Thinning specimens to electron transparency for electron microscopy analysis can be done by conventional (2-4 kV) argon ion milling or focused ion beam (FIB) lift-out techniques. Both these methods tend to leave 'mottling' visible on thin specimen areas, and this is believed to be surface damage caused by ion implantation and amorphisation. A low energy (250-500 V) Argon ion polish has been shown to greatly improve specimen quality for crystalline silicon samples. Here we investigate the preparation of technologically important materials for nanoanalysis using conventional and lift-out methods followed by a low energy polish in a GentleMill"T"M low energy ion mill. We use a low energy, low angle (6-8 deg.) ion beam to remove the surface damage from previous processing steps. We assess this method for the preparation of technologically important materials, such as steel, silicon and GaAs. For these ...
The magnetic susceptibility of GaAssamples containing a large concentration of native defects was investigated by dc magnetization measurements. Thin GaAs films grown by molecular-beam epitaxy at very low temperatures and bulk GaAs:S samples irradiated with fast neutrons have been studied. For all samples, the susceptibility follows a Curie-Weiss law, indicating the presence of localized magnetic moments. These moments are attributed to unpaired spins located at the native defects. Negative Curie-Weiss temperatures found for both neutron-irradiated and low-temperature-grown GaAs is a clear manifestation of an antiferromagnetic interaction between the moments. The presence of a highly inhomogeneous distribution of native defects has to be assumed to account for the observed antiferromagnetic ordering.
GaAs1-xPx p-n junction structures were grown on the epi-ready n-type GaAs(100) substrate by solid source MBE system for different phosphor compositions. To obtain the lattice-match sample structure was applied graded growth procedure. The structural and optical properties of the sample structures with different P concentration were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). In addition, The range of lattice parameters in the graded epilayer and phosphorous composition were determined from the HRXRD rocking curve simulation. We analyse dielectric function spectra of disordered GaAs1-xPx junction structures measured using spectroscopic ellipsometry at room temperature in the 0.6-4.7 eV photon energy region. The critical energy points such as band gap energy and spin-orbit-split energy of these structures were determined using SE data. It is ...
This paper reports advances in the development of solar cells made from GaAs-on-Si structures prepared by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The use of concentrator cells, operating at [similar to]200 suns, has led to the efficiency achievements of 21.3% (AM1.5D) for a GaAs-on-Si solar cell, and 27.6 (AM1.5D) for a homoepitaxial GaAs cell. The development of epitaxial multilayer dielectric mirrors (Bragg reflectors), as back-surface reflectors in thin-film GaAs cells, on both Si and GaAs substrates, is shown to lead to modest efficiency increases, over that of conventional designs.
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 ...
Quaternary semiconductor compounds are ideal candidates for use in monolithic cascade solar cells because the lattice constant and the bandgap of such compounds can be independently varied. The quaternary semiconductor compound Ga[sub 0.83]In[sub 0.17]As[sub 0.67]P[sub 0.33] not only is lattice matched to GaAs and Ge but also provides a current matched top cell for the GaInAsP/Ge monolithic cascade solar cell. Under concentration of 100 suns, the projected efficiency for such a cell is about 34%. The growth of Ga[sub 0.83]In[sub 0.17]As[sub 0.67]P[sub 0.33] lattice matched to GaAs and Ge has been demonstrated. GaInAsP solar cells have been grown on both GaAs and Ge substrates. A GaInAsP on GaAs solar cell with an active area efficiency of 23.2% for 1 sun, AM 1.5 direct illumination has been prepared. A proposed structure for the GaInAsP/Ge cascade cell is also given.
A wide variety of thin film coatings, deposited by different techniques and with potential applications in various important areas, have been characterised by the Phase Modulated Spectroscopic Ellipsometer, installed recently in the Spectroscopy Division, B.A.R.C. The Phase Modulated technique provides a faster and more accurate data acquisition process than the conventional ellipsometry. The measured Ellipsometry spectra are fitted with theoretical spectra generated assuming an appropriate model regarding the sample. The fittings have been done objectively by minimising the squared difference (#chi#"2) between the measured and calculated values of the ellipsometric parameters and thus accurate information have been derived regarding the thickness and optical constants (viz, the refractive index and extinction coefficient) of the different layers, the surface roughness and the inhomogeneities present in the layers. Measurements have been done on (i) ion-implanted ...
The growth of an oxide interfacial layer was recently found to increase the open-circuit voltage (OCV) and efficiency by up to 60 per cent in GaAs metal-semiconductor solar cells. Details of oxidation techniques to provide the necessary oxide thickness and chemical structure and using ozone, water-vapor-saturated oxygen, or oxygen gas discharges are described, as well as apparent crystallographic orientation effects. Preliminary results of the oxide chemistry obtained from X-ray, photoelectron spectroscopy are given. Ratios of arsenic oxide to gallium oxide of unity or less seem to be preferable. Samples with the highest OVC predominantly have As(+3) in the arsenic oxide rather than As(+5). A major difficulty at this time is a reduction in OCV by 100-200 mV when the antireflection coating is vacuum deposited.
The feasibility of continuous production of gallium arsenide ribbon single crystals, by passage of a molten zone through boron-oxide encapsulated GaAs feedstock, is being investigated. Polycrystalline GaAs ribbons have been grown in graphite boats by passage of a wide zone through B2O3-encapsulated feed-stock, confined by a quartz cover plate. Failure to remove the encapsulant above its glass transition temperature, however, resulted in cracking of the ribbons on cooling to room temperature. In order to study the crucial zone melting step in isolation from the encapsulation steps of the continuous process, a constrained-zone melting apparatus has been constructed in which the boron oxide serves only as a sealant to suppress arsenic vaporization. Large grained polycrystalline samples have been produced with this apparatus.
A review is given of the state-of-the-art of single and polycrystalline solar cells, which includes a short theoretical review, laboratory achievements, and production methods. The Si single and polycrystalline cell and the amorphous Si cell are described, including material preparation, crystal and sheet growth, and cell and panel production. Promising second generation thin film solar cells including GaAs, CdS(CuInSe/sub 2/), and CdTe are briefly described. Economical aspects are discussed.
Striking differences in differential reflectance and carrier relaxation in In0.4Ga0.6As and In0.4Ga0.6As0.98N0.02 single quantum wells (SQWs) were studied using ultrafast time-resolved photoreflectance. Even with extremely thin SQW of only 60 A within 3000 A wide GaAs confining layers, negative and positive differential reflectance was observed for the excitation photon energy far above the bandgaps at 820 and 880 nm for both samples. Due to absorption by the GaAs confining layer, the peak differential reflectance pumped at 820 nm is an order of magnitude larger than that pumped at 880 nm; and it is larger for InGaAs SQWs than for InGaAsN SQWs. The shorter carrier lifetimes of these samples result from carrier-carrier scattering as pumped at both wavelengths. The longer carrier lifetime as pumped at 880 nm is due to hot phonon decay in InGaAs but may be due to stimulated emission in InGaAsN. The results ...
The compound semiconductor system InGaAsN exhibits many intriguing properties which are particularly useful for the development of innovative high efficiency thin film solar cells and long wavelength lasers. The bandgap in these semiconductors can be varied by controlling the content of N and In and the thin films can yet be lattice-matched to GaAs. In the present work, x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and grazing incidence x-ray scattering (GIXS) techniques have been employed to probe the local environment surrounding both N and In atoms as well as the interface morphology of InGaAsN thin films epitaxially grown on GaAs. The soft x-ray XAFS results around nitrogen K-edge reveal that N is in the sp{sup 3} hybridized bonding configuration in InGaAsN and GaAsN, suggesting that N impurities most likely substitute for As sites in these two compounds. The results of In K-edge XAFS suggest a possible trend of a slightly larger coordination ...
As the only non-polar plane the (110) surface has a unique role in GaAs. Together with Silicon as a dopant it is an important substrate orientation for the growth of n-type or p-type heterostructures. As a consequence, this thesis will concentrate on growth and research on that surface. In the course of this work we were able to realize two-dimensional electron systems with the highest mobilities reported so far on this orientation. Therefore, we review the necessary growth conditions and the accompanying molecular process. The two-dimensional electron systems allowed the study of a new, intriguing transport anisotropy not explained by current theory. Moreover, we were the first growing a two-dimensional hole gas on (110) GaAs with Si as dopant. For this purpose we invented a new growth modulation technique necessary to retrieve high mobility systems. In addition, we discovered and studied the metal-insulator transition in thin bulk p-type ...
We have investigated the generation and propagation of misfit dislocations in strained In/sub y/Ga/sub 1-//sub y/As/GaAs multiquantum wells grown by molecular-beam epitaxy, with cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. The samples are of excellent optical quality, with multiquantum wells having well widths of 100 A, being characterized by excitonic linewidths and Stokes shifts of 1.5--2.5 and 1--2 meV, respectively. We have examined the growth of 2-..mu..m-thick multiquantum-well samples grown either directly on GaAs, or with an intermediate composition buffer layer, and for the cases of small (y = 0.07) and large (y = 0.16) misfits. It is seen that for the case of quantum wells with small misfit, grown directly on GaAs, metastable growth can be achieved. This is confirmed by low-temperature absorption measurements and from transmission electron microscopy experiments performed both before and ...
The optoelectronic compounds of GaAs and ZnSe are difficult to analyze by PIXE (particle-induced X-ray emission) due to the strong absorption of the As and Se K{sub {alpha}} X-rays. As part of a program to investigate optoelectronic materials using ion beam techniques, we have explored the possibility of using the high sensitivity of PIXE to check these materials for stoichiometry and dopant concentrations. The K{sub {alpha}} X-ray intensity ratios of Ga to As and Zn to Se have been investigated using H beams of 0.5 to 2.5 MeV and He beams of 1.0 to 2.5 MeV. The variation in the X-ray intensity ratio with beam energy and target thickness is modelled in terms of the cross section for X-ray production and the absorption coefficients of the X-rays in the target. The results of this model show the experimental conditions that must be satisfied in order that the X-ray intensity ratios are not strongly affected by X-ray absorption; and therefore, the conditions necessary ...
The optoelectronic compounds of GaAs and ZnSe are difficult to analyze by PIXE (particle-induced X-ray emission) due to the strong absorption of the As and Se K_#alpha# X-rays. As part of a program to investigate optoelectronic materials using ion beam techniques, we have explored the possibility of using the high sensitivity of PIXE to check these materials for stoichiometry and dopant concentrations. The K_#alpha# X-ray intensity ratios of Ga to As and Zn to Se have been investigated using H beams of 0.5 to 2.5 MeV and He beams of 1.0 to 2.5 MeV. The variation in the X-ray intensity ratio with beam energy and target thickness is modelled in terms of the cross section for X-ray production and the absorption coefficients of the X-rays in the target. The results of this model show the experimental conditions that must be satisfied in order that the X-ray intensity ratios are not strongly affected by X-ray absorption; and therefore, the conditions necessary for ...
Examples are given of reference materials for radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (RXFA) of the environment processed by the National Bureau of Standards and the IAEA. Methods are described used for preparing standard materials for RXFA. For determining air pollutants the sample is prepared by dry or wet mineralization. Water samples have to be preserved prior to analysis. Insoluble components are separated by filtration or centrifugation. Biological materials must be dehydrated and homogenized. Samples of soil, sludges, sediments and solid wastes will sometimes have to be converted into a solution in some cases a leachate will have to be obtained. (ES).
Main topic of the project was the manufacturing of highly efficient GaAs-solar cells and the fabrication of concentrator cells. During this process significant progress was made with the material preparation, the solar cell technology and the material and process characterisation. This succeeded in the following efficiencies: - GaAs solar cell made by MOVPE technology: 22.9% on 4 cm{sup 2} (AM1.5g) - GaAs solar cell made by LPE-ER process: 22.8% on 4 cm{sup 2} (AM1.5g) - GaAs concentrator solar cell made by LPE-ER process: 24.9% at C=100xAM1.5d - GaAs concentrator module with fresnel lenses: Module efficiency 20.1% (under irradiation of 793 W/m{sup 2}). Another main focus was the epitaxy of GaAs on Si substrate. Two different approaches were investigated. Together with the cooperation partner ASE, Heilbronn a selective growth technology was developed that led to ...
This paper describes a method for preparing the sample handling and inlet system of a mass spectrometer for analysis of a subsequent sample following analysis of a previous sample comprising the flushing of the system interior with supercritical CO{sub 2} and venting the interior. The method eliminates the effect of system ``memory`` on the subsequent analysis, especially following persistent samples such as xenon and krypton.
Focus Ion Beam (FIB) milling has greatly extended the utility of atom probe and TEM because it enables samplepreparation with a level of dimensional control never before possible. Using FIB it is possible to extract the samples from desired and very specific locations. The artifacts associated with this samplepreparation method must also be fully understood. In this work issues specifically relevant to the FIB milling of aluminum alloys are presented. After using the FIB as a samplepreparation technique it is evident that gallium will concentrate in three areas of the sample: on the surface, on grain boundaries and at interphase boundaries. This work also shows that low energy Ar ion nanomilling is potentially quite effective for removing gallium implantation layers and gallium from the internal surfaces of aluminum ...
Methods of sample treatment in XRF analysis of hair are studied in view of the effect on analytical results. A new method is proposed based on the incomplete ashing of hair followed by pellet preparation. Its suitability is estimated on the XRF analysis of real hair samples collected from 4 healthy adults. (author) 12 refs.; 4 figs.; 1 tab.
This thesis details the first direct ultrafast measurements of the dynamic thermal expansion of a surface and the temperature dependent surface thermal diffusivity using a two-color reflection transient grating technique. Studies were performed on p-type, n-type, and undoped GaAs(100) samples over a wide range of temperatures. By utilizing a 90 fs ultraviolet probe with visible excitation beams, the effects of interband saturation and carrier dynamics become negligible; thus lattice expansion due to heating and subsequent contraction caused by cooling provided the dominant influence on the probe. At room temperature a rise due to thermal expansion was observed, corresponding to a maximum net displacement of {approximately} 1 {Angstrom} at 32 ps. The diffracted signal was composed of two components, thermal expansion of the surface and heat flow away from the surface, thus allowing a determination of the rate of expansion as well as the surface ...
The composition and thickness of etch residues on the base of submicrometer via holes cannot be surmized from data on larger features. Auger sputter depth profiles were used to compare etch residues in 0.55 {mu}m via holes produced by different etch processes and remaining after different cleans. These residues varied significantly in composition and thickness with the processing history of the sample and from those on larger features. A focused ion beam (FIB) samplepreparation was developed to expose the bases of via holes and to help reduce sample charging. (author).
The applicability of the radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (RXFA) for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of environmental plant samples is discussed and examples of determination of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb in samples of apple trees are given. The instrumentation, the standard and samplepreparation are also presented.
We present a novel preparation method for studies of in vitro reconstituted mitotic chromosomes from Xenopus laevis egg extracts. This method involves a gentle adsorption of chromosomes from the extracts using surface affinity enrichment, followed by plunge freezing, freeze-substitution and cryo-embedding before examination by EM tomography. For comparison, chromosomes were also prepared by a conventional method, which included immobilization of chromosomes in agarose and a room-temperature dehydration (embedding) protocol. Three-dimensional reconstructions showed that samplesprepared with the new method have a greater interconnectivity of sub-structural features and a higher compaction ratio together with an apparently less perturbed chromatin structure than those prepared using the conventional approach. The implications of the new method for the preparation ...
A dense silica glass was prepared by consolidating a highly dispersed silicic acid powder (particle size 1H magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR confirmed an increase in hydroxyl groups in the sampleprepared by SPS relative to that of the conventional SiO2 reference glass. Aside from the comparably high water content, we conclude from the similarity of the IR-reflectance and the 29Si MAS NMR spectra of the SPS sample and the corresponding spectra of the conventionally prepared silica glass, that the short- and medium-range order is virtually the same in both materials. Raman spectroscopy, however, suggests that the number of three- and four-membered rings is significantly smaller in the SPS sample compared to the conventionally preparedsample. Based on these results we conclude that it is possible to ...
This Guideline provides a set of procedures for the measurement of organic contaminants and particles in producer gases from biomass gasifiers. The procedures are designed to cover different gasifier types (updraft or downdraft fixed bed or fluidised bed gasifiers), operating conditions (0 - 900C and 0.6-60 bars) and concentration ranges (1 mg/m{sub n}{sup 3} to 300 g/m{sub n}{sup 3}). The Guideline describes a modular sampling train, and a set of procedures, which include: planning and preparation of the sampling, sampling and post-sampling, analysis, calculations, error analysis and reporting. The modular sampling train consists of 4 modules. Module 1 is a preconditioning module for isokinetic sampling and gas cooling. Module 2 is a particle collection module including a heated filter. Module 3 is a tar collection module with a gas quench ...
The characteristics of defects induced by Si and Ga focused ion beam (FIB) implantation in n-GaAs have been investigated by means of deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS), C--V carrier profiling, and resistance measurements. The DLTS spectra of Si and Ga FIB implanted samples annealed at temperatures up to 500 /sup 0/C are apparently identical to one another and show three different electron traps with an activation energy between 0.25 and 0.6 eV. The resistance increases by more than five orders of magnitude by Si and Ga FIB implantation due to the induced defects. However, it is restored to initial values after annealing at 600 /sup 0/C, except for a sample of Ga implantation with a dose higher than 10/sup 14/ cm/sup 2/ . For annealing of induced defects, there are no intrinsic problems for FIB implantation with a dose lower than 10/sup 13/ cm/sup 2/ .
The characteristics of defects induced by Si and Ga focused ion beam (FIB) implantation in n-GaAs have been investigated by means of deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS), C--V carrier profiling, and resistance measurements. The DLTS spectra of Si and Ga FIB implanted samples annealed at temperatures up to 500 "0C are apparently identical to one another and show three different electron traps with an activation energy between 0.25 and 0.6 eV. The resistance increases by more than five orders of magnitude by Si and Ga FIB implantation due to the induced defects. However, it is restored to initial values after annealing at 600 "0C, except for a sample of Ga implantation with a dose higher than 10"1"4 cm"2 . For annealing of induced defects, there are no intrinsic problems for FIB implantation with a dose lower than 10"1"3 cm"2.
Characterization of high temperature superconducting film and bulk samples has been carried out using 2 MeV [alpha]-particle Rutherford backscattering, 2.4 MeV proton elastic scattering, 2.4 MeV proton-induced x-ray emission, 9 MeV proton induced [gamma]-ray emission and 100 MeV iodine elastic recoil detection analysis techniques. The objective was to compare different ion beam based techniques for: (i) compositional analysis; and (ii) consistency of the results obtained for samplesprepared using similar preparation methodology. (author).
New standardization techniques of samples in multielement instrumental neutron-activation analysis (INAA) of biological materials (BM) are considered. New methodical developments of samplepreparation techniques, BM tableting, creation of comparison standards and standardization of packing material are suggested. Correlated data on concentration of different elements in standard specimens-comparison standards are presented for mass INAA, that is: for phenol-formaldehyde resin-base and human blood-base synthetic standards. 7 refs.; 3 tabs.
An interest in electronic materials has led me to investigate new synthetic approaches to III-V' type semiconducting (13-15, current IUPAC designation for B and N groups in the Periodic Table) and magnetic (3-15) compounds. It is now possible to prepare binary (GaAs and GdP) and ternary mixed-metal (Al[sub x]Ga[sub 1-x]As) and mixed-pnictide (GaP[sub x]As[sub 1-x]) compounds in seconds from rapid, low-temperature-initiated metathesis reactions between a metal (III) trihalide and a trisodium pnictide, exemplified by MX[sub 3] + Na[sub 3]Pn [yields] MPn + 3 NaX, where M is Al, Ga, In, (Al,Ga), or a lanthanide; X is F, Cl, or I; and Pn is P, As, Sb, or (P,As). The precursors are mixed together in a dry box and ignited by light grinding with a mortar and pestle, or by brief, local heating from a hot filament. These reactions are very exothermic (calculated [Delta]H[sub rxn] (GaAs) = 138 kcal/mol) and typically reach ...
The theory for the general case of solar cells operating inside integrating cavity receivers is established. This is applied to the particular case of different configurations of silicon and GaAs cells. The results of the analysis show that a composite system of silicon and GaAs cells manufactured using relatively simple technology could reach an efficiency of 34%. The optimal configuration is that in which the GaAs cells are placed in the directly illuminated area of the receiver and the silicon cells are placed in the indirectly illuminated area of the receiver. (orig.).
We report on the transport properties of a high mobility two-dimensional hole system (2DHS) confined in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells grown by molecular-beam epitaxy on the (100) surface of GaAs. The quantum wells are modulation doped with carbon utilizing a resistive filament source. At T=0.3 K and carrier density p=1x10"1"1 cm"-"2, a mobility of 10"6 cm"2/Vs is achieved. At fixed carrier density p=10"1"1 cm"-"2, the mobility is found to be a nonmonotonic function of the quantum well width. The mobility peaks at 10"6 cm"2/Vs for a 15-nm well and is reduced for both smaller and larger well widths for these (100) samples. The mobility anisotropy is found to be small. Mobility along [011] is approximately 20% higher than along the [011] direction. In addition, the low-temperature carrier density is found to have low sensitivity to light. The hole density increases by only #approx#10% after exposure to red light at T=4.2 K. In structures designed for ...
We have prepared high-quality, single crystals of SmB_6 under various conditions to improve sample quality. We have measured the resistivity and magnetic susceptibility from room to liquid-helium temperatures to sort samples. We have applied pulsed magnetic fields as high as 50 T at temperatures as low as 40 mK while measuring resistivity. Our samples are of higher quality than previously known. All solvent-grown, single-crystal samples should be etched to remove a surface conductivity. (orig.).
The iodinated oil lipiodol is commonly used as a carrier for in situ delivery of drugs or radioactivity to hepatic tumors. Recently, we reported a new kit formulation for high-activity labeling of lipiodol with the {beta}-emitting radionuclide Re-188. Since the whole preparation involves different steps and complex manipulations of high-activity samples, we describe here an automated synthesis module that allows the easy preparation of sterile and pyrogen-free samples of Re-188 lipiodol ready to be administered to the patient. Important advantages include the possibility to incorporate high Re-188 activity into the lipiodol hydrophobic phase and a sharp reduction of radiation exposure of the operator assisting the labelling procedure. Application of this modular reaction system could be also extended to the preparation of other Re-188 radiopharmaceuticals and to compound labelled ...
We theoretically model a nuclear-state preparation scheme that increases the coherence time of a two-spin qubit in a double quantum dot. The two-electron system is tuned repeatedly across a singlet-triplet level-anticrossing with alternating slow and rapid sweeps of an external bias voltage. Using a Landau-Zener-Stueckelberg model, we find that in addition to a small nuclear polarization that weakly affects the electron spin coherence, the slow sweeps are only partially adiabatic and lead to a weak nuclear spin measurement and a nuclear-state narrowing which prolongs the electron spin coherence. This resolves some open problems brought up by a recent experiment. We also show that the electronic two-spin states singlet and triplet T_+ are promising candidates for the implementation of a qubit in GaAs double quantum dots (DQD). A coherent superposition of the two-spin states is obtained by finite time Landau-Zener-Stueckelberg interferometry and ...
A review of the deep-level defects observed in both electron- and proton-irradiated GaAs solar cells is presented. Studies of the effects of periodic and continuous thermal annealing on the radiation-induced electron and hole traps and the recombination parameters in GaAs solar cells were made for a wide range of electron and proton energies, fluence, annealing temperature and annealing time. A refined model for numerical simulations of the displacement damage was developed for computing the defect density and the cell parameters in the electron- and proton-irradiated GaAs solar cells. Excellent agreement was obtained between the calculated values and the experimental data for the proton-irradiated GaAs solar cells. (orig.).
Microanalytical methods suitable for the determination of Fe, Cu in HT-29 (human colon adenocarcinoma) cells treated with different iron compounds (Fe(II) sulfate, Fe(III) chloride, Fe(III) citrate and Fe(III) transferrin) and cultured in medium supplemented or not with 10% (v/v) fetal calf serum (FCS) by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) and simultaneous graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) were developed. The developed TXRF method was also suitable for Zn determination in the samples. The main advantage of the proposed methods is the execution of all samplepreparation steps following incubation and prior to the elemental analysis in the same Eppendorf tubes. Samplepreparation was performed at microscale (115mL sample volume) with 65% nitric aci...
Abstract In the work, a rapid, simple and high-throughput samplepreparation method was developed for the determination of sulfonamide (SA) antibiotic residues in chicken breast muscle. The extraction and clean-up were online combined and up to 20 samples can be treated simultaneously in 6-min. The SAs were first extracted with acetonitrile under the action of microwave energy, and then the extract was directly introduced into the SPE column for on-line clean-up and concentration. Subsequently, the SAs eluted from the SPE column were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The precisions of extraction results of 20 samples were in the range of 4.9-7.4%. The limits of detection and quantification obtained were in the range of 2.4-3.6-ng/g and 8.6-11.3-ng/g for SAs, res...
Progress in the development of high-efficiency GaAs solar cells on low-cost, large-area, large-grain, optical-grade polycrystalline Ge substrates is described in this paper. First, we present results on the growth of specular GaAs-AlGaAs layers, across the various crystalline orientations of a polycrystalline Ge substrate, by metallorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Second, we present the preliminary optimization of minority-carrier properties of GaAs-AlGaAs structures on poly-Ge substrates towards the improvement of GaAs solar cells. We have demonstrated comparable minority-carrier lifetimes in GaAs double-hetero structures grown on optical-grade poly-Ge substrates and electronic-grade single-crystal Ge substrates. In addition, we describe device-structure optimization that have led us to achieve a open-circuit voltage of {approximately}1 Volt in a GaAs solar cell on poly-Ge and to improve our ...
For each sample, one 30-gallon drum containing approximately 90 lb of coal at {minus}1/4 inch was designated for headspace oxygen analysis and coal quality monitoring at yearly intervals. Headspace oxygen analysis and retrieval of a 5-lb sample for coal analysis have begun. Headspace oxygen contents are shown in Table 1. Preparation and analysis of these samples for the second yearly quality evaluation is in progress. We have initiated a study of different means of storage in preventing sample deterioration and in maintaining an inert headspace atmosphere. The work was performed with support from the Penn State Cooperative Program in Coal Research. A run-of-mine sample of medium-volatile bituminous Lower Kittanning coal was collected as PSOC-1536 and promptly processed. Gieseler fluidity FSI, alkali extraction and preparation of petrographic ...
UV, first, second and third derivative spectrophotometric methods have been developed for the determination of ezetimibe in pharmaceutical formulation. The solutions of standard and sample were prepared...Full Text Available
The variation in the superconducting properties of various binary alloys of transition metal-germanium systems was surveyed by studying sputter deposited samplesprepared under various conditions. The primary interest has been to study the formation of the stoichiometric A-15 compounds T_3Ge.
High resolution structural elucidation of macromolecular structure by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance requires the preparation of uniformly aligned samples that are isotopically labeled. In...Full Text Available
Optimal sample handling techniques for tissue preparation and storage, RNA extraction and quantification, and target gene detection are crucial for reliable gene expression analysis. Methods...Full Text Available
Electron spin polarization in excess of 70% has been observed in photoemission from a 0.1 #mu#m-thick epitaxial layer of In_xGa_1_-_xAs with x #approx# 0.13 grown on a GaAs substrate. Under these conditions, the epitaxial layer is expected to be highly strained by the 0.9% lattice mismatch, as confirmed by x-ray diffractometer measurements of the lattice parameter. The electron polarization and the quantum efficiency have been measured as a function of the excitation photon energy from 1.25 to 2.0 eV. A significant enhancement of the electron polarization occurs in the vicinity of 1.33 eV where the expected strain-induced level splitting permits optical excitation of a single band transition. Measurements made on a control sample of 1.14 #mu#m thickness, significantly larger than the critical thickness for pseudomorphic strain, show no polarization enhancement. These measurements represent the first observation of strain-enhanced electron spin ...
The dependence of the photoluminescent properties of In_0_._4_8(Al_yGa_1_-_y)_0_._5_2P alloys (0#<=#y#<=#0.5) on growth temperature and substrate misorientation off GaAs(100) has been studied. Samples were grown using low-pressure metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. By studying the dependence of ordering behavior in InGaP as a function of substrate misorientation and growth temperature simultaneously, a very large range in low-temperature photoluminescence emission energy---135 meV---has been obtained. The photoluminescence linewidth exhibits a strong, continuous dependence on the extent of atomic ordering (the emission energy) in the alloys. The results indicate that inhomogeneity in the microstructure of the material (i.e., between ''ordered'' domains and the ''disordered'' matrix) is the dominant photoluminescence broadening mechanism. This investigation has allowed a significant optimization of the optical properties of these materials, ...
Low molecular weight epoxy resin based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A was synthesized and mixed at constant percentages with natural rubber. The rubber epoxy system was cured with various types of curing agents such as ethylene diamine, maleic anhydride as well as the prepared resole phenol formaldehyde. A study of the photo-induced crosslinking of the prepared elastic adhesives and film samples was carried out by exposure to ultraviolet lamp (300 w) for 2 weeks at 20 deg. C. Samples containing ethylene diamine were cured at 25 + - 1 deg. C. for 24 h while samples containing maleic anhydride or resole phenol formaldehyde resins were thermally cured at 150-170 deg. C. for 10 min. Cured adhesive compositions were tested mechanically and physically and evaluated as wood adhesives. While hardness, chemical resistance as well as heat stability of the prepared ...
Polymerizing effects of high energy radiation has been found suitable for preparation of wood-polymer composites. In the present work after evaluating polymer products that have been obtained by irradiation method, wood-polymer composites have been prepared by in situ polymerization of vinyl acetate, acrylic acid and acrylic acid/styrene mixture using two samples of Iranian hardwoods, Beech and Hornbeam. These woods and their composites have been tested for their physical and mechanical properties. The results have shown that chemical bonding between polymer and the cell wall component lead to better strength properties in the composites. (author).
The feasibility was studied of the application of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis to the identification and determination of chemical elements in the air. A description of the method is presented, the main stages of the analysis are discussed (samplepreparation and standards, selection of radioactive radiation sources, geometry of measurement and evaluation of results). The method is illustrated on the determination of elements Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, and Pb in air samples taken in the city of Prague. (author) 2 tabs., 2 figs., 14 refs.
The purpose of this prospective study was to compare two different milk preparation methods to assay for the presence of Mycobacterium bovis by PCR. Detection by a C18-carboxypropylbetaine...Full Text Available
A series of sputtered tungsten-carbon multilayer structures with periods ranging from 2 to 12 nm in the as-prepared state and after annealing at 500 degrees C for 4 hours has been studied with high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The evolution with annealing of the microstructure of these multilayers depends on their period.As-prepared structures appear predominantly amorphous from TEM imaging and diffraction. Annealing results in crystallization of the W-rich layers into WC in the larger period samples, and less complete or no crystallization in the smaller period samples. X-ray scattering reveals that annealing expands the period in a systematic way. The layers remain remarkably well-defined after annealing under these conditions.
The adsorption properties of four samples of the #alpha#-modification of boron nitride (#alpha#-BN) were investigated by the gas-chromatographic method. According to the electron microscopy data, the #alpha#-BN particles possess the shape of thin plates. An #alpha#-BN sampleprepared from magnesium polyboride, is the most uniform adsorbent. For a series of n-alkanes, benzene, and alkyl benzenes, by testing the #alpha#-BN samples one has obtained the retained volumes (Henry constants) and the values of the differential adsorption heat, which are close to those of the surface zero filling. These thermodynamic characteristics of adsorption have shown that the #alpha#-BN, line the graphitized thermal carbon black, is not a specific adsorbent.
In this study, thermoluminescence (TL) dating of archaeological artefacts from Geboltskirchen (Upper Austria) and Haselbach (Lower Austria) has been carried out. To receive a comparison with TL dating, all samples have been investigated additionally by means of infrared-stimulated luminescence (IRSL) analysis. The samples were prepared according to the common fine-grain technique. All important dating parameters such as potassium concentration, thorium/uranium ratio, moisture content, etc. were determined. A methodology for IRSL was developed, describing all steps of the procedure from samplepreparation to measurement for any kind of ceramic artefacts. Dating results from TL and IRSL investigations of ancient pottery from Geboltskirchen and Haselbach will be discussed.
The photopumped phonon-assisted laser operation (612 nm, 77 K) of a high-gapIn/sub 1/minus//ital y//(Al/sub /ital x//Ga/sub 1/minus//ital x//)/sub /ital y//P quantum wellheterostructure (QWH) lattice matched to GaAs (/ital y/approx.0.5) is identified usinga single rectangular sample that is shifted in its heat sinking from (a) low/ital Q/ when clamped onto Au (bare edges) to (b) high /ital Q/ when furthercompressed into Au with all four edges reflecting. For the low-/ital Q/ QWH samplephotopumped in a spot (partially photopumped), phonon-assisted laser operation(abrupt threshold, narrow spectrum) is observed on closely spaced end-to-endlaser modes ..delta../ital E/=/h bar/..omega../sub LO/approx.45--47 meV below the lowestconfined-particle transitions. For the /ital same/ sample shifted tohigh /ital Q/, edge-to-edge laser operation across the sample on confined-particletransitions is ...
Surface compositional changes in GaAs due to RF plasmas of different gases have been investigated by XPS and etch rates were measured using AFM. Angular Resolved XPS (ARXPS) was also employed for depth analysis of the composition of the surface layers. An important role in this study was determination of oxide thickness using XPS data. The study of surface - plasma interaction was undertaken by correlating results of surface analysis with plasma diagnosis. Different experiments were designed to accurately measure the BEs associated with the Ga 3d, Ga 2p sub 3 sub / sub 2 and LMM peaks using XPS analysis and propose identification in terms of the oxides of GaAs. Along with GaAs wafers, some reference compounds such as metallic Ga and Ga sub 2 O sub 3 powder were used. A separate study aiming the identification of the GaAs surface oxides formed on the GaAs surface during and after ...
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 compared to the absorbing layer only. Extended ...
LiFePO{sub 4} cathode materials with distinct particle sizes were prepared by a planetary ball-milling method. The effects of particle size on the morphology, thermal stability and electrochemical performance of LiFePO{sub 4} cathode materials were investigated. The ball-milling method decreased particle size, thereby reducing the length of diffusion and improving the reversibility of the lithium ion intercalation/deintercalation. It is worth noting that the small particle sampleprepared using malonic acid as a carbon source achieved a high capacity of 161 mAh g{sup -1} at a 0.1 C rate and had a very flat capacity curve during the early 50 cycles. However, the big particle samples ({proportional_to}400 nm) decayed more dramatically in capacity than the small particle size samples ({proportional_to}200 nm) at high current densities. The improvement in electrode performance was ...
Samplesprepared using the focused ion beam (FIB) inevitably contain the surface damage induced by energetic Ga"+ ions. An effective method of removing the surface damage is demonstrated using a plasma cleaner, a device which is widely used to minimize the surface contamination in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Surface bombardment with low-energy Ar"+ ions was induced by biasing the sample immersed in the plasma source, so as to etch off the surface materials. The etch rates of SiO_2, measured with a bias voltage of 100-300 V, were found to vary linearly with both the time and bias and were able to be controlled from 1.4 to 9 nm/min. The removal of the Ga residue was confirmed using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) after the plasma processing of the FIB-preparedsample. When the FIB-preparedsample was processed via ...
This paper will discuss initial studies of thin-film GaAs grown by molecular-beam epitaxy for use in developing a thin-film GaAs solar cell. Photocurrent and photoluminescence intensity are related to the material morphology as a function of growth conditions. Growth temperature and V/III ratio have a dramatic effect on the photocurrent. However, it seems likely that even after optimizing such growth parameters, it will be necessary to provide substrates that can provide templates to enhance grain size from the start of thin-film growth. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}
The various factors that affect the open-circuit voltage ([ital V][sub oc]) of a two-terminal GaInP[sub 2]/GaAs tandem cell are examined. These include a) an anomalous problem associated with the GaAs bottom cell and b) back surface passivation of the thin GaInP[sub 2] top cell. Solutions to these problems are presented and yield tandem [ital V][sub oc]s close to the practical theoretical limits.
We have investigated the formation and coarsening of Ga droplets on focused-ion-beam (FIB) irradiated GaAs surfaces. To separately examine formation and coarsening, Ga droplets were fabricated by Ga"+ FIB irradiation of GaAs substrates with and without pre-patterned holes. We determined the droplet growth rate and size distribution as a function of FIB energy following irradiation. The data suggest a droplet formation mechanism that involves Ga precipitation from a Ga-rich layer, followed by droplet coarsening via a combination of diffusion and Ostwald ripening or coalescence via droplet migration (dynamic coalescence).
A novel single-step synthetic method for the preparation of anatase N-doped TiO"2 nanocrystalline at low temperature has been devoleped. The N-doped anatase TiO"2 nanoparticles were synthesized by sonication of the solution of tetraisopropyl titanium and urea in water and isopropyl alcohol at 80^oC for 150min. The as-preparedsample was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-vis absorption spectrum. The product structure depends on the reaction temperature and reaction time. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared photocatalyst was evaluated via the photodegradation of an azo dye direct sky blue 5B. The results show that the N-doped TiO"2 nanocrystalline prepared via sonication exhibit an excellent photocatalytic...
The morphological aspects of ternary phase formation during the Pd-GaAs reaction have been studied by application of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Rutherford backscattering (RBS) techniques. The TEM images show that the first product phase, ''phase I'', forms during deposition of Pd onto (100) GaAs and exhibits the preferred orientation (0001)/sub I/ approx. // (01 anti 1)/sub GaAs/. In the presence of unreacted Pd, the second phase, ''phase II'', nucleates at large-angle grain boundaries in the phase I film as the annealing temperature increases above approx.250C. Energy dispersive analysis of x-rays and RBS suggest the nominal compositions Pd3GaAs and Pd4GaAs for phases I and II, respectively.
Samples of air-dust-concentration- and air-dust-deposit measurements were digested by a standardized wet digestion procedure and the amounts of substances in the dust according to class I TA Luft by Atomic Emission Spectroscopy with Inductively Coupled Plasma (AES-ICP). The characteristic values for procedures according to VDI 2449, sheet 1, were determined for lead, vanadium, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel and zinc. By partial automatic control of the digestion procedure the personel expenditure of work could be reduced by a factor 13. Dust filter samples were analysed without samplepreparation by evaporating the material with a solid state laser. The absolute detection limit was between 1 and 100 ng/cm"2 for the elements arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, mercury, antimony, selen and thallium. For sampling by means of the Beta-Staubmeter the relative detection limits for the ...
The aim of a joint effort by different research teams was to provide an improved procedure for enzyme activity profiling of field-sampled ectomycorrhizae, including recommendations on the best conditions and maximum duration for storage of ectomycorrhizal samples. A more simplified and efficient protocol compared to formerly published procedures was achieved by using manufactured 96-filter plates in combination with a vacuum manifold and by optimizing incubation times. Major improvements were achieved by performing the series of eight enzyme assays with a single series of root samples instead of two series, reducing the time needed for samplepreparation, minimizing error-prone steps such as pipetting and morphotyping, and facilitating subsequent DNA analyses due to the reduced sequencing ...
We have investigated the detection performance of GaAs detectors made with different thickness and contact geometries. A comparison is made between these detection capabilities and the imaging requirements for the following medical applications: digital mammography, digital chest radiography and nuclear medicine. Experimental results and preliminary images are presented and discussed. (author)
The properties of Mn-doped GaAs layers grown by laser deposition were investigated with measurements of Hall effect and magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). The electrical and magnetic parameters of the layers were defined by growth temperature and quantity of sputtered Mn. It was shown that room-temperature ferromagnetism is revealed by MOKE and, after ruby laser 25 ns pulse annealing, by Hall effect measurements.
In this work, we report the preparation of lead titanate (PT) nanoceramics (with an average grain size of ~200nm in diameter) by using hydrothermal PT nanoparticles as start materials and characterized the dielectric and ferroelectric properties. The dielectric constant of the ceramic was found to be ~180 (at 1kHz) at room temperature and reached a maximum value of 8330 at ~490^oC, suggesting that the Curie temperature of the nanoceramics is consistent with the known value of PT crystals. Ferroelectric domains and hysteresis loops were obtained through piezoelectric force microscopy measurements, which provide direct and clear evidence for the ferroelectricity in the nanoceramic samples.
The aim of this thesis is to study the coherent transport in semiconducting-superconducting junctions. The SnPb-GaAs system has been studied. It has been shown that the behaviour of this junction is controlled by the disordered area induced by the annealing of the connection near the interface. For a few resistant junction, a conductance anomaly under the gap has been observed and has been explained by a mesoscopic effect in the limit of the very high disorders. The conductance of more resistant junctions has only been bound to the properties of the very disordered area of the semiconductor. The part of the electron-electron interactions on the phase coherence length and on the conductance has been studied. The evolving of the correction of the conductance due to interactions in magnetic field has been followed. The effect of the spin degeneration suppression in CdTe and the GaAs sign inversion in Shubnikov de Haas oscillations rate has been observed. At last has ...
The utilization of GaAs in photovoltaic (PV) applications has been hindered by the cost of substrates and processing. This paper examines the cost effectiveness of GaAs cells for use in concentrator modules when produced at the 10 to 50 MW level per year. Information on costs associated with substrates, epitaxial processing, and subsequent device fabrication will be compared to allowable costs as projected by the US Department of Energy (DOE). The high cot of GaAs solar cells can be mitigated by use of low-cost substrates or high-concentration systems. The costs then can be accommodated when the production level is sufficiently high to take advantage of economies of scale in device processing and substrate price benefits when procured at high volumes. We have found that development of processing equipment, both for the epitaxial growth and device processing, is the key to obtaining production costs consistent with DOE ...
Mesporous anatase-phase TiO(2) hollow spheres with high photocatalytic activity were prepared by hydrothermal treatment and self-transformation of amorphous TiO(2) solid spheres in an NH(4)F aqueous solution. The preparedsamples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N(2) adsorption-desorption isotherms and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic oxidation decomposition of acetone in air under UV irradiation. It is found that F(-) plays an essential role in the formation of TiO(2) hollow spheres. F(-) not only induces the hollowing of TiO(2) solid spheres, but also promotes the crystallization of anatase TiO(2) nanocrystals. A possible formation mechanism for the TiO(2) hollow spheres by localized Ostwald ripening or chemically induced self-transformation is proposed based on the ...
Fe-doped TiO2 hollow spheres (Fe-THs) were synthesized by sol?gel process using carbon spheres as templates. The preparedsamples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV?vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS), N2 adsorption?desorption isotherms, Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and Photoluminescence emission spectroscopy (PL). UV?vis spectra showed that Fe3+ doping could extend the absorption edge to the visible region. EPR spectra showed that Fe3+ was incorporated into the crystal lattice of TiO2, which could inhibit the recombination of photo-induced electron?hole pairs and improve the photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activities of the preparedsamples were evaluated for the degradation of dye Reactive Brillia...
The growth of silver chloride nanoparticles on ancient textile was achieved by sequential dipping steps in alternating bath of potassium chloride and silver nitrate under ultrasound irradiation. The effect of ultrasound irradiation and sequential dipping steps in growth of the AgCl nanoparticles has been studied. These systems depicted a decrease in the particles size accompanying a decrease in the sequential dipping steps. The samples were characterized with powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. XRD analyses indicated that the prepared AgCl nanoparticles on fiber were crystalline. The textile samples containing AgCl nanoparticles were tested for their antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and were found to possess significant antibacterial activity.
Polyester WPC (wood-polymer composite) systems are one of the promising materials for multiple uses increasing the mechanical properties, provided that their dimensional stability can be improved. Possibility was pursued for the improvement in the dimensional stability of the polyester WPC systems prepared by electron beam irradiation. The impregnation of the mixture of polyester and monomer into both oven-dried beech veneers and preswollen wood was followed by mutual irradiation process. Polymerization was carried out at total dosage of 6 Mrad to the respective surfaces of samples by an electron beam accelerator, and the reaction was completed by heating at 80 deg C for 24 hr. The dimensions of the samples were measured primarily in the tangential direction, and their dynamic modulus and loss modulus were measured by a Rheovibron DDV-2 and the vibrating reed method. The results and the discussion are given for the reaction ...
Polyester WPC (wood-polymer composite) systems are one of the promising materials for multiple uses increasing the mechanical properties, provided that their dimensional stability can be improved. Possibility was pursued for the improvement in the dimensional stability of the polyester WPC systems prepared by electron beam irradiation. The impregnation of the mixture of polyester and monomer into both oven-dried beech veneers and preswollen wood was followed by mutual irradiation process. Polymerization was carried out at total dosage of 6 Mrad to the respective surfaces of samples by an electron beam accelerator, and the reaction was completed by heating at 80 deg C for 24 hr. The dimensions of the samples were measured primarily in the tangential direction, and their dynamic modulus and loss modulus were measured by a Rheovibron DDV-2 and the vibrating reed method. The results and the discussion are given for the reaction ...
A new series of anatase TiO2 hollow structures were prepared by a facile hydrothermal process. When the hydrothermal time was increased from 20min to 72h, the resulting TiO2 solid spheres gradually transformed into TiO2 hollow spheres with higher surface crystallinity and exposed {001} facets. The as-prepared TiO2-72h sample exhibited the highest activity comparing to other TiO2-based samples and commercial product Degussa P-25 towards the selective photocatalytic oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde. Such great photocatalytic performance was mainly attributed to enhanced UV-adsorption and better charge separation efficiency due to higher surface crystallinity of TiO2-72h.
A programme has been initiated by the Coordinating Office for Monitoring of enhanced natural radioactivity of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection to investigate different kinds of sample materials with enhanced naturally occurring radioactivity (NORM) such as scales from oilfield and naturally gasfield pipes, blast furnace sludge and sinter dust from the production of pig iron, as well as bauxit and red mud from the production of aluminium oxide. The aim of these investigations is to find proper preparation and measuring methods which allow, in particular, a sample treatment with optimised effort combined with a reliable determination of the specific activities of the dominating radionuclides. Of particular interest is the method of gamma-ray spectrometry, since this method has been used for most of our studies of sample materials. Due to different compositions of calibration and ...
This report describes the cost, performance, and other key characteristics of an innovative technology for determining the presence or absence, and measuring the concentration, of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in groundwater and soil, and in gaseous remediation process streams at hazardous waste sites. This new technology is Direct Sampling Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry (DSITMS). DSITMS introduces sample materials directly into an ion trap mass spectrometer by means of a very simple interface, such as a capillary restrictor or a polymer membrane. There is typically very little, if any, samplepreparation and no chromatographic separation of the sample constituents. This means that the response of the instrument to the analytes or contaminants in a sample is nearly instantaneous, and that analytical methods based on ...
The ElectroScan environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) is one of the most exciting new developments in the field of Electron Microscopy. The ESEM differs from conventional Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) by being able to examine materials including liquids and oils in their natural state with no prior samplepreparation. Accessory equipment, cooling, heating and manipulating devices allow the manipulation of samples thus making it possible for the first time to image dynamic processes such as wetting, drying, absorption, corrosion, melting, crystallisation, curing and fracturing at high magnification. Papers concerning the historical development of the ESEM are given in a bibliography at the end of this paper. 24 refs., 18 figs.
The adsorption properties of four samples of ..cap alpha..-BN were studied by means of gas chromatography. The particles of ..cap alpha..-BN particles, according to data obtained by electron microscopy, have the shape of thin platelets. A sample of ..cap alpha..-BN prepared from magnesium polyboride was found to be the most nearly homogeneous adsorbent. For a number of n-alkanes, benzene, and alkylbenzenes, data have been obtained on the retention volumes (Henry constants) and the differential heats of adsorption for surface coverages approaching zero. These thermodynamic data on the adsorption showed that ..cap alpha..-BN, like graphitized thermal carbon black, is a nonspecific adsorbent.
As part of the general QC/QA management of the k_0-standardization, three types of 'SMELS' (synthetic multi-element standards) are being developed to check the performance of k_0-NAA when implemented in a laboratory. Phenol-formaldehyde resin is proposed in this paper as the matrix of choice. Based on previous work, this material could be prepared with sufficient purity so as to make interferences with the spiking elements negligible. The matrix was found to be adequately resistant towards high neutron flux irradiation. A selection was made of compounds, soluble in ethyl alcohol, for spiking the prepolymer ethanolic solution with the elements of interest. Finally, some prototypes were prepared and a satisfactory homogeneity of the spiked elements was found for 50 mg sample intake.
The starting material for two certified and one candidate reference material was obtained from dried grass specially cultivated on a selected and well prepared soil. The Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) of the Commission of the European Communities produced two certified reference materials (CRM`s) from this dried grass: a rye grass material (CRM 281) certified in 1988 for the quality control of trace and toxic element analyses and a hay powder material (CRM 129) certified in 1989 for monitoring trace and minor elements. A fraction of the dried grass was used in 1993 for the preparation of a hay powder with a particle size of < 63 {mu}m using newly developed grinding techniques. This paper compares the production methods of these three materials and the obtained particle size distribution of the powders. The analytical evaluation of these production methods was carried out by solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption ...
An on-going inter-comparison programme which is focused on assessing and establishing consensus protocols to be applied in the identification, selection and sub-sampling of materials for subsequent "1"4C analysis is described. The outcome of the programme will provide a detailed quantification of the uncertainties associated with "1"4C measurements including the issues of accuracy and precision. Such projects have become recognised as a fundamental aspect of continuing laboratory quality assurance schemes, providing a mechanism for the harmonisation of measurements and for demonstrating the traceability of results. The design of this study and its rationale are described. In summary, a suite of core samples has been defined which will be made available to both AMS and radiometric laboratories. These core materials are representative of routinely dated material and their ages span the full range of the applied "1"4C time-scale. Two of the ...
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is an important tool of dimension reduction especially when the dimension (or the number of variables) is very high. Asymptotic studies where the sample size is fixed, and the dimension grows [i.e., High Dimension, Low Sample Size (HDLSS)] are becoming increasingly relevant. We investigate the asymptotic behavior of the Principal Component (PC) directions. HDLSS asymptotics are used to study consistency, strong inconsistency and subspace consistency. We show that if the first few eigenvalues of a population covariance matrix are large enough compared to the others, then the corresponding estimated PC directions are consistent or converge to the appropriate subspace (subspace consistency) and most other PC directions are strongly inconsistent. Broad sets of sufficient conditions for each of these cases are specified and the main theorem gives a catalogue of possible combinations. In ...
Ferrite of system, namely Ni_1_-_xZn_xFe_2O_4 with x = (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0), have been prepared by solid state reaction to investigate the effect of gamma rays irradiations using Co"6"0 source on the cation distribution, structural and magnetic properties. The unirradiated and irradiated samples were then subjected to characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, magnetization and AC susceptibility. The results of these characterizations are found to be different for irradiated from that of the pristine sample. The modifications in respect of irradiated samples are explained in terms of the ion-induced disorder. The important result of #gamma#-irradiation on the cation distribution, structural and magnetic properties is the change of ratio Fe"2"+/Fe"3"+. Possible reasons on the results are proposed.
In Tarapur Atomic Power Station unit-3 and 4, which is 540 MWe pressurized heavy water reactor, tritium is produced in primary heat transport system and moderator system. Tritium is a major contributor to the internal dose. Internal dose contributes about 30% of the collective dose. Internal dose monitoring and its control are important to control the collective dose. Estimation of internal dose is done by analysis of bioassay samples of radiation workers. In a month, about 7000 bioassay samples are analysed for the internal dose assessment during normal operation, and about 12000 during the biennial shut down of the reactor. To enhance the samplepreparation and counting performance, minimize the entry errors and reduce the processing time, barcode based label generation system was developed for the internal dose monitoring. This paper discusses about the use of barcode system in the internal dose ...
Data of thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) of single (Cu), double (Cu, Mn) and triple (Cu, Mn, Gd) activated SrS phosphors, which throws light on the nature and distribution of deeper traps have been presented. The samples are prepared by Bhawalkar's method and excited by UV 365 nm and #gamma#-rays to study the phenomenon. (author). 8 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.
The physical foundations and methodology are described of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis. The sources are listed of air, water and soil pollution, and the transfer of impurities into biological materials is described. A detailed description is presented of the sampling of air, soil and biological materials and their preparation for analysis. Greatest attention is devoted to radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis of the components of the environment. (ES).
The current methods used by the tissue analysis program at LASL for the determination of americium and plutonium in autopsy tissue are described. Problems affecting radiochemical yield are discussed. Included are problems associated with samplepreparation, separation of plutonium from large amounts of bone ash, and reagent contamination. The average "2"4"2Pu tracer yield for 1800 Pu determinations is 78 +- 12%. The average "2"4"2Am tracer yield is 85 +- 7% for 40 determinations.
The current methods used by the tissue analysis program at LASL for the determination of americium and plutonium in autopsy tissue are described. Problems affecting radiochemical yield are discussed. Included are problems associated with samplepreparation, separation of plutonium from large amounts of bone ash, and reagent contamination. The average /sup 242/Pu tracer yield for 1800 Pu determinations is 78 +- 12%. The average /sup 242/Am tracer yield is 85 +- 7% for 40 determinations.
This paper reports the results of a fine-probe EDS microanalytical study of cellular precipitation in a Cu-Ti binary alloy. Compositional profiles across the solute depleted Cu-rich FCC lamellae and the Cu_4Ti lamellae within isothermally formed cellular colonies were measured in a FEG-TEM from thin-foil specimens prepared by conventional electropolishing and by a technique using a Ga"+ focused ion-beam (FIB). The Cliff-Lorimer ratio method, with an absorption correction, was employed to quantify the compositions. Two FIB samples were prepared with different orientations of the lamellae with respect to the ion-milling direction. The compositional profiles across the Cu-rich FCC lamellae and the Cu_4Ti compound lamellae in both the FIB-preparedsamples and the electropolished sample were, within experimental error, numerically equivalent. The composition of the ...
The dependence of the photoluminescent properties of In{sub 0.48}(Al{sub {ital y}}Ga{sub 1{minus}{ital y}}){sub 0.52}P alloys (0{le}{ital y}{le}0.5) on growth temperature and substrate misorientation off GaAs(100) has been studied. Samples were grown using low-pressure metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. By studying the dependence of ordering behavior in InGaP as a function of substrate misorientation and growth temperature simultaneously, a very large range in low-temperature photoluminescence emission energy---135 meV---has been obtained. The photoluminescence linewidth exhibits a strong, continuous dependence on the extent of atomic ordering (the emission energy) in the alloys. The results indicate that inhomogeneity in the microstructure of the material (i.e., between ordered'' domains and the disordered'' matrix) is the dominant photoluminescence broadening mechanism. This investigation has allowed a ...
The dependence of the photoluminescent properties of In{sub 0.48}(Al{sub {ital y}}Ga{sub 1{minus}{ital y}}){sub 0.52}P alloys (0{le}{ital y}{le}0.5) on growth temperature and substrate misorientation off GaAs(100) has been studied. Samples were grown using low-pressure metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. By studying the dependence of ordering behavior in InGaP as a function of substrate misorientation and growth temperature simultaneously, a very large range in low-temperature photoluminescence emission energy---135 meV---has been obtained. The photoluminescence linewidth exhibits a strong, continuous dependence on the extent of atomic ordering (the emission energy) in the alloys. The results indicate that inhomogeneity in the microstructure of the material (i.e., between ordered'' domains and the disordered'' matrix) is the dominant photoluminescence broadening mechanism. This investigation has allowed a ...
We present results from the first studies of electric-field effects on optical transitions in visible-band-gap InGaP/InAlGaP multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structures. These structures, grown at 775 [degree]C by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy on (100) GaAs substrates misoriented 6[degree] towards P(111)[r angle][l angle]111[r angle]A, consist of nominally undoped MQWs surrounded by doped In[sub 0.49]Al[sub 0.51]P cladding layers to form [ital p]-[ital i]-[ital n] diodes. The Stark shifts of various allowed and forbidden quantum-well transitions were observed in bias-dependent electroreflectance spectra of In[sub 0.49]Ga[sub 0.51]P/In[sub 0.49](Al[sub 0.5]Ga[sub 0.5])[sub 0.51]P MQW samples with 10-nm-thick layers. We find the magnitude of these shifts to depend on the details of the Mg doping profile, confirming the importance of Mg diffusion and unintentional background doping in these materials. Our results show that (InAlGa)P materials are ...
We present results from the first studies of electric-field effects on optical transitions in visible-band-gap InGaP/InAlGaP multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structures. These structures, grown at 775 degree C by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy on (100) GaAs substrates misoriented 6 degree towards P(111)right-angle left-angle 111 right-angle A, consist of nominally undoped MQWs surrounded by doped In_0_._4_9Al_0_._5_1P cladding layers to form p-i-n diodes. The Stark shifts of various allowed and forbidden quantum-well transitions were observed in bias-dependent electroreflectance spectra of In_0_._4_9Ga_0_._5_1P/In_0_._4_9(Al_0_._5Ga_0_._5)_0_._5_1P MQW samples with 10-nm-thick layers. We find the magnitude of these shifts to depend on the details of the Mg doping profile, confirming the importance of Mg diffusion and unintentional background doping in these materials. Our results show that (InAlGa)P materials are promising for visible-wavelength ...
The authors present electric-field dependent electroreflectance and photocurrent spectra of visible-bandgap In{sub x}(Al{sub y}Ga{sub 1{minus}y}){sub 1{minus}x}P/In{sub x{prime}}(Al{sub y{prime}}Ga{sub 1{minus}y{prime}}){sub 1{minus}x{prime}}P multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structures. These structures, grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy on 6{degrees}-misoriented (100) GaAs substrates, have undoped MQWs sandwiched between doped In{sub 0.5}Al{sub 0.5}P layers, forming p-i-n diodes. Quantum-well compositions in the range 0.46{le}x{le}0.52 and 0{le}y{le}0.4, corresponding to bandgaps in the red to yellow-green range, were used. The Stark shifts in these various samples were measured and found to depend on the details of the Mg p-type doping profile, confirming important diffusion effects, in agreement with secondary ion mass spectrometry and capacitance-voltage data. The results show that these new materials are promising for ...
The present work focuses on the transformation of high-purity Ni powder blends of controlled volume fractions (40 and 60 %) of nanometre-sized (100 nm) and micrometre-sized (544 nm) particles into bulk samples as part of a strategy for producing ultrafine-grained materials usefully exhibiting both strength and ductility. The process involved cold isostatic pressing at 1.5 GPa and sintering. The resulting bulk samples had relative densities near 95 %, were texture-free, and exhibited two different grain size distributions with an average value of 600 #+-# 30 nm. The mechanical properties were investigated by compression and microhardness tests, both at room temperature, and compared to the behaviour of a sample processed from micrometre-sized powder only. Samplesprepared from the blends exhibited high yield stresses of 440 and 550 MPa after compression, and they did sustain work ...
During the present study concentration of nine elements (K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Br and Pb) in different tissues of mud crab Scylla serrata from Mahanadi estuary, India were determined by the external PIXE set up at Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, India. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the technique in analyzing both soft and hard tissue samples from marine organisms and opens the door for non-destructive, multi-elemental analysis of tissue samples with a very little samplepreparation by direct irradiation. This technique can be well utilized for analyzing the tissue samples for environmental, toxicological and nutritional purposes. The study also demonstrates the elemental concentrations from tissue samples of any crustaceans from Mahanadi estuary for the first time. Sex based difference in the elemental concentration of the mud crabs were ...
As part of efforts to develop improved methods for NMR protein samplepreparation and structure determination, the Northeast Structural Genomics Consortium (NESG) has implemented an NMR screening pipeline for protein target selection, construct optimization, and buffer optimization, incorporating efficient microscale NMR screening of proteins using a micro-cryoprobe. The process is feasible because the newest generation probe requires only small amounts of protein, typically 30-200 ?g in 8-35 ?l volume. Extensive automation has been made possible by the combination of database tools, mechanization of key process steps, and the use of a micro-cryoprobe that gives excellent data while requiring little optimization and manual setup. In this perspective, we describe the overall process used by the NESG for screening NMR samples as part of a sample optimization process, assessing optimal construct design and ...
The MonoPrep Pap Test (MPPT; MonoGen, Lincolnshire, IL) is a novel, liquid-based specimen collection and processing technology for cytologic and molecular testing. Its usefulness in the detection of cervical cancer and its precursors was evaluated in a multicenter, masked, adjudicated, split-sample study of 10,739 samples. After preparation of a conventional smear, the residuum on the collection device was rinsed into a collection vial from which an MPPT slide was prepared. Accuracy was assessed by masked reference interpretation by an independent pathologist. Slides prepared by MPPT, compared with smears, yielded statistically significant increases in relative sensitivity for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and worse, atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion/atypical glandular cells and worse, and low-grade squamous ...
A new structure of GaAs MESFET with high radiation tolerance is proposed. Changes in electrical parameters of a GaAs MESFET as a function of total #gamma#-ray dose have been found to be caused mainly by a decrease in the effective carrier concentration in an active layer. The authors have designed a new structure from a simulation based on an empirical relationship between the changes of the effective carrier concentration and the total #gamma#-ray dose. It has been successfully demonstrated by utilizing a highly-doped thin active layer (4 x 10"1"8 cm"-"3, 100 Angstrom) grown by OMVPE. This MESFET can withstand a dose ten times higher [1 x 10"9 rads(GaAs)] than a conventional one can.
The strongly localized one-electron (D{sup 0}) and two-electron (D{sup -}) donor states are considered with the lattice deformation around the donor center taken into account. For GaAs, donor energy levels have been calculated as functions of the hydrostatic pressure. The calculated energy positions and pressure coefficients agree with the experimental data. It is shown that the interaction with phonons reduces the probability of radiative transitions between the states of different localization and leads to the metastability of shallow-level donor states with respect to the D{sup -} state in GaAs and both the states (D{sup 0} and D{sup -}) in CdF{sub 2}. (author) 7 refs, 1 fig
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).
A 5 GHz GaAs monolithic astable multivibrator-type voltage-controlled oscillator has been developed. The monolithic oscillator uses 2 micron long self-aligned TiW-silicide gate MESFETs as well as GaAs Schottky diodes for capacitance. Good agreement between the experiment and calculations for oscillation frequency characteristics versus control voltage is obtained by assuming donor density in the FET active layer to be a Gaussian distribution. This oscillator is useful for monolithic front ends and phase-locked oscillators used in microwave signal processing. X-band oscillation frequency can be obtained with 1 micron long gate FET and low loss resonance inductors.
The goal of this project was to develop a new technology for preparingsamples for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on the basis of ion fine beam processing. For this purpose processes of ion-beam-assisted removal (sputtering), separation, sample handling and ion-beam-assisted chemical etching as well of system-inherent components were examined. As an alternative to a Ga-source a liquid-metal ion source based on a AuGeSi alloy was developed, characterised and used in the FIB 4400. [German] Aufgabe des Projektes war die Entwicklung einer neuen Technologie zur Probenpraeparation fuer die Transmissions-Elektronenmikroskopie (TEM) auf der Basis der Ionenfeinstrahlbearbeitung. Dazu wurden Prozesse der ionenstrahlgestuetzten Abtragung (Sputtern), der Abscheidung, des Probenhandling, des ionenstrahlgestuetzten chemischen Aetzens sowie systemeigener Komponenten untersucht. Als Alternative zur Ga-Quelle wurde eine ...
GaAs material and device structure optimization studies on optical-grade, millimeter-and-less grain-size polycrystalline Ge substrates are presented. We discuss the growth of high-quality epitaxial layers across various crystalline orientations of a polycrystalline substrate; this is important for obtaining high-performance solar cells. The GaAs solar cell on n-type poly-Ge substrate is a p-on-n type, with an undoped spacer between the p-emitter and the n-base. An experimental study of dark currents in these junctions, with and without the spacer, as a function of temperature (77K to 288K) is presented; this study suggests that the spacer reduces the tunneling contribution to dark current. In addition, we describe device-structure optimization studies that have led us to achieve an open-circuit voltage (V{sub oc}) exceeding 1 Volt and an AM1.5 efficiency of {approximately}19{percent} for a 4-cm{sup 2}-area GaAs cell on ...
Direct coupljng between Al and Au metal]jzations can result in an increase in gate resistance due to a metallurgical reaction. (purple plague). An RF life test on ...
Electronic and structural properties of antiphase boundaries in group III-V semiconductor compounds have been receiving increased attention due to the potential to integration of optically-active III-V...Full Text Available
Bremstrahlung Isochromat Spectroscopy (BIS). The XES spectra were collected using a Specs electron gun for the excitation and the XES 350 grating monochromator and channel plate system from Scienta as the photon detection. Spectra were collected in 'normal mode,' where the electron gun kinetic energy (KE) and the energy position of the center of the channel plate were both fixed and the energy distribution in the photon (hv) spectrum was derived from the intensities distributed across the channel plate detector in the energy dispersal direction. The polycrystalline Ce sample was oxidized by exposure to air at ambient pressures. After introduction to the ultra-high vacuum system, the oxidized sample was bombarded with Ar, to clean the topmost surface region and stabilize the surface and near surface regions. Although CeO{sub 2} would be the thermodynamically preferred composition in an oxygen rich environment, the combination ...
In the last two years, rapid progress has been made in the energy conversion efficiencies of GaAs solar cells fabricated from molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) material. The efficiencies of cells fabricated from MBE material are now comparable with those fabricated from metal-organic chemical vapor deposition material, even for cells of dimension 2 cmx4 cm. This paper reviews the progress in MBE cell efficiencies. Also discussed is the role oval defects play in GaAs diode and solar cell performance. (orig.).
Using the slow electrons spectrometer one can get information on the surface structure, its element composition, chemical bonds, adsorption phenomena, electron state density and surface oscillation. We have developed the methods and created the apparatus that makes it possible to investigate the electron backscattering by solid surface. We have studied the electron scattering by the polycrystalline and monocrystalline. GaAs surface in the energy range of 0 to 9 eV. The FWHM of electron energy distribution function was 70 meV. (author).
By gas-source molecular-beam epitaxy, we obtained a device-quality GaInP epitaxial layer lattice matched to (100)-GaAs substrates, with a photoluminescence efficiency comparable to that of a crystal grown by liquid-phase epitaxy. A GaInP/AlInP double heterostructure laser with a GaInP active layer was fabricated, and pulsed lasing operation was achieved at room temperature for, we believe, the first time.
New techniques were developed to construct Schottky barrier and homojunction solar cells on GaAs substrates. Schottky barrier metal-semiconductor solar cells were produced for the first time on p-type GaAs substrate using a sputter-deposition method to form the barrier. The sputter deposition of gold or gold/palladium is the key to the method since normal thermal evaporation of gold onto p-type GaAs produces ohmic contacts. The results of this investigation are consistent with the idea that sputter damage produces donor type surface states on GaAs. Barrier heights were measured for both p-type sputtered and n-type thermally evaporated diodes using current-voltage and capacitance-voltage methods. Deep-level transient spectroscopy was used to identify the trap center concentration and energy levels for both diodes in an effort to explain the relatively large dark current in the p-type sputtered diodes. ...
This paper deals with preparation of PE clay nano composite specimen for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and studying the difference between dispersion of clay in low density polyethylene using poly(hydrogen methyl siloxane) (PHMS) as coupling agent and untreated one. Argon ion milling is the conventional means by which film sections are thinned to electron transparency for TEM analysis, but this technique exhibits significant problems. In particular, selective thinning and imaging of sub-micrometer inclusions during sample milling are highly problematic. We have achieved successful results using the focused ion beam (FIB) lift-out technique, which utilizes a 30 kV Ga"+ ion beam to extract electron transparent specimens with nanometer scale precision. Using this procedure, we have prepared a number of thin film materials representing a range of structures and compositions for TEM analysis. We believe that FIB milling ...
A series of Gd-substituted M-type barium hexaferrites has been prepared by the ceramic route, according to the formula (Ba{sub 1-x}Gd{sub x})O.5.25Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} (x=0-0.30). XRD analysis revealed that all the samples present primarily an M-type structure. Samples x=0 and x=0.05 are single-phase. Hematite (Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) and GdFeO{sub 3} were detected in the remaining samples. Coercivity (H{sub c}) shows remarkably high values, {approx}293kA/m for x=0.20 and 0.30 with a maximum of 322kA/m for x=0.25. Specific saturation magnetization ({sigma}{sub sat}) of the samples presents a small increase up to x=0.10. The microstructure examination indicates that Gd may act as a grain growth inhibitor.
A series of Gd-substituted M-type barium hexaferrites has been prepared by the ceramic route, according to the formula (Ba_1_-_xGd_x)O.5.25Fe_2O_3 (x=0-0.30). XRD analysis revealed that all the samples present primarily an M-type structure. Samples x=0 and x=0.05 are single-phase. Hematite (Fe_2O_3) and GdFeO_3 were detected in the remaining samples. Coercivity (H_c) shows remarkably high values, #approx#293kA/m for x=0.20 and 0.30 with a maximum of 322kA/m for x=0.25. Specific saturation magnetization (#sigma#_s_a_t) of the samples presents a small increase up to x=0.10. The microstructure examination indicates that Gd may act as a grain growth inhibitor.
Bethlehem Steel Corporation (BSC), in conjunction with the Department of Energy (DOE) is conducting a Clean Coal Technology (CCT) project at its Sparrows Point, Maryland Coke Oven Plant. This innovative coke oven gas cleaning system combines several existing technologies into an integrated system for removing impurities from Coke Oven Gas (COG) to make it an acceptable fuel. DOE provided cost-sharing under a Cooperative Agreement with BSC. This Cooperative Agreement requires BSC to develop and conduct and Environmental Monitoring Plan for the Clean Coal Technology project and to report the status of the EMP on a quarterly basis. It also requires the preparation of a final report on the results of the Baseline Compliance and Supplemental Sampling Programs that are part of the EMP and which were conducted prior to the startup of the innovative coke oven gas cleaning system. This report is the Baseline Sampling Program report.
Research was conducted to determine the effect of electrochemical aging on large area arc-sprayed zinc anodes for cathodic protection of bridges and other reinforced concrete structures. The study focused on the influence of total charge passed and concrete surface preparation on the bonding of the zinc to the concrete. Half of the samples were preheated prior to being arc-sprayed with zinc. The preheated samples had initial bond strengths that were 80% higher than the unheated samples. This difference in bond strength became insignificant after the passage of approximately 200 kC/m{sup 2} (5.2 A-h/ft{sup 2}) and bond strengths for all samples started to decrease after approximately 600 kC/m{sup 2} (15.5 A-h/ft{sup 2}). These changes in bond strength were correlated with observed changes in the permeability of the zinc coating to water, the electrical behavior of the zinc-concrete ...
We reported the radio-protective effect of DTT. The treatment of DTT increased cell survival after gamma-irradiation, decreased in the frequencies of micronucleus, and reduction in DNA fragmentation and apoptotic cells. Induction of apoptosis after UV-C irradiation was revealed by the changes in the relative cell death, increase in the relative amount of apoptotic cells, and the induction of DNA fragmentation. About 100 medicinal plants were purchased and methanol extract samples were prepared. Radio-protective and radio-sensitizing activities of these samples were screened. Seven samples showed above 20% radio-protective activities: Salvia miltiorrhiza, Areca catechu, Cornus officinalis, Alpiniae officinari rhizoma, Meliae fructus, Alpiniae katsumadaii semen, Betulae cortex. Acanthopanax sessiliflous showed the highest radio-sensitizing effect and 10 other samples revealed moderate ...
The automotive paints could be generally differentiated by color, layer sequence and chemistry of the paint layers comprising each of the topcoat and the primer system. The successful identification of hit-and-run a and traffic accidental vehicles from evidential paint fragments is greatly facilitated with a comprehensive laboratory collection of reference paint samples and the technique for direct analysis without samplepreparation. The Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography(PGC) is a precise and reliable method for performing both quantitative and qualitative analysis of polymeric materials and forensic samples. Our Forensic Laboratory is conducting the examination and identification of 73 reference paint samples; 4 colors of each domestic automotive make that is poplar in Korea, by Curie Point Pyrolyzer(JHP-3) and GC with capillary column(ultra alloy-5). This method can be used not only ...
In this paper, we prepared by the sol-gel method alkaline titania catalysts, doped by gelling titanium alkoxide with aqueous solutions containing potassium, rubidium or cesium chlorides. XRD patterns showed that samples annealed at 400 and 600degreeC contained a single crystalline phase, anastase. Specific surface areas were higher in samples annealed at 400degreeC (>100m2/g) than in those annealed at 600degreeC (25m2/g). The weight density of basic sites determined by CO2-TPD drastically diminished in samples treated at 600degreeC. Catalysts were tested for the self-condensation of acetone at 300degreeC; main reaction products were isomesityl oxide, mesityl oxide and mesitylene. Samples annealed at 600degreeC showed lower acetone conversion rate and low formation of mesitylene than that o...
Abstract Preparation of antibacterial alginate films incorporating extruded white ginseng (EWG) extracts was attempted. The antibacterial effect of EWG extract on six selected food pathogenic bacteria was compared with the effect of red ginseng (RG) and white ginseng (WG) extracts. The EWG was processed in a twin-screw extruder with feed moisture of 20% and barrel temperature of 115 and 130C. The data obtained by agar diffusion assay demonstrated that the film containing 1-g/mL of EWG at barrel temperatures of 115 (EWG-115) and 130C (EWG-130) exhibited stronger antibacterial activity against the four strains of bacteria than the other extracts RG and WG. All films sampled showed reduction in bacteria cell counts (log cycle) compared with the control. After 24-h of incubation, Pseudomonas a...
Highly ordered arrays of Ni nanoholes and Fe{sub 20}Ni{sub 80} antidots have been prepared, respectively, by replica/antireplica processing and sputtering techniques using nanoporous alumina membranes as templates. Geometrical characteristics as nanohole/antidot diameter, interpore distance and the overall hexagonal symmetry of arrays are controlled through the original templates. Experimental data on their hysteresis and magnetic domain structure have been taken by vibrating sample magnetometry and magnetic force microscopy, respectively. An analysis of the magnetization process, resulting magnetic anisotropy and magnetic domain structure is summarized considering the influence of those geometry aspects. In particular, the hexagonal symmetry and the density of nanohole/antidots determine the overall magnetic behavior, which is of interest in future high-density magnetic storage systems.
Highly ordered arrays of Ni nanoholes and Fe20Ni80 antidots have been prepared, respectively, by replica/antireplica processing and sputtering techniques using nanoporous alumina membranes as templates. Geometrical characteristics as nanohole/antidot diameter, interpore distance and the overall hexagonal symmetry of arrays are controlled through the original templates. Experimental data on their hysteresis and magnetic domain structure have been taken by vibrating sample magnetometry and magnetic force microscopy, respectively. An analysis of the magnetization process, resulting magnetic anisotropy and magnetic domain structure is summarized considering the influence of those geometry aspects. In particular, the hexagonal symmetry and the density of nanohole/antidots determine the overall magnetic behavior, which is of interest in future high-density magnetic storage systems.
The aim of this study was to develop a nanostructured Nb2O5-natural hydroxyapatite bulk composite to serve as an alternative biocompatible bulk material for implants. A set of samples of hydroxyapatite from fish bones with different concentrations of Nb2O5 were designed. They were prepared through a milling process, compacted under different pressures (350, 450, 550 and 650MPa) and sintered in air atmosphere at 1000^oC for 1h. The results revealed that the prepared composites presented strong interactions between the two elements and showed improvement in the sinterability with significant densification and microstructure changes, suggesting that they are promising for implants meant to replace bone tissues.
Ferroelectric [Pb_0_._9_2(La_1_-_zSb _z)_0_._0_8][Zr_0_._6_0Ti_0_._4_0]O_3 for z = 0.0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1 were prepared from their constituent oxides by a solid state reaction technique. The powders were calcined in the temperature range of 1000 deg. C for 6 h. Phase formation, crystal structure and lattice parameter were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The compacts were sintered at 1250 deg. C for 2 h and their dielectric, ferroelectric and conductive properties were measured. The ferroelectric behavior of the doped samples was studied from their hysteresis loop.
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.
The aims of the present work were to investigate possible compatibility between sodium zirconium phosphate (NZP) and Synroc titanate phases, to prepare NZP-based waste forms by hot-pressing rather than sintering, and to investigate the incorporation in NZP of (a) Cs/Sr as simulated heat-generating nuclides; (b) simulated actinides; and (c) simulated Purex waste. The NZP samples were prepared by methods similar to those used for Synroc. The precursor NZP phase was formed from tetrabutyl zirconate Zr(OC{sub 4}H{sub 9}){sub 4}, sodium nitrate, and 85% orthophosphoric acid. Simulated waste nitrate solutions were then mixed with the liquid precursor. After stir drying of the precursor, calcination was carried out at 700{degree}C to remove nitrates and organics.
Under different sintering temperatures(340 degrees C, 440 degrees C, 540 degrees C, 640 degrees C), four TiO2 particles were prepared. The crystal types of all four samples were found to possess anatase structures by XRD. It was obtained by N2 experimental adsorption at low temperature (77K) that their surface areas and average pore size were between 79 and 124 m2/g, 56.8 and 254.8 A respectively. The pore structure of TiO2 particles was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The tests of adsorption dynamics for FGD and the performance of SO2 removal were investigated in a fixed-bed system for different samples. The results show that SG540 sample which made at 540 degrees C sintering temperature had the most quality among the four samples. It can adsorb SO2 of 38.9 mg for one gram SG540 sample. Different operating conditions for SG540 such as ...
Methods currently being used or developed for the elemental analysis of materials are chemical analysis, non-destructive inspection and calorimetry. The chemical analysis, which removes high-level radioactive elements through chemical treatments and then performs the quantitative analysis using the ICP-MS(Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometer) or the ID-MS(Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometer), is recognized the most accurate. However, it requires a long, complex pre-treatment process in which a mass spectrometer could be contaminated. To solve this problem, a new method, which can be performed with high-level radioactivity and at high temperature, was desired. Such a method should also have the same accuracy as the chemical analysis, with a less possibility for instruments to be contaminated. In addition, as interests in the environment and the life quality are increased, a detailed analysis on the environmental impacts is also required. Satisfying all of the above-mentioned, ...
The effect of addition of rosemary and oregano extracts on the sensory quality of irradiated beef burger was investigated. Batches of beef burgers were prepared with 400 ppm of rosemary or oregano extract and a group prepared with 200 ppm of synthetic butyl-hydroxytoluene (BHT)/butyl-hydroxy-anisol (BHA) was used as a control. Half of each formulation was irradiated at the maximum dose allowed for frozen meat (7 kGy). Samples were kept under frozen conditions (-20 deg. C) during the whole storage period, including during irradiation. Two analyses were performed after 20 and 90 days to verify the influence of the addition of the different types of antioxidants and the effect of irradiation and storage time on the acceptance of the product. Thirty-three and thirty-four untrained panelists were invited to participate in the first and second test, respectively. A structured hedonic scale ranging from 1 to 9 points was used in ...
This paper presents studies carried out on tin-doped indium sulfide films prepared using Chemical Spray Pyrolysis (CSP) technique. Effect of both in-situ and ex-situ doping were analyzed. Ex-situ doping was done by thermal diffusion, which was realized by annealing Sn/In2S3 bilayer films. In-situ doping was accomplished by introducing Sn into the spray solution by using SnCl45H2O. Interestingly, it was noted that by ex-situ doping, conductivity of the sample enhanced considerably without affecting any of the physical properties such as crystallinity or band gap. Analysis also showed that higher percentage of doping resulted in samples with low crystallinity and negative photosensitivity. In-situ doping resulted in amorphous films. In contrast to ex-situ doping, `in- situ doping' resulted i...
The design of solid breeder blankets is strongly affected by the low values of thermal conductivity and density of ceramic breeder pebble beds. A significant rise of both quantities would enhance the thermal performance and lead to an increased tritium breeding ratio. In order to improve these quantities pretreated lithium orthosilicate pebble material was dry pressed and subsequently sintered. The thermal conductivity of cylindrical pellets was determined by the heat pulse method using a laser flash device. A pebble bed characteristic sample was also investigated in order to check the measurement accuracy in comparison with previous results. Furthermore, two samples of low density cellular ceramics were also prepared by infiltration of polymer foams with a ceramic slurry. The thermal cond...
We investigated phase transition of ilmenite-type AgSbO3 to pyrochlore by post-heat treatment and the synergy effect of the mixed phases of AgSbO3 on the photocatalytic activities to enhance the activities. The AgSbO3 with an ilmenite structure was prepared by a cation-exchange method. Phase transition from the ilmenite to pyrochlore occurred by proper control of post-heat treatment. The sample that was obtained by post-heat treatment of ilmenite-type AgSbO3 at 660^oC for 3h consisted of both of the ilmenite and pyrochlore phases, and the sample at 685^oC for 4h mainly consisted of the pyrochlore phase. Together with an increase in the ratio of the pyrochlore phase, the optical absorption spectra blue-shifted. The band gaps of single phases of the ilmenite and the pyrochlore were 2.4 and 2...
Two of eight differently prepared copper stabilizer samples, previously irradiated in the RTNS-II at LLNL, the IPNS-1 and the BSR at ORNL, have been irradiated to a fluence of 1.33 /times/ 10/sup 22/ n/m/sup 2/ at RTNS-II. During the course of the irradiation the samples were periodically removed (without warming) for measurements of the transverse magnetoresistance and returned for continued irradiation. This experiment extends the range of neutron-irradiation-induced resistivity by a factor of five over the previous experiments. A simple model is developed which reproduces the magnetoresistance results of all the experiments to an accuracy of 2.5%. 13 refs., 6 figs.
A high-precision Li isotope analysis was developed for determining the Li"+ ion emitted from lithium phosphate as an ion source material by a Re double-filament ionization method in the thermal ionization mass spectrometry. In this method, Li isotopic fractionation is distinctly less sensitive to the filament temperature than those in the previous methods, and stable and high ion beam intensity of more than 8 x 10"-"1"1 A for "7Li is obtained. These advantages in determining the "7Li/"6Li ratio result in the analytical reproducibility of 0.26 per mille (1#sigma#). Furthermore, the samplepreparation is simple and the low temperature (850degC) required by this method ensures the analysis of the isotopic composition of small amounts of Li with less influence of Li contamination to the sample, compared with the previous methods. (author).
High molecular weight samples of the novel biodegradable polyester poly(ethylene sebacate) (PESeb) were synthesized. Miscible poly(ethylene sebacate)/poly(4-vinyl phenol) semicrystalline/amorphous blends were prepared by applying the solvent casting method. Miscibility was proved by the single composition dependent glass transition temperature over the entire composition range observed in DSC traces of the quenched blend samples and also by the melting point depression. The Flory-Huggins interaction parameter was found to be x12 = -1.3. Also, FTIR spectra supported the hypothesis of intermolecular interactions due to hydrogen bonding. The crystallization of PESeb in blends was studied. As expected, isothermal crystallization rates decreased in the blends with increasing the PVPh content. T...
N-doped TiO2 has been prepared by use of sol?gel systems containing titanium alkoxide, with nitric acid as the nitrogen source. The time needed for gelation of the systems was drastically reduced by ultrasonic irradiation. The peaks assigned to the nitrate and nitrous ions were observed by FT-IR measurement during the sol?gel reaction. The N-doping was confirmed by the observation of N?O peaks in the XPS spectrum of the sample heated at 400??C. The nitrate ion acted as an oxidizer of the ethanol solvent and titanium species. The TiO2 became doped with nitrogen oxide species as a result of reduction of nitrate ion incorporated into the dried gel samples. These results indicated that the added nitric acid was reduced during the sol?gel transition and heating process, and the resulting NO spe...
The following is the optimized pulsed laser deposition (PLD) procedure by which we prepared the final samples that were sent to LLNL. These samples are epitaxial multilayer structures of Si/YSZ/CeO/NSMO, where the abbreviations are explained in the following table. In this heterostructure, YSZ serves as a buffer layer to prevent deleterious chemical reactions, and also serves to de-oxygenate the amorphous SiO{sub 2} layer to generate a crystalline template for epitaxy. CeO and BTO serve as template layers to minimize the effects of thermal and lattice mismatch strains, respectively. More details on the buffer and template layer scheme are included in the manuscript [Yong et al., 2008] attached to this report.
This paper aimed to the evaluation of different kinds of sorbent material preparation and to the evaluation of their characteristics at different pH conditions by X-ray fluorescence analysis. This method is suitable for identification and determination of elements in samples of different character, state and origin because it is a polycomponent, non-destructive, fast and simple analytical method. Moreover, it allows timeadvantageous and reliable measurements. This paper studies problems concerning the determination of some selected elements (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) in pharmaceutical samples of sodium chloride in the solid state as well as in its solution by sorption on chelating extraction membrane 3M Empore"T"M and on the strongly acidic ion-exchanger Dowex 50Wx8. Conditions for the most effective sorption of determined elements are also interpreted. (author)
This paper aimed to the evaluation of different kinds of sorbent material preparation and to the evaluation of their characteristics at different pH conditions by X-ray fluorescence analysis. This method is suitable for identification and determination of elements in samples of different character, state and origin because it is a polycomponent, non-destructive, fast and simple analytical method. Moreover, it allows time-advantageous and reliable measurements. This paper studies problems concerning the determination of some selected elements (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) in pharmaceutical samples of sodium chloride in the solid state as well as in its solution by sorption on chelating extraction membrane 3M Empore? and on the strongly acidic ion-exchanger Dowex 50Wx8. Conditions for the most ef...
In preparation for studying the hydrolytic degradation of Estane 5703 in the plastic-bonded explosive PBX 9501, the sorption (solubility) and diffusion of water in PBX 9501 and each of its components are studied experimentally and modeled theoretically. Experiments are reported that measure the weight gain or loss due to a change in the relative humidity (RH). For all of the components, the equilibrium amount of water sorbed per gram of sample is linear in the RH at low relative humidities but curves upwards at higher relative humidities. This behavior is modeled with a water cluster model. Diffusion coefficients are determined by modeling the time dependence of the water concentrations assuming Fickian diffusion, and that fits the data for some of the materials. However, all the samples t...
Sales of iodized table salt (household use, bulk containers) have been flat in Germany since 1996/1997. Nevertheless, the amount of iodide excreted with the urine has been steadily increasing in the German population since 1993. We investigated the beverage iodine levels as possible source of the increased input of iodine into the food chain. No systematic studies on this topic have yet been carried out in Germany. A total of 510 samples were drawn from large grocery discounters who supply all German states with their products (35% fruit and vegetable juices, 35% beers, 10% pooled milk and yoghurt drinks, 10% mineral water, 10% soda). (1) Water-based beverage samples are prepared by solid-phase extraction and iodine concentration is determined by HPLC and electrochemical detection, (2) the...
Here we demonstrate that the as-prepared MCM-41 mesoporous silica material, which is synthesized using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a cationic surfactant exhibits very high capacity for perchlorate uptake from solutions. Thus we discover a new function for the as-synthesized mesoporous materials containing cationic surfactants. These materials are shown to have better capacity than the currently used activated carbon, which is preloaded with cationic surfactant. As-synthesized MCM-41 has a higher removal of perchlorate with 0.378???0.038?meq/g than the surfactant modified activated carbon sample, which removed 0.304???0.005?meq/g i.e., MCM-41 has a 24 % higher capacity than the surfactant modified activated carbon sample for perchlorate uptake because of higher surfactant content and ...
In this study, a novel graphene nanosheets (GNSs) coated solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber was prepared by immobilizing microwave synthesized GNSs on a stainless steel wire. Microwave synthesized GNSs were verified by X-ray diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). GNS-SPME fiber was characterized using FE-SEM and the results showed the GNS coating was homogeneous, porous, and highly adherent to the surface of the stainless steel fiber. The performance and feasibility of the GNS-SPME fiber was evaluated under one-step microwave assisted (MA) headspace (HS) SPME followed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection for five organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in aqueous samples. Parameters influencing the extra...
Purpose: To evaluate micro computed tomography (micro-CT) for the assessment of osteochondritis dissecans in comparison with histology. Material and Methods: Osteochondritis dissecans lesions of 3 patients were evaluated using micro-CT (0.125 mA, 40 keV, 60 m slice thickness, 60 m isotropic resolution, entire sample) and light microscopy (toluidine blue, 3-5 m slice thickness). The methods were compared regarding preparation time, detectability of tissue types and morphologic features of bone and cartilage. Results: Non-destructive micro-CT imaging of the entire sample was faster than histologic preparation of a single slice for light microscopy. Morphologic features of bone and cartilage could be imaged in a comparable way to histology. It was not possible to image cells or different tissue types of bone and cartilage with micro-CT. Conclusion: Micro-CT is a fast, non-destructive tool that may be a ...
Purpose: To evaluate micro computed tomography (micro-CT) for the assessment of osteochondritis dissecans in comparison with histology. Material and Methods: Osteochondritis dissecans lesions of 3 patients were evaluated using micro-CT (0.125 mA, 40 keV, 60 m slice thickness, 60 m isotropic resolution, entire sample) and light microscopy (toluidine blue, 3-5 m slice thickness). The methods were compared regarding preparation time, detectability of tissue types and morphologic features of bone and cartilage. Results: Non-destructive micro-CT imaging of the entire sample was faster than histologic preparation of a single slice for light microscopy. Morphologic features of bone and cartilage could be imaged in a comparable way to histology. It was not possible to image cells or different tissue types of bone and cartilage with micro-CT. Conclusion: Micro-CT is a fast, non-destructive tool that may be a ...
Nanocrystalline samples of Fe_8_0Mo_2_0 and Fe_5_0Mo_5_0 alloys were prepared by the mechanical milling method. The structure, lattice parameters, and crystallite size were determined by the X-ray diffraction. The magnetic properties of the milled products were determined by the Moessbauer spectroscopy. It was observed that in the case of the Fe_8_0Mo_2_0 alloy a solid solution of Mo in Fe was formed with the lattice parameters of the Fe increasing from 0.28659 nm to 0.29240 nm and the crystallite size decreasing from 250 nm to 20 nm. In the case of the Fe_5_0Mo_5_0 alloy there were no clear changes in values of the lattice parameters of Fe and Mo during the milling process, but the crystallite size decreased from 200 to 15 nm. Moessbauer spectra revealed different magnetic phases in the machanosynthesized Fe_Mo samples. In the case of the Fe_8_0Mo_2_0 alloy, the spectrum for the milled mixture indicated the formation of ...
Lyophilized human whole blood control material containing lead was prepared for internal and external quality assurance to evaluate and improve the analytical performance of lead. The samples were prepared in four different concentrations from outdated human whole blood stabilized with glucose and a citrate/phosphate buffer and provided under clean room conditions to avoid contamination. The lyophilized samples are easy to reconstitute with water. The materials were evaluated according to a statistical model. The lead concentrations in the specimens are close to blood lead levels usually following environmental and industrial exposure, particular in occupational health to the control of lead exposure at work regulations. The materials are available to the commercial as well as the scientific community. The Danish External Quality Assessment Scheme (DEQAS) for lead in blood is intended to complement the ...
It has been prepared composites materials by means of monomer penetration in pores of wood samples and later curing by means of gamma irradiation. The studied species were Hura crepitans L. (catahua), Aniba puchury-minor (C. Martinez) (mohena amarilla), and Calycophyllum spruceanum (Benth.) (capirona). These new materials exhibit smaller water absorption and better mechanical properties in comparison with native wood. The test tubes of catahua treated with the styrene-polyester mixture absorb only up to 10% humidity compared to the native species whereas its hardness is increased in a 100%. (author).
Using standards on phenol-formaldehyde resin base for assaying-activation analysis of geological specimens for gold and silver has bee the advantage of uniformly distributing Au and Ag in spesimens and possible preparing tablets of practically any form or size. The validity and accuracy of these standards have been studied for the cases of short irradiation. Conventional point standards were used as reference standards. The experiments carried out have shown that tablet resol standards are suitable for a mass assaying-activation analysis for gold and silver at practically any concentrations.
Spectroscopy of antihydrogen has the potential to yield high-precision tests of the CPT theorem and shed light on the matter-antimatter imbalance in the Universe. The ALPHA antihydrogen trap at CERN's Antiproton Decelerator aims to prepare a sample of antihydrogen atoms confined in an octupole-based Ioffe trap and to measure the frequency of several atomic transitions. We describe our techniques to directly measure the antiproton temperature and a new technique to cool them to below 10 K. We also show how our unique position-sensitive annihilation detector provides us with a highly sensitive method of identifying antiproton annihilations and effectively rejecting the cosmic-ray background.
Multi-cation #alpha#-Sialon ceramics were prepared using mixtures of samarium with calcium, magnesium, yttrium and ytterbium, and compared with a pure Sm-Sialon of equivalent total stabilising cation composition. A ratio of 80eq% samarium to 20eq% of the second stabilising additive was used. Samples were fired at 1820 deg C and subsequently heat treated at 1450 deg C. XRD phase analysis showed that all additives resulted in greater #alpha#-Sialon stability, and that calcium was the most effective additive for the stabilisation of the #alpha#-Sialon phase. Copyright (1998) Australasian Ceramic Society
The CeO{sub 2}-ZrO{sub 2}-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} samples with different bismuth content were prepared in this study. By the doping of Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} into the lattice, TPR profiles of the CeO{sub 2}-ZrO{sub 2} shifted to lower temperatures and oxygen storage capacity increased remarkably. It is concluded that the reason for such a behavior is probably due to both the formation of oxygen vacancies which enhance the oxygen mobility and the simultaneous reduction of Ce{sup 4+} and Bi{sup 3+} in the mixed oxides. (authors)
The resistance of six tropical hardwoods to fungal degradation by two wild-type strains of Phanerochaete chrysosporium Burdsall was investigated using vermiculite burial and wood-block weight loss techniques. Radiation-induced wood-polymer composites (WPC), based on two hardwoods Ramin and Rubberwood with methyl methacrylate, were prepared, and samples were also exposed to the wood-rotting fungus. A significant improvement in resistance to fungal decay was observed in the WPC. Scanning-electron micrographs of the two woods and their composites after fungal degradation are presented and discussed.
The purpose of this work is to present a comprehensive, instructive analysis of the basis of radionuclide XRFA, to describe methods of samplepreparation for environmental analysis and to make the reader more familiar with the procedures, methods and instrumentation of radionuclide XRFA used in this field. This book discusses the use of radionuclide XRFA for solving analytical problems of the environment and information is presented concerning the current state of research and use of radionuclide XRFA in this significant area. The present volume will serve as a basic source of data and also as a laboratory handbook. refs.; figs.; tabs.
Progress is reported in several areas of research. The following cellulosic raw materials were selected for study: wheat, barley, and rice straws, rice hulls, sorghum, corn stover, cotton gin trash, newsprint, ground wood, and masonite steam-treated Douglas fir and redwood. Samples were collected, prepared, and analyzed for hexosans, pentosans, lignin, ash, and protein. Results of acid extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis are discussed. Yields of glucose, polyglucose, xylose, and arabinose are reported. Progress in process design and economic studies, as well as pilot plant process development and design studies, is summarized. (JGB)
X-ray photoemission spectroscopy has been used to measure the valence band offset {Delta}E{sub v} for the AlP/GaP (001) heterojunction interface. The heterojunction samples were prepared by molecular-beam epitaxy. A value of {triangle}E{sub v}=0.43 eV is obtained (staggered band alignment, with AlP valence band below that of GaP). 24 refs., 8 figs., 1 tab.
Many analytical chemistry methods normally used at the Savannah River site require repetitive procedures and handling of radioactive and other hazardous solutions. Robotics is being investigated as a method of reducing personnel fatigue and radiation exposure and also increasing product quality. Several applications of various commercially available robot systems are discussed involving cold (nonradioactive) and hot (radioactive) samplepreparations and glovebox waste removal. Problems encountered in robot programming, parts fixturing, design of special robot hands and other support equipment, glovebox operation, and operator-system interaction are discussed. A typical robot system cost analysis for one application is given.
This report is a summary of the progress and research produced for the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) Research Program for calendar year 1996. Contributions from the individual investigators about their projects are included, specifically, physics: treatment planning software, real-time neutron beam measurement dosimetry, measurement of the Finnish research reactor epithermal neutron spectrum, BNCT accelerator technology; and chemistry: analysis of biological samples and preparation of {sup 10}B enriched decaborane.
The document represents a guide for the external decontamination of persons accidentally radio contaminated due to the use, production or transport of radioactive materials. The general conditions, from the medical point of view, to be kept in mind, in the event of accidental overexposures as decontamination treatment and the handling of samples are detailed throughout report. The external contamination without injury in skin or with wound its considered. The distribution of measures and responsibilities for the therapy of the irradiated patients with radioactive materials are enumerated. The preparations of decontaminate solutions are detailed in this work. Moreover, forms for the reception, physical evaluation of the patient and external contamination are presented. (author)
We demonstrate the possibility to fabricate arrays of pores oriented perpendicular and parallel to the top surface of the ZnSe nanotemplate. The control of material conductivity allows one to produce porous ZnSe samples with the mean pore diameter and characteristic skeleton wall thickness from several hundreds of nanometers to about 15 nm. In addition, electrochemical treatment of ZnSe single crystals using photoresist masks allows one to prepare buried porous structures with pores directed parallel to the top template surface, which is especially important for photonic applications.
The decontamination of the urban building surfaces, based on the covering of clay suspensions, has been studied. Contaminated samples for test purpose were prepared by application of radioactive solution which was extracted from the soil of 2 km zone of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant(ChNPP). The cation converting conditions of clay suspensions were determined by the experiments of swelling and stability of the suspensions. According to the experimental results, the most effective clay suspension was the NH{sub 4}-type which had a 7.1 of decontamination factor(DF) on Cs and 4.5 of DF on total nuclides after 3 times covering on slate.
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.
We present a samplepreparation method for measuring magnesium in individual whole lymphocytes by electron probe X-ray microanalysis. We use Burkitt's lymphoma cells in culture as the test sample and compare X-ray microanalysis of individual cells with atomic absorption analysis of pooled cell populations. We determine the magnesium peak-to-local continuum X-ray intensity ratio by electron probe X-ray microanalysis and calculate a mean cell magnesium concentration of 39 +/- 19 mmol/kg dry weight from analysis of 100 cells. We determine a mean cell magnesium concentration of 34 +/- 4 mmol/kg dry weight by atomic absorption analysis of pooled cells in three cell cultures. The mean cell magnesium concentrations determined by the two methods are not significantly different. We find a 10% coefficient of variation for both methods of analysis and a 30% coefficient of variation in magnesium concentration among individual cells by ...
We present a samplepreparation method for measuring magnesium in individual whole lymphocytes by electron probe X-ray microanalysis. We use Burkitt's lymphoma cells in culture as the test sample and compare X-ray microanalysis of individual cells with atomic absorption analysis of pooled cell populations. We determine the magnesium peak-to-local continuum X-ray intensity ratio by electron probe X-ray microanalysis and calculate a mean cell magnesium concentration of 39 +- 19 mmol/kg dry weight from analysis of 100 cells. We determine a mean cell magnesium concentration of 34 +- 4 mmol/kg dry weight by atomic absorption analysis of pooled cells in three cell cultures. The mean cell magnesium concentrations determined by the two methods are not significantly different. We find a 10% coefficient of variation for both methods of analysis and a 30% coefficient of variation in magnesium concentration among individual cells by ...
The microbial transport simulator (MTS) is a three-dimensional, three-phase, multiple-component numerical model that permits the study of the transport of microorganisms and nutrients in porous media. Microbial parameters incorporated into MTS include: Microbial growth and decay, microbial deposition, chemotaxis, diffusion, convective dispersion, tumbling, and nutrient consumption. Governing equations for microbial and nutrient transport are coupled with continuity and flow equations under conditions appropriate for a black oil reservoir. The model`s mathematical formulations and preparation procedures of data files for conducting simulations using MTS are described. A general background of microbial transport simulation is given in Section I and the governing equations, mechanisms, and numerical solutions of MTS are given in Section II. Explanations for preparing an input data file with reservoir and microbial transport data are described in ...
In this paper, we report the electrochemical characteristics of a novel cathode material, Li{sub 2}CoPO{sub 4}F, prepared by solid-state reactions. The solid-state reaction mechanism involved in synthesizing the Li{sub 2}CoPO{sub 4}F also is analyzed in this paper. When cycled between 2.0 V and 5.0 V during cyclic voltammetry measurements, the Li{sub 2}CoPO{sub 4}F samples present one, fully reversible anodic reaction at 4.81 V. When cycled between 2.0 V and 5.5 V, peaks occurring at 4.81 V and 5.12 V in the first anodic scan evolved to one broad oxidative, mound-like pattern in subsequent cycles. Correspondingly, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the Li{sub 2}CoPO{sub 4}F electrode discharged from 5.5 V to 2.0 V is slightly different from the patterns exhibited by a fresh sample and the sample discharged from 5.0 V to 2.0 V. This difference may correspond to a structural relaxation that appears ...
The design of solid breeder blankets is strongly affected by the low values of thermal conductivity and density of ceramic breeder pebble beds. A significant rise of both quantities would enhance the thermal performance and lead to an increased tritium breeding ratio. In order to improve these quantities pretreated lithium orthosilicate pebble material was dry pressed and subsequently sintered. The thermal conductivity of cylindrical pellets was determined by the heat pulse method using a laser flash device. A pebble bed characteristic sample was also investigated in order to check the measurement accuracy in comparison with previous results. Furthermore, two samples of low density cellular ceramics were also prepared by infiltration of polymer foams with a ceramic slurry. The thermal conductivity results show that the values are affected both by the particle size and the sample density. Thermal ...
Superconducting rf cavities are increasingly used in accelerators. Gradient is a parameter of particular importance for the ILC. Much progress in gradient has been made over the past decade, overcoming problems of multipacting, field emission, and breakdown triggered by surface impurities. However, the quenching limit of the surface magnetic field for niobium remains a hard limitation on cavity fields sustainable with this technology. Further exploration of materials and preparation may offer a path to surpassing the current limit. For this purpose, we have designed a resonant test cavity. One wall of the cavity is formed by a flat sample of superconducting material; the rest of the cavity is copper or niobium. The H field on the sample wall is 75% higher than on any other surface. Multipacting is avoided by use of a mode with no surface electric field. The cavity will be resonated through a coupling iris with high-power rf ...
Fe-sheathed MgB{sub 2} tapes with cheap stearic acid, Mg stearate and Zn stearate doping were prepared through the in situ powder-in-tube method. It is found that J{sub c}, H{sub irr} and H{sub c2} were significantly enhanced by doping. Compared to the pure tapes, J{sub c} for all the doped samples was improved by more than an order of magnitude in a high-field regime. At 4.2 K, the transport J{sub c} reached 2.02 x 10{sup 4} A cm{sup -2} at 10 T for the Zn stearate doped tapes and 3.72 x 10{sup 3} A cm{sup -2} at 14 T for the stearic acid doped samples, respectively. Moreover, at 20 K, H{sub irr} for the Zn stearate doped tape achieved 10 T, which is comparable to that of the commercial NbTi at 4.2 K. The improvement of J{sub c}-H properties in doped samples can be attributed to the increase of H{sub c2} resulting from the incorporation of C atoms into the MgB{sub 2} crystal lattice as well as a high ...
SiO/sub 2//Si samplesprepared in 2% and 4% HCl/O/sub 2/ mixtures at 1200/sup 0/C have been annealed in H/sub 2/O/N/sub 2/ ambients at 1200/sup 0/C. The anneals ranged up to 16 hrs in ambients with 4 or 40 ppM H/sub 2/O in N/sub 2/. Rutherford backscattering measurements have been made to determine the amount and location of Cl incorporated in these samples. A linear loss of Cl with annealing time is found for all samples. Changes in the distribution of Cl near the SiO/sub 2//Si interface are found. These changes are interpreted in terms of morphological changes in the third (Cl containing) phase. A significant effect of the H/sub 2/O content of the N/sub 2/ ambient is observed.
To examine and evaluate the predominant and common etiologic agent(s) of urinary tract infection (UTI) in Sukkur city and to determine their current antibiotic susceptibility/resistance trends. Nine hundred sixty six patients out of 1430 abnormal urine reports (showing significant abnormalities such as protein, pus, red cells) were asked to give second sample. The urine samples were examined by both urine test strip (Combur 10 Test, Roche) and microscopically (wet preparation) followed by culture and sensitivity. The culture sensitivity was done on urine samples of which bacterial numbers were estimated as more than 105CFU. The study was conducted at Safeway Diagnostic and Research Laboratory Sukkur and the Department of Microbiology, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, Sindh from March 2001 to March 2003. Eight hundred fifty-two (88.2%) showed Escherichia spp followed by Klebsiella spp (6.9%) and ...
Trichlorfon is an organophosphorus insecticide, which is extensively being used for protection of fruit crops. Trichlorfon is a thermal labile compound, which cannot be easily determined by gas chromatography (GC) and has no suitable group for sensitive detection by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In this study, a {sup 31}P nuclear magnetic resonance ({sup 31}P NMR) has been described for monitoring of trichlorfon without any separation step. The quantitative works of {sup 31}P NMR spectroscopy has been performed in the presence of an internal standard (hexamethylphosphoramide). Limit of detection (LOD) for this method has been found to be 55 mg L{sup -1}, without any samplepreparation, and the linear working range was 150-5500 mg L{sup -1}. Relative standard deviation (R.S.D.%) of the method for three replicates within and between days was obtained {<=}9%. The average recovery efficiency was approximately 99-112%. This ...
The objective this work was to evaluate the gamma radiation processing for elimination of organic contaminants on industrial wastewater. Standard samples with 17 hydrocarbons (acetophenone, anisole, benzene, chlorobenzene, cyclohexanone, N, N-dimethylaniline, phenol, naphtalene, 1-chloronaphtalene, n-octadecane, p-nitrotoluene, toluene, tetrachloroethane, tetramethylbenzene, n-undecane, m-xylene and o-xylene) was preparated in hexane with total concentration of 1 #mu# g/ #mu# l which was analyzed by gas chromatography. Other sample with the same concentration of these hydrocarbons in acetone was used to contaminate water samples, which were irradiated with gamma radiation from Co-60 between doses 5.0 to 20.0 KGy and dose rate of 1.162 KGy/h. The activity of source was 1470 Ci. Percents destruction of hydrocarbons were: 79.76 % to 5.0 KGy, 85.97 % to 7.5 KGy, 86.24 % to 10.0 KGy, 86.72 % to 12.5 KGy, ...
Research was conducted at Pacific Northwest Laboratory to develop high photosensitivity adaptive optical elements utilizing ion implanted lanthanum-doped lead-zirconate-titanate (PLZT). One centimeter square samples were prepared by implanting ferroelectric and anti-ferroelectric PLZT with a variety of species or combinations of species. These included Ne, O, Ni, Ne/Cr, Ne/Al, Ne/Ni, Ne/O, and Ni/O, at a variety of energies and fluences. An indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode coating was designed to give a balance of high conductivity and optical transmission at near uv to near ir wavelengths. Samples were characterized for photosensitivity; implanted layer thickness, index of refraction, and density; electrode (ITO) conductivity; and in some cases, residual stress curvature. Thin film anti-ferroelectric PLZT was deposited in a preliminary experiment. The structure was amorphous with x-ray diffraction showing the beginnings of ...
An energy analyzer has been constructed and operated in UHV for the purpose of analyzing the energy of neutral atoms scattered from solid surfaces. The analyzer consists of a LiF single crystal located at an angle close to the normal to the sample crystal so that the diffraction pattern obtained by scanning the LiF crystal yields the energy of the scattered atoms. Two designs which have been used are described. The temperature of both sample and analyzer crystal is near 20 K and once cleaned they can be maintained in the state of initial preparation for many weeks. The sample was a (001) Cu surface in this case. Such an energy analyzer can only be used, in most cases, for He atom scattering although Ne atoms could be used if the scattered intensities were adequate. The detector developed in this study is able to detect about 2 x 10"5 atoms/s. The resolution of the spectrometer depends on the incident ...
Extra-fine powdered activated charcoal has been used as stationary phase (coating layer) in solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The efficiency and reliability of the prepared device have been investigated for the extraction of some volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers (BTEX) from the headspace of water samples. Monitoring of the extracted compounds and further quantitative analysis of the real samples have been performed by capillary GC-FID. Effects of several factors such as temperature, addition of salt, and stirring speed on extraction efficiency and exposure time have been studied. Under optimum conditions, extraction recoveries for these compounds from 50 mL water were >95%. The calibration graphs were linear in the range 5 to 10{sup 4} pg mL{sup -1} and the detection limit for each BTEX compound was 1.5-2 pg mL{sup -1}. The results obtained by use of this porous layer ...
We explore a planar GaAs/AlAs photonic microcavity using pump-probe spectroscopy. Free carriers are excited in the GaAs with short pump pulses. The time-resolved reflectivity is spectrally resolved short probe pulses. We show experimentally that the cavity resonance and its width depend on the dynamic refractive index of both the lambda-slab and the lambda/4 GaAs mirrors. We clearly observe a double exponential relaxation of both the the cavity resonance and its width, which is due to the different recombination timescales in the lambda-slab and the mirrors. In particular, the relaxation time due to the GaAs mirrors approaches the photon storage time of the cavity, a regime for which nonlinear effects have been predicted. The strongly non-single exponential behavior of the resonance and the width is in excellent agreement to a transfer-matrix model taking into account two recombination times. The change in width leads to a ...
The reactions between (100) GaAs and the near-noble metals Ni, Pd, and Pt have been investigated by application of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive analysis of x rays in the scanning TEM and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. Emphasis is placed on the evolution of the phase distributions, film compositions, and interface morphologies during annealing at temperatures up to 480 /sup 0/C. The first phase in the Ni/GaAs reaction is shown to have the nominal composition Ni/sub 3/GaAs. Ternary phases of the type Pd/sub x/GaAs are also found to be the dominant products of the Pd/GaAs reaction. Conversely, only binary phases result from the Pt/GaAs reaction. These observations are used to construct isothermal sections of the M--Ga--As thin-film phase diagrams. The behavior of a thin (1--2 nm) native oxide--hydrocarbon layer during the Ni/GaAs, Pd/GaAs, and Pt/GaAs reactions is also investigated. Only the ...
An updated review of the state of the art in the development of GaAs solar cells is provided, with emphasis on AlGaAs-GaAs cells suitable for space applications. A set of theoretically derived characteristics is given for this type of solar cell. Comparison of measured performance with theory shows excellent agreement. Data on the effects of radiation damage (high-energy electrons, protons, and neutrons) is also integrated into a form useful for evaluation purposes. Techniques for fabricating (AlGa)As-GaAs solar cells in quantities large enough for practical applications are discussed and are shown to have been demonstrated. The possibility of extending these techniques to the fabrication of very thin low-weight cells for space applications is also considered. Finally, the results obtained to date in the development of GaAs solar cells for applications requiring concentrated sunlight are reviewed, for terrestrial as well as for space ...
Data are presented on the insulating properties and capacitance-voltage (CV) characteristics of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) device-thickness (below approx. 100 nm) native oxides formed by wet thermal oxidation of thin InAlP epilayers lattice matched to GaAs. Low leakage current densities of J=1.4 x 10-9 A/cm2 and J=8.7 x 10-11 A/cm2 are observed at an applied field of 1 MV/cm for MOS capacitors fabricated with 17 nm and 48 nm oxides, respectively. TEM images show that the In-rich interfacial particles which exist in 110 nm oxides are absent in 17 nm oxide films. Quasi-static capacitance-voltage measurements of MOS capacitors fabricated on both n-type and p-type GaAs show that the InAlP oxide-GaAs interface is sufficiently free of traps to support inversion, indicating an unpinned Fermi level. These data suggest that InAlP native oxides may be a viable insulator for GaAs MOS device applications.
A new monolithic semi-insulating (SI) GaAs sensor design for X-ray imaging applications between 10-100keV has been proposed. Monolithic pixel detectors offer a number of advantages over hybrid bump-bonded detectors, such as high device yield, low costs and are easier to produce large scale arrays. In this thesis, an investigation is made of the use of a SI GaAs wafer as both a detector element and substrate for the epitaxially grown High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs). The design of the HEMT transistors, optimised for this application, were produced with the aid of the Silvaco 'Virtual Wafer Fab' simulation package. It was determined that the device characteristics would consist of a small positive threshold voltage, a low off-state drain current and high transconductance. The final HEMT transistor design, that would be integrated to a pixel detector, had a threshold voltage of 0.17V, an off-state leakage current of approx 1nA and a ...
In this work, we describe the fabrication and operating characteristics of GaAs/AlGaAs thin film solar cells processed by the epitaxial liftoff (ELO) technique. This technique allows the transfer of these cells onto glass substrates. The performance of the lifted-off solar cell is demonstrated by means of electrical measurements under both dark and illuminated conditions. We have also optimized the light trapping conditions in this direct-gap material. The results show that good solar absorption is possible in active layers as thin as 0.32 {mu}m. In such a thin solar cell, the open circuit voltage would be enhanced. We believe that the combination of an epitaxial liftoff thin GaAs film, and nano-texturing can lead to record breaking performance. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}
Picosecond charge-collection transients measured for GaAs/AlGaAs HBTs following 3.0 MeV [alpha]-particle and 620 nm picosecond laser excitation reveal charge-collection efficiencies up to twenty-eight times smaller than for GaAs MESFETs, with [approximately]90% of the charge collected within 75 ps of the ionizing event. The small charge-collection efficiency of the HBTs is a consequence of the ultrafast charge-collection dynamics in these devices. The authors show that picosecond laser excitation reproduces nicely the ion-induced transients, providing a valuable tool for the investigation of charge-collection and SEU phenomena in these devices.
Today TBP and TBAs are the compounds which have the highest potential to replace the hydrides arsine and phosphine in the MOVPE process. The authors have demonstrated the entire material system Ga-In-As-P can be grown without any loss of quality using TBP and TBAs not only in one reactor, but in a complete family of reactors. These reactors range from small-scale single wafer R and D reactors to multiwafer Planetary Reactor systems. Both InP based and GaAs based materials could be grown with an excellent quality. Thus all growth processes for III-V devices--long and short wavelength lasers, LEDs, high speed transistors, etc.--can be switched to TBP and TBAs. This will drastically reduce safety hazards and lead to processes that have advantages both from the ecological and economical point of view.
Efficient, low-temperature conversion of infrared light into visible light (red, orange, green) is reported at single heterojunctions and undoped quantum wells of GaAs and ordered Al_xGa_1_-_xInP_2; an increase in photon energy of 700 meV is obtained. The signal originates from the high-band-gap layers and disappears only if the excitation energy is tuned below the GaAs band gap. The intensity of the up-converted photoluminescence (PL) is found to decrease significantly slower with increasing temperature than that of the regular PL and it remains observable up to 200 K. Interface-induced cold Auger processes along with the presence of trapped states for both electrons and holes in these ordered alloys account for this nonlinear mechanism. A colinear double-beam experiment confirms this. copyright 1996 The American Physical Society.
Conventional interconnect and switching technology is rapidly becoming a critical issue in the realization of systems using high speed silicon and GaAs based technologies. In recent years clock speeds and on-chip density for VLSI/VHSIC technology has made packaging these high speed chips extremely difficult. A strong case can be made for using optical interconnects for on-chip/on-wafer, chip-to-chip and board-to-board high speed communications. GaAs integrated optoelectronic circuits (IOC's) are being developed in a number of laboratories for performing Input/Output functions at all levels. In this paper integrated optoelectronic materials, electronics and optoelectronic devices are presented. IOC's are examined from the standpoint of what it takes to fabricate the devices and what performance can be expected.
Pattern formation on GaAs by Ga"+ focused-ion-beam (FIB) irradiation and subsequent Cl_2 gas etching was carried out. A higher etch rate at the FIB-irradiated area compared with that not irradiated under Cl_2 gas allows pattern construction without a mask process. The degree of residual crystal damage was evaluated using photoluminescence (PL) intensity measurements. The PL intensity in the etched region was one order of magnitude stronger than that of FIB sputtering, and was several times stronger than that of Ga"+ FIB-assisted Cl_2 etching. Etch depths of the order of 100 nm, which is five times deeper than that obtained by FIB sputtering, were efficiently performed using moderate Ga"+-ion doses.
Pattern formation on GaAs by Ga{sup +} focused-ion-beam (FIB) irradiation and subsequent Cl{sub 2} gas etching was carried out. A higher etch rate at the FIB-irradiated area compared with that not irradiated under Cl{sub 2} gas allows pattern construction without a mask process. The degree of residual crystal damage was evaluated using photoluminescence (PL) intensity measurements. The PL intensity in the etched region was one order of magnitude stronger than that of FIB sputtering, and was several times stronger than that of Ga{sup +} FIB-assisted Cl{sub 2} etching. Etch depths of the order of 100 nm, which is five times deeper than that obtained by FIB sputtering, were efficiently performed using moderate Ga{sup +}-ion doses.
Deep level effects in GaAs MOSFET have been characterised in the ohmic channel using DLTS, low frequency excess noise and dispersion technique. An isothermal multi exponential curve fitting method has been devised and implanted into the DLTS system. Multi exponential curve fitting method used to decompose a multi exponential transient into its constituents so that the peak signature can be better characterised for the case whereas several peaks are closely spaced. Low frequency excess noise and dispersion techniques also confirm the trap in signature of the same traps observed in the DLTS measurements. (author)
The use of Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) combined with in situ sputter etching for revealing the metallurgy of the metal-semiconductor interface is presented. The physical basis, measurement techniques, and data interpretation for Auger analysis of thin-film structures are briefly reviewed. Results of a detailed study of an alloyed multilayered contact (Ni/Au-Ge) on n-type epitaxial GaAs are summarized to illustrate how electrical and metallurgical contact properties can be correlated using AES. In addition, the results of a study of the growth kinetics and chemical phase identification of palladium silicide on single-crystal Si is given, as well as the initial results of a study of aluminum-palladium silicide interaction at elevated temperature. (auth)
The use of Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) combined with in situ sputter etching for revealing the metallurgy of the metal-semiconductor interface is presented. The physical basis, measurement techniques, and data interpretation for Auger analysis of thin-film structures are briefly reviewed. Results of a detailed study of an alloyed multilayered contact (Ni/Au-Ge) on n-type epitaxial GaAs are summarized to illustrate how electrical and metallurgical contact properties can be correlated using AES. In addition, the results of a study of the growth kinetics and chemical phase identification of palladium silicide on single-crystal Si is given, as well as the initial results of a study of aluminum-palladium silicide interaction at elevated temperature.
porous silica ceramics were prepared(with HCL catalyst)using H{sub 2}O/TEOS molar ratios of 2.6-59.0, with the EtOH/TEOS ratio fixed. After preparing 9 kinds of sol, the followings were investigated; measurement of the gelation time, thermal analyses by TG/DTA, property analyses of the intermediates by FT-IR and X-ray diffractometry with dried samples, analyses of SiO{sub 2} polymer by FT-IR, the investigation of specific surface area and pore size distribution by N{sub 2}-adsorption isotherm, and structural change of SiO{sub 2} polymer and pore morphology by TEM observation, with samples heat-treated to 500 deg. C. In the concentrations of investigated compositions and catalyst, gelation time showed a minimum at ca. 11 moles of water per one mole of TEOS, the highest degree of polymerization at ca.8-18 moles, and the largest specific surface area at ca. 11 moles, which means that the polymerization ...
The Fermi National Laboratory (Fermilab) operates the Tevatron proton-antiproton collider at a center-of-mass energy of {radical}s = 1.96 TeV, the is therefore the only collider which is today able to produce the heaviest known particle, the top quark. The top quark was discovered at the Tevatron by the CDF and D0 collaborations in 1995. At the Tevatron, most top quarks are produced via the strong interaction, whereby quark-antiquark annihilation dominates with 85%, and gluon fusion contributes with 15%. Considering next-to-leading order (NLO) contributions in the cross section of top-antitop quark production, leads to a slight positive asymmetry in the differential distribution of the production angle {alpha} of the top quarks. This asymmetry is due to the interference of certain NLO contributions. The charge asymmetry A in the cosine of {alpha} is predicted [14] to amount to 4-6%. Information about the partonic rest frame, necessary for a measurement of A in the observable cos ...
Aqueous deoxyhemoglobin solutions (2 mg/ml) were gamma-irradiated by a "6"0Co source in the presence of methanol, ethanol, 1-butanol and t-butanol under N_2O or argon. The effects of the interaction of the particular alcohol radical species with hemoglobin were determined according to the detected spectral alterations in the visible range. The amounts of stable final products in the form of methemoglobin (MetHb) and the sum of hemichromes and cholehemichromes (Hemichr) were estimated in irradiated preparations. For preparations irradiated under N_2O, the radiation yield for MetHb formation was three-fold lower in the presence of ethanol and 1-butanol [G(MetHb) = 0.33[ compared with preparations irradiated in the presence of t-butanol or without alcohol [G(MetHb) = 1.00[. The yield of hemichromes and cholehemichromes in preparations irradiated under N_2O increased in the order: ethanol (G = 0.38), ...
Focused ion beam (FIB) microscopes have become well-established in the semiconductor industry during the past decade, and are rapidly gaining attention in the field of materials science, both as a tool for producing site specific, parallel sided transmission electron microscope (TEM) specimens and as stand alone specimen preparation and imaging systems. FIB secondary electron imaging (SEI) of nickel-based alloys, such as commercially produced Alloy 600 (approximately Ni 15Cr 10Fe 0.5C), has been demonstrated to show a high degree of sensitivity to the presence of deformation in the alloy, and FIB secondary ion imaging (SII) is particularly useful for identifying the presence of grain boundary corrosion, as secondary ion yields from metallic specimens can increase by three orders of magnitude in the presence of oxygen. This 'oxygen enhanced yield', makes FIB SII ideal for detection of corrosion at grain boundaries down to thicknesses of only a few tens of ...
Superconducting MgB{sub 2} samples were prepared by the sintering of a mixture of fine Mg (or Mg alloy) powder produced by gas-atomization and B powder. The single MgB{sub 2} phase with a superconducting onset temperature of 38 K was obtained by sintering at 1073 K for the pure Mg or AZ31 alloy powders. In the case of AZ31, the superconducting MgB{sub 2} was obtained by sintering at a low temperature of 873 K for 50 h although a long sintering time of 100 h is needed to obtain a single MgB{sub 2} phase for Mg powder. This indicates that the AZ31 alloy enhances a formation rate of superconducting MgB{sub 2} at the low temperature through the formation of the partial melting phase. Thus, the gas-atomized fine Mg or AZ31 alloy powders are useful for preparation of a superconducting MgB{sub 2} and in particular AZ31 alloy is effective for the low temperature fabrication of MgB{sub 2}. (orig.)
The identification of crystallographic phases in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been limited by the lack of a simple way to obtain electron diffraction data of an unknown while observing the micro structure of the specimen. With the development of Charge Coupled Device (CCD) based detectors, backscattered electron Kikuchi patterns (BEKP), alternately referred to as electron backscattered diffraction patterns (EBSP), can be easily collected. Previously, BEKP has been limited to crystallographic orientation studies due to the poor pattern quality collected with video rate detector systems. With CCD detectors, a typical BEKP can now be acquired from a micron or sub-micron-sized crystal using an exposure time of 1-10 seconds with an accelerating voltage of 10-40 kV and a beam current as low as 0.1 nA. Crystallographic phase analysis using BEKP is unique in that the properly equipped SEM permits high magnification images, BEKP`s, and elemental information to be collected from ...
The design of a gaging head for a portable radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analyzer is described. The gaging head is designed as a construction unit system which enables the application of lateral reflexion geometry as well as of coaxial geometry. It is designed so that adjustment from one geometry to the other is labour and time saving. The selection of characteristic radiation is performed by a couple of Ross' differential filters. These filters are prepared by a novel technique developed by our laboratory. The filter exchange is effected by the longitudinal move of the couple of filters encapsulated in a holder. The shift of the filters is controlled by means of a triggering mechanism situated in the body of the gaging head handle. This design makes is possible to handle the gaging head during measurements with one hand. A simple interchange of the absorption filter for the transmissive filter allows the operator to avoid any unwanted shift of the head during ...
Buried silicon carbide (SiC) microstructures with lateral dimensions in the #mu#m range were formed by high-dose projection of 1.5 MeV C"2"+ ions in Si(100) at different doses and temperatures and subsequent annealing for 10 h at 1250 deg. C. Sections of individual SiC microstructures were prepared for cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis using a focused ion beam (FIB). Besides the possibility to select an individual microstructure, the FIB technique has the advantage of producing specimen foils of uniform thickness. Therefore, it was possible to map the carbon concentration of microstructures by energy filtered TEM (EFTEM) using the C_K absorption edge without the need of any sample thickness correction. Local overstoichiometric (>50%) carbon concentrations are shown to be correlated to the formation of an amorphous phase in the SiC and to significant swelling visible at the Si wafer surface 2 #mu#m above.
Spices and packaging materials were exposed to gamma irradiation at a dose of 10 KGy. Luncheon was prepared with irradiated or non-irradiated spices. Prepared luncheon was packaged in irradiated or non-irradiated packaging materials. Packaged luncheon was treated with 2 KGy. Treated and untreated packaged luncheon were kept in a refrigerator (1-4 Centigrade) for 12 months. Microbiological, nutritive and chemical characteristics of luncheon were evaluated after processing and during storage; whereas, sensory quality was evaluated only after irradiation. Gamma irradiation decreased the microorganisms counts of spices, packaging materials and packed luncheon and increased the shelf-life of packaged luncheon products. No major differences in moisture, protein, fat, ph value, total acidity, lipid peroxide and volatile basic nitrogen were observed due to irradiation. Sensory evaluation showed that all the combination treated luncheon were acceptable ...
A series of spinel Li4Ti5O12 samples were synthesized via a composite molten-salt method (CMSM) using the mixtures of LiCl and KCl with different L values (L is defined as the molar ratio of LiCl:KCl) as the reaction media. It is found that the melting point of the composite molten salt can effectively influence the formation of particles, and leads to different electrochemical performances of the as-prepare Li4Ti5O12. The investigations of X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size distribution (PSD), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) surface area, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicate that the as-prepared Li4Ti5O12 with L = 1.5 is a pure phase, and has uniform homogeneous octahedral shape particles, rather narrow PSD, and high BET surface area. Electrochemical tests show that the optimized Li4Ti5O12 with L = 1.5 has an initial discharge capacity of 169 mAh g-1 and an initial charge-discharge efficiency of 94% at 0.2 C ...
A series of spinel Li4Ti5O12 samples were synthesized via a composite molten-salt method (CMSM) using the mixtures of LiCl and KCl with different L values (L is defined as the molar ratio of LiCl:KCl) as the reaction media. It is found that the melting point of the composite molten salt can effectively influence the formation of particles, and leads to different electrochemical performances of the as-prepare Li4Ti5O12. The investigations of X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size distribution (PSD), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) surface area, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicate that the as-prepared Li4Ti5O12 with L=1.5 is a pure phase, and has uniform homogeneous octahedral shape particles, rather narrow PSD, and high BET surface area. Electrochemical tests show that the optimized...
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on anatase TiO2 hollow spheres (TiO2HS)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposite films are prepared by a directly mechanical mixing and doctor blade method. The preparedsamples are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The photoelectric conversion performances of the DSSCs based on TiO2HS/CNT composite film electrodes are also compared with commercial-grade Degussa P25 TiO2 nanoparticles (P25)/CNT composite solar cells at the same film thickness. The results indicate that the photoelectric conversion efficiencies () of the TiO2HS/CNT composite DSSCs are dependent on CNT loading in the electrodes. A small amou...
A new polarized electron gun for use on the SLC at SLAC has been built and tested. It is a diode gun with a laser driven GaAs photocathode. It is designed to provide short (2ns) pulses of 10 A at 160 kV at 120 Hz. The design features of the gun and results from a testing program on a new and dedicated beam line are presented. Early results from operation on the SLC will also be shown.
The article is the second part of a review dealing with latest developments in the area of solar cell technologies and application. Physical principles, design and efficiency as well as advantages and disadvantages of GaAs- and CdS-solar cells are described. Power generation solar cell systems with voltage converters, combined solar cell/solar collector systems and thermoelectric solar systems are presented in the second part of the article.
An unusual S1-nuclease sensitive microsatellite (STMS) has been found in the single copy, rat polymeric immunoglobulin receptor gene (PIGR) terminal exon. In Fisher rats, elements within or beyond the...Full Text Available
Two window layer materials, Al{sub 0.51}In{sub 0.49}P (E{sub g} = 2.3 eV) and Ga{sub 0.51}In{sub 0.49}P (E{sub g} = 1.88 eV) were compared for gas-source and solid-source MBE grown GaAs and Ga{sub 0.84}In{sub 0.16}As{sub 0.68}P{sub 0.32} (E{sub g} = 1.55 eV) solar cells. Due to the wider band-gap of Al{sub 0.51}In{sub 0.49}P, the increased spectral response was observed for both GaAs and Ga{sub 0.84}In{sub 0.16}As{sub 0.68}P{sub 0.32} material based solar cells. In the case of the GaAs cells, the short-circuit current density was observed to increase from 32.5 mA/cm{sup 2} to 34.4 mA/cm{sup 2} with the Al{sub 0.51}In{sub 0.49}P window layer at AM0. Similar improvement was observed for the Ga{sub 0.84}In{sub 0.16}As{sub 0.68}P{sub 0.32} solar cells.
The texture influence on tensile tests of AZ31, one of the common Mg alloys, has been studied. Starting material was a rectangular extruded bar, which has a strong texture. Due to the preparation of three tensile samples with 0 , 45 , 90 to the extrusion direction, the initial bar texture influences differently on the mechanical behaviour under tensile load. This results in a variation of the yield strength (90 MPa and 175 MPa) the ultimate tensile strength (250 MPa - 278 MPa) and the final texture. Experimental texture analysis was completed by texture simulations using the VPSC-model (visco plastic self-consistent). The good agreement between experimental and simulated pole figures allows the determination of the activated deformation modes related to the initial texture. (orig.)
Antibacterial activity of Transition metals (Mn, Co) doped ZnO nanopowders prepared by a DC thermal plasma method against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are investigated. The phase and morphology studies have been carried out by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) respectively. All the samples of the present investigation are found to have hexagonal wurtzite structure and crystallite sizes are found to vary from 25nm to 30nm. Our bacteriological study showed the enhanced antibacterial activity of transition metals doped ZnO nanoparticles than undoped ZnO indicating the great potential of ZnO nanoparticles in relevant clinical and biomedical applications.
We have investigated the superconducting and metallurgical properties of the ternary compounds RPd_2Si_2 and RRh_2Si_2 with R = Y, La, and Lu. All RPd_2Si_2 compounds and LaRh_2Si_2 were found to be type-I superconductors below 1 K. A detailed metallurgical analysis shows that segregation of second phases can easily mask the intrinsic (stoichiometric ratio 1:2:2) intermetallic-compound properties. Two sample-preparation techniques, viz., single crystals and off-stoichiometry, were utilized to establish where bulk superconductivity occurs. The type-I behavior of these compounds is explained with an analogous model as is used for the heavy-fermion superconductors CeCu_2Si_2 and URu_2Si_2.
Research highlights: ? Reports a high protection system for the alloy in corrosive environment. ? Describes an interfacial process with self-healing properties. ? Reports the influence of substrate pre-treatment in the coating performance. - Abstract: In this paper the interface of poly(vinylidene fluoride) coatings prepared by the dip coating method and HF-treated AZ31 magnesium alloy was evaluated. The best performance of this system in corrosion tests compared to ground, as-received and acetic acid cleaned substrates is related to an acid-base interaction at the interface and to interfacial reactions which resulted in a self-healing process. The protectiveness of the samples was investigated using impedance and immersion tests while the coating morphology and interface stability were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and adhesion tests.
Three-dimensional porous Sn thin film electrodes were prepared by electroless deposition on copper foam, then its morphology and electrochemical property were studied by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical cycling test and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The porous framework and micro-holes have shown a great structure advantage in restricting severe volume changes when the Sn thin film was employed as anode for lithium-ion battery. The film electrode of sample C with an initial capacity of 676 mAh g{sup -1} showed good cycle performance displayed by retaining a capacity of 313 mAh g{sup -1} after 100 cycles.
Magnetic fluids (MFs), prepared by chemical co-precipitation followed by double layer steric and electrostatic (combined) stabilization of magnetite nanoparticles dispersed in water, are presented. Several combinations of surfactants with different chain lengths (lauric acid (LA), myristic acid (MA), oleic acid (OA) and dodecyl-benzene-sulphonic acid (DBS)) were used, such as LA+LA, MA+MA, LA+DBS, MA+DBS, OA+DBS, OA+OA and DBS+DBS. Static light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, small angle neutron scattering, magnetic and magneto-rheological measurements revealed that MFs with MA+MA or LA+LA biocompatible double layer covered magnetite nanoparticles are the most stable colloidal systems among the investigated samples, and thus suitable for biomedical applications.
The laser cooling and trapping of ultracold neutral dysprosium has been recently demonstrated using the broad, open 421-nm cycling transition. Narrow-line magneto-optical trapping of Dy on longer wavelength transitions would enable the preparation of ultracold Dy samples suitable for loading optical dipole traps and subsequent evaporative cooling. We have identified the closed 741-nm cycling transition as a candidate for the narrow-line cooling of Dy. We present experimental data on the isotope shifts, the hyperfine constants A and B, and the decay rate of the 741-nm transition. In addition, we report a measurement of the 421-nm transition's linewidth, which agrees with previous measurements. We summarize the laser cooling characteristics of these transitions as well as other narrow cycling transitions that may prove useful for cooling Dy.
The dual characteristics in the performance of polymers in wood-polymer composites systems have been pursued with regard to the resolution of mechanical anisotropy of wood and the improvement in dimensional stability. The objective of the present study is to pursue the polymerization mechanism in wood under electron beam irradiation and the temperature dependence of polymer-wood interactions induced at various levels of higher order structure of wood in order to understand the polymer performance. Veneers used in the study were of rotary-cut beech (Fagus crenata Blume) 0.65 mm thick. All samples were oven-dried in vacuo at 80/sup 0/C for 30 hr. The monomers used in the study were methyl methacrylate, styrene, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile, and unsaturated polyester. Experimental details are given. Results are given and discussed.
Photoelectron resonance capture ionization (PERCI) mass spectrometry has been developed for the direct online analysis of organics, including lipids. Analysis is conducted without the need for samplepreparation or chemical derivatization such as methylation, foregoing the use of harmful or toxic chemicals. PERCI is currently being adapted towards the analysis of edible oils. Herein, as a proof of principle of the simplicity and potential utility of this method towards the analysis of edible oils, we present the analysis of the prevalent fatty acids (FA) in Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil along with triolein and linolenic acid (LNA) standards. Ionization of olive oil results in little fragmentation of the prevalent FA, which are measured as their molecular ions, [FA-H]-. The relative concent...
Twelve powders of TiO_2-Y_2O_3-ZrO_2 solid solution of the methodically changed composition were prepared by a coprecipitation-calcination technique. After mixing with phenol-formaldehyde resin, the powders were calcinated for 2 hours at 1200"oC in vacuum. The resultant composite powders contained TiC and non-reacted carbon. Green compacts were sintered in vacuum at 1500"oC for 2 hours. A temperature increase was stopped at 1200"oC to react remains of carbon. There were two carbides in the composites TiC and ZrC. TiC non-stoichiometry depended on carbon content in the system. Phase composition of the depended on of titania and yttria in zirconia solid solution. The majority of the samples showed two tetragonal zirconia phases differing in lattice parameter and tetragonality. (author)
The biological treatment process was selected by Gaz de France (GDF), the French national gas utility, for the de-pollution of an old gas works where the main pollutants are coal tars containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Microorganism-based biological treatment techniques may involve bio-reactors, static ground knolls (where oxygen is brought through drains) and dynamic knolls (where oxygenation is carried out by turning up the soil). Issues on sampling, sorting, process testing, site preparation, process control, etc. are reviewed
The first automated method for the determination of mexiletine hydrochloride - an antiarrhythmic agent - is reported. The method is based on the reaction of the analyte with o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) in the presence of sulfite in basic medium using a sequential injection (SI) manifold. The reaction product was monitored spectrofluorimetrically (lex=350nm/lem=446nm). A simple and effective on-line dilution approach was adopted in order to expand the linearity and apply the method to assay, dosage uniformity and dissolution tests with minimum samplepreparation. Chemical (pH, amount concentrations of OPA and sulfite) and instrumental variables (temperature, flow rate, injection volumes, etc.) that affected the determination were studied. The developed assay was validated in terms of linearity, ...
Synthesis, morphology, structural and optical characteristics of SiC NWs and SiC/C nanocomposites with an inverse opal lattice have been investigated. The samples were prepared by carbothermal reduction of silica (SiC NWs) and by thermo-chemical treatment of opal matrices (SiC/C) filled with carbon compounds which was followed by silicon dioxide dissolution. It was shown that the nucleation of SiC NWs occurs at the surface of carbon fibers felt. It was observed three preferred growth direction of the NWs: [111], [110] and [112]. HRTEM studies revealed the mechanism of the wires growth direction change. SiC/C- HRTEM revealed in the structure of the composites, except for silicon carbide, graphite and amorphous carbon, spherical carbon particles containing concentric graphite shells (onion-like particles).
Abstract Plant metabolomics has been well established and applied across multiple fields including medicine, biotechnology, and environmental sciences in the post-genomic era. The Chenopodiaceae C3 halophyte Suaeda salsa is the most important plant species in the vegetation of saline soil and even intertidal zone in the Yellow River Delta, which is economically consumed as food, widely used as a bioindicator of environmental stresses (salinity, drought, and pollution) and typically applied for the phyto-remediation of degraded wetland. However, no global studies have been focused on the metabolic profile of this halophyte which is widely applied in environment related research areas. In metabolomics, the first crucial step is the preparation of plant samples. In this work, several strategi...
By applying lock-in thermography imaging, light-beam-induced current imaging, electron-beam-induced current imaging at different stages of samplepreparation, and infrared light microscopy in transmission mode, the physical nature of the dominant material-induced shunts in multicrystalline solar cells made from p-type silicon material has been investigated. It turns out that these shunts are due to silicon carbide (SiC) filaments, which grow preferentially in grain boundaries and cross the whole cell. These filaments are highly n-type doped, like the emitter layer on the surface of the cells. They are electrically connected both with the emitter and with the back contact, thereby producing internal shunts in the solar cell.
By applying lock-in thermography imaging, light-beam-induced current imaging, electron-beam-induced current imaging at different stages of samplepreparation, and infrared light microscopy in transmission mode, the physical nature of the dominant material-induced shunts in multicrystalline solar cells made from p-type silicon material has been investigated. It turns out that these shunts are due to silicon carbide (SiC) filaments, which grow preferentially in grain boundaries and cross the whole cell. These filaments are highly n-type doped, like the emitter layer on the surface of the cells. They are electrically connected both with the emitter and with the back contact, thereby producing internal shunts in the solar cell.
By applying lock-in thermography imaging, light-beam-induced current imaging, electron-beam-induced current imaging at different stages of samplepreparation, and infrared light microscopy in transmission mode, the physical nature of the dominant material-induced shunts in multicrystalline solar cells made from p-type silicon material has been investigated. It turns out that these shunts are due to silicon carbide (SiC) filaments, which grow preferentially in grain boundaries and cross the whole cell. These filaments are highly n-type doped, like the emitter layer on the surface of the cells. They are electrically connected both with the emitter and with the back contact, thereby producing internal shunts in the solar cell.
Consideration is given to the data, demonstrating the effect of ion radiation on strength characteristics of ionic crystals, presented by magnesium oxide. Crystals, prepared in the form of plates, were irradiated by Si"+, Fe"+, C"+ ions by the dose of 10"1"6-10"1"7 ion/cm"2 at room temperature in vacuum. The following characteristics were investigated: dislocation density, microhardness, crack resistance. Investigation of dislocation structure showed, that dislocation density in irradiated sample was 2-3 times higher, as compared to nonirradiated one. Sufficient increase of fracture viscosity of MgO crystals was revealed. It can be conditioned by occurrence of compression stresses in the surface layer, decelerating crack formation and propagation.
In this paper, 0.75Pb(Fe2/3W1/3)O3-0.25PbTiO3-0.15 wt% MnO (0.75PFW-0.25PT-0.15 wt% MnO) ceramics are synthesized by two different methods, the conventional direct oxide synthesized (DS) method and two-step indirect synthesized (IS) method. The low-field dielectric responses are investigated by using the empirical law, the Curie-Weiss law, the modified-Landau theory and the spin-glass model. Due to the IS method, the lattice structure and the grain structure of the samples are changed. Furthermore, the dielectric properties are evidently modified. It is suggested that the ordering degree of B-site cations is enhanced by using the IS synthesized method.
Nd{sub 40}Fe{sub 30}Al{sub 10}Co{sub 15}B{sub 5} alloys were fabricated by high energy ball milling method under various conditions. Microstructure of the alloys was investigated by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques. Magnetic properties were characterized by hysteresis and thermomagnetic measurements. The high coercive fields up to 2.36 T have been observed on the samples consisting of Nd{sub 2}(Fe,Co,Al){sub 14}B, Nd{sub 6}(Fe,Co,Al){sub 14} and Nd crystallites imbedded in a residual amorphous matrix.
Actinidia deliciosa endosperm-derived callus culture is stable over a long period of culture. This system was used to investigate the ultrastructure of extracellular matrix occurring in morphogenic tissue. Specimens were prepared by different biological techniques (chemical fixation, liquid nitrogen fixation, glycerol substitution, critical-point drying, lyophilization) and observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fresh and wet samples were analyzed with the use of environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Extracellular matrix was observed on the surface of cell clusters as a membranous layer or reticulated network, shrunken or wrinkled, depending on the procedure. Generally, shrunken membranous layers with a globular appearance and fibrils were noted after critical-point d...
This article describes the chemical preparation of petroleum additives of the MASK type from samples of concentrated alkylsalicylic acids. The obtained additives contain high contents of calcium alkylsalicylate and respective total alkalinities of 156, 131, and 130 mg KOH/g. Sodium alkylsalicylate concentrates, obtained in the form of an aqueous acetone solution, were converted to alkylsalicylic acids by interaction with hydrochloric acid. The solvent was removed from the upper and lower layers by distillation, and the resulting products were analyzed by liquid chromatography. Service tests were performed on a model formulation of the additive in M-11 oil in a Petter AV-1 test stand unit in comparison with commercial MASK additive. The results indicate that the model additive formulation gives approximately the same corrected piston fouling ratings as the commercial additive.
We report significant enhancement in superconducting properties of yttrium substituted Ce1-xYxOFFeAs superconductors. The polycrystalline samples were prepared by two step solid state reaction technique. X-ray diffraction confirmed tetragonal ZrCuSiAs structure with decrease in both a and c lattice parameters on increasing yttrium substitution (with fixed F content). With smaller ion Y in place of Ce, the transition temperature increased by 6 K. Yttrium doping also lead to higher critical fields as well as broader magnetization loops, particularly at elevated temperature.
Abstract This study investigated the effects of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) on in vitro starch hydrolysis, and in vivo blood glucose responses in mice. Four MRPs of various dextrose equivalents were prepared by heating a mixture of hydrolyzed rice starch and glycine at 200C for 4-min. The starch hydrolysis rates of gelatinized rice starch (GRS) decreased as the browning reaction of added MRPs increased. The hydrolysis kinetic constants of the GRS with 5% MRPs were relatively lower than that of GRS without MRPs. Blood glucose responses showed similar tendencies to the in vitro starch hydrolysis results. The activity of digestive enzymes was inhibited by the MRPs. The relative crystallinity of all MRPs (29.9-60.1%) appeared to have higher values than GRS (15.1%). The samples heated to ...
Medium-density polyethylene/multiwall carbon nanotube (MDPE/MWCNT) nanocomposites were produced by a mechanical milling method using a high-energy ball mill. The MDPE and MWCNTs were added to the ball mill at a constant 20:1 weight ratio of ball/powders and milled for 10 h to obtain polyethylene matrix nanocomposites reinforced with 0.5, 1, 2.5, and 5 weight percent of MWCNTs. To clarify the role of both MWCNT content and milling time on the morphology of MDPE, some nanocomposite samples were investigated by using a scanning electron microscope. To evaluate the role of milling on the microstructure of the nanocomposites, very thin films of MDPE/MWCNTs were prepared and studied by transmission electron microscopy. Thermal behavior of these nanocomposites was investigated by using differenti...
Amino-rich polymeric coatings are widely used in biomedical applications, since they promote adsorption of diverse biomolecules or facilitate cell growth. As a consequence, there is a growing interest in fabrication of such coatings that is focused predominantly on the optimization of the deposition process in terms of high density of primary amino groups. In addition, the nature of biomedical applications requires also sufficient stability of the films in aqueous environments. This aspect is investigated in this contribution. In particular, the effect of water and phosphate buffer saline on the coatings prepared by RF magnetron sputtering of Nylon 6,6 in Ar/N2 and N2/H2 gas mixtures is evaluated. The samples exposed to liquids are characterized by various diagnostic methods and their prop...
The incorporation of (a) Cs/Sr as simulated heat-generating isotopes contained in Purex reprocessing waste, (b) simulated actinides, and (c) simulated Purex waste in sodium zirconium phosphate (NZP) has been studied. The samples were prepared by sintering, by hot pressing and by hot isostatic pressing in metal bellows containers. The short-term chemical durability of the phosphate-based material containing Purex waste was within an order of magnitude of that for Synroc-C, as measured by 7-day MCC-1 tests at 90{degrees}C. The dissolution behavior showed evidence of re-precipitation phenomena, even after times as short as 28 days. Potential for improvement of NZP-based ceramics for HLW management is discussed. 19 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.
We report about the fabrication and analysis of the properties of Cr/CrO_x/Cr tunnel junctions and SET transistors, prepared by different variants of direct-writing multilayer technique. In all cases, the CrO_x tunnel barriers were formed in air under ambient conditions. From the experiments on single junctions, values for the effective barrier height and thickness were derived. For the Cr/CrO_x/Cr SET transistors we achieved minimal junction areas of 17 x 60 nm^2 using a scanning transmission electron microscope for the e-beam exposure on Si_3N_4 membrane substrate. We discuss the electrical performance of the transistor samples as well as their noise behavior.
Hierarchical TiO2 hollow spheres had been prepared based on bubble templates by a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The diameter of hollow spheres was about 700nm and the shell thickness of them was 69nm. They were composed of similar spindle- or needle-like building units. Furthermore, hydrothermal time had an important influence on the morphology and crystallinity of hollow spheres. Moreover, the UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra of TiO2 hollow spheres heated at 150^oC for 10h showed the strongest absorption in the UV-Vis region and the Raman spectrum demonstrated the anatase sample. Additionally, a possible formation mechanism of TiO2 hollow spheres was proposed. So this novel and simple method would provide a development direction to fabricate all kinds of inorganic hollow spheres ...
In view of no satisfactory mathematical model is presently available for the dose-response curve of immunoradiometric assay, a three parameter model based on single binding site mass action law has been derived. A curve fitting method based on similar principle of linear robust regression was designed and a software was prepared for use on IBM personal computers. Experiments revealed that the model is applicable to a variety of IRMA systems as well as to time-resolved immunofluorometric assay of hAFP. When there was outlier(s) of the calibration curve, the average bias of unknown samples obtained with this method is significantly smaller than methods using four parameter logistic model or four parameter single site mass action model.
The Si_3N_4-rich corner of the phase diagrams for neodymia and ytterbia containing sialons has been investigated by a systematic variation of the m and n values for compositions between 0.5 and 2.0 with a step size of 0.5. Samples requiring nitrides of the rare earth elements have not been prepared. Sintering has been performed at 1800 C for one hour in a nitrogen atmosphere of 1 MPa. The sintered samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis to identify the crystalline phases in equilibrium with sialon. #alpha#- and #beta#-sialon, the 21R AlN polytypoid, and N-melilite M' were found in the Nd containing system. Materials with Yb showed the formation of #alpha#- and #beta#-sialon, and the AlN polytypoids 12H and 21R. The m and n values of the #alpha#-sialon phase have been calculated via their lattice parameters that were refined by a least squares routine. The occurrence and composition of the phases were used ...
Within the framework of a study on the chemical wear behaviour of sialon ceramics a range of compositions were prepared in which the alumina content was varied from 6 to 77 weight percent. The materials were hot-pressed from alumina and silicon nitride powders to a density of at least 97%. The structure and compositions of the phases occurring in these samples i.e. the O' phase, #beta#'-sialon solid solution and especially the X-phase were thoroughly characterized with respect to structure and composition using electron microprobe and transmission electron microscopy techniques. These results will be discussed in the light of earlier phase diagram studies. Some basic properties such as E-modulus and toughness were measured and related to microstructural features. E-modulus as well as toughness are at a minimum for materials with a high content of the X-phase. Oxidation of the materials was studied at 1300 deg C and 1450 deg C using weight gain ...
There is an increased emphasis on hyphenated techniques such as immunoaffinity LC/MS/MS (IA-LC/MS/MS) or IA-LC/MRM. These techniques offer competitive advantages with respect to sensitivity and selectivity over traditional LC/MS and are complementary to ligand binding assays (LBA) or ELISA's. However, these techniques are not entirely straightforward and there are several tips and tricks to routine sample analysis. We describe here our methods and procedures for how to perform online IA-LC/MS/MS including a detailed protocol for the preparation of antibody (Ab) enrichment columns. We have included sample trapping and Ab methods. Furthermore, we highlight tips, tricks, minimal and optimal approaches. This technology has been shown to be viable for several applications, species and fluids from small molecules to proteins and biomarkers to PK assays. PMID:21872661
Commercially available melter technologies were tested during 1994-95 as part of a multiphase program to test candidate technologies for vitrification of the low-level waste (LLW) stream to be derived from retrieval and pretreatment of Hanford Site tank wastes. Seven vendors were selected for Phase 1 testing to demonstrate vitrification of a high sodium content liquid LLW simulant. The tested melter technologies included four Joule-heated melters, a carbon electrode melter, a combustion melter, and a plasma melter. Various dry and slurry melter feed preparation processes were also tested. Various feed material samples, product glass samples, and process offgas streams were characterized to provide data for evaluation of process decontamination factors and material mass balances for each vitrification technology. This report describes the melter mass balance evaluations and results for six of the Phase 1 LLW melter vendor ...
In the present paper, the chemical composition of passive films formed on both phases of two types of duplex stainless steels (UNS S31803 and UNS S32304) is determined at the micro-scale using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Samples were either mechanically polished (down to diamond pastes) or electrochemically etched in acidic solutions. The micro-electrochemical behavior of samples was then determined in sodium chloride media by means of the electrochemical micro-cell technique (capillary diameters of 30 {mu}m). The results obtained were analyzed considering the passive film chemical composition. Quantitative relationships between electrochemical parameters and the distribution of chromium and iron in the oxide layer were found. Due to differences in mechanical properties between ferrite and austenite, a heterogeneous stress distribution is generated in both phases. A method based on thermal-mechanical simulation was used to quantify ...
In the present paper, the chemical composition of passive films formed on both phases of two types of duplex stainless steels (UNS S31803 and UNS S32304) is determined at the micro-scale using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Samples were either mechanically polished (down to diamond pastes) or electrochemically etched in acidic solutions. The micro-electrochemical behavior of samples was then determined in sodium chloride media by means of the electrochemical micro-cell technique (capillary diameters of 30 ?m). The results obtained were analyzed considering the passive film chemical composition. Quantitative relationships between electrochemical parameters and the distribution of chromium and iron in the oxide layer were found. Due to differences in mechanical properties between ferrite and austenite, a heterogeneous stress distribution is generated in both phases. A method based on thermal-mechanical simulation was used to quantify surface ...
Clay-based materials can be cold-stabilized using binder and formed by extrusion. This paper deals with the properties of such materials under the influence of silico-aluminous flying ashes addition. Flying ashes are solid industrial wastes produced by coal combustion. Characteristics of ashes bearing clay-based products, such as dimensional stability, water and mechanical resistance, accelerated aging, are considerably improved with respect to simple clay-binder mixtures. This is principally due to a better hydration of the binder in ashes-bearing mixtures because of: a higher free-water availability as a consequence of the smaller specific surface of ash grains, the filler effect of ash grains which do not participate to the reactions, the specific property of silico-aluminous ashes that can fix the lime in presence of water to produce hydrated compounds. These ashes-bearing clay based materials can have the same qualities as classical building materials but their manufacturing ...
The author studied the conditions needed to routinely estimate the radiation dose in chicken bone by repeated re-irradiation and measuring ESR signals. Chicken meat containing bone was {gamma}-irradiated at doses of up to 3kGy, accepted as the commercially used dose. The results show that points in samplepreparation and ESR measurement are as follows: Both ends of bone are cut off and central part of compact bone is used for experiment. To obtain accurate ESR spectrum, marrow should be scraped out completely. Sample bone fragments of 1-2mm particle size and ca.100mg are recommended to obtain stable and maximum signal. In practice, by re-irradiating up to 5kGy and extrapolating data of the signal intensity to zero using linear regression analysis, radiation dose is estimated. For example, in one experiment, estimated doses of chicken bones initially irradiated at 3.0kGy, 1.0kGy, 0.50kGy and 0.25kGy were 3.4kGy, 1.3kGy, ...
Particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique has been employed to perform elemental analysis of K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br and Sr for Syrian medicinal plants used traditionally to enhance the body immunity. Plant samples were prepared in a simple dried base. The results were verified by comparing with those obtained from both IAEA-359 and IAEA-V10 reference materials. Relative standard deviations are mostly within {+-}5-10% suggest good precision. A correlation between the elemental content in each medicinal plant with its traditional remedial usage has been proposed. Both K and Ca are found to be the major elements in the samples. Fe, Mn and Zn have been detected in good levels in most of these plants clarifying their possible contribution to keep the body immune system in good condition. The contribution of the elements in these plants to the dietary recommended intakes (DRI) has been evaluated. Advantages and ...
This experiment was done to determine the effects of irradiation on the physical properties of three kinds of laminated packaging materials, i.e. polypropylene-polypropylene, polypropylene-polyethylene, polyester-polyethylene. Observations were made on pinhole production, leakage, oil resistance, resistance against insect penetration, colour, odour tensile strength, elongation at break, seal strength and tear resistance. The samples were irradiated with doses of 0, 5 and 10 kGy, then stored at room temperature and examined after 0, 3, 6 and 12 months of storage. The results showed that irradiation doses up to 10 kGy, as well as storage up to 12 months, did not create pinholes, or leakage in pouches prepared from laminated films. The resistance of the films to oil and insect penetration, the colour, and the odour were also unchanged. Both irradiation and storage treatments had a significant effect on physical properties of the laminated films. ...
The aim of this study was to search for a sorbent that could act as an extraction phase and as a support for solid-matrix time-resolved luminescence (SMTRL). Four potential sorbents were investigated for this purpose using tetracycline (TC) as a model analyte. Sorbents prepared from C18 silica gel or calcium cross-linked pectin gel were able to extract TC from dilute solutions. Europium(III)-TC complex adsorbed on the surface of C18 generated the most intense TRL signal when measured at {lambda}{sub ex} = 388 nm and {lambda}{sub em} = 615 nm. This method achieved a 1 ng/ml limit of detection (LOD) with a 100 {mu}l sample solution in a repeated spotting mode. Hyphenation of sorbent extraction and SMTRL was demonstrated using C18. This method is suitable for screening of TC in foods or aqueous solutions and can be extended to other luminescent lanthanide-chelating analytes in physiological or environmental samples.
Lithium carbonate pellets are frequently used for estimation of tritium production rate in irradiated samples in fusion blanket neutronics experiment and the activity is measured by liquid scintillation counting technique. In this measurement, it is essential to solve the lithium carbonate pellet as much as possible and to mix the pellet solution into scintillation cocktail homogeneously at stable condition. For this purpose, a novel binary-acid method has been developed to solve lithium carbonate and to mix the pellet solution into scintillation cocktail. High solubility is attained by adopting two acids, HNO_3 and CH_3COOH, and a good compatibility of the pellet solution with scintillator is obtained by emulsion cocktail resulting in high counting efficiency. Defining a product of dissolved mass and counting efficiency as a Figure of Merit (FOM), the present method has higher FOM value than the conventional method and is extremely simple in a ...
The kinetics of {sup 14}C-photosynthate import by developing wheat grains was followed after pulse-labeling the flag leaf with {sup 14}CO{sub 2}. Samples were collected from four successive points along the transport pathway to and within the grain: exuding aphid stylets on the peduncle, exuding grain pedicels, the grain crease tissues, and the liquid contents of the endosperm cavity. In addition, microautoradiographs were prepared of the grain crease tissues during movement of the {sup 14}C pulse into the grain. At all times, sucrose accounted for 93 to 97% of the total {sup 14}C present at all four sampling sites. The main features of the {sup 14}C kinetics could be accounted for by a simple compartmental model consisting of sucrose pools in series. Microautoradiographs of the crease tissues showed fairly uniform labeling of vascular parenchyma at all times, with a sharp gradient in labeling across the chalaza to the ...
This work reports an alternative methodology for the linear attenuation coefficient determination ({mu} {rho}) of irregular form samples, in such a way that is not necessary to consider the sample thickness. With this methodology, indigenous archaeological ceramics fragments from the region of Londrina, north of Parana, were studied. These ceramics fragments belong to the Kaingaing and Tupiguarani traditions. The equation for the {mu} {rho} determination employing the two mean method was obtained and it was used for {mu} {rho} determination by the gamma ray beam attenuation if immersed ceramics, by turns, in two different means with known linear attenuation coefficient. By the other side, {mu} theoretical value was determined with the XCOM computer code. This code uses as input the ceramics chemistry composition and provides an energy versus mass attenuation coefficient table. In order to validate the two mean method validation, five ceramics ...
Full text: Based on experience with nuclear material confiscated in Hungary from illicit trafficking activities in the nineties it has been decided that traditional gamma-spectrometry should be complemented by destructive analytical techniques. The 17/1996 (I. 31.) Korm. Governmental Decree delegated the identification, categorization and characterization tasks to the Institute of Isotopes, Budapest. Routine gamma-spectrometric methods have been further developed aiming at the i) age (production date) determination of seized samples and complete (nondismountable) uranium-bearing items (such as fresh fuel bundles and fission chambers) by HRGS technique, ii) improvement of measurement accuracy and reliability. Starting in 2005 mass spectrometry (ICP-SFMS) and scanning electron microscopy have been implemented to characterize nuclear samples in more detail and to analyze environmental samples both for isotopic and elemental ...
Fuel cells based on solid oxides ('SOFC') are excellent alternative devices for power generation, when they are operated at high temperature, e.g. above 600 C. Having only fixed parts for the power generating part of the device is only one advantage of the fuel cell. Due to their unique design, these devices offer a maximum of efficiency for energy conversion compared to conventional power generating systems, which are mainly based on turbines. One aim of this thesis is the examination of alternative electrolyte and cathode materials for the SOFC applications at reduced temperatures, which means in the temperature range between 600 C and 750 C. For the first main task, several materials from the oxygen ion conducting electrolytes were selected. Different strontium and magnesium doped lanthanum gallate (LSGM) materials with additional transition metal doping were selected and prepared via two different preparation methods. The ...
Silicon on insulator (SOI) structures are promising candidates for the fabrication of VLSI circuits with very high packing densities. The preparation of such structures can now be achieved by high dose implantation of reactive ion species such as oxygen to produce buried layers of SiO/sub 2/ in silicon. In this paper we report experiments to depth profile these layered structures by SIMS. SOI samples have been prepared by implanting (100) silicon wafers with 400 keV molecular oxygen ions at a dose of 1.8x10/sup 18/ O/sup +/ cm/sup -2/. During the implantation the wafers were maintained at temperatures between 325 and 600/sup 0/C, using beam heating, which achieved in situ-annealing and ensured that the top silicon layer remained single crystal. Analysis was carried out on an Atomika DIDA-II spectrometer using 10 keV Ar/sup +/ ions with a low current density of less than 1 mA cm/sup -2/. During analysis negative secondary ...
Corrective Action Unit (CAU) No. 92, the Area 6 Decontamination Pond Facility (DPF), is an historic disposal unit located at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) in Nye County, Nevada (Figures 1 - 1, 1-2, and 1-3). The NTS is operated by the U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada Operations Office (DOE/NV), which has been required by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) to characterize the DPF under the requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Part A Permit (NDEP, 1995) for the NTS and Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 265 (1996c). The DPF is prioritized in the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order (FFACO, 1996) but is governed by the permit. The DPF was characterized through sampling events in 1994, 1996, and 1997. The results of these sampling events are contained in the Final Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Industrial Site Environmental Restoration Site Characterization Report, Area 6 ...
Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs) have experienced a healthy growth during the last decade. However, improvement in properties is necessary to increase their utility for structural applications. The toughness of WPCs can be improved by creating a fine cellular structure while reducing the density. Extrusion processing is one of the most economical methods for profile formation. For our study, rectangular profiles were extruded using a twin-screw extrusion system with different grades of HDPE and with varying wood fibre and lubricant contents together with maleated polyethylene (MAPE) coupling agent to investigate their effects on WPC processing and mechanical properties. Work has been done to redesign the extrusion system setup to achieve smoother and stronger profiles. A guiding shaper, submerged in the water, has been designed to guide the material directly through water immediately after exiting the die; instead of passing it through a water cooled vacuum calibrator and then through ...
Magnesium-based alloys are among the promising materials for hydrogen storage and fuel cell applications due to their high hydrogen content. In the present work, we investigated the hydrogen release/uptake properties of the Mg-Ti-H system. Samples were prepared from the mixtures of MgH{sub 2} and TiH{sub 2} in molar ratios of 7:1 and 4:1 using a high-energy-high-pressure (HEHP) mechanical ball-milling method under 13.8 MPa hydrogen pressure. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that a relatively large amount of hydrogen (5.91 and 4.82 wt.%, respectively, for the above two samples) was released between 126 and 313 C while temperature was increased at a heating rate of 5 C min{sup -1} under an argon flow. The onset dehydrogenation temperature of these mixtures, which is 126 C, is much lower than that of MgH{sub 2} alone, which is 381 C. The activation energy of dehydrogenation was 71 kJ mol{sup -1}, which is much smaller ...
Burnaid is a sorbalene-based cream containing 40 mg/g of tea tree oil and 1 mg/g of triclosan. This investigation was carried out to determine the effect of Burnaid, a commercial tea tree oil preparation, against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC29212), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC29213), Escherichia coli (ATCC25922), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853), with the activity of the base product in the commercial preparation. The organisms were suspended in sterile saline (0.5 McFarland Standard) and inoculated onto horse blood agar (E. faecalis and S. aureus) or Mueller-Hinton agar (E. coli and P. aeruginosa). One hundred microliters of Burnaid unsterilized, Burnaid sterilized and the base product (Tinasolve) were placed in duplicate in wells cut into the agar plates. Sterility and inactivation cultures were also performed on the samples. None of the samples were found to be contaminated with bacteria prior to ...
The commercial solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibers are not stable enough in organic solvent and tend to swell and strip off from the silica fiber in the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) mobile phase, and therefore the application of SPME coupled online with HPLC is limited. In this study, an SPME fiber coated with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), prepared by means of electrophoretic deposition, was coupled on line to HPLC for the determination of four endocrine-disrupting compounds, i.e. bisphenol A (BPA), estrone (E(1)), 17?-ethynylestradiol (EE(2)) and octylphenol (OP), in aqueous samples. The results showed that the SWCNTs coating on the prepared fiber did not swell and strip off from the platinum fiber throughout the experiment, thus indicating a high resistance to the HPLC mobile phase, the mixture of water and acetonitrile. The SWCNTs fiber had similar (for OP) or higher (for BPA, EE(2) and ...
This study aimed to correlate the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of the cellulose contained in a sugarcane bagasse sample pretreated with dilute H(2)SO(4) with the levels of independent variables such as initial content of solids and loadings of enzymes and surfactant (Tween 20), for two cellulolytic commercial preparations. The preparations, designated cellulase I and cellulase II, were characterized regarding the activities of total cellulases, endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, cellobiase, ?-glucosidase, xylanase, and phenoloxidases (laccase, manganese and lignin peroxidases), as well as protein contents. Both extracts showed complete cellulolytic complexes and considerable activities of xylanases, without activities of phenoloxidases. For the enzymatic hydrolyses, two 2(3) central composite full factorial designs were employed to evaluate the effects caused by the initial content of solids (1.19-4.81%, w/w) and ...
A solid-state precipitation process was used to prepare superconducting tapes containing an A15 phase, V/sub 3/Ga or Nb/sub 3/Al, in a ductile niobium or vanadium containing BCC matrix. Ingots weighing as large as 30 to 50 gms of V-(14 approx. 19 at. %) Ga and Nb-(13 approx. 22 at. %) Al were prepared by arc-melting, homogenized, quenched, warm-rolled over 99% into tape, and aged at temperatures in the range 600/sup 0/C to 1000/sup 0/C to precipitate the superconducting A15 phase. The features demonstrated by the process are very attractive for practical applications. In the V-Ga system, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed the A15 precipitates in an elongated form. However, for the Nb-Al samples, deformed and aged at 750/sup 0/C, TEM studies revealed A15 precipitation in fine equi-axed particles which formed as a semi-continuous network over sub-grain boundaries formed by the recovery of ...
This SBIR Phase I developed neutron detectors made from gallium arsenide (GaAs) p-type/ intrinsic/n-type (P-I-N) diodes grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) onto semi-insulating (S1) bulk GaAs wafers. A layer of isotonically enriched boron-10 evaporated onto the front surface serves to convert incoming neutrons into lithium ions and a 1.47 MeV alpha particle which creates electron-hole pairs that are detected by the GaAs diode. Various thicknesses of ''intrinsic'' (I) undoped GaAs were tested, as was use of a back-surface field (BSF) formed from a layer of Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}As. Schottky-barrier diodes formed from the same structures without the p+ GaAs top layer were tested as a comparison. After mesa etching and application of contacts, devices were tested in visible light before application of the boron coating. Internal ...
Measurements using radioactive targets are important for the determination of key reaction path ways associated with the synthesis of the elements in nuclear astrophysics (sprocess), advanced fuel cycle initiative (transmutation of radioactive waste), and stockpile stewardship. High precision capture cross-section measurements are needed to interpret observations, predict elemental or isotopical ratios, and unobserved abundances. There are two new detector systems that are presently being commissioned at Los Alamos National Laboratory for very precise measurements of (n,{gamma}) and (n,f) cross-sections using small quantities of radioactive samples. DANCE (Detector for Advanced Neutron-Capture Experiments), a 4 {pi} gamma array made up of 160 BaF{sub 2} detectors, is designed to measure neutron capture cross-sections of unstable nuclei in the low-energy range (thermal to {approx}500 keV). The high granularity and high detection efficiency of DANCE, combined with ...
Samarium cobaltite ceramic perovskites, with and without platinum particles dispersion, are possible candidates as electrode for electrochemical conversion of hydrocarbon and for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ITSOFC). In this work, samarium cobaltites were synthesized by the combustion method using cobalt, and samarium nitrates as cation precursors and urea as fuel. For containing-platinum compositions Pt (II) acetyl acetonate was also employed as precursor. The effect of Sr on the phase formation and its electrical behavior is also studied. Specific surface area (BET), SEM-EDX, TEM and XRD analysis are used to characterize the powders obtained. Powders were pressed into pellets and sintered in air in the temperature range of 1200 -1400 C. Electrical impedance spectroscopy studies (EIS) are performed on sintered samples. The as-prepared powders showed an amorphous structure and by TEM a very small particle size ...
Aqueous solutions (mixed waste) generated from various LLNL operations, such as debris washing, samplepreparation and analysis, and equipment maintenance and cleanout, were combined for storage in the B695 tank farm. Prior to combination the individual waste streams had different codes depending on the particular generating process and waste characteristics. The largest streams were CWC 132, 791, 134, 792. Several smaller waste streams were also included. This combined waste stream was treated at LLNL's waste treatment facility using a vacuum filtration and cool vapor evaporation process in preparation for discharge to sanitary sewer. Prior to discharge, the treated waste stream was sampled and the results were reviewed by LLNL's water monitoring specialists. The treated solution was discharged following confirmation that it met the discharge criteria. A major source, accounting for ...
The purpose of the present study was to prepare a novel domperidone hydrogel. The domperidone dispersion was prepared by the solvent evaporation method. The characteristics of domperidone dispersion...Full Text Available
Mixed-conducting ceramic oxides have potential uses in high-temperature electrochemical applications such as solid oxide fuel cells, advanced batteries, sensors, and oxygen-permeable membranes. The Sr-Fe-Co-O system combines high electronic/ionic conductivity with appreciable oxygen permeability at elevated temperatures. Dense ceramic membranes made of this material can be used to separate high-purity oxygen from air without the need for external electrical circuitry, or to partially oxidize methane to produce syngas. Samples of Sr{sub 2}Fe{sub 3{minus}x}Co{sub x}O{sub y} (with x = 0, 0.6, 1.0, and 1.4) were prepared by solid-state reaction in atmospheres with various oxygen partial pressures (pO{sub 2}) and were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electrical conductivity measurements. Phase components of the samples are dependent on cobalt concentration and synthesis pO{sub 2}. Total ...
This paper presents a group's efforts to introduce national newborn screening in Lebanon. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS) technology offers the prospect of utilizing filter paper blood specimens to screen newborns for several metabolic disorders. In order to be cost-effective, it is necessary to have a mandatory newborn screening policy. At present such a policy is not available in Lebanon. A national screening survey for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) was carried out to assess the incidence of this anomaly in the Lebanese population. Such an initiative is essential as a first step for assessing the feasibility and cost of a national screening programme. Coated beads, blood spot standards for quality control and buffer solutions used for assays were prepared in-house to minimize costs. At first, samples of umbilical cord blood spots were assayed for TSH using IRMA technique. Those samples showing borderline or high values of ...
Iron doped semiconducting nanoparticles Sn1-xFexO2 with x=0, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.01 and 0.03 were prepared by a sol-gel method. The X-ray diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy measurements confirm the rutile structure with no impurity phase. The three characteristic lines of electron spin resonance (ESR) are observed in the doped samples for all compositions, which is a clear evidence for rhombic Fe3+ in rutile phase. The line width of ESR increases with increase in Fe concentration due to induced disorder. The spin-pumping effect is observed at temperatures below 250 K for the samples with x=0.01 and 0.03. However, based on the Curie-Weiss susceptibility, iron is in paramagnetic state and is subject to weak antiferromagnetic interaction. Blue shift in the optical band gap is observed with increase in the Fe content. -- Graphical abstract: The ESR spectra reveal that the nature of Fe in Sn1-xFexO2 ...
Samples from three mine tailings, the Hemlo Mine (located in Northern Ontario), the Louvicourt Mine, and the Laronde Mine (both located in Northwestern Quebec) and four different types of hydraulic binder in three different proportions (3, 4.5, 6 per cent of total dry weight of tailings) were used to prepare 33 recipes for cement caulk. The sulphur content of the three tailings is, respectively, 5 per cent, 16 per cent, and 32 per cent. Three of the four hydraulic binders are in fact a mix of two cement types: binder based on Portland cement (CP), binder based on fly ash (FA), and binder based on dross (CL). The fourth binder is based mainly on dross. The coupons of caulk dykes were flushed at 14, 28, 56, and 91 days in a humid chamber. At each of these steps, the samples were characterized for chemical, geochemical, physical, microstructural, and mechanical attributes to better understand the hydrogeochemical properties of ...
The lipid fractions of residues from historical pharmaceutical ointments were analysed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and mass spectrometer detection. The residues were contained in a series of historical apothecary jars, dating from the eighteenth century and conserved at the "Aboca Museum" in Sansepolcro (Arezzo, Italy) and at the pharmacy of the "Real Cartuja de Valldemossa" in Palma de Majorca (Spain). The analytical protocol was set up using a comparative study based on the evaluation of triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions in raw natural lipid materials and in laboratory-reproduced ointments. These ointments were prepared following pharmaceutical recipes reported in historical treatises and used as reference materials. The reference materials were also subjected to stress treatments in order to evaluate the modification occurring in the TAG profiles as an effect of ageing. TAGs were successfully ...
An evaluation of eastern shale oil (ESO) residue as an asphalt additive to reduce oxidative age hardening and moisture susceptibility was conducted by Western Research Institute (WRI). The ESO residue, have a viscosity of 23.9 Pa{lg_bullet}s at 60{degree}C (140{degree}F), was blended with three different petroleum-derived asphalts, ASD-1, AAK-1, and AAM-1, which are known to be very susceptible to oxidative aging. Rheological and infrared analyses of the unaged and aged asphalts and the blends were then conducted to evaluate oxidative age hardening. In addition, the petroleum-derived asphalts and the blends were coated onto three different aggregates, Lithonia granite (RA), a low-absorption limestone (RD), and a siliceous Gulf Coast gravel (RL), and compacted into briquettes. Successive freeze-thaw cycling was then conducted to evaluate the moisture susceptibility of the prepared briquettes. The rheological analyses of the unaged petroleum-derived asphalts and ...
The use of environmental monitoring as a technique to identify activities related to the nuclear fuel cycle has been proposed by international safeguards organizations. The elements specific for each kind of nuclear activity, or 'nuclear signatures', inserted in the ecosystem can be intercepted by different live organisms. This work demonstrates the technical viability of using pine needles as bioindicators of nuclear signatures associated with uranium enrichment activities. Additionally, it proposes the use of HR-ICP-MS to identify the signature corresponding to that kind of activities in the ecosystem. Nitric acid solutions, used to wash pine needles sampled near nuclear facilities and containing only 0.1 #mu#g x kg"-"1 of uranium, exhibit a n("2"3"5U)/n("2"3"8U) isotopic abundance ratio of 0.0092#+-#0.0002, while solutions originated from samples collected at places located more than 200 km far from activities related to the nuclear fuel ...
The quantitative determination of oxide concentration by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is relevant in various fields of applications (e.g.: analysis of ores, concrete, slag). Calibration free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and the multivariate calibration are among the methods employed for quantitative concentration analysis of complex materials. We measured the intensity of neutral and ionized atomic emission lines of oxide materials by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and we modified the calibration free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy method to increase the accuracy. The concentration of oxides was obtained by using stoichiometric relations. Sample materials were prepared from oxide powder (Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, MgO, CaO) by mixing and pressing. The concentration was 9.8-33.3 wt.% Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, 7.6-33.3 wt.% MgO and 33.3-81.2 wt.% CaO for different samples. Nd:YAG laser (wavelength 1064 nm, pulse ...
III-V semiconductors, GaAs and in particular InGaP, are used in many different electronic applications, such as high power and high frequency devices, laser diodes and high brightness LED. Their direct bandgap and high reliability make them ideal candidates for the realisation of high efficiency solar cells: in the past years they have been successfully used as power sources for satellites in space, where they are able to produce electricity from sunlight with an overall efficiency of around 30%. Nowadays, the use of arsenides and phosphides as photovoltaic (PV) devices is confined only to space applications since their price is much higher than conventional Si flat panel modules, the leading PV market technology. But with the introduction of multijunction solar cells capable of operating in high concentration solar light, the area and, therefore, the cost of these cells can be reduced and will eventually find an application and market also on Earth. This article ...
We have investigated the characteristics of ion-beam-induced spontaneous etching (IBISE) of GaAs in Cl_2 ambient by using a Ga-focused ion beam (FIB) with an energy ranging from 3 to 15 keV. The etched depth of the irradiated region was more than 20 times greater than that of unirradiated region. When the sputtered depth by FIB irradiation amounted to around 8 A at each ion energy, the etched depth in Cl_2 ambient for 1 hour became saturated. The saturated etched depths were 450, 550, 750 and 800 A at the ion energy of 3, 5, 10 and 15 keV, respectively. The residual damage of the etched surface was also investigated by photoluminescence (PL) measurement. The maximal PL intensity was obtained at around the threshold dose of IBISE and increased with decreasing ion energy. The full recovery of PL intensity was observed at the ion energy of 3 keV after annealing at 400degC. (author).
Surface scientists argue about the fundamental nature of Schottky barriers, or more precisely what determines the location of the Fermi level at semiconductor surfaces and interfaces. Electrical and materials engineers worry about how to make Schottky barrier diodes and gates to field effect transistors and the control of barrier heights. There is some interesting middle ground in which the location of the surface and interface Fermi level can, for example, determine semiconductor doping characteristics during crystal growth. The authors will discuss several interesting and well known examples of doping characteristics which are still somewhat mysterious. Specifically, they address the following question: (1) why is Ge doped GaAs p type when grown from Ga melts but n type when grown from Au melts (2) why is low resistivity p type ZnSe, AlAs, and AlGaInP hard to make, and more importantly, how can the problem be fixed. In addition they describe how this concept ...
Room-temperature cw operation for InGaP/InGaAlP double heterostructure (DH) laser diodes on GaAs substrates was achieved for the first time. The DH wafers were grown by low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition using methyl metalorganics. A lasing wavelength of 679 nm and a threshold current of 109 mA at 24C were obtained for an inner stripe structure laser diode with a 250- m-long and 7- m stripe geometry. The laser operated at up to 51C. The characteristic temperature T0 was 87 K at around room temperature. The lowest threshold current density, 5.0 kA/cmS, was obtained with a 20- m stripe width laser diode under room-temperature pulsed operation.
Self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) are envisioned as building blocks for realization of novel nanoelectronic devices, for which the site-selective growth is highly desirable. This thesis presents a successful route toward selective positioning of self-assembled InAs QDs on patterned GaAs surface by combination of in situ focused ion beam (FIB) implantation and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) technology. First, a buffer layer of GaAs was grown by MBE before a square array of holes with a pitch of 1-2 #mu#m was fabricated by FIB implantation of Ga and In, ions respectively. Later, an in-situ annealing step followed by InAs deposition was performed. The InAs QDs were preferentially formed in the holes generated by FIB. The influence of ion dose, annealing parameters and InAs amount was investigated in this work. With optimized parameters, more than 50 % single dot occupancy per hole is achieved. Furthermore, the photoluminescence spectra from ...
Undoped Al /SUB 0.5/ In /SUB 0.5/ P-Ga /SUB 0.5/ In /SUB 0.5/ P double heterostructure was grown on (100) GaAs by metalorganic chemical-vapor deposition for the first time. A mirror-like grown surface was obtained. Over ten-times stronger photoluminescence-intensity was gained from the sandwiched Ga /SUB 0.5/ In /SUB 0.5/ P-layer, than that from a single epitaxially-grown Ga /SUB 0.5/ In /SUB 0.5/ P-layer on (100) GaAs, indicating that high-quality Al /SUB 0.5/ In /SUB 0.5/ P-Ga /SUB 0.5/ In /SUB 0.5/ P heterointerfaces are formed in the double heterostructure. A lasing action by optical pumping with an argon ion laser was observed in the double heterostructure at 90 K. The observed stimulated emission wavelength was 6470 A.
Efficient, low-temperature conversion of infrared light into visible light (red, orange, green) is reported at single heterojunctions and undoped quantum wells of GaAs and ordered Al{sub {ital x}}Ga{sub 1{minus}{ital x}}InP{sub 2}; an increase in photon energy of 700 meV is obtained. The signal originates from the high-band-gap layers and disappears only if the excitation energy is tuned below the GaAs band gap. The intensity of the up-converted photoluminescence (PL) is found to decrease significantly slower with increasing temperature than that of the regular PL and it remains observable up to 200 K. Interface-induced cold Auger processes along with the presence of trapped states for both electrons and holes in these ordered alloys account for this nonlinear mechanism. A colinear double-beam experiment confirms this. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Using the ammonia (NH3) plasma generated by a helical antenna surrounded by two magnetic coils, the transition of the discharge mode from low-density plasma to high-density one was observed. At the transition, the emission intensities from the H atoms and NH radicals especially increased in the optical emission spectroscopy, while the intensities of the other emission lines also increased abruptly. The nitridation of gallium arsenide (GaAs) surface was performed using the high-density NH3 plasma, and the properties of the nitrided surface layer were compared with those nitrided by high-density N2 plasma using the same apparatus. From the spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements, the thickness of the nitrided layer was estimated to be 16-18 nm, while that by N2 was 3-4 nm. From the Ga 3d spectra, the contamination with oxygen in the nitridation layer by NH3 plasma was less than that by N2 plasma.
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 films on tungsten. Recent results on Fe films which are grown directly on GaAs ...
To attain reproducible and stable contacts to compound semiconductor devices, it is necessary to achieve thermodynamically stable phases after the reaction of metals with the compound semiconductor. In this study, the final phases produced by the reactions between GaAs and thin metal films of Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, and Pt have been investigated. They are identified as MGa for M = Co, Rh, Ni, Pd, and Pt, monoarsenides of Co and Ni, diarsenides of Rh, Ir, Pd, and Pt, and Ir/sub 3/Ga/sub 5/. These phases, if deposited directly onto GaAs, will produce thermally stable contacts. In addition to the identification of these stable phases, analyses of the products of thin-film M/GaAs reactions by transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry reveal the distribution, grain size, and crystallographic texture of these end phases. Trends in these observations across the six metal/GaAs reactions studied are ...
A p[sup +]-Al[sub 0.3]Ga[sub 0.7]As/n[sup +]-GaAs heterojunction tunnel diode was fabricated using Atomic Layer Epitaxy (ALE) growth technique. Background carbon doping of [similar to]10[sup 20] cm[sup [minus]3] was achieved in the p-side of the diode by optimizing growth conditions such as V/III ratio, exposure times to reactant gases, and growth temperature. In the n-side of the diode GaAs was doped with silane and doping concentrations as high as 7[times]10[sup 18] cm[sup [minus]3] were also achieved. The dopants are chosen to satisfy the high levels and low diffusion requirements. The diode can be used to interconnect the high and low band-gap cells in the AlGaAs/GaAs cascade solar cell structure. The reactor used in this investigation is a commercial MOCVD system which has been specially modified for dual operation of ALE and MOCVD growth modes.
A method of patterning n-type GaAs, InP, InGaAs, and InGaAsP by photoelectrochemical (PEC) etching in conjunction with a submicron focused ion beam (FIB) at low dose is described. The ion beam is used to produce damage in a desired pattern in the material. Subsequent PEC etching of the material reveals the ion induced features in relief. The procedure is highly sensitive, requiring a dose of only 5 x 10/sup 9/ ions/cm/sup 2/ for the differential etch to become apparent. The sensitivity allows rapid pattern generation in our FIB system.
The use of workstations, controllers or embedded systems and their applications have become much more relevant than previously. PC-based systems, a cooker programmer, applications of, for example, Prolog machines, Unix and Ada papers, Robotics and Automation are typical examples of this. The three keynote addresses of this symposium have as their subjects the most spectacular microcomputer fields and are presented by leading experts. The papers presented cover most of the traditional interests of Euromicro. Special emphasis is given to contributions on the use of workstations and personal computers, on RISC and GaAs and on transputers.
A local Heine-Abarenkov model potential is proposed for zinc blende-type crystals. The potential parameters are determined by satisfying the zero pressure condition and the first zero of the empirical pseudopotential interpolated from band calculations. Two sets of parameters are presented for thirteen tetrahedral compounds such as AlP, AlAs, AlSb, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InP, InAs, InSb, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, and CdTe.
We present the results of a comprehensive study of the temperature dependences of the quantum efficiency for ultraviolet detectors based on GaAs, GaP and 4H--SiC Schottky structures, and on Si, GaAs p-n structures. For ultraviolet detectors based on Schottky structures, the quantum efficiency increases with increasing temperature for all photon energies, even including the semiconductor intrinsic absorption region. On the other hand, for ultraviolet detectors based on p-n structures, the quantum efficiency is practically temperature independent in the semiconductor intrinsic absorption region. The change in the quantum efficiency for the GaAs and Si detectors is less than 0.01% per degree. To explain the measurements, a variable trap occupancy model is presented. Subsurface imperfections of the semiconductor cause fluctuations in the profile of the conduction band and the valence band edges. In the presence of an electric ...
We present the results of a comprehensive study of the temperature dependences of the quantum efficiency for ultraviolet detectors based on GaAs, GaP and 4H--SiC Schottky structures, and on Si, GaAs p-n structures. For ultraviolet detectors based on Schottky structures, the quantum efficiency increases with increasing temperature for all photon energies, even including the semiconductor intrinsic absorption region. On the other hand, for ultraviolet detectors based on p-n structures, the quantum efficiency is practically temperature independent in the semiconductor intrinsic absorption region. The change in the quantum efficiency for the GaAs and Si detectors is less than 0.01% per degree. To explain the measurements, a variable trap occupancy model is presented. Subsurface imperfections of the semiconductor cause fluctuations in the profile of the conduction band and the valence band edges. In the presence of an electric ...
In an earlier paper (Phys. Rev. Lett. 66, 41 (1991)), we calculated both the dielectric constant ({epsilon}{sub {infinity}}) and the nonlinear optical susceptibilities for second-harmonic generation ({chi}{sup (2)}) in the static limit for AlP, AlAs, GaP, and GaAs in the local-density approximation with and without a self-energy correction in the form of a scissors operator,'' including local-field effects. In this paper, we expand our presentation of this calculation. Agreement with experiment to within 15% for the nonlinear susceptibility is demonstrated where experiments are available (GaP and GaAs); the dielectric constants are in no worse than 4% agreement with experiment. The virtual hole'' contributions are reformulated to avoid large numerical cancellations in the case of near degeneracies. The virtual electron'' terms dominate over the virtual hole'' terms ...
Three- and four-junction III-V devices are proposed for ultrahigh-efficiency solar cells using a new 1-eV material lattice-matched to GaAs, namely, GaInNAs. We demonstrate working prototypes of a GaInNAs-based solar cell lattice-matched to GaAs with photoresponse down to 1 eV. Under the AM1.5 direct spectrum with all the light higher in energy than the GaAs band gap filtered out, the prototypes grown with base doping of about 10{sup 17}&hthinsp;cm{sup {minus}3} have open-circuit voltages ranging from 0.35 to 0.44 V, short-circuit current densities of 1.8 mA/cm{sup 2}, and fill factors from 61{percent} to 66{percent}. To improve on the current record-efficiency tandem GaInP/GaAs solar cell by adding a GaInNAs junction, the short-circuit current density of this 1-eV cell must be significantly increased. Because these low short-circuit current densities are due to short diffusion lengths, we have demonstrated a ...
The synthesis, crystal structure, thermal stability and absorbance spectra of perovskite-type oxynitrides with the general formula SrTi1-xNbx(O,N)3 (x=0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 0.80, 0.90, 0.95) have been investigated. Oxide samples were prepared by a polymerized complex synthesis route and post-treated under ammonia at 850 oC for 24 h to substitute nitrogen for oxygen. Synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) evidenced that the mixed oxide phases were all transformed into oxynitrides with perovskite-type structure during a thermal ammonolysis. SrTi1-xNbx(O,N)3 with compositions x?0.80 crystallized in a cubic and samples with x?0.90 in a tetragonal structure. The Rietveld refinement indicated a continuous enlargement of the lattice parameters towards higher niobium content of the samples. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and hotgas extraction revealed the dependence of the nitrogen incorporation upon ...
This Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report (CADD/CR) has been prepared for Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 409: Other Waste Sites, Tonopah Test Range (TTR), Nevada, in accordance with the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order. Located near Area 3 on the TTR approximately 140 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada, CAU 409 is comprised of three Corrective Action Sites (CASs): CAS RG-24-001-RGCR, Battery Dump Site; CAS TA-53-001-TAB2, Septic Sludge Disposal Pit (referred to as Septic Sludge Disposal Pit No.1); CAS TA-53-002-TAB2, Septic Sludge Disposal Pit (referred to as Septic Sludge Disposal Pit No.2). This CADD/CR identifies and rationalizes the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Operations Office's (NNSA/NV's) recommendation that no corrective action is deemed necessary for CAU 409. The CADD/CR have been combined into one report based on sample data collected ...
An x-ray zone plate was fabricated using the novel approach of focused ion beam (FIB) milling. The FIB technique was developed in recent years, it has been successfully used for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) samplepreparation, lithographic mask repair, and failure analysis of semiconductor devices. During FIB milling, material is removed by the physical sputtering action of ion bombardment. The sputter yield is high enough to remove a substantial amount of material, therefore FIB can perform a direct patterning with submicron accuracy. The authors succeeded in fabricating an x-ray phase zone plate using the Micrion 9500HT FIB station, which has a 50 kV Ga{sup +} column. Circular Fresnel zones were milled in a 1.0-{micro}m-thick TaSiN film deposited on a silicon wafer. The outermost zone width of the zone plate is 170 nm at a radius of 60 {micro}m. An achieved aspect ratio was 6:1.
We have investigated the superconducting and metallurgical properties of the ternary compounds RPd/sub 2/Si/sub 2/ and RRh/sub 2/Si/sub 2/ with R = Y, La, and Lu. All RPd/sub 2/Si/sub 2/ compounds and LaRh/sub 2/Si/sub 2/ were found to be type-I superconductors below 1 K. A detailed metallurgical analysis shows that segregation of second phases can easily mask the intrinsic (stoichiometric ratio 1:2:2) intermetallic-compound properties. Two sample-preparation techniques, viz., single crystals and off-stoichiometry, were utilized to establish where bulk superconductivity occurs. The type-I behavior of these compounds is explained with an analogous model as is used for the heavy-fermion superconductors CeCu/sub 2/Si/sub 2/ and URu/sub 2/Si/sub 2/.
This report presents the status of development of a three-dimensional conceptual model for the unconfined aquifer system at Hanford. A conceptual model is needed to support development of a realistic three-dimensional numerical model for predicting ground-water flow and the transport of contaminants. The report focuses on developing a hydrogeologic framework, assessing available hydraulic property data, describing flow-system boundaries, and evaluating areal recharge and leakage. Geologic descriptions of samples obtained during well drilling were used to prepare cross sections that correlate relatively continuous layers. The layers were defined based on textural differences that are expected to reflect differences in hydraulic properties. Assigning hydraulic properties to the layers is a critical part of the conceptual model. Available hydraulic property data for the study area were compiled and were correlated with the geologic layers where ...
The authors have discovered chert xenoliths from green rocks in the Pippu area, central Hokkaido, Japan. Reports were given on the discovery with regard to the state of its production, chemical composition of the green rocks, and radiolarian fossils produced from the chert and their age. Considerations were given on the geological significance thereof. On 23 green rocks and five cherts out of the collected samples, rock slices were prepared, and petrographic statement was made by using a polarizing microscope. In addition, the whole petro-chemical composition analysis was performed on green rocks to discuss the radiolarian fossils and geological ages. The following conclusions were obtained as a result: green rocks may be identified as a product of igneous activities in a large plate in a certain period from the latter Callovian period of the middle age of the Jurassic period to the Barremian period of the Paleozoic era in the Cretaceous ...
Piezoelectric ceramics for acoustic applications have been prepared by mixing the piezoelectric phase Pb{sub 1-1.5x}La{sub x}{open_square}{sub x/2}(Ti{sub 1-y}Zr{sub y})O{sub 3} (PLZT) with variable fractions of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The samples are in form of pellets and polarized at high temperature. After thermal treatment, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy have been used to determine the phase and morphological modifications. The morphotropic PLZT initial phase disproportionates into modified PLZT and ZrO{sub 2} phases. Using electrical impedance spectroscopy, the resonance frequencies of the composite system have been determined and analyzed. As the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} volume fractions increase, the resonance frequency and the amplitude of the electrical response both decrease. An interpretation of the role of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} additions is proposed in terms of phase and microstructure modifications. Using LRC electrical ...
Carbons derived from the phase separation of polyacrylonitrile/solvent mixtures were investigated as lithium intercalation anodes for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The carbon electrodes have a bulk density of 0.35-0.5 g/cm{sup 3}, relatively low surface areas (< 10 m{sup 2}/g), and micron-size cells. Pyrolysis temperature influences the reversible lithium intercalation and the irreversible capacity (associated with the formation of the passivating layer). Carbon electrodes pyrolyzed at 600{degrees}C have first-cycle capacity as high as 550 mAh/g as well as large irreversible capacity, 440 mAh/g. Electrodes prepared at 1050{degrees}C have reversible capacities around 270 mAh/g with relatively lower capacity losses (120 mAh/g). Doping the organic precursors with phosphoric acid, prior to pyrolysis at 1050{degrees}C, leads to carbon electrodes with reversible capacities as high as 450 mAh/g. The capacity of doped carbon increased with increasing phosphorus ...
During the phases of separation, treatment, conditioning and storage of radioactive waste, destructive and nondestructive methods for their characterization are needed. In order to satisfy this necessity, in the frame of the National Program of Research and Development, the 'Laboratory for characterization of spent nuclear fuel and high/medium level radioactive waste- LABORAD' was created. The purpose of the project was to accredit the analysis methods available in the laboratory, and also to develop new methods for the characterization of the radioactive waste. A special attention was paid to the high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel characterization that require special facilities for handling. These facilities (e.g. hot cells, remote handlers, transport container) are already available in our institute. Experimental results and performances obtained during validation of the methods are presented in this paper. The laboratory (LABORAD) is notified as testing laboratory ...
US Department of Energy (DOE) Order 5400.1 requires the preparation of environmental monitoring plans and implementation of environmental monitoring programs for all DOE facilities. The order identifies two distinct components of environmental monitoring, namely effluent monitoring and environmental surveillance. In general, effluent monitoring has the objectives of characterizing contaminants and demonstrating compliance with applicable standards and permit requirements, whereas environmental surveillance has the broader objective of monitoring the effects of DOE activities on on- and off-site environmental and natural resources. The purpose of this document is to support the Environmental Monitoring Plan for the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) by describing the groundwater component of the environmental surveillance program for the DOE facilities on the ORR. The distinctions between groundwater effluent monitoring and groundwater surveillance have been defined in the ...
Alloy 800 is an austenitic Fe-Ni-Cr steel containing relatively minor but important amounts of carbon, aluminium and titanium. Special grades of alloy 800 known as 800H, 800HT and 800LC differ in the concentrations of these elements. In addition to these industrial specifications, further melts were prepared containing phosphorous or sulphur. Using a radioactive tracer method the bulk and grain-boundary diffusion of {sup 59}Fe was investigated in these alloys in the temperature range 800 to 1000 C. For evaluation of the diffusion profiles the approximation of Suzuoka was used, which considers the depletion of the tracer on the surface. By autoradiography it was confirmed that such depletion occurs. In alloy 800H the activation energy of grain-boundary diffusion of {sup 59}Fe was found to be (209{+-}17) kJ/mol; dissolved elements, especially phosphorous, increase the activation energy. The same materials - aged at 800 C for 100 h - were used for creep experiments at ...
Alloy 800 is an austenitic Fe-Ni-Cr steel containing relatively minor but important amounts of carbon, aluminium and titanium. Special grades of alloy 800 known as 800H, 800HT and 800LC differ in the concentrations of these elements. In addition to these industrial specifications, further melts were prepared containing phosphorous or sulphur. Using a radioactive tracer method the bulk and grain-boundary diffusion of "5"9Fe was investigated in these alloys in the temperature range 800 to 1000 C. For evaluation of the diffusion profiles the approximation of Suzuoka was used, which considers the depletion of the tracer on the surface. By autoradiography it was confirmed that such depletion occurs. In alloy 800H the activation energy of grain-boundary diffusion of "5"9Fe was found to be (209#+-#17) kJ/mol; dissolved elements, especially phosphorous, increase the activation energy. The same materials - aged at 800 C for 100 h - were used for creep experiments at 800 C ...
Lubricant additives have been known to affect rolling element bearing surface durability for many years. Tapered roller bearings were used in fatigue testing of lubricants formulated with gear oil type additive systems. These systems have sulfur- and phosphoruscontaining compounds used for gear protection as well as bearing lubrication. Several variations of a commercially available base additive formulation were tested having modified sulfur components. The variations represent a range of ''active'' extreme pressure (EP) chemistries. The bearing fatigue test results were compared with respect to EP formulation and test conditions. Inner ring near-surface material in selected test bearings was evaluated on two scales: the micrometer scale using optical metallography and the nanometer scale using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Focused-ion beam (FIB) techniques were used for TEM specimen preparation. Imaging and chemical ...
BaxSr1-xTiO3 (x=0.6, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85 and 0.9) compositions are prepared by solid-state reaction route using controlled heating and cooling. Density optimization by varying sintering temperature was achieved. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows the phase pure materials. The lattice constant decreases from 3.9868A (x=0.90) to 3.9449A (x=0.60) with increasing Sr2+; the tetragonal distortion also decreases. Dielectric constant show sharp peaks for samples having low strontium content (0.10, 0.15) and gets smeared out as the strontium content is increased (0.20, 0.25). For further higher Sr2+ composition (0.40), the dielectric peak could not be observed in the measured temperature range. The peak broadening in Sr2+ rich compositions indicates that diffused transitions and is attributed to t...
The conservation of energy through the use of the optimum economic thickness of insulation has clear benefits for industry in the U.S. Potential energy savings have been estimated to be the equivalent of 250 million of barrels of oil per year over the next decade. As is the case with any capital expenditure, the dollars spent for insulation must be expected to provide the plant owner with a certain return on his investment. This manual provides data and guidelines for estimating dollar costs and insulation life which enable the user to specify the least-cost insulation thickness based on minimum life cycle cost and required percentage return on investment. A large degree of design flexibility is provided for, so that specific economic and design criteria may be taken into account. A number of useful working aids are provided, including sample problems, forms and worksheets, and nomographs which may be used to simplify calculations. Insulation designers, ...
Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) offers high sensitivity and high accuracy in quantitative measurements of chemical compositions and mass coverages. Owing to the low detection limits of the wavelength-dispersive technique, monolayers with mass coverages of about 0.05 pg cm z can be detected. Assuming a density of 5 g cm--3 this corresponds to a thickness of 0.1 nm. With these advantages in mind, EPMA was extended to depth profile analysis in the sub-micron range using a surface removal technique. The present paper shows how depth profile analysis can be improved by combining EPMA and the focused ion beam (FIB) technique. The focused ion beam system uses a Ga+ ion beam. The ion beam allows the milling of defined geometries on the nanometer scale, so that very shallow bevels with exactly defined angles in relation to the surface can be obtained. Low surface damage is expected due to low sputtering effects. Calibrated WDX measurements along the bevel deliver quantitative concentration ...
NaCl doped MgCl_2.nEtOH adducts were prepared by ball-milling MgCl_2.2.5EtOH with NaCl. Both the ball-milled MgCl_2.nEtOH/NaCl mixture and pure MgCl_2.2.5EtOH adducts were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermogravimetry (TG) and differencial scanning calorimetry (DSC). A simple MgCl_2.nEtOH/NaCl mixture without ball-milling treatment was also studied for comparison. Two kinds of mixed crystals, Na_2MgCl_4 and NaMgCl_3, were found to be formed in a ball-milled mixture that contained 16 mol.% NaCl. TG and DSC analysis of the samples also provided indirect evidences supporting the presence of the mixed crystals in the ball-milled mixture. Adding certain amounts of NaCl in MgCl_2.2.5EtOH adduct, either by co-milling or by simple mixing, greatly increased the thermal stability of the adduct, but thermal decomposition behaviour of the ball-milled mixture was still different from that of a simple mixture.
Careful samplepreparation and secondary ion mass spectroscopy have been used to characterize arsenic dose loss to the silicon-oxide interface. Using high resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for microprofiling, we have directly observed the pileup of arsenic at the silicon dioxide-silicon interface. At least half of the pileup is shown to be on the silicon side of the interface in the first monolayer of silicon. Monolayer chemical oxidation and etching are successfully used to profile this pileup in silicon. This pileup contains most of the arsenic dose loss that occurs during transient enhanced diffusion. This result is crucial to correctly model the dose loss and provides physical justification for using a trap/detrap model at the interface, which is necessary to account for the fact that the arsenic surface concentration remains constant during an anneal and the fact that the dose loss is partially reversible. Finally, we have found ...
Careful samplepreparation and secondary ion mass spectroscopy have been used to characterize arsenic dose loss to the silicon-oxide interface. Using high resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for microprofiling, we have directly observed the pileup of arsenic at the silicon dioxide-silicon interface. At least half of the pileup is shown to be on the silicon side of the interface in the first monolayer of silicon. Monolayer chemical oxidation and etching are successfully used to profile this pileup in silicon. This pileup contains most of the arsenic dose loss that occurs during transient enhanced diffusion. This result is crucial to correctly model the dose loss and provides physical justification for using a trap/detrap model at the interface, which is necessary to account for the fact that the arsenic surface concentration remains constant during an anneal and the fact that the dose loss is partially reversible. Finally, we have found ...
Comparisons were made between various LH and FSH radioimmunoassays currently being used to measure avian hormones. The two LH assays were the homologous chicken system of Follett et al. (1972) and the turkey assay of Burke et al. (1979). These assays were also used in heterologous arrangement by interchanging the iodinated LH fractions and antisera. Five FSH assays were analyzed: two homologous chicken systems (Scanes et al., 1977; Sakai and Ishii, 1980) an assay based on mammalian materials (rat FSH and anti-ovine FSH antiserum, and one using labelled turkey FSH (Burke et al., 1979) with an anti-chicken FSH antiserum. The potencies of purified chicken and turkey gonadotrophin preparations and of a range of plasma samples from Japanese quail were measured in each assay. The two LH systems showed some degree of species specificity, such that chicken LH was more active than turkey LH in the chicken assay, whereas the reverse was true in the ...
Deposition of hard coatings may influence the mechanical properties of the bulk material and its corrosion resistance. In this work we study the hardness of the coated and the back side of 100Cr6 steel plates. Electrochemical corrosion tests were performed in O{sub 2}-saturated acetate buffer of pH 5.6 at 25degC. Chromium nitride and titanium nitride coatings prepared by different physical vapour deposition processes, such as arc, thermionic arc evaporation, magnetron sputtering and ion-beam-assisted deposition (IBAD) were compared. The results show that, for sufficient corrosion protection, chromium nitride layers have to be thicker than 500 nm. An increased nitrogen partial pressure in the evaporation chamber of the IBAD process improves the corrosion resistance significantly. The hardness of the substrates was reduced in the case of thermoionic arc evaporation only, indicating a deposition temperature of more than 250degC. For this process, however, we obtained ...