High-power diode laser arrays emitting at 690 nm have been developed for solid-state laser pumping. The laser diode bars (fill factor [approx]0.7) have been fabricated from single quantum well AlGaInP-based heterostructures. Using silicon microchannel heatsinks, a record high 360 W/cm[sup 2] per emitting aperture is achieved under continuous wave operation.
The platinum-silicide layer was investigated as the anode contact of a high-power P-i-N diode. The thermal stability at 700 deg. C was found sufficient for the purpose of Pt in-diffusion from the platinum-silicide layer into the volume. The diffusion, which was controlled using the radiation defects resulting from the 10 MeV alpha particle irradiation, represents a new local lifetime control in the float zone silicon with very low-leakage current, while keeping the benefits of traditional approaches.
Visible-emitting high-power laser bars are investigated at an emission wavelength of 640 nm. AlGaInP/GaInP, single tensile-strained quantum well, separate confinement heterostructures are fabricated into one cm long laser bars using a 0.7 fill factor. The low threshold current of the diode, combined with the aggressive heatsinking of a silicon microchannel cooler has resulted in more than 12 W of continuous wave output power.
Thin film ultraviolet detectors based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon alloys are realized with different diode structures (PIN, NIP, PN, and NP). The PIN and NIP detectors exhibit higher sensitivity in the ultraviolet spectrum and a significant lower dark current in comparison to the PN or NP structures. The best detector performance was achieved with a 33 nm thick PIN diode. This detector shows a maximum of quantum efficiency of 36.3% at a wavelength of 310 nm. By varying the thickness of the semi-transparent Ag front contact the selectivity of the detectors with the quantum efficiency peak at 320 nm can be adjusted. Thus, the spectral sensitivity of the detector shifts from a broad UV to a selective UV-B spectrum. (orig.)
We present the recent results of our research on the high power ultra-fast silicon RF switches. This switch is composed of a group of PIN diodes on a high purity silicon wafer. The wafer is inserted into a cylindrical waveguide under TE{sub 01} mode, performing switching by injecting carriers into the bulk silicon. Our current design uses a CMOS compatible process and the device was fabricated at SNF (Stanford Nanofabrication Facility). 300 ns switching time has been observed, while the switching speed can be improved further with 3-D device structure and faster driving circuit. Power handling capacity of the switch is at the level of 10 MW. The switch was designed for active X-band RF pulse compression systems--especially for NLC, but it is also possible to be modified for other applications and other frequencies.
Silicon carbide (SiC) based electronic devices are of great importance for applications under the condition of high temperature, high power and high radiation. Schottky diodes of Palladium/SiC are good candidates for hydrogen and hydrocarbon gas sensors at elevated temperature. The detection sensibility of the diodes has been found heavily temperature dependent. In this work, the electrical and chemical properties of Pd/SiC Schottky contacts were studied by XPS and AES at different annealing temperatures. Schottky diodes were made by depositing ultra-thin palladium films onto a silicon carbide substrate. No significant change in the Schottky barrier height of the Pd/SiC contact was found in the temperature range of 300-673K. Palladium diffusion into SiC and the formation of palladium silicides were observed at room temperature and became significant at 300^oC and higher temperature. ...
A comparative study of three methods for extracting solar cell parameters of the single-diode lumped-circuit model is presented, using experimental characteristics collected from two silicon cells over a range of illuminations and temperatures. The results show that the curve-fitting method can often give erroneous parameter values. The 5-point methods are found to be reliable and accurate in situations where the model is a good approximation of cell performance. The analytical 5-point method, however, has the added advantage of simplicity. It is also found that for the cell measured, the single diode model is valid at illuminations above one-half AM1 but gives non-physical parameter values at lower illumination.
Radiation defects produced by helium implantation were used to shape profiles of palladium (Pd) and platinum (Pt) atoms in-diffusing (for 20 min at temperatures 600-800 deg. C) either from surface silicide (Pd_2Si, PtSi) or implanted layers. Results show that this procedure allows a strong localization of substitutional Pd and Pt at the depth where the damage produced by helium peaks. This results in local reduction of carrier lifetime by an almost ideal recombination centers - the acceptor level of substitutional Pd (E _c - 0.22 eV) or Pt (E _c - 0.23 eV). While optimum conditions for Pt in-diffusion are about 700 deg. C, Pd gives the best results already at lower temperatures (600 deg. C) where it also exhibits higher peak solubility. Both methods were used for optimization of turn-off properties of high power PiN diodes. The devices, where the lifetime was killed locally by Pd and Pt, exhibited similar trade-off between the static and dynamic parameters as the ...
A newly developed 220 Mbps free-space 4-ary pulse position modulation (PPM) direct detection optical communication system is described. High speed GaAs integrated circuits were used to construct the PPM encoder and receiver electronic circuits. Both PPM slot and word timing recovery were provided in the PPM receiver. The optical transmitter consisted of an AlGaAs laser diode (Mitsubishi ML5702A, lambda=821nm) and a high speed driver unit. The photodetector consisted of a silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) (RCA30902S) preceded by an optical interference filter (delta lambda=10nm). Preliminary tests showed that the self-synchronized PPM receiver could achieve a receiver bit error rate of less than 10(exp -6) at 25 nW average received optical signal power or 360 photons per transmitted information bit. The relatively poor receiver sensitivity was believed to be caused by the insufficient electronic bandwidth of the APD preamplifier and the poor ...
Neutron semiconductor detectors for neutron counting and neutron radiography have an increasing importance. Simple silicon neutron detectors are combination of a planar diode with a layer of an appropriate neutron converter such as 6LiF. These devices have limited detection efficiency of not more than 5%. The detection efficiency can be increased by creating a 3D microstructure of dips, trenches or pores in the detector and filling it with a neutron converter. The first results related to the development of such devices are presented. Silicon detectors were fabricated with pyramidal dips on the surface covered with 6LiF and then irradiated by thermal neutrons. Pulse height spectra of the energy deposited in the sensitive volume were compared with simulations. The detection efficiency of these devices was about 6.3%. Samples with different column sizes were fabricated to study the electrical properties of 3D structures. ...
A univibrator and a pulse height discriminator using tunnel diodes and backward diodes are described, along with their applications in pulse shaping and fast coincidence technique. The main advantages achieved are simplicity of design and speed. The characteristics of the two diodes are shown. (auth)
Researchers at the Laboratory of Nuclear Microanalysis in Besancon (France) are developing and improving radon measurements in order to detect and analyse, more precisely radon emanation anomalies in both fields of Earth Sciences and Radioprotection. In order to characterize radon emanation, two complementary techniques are developed; continuous measurement through a portable proportional counter and passive measurements by nuclear track detectors for both fieldwork and laboratory analysis. A mathematical model is being devised to interpret the nuclear track detector response. This model is performed according to the device characteristics: type of detectors, shape and size of cells and whether a membrane is used or not. In addition to the theoritical study, experimental radon concentration measurements will be reported. (author).
Researchers at the Laboratory of Nuclear Microanalysis in Besancon (France) are developing and improving radon measurements in order to detect and analyse, more precisely radon emanation anomalies in both fields of Earth Sciences and Radioprotection. In order to characterize radon emanation, two complementary techniques are developed; continuous measurement through a portable proportional counter and passive measurements by nuclear track detectors for both fieldwork and laboratory analysis. A mathematical model is being devised to interpret the nuclear track detector response. This model is performed according to the device characteristics: type of detectors, shape and size of cells and whether a membrane is used or not. In addition to the theoritical study, experimental radon concentration measurements will be reported. (author).
A fluidic pump comprises a two-diode pump having a first displacement vessel, a third diode connected to receive output from the two-diode pump through a delivery line and discharge to an outlet, and a second displacement vessel connected to the delivery line. There is a feed tank at a greater height than the two-diode pump, and a drive unit for alternately pressurising and venting the first and second displacement vessels. The drive pressure required to operate the pump can be of the order of half that for a single stage 2-diode pump. (author).
There is considerable interest in the use of silicon devices as qubits for quantum computing. The existence of nuclear spin in a silicon isotope and the complex band structure of silicon are unfavourable for this application of silicon devices. (viewpoint)
light-emitting diode A light-emitting diode, or LED, is a semi-conductor light source that emits visible light or invisible infrared radiation. Semi-conductors ...
This thesis deals with the evaluation of Solar Grade Silicon (SoG-Si) purified by different techniques, and also the fabrication and characterization of high efficiency and advanced bifacial solar cells. In the beginning of Chapter 1, various SoG-Si production methods relevant for this work are qualitatively described. The three feedstock materials used in this work are from the Fluidized Bed Reactor (FBR) process, metallurgical feedstock-I and feedstock-II process. In metallurgical feedstock-I, the lifetime of the minority charge carriers in multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) samples at the grain boundaries are found to be higher than the grains themselves possibly due to lower resistivities in the grain boundaries. The efficiency of the best solar cell obtained using the mc-Si metallurgical feedstock-I is 16.1%. It has been identified that the fast light induced degradation, whose magnitude is lower than that of a reference cell suggests the ...
The refractive error in 15 eyes with threshold retinopathy of prematurity treated with diode laser photocoagulation was compared with 25 eyes with the same disease severity treated by cryotherapy. Myopia...Full Text Available
Production of intense negative ion beams in magnetically insulated diodes was studied in order to develop an understanding of this process by measuring the ion-beam parameters as a function of diode and cathode plasma conditions in different magnetically insulated diodes. A coral diode, a racetrack diode, and an annular diode were used. The UCI APEX pulse line, with a nominal output of 1MV, 140kA, was used under matched conditions with a pulse length of 50 nsec. Negative-ion intensity and divergence were measured with Faraday cups and CR-39 track detectors. Cathode plasma was produced by passive dielectric cathodes and later, by an independent plasma gun. Negative-ion currents had an intensity of a few A/cm{sup 2} with a divergence ranging between a few tenths milliradians for an active TiH{sub 2} plasma gun and 300 milliradians for a passive polyethelene ...
A vortex diode has been developed as a reverse flow limiter in the primary circuit of an advanced gas cooled reactor. In addition to the development work on a prototype diode to optimise performance and geometry, measurements were also made on an available experimental diode of similar size with pressure differences up to 4 MPa and temperatures up to 600 K using nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide as the test fluids. Correlation of data from all tests was satisfactorily obtained using isentropic one-dimensional nozzle flow equations. (author).
A silicon solar cell assembly comprising a large, thin silicon solar cell bonded to a metal mount for use when there exists a mismatch in the thermal expansivities of the device and the mount.
Basic research of the structure and electronic properties of a-Si:H is reported with particular emphasis on the role of defects. The main findings are as follows: (1) low defect density material can be deposited at a high rate using SiH/sub 4/ diluted in He or Ne. Using Ar or Kr results in a high defect density and columnar material; (2) an electrical bias during deposition modifies the band gap, hydrogen concentration and structure; (3) the clustering of hydrogen in the regions between the columns is confirmed; (4) hydrogen diffusion is observed by NMR; (5) the oxidation of an a-Si:H surface results in approx. 3 x 10/sup 11/ cm/sup -2/ dangling bonds at the interface; (6) auger recombination of photoexcited carriers is a significant non-radiative mechanism at low temperatures; (7) non-radiative recombination by diffusion and capture at dangling bonds is observed at temperatures above 50 to 100/sup 0/K; (8) the defect density in doped and compensated a-Si:H is determined by the ...
The authors have designed and constructed four types of electron-beam diodes for the new 4-MV RLA injector: a non-immersed foilless diode, a magnetically immersed foilless diode, a foil diode and an ion-focused foilless diode, They are tailored to fit the new injector cavity. The design goals were to produce high quality 10-kA to 20-kA electron beams with a #beta# perpendicular smaller than 0.2 and a beam radius of the order of 2 cm. These beams will be matched to the RLA IFR channel so #beta# perpendicular must be equal to or smaller than the square root of the ratio of the beam current versus Alfven current for f_e = 1. A reentrant anode geometry was selected for the injector cavity design, because it offers substantial savings on the required amount of feromagnetic cores. The inner radius of the outside shell, now only 30 cm, would have been twice as large (60 cm) if a coaxial ...
indications of the formation of palladium silicides. 2, 4. It has been reported .... At room temperature, palladium silicides formed in a relatively narrow interface ...
A tunable diode laser is used to obtain infrared spectra of carbon dioxide in biological materials. The spectral resolution is sufficient to readily distinguish differing isotopic species. The technique may prove useful in clinical tests.
Silicones have many desirable properties and as a result are incorporated into a wide range of products. However, they present unique problems that result from their propensity to outgas resulting in residue formation at unexpected places. Hence, the silicone conundrum?when to use these materials and when to beware of potential pitfalls. In this article, an outgassing mechanism unique to ?low outgassing? silicones is discussed. Examples are given where this has led to failures and remediation steps are highlighted.
We have examined in detail the electrochemistry of both n- and p-type single crystal (100) silicon in the porous silicon formation regime using a rotating Si disk apparatus with a Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Our findings impact the use and optimization of buried n- or p-type layer anodization for silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer synthesis. Results are briefly discussed. 3 refs.
Radioactive "3"1Si(Tsub(1/2) = 2.62 h) and Rutherford backscattering were used to study Ni_2Si, Pd_2Si and Pt_2Si formation, silicon self-diffusion in silicides and silicon epitaxy in the Si(100)/Pd_2Si/Si (amorphous) system. (Auth.).
Visible laser light output from an electrically injected vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VSCEL) diode is enabled by the addition of phase-matching spacer layers on either side of the active region to form the optical cavity. The spacer layers comprise InAlP which act as charge carrier confinement means. Distributed Bragg reflector layers are formed on either side of the optical cavity to act as mirrors. 5 figs.
We present experimental evidence for self-organization of nickel microparticles in silicon under certain thermodynamic conditions of nickel diffusion doping. The concentration and distribution of the microparticles in silicon are very uniform. Additional anneals lead to self-ordering of the impurity microparticles.
Near-ideal Schottky barrier contacts to n-type Al0.22Ga0.78N have been developed by a two-step surface treatment technique. Plasma etching of the AlxGa1-xN surface prior to Schottky metal deposition, combined with sequential chemical treatment of the etched surface, holds promise for developing high quality low-leakage Schottky contacts for low noise applications and for recessed gate high electron mobility transistors. In this work, the effect of postetch chemical treatment of the n-type Al0.22Ga0.78N surface on the performance of the Ni/Au based Schottky contact has been investigated. Three different types of chemical treatment: viz, reactive ion etching, reactive ion etching plus dipping in hot aqua regia, and reactive ion etching plus dipping in hot KOH, are studied. Detailed current-voltage studies of three different surface treated diodes and a comparison with as-deposited diodes reveal significant improvement in the ...
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.
Novel hybrid organic/inorganic nanocomposites made of metal oxide and conjugated polymer nanocomposite and its application in bulk-heterojunction solar cells were studied. The composite was composed of different concentrations of strontium titanate (SrTiO_3) and polyaniline doped phosphoric acid. The optimum concentration of strontium titanate was found to be 0.2 v/v. An inorganic-organic photovoltaic device with a structure of Ag/Pani-H_3PO_4-SrTiO_3/Al has been fabricated. The ideality factor value of the diode was found to be 1.8. This n value of the diode implies a deviation from ideal junction behaviour. The barrier height #phi#_b value for the diode was found to be 0.56 eV. The Ag/Pani-H_3PO_4-SrTiO_3/Al diode shows a photovoltaic behaviour with a maximum open-circuit voltage V_o_c of 2.49 V, and short-circuit current I_s_c of 5.6 mA under light illumination #lambda# = 460 nm. The conversion ...
A device made of amorphous silicon which exhibits inductive properties at certain voltage biases and in certain frequency ranges in described. Devices of the type described can be made in integrated circuit form.
A specific radiochemical procedure for indium determination in semiconductor-grade silicon, using an inorganic ion exchanger (cerium oxalate) is proposed.
Continuous wave operation of an Al/sub 0.21/Ga/sub 0.31/In/sub 0.48/P /Ga/sub 0.52/In/sub 0.48/P /Al/sub 0.21/Ga/sub 0.31/In/sub 0.48/P double heterostructure (DH) laser diode was achieved for the first time at 77 K. The device was made from a DH wafer grown by atmospheric metalorganic chemical vapor deposition using triethyl metals and phosphine as source materials. At 77 K, the lasing wavelength was 0.653 ..mu..m and the threshold current was 55 mA for a diode with a nitride-insulated, 8-..mu..m-wide and 250-..mu..m-long stripe geometry.
An effective method of enhancing charge injection and electroluminescence efficiency of polymer-based light emitting diode is introduced. Spin-coated films of poly (N-vinylcarbazole) blended with electron-transport material (Bu-PBD), laser dye (Coumarin6), and the typical supporting electrolyte (tetraethylammonium perchlorate; TEAP) were examined and it was found that the injection current and luminance of the light emitting diode doped with TEAP were enhanced dramatically after heat-treatment at 80 deg. C and appropriate biasing in an external electric field of 1.5x10"8 V/m at this temperature. The thermally stimulated current (TSC) was also measured to investigate the relaxation process of ionic space charges in the films. The relaxation times of ionic polarization were found to be related to the cation size of the electrolyte. And the relaxation time becomes long enough by the use of TEAP doping.
The pitting corrosion resistance of three different types of stainless steel implanted with silicon is investigated using the potentiokinetic polarization technique. The specimens are tested in 3% NaCl and 0.1 N HCl solutions. Silicon ion implantation inhibits pitting corrosion of the steels in both aqueous media. The corrosion resistance depends on the silicon dose. Post implantation annealing only slightly alters the localized corrosion. (author).
We report on the fouling of Focused Ion Beam (FIB)-fabricated silicon oxide nanopores after exposure to tap water for two weeks. Pore clogging was monitored by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) on both bare silicon oxide and chemically functionalized nanopores. While fouling occurred on hydrophilic silicon oxide pore walls, the hydrophobic nature of alkane chains prevented clogging on the chemically functionalized pore walls. These results have implications for nanopore sensing platform design.
The resonance reaction /sup 11/B(p,/alpha/)/sup 8/Be was used to determine the boron profiles in the surface of: (1) boron implanted silicon; (2) boron diffused silicon; and (3) boron containing films deposited on silicon wafers. The boron distribution in the various samples was found to be stable under the bombardment of the proton beam. The convolution process used to obtain yield curves from the depth distribution, and the program used for this purpose are described.
"Precision manufacture of ceramic parts with CNC machining capability for aerospace, lasers, semiconductors and other industries. Materials include alumina, zirconia, glass, ferrites, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, sapphire, cordierite, mullite and others. A.C.T. has seen the number of applications and demand for high-realiability ceramics (aluminum oxide, zirconia, glass, ferrites, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, sapphire, cordierite, mullite, etc...) increase continually within the aerospace, computer and the industrial markets."
Neutron transmutation doping(NTD) for producing ntype silicon semiconductor is based on the conversion of the Si-30 isotope into phosphorus atom by neutron absorption reaction. By using this method, silicon semiconductors with extremely uniform n-type dopant distributions can be produced, and this is the dominant advantage of NTD compared with the conventional chemical doping. HANARO has two vertical holes for NTD, and the commercial NTD service for 5 and 6 inch silicon ingots has been going on at the NTD2 hole. Generally, NTD method is applied to the initially n-type silicon material. But, an initially p-type silicon material can also be used for the production of uniformly doped n-type silicon by using NTD method. Therefore, in this work, we investigated the relationship between the irradiation neutron fluence and the final resistivity of the initially p-type ...
Neutron transmutation doping(NTD) for producing ntype silicon semiconductor is based on the conversion of the Si-30 isotope into phosphorus atom by neutron absorption reaction. By using this method, silicon semiconductors with extremely uniform n-type dopant distributions can be produced, and this is the dominant advantage of NTD compared with the conventional chemical doping. HANARO has two vertical holes for NTD, and the commercial NTD service for 5 and 6 inch silicon ingots has been going on at the NTD2 hole. Generally, NTD method is applied to the initially n-type silicon material. But, an initially p-type silicon material can also be used for the production of uniformly doped n-type silicon by using NTD method. Therefore, in this work, we investigated the relationship between the irradiation neutron fluence and the final resistivity of the initially p-type ...
Silicon nitride hybrid ball bearings used in high temperature applications undergo mechanical and environmental degradation. To study the surface chemistry of silicon nitride, a CAChe{trademark} Worksystem* has been used to generate the clusters and corresponding transmission vibrational spectra of silicon nitride. In the present study, the effect of surface conditions on the surface chemistry and wear degradation of silicon nitride was evaluated. Infrared reflection spectroscopy (IRRS) used to determine molecular orientations shows a difference in reflectance spectra for fractured and as-received.
The factors determining temperature and current coefficients of lasing wavelength are investigated and discussed under monitoring CO2-gas absorption spectra. The diffusion rate of...Full Text Available
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.
and palladium silicides (Pd,Si) with a total. AES intensity ratio of Pd to Si of 35/65. Scanning Electron Microscopy. (SEM') of the Pd region shows that ...
This study was an evaluation of the performance of self-applied, blue light, light-emitting diode therapy in the treatment of mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne on the face, concerning: 1) time to improvement...Full Text Available
... Science: London, 1987; p. 237; (b) Ratner, MA; Shriver, D. F. Chem. ... 11. Lofton, EP; Thackeray, JW; Wrighton, MS J. ... (1) Dr. Harold H. Singerman (1) ...
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 quantum efficiency (IQE) of the best ...
A detection theory is developed for point-contact metal-oxide-metal (MOM) systems. A system with heterogeneous oxide strongly bonded to the substrate is considered. It is shown that the form of the functional connection between the barrier heights and the ultimate compressive strength of the oxide has no substantial influence on the voltage-current characteristics of the system. Quantitative analysis indicates that a MOM system can behave as a tunnel diode and as a diode with a Schottky barrier. The model permits the determination of the optimum construction of long-life detectors based on MOM point-contacts.-
This paper describes the design of a high-voltage negative ion source based on a magnetically insulated diode and generating microsecond pulses. Plane an cylindrical cathodes have been tested. The spatial and angular distributions of negative ions in the beam have been measured. The content of negative ions with different masses in the beam are given. The ion current density measured by a Faraday cup was up to 1 A/cm{sup 2} for the radial beam and 30-40 A/cm{sup 2}.
Direct determination of "2"3"2U and its decay products in animal tissues appears to be feasible using an intrinsic Ge(Li) diode detector (for energies of 5-100 keV) and a NaI(Tl) anticoincidence-shielded Ge(Li) diode for higher-energy gamma photons. The detection sensitivity for "2"3"2U and "2"2"8Th is 0.03 and 0.01 nCi, respectively, using a 300-min counting time.
Highly reliable, practical 0.6 #mu#m-band AlGaInP visible laser diodes (LDs), using a GaInP active layer, are described. Over 10,000 hour stable operation at 50 degrees C has been achieved for 3mW light output. Characteristics for visible LDs with an AlGaInP active layer or a multi-quantum-well active layer are also presented.
The five thermal-hydraulic concepts chosen for conceptual study of advanced PWR systems have been studied as follows: (1) Critical Heat Flux in passive PWR Conditions: review of previous works (various of correlations, analysis of parametric trends) on CHF, assessment and improvement of CHF prediction models for round tubes, development of the prediction model on bundle CHF with considering the correction factor calculated from the tube data base, design and construction of the intermediate-pressure CHF experimental loop, extension of CHF data base by performing the experiments at low-flow, and low-quality conditions (2) Passive Cooling Concepts for Concrete Containment Systems: Selection of the external condenser by comparing and reviewing between passive cooling concepts for concrete containment system concepts, survey and review of previous studies (theoretical mechanism of condensation heat transfer and effect of non-condensable gases) on the condensation phenomena, design and ...
Field emitter devices are being developed for the gigatron, a high-efficiency, high frequency and high power microwave source. One approach being investigated is porous silicon, where a dense matrix of nanoscopic pores are galvanically etched into a silicon surface. In the present paper pore morphologies were used to characterize these materials. Using of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) images of both N-type and P-type porous layers, it is found that pores propagate along the <100> crystallographic direction, perpendicular to the surface of (100) silicon. Distinct morphologies were observed systematically near the surface, in the main bulk and near the bottom of N-type (100) silicon lift-off samples. It is seen that the pores are not cylindrical but exhibit more or less approximately square cross sections. X-ray diffraction spectra and electron ...
This study is devoted to the formation of high-low-level-doped selective emitter for crystalline silicon solar cells for photovoltaic application. We report here the formation of porous silicon under chemical reaction condition. The chemical mixture containing hydrofluoric and nitric acid, with de-ionized water, was used to make porous on the half of the silicon surface of size 125 x 125 cm. Porous and non-porous areas each share half of the whole silicon surface. H{sub 3}PO{sub 4}:methanol gives the best deposited layer with acceptable adherence and uniformity on the non-porous and porous areas of the silicon surface to get high- and low-level-doped regions. The volume concentration of H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} does not exceed 10% of the total volume emulsion. Phosphoric acid was used as an n-type doping source to make emitter for silicon solar cells. The measured ...
In this letter, the effect of vacancies generated by preirradiated laser on dopant diffusion and activation in preamorphized silicon substrate has been studied. Laser-induced melting in silicon was used to generate excess vacancies near the maximum melt depth before silicon substrate amorphization and subsequent boron implantation. We demonstrate that by matching the preirradiated laser melt depth with the implant amorphize depth, it can effectively reduce the silicon self-interstitials released from the end-of-range defect band. The results show great suppression in boron transient enhanced diffusion and significant removal of end-of-range defects. This is attributed to the recombination of laser-generated excess vacancies with preamorphizing induced free silicon interstitials at the end-of-range region.
The neutron transmutation doping (NTD) method was applied to the initially p-type silicon in order to extend the NTD applications at HANARO. The relationship between the irradiation neutron fluence and the final resistivity of the initially p-type silicon material was investigated. The proportional constant between the neutron fluence and the resistivity was determined to be 2.3473x10{sup 19} n {omega} cm{sup -1}. The deviation of the final resistivity from the target for almost all the irradiation results of the initially p-type silicon ingots was at a range from -5% to 2%. In addition, the burn-up effect of the boron impurities, the residual {sup 32}P activity and the effect of the compensation characteristics for the initially p-type silicon were studied. Conclusively, the practical methodology to perform the neutron transmutation doping of the initially p-type silicon ingot was ...
The neutron transmutation doping (NTD) method was applied to the initially p-type silicon in order to extend the NTD applications at HANARO. The relationship between the irradiation neutron fluence and the final resistivity of the initially p-type silicon material was investigated. The proportional constant between the neutron fluence and the resistivity was determined to be 2.3473x1019 n ? cm-1. The deviation of the final resistivity from the target for almost all the irradiation results of the initially p-type silicon ingots was at a range from -5% to 2%. In addition, the burn-up effect of the boron impurities, the residual 32P activity and the effect of the compensation characteristics for the initially p-type silicon were studied. Conclusively, the practical methodology to perform the neutron transmutation doping of the initially p-type silicon ingot was established.
Arsenic and hydrogen ions produced from a mixture of arsine and hydrogen gas were implanted with a dose of 3 x 10{sup 15} As{sup +} ions/cm{sup 2} into silicon using an ion-shower implanter. The dominant ionic species implanted into the silicon were As{sub 2}H{sup +}, AsH{sup +}, H{sub 5}{sup +}, and H{sub 3}{sup +} ions. Arsenic atoms diffused into the silicon with large diffusion coefficients during annealing at 700 and 800 C. However, when the implanted silicon was annealed at 900 C, the arsenic atoms diffused into a deeper region in the silicon with a very small diffusion coefficient that was independent of concentration. (Abstract Copyright [2003], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)
Experience with multiwire proportional chambers at high rates at the Argonne Zero Gradient Synchrotron is described. A buildup of silicon on the sense wires was observed where the beam passed through the chamber. Analysis of the chamber gas indicated that the density of silicon was probably less than 10 ppM.
Experience with multiwire proportional chambers at high rates at the Argonne Zero Gradient Synchrotron is described. A buildup of silicon on the sense wires was observed where the beam passed through the chamber. Analysis of the chamber gas indicated that the density of silicon was probably less than 10 ppM.
Beta silicon carbide is an excellent candidate semiconductor material for demanding applications in high power and high temperature electronic devices due to its high breakdown voltage, relatively large band gap, high thermal conductivity and high melting...
An examination of the noise of polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors, in the context of flat panel x-ray imager development, is reported. The study was conducted in the spirit of exploring...Full Text Available
This paper summarizes the U.S. Department of Energy R&D program in crystalline-silicon photovoltaic technology, which is jointly managed by Sandia National Laboratories and National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This program features a balance of basic an d applied R&D, and of university, industry, and national laboratory R&D. The goal of the crystalline-silicon R&D program is to accelerate the commercial growth of crystalline-silicon photovoltaic technology, and four strategic objectives were identified to address this program goal. Technical progress towards meeting these objectives is reviewed.
Strains in multivalley semiconductors can destroy the strict equivalence of the valleys that is demanded by cubic symmetry. Significant changes in the properties of a semiconductor may result. A proposed implementation of quantum computing with donor atoms in silicon would suffer from alterations of the donor wave functions caused by strains that are produced by fabrication processes. Deliberately straining the silicon to an extent that removed all but one valley from participation in the lowest donor state, would prevent further changes in the wave function by strain. The strain required can be achieved with established technology for depositing silicon on SiGe alloys. (author)
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.).
In this paper we describe the reconstruction strategies, the calibration procedures and the detector performance results from the latest CMS operation.
A new high capacity anode composite based on mesoporous silicon is proposed. By virtue of a structure that resembles a pseudo one-dimensional phase, ...
A cost effectively method to fabricate nanopores in silicon by only using the conventional wet-etching technique is developed in this research. The main concept of the proposed method is a two-step etching process, including a premier double-sided wet etching and a succeeding track-etching. A special fixture is designed to hold the pre-etched silicon wafer inside it such that the track-etching can be effectively carried out. An electrochemical system is employed to detect and record the ion diffusion current once the pre-etched cavities are etched into a through nanopore. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method can cost effectively fabricate nanopores in silicon.
... where the total palladium concentration equals that of silicon, the concentrations of palladium associated with various palladium silicides (Pd(x)Si , ...
Paper estimates the corrosion resistance and studies the character of dissolving of silicon-bearing austenite stainless steels in strongly oxidizing media containing phosphate and fluoride admixtures. Corrosion behaviour of the studied steels is determined to depend essentially on the content of admixture or alloying silicon, as well as, on their phase composition in many respects determined by the thermal treatment condition. Refs. 22, figs. 1, tabs. 2.
The authors study the nonuniformity of a-Si:H films obtained by the method of vacuum condensation, with the help of x-ray small-angle scattering (SLS) and transmission electron microscopy. Films of hydrogenated amorphous silicon are greatest interest, because the electronic properties of this material can be controlled by doping. As a result of the compensation of the ruptured bonds, and possibly, effects of melting, the properties of such films are analogous to those of singlecrystalline silicon. XLS enables a quantitative determination of the prameters of the regions of low electron density (RLD) in such objects.
The point-defect-impurity pair diffusion model proposed recently by Mulvaney and Richardson is adopted and modified to simulate the coupled diffusion of phosphorus and self-interstitials in phosphorus-implanted silicon. The assumption of implantation-induced, but empirically determined initial interstitial distributions of Gaussian shape allows a simulation of the net effect of transient enhanced diffusion. As a result an improved modeling of phosphorus diffusion in silicon is achieved for a broad range of ion-implantation and annealing conditions. (author).
An economical way to reduce the deleterious effects of titanium, one of the impurities present in metallurgical grade silicon material, is disclosed. By adding copper to approximately the same concentration level of the titanium during the melting process, the conversion efficiency will be restored to about 99.3% of what it would have been if the single crystal silicon had been grown free of titanium impurities.
According to the present invention, a joined product is at least two ceramic parts, specifically bi-element carbide parts with a bond joint therebetween, wherein the bond joint has a metal silicon phase. The bi-element carbide refers to compounds of MC, M.sub.2 C, M.sub.4 C and combinations thereof, where M is a first element and C is carbon. The metal silicon phase may be a metal silicon carbide ternary phase, or a metal silicide.
Silicon/carbon composite anode materials were prepared by pyrolyzing the phenol-formaldehyde resin (PFR) mixed with silicon and graphite powders. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation showed that the morphology stability of the composite electrodes can be retained during cycling. A structure evolution mechanism is proposed to illuminate the enhancement of cycleability of the composite electrode. The composite used as anode material for lithium ion batteries possesses a reversible capacity of over 700 mAh/g.
Results from scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the measurement of thermally stimulated current show that a high density of the physical defects and the chemical defects are introduced into the surface of the silicone rubber plates after they are treated by corona discharge plasma. These defects behave electrically as shallow electron traps, leading to the formation of a uniform discharge in air at higher pressure when the corona-modified silicone rubber is used in dielectric barrier discharge.
The intermediate silicon layers detector (ISL) was proposed as a part of the upgraded CDF detector at the RUN-II of the Tevatron mean value of pp collider at Fermilab, scheduled to start in year 2000. The ISL is a large-radius (20-30 cm) silicon tracker with a total active area of about 3.5 m. Located in the region between the silicon vertex detector and the central outer tracker, the ISL will allow tracking in the forward region and significantly improve it in the central area. Together with the SVX II the ISL forms a standalone, 3D silicon tracker. The challenge is to build a low-cost device which provides precise 3 D tracking in a approximately equal to 2 m long area with a minimal amount of material for the supporting structure. The conceptual design and the status of the project are reviewed.
Supercritical CO2 is used as a new solvent for immersion deposition, a galvanic displacement process traditionally carried out in aqueous HF solutions containing metal ions, to selectively develop metal films on featured or non-featured silicon substrates. Components of supercritical fluid immersion deposition (SFID) solutions for fabricating Cu and Pd films on silicon substrates are described along with the corresponding experimental setup and procedure. Only silicon substrates exposed and reactive to SFID solutions can be coated. The highly pressurized and gas-like supercritical CO2, combined with the galvanic displacement property of immersion deposition, enables the SFID technique to selectively deposit metal films in small features. SFID may also provide a new method to fabricate palladium silicide in small features or to metallize porous silicon.
Both simulations and recent experiments conducted at the Advanced Photon Source showed that the performance of liquid-nitrogen-cooled single-silicon crystal monochromators can degrade in a very rapid nonlinear fashion as the power and for power density is increased. As a further step towards improving the performance of silicon optics, we propose cooling with liquid helium, which dramatically improves the thermal properties of silicon beyond that of liquid nitrogen and brings the performance of single silicon-crystal-based synchrotrons radiation optics up to the ultimate limit. The benefits of liquid helium cooling as well as some of the associated technical challenges will be discussed, and results of thermal and structural finite elements simulations comparing the performance of silicon monochromators cooled with liquid nitrogen and helium will be given.
The neutron transmutation doping (NTD) method was applied to the initially p-type silicon in order to extend the NTD applications at HANARO. The relationship between the irradiation neutron fluence and the final resistivity of the initially p-type silicon material was investigated. The proportional constant between the neutron fluence and the resistivity was determined to be 2.3473x1019ncm-1. The deviation of the final resistivity from the target for almost all the irradiation results of the initially p-type silicon ingots was at a range from -5% to 2%. In addition, the burn-up effect of the boron impurities, the residual 32P activity and the effect of the compensation characteristics for the initially p-type silicon were studied. Conclusively, the practical methodology to perform the neut...
Yellow-emitting pulsed laser operation of an Al/sub 0.37/Ga/sub 0.15/In/sub 0.48/P/Al/sub 0.16/Ga/sub 0.36/In/sub 0.48/P/ Al/sub 0.37/Ga/sub 0.15/In/sub 0.48/P double heterostructure laser diode was obtained at 77 K. The emission wavelength was 579 nm. The threshold current density was 5.6 kA/cm/sup 2/ for a diode with a Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ insulated 8-..mu..m-wide and 250-..mu..m-long stripe geometry. The device was made from a DH wafer grown by conventional metalorganic chemical vapor deposition using triethyl metals and phosphine as source materials.
In order to improve the long term reliability of lead-salt diode lasers, ohmic contacts of multilayer, thin-film structures consisting of In plus Au, Pt, Ni, and Pd have been studied. Diode lasers of PbSnTe fabricated with a variety of contacts were tested during room-temperature storage and during accelerated aging tests. The results show that contact reliablility can be improved when multiple overlapping films are used. After 4500 h of baking at 60 /sup 0/C, lasers with In-Au-Pd-Au contacts on both sides showed the least resistance increase (10%). For lasers with In-Au-Pt-Au contacts, 1 h of baking at 60 /sup 0/C is equivalent to 2 d storage at room temperature. Extrapolating these results, a 70% increase in contact resistance is expected for this type of laser after 9000 d of storage at room temperture. Our data also suggests that a smaller increase in contact resistance can be expected for lasers fabricated with In-Au-Ni-Au and In-Au-Pd-Au ...
The following work deals with the realization, characterization and modeling of GaInP / AlGaInP high power semiconductor laser diodes in the visible wavelength range. In addition to the exploration and optimization of efficiency, temperature stability and maximum output power of multi-mode lasers especially methods for longitudinal and lateral mode stabilization of high power laser diodes have been investigated. Although often the focus of optimization is on the threshold current density, in this work the performance of the laser diode for an operation point around 1 Watt under continous wave operation is regarded as the figure of merit. It turns out that low carrier densities are key for an efficient reduction of the heterobarrier leakage currents. In addition, large optical cavity structures with low internal losses enable high external quantum efficiencies even for long cavities. Finally high laser effiency as well as an ...
The following work deals with the realization, characterization and modeling of GaInP / AlGaInP high power semiconductor laser diodes in the visible wavelength range. In addition to the exploration and optimization of efficiency, temperature stability and maximum output power of multi-mode lasers especially methods for longitudinal and lateral mode stabilization of high power laser diodes have been investigated. Although often the focus of optimization is on the threshold current density, in this work the performance of the laser diode for an operation point around 1 Watt under continous wave operation is regarded as the figure of merit. It turns out that low carrier densities are key for an efficient reduction of the heterobarrier leakage currents. In addition, large optical cavity structures with low internal losses enable high external quantum efficiencies even for long cavities. Finally high laser effiency as well as an ...
We study the emission zone in a single-layer polymer light-emitting diode. The emission zone is found by studying the angular distribution of the electroluminescence. The emission is modeled by accounting for optical interference. We account for birefringence of the anode layer in our model. The active polymer was, however, found to be isotropic. The anode consists of a single-layer of the conducting polymer complex poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS), with enhanced conductivity. As a cathode we use plain aluminum. By using only PEDOT-PSS we avoid having a thin metal layer or indium-tin-oxide as the anode in the path of the escaping light. The active material is a substituted polythiophene with excellent film forming properties. A comparison between the experimental and calculated angular distribution of light emission from a single-layered polymer light-emitting diode was shown to be in good agreement for ...
A C{sub 60} {sup +} primary ion source has been coupled to an ion microscope secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) instrument to examine sputtering of silicon with an emphasis on possible application of C{sub 60} {sup +} depth profiling for high depth resolution SIMS analysis of silicon semiconductor materials. Unexpectedly, C{sub 60} {sup +} SIMS depth profiling of silicon was found to be complicated by the deposition of an amorphous carbon layer which buries the silicon substrate. Sputtering of the silicon was observed only at the highest accessible beam energies (14.5 keV impact) or by using oxygen backfilling. C{sub 60} {sup +} SIMS depth profiling of As delta-doped test samples at 14.5 keV demonstrated a substantial (factor of 5) degradation in depth resolution compared to Cs{sup +} SIMS depth profiling. This degradation is thought to result from the formation of an unusual ...
A general analytical form of the round trip phase shift in grating feedback diode lasers is proposed. Using the new form, it is obvious that the round trip phase shift can be independent of rotation angle in first order approximation when only one restriction condition is met. We call this the quasi synchronous tuning (QST) condition. In the QST region, a considerably large mode hopping free tuning range can be obtained. An adjustment structure with only one freedom is needed to accurately find and locate the quasi synchronous pivot, which is not strictly confined on the grating surface and its extension. It means that the external cavity diode lasers design can be easier and the laser can be more stable and reliable. PMID:21946988
Red laser diodes emitting at 636 nm and 645 nm are studied as a function of pressure up to 20 kbar and temperature from 300 K down to 80 K. The 636 nm samples reveal anomalous L-I-V dependence at low temperatures and at high pressures. The 645 nm samples do not show these anomalies and can be tuned by pressure and temperature down to 575 nm, i.e., in the 70 nm range with powers above 200 mW and low threshold currents. (copyright 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)
We present the design, analysis, and results of the high brightness electron beam experiments currently under investigation at Sandia National Laboratories. The anticipated beam parameters are the following: energy 12 MeV, current 35 endash 40 kA, rms radius 0.5 mm, and pulse duration 40 ns full width at half-maximum. The accelerator is SABRE, a pulsed linear inductive voltage adder modified to higher impedance, and the electron source is a magnetically immersed foilless electron diode. 20 endash 30 T solenoidal magnets are required to insulate the diode and contain the beam to its extremely small-sized (1 mm) envelope. These experiments are designed to push the technology to produce the highest possible electron current in a submillimeter radius beam. Design, numerical simulations, and experimental results are presented. copyright 1997 American Institute of Physics.
There are two difficulties encountered in modeling valveless micropumps using lumped-element methods. The pressure loss coefficient for fluidic diodes used in valveless pumps to rectify flow depends on the flow direction. A problem arises in choosing the proper loss correlation because the flow direction is not known a priori. Another problem is the quadratic form of the equation for the flow through the fluidic diodes, which brings about multiple solutions. The above problems become even more serious in multi-chamber cases. They are overcome in this study by suitably formulating the flow resistance. In addition, the flow inertia is accounted for in the unsteady model. The steady and unsteady models are evaluated by comparing with CFD simulations, which also serve to illustrate the flow fi...
We report on the formation of current blocking regions by O2 plasma treatment to reduce current crowding at the active region above the p-type electrodes of GaN-based vertical light emitting diodes (LEDs). The forward voltage and reverse current (at -5 V) of the plasma-treated LEDs slightly increase with increasing aging time. The output power (at 350 mA) of the plasma-treated LEDs is enhanced by 26% as compared to that of reference LEDs and is comparable to that of LEDs with SiO2 current blocking layers. It is shown that the output power (at 700 mA) of the plasma-treated LEDs is degraded by less than 2% of the initial value after 500 h.
Engineering details of a high voltage driven corona-plasma ozone generator are described. The plasma diode of generator has coaxial cylindrical geometry with cathode located inside anode. Cathode is made of a large number of radial gas nozzles arranged on central tubular mast which admits oxygen gas. The sharp endings of the nozzles along with a set of corona rings create the high electric field at the cathode required for formation of dense corona plume responsible for O_3 evolution. A model of coronal plasma generation and ozone production is presented. The plasma formation is strongly dependent on the electric field and temperature in side diode where a high electron density in a low temperature negative corona is suited for high ozone yields. These are established by suitable regulation of A-K gap, voltage, oxygen pressure, and cathode-nozzle population.
Heterobarrier blocking structure InGaAlP visible light laser diodes employing a thin active layer (0.04 {mu}m) and asymmetry coatings have been fabricated. The high light-output power operation with this heterobarrier blocking structure was investigated. The light-output power versus cw current curve was linear up to 43 mW and a maximum light output power of 51 mW was obtained. A high-power operation such as 20 mW was maintained at 40 {degree}C. Stable oscillation in the fundamental transverse mode was obtained up to 30 mW. These results show that this heterobarrier blocking structure supplies a sufficient current confinement effect even under a high-light output power operation.
The article is devoted to results of fine time structure of particle losses in Tevatron with use of fast beam loss monitors (BLM) based on PIN-diodes. An ultimate goal of the new BLMs is to distinguish losses of protons and antiprotons from neighbor bunches with 132 ns bunch spacing in the Tevatron collider upgrade. The devices studied fit well to the goal as they can recognize even seven times closer - 18.9 ns - spaced bunches` losses in the Tevatron fixed target operation regime. We have measured main characteristics of the BLM as well as studied the proton losses over 10 decades of time scale - from dozen of minutes to dozen of nanoseconds. Power spectral density of the losses is compared with spectra of the proton beam motion.
Overtone absorption lines of "1"2C"1"6O_2 have been examined by using a tunable diode laser (TDL) spectrometer in the region around 12770cm"-"1. The spectrometer sources are commercially available double heterostructure InGaAlAs TDLs operating in the 'free-running' mode, which allowed the detection of the line positions within 0.01cm"-"1. The observed carbon dioxide absorption lines belong to the #nu#_1+5#nu#_3 ro-vibrational band with rotational quantum number J up to 48. The minimum absorbance detected by the spectrometer (#approx#5x10"-"6) permitted to observe the weakest lines having the absorption cross section of the order of #approx#1x10"-"2"7cm"2/molecule.
Fluidic two diode pumps have been developed for moving highly toxic and for radioactive waste liquors about chemical plant. The pumps have a cylinder into which liquor is initially sucked and then expelled. For situations where no maintenance can be carried out the need has arisen for a fluidic alternator to the solenoid ejector system used on top of the pump cylinder to supply an alternating negative/positive air supply. A fluidic air alternator has been constructed by modifying a small vortex amplifier and inserting an ejector opposite to the throat of the outlet diffuser. The vortex valve ejector is described and performance characteristics are presented. Several developments of the V.V.E. for fluidic pumping and other applications are also reported. (author).
Recent progress with the (Al_xGa_1_-_x)_0_._5In_0_._5P alloy system has resulted in laser diodes which operate at room temperature at wavelengths below 640 nm. OMVPE is used to grow the multi-quantum-well devices in a graded-index separate-confinement configuration. Laser threshold currents as low as 75 mA have been achieved.
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.
CdTe/SnTe heterojunctions, prepared by EDRI (evaporation-diffusion en regime isotherme) and CSVT (close spaced vapour transport) techniques, have a spectral response in a wide wavelength range (0.3 - 1.5 ..mu..m) which exhibits two distinct bands, corresponding to carrier generation in each material of the couple. Experimental results are interpreted in terms of a Schottky diode model. (orig.).
Recent developments in design and production of thermal neutron detectors based on a crystalline Si diode coupled to a Gd converter are reviewed. The most significant results of neutron test measurements carried out on prototype systems and pointing out the performances of the device are reported. Progress through various detection schemes and technological solutions for the production of a real time neutron counter for routine operation are outlined.
A diode-laser fluorescence experiment was performed in order to study fine-structure transitions between 5"2P states of rubidium atoms colliding with ground-state potassium or caesium atoms. The Rb(5"2P_3_/_2) state was optically excited and the intensity ratio of sensitized to direct fluorescence was measured. (author).
We report on the ultraviolet laser absorption spectroscopy of atomic Gd at 394-554 nm where two transition lines are place very closely by using a frequency-doubled beam of external-cavity diode laser (ECDL). One is from 999.121 to 26337.071 cm-1 and the other from 0 to 25337.755 cm-1. If two transition lines are placed closely within a continuous fine tuning range, the real-time measurement of the atomic excitation temperature is possible without any significant time consumption because at least two transition lines originating from different low-lying energy levels need to be investigated for the Boltzmann-plot. Since the spectral difference between the two transitions is only about 0.195 cm-1 (5.85 GHz), it is possible to record both the absorption spectra simultaneously as shown in Fig. 1. But the transition probabilities (or oscillator strengths) of these lines have not been measured accurately yet to the best of our knowledge. We report on the newly measured ...
This thesis dealt with the metal-organic gas phase epitaxy with nitrogen as carrier gas. For this first by means of three-dimensional modelings of the epitaxy process the influence of the carrier gas on the processes was explained. The optimization of the growth parameter for the whole light-emitting-diode structure in double-hetero arrangement resulted that an a temperature of 770 C and a V/ III-ratio of 150 layers with a high crystal quality could be reached.
A complete theory for waveguide laser modes for oversized metallic and dielectric waveguides with circular cross section has been developed for the submillimeter wavelength region. The experimental investigations have been done by a submillimeter heterodyne technique for the first stage using a Schottky barrier diode in an open structure mixer.
Room-temperature continuous-wave (cw) operation is achieved in the MBE (molecular-beam epitaxy)-grown InGaP/InGaAlP double-heterostructure (DH) visible laser diodes with a threshold current of 110 mA. The lasing wavelength and threshold current density under pulsed operation are 666 nm and as low as 3.9 kA/cm/sup 2/, respectively. This result is achieved by the introduction of H/sub 2/ into the growth chamber during growth, the continuous growth from one layer to the next layer, and the introduction of a GaAs buffer layer. InGaP/InGaAlP quantum well structures are also grown. From photoluminescence measurements, the conduction-band discontinuity ..delta..E/sub c/ is estimated to be 0.43 of the band-gap difference ..delta..E/sub g/. Furthermore, the multiquantum-well (MQW) structure is found to be stable under thermal treatment at temperatures as high as 750 /sup 0/C. Room-temperature pulsed operation of InGaP/InGaAlP MQW laser diodes is ...
Large scale flows of liquids can be controlled by using power fluidic devices that harness the hydrodynamic properties of liquids rather than use moving parts. Included among the fluidic devices considered are fluidic pumps, reverse flow diverters, fluidic diodes and vortex amplifiers. These devices are of potential use in the nuclear industry, particularly in reprocessing. (U.K.).
AlGaInP double heterostructure laser diodes with a GaInP active layer constitute a basic laser structure for visible-light lasers using an AlGaInP alloy system. This paper gives a detailed description of (Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1 - x/)/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P metalorganic vapor phase epitaxial growth, laser-fabrication processes, and basic device-characteristics for these lasers. The obtained pulsed-threshold-current was about 3.8 kA/cm/sup 2/(3.2 kA/cm/sup 2/ minimum) for laser diodes with an 8-10 /n//m wide and 150-300 ..mu..m long injection stripe. High characteristic-temperature T/sub o/ for the temperature dependence of pulsed threshold current was obtained and was found to be dependent on band-gap-energy differences between active layers and cladding layers. The maximum value for T/sub o/ was 222 K. The lasing wavelength of an AlGaInP double heterostructure laser diode with a GaInP active layer was found to depend on growth ...
The absolute absorption of ozone in the midinfrared has been measured relative to 253.7-nm ultraviolet absorption to an accuracy of 1% using a Bruker Fourier transform spectrometer. These new results agree with previous measurements by diode laser measurements after the latter are corrected for more recent infrared calculations and ultraviolet cross sections. They also agree with a determination based on refractive index measurements in the infrared. 16 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.
Marker experiments for studying the mass transport through a palladium silicide layer on a crystalline substrate during thermal oxidation at 700 to 850 deg C have been reported recently. In this work argon gas embedded in amorphous silicon during sputtering was implemented as the inert marker and the oxidation of PdSi was processed above 900 deg C. At this high-temperature oxidation silicon-rich silicide PdSisub(y), with y exceeding 5, may be obtained. This can be anticipated by considering the Pd-Si phase diagram which shows the liquid phase may appear at an annealing temperature above 892 deg C. As a result, a non-stoichiometric and non-uniform silicide layer may develop at the sample surface. Marker analysis showed that both palladium and silicon dissociated at the Pdsub(x)Si/ SiO_2 interface and moved to the substrate with the silicon being the dominant diffuser. The Rutherford backscattering ...
We have investigated and modeled the boron diffusion in silicon following ultra-low-energy implantation (500 eV). It is well known that reducing implant energies is an effective way to eliminate transient enhanced diffusion due to the excess of interstitials from the implant. However, for sub-keV B implants diffusion remains enhanced. This enhancement is linked to the presence of a silicon boride layer located at the silicon surface which creates interstitials. This phenomenon is named 'boron enhanced diffusion' (BED). The BED effect is of obvious interest since it counteracts the advantage obtained by reducing the ion implantation energy. For these reasons, we have investigated the diffusion of low-energy boron implanted in crystalline silicon and tested a complete simulation program, which takes into account the effect of boron precipitation and the effect of the ...
Boron is implanted in crystalline silicon through oxide layers with different thicknesses. The implantation is carried out at various doses and energies of interest in ultra large scale integration (ULSI) application. Rapid thermal annealings (RTA) are used to obtain shallow junctions and electrical activation of the B atoms. However, transient enhanced diffusion induced by implantation damage can be observed. The boron concentration profiles before and after annealing are obtained with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). It is found that the diffusion transient in the tail region of the boron profile increases with decreasing oxide thickness. Even more, if the implantation damage concerns mostly the oxide, i.e. when the concentration peak is located in this oxide, the oxygen knocked into the silicon substrate could play this way an important role in restricting the boron diffusion, which is good to obtain very shallow junctions. On the ...
Boron is implanted in crystalline silicon through oxide layers with different thicknesses. The implantation is carried out at various doses and energies of interest in ultra large scale integration (ULSI) application. Rapid thermal annealings (RTA) are used to obtain shallow junctions and electrical activation of the B atoms. However, transient enhanced diffusion induced by implantation damage can be observed. The boron concentration profiles before and after annealing are obtained with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). It is found that the diffusion transient in the tail region of the boron profile increases with decreasing oxide thickness. Even more, if the implantation damage concerns mostly the oxide, i.e. when the concentration peak is located in this oxide, the oxygen knocked into the silicon substrate could play this way an important role in restricting the boron diffusion, which is good to obtain very shallow junctions. On the ...
Careful sample preparation 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 ...
Careful sample preparation 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 ...
Defects ~10 nm in size, with number densities ~10^{10} cm^{-2}, form spontaneously beneath ion-milled, etched, or HF-dipped silicon surfaces examined in our Ti-ion getter-pumped transmission electron microscope (TEM) after exposure to air. They appear as weakly-strained non-crystalline intrusions into silicon bulk, that show up best in the TEM under conditions of strong edge or bend contrast. If ambient air exposure is <10 minutes, defect nucleation and growth can be monitored {\\em in situ}. Possible mechanisms of formation are discussed.
A method using a focused ion beam (FIB) to prepare a silicon amorphous material is presented. The method involves the redeposition of sputtered material generated during the interaction of the Ga{sup +} ion beam with a silicon substrate material. The shape and dimensions of this amorphous material are self-organized and reproducible. The stability of this amorphous material under electron irradiation was investigated in the transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Electron irradiation can induce recrystallization of the amorphous material, resulting in the lateral and vertical growth, starting at an amorphous-crystalline interface, of polysilicon containing defects.
A method using a focused ion beam (FIB) to prepare a silicon amorphous material is presented. The method involves the redeposition of sputtered material generated during the interaction of the Ga"+ ion beam with a silicon substrate material. The shape and dimensions of this amorphous material are self-organized and reproducible. The stability of this amorphous material under electron irradiation was investigated in the transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Electron irradiation can induce recrystallization of the amorphous material, resulting in the lateral and vertical growth, starting at an amorphous-crystalline interface, of polysilicon containing defects.
The performance of a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) converter for solar energy is compared with that of direct solar energy conversion by silicon and germanium solar cells. The optical selectivity of an intermediate emitter is computed. Experimental results on selective emission, based on selectively emitting materials and on antireflection coatings on metals, are reported. For a TPV converter equipped with silicon solar cells, no selective emitter is found to yield better results than would be obtained by direct conversion. A TPV converter with germanium cells operating with a ThO/sub 2/-coated tungsten emitter, however, may achieve a conversion efficiency superior to that of direct solar energy conversion by either silicon or germanium solar cells.
In this work, we investigate the interstitial injection into the silicon lattice due to high-dose, low-energy arsenic implantation. The approach consists in monitoring the diffusion of the arsenic profile as well as of the boron profile in buried #delta#-doped layers, when amounts of the as-implanted arsenic profile are removed by low-temperature wet silicon etching. The experimental results indicate that the contribution of the implantation damage to the transient enhanced diffusion of boron, and thus the interstitial injection, is not the main one. On the contrary, interstitial generation due to arsenic clustering seems to be more important for the present conditions.
Metallic contamination was monitored with Surface Photovoltage (SPV) technique in integrated circuit manufacturing facilities. Conventionally, Czochralski silicon bulk materials were used as monitor wafers. However, it has been observed that the diffusion length and the `Iron' concentration measured with SPV were inconsistent from run to run in one facility. The inconsistency is believed to be due to oxygen precipitate in silicon materials during the thermal cycle. By using low oxygen concentration or Float Zone wafers, metallic contaminants can be monitored more accurately and consistently.
Molten zone recrystallized as well as sheet grown polycrystalline silicon has shown a minimum in the temperature dependence of the Hall mobility. In order to explain this experimental finding a new model is proposed, which is based on negatively charged grain boundaries for the p-type silicon material under study. This results in a potential well at the grain boundaries instead of the more generally observed potential barrier. A key feature in the model is that the space charge density at the grain boundary depends on the Fermi level position and therefore on temperature. In addition, the change in the measured Hall mobility before and after hydrogen passivation of the grain boundaries is discussed.
The effect of a mineralizer, magnesium silicate, on the nitridation of compacts consisting of silicon, clay, silica and silicon carbide was examined in terms of their reaction depth, density, porosity, phase composition and microstructure. It was found that addition of mineralizer slowed down the nitridation significantly. The kinetic process of isothermal nitridation in the presence of magnesium silicate obeys a parabolic rate law. Otherwise it obeys a linear rate law. The results suggest that nitrogen transportation is the limiting step during nitridation when mineralizer is added. The mechanism of nitridation is discussed in terms of phase composition and microstructure. Copyright (2000) The Australian Ceramic Society
Silica microspheres were deposited into two-dimensional periodic arrays and coated with a thin layer of silicon nanocrystals. The luminescence from the silicon nanocrystals coupled into the whispering gallery modes of the spheres, with Q factors that depended on a range of parameters including sphere size, position on the sphere, viewing direction, and thickness of the nanocrystal coating. Scattering from the film-sphere and/or the sphere-substrate contacts resulted in a lower Q for modes that intersect these regions. The highest Q factors obtained in this work were {approx}1500. The results suggest that silica microspheres may be promising candidates for high-Q cavities that incorporate silicon nanocrystals for cavity QED or nonlinear optical effects.
A series of cleavable water-soluble silicone surfactants were prepared by the reaction of a hydroxyl-terminated polyester and an organopolysiloxane. Cleavable surfactants can decompose into water-insoluble moiety of silanol and two water-soluble products under acidic conditions, whereas these compounds are stable under neutral or alkaline conditions. The structure change of theses cleavage products are confirmed by IR and UV spectra analysis. The fundamental surface activity including surface tension, foaming, contact angle and viscosity are studied. The photocatalytic degradation of modified silicone surfactants with UV light over titanium oxide was investigated. Experimental results have confirmed that products are slowly degraded by direct photolysis. However, the cleavable silicone sur...
... and facilities; the physical processing of materials into products; and processes associated with ... area of bulk silicon prod! uction as wafer material has been omitted, in keeping with current ...
This report discusses the experimental setup of experiment 814 at Brookhaven AGS. This experiment involves the collision of silicon ions with target nuclei. The detector systems are discussed primarily. (LSP)
Radioactive "3"1Si was used as a tracer to study silicon self-diffusion in thin film silicides of cobalt, nickel, palladium and platinum. The specimens were prepared by sequential electron beam evaporation of radioactive "3"1Si and of the metal onto cleaned silicon wafers. By vacuum annealing at the appropriate formation temperature a silicide about 250 nm thick containing a sharp radioactive band about 50 nm thick was generally formed. Subsequent heating above the formation temperature resulted in a spreading of the activity owing to silicon self-diffusion. Activity profiles in the silicides were measured by a combination of ion beam sputtering, radioactivity counting and Rutherford backscattering of charged nuclear particles. (orig.).
This paper reviews the state of the art of silicon-germanium technology and assesses the problems of building thermoelectric modules in Europe, based upon silicon-germanium alloys, for use in multihundred watt radio-isotope thermoelectric generator. The generator developed in the United States for the International Solar Polar mission has been used as a reference system. The essential features of an alternative system, which employs thermocouples fabricated from improved silicon-germanium alloys based upon a design by the Fairchild Space and Electronics Company, is also described. It is concluded that although the fabrication of reliable electrical contacts will present a major problem, the technology is available in Europe to build thermoelectric modules similar to those developed for the International Solar Polar mission. (orig.).
In support of the efforts to apply ceramics to advanced heat engines, a study is being performed of the performance of ceramics at the ring/cylinder interface of advanced (low heat rejection) engines. The objective of the study, managed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, is to understand the basic mechanisms controlling the wear of ceramics and thereby identify means for applying ceramics effectively. Attempts to operate three different zirconias, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings without lubrication have not been successful because of excessive friction and high wear rates. Silicon carbide and silicon nitride perform well at ambient temperatures with fully formulated mineral oil lubrication, but are limited to temperatures of 500F because of the lack of suitable liquid lubricants for higher temperatures.
In this article a production method of a magnetorheological suspension composed with silicon steel particles of size 0.1-0.15 mm and 4% silicon content is described. Steel particles were dispersed in a conducting carrier of a by mixture of graphite particles with size 2-5 {mu}m and cedar wood oil. The filling factor of the suspension with the silicon steel particles and with graphite particles amounted to 0.25-0.40. Samples of this suspension were placed in a rectangular vessel with electrodes and used for the investigation of the Hall effect in magnetic field with induction 0-8 T, generated by Bitter-type magnet. A non-linear dependence of Hall voltage on the induction of the applied magnetic field and a hysteresis loop of this voltage in the shape of inclined digit eight were found. The causes of the observed effects is the ordering of silicon steel particles and graphite particles along the side of ...
Silicon layered structures containing porous silicon modified with various thermal treatments and epitaxial layers deposited on porous layers were studied with a number of complementary X-ray diffraction methods using synchrotron source. The methods of characterization included recording of rocking curves for reflections with various asymmetry as well as projection, section and micro-Laue topography. It was found that oxidizing and sintering of porous silicon seriously modified the strains in the porous layer and in some cases even inverting the sense of strain with respect to that in initially formed porous layer. Consequently the deposited epitaxial layer usually was not laterally coherent with the substrate. Some of investigated layers were not stable in time and after few months period exhibited significant lost of coherence of porous skeleton. (author)
We have simulated the transient enhanced diffusion (TED) of boron fluoride (BF_2"+) implanted in crystalline and germanium amorphized silicon. Based on recently published models, the effect of fluorine on boron diffusion in silicon has been introduced and a modelling has been suggested. In order to simulate the boron experimental profiles, we have assumed that fluorine forms clusters involving interstitial boron which reduces the junction depth. Experimental results indicate that fluorine behaviour depends on amorphization energy. Moreover, even no germanium preamorphization is performed, silicon is still amorphized by fluorine species. Hence, BF_2"+ implantation leads to an amorphous/crystalline (a/c) interface near the surface. An improvement of published models is suggested taking into account fluorine effects. The simulations satisfactory reproduce the SIMS experimental profiles for a large scale of experimental ...
In device fabrication, dopants are frequently implanted into silicon through silicon dioxide masks. A consequence of this technique is the co-implantation of recoiled oxygen into the substrate. This study investigates the effect of recoiled oxygen on the widely observed transient enhanced boron diffusion. Comparison of the spreading resistance profiles of annealed through-oxide and directly implanted samples reveals that transient enhanced diffusion of boron can be suppressed by the former process. Continued annealing of the through-oxide implanted silicon recovers the enhanced diffusion of boron. This behavior is believed to be due to precipitation of recoiled oxygen. The mechanisms leading to the above observations are discussed and transmission electron microscopy support presented. 11 refs., 5 figs.
#alpha#/#beta# sialon based composites containing silicon nitride whisker and silicon carbide platelet were fabricated by hot pressing. Effect of the reinforcing agents on the #alpha# to #beta# phase transformation of the sialon as well as on the mechanical properties was investigated. Silicon nitride whisker and silicon carbide platelet promoted the phase transformation. TEM/EDS analysis revealed that the grain containing the whisker had 'core-rim' structure; core being high purity Si_3N_4 whisker and rim being #beta#-sialon. Flexural strength of the composite decreased with the reinforcement addition which, on the other hand, improved fracture toughness of it. High temperature strength was measured at 1300 deg C to be about 130 MPa lower than that measured at RT for the whisker reinforced composite. (author).
The simultaneous hydrogen and silicon atom densities in amorphous silicon, a-Si, films prepared by the glow discharge technique have been measured by 25 MeV #alpha#-particle elastic scattering. Integrated band intensities for the silicon-hydrogen stretching modes, #omega#_1sup(s) and #omega#_2sup(s) in the region 1800 to 2200 cm"-"1 were determined for the same freely supported films. A similar analysis has been carried out for the bands observed at 890, 840 and 640 cm"-_1. Effective oscillator strengths for the #omega#_1sup(s) and #omega#_2sup(s) modes in a-Si films have been estimated and compared with the current theories on the effect of the silicon matrix on the infrared absorption characteristics. (author).
A strong effort is currently being devoted to the investigation of defects and diffusion phenomena in silicon. This effort is not only driven by the stringent technological requirements for the processing of integrated circuits of increased complexity and miniaturization, but also by the lack of fundamental understanding of many of the critical parameters and mechanisms involved. Experimental and theoretical investigations are needed to identify the properties of the defects, the mechanisms of impurity diffusion and the strength of impurity-defect, defect-defect, and impurity-impurity interactions. This volume provides a unique and interdisciplinary forum for the discussion of experimental, theoretical and applied aspects of defects and diffusion phenomena in silicon. Topics include: defect properties and diffusion phenomena in silicon; experimental and theoretical assessments of defect properties; transient-enhanced ...
Corrosion- and Wear Resistant Silicon Containing Chromium-Manganese and Nickel-Chromium-Manganese Nonmagnetic Steels with Increased Strength and Toughness for Reliable Work at Normal and Cryogenic Temperatures
We have investigated B diffusion in pre-amorphized silicon. In our experiments, the crystalline surface layer of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates was completely amorphized by Ge ion implantation. Using SOI substrates in this fashion suppressed solid-phase-epitaxy regrowth, making it possible to investigate B diffusion in pre-amorphous silicon over a wider range of temperatures (500-650 deg. C) and times (5-1000 s) than has previously been reported. Diffusivities were determined with the aid of computational processes modeling. The results from this work demonstrate the B diffusion in a-Si is concentration dependent, exhibits a transient enhanced diffusion, and possesses an Arhennius behavior with activation energy of {approx}2.1 eV.
We have investigated B diffusion in pre-amorphized silicon. In our experiments, the crystalline surface layer of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates was completely amorphized by Ge ion implantation. Using SOI substrates in this fashion suppressed solid-phase-epitaxy regrowth, making it possible to investigate B diffusion in pre-amorphous silicon over a wider range of temperatures (500-650 deg. C) and times (5-1000 s) than has previously been reported. Diffusivities were determined with the aid of computational processes modeling. The results from this work demonstrate the B diffusion in a-Si is concentration dependent, exhibits a transient enhanced diffusion, and possesses an Arhennius behavior with activation energy of #approx#2.1 eV.
Iron nickel chromium manganese silicon and iron chromium nickel manganese silicon molybdenum niobium alloys have a so-called duplex structure in a wide concentration range. This causes an excellent resistance to wear superior in the case of adhesive stress with optimized concentrations of manganese, silicon, molybdenum and niobium. The materials can be used for welded armouring structures wherever cobalt and boron-containing alloy systems are not permissible, e.g. in nuclear science. Within the framework of pre-investigations for manufacturing of filling wire electrodes, cast test pieces were set up with duplex structure, and their wear behavior was examined. (orig.).
into the SiC interface to form of palladium silicides (PdSix) and the subsequent migration of elemental silicon to the surface from the SiC. Palladium silicides are ...
Palladium silicides (Pd(x)Si) formed at a broadened interface after annealing, but a significant layer of alloy film is still free of silicon and carbon. ...
Theoretical x-ray transition energies, lifetimes and partial multiplet fluorescence yields are presented for all spectroscopic terms of electron configurations with a single K-shell vacancy and varying number of electrons in the L-shell and M/sub 1/-subshell for multiply-ionized silicon. 9 tables.
We demonstrate a two-dimensional device simulator for MOSFET structures that incorporates models for defect distributions and show predicted effects on device switching performance for various spatial distributions of defects in amorphous and polycrystalline silicon.
The transient enhanced diffusion in crystalline silicon implanted with dopants ad followed by high temperature annealing to activate the dopants is introduced. The physical mechanisms of transient enhanced dopant diffusion are then reviewed together with a short introduction to the proposed suppressing methods. Finally, the perspectives with using high energy heavy ions in this field are briefly discussed
The Si-L X-ray emission spectrum of amorphous hydrogenated silicon (a-Si:H) is presented and discussed. For a qualitative interpretation of the measured spectra cluster calculations of pure Si clusters (SiSi4) and Si clusters with hydrogen (SiSi3H) have been performed using a simplified LCAO-X scheme. In general the level shifts caused by introduction of hydrogen are small compared with the valence band width.
Silicone-rubber washers function as damping and articulating elements in cast-aluminum spacers that separate bundle subconductors in each phase of extra-high-voltage transmission lines. Spacer/dampers are located every 3 ft. along transmission lines on Canada's first operational 500 and 735 kV system.
Cycling parameters (reversible specific capacity, first-cycle coulombic efficiency, accumulated irreversible capacity, and reversible capacity retention) of hybrid electrodes based on mechanical mixtures of a silicon nanopowder with KS6 and MAG-20 synthetic graphites and binders of varied nature were subjected to an integrated analysis in comparison with graphite electrodes.
Transient enhanced diffusion in boron-implanted silicon is interpreted as being due to the fact that during rapid thermal annealing a relaxation process takes place, associated with quasi-chemical reactions including defects. A simple analytical model makes it possible to describe the annealing mechanism on a microscopic scale in terms of reaction-diffusion processes. The measured dependences of the boron diffusion coefficient of the enhanced diffusion on time, temperature and implantation energy are satisfactorily explained. (author).
Transient enhanced diffusion in boron-implanted silicon is interpreted as being due to the fact that during rapid thermal annealing a relaxation process takes place, associated with quasi-chemical reactions including defects. A simple analytical model makes it possible to describe the annealing mechanism on a microscopic scale in terms of reaction-diffusion processes. The measured dependences of the boron diffusion coefficient of the enhanced diffusion on time, temperature and implantation energy are satisfactorily explained. (author).
A patent is claimed for the invention of a hardening (ionizing radiation resistance) process for MOS type components and CMOS or bipolar type components. The ionizing radiation effect on those systems is the electron-hole pair production, which induces interference phenomena. The MOS main structure is successively composed of a silicon substrate layer, a layer of an irradiation resistant material and a layer of partially monocrystalline silicon.
The internal-tracking-system (ITS) of the ALICE detector at LHC, consists of six concentrical barrels of silicon detectors. The outmost two layers are made of double-sided strip detectors (SSD). In the framework of a R and D, the characteristics and performances of these devices, manufactured by two different companies, associated with their designed read-out electronics, have been studied off- and in-beam at the SPS (CERN). The results are presented and discussed.
The carbon content of silicon single crystals and polycrystals has been measured by charged particle activation analysis (CPAA) and infrared absorption. The authors obtained a linear relationship between the absorption coefficient at 605 cm/sup -1/ and the carbon content obtained by CPAA. They obtained a conversion factor of (1.00 +- 0.03) 10/sup 17//cm/sup 2/ for a 100% substitutional carbon.
The recently observed phenomenon of boron uphill diffusion during low-temperature annealing of ultrashallow ion-implanted junctions in silicon has been investigated. It is shown that the effect is enhanced by preamorphization, and that an increase in the depth of the preamorphized layer reduces uphill diffusion in the high-concentration portion of boron profile, while increasing transient enhanced diffusion in the tail. The data demonstrate that the magnitude of the uphill diffusion effect is determined by the proximity of boron and implant damage to the silicon surface.
A new technology called a self-aligned metal-silicide process is described in the fabrication of silicon detectors. It has been found that this technology improves both detector yield and leakage current. The use of a metal silicide also gives a lower contact resistance and, depending on the thermal process, a controllable junction depth, which may be essential in the integration of detectors and their electronics.
Sputter-removal rates of overlayer and interfacial species on silicon are analyzed to determine sputtering yields for the species involved. Sputtering yields up to two orders of magnitude lower than those measured for silicon are found, and the results are interpreted in terms of a cascade mixing process which continually reburies much of the overlayer material beyond the escape depth of the sputtered atoms.
Sputter-removal rates of overlayer and interfacial species on silicon are analyzed to determine sputtering yields for the species involved. Sputtering yields up to two orders of magnitude lower than those measured for silicon are found, and the results are interpreted in terms of a cascade mixing process which continually reburies much of the overlayer material beyond the escape depth of the sputtered atoms.
The National Center for Photovoltaics sponsored the 17th Workshop on Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells & Modules: Materials and Processes, held in Vail, CO, August 5-8, 2007. This meeting provided a forum for an informal exchange of technical and scientific information between international researchers in the photovoltaic and relevant non-photovoltaic fields. The theme of this year's meeting was 'Expanding Technology for a Future Powered by Si Photovoltaics.'
In this paper, we report the systematic investigation on the melt characteristics of silicon during laser thermal processing (LTP) of amorphous silicon (a-Si) gates on ultrathin gate oxides. LTP is used to reduce the gate depletion effect in advanced semiconductor devices. The influence of implantation-induced damage and chemical inhomogeneities on the melt behavior of ion-implanted a-Si is studied using in situ time-resolved reflectance (TRR) measurements and ex situ secondary ion mass spectrometry. The results from TRR measurements indicate the presence of a buried melt for a-Si implanted with B"+ at a subamorphizing dose. In contrast, such a melt behavior is not observed during LTP of undoped a-Si and a-Si implanted with As"+ at an amorphizing dose. We attribute the marked difference in the melt characteristics to the competitive effects between compositional inhomogeneities and the extent of amorphization in the a-Si layer. It should be ...
Tensile specimens 60 ..mu..m thick of Ni-8 at. % Si have been bombarded at 475/sup 0/C to doses of 0.1 to 0.3 dpa with either 7 MeV proton or 28 MeV alpha particle beams. Deliberate embrittlement by high temperature (700/sup 0/C) preimplantation of helium was required to produce intergranular fracture. Depth profile sputtering and analysis in a Scanning Auger Microprobe was then used to study radiation-induced segregation of silicon both at the external surfaces and at internal interfaces. The external surfaces exhibited a strongly silicon-enriched zone for the first 10 to 20 nm followed by a broad (approx.200 nm), shallow silicon-depleted region. Segregation of silicon to grain boundaries varied from interface to interface and possibly from region to region on a given interface. In general, however, depth profiles of silicon content with distance from internal boundaries showed no ...
A technique for following sialon formation in situ by high temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD) was developed. The composition chosen for study was an yttrium #alpha#-sialon with x=0.4. Powder compacts containing silicon nitride, aluminum nitride and yttria powders were pre-sintered at 1350 C and then studied by HT-XRD at temperatures between 1450 and 1580 C and nitrogen pressures of 0.11 MPa. The furnace was made from graphite coated with porous silicon nitride/silicon carbide. The coating prevented silicon carbide formation in the sample up to 1600 C. X-ray diffraction results show the formation of a Y_1_0Al_2Si_3O_1_8N_4 phase at 1350 C, which dissolved to form #alpha#-sialon and other phases at higher temperatures. The amounts of #alpha#-sialon formed are similar to the amounts reported by other authors. An empirical method was used for the calculation of activation energy for the ...
Heat inactivated Aspergillus ustus (Asp), silicon dioxide-nano-powder (N Si), and silicon dioxide nano-powder-combined-heat inactivated Aspergillus ustus (N Si Asp) were used to study the biosorption of Cd(II) from aqueous solutions via batch equilibrium technique. Surface characterization and immobilization of the fungal cells on silicon dioxide-nano-powder were examined and confirmed by using FT-IR and ESM analysis. Cadmium biosorption processes were investigated under the effect of pH, contact time, sorbent dosage and initial metal concentration. The three examined sorbents were found to exhibit maximum mmolg^-^1 capacity values in pH 7.0. The maximum determined cadmium capacity by silicon dioxide-nano-powder (N Si) (600mmolg^-^1) was found higher than that exhibited by the heat inactiv...
Previously we have used atomic force anodisation lithography, with a self-assembled monolayer of hexadecyltrichlorosilane as a resist, to pattern silicon oxide nanostructures onto a p-type silicon (1 0 0) substrate. A condensation reaction was used to immobilise carbon nanotubes with high carboxylic acid functionality directly to the silicon oxide. A further condensation reaction using this surface attached the molecule ferrocenemethanol to the bound nanotubes. These new nanostructures were used as electrodes to observe the oxidation and reduction of ferrocene. However, because the small currents measured are near the detection limits of the electrochemical system used, important electrode kinetics could not to be obtained. A scribing approach made larger regions of oxidised silicon leading to the creation of larger scale patterned arrangements of carbon nanotubes allowing measurement of important ...
The CMS detector (Compact Muon Solenoid) is under construction at one of the four proton-proton interaction points of the LHC (Large Hadron Collider) at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva, Switzerland). The inner tracking system of the CMS experiment consisting of silicon detectors will have a diameter of 2.4 m and a length of 5.4 m representing the largest silicon tracker ever. About 15000 silicon strip modules create an active silicon area of 200 m2 to detect charged particles from proton collisions. They are placed on a rigid carbon fibre structure, providing stability within the working conditions of a 4 T solenoid magnetic field at ?10oC. Knowledge of the position of the silicon detectors at the level of 100 ?m is needed for an efficient pattern recognition of charged particle tracks. Metrology methods are used to survey tracker subdetectors and the ...
Low pressure silane plasmas are known for their ability to synthesize silicon nanoparticles via gas phase nucleation. While in the past this particle formation has often been considered from the viewpoint of a contamination problem in semiconductor processing, we here describe a silane low pressure plasma that enables the synthesis of highly oriented, cubic-shaped silicon nanocrystals with a rather monodisperse size distribution. These silicon nanocubes have successfully been used in the manufacture of single nanoparticle vertical transistors. We discuss the advantages of this new paradigm of building nanoelectronic devices. The plasma synthesis process is characterized in more detail than in prior work. The particle nucleation, growth and shape evolution are studied. Results indicate that the process provides two spatially distinct zones: a diffuse plasma for particle growth and a constricted plasma zone for particle ...
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 ...
ITN Energy Systems is developing next-generation solar cells based on the concepts of an optical rectenna. ITN's optical rectenna consists of two key elements: (1) an optical antenna to efficiently absorb the incident solar radiation, and (2) a high-frequency metal-insulator-metal (MIM) tunneling diode that rectifies the AC field across the antenna, providing DC power to an external load. The combination of a rectifying diode at the feedpoints of a receiving antenna is often referred to as a rectenna. Rectennas were originally proposed in the 1960s for power transmission by radio waves for remote powering of aircraft for surveillance or communications platforms. Conversion efficiencies greater than 85% have been demonstrated at radio frequencies (efficiency defined as DC power generated divided by RF power incident on the device). Later, concepts were proposed to extend the rectennas into the IR and optical region of the ...
4,4'-bis(N-carbazolyl)tolan (BCT) and 4,4'-bis[N-(3,6-di-t-butyl)carbazolyl]tolan (BCT-t-Bu) were synthesized as ?-expanded analogs of 4,4'-bis(N-carbazolyl)biphenyl. Their photophysical characteristics both in solution and films were thoroughly investigated. Interestingly, the phosphorescence spectrum of BCT was significantly medium-dependent, and the emission maximum was red-shifted by 131 nm from 489 nm in solution at 77 K to 620 nm in a deposited film at 5 K, suggesting the presence of strong intermolecular interactions in the film. BCT and BCT-t-Bu were found to be useful as host materials for fluorescence-based organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, their low triplet energy levels in films negated their potential to act as hosts in phosphorescence-based OLEDs. - Research highlights: ? We synthesized N-carbazolyl-tolan derivatives (BCT) as ?-expanded analogues of CBP. ? We found that BCT derivatives are useful as host materials for fluorescence-based ...
Electronic trap densities at the indium tin oxide (ITO)/hole transport layer (HTL) interface in operating organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are characterized in situ using impedance spectroscopy. For OLEDs with a high density of active trap states, negative values of the frequency derivative of resistance are clearly observable for frequencies on the order of 10 kHz, whereas positive values are observed when the trap density is low With this technique, it is revealed that the trap density is minimized via the introduction of a TPD-Si{sub 2} (4,4'-bis[(p-trichlorosilylpropylphenyl) phenylamino]-biphenyl) passivation layer at the ITO/HTL interface or by the application of large electric fields during device operation. Furthermore, impedance spectroscopy illustrates that the ITO/HTL interface is not a simple series resistance when traps are present since they are shown not to contribute to high frequency conduction. Overall, this paper demonstrates that ...
The design and analysis of a high brightness electron beam experiment under construction at Sandia National Laboratory is presented. The beam energy is 12 MeV, the current 35 endash 40 kA, the rms radius 0.5 mm, and the pulse duration FWHM 40 ns. The accelerator is SABRE [J. Corley, J. A. Alexander, P. J. Pankuch, C. E. Heath, D. L. Johnson, J. J. Ramirez, and G. J. Denison, in Proceedings of the Eighth International IEEE Pulsed Power Conference, San Diego, California, 1991 (IEEE, New York, 1991), p. 920], a pulsed inductive voltage adder, and the electron source is a magnetically immersed foilless diode. This experiment has as its goal to stretch the technology to the edge and produce the highest possible electron current in a submillimiter radius beam. copyright 1996 American Institute of Physics.
We present an approach for fabrication of intentionally positioned epitaxial InAs QDs in a micron sized light emitting diode. For site-selective growth, a combination of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and focused ion beam (FIB) implantation technology in an all-ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) setup has been employed. Single dot occupancy of almost 55 % on FIB patterned nano-depressions was successfully achieved. Thereafter, carrier injection and subsequent radiative recombination from the positioned InAs/GaAs self-assembled QDs was investigated by embedding these QDs in the intrinsic part of a GaAs-based micron sized p-i-n junction device. Few or single dot are expected to be electrically addressed in these devices. We report results from electroluminescence (EL) measurement which proves the single dot characteristics of our device. The EL spectra consist of sharp emission lines and their dependence on injection current shows linear behavior for exciton and quadratic ...
Relativistic electron beams are used for generating high power microwaves. These microwave sources require electron beam generators spanning significant ranges in voltage and impedance. The pulsed power technology used to generate these electron beams is presented. Electron beam generators that produce beams with pulse durations in the 10-ns to 100-ns regime consist of an energy-storage section, pulse-shaping section, and an electron beam diode. The energy-storage section is either a Marx generator or capacitor bank-pulsed transformer. The pulse shaping is done with high-voltage transmission lines. The electron beam diode is usually a cold-cathode, space-charge-limited flow device. For longer pulses (/approximately/1 ..mu..s) the energy storage and pulse chaping can be combined. Lumped-element pulse-forming networks (PFN) can be designed to produce the desired pulse shape. The Marx generator becomes one of the elements of the PFN. ...
Relativistic electron beams are used for generating high power microwaves. These microwave sources require electron beam generators spanning significant ranges in voltage and impedance. The pulsed power technology used to generate these electron beams is presented. Electron beam generators that produce beams with pulse durations in the 10 ns to 100 ns regime consist of an energy storage section, pulse shaping section, and an electron beam diode. The energy storage section is either a Marx generator or capacitor bank-pulsed transformer. The pulse shaping is done with high-voltage transmission lines. The electron beam diode is usually a cold-cathode, space-charge-limited flow device. For longer pulses (approx.1 ..mu..s) the energy storage and pulse shaping can be combined. Lumped-element pulsed-forming networks (PFN) can be designed to produce the desired pulse shape. The Marx generator becomes one of the elements of the PFN. Alternatively, a low ...
The properties and low pressure organometallic vapor phase epitaxy of Ga{sub x}In{sub 1{minus}x}P/(AlGa){sub 0.5}In{sub 0.5}P quantum well (QW) laser diode heterostructures with Al{sub 0.5}In{sub 0.5}P cladding layers, and having wavelength 614 < {lambda} < 690 nm, are described. At longer wavelengths ({lambda} > 660 nm), threshold current densities under 200 A/cm{sup 2} and efficiencies greater than 75% result from a biaxially-compressed GaInP QW active region. Although short wavelength laser performance is diminished by the poor electron confinement afforded by AlGaInP heterostructures, good 630 nm band performance, and extension into the 610 nm band, is achieved with strained, single QW active regions.
At Himeji Institute of Technology, the high power microwaves with the peak power of 20 MW, frequency of 12 GHz and pulse duration of 14 ns have been produced with a virtual cathode oscillator (vircator). These high power microwaves offer new applications in various fields. One problem in laser-triggered lightning experiment is the strong attenuation of laser energy by rain, cloud and laser-produced plasma. Microwaves propagate in thundercloud with small loss, and also are able to irradiate much extensive region of targets. In this paper, the fundamental experiment on the air breakdown induced by high power, short pulse microwaves is reported. The experimental setup of the vircator diode for microwave generation is shown. The typical evolution of diode voltage, electron beam current and microwave emission from the top in the course of time is shown. The experimental setup for microwave-induced air breakdown and the experimental procedure are ...
Room-temperature pulsed laser operation of (Al/sub 0.55/Ga/sub 0.45/)/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P /(Al/sub 0.17/Ga/sub 0.83/)/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P / (Al/sub 0.55/Ga/sub 0.45/)/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P double heterostructure laser diodes grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition has been achieved. The lasing wavelength is 626.2 nm, which is the shortest ever reported for an AlGaInP double heterostructure laser. Threshold current density is 50 kA/cm/sup 2/ for a diode with a 20-..mu..m-wide and 200-..mu..m-long stripe.
The AlGaInP materials system has recently supported the development of a variety of visible diode laser devices at wavelengths ranging from yellow to red. Presently, the majority of published results are with materials prepared by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE). Many issues with such materials exist, including impurity doping, the role of crystal ordering, defect formation during epitaxial growth, and the proper quantum well heterostructure design required for best device results. This paper addresses these topics and reviews the present state of the art, and projects the anticipated results when the materials' problems have been solved.
Full text: The isotopic assay instrument under development at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is capable of rapid prescreening to detect small and rare particles containing high concentrations of uranium in a heterogeneous sample. The isotopic measurement concept is based on laser vaporization of solid samples followed by sensitive isotope-specific detection using either uranium atomic fluorescence emission or uranium atomic absorbance. Both isotopes are measured concurrently, following a single ablation laser pulse using two external-cavity violet diode lasers. The simultaneous measurement of both isotopes enables the correlation of the fluorescence and absorbance signals on a shot-to-shot basis. This measurement approach demonstrated negligible channel crosstalk between isotopes. Scanning the heterogeneous samples provides high-resolution imagery of sample isotopic fluorescence and absorbance. Isotopically selective excitation of uranium vapor also ...
Classical semiconductor physics has been continuously improving electronic components such as diodes, light-emitting diodes, solar cells and transistors based on highly purified inorganic crystals over the past decades. Organic semiconductors, notably polymeric, are a comparatively young field of research, the first light-emitting diode based on conjugated polymers having been demonstrated in 1990. Polymeric semiconductors are of tremendous interest for high-volume, low-cost manufacturing (''printed electronics''). Due to their rather simple device structure mostly comprising only one or two functional layers, polymeric diodes are much more difficult to optimize compared to small-molecular organic devices. Usually, functions such as charge injection and transport are handled by the same material which thus needs to be highly optimized. The present work contributes to ...
We report on a promising approach to high-sensitivity anisotropy measurements using a high-finesse cavity locked by optical feedback to a diode laser. We provide a simple and effective way to decouple the weak anisotropy of interest from the inherent mirror's birefringence whose drift may be identified as the key limiting parameter in cavity-based techniques. We demonstrate a shot-noise-limited phase shift resolution previously inaccessible in an optical cavity, readily achieving the state-of-the-art level of 3x10"-"1"3 rad.
The scattering and recombination processes between two triplet excitons in conjugated polymers are investigated by using a nonadiabatic evolution method, based on an extended Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model including interchain interactions. Due to the interchain coupling, the electron and/or hole in the two triplet excitons can exchange. The results show that the recombination induces the formation of singlet excitons, excited polarons and biexcitons. Moreover, we also find the yields of these products, which can contribute to the emission, increase with the interchain coupling strength, in good agreement with results from experiments.
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.).
Recently, organic semiconducting materials have gained a broad interest due to their potential for organic electronic devices such as organic light emitting diode (OLED), organic photovoltaic devices and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). Optical properties of organic semiconducting materials are important for practical application. For example, the power conversion efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices is mainly affected by absorption properties of organic materials. Proton irradiation is one of the efficient methods to change the optical properties of organic materials. In this paper, we investigate the changes of optical properties of various polymers using the proton irradiation.
Elemental substitution of Ca by Y was investigated for Ca-#alpha#-SiAlON:Eu yellow phosphors, which is useful for the white light-emitting diode lamps of phosphor conversion type. Depending on the ratio of the elemental substitution, not only the red shift of emission in wavelength occurred but also the figure of the excitation spectra changed. Their excitation band widths and flatness were discussed. (copyright 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)
Methods and apparatus for detecting the presence of explosives by analyzing a vapor sample from the suspect vicinity utilize at least one microcantilever. Explosive gas molecules which have been adsorbed onto the microcantilever are subsequently heated to cause combustion. Heat, along with momentum transfer from combustion, causes bending and a transient resonance response of the microcantilever which may be detected by a laser diode which is focused on the microcantilever and a photodetector which detects deflection of the reflected laser beam caused by heat-induced deflection and resonance response of the microcantilever. 2 figs.
This thesis dealt with the metal-organic gas phase epitaxy with nitrogen as carrier gas. For this first by means of three-dimensional modelings of the epitaxy process the influence of the carrier gas on the processes was explained. The optimization of the growth parameter for the whole light-emitting-diode structure in double-hetero arrangement resulted that an a temperature of 770 C and a V/ III-ratio of 150 layers with a high crystal quality could be reached.
Self-magnetically insulated, high-voltage transmission lines are used in inertial confinement fusion particle accelerators in order to transmit power from the vacuum insulator to the diode. This paper describes a time-dependent 2-D code (MITL) for calculating (for planar or triplate geometries) the motion of test electrons through the tapered input or output convolutes of such lines. MITL results show that the electron canonical momentum in the direction of the flow changes as the electron passes through the convoluted geometry; it is suggested that these electrons lead to losses observed in long self-magnetically insulated lines.
Argon ion laser induced fluorescence measurements were carried out in a multipolar filament discharge with a broadband diode laser centered on 668 nm, which stimulated a transition from the metastable state in Ar(II) 3d4F7/2 to 4p4D05/2. The intensity of the induced fluorescence at 442 nm was maximized by the optimization of the discharge parameters and the laser power. From the recovery of the background fluorescence after the laser was turned off, the ion diffusion coefficient was deduced and compared with the result inferred from the experiments of ion acoustic wave (IAW) damping.
The physics of microcavities have been a subject of intense study over the past 25 years. This work stimulated a large body of experimental and theoretical work on the optimization of the light extraction properties of light-emitting diodes. Not only has this led to the current high efficiency microcavity LEDs but also to the high brightness LEDs based on other approaches, which are presently available on the market. An overview of the state of the art of planar semiconductor microcavity LEDs will be presented. (copyright 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)
Experiments are described on a plasma cathode with biased grids to prevent entry of ions into the electron extraction gap. The cathode has potential applications to the generation of high-current pulsed electron beams. Operation at 20 A/cm"2 is theoretically possible. The source combines the low average power consumption of a plasma cathode with many of the attractive features of thermionic cathodes, such as space-charge-limited extractor gap electron flow, fast turn-on, and no diode closure. Initial experiments are reported at the 2 A/cm"2 level for pulse lengths to 160 #mu#s.
An apparatus is provided for rapidly restarting the flow of coolant through the cold electromagnetic shield of a superconducting rotor following a thermal transient episode. A vortex diode inhibits coolant flow in the undesirable reverse direction and encourages the reestablishment of a normal thermosyphon cooling loop flow quickly following the termination of a thermal transient such as that caused by transmission line faults. The present invention requires no moving parts and may therefore be permanently sealed in the superconducting rotor without risk of costly repair efforts caused by components failure.
Purpose Study the radiolysis of solid-state metoclopramide hydrochloride at various absorbed doses. Elucidate the structure of the degradation products to gain information on the radiolysis mechanisms. Methods Solid-state metoclopramide samples were irradiated at several doses with gamma rays and high-energy electrons to evaluate the influence of the dose rate. High-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector was used to measure the chemical potency as a function of the absorbed dose and to quantify the degradation products. The characterization of degradation products was performed by liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/tandem mass spectrometry. Results The degradation of solid-state metoclopramide after irradiation was negligible. No qualitati...
Continuous wave lasing operation with the shortest wavelength for semiconductor lasers was obtained from AlGaInP double heterostructure lasers at 77 K. The structure was grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. Lasing wavelength was 583.6 nm (yellow). Threshold current was 43 mA (1.9 kA/cm/sup 2/). Magnesium was adopted as a p-type dopant, and was proved to be preferable for a high aluminum composition AlGaInP cladding layer.
The aim of this thesis is the study of new systems devoted to the real time neutron spectrometry and dosimetry. The microelectronics technologies have been used to research a micro system integrating sensor and data processing in real time. The multi range sensor is based on many pair of semiconductor diodes placed face to face and covered by lithium fluoride. The sensor has been designed and its behavior has been simulated. Its operating in reference neutrons beams has been analyzed. (A.L.B.)
The differences are highlighted of various aspects of behaviour of the luminescence signal from feldspar when stimulated by green light and when stimulated by infrared radiation. In respect of bleaching, a comparison is made of the influence of white light (daylight) on the two stimulated luminescence signals, as well as a comparison of the influence of infrared exposure on the green-stimulated signal with the influence of green exposure on the infrared-stimulated signal. The influence of preheating on the two stimulated signals is also compared. Light-emitting diode systems were used for both green and infrared stimulation. The observations are considered in relation to the mechanism relevant to green- and infrared-stimulated luminescence from feldspar. (author).
The differences are highlighted of various aspects of behaviour of the luminescence signal from feldspar when stimulated by green light and when stimulated by infrared radiation. In respect of bleaching, a comparison is made of the influence of white light (daylight) on the two stimulated luminescence signals, as well as a comparison of the influence of infrared exposure on the green-stimulated signal with the influence of green exposure on the infrared-stimulated signal. The influence of preheating on the two stimulated signals is also compared. Light-emitting diode systems were used for both green and infrared stimulation. The observations are considered in relation to the mechanism relevant to green- and infrared-stimulated luminescence from feldspar. (author).
Excitation transfer between the 3S[sub 1/2] states of the lithium isotopes [sup 6]Li and [sup 7]Li is measured in a thermionic diode. The 3S level is excited by off-resonant two-photon transitions with a single mode cw laser. The relative densities of the directly excited and collisionally populated levels are probed by further laser excitation to the 12P levels. An energy transfer cross section of 585 A[sup 2] [+-] 160 A[sup 2] is found at the experimental temperature of about 850 K. A simple semiclassical calculation yields a cross section of 450 A[sup 2]. (orig.)
The current status of research and development in the realm of physics and technology of collective ion acceleration in systems with a virtual cathode (VC) is reviewed. Three major acceleration methods and devices developed on their basis are considered: reflex triodes and their modifications, gas-filled vircators, and vacuum vircators with a Luce diode. Experimental data are outlined and the principal physical models interpreting these data are described. New ion acceleration techniques whose realization involves the production and disappearance of the VC are also discussed. All methods of collective ion acceleration are compared and the possible ways for the further development of this promising scientific field are highlighted. (reviews of topical problems)
An optical fiber methane sensing system utilizing a super-luminescent diode (SLD) in the 1.33-mm band and a fiber Fabry-Perot tunable filter (FFP-TF) is developed. A two-step reference measuring method, which is based on differential absorption technique, is employed; a reference channel is introduced to eliminate the fluctuation of the illuminant spectrum, and the reference wavelength acquired by tuning the FFP-TF is introduced to eliminate the environmental influence. The two-step reference measuring method has improved the reliability and stability of the system. A minimum detectable methane concentration of 0.3% has been experimentally achieved.
All-optical envelope detection of a 5 GHz 200 Mbit/s modulated radio frequency signal is achieved using a 650 nm resonant cavity light emitting diode. Error-free transmission is achieved over a 50 m-long link of 1 mm diameter graded index polymer optical fibre (POF). The presented system has potential applications in low cost and low complexity short range wireless and wireline POF-based transmission links.
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. Homojunction GaAs solar ...
Single-phased Sr3B2SiO8:Eu3+ phosphor was prepared by a solid-state method at 1020 oC. The luminescence spectra showed that Sr3B2SiO8:Eu3+ phosphor can be effectively excited by near ultraviolet light (393 nm) and blue light (464 nm). When excited at 393 or 464 nm Sr3B2SiO8:Eu3+ exhibited the main emission peaks at 611 and 620 nm, which resulted from the supersensitive 5D0#->#7F2 transition of Eu3+. The luminescence intensity of Sr3B2SiO8:Eu3+ at 611 and 620 nm reached the maximum when the doping content of Eu3+ was 4.5 mol%. Its chromaticity coordinates (0.646, 0.354) were very close to the NTSC standard values (0.67, 0.33). Thus, Sr3B2SiO8:Eu3+ is considered to be an efficient red-emitting phosphor for long-UV InGaN-based light-emitting diodes. - Highlights: ? Sr3B2SiO8:Eu3+ was synthesized using solid-state reaction method for the first time. ? The phosphor can be efficiently excited by the near-UV chips and gives strong red emission. ? The phosphor is a ...
Multicrystalline silicon is a very interesting material for terrestrial solar cells. Its low cost and respectable energy conversion efficiency (12-15%) makes it arguably the most cost competitive material for large-volume solar power generation. However, the solar cell efficiency of this material is severely degraded by regions of high minority carrier recombination which have been shown to possess both dislocations and microdefects. These structural defects are known to increase in recombination activity with transition metal decoration. Therefore, gettering of metal impurities from the material would be expected to greatly enhance solar cell performance. Contrary to this rationale, experiments using frontside phosphorus and/or backside aluminum treatments have been found to improve regions with low recombination activity while having little or no effect on the high recombination regions and in turn only slightly improving the overall cell performance. The goal of ...
The availability of polysilicon feedstock has become a major issue for the photovoltaic (PV) industry in recent years. Most of the current polysilicon feedstock is derived from rejected material from the semiconductor industry. However, the reject material can become scarce and more expensive during periods of expansion in the integrated-circuit industry. Continued rapid expansion of the PV crystalline-silicon industry will eventually require a dedicated supply of polysilicon feedstock to produce solar cells at lower costs. The photovoltaic industry can accept a lower purity polysilicon feedstock (solar-grade) compared to the semiconductor industry. The purity requirements and potential production techniques for solar-grade polysilicon have been reviewed. One interesting process from previous research involves reactive gas blowing of the molten silicon charge. As an example, Dosaj et all reported a reduction of metal and boron impurities from ...
Analyses of process system properties were continued for important chemical materials involved in the several processes under consideration for semiconductor and solar cell grade silicon production. Major activities were devoted to physical, thermodynamic and transport property data for silicon. Property data are reported for vapor pressure heat of vaporization, heat of sublimation, liquid heat capacity and solid heat capacity as a function of temperature to permit rapid usage in engineering. Chemical engineering analysis of the HSC process (Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation) for production of silicon was initiated. The process is based on hydrogen reduction of dichlorosilane (DCS) to produce the polysilicon. The chemical vapor deposition reaction for DCS is faster in rate than the conventional process route which utilizes trichlorosilane (TCS) as the silicon raw material. Status and progress are ...
The formation of thin SiO_2 layers on silicon and metal silicides was studied by phase- and thickness measurements with Rutherford back-scattering of 2 MeV alfa particles. Thermal oxidation was done in steam and dry oxygen at temperatures between 750 degrees Celsius and 1 100 degrees Celsius, while SiO_2 formation at room temperature was carried out by anodic oxidation. The study of silicon oxidation was done on Si<100>, Si<111> and amorphous silicon substrates. Thermal oxidation of CoSi_2, CrSi_2, NiSi_2, PtSi and TiSi_2 was investigated. The oxidation rates of the silicides were found to be much higher than for silicon. The oxidation process is also diffusion-limited with a higher oxidation rate for steam as compared to dry oxygen. The silicide layers were found to stay intact during thermal oxidation. A certain amount of structural and chemical instability did appear. Chemical instabiliy ...
In this paper we describe how cleavable surfactants decompose into water-insoluble silanols and two water-soluble products when subjected to vacuum plasma treatment. We used Raman spectroscopic analysis to confirm these structural changes, and we performed contact angle measurements and employed scanning electron microscopy to observe the surface morphologies of these compounds. Our contact angle measurements confirm that the products had degraded on nylon fabrics during argon gas plasma treatment. All of the PEG-silicone polyesters displayed excellent water-repellency; PEG6000-silicone exhibited the largest contact angle (130?) and, hence, the greatest water-repellency. Our results indicate that the silanols that form upon plasma treatment may be useful in coatings applications. We also f...
A transient-enhanced diffusion has been observed during the furnace or rapid thermal annealing of ion-implanted silicon. We have studied this transient in detail and show that, for doses of Group V dopants sufficient to amorphize the silicon, it arises from the trapping of interstitials by dopant atoms during implantation. These are retained during solidphase-epitaxial (SPE) growth, but can be released by additional thermal processing to cause the observed transient and the formation of a band of extended defects. We have measured the enhanced diffusion coefficients and the duration of the transient for Sb-implanted Si by careful furnace annealing experiments. We obtain general expressions which predict the effects of the transient during any thermal processing based on SPE growth (furnace, CW laser, or rapid thermal annealing). We show that there is no analogous mechanism of vacancy trapping by Group III elements.
A transient-enhanced diffusion has been observed during the furnace or rapid thermal annealing of ion-implanted silicon. We have studied this transient in detail and show that, for doses of Group V dopants sufficient to amorphize the silicon, it arises from the trapping of interstitials by dopant atoms during implantation. These are retained during solidphase-epitaxial (SPE) growth, but can be released by additional thermal processing to cause the observed transient and the formation of a band of extended defects. We have measured the enhanced diffusion coefficients and the duration of the transient for Sb-implanted Si by careful furnace annealing experiments. We obtain general expressions which predict the effects of the transient during any thermal processing based on SPE growth (furnace, CW laser, or rapid thermal annealing). We show that there is no analogous mechanism of vacancy trapping by Group III elements.
We present results from a kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of boron transient enhanced diffusion (TED) in silicon. Our approach avoids the use of phenomenological fits to experimental data by using a complete and self-consistent set of values for defect and dopant energetics derived mostly from {ital ab initio} calculations. The results predict that, during annealing of 40 keV B-implanted Si at 800{degree}C, there exists a time window during which all the implanted boron atoms are substitutional. At earlier or later times, the interactions between free silicon self-interstitials and boron atoms drive the growth of boron clusters and result in an inactive boron fraction. The results show that the majority of boron TED takes place during the growth period of interstitial clusters and not during their dissolution. {copyright} {ital 1998 American Institute of Physics.}
We present results from a kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of boron transient enhanced diffusion (TED) in silicon. Our approach avoids the use of phenomenological fits to experimental data by using a complete and self-consistent set of values for defect and dopant energetics derived mostly from ab initio calculations. The results predict that, during annealing of 40 keV B-implanted Si at 800 degree C, there exists a time window during which all the implanted boron atoms are substitutional. At earlier or later times, the interactions between free silicon self-interstitials and boron atoms drive the growth of boron clusters and result in an inactive boron fraction. The results show that the majority of boron TED takes place during the growth period of interstitial clusters and not during their dissolution. copyright 1998 American Institute of Physics.
The morphology and size characteristics of the population of AlP particles produced by treatment of a pure aluminium melt with an Al-Fe-P inoculant addition have been determined. The particles are shown to be polyhedral like the primary silicon they nucleate in hypereutectic Al-Si alloy melts and to be prone to clustering at increased phosphorus addition levels. The number of AlP particles per unit area is shown to be comparable with the corresponding number density of polyhedral primary silicon in Al-20 wt.% Si treated in the same way under identical conditions which is consistent with earlier conclusions that AlP acts as a nucleation catalyst for primary silicon in hypereutectic Al-Si casting alloys. (orig.)
The light-emitting properties of cubic silicon carbide films grown by vacuum vapor phase epitaxy on Si(100) and Si(111) substrates under conditions of decreased growth temperatures (T gr ? 900?700?C) have been discussed. Structural investigations have revealed a nanocrystalline structure and, simultaneously, a homogeneity of the phase composition of the grown 3C-SiC films. Photoluminescence spectra of these structures under excitation of the electronic subsystem by a helium-cadmium laser (?excit = 325 nm) are characterized by a rather intense luminescence band with the maximum shifted toward the ultraviolet (?3 eV) region of the spectral range. It has been found that the integral curve of photoluminescence at low temperatures of measurements is split into a set of Lorentzian components. Th...
A solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) system has both terrestrial and space applications because thermal energy storage can be utilized. Excellent properties (heat of fusion=1800 j/gm and melting temperature=1680 K) make silicon the ideal thermal storage material for an STPV system. Using a one dimensional model with tapering of the silicon storage material, it was found that several hours of running time with modest lengths ({approximately}15 cm) of silicon are possible. Calculated steady-state efficiencies for an STPV system using an Er-YAG selective emitter and ideal photovoltaic (PV) cell model are in the range of 15{percent}{endash}17{percent}. Increasing the taper of the storage material improves both efficiency and power output. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}
Oxide charge on the sidewalls of SiO{sub 2} embedded silicon wires with 20x20 nm{sup 2} cross section is shown to influence the Schottky barrier height for Pd{sub 2}Si/Si junctions positioned on the end surfaces of the wires. Compared with results on planar silicon surfaces, the electron barrier height is 0.3 eV lower for wires investigated as fabricated. By increasing the oxide charge through irradiation by ultraviolet light, the electron barrier decreases by an additional 0.15 eV and the hole barrier correspondingly increases by about the same amount. The phenomenon is explained by assuming an oxide charge density in the range of 10{sup 12} cm{sup -2}.
Scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM) has been applied to study focused ion beam (FIB) induced damage in silicon in dependence on ion irradiation doses from 10"1"2 cm"-"2 to 2#centre dot#10"1"6 cm"-"2. Starting from the lowest dose, SSRM detects increasing spreading resistance (SR) with increasing dose. For doses from 2#centre dot#10"1"3 cm"-"2 to 4#centre dot#10"1"4 cm"-"2, a slight decrease of SR is measured whereas for higher doses SR again slightly increases. The results are explained by physical effects like decreased carrier mobility due to increased scattering, amorphisation of silicon and precipitation of implanted Ga ions. The results clearly prove that SSRM is well suited for the fast detection of ion beam induced damage with high lateral resolution.
More than sixty base-isolated buildings have been built in Japan. A number of base-isolation systems were considered in our research, which was intended to establish the effectiveness of base-isolation systems. We conducted research on silicone rubber bearings. Generally, silicone rubber is durable and its characteristics are not dependent on the temperature within the relevant design range. The first part of the report covers material and elements testing. After the bearings were installed in the building, we performed forced vibration tests in both the horizontal and vertical directions. These test results form the next section. After several experiments, we carried out earthquake observations. We report on the effectiveness of the system in reducing response acceleration during a small displacement. This system was installed in the building in March 1992
Low residual stress silicon oxynitride thin films are investigated for use as a replacement for silicon dioxide (SiO{sub 2}) as sacrificial layer in surface micromachined microelectrical-mechanical systems (MEMS). It is observed that the level of residual stress in oxynitrides is a function of the nitrogen content in the film. MEMS film stacks are prepared using both SiO{sub 2} and oxynitride sacrificial layers. Wafer bow measurements indicate that wafers processed with oxynitride release layers are significantly flatter. Polycrystalline Si (poly-Si) cantilevers fabricated under the same conditions are observed to be flatter when processed with oxynitride rather than SiO{sub 2} sacrificial layers. These results are attributed to the lower post-processing residual stress of oxynitride compared to SiO{sub 2} and reduced thermal mismatch to poly-Si.
There have been several reports of transient-enhanced diffusion during furnace or rapid thermal annealing of ion-implanted silicon and some reports of no enhancement. In this contribution, the authors show that many of the observed effects can be accounted for by an interstitial trapping mechanism, in which large numbers of Si atoms are trapped by group V dopant atoms in the amorphous material during implantation. These trapped atoms are retained during solid-phase-epitaxial (SPE) growth, but can be released later during thermal processing to give the transient-enhanced diffusion. The authors present a model which can predict the transient effects (or lack of them) for any concentration of Sb, Bi, or As dopants sufficient to amorphize the silicon and any thermal processing technology which relies on SPE growth (furnace, cw laser, or rapid thermal annealing).
In this paper a novel method is presented, based on the use of plasma processing, to suppress the transient enhanced diffusion of boron implanted in silicon. We found for silicon samples processed with plasma and subsequently boron implanted that the anomalous diffusion of the dopant atoms at the beginning of the annealing process is almost completely suppressed. This phenomenon is interpreted in terms of capture of the ion beam generated interstitials by the dislocations induced by the plasma processing. At room temperature the dislocations are observed to grow in size after the boron implant, attesting their efficiency as trapping centres for interstitials. Moreover, varying the plasma process conditions we can establish a general relation between the presence of the trapping centres induced by the plasma processing and the suppression of the transient diffusion.
Photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements were carried out for silicon 50{mu}m BSFR space solar cells irradiated with 1MeV electrons with a fluence exceeding 1 x 10{sup 16} e/cm{sup 2} and 10MeV protons with a fluence exceeding 1 x 10{sup 13} p/cm{sup 2}. The results were compared with the previous result performed in a relative low fluence region, and the radiation-induced defects which cause anomalous degradation of the cell performance in such large fluence regions were discussed. As far as we know, this is the first report which presents the PL measurement results at 4.2K of the large fluence radiation irradiated silicon solar cells. (author)
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).
New results for two types of nano-size silicon, prepared via thermal vapour deposition either with or without a graphite substrate are presented. Their superior reversible charge capacity and cycle life as negative electrode material for lithium-ion batteries have already been shown in previous work. Here the lithiation reaction of the materials is investigated more closely via different electrochemical in situ techniques: Raman spectroscopy, dilatometry and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS). The Si/graphite compound material shows relatively high kinetics upon discharge. The moderate relative volume change and low gas evolution of the nano silicon based electrode, both being important points for a possible future use in real batteries, are discussed with respect to a standard graphite electrode. (author)
A proposed metallization system for large area silicon solar cells with shallow junctions is outlined, and its desirable features are discussed. A baseline process sequence for the nickel palladium metallization system (NPMS) is delineated. This baseline process sequence is serving as the starting point from which process variations are being performed. The eventual goal is optimization of the NPMS process and determination of the control ranges for NPMS process variables. Initial studies of palladium displacement and electroless chemical plating solutions used in the baseline NPMS have begun and progress is reported. In support of this work, an annotated bibliography (45 citations) dealing primarily with palladium plating and palladium-silicon contact formation has been prepared (and will be subject to updating in the future reports).
By applying lock-in thermography imaging, light-beam-induced current imaging, electron-beam-induced current imaging at different stages of sample preparation, 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 sample preparation, 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 sample preparation, 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.
Strut lattice structures of reaction-bonded silicon infiltrated silicon carbide ceramics (RB-SiSiC) for air-fuel mixture formation and for nonstationary lean-burn under pressure applications were fabricated. The lattice design with a high porosity >80% was shaped by indirect three-dimensional printing. It was shown that pre-ignition processes in the porous reactor are much faster than in a free combustion, especially at lower temperatures. Interaction of high velocity diesel jets with cylindrical strut ligaments of the SiSiC lattice structure offers a new possibility for quick and efficient fuel distribution (multi-jet splitting) in space.
In an effort to develop a simple low-temperature high-performance polysilicon thin-film transistor (TFT) technology, the authors report a fabrication process featuring laser-crystallized sputtered-silicon films. This top Al-gate coplanar TFT process subjects the substrate to a maximum temperature of 300 C, and produces devices with mobilities up to 450 cm{sup 2}/Vs, on/off current ratios greater than 10{sup 7}, without using a post-hydrogenation step. They believe these results represent the highest performance TFT`s to date fabricated from sputtered silicon films.
The effect of alloying low carbon 18Cr-30Ni steel with silicon (up to 5.1%), copper (up to 5.4%), cobalt (up to 15.3%) on the resistance to corrosion cracking and pitting corrosion, is studied. Tests on uniaxial tension are carried out in 42% MgCl_2 solution and gravimetric studies in 10% FeCl_3x6H_2O. It is established that alloying steel of the Kh18N30 type with silicon increases strength and resistance to corrosion cracking. Copper and cobalt decrease a resistance to pitting corrosion but somewhat increase a resistance to corrosion cracking.
The indium implant damage and diffusion behavior in thin silicon-on-insulator (SOI) with a 200 nm top silicon layer were studied for different implantation energies and doses. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry in the channeling mode (RBS/C) was used to characterize the implant damage before and after annealing. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was used to study the indium transient enhanced diffusion (TED) behavior in the top Si layer of the SOI structure. An anomalous redistribution of indium after relatively high energy (200 keV) and dose (1 x 10{sup 14} cm{sup -2}) implantation was observed in both bulk Si and SOI substrates. However, there exist differences in these two substrates that are attributable to the more predominant out-diffusion of indium as well as the influence of the buried oxide layer in the SOI structure.
The indium implant damage and diffusion behavior in thin silicon-on-insulator (SOI) with a 200 nm top silicon layer were studied for different implantation energies and doses. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry in the channeling mode (RBS/C) was used to characterize the implant damage before and after annealing. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was used to study the indium transient enhanced diffusion (TED) behavior in the top Si layer of the SOI structure. An anomalous redistribution of indium after relatively high energy (200 keV) and dose (1 x 10"1"4 cm"-"2) implantation was observed in both bulk Si and SOI substrates. However, there exist differences in these two substrates that are attributable to the more predominant out-diffusion of indium as well as the influence of the buried oxide layer in the SOI structure.
The phase stability of silicides of Ni, Pt and Pd in contact with single crystal or amorphous silicon is examined. The presence of a particular silicide phase is identified by X-ray diffraction, and Rutherford backscattering is used to study composition. It is concluded that Pt or Pd silicides are suitable for Schottky barriers. Layers of silicon can be grown quickly by solid phase epitaxy at temperatures of 300-500C and using an intermediate metal film. Experimental results are reported. Doped layers have been obtained which have electrical characteristics suitable for the junctions in solar cells. The effects of impurities and orientation of the substrate on the growth kinetics are discussed.
An evaporative cooling system developed for operation and qualification testing of silicon pixel and microstrip detectors for the inner tracking detector of the CERN ATLAS spectrometer is described. Silicon detector substrates must be continuously operated between 0 and ???7?C in the high radiation environment near the circulating beams at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This requirement imposes unusual constraints on the cooling system and has led to the choice of perfluoro-n-propane (C3F8) refrigerant, which combines good chemical stability under ionizing radiation with high dielectric strength and nonflammability. Since the silicon detectors must also be of extremely light construction to minimize undesirable physics background, coolant tubes are of thin (200 ?m) aluminum wall, wh...
The PVSCAN is an instrument designed to characterize silicon solar cell materials and devices. It performs a host of measurements that yield spatial maps of dislocation density, grain distribution, reflectance, and photoresponses from near-junction and the bulk of a solar cell.
Delta-doped boron marker layers in silicon have been used to test further the relationship between B transient enhanced diffusion (TED) and the flux of silicon interstitials released during the annealing stage following self implantation. The authors present new data which address a number of questions raised by the present models. They show that in the experiments bulk trapping of interstitials is significant only for low implant fluences ({approximately}10{sup 12} cm{sup {minus}2}). The origin of the observed diffusion-like profiles for the interstitial flux is instead found to lie in local trapping within the {delta}-doped layers themselves. Boron trapped in immobile clusters may be associated with Si interstitials in approximately a 1:1 ratio; nevertheless this trapping contribution alone may not entirely account for the observed gradient. They suggest that some part of the observed TED response with depth is attributable to local trapping ...
Delta-doped boron marker layers in silicon have been used to test further the relationship between B transient enhanced diffusion (TED) and the flux of silicon interstitials released during the annealing stage following self implantation. The authors present new data which address a number of questions raised by the present models. They show that in the experiments bulk trapping of interstitials is significant only for low implant fluences (#approx#10"1"2 cm"-"2). The origin of the observed diffusion-like profiles for the interstitial flux is instead found to lie in local trapping within the #delta#-doped layers themselves. Boron trapped in immobile clusters may be associated with Si interstitials in approximately a 1:1 ratio; nevertheless this trapping contribution alone may not entirely account for the observed gradient. They suggest that some part of the observed TED response with depth is attributable to local trapping of ...
By isomorphous replacement of silicon by phosphorus the authors have synthesized crystalline aluminosilicophosphates with structures of the zeolites type A and faujasite. They determine the adsorption capacity of specimens treated at 575-1275/sup 0/K. They show that the thermal stability and acid resistance of aluminosilicophosphates depend on the quantity of phosphorus in their structure.
As silicon-integrated circuit technology enters the sub-100 nm realm, continued progress will depend on a fundamental understanding of the physics of materials processing. The high cost of processing experimental lots and the speed at which new devices must be brought to the market have created a new emphasis on realistic physical models incorporated in technology CAD (TCAD) simulation tools. The volume bring together materials scientists, TCAD researchers and silicon technologists to review recent developments in the integrated-circuit community and to identify key issues for future research in this field. Results of research on the physical mechanisms involved in silicon device processing is presented both from experimental and theoretical viewpoints. The application of this fundamental research to TCAD process simulation models is also addressed. Topics include: shallow junctions and transient enhanced diffusion; ...
An experimental evaluation of the Fano factor F in silicon at hard X-ray energies (5.9-136.5 keV) has been performed by means of a low-noise, high charge collection efficiency silicon drift detector with on-chip electronics. A dependence of F from the detector temperature as well as from the energy of the X-ray photons has been found. Assuming a pair creation energy equal to 3.64 eV, at +20 deg. C the F factor was observed to vary from 0.124{+-}0.006 at 5.9 keV up to 0.159{+-}0.002 at 122 keV. At -35 deg. C, the change of F with respect to the photon energy was less remarkable but nevertheless statistically significant, from 0.123{+-}0.002 at 5.9 keV up to 0.134{+-}0.001 at 122 keV. To our knowledge, the present results represent the first experimental evidence of an energy dependence of the Fano factor in silicon at hard X-ray energies.
Topics covered include various aspects of solar cell fabrication and performance. Aluminium-gallium arsenides, cadmium telluride, amorphous silicon, and copper-indium-gallium selenides are all characterized in their applicability in solar cells.
Amorphous silicon solar cells have been shown to have efficiencies which degrade as a result of long exposure to light. Annealing such cells in air at a temperature of about 200.degree. C. for at least 30 minutes restores their efficiency.
A metallization scheme has been developed which allows selective plating of silicon solar cell surfaces. The system is comprised of three layers. Palladium, through the formation of palladium silicide at 300/sup 0/C in nitrogen, makes ohmic contact to the silicon surface. Nickel, plated on top of the palladium silicide layer, forms a solderable interface. Lead-tin solder on the nickel provides conductivity and allows a convenient means for interconnection of cells. To apply this metallization, three chemical plating baths are employed. Palladium is deposited with an immersion palladium solution and an electroless palladium solution, and nickel is deposited with an electroless nickel solution. Solder is applied with a molten solder dip. Extensive development work has been performed to achieve an effective immersion palladium solution formulation, leading to reproducible formation of the palladium silicide contact layer. This metallization system ...
In this paper, we report kinetic Monte Carlo study on the diffusion behavior of boron in silicon crystal, more particularly on the transient enhanced diffusion (TED) of boron in silicon during implantation and annealing. Firstly, the accuracy of our KMC code was verified by investigating the time evolutionary behavior of interstitial (I) and vacancy (V) when a silicon substrate is implanted with silicon dose with an energy of 10 keV and with a dose of 1 X 10{sup 14} ions/cm{sup 2}. To investigate the influence of native defects (I, V) on boron diffusion, a single and multi boron markers grown by MBE were employed. The simulation results revealed that the precursor of boron cluster (BI{sub 2}) is dominant at the initial stage of annealing, which explains the boron TED phenomenon in terms of the concentration of boron complexes and I, V clusters, respectively. The formation of {l_brace}311{r_brace} ...
In this paper, we report kinetic Monte Carlo study on the diffusion behavior of boron in silicon crystal, more particularly on the transient enhanced diffusion (TED) of boron in silicon during implantation and annealing. Firstly, the accuracy of our KMC code was verified by investigating the time evolutionary behavior of interstitial (I) and vacancy (V) when a silicon substrate is implanted with silicon dose with an energy of 10 keV and with a dose of 1 X 10"1"4 ions/cm"2. To investigate the influence of native defects (I, V) on boron diffusion, a single and multi boron markers grown by MBE were employed. The simulation results revealed that the precursor of boron cluster (BI_2) is dominant at the initial stage of annealing, which explains the boron TED phenomenon in terms of the concentration of boron complexes and I, V clusters, respectively. The formation of #left brace#311#right brace# defects and ...
twenty 350 V, 2.5 mF aluminum electrolytic capacitors with 10.8 mH inductors made of multi-strand wire. The PFN discharge was controlled using an silicon ...
The effective electron mobility was measured as a function of surface field in polysilicon thin film transistors having the following three types of gate dielectrics; silicon dioxide deposited by low temperature (350degC) plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), low temperature (400degC) nitrogen-rich PECVD silicon nitride and high temperature (1050degC) thermally grown silicon dioxide. At low surface fields, the maximum true effective electron mobility was 40[+-]3 cm[sup 2] V[sup -1] s[sup -1] in all devices independent of the type of gate dielectric, indicating that the quality of the interface is the same. However, at high surface fields a stronger degradation of the mobility was observed in devices having the thermally grown silicon dioxide as gate dielectric, indicating the presence of surface roughness within the interfacial region. The polysilicon structure was studied by transmission ...
The physicochemical nature of a silicoaluminophosphate with the faujasite structure has been studied. The molecular sieve framework contains a homogeneous distribution of silicon, aluminum, and phosphorus and is negatively charged. Combustion in air of the charge-compensating organic cations produces hydroxyl groups which exhibit Broensted acidity.
We have simulated the transient enhanced diffusion (TED) of boron fluoride (BF{sub 2}{sup +}) implanted in crystalline and germanium amorphized silicon. Based on recently published models, the effect of fluorine on boron diffusion in silicon has been introduced and a modelling has been suggested. In order to simulate the boron experimental profiles, we have assumed that fluorine forms clusters involving interstitial boron which reduces the junction depth. Experimental results indicate that fluorine behaviour depends on amorphization energy. Moreover, even no germanium preamorphization is performed, silicon is still amorphized by fluorine species. Hence, BF{sub 2}{sup +} implantation leads to an amorphous/crystalline (a/c) interface near the surface. An improvement of published models is suggested taking into account fluorine effects. The simulations satisfactory reproduce the SIMS experimental profiles for a large scale of ...
Polycrystalline silicon films have been grown from Si{sub 2}H{sub 6} by low-pressure chemical vapour deposition at 800 K and in situ laser annealing (LA) on amorphous silicon seed layers deposited on a metallic Ti/Pd/Ag multilayer. The crystalline volume fraction in the seed layer was controlled by thermal annealing. According to the metal-induced crystallization effect, the presence of the metal induces a lower-temperature crystallization of silicon in the seed layers. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy data show that the formation of palladium silicides in the seed layer drives the growth of wire-like columns which are found to change morphology depending on the seed layer microstructure and LA parameters. It is suggested that superficial palladium was found to affect also the growth rate by enhancing the Si{sub 2}H{sub 6} dissociation.
Polycrystalline silicon films have been grown from Si_2H_6 by low-pressure chemical vapour deposition at 800 K and in situ laser annealing (LA) on amorphous silicon seed layers deposited on a metallic Ti/Pd/Ag multilayer. The crystalline volume fraction in the seed layer was controlled by thermal annealing. According to the metal-induced crystallization effect, the presence of the metal induces a lower-temperature crystallization of silicon in the seed layers. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy data show that the formation of palladium silicides in the seed layer drives the growth of wire-like columns which are found to change morphology depending on the seed layer microstructure and LA parameters. It is suggested that superficial palladium was found to affect also the growth rate by enhancing the Si_2H_6 dissociation.
... having high fluidity. The SC-51A alloy contains 4.5 to 5.5% silicon, 1 to 1.5% coppers .4 to .6% magnesium, o35% sine, .8% iron, .5% manganes*, ...
The possibility of smoothening aspherical X-ray mirrors by irradiation of the surface with a low-energy ion beam is investigated. Nanofocusing being the primary application of these mirrors the ion beam conditions must be optimized to achieve a surface roughness of the order of 0.1-0.2 nm. To address this issue a first study was performed on silicon flat substrates etched using ion energies ranging from 400 to 1200 eV. A second study consisted of eroding the silicon surface while varying the ion grazing incidence angle between 10 deg. and 90 deg. for a fixed value of the ion energy. The surface topography of the samples was characterized at various scales using atomic force microscopy (probed area: 1-10 ?m2), interferential optical microscopy (probed area: 1 mm2) and X-ray scattering (probed area: 100 mm2). Finally, a study by AFM of the evolution of the surface finish level of a silicon mirror after ion erosion at various ...
Separate effect of impurities and alloying additions of phosphorus, silicon, boron, carbon, sulphur, magnesium, copper, aluminium and molybdenum on the tendency to intergranular corrosion (IGC) of quenched highly pure steel Fe-20% Cr-20Ni in boiling solution 27% HNO_3+40 g/l Cr"6"+, as well as in sulphuric and nitric acids mainly at potentials, corresponding to repassivation range, has been studied. It is shown that steel susceptibility to IGC depends on impurity nature and to a high extent is determined by the potential value independent of the way of its achieving. The most unfavourable effect on stability of grain boundaries is produced by microadditions of boron as well as by impurities of phosphorus and silicon. To ensure increased corrosion resistance of the investigated steel against IGC in highly oxidative media the pontent of phosphorus and silicon impurities unit should not exceed 0.01 and 0.2% respectively. At ...
An asymmetrical shaped capillary die made exclusively of graphite is used to grow silicon ribbon which is capable of being made into solar cells that are more efficient than cells produced from ribbon made using a symmetrically shaped die.
This paper reports that the co-deposition of chromium and silicon into a 2.25Cr-1.0Mo-0.15C steel, alloy 800, and type 304 stainless steel has been achieved using the pack cementation process. The ferritic coating produced on the 2.25 Cr-1.0Mo steel was approximately 225 {mu}m (9 mils) thick, whereas the inward diffusion of chromium and silicon produced a two-phase structure of ferrite and austenite for type 304. Chromium and silicon were incorporated into the austenitic solid solution upon diffusion into alloy 800. All coatings had approximately 25 to 35 wt% Cr and 2 to 3% Si at the surface. Cyclic oxidation testing in air of the coated 2.25Cr-1.0Mo steel (T = 700{degrees} C) and type 304 (T = 1035{degrees} C) showed a dramatic decrease in the oxidation kinetics compared to the original uncoated alloys. The cyclic oxidation of alloy 800 was also improved.
The effects of sennosides on colonic motility were investigated in eight conscious dogs chronically fitted with two strain gauge transducers in the proximal colon, an intracolonic silicone catheter...Full Text Available
An earlier representation of the radial distribution of dose about the path of a heavy ion in liquid water is modified and extended to include silicon, lithium fluoride, and sodium iodide. 6 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.
ADVANCED MODELING, S IMULATION, AND ANALYSIS (ROADMAP 14). ...... Metal/Silicon Extraction from Regolith & manufacturing ..... addresses solar power, energy storage (in conjunction with solar power and as a prime source of ...
of the supplier of pulled p-type silicon material. of G-6 and E 8 centers irradiated in the 1 t o 3 MeV range. tions w i l l be performed using the General ...
We review the development and application of kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to investigate defect and dopant diffusion in ion implanted silicon. In these type of Monte Carlo models, defects and dopants are treated at the atomic scale, and move according to reaction rates given as input principles. These input parameters can be obtained from first principles calculations and/or empirical molecular dynamics simulations, or can be extracted from fits to experimental data. Time and length scales differing several orders of magnitude can be followed with this method, allowing for direct comparison with experiments. The different approaches are explained and some results presented.
This letter describes a new simple fabrication process, developed recently for blue response'' improvement in low-cost polycrystalline silicon solar cells. A selective emitter is created by heavily doping the emitter, followed by a wet etching-back of the cell area between the fingers. An improvement up to 17 mV in {ital V}{sub oc}, 1.5 mA/cm{sup 2} in {ital J}{sub sc}, and 1% (absolute value) in {eta} is obtained. Effective phosphorus gettering, self-alignment, and application in a low-cost full screenprinting technology are the main advantages of the proposed process.
Modified Ostwald ripening theory is used to calculate the time evolution of the size distribution function of extended end-of-range defects in ion implanted silicon. This allows the authors to compare the time dependent self-interstitial supersaturation during post-implantation annealing in the presence of Frank-type stacking faults with that in the presence of {l_brace}311{r_brace}-defects. It is shown that the latter affect self-interstitial concentrations up to the point where they dissolve whereas the former are irrelevant from the point of view of transient enhanced diffusion.
Reactive sticking coefficients (RSCs) were measured for silane and disilane on polycrystalline silicon for a wide range of temperature and flux (pressure) conditions. The data were obtained from deposition-rate measurements using molecular beam scattering and a very low-pressure cold-wall reactor. The RSCs have nonlinear Arrhenius temperature dependencies and decrease with increasing flux at low (710 /sup 0/C) temperatures. Several simple models are proposed to explain these observations. The results are compared with previous studies of the SiH/sub 4//Si(s) reaction and low-pressure chemical vapor deposition-rate measurements.
Processing techniques utilizing low temperature depositions and pulsed lasers allow the fabrication of polysilicon thin film transistors (TFT`s) on plastic substrates. By limiting the silicon, SiO2, and aluminum deposition temperatures to 100(degrees)C, and by using pulsed laser crystallization and doping of the silicon, we have demonstrated functioning polysilicon TFT`s fabricated on polyester substrates with channel mobilities of up to 7.5 cm2/V-sec and Ion/Ioff current ratios of up to 1x10(to the 6th power).
One of the major scientific and technological challenges for the production of flexible organic electronic devices is the device protection against atmospheric molecule permeation, which causes corrosion reducing its operation and lifetime. In this work, Spectroscopic Ellipsometry has been implemented to investigate the influence of silicon dioxide nanoparticles on the optical properties of hybrid polymers. The spectra analysis revealed valuable information about the electronic and vibrational response as well as the cross-linking mechanisms of these materials. The correlation of the optical properties with the synthesis parameters and the barrier response will contribute towards their optimization in order to be used as high barrier coatings for flexible organic electronics applications.
In situ Auger sputter depth profiles of saturation implants of 3 keV N/sub 2//sup +/ in silicon at room temperature exhibit a sharp peak in the nitrogen concentration in the outermost layers, followed by a monotonic decrease. No broad plateau was observed. The energy of the Auger line corresponding to the Si(2p) core electron excitation, monitored throughout the profiling, exhibits a chemical shift of up to 7 eV at the surface peak concentration. Inert gas ion post-bombardment of unsaturated implants significantly modifies the profile, and supports the suggestion that the surface peak arises through radiation enhanced diffusion of implanted atoms.
It has been observed that dislocation loops form and grow during annealing of silicon wafers implanted at doses above the amorphization threshold. Dislocation loops can act to store interstitials for prolonged periods of anneals, sustaining an interstitial super-saturation and thus causing substantial transient enhanced diffusion (TED). The authors have developed a comprehensive model which, in combination with a model and parameters for {l_brace}311{r_brace} defects from previous work, accounts for the formation and evolution of dislocation loops during ion implant annealing, as well as giving the correct TED behavior.
It has been observed that dislocation loops form and grow during annealing of silicon wafers implanted at doses above the amorphization threshold. Dislocation loops can act to store interstitials for prolonged periods of anneals, sustaining an interstitial super-saturation and thus causing substantial transient enhanced diffusion (TED). The authors have developed a comprehensive model which, in combination with a model and parameters for #left brace#311#right brace# defects from previous work, accounts for the formation and evolution of dislocation loops during ion implant annealing, as well as giving the correct TED behavior.
Scintillation light in liquid xenon excited by 100 MeV/n Al ions was detected with a home-made silicon photodiode. The diameter of the photodiode was 2 inch. The effective quantum efficiency was observed to be 22% for the wavelength of liquid xenon scintillation light (170 nm), while the effective quantum efficiency for 5.486 MeV alpha-particle excitation was 44%. An energy resolution of 0.5% rms was achieved for the energy deposition of 2.5 GeV in liquid xenon using a fast preamplifier ({approx equal} 20 ns). (orig.).
A new lens was installed in the laser; the laser power was lowered and solar cells were made at different power levels. The concentration of the silver neodecanoate solution was changed to reduce linewidth. A cell fabrication run was completed using low-resistivity float-zone silicon. Experiments were initiated to investigate the use of titanium organometallic film, which not only forms an AR coating with a 400/sup 0/C hard bake, but may also help in bypassing front-metal evaporation because of high-reactivity of Ti with silicon. Progress in these areas is discussed.
The results of the second phase of the program of developing low cost contacts to silicon solar cells using copper are presented. Phase 1 yielded the development of a plated Pd-Cr-Cu contact system. This process produced cells with shunting problems when they were heated to 400 C for 5 minutes. Means of stopping the identified copper diffusion which caused the shunting were investigated. A contact heat treatment study was conducted with Pd-Ag, Ci-Ag, Pd-Cu, Cu-Cr, and Ci-Ni-Cu. Nickel is shown to be an effective diffusion barrier to copper.
Abstract First results showing the viability of combining laser chemical processing (LCP) and aerosol jet printing (AJP) technologies to produce a high-efficiency front side for silicon solar cells are presented. LCP simultaneously opens the anti-reflection coating (ARC) and highly dopes the underlying silicon to create a selective emitter, while AJP is the first in a two-step fine-line contact formation procedure. The electrical properties as well as the morphology of the resulting structures are presented. Performance similar to that achieved with evaporated TiPdAg metallization is demonstrated. Copyright 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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 ...
Results are presented of molecular dynamics (MD) studies of 1-10 keV displacement cascades in silicon. At these energies, the simulations couple directly to experimental observations of low energy implantation in silicon for shallow junction formation. The simulations are performed with the Stillinger-Weber potential for silicon in computational cells with up to 3.5x10{sup 5} atoms. The author employs periodic boundary conditions in the [100] and [010] directions and a free surface on the top (001) plane. The author discusses the results in terms of the structural evolution and the dynamics of the cascade zones. For sufficiently high energy recoils (>2 KeV), the cascades produce locally molten zones that result in the formation of amorphous silicon pockets upon recrystallization. Frenkel pairs are also produced during the cascade, although their number is very small (less than 10% of the binary ...
Silicon is an attractive alloy-type anode material because of its highest known capacity (4200 mAh/g). However, lithium insertion into and extraction from silicon are accompanied by a huge volume change, up to 300%, which induces a strong strain on silicon and causes pulverization and rapid capacity fading due to the loss of the electrical contact between part of silicon and current collector. Si nanostructures such as nanowires, which are chemically and electrically bonded to the current collector, can overcome the pulverization problem, however, the heavy metal current collectors in these systems are larger in weight than Si active material. Herein we report a novel anode structure free of heavy metal current collectors by integrating a flexible, conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) network into a Si anode. The composite film is free-standing and has a structure similar to the steel bar reinforced ...
We fabricate a low noise erbium-doped fiber ring laser that can be continuously tuned over 102nm by insertion of the fiber Fabry-Perot tunable filter (FFP-TF) in the ring cavity with a novel cavity structure and the optimal gain medium length. As an application of this fiber ring laser, we performed the absorption spectroscopy of acetylene (13C2H2) and hydrogen cyanide (H13C14N) and measure the absorption spectra of more than 50 transition lines of these gases with an excellent signal to noise ratio (SNR). The pressure broadening coefficients of four acetylene transition lines are obtained using this fiber ring laser and an external cavity laser diode.
The opportunity of use self-maintained plasma-beam discharge in an extended pulsing plasma diode of low pressure for making powerful sources of the soft X-rays is investigated. Conditions of formation of the self-maintained plasma-beam discharge are determined. The mode of making of dense high-temperature plasma on the basis of stannum ions in the discharge is shown. The stannum ions are used as a working element of a radiation sources at pulsing power of electron beam P?10...100 MW. Results of the examination on formation of the dense (np?1016 cm3), small sizes (le?100 eV in conditions of working material evaporation from the anode are given. The total contribution of energy to the discharge has made W < 20 J.
Various pyranocoumarins, calophyllolide, inophyllums B, C, G1, G2 and P, from Calophyllum inophyllum (Clusiaceae) leaves of French Polynesia (Austral, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu archipelagos) have been determined in 136 leaf extracts using a high pressure liquid chromatography-UV-diode array detection (HPLC-UV-DAD) technique. Results show a wide range in chemical composition within trees growing on eighteen islands. The use of multivariate statistical analyses (PCA) shows geographical distribution of inophyllums and indicate those rich in HIV-1 active (+)-inophyllums. Inophyllum B and P contents (0.0-39.0 and 0.0-21.8mgkg-1, respectively) confirm the chemodiversity of this species within the large area of French Polynesia. The study suggests the presence of interesting chemotypes which...
In this book are found technical and scientific papers on the main works of the Direction of the Fuel Cycle (DCC) in France. The study fields are: the up-side of the nuclear fuel cycle with theoretical studies (plasma simulation) and technological developments and instrumentation (lasers diodes, carbides plasma projection, carbon 13 enrichment); the down-side nuclear fuel cycle with theoretical studies (ion Eu{sup 3+} complexation simulation, decay simulation, uranium and plutonium diffusion study, electrolyser operating simulation), scenario studies ( recycling, wastes management), experimental studies; dismantling and cleaning (soils cleaning, surface-active agent for decontamination, fault tree analysis); analysis with expert systems and mass spectrometry. (A.L.B.)
This article describes the laser Thomson scattering principle and the developed system on HL-2A device. The high power Q-switch Nd:YAG laser, with a wavelength of 1064 nm, can sufficiently satisfy the measurement requirement. The polycromator consisting of avalanche photo-diodes(APD) and narrow band interference filters, can effectively improve the measurement of scattering light. The electron temperature is deduced by error-weighted lookup table method, which improves the data- processing speed or efficiency. Finally, the experiment results of the one-point electron temperature during different discharges of plasma are presented. (authors)
Repetitively Q-switched operation of an end-pumped Nd:YAG laser over the range of 200 Hz to 3 kHz using an intracavity chopper is demonstrated. Performance is shown to be comparable to that achieved with an acousto-optic Q switch under similar conditions. The advantages and limitations of the mechanical Q switch are described. Parametric variations of output coupling and pump power lead to an extended empirical description of repetitively Q-switched laser operation. The insertion loss as a function of aperture-edge penetration into the resonator is reported, and a definition of the mechanical Q-switch opening time is provided. Q-switched pulsewidths as short as 35 ns were obtained for the Nd:YAG laser, with a peak power-enhancement factor in excess of 300. PMID:20862099
Point contact Josephson junctions can function as millimeter wave heterodyne mixers with conversion gain. The best results achieved thus far show a single sideband conversion gain of 1.3 and a mixer contribution to the system noise temperature of 54"0K. Both of these results are approximately 5 times better than the best published figures for cooled Schottky barrier diode mixers operated at the same frequency. The measured noise for a variety of junctions can be expressed as a universal function of the normalized rf frequency #OMEGA# = h#omega#/2eI/sub c/R. It is about a factor 2 larger than the calculated noise arising from the thermal noise in the junction shunt resistance, R. The noise calculation was done for the resistively shunted junction model using an analog junction simulator.
We report the lasing characteristics of gain-guided AlGaInP/AlGaAs visible vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser diodes. At room temperature, continuous-wave operation is achieved over the wavelength range of 657--685 nm with the minimum threshold current at 670 nm. Devices with a 10-[mu]m diameter have threshold currents as low as 1.25 mA at room temperature (297 K) and 0.8 mA at 250 K. In addition, a single predetermined linear polarization state is found, independent of the lasing mode order and operating temperature.
Data are presented on the continuous-wave (cw), room-temperature (300 K) operation of stripe-geometry In{sub 0.5}(Al{sub {ital x}}Ga{sub 1{minus}{ital x}}){sub 0.5}P quantum-well heterostructure lasers defined via hydrogenation. Passivation of the Zn acceptors in the cap and upper confining layer provides gain guiding, and elimination of the current-blocking oxide reduces the thermal impedance. The resultant device is capable of better performance than conventional oxide-stripe diodes fabricated on the same material.
Data are presented on the continuous-wave (cw), room-temperature (300 K) operation of stripe-geometry In{sub 0.5}(Al{sub {ital x}}Ga{sub 1{minus}{ital x}}){sub 0.5}P quantum-well heterostructure lasers defined via hydrogenation. Passivation of the Zn acceptors in the cap and upper confining layer provides gain guiding, and elimination of the current-blocking oxide reduces the thermal impedance. The resultant device is capable of better performance than conventional oxide-stripe diodes fabricated on the same material.
The authors have studied (Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1{minus}x}){sub 0.5}In{sub 0.5}P doped with tellurium using deep level transient spectroscopy and associated electrical measurements. Several defect states are observed in the upper half of the band gap, that are believed to be intrinsic to the alloy system as well as related to the tellurium donors. Defects observed at measurement temperatures above 390 K exhibit a hysteretic behavior. The observed spectra depend on the biasing conditions applied to the Schottky diode during cooling. The hysteretic behavior suggests the existence of different defect configurations, which can be accessed under conditions of high temperatures and electrical stress, but remain stable below 300 K.
The authors have studied (Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1{minus}x}){sub 0.5}In{sub 0.5}P doped with tellurium using deep level transient spectroscopy and associated electrical measurements. Several defect states are observed in the upper half of the band gap, that are believed to be intrinsic to the alloy system as well as related to the tellurium donors. Defects observed at measurement temperatures above 390 K exhibit a hysteretic behavior. The observed spectra depend on the biasing conditions applied to the Schottky diode during cooling. The hysteretic behavior suggests the existence of different defect configurations, which can be accessed under conditions of high temperatures and electrical stress, but remain stable below 300 K.
AlGaInP-based quantum-well laser diodes operating at wavelengths near 680 nm have been grown by all solid source molecular beam epitaxy (SSMBE). The lowest room temperature threshold current densities obtained from shallow rid structures were 300 A/cm{sup 2} and 330 A/cm{sup 2} for pulsed and continuous wave operation, respectively. The dependences of the differential quantum efficiency and threshold current density on the cavity length were also studied in this preliminary SSMBE work. The internal quantum efficiency of 87--89% and the internal losses of 7--10 cm{sup {minus}1} were obtained.
Yb3+?Tm3+ codoped tellurite glasses containing silver nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and characterized using transmission electron microscopy and optical techniques. The samples? composition and the nucleation of NPs were investigated using electron diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy. For the optical experiments, the samples were excited using a diode laser operating at 980?nm, in resonance with the Yb3+ transition 2F7/2?2F5/2. Photoluminescence (PL) bands corresponding to Tm3+ transitions were observed at 480, 650, and 800?nm due to the Yb3+? Tm3+ energy transfer. PL enhancement was achieved by heat-treatment of the samples at 325?C during different time intervals. The growth of the PL bands correlates with the increase of the silver NPs concentration. The relevant mecha...
Applying diode-laser resonant fluorescence method, the cross sections for the excitation energy transfer of the collisional process K"*(4"2P_1_/_2)+Cs(6"2S_1_/_2)#reversible#K"*(4"2P_3_/_2)+Cs(6"2S_1_/_2) have been measured. The values we have obtained are #sigma#(1/2#->#3/2)=77 A"2 and #sigma#(3/2#->#1/2)=48 A"2. These results complete the sequence of data for the fine-structure mixing of the first-resonance states of alkali atoms colliding with the ground-state caesium atoms. (orig.).
Basal stem rot of oil palm (OP) by Ganoderma boninense is of major economic concern and it is the predominant disease of OP in SE Asia. Also, other plantation crops are affected by Ganoderma. The early detection of symptoms is crucial for control, although effective methods remain elusive. Ergosterol is the principal sterol of fungi and plays an essential role in the cell membrane and other cellular constituents. The analysis of ergosterol is useful for fungal detection in solid plant substrates. The present report compares ergosterol concentration in sound and decayed OP seedlings and mature plants using HPLC with diode array detection. The disease of OP requires to be considered as a white rot process where fungal biomass will increase from a low to high level as the infection progresses...
The band offsets and subband levels in a double quantum well layer for a 660 nm-Ga_0_._4In_0_._6P/(Al_0_._5Ga_0_._5)_0_._5In_0_._5P quantum well laser are determined by photoreflectance using a 410 nm InGaN laser with current modulation at room temperature. The subband levels are analyzed by numerical calculation of the Schroedinger equation for the layer structure by varying the conduction band offset and compared with the measured photoreflectance spectra. The conduction band offset ratio is determined to be 0.5+0.03. (copyright 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)
A static plasma grating has been demonstrated experimentally in a large optical cavity FIB-DBR GaAlAs/GaAs laser diode. The grating is formed by implanting stripes of dopants with a focused ion beam (FIB). The dopants ionize to form periodic fluctuations in the carrier concentration which, through the Kramers-Kronig relations, form an index grating. A model of the grating strength for optimization of the laser design is developed and presented here. The computed results show that /kappa/ can be increased by more than an order of magnitude over the 15 cm/sup -1/ experimentally. Therefore, FIB-DBR (or -DFB) lasers with performance comparable to that of conventional DBR (or DFB) lasers can be expected.
A static plasma grating has been demonstrated experimentally in a large optical cavity FIB-DBR GaAlAs/GaAs laser diode. The grating is formed by implanting stripes of dopants with a focused ion beam (FIB). The dopants ionize to form periodic fluctuations in the carrier concentration which, through the Kramers-Kronig relations, form an index grating. A model of the grating strength for optimization of the laser design is developed and presented here. The computed results show that #kappa# can be increased by more than an order of magnitude over the 15 cm"-"1 experimentally. Therefore, FIB-DBR (or -DFB) lasers with performance comparable to that of conventional DBR (or DFB) lasers can be expected.
The homogeneity of a helium dielectric barrier discharge, working at atmospheric pressure and containing oxygen as contaminant, is assessed by mapping the spatial distribution of oxygen metastable atoms in relation to the uniformity of surface properties. Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy is used to monitor the time evolution of the absorption coefficient corresponding to the oxygen metastable atoms on the 35S2 level, as a function of the laser absorbing path, whereas bi-dimensional Abel transform is used to obtain local information on the space distribution of the metastable atoms in the discharge. The radial distribution of the surface properties is investigated using atomic force microscopy, contact angle measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that ...
We demonstrate control and improvement of charge injection in organic electronic devices by utilizing self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to manipulate the Schottky energy barrier between a metal electrode and the organic electronic material. Hole injection from Cu electrodes into the electroluminescent conjugated polymer poly[2-methoxy,5-(2{sup {prime}}-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] was varied by using two conjugated-thiol based SAMs. The chemically modified electrodes were incorporated in organic diode structures and changes in the metal/polymer Schottky energy barriers and current{endash}voltage characteristics were measured. Decreasing (increasing) the Schottky energy barrier improves (degrades) charge injection into the polymer. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}
A Pulsed Radiation Dosimetry System designed to measure radiation produced by particle accelerators is described. The problems associated with total-dose measurement of irregular shaped pulses of ionizing radiation have been simplified. The system responds to extremely narrow pulses of charged particles or X-rays using a pin diode as the detector. Direct readout of dose in rads (Si) is displayed on a 3-1/2 digit digital panel meter. The system will operate in either the multiple-pulse or single-pulse mode. The multiple-pulse mode would be useful in monitoring or tuning a linear accelerator. In the single-pulse mode the system will automatically display total dose of a transient event in real time and hold that measurement indefinitely or until the next measurement is made. The system features an automatic reset in either mode.
The design and operating principle of a small (50 mm in diameter and 100 mm in height) ???-73C vacuum spark gap are described. It is shown that it can be efficiently switched using a control circuit with a low (?900 V) supply voltage, which is based on an inductive energy storage and a diode opening switch that forms a high-voltage igniting pulse with a rise time of nanosecond duration. The ???-73C switching process is investigated at different rise times of igniting voltage pulses and different igniting current amplitudes. The results of tests of the spark gap operating in regimes of switching current pulses with an amplitude of 12 kA and a rise time of 800 ns are presented.
We report the characteristics of visible vertical cavity surface emitting laser diodes. Wafers are grown such that the Fabry--Perot resonance wavelength changes with position from 690 to 620 nm, overlapping to varying degrees with the [ital n]=1 and [ital n]=2 quantum well gain peaks at [similar to]670 and 650 nm. Gain guided devices are tested across the entire wafer, and pulsed room temperature lasing is observed from 634.6 to 663.2 nm. Our results suggest that gain contributions from the second quantized state are required to overcome high cavity losses in order to achieve lasing.
Computed tomography (CT) has been incorporated in an industrial Diode-Array Digital Radiography (DADR) system. An input data size of 512 pixel points x 400 projections yielded a 400x400 output image matrix. Reconstruction algorithms used are the filtered backprojection (FBP) and the direct Fourier reconstruction (DFR). Various filters were used in the FBP reconstruction process and their effects on image quality were evaluated. A spatial resolution of 100 {mu}m was measured with a block of plates and a minimum detectable feature size in the range of 10-100 {mu}m was measured using thin wires. Industrial specimens imaged have included ceramic samples, ball bearings and integrated circuits. A number of engineering problems have been solved, such as adjustment of the X-ray source, centering of the rotator spindle in the view field and beam-hardening corrections. (orig.).
A high sensitivity, high bandwidth, two-color interferometer (1064 and 532 nm) has been tested on the Hawk pulsed power generator at the Naval Research Laboratory. The phase resolution is 10"-"5 waves with a rise time of 3 ns, a new capability for diagnosing plasmas, and neutrals in pulsed power experiments. The two-color feature is used to distinguish phase shifts from free (plasma) electrons and bound (neutral and ion) electrons. Simultaneous electron and neutral density measurements were demonstrated in a plasma opening switch (POS) experiment. The ability to measure small phase shifts with fast rise time were demonstrated in a plasma filled diode experiment. The high sensitivity and vibration isolation enable neutral gas distribution measurements from supersonic nozzles used in plasma radiation source experiments. Examples of these measurements and future applications are described. copyright 1997 American Institute of Physics.
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.
Buried ridge stripe lasers have been grown on InP in two steps by gas source molecular beam epitaxy. The active structure consists of a compressively strained layer multi quantum well with an equivalent wavelength emission at 1.5 [mu]m. The stripe was defined by reactive ion etching. A threshold current of 22 mA was reproducibly obtained on a laser length of 500 [mu]m. A CW output power of 48 mW per facet was achieved. In addition, preliminary accelerated aging tests have shown the high reliability the structure. (orig.)
We have generated approximately 100 watts of frequency doubled light from the output of an electro-optically Q-switched, diode-pumped Nd:YAG slab laser oscillator operating at an average power of 200 watts (2.5 kHz repetition rate, 80 mJ/pulse, 25 ns pulsewidth). The Q-switch was a compensated z-axis propagation LiNbO{sub 3} electro-optic modulator, and the frequency conversion crystal was a thin slab of KTP. In addition, Q-switched operation at an average power of approximately 250 watts with 26 ns pulsewidths has been demonstrated.
We present a new approach for growing Si nanowires directly from a silicon substrate, without the use of a metal catalyst, silicon vapor or CVD gasses. The growth can be performed in a furnace type configuration at moderate temperatures or in localized regions by resistive heating. Since the silicon wires grow directly from the silicon substrate, they do not need to be manipulated nor aligned for subsequent applications. Wires in the 20-50 nm diameter range with lengths over 80 ?m can be grown by this technique. We have studied the effects of various growth parameters, including temperature, substrate orientation, initial sample cleaning and carrier gasses. Results indicate that most important parameters in the growth of the nanowires are the surface cleaning, the temperature and the type of carrier gas used. A model is proposed, which involves an oxide catalyst for the process, with the growth of the ...
In support of the efforts to apply ceramics in advanced heat engines, a study was made of the sliding performance of ceramics at the ring/cylinder interface of low heat rejection engines. The objective was to understand the basic mechanisms controlling the wear of candidate ceramics and thereby identify means for applying these ceramics effectively. Attempts to operate three different zirconias, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and several plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings without lubrication were unsuccessful because of high friction and high wear rates. Experiments using a polyalphaolefin lubricant at temperatures to 260 C identified several combinations having wear rates in the general range likely to be acceptable for engines. Plasma-sprayed coatings of chromium oxide and hypersonic powder flame sprayed coatings of cobalt-bonded tungsten carbide performed particularly well as ring coatings. Similar performance was obtained with these ring ...
Bulk micromachining generally refers to processes involving wet chemical etching of structures formed out of the silicon substrate and so is limited to fairly large, crude structures. Surface micromachining allows intricate patterning of thin films of polysilicon and other materials to form essentially two-dimensional layered parts (since the thickness of the parts is limited by the thickness of the deposited films). There is a third type of micromachining in which the part is formed by filling a mold which was defined by photolithographic means. Historically micromachining molds have been formed in some sort of photopolymer, be it with x-ray lithography (``LIGA``) or more conventional UV lithography, with the aim of producing piece parts. Recently, however, several groups including ours at Sandia have independently come up with the idea of forming the mold for mechanical parts by etching into the silicon substrate itself. In Sandia`s mold ...
Temperature and concentration profiles of CO in a laminar, axisymmetric, premixed methane-air Bunsen flame are measured using line-of-sight diode laser absorption spectroscopy and computer tomographic (CT) reconstruction. Absorption spectra for P(20) (v=2<-1) and P(27) (v=1<-0) vibrotational transitions of CO were measured at 21 evenly spaced positions over a 1.33 cm span for a 1.3 cm radius flame. CT reconstruction algorithm was based on Fourier convolution. The tomographically reconstructed normalized transmission profiles derived from absorption spectra, in conjunction with a quantum mechanical model for vibrotational behavior of CO, yielded both temperature and concentration profiles. The Bunsen flame had 3 distinct zones: an inner rich-premixed flame zone, an outer non-premixed flame zone and an unburnt core region. The reconstructed temperature profile showed that the core region temperature was close to ambient and rapidly increased to adiabatic flame ...
Data are presented demonstrating short-wavelength (approx. <6400 A) continuous (cw) laser operation of p-n diode In/sub 0.5/(Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-//sub x/)/sub 0.5/P multiple quantum well heterostructure (QWH) lasers grown lattice matched on GaAs substrates using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. In the range from -30 /sup 0/C to room temperature (RTapprox. =300 K, lambdaapprox. =6395 A) the threshold current density changes from 2.3 x 10/sup 3/ A/cm/sup 2/ (-30 /sup 0/C) to 3.7 x 10/sup 3/ A/cm/sup 2/ (RT, 300 K). The cw 300 K photopumped laser operation of the same quaternary QWH crystal is an order of magnitude lower in threshold (7 x 10/sup 3/ W/cm/sup 2/, J/sub eq/approx.2.9 x 10/sup 3/ A/cm/sup 2/) than previously reported for this crystal system, and agrees with the successful demonstration of cw 300 K laser diodes at this short wavelength.
The production and characterisation of thin films made from molybdenum sulphide, molybdenum selenide, tungsten sulphide and tungsten selenide are described. The electronic properties of the thin films were examined by Hall measurements and by thermal sensors. For the MoSe[sub 2] films, the majority of the samples were n-conducting and p-conduction was only found for a few examples. All the other films (MoS[sub 2], WS[sub 2], WSe[sub 2]) were p-conducting. The electrical transport properties of the thin films are comparable to those of single crystals. With these thin films as absorber materials, it was possible for the first time to produce the polycrystalline solid n-ZnO/p-MoSe[sub 2], n-ZnO/WSe[sub 2], n-ZnO/WS[sub 2]- and n-ITO/WS[sub 2] solar cells. In spite of not yet optimized diode geometry (lateral build-up), a maximum short circuit current of I[sub SC] = 18 mA/cm[sup 2] was achieved for the MoSe[sub 2] diode. (orig.)
Free-electron laser (FEL) amplifiers have demonstrated high efficiencies and high output power at microwave wavelengths. However, measurements and simulations have indicated that the present level of phase stability for these devices is not sufficient for driving linear accelerators. Fluctuations in the diode voltage, which is needed to accelerate the electron beam, are the largest cause of the shifts in the phase of the output power. Pulse-power technology cannot keep the voltage fluctuations less than 1/4%. However, we have found a scheme that will make the output phase much less sensitive to these fluctuations by exploiting the traveling wave nature of the FEL interaction. In this paper we study the phase stability issue by analyzing the dispersion relation for an axial FEL, in which the rf field is transversely wiggled and the electron trajectories are purely longitudinal. The advantage of using the axial FEL interaction instead of the common transverse FEL ...
High microwave power (1,000 W) electron cyclotron resonance CH{sub 4}/H{sub 2}/Ar discharges produce etch rates for In{sub 0.5}Ga{sub 0.5}P, Al{sub 0.5}In{sub 0.5}P{sub 0.5}, and Al{sub 0.5}Ga{sub 0.5}P of {approximately} 2,000 {angstrom}/min at moderate RF power levels (150 W) and low pressure (1.5 mTorr). This is approximately a factor of five faster than for conventional reactive ion etching conditions where much higher ion energies are necessary. The etched surfaces are smooth over a wide range of CH{sub 4}-to-H{sub 2} ratios and microwave powers. AlInP is more resistant to preferential loss of P from the near-surface during etching than is InGaP. While the etching is ion-driven, pure Ar discharges produce rough surfaces and the CH{sub 4}/H{sub 2} is necessary in the achievement of acceptable morphologies. The InGaAlP/GaAs heterostructure is being increasingly utilized in diode lasers, light emitting diodes, field-effect transistors, and ...
Nonevaporable getters (NEGs) have been extensively studied in the last several years for their sorption properties toward many gases. In particular, an innovative alloy as a thin film by magnetron sputtering was developed and characterized at the European Organization for Nuclear Research. It is composed of Ti-Zr-V and protected by an overlayer of palladium (Pd), according to a technology for which the authors got the licence. NEG-Pd thin films used in combination with ion getter pumps is a simple, easy way to handle pumping devices for ultrahigh and extremely high vacuum applications. To show how to apply this coating technology to the internal surface of different types of ion pumps, the authors carried out several tests on pumps of various shapes, sizes (in terms of nominal pumping speed), and types (diode, noble diode, and triode). Special care was taken during the thermal cycle of baking and activation of the pumps to preserve the internal ...
This study demonstrates amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) of the ultraviolet (UV) electroluminescence (EL) from ZnO at #lambda##approx#380 nm in the n-ZnO/ZnO nanodots-SiO_2 composite/p- Al_0_._1_2Ga_0_._8_8N heterojunction light-emitting diode. A SiO_2 layer embedded with ZnO nanodots was prepared on the p-type Al_0_._1_2Ga_0_._8_8N using spin-on coating of SiO_2 nanoparticles followed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnO. An n-type Al-doped ZnO layer was deposited upon the ZnO nanodots-SiO_2 composite layer also by the ALD technique. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) reveals that the ZnO nanodots embedded in the SiO_2 matrix have diameters of 3-8 nm and the wurtzite crystal structure, which allows the transport of carriers through the thick ZnO nanodots-SiO_2 composite layer. The high quality of the n-ZnO layer was manifested by the well crystallized lattice image in the HRTEM picture and the low-threshold optically pumped stimulated ...
In this letter a method to estimate the visco-elastic response of monolithic ceramics to cyclic loading conditions at high temperatures is proposed. A relation is observed between the visco-elastic energy dissipation measured for two silicon nitride materials, and the structural characteristics of their respective intergranular phases. Some consequences for the fatigue resistance of the tested materials, and of non-transforming monolithic ceramics in general, are discussed. Two batches (G for glassy and C for crystalline) of SiAlON have been studied. The G-batch is obtained by pressureless sintering of silicon nitride powder with Y_2O_3 (6 wt%) and 6AlN-SiO_2 (5 wt%) as sintering additives. The main phase after sintering is #beta#-sialon. Upon cooling from the sintering temperature the amorphous intergranular residues of the sintering additives and of SiO_2, which is unavoidably present as a thin layer on the silicon ...
This report summarizes the findings of a five-month LDRD project funded through Sandia's NTM Investment Area. The project was aimed at providing the foundation for the development of advanced functional materials through the application of ultrathin coatings of microporous or mesoporous materials onto the surface of substrates such as silicon wafers. Prior art teaches that layers of microporous materials such as zeolites may be applied as, e.g., sensor platforms or gas separation membranes. These layers, however, are typically several microns to several hundred microns thick. For many potential applications, vast improvements in the response of a device could be realized if the thickness of the porous layer were reduced to tens of nanometers. However, a basic understanding of how to synthesize or fabricate such ultra-thin layers is lacking. This report describes traditional and novel approaches to the growth of layers of microporous materials on ...
Lunar resource utilization has focused principally on the extraction of oxygen from the lunar regolith. A number of schemes have been proposed for oxygen extraction from Ilmenite and Anorthite. Serendipitously, these schemes have as their by-products (or more directly as their "waste products"), materials needed for the fabrication of thin film silicon solar cells. Thus lunar surface possesses both the elemental components needed for the fabrication of silicon solar cells and a vacuum environment that allows for vacuum deposition of thin film solar cells directly on the surface of the Moon without the need for vacuum chambers. In support of the US space exploration initiative a new architecture for the production of thin film solar cells on directly on the lunar surface is proposed. The paper discusses experimental data on the fabrication and properties of lunar glass substrates, evaporated lunar regolith thin films (anti-reflect coatings and ...
The investigated hybrid nanocomposite consists of a porous silicon template with electrochemically embedded Ni or Co nanostructures and offers magnetic characteristics which can be tailored by the electrochemical process parameters during fabrication. A twofold magnetic behaviour can be observed, a first one due to the spinmagnetism at magnetic fields below the saturation magnetization of the deposited metals and a second non-saturating term at higher fields (>1 T up to 7 T) above the saturation magnetization. In case of Ni deposited within the pores this non-saturating term shows a paramagnetic characteristic and follows exactly the Curie-Weiss law, whereas for Co/porous silicon samples the temperature dependent magnetization shows some deviations from the Curie Weiss law. In this high field region a difference in the temperature dependence between Ni and Co is observed whereas the non-saturating term does not depend on the geometry of ...
A compact, quasi-4? position sensitive silicon array, TIARA, designed to study direct reactions induced by radioactive beams in inverse kinematics is described here. The Transfer and Inelastic All-angle Reaction Array (TIARA) consists of 8 resistive charge division detectors forming an octagonal barrel around the target and a set of double-sided silicon-strip annular detectors positioned at each end of the barrel. The detector was coupled to the ?-ray array EXOGAM and the spectrometer VAMOS at the GANIL Laboratory to demonstrate the potential of such an apparatus with radioactive beams. The 14N(d,p)15N reaction, well known in direct kinematics, has been carried out in inverse kinematics for that purpose. The observation of the 15N ground state and excited states at 7.16 and 7.86 MeV is presented here as well as the comparison of the measured proton angular distributions with DWBA calculations. Transferred l-values are in very good agreement ...
We present computer modeling along with experimental data on the formation of sharp conical tips on silicon-based three-layer structures that consist of a single-crystal Si layer on a 1 {mu}m layer of silica on a bulk Si substrate. The upper Si layers with thicknesses in the range of 0.8-4.1 {mu}m were irradiated by single pulses from a KrF excimer laser focused onto a spot several micrometers in diameter. The computer simulation includes two-dimensional time-dependent heat transfer and phase transformations in Si films that result from the laser irradiation (the Stefan problem). After the laser pulse, the molten material self-cools and resolidifies, forming a sharp conical structure, the height of which can exceed 1 {mu}m depending on the irradiation conditions. We also performed computer simulations for experiments involving single-pulse irradiation of bulk silicon, reported by other groups. We discuss conditions under which different types ...
By using this doping method, silicon semiconductors with extremely uniform dopant distributions can be produced, and this is the dominant advantage of NTD compared with a conventional chemical doping. Good uniformity of a dopant concentration is usually required for high power applications such as thyristor (SCR), IGBT, IGCT and GTO and for special sensors. Achieving an accurate neutron fluence corresponding to a target resistivity as well as a uniform irradiation is the prime target of a neutron irradiation for NTD. Generally, in order to reach an accurate neutron fluence, a real time neutron flux is monitored by a neutron detector such as a Self-powered Neutron Detector(SPND). And, after an irradiation, the total irradiation fluence is confirmed by measuring the absolute activity of a neutron activation sample that has been irradiated with a silicon ingot, and thus the SPND can be properly calibrated. Excellent irradiation uniformity and a ...
This document concerns the proposal to negotiate an amendment to an existing contract for the supply of thick 6 inch silicon micro-strip sensors for the CMS tracker. For the reasons explained in this document, the Finance Committee is invited to approve an amendment to an existing contract with HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS (CH) for the supply of 7 000 thick 6 inch silicon micro-strip sensors for the CMS tracker, for an amount of 3 248 000 euros (5 131 840 Swiss francs), not subject to revision, with an option for up to 11 000 additional sensors, for a maximum amount of 4 708 000 euros (7 438 640 Swiss francs), not subject to revision, bringing the total maximum amount of the amendment to 7 956 000 euros (12 570 480 Swiss francs) not subject to revision. This total maximum amount will be added to the initial contract amount of 415 835 000 Japanese yen (4 879 824 Swiss francs), not subject to revision. The amounts in Swiss francs have been calculated ...
This thesis discusses an advanced dynamical two-dimensional cylinder symmetric model for the high temperature part of the carbothermic silicon metal process, and its computer encoding. The situation close to that which is believed to exist around one of three electrodes in full-scale industrial furnaces is modelled. This area comprises a gas filled cavity surrounding the lower tip of the electrode, the metal pool underneath and the lower parts of the materials above. The most important phenomena included are: Heterogeneous chemical reactions taking place in the high-temperature zone (above 1860 {sup o}C), Evaporation and condensation of silicon, Transport of materials by dripping, Turbulent or laminar fluid flow, DC electric arcs, Heat transport by convection, conduction and radiation. The results from the calculations, such as production rates, gas- and temperature distributions, furnace- and particle geometries, fluid flow fields etc, are ...
Safety and environmental assessments have been made of conceptual fusion power plant designs employing silicon carbide composites (SiC/SiC) as the first wall and blanket structure material. These have used similar analysis methods to earlier studies of designs based on vanadium alloy or low-activation martensitic steel, allowing direct comparisons. The very low short-term activation of silicon carbide results in an almost insignificant level of decay heat in postulated loss of coolant accidents, and a lower {gamma}-dose rate on the timescale of relevance to handling for maintenance operations. However on the longer time-scale, of interest in possible recycling operations, decommissioning and waste management, SiC/SiC appears to perform no better than vanadium alloy or low-activation martensitic steel, due in part to the activation of impurities in a realistic composition. Furthermore, its increased neutron transparency may result in higher ...
In the present study, models of key chemical processes governing the compositions of the tapped metal from the cupola on the basis of physico-chemical fundamentals have been developed. As evident from the literature survey, the investigations conducted in the past have focused their attention on one phenomenon at a time; for example, a particular chemical reaction, measurement of gas composition or the temperature distribution inside a cupola. Notwithstanding the importance of these studies and their contribution toward the understanding of cupola operation, mathematical models of key chemical processes and their interdependence must be investigated to obtain a complete insight into the various interlinked phenomena occurring inside a cupola. For example, the oxidation of the metallic charge leads to the formation of iron oxide which influences the final content of elements such as silicon, manganese and carbon. The processes considered in this study are oxidation ...
High-dose ion implantation followed by solid-phase-epitaxial (SPE) growth is now a well-established technique for the production of supersaturated silicon alloys. However, these alloys also contain a high supersaturation of silicon interstitials, which give rise to transient, greatly enhanced dopant diffusion with subsequent heating. In this contribution, the authors present a study of a series of Si-Sb alloys of various concentrations which were made by Sb implantation under various conditions to deduce the origin of the observed transient diffusion. A multiple implant scheme was employed to produce samples with an approximately uniform dopant concentration from 40 to 150 nm in depth, but with the amorphous layer extending to a depth of 380 nm. By scaling the implant doses, alloys with different concentrations in the uniform region were produced, allowing an accurate measure of diffusion coefficients as a function of concentration. Diffusion ...
We demonstrate that the excess vacancies induced by a 1 MeV Si implant reduce the excess interstitials generated by a 40 keV Si implant during thermal annealing when these two implants are superimposed in silicon. It is shown that this previously observed reduction is dominated by vacancy annihilation and not by gettering to deeper interstitial-type extended defects. Interstitial supersaturations were measured using B doping superlattices (DSL) grown on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. Implanting MeV and keV Si ions into the B DSL/SOI structure eliminated the B transient enhanced diffusion normally associated with the keV implant. The buried SiO{sub 2} layer in the SOI substrate isolates the deep interstitials-type extended defects of the MeV implant, thereby eliminating the possibility that these defects getter the interstitial excess induced by the keV Si implant. {copyright} {ital 1999 American Institute of Physics.}
We demonstrate that the excess vacancies induced by a 1 MeV Si implant reduce the excess interstitials generated by a 40 keV Si implant during thermal annealing when these two implants are superimposed in silicon. It is shown that this previously observed reduction is dominated by vacancy annihilation and not by gettering to deeper interstitial-type extended defects. Interstitial supersaturations were measured using B doping superlattices (DSL) grown on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. Implanting MeV and keV Si ions into the B DSL/SOI structure eliminated the B transient enhanced diffusion normally associated with the keV implant. The buried SiO_2 layer in the SOI substrate isolates the deep interstitials-type extended defects of the MeV implant, thereby eliminating the possibility that these defects getter the interstitial excess induced by the keV Si implant. copyright 1999 American Institute of Physics.
We investigate a new texturization technique for crystalline silicon solar cells with sodium carbonate (Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3}) solutions. We show the dependence of the hemispherical surface reflectance on solution temperature, the etching time and the Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} concentration. Furthermore, we investigate what element in Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} solution influences the texturing for reducing the texturing time. As a result of experiments, we find it possible to get low reflectance in a shorter texturing time by the addition of NaHCO{sub 3}. The size of texture becomes smaller by the addition of NaHCO{sub 3} but the etching rate does not change. We conclude carbonic ion and/or its compound seems to play an important role as the initiator of pyramidal structure. This texturing method is cost effective because there is no need of expensive IPA, and the surface reflectance is reduced sufficiently in a short time. This method is promising for a large-scale production of ...
Micron scale silicon nitride (SiNx) microdisk optical resonators fabricated on a silicon wafer are demonstrated with Q = 3.6 x 10^6 (finesse = 5 x 10^4) and an effective mode volume of 15 (\\lambda / n)^3 at wavelengths \\lambda ~ 852 nm resonant with the D2 transition manifold of cesium. A dilute hydrofluoric wet etch is shown to provide sensitive tuning of the microdisk optical resonances, and robust mounting of a fiber taper provides efficient fiber optic coupling to the SiNx microdisk cavities while allowing unfettered optical access for laser cooling and trapping of atoms. Initial measurement of a hybrid atom-cavity chip indicates that cesium adsorption on the surface of the SiNx microdisks results in significant red-detuning of the disk resonances. A technique for parallel integration of multiple (10) microdisks with a single optical fiber taper is also demonstrated.
Silicon nitride based ceramics have attracted considerable attention as good candidates for structural applications due to their excellent mechanical properties including strength, hardness, fracture toughness, and high temperature strength. These properties are strongly influenced by grain size and morphology, and by the degree of crystallinity and chemistry of grain boundary phases. In this work, the microstructure of Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} densified with Nd{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} sintering additives was studied. Sintered samples were polished and plasma etched for microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscope. Quantitative evaluation of materials microstructure was accomplished using Quantikov software. Fracture toughness was measured by Vickers indentation method. The observed microstructure is typical of silicon nitride based materials and is characterized by high aspect ratio.-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} ...
An analysis of the passive films formed on amorphous alloys of the system Fe-10% Cr-5% Mo-P-metalloid and Fe-10% Cr-5% Mo-B-Si revealed that they are more markedly enriched with chromium in silicon-free alloys. In silicon-containing amorphous alloys the passive films were highly enriched with silicon, which occurred in these films in the form of a corrosion product close to SiO/sub 2/. As shown by the investigations of a study of the anodic behavior of Fe/sub 40/Ni/sub 40/P/sub 14/B/sub 6/ and Fe/sub 40/Ni/sub 38/Mo/sub 4/B/sub 18/, phosphorus facilitates the passivation of amorphous alloys by reducing the solution current in the active state and enriching the surface layers of the metal in the form of a black prepassivation film which also contains nickel and iron. The behavior of Fe-Ni amorphous alloys containing only boron as metalloid additive differs little from that of crystalline alloys of similar composition but ...
An analysis of the passive films formed on amorphous alloys of the system Fe-10% Cr-5% Mo-P-metalloid and Fe-10% Cr-5% Mo-B-Si revealed that they are more markedly enriched with chromium in silicon-free alloys. In silicon-containing amorphous alloys the passive films were highly enriched with silicon, which occurred in these films in the form of a corrosion product close to SiO_2. As shown by the investigations of a study of the anodic behavior of Fe_4_0Ni_4_0P_1_4B_6 and Fe_4_0Ni_3_8Mo_4B_1_8, phosphorus facilitates the passivation of amorphous alloys by reducing the solution current in the active state and enriching the surface layers of the metal in the form of a black prepassivation film which also contains nickel and iron. The behavior of Fe-Ni amorphous alloys containing only boron as metalloid additive differs little from that of crystalline alloys of similar composition but without the boron. The authors note that ...
In this paper, we present the results of Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition gate-oxide (SiO_2) integrity on ELC (excimer-laser-crystallized), MILC (metal-induced lateral-crystallized) and SPC (solid-phase-crystallized) polysilicon films. We observed that gate oxide strength of poly-Si TFT strongly depends on the crystallization method for the active silicon layer. In the case of ELC films, asperities on the silicon surface reduce the SiO_2 breakdown field significantly. The metallic contaminants in MILC films are responsible for a deleterious impact on gate oxide integrity. Among the three cases, the SiO_2 breakdown field was the highest for the SPC silicon films. The breakdown fields at the 50 % failure points in Weibull plots for the ELC, MILC and SPC cases were 5.1 MV/cm, 6.2 MV/cm, and 8.1 MV/cm, respectively. We conclude that the roughness and metallic contamination of the poly-Si films are the main factors that ...
The diffusion of Sb and B markers has been studied in vacancy supersaturations produced by MeV Si implantation in float zone (FZ) silicon and bonded etch-back silicon-on-insulator (BESOI) substrates. MeV Si implantation produces a vacancy supersaturated near-surface region and an interstitial-rich region at the projected ion range. Transient enhanced diffusion (TED) of Sb in the near surface layer was observed as a result of a 2 MeV Si{sup +}, 1 {times} 10{sup 16}/cm{sup 2}, implant. A 4{times} larger TED of Sb was observed in BESOI than in FZ silicon, demonstrating that the vacancy supersaturation persists longer in BESOI than in FZ. B markers in samples with MeV Si implant showed a factor of 10{times} smaller diffusion relative to markers without the MeV Si{sup +} implant. This data demonstrates that a 2 MeV Si{sup +} implant injects vacancies into the near surface region.
In this work, the silicon oxynitride layer was studied as a tunneling layer for non-volatile memory application by fabricating low temperature polysilicon thin film transistors on glass. Silicon wafers were oxynitrided by only nitrous oxide plasma under different radio frequency powers and plasma treatment times. Plasma oxynitridation was performed in RF plasma using inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition. The X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy was employed to analyze the atomic concentration ratio of nitrogen/oxygen in oxynitride layer. The oxynitrided layer formed under radio frequency power of 150 W and substrate temperature of 623 K was found to contain the atomic concentration ratio of nitrogen/oxygen as high as 1.57. The advantage of high nitrogen concentration in silicon oxide layer formed by using nitrous oxide plasma was investigated by capacitance-voltage measurement. The analysis of ...
In this work, the silicon oxynitride layer was studied as a tunneling layer for non-volatile memory application by fabricating low temperature polysilicon thin film transistors on glass. Silicon wafers were oxynitrided by only nitrous oxide plasma under different radio frequency powers and plasma treatment times. Plasma oxynitridation was performed in RF plasma using inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition. The X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy was employed to analyze the atomic concentration ratio of nitrogen/oxygen in oxynitride layer. The oxynitrided layer formed under radio frequency power of 150 W and substrate temperature of 623 K was found to contain the atomic concentration ratio of nitrogen/oxygen as high as 1.57. The advantage of high nitrogen concentration in silicon oxide layer formed by using nitrous oxide plasma was investigated by capacitance-voltage measurement. The analysis of ...
In this experiment, a Si wafer containing four lightly doped B marker layers epitaxially grown by CVD has been implanted with 100 keV Si{sup +} ions to a dose of 2 x 10{sup 14} ions/cm{sup 2} and annealed at 850 deg. C for several times in an RTA system in flowing N{sub 2}. TEM and SIMS analysis, in conjunction with a transient enhanced diffusion (TED) evaluation method based on the kick-out diffusion mechanism, have allowed us to accurately study the boron TED evolution in presence of extended defects. We show that the silicon surface plays a key role in the recombination of Si interstitial atoms by providing the first experimental evidence of the resulting Si{sub int}s supersaturation gradient between the defect region and the surface. Our results indicate an upper limit of about 200 nm for the surface recombination length of Si interstitials at 850 deg. C in a N{sub 2} ambient.
In this experiment, a Si wafer containing four lightly doped B marker layers epitaxially grown by CVD has been implanted with 100 keV Si"+ ions to a dose of 2 x 10"1"4 ions/cm"2 and annealed at 850 deg. C for several times in an RTA system in flowing N_2. TEM and SIMS analysis, in conjunction with a transient enhanced diffusion (TED) evaluation method based on the kick-out diffusion mechanism, have allowed us to accurately study the boron TED evolution in presence of extended defects. We show that the silicon surface plays a key role in the recombination of Si interstitial atoms by providing the first experimental evidence of the resulting Si_i_n_ts supersaturation gradient between the defect region and the surface. Our results indicate an upper limit of about 200 nm for the surface recombination length of Si interstitials at 850 deg. C in a N_2 ambient.
Several models have been proposed for the simulation of boron diffusion during annealing after implantation in silicon. It has been shown that transient enhanced diffusion (TED) tends to disappear at sub-keV implant energies. Under these conditions boron concentration is higher than the boron solubility limit value, precipitation phenomena occur. Extended defects ({l_brace}3 1 1{r_brace}, EOR) formation and boron precipitation affect both the redistribution during the annealing and activation of the boron. For these reasons, we have investigated the diffusion of low energy boron implanted in crystalline silicon and tested a complete simulation program which takes into account the effects of type I defects as a sink for self-interstitials and of boron precipitation. Experimental results have been simulated and consistent parameters have been found to fit the data. Boron enhanced diffusion effect has been studied. Model parameter extractions have ...
Several models have been proposed for the simulation of boron diffusion during annealing after implantation in silicon. It has been shown that transient enhanced diffusion (TED) tends to disappear at sub-keV implant energies. Under these conditions boron concentration is higher than the boron solubility limit value, precipitation phenomena occur. Extended defects (#left brace#3 1 1#right brace#, EOR) formation and boron precipitation affect both the redistribution during the annealing and activation of the boron. For these reasons, we have investigated the diffusion of low energy boron implanted in crystalline silicon and tested a complete simulation program which takes into account the effects of type I defects as a sink for self-interstitials and of boron precipitation. Experimental results have been simulated and consistent parameters have been found to fit the data. Boron enhanced diffusion effect has been studied. Model parameter ...
2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) has been deposited onto the surface of silicon substrate (thickness = 500 ?m) using plasma polymerization technique. Polymerization process was carried out in an in-house developed inductively coupled plasma polymerization setup. The depositions were carried out using RF power supply (13.56 MHz) at power of 75 W for 10 and 40 min. The RF supply was coupled to the inductance through a matching network. The effect of plasma polymerization (surface grafting) on the degree of surface modification has been investigated. The chemical changes on the polymer backbone are followed from the results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which show the peaks corresponding to the functional groups of the HEMA polymerized onto the silicon surface. The morphology of the modified surfaces has also been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic ...
Transient enhanced diffusion of phosphorus in silicon has been investigated for implants below and above the threshold for a complete amorphization. Rapid thermal processes (electron beam) and conventional furnaces have been used for the annealing. In the case of implants below amorphization, a strong enhanced diffusion, proportional to the amount of damage produced, has been observed. The extent of the phenomenon is practically independent of the damage depth position. In contrast to this, the formation of extended defects at the original amorphous-crystalline interface makes the diffusivity strongly dependent on depth in the case of post-amorphized samples. No enhanced diffusion effect is observed if the dopant is confined in the amorphous layer, while a remarkable increase in the diffusivity is detected for the dopant located in the crystalline region beyond the amorphous-crystalline interface. Damage distribution after implantation and its evolution during ...
In this work we present an ultra-low temperature method for the oxidation of an amorphous silicon-carbide-nitride (SiCN) material. The SiCN is deposited on silicon substrates by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition using CH{sub 4}, SiH{sub 4}, and N{sub 2} chemistry. The physical and chemical properties are characterized for the as-deposited SiCN and post-oxidized films are discussed. The SiCN film is exposed to oxygen plasma, where it undergoes a chemical transformation into a binary SiO{sub 2} material system. A 1.7 nm/min oxidation rate is typical for this process and compares favorably to oxidation methods utilizing much higher temperatures. The substrate temperature remains extremely low throughout the oxidation process, T{sub s} < 200 deg. C. Changes in film stress, optical constants, film thickness, surface roughness, and film density are measured. Chemical analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is reported for both the ...
Coaxial nanocables with a single-crystalline zinc telluride (ZnTe) nanowire core and an amorphous silicon oxide (SiO_x) shell have been synthesized via a simple one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method on gold-decorated silicon substrates. The single-crystal ZnTe nanowire core is in zinc-blende structure along the [111] direction, while the uniform SiO_x shell fully covers the core with no observable pin-hole or crack. Formation mechanisms of the ZnTe-SiO_x nanocables are discussed. The ZnTe nanowire core shows p-type electrical properties while the SiO_x shell acts as an effective insulating layer. The ZnTe-SiO_x nanocables may have potential applications in nanoscale devices, such as p-type FETs and nanosensors.
The author investigates the diffusion and damage-annealing characteristics as a result of boron implantation through a surface oxide into the silicon, a process that is commonly realized in the fabrication of p-n junctions. Defect structures were examined using plan-view and cross-section transmission-electron microscopies. It is shown that recoil-implanted oxygen plays a critical role in determining the above annealing characteristics. For instance, transient-enhanced diffusion of boron, as is widely observed for boron-implanted silicon, does not occur in the case of through-oxide implantation. The initial suppression of the defect-enhanced diffusion lasts for a limited period of time after which enhanced diffusion occurs again. The so-called incubated enhanced diffusion' is characterized as due to recoiled-oxygen precipitation-emitting point defect that enhances boron motion. The incubation time constant, the magnitude for the ...
The author investigates the diffusion and damage-annealing characteristics as a result of boron implantation through a surface oxide into the silicon, a process that is commonly realized in the fabrication of p-n junctions. Defect structures were examined using plan-view and cross-section transmission-electron microscopies. It is shown that recoil-implanted oxygen plays a critical role in determining the above annealing characteristics. For instance, transient-enhanced diffusion of boron, as is widely observed for boron-implanted silicon, does not occur in the case of through-oxide implantation. The initial suppression of the defect-enhanced diffusion lasts for a limited period of time after which enhanced diffusion occurs again. The so-called incubated enhanced diffusion' is characterized as due to recoiled-oxygen precipitation-emitting point defect that enhances boron motion. The incubation time constant, the magnitude for the enhanced ...
A unified physically based ion implantation damage model has been developed which successfully predicts both the impurity profiles and the damage profiles for a wide range of implant conditions for arsenic, phosphorus, BF{sub 2}, and boron implants into single-crystal silicon. In addition, the amorphous layer thicknesses predicted by this new damage model are also in excellent agreement with experimental measurements. This damage model is based on the physics of point defects in silicon, and explicitly simulates the defect production, diffusion, and their interactions which include interstitial-vacancy recombination, clustering of same type of defects, defect-impurity complex formation, emission of mobile defects from clusters, and surface effects for the first time. New computationally efficient algorithms have been developed to overcome the barrier of the excessive computational requirements. In addition, the new model has been incorporated ...
A unified physically based ion implantation damage model has been developed which successfully predicts both the impurity profiles and the damage profiles for a wide range of implant conditions for arsenic, phosphorus, BF_2, and boron implants into single-crystal silicon. In addition, the amorphous layer thicknesses predicted by this new damage model are also in excellent agreement with experimental measurements. This damage model is based on the physics of point defects in silicon, and explicitly simulates the defect production, diffusion, and their interactions which include interstitial-vacancy recombination, clustering of same type of defects, defect-impurity complex formation, emission of mobile defects from clusters, and surface effects for the first time. New computationally efficient algorithms have been developed to overcome the barrier of the excessive computational requirements. In addition, the new model has been incorporated in the ...
The National Center for Photovoltaics sponsored the 15th Workshop on Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells & Modules: Materials and Processes, held in Vail, CO, August 7-10, 2005. This meeting provided a forum for an informal exchange of technical and scientific information between international researchers in the photovoltaic and relevant non-photovoltaic fields. The workshop addressed the fundamental properties of PV silicon, new solar cell designs, and advanced solar cell processing techniques. A combination of oral presentations by invited speakers, poster sessions, and discussion sessions reviewed recent advances in crystal growth, new cell designs, new processes and process characterization techniques, and cell fabrication approaches suitable for future manufacturing demands. The theme of this year's meeting was 'Providing the Scientific Basis for Industrial Success.' Specific sessions during the workshop ...
Radioactive "3"1Si was used as a marker to study metal silicide formation. Activity profiles in the silicides were measured by a combination of ion beam sputtering, radioactivity counting and Rutherford backscattering of charged nuclear particles. It was found that the metal is the diffusing species during Co_2Si, Pt_2Si, NiSi and PtSi formation, while silicon diffuses during CrSi_2, TiSi_2 and ZrSi_2 formation. Silicon was also found to be the diffusing species during second phase formation of CoSi from Co_2Si. However, in this case it was established that the silicon diffuses by a grain boundary and/or interstitial mechanism. Both the metal and silicon diffuse during Ni_2Si and Pd_2Si formation. In an attempt to interpret complex radioactivity profiles a computer program, simulating various diffusion mechanisms during both first and second phase silicide formation, was written. A numerical approach ...
The authors report the transient enhanced diffusion of supersaturated phosphorous in ion-implanted SPE grown Si. Precipitation proceeds rapidly to a metastable SiP phase, which can be converted to an orthorhombic form or re-dissolved by subsequent heat treatment. The effects are strongly temperature dependent, and consistent with the trapped interstitial model. The behavior of different dopants follow their relative interstitialcy diffusion coefficients. The results suggest that ion implantation induced point defects dominate over thermally activated point defects during low temperature and certain rapid thermal processing, controlling dopant deactiviation and diffusion in crystalline or amorphous silicon, and can also affect the SPE growth rate.
A thermodynamic analysis of the behaviour of Alloy 800 in helium based atmospheres relevant to the High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor indicates that, depending upon the precise gas composition, oxidation and carburisation, or carburisation alone may be expected. The prime influence appears to be the moisture level. The morphology and structure of the reaction products are discussed. It is shown that the 'reactive' elements chromium, manganese, titanium and silicon are concentrated in the oxide scale which is normally duplex in structure. Aluminium oxide is formed at grain boundaries and in an internal oxidation zone together with titanium and sometimes silicon. In carburising conditions, mixed titanium-chromium carbides are formed. When this occurs, intergranular penetration is maximised. Weight gain data are assessed and briefly described and a tentative model for the mechanism of corrosion of Alloy 800 in HTR helium is proposed. Areas for ...
On the 15th of June 2006 the PAMELA experiment, mounted on the Resurs DK1 satellite, was launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome and it has been collecting data since July 2006. PAMELA is a satellite-borne apparatus designed to study charged particles in the cosmic radiation, to investigate the nature of dark matter, measuring the cosmic-ray antiproton and positron spectra over the largest energy range ever achieved, and to search for antinuclei with unprecedented sensitivity. The apparatus comprises a time-of-flight system, a silicon-microstrip magnetic spectrometer, a silicon-tungsten electromagnetic calorimeter, an anticoincidence system, a shower tail catcher scintillator and a neutron detector. The combination of these devices allows charged particle identification over a wide energy range.
Bilayers of pure palladium and gold films were evaporated alternatively on (100) and (111) monocrystalline silicon substrates. After annealing, in a vacuum furnace from 100 to 650degreeC during 30min, the growth sequence of the Pd2Si and PdSi phases that evolved as the result of the diffusion reaction was examined by means of Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), whereas the surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. The effect of the intermediate gold layer is investigated in order to test its effectiveness as barrier for Cu and Si atoms interdiffusion and its influence on the morphology of the formed palladium silicides. The effect of substrate orientation on the palladium silicides growth and formation was also e...
Abstract A fabrication process for Emitter-Wrap-Through solar cells on monocrystalline material with high quality gap passivation by wet thermal silicon dioxide is investigated. Masking and structuring steps are performed by screen-printing technology. Via-holes are created by an industrially applicable high-speed laser drilling process. The cell structure features a selective emitter structure fabricated in a single high temperature step: a highly doped emitter at the via-holes and the rear side, allowing for a low via-hole resistivity as well as a low resistivity contact to screen-printed pastes, and a moderately doped front side emitter exhibiting high quantum efficiency in the low wavelength range. Therefore a novel approach is applied depositing either doped or undoped PECVD silicon d...
The thermal transformation of Al-base icosahedral phases was studied in-situ by real time neutron powder diffraction. Different compositions have been selected in order to vary the initial phase morphology and change the neutron scattering contrast between species. Alloys with low silicon and large aluminium contents produce first the orthorhombic O-Al_6Mn modification. In alloys with larger silicon content, the #alpha#-AlMnSi cubic phase appears soon after the beginning of the transformation but is still preceeded by O-Al_6Mn. Depending on compositions, the crystallization of the icosahedral phase is controlled either by the diffusion of Al through its interface with the residual fcc aluminium or that of Si within the bulk. The results are discussed in the light of current structural models. (author) 40 refs., 14 figs., 3 tabs.
The radiation hardening studies started in the mid decade 1960-1970. To survive the different military or space radiative environment, a new engineering science was born, to understand the degradation of electronics components. The different solutions to improve the electronic behavior in such environments have been named 'radiation hardening' of the technologies. Improvement of existing technologies, and qualification methods have been widely studied. However, on the other hand, specific technologies were developed: the Silicon On Insulator technologies for CMOS or Bipolar. The HSOI3HD technology offers today the highest hardening level for the integration density of hundreds of thousand transistors on the same silicon. Full complex systems could be produced on a single die with a technological radiation hardening and no more system hardening.
The RD50 collaboration has been exploring the development of radiation hard semiconductor devices for very high-luminosity colliders since 2002. The target fluence to qualify detectors set by the anticipated dose for the innermost tracking layers of the future upgrade of the CERN large hadron collider (LHC) is 1016 1 MeV neutron equivalent (neq) cm-2. This is about an order of magnitude higher than the maximum dose for the most exposed silicon detectors in the current machine. RD50 investigates the radiation hardening of silicon sensors from many angles: improvement of the intrinsic tolerance of the substrate material, optimisation of the readout geometry and study of novel design of detectors. A review of some of the recent activities within RD50 is here presented.
The RD50 collaboration has been exploring the development of radiation hard semiconductor devices for very high-luminosity colliders since 2002. The target fluence to qualify detectors set by the anticipated dose for the innermost tracking layers of the future upgrade of the CERN large hadron collider (LHC) is 1016 1MeV neutron equivalent (neq) cm-2. This is about an order of magnitude higher than the maximum dose for the most exposed silicon detectors in the current machine. RD50 investigates the radiation hardening of silicon sensors from many angles: improvement of the intrinsic tolerance of the substrate material, optimisation of the readout geometry and study of novel design of detectors. A review of some of the recent activities within RD50 is here presented.
Pre-amorphization of ultrashallow implanted boron in Silicon-on-insulator is optimized to produce an abrupt box-like doping profile with negligible electrical deactivation and significantly reduced transient enhanced diffusion. The effect is achieved by positioning the as-implanted amorphous/crystalline interface close to the buried oxide interface, to minimize interstitials whilst leaving a single-crystal seed to support solid-phase epitaxy. Based on a simple physical model of our results, we estimate that the interface between the Si overlayer and the buried oxide is an efficient interstitial sink with a recombination length of the order of 10nm or less under our experimental conditions. (author)
The use of Sialon ceramics has been restricted by the high temperature required for synthesis and the expense of the pure oxide and nitride raw materials required. For refractory applications the purity required is less demanding and it has been possible to exploit the outstanding durability of the Sialons at moderate cost. New low cost manufacturing routes are being developed by nitriding silicon metal powder at relatively low temperature with clay and various additives depending on the Sialon required. For example the introduction of carbon or fine silicon carbide allows the preparation of beta Sialons and alpha Sialons which can be stabilised by including the appropriate cations. A wide range of composite Sialon bodies with diverse properties can be prepared by a one step process. Current projects developing the synthesis routes are aimed, in the first instance, at refractory manufacture but are showing promise for more sophisticated ...
Ag, Cu, and Ni metallizations were inkjet printed with near vacuum deposition quality. The approach developed can be easily extended to other conductors such as Pt, Pd, Au, etc. Thick highly conducting lines of Ag and Cu demonstrating good adhesion to glass, Si, and printed circuit board (PCB) have been printed at 100-200 deg C in air and N2 respectively. Ag grids were inkjet-printed on Si solar cells and fired through the silicon nitride AR layer at 850 deg C, resulting in 8% cells. Next generation inks, including an ink that etches silicon nitride, have now been developed. Multi-layer inkjet printing of the etching ink followed by Ag ink produced contacts under milder conditions and gave solar cells with efficiencies as high as 12%.
Low-temperature polysilicon thin-film transistors (TFT's) have been fabricated from sputtered silicon films and characterized as a function of as-deposited hydrogen (H) content and laser crystallization fluence. A general trend is observed where TFT performance improves as the H content is lowered. Devices made from {approximately}0% H sputtered films perform similar to those made from low-pressure chemical-vapor deposition processes (LPCVD), but are fabricated at a much lower process temperature (300 C). The best sputtered TFT's had mobilities of {approximately}200 cm{sup 2}/Vs, and on/off current ratios of more than 10{sup 8}.
The subscale Varestraint test has been used to determine the relative hot cracking susceptibility of the fusion zone in four commercial heats of alloy 800. Although all four heats were susceptible to cracking, one heat exhibited a significant increase in cracking relative to the other three. Optical metallography revealed that nearly all the cracking was localized along fusion zone grain boundaries. Microprobe analysis of the grain boundaries detected high concentrations of titanium, silicon, and niobium resulting from partitioning during solidification. The fusion zone hot cracking mechanism in alloy 800 involves the complex interaction of titanium, silicon, niobium, and carbon along the solidification boundaries. SEM and Auger analyses of the hot crack fracture surfaces revealed the presence of (Ti, Nb)-rich carbides, suggesting that these particles precipitate from the liquid which solidifies last on the fracture surface. 23 references.
It has been demonstrated that, by incorporating a thin #approx#20 nm Si_1_-_yC_y (with y as low as 0.1%) layer at the deep indium implant end-of-range (EOR) region, the EOR defects and enhanced diffusion behavior associated with indium implant can be eliminated. The Si_1_-_yC_y layer was grown epitaxially followed by a silicon epitaxy cap of 60 nm. Indium implantations were performed at 1x10"1"4 cm"-"2 at 115 keV followed by spike annealing at 1050 deg. C. The experimentally observed EOR defect and enhanced diffusion elimination are explained based on the undersaturation of implantation-induced silicon interstitials with the presence of substitutional carbon at the Si_1_-_yC_y layer.
A solid layer artificial pollution test was carried out to study the pollution performance of a new type of hybrid station post insulator used in suspension and tensile high voltage transmission lines. The structure of the separated silicone rubber shed and porcelain core hybrid insulator was shown. The new insulator showed excellent pollution performance under both HVAC and HVDC conditions. It also exhibited excellent aging performance in artificial aging tests. The mechanical strength of the hybrid insulator was also better than normal composite insulators. Another advantage revealed was the fact that separated silicone rubber sheds and porcelain core hybrid post insulators are easier to manufacture than normal porcelain post insulators and other hybrid insulators. 5 refs., 6 tabs., 1 fig.
Rapid nitridation was used to fabricate reaction-bonded and postsintered -Si6-ZAlZOZN8-Z (Z=1) ceramics with monoclinic ZrO2 added to the starting powder. Thermo-gravimetric analysis revealed that the addition of ZrO2 reduced the starting temperature of the main nitridation reaction. Using a reaction-bonding route with heating rates of 5, 10, and 20C/min, to fabricate -SiAlON ceramics without ZrO2 resulted in unreacted silicon that bled out of the specimens and the Z=1 composition samples did not maintain the original green compact morphology. On the other hand, no such bleeding of melted silicon was observed for samples with ZrO2 additions and the samples following nitridation maintained the original green morphology. The microstructure and mechanical properties of samples produced by rap...
During the recrystallization by solid-phase-epitaxial (SPE) growth of supersaturated silicon alloys, a high concentration of interstitials is trapped. These are released by subsequent heating causing a transient (greatly enhanced) diffusion of the substitutional dopant by an interstitialcy mechanism. The enhancement may be as much as five orders of magnitude over tracer values, and shows an activation energy of only 1.8 +- 0.2 eV. Following the transient, the interstitials condense into loops, allowing an independent estimate to be made of their concentration. From these observations, we propose that during ion implantation, a fraction of the implanted dopants can acquire their natural valency, and retain it as the crystallization interface passes. For group V dopants this creates the trapped interstitials, giving transient enhanced diffusion when they are released by subsequent annealing.
During the recrystallization by solid-phase-expitaxial (SPE) growth of supersaturated silicon alloys, a high concentration of interstitials is trapped. These are released by subsequent heating causing a transient (greatly enhanced) diffusion of the substitutional dopant by an interstitialcy mechanism. The enhancement may be as much as five orders of magnitude over tracer values, and shows an activation energy of only 1.8 +/- 0.2 eV. Following the transient, the interstitials condense into loops, allowing an independent estimate to be made of their concentration. From these observations, it is proposed that during ion implantation, a fraction of the implanted dopants can acquire their natural valency, and retain it as the crystallization interface passes. For group V dopants this creates the trapped interstitials, giving transient enhanced diffusion when they are released by subsequent annealing. 12 references, 6 figures.
Microcrystalline silicon carbide ({mu}c-SiC) was prepared at low substrate temperatures using Hot Wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD). High crystalline volume fractions were achieved at high hydrogen dilution and high deposition pressure. Without intentional doping, such material shows high dark conductivity and high optical absorption below the band gap. The material prepared at low deposition pressure or low hydrogen dilution, on the other hand, shows much lower conductivity and sub-gap absorption, but high spin densities up to 5 x 10{sup 19} cm{sup -3}. This high absorption can be attributed to free carriers, different to {mu}c-Si:H where a correlation between the sub-gap absorption and the spin density is observed.
Electrical properties of 16 keV, focused-ion-beam (FIB) (beam diameter: 1 #mu#m, current density: 50 mA/cm"2) boron-implanted silicon layers have been investigated as a function of beam scan speed and ion dose, and compared with those obtained by conventional implantation (current density: 0.4 #mu#A/cm"2). High electrical activation of the FIB implanted layers is obtained by annealing below 800"0C as a result of the increase in amorphous zones created in the implanted layers. Amorphous zone overlapping is assumed to occur at FIB implantation doses of 3 - 4 x 10"1"5 ions/cm"2 from the results of electrical activation and the carrier profile of implanted regions annealed at low temperature, if beam scan speed is lowered to about 10"-"2 cm/s. (author).
Using the infrared spectroscopy method, we have studied the effect of thermal dehydration (under vacuum and in air) and treatment with water vapor on the acid centers of very high silicon zeolites of the ZSM type. We have shown that dehydration under vacuum and in air completely and irreversibly removes the OH groups at 1120/sup 0/K, while treatment with water vapor removes these groups at 770/sup 0/K. The Lewis acid centers of dehydrated zeolites (represented by two types of centers) are more heat-stable than the Bronsted acid centers, but the vapor treatment at 1020/sup 0/K leads to the disappearance of the Lewis acid centers. In this work, we discuss the reasons for destruction of the acid centers of the zeolites under different treatment conditions.
In 1976 the design and fabrication began of an 1 MWt Bench Model Solar Receiver (BMSR) to demonstrate and further develop the ceramic tube central receiver concept. Although many of the properties of silicon carbide are well documented, this material has never been utilized in an application of this type and size. Further investigation was undertaken to confirm the choice of silicon carbide against available metals and other ceramic materials. The BMSR is configured for testing at the Department of Energy's Central Receiver Test Facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Design and fabrication of the BMSR are highlighted in this report. Completion and testing of the BMSR are planned for the next phase of the project.
The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany's national metrology institute, developed an alignment strategy to specify elemental depth profiling in vertical sidewall layers on structured wafers. For this purpose, PTB's irradiation chamber for 200?mm and 300?mm silicon wafers was used to combine total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and grazing incidence XRF (GIXRF) techniques by employing monochromatized undulator radiation of the BESSY II electron storage ring. 3-D test structures were fabricated to develop an optimal alignment strategy allowing for depth profiling in such nanolayers. The test structures consisted of silicon bars with widths/spacings either in the ?m or in the nm range. In order to be able to differentiate the sidewalls more easily from the remainder of ...
A survey is presented of the principles and practice of tailoring sintering liquid composition and processing cycle to enable crystallisation of intergranular phases in silicon nitride and sialon ceramics. Critical features in sialon ceramics are the O/N balance in residual glasses and post-sintering heat-treatment temperatures to enable nucleation of either intermediate phases at constant composition or oxide phases with re-partitioning of non stoichiometric components in #beta#' or #alpha#' solid solutions. Crystallisation of disilicate phases in non-sialon compositions exemplifies a problem in control of polymorphs with differing atomic volumes. Crystallisation of intergranular phases has an influence mainly on high-temperature mechanical and environmental behaviour of these ceramics. (orig.).
A data analysis based on an artificial neural network classifier is proposed to identify cosmic ray antiprotons detected with the CAPRICE silicon-tungsten imaging calorimeter against electron background in the energy range 1.2-4.0 GeV. A set of new physical variables, describing the events inside the calorimeter on the base of their different patterns, are introduced in order to discriminate between hadronic and electromagnetic showers. The ability of the artificial neural network classifier to perform a careful multidimensional analysis gives the possibility to identify antiprotons with an electron rejection 408{+-}85 (stat) at 95.0{+-}0.2 (stat)% of signal detection efficiency. The high accuracy achieved by this method improves substantially the efficiency in the evaluation of the cosmic ray antiproton spectrum. (orig.).
Ceramic ball bearings of silicon nitride are used for hard disk drive (HDD) spindle motors, to increase seed, reliability and memory capacity of the HDDs. Silicon nitride ceramics have advantages of lightweight, high strength and hardness over the conventional steel for bearings, but is expensive. A new process of high cost performance has been developed for mass production of the small-size ceramic balls. The company plans to apply these bearings to higher devices, e.g., servers, for the time being, and to expand the applicable areas, e.g., common devices and other small-size motors. The ceramic bearings have been developed jointly with Koyo Seiko Co. Ltd. (translated by NEDO)
A study has been made of B transient enhanced diffusion (TED) in heavily P-doped Si using secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS). The P-doped silicon was implanted with boron ions of 40 keV energy to a dose of 3 x 10"1"4 cm"-"2, and then annealed at temperatures ranging from 700--1,000 C in a N_2 ambient for varying durations. As P doping concentration increased from 3 x 10"1"9 to 1 x 10"2"0 cm"-"3, boron diffusivity and the immobile boron fraction decreased. The experimental results are inconsistent with the predictions of the Fermi-level model and suggest that the clustering between B atoms and Si interstitials should be invoked in order to explain the immobile portion of the B peak during TED.
We present results of multiple-time-scale simulations of 5, 10 and 15 keV low temperature ion implantation of arsenic on silicon (100), followed by high temperature anneals. The simulations start with a molecular dynamics (MD) calculation of the primary state of damage after 10ps. The results are then coupled to a kinetic Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of bulk defect diffusion and clustering. Dose accumulation is achieved considering that at low temperatures the damage produced in the lattice is stable. After the desired dose is accumulated, the system is annealed at 800 degrees C for several seconds. The results provide information on the evolution for the damage microstructure over macroscopic length and time scales and affords direct comparison to experimental results. We discuss the database of inputs to the MC model and how it affects the diffusion process.
Charge carrier profiles are measured for boron implanted into silicon (E = 30 keV, dose range 5 x 10"1"5 to 2 x 10"1"6 B/cm"2) after rapid isothermal annealing using halogen lamps. Maximum temperatures between 1000 and 1300 "0C and holding times at T/sub max/ of 5 and 20 s are used for the annealing treatment. In a few additional experiments flash lamp annealing at 1350 "0C (pulse duration 20 ms) is investigated. By comparison of the experimental profiles with computer simulations using the SUPREM II program transient enhanced diffusion of boron could be detected in all investigated cases. Maximum charge carrier concentrations above the equilibrium solubility of boron are observed and are discussed. (author).
Recently, we have found the anomalous degradation of electrical performance in silicon solar cells irradiated with charged particles in a high-fluence region. This anomalous phenomenon has two typical features, which are sudden-drop-down of electrical performances in a high-fluence region and slight recovery of the short circuit current I{sub SC} just before the sudden-drop-down. These features cannot be understood by a conventional model coming from the decrease of minority-carriers life-time. We introduce this anomalous degradation of the electrical performance in Si solar cells irradiated with electrons or protons. We also report the result of simulation for the fluence dependence of the I{sub SC}, and discuss the mechanism of this anomalous phenomenon. (author)
Hydrogen (H) plasma treatment, oxygen (O) plasma treatment and water (H_2O)-vapor heat treatment for polycrystalline-silicon (poly-Si) thin-film transistors (TFTs) have been analyzed by separately extracting trap density at a front silicon-oxide interface (D_F) and trap density at a back interface (D_B). It is found that the H plasma treatment is apt to generate D_F and D_B. The O plasma treatment reduces D_F, while the H_2O-vapor heat treatment reduces both D_F and D_B. Improvement of transistor characteristics of poly-Si TFTs depends on understanding these results.
A 21-year-old woman developed midesophageal stricture two weeks after ingestion of aluminium phosphide (AlP) tablets. Aluminium phosphide is a lethal protoplasmic toxin and is also the most common cause of suicidal poisoning in northern India. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) showed a tight esophageal stricture 29?cm from the incisors with a circumferential ulcer. Dilatation up to 17?mm was done using Savary-Gilliard dilators. She had repeated dilatations three times at nearly two-week intervals. In view of the resistant stricture, a silicone Polyflex stent was placed across the stricture and removed after 3?months; there was no recurrence of stricture even after three months of follow-up. Patients with recurrent esophageal stricture and those with fistula may benefit from silicone ...
The dependence of the carrier concentrations, of the resistivity and of the Hall coefficient of irradiated silicon on the neutron fluences has been investigated, starting from the supposition that the main phenomena induced by irradiation in the semiconductor bulk are shallow-donor removal and deep-centres creation. The free parameters of the model are initial doping of the starting material, the permitted energy level values of the radiation-induced centres in the semiconductor band gap and their introduction rates. The influence of each parameter on the calculated dependences is studied in detail, for three cases: one deep acceptor-like centre, two deep acceptors and one deep acceptor plus one deep donor-like centre. each of the three cases is discussed in correspondence with different experimental results.
Silicon thin film with thickness in range 1000-5300 A deposited on rough Cu foil by a radio frequency magnetron sputtering is used as anode materials for Li-ion rechargeable batteries. The SEM, XRD and TEM analysis reveals that the Si thin film has a floccular nano-sized multi-crystalline structure. Li ions insertion/extraction evaluation is performed mainly with constant current charge/discharge cycling and cyclic voltammetry (CV) at room temperature. The cycleability and reversible discharge capacity are found to depend on the film thickness, and thinner films give larger accommodation capacity. A 3120 A Si film provides a reversible specific capacity over 3500 mA hg{sup -1} with excellent cycleability under 0.5 C charge/discharge rate.
Abstract Surface modification of topography and chemistry in order to achieve a specific water contact angle (CA) has been explored by using a novel combinatorial screening platform. The screening arrays consisted of 507 distinct combinations of micro-topographies and chemical compositions. By performing chemical modifications with 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H perfluoroethyltriethoxy-silane (PFS) and n-octadecyltriethoxysilane (ODS) on standard silicon wafers it was possible to include both superhydrophobic and very hydrophilic pad arrays in the same screening platform. Surfaces modified with PFS were more hydrophobic than surfaces modified with ODS, while the unmodified silicon surfaces were hydrophilic. For the PFS modified surfaces the largest CAs were achieved with a small pillar size of X-=-1-m and...
A radioactive particle was analyzed to discover the composition of the inactive material of the particle. The method uses the x-ray line spectrum of the K series caused by electron irradiation of the particle in the electron microscope. Iron and aluminum or silicon (the last two could not be distinguished) were found as inactive components in the particle. (D.L.C.)
The TTT diagrams describing the beta to alpha isothermal transformation have been made by isothermal dilatometry for pure uranium and 21 alloys based on chromium, silicon, molybdenum, iron, aluminium, zirconium. The thermal cycle preceeding the isothermal...
The pyrometallurgic method consisting in introduction of refining agent into the liquid cadmium has been presented. The refining agent consisting of silicon nitride, carbon dust and sodium hydroxide has been added in several portion into the liquid cadmium. Iron has been removed from the cadmium surface in the form of floating slag.
Two-wave mixing in sillenite crystals such as bismuth silicon oxide (Bi12SiO20) and bismuth titanium oxide (Bi12TiO20) of (001)- and (221)-cuts for counterpropagating geometry was studied within the frame of slowly varying amplitude approximation. Electrooptic, photoelastic, piezoelectric, self-diffraction effects and optical activity were taken into account.
This book presents papers on internal combustion engines. Topics considered include the influence of partial suppression of heat rejection on performance and emissions, duothermic combustion, turbochargers made of sintered silicon nitrides, heat flux, low heat rejection engines, exhaust energy recovery, combustion chamber insulation, computerized simulation, heat transfer, friction, hoop stress effects, and bonding ceramics and metals.
It is shown that a cosmic gamma-ray telescope made of a multilayer silicon tracker and a imaging CsI calorimeter, is capable of identifying cosmic ray nuclei. The telescope charge resolution is estimated around 4% independently of charge. Simulation methods are used to determine the telescope properties for nuclei detection.
By the methods of the angular distribution of photon annihilation, time distribution of photon annihilation, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Fourier IR-spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy the detail information on relation of the structural and physical properties of the porous nano-structures is obtained. Study of pores sizes in a different nano-porous materials, such as the porous silicon, porous anode aluminium oxide, porous solids exposed to light atoms ion implantation (hydrogen, deuterium, helium) is carried out.
A multiple metal oxide sorbent supported on a zeolite of substantially silicon oxide is used for the desulfurization of process gas streams, such as from a coal gasifier, at temperatures in the range of about 1200.degree. to about 1600.degree. F. The sorbent is provided by a mixture of copper oxide and manganese oxide and preferably such a mixture with molybdenum oxide. The manganese oxide and the molybdenum are believed to function as promoters for the reaction of hydrogen sulfide with copper oxide. Also, the manganese oxide inhibits the volatilization of the molybdenum oxide at the higher temperatures.
The model of transient enhanced diffusion of ion-implanted As is formulated and the finite-difference method for numerical solution of the system of equations obtained is developed. The nonuniform distribution of point defects near the interface and more accurate description of arsenic clustering are simultaneously taken into account. Simulation of As diffusion during rapid annealing gives a reasonable agreement with the experimental data. (authors)
The Si L/sub 2/ /sub 3/VV Auger Lineshape for Pd/sub 4/Si was measured and found to be in good agreement with the self-fold of the Si partial density of states model calculated by Riley et al. Oxygen chemisorption altered both the Auger lineshape and the HeI photoemission spectrum, especially near the Fermi energy.
An internuclear cascade-evaporation code is used to model energy deposition in thin slabs of silicon. This model shows that protons produce a significant number of events with effective Linear Energy Transfer (LET) greater than 8 MeV cm"2/mg and demonstrates that proton testing of microelectronic components can be an effective way to screen devices for low earth orbit susceptibility to heavy ions.
Substantial changes in the radial distribution function of amorphous Si films have been observed in neutron-diffraction studies. The spectra indicate changes in short-range order associated with an approx.11% modification in the bond-angle distribution width. The results allow the first direct comparison of structural and vibrational Raman probes of variations in local order in thin-film amorphous solids. Good agreement is obtained between the measured bond-angle variation and that based on Raman estimates.
We describe the continued development of a portable, real-time neutron spectrometer. The spectrometer is composed of two distinct detector systems: a Helium 3 gas filled proportional counter for the lower neutron energy interval between 20 KeV and 2 MeV and a bulk silicon solid state detector for the higher energy interval between 2 MeV and 500 MeV. Modeling and experimental results with mono-energetic neutron beams are reported.
We describe the early stage of development of an engineering model portable, real-time neutron spectrometer. Several systems of two distinct detector types, a helium 3 gas filled proportional counter and a bulk silicon solid state detector, will be necessary to cover the energy range from thermal to 500 MeV. The advantages and disadvantages of using a moderator were investigated experimentally.
Among the most promising technological alternatives for the development of photovoltaic modules and cells of a low cost, good energetic conversion and feasibility for mass production, polycrystalline silicon thin film solar cells deposited directly on a transparent substrate are currently being considered the best. We have developed in our laboratory a PECVD reactor capable of producing the deposition of amorphous hydrogenated silicon at rates of above 2 nm/seg, allowing a significant production per line on the plant. Discharge gas is silane, to which diborane or phosphine is added so as to form the cell. Basically, work is done on a structure of cell type TCO/n+/p-/p+/M, which has 2 {mu}m of total thickness. Schott AF-37 glass is used as a substrate, for their ability to withstand temperatures of up to 800 C. The amorphous cell is subsequently annealed at gradual temperatures of 100 C to achieve dehydrogenation up to 650-700 C for 12 h until ...
An optimization criterion accounting for the energy and material consumption is defined. The allowed limits of the variations in the technological factors are discussed and the optimization criterion values within these limits are calculated. The analysis presented, demonstrating the significance of the chosen factors for the production cost-price, is of great practical importance. (orig.).
Transient Enhanced Diffusion (TED) of boron in silicon is driven by the large supersaturations of self-interstitial silicon atoms left after implantation which also often lead to the nucleation and subsequent growth, upon annealing, of extended defects. In this paper we review selected experimental results and concepts concerning boron diffusion and/or defect behavior which have recently emerged with the ion implantation community and briefly indicate how they are, or will be, currently used to improve 'predictive simulations' softwares aimed at predicting TED. In a first part, we focus our attention on TED and on the formation of defects in the case of 'direct' implantation of boron in silicon. In a second part, we review our current knowledge of the defects and of the diffusion behavior of boron when annealing preamorphised Si. In a last part, we try to compare these two cases and to ...
Transient Enhanced Diffusion (TED) of boron in silicon is driven by the large supersaturations of self-interstitial silicon atoms left after implantation which also often lead to the nucleation and subsequent growth, upon annealing, of extended defects. In this paper we review selected experimental results and concepts concerning boron diffusion and/or defect behavior which have recently emerged with the ion implantation community and briefly indicate how they are, or will be, currently used to improve 'predictive simulations' softwares aimed at predicting TED. In a first part, we focus our attention on TED and on the formation of defects in the case of 'direct' implantation of boron in silicon. In a second part, we review our current knowledge of the defects and of the diffusion behavior of boron when annealing preamorphised Si. In a last part, we try to compare these two cases and to find out what are the reasons for some ...
This report discusses the following topics: Prompt fission neutron energy spectra for {sup 235}U and {sup 239}Pu; Two-parameter measurement of nuclear lifetimes; ``Black`` neutron detector; Data reduction techniques for neutron scattering experiments; Inelastic neutron scattering studies in {sup 197}Au; Elastic and inelastic scattering studies in {sup 239}Pu; and neutron induced defects in silicon dioxide MOS structures.
The precipitation of excess silicon interstitials into dislocation loops is modeled. This situation occurs when an amorphous layer is created at the surface in order to avoid boron channeling and form shallow p junctions. The modeling of the nucleation of these extended defects is included into the process simulator IMPACT-4. Their density and mean radius are calculated for several annealing times and temperatures and they are compared with experimental characterizations. This is the first step towards a full modeling of the complex processes involved in the transient enhanced diffusion of boron.
Biased above threshold (VT), pulsed photocurrent (u) measurements on windowed silicon Pd gate MOS capacitors are shifted (DV) negatively by H2/N2, whereas Au gates shift positively under NO2/air. Below VT, the shifts are reversed by adjustments of interface state population. Minor temperature increases may coax the device from inversion to depletion, inducing sign reversal of the chemical response.
The review provides a general idea about the types of metallic alloys and the pure metals used as implant materials in dental and orthopedic surgery. Their corrosive behavior in both real solutions and various media that model human biological fluids is described. Based on the literature data, it is concluded that multicomponent alloys containing titanium, niobium, zirconium, tungsten, molybdenum, aluminum, and silicon are the most resistant to corrosion. Implants made of different types of stainless steel are preferred when manufacturing orthopedic devices for short-term use.
Auger-electron emission from different silicides has been studied for 4 and 10 keV Ar ion excitation. The intensity of the SiLMM Auger line changes significantly with channing concentration and atomic number of the metal-parthner. The experimental results can be explained in terms of a simple model based on the probability of Si-Si collision symmetric cascade in these binary compounds.
The evaluated data testing for Si, Zr, Nb and Fe materials has been performed through the analyses of the neutron leakage spectrum from spherical assemblies measured in integral benchmark experiments with (d,t) and Cf fission neutron sources. Intercomparisons of the calculated from BROND-2, ENDF/B-6 and JENDL-3 data files with experimental results are presented.
Conversion electron studies of medium-heavy to heavy nuclear mass systems are important where the internal conversion process begins to dominate over gamma-ray emission. The use of a segmented detector array sensitive to conversion electrons has been used to study multiple conversion electron cascades from nuclear transitions. The application of the silicon array for conversion electron detection (SACRED) for in-beam measurements has successfully been implemented. (orig.). With 2 figs.
In this article carbon co-implantation and step-by-step thermal treatments of shallow p"+-n-junctions formation were used with the purpose of extended defect suppression and reduction of boron transient enhanced diffusion. A substantial improvement of the structural and electrical parameters of shallow p"+-n-junctions has been achieved by using the additional carbon implantation and step-by-step thermal treatments. (authors)
An advanced ceramic dome cavity receiver is discussed which heats pressurized gas to temperatures above 1800/sup 0/F (1000/sup 0/C) for use in solar Brayton power systems of the dispersed receiver/dish or central receiver type. Optical, heat transfer, structural, and ceramic material design aspects of the receiver are reported and the development and experimental demonstration of a high-temperature seal between the pressurized gas and the high-temperature silicon carbide dome material is described.
TEM and HRTEM have been used to characterise the microstructures of materials formed by hot-pressing silicon nitride with an Al_2O_3-SiO_2-TiO_2 densification aid system, to form #beta#'-sialon-TiN composites in which the TiN particles are of 20-100 nm dimension. (orig.).
The fragment separator at GSI, Darmstadt, has been used to produce and separate very proton rich nuclei in the {sup 100}Sn region. By fragmentation of a {sup 112}Sn beam at 1 A{center_dot}GeV we produced nuclei along the rp-process path between {sup 77}Y and {sup 98}In. By implanting these ions into a silicon detector stack we were able to determine their halflives. Preliminary data are presented.
The use of an SCR-controlled power system on an offshore drilling rig has lead to an increased acceptance of high technology equipment. Such equipment increases drilling productivity, reduces maintenance, and improves reliability. Most new rigs now have AC squirrel cage motors, brushless AC generators, silicon controlled rectifiers, DC motors, and swtichgear and motor starters. Several opportunities for cost reductions in SCR systems, such as improving the power factor, are studied in this paper.
The purpose of this study was to reveal the mechanism of wafer touch polishing using a high purity colloidal silica slurry containing organic surfactants such as hydroxyl-ethyl cellulose. The effect of the surfactant concentration on wafer touch polishing was studied to improve the roughness of wafer surfaces after polishing. The haze level and the micro-roughness decreased with decreasing surfactant concentration.
An austenitic alloy having good thermal stability and resistance to sodium corrosion at 700.degree. C. consists essentially of 35-45% nickel 7.5-14% chromium 0.8-3.2% molybdenum 0.3-1.0% silicon 0.2-1.0% manganese 0-0.1% zirconium 2.0-3.5% titanium 1.0-2.0% aluminum 0.02-0.1% carbon 0-0.01% boron and the balance iron.
The current work continues a project completed in 1999 by ReMaxCo Technologies in which a novel, microwave based, VLS Silicon Carbide Fibrils concept was verified. This project continues the process development of a pilot scale commercial reactor. Success will lead to sufficient quantities of fibrils to expand work by ORNL and others on heat exchanger tube development. A semicontinuous, microwave heated, vacuum reactor was designed, fabricated and tested in these experiments. Cylindrical aluminum oxide reaction boats are coated, on the inner surface, with a catalyst and placed into the reactor under a light vacuum. A series of reaction boats are then moved, one at a time, through the reactor. Each boat is first preheated with resistance heaters to 850 C to 900 C. Each reaction boat is then moved, in turn, to the microwave heated section. The catalyst is heated to the required temperature of 1200 C to 1300 C while a mixture of MTS (methyl trichlorosilane) and ...
The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany's national metrology institute, developed an alignment strategy to specify elemental depth profiling in vertical sidewall layers on structured wafers. For this purpose, PTB's irradiation chamber for 200 mm and 300 mm silicon wafers was used to combine total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and grazing incidence XRF (GIXRF) techniques by employing monochromatized undulator radiation of the BESSY II electron storage ring. 3-D test structures were fabricated to develop an optimal alignment strategy allowing for depth profiling in such nanolayers. The test structures consisted of silicon bars with widths/spacings either in the {mu}m or in the nm range. In order to be able to differentiate the sidewalls more easily from the remainder of the structures, they were provided with an additional silicon nitride layer. Four structure types of different bar ...
The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany's national metrology institute, developed an alignment strategy to specify elemental depth profiling in vertical sidewall layers on structured wafers. For this purpose, PTB's irradiation chamber for 200 mm and 300 mm silicon wafers was used to combine total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and grazing incidence XRF (GIXRF) techniques by employing monochromatized undulator radiation of the BESSY II electron storage ring. 3-D test structures were fabricated to develop an optimal alignment strategy allowing for depth profiling in such nanolayers. The test structures consisted of silicon bars with widths/spacings either in the ?m or in the nm range. In order to be able to differentiate the sidewalls more easily from the remainder of the structures, they were provided with an additional silicon nitride layer. Four structure types of different bar width and density ...
This heat exchanger is a critical step in the development of the Externally Fired Combined Cycle power system, a direct-coal combustion power plant (gas turbine). SiC is the only material with the needed resistance to creep, thermal shock, and oxidation; however a protective coating is needed. Ten candidate materials were identified: alumina-based materials, materials stable with SiO, and low expansion materials. An initial screening study should be performed.
The development and experimental demonstration of a high-temperature seal for the SHARE ceramic dome cavity receiver is reported. The mechanical contact seal which was tested on one-foot-diameter silicon-carbide ceramic-dome hardware at pressure differentials to four atmospheres and dome temperatures to 2200/sup 0/F (1200/sup 0/C) showed negligible leakage at expected receiver operating conditions. Potential solar receiver applications for the technology are illustrated.
Described herein are the results of the FY1994 research program for analysis and evaluation for thin film solar cells. The study on quantitative analysis of hydrogen atoms in a plasma determines quantity of hydrogen atoms in the plasma of monosilane diluted with hydrogen. It is found, contrary to expectation, that quantity of hydrogen atoms in the plasma decreases as it is more diluted with hydrogen. The study on light-induced degradation of the thin chlorine-base amorphous silicon films confirms that the plasma CVD method with 20% of dichlorosilane gas added to monosilane gas produces the thin amorphous silicon film 3 times faster than the conventional method. The thin film has essentially the same defect density as the one prepared by the conventional method, showing good photoelectric characteristics. The thin film of chlorinated amorphous silicon has a 1 digit lower defect density than the conventional one of amorphous ...
Acoustic waves propagation of in composite of water with embedded double-layered silicone resin/silver rods is considered. Approximate values of effective dynamical constitutive parameters are obtained. Frequency ranges of simultaneous negative constitutive parameters are found. Localized surface states on the interface between metamaterial and ``normal'' material are found. Doppler effect in metamaterial is considered. Presence of anomalous modes is shown.
The authors present design methodology and initial experimental results for a high power microwave switch. The switch is designed for application to the pulse compression system associated with the Next Linear Collider Test Accelerator (NLCTA). The switch is based on the excitation of a plasma layer within a silicon wafer by either a laser or an electron beam. They investigate problems associated with high power operation of such a switch. They explore solutions to the problems of thermal runaway, avalanche breakdown, photo-emission, and secondary emission.
The difficulty in making good Ohmic contact at the interfaces with p-doped ZnSe is an important problem hindering the realization of blue-light-emitting diode lasers based on the II-VI semiconductor technology. So far no metal or semiconductor material has been found to have a low enough barrier at the (001) interface with ZnSe. A possible solution to this problem is the insertion of a so-called {ital barrier-reduction layer} at the interface with ZnSe. We have investigated the interface formation energies and valence-band offsets at the (001) interface between Al{sub x}Ga{sub 0.5{minus}x}In{sub 0.5}P and ZnSe. The results of our calculations show the existence of a strong interdependence between the valence-band offset and the interface geometric structure. The interface is found to have structural and electronic similarities to the GaAs-ZnSe(001) system. The very low values obtained for the valence-band offset confirm the possibility of using this material as a ...
Ultraviolet (UV) upconversion (UC) luminescence in Yb3+/Er3+-codoped yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanocrystals can be enhanced by orders of magnitude via tridoping further with Li+ ions under diode laser excitation of 970 nm. Sensitized three-photon UC radiations at 390 and 409 nm, corresponding to the 4G11/2?4I15/2 and 4H9/2?4I15/2 of Er3+ ions, respectively, present an enhancement time of about 33 times, which is larger than the 24 times enhancement for the UC green radiation. The UV UC radiation at 320 nm that corresponds to the 2P3/2?4I15/2 of Er3+ ions has also been greatly enhanced. Theoretical calculations interpret that all the observed enhancement times of UV UC radiations arise from the prolonged lifetimes of their intermediate states.
Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are a promising approach to realize a single-photon source. To avoid bulky and expensive laser systems for future applications, electrical excitation is desirable. InP QDs are especially suited, as they emit in the red spectral range and therefore in the optimal range of commercial detectors. Additionally, they have been shown to be capable of emitting single photons up to 80 K. Thus, we embedded InP QDs in the intrinsic region of a p-i-n diode. To form single devices, 100 #mu#m mesas were etched and supplied with electrical contacts. We investigated the electroluminescence from single QDs and performed second-order auto correlation measurements to verify single-photon emission. To prevent expensive helium cooling and reach operation above 80 K, we investigated the influence of elevated temperature on the performance of our device. Since triggered single-photon emission is required for most applications, sub-nanosecond pulses were ...
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 developed a new TLD array for precise dose measurement and verification of the spatial dose distribution in small radiation targets. It consists of a hemicylindrical, tissue-equivalent rod made of polystyrene with 17 parallel moulds for an exact positioning of each TLD. The spatial resolution of the TLD array was evaluated using the Leskell spherical phantom. Dose planning was performed with KULA 4.4 under stereotactic conditions on axial CT images. In the Leksell gamma unit the TLD array was irradiated with a maximal dose of 10 Gy with an unplugged 14 mm collimator. The doses delivered to the TLDs were rechecked by diode detector and film dosimetry and compared to the computer-generated dose profile. We found excellent agreement of our measured values, even at the critical penumbra decline. For the 14 mm and 18 mm collimator and for the 11 mm collimator combination we compared the measured and calculated data at full width at half maximum. This TLD array may be ...
Data are presented demonstrating very-short-wavelength (625 nm) room-temperature (300 K) continuous (cw) photopumped laser operation of In/sub 1-//sub y/(Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-//sub x/)/sub y/P-In/sub 1-//sub y/ (Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-//sub x/)/sub y/P quantum well heterostructures grown lattice matched (yapprox. =0.5) on a GaAs substrate via metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. In addition, 300 K pulsed laser operation (J/sub th/approx.10/sup 4/ A/cm/sup 2/, 625 nm) of diodes fabricated from the same crystal is described.
The optical properties of divalent europium activated Ca-#alpha#-SiAlON were investigated and the excitation and emission processes were discussed. The emission wavelength is influenced by the activator concentration of Eu more than the codopant concentration of Ca, in case of the same matrix composition of #alpha#-SiAlON. The red-shift of emission increases when the concentration of Eu increases. In addition, it was revealed that the red-shift of emission would be caused by the construction of the package of optical device. The correlated color temperature becomes low by the red-shift for the white light-emitting diode (LED) lamp using Ca-#alpha#-SiAlON:Eu phosphor when the phosphor powder concentration increases in the transparent resin which coats the primary light source of a blue LED die. The additional red-shift can be observed when the excessive amount of phosphor coating is intentionally poured to the white LED lamps. These red-shifts of emission wavelength ...
The high-energy radiation-induced degradation of an H-acid derivative azo dye, Apollofix-Red SF-28 (AR-28) was studied in aqueous solution by using pulse radiolysis with kinetic spectroscopic detection for transient measurements. Gamma radiolysis with UV-VIS spectroscopy and gradient ionpair HPLC separation with diode array detection were applied for following the destruction of AR-28 and measuring the products. The reactions of hydrated electron (e_a_q "-) and hydroxyl ("#centre dot#OH) radical were investigated separately. "#centre dot#OH reacts with the unsaturated bonds of the molecule. In the further reactions of the "#centre dot#OH adduct radicals, the AR-28 molecules partly reform with a slightly modified structure. The products formed in the first reaction of "#centre dot#OH and AR-28 molecules have also high reactivity towards the "#centre dot#OH radicals. For these reasons the efficiency of "#centre dot#OH radicals in discolouration of the solution is ...
A new foilless diode with a non-magnetically immersed cathode was recently designed and built for the Sandia Recirculating Linear Accelerator (RLA). Because there is also no radial component of electric field at the cathode, the electron beam starts almost parallel and is matched to a solenoidal transport system with minimum increase in divergence and radius. The electrode emission surface is specified by an area covered with felt which undergoes explosive electron emission at low electrical field stresses (60 kV/cm). The 1.7 MV, 4.8-kA produced beam is transported 1.5 meters to the injection region of the racetrack via a system of solenoids and focusing coils. The maximum transverse velocity component at injection point (1.5 m downstream from the cathode surface) is #beta# perpendicular = 0.03 and the radius r = 2.8 cm which give a quite small beam emittance #epsilon# = 0.08 rad-cm. Three- dimensional numerical simulations suggest that tangential injection into ...
The latest electronic circuit technology that can be used for the electric railway traction system fed by an AC/DC dual power line was developed. This system consists of reverse conducting GTO thyristors, microprocessors, and DSP`s. In the AC power supply line section, the line converter is controlled by PWM technology to secure a high power factor and reduce the higher harmonic generation of an input current as far as possible. The line converter and motor converter use reverse conducting GTO thyristors. Since these converters are cooled using a heat pipe cooler, they are reduced in size and weight. The electric grounding point of the main power circuit is set to the negative side of the DC line for AC and DC line sections. Therefore, the AC/DC selector switch was simplified in structure. Moreover, the DC input for the auxiliary power supply can be obtained from multiple line converters using diodes. As the result of the actual operational test, the expected ...
One of the most challenging topics in the area of organic electronic devices is the growth of transparent electrodes onto flexible polymeric substrates that will be characterized by enhanced conductivity in combination with high optical transparency. An essential aspect for these materials is their synthesis and/or microstructure which define the transparency, the stability and the interfacial chemistry which in turn determine the performance and stability of the organic electronic devices, such as organic light emitting diodes, organic photovoltaics, etc. In this work, we will discuss the latest advances in the growth of organic (e.g. PEDOT:PSS) and inorganic (e.g. zinc oxide-ZnO, indium tin oxide-ITO) conductive materials and their deposition onto flexible polymeric substrates. We will compare the optical, structural, nano-mechanical and nano-topographical properties of the inorganic and organic materials and we investigate the effect of their structure on their ...
Attempt to form the Schottky barrier on mercury indium telluride (MIT) surface by deposition transparent conducting electrode (TCE) and avoid the negative results by non-rectifier contacts nature, we have investigated the oxidation of clean MIT surfaces to form an insulating layer to overcome this disadvantage by metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) photodetectors designing. Oxide film is grown on the MIT surface by plasma enhance chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Previously cleaned MIT wafers were dipped and boiled in solution, which consists of mixture of bromine and an organic solvent in ratio of 1:50. By the way of using these films as intermediate slightly conducting insulator, a fast-response MIT based surface-barrier photodetectors have been developed. Pt films were used as TCE frontal electrode by vacuum magnetron sputtering (VMS). The current-voltage characteristic is described quantitatively based on the energy diagram and the found parameters of the Schottky barrier. Details ...
This paper describes the development and a detailed analysis carried out on the luminescence characteristics of Pr"3"+ doped ZrF_4-BaF_2-LaF_3-YF_3-AlF_3-NaF glasses. In the present work our objectives are to elucidate the possible mechanisms that are responsible for NIR to red upconversion process and yellow to blue upconversion emission in terms of energy level schemes from the praseodymium containing fibre optical glass composition. We have studied their different physical and optical properties. Besides our investigation on the upconversion emission of these glasses, normal fluorescence studies have also been undertaken in explaining the mechanisms in demonstrating bright red and blue emissions upon excitations at visible and UV wavelengths. Besides these measurements works, a bright blue colour emission was observed under an UV source (202 nm) and upconverted prominent red emissions were observed with a laser diode (LD of 980 nm). Similarly under a yellow ...
A film of GaSb grown epitaxially on a Si substrate is a direct transition semiconductor useful for application as a light source in Si photonics and channel material in next-generation field effect transistors because its energy bandgap is close to the optical fibre communication wavelength and it possesses high carrier mobility. Here, we report a novel method for heteroepitaxial growth of high-quality GaSb/Si films, despite having a lattice mismatch as large as ? 12%, using elastically strain-relaxed GaSb nanodots with ultrahigh density as seed crystals for film growth. The nanodot seed crystals were grown epitaxially by restricted contact with the Si substrate through nanowindows in an ultrathin SiO(2) film on the Si substrate. A light-emitting diode containing GaSb/Si films with a thickness of ? 90 nm fabricated by this method operated at room temperature. The growth method was also used to fabricate AlGaSb films of high quality. Our method provides a new avenue ...
Excellent silicided shallow p{sup +}n junctions have been successfully achieved by the implantation of BF{sub 2}{sup +} ions into thin Pd{sub 2}Si films on Si substrates to a dose of 5 {times} 10{sup 15} cm{sup {minus}2} and subsequent low temperature (even at 550 C) furnace annealing. The formed junctions have been characterized for respective implantation conditions. In this experiment, the implant energy is the key role in obtaining a low leakage diode. Reverse current density of about 3 nA/cm{sup 2} and an ideality factor of about 1.05 can be attained by the implantation of BF{sub 2}{sup +} ions at 80 keV and subsequent annealing at 550 C. The junction depth is about 0.09 {mu}m, measured by the spread resistance method. As compared with the results of unimplanted specimens, the implantation of BF{sub 2}{sup +} ions into a thin Pd{sub 2}Si layer can stabilize the silicide film and prevent it from forming islands during high temperature annealing.
We used the recuperation effect (see also 'Recuperation of infrared stimulated luminescence of feldspars' in this issue) for investigating the connection between infrared- and greenlight-stimulated luminescence (IRSL and GLSL) of feldspars by performing a 'double-bleach recuperation' experiment. A diode system was used for infrared (IR) stimulation, and a filtered-light unit for greenlight (GL) stimulation. Powdered feldspar samples (2 mg each) of known chemical characterisation from a mineral collection were used. After beta-irradiation with 180 Gy and storage in the dark for several weeks feldspar aliquots were bleached down to a residual level of {approx}1% of the initial level, first with IR and subsequently with GL. For both stimulations, detection of the stimulated luminescence was carried out in the near ultraviolet region (around 260-360 nm, peaked at 340 nm). Other aliquots were bleached in reverse order (1st GL, 2nd ...
We used the recuperation effect (see also 'Recuperation of infrared stimulated luminescence of feldspars' in this issue) for investigating the connection between infrared- and greenlight-stimulated luminescence (IRSL and GLSL) of feldspars by performing a 'double-bleach recuperation' experiment. A diode system was used for infrared (IR) stimulation, and a filtered-light unit for greenlight (GL) stimulation. Powdered feldspar samples (2 mg each) of known chemical characterisation from a mineral collection were used. After beta-irradiation with 180 Gy and storage in the dark for several weeks feldspar aliquots were bleached down to a residual level of #approx#1% of the initial level, first with IR and subsequently with GL. For both stimulations, detection of the stimulated luminescence was carried out in the near ultraviolet region (around 260-360 nm, peaked at 340 nm). Other aliquots were bleached in reverse order (1st GL, 2nd IR). These bleaching sequences were ...
The application of robotics for repair, refurbishing or dismantling of nuclear installations implies eventually severe radiation resistance requirements on embarked components and subsystems. This is particularly critical when optical sensing is considered. Optoelectronic components and optical fibers are indeed quite sensitive to radiation, and without special design are rapidly out-of-operation in such an environment. This paper reports the results of a series of #gamma# irradiation experiments on such devices, and identify their behavior under radiation. Test results show that carefully selected optical fibers can keep their radiation induced attenuation lower than 0.3 dB/m even up to a total dose of 10 MGy. Temperature annealing can even lower this attenuation down to 0.1 dB/m. On the other hand, commercially available light emitting diodes and photodiodes present attenuations figures up to 15 dB, even after a gamma irradiation as low as 250 kGy. However, ...
APEX (ATLAS Positron EXperiment), a collaborative effort of ANL, FSU, MSU/NSCL, Princeton, Queen`s, Rochester, Washington and Yale, is an experiment to study positron and electron production in very heavy ion collisions. The electrons and positrons are detected with two detector arrays, each consisting of 216 1 mm thick Si PIN diodes, and their energy and time-of-flight are measured. The number of detectors and limited space made it necessary to develop a system that could efficiently process and transfer signals from the detectors to the charge sensing ADC`s and data readout electronics as well as monitor the condition of the detectors. The discussion will cover the electronics designed for the Si detectors, including the charge amplifier, ``Mother board`` for the charge amplifiers, 8 channel Shaper, 16 channel Constant Fraction Discriminator (CFD), 16 channel Peak-to-FERA (PTF) and the integration of the CFD and PTF with Charge sensing ADC`s. Function and ...
In a positive polarity induction adder each of the induction cavities is a cathode, which emits electrons at a unique potential. These broad spectrum electrons strongly affect Magnetically Insulated Transmission Line (MITL) behavior. Electron flow decreases the cavity-to-MITL coupling efficiency, and reduces the power transport efficiency along the system. Also, the operating impedance of the MITL is lowered, reducing the diode impedance required for good coupling and good total system power efficiency. It is therefore imperative to understand the details of MITL electron flow. In previous work, measurement of MITL electron flow for a twenty-stage linear induction adder (Hermes III), operated in positive polarity, was compared with simulations. There was qualitative agreement, but some differences were noted. For example, measured electron flow in the first cavities was greater than in the simulations. The authors have extended the work on this subject with ...
We have investigated the correlation between V-shaped defect formation and the optical properties of AlGaN/(In)GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) grown under different growth conditions and then demonstrated the characteristics of fabricated ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LEDs). From the temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) measurement, the internal quantum efficiency for 300 K was obtained as 43.6% for a sample with a low density of V-defects in a MQW and 13.7% for a sample with a high density of V-defects. The carrier lifetime based on the time resolved PL measurement at room temperature was 0.32 ns for a sample with a high density of V-defects and 1.26 ns for a sample with a low density of V-defects. And we also found that the density of V-defects affected the external quantum efficiency and wall plug efficiency of the fabricated UV LEDs. (fast track communication)
We demonstrate tuning of Schottky energy barriers in organic electronic devices by utilizing chemically tailored electrodes. The Schottky energy barrier of Ag on poly[2-methoxy], 5-(2{prime}-ethyl-hexyloxy)- 1,4-phenylene was tuned over a range of more than 1 eV by using self-assembled monolayers (SAM{close_quote}s) to attach oriented dipole layers to the Ag prior to device fabrication. Kelvin probe measurements were used to determine the effect of the SAM{close_quote}s on the Ag surface potential. {ital Ab} {ital initio} Hartree-Fock calculations of the molecular dipole moments successfully describe the surface potential changes. The chemically tailored electrodes were then incorporated in organic diode structures and changes in the metal/organic Schottky energy barriers were measured using an electroabsorption technique. These results demonstrate the use of self-assembled monolayers to control metal/organic interfacial electronic properties. They establish a ...
In this study, the adoptable essential technologies and reference design concept of the advanced reactor were developed and related basic experiments were performed. (1) Once-through Helical Steam Generator: a performance analysis computer code for heli-coiled steam generator was developed for thermal sizing of steam generator and determination of thermal-hydraulic parameters. (2) Self-pressurizing pressurizer : a performance analysis computer code for cold pressurizer was developed. (3) Control rod drive mechanism for fine control : type and function were surveyed. (4) CHF in passive PWR condition : development of the prediction model bundle CHF by introducing the correction factor from the data base. (5) Passive cooling concepts for concrete containment systems: development of the PCCS heat transfer coefficient. (6) Steam injector concepts: analysis and experiment were conducted. (7) Fluidic diode concepts : analysis and experiment were conducted. (8) Wet thermal ...
The five thermal-hydraulic concepts chosen for advanced PWR have been studied as follows: (1) Critical Heat Flux: Review of previous works, analysis of parametric trends, analysis of transient CHF characteristics, extension of the CHF date bank, survey and assessment of correlations, design of a intermediate-pressure CHF test loop have been performed. (2) Passive Cooling Concepts for Concrete Containment system: Review of condensation phenomena with noncondensable gases, selection of a promising concept (i.e., use of external condensers), design of test loop according to scaling laws have been accomplished. and computer programs based on the control-volume approach, and the conceptual design of test loop have been accomplished. (4) Fluidic Diode Concepts: Review of previous applications of the concept, analysis major parameters affecting the performance, development of a computational code, and conceptual investigation of the verification test loop have been ...
CEA-Valduc produces some radioactive waste (mainly alpha emitters). Legislation requires producers to sort their waste by activity and type of isotopes, and to package them in order to forward them to the appropriate reprocessing or storage facility. Our lab LMDE (laboratory for measurements on nuclear wastes and valuation) is in charge of the characterization of the majority of waste produced by CEA-Valduc. Among non-destructive methods to characterize a radioactive object, gamma-spectroscopy is one of the most efficient. We present to this conference the method we use to characterize nuclear waste and the system we developed to characterize our germanium detectors. The goal of this system is to obtain reliable numerical models of our detectors and calculate their efficiency curves. Measurements are necessary to checks models and improve them. These measurements are made on a bench using pinpoint sources ("1"3"3Ba, "1"5"2Eu) from 60 keV to 1500 keV, with distances from 'on contact' to ...
British Columbia-based Carmanah Technologies is a world leader in the design, manufacture and supply of patented solar-powered light emitting diode (LED) lighting solutions. As a leading alternative energy manufacturer, it was the first company to integrate LEDs with solar chargers and battery power storage. Carmanah products have high-end assembly, minimal size, maximized performance and field-proven reliability. The products have been used in public transit applications, roadway lighting, and for general aviation lighting solutions. In 2004, their products saved the equivalent of 6,705 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide. This annual report includes information on the company's net earnings and investor profiles. The company has large markets for its products with little competition. It has a strong management team and its funding places it in a position to capitalize on current and emerging technologies. The company's energy resource activities were described and an ...
In this paper, an improved soft switched two cell interleaved boost AC/DC converter with high power factor is proposed and investigated. A new auxiliary circuit is designed and added to two cell interleaved boost converter to reduce the switching losses. The proposed auxiliary circuit is implemented using only one auxiliary switch and a minimum number of passive components without an important increase in the cost and complexity of the converter. The main advantage of this auxiliary circuit is that it not only provides zero-voltage-transition (ZVT) for the main switches but also provides soft switching for the auxiliary switch and diodes. Though all semiconductor devices operate under soft switching, they do not have any additional voltage and current stresses. The proposed converter operates successfully in soft switching operation mode for a wide range of input voltage level and the load. In addition, it has advantages such as fewer structure complications, lower ...
The goal of this work is to present a systematic Monte Carlo validation study on the clinical implementation of the enhanced dynamic wedges (EDWs) into the Pinnacle"3 (Philips Medical Systems, Fitchburg, WI) treatment planning system (TPS) and QA procedures for patient plan verification treated with EDWs. Modeling of EDW beams in the Pinnacle"3 TPS, which employs a collapsed-cone convolution superposition (CCCS) dose model, was based on a combination of measured open-beam data and the 'Golden Segmented Treatment Table' (GSTT) provided by Varian for each photon beam energy. To validate EDW models, dose profiles of 6 and 10 MV photon beams from a Clinac 2100 C/D were measured in virtual water at depths from near-surface to 30 cm for a wide range of field sizes and wedge angles using the Profiler 2 (Sun Nuclear Corporation, Melbourne, FL) diode array system. The EDW output factors (EDWOFs) for square fields from 4 to 20 cm wide were measured in virtual water using a ...
There are a number of characteristics exhibited by ceramic materials that may provide potential benefits for the reciprocating internal combustion engine. However, the brittle nature of these materials together with a variability in strength has created difficulties in applying ceramic materials to the engine environment. Although a wide range of physical properties is available from contemporary ceramic materials, a material offering consistently high strength has yet to be developed. For sliding-contact applications, desirable characteristics include good wear resistance, low friction, ability to join metals and good heat dissipation. Test results have shown that cam/follower components with cast iron cam sliding on a silicon nitride follower exhibit very low wear rates. The application of silicon carbide to face seals has also shown substantial reductions in both friction and wear when compared with conventional materials. The use of ceramic ...
The effect of interfacial structure on the mechanical properties of aluminum-ceramic composite materials fabricated by liquid phase sintering was studied. The composites were based on two matrix alloys (powder metallurgy alloys 201 and 601) reinforced with either Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} or SiC particulate. Characterization of the interfacial regions demonstrated that the SiC-matrix interfaces were faceted whereas the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-matrix interfaces had an incomplete layer of a silicon-rich amorphous phase. Preferential attack of the particles during sintering is believed to cause the crystallographic facets to form on SiC. Locally high silicon concentrations near Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles led to the formation of a glassy phase from the reduction of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The difference in interfacial structure resulted in a higher particle-matrix bond strength and therefore improved composite mechanical properties in the SiC-reinforced materials ...
We present an atomistic simulation of the Ostwald ripening of extrinsic defects (clusters, {l_brace}1 1 3{r_brace}s and dislocation loops) which occurs during annealing of ion implanted silicon. The model describes the capture and emission of Si interstitial atoms to and from extrinsic defects of sizes up to thousands of atoms and includes a loss term due to the flux of interstitials to the recombining surface. Key input parameters of the simulation are the variations of the formation energy and of the capture efficiency with the size of the different defects. This model shows that the kinetics of the well-known dissolution of {l_brace}1 1 3{r_brace} defects is only driven by the recombination efficiency at the surface and the distance from the defects to the sample surface. We have subsequently used this model to study defect evolution in low and ultra low energy (ULE) B implanted Si during annealing. Defect dissolution occurs earlier and at smaller sizes in the ...
Laser-assisted processing techniques, utilized to produce fine, metal grid patterns for high-efficiency solar cells, are being investigated, developed, and characterized. The work performed in the third quarter of this contract is detailed here. A preliminary economic evaluation has yielded the conclusion that laser-assisted pyrolysis of spun-on silver neodecanoate is the most promising of all the metallization techniques being investigated in this contract. Early adhesion problems have been solved by optimizing deposition parameters. Linewidth studies have been carried out as a function of laser power, scan speed, and film thickness. Preliminary solar cells have been fabricated and characterized using this metallization scheme. Silver neodecanoate films have also been decomposed using a pulsed uv laser and metal mask. A detailed study of the various models of localized surface temperature rise in silicon due to laser heating has been carried out. A review of this ...
Laser-assisted processing techniques for producing high-quality solar cell metallization patterns are being investigated, developed, and characterized. A literature search was carried out on the various state-of-the-art laser-assisted techniques for metal deposition, including laser chemical vapor deposition and laser photolysis of organometallics, as well as laser-enhanced electroplating. The results of the literature survey are briefly summarized. Experiments were carried out on laser-enhanced electroplating. Deposition of metals by laser-assisted pyrolysis of a variety of metallo-organic inks and metal-bearing polymer solutions spun as films onto silicon wafers was carried out. A detailed study of the various models of localized surface temperature rise in silicon due to laser heating has been carried out. Progress is reported in fabricating laser-metallized solar cells with improved efficiencies. Cells fabricated are characterized. A ...
A study has been made of B transient enhanced diffusion (TED) in heavily P-doped Si using secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS). The P-doped silicon was implanted with boron ions of 40 keV energy to a dose of 3 {times} 10{sup 14} cm{sup {minus}2}, and then annealed at temperatures ranging from 700--1,000 C in a N{sub 2} ambient for varying durations. As P doping concentration increased from 3 {times} 10{sup 19} to 1 {times} 10{sup 20} cm{sup {minus}3}, boron diffusivity and the immobile boron fraction decreased. The experimental results are inconsistent with the predictions of the Fermi-level model and suggest that the clustering between B atoms and Si interstitials should be invoked in order to explain the immobile portion of the B peak during TED.