Passive films were formed on a high purity Fe-23 Cr alloy in acid sulfate solutions in the presence and absence of chloride ion. The resulting film composition was investigated by Auger depth profiling. The passivated samples were exposed to a 1M NaCl solution at a constant potential slightly above the critical pitting potential, and the current-time transient was measured in order to compare the relative stability of the different films. The results obtained suggest that the formation conditions influence the chloride content of the passive film and the breakdown behavior. Passive films formed in the presence of chloride contain and are slightly less stable towards breakdown. No chloride was found in films formed in sulfate and subsequently exposed to chloride well below the pitting potential.
The total hemispherical emittance of an oxide film that formed on 6061-T6 aluminium alloy parts in the Tower Shielding Reactor-II at Oak Ridge National Laboratory was measured from 295 to 773 K using an emissometer and/or a calorimeter. The emittance of this film was critically needed for heat transfer calculations in a simulated loss-of-coolant accident of the reactor. X-ray diffraction analysis identified the film as boehmite (Al_2O_3 x H_2O), which dehydrated to alumina (Al_2O_3) upon heating above 473 K. The measured emittances for the alumina film are in excellent agreement with published values for anodized aluminum films and for bulk alumina. Published values of the emittance of boehmite could not be found for comparison, but evidence is presented that some anodization processes for aluminum yield boehmite and not alumina films.
The physical and antioxidant properties of alginate biodegradable film incorporating white, red and extruded white ginseng extracts were investigated. No differences in moisture contents of all alginate film samples were noticeable (p>0.05) except those film samples incorporated without ginseng extract, which had the highest moisture content. The addition of ginseng extract to alginate film decreased tensile strength and elastic modulus (p<0.05) but increased the percent elongation at break. The presence of extracts did not significantly affect the water vapor permeability of the film samples. Alginate film containing extruded white ginseng extract at a barrel temperature of 130degreeC presented the highest (61.12%) free-radical scavenging activity against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl ...
Critical power at boiling transition is an important factor in a boiling water reactor (BWR) fuel bundle design. Boiling transition under high quality accounts for dryout as the result of the complete disappearance of film flow on a fuel rod. This liquid film vanishing process can be calculated by the liquid film model, which takes into account the evaporation due to heat from the rod surface, liquid film entrainment by steam flow, and liquid droplet deposition. It is known that spacers affect liquid film entrainment and liquid droplet deposition, so the detailed study of spacer effects on hydrodynamic characteristics is necessary for critical power prediction based on the film flow model. Many studies have been conducted to examine spacer effects on liquid film flow. However, most of them are restricted to simple test sections such as a ...
New physical objects, ispalators based on free soap films, exhibit persistent flows of the soap solution in open and closed volumes in air with additions of gases of the C_8F_1_8 type (p = 20 Torr) at temperature drops on the films of the order of tenths and hundredths of kelvin. The flows move continuously at a velocity of 5 - 20 cm s"-"1. It is found that the parts of an inclined ispalator film show anomalous behaviour upon heating: their weight increases and they move downward over the film, whereas the unheated parts of the film move upward. Continuous radial vortex flows accompanied by the formation and washing of the regions of a thin black film are observed on circular films in closed volumes upon their uniform external cooling by evaporating water for 5 - 10 hours. The rapid flows make film ispalators the ...
Wood-polymer composites (WPC) have been prepared of pinewood with different monomers using Gamma radiation: acrylamide, butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, styrene, acrylonitrile, and polyester. The polymer loading was determined as a function of monomer concentration and absorbed dose. The data show that polymer loading increases by increasing the monomer concentration. In two cases, BMA and polyester, the polymer loading decreases at high concentrations. This can be explained by the increase of the viscosity. Thus the diffusion of the compound into bulk would be slower. The absorbed dose seems to play a positive role in enhancing the polymer loading by increasing the dose. The mechanical properties, tensile and compression strength, have been improved in the most cases for all monomer concentrations or absorbed doses. Using polyester there was no improvement in the mechanical properties, and using acrylamide the ...
In everyday radiotherapy we must carry out the determination of absorbed dose measurement according to JARP's protocol. We explained an outline of JARP's 1974 and 1986 protocol in electron beam therapy, and mentioned it about the matter that should examined. To use it easily in clinic, a simplified procedure based on precisely to JARP's 1986 protocol is practical, the character of this procedure settles briefly the determination of mean incident energy of electron beams and get ready to table of ionization to absorbed dose conversion factor for various ionization chamber. Also, this procedure almost not influence on the accuracy of determination. We described systematically practical procedure for requisite absorbed dose calculation in a patient in electron beam therapy. (author).
The properties of a helium film on the surface of solid parahydrogen are investigated. It is shown that wetting of the solid hydrogen by the liquid helium occurs. The transport velocities along the He II film on the solid parahydrogen surface are measured in broad temperature, film height, and level difference ranges. It is shown that the transport velocity in this case has the least value as compared with its value on other substrates. The thickness of the helium-saturated film is determined on the solid hydrogen surface on the basis of the data obtained, and the value is in good agreement with the results of a computation performed within the framework of the Frenkel' theory.
A study of the thin gold film growth, during the deposition on glass substrate under UHV conditions at low temperatures, is presented. The complementary methods, the atomic force microscopy and grazing incidence x-ray reflectometry, are used for the research. It is shown that due to variation of the time of deposition from 2 to 50 min different kinds of thin Au films nanostructures are obtained: from discontinuous films consisting of isolated islands, via formation of the chains of islands, up to continuous films. (author)
By the methods of small-angle X-ray scattering and translucent electron microscopy the existence of inhomogeneity of electron density in hydrogenated films of amorphous silicon is confirmed. The decreased density regions are extended and form a branched network of channels oriented mostly by the normal direction to the films surface. The typical size of the decreased density regions network constitutes 10 nm in the 100-800 nm films thickness range. The increase of hydrogen total partial pressure in gas mixture in case of films growth results at first in the decrease of extension of these regions and than to micropores generation in the network nodal points of the decreased electron density regions.
A simple experiment to observe weak localization in thin Ag films is presented. A clear theoretical signature of weak localization is predicted in mangetoresistive measurements of thin films samples. We present a simple method for making thin Ag film samples, using evaporative deposition, and observing the small magnetoresistive signal, using a resistance bridge technique. Typical results from our students show that Ag films show the predicted behavior for weak localization with spin effects. These effects can be easily observed in a liquid helium dewar.
Magnetron sputter deposition was used to fabricate body centered cubic (bcc) and A-15 crystal structure W thin films. Previous work demonstrated that the as-deposited crystal structure of the films was dependent on the deposition parameters and that the formation of a metastable A-15 structure was favored over the thermodynamically stable bcc phase when the films contained a few atomic percent oxygen. However, the A-15 phase was shown to irreversibly transform into the bcc phase between 500 C and 650 C and that a significant decrease in the resistivity of the metallic films was measured after the transformation. The current investigation of 150 nm thick, sputter deposited A-15 and bcc tungsten thin films on silicon wafers consisted of a series of experiments in which the stress, resistivity and crystal structure of the films was measured as a function of ...
Using nitrogen-13 initial measurements have been made of rumen ammonia-nitrogen pool size and turnover, and rate of incorporation of ammonia into microbial protein. It is also feasible to measure the rate of incorporation of absorbed ammonia into urea and the appearance of label in saliva.
The Neutron Radiography Reactor (NRAD) operated by Argonne National Laboratory is described in this paper. NRAD was designed to allow radiography of highly absorbing reactor fuel assemblies in the vertical position on the routine basis. 7 figs.
The Bureau of Mines performed chemical research to elaborate details of sulfur chemistry pertaining to the citrate flue gas desulfurization process in which sulfur dioxide (SO2), absorbed (as bisulfite ion) in a buffered sodium citrate solution, is reduce...
Trace gas molecules absorb specific wavelengths of incoming solar ... These data(with information collected from similar experiments carried on balloons, rockets, ... The ATMOS sensor instrumentis a state-of-the-art version of a 19th century ...
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) interim examination and maintenance (IEM) cell is used for the remote disassembly of irradiated fuel and material experiments. The absorber open-test assembly (AOTA) is a 12-m (40-ft)-long instrumented absorber (control-rod-material) test assembly. Its primary purpose is to characterize the FFTF control-rod-material reaction rate during reactor operation. Instrumentation allowed temperature and pressure measurements at various locations in several absorber pins during reactor operation. After residing several months in the reactor, the assembly was transferred to the IEM cell by the closed-loop ex-vessel machine (CLEM) for separation of the irradiated portion of the experiment from the instrument stalk. After separation, the 3.6-m (12-ft)-long assembly was processed through the sodium removal system and shipped off-site for examination. This success allowed the timely completion of a major ...
The A(..pi../sup +/,/sup 3/He)B reaction near threshold is studied in a model where the pion is absorbed by an /sup 4/He constituent of the target nucleus. The predictions of this model using harmonic oscillator cluster wave functions agree semi-quantitatively with the experimental data on the inverse reaction.
Mist eliminators for flue gas desulphurisation units remove liquid droplets entrained in the flue gas leaving the SO/sub 2/-absorber vessels. The commercial designs currently available are described.
A prototype detector based on the inclined absorber layer principle is introduced. For the Liquids Reflectometer at the Spallation Neutron Source, it is shown to be a significant improvement over its current detector, which imposes an instantaneous count rate limitation of 50 kcps.
Photon migration provides sensitive tissue oximetry in which the optical pathlength is known. Phase array gives the precise location of a subnanomolar amount of hidden absorber in highly scattering medium. PMID:8079713
Only half of the carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels stays in the atmosphere. It is thought that the oceans absorb the rest. To understand the world's climate it is necessary to know how the atmosphere, ocean and biosphere interact.
A process is described for removing carbon dioxide from a feed stream of natural gas, having at least methane, ethane and heavier hydrocarbon, comprising: separating the feed stream in a first separator to form a first stream, having substantially all of the propane and heavier hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide and ethane, and a second stream, having methane, carbon dioxide and ethane; mixing the second stream with a polar compound to form a third stream; separating the vapor and liquid of the third stream in the bottom portion of an absorber; absorbing carbon dioxide and ethane from the separated vapor of Step C in a lean portion of the polar compound in the absorber, the absorber carbon dioxide and ethane forming a fourth stream; separating the ethane from the polar compound and carbon dioxide in a separator; separating the first stream in a third separator to separate the propane and heavier ...
Tachyons fired into and absorbed by rotating black holes can violate the second and third laws of black hole physics. It is suggested that apparent break-downs of these laws in astrophysical black holes can indicate the existence of cosmic tachyons. (author).
Gun barrel vibrations lead to dispersion in the shot patterns. Thus, reducing these vibrations should lead to increased accuracy. Since the muzzle is the anti-node for all vibration modes and its vibrations have the greatest effect on shot dispersion, it ...
It is answered to a previous letter by Basano, and shown that the difficulties met by that author within ''Extended relativity'' do not exist, but are due to the erroneous assumption that a certain condition for tachyons to be absorbed by a macro-object is sufficient (whilst it is only a necessary one).
INTRODUCTIONCutiplast (absorbent perforated dressing with adhesive border; Smith & Nephew) is commonly used following orthopaedic operation, but complications of its use...Full Text Available
Mott-Schottky (M-S) analysis is an effective approach to investigate the electronic property of passive films of metals, and it is well suitable for the passive film with single space charge capacitance. But there is no proper method to analyze the C{sub sc}{sup -2} vs. V{sub m} plots of passive films with several space charge capacitances in series connection, such as bipolar passive films. In this paper, the relationship between the space charge capacitance of the bipolar passive film and the applied potential was deduced and the features of corresponding plots were given out simultaneously. Accordingly, a non-linear fitting method was presented to analyze the C{sub sc}{sup -2} vs. V{sub m} plots of bipolar passive films. Then the method was used to study the semiconductor characteristics of bipolar passive films formed on the surface of ...
Mott-Schottky (M-S) analysis is an effective approach to investigate the electronic property of passive films of metals, and it is well suitable for the passive film with single space charge capacitance. But there is no proper method to analyze the Csc-2 vs. Vm plots of passive films with several space charge capacitances in series connection, such as bipolar passive films. In this paper, the relationship between the space charge capacitance of the bipolar passive film and the applied potential was deduced and the features of corresponding plots were given out simultaneously. Accordingly, a non-linear fitting method was presented to analyze the Csc-2 vs. Vm plots of bipolar passive films. Then the method was used to study the semiconductor characteristics of bipolar passive films formed on the surface of Nickel base alloy after being ...
Recent progress in the metallic conducting Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films built from TTF derivative and fatty acids is reported. A simple LB method of transferring the mixed Langmuir (L) film of BEDO-TTF (BO) and stearic acid (SA) onto substrates provided metallic conducting LB films. A homogeneous L film formation on the water surface observed by Brewster angle microscope (BAM) is an essential factor for the well-ordered LB films. In the L film, the carboxylate group of fatty acid forms anion layer bringing about a spontaneous formation of mixed valence state (MVS) of BO layer. Similar spontaneous formation was also found in the molecular combination of nonoxygen-substituted donor of EDT-TTF and octadecanesulfonic acid (OS). This type of reaction would be useful for obtaining conducting LB films. For the LB films of ...
A radio frequency sputtering apparatus with a pair of targets has been developed for depositing a film of uniform thickness onto a complex-geometric specimen such as the retainer of a ball bearing. The deposition characteristics of the apparatus were compared with those of the conventional sputtering apparatus. Lubrication properties of MoS/sub 2/ films made by these devices were also compared under a variety of conditions. Finally, friction and wear of MoS/sub 2/ films applied to angular-contact type ball bearings of 20 mm bore were studied in air, nitrogen and vacuo. The two-target sputtering has an advantage mentioned above. However, the films deposited by the method exhibited a rather short wear life because of the temperature rise of the substrate during ion bombardment and during the sputtering process. This temperature dependence was observed in films on those substrates that ...
The electrochemical method has been used to deposit zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films from aqueous zinc nitrate solution at 80 deg. C onto fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrates. ZnO thin films were grown between - 0.900 and - 1.025 V vs Ag/AgCl as established by voltammogram. Characterisation of ZnO films was carried out for both as-deposited and annealed films in order to study the effect of annealing. Structural analysis of the ZnO films was performed using X-ray diffraction, which showed polycrystalline films of hexagonal phase with (002) preferential orientation. Atomic force microscopy was used to study the surface morphology. Optical studies identified the bandgap to be {approx} 3.20 eV and refractive index to 2.35. The photoelectrochemical cell signal indicated that the films had n-type electrical conductivity and ...
The temperature dependence of the spontaneous magnetization of epitaxial iron films with a thickness ranging from d=20 to 200nm has been measured. The films are grown on GaAs (100) substrates which are covered by a 150nm thick silver (100) buffer layer. For three-dimensional BCC iron it was observed already in 1929 that saturation of the spontaneous magnetization for T->0 is perfectly described by a T{sup 2} power law. On the other hand, for thin two-dimensional (2D) iron films a T{sup 3/2} law has been established in many recent experimental investigations. In our iron films grown on diamagnetic silver, this dimensionality change occurs at a thickness between d=100 and 200nm. Comparison of the here-observed T{sup 3/2} coefficients with those on iron films grown on paramagnetic tungsten (110) shows that the 2D interactions are {approx}20 times larger in the ...
The composition of sputter-deposited HgS films was determined by electron microprobe analysis. From the relative x-ray intensity as a function of film thickness, the depth of the ionizations that produce SK sub(..cap alpha..) and HgM sub(..cap alpha..) was found to be approximately 0.65 ..mu..m at an accelerating voltage of 15 kV. This value agreed well with a value calculated from Castaings' empirical law after absorption correction. The determination of film composition was limited to sufficiently thicker films than this critical value, usually 1 - 2 ..mu..m thick. The relation between the conposition of bulk standard determined by chemical analysis and the x-ray intensity ratio was used for the correction of film composition. The results showed that the crystal structure of HgS films was independent of the composition, i.e., the growth of metastable ...
The composition of sputter-deposited HgS films was determined by electron microprobe analysis. From the relative x-ray intensity as a function of film thickness, the depth of the ionizations that produce SK sub(#alpha#) and HgM sub(#alpha#) was found to be approximately 0.65 #mu#m at an accelerating voltage of 15 kV. This value agreed well with a value calculated from Castaings' empirical law after absorption correction. The determination of film composition was limited to sufficiently thicker films than this critical value, usually 1 - 2 #mu#m thick. The relation between the conposition of bulk standard determined by chemical analysis and the x-ray intensity ratio was used for the correction of film composition. The results showed that the crystal structure of HgS films was independent of the composition, i.e., the growth of metastable #betta#-HgS ...
nsive neutron-absorbing bricks from commercially available CaB/sub 6/ powder. The bricks are 2 x 3 x 5 in., and are strong enough to withstand normal handling. They last indefinitely; the ones described are now 7 years old, used and stored under normal room temperatures and humidities. The procedure is to make a thick, dry mud with the powder and water, followed by compression in a mold at pressures of about 1 ton/in./sup 2/ or more. The bricks are then baked for 2 hours or longer at a temperature of about 750 deg C. (auth)
Building on the concepts of MIRD methods described by Webber, Watson and others at this Symposium on the Dosimetry of Administered Radionuclides, we will now consider how to apply these principles to several experimentally based open-quote macroclose quotes and multicellular models. Specifically, methods to calculate absorbed dose using different types of particulate emission (alpha, beta) with a variety of antibody carriers (IgG, F(ab')_2, Fab) for radioimmunotherapy (RIT) will be reviewed. Additionally, a discussion of direct measurement methods at the multicellular level will reveal the problems of tumor absorbed dose heterogeneity when applied to animal and clinical studies.
This dissertation deals with membrane gas absorption in the application of CO{sub 2} removal by aqueous alkanolamines, using microporous PTFE hollow fiber membranes. A new lab-scale apparatus was constructed and an extensive experimental study executed to determine the performance of the membrane gas absorber, with aqueous solutions of monoethanolamine (MEA) and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) as absorbents. The important operation parameters CO{sub 2} partial pressure, gas velocity, liquid velocity, temperature and liquid CO{sub 2} loading were systematically varied within the range typically experienced in a process for exhaust gas CO{sub 2}-removal
A calculation method of the X-ray radiation dose (energy of gamma- radiation remains in the range of energies where the mechanism of photoelectric absorption is the prevailing one) absorbed in the absorbers of final thickness is suggested. Calculations of resorption of secondary radiation (characteristic fluorescences) in the substance and kinetic energy of photoelectrons caused by this resorption (it would be enough to consider one or two hard series) are presented. Calculation of the spectrum of photoelectron energy yield in TeInSe_2 monocrystal for 0.1-0.5 A range of X-ray radiation is conducted by the developed methods.
Purpose Study the radiolysis of solid-state metoclopramide hydrochloride at various absorbed doses. Elucidate the structure of the degradation products to gain information on the radiolysis mechanisms. Methods Solid-state metoclopramide samples were irradiated at several doses with gamma rays and high-energy electrons to evaluate the influence of the dose rate. High-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector was used to measure the chemical potency as a function of the absorbed dose and to quantify the degradation products. The characterization of degradation products was performed by liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/tandem mass spectrometry. Results The degradation of solid-state metoclopramide after irradiation was negligible. No qualitati...
This article proposes a model for estimating the effect of the overall thermal resistance of the absorber and the coolant on a solar thermal energy system utilizing advanced heat transfer mediums. Two equations can be used to model a dynamic system: one for the maximum conversion efficiency and one to specify the constraint that, in quasi-steady state, the net energy collected must be transferred to the coolant. These two equations define a constrained optimization problem in two variables, the fluid and the absorber temperatures. The results present interesting implications for liquid metal, direct absorption, and solar evaporating systems.
Irradiation of the human body in diagnostic X-ray procedures results in different absorbed doses in the various body organs. A somatic dose index in formulated by applying the relative sensitivity of the human to each of the most important somatic effects and utilizing the absorbed dose in the affected organs. This quantity is used to convey a cumulative somatic impact and is computed for common radiographic views in diagnostic radiology as a function of beam quality for a nominal IR entrance exposure. Using typical X-ray beam qualities and exposures, the frequency of the various radiographic views that make up an examination and the frequencies of the various examinations in the national population, illustrative examples of the application of the somatic dose index are presented. (author).
A doubly Q-switched laser with both an acousto-optic (AO) modulator and a GaAs saturable absorber can obtain a more symmetric and shorter pulse with high pulse peak power, which has been experimentally proved. The key parameters of an optimally coupled doubly Q-switched laser with both an AO modulator and a GaAs saturable absorber are determined, and a group of general curves are generated for what we believe is the first time, when the single-photon absorption (SPA) and two-photon absorption (TPA) processes of GaAs are combined, and the Gaussian spatial distributions of the intracavity photon density and the initial population-inversion density as well as the influence of the AO Q-switch are considered. These key parameters include the optimal normalized coupling parameter, the optimal normalized GaAs saturable absorber parameters, and the normalized parameters of the AO Q-switch, which can maximize the output energy. ...
The effects of intradot electron-electron interaction on the photon-assisted Andreev tunneling of a superconductor/carbon-nanotube/superconductor system are studied by using nonequilibrium Green's function technique. The inverse supercurrent reflecting the #pi#-junction transition emerges in the spin-split energy-levels regime polarized by the Coulomb interaction. For the positive tunneling case, the supercurrent reaches its maximum when the spin-degenerate energy-levels are nearest to the Fermi surface. Conversely, for the negative tunneling case, the supercurrent reaches its maximum when two split energy-levels are symmetric with respect of the Fermi surface. The sign and the amplitude of the Andreev tunneling depend distinctly on the energy-level spacing tuned by photon-assisted tunneling. In order to fully understand the transport characteristics, the current-carrying density of states are investigated, which clearly shows the enhancement, ...
Mesoporous films of platinized carbon nanotube-zirconia-Nafion composite have been used for the immobilization of tris(2,2prime-bipyridyl)ruthenium (II) (Ru(bpy)32+) on an electrode surface to yield a solid-state electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor. The composite films of Pt-CNT-zirconia-Nafion exhibit much larger pore diameter (3.55 nm) than that of Nafion (2.82 nm) and thus leading to much larger ECL response for tripropylamine (TPA) because of the fast diffusion of the analyte within the films. Due to the conducting and electrocatalytic features of CNTs and Pt nanoparticles, their incorporation into the zirconia-Nafion composite films resulted in the decreased electron transfer resistance within the films. The present ECL sensor based on the Pt-CNT-zirconia-Nafion gave a lin...
Nanocrystalline chromium oxynitride films were deposited by reactive RF magnetron sputtering of metallic chromium target in argon and helium atmospheres. The paper deals with consequence of increase in oxygen partial pressure on structural, hydrophobic and optical properties of chromium oxynitride films. The film stoichiometry changes from CrN and Cr2O3 to only Cr2O3 with increase in oxygen partial pressure as evident from X-Ray Diffraction analysis in both cases. The average crystallite size decreases with increase in oxygen partial pressure for both gas atmospheres. The thickness calculated from transmission data and surface profilometer are in good harmony with each other. The deposited films are hydrophobic by nature and the contact angle of the films varies as a function of surface ro...
Carbon films have been made by a variety of techniques, including evaporation, sputtering, and laser or thermal pyrolysis of organic polymers. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is often used as a carbon precursor, since low-temperature thermo-oxidative pretreatment produces a material which can be pyrolyzed without loss of shape. This is the basis for the production of carbon fibers with good mechanical properties. We report here the formation of very thin films of carbon (500 to 1500 A) by pyrolysis of spin-cast PAN. Using this technique, large, conductive films can be made which are sufficiently robust to allow intact lift-off and transfer of the films from one substrate to another. Such films are chemically inert, but can be photolithographically patterned and etched with an oxygen plasma.
The authors report the fabrication and characterization of a low temperature (200--400 C) thin film gas sensor constructed from a MOCVD-grown yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) layer sandwiched between two platinum thin film electrodes. A reproducible gas-sensing response is produced by applying a cyclic voltage which generates voltammograms with gas-specific current peaks and shapes. Growth conditions are optimized for preparing YSZ films having dense microstructures, low leakage currents, and maximum ion conductivities. In particular, the effect of growth temperature on film morphology and texture is discussed and related to the electrical and gas-sensing properties of the thin film sensor device.
In 1977 and 1978, Sandia National Laboratories, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and operated for the US Department of Energy (DOE), filmed a series of crash and fire tests performed on three casks designed to transport irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies. While the tests were performed to assess the applicability of scale and computer modeling techniques to actual accidents, films of them were quickly pressed into service by the DOE and nuclear utilities as ``proof`` to the public of the safety of the casks. In the public debate over the safety of irradiated nuclear fuel transportation, the films have served as the mainstay for the nuclear industry. Although the scripts of all the films were reviewed by USDOE officials before production, they contain numerous misleading concepts and images, and omit significant facts. The shorter versions eliminated qualifying statements contained in the longer ...
Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) with 8 mol% Y was deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering onto oxidized (100) silicon substrates. It was possible to switch film texture from (111) to (200) by applying a strong RF substrate bias. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the film deposited under bias is porous and exhibits nanoscaled grains, whereas the film deposited without bias is dense and columnar. The ionic conductivity as a function of temperature revealed an activation energy of 1.04 eV. The mechanical stress could be tuned to low values by thermal post-annealing. Using the dense (111) film as electrolyte layer, and the porous (200) film as an interlayer to a porous Pt anode, an open circuit voltage of 0.85 V was obtained in a micro machined fuel cell structure.
Grooving CVD diamond films using a focused ion beam (FIB) to quarry micro parts is described. The substrate-side surface of a polycrystalline diamond film which is prepared by means of microwave plasma CVD, is able to be grooved by a focused Ga ion beam scanned straight repeatedly. The groove has cross section whose shape is like an inverted Gaussian distribution curve. And the surface roughness of the films before grooved influences that of grooves. Under the same irradiation conditions, deeper, narrower, in short, high aspect ratio grooves are obtained on B-doped semiconducting microwave plasma CVD diamond films. Coating electrical conductive material is also effective method to obtain high aspect ratio grooves. It is supposed that these results are due to the degree of electrification on the surface and that FIB irradiation is a suitable method for micromachining semiconducting diamond ...
The surface films formed on type 316LN stainless steels (SS) with different nitrogen contents, during potentiodynamic polarization in acidified 1 M NaCl solution, were characterized by Laser Raman Spectroscopy (LRS). LRS confirmed the presence of oxides and oxychlorides of iron and chromium, hydrated chlorides and nitrates in the film. Raman mapping showed increasing nitrate content in the film with increasing nitrogen content. The film on the uncorroded material showed the presence of chromium and molybdenum oxides. The improvement in pitting corrosion resistance of type 316LN SS with increasing nitrogen content was attributed to increased amount of nitrates in the passive film.
The surface films formed on type 316LN stainless steels (SS) with different nitrogen contents, during potentiodynamic polarization in acidified 1 M NaCl solution, were characterized by Laser Raman Spectroscopy (LRS). LRS confirmed the presence of oxides and oxychlorides of iron and chromium, hydrated chlorides and nitrates in the film. Raman mapping showed increasing nitrate content in the film with increasing nitrogen content. The film on the uncorroded material showed the presence of chromium and molybdenum oxides. The improvement in pitting corrosion resistance of type 316LN SS with increasing nitrogen content was attributed to increased amount of nitrates in the passive film.
In this work the DC and AC characteristics for metal-LB film-metal structures deposited by a standard Langmuir-Blodgett film deposition technique are investigated. The conduction mechanism has been studied for a thin film structure in which a calix[4]arene substituted with carboxylic acid groups has been deposited alternately with a calix[4]arene molecule substituted with amine groups. This LB film structure shows a typical insulating behaviour for low voltage values and the Schottky effect becomes dominant when the voltage increases. The conductivity at low voltage values was found to be 1.34x10^-^1^3Scm^-^1. The height of the potential barrier was determined to be 1.65eV for this alternate layer LB film system.
The effect of surface treatment on the characteristics of the passive film on a super duplex stainless steel is addressed. Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) has been used to provide in-depth chemical profile analyses of the passivation film. This study showed that the constitution of the film is largely dependent on the electrolytic conditions under which it is produced or to which it is submitted. The passive films formed by polarisation in an alkaline solution (boric-borate solution) consist of two regions, an inner region rich in chromium and an outer region rich in iron, whilst the films produced in acid solution only present the chromium - rich region. The film thickness is also greatly affected by the polarisation conditions. It can vary from ca. 8 monolayers to about 20 monolayers for cathodically and anodically polarised specimens respectively. The ...
The effect of Mo addition as an alloying element to stainless steel alloys is investigated by capacitance (Mott Schottky approach), and photoelectrochemistry measurements. Complementary studies were made using Auger electron spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The Mott-Schottky approach and the photoelectrochemical studies showed that the presence of Mo as an alloying element affects the semiconductive properties of the oxide films. The analytical results have shown that the oxide films formed on stainless steels are composed by an external Fe rich region and an inner Cr rich region. No significant amount of Mo was found in the outer layers of the film. The presence of Mo leads to an increase of the chromium content in the inner layers of the film, although without increasing the film thickness. (orig.) 30 refs.
The effect of Mo addition as an alloying element to stainless steel alloys is investigated by capacitance (Mott Schottky approach), and photoelectrochemistry measurements. Complementary studies were made using Auger electron spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The Mott-Schottky approach and the photoelectrochemical studies showed that the presence of Mo as an alloying element affects the semiconductive properties of the oxide films. The analytical results have shown that the oxide films formed on stainless steels are composed by an external Fe rich region and an inner Cr rich region. No significant amount of Mo was found in the outer layers of the film. The presence of Mo leads to an increase of the chromium content in the inner layers of the film, although without increasing the film thickness. (orig.)
Surface study techniques were used to investigate films on Type 304 stainless steel which were formed during exposure to high purity water at 288"0C. The results indicated that the film chemistry depended strongly upon the concentration of the dissolved O_2 in the water. Films formed in water having 8 ppm O_2 were stoichiometric mixed oxides; whereas those formed in water with 10 ppb O_2 were highly defective oxyhydroxides. The latter films are not as protective as the stoichiometric oxides. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to investigate the films. (Auth.).
In this work passive films formed in AISI 304 stainless steel were envisaged as semiconductors and studied by means of photoelectrochemistry and Mott-Schottky plots. The passive films were potentiostatically formed at different potentials (0.2-0.8V) in a basic borate/boric acid solution without and with addition of NaCl (0.5 and 1g/l) and at various temperatures in the range 8-60"oC. The influence of these parameters on the photocurrent, quantum efficiency, bandgap energy and density of charge carriers was determined. The results show that the experimental conditions at which the films are formed influence the semiconductive properties of the film, which seem to be related to the higher or lower stability of the film. An Arrhenius type of relationship was also found between the density of charge carriers and temperature, leading to the determination of an activation energy. (author) ...
Silicon thin film with thickness in range 1000-5300 A deposited on rough Cu foil by a radio frequency magnetron sputtering is used as anode materials for Li-ion rechargeable batteries. The SEM, XRD and TEM analysis reveals that the Si thin film has a floccular nano-sized multi-crystalline structure. Li ions insertion/extraction evaluation is performed mainly with constant current charge/discharge cycling and cyclic voltammetry (CV) at room temperature. The cycleability and reversible discharge capacity are found to depend on the film thickness, and thinner films give larger accommodation capacity. A 3120 A Si film provides a reversible specific capacity over 3500 mA hg{sup -1} with excellent cycleability under 0.5 C charge/discharge rate.
The construction materials used in coolant systems in nuclear power plants become covered with oxide films as a result of exposure to the aqueous environment. The susceptibility of the materials to different forms of corrosion, as well as the extent of the incorporation of radioactive species on the surfaces of the primary circuit, are greatly influenced by the physical and chemical properties of these oxide films. The composition and characteristics of the oxide films in turn depend on the applied water chemistry. This work was undertaken in order to collect and evaluate the present views on the structure and behaviour of oxide films formed on iron- and nickel-based materials in aqueous environments. This survey should serve to recognise the areas in which more understanding and research effort is needed. The review begins with a discussion on the bulk oxides of iron, nickel and chromium, as well as ...
A method for using in situ X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy to determine the composition of passive, transpassive, and nonreducible thin oxide films is described. The method is demonstrated by determining the composition of the passive films formed in pH 4.5, 0.1 M acetate buffer, on 100 {angstrom} thick Fe-yCr alloys (y = 8.5, 15, 19, 23 atom %) at potentials: (1) low in the passive region ({minus}0.3 V vs. mercurous sulfate reference electrode, MSE); (2) high in the passive region; (3) in the transpassive region; and (4) in the cathodic region where the air-formed film is not fully reduced. The nonreducible film at {minus}1.2 V is entirely a Cr{sup 3+} oxide/hydroxide. This nonreducible film persists at anodic potentials. At {minus}0.3 V, the passive film on each alloy is significantly enriched in Cr. The film at {minus}0.3 V ...
This paper describes how a computerized MIS is used to assist HMO management to conduct utilization and quality of care review activities in a prepaid medical care network. The HMO is a ‘network’...Full Text Available
Extending genome wide association analysis by the inclusion of gene expression data may assist in the dissection of complex traits. We examined piebald, a pigmentation phenotype in both human and Merino...Full Text Available
According to the author Austria has a specific interest in the fields of information exchange, mutual assistance, and liability. The problem of proximity to the border has become insignificant after Chernobyl. Austria aspires to get rights of participation following the model of the Netherlands. (CW).
Significant emphasis has recently been placed on the characterization of the human cancer genome. This effort has been assisted by the development of new DNA sequencing technologies that allow...Full Text Available
SummaryAgeing is a complex, challenging phenomenon that will require multiple, interdisciplinary approaches to unravel its puzzles. To assist basic research on ageing, we developed...Full Text Available
BackgroundFood supply from the ocean is constrained by the shortage of domesticated and selected fish. Development of genomic models of economically important fishes should assist...Full Text Available
This Mini-Computer-Assisted Nursing Management System allows nursing to control staffing costs and more effectively relate staffing to patient care requirements. Nursing resources are prospectively...Full Text Available
Total thyroidectomy involving the adjacent structures of the trachea can cause tracheal damage such as early tracheal necrosis. The authors describe the first case of anterior tracheal necrosis following...Full Text Available
According to world statistics, dogs and cats are the species that owners most frequently seek assistance with potential poisonings, accounting 95–98% of all reported animal cases. Exposures...Full Text Available
This paper assesses the hypothesis that depressive syndrome is associated with socioeconomic status, using longitudinal data from the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area Followup. Socioeconomic...Full Text Available
This guide has been written to introduce growers of Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) to the principles and need for cold storage of planting material. The main types of cold store are described. It also provides assistance in the selection of suitable stores and how these are located nationally. (author)
BackgroundEfficient and safe transection of biological tissue in liver surgery is strongly dependent on the ability to address both parenchymal division and hemostasis simultaneously....Full Text Available
We report the first quantitative assessment of electrosprayed droplet/ion focusing enabled by the use of a voltage-assisted air amplifier between an electrospray ionization emitter and a hybrid...Full Text Available
A 6-year-old female, intact boxer presented with acute respiratory distress due to a mass in the left cranial thorax. The tumor, which originated in the left ...Full Text Available
This report is designed to cover the overall Operation Castle radiological safety matters from the viewpoint of those issues of direct concern to Headquarters, Joint Task Force Seven. It was written for the express purpose of assisting in the development ...
This report is designed to cover the overall Operation Castle radiological safety matters from the viewpoint of those issues of direct concern to Headquarters, Joint Task Force Seven. It was written for the express purpose of assisting in the development ...
This chapter provides an overview of the problem of response to a nuclear weapon accident, the fundamentals of response to an accident, and a summary of the NARP Manual. The manual provides a summary of procedural guidance, technical information, and DoD responsibilities, to assist DoD forces in preparing a response to a nuclear weapon accident.
Feb 24, 2000 ... NASA computer experts have been using a supercomputer to improve the NASA/ DeBakey miniature heart assist pump, leading to on-going human ...
Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease, a tick-borne spirochetosis with a worldwide prevalence. To assist the categorization and typing of fresh isolates from global foci, we have...Full Text Available
Specific criteria have been developed based on computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) to assist clinicians in identifying patients with psychogenic balance problems (Cyr and Cevette, Full Text Available
Our goal was to determine whether chlorpyrifos oxon, dichlorvos, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), and sarin covalently bind to human albumin. Human albumin or plasma was treated with organophosphorus...Full Text Available
This manual provides information to assist in selection and designing control measures for reducing pollutant discharges from combined sewer overflows (CSOs). he manual will be useful for municipal public works staff, design engineers, and regulatory agency staff tasked with the ...
To assemble into functional structures, biopolymers search for global minima through their folding potential energy surfaces to find the native conformation. However, this process can be hindered by...Full Text Available
The purpose of the Joint Task Force Headquarters Master Training Guide (JTF HQ MTG) is to provide a descriptive, performance-oriented training guide to assist leaders in training their units. It also serves as a guide for the JTF Headquarters in actual op...
All molybdenum enzymes except nitrogenase contain a common molybdenum cofactor, whose organic moiety is a novel pterin called molybdopterin (MPT). To assist in elucidating the biosynthetic pathway of...Full Text Available
By use of a new computer-assisted u.v.-spectrophotometric assay method, the kinetic parameters of the reaction catalysed by Bacillus licheniformis 749/C beta-lactamase were re-examined and the mode...Full Text Available
This book provides differential diagnostic possibilities of specific scan abnormalities in one volume for easy reference. This book is organized by organ systems and covers the central nervous system, the endocrine, skeletal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and cardiovascular systems. The gamuts are designed to teach differential diagnosis and to assist in the actual interpretation of patient slides.
Journal editorials are an important medium for communicating information about medical innovations. Evaluative statements contained in editorials pertain to the innovation's technical merits, as well...Full Text Available
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS) has been explored widely for DNA sequencing. The major requirement for this method is that the DNA sequencing fragments...Full Text Available
BackgroundSelf-administered computer-assisted blood donor screening strategies may elicit more accurate responses and improve the screening process.MethodsRandomized...Full Text Available
Computer-assisted analysis revealed a striking sequence similarity between the putative 24-kDa protein (p24) encoded by open reading frame (ORF) 5 of beet yellows closterovirus and the coat protein...Full Text Available
The objectives for the financial sector with regard to climate change investments are to regard to sustainability policies, not just for itself, but also for borrowers and investment portfolios, and to assist in developing frameworks and products that will enable shareholders and clients to invest in commercial solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Social support is a critical, yet underutilized resource when undergoing cancer care. Underutilization occurs in two conditions: (a) when patients fail to seek out information, material assistance,...Full Text Available
On February 27, 1990, standards for Benzene were promulgated for benzene transfer and benzene waste operations. The benzene enabling document summarizes these standards. The basic purpose of the document is to assist the EPA regional enforcement personnel...
Objective: Health information retrieval (HIR) on the Internet has become an important practice for millions of people, many of whom have problems forming effective queries. We have developed...Full Text Available
A case of severe intractable angina pectoris with normal angiography is presented. Following video assisted thoracic sympathectomy the patient died of heart failure. Microvascular cardiac amyloidosis...Full Text Available
This article describes the design and implementation of an online diabetes self-management intervention for a sample of inner-city African Americans with diabetes. Study participants were randomly assigned...Full Text Available
In this work, amorphous hydrocarbon (a-C:H) film deposition on metallic mirrors was studied during working shots in tokamak T-10 and at exposure in Ar/CHD3/D2 dc magnetron discharge in a special laboratory high vacuum setup. Analysis of film composition (including hydrogen content) was carried out using nuclear physical methods. Thickness and optical parameters (refractive and extinction coefficients) of the films were estimated by ellipsometry. Laboratory films can be characterized as soft a-C:H films in comparison with hard tokamak films (? = 1.2 and 1.8 g/cm3, respectively). For the first one, a linear dependence of deposition rate on mirror temperature was observed in a wide temperature range. The addition of methane into initial Ar/D2 magnetron gas mixture leads to an increase of deposition rate. The data obtained should be taken into account to prevent ...
Thin film solar cells and solar cell testing - photovoltaic cells, radiation damage to cadmium sulfide solar cells, and airplane testing of solar cells
This paper addresses one source of degradation in OPV devices: the metal/organic interface. The basic approach was to study the completed device stability vs. the stability of the organic film itself as shown in subsequent devices fabricated from the films.
Semiconductor properties of passive films formed on the Fe-18Cr alloy in a borate buffer solution (pH = 8.4) and 0.1 M H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} solution were examined using a photoelectrochemical spectroscopy and an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Photo current reveals two photo action spectra that derived from outer hydroxide and inner oxide layers. A typical n-type semiconductor behaviour is observed by both photo current and impedance for the passive films formed in the borate buffer solution. On the other hand, a negative photo current generated, the absolute value of which decreased as applied potential increased in the sulfuric acid solution. This indicates that the passive film behaves as a p-type semiconductor. However, Mott-Schottky plot revealed the typical n-type semiconductor property. It is concluded that the passive film on the Fe-18Cr alloy formed in the borate buffer solution is ...
Semiconductor properties of passive films formed on the Fe-18Cr alloy in a borate buffer solution (pH = 8.4) and 0.1 M H_2SO_4 solution were examined using a photoelectrochemical spectroscopy and an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Photo current reveals two photo action spectra that derived from outer hydroxide and inner oxide layers. A typical n-type semiconductor behaviour is observed by both photo current and impedance for the passive films formed in the borate buffer solution. On the other hand, a negative photo current generated, the absolute value of which decreased as applied potential increased in the sulfuric acid solution. This indicates that the passive film behaves as a p-type semiconductor. However, Mott-Schottky plot revealed the typical n-type semiconductor property. It is concluded that the passive film on the Fe-18Cr alloy formed in the borate buffer solution is composed of both ...
Rheological properties of moderately concentrated solutions of cellulose in methylmorpholine N-oxide-dimethylformamide mixtures containing hydrophilic montmorillonite nanoparticles were studied. Film composite materials were prepared, and their physicomechanical properties and structural organization were studied.
Highly resistant, high-transmittance woodceramic thin films were prepared using rf magnetron sputtering of a woodceramic disk in argon plasma. A film series was deposited based on substrate temperature, which was varied from 50 to 500 degree C. The film's electrical and optical properties depended on substrate temperature. Films deposited below 300 degree C were insulative, {rho}>10{sup 10} {omega} {center_dot} cm. Films deposited at 50 degree C had a density of 1.9-2.2 g/cm{sup 3} comparable to that of single crystal graphite. Below 200 degree C, films had higher transmittance than typical DLC films in the visible and infrared region. Infrared C-H absorption spectrum was observed by Ft-IR and there exist two types of bonding corresponding to sp{sup 2} or SP{sup 3}. (author)
The nanostructure Ni-doped CdO films have been prepared by sol gel spin coating method. Atomic force microscopy results indicate that the CdO films are formed from the nanoparticles and the grain size is changed with nickel content. X-ray diffraction patterns of the films indicate that the undoped and Ni-doped CdO films have polycrystalline structure with a cubic sodium chloride structure, showing two main characteristic peaks assigned to the (111) and (200) planes. The optical band gap values of undoped and Ni-doped CdO films were determined by optical absorption method. The Eg values of the CdO films were found to be in the range of 2.26?2.60?eV. The Eg values of the CdO films increase with the content of Ni dopant (up to 6% Ni). It is evaluated that the optical band gap and grain size o...
Buccal bioadhesive films, releasing topical drugs in the oral cavity at a slow and predetermined rate, provide distinct advantages over traditional dosage forms. The aim of present study was to prepare...Full Text Available
A thin-film evaporator requires only a short heating time to concentrate a solution since it has a high thermal efficiency and has a small capacity. Thus, the chemical industry often uses this type of evaporator for concentrating materials that are subjec...
Optical absorptance spectra of A-15 compounds were taken using a calorimetric technique in the range 0.2 eV to 4.0 eV. Thermomodulation spectra were taken on several A-15 sputtered films.
Optical absorptance spectra of A-15 compounds were taken using a calorimetric technique in the range 0.2 eV to 4.0 eV. Thermomodulation spectra were taken on several A-15 sputtered films.
An examination of the noise of polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors, in the context of flat panel x-ray imager development, is reported. The study was conducted in the spirit of exploring...Full Text Available
A film of GaSb grown epitaxially on a Si substrate is a direct transition semiconductor useful for application as a light source in Si photonics and channel material in next-generation field effect transistors because its energy bandgap is close to the optical fibre communication wavelength and it possesses high carrier mobility. Here, we report a novel method for heteroepitaxial growth of high-quality GaSb/Si films, despite having a lattice mismatch as large as ? 12%, using elastically strain-relaxed GaSb nanodots with ultrahigh density as seed crystals for film growth. The nanodot seed crystals were grown epitaxially by restricted contact with the Si substrate through nanowindows in an ultrathin SiO(2) film on the Si substrate. A light-emitting diode containing GaSb/Si films with a thickness of ? 90 nm fabricated by this method operated at room temperature. The growth method was ...
The passive films formed on iron metal, alloys or stainless steel are extremely thin oxides or hydroxides and possess the properties of high chemical stability in the environment. These films show characteristics interested both electrical as well as electrochemical point of view due to the thin thickness of the films. Auger Electron Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy and so on which are the conventional electrochemical measurement methods or the surface analysis methods are used for the analysis and evaluation of these films, however, at present, the application of research technique focusing the superconductor characteristics of the films are tried. Although, the potential modulation reflection spectroscopy method has merits like possibility of in-situ measurement, high precision, possibility of stable analysis even for extremely thin film and so ...
This report discusses the development of transition metal oxide semiconductors for photoelectrolysis of water. More specifically, it involves preparation of TiO/sub 2/ films by sputtering and evaluating their physicochemical characteristics primarily as they relate to the behaviour of the films as photoanodes. Impedance, photoelectrochemical, and photoconduction properties of TiO/sub 2/ films sputtered in pure O/sub 2/ onto heated substrates have been determined as a function of O/sub 2/ pressure during sputtering, film thickness, Pt overcoating, and cathodic treatment. The capacitance data before cathodic treatment are of the form expected. The capacitance is essentially independent of potential, while for potentials increasingly cathodic of this value, the capacitance increases very rapidly. Cathodic treatment alters the impedance characteristics of the films but leads to either ...
In this work we present an ultra-low temperature method for the oxidation of an amorphous silicon-carbide-nitride (SiCN) material. The SiCN is deposited on silicon substrates by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition using CH{sub 4}, SiH{sub 4}, and N{sub 2} chemistry. The physical and chemical properties are characterized for the as-deposited SiCN and post-oxidized films are discussed. The SiCN film is exposed to oxygen plasma, where it undergoes a chemical transformation into a binary SiO{sub 2} material system. A 1.7 nm/min oxidation rate is typical for this process and compares favorably to oxidation methods utilizing much higher temperatures. The substrate temperature remains extremely low throughout the oxidation process, T{sub s} < 200 deg. C. Changes in film stress, optical constants, film thickness, surface roughness, and film density are measured. Chemical ...
In order to understand the anodic behaviour of Al--Mo and Al--W amorphous alloys in the borate buffer electrolyte, samples of these alloys were polarized galvanostatically. The resultant anodic films were thicker than the passive films formed during potentiodynamic polarization enabling detailed examination of the films and alloy substrates by surface analytical methods. AES investigations suggest that the anodic films formed at low and moderate voltages on Al--Mo or Al--W amorphous alloys consist of Al-oxide, whereas refractory metals remain unoxidized and enriched at the film/substrate interface. Molybdenum and tungsten act as 'dissolution moderators', restraining the substrate dissolution process at the film/substrate interface. However, after anodization at high voltages (50 V), AES revealed the presence of an oxidized refractory metal in ...
we report an ultrafast synchrotron x-ray phase contrast imaging study of the primary breakup mechanism of a coaxial air-assisted water jet. We demonstrate that there exist great similarities in the phenomenology of primary breakup with that of the secondary breakup. Especially, a membrane-mediated breakup mechanism dominates the breakup process for a wide range of air speeds. This finding reveals the intrinsic connections of these two breakup regimes and has deep implications on the unified theoretical approach in treating the breakup mechanism of high speed liquid jet.
Laser-assisted processing techniques for producing high-quality solar cell metallization patterns are investigated, developed, and characterized. The tasks comprising these investigations are outlined. A new batch of solar cells was processed using the laser decomposition of spun-on silver neodecanoate to metallize cells. Decomposition of silver neodecanoate was carried out at different laser powers on different cells on a given wafer to determine whether this would have any effect on cell performance. Solar cells which were written with laser powers of 5 to 8 watts, gave excellent results with cell efficiencies in the range of 14 to 16%.
In this contract, Laser-assisted processing techniques for producing high-quality solar cell metallization patterns are being investigated, developed, and characterized. The tasks comprising these investigations are outlined. Four new batches of solar cells were processed, in addition to several test runs on wafers, using the laser decomposition of spun-on silver neodecanoate to metallize cells. Decomposition of silver neodecanoate was carried out at different laser powers on different cells on a given wafer to determine whether this would have any effect on cell performance. A one watt laser power gave an electroplated linewidth of 50 microns , while at 8 watts the line width was 90 microns.
The decontamination factor is studied as a function of laser fluence for three kinds of clad surfaces viz., plain zircaloy, autoclaved zircaloy and SS with cesium as the test contamination. It has been found that the decontamination factor exhibits a maximal behaviour with the laser fluence and its maximum value occurs at different laser fluences in the three cases. The maximal behaviour is attributed to reduced coupling of energy from the laser beam to the substrate due to the initiation of surface-assisted optical breakdown. The results obtained in the experiment carried out in helium environment qualitatively support this explanation (author)
A computer-assisted rotation and stationary conformation radiotherapy system with overrunning multileaf collimators has been developed. This system can produce any shape of target volume, including a number of target areas outside the axis of the rotation, regardless of the location of the axis at 360"0 rotation irradiation. In addition, by changing the dose rate and deleting a partial region within a field, multiple stationary irradiation can produce more homogeneous target volumes - thus avoiding excessive irradiation to critical organs - than the rotation technique. (orig.).
An integrated approach to the modelling of hydrogen assisted failure in 316L steel is presented. The approach includes experimental, fractographic, numerical and theoretical analysis of the phenomenon. The physical adequacy of the mechanical models of hydrogen embrittlement (notch extension model and notch cracking model) is discussed by comparing the virtual damage depth (theoretical) predicted by the models with the embrittled zone (microphysical) measured in the fractographic analysis by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, a numerical modelling of hydrogen diffusion is performed, concluding that bulk diffusion is not important in hydrogen embrittlement of 316L steel, so that hydrogen transport accelerated by the microdamage itself should be taken into account. (orig.)
Experimental investigations of the turbulence characteristics of the air flow above the wave surface of the film in the horizontal rectangular channel in the 5-20 m/s velosity range of the air rate change (Reynolds number for the air 120O0-48000, 100-1000 for the film) are carried out. It is shown that intensities of turbulent pulsations of the rate increase with the growth of liquid flow rate in the film especially in the region of large squall waves. The experimental results on the pulsations are presented in the dimensionless form by a universal dependence. Distributions of tangentials of turbulent stresses above the film are obtained, turbulent stresses are compared with friction losses at the phase interface.
17-4PH stainless steel was modified by direct current (DC) plasma nitriding and titanium nitride film duplex treatment in this study. The microstructure, wear resistance and corrosion resistance were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), pin-on-disk tribological test and polarization experiment. The results revealed that the DC plasma nitriding pretreatment was in favor of improving properties of titanium nitride film. The corrosion resistance and wear resistance of duplex treatment specimen was more superior to that of only coated titanium nitride film.
17-4PH stainless steel was modified by direct current (DC) plasma nitriding and titanium nitride film duplex treatment in this study. The microstructure, wear resistance and corrosion resistance were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), pin-on-disk tribological test and polarization experiment. The results revealed that the DC plasma nitriding pretreatment was in favor of improving properties of titanium nitride film. The corrosion resistance and wear resistance of duplex treatment specimen was more superior to that of only coated titanium nitride film.
The symposium, Polycrystalline Thin Films - Structure, Texture, Properties, and Applications III, was held at the 1997 Materials Research Society Spring Meeting on March 31--April 4 in San Francisco, California. The topics and investigations were interdisciplinary in nature, and ranged from fundamental to technological. Specifically, the work presented in this volume includes film growth, texture and structural evolution, phase transformation, characterization of grain boundaries and interfaces, stress analysis, and works on polycrystalline Si and SiGe films and devices. Fifty four papers were processed separately for inclusion on the data base.
The symposium, Polycrystalline Thin Films - Structure, Texture, Properties, and Applications III, was held at the 1997 Materials Research Society Spring Meeting on March 31--April 4 in San Francisco, California. The topics and investigations were interdisciplinary in nature, and ranged from fundamental to technological. Specifically, the work presented in this volume includes film growth, texture and structural evolution, phase transformation, characterization of grain boundaries and interfaces, stress analysis, and works on polycrystalline Si and SiGe films and devices. Fifty four papers were processed separately for inclusion on the data base.
The passive corrosion rate of Alloy 22 is exceptionally low in a wide range of aqueous solutions, temperatures and electrochemical potentials, Alloy 22 contains approximately 22% chromium (Cr) by weight; thus, it forms a Cr-rich passive film in most environments. Very little is known about the composition, thickness and other properties of this passive film. The aim of this research was to determine the general characteristics of the oxide film that forms on Alloy 22, as a function of solution pH, temperature and applied electrochemical potential.
A temperature gradient across a thick ({ge}.1mm) film selective emitter will produce a significant reduction in the spectral emittance from the no temperature gradient case. Thick film selective emitters of rare earth doped host materials such as yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) are examples where temperature gradient effects are important. In this paper a model is developed for the spectral emittance assuming a linear temperature gradient across the film. Results of the model indicate that temperature gradients will result in reductions the order of 20{percent} or more in the spectral emittance. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}
Evolution of the passive films formed on AISI 304L and duplex stainless steel SAF 2205 in NaOH 0.1 M was investigated using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Special attention is paid to the effect of Mo in the generation of the films. Results point out to the stabilising effect of the molybdates on the surface of the film, enhancing the formation of a thin layer on the SAF 2205 with a higher Cr/Fe ratio.
Photocurrent measurements for stainless steel type 304 in the as-received condition after dc and AV (alternating voltage) passivation have confirmed that significant changes of the passive film properties occur due to AV passivation. The photocurrents were the highest for the sample treated by the AV passivation process (AVPP). The bandgap energy increased from about 2.8 to about 3.05 eV for this treatment. Very similar results have been obtained for pure chromium, which suggests that the AVPP produces a thicker passive film with a less defective nature due to a partial dehydration of the chromium oxide phase in the film.
... analyzer section for angle resolved measurements, and a thin film evaporator with a quartz crystal microbalance to measure the mass deposition. ...
A hydrous oxide film for the application as dielectric film is synthesized by immersion of pure aluminum in hot water. From a Rutherford backscattering analysis, the ratio of aluminum to oxygen atoms was found to be 3:2 in the anodized aluminum oxide film, and 2:1 in the hydrous oxide layer. Anodization of the hydrous oxide layer was more effective for the transition of amorphous anodic oxides to the crystalline aluminum oxides.
Contrary to the electronic excitation induced phenomena of desorption and sputtering, we observed incorporation of oxygen in a thin Fe film during its irradiation with swift heavy ions. It is observed that the adsorbed oxygen diffuses in to the Fe film. The incorporation of oxygen and its diffusion in the bulk of the film is a manifestation of extremely large electronic energy deposition by the incident ions. It is shown that the experimentally observed high diffusivity of oxygen in Fe during irradiation is due to the existence of transient melt phase of Fe.
The state of lithium electrode surface after contact with triethylamine-modified propylene carbonate solutions of lithium perchlorate was studied using the pulse galvanostatic technique as well as methods of SIMS and electron microscopy. It was shown that amine added into the solutions stabilizes the state of lithium and prevents the formation of a secondary porous passive film on the lithium surface. Chemical composition of the primary film remains unchanged. Certain properties of passive films formed in electrolyte solutions studied were evaluated.
The bibliography contains citations concerning the properties of tantalum and tantalum compound films formed by sputtering techniques. Topics include processes, and electrical, magnetic, and dielectric properties of the sputtered films. Tantalum compounds studied include nitrates, oxides, and aluminides. The structural properties of sputtered films are also discussed. (Contains a minimum of 105 citations and includes a subject term index and title list.)
Results are presented of experiments on partial discharge in liquid nitrogen, including insulation breakdown characteristics of liquid nitrogen, partial discharge characteristics of composite insulation systems, lifetime of polymer films, impulse breakdown of polymer films in liquid nitrogen, etc. The partial discharge characteristics of liquid nitrogen are examined with increasing liquid-nitrogen pressure. It is concluded that a composite insulation structure of polymer film and liquid nitrogen can be used as effective electrical insulators at cryogenic temperatures.
We study the growth of colonies of the yeast Pichia membranaefaciens on agarose film. The growth conditions are controlled in a setup where nutrients are supplied through an agarose film suspended over a solution of nutrients. As the thickness of the agarose film is varied, the morphology of the front of the colony changes. The growth of the front is modeled by coupling it to a diffusive field of inhibitory metabolites. Qualitative agreement with experiments suggests that such a coupling is responsible for the observed instability of the front.
The study by impedance and photoelectrochemical measurements of passive films formed on an AISI 304 type stainless steel shows that important parameters of the electronic structure of these films are modified under ..cap alpha.. irradiation, namely: width of the space charge region, donors concentration and diffusion length for minority carriers. The consequences of ..cap alpha.. irradiation on localized corrosion processes are discussed.
The study by impedance and photoelectrochemical measurements of passive films formed on an AISI 304 type stainless steel shows that important parameters of the electronic structure of these films are modified under #alpha# irradiation, namely: width of the space charge region, donors concentration and diffusion length for minority carriers. The consequences of #alpha# irradiation on localized corrosion processes are discussed.
The structure of hydroxylated oxide films (passive films) formed on Cr(110) in 0.5 M H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} at +0.35, +0.55, and +0.75 V/SHE has been investigated by in situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Cathodic reduction pretreatments at {minus}0.54, {minus}0.64, and {minus}0.74 V/SHE destroy the well-defined topography of the single-crystal electrode and they have been excluded from the passivation procedure. Two different passive film structures have been observed, depending on the potential and time of passivation. At low potential (+0.35 V/SHE), the passive film, consisting mostly of chromium hydroxide, has a noncrystalline and granular structure whose roughness suggests local variations of thickness of ca. {+-} 0.5 nm. A similar structure is observed at higher potential (+0.55 V/SHE), but only for a short polarization time. For longer polarization at 0.55 V/SHE, and at higher potentials (+0.75 ...
General corrosion behavior of ALLOY 800 in high temperature water was studied in relation to its surface film structure. The surface film formed in water was found to decrease the corrosion rate of ALLOY 800. This film is composed of Ni ferrite, and can be obtained by oxidation in air or steam. Based on these results, air or steam oxidation treatment to inhibit Ni and Co release of ALLOY 800 into high temperature water is proposed. (author).
General corrosion behavior of ALLOY 800 in high temperature water was studied in relation to its surface film structure. The surface film formed in water was found to decrease the corrosion rate of ALLOY 800. This film is composed of Ni ferrite, and can be obtained by oxidation in air or steam. Based on these results, air or steam oxidation treatment to inhibit Ni and Co release of ALLOY 800 into high temperature water is proposed. (author).
In the present work, a new kind of myoglobin (Mb)/Au nanoparticles composite film was fabricated on pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes. Oppositely charged chitosan (CS) and silica (SiO(2)) nanoparticles were alternately adsorbed on the PG surface by the electrostatic interaction between them, forming {CS/SiO(2)}(5) layer-by-layer films. Mb and HAuCl(4) in solution were then simultaneously loaded into {CS/SiO(2)}(5) films. The loaded Au(III) in the films were electrochemically reduced into Au nanoparticles, forming nanocomposite films, designated as {CS/SiO(2)}(5)-Mb-Au. Various techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to characterize the films. Compared with ...
The structure of a fragment of the germanium complex compound (GCC) with oxyethylidenediphosphonic acid and the adsorption properties of GCC films with respect to the vapors of water and some other organic liquids have been studied. The electric conductivity of GCC films has been investigated, and its mechanism has been explained.
Deposition of CN-based films by a novel version of active screen plasma nitriding, aiming at surface modification of polymers, is reported. The approach relies on the use of pure graphite as the grid material, which was found to act both as an active screen and as a dry source of carbon atoms for the synthesis of thin films consisting mainly of a stoichiometric CN layer with columnar-type structure and dome-like nanostructured morphology.
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis was used for the determination of Cu, Y and Ba in very thin high-temperature superconducting films. The precision of the method is better than 3% for about 1 #mu#m thick films. The atomic emission ICP spectrometry was used to testify results of XRF analysis. An acceptable agreement of both methods was obtained. (author) 4 refs.; 2 tabs.
A study has been made of the passive film remaining over pits on stainless steel using a high resolution transmission electron microscope. Type 305 stainless steel was passivated in a borate buffer solution and pitted in ferric chloride. Passive films formed at 0.2 V relative to a saturated calomel electrode were found to be amorphous. Films formed at higher potentials showed only broad diffraction rings. The passive film was found to cover a remnant lacy structure formed over pits passivated at 0.8 V. The metallic strands of the lace were roughly hemitubular in shape with the curved surface facing the center of the pit.
Continuous freestanding SiC(Al) films were fabricated by melt spinning the aluminum-containing polycarbosilane (A-PCS) precursor. The results showed that the films contained #beta#-SiC crystals, #alpha#-SiC nano-crystals, C clusters and small amount of Al_4O_4C and Al_4SiC_4. The Al atoms in the films played important roles as both sintering aids and grain growth inhibitor. The PL spectrum showed a wide luminescence band from 320 nm to 440 nm, and the origin of PL centered at 385 nm might be related to the #alpha#-SiC nano-crystals using quantum size effects. The obtained films are expected to have important applications in MEMS for the environment of high temperature and optoelectronic devices.
Moss-Schottky plots and photoelectrochemical measurements were made on films formed at different potentials on AISI 304 stainless steel in a borate/boric acid solution, pH 9.2. The results allowed the determination of the semiconductive properties and band structure of the films, which account for the existence of two kinds of films depending on the formation potential. For potentials below 0 V (SCE), the results point out for a film with an inverse spinel structure constituted by Cr-substituted magnetite with two donor levels. Above 0 V only one donor level is detected, which should be Fe{sup 2 +} on tetrahedral sites.
Moss-Schottky plots and photoelectrochemical measurements were made on films formed at different potentials on AISI 304 stainless steel in a borate/boric acid solution, pH 9.2. The results allowed the determination of the semiconductive properties and band structure of the films, which account for the existence of two kinds of films depending on the formation potential. For potentials below 0 V (SCE), the results point out for a film with an inverse spinel structure constituted by Cr-substituted magnetite with two donor levels. Above 0 V only one donor level is detected, which should be Fe"2 "+ on tetrahedral sites.
The passive films formed on 316L stainless steel in various NaCl solutions have been investigated by capacitance measurements (Mott-Schottky). Pitting parameters have been determined using the galvano-kinetic polarisation method. The obtained results reveal the existence of a shallow and a deep donor level localised in the band gap of the semiconducting oxide film. These energy levels are due to iron ions in the tetrahedral and octahedral positions. It also appears that the participation of the deep donor level effects the electric field. The study developed allows us to compare characteristic parameters of the electronic structure of the passive film to those related to pitting susceptibility. (authors) 25 refs.
The goal of this research program is to determine whether pulsed laser deposition is an effective alternative method for growing TiCN thin films. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is chosen because of its well-documented capability for growing uniform, stoichiometric films in ultra-high vacuum or gaseous environments. Processing of thin films by PLD is also achieved at relatively low temperatures compared with CVD processing. Given these attributes, the primary objectives in this article are to determine whether nitrogen may be readily incorporated into films resulting from the laser-ablation of TiC in an N{sub 2} environment, determine what effect nitrogen has on mechanical properties, and determine whether nitrogen incorporation is strongly influenced by processes unrelated to laser deposition (e.g., thermally-activated surface reactions).
Abstract A series of polypropylene carbonate (PPC)/ZnO nanocomposite films with different ZnO contents were prepared via a solution blending method. The morphological structures, thermal properties, oxygen permeability, water sorption, and antibacterial properties of the films were investigated as a function of ZnO concentration. While all of the composite films with less than 5 wt % ZnO exhibited good dispersion of ZnO in the PPC matrix, FTIR and SEM results revealed that solution blending did not lead to a strong interaction between PPC and unmodified ZnO. As such, poor dispersion was induced in the composite films with a high ZnO content. By incorporating inorganic ZnO filler nanoparticles, the diffusion coefficient, water uptake in equilibrium, and oxygen permeability decreased as the ...
Heusler films with L2_1 and B2 structure are deposited simultaneously on amorphous carbon films, Si(100) surfaces, and in situ cleaved InAs(110) surfaces by coevaporation of Ni and the alloy MnIn. Morphology, structure, and stoichiometry are investigated with transmission-electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and X-ray spectroscopy. The almost perfect lattice match supports highly oriented growth of Ni_2MnIn on InAs, which is proven by electron diffraction under grazing incidence. The electrical resistivity of thin films on Si show metallic behavior. At temperatures of liquid helium point-contact Andreev reflection spectroscopy is performed on films grown on Si(100) and in situ cleaved InAs(110) surfaces yielding spin polarizations comparable to the ones of Fe, Ni, Co, and permalloy (Ni_8_0Fe_2_0).
Photocurrent and capacitance measurements of semiconductor passive films formed on metals and alloys can be used to study the electronic properties and reveal indirect information about structure and composition. The current work used these techniques to investigate the electronic properties of the passive films formed on three austenitic stainless steels, types 304L, 316L and 254SMO, in borate. Evidence was found for the existence of a large number of localised mid bandgap states, consistent with amorphous oxides. However, the flat-band potentials of the austenitic stainless steel passive films were found to be independent of both composition and measuring frequency. The most credible explanation for the bandgap values determined from photocurrent measurements is that the passive films are formed as dual layers, iron oxide outer layer and chromium oxide inner layer. This model does not need to evoke ...
Photocurrent and capacitance measurements of semiconductor passive films formed on metals and alloys can be used to study the electronic properties and reveal indirect information about structure and composition. The current work used these techniques to investigate the electronic properties of the passive films formed on three austenitic stainless steels, types 304L, 316L and 254SMO, in borate. Evidence was found for the existence of a large number of localised mid bandgap states, consistent with amorphous oxides. However, the flat-band potentials of the austenitic stainless steel passive films were found to be independent of both composition and measuring frequency. The most credible explanation for the bandgap values determined from photocurrent measurements is that the passive films are formed as dual layers, iron oxide outer layer and chromium oxide inner layer. This model does not need to evoke ...
In this paper, we study the optical properties of indium sulfide thin films to establish the best conditions to obtain a good solar cell buffer layer. The In2S3 buffer layers have been prepared by chemical bath deposition (CBD) and thermal evaporation (PVD). Optical behavior differences have been found between CBD and PVD In2S3 thin films that have been explained as due to structural, morphological and compositional differences observed in the films prepared by both methods. The resultant refractive index difference has to be attributed to the lower density of the CBD films, which can be related to the presence of oxygen. Its higher refractive index makes PVD film better suited to reduce overall reflectance in a typical CIGS solar cell.
This work aimed to develop a fast-dissolving film made of low dextrose equivalent maltodextrins (MDX) containing nicotine hydrogen tartrate salt (NHT). Particular attention was given to the selection of the suitable taste-masking agent (TMA) and the characterisation of the ductility and flexibility under different mechanical stresses. MDX with two different dextrose equivalents (DEs), namely DE 6 and DE 12, were selected in order to evaluate the effect of polymer molecular weight on film tensile properties. The bitterness and astringency intensity of NHT and the suppression effect of several TMA were evaluated by a Taste-Sensing System. The films were characterised in term of NHT content, tensile properties, disintegration time and drug dissolution test. As expected, placebo films made of ...
In an effort to develop a simple low-temperature high-performance polysilicon thin-film transistor (TFT) technology, the authors report a fabrication process featuring laser-crystallized sputtered-silicon films. This top Al-gate coplanar TFT process subjects the substrate to a maximum temperature of 300 C, and produces devices with mobilities up to 450 cm{sup 2}/Vs, on/off current ratios greater than 10{sup 7}, without using a post-hydrogenation step. They believe these results represent the highest performance TFT`s to date fabricated from sputtered silicon films.
Low-temperature polysilicon thin-film transistors (TFT's) have been fabricated from sputtered silicon films and characterized as a function of as-deposited hydrogen (H) content and laser crystallization fluence. A general trend is observed where TFT performance improves as the H content is lowered. Devices made from {approximately}0% H sputtered films perform similar to those made from low-pressure chemical-vapor deposition processes (LPCVD), but are fabricated at a much lower process temperature (300 C). The best sputtered TFT's had mobilities of {approximately}200 cm{sup 2}/Vs, and on/off current ratios of more than 10{sup 8}.
We have measured K-edge X-ray absorption spectra of argon in sputtered aluminum films at a synchrotron radiation facility (the Photon Factory). We found that the energy and shape of white line change when the film is annealed at 500 C and the spectrum becomes resembling that of argon implanted in silicon. From the analyses of the X-ray absorption spectra and TEM observation we concluded that argon exists as very small atom clusters with a diameter less than 1 nm or exist as isolated atoms in the as-sputtered aluminum film, and that the size of the clusters become as big as 10 nm diameter when the film is heated. (Copyright (c) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam. All rights reserved.)
Chromium nitride thin films were deposited on SA-304 stainless steel substrates by using direct-current reactive magnetron sputtering. The influence of process conditions such as nitrogen content in the fed gas, substrate temperature, and different sputtering gases on microstructural characteristics of the films was investigated. The films showed (200) preferred orientation at low nitrogen content (< 30%) in the fed gas. The formation of Cr_2N and CrN phases was observed when 30% and 40% N_2 were used, with a balance of Ar, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the morphology and surface topography of the thin films, respectively. Microhardness tests showed a maximum hardness of 16.95 GPa for the 30% nitrogen content.
Passive films formed on Alloy 690 in different pH solutions at high temperatures were studied by potentiodynamic polarization, Auger electron spectroscopy, thermodynamic diagrams and the Mott-Schottky relation. The chemical compositions and electronic structures of the passive films were found to be strongly pH-dependent. In alkaline solutions, a secondary passivation was clearly observed on potentiodynamic polarization curves. The passive films were a mixture of Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} and FeCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} below the flat band potential of nickel oxide and were NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} above this potential. Electronic structure models, describing the electrochemical properties of the passive films, are proposed and discussed.
Passive films formed on Alloy 690 in different pH solutions at high temperatures were studied by potentiodynamic polarization, Auger electron spectroscopy, thermodynamic diagrams and the Mott-Schottky relation. The chemical compositions and electronic structures of the passive films were found to be strongly pH-dependent. In alkaline solutions, a secondary passivation was clearly observed on potentiodynamic polarization curves. The passive films were a mixture of Cr2O3 and FeCr2O4 below the flat band potential of nickel oxide and were NiFe2O4 above this potential. Electronic structure models, describing the electrochemical properties of the passive films, are proposed and discussed.
The evolution of strain in the Pd-Si system during the growth of Pd{sub 2}Si thin films on Si (100) substrate has been followed in situ using a double optical beam technique. As was observed for the Pt-Si system, the reaction to form Pd{sub 2}Si yields a compressive intrinsic surface film stress as well as for the silicon-rich suicides as proposed by Angilello et al. [Thin Film Interfaces and Interactions, edited by J. Baglin and J. Poate (The Electrochemical Society, Pennington, NJ, 1980)]. A transmission electron microscopy analysis has revealed grain growth during the formation of Pd{sub 2}Si which cannot account for the compressive film stresses. The formation of silicide at the interfaces rather than the overall change in volume agrees with the sign of the stresses formed. 29 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.
Epitaxial films grown pseudomorphically on substrates provide a way to stabilise non-equilibrium structures of materials. Obviously, there always is a certain lattice misfit between substrate and film material in its bulk equilibrium structure. In the pseudomorphic regime, this misfit can either lead to the growth of films in a strained bulk structure or even yield structures that are not stable in the bulk. Large misfits do not necessarily imply large lateral stress. Theory can help to predict e.g. geometry, stress and magnetic properties of pseusomorphically grown metal films. In this work, we considered the fcc-bcc epitaxial Bain path of 3d, 4d, and 5d transition metals, which provides a reasonable description of tetragonally distorted films on substrates. We carried out density functional calculations in the implementation of the full potential local orbital program package ...
Passive films formed on Alloy 690 in high-temperature alkaline environments were investigated by potentiodynamic polarization, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Mott-Schottky approach. Passive current density and donor density of the passive films increase with increasing temperature, due to increased diffusion rates of metallic ions and dehydration of hydroxide phases. The passive films show a duplex structure including an inner layer of fine-grained Cr oxide or spinel oxide and an outer layer of Ni-Fe spinel oxide and Ni hydroxide. A growth model of the passive films on Alloy 690 in high-temperature alkaline environments is proposed and discussed.
Passive films formed on Alloy 690 in high-temperature alkaline environments were investigated by potentiodynamic polarization, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Mott-Schottky approach. Passive current density and donor density of the passive films increase with increasing temperature, due to increased diffusion rates of metallic ions and dehydration of hydroxide phases. The passive films show a duplex structure including an inner layer of fine-grained Cr oxide or spinel oxide and an outer layer of Ni-Fe spinel oxide and Ni hydroxide. A growth model of the passive films on Alloy 690 in high-temperature alkaline environments is proposed and discussed.
It is well known that a protective film is formed on the graphite negative electrode in ethylene carbonate (EC) electrolyte solution. This film is lithium-ion conductive and protects the decomposition of the electrolyte solution. In the present paper, the electrode/electrolyte interfaces in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries were characterized by three-dimensional complex impedance plots, whose axes are real, imaginary parts and time. The film resistance R {sub sei} and charge transfer resistance R {sub ct} were determined for negative electrodes in EC/ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) electrolyte solution, and the formation mechanisms of the interfacial film were discussed. Furthermore, the contributions of vinylene carbonate and ethylene sulfite, which are added into the electrolyte solution for the film formation, were investigated.
It is well known that a protective film is formed on the graphite negative electrode in ethylene carbonate (EC) electrolyte solution. This film is lithium-ion conductive and protects the decomposition of the electrolyte solution. In the present paper, the electrode/electrolyte interfaces in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries were characterized by three-dimensional complex impedance plots, whose axes are real, imaginary parts and time. The film resistance R _s_e_i and charge transfer resistance R _c_t were determined for negative electrodes in EC/ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) electrolyte solution, and the formation mechanisms of the interfacial film were discussed. Furthermore, the contributions of vinylene carbonate and ethylene sulfite, which are added into the electrolyte solution for the film formation, were investigated.
In this work, effects of coolant chemistry, including concentrations of chloride ions and ethylene glycol and addition of various ions, on corrosion of 3003 Al alloy were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and scanning electron microscopy characterization. In chloride-free, ethylene glycol-water solution, a layer of Al-alcohol film is proposed to form on the electrode surface. With the increase of ethylene glycol concentration, more Al-alcohol film is formed, resulting in the increase in film resistance and charge-transfer resistance. In the presence of Cl- ions, they would be involved in the film formation, decreasing the stability of the film. In 50% ethylene glycol-water solution, the threshold value of Cl- concentration for pitting initiation is within ...
Abstract Nanocomposites based on SnO2 with carbon scaffold were used as highly porous anode films on Ni substrates. The films were obtained by in situ deposition of the particles without any binder or excess carbon black avoiding any secondary treatment. Compared to similarly prepared uncoated SnO2 nanoparticles as well as conventionally prepared powder samples the capacity loss of the in situ deposited nanocomposite films is significantly reduced. Thus, this newly developed anode material combined with in situ film formation is a promising approach for high capacity anodes in Li-ion batteries. SEM-micrograph of a SnO2/C nanoparticle film.
In 16 female patients wick colpourethrocystography was performed directly successively with large-size films as well as medium-size films (intensifier fluorography). The area exposure products were measured by a dosemeter closely attached to the diaphragm and separately for radiography and fluorography, resp. Surface doses as well as organ doses were calculated according to Rosenstein. The average radiatin doses of the active bone marrow were 6.03 mGy for examination with large-size films and 1.27 mGy for fluorography; the average gonadal doses were 7.45 mGy and 1.56 mGy, resp. The portion of fluoroscopy in radiation exposure amounted to 14.8% in large-size film examination, but was 74.0% in medium-size examination. Thus the comparative results revealed a significant reduction of the patient's radiation dose by application of intensifier fluorography in colpourethrocystography.
In this paper, it is shown that (In1?xAlx)2S3 thin films can be grown through the co-evaporation of elemental indium, aluminum and sulfur. It is nevertheless observed that the introduction of aluminum within the indium sulfide thin films hinders the crystallites size and even yields almost amorphous films when x is 0.2. The investigations of the optical properties of the films reveal that contrary to what could be expected, the band gap increase is low; the highest values measured do not exceed 2.2eV. However, as suggested by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, such widening most probably affects the lower conduction band states.
Abstract:- Campylobacter jejuni-is the leading cause of bacterial diarrheal illness worldwide. Many strains are now becoming multidrug resistant. Apple-based edible films containing carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde were evaluated for bactericidal activity against antibiotic resistant and susceptible-C. jejuni-strains on chicken. Retail chicken breast samples inoculated with D28a and H2a (resistant strains) and A24a (a sensitive strain) were wrapped in apple films containing cinnamaldehyde or carvacrol at 0.5%, 1.5%, and 3% concentrations, and then incubated at 4 or 23 C for 72 h. Immediately after wrapping and at 72 h, samples were plated for enumeration of viable-C. jejuni. The antimicrobial films exhibited dose- and temperature-dependent bactericidal activity against all strains. Films with ...
Iron oxide thin films were prepared by spray pyrolysis technique onto glass substrates from iron chloride solution. They were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and (UV-vis) spectroscopy. The films deposited at T _s #<=# 450 deg. C were amorphous; while those produced at T _s_u_b = 500 deg. C were polycrystalline #alpha#-Fe_2O_3 with a preferential orientation along the (1 0 4) direction. By observing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it was seen that iron oxide films were relatively homogeneous uniform and had a good adherence to the glass substrates. The grain size was found (by RX) between 19 and 25 nm. The composition of these films was examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). These films exhibited also a transmittance value about 80% in the ...
Iron oxide films have been deposited on Si(100) substrates by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of iron(III) tert-butoxide ([Fe(O "tBu)_3]_2) in the temperature range 350-450 deg. C. The precursor flux and substrate temperature were varied to control the phase composition, average grain size and film thickness. The nature of substrate and deposition temperature markedly influence the morphology and iron-oxygen stoichiometry in the CVD deposits. Phase transformations in iron oxide films were achieved through precise local and periodic heating of the films by interfering laser beams. The interaction of iron oxide films with short laser pulses (Nd:YAG, 355 nm) induced partial transformation of hematite (#alpha#-Fe_2O_3) to magnetite (Fe_3O_4) or magnetite to wuestite (Fe_1_-_xO), respectively. The phase characterization and morphology of the hematite and magnetite ...
The plastic displacements around Knoop indentations made in hard titanium/aluminum multilayered films on soft aluminum alloy substrates have been studied. Indentations were cross-sectioned and imaged using the focused-ion-beam (FIB) milling and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The FIB milling method has the advantage of removing material in a localized region without producing mechanical damage to the specimen. The micrographs of the cross-sectioned indentations indicate that most of the plastic deformation around the indentation is dominated by the soft aluminum substrate. There is a very small change in the multilayered film thickness around the indentation{emdash}less than 10{percent}. The plastic deformation of the thin film resembles a membrane being deflected by a localized pressure gradient across the membrane. Stress-induced voids are also observed in the multilayered ...
The properties of ZnO films were investigated as functions of annealing temperatures in H2/Ar and vacuum. The resistivities and mobilities of ZnO films decreased with increase of annealing temperatures in vacuum and H2/Ar ambients. However, the carrier densities of ZnO films increased with increase of annealing temperatures in vacuum and H2/Ar ambients. The resistivities of ZnO2 films annealed at 300degreeC were 2186cm and 798cm in H2/Ar and vacuum ambients, respectively. The resistivities of ZnO films annealed in vacuum and H2/Ar ambients at 600degreeC were similar with 0.040cm and 0.035cm, respectively. The hydrogen donor was more dominant than the oxygen vacancy or Zn interstitial donor in ZnO films annealed in ambient H2/Ar at low temperatures. The average optical transmission was >82%...
In this paper, we present the results of Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition gate-oxide (SiO_2) integrity on ELC (excimer-laser-crystallized), MILC (metal-induced lateral-crystallized) and SPC (solid-phase-crystallized) polysilicon films. We observed that gate oxide strength of poly-Si TFT strongly depends on the crystallization method for the active silicon layer. In the case of ELC films, asperities on the silicon surface reduce the SiO_2 breakdown field significantly. The metallic contaminants in MILC films are responsible for a deleterious impact on gate oxide integrity. Among the three cases, the SiO_2 breakdown field was the highest for the SPC silicon films. The breakdown fields at the 50 % failure points in Weibull plots for the ELC, MILC and SPC cases were 5.1 MV/cm, 6.2 MV/cm, and 8.1 MV/cm, respectively. We conclude that the roughness and metallic contamination of the poly-Si ...
Focused-ion beam (FIB) milling provides rapid fabrication of individual cylindrical submicrometer channels with reproducible dimensions (#+-#5% diameters) through 8-#mu#m thick poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) films. PMMA films are spincast on sacrificial Si carriers and sputter-coated with Au before the 30-kV gallium FIB milling process. By adding a trace amount of poly(ethyleneoxide) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) to the PMMA solution before casting, the films can be released for subsequent mounting in microfluidic devices to create hybrid microfluidic-nanofluidic multilevel architectures. In situ FIB sectioning demonstrates the smooth cylindrical surface within the pore. Placing a milled film in contact with an aqueous fluorescein solution fills the channel by capillary action, as verified by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Confocal fluorescence of dyed films reveals that the pores ...
The total hemispherical emittance of an oxide film that formed on 6061-T6 aluminium alloy parts in the Tower Shielding Reactor-II at Oak Ridge National Laboratory was measured from 295 to 773 K using an emissometer and/or a calorimeter. The emittance of this film was critically needed for heat transfer calculations in a simulated loss-of-coolant accident of the reactor. X-ray diffraction analysis identified the film as boehmite (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} {times} H{sub 2}O), which dehydrated to alumina (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) upon heating above 473 K. The measured emittances for the alumina film are in excellent agreement with published values for anodized aluminum films and for bulk alumina. Published values of the emittance of boehmite could not be found for comparison, but evidence is presented that some anodization processes for aluminum yield boehmite and not alumina ...
Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is known for its capacity to reproduce a target composition on a substrate. The authors have used this deposition technique to produce thin films of transition metal chalcogenides. However, the deposits were always deficient in Te relative to the starting material (composed by a refractory metal (niobium) and a chalcogene (tellurium)). Variations of the interreticular distances have been observed with respect to fluence and substrate temperature. The authors show that spatial composition of the films is determined by a degree of crystallinity of deposit and by the reaction of formation of Te{sub 2} molecule within laser induced plume. Two kinds of deposits have been obtained: Nb{sub 5}Te{sub 4}-type thin films which have a one-dimensional structure and NbTe{sub 2}-type thin films which have a two-dimensional structure. While NbTe{sub 2} films have been ...
The formation and breakdown of the passive films on stainless steels are mainly controlled by ionic and electronic transport processes. Both these processes are in part controlled by the electronic properties of the oxide film. Consequently, it is vital to gain a detailed perception of the electronic properties of the passive films together with structural and compositional information for a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms behind passivity and localised corrosion. As a step towards this goal the passive films formed on two main austenitic stainless steels AISI 316L and AISI 304L in borate solution were characterised by in situ Raman spectroscopy and photocurrent spectroscopy coupled with electrochemical measurements. This revealed the formation of an Fe-Cr spinel as the dominant constituent in the passive films with more Cr enrichment in the oxide film ...
The formation and breakdown of the passive films on stainless steels are mainly controlled by ionic and electronic transport processes. Both these processes are in part controlled by the electronic properties of the oxide film. Consequently, it is vital to gain a detailed perception of the electronic properties of the passive films together with structural and compositional information for a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms behind passivity and localised corrosion. As a step towards this goal the passive films formed on two main austenitic stainless steels AISI 316L and AISI 304L in borate solution were characterised by in situ Raman spectroscopy and photocurrent spectroscopy coupled with electrochemical measurements. This revealed the formation of an Fe-Cr spinel as the dominant constituent in the passive films with more Cr enrichment in the oxide film ...
The electrochemical behaviour of passive films formed on one austenitic stainless steel (AISI 304) and one ferritic stainless steel (AISI 446) in solutions with pH between 0.6 and 8.4 was studied by capacitance measurements and photocurrent spectroscopy. Compositional characterization of the passive films was done by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The capacitance increases with decreasing pH. Doping densities evaluated from Mott-Schottky plots are in the range 2-6 x 10{sup 20} cm{sup -3} and increased with the pH in the neutral/alkaline range while in pH 0.6, values above 10{sup 21} cm{sup -3} were found. The bandgap energy indicates two transitions, at 2.5-2.8 and 3.2 eV. The analytical data reveal that, as the pH increased, the films become enriched in Fe(II) and Fe(III), whereas the Cr(III) gradually decreases. The films formed at very low pH had a behaviour that contrasts with that of the ...
The electrochemical behaviour of passive films formed on one austenitic stainless steel (AISI 304) and one ferritic stainless steel (AISI 446) in solutions with pH between 0.6 and 8.4 was studied by capacitance measurements and photocurrent spectroscopy. Compositional characterization of the passive films was done by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The capacitance increases with decreasing pH. Doping densities evaluated from Mott-Schottky plots are in the range 2-6 x 10"2"0 cm"-"3 and increased with the pH in the neutral/alkaline range while in pH 0.6, values above 10"2"1 cm"-"3 were found. The bandgap energy indicates two transitions, at 2.5-2.8 and 3.2 eV. The analytical data reveal that, as the pH increased, the films become enriched in Fe(II) and Fe(III), whereas the Cr(III) gradually decreases. The films formed at very low pH had a behaviour that contrasts with that of the ...
Lyman-limit absorption systems can play many important roles during and after cosmological reionization. Unfortunately, due to the prohibitively large dynamic range required, it is impossible to self-consistently include these systems in cosmological simulations. Using fast and versatile semi-numeric simulations, we systematically explore the spatial distribution of absorption systems during and following reionization. We self-calibrate the resulting number of absorbers to the mean free path (mfp) of the ionizing ultraviolet background (UVB), and present results at a given mfp and neutral hydrogen fraction. We use a simple optical depth criterion to identify the locations of absorbers. Our approach is fairly robust to uncertainties such as missing subgrid structure. Unlike at lower redshifts where the UVB is relatively uniform, at higher redshifts the fluctuations in the UVB and the HII morphology of reionization can drive the large-scale ...
A first-order one-way wave system has been created based on characteristic analysis of the acoustic wave system and optimization of the dispersion relation. The authors demonstrate that this system is equivalent to a third-order scalar partial-differential equation which, for a homogeneous medium, reduces to a form similar to the 45{degree} paraxial wave equation. This system describes accurately waves propagating in a 2D heterogeneous medium at angles up to 75{degree}. The one-way wave system representing downgoing waves is used for a modified reverse time migration method. As a wavefield extrapolator in migration, the downgoing wave system propagates the reflection events backwards to their reflectors without scattering at the discontinuities in the velocity model. Hence, images with amplitudes proportional to reflectivity can be obtained from this migration technique. They present examples of the application of the new migration method to synthetic seismic data where P-P reflections ...
A possible receiver configuration is a cavity in which a falling sheet of solid particles is directly irradiated by the concentrated solar flux passing through the aperture. Regardless of the particular geometry, the radiative transfer within the falling particle curtain must be studied in order to determine the net radiative heating rate for the particles. A discrete ordinate radiative transfer model has been developed to predict the radiative coupling within the falling particle curtain. The model determines how much energy is absorbed by the particles, how much is transmitted to the rear wall of the receiver, and determines the effects of particle scattering and thermal emission on the net radiation absorbed by the particles. The model accounts for the directional nature of the radiation field, particle scattering, and the wavelength dependence of the optical properties. The discrete ordinate model has been used to assess the influence of ...
Simulations and experiments have been carried out to explore using a plastic scintillator as a dosimetry probe in the vicinity of a pulsed bremsstrahlung source in the range 4 to 20 MeV. Taking advantage of the tissue-equivalent properties of this detector in conjunction with the use of a fast digital signal processor near real-time dosimetry was shown to be possible. The importance of accounting for a broad energy electron beam in bremsstrahlung production, and photon scattering and build-up, in correctly interpreting dosimetry results at long stand-off distances is highlighted by comparing real world experiments with ideal geometry simulations. Close agreement was found between absorbed energy calculations based upon spectroscopic techniques and calculations based upon signal integration, showing a ratio between 10 MeV absorbed dose to 12 MeV absorbed dose of 0.66 at a distance of 91.4 m from the accelerator. This is ...
Two methods to cool muon beams deeply below the limit conventionally established for the ionization cooling are proposed. In Phase Ionization Cooling (PIC), the beam is focused at wedge absorber plates each half of particle oscillation period by imposing a weak parametric resonance along the beam path. The resonance growth of particle amplitude is surmounted by the ionization cooling. At optimum, such arrangement results in reduction of each of two transverse emittances by an order of value in addition to the preceding 6D ionization cooling. Next, resonance focusing and transverse cooling can be continued in the regime of a fast Reverse Emittance Exchange (REMEX). Here, the sign of the absorber wedge is opposite to PIC while the dispersion increased. REMEX to be accompanied by the bunch lengthening and acceleration in order to maintain the relative energy spread at an appropriate level. The limitations due to energy straggling in ...
Peeled Avena sativa coleoptile sections have been used to study the control of solute uptake under conditions where the uptake is not limited by the cuticular barrier. In the presence of 2% sucrose, auxin enhances the rate at which the total osmotic solutes increase, but this appears to be a response to the increased growth rate, inasmuch as the auxin effect is eliminated when growth is inhibited osmotically. When sections are incubated in sucrose or in 10 millimolar NaCl, the osmotic concentration increases until a plateau is reached after 8 to 24 hours. Auxin has no effect on the initial rate of increase in osmotic concentration. This difference in steady-state osmotic concentration is, in part, a response to auxin itself, as it persists when auxin-induced growth is inhibited osmotically. The upper limit for osmotic concentration does not appear to be determined by the turgor pressure, inasmuch as a combination of sucrose and NaCl gave a higher plateau osmotic concentration than did ...
A method has been developed for calibration of CT-numbers to volumetric electron density distributions using tissue substitutes of known elemental composition and experimentally determined electron density. This information have been used in a dose calculation method based on photon and electron interaction processes. The method utilizes a convolution integral between the photon fluence matrix and dose distribution kernels. Inhomogeneous media are accounted for using the theorems of Fano and O'Connor for scaling dose distribution kernels in proportion to electron density. For clinical application of a calculated dose plan, a method for prediction of accelerator output have been developed. The methods gives the number of monitor units that has to be given to obtain a certain absorbed dose to a point inside an irregular, inhomogeneous object. The method for verification of dose distributions outlined in this study makes it possible to exclude the treatment related ...
The AFGD process as demonstrated by Pure Air at the Bailly Station offers a reliable and cost-effective means of achieving a high degree of SO{sub 2} emissions reduction when burning high-sulfur coals. Many innovative features have been successfully incorporated in this process, and it is ready for widespread commercial use. The system uses a single-loop cocurrent scrubbing process with in-situ oxidation to produce wallboard-grade gypsum instead of wet sludge. A novel wastewater evaporation system minimizes effluents. The advanced scrubbing process uses a common absorber to serve multiple boilers, thereby saving on capital through economies of scale. Major results of the project are: (1) SO{sub 2} removal of over 94 percent was achieved over the three-year demonstration period, with a system availability exceeding 99.5 percent; (2) a large, single absorber handled the combined flue gas of boilers generating 528 MWe of power, and no spares were ...
Polymeric coated ferromagnetic carriers with an absorbed layer of octyl(phenyl)-N,N-diisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) diluted by tributyl phosphate (TBP) are being evaluated for application in the separation and the recovery of low concentrations of americium, plutonium, and uranium from nuclear waste solutions. Due to their chemical nature, these extractants selectively complex americium and plutonium contaminants onto the particles and the complexed particles can be recovered from the solution using a magnet. Physical and chemical characterization of the extractant-absorbed particles were performed by gamma and liquid scintillation counting, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) micrograph, and other physical measurements. Plutonium, americium, and uranium separations have been performed at various HNO{sub 3} and HCl concentrations. Parameters were studied to determine the limitations and capacity of the process. The status of the ...
A solar energy desalination process utilizing solar radiation directly for the evaporation of salt water is described. Ambient air takes on water vapor as the air passes through an evaporative medium. It is then directed between a saline water-covered, solar absorbing surface and a solar collecting housing. The resulting heated and moisture-saturated air is cooled in a heat exchange means where condensation of fresh water occurs. Simultaneously, cool salt water is utilized as the cooling water in the heat exchange means, and takes on the heat of condensation given up by the condensing vapor. The heated salt water from the heat exchange means is partially directed over the solar absorbing surface, and at least a portion of it is also directed to wet the evaporative medium. Several optional sub-processes are described for operation of the system during periods of reduced insolation, and an alternative process is described for operation of the ...
Tert-Butanol is an important intermediate in industrial chemical synthesis, particularly of fuel oxygenates. Human exposure to tert-butanol may occur following fuel oxygenate metabolism or biodegradation. It is poorly absorbed through skin, but is rapidly absorbed upon inhalation or ingestion and distributed to tissues throughout the body. Elimination from blood is slower and the half-life increases with dose. It is largely metabolised by oxidation via 2-methyl-1,2-propanediol to 2-hydroxyisobutyrate, the dominant urinary metabolites. Conjugations also occur and acetone may be found in urine at high doses. The single-dose systemic toxicity of tert-butanol is low, but it is irritant to skin and eyes; high oral doses produce ataxia and hypoactivity and repeated exposure can induce dependence...
Labelling of "1"4C-M-ISP and its absorption, translocation and distribution in peanut and soybean seedling were studied. The results of experiments showed that the radioactive substance could be translocated in xylem and phloem of two kinds of plants. The root of peanut seedling absorbed "1"4C-M-ISP from the nutrient solution more strong than the root of soybean seedling did. After leaf treatment with "1"4C-M-ISP, the soybean seedling absorbed more radioactive substance than peanut seedling did. But the translocation's speed of radioactive substance in pnloem of two kinds of plants were similar.
A glass heat pipe is adapted for use as a solar energy absorber in an evacuated tube solar collector and for transferring the absorbed solar energy to a working fluid medium or heat sink for storage or practical use. A capillary wick is formed of granular glass particles fused together by heat on the inside surface of the heat pipe with a water glass binder solution to enhance capillary drive distribution of the thermal transfer fluid in the heat pipe throughout the entire inside surface of the evaporator portion of the heat pipe. Selective coatings are used on the heat pipe surface to maximize solar absorption and minimize energy radiation, and the glass wick can alternatively be fabricated with granular particles of black glass or obsidian.
The Monte-Carlo transport code MCNP was used to evaluate possible arrangements of cores for the MIT Reactor using monolithic LEU fuel. Plate and moderator thicknesses were varied, and fixed absorbers and inner reflectors added in an effort to maximize available neutron fluxes at in-core and ex-core locations of experimental facilities. Addition of D_2O in the H_2O moderator was also evaluated. Comparisons of the fast, epithermal, and thermal fluxes were made at selected locations. Keff was also evaluated and critical blade heights compared with the existing HEU core. Results indicate that the LEU fluxes could approach HEU values with the use of a fueled in-core experimental facility, a fixed boron absorber spider and an inner beryllium reflector. (author)
In this work, a comprehensive model has been developed for the absorption of carbon dioxide into promoted hot potassium carbonate solution. The model, which is based on penetration theory, incorporates an extensive set of important reactions and takes into account the coupling between mass transfer and chemical kinetics. The penetration theory provides an appropriate absorption rate and enhancement factor for the chemical absorption. Operating data for carbon dioxide absorption into DEA-hot potassium carbonate solution has been compared with model predictions. The impact of parameters such inlet temperature of lean solution, promoter concentration, liquid split fraction, hot feed location and type of promoter on the performance of a split-flow absorber have been examined. The use of other promoters is an efficient way to enhance the carbon dioxide absorption, which has been discussed in this paper.
The distribution of the central benzodiazepine receptor specific ligand iodine-123 iomazenil was investigated in seven human adults from whole-body scans, blood samples and urine collected up to 24 h after injection. Using 12 source organs, the MIRD method was applied to calculate the absorbed radiation dose of the radioligand in various organs. The urinary bladder wall (0.15 mGy/MBq), lower large intestinal wall (0.071 mGy/MBq) testes (0.044 mGy/MBq) and upper large intestined wall (0.038 mGy/MBq) received the highest absorbed doses. The average effective dose equivalent of "1"2"3I-IBZM for adults was estimated to be 0.033 mSv/MBq. (orig.).
The interaction of thermal radiation with conduction and convection in thermally developing absorbing, emitting, nongray gas-particulate turbulent suspension flow through a circular tube is investigated. The contribution of thermal radiation is obtained through evaluation of the total hemispherical emittance of the particulate cloud and through evaluation of single band absorptances for molecular gases, modified to account for the interaction with the particles. The governing differential equation is derived as a (nonlinear) energy equation, coupled with integral equations to find the thermal radiation contributions. The energy equation is solved numerically by an implicit finite difference method with an iterative procedure. Qualitative results for Nusselt numbers are shown for a variety and range of parameters, such as optical thickness of particulates and single molecular gas bands, relative gas band position and band width, and temperature ratios (heated as ...
The interaction of thermal radiation with conduction and convection in thermally developing absorbing, emitting, non-gray gas particulate turbulent suspension flow through a circular tube is investigated. The contribution of thermal radiation is obtained through evaluation of the total hemispherical emittance of the particulate cloud and through evaluation of single band absorptances for molecular gases, modified to account for the interaction with the particles. The governing differential equation is derived as a (nonlinear) energy equation, coupled with integral equations to find the thermal radiation contributions. The energy equation is solved numerically by an implicit finite difference with its iterative procedure. Qualitative results for Nusselt numbers are shown for a variety and range of parameters, such as optical thickness of particulates and single molecular gas bands, relative gas band position and band width, and temperature ratios (heated as well as ...
Changing cream pearls into bluish-grey by #gamma# ray irradiation is a technique in coloring of pearls. Irradiated pearls are similar in color to cultured blue pearls. The pearl layers hardly change their color but the nuclei change into dark brown by irradiation. Visible light (500 - 700 nm) penetrating the pearl layer is absorbed by dark brown nucleus. The intensity of reflecting light between 400 and 500 nm at pearl surface, therefore, becomes stronger than that between 500 and 700 nm; therefore color of irradiated pearls look bluish-grey. The density of bluish-grey color increases with increasing absorbed doses, but their luster at surface diminishes owing to the deterioration of the pearl layer by prolonged irradiation; high doses irradiation should be avoided. Irradiated pearls show no substantial fading of their color in a year and the rate of the fading is found to be lower than that for cultured blue pearls. (author).
Forced harmonic vibration of a non-uniform elastic beam with attached dynamic vibration absorbers (DVA) is studied. Analytical approximation of the solution is obtained by the functional perturbation method (FPM). The problem has application to cutting tools operations where the resistance of the tool holder against regenerative chatter can be enhanced by optimizing the real part of the frequency response function (FRF). A test case of a beam with step-like heterogeneity and single DVA at the tip shows that the FPM solution is very accurate for up to ?40 percent deviation in both stiffness and mass density. Using the analytical results and Sims approach, optimal DVA tuning is found for each set of beam heterogeneity parameters by solving a set of nonlinear algebraic equations numer...
Ionizing radiations that differ in number, size, and distribution of energy deposition events might be expected to cause different effects for the same absorbed dose. Furthermore, microdosimetry calculations suggest that large variations in biological effectiveness might be expected for internally deposited alpha-emitting radionuclides for the same absorbed dose, depending upon the specific activity and spatial distribution of the sources in tissue. The study described in this article was designed to demonstrate these phenomena in vitro. Cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1 BH4) cells were exposed in vitro to inert, insoluble ceramic microspheres in zirconium dioxide labeled with "2"3"9Pu. The average exit energy of the 5.15 MeV alpha particle was calculated to be 4.3 MeV. Exposure times varied from four to seven hours to achieve the desired dose level.
The absorption of carbonyl sulfide in aqueous methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) was studied over a range of temperatures and MDEA concentrations. MDEA is commonly used for selective absorption of hydrogen sulfide in the presence of carbon dioxide. However, sulfur in the form of COS may also be present and it is necessary that estimates of absorption rates of this compound be made. The objective of this study is to determine the physiochemical properties needed to predict COS absorption rates in aqueous MDEA. Free gas solubility and the diffusivity of COS in MDEA solutions were measured over the temperature range 15 to 40{sup 0}C for MDEA concentrations up to 30 weight per cent using the nitrous oxide analogy method. Solubilities were measured volumetrically in an equilibrium cell and diffusivities were measured using a laminar liquid jet absorber. The kinetics of the reaction between COS and MDEA were studied by measuring absorption rates in a single wetted-sphere ...
The growth of stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric silicon nitride films was studied experimentally on 100 mm silicon wafers by batch depositions from the dichlorosilane (SiH{sub 2}Cl{sub 2})-ammonia (NH{sub 3}) system in a hot-wall horizontal low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) reactor. The growth kinetics were discussed in terms of the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The kinetic parameters were determined by comparing the experimental data with a one-dimensional simulation model. The decomposition of NH{sub 3} at high temperatures was included in the simulation procedure. When the SiH{sub 2}Cl{sub 2}:NH{sub 3} ratios were greater than 1.5, a quantity higher than the thermodynamic critical values above which Si-rich nitride films begin to deposit, various SiN{sub x} films with x < 4/3 were obtained. The composition of the SiN{sub x} films was found to vary along the LPCVD reactor. The ...
High quality La/sub 1.8/Sr/sub 0.2/CuO/sub 4/ and YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ superconducting thin films, with zero resistance at 88 K, have been made by dual-ion-beam sputtering of metal and oxide targets at elevated temperatures. The films are about 1.0 ..mu..m thick and are single phase after annealing. The substrates investigated are Nd-YAP, MgO, SrF/sub 2/, Si, CaF/sub 2/, ZrO/sub 2/-9% Y/sub 2/O/sub 3/, BaF/sub 2/, Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, and SrTiO/sub 3/. Characterization of the films was carried out using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, resistivity measurements, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy. Substrate/film interaction was observed in every case. This generally involves diffusion of the substrate into the film, which is accompanied by, for example, the replacement of Ba by Sr in the YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 2/O/sub 7/ ...
Nylon 6 and nylon 66 films have been treated with aqueous sulfonated aromatic compound (SAC) solutions at concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 1.0 wt%. SAC uptakes at different treatment concentrations were measured and found to follow a BET isotherm. The surface morphologies of nylon film samples, including the original and SAC-treated films, have been characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). For untreated nylon 6 and nylon 66 films, AFM images show a randomly distributed fibrillar surface structure. Characteristic widths of fibrils in the nylon 66 and 6 films were 150-225 and 75-150 nm, respectively. For SAC-treated nylon films, the AFM images revealed that the surfaces of the films became covered with nodule-like features having a diameter range of 25-60 nm. AFM analysis provides evidence that SAC treatment deposited a surface ...
Graphical abstract: Ordered mesoporous organic-inorganic composite film has been achieved by sol-gel and spin-coating techniques. We believe that the mesoporous composite films have a potential application as a protect coating of bipolar plate material. Display Omitted Research highlights: ? Ordered mesoporous composite film was deposited on the 304 stainless steel. ? This composite film exhibited excellent protective performance in 0.5 M H_2SO_4. ? The film exhibited a high surface tension with water contact angle close to 90"o. - Abstract: The organic-inorganic composite film was deposited on the 304 stainless steel as bipolar plate material for proton exchange membrane fuel cells by spin-coating method. As shown by XRD, N_2 adsorption-desorption and TEM, the composite films exhibit ordered mesoporous structures. The corrosion tests in 0.5 ...
Passivity of aluminum (Al) alloy 3003 in air and in aqueous solutions without and with chloride ions was characterized by electrochemical measurements, including cyclic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), localized EIS and potential of zero charge, Mott-Schottky analysis and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) technique. Stability, pitting susceptibility and repassivation ability of Al alloy 3003 under various film-forming conditions were determined. Results demonstrated that passive films formed on 3003 Al alloy in air and in Na2SO4 solution without and with NaCl addition show an n-type semiconductor in nature. The passive film formed in chloride-free solution is most stable, and that formed in chloride-containing solution is most unstable, with the film formed in air in between. Pitting of Al alloy 3003 passivated both in air and in aqueous solutions is inevitable in the ...
Film boiling is the mode if boiling during which the hot surface is separated from the vaporizing liquid by a nearly continuous film vapor. Film boiling is usually considered a very undesirable boiling regime since it is a relatively quiet and inefficient mode of heat transfer, particularly as compared to nucleate boiling. It is customary to analyze the two-phase flow regime of laminar flow film boiling by assuming the two-phase flow regime of laminar flow film boiling by assuming an idealized vapor film flow characterized by a smooth liquid-vapor interface. However, during stable flow film boiling, the wavy nature of the liquid-vapor interface and its role in local heat and mass transport have been largely ignored. The vapor interface is rarely stationary. Interfacial waves may substantially augment the heat transfer rates throughout the ...
Plasma-deposited thin films prepared at room temperature, ranging from 46 to 250 A of PdAu on #approx#45-50 A Si-oxide and Si-oxynitride films grown on Si wafers were studied. Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity, and XPS depth profile techniques were used to characterize the thin films. A reactive interface involving Pd- and Au-silicides is formed, linking the thin film to the Si-oxide and Si-oxynitride films: a small fraction of Pd and Au atoms from PdAu migrate into the Si substrate, first penetrating the oxide layer, and the small fraction of Si atoms from the oxide layer migrate into the PdAu film and form a silicide interlayer consisting of a reactive interface made up of mixtures of Au- and Pd-silicides interspersed within the matrix of PdAu and substrate. The concentration profiles of these silicides have a maximum at the interface ...
The emittance of aluminum components exposed to low-temperature aqueous solutions were required for thermal analysis of a Loss of Cooling Accident for the Savannah River Site production reactors. Experimental data for the thickness and emittance of oxide films formed under these conditions were collected and reviewed. Correlations were developed for the oxide film thickness and corresponding total hemispherical emittance. Film thickness and emittance were also measured for the specific conditions of interest in order to verify the predictions based on the literature data. After one year of exposure in 30deg C reactor moderator, the aluminum oxide film thickness is predicted to be 6.4 [mu]m[+-]10%; this value is relatively insensitive to exposure time. Some phenomena which would tend to yield thicker oxide films in the reactor environment relative to those obtained under experimental ...
The emittance of aluminum components exposed to low-temperature aqueous solutions were required for thermal analysis of a Loss of Cooling Accident for the Savannah River Site production reactors. Experimental data for the thickness and emittance of oxide films formed under these conditions were collected and reviewed. Correlations were developed for the oxide film thickness and corresponding total hemispherical emittance. Film thickness and emittance were also measured for the specific conditions of interest in order to verify the predictions based on the literature data. After one year of exposure in 30deg C reactor moderator, the aluminum oxide film thickness is predicted to be 6.4 #mu#m#+-#10%; this value is relatively insensitive to exposure time. Some phenomena which would tend to yield thicker oxide films in the reactor environment relative to those obtained under experimental ...
Plasma nitriding as a diffusion process is the oldest plasma-assisted process for the surface treatment of metals. Although the use of this process in industry is already well developed and established there are still several scientific questions in the basic understanding of the process and consequently some problems and limits concerning its upscaling for industrial use. Therefore it is necessary to get reproducible results for different geometries of workpieces and for different workload sizes. Correlations between different plasma and treatment parameters, especially in big plants, have to be considered. To understand the process handling using some simple but impressive models the difficulties of treating single parts or mixed workloads are explained. For profitable applications of plasma nitriding plants, some guidelines for the use and selection of a suitable process and a device are given. By the use of a pulsed d.c. power supply for plasma generation most ...
Focused ion beam (FIB) milling techniques are presented aiming at the manipulation of both tin dioxide (SnO_2) inverted opals and polystyrene (PS) direct opals. Different SnO_2 opals are considered in order to estimate the regularity of their bulk after the production. A SnO_2 mesoporous monolith is FIB micromachined to make it suitable for optical applications. PS direct opals are structured by FIB milling at different scales. Ordered arrays of PS opals are modified by selectively removing a single sphere. In performing this task, we discuss the effects on the FIB milling due to the gas-assisted enhanced etching and to the binding of the nearest neighbours. Techniques to achieve imaging of PS opals in absence of a conductive coating are also brought up. Furthermore, isolated PS spheres are drilled with or without enhanced etching in order to produce controlled defects on them. The FIB-assisted manipulations we show may find potential ...
Taiwan has completed a very successful five-year industrial waste minimization (IWM) demonstration and promotion project sponsored by the government. From 1990 to 1995, the project successfully disseminated the IWM concept of pollution prevention (P2) to industries. It effectively reduced industrial waste while significantly benefitting the economy by assisting industries in implementing in-plant IWM programs. In July 1995, the second stage of the five-year IWM and ISO 14000 promotion project was initiated for further promoting the IWM, P2, and cleaner production and, in particular, coping with the upcoming international environmental management standards (ISO 14000). To assist industries in establishing an environmental management system (EMS) and accumulating related experience, an EMS pilot demonstration project of five model industries and an ISO 14001 EMS demonstration and promotion project for 22 factories in 13 industries were initiated ...
Ground-source heat pump systems (GSHPSs), also referred to as geothermal heat pump systems (GHPSs), have been widely used in residential and commercial buildings for years due to their outstanding energy utilization efficiencies. In this study, an energy and exergy modeling of solar assisted ground-source heat pump systems for residential applications is presented for system analysis and performance evaluation. In this regard, the performance of a solar assisted ground-source heat pump heating system, installed in Solar Energy Institute of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey, is evaluated based on the actual operational data to show how energy and exergy efficiencies values change with the system. The average heating coefficient of performances (as energy efficiencies) of the solar assisted ground-source heat pump (GSHP) unit and the overall system are obtained to be 2.64 and 2.38, respectively. The average exergy efficiency of ...
In support of a project on lifetime calculation experiments were carried out to evaluate the resistance to environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) of steam generator tubes during operation. Estimations of the incubation period for crack initiation and the threshold K value, K{sup Iscc}, and the crack growth rate were made to predict evolution of damage in tube walls. The paper summarizes results of experiments of C ring specimen for the initiation testing and results of SENT (single edge notch tensile) specimen for the crack growth rate (CGR) testing. The specimens were exposed to concentrated environments at elevated temperatures simulating crevice environments in secondary side crevices in horizontal steam generators. The results show that the material of SG tubes is sensitive to transgranular environmentally assisted cracking in the three basic concentrated environments used, alkaline, neutral and acid. The most corrosive medium was the acid ...
In support of a project on lifetime calculation experiments were carried out to evaluate the resistance to environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) of steam generator tubes during operation. Estimations of the incubation period for crack initiation and the threshold K value, K"I"s"c"c, and the crack growth rate were made to predict evolution of damage in tube walls. The paper summarizes results of experiments of C ring specimen for the initiation testing and results of SENT (single edge notch tensile) specimen for the crack growth rate (CGR) testing. The specimens were exposed to concentrated environments at elevated temperatures simulating crevice environments in secondary side crevices in horizontal steam generators. The results show that the material of SG tubes is sensitive to transgranular environmentally assisted cracking in the three basic concentrated environments used, alkaline, neutral and acid. The most corrosive medium was the acid ...
The crystallite size and orientation in molybdenum films prepared by magnetron sputtering at a low rate of typical 1 (angstrom)s and a pressure of 0.45 Pa was investigated by X-ray diffraction and texture analysis. The surface topography was studied using atomic force microscopy. Increasing the film thickness from 20 nm to 3 microm, the films show a turnover from a (110) fiber texture to a (211) mosaic-like texture. In the early state of growth (20 nm thickness) the development of dome-like structures on the surface is observed. The number of these structures increases with film thickness, whereas their size is weakly influenced. The effect of texture turnover is reduced by increasing the deposition rate by a factor of six, and it is absent for samples mounted above the center of the magnetron source. The effect of texture turnover is related to the bombardment of the films with ...
The effect of temperature (60-280{sup o}C) on the properties of the oxide films formed on Alloy 800 in 0.1 M NaCl and 0.1 M Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} aqueous solutions was studied by in situ AC impedance spectroscopy and polarization in the Fe(CN{sub 6}){sup -3}/Fe(CN){sub 6}{sup -4} redox system. The anodic behavior under the same experimental conditions was examined by potentiodynamic polarization techniques. In both solutions the passive film was found to become more porous, and hence less protective, with increasing temperature. However, at temperatures above 150{sup o}C, the loss of film protectiveness is more pronounced in chloride solutions, in which pitting occurs. Pitting morphology was found to be strongly temperature dependent: isolated and deep pits were found up to 200{sup o}C whereas at higher temperatures a broad, shallow and more generalized type of attack was detected. No effect of temperature on the defect ...
In this study, the effects of 325nm wavelength ultraviolet light irradiation on pitting corrosion behavior of type 340 stainless steel in a neutral chloride solution are studied. Further, the change of passive film with the light irradiation is analyzed using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The mains results obtained therefrom are stated below. Pitting potential can be shifted in noble direction by the ultraviolet light irradiation. The effect of ultraviolet light irradiation is ore prominent in the pitting corrosion process than that in the passive film formation. The result of the analysis in terms of the birth and death stochastic probability process shows that pitting corrosion rate is decreased remarkably by the ultraviolet light irradiation at the formation of passive film, while the repassivation is slightly expedited by the ultraviolet light irradiation. On the other hand, the repassivation rate is increased a ...
Electrodeposition of semiconducting iron oxide (Fe_2O_3) thin film was carried out from an alkaline sulphate bath. A 0.1 M ferrous sulphate (FeSO_4#centre dot#7H_2O) was complexed with 0.1 M citric acid. By addition of 1 N NaOH, pH of the solution was made alkaline (pH=9) and deposition of iron oxide (Fe_2O_3) thin films was carried out potentiostatically at room temperature (300 K). From cyclic voltametry (CV), electrochemical studies were carried out for deposition of iron oxide thin films. The XRD studies reveal that Fe_2O_3 with epsilon (#epsilon#) phase having monoclinic crystal structure is formed. By observing scanning electron microscope (SEM), it is seen that iron oxide films were homogeneous, uniform and well covered to surface of the substrate. Grain size was found to be in nanometers range from XRD analysis. The optical band gap of Fe_2O_3 thin film was estimated to be ...
In 1977 and 1978, Sandia National Laboratories, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and operated for the US Department of Energy (DOE), filmed a series of crash and fire tests performed on three casks designed to transport irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies. While the tests were performed to assess the applicability of scale and computer modeling techniques to actual accidents, films of them were quickly pressed into service by the DOE and nuclear utilities as proof'' to the public of the safety of the casks. In the public debate over the safety of irradiated nuclear fuel transportation, the films have served as the mainstay for the nuclear industry. Although the scripts of all the films were reviewed by USDOE officials before production, they contain numerous misleading concepts and images, and omit significant facts. The shorter versions eliminated qualifying statements contained in ...
Langmuir-Blodgett films have been made with 3-n-hexadecylpyrrole and 3-n-octadecylpyrrole monomers and copolymers with unsubstituted pyrrole made by chemical polymerization at the air-water interface on a subphase containing FeCl/sub 3/. Langmuir-Blodgett films consisting of mixtures of stearic acid and alkylsubstituted polythiophenes have also been made as bilayer films. The orientation of single and multilayer films on platinum substrates have been studied by Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy which also gives information about charge transfer interactions between the aromatic groups and the metallic substrates. The alkylsubstituted pyrroles form highly ordered two-dimensional structures. FeCl/sub 3/ initiated copolymerization with unsubstituted pyrrole leads to a more disordered system. In the case of polythiophene-stearic acid bilayers, the stearic acid layers are highly ordered. ...
Type 440C stainless steel is a high-C, high-Cr martensitic steel used in applications requiring high hardness and wear resistance in combination with moderate corrosion resistance. Typical applications include precision aerospace bearings and critical components in computer disk drives. The properties of passive films formed on 440C steel were investigated using advanced electrochemical techniques with a view to establishing a method to measure film stability directly in the passivation baths. Electrochemical measurements were sensitive to the passive film properties and were able to quantify the effect of cooling rate on passive film stability. The techniques used included linear polarization, AC impedance, small amplitude cyclic voltammetry, and coulostatic transient measurements. These provided results that exhibited excellent agreement with the AC impedance technique providing the most information ...
The changes in the electrical and structural properties of metal-silicide films caused by ion implantation and subsequent thermal annealing have been investigated. Epitaxial silicide films such as those of CoSi/sub 2/, NiSi/sub 2/ and Pd/sub 2/Si grown on Si(111) substrates were implanted with Ar ions and annealed in a vacuum furnace at temperatures ranging from 200 to 800/sup 0/C. Rutherford backscattering and channeling techniques and the four-point probe method were used to measure the crystalline quality and the sheet resistance of the films, respectively. It was found that the sheet resistances of CoSi/sub 2/, NiSi/sub 2/ and Pd/sub 2/Si films were increased by factors of 70, 6, and 3, respectively, by implantation to a dose of 1 x 10/sup 16/ Ar-ions/cm/sup 2/, but that they were almost restored by subsequent annealing to the values before implantation. A phase transformation from Pd/sub 2/Si to ...
The changes in the electrical and structural properties of metal-silicide films caused byion implantation and subsequent thermal annealing have been investigated. Epitaxial silicide films such as those of CoSi"2, NiSi"2 and Pd"2Si grown on Si(111) substrates were implanted with Ar ions and annealed in a vacuum furnace at temperatures ranging from 200 to 800_0C. Rutherford backscattering and channeling techniques and the four-point probe method were used to measure the crystalline quality and the sheet resistance of the films, respectively. It was found that the sheet resistances of CoSi"2, NiSi"2 and Pd"2Si films were increased by factors of 70, 6, and 3, respectively, by implantation to a dose of 1 x 10_1_6 Ar-ions/cm_2, but that they were almost restored by subsequent annealing to the values before implantation. A phase transformation from Pd"2Si to PdSi was also observed in the high-temperature ...
The effects of gate and drain bias stresses on thin film transistors fabricated in polysilicon films crystallized using the advanced sequential lateral solidification excimer laser annealing (SLS ELA) process, which yields very elongated polysilicon grains and allows the fabrication of TFTs without grain boundary barriers to current flow, are investigated as a function of the active layer thickness and of the TFT orientation relative to the grains. The application of hot carrier stress, with a condition of V{sub GS} = V{sub DS}/2, was determined to induce threshold voltage, subthreshold swing and transconductance degradation for TFTs in thicker polysilicon films and the associated stress-induced increase in the active layer trap density was evaluated. However, this device degradation was drastically reduced for TFTs fabricated in ultra-thin films. Furthermore, the application of the same stress ...
The effects of gate and drain bias stresses on thin film transistors fabricated in polysilicon films crystallized using the advanced sequential lateral solidification excimer laser annealing (SLS ELA) process, which yields very elongated polysilicon grains and allows the fabrication of TFTs without grain boundary barriers to current flow, are investigated as a function of the active layer thickness and of the TFT orientation relative to the grains. The application of hot carrier stress, with a condition of V_G_S = V_D_S/2, was determined to induce threshold voltage, subthreshold swing and transconductance degradation for TFTs in thicker polysilicon films and the associated stress-induced increase in the active layer trap density was evaluated. However, this device degradation was drastically reduced for TFTs fabricated in ultra-thin films. Furthermore, the application of the same stress condition to ...
Thin passive films formed on highly corrosion-resistant type-312L stainless steel, containing 20 mass% chromium and 6 mass% molybdenum, in 2 mol dm-3 HCl solution at 293 K have been analyzed by glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES). The stainless steel does not suffer pitting corrosion even in this aggressive solution, showing a wide passive potential region. The depth profiles obtained clearly show a two-layer structure of the air-formed and passive films: an outer iron-rich layer and an inner layer highly enriched in chromium. Alloy-constituting molybdenum is deficient in the inner layer of the passive films and is enriched in the outer layer, particularly at the active dissolution potential. The molybdenum species in the outer layer may retard the active dissolution of stainless steel, promoting the formation of stable passive films highly enriched in chromium. Chloride ions are ...
Objective: To evaluate the quality and usefulness of direct digital radiography system in roentgenogram of chest in clinical practice. Methods: 1000 cases of chest roentgenograms with digital radiography and high kV conventional radiography were selected for analysis by 3 senior radiologists. Results: 1. With digital radiography system, the quality of chest film was assessed as grade A in 50.6%, grade B in 38.5%, grade C in 10.9%, and no waste film. 2. With conventional high kV radiography, the quality of chest film was assessed as grade A in 41.1%, grade B in 44.1%, grade C in 13.3%, and waste film in 1.5%. The direct digital radiography was statistically superior to the conventional high kV radiography. 3. The fine structure of the lungs could be revealed in 100.0% of chest roentgenogram with direct digital radiograph system, which was significantly higher than that acquired with the conventional high ...