There is a rapidly growing need to evaluate sensor network functionality and performance in the context of the larger environment of infrastructure and applications in which the sensor network is organically embedded. This need, which is motivated by complex applications related to national security operations, leads to a paradigm fundamentally different from that of traditional data networks. In the sensor networks of interest to us, the network dynamics depend strongly on sensoractivity, which in turn is triggered by events in the environment. Because the behavior of sensor networks is sensitive to these driving phenomena, the integrity of the sensed observations, measurements and resource usage by the network can widely vary. It is therefore imperative to accurately capture the environmental phenomena, and drive the simulation of the ...
Purpose. The paper introduces a novel design of air-core inductive sensors in printed circuit board (PCB) technology for a tongue control system. The tongue control system provides a quadriplegic person with a keyboard and a joystick type of mouse for interaction with a computer or for control of an assistive device. Method. Activation of inductive sensors was performed with a cylindrical, soft ferromagnetic material (activation unit). Comparative analysis of inductive sensors in PCB technology with existing hand-made inductive sensors was performed with respect to inductance, resistance, and sensitivity to activation when the activation unit was placed in the center of the sensor. Optimisation of the activation unit was performed in a finite element model. Results. PCBs with ...
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 ...
A new monolithic semi-insulating (SI) GaAs sensor design for X-ray imaging applications between 10-100keV has been proposed. Monolithic pixel detectors offer a number of advantages over hybrid bump-bonded detectors, such as high device yield, low costs and are easier to produce large scale arrays. In this thesis, an investigation is made of the use of a SI GaAs wafer as both a detector element and substrate for the epitaxially grown High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs). The design of the HEMT transistors, optimised for this application, were produced with the aid of the Silvaco 'Virtual Wafer Fab' simulation package. It was determined that the device characteristics would consist of a small positive threshold voltage, a low off-state drain current and high transconductance. The final HEMT transistor design, that would be integrated to a pixel detector, had a threshold voltage of 0.17V, an off-state leakage current of ...
We have developed miniature (≈1 μm diameter) microcavity surface-plasmon-resonance sensors (MSPRS), integrated them with microfluidics and tested...Full Text Available
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.
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was initially viewed as energy sensor and activated by increased intracellular concentrations of AMP following nutrient deprivation. Physiological or pathological...Full Text Available
Giant magnetoresistance (GMR) has been used with Eddy current testing to detect small defects not only in thin film structures but also in multilayered metallic structures. This work detected small scratches in the thin film under the surface where these defects were unable to be inspected or monitored by regular testing. In addition, rotational GMR magnetic sensor based Eddy current probes were used for detecting buried corner cracks at the edge of holes in metallic structures. The results of this study proved that giant magnetoresistance is very powerful and effective to sense the magnetic field, which is the result from the perturbation of the Eddy currents caused by a defect. This method can be used for quality control of metallization layers on silicon wafer and to detect cracks in thick structures such as cracks in aging aircraft.
A novel electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor based on natural clay and ionic liquid was fabricated. Tris(2,2prime-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+) was immobilized on natural clay surface through simple adsorption. An ECL sensor was prepared by mixing Ru(bpy)32+-incorporated clay, graphite powder and an ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) as the binder. The electrochemical behavior and ECL of the immobilized Ru(bpy)32+ was investigated. It was observed that the ECL of immobilized Ru(bpy)32+ was activated by the ionic liquid. The proposed ECL sensor showed high sensitivity to tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) and the detection limit was found to be 20 pM. In addition, the ECL sensor displayed good stability for TPrA detection and long-term storage stability.
A lamp system with a very soft high-intensity output is provided over a large area by water cooling a long-arc lamp inside a diffuse reflector of polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) and titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) white pigment. The water is kept clean and pure by a one micron particulate filter and an activated charcoal/ultraviolet irradiation system that circulates and de-ionizes and biologically sterilizes the coolant water at all times, even when the long-arc lamp is off.
AMP-activated-protein-kinase (AMPK) is a key sensor and regulator of cellular and whole-body energy metabolism and plays a key role in regulation of lipid metabolism. Since lipid metabolism...Full Text Available
High-throughput synthesis and screening methods have been developed for the discovery of highly active catalysts for the control of emissions from stationary and mobile sources. Low temperature CO oxidation, CO methanation, NOx abatement and the destruction of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) will be discussed. The discovery libraries for primary screening consisted of both 11x11 and 16x16 catalyst arrays on 3 inch and 4 inch quartz wafers, respectively. Catalysts were prepared by robotic liquid dispensing techniques and screened for catalytic activity in Symyx's Scanning Mass Spectrometer. The screening protocols encompassed mixed metal oxides, perovskites and supported base and noble metals. Active hits were further optimized in focus libraries using shallower compositional gradients. The ScanMS is a fast serial screening tool that uses flat wafer catalyst surfaces, ...
Described herein is an optical probe (120) for use in characterizing surface defects in wafers, such as semiconductor wafers. The optical probe (120) detects laser light reflected from the surface (124) of the wafer (106) within various ranges of angles. Characteristics of defects in the surface (124) of the wafer (106) are determined based on the amount of reflected laser light detected in each of the ranges of angles. Additionally, a wafer characterization system (100) is described that includes the described optical probe (120).
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.
Fiber optic metrology developed at the CEA LIST laboratories involves fiber Bragg grating sensors, distributed Brillouin optical time domain reflectometry and optically stimulated luminescence dosimetry. Recent activities in optical fiber sensing are reviewed from laboratory experiments to field trials.
A highly sensitive and stable tris(2,2prime-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+) electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was developed based on carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersed in mesoporous composite films of sol-gel titania and perfluorosulfonated ionomer (Nafion). Single-wall (SWCNT) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) can be easily dispersed in the titania-Nafion composite solution. The hydrophobic CNT in the titania-Nafion composite films coated on a glassy carbon electrode certainly increased the amount of Ru(bpy)32+ immobilized in the ECL sensor by adsorption of Ru(bpy)32+ onto CNT surface, the electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of hydrophobic analytes, and the electronic conductivity of the composite films. Therefore, the present ECL sensor based on the CNT-...
High-power arc lamp design has enabled ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) annealing as an alternative to conventional rapid thermal processing (RTP) for ultrashallow junction formation. The time duration of the UHT annealing technique is significantly reduced from those obtained through conventional RTP. This difference in time may offer the ability to maintain a highly activated ultrashallow junction without being subjected to transient enhanced diffusion (TED), which is typically observed during postimplant thermal processing. In this study, two 200-mm (100) n-type Czochralski-grown Si wafers were preamorphized with either a 48- or a 5-keV Ge"+ implant to 5x10"1"4 cm"2, and subsequently implanted with 3-keV BF_2"+ molecular ions to 6x10"1"4 cm"2. The wafers were sectioned and annealed under various conditions in order to investigate the effects of the UHT annealing technique on the resulting junction characteristics. The main ...
A system and method for enabling human beings to communicate by way of their monitored brain activity. The brain activity of an individual is monitored and transmitted to a remote location (e.g. by satellite). At the remote location, the monitored brain activity is compared with pre-recorded normalized brain activity curves, waveforms, or patterns to determine if a match or substantial match is found. If such a match is found, then the computer at the remote location determines that the individual was attempting to communicate the word, phrase, or thought corresponding to the matched stored normalized signal.
Sep 9, 2009... a French Ariane rocket successfully launched a new Earth-observing satellite ... The payload is a pair of identical sensors known as "high-resolution ... the resulting image) are activated simultaneously by incoming radiation; ...
BackgroundObesity is one of the principal causative factors involved in the development of metabolic syndrome. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensor that regulates...Full Text Available
We have investigated the effect of excimer laser annealing (ELA) on transient enhanced diffusion (TED) and activation of boron implanted in Si during subsequent rapid thermal annealing (RTA). It is observed that ELA with partial melting of the implanted region causes reduction of TED in the region that remains solid during ELA, where the diffusion length of boron is reduced by a factor of #approx#4 as compared to the as-implanted sample. This is attributed to several mechanisms such as liquid-state annealing of a fraction of the implantation induced defects, introduction of excess vacancies during ELA, and solid-state annealing of the defects beyond the maximum melting depth by the heat wave propagating into the Si wafer. The ELA pretreatment provides a substantially improved electrical activation of boron during subsequent RTA.
Increasing the speed and complexity of semiconductor integrated circuits requires advanced processes that put extreme constraints on the level of metal contamination allowed on the surfaces of silicon wafers. Such contamination degrades the performance of the ultrathin SiO sub 2 gate dielectrics that form the heart of the individual transistors. Ultimately, reliability and yield are reduced to levels that must be improved before new processes can be put into production. It should be noted that much of this metal contamination occurs during the wet chemical etching and rinsing steps required for the manufacture of integrated circuits and industry is actively developing new processes that have already brought the metal contamination to levels beyond the measurement capabilities of conventional analytical techniques. The measurement of these extremely low contamination levels has required the use of synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray ...
Sandia National Laboratories has recently developed two major field test capabilities for unattended ground sensor systems at the Department of energy`s Nevada Test Site (NTS). The first capability utilizes the NTS large area, varied terrain, and intrasite communications systems for testing sensors for detecting and tracking vehicular traffic. Sensor and ground truth data can be collected at either of two secure control centers. This system also includes an automated ground truth capability that consists of differential Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receivers on test vehicles and live TV coverage of critical road sections. Finally there is a high-speed, secure computer network link between the control centers and the Air Force`s Theater Air Command and Control Simulation Facility in Albuquerque NM. The second capability is Bunker 2-300. It is a facility for evaluating advanced sensor systems for ...
The objectives of this study are to make a biosensor on a trial basis which can instantaneously measure the nitrogen in wastewater, and to develop a wastewater treatment system which is capable of on-line measurement and controlling. The system provides easier operational control relating to such a high efficient treatment as the removal of nitrogen content in wastewater, serving as a solution to the eutrophication problem. It can be applied also to the analysis of fertilizer components for agriculture. Ammonia oxidizing bacteria were immobilized with cellulose acetate film, which is mounted on a diaphragm type oxygen electrode to make a sensor, and its responsibility was studied. The gradient is slow in high concentration but sharp in low concentration, and it seems possible to use it for the measurement for less than 20 ppm nitrogen concentration. The dependence of the sensor including electrodes and activity of bacteria ...
A highly sensitive and stable tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)_3 "2"+) electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was developed based on carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersed in mesoporous composite films of sol-gel titania and perfluorosulfonated ionomer (Nafion). Single-wall (SWCNT) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) can be easily dispersed in the titania-Nafion composite solution. The hydrophobic CNT in the titania-Nafion composite films coated on a glassy carbon electrode certainly increased the amount of Ru(bpy)_3 "2"+ immobilized in the ECL sensor by adsorption of Ru(bpy)_3 "2"+ onto CNT surface, the electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of hydrophobic analytes, and the electronic conductivity of the composite films. Therefore, the present ECL sensor based on the CNT-titania-Nafion showed improved ECL sensitivity for tripropylamine (TPA) compared to the ECL ...
A highly sensitive and stable tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy){sub 3} {sup 2+}) electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was developed based on carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersed in mesoporous composite films of sol-gel titania and perfluorosulfonated ionomer (Nafion). Single-wall (SWCNT) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) can be easily dispersed in the titania-Nafion composite solution. The hydrophobic CNT in the titania-Nafion composite films coated on a glassy carbon electrode certainly increased the amount of Ru(bpy){sub 3} {sup 2+} immobilized in the ECL sensor by adsorption of Ru(bpy){sub 3} {sup 2+} onto CNT surface, the electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of hydrophobic analytes, and the electronic conductivity of the composite films. Therefore, the present ECL sensor based on the CNT-titania-Nafion showed improved ECL sensitivity for tripropylamine (TPA) ...
A electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for itopride was developed based on tris(2,2-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+)-doped silica (RuDS) nanoparticles/biopolymer chitosan composites membrane modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The RuDS nanoparticles (52+-5nm) were prepared by a modified Stber synthesis method and were characterized by electrochemical, fluorometric and transmission electron microscopy technology. The Ru(bpy)32+ encapsulation interior of the silica nanoparticle maintains its electrochemical activities and also reduces Ru(bpy)32+ leaching from the silica matrix when immersed in water due to the electrostatic interaction. The ECL analytical performances of this ECL sensor for itopride based on its enhancement ECL emission of Ru(bpy)32+ were investigated in d...
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.).
Sulfuric acid hydrogen peroxide mixtures (SPM) are commonly used in the semiconductor industry to remove organic contaminants from wafer surfaces. This viscous solution is very difficult to rinse off water surfaces. Various rinsing conditions were tested and the resulting residual acid left on the water surface was measured. Particle growth resulting from incomplete rinse is correlated with the amount of sulfur on the wafer surface measured by Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS). The amount of sulfur on the wafer structure after the rinse step is strongly affected by the wafer film type and contact angle prior to the SPM clean.
Classical beam line ion implantation is limited to low energies and cannot achieve P+/N junctions requested for <45nm ITRS node. RTA (rapid thermal annealing) needs to be improved for dopants activation and damage reductions. Spike annealing process also induces a large diffusion mainly due to TED (transient enhanced diffusion). Compared to conventional beam line ion implantation limited to a minimum energy implantation of 200eV, plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) is an emerging technique to get ultimate shallow profiles (as-implanted) due to no lower limitation of energy and high dose rate. On the another hand, laser thermal processing (LTP) allows to obtain very shallow junction with no TED, abrupt profile and activated depth control. In this paper, we show the implementation of the BF_3 PIII associated with the LTP. Ions from BF_3"+ plasma have been implanted in 200mm n-type silicon wafers with energies from ...
During its jubilee, the French building technical and scientific centre (CSTB) has organized a colloquium about the future tendencies of buildings evolution in the 20 forthcoming years: autonomy in energy production and wastes or effluents management, reduction of water consumption and management of water, hot water production and space heating, bio-sensors for the management of indoor air-quality, control of noise environment using active acoustic systems etc.. (J.S.)
We discuss the use of active control to reduce mirror position fluctuations at the quantum level. We have shown in a recent experiment that it is possible to reduce the thermal noise of a mirror by measuring and controlling its motion with an optomechanical sensor based on a high-finesse optical cavity. This approach can be extended to lock the mirror motion at the quantum level, and to suppress the quantum effects of radiation pressure in interferometric measurements such as gravitational-wave detectors. The sensitivity improvement is furthermore independent of losses in the interferometer.
The effect of the moisture content in amorphous polymers (PS, PVC, PMMA) on their electro-physical properties is considered. Analytical relationships describing the inflence of the external-field frequency and environmental relative humidity on the conductivity of the polymers are given. For the use of these polymers as active elements of moisture sensors, the moisture-resistive effect is estimated.
Sulfuric acid hydrogen peroxide mixtures (SPM) are commonly used in the semiconductor industry to remove organic contaminants from wafer surfaces. This viscous solution is very difficult to rinse off wafer surfaces. Various rinsing conditions were tested and the resulting residual contamination on the wafer surface was measured. The addition of small amounts of a chemical base such as ammonium hydroxide to the rinse water has been found to be effective in reducing the surface concentration of sulfur and also mitigates the particle growth that occurs on SPM cleaned wafers. The volume of room temperature water required to rinse these wafers is also significantly reduced.
During thirty years the techniques used for sensing the environment have changed dramatically. This paper describes the latest generation of sensors available. This new generation of sensors includes those two most critical gas sensors for methane and carbon monoxide and new sensors for airflow and air temperature. When these sensors are combined with the new sensors for machine condition monitoring it forms the heart of the Sentex system. 2 figs.
The results of a study on the application of remote sensing and geophysical methods for the detection and monitoring of acid mine drainage (AMD) are summarized, with emphasis on those that appear most suitable. The study consisted of a literature review, an information survey of users and suppliers, and discussions with various experts. Space-borne sensors, airborne sensors, airborne videography and digital frame cameras, spectroradiometers, radar, and photographic data are considered. Geophysical methods are effective for measurement of sulphides, areas of active chemical oxidation, acid mine drainage, and contaminated ground water movement. The popularity and effectiveness of various geophysical methods are rated for AMD applications. 25 refs., 1 fig., 3 tabs.
New methodologies for fabrication of multilevel packaging, particularly for RF signal analysis, are investigated. A new method for ``gluing'' silicon wafers together with a Self Assembled Monolayers (SAMs) based nanoglue are discussed, as are methods to enable its use with nonconforming wafers. Results of bond strength measurements as a function of temperature and process will be presented. Surface area bonded is characterized by infrared (IR) imaging. We will also present a method of inducing self-alignment between whole silicon wafers with micrometer precision. This represents a qualitative departure from alignment of millimeter-sized object as has been previously demonstrated. Self-alignment is induced by creating hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions on the wafers and using capillary forces of water in these regions to force the wafers to align with little to no outside influence. ...
... Tunnel Sensors Equipment on Environmental Expert Find and compare a variety of tunnel sensors equipment on the world's largest environmental industry portal. View ...
The DLTS technique was employed to study deep defect centers in Si doped epitaxial layers of Al_0_._3_7Ga_0_._1_6In_0_._4_7P grown by MOCVD as a part of epitaxial structure GaAs/AlGaInP/GaAs on GaAs substrates. A high concentration of DX centers located in a region near the inverted interface GaAs/Al_0_._3_7Ga_0_._1_6In_0_._4_7P was found. The width of this region with the maximum DX center concentration ranges from 5 to 20 nm. By filling the DX centers in the whole region, the activation energy for electron emission was found to be 0.48 eV. However, it is shown for the first time, that the activation energy of the DX center increases with increasing the distance from the GaAs/Al_0_._3_7Ga_0_._1_6In_0_._4_7P inverted interface. A nonuniform of the DX center concentration on the wafers is also observed. The concentration varies in the range of 1#centre dot#10"1"7 cm"-"3 - 10"1"8 cm"-"3. (author)
... is the sensor that converts incoming photons into a ... with CCD foundries to acquire such a sensor. ... 2007, Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 44, 910 ...
Along with the shrinkage of LSI geometries, a higher quality of ultrapure water has been continuously required. Analytical technology for ultrapure water has also progressed before ultrapure water production technology improvements. In this study, we performed optimization of the analytical conditions for the direct analysis of acid droplets, and established an analytical technology for measurements of trace amounts of metallic impurities deposited on a wafer surface by means of Vapor Phase Decomposition (VPD)/Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). As a result, analytical technology for metallic elements of the 1x10"8 atoms/cm"2 level on wafer surface has been established. By applying analytical technology to the wafer that has been contacted with ultrapure water, a new evaluation technology for ultrapure water quality by means of wafer surface contamination has been established. We ...
Traditionally wafer bumps are made from Pb containing solders. Over 20 years ago IBM recognized that {sup 210}Pb has a decay chain resulting in a 5.4 MeV alpha particle that induces soft errors. A variety of efforts to produce and characterize low alpha Pb ensued. Work at Honeywell over the past several years has shown that low alpha lead activity does not follow the decay signature predicted from {sup 210}Pb secular equilibrium. Data are presented indicating that smelting has a minimal effect on {sup 210}Pb/{sup 210}Po secular equilibrium and that other trace radionuclides are the alpha source. The implications of these data to possible alpha emitter sources in lead free solders are discussed, along with a method developed by Honeywell to remove alpha emitters from lead free solder components.
... 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 ...
Ultraviolet light can be used to immobilize biomolecules onto thiol reactive surfaces in order to, e.g., make biosensors. The mechanism involves light-induced formation of free, reactive thiol groups in disulphide containing molecules. This technology allows for the creation of arrays of biomolecules with a high degree of reproducibility, circumventing the need for often expensive nano/micro-dispensing technologies. The ultimate size of the immobilized spots is defined by the focal area of the UV beam. Light-induced immobilization has the added benefit that the immobilized molecules will be spatially oriented and covalently bound to the surface. In this paper, we demonstrate the utility of a sensor array created with the new sensor technology when integrated into a microfluidic system. Protein arrays made using light-induced immobilization showed successful antigen/antibody binding in a flow cell allowing the visualisation of real time binding ...
The fission fragments from spontaneous fission of 252Cf have been measured with the spectrometric and position-sensitive semiconductor pixel detector Medipix2. Fragments are identified by pattern recognition of clusters generated in the Medipix2 pixel matrix sensor upon heavy particle hit. From analysis of cluster area, the distribution of kinetic energy of fission fragments is obtained. Together with a novel USB readout interface, the Medipix2/USB system operates as active nuclear emulsion in single-quantum and on-line tracking mode.
We describe a position-sensitive event-counting microchannel plate detector with a quadrant anode readout system that combines the advantages of several centroid-finding readout techniques. The relative amount of charge collected by each quadrant of the anode mounted behind the output side of the microchannel plate is used to localize each event. The position-sensitive area is about 80% of the active microchannel plate surface. By changing a single voltage a remote-controlled image magnification can be achieved. Due to a correction function that minimizes image distortions the imaging characteristics of this low-cost readout system are similar to those of expensive resistive anodes.
We describe a position-sensitive event-counting microchannel plate detector with a quadrant anode readout system that combines the advantages of several centroid-finding readout techniques. The relative amount of charge collected by each quadrant of the anode mounted behind the output side of the microchannel plate is used to localize each event. The position-sensitive area is about 80% of the active microchannel plate surface. By changing a single voltage a remote-controlled image magnification can be achieved. Due to a correction function that minimizes image distortions the imaging characteristics of this low-cost readout system are similar to those of expensive resistive anodes. (orig.).
We describe a position-sensitive event-counting microchannel plate detector with a quadrant anode readout system that combines the advantages of several centroid-finding readout techniques. The relative amount of charge collected by each quadrant of the anode mounted behind the output side of the microchannel plate is used to localize each event. The position-sensitive area is about 80% of the active microchannel plate surface. By changing a single voltage a remote-controlled image magnification can be achieved. Due to a correction function that minimizes image distortions the imaging characteristics of this low-cost readout system are similar to those of expensive resistive anodes.
For visible-light-emitting laser diodes, InGaAsP double heterostructures have been grown on GaAs substrates using liquid-phase epitaxy. As the growth temperature is as high as about 780 /sup 0/C, a large amount of phosphorus evaporates from the solutions for the cladding layers during the growth process. The phosphorus vapor disturbs the solution composition for the active layer, so that very thin and uniform active layers cannot be obtained. By using In-P-Sn solution and supplying the phosphorus partial pressure around the graphite boat, the influence of phosphorus vapor ambient for InGaAsP (lambda/sub P//sub L/ = 805 nm) growth is confirmed. When the phosphorus partial pressure increases, the surface of epitaxial layer becomes rough and the substrate is partly etched back. From x-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectral measurements, the composition of the grown layer is also found to be changed. As a result of increasing the flow rate ...
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.
A six-axis active vibration isolation system (AVIS) is designed by using the direct driven guide and ball contact mechanisms in order to have no cross-coupling between actuators. The point contact configuration gives an advantage of having an easy assembly of eight voice coil actuators to an upper and a base plate. A voice coil actuator is used since it can provide a large displacement and sufficient bandwidth required for vibration control. The AVIS is controlled considering the effect of flexible vibration mode in the upper plate and velocity sensor dynamics. A loop shaping technique and phase margin condition are applied to design a vibration controller. The performances of the AVIS are investigated in the frequency domain and finally validated by comparing with the passive isolation system. The scanning profiles of the specimen are compared together by using the atomic force microscope. The robustness of the AVIS is verified by showing the ...
Protecting sensitive items from undetected tampering in an unattended environment is crucial to the success of non-proliferation efforts relying on the verification of critical activities. Tamper Indicating Packaging (TIP) technologies are applied to containers, packages, and equipment that require an indication of a tamper attempt. Examples include: the transportation and storage of nuclear material, the operation and shipment of surveillance equipment and monitoring sensors, and the retail storage of medicine and food products. The spectrum of adversarial tampering ranges from attempted concealment of a pin-hole sized penetration to the complete container replacement, which would involve counterfeiting efforts of various degrees. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) has developed a technology base for advanced TIP materials, sensors, designs, and processes which can be adapted to various future monitoring systems. The ...
The video documents the results of a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR-Phase II) project conducted for DARPA focusing on the use of all-source overhead remote sensor imagery for monitoring underground nuclear tests and related activities. The documentation includes: (1) the main unclassified body of the report; (2) a separate ground truth Annex; and (3) a separate classified Annex. Autometric's approach was to investigate the exploitation potential of the various sensors, especially the fusion of products from them in combination with each other and other available collateral data. This approach featured empirical analyses of multisensor/multispectral imagery and collateral data collected before, during, and after an actual underground nuclear test (named 'BEXAR'). Advanced softcopy digital image processing and hardcopy image interpretation techniques were investigated for the research. ...
A novel method for the determination of metoclopramide (MCP) using electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) is presented. A tris(2,2prime-bipyridyl)dichlororuthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+)-doped silica (RuDS) nanoparticle/perfluoinated ion-exchange resin (Nafion) with nanocomposite membrane modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) is used. The Ru(bpy)32+ encapsulation interior of the silica nanoparticle maintains its electrochemical activities and also reduces Ru(bpy)32+ leaching from the silica matrix when immersed in water due to the electrostatic interaction. The analytical performance of this ECL sensor for MCP is shown in detail. Under optimal experimental conditions, it has good linearity in the concentration range from 2x10-8mol/L to 1x10-5mol/L (R=0.9989) with a detection limit of 7x10-9mo...
Laser devices are currently in widespread use in particular by armed forces for different tasks. Electro-optical sensors as well as unprotected human eyes are extremely sensitive to laser radiation and can be permanently damaged from direct or reflected beams. Laser damage depends on the interaction between the laser beam and the atmosphere in which it traverses. The atmospheric conditions, including the range, terrain features, turbulence, and atmospheric particulates, may alter the laser's effect on different electro-optical devices and systems. When a laser beam passes through the atmosphere the optical turbulence affects the beam. As a result, temporal intensity fluctuations (scintillations) or spatial variations in intensity within a beam cross-section occur. Atmospheric scintillations pose a safety problem because an observer or sensor can be subjected to the risk of a localized irradiance (local focusing effect) much greater than that ...
5 days ago... Sun sensors, 2 secondary Sun sensors, and an Earth sensor. ... This continued intermittently until the rocket burn, at which time ... with incoming asymptotic direction at an angle of -13.6 degrees from the lunar equator. ...
USGS scientists Laura Clor and Tim Moloney installing a temperature sensor under a public boardwalk in Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park....
The operating principle is examined for an optical sensor for the angle of rotation of the drag ODUP-1 developed and manufactured by the VNII-1. Basic technical data are presented for the experimental model.
In this paper, we report an optical fiber sensor for measuring temperature based on bimetallic concept. The sensor is designed by following the basic principle of Fabry-Perot interferometer and theoretical detail of the sensor has been outlined here with a numerical study. An important feature of the proposed sensor is that the fabrication will be done on a commercial multimode optical fiber. The Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based fabrication process could be performed directly on a multimode optical fiber end face which will eliminate the need for adhesive in packaging. The sensor could be fabricated as sensor arrays for micro level applications. The potential application of the proposed optical sensor includes biomedical applications, nano research, microfluidics, and other ME...
This research deals with in the study of the use of innovating magnetic sensors in eddy current non destructive inspection. The author reports an analysis survey of magnetic sensor performances. This survey enables the selection of magnetic sensor technologies used in non destructive inspection. He presents the state-of-the-art of eddy current probes exploiting the qualities of innovating magnetic sensors, and describes the methods enabling the use of these magnetic sensors in non destructive testing. Two main applications of innovating magnetic sensors are identified: the detection of very small defects by means of magneto-resistive sensors, and the detection of deep defects by means of giant magneto-impedances. Based on the use of modelling, optimization, signal processing tools, probes are manufactured for these both applications.
A set of advanced models implemented into the simulator Sentaurus Process was applied to simulate ultra shallow junction formation by flash lamp annealing (FLA). The full path transient enhanced diffusion model includes equations for small interstitial clusters (I_2, I_3, I_4), #left brace#3 1 1#right brace# defects and dislocation loops. A dopant-point defect clustering model is used for dopant activation simulation. Several cluster types are considered: B_2, B_2I, B_2I_2, B_3I, B_3I_2, B_3I_3 for boron and As_2, As_2V, As_3, As_3V, As_4, As_4V for arsenic. Different point defect and dopant-point defect pair charge states are taken into account to obtain accurate results in the high doping level region. The flux expressions in the three-phase segregation model include a dependence on the doping level and point defect supersaturation. The FLA process was performed at various peak temperatures in a Mattson Millios"T"M fRTP"T"M system. The measured ...
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 mission to the surface of Venus would have high scientific value, but most electronic devices and sensors cannot operate at the 450degreeC ambient surface temperature of Venus. Power and cooling systems were analyzed for Venus surface operation. A radioisotope power and cooling system was designed to provide electrical power for a probe operating on the surface of Venus. For a mission duration of substantial length, the use of thermal mass to maintain an operable temperature range is likely impractical, and active refrigeration may be required to keep components at a temperature below ambient. Due to the high thermal convection of the high-density atmosphere, the heat rejection temperature was assumed to be at a 500degreeC radiator temperature, 50degreeC above ambient. The radioisotope S...
Computer vision imposes unique requirements on the representation and manipulation of image data and knowledge. At a vision system's lowest level are sensors that represent an image with purely numeric image arrays, while at the highest level are semantic world models that provide the final interpretation of the scene. In between are thousands of intermediate descriptions, many of which must be repeatedly accessed and processed during interpretation. In this article, the authors describe a representation and management system for use at the intermediate (symbolic) level of vision. Based on database management methodology, the intermediate symbolic representation (ISR) mediates access to intermediate-level vision data and forms an active interface to the higher-level inference processes that construct an image's interpretation. The system supports important types of data and operations and can be adapted to the changing needs ...
Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of catalase (Cat) was studied based on a nano-composite film consisting of amine functionalized graphene and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified glassy carbon electrode. Graphene was synthesized chemically by Hummers and Offeman method and then was functionalized with amino groups via chemical modification of carboxyl groups introduced on the graphene surface. The nano-composite film showed an obvious promotion of the direct electron transfer between Cat and the underlying electrode, which attributed to the synergistic effect of graphene-NH2 and AuNPs. The resultant bioelectrode retained its biocatalytic activity and offered fast and sensitive H2O2 quantification. Under the optimized experimental conditions, hydrogen peroxide was detected in the...
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 ...
The presence of natural fractures in reservoir rock can significantly enhance gas production, especially in tight gas formations. Any general knowledge of the existence, location, orientation, spatial density, and connectivity of natural fractures, as well as general reservoir structure, that can be obtained prior to active seismic acquisition and drilling can be exploited to identify key areas for subsequent higher resolution active seismic imaging. Current practices for estimating fracture properties before the acquisition of surface seismic data are usually based on the assumed geology and tectonics of the region, and empirical or fracture mechanics-based relationships between stratigraphic curvature and fracturing. The objective of this research is to investigate the potential of multicomponent surface sensor arrays, and passive seismic sources in the form of local earthquakes to identify and characterize potential ...
The development of solid state chemical sensors, and more specifically of gas sensors, is carried out with great strength in the present time since the environmental pollution and the security in work and domestic ambient are problems of great interest and social impact. The main fields of application, are: automobile, domestic sensors, control of industrial process, bio medicine, environment. These chemical sensors are experimenting a great advance because of the advantages they offer, as low cost, simple operation, possibility of measure continuous and ''In situ'' and small size, in contrast with analytical techniques that need complex instrumentation and large size equipments. In the present work, a sensor for CO detecting concentrations as low as 50 p.p.m., is studied showing great interest since this gas is highly toxic even to such a low ...
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.
A novel acidizing process is used to increase the permeability of carbonate rock cores in the laboratory and to remove drilling fluid damage from cores and wafers. Field results show the benefits of the technology as applied both to injector and producer wells.
In this contract, Laser-assisted processing techniques for producing high-quality solar cell metallization patterns are being investigated, developed, and characterized. The tasks comprising these investigations are outlined. Four new batches of solar cells were processed, in addition to several test runs on wafers, using the laser decomposition of spun-on silver neodecanoate to metallize cells. Decomposition of silver neodecanoate was carried out at different laser powers on different cells on a given wafer to determine whether this would have any effect on cell performance. A one watt laser power gave an electroplated linewidth of 50 microns , while at 8 watts the line width was 90 microns.
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.
One of the least understood regions of the upper atmosphere is the thermosphere, principally due to the difficulty of making observations. The neutral atmosphere is known to be highly variable, and its composition and density varies by several orders of magnitude due to solar activity, diurnal cycles, latitude, geomagnetic activity, and gravity waves. In the past, most in-situ measurements of the neutral atmosphere have utilized detectors that are dependent on arrival angle and energy accommodation of incoming species, so that information related to nascent velocity distribution and reactive species abundances is often masked. This paper will review design concepts and laboratory tests related to the development of a novel open-ionizer, neutral particle detector for space environment measurements which can overcome these limitations. The sensor features a very large field-of-view suitable for sounding rocket missions. ...
Sensitive and quick-response nonlinear inductance characteristics are found for high Tc superconducting (YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-chi/) disk cores at 77K in which soft magnetic BH hysteresis loops are observed. Various quick response magnetic devices such as modulators, amplifiers and sensors are built using these cores. The magnetizing frequency can be set to more than 20 MHz, which is difficult for conventional ferromagnetic bulk materials such as Permalloy amorphous alloys and ferrite. New quick-response fluxgate type magnetic-field sensors are made using ac and dc voltage sources. The former is used for second-harmonic type sensors, while the latter is for voltage-output multivibrator type sensors. Stable and quick-response sensor characteristics were obtained for two-core type multivibrators.
Composed of Sun sensors, the Canopus sensor, the inertial reference unit, ... The heart of the system was a 100-pound-thrust rocket whose hypergolic, ... The spacecraft's low-gain antenna picked up all incoming signals from the NASA-JPL ...
A roller bearing hot box sensor utilizing a metallic temperature sensitive elongated wire element. The wire element contacts at temperatures in the range of about 125 F to about 225 F so that when the contraction movement of the wire is attached to a conn...
The Aer protein in Escherichia coli is a membrane-bound, FAD-containing aerotaxis and energy sensor that putatively monitors the redox state of the electron transport system. Binding...Full Text Available
Four temperature sensors were provided instead of the previous two sensors. 4. ... Incoming signals from either one or two ground stations at a frequency of .... The propulsion subsystem consists of a single solid-propellant rocket motor. ...
Aug 25, 2004 ... Current Developments in Future Planetary Probe Sensors: .... Data: Outgoing and incoming EIA RS-422 interface for serial data transmission (for electrical purposes only, .... Milos, et. al, Journal of Spacecraft & Rockets 1999 ...
We report on a high resolution, monolithic crystal PET detector design concept that provides depth of interaction (DOI) positioning within the crystal. Our design utilizes a novel sensor on...Full Text Available
... from theory to practice will be significantly reduced while intrinsically revolutionizing the approach to engineering network security architectures. ...
based sensors, and a host of other scientific ... and change the balance between incoming and outgoing energy. ..... have launched on a larger rocket, flown in ...
This annex provides a description of the sensor schemes and the non-destructive testing (NDT) methods that have been investigated in this project. Acoustic emission and fibre optic sensors are described in some detail whereas only the key features of well-established NDT methods are presented. Estimates of the cost of different sensor systems are given and the advantages and disadvantages of the different schemes is discussed. (au)
... is disengaged from the spent rocket motor by a ... of the outbound and incoming modu- ... meteorological sensor and reference resistor is accomplished ...
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.)
... and airborne sensors to track incoming ICBMs. The experiment was designed to determine how the intentional release of rocket propellants from an incoming ...
An apparatus for sensing chemicals over extended range of concentrations. In particular, first and second sensors each having separate, but overlapping ranges for sensing concentrations of hydrogen are provided. Preferably, the first sensor is a MOS solid state device wherein the metal electrode or gate is a nickel alloy. The second sensor is a chemiresistor comprising a nickel alloy.
The device, aimed at non destructive control of the inner side of tubes such as steam generator tubes, is composed of a control sensor mounted on a support; the sensor head may rotate in the tube and a measuring system and signal processing allow for the exact determination of the angular position of the sensor head (application to ultrasonic or eddy current probes).
The work reported in this paper is focused on an effective and efficient solution, namely Smart Isolation Mount for Army Guns (SIMAG), to the weapon stabilization and fire control issues facing US Army guns. SIMAG is composed of the optimum integration of two innovative technologies. Vibration Control by Confinement and smart senor/actuator/active control systems. The combined approach may also be applied to a gun barrel to reduce its undesired vibratory motions excited by external and internal disturbances, such as gun firing action. SIMAG reconfigures the distribution and propagation of excess vibration energy and confines vibrations to certain non-critical regions or modes within a structure. Concentrated passive, active, or smart damping elements or cancellation techniques may be applied to more effectively dissipate or cancel the trapped vibrations and to prevent build up in the assembly. As the active elements, an ...
The present study was designed to assess the radioprotective effects of amifostine on ovarian follicles. Three week-old female mice with or without pretreatment of amifostine were irradiated with 6.42 Gy of #gamma# -ray. Ovaries were collected 0 and 6h after irradiation. DNA fragmentation pattern and expression of genes and activity of proteins related with apoptosis were investigated by means of RT-PCR and Western blot. Proliferation of granulosa cells was reduced and incidence rate of follicular atresia was increased in ovarian follicles in #gamma# -ray irradiated mice compared to those in control or amifostine-treated group. DNA fragmentation was increased in time-dependent manner in granulosa cells of all irradiated groups. However, no difference between amifostine pre-treated group and irradiated groups was found and the expression of p53 as tumor suppressor gene and Bax as one of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family was increased in irradiated mice ovaries. PARP as DNA ...
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.
In this contract, Laser-assisted processing techniques for producing high-quality solar cell metallization patterns are being investigated, developed, and characterized. The tasks comprising these investigations are outlined. Four new batches of solar cells were processed, in addition to several test runs on wafers, using the laser decomposition of spun-on silver neodecanoate to metallize cells. Decomposition of silver neodecanoate was carried out at different laser powers on different cells on a given wafer to determine whether this would have any effect on cell performance. A one watt laser power gave an electroplated linewidth of 50 ..mu..m, while at 8 watts the line width was 90 ..mu..m.
Herein, we demonstrate the structure of the PS colloidal crystals which were fabricated on the hydrophilic/hydrophobic Si wafers by a spin-coating technique. Monodisperse PS colloids are spin-coated onto self-assembled monolayers of 3-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane and propyltrimethoxysilane coated Si wafers. PS spheres organized as ordered close-packed face-centered cubic structure with (111) planes on the hydrophilic surface while they gathered without the crystal structure on the hydrophobic surface. This paper also reports a simple and rapid method to fabricate the close-packed structure of hollow TiO2 spheres. The colloidal crystal of TiO2 hollow spheres was prepared using the PS sphere template on the hydrophobic surface. The mechanism for the growing multilayers of self-assembled PS p...
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.
The Y2K problem may impact on nuclear installations in a number of ways because embedded systems are used in nuclear routine operation, monitoring and control system. The very simplest embedded systems are capable of performing only a single function or set of functions to meet a single predetermined purpose. In more complex systems the functioning of the embedded system is determined by an application program that enables the embedded system to be used for a particular purpose in a specific application. The simplest devices consist of a single microprocessor which may itself be packaged with other chips in a hybrid system or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Its input comes from a detector or sensor and its output goes to a switch or activator which may start or stop the operation of a positioning motors or, by operating a valve, may control the flow of cooling system to reactor core. Embedded systems in our organization are also ...
Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on various metal, semiconductor or insulator substrates can be easily modified with specific functional groups of interest and have promising applications in surface wetting (hydrophobic/hydrophilic modification), tribology, corrosion protection, sensor electrodes modification, molecular and biomolecular recognition, protein adsorption, cell adhesion, and molecular- or organic-electronic device fabrications. In this paper, we highlight recent progress in the development of SAMs on solid substrates as well as their practical applications, with particular emphasis on the characterization of self-assembled aromatic thiol monolayers with different functional groups on Au(1 1 1) using synchrotron-based photoemission spectroscopy and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure measurements. The SAM-related molecular orientation, electronic structures, and chemical bonding are presented. Using copper(II) phthalocyanine as a model system, we ...
Simple and low cost biosensor based on screen-printed electrode for sensitive detection of some alkylphenols was developed, by entrapment of HRP in a nanocomposite gel based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF(6)]) ionic liquid. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, CV and EIS studies demonstrate the interaction between SWCNTs and ionic liquid. The nanocomposite gel, SWCNT-[BMIM][PF(6)] provides to the modified sensor a considerable enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward hydrogen peroxide reduction. The HRP based biosensor exhibits high sensitivity and good stability, allowing a detection of the alkylphenols at an applied potential of -0.2V vs. Ag/AgCl, in linear range from 5.5 to 97.7?M for 4-t-octylphenol and respectively, between 5.5 and 140?M for 4-n-nonylphenol, with a response time of about 5s. The detection limit was 1.1?M for 4-t-octylphenol, and respectively 0.4?M for ...
In the San Joaquin River Basin, California, a realtime water quality forecasting model was developed to help improve the management of saline agricultural and wetland drainage to meet water quality objectives. Predicted salt loads from the water quality forecasting model, SJRIODAY, were consistently within +- 11 percent of actual, within +- 14 percent for seven-day forecasts, and with in +- 26 percent for 14-day forecasts for the 16-month trial period. When the 48 days dominated by rainfall/runoff events were eliminated from the data set, the error bar decreased to +- 9 percent for the model and +- 11 percent and +- 17 percent for the seven-day and 14-day forecasts, respectively. Constraints on the use of the model for salinity management on the San Joaquin River include the number of entities that control or influence water quality and the lack of a centralized authority to direct their activities. The lack of real-time monitoring sensors for ...
Gas transmission pipelines are susceptible to both internal (gas side) and external (soil side) corrosion attack. Internal corrosion is caused by the presence of salt laden moisture, CO{sub 2}, H{sub 2}S, and perhaps O{sub 2} in the natural gas. Internal corrosion usually manifests itself as general corrosion. However, the presence of chlorides in entrained water also can lead to pitting corrosion damage. The electrochemical noise technique can differentiate general from localized corrosion and provide estimates of corrosion rates without external perturbation of the corroding system. It is increasingly being applied to field and industrial installations for in situ corrosion monitoring. It has been used here to determine its suitability for monitoring internal and external corrosion damage on gas transmission pipelines. Corrosion measurements were made in three types of environments: (1) aqueous solutions typical of those found within gas pipelines in equilibrium with th e corrosive ...
The industrial policy of fine ceramics which is one of the new material expected to solve energy/environmental problem, is described. Fine ceramics are possessed with the characteristics like surpassing electromagnetic properties, heat resistance, high strength, etc. and its use as highly efficient power generation plant material, functional material for various sensors/electronic, and activation of existing industries are cited. As for the reclamation of global environment, promotion of saving energy in a global scale, development of innovative environmental technology and increase of carbon dioxide absorption source are described. Furthermore, research and development work in Japan on global environmental industrial technology for 1992 to 1993, new sunshine project and technical developments relating to fine ceramics are explained. As for the results of research and development, the results from the case study of 300kw type gas turbine are ...
The environmental data for the NSDN are presented in the form of tables for each solar site. The solar sites are grouped into 12 zones, each of which consists of several adjacent states. The solar energy sites are in alphabetical sequence within each zone. The tables provide available meteorological data for reporting sites in the NSDN as follows: Insolation - the insolation table presents the total, diffuse, direct, maximum, and extra-terrestrial radiation for the solar site. It also shows the ratio of total extra-terrestrial radiation, as a percent. Temperature - the temperature table gives the average, daytime, nightime, maximum, minimum and inlet-water temperatures for the solar site. Additional tables are presented for some of these NSDN sites, supplying either wind or relative humidity data, or both. Wind - all of the passive and some of the active solar sites are equipped with wind sensors. These provide information for two wind tables. ...
Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of catalase (Cat) was studied based on a nano-composite film consisting of amine functionalized graphene and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified glassy carbon electrode. Graphene was synthesized chemically by Hummers and Offeman method and then was functionalized with amino groups via chemical modification of carboxyl groups introduced on the graphene surface. The nano-composite film showed an obvious promotion of the direct electron transfer between Cat and the underlying electrode, which attributed to the synergistic effect of graphene-NH2 and AuNPs. The resultant bioelectrode retained its biocatalytic activity and offered fast and sensitive H2O2 quantification. Under the optimized experimental conditions, hydrogen peroxide was detected in the concentration range from 0.3 to 600 ?M with a detection limit of 50 nM at S/N = 3. The biosensor exhibited some advantages, such as short time respond (2 s), high sensitivity ...
A contamination event in a water distribution system can result in adverse health impacts to individuals consuming contaminated water from the system. Assessing impacts to such consumers requires accounting for the timing of exposures of individuals to tap-water contaminants that have time-varying concentrations. Here we present a probabilistic model for the timing of ingestion of tap water that we developed for use in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Threat Ensemble Vulnerability Assessment and Sensor Placement Tool, which is designed to perform consequence assessments for contamination events in water distribution systems. We also present a statistical analysis of the timing of ingestion activity using data collected by the American Time Use Survey. The results of the analysis provide the basis for our model, which accounts for individual variability in ingestion timing and provides a series of potential ingestion times for ...
In this work we investigate an iron oxide thin film grown with atomic layer deposition for a gas sensor application. The objective is to characterize the structural, chemical, and electrical properties of the film, and to demonstrate its gas-sensitivity. The obtained scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy results indicate that the film has a granular structure and that it has grown mainly on the glass substrate leaving the platinum electrodes uncovered. X-ray diffraction results show that iron oxide is in the #alpha#-Fe_2O_3 (hematite) phase. X-ray photoelectron spectra recorded at elevated temperature imply that the surface iron is mainly in the Fe"3"+ state and that oxygen has two chemical states: one corresponding to the lattice oxygen and the other to adsorbed oxygen species. Electric conductivity has an activation energy of 0.3-0.5 eV and almost Ohmic current-voltage dependency. When exposed to O_2 and CO, a typical ...
Nano photonic materials are synthetically manufactured crystals at the nano scale with the target of creating a microstructure with a special electro-magnetic periodicity. Such nano photonic materials have the ability to control light propagation and thus are capable of creating photonic bandgaps in the frequency domain. We propose using nano photonic crystals as sensors to detect microdamage in composite materials. We demonstrate using a simulation model that a nano photonic sensor attached to a composite bar experiences a significant change in its bandgap profile when damage is induced in the composite bar. The model predicts the frequency response of the nano photonic sensor using the transfer matrix method. A damage metric to evaluate the change in the frequency response is developed. Successful developments of nano photonic sensors allow damage identification at scales not attainable using current ...
In the food, chemical and safety industry there is a demand for gas detectors for process control applications, like quality control of food or leakage control in chemical plants. Gas sensor array systems have the potential to be used in this areas, with the advantage of being also affordable systems compared to other systems like gaschromatographs (GC) or infrared detectors (NIR, FTIR). One of the main drawbacks of the gas sensors is their response to non interesting ambient factors like temperature, pressure and humidity. Metal oxide sensors (MOS) have a low ambient temperature and pressure dependency. Some of them (SnO + dopands) have some sensitivity to humidity. In many cases the response of the sensors is often non-linear, which implies a concentration dependant pattern of the samples. (orig.)
To establish secure (point-to-point and/or broadcast) communication channels among the nodes of a wireless sensor network is a fundamental task. To this end, a plethora of (socalled) key pre-distribution schemes have been proposed in the past. All these schemes, however, rely on shared secret(s), which are assumed to be somehow pre-loaded onto the sensor nodes. In this paper, we propose a novel method for secure initialization of sensor nodes based on a visual out-of-band channel. Using the proposed method, the administrator of a sensor network can distribute keys onto the sensor nodes, necessary to bootstrap key pre-distribution. Our secure initialization method requires only a little extra cost, is efficient and scalable with respect to the number of sensor nodes. Moreover, based on a usability study that we conducted, the method turns out to be quite ...
A total dose hardening treatment is applied to SIMOX buried oxides. Total ionizing dose radiation testing is performed on fully-depleted transistors fabricated on both hardened and non-hardened substrates. At 200 krads x-ray dose, the front gate shift is reduced from -0.7 to -0.2 V for FETs built on the hardened wafers.
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.
The invention relates to a pulsed laser ablation method of metals and/or dielectric films from the surface of a wafer, printed circuit board or a hybrid substrate. By utilizing a high-energy ultra-short pulses of laser light, such a method can be used to manufacture electronic circuits and/or electro-mechanical assemblies without affecting the material adjacent to the ablation zone.
The influence of RTA (Rapid Thermal Anneal) treatment on MOS radiation hardness is demonstrated and compared with classical furnace treatment. In the case of the RTA, the oxide trapped charge is found to depend on: (i) the anneal temperature as expected, data are in good agreement with a recently developed model of oxygen out-diffusion; (ii) the location across the wafer with a radial dependence, results could be related to stress induced by thermal gradient.
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 width and density ...
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 parameters on two 200 mm ...
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.
In a recent paper, Lowry (1981) described an architecture for a computer vision rectangular processor array that is suitable for VLSI implementation. In this paper the authors review that architecture, discuss extensions to it and present results of an array simulator applied to vision algorithms. They also present an algorithm for re-routing an array with bad processors into a working subset of the array, making it feasible to implement a large array on one wafer-sized chip. 7 references.
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.
This paper reports on the protection of opening that are exposed to the environment in nuclear facilities which presents an almost overwhelming engineering challenge. Intakes and outflows must permit the passage of large volumes of air or water without impeding their flow, and they are often exposed to corrosive salt and chemicals. An intrusion detection sensor that is intended to protect these openings must be capable of operating reliably under environmentally harsh conditions, and at the same time either provide a physical delay barrier or attach to an existing barrier. A new fiber optic sensor technology has now been developed specifically for protecting environmentally exposed openings. This sensor uses a fiber optic cable embedded in a neoprene rubber frame which is reinforced with Kevlar threads or braided steel cable. The sensor is configured in a mesh pattern with openings sufficiently large to ...
The use of capacitance sensors for measuring phase concentrations in two-phase flow has gained popularity in recent years. In designing such sensors, there are many issues which must be considered in order to optimize performance: two-phase flow regime, permittivity of the phases, duct geometry, electrical shielding, desired spacial resolution of film thickness, and temperature variation in the flow field. These design issues are discussed and are used to optimize the design of a capacitance sensor which is used to measure vapor volume fraction in annular, two-phase vertical upflow and downflow in a square duct. The sensor was tested and implemented in a 12.7 mm square duct mounted in a flow boiling facility containing FC-72, a low permittivity dielectric fluid ({epsilon}{sub r} = 1.75). Using analytical modeling, an adjustable-length, parallel-plate design was developed and refined to achieve good ...
Sensor has been developed for the measurement of seismic wave rotary components. The vertical axis rotary component sensor is constituted of four L22Ds, similar to each other in performance, fixed in a ring formation on a metal bed. The ring is 22cm in diameter, and the four coils are connected so that their outputs will be added up. A horizontal axis rotary component sensor is built in the similar way. The rotary component sensors are all connected to a spectrum analyzer for the measurement of micromotions. It is found that the four-L22D combination can detect a rotary component of 335mV/deg/s. The sensor can detect both vertical and horizontal components with roughly the same sensitivity. A ring-form combination of conventional electromagnetic seismometers, though only as a temporary expedient, can perform high-resolution detection of rotary components and determine the absolute ...
Wireless sensor networks can revolutionize soil ecology by providing measurements at temporal and spatial granularities previously impossible. This paper presents a soil monitoring system we developed and deployed at an urban forest in Baltimore as a first step towards realizing this vision. Motes in this network measure and save soil moisture and temperature in situ every minute. Raw measurements are periodically retrieved by a sensor gateway and stored in a central database where calibrated versions are derived and stored. The measurement database is published through Web Services interfaces. In addition, analysis tools let scientists analyze current and historical data and help manage the sensor network. The article describes the system design, what we learned from the deployment, and initial results obtained from the sensors. The system measures soil factors with unprecedented temporal precision. ...
This paper presents direct measurements of the aerodynamic forces on the wing of a free-flying, insect-like ornithopter that was modeled on a hawk moth (Manduca sexta). A micro differential pressure sensor was fabricated with micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technology and attached to the wing of the ornithopter. The sensor chip was less than 0.1% of the wing area. The mass of the sensor chip was 2.0 mg, which was less than 1% of the wing mass. Thus, the sensor was both small and light in comparison with the wing, resulting in a measurement system that had a minimal impact on the aerodynamics of the wing. With this sensor, the 'pressure coefficient' of the ornithopter wing was measured during both steady airflow and actual free flight. The maximum pressure coefficient observed for steady airflow conditions was 1.4 at an angle of attack of 30"0. In flapping flight, the ...
A risk-based sensor placement methodology is proposed to solve the problem of optimal location of sensors or detectors to protect population against the exposure to and effects of known and/or postulated chemical, biological, and/or radiological threats. Risk is calculated as a quantitative value representing population at risk from exposure against standard exposure levels. Historical meteorological data are used to characterize weather conditions as the frequency of wind speed and direction pairs. The meteorological data drive atmospheric transport and dispersion modeling of the threats, the results of which are used to calculate risk values. Sensor locations are determined via an iterative dynamic programming algorithm whereby threats captured or detected by sensors placed in prior stages are removed from consideration in subsequent stages. In addition to the risk-based placement algorithm, the ...
This paper presents a novel design methodology, based on shaping the system frequency response, for the generation of an appropriate residual signal that is sensitive to sensor faults in the presence of model uncertainty and exogenous unknown (unmeasured) disturbances. An integrated feedback controller design and robust frequency-based fault detection approach is proposed for Single-Input/Single-Output systems. The effciency of the proposed method is demonstrated on a Single Machine Innite Bus (SMIB) power system that achieves a coordinate power system stabilizer with satisfactory sensor fault detection capabilities.
Systems MEMS sensors C11-20 Lifetime Distributions of Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors C11-22 Adhesion Strength of Advanced Polymer Films for Flexible and Rigid...
Ever-present water vapor and dust distort or block incoming radiations. ... were among the first scientific sensors to be attached to the earliest space rockets. ...
Earlier studies had concluded that the preferred direction of the rocket nozzle should ..... Center had to redesign the sensor canisters, brackets and cable supports. ... depending on inspection of the quality of the incoming pictures in real-time. ...
indications of the formation of palladium silicides. 2, 4. It has been reported .... At room temperature, palladium silicides formed in a relatively narrow interface ...
Canada will provide telescope baffles and fine error sensor assemblies. ..... ( Ongoing) Flight tests aboard sounding rockets and balloon planned for FY 1995. .... the effects of incoming energetic particles and solar radiation on the ...
... in Taylor and Williamson.* Most satellite sensors cannot be ... The coordinates of the rocket Ii ... I - Incoming Global Radiant Flux between 0.285 and ...
The potentials of the spherical sensor and nearby conductors are controlled by ... Incoming data are continuously monitored by algorithms in the software to ... launched together with FM5 (Rumba) by a Soyuz-Fregat rocket from Baikonur. ...
instrument is shown in Figure 4-9 The incoming radiation is focused onto ...... An early rocket-borne ultraviolet spectrometer of the Ebert type by ...
The first space photographs were obtained from V-2 rockets fired upwards from the ..... Some fraction of the incoming solar radiation is reflected towards a sensor ...
of the Intelligent Control System (ICS) for reusable rocket engines. .... the incoming measurements with corresponding estimates, a sensor failure can be ...
NO{sub x} compounds, specifically NO and NO{sub 2}, are pollutants and potent greenhouse gases. Compact and inexpensive NO{sub x} sensors are necessary in the next generation of diesel (CIDI) automobiles to meet government emission requirements and enable the more rapid introduction of more efficient, higher fuel economy CIDI vehicles. Because the need for a NO{sub x} sensor is recent and the performance requirements are extremely challenging, most are still in the development phase. Currently, there is only one type of NO{sub x} sensor that is sold commercially, and it seems unlikely to meet more stringent future emission requirements. Automotive exhaust sensor development has focused on solid-state electrochemical technology, which has proven to be robust for in-situ operation in harsh, high-temperature environments (e.g., the oxygen stoichiometric sensor). Solid-state ...
... the open source OpenMap Java toolkit from BBN ... 2001), Handbook of Multisensor Data Fusion ... Oxenham (2002), Sensor Registration Using Airlanes ...
... The three meteorological rocket systems, in order of ... IC3 and IC4 divides the incoming clock pulses f ... at the junction of the temperature sensor and R ...
The detection and characterization of deeply buried fatigue damage in thick, multi-layer airframe components pose significant technical challenges to the aviation safety community. Currently, no nondestructive evaluation technique is available to reliably detect such potential damage from the exterior of the airframe, which is highly desirable in light of inspection cost as well as avoidance of structure damage. Recent technological advances in high-sensitivity magnetic sensors, i.e., spin-dependent tunneling (SDT) sensors, make it feasible to employ electromagnetic inspection techniques for deep fatigue crack inspection. In this work, we report on the development and fabrication of a low frequency eddy current probe based on a magnetically shielded SDT pickup sensor concentrically located...
Sep 18, 2009 ... It is proposed to develop desensitized optimal filtering ... in robust and/or adaptive generalized Kalman and Sigma-Point filters for ...
Briefly, 48 MOS microparticle sensors (essentially the same as those flown on .... at the Naval Research Lab to interpret the polarization of the incoming radio .... Adapter Satellite, to be published in Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 1994. ...
Nov 5, 2010 ... PEM. The Particle Environment Monitor measures the type, amount, energy, ... info, Daily PEM HEPS and MEPS data at the original sensor ...
Feb 23, 2011 ... The potentials of the spherical sensor and nearby conductors are ... Incoming data are continuously monitored by algorithms in the software to ..... together with FM6 (Salsa) by a Soyuz-Fregat rocket from Baikonur. ...
... Using a weighted linear regression on randomly selected coincident SSM/I-buoy pairs from each of the climate m codes, it was possible to produce ...
This paper will provide an overview of the Common Aperture Multispectral Sensor (CAMS) Hardware Demonstrator. CAMS is a linescanning sensor that simultaneously collected digital imagery over the Far-IR (8 to 12 {mu}m) and visible spectral (0.55 to 1.1 PM) spectral bands, correlated at the pixel level. CAMS was initially sponsored by the U.S. Naval Air System Commands F/A-18 program office (PMA-265). The current CAMS field tests are under the direction of Northrop-Grumman for the Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA) in support of the Follow-On Open Skies Sensor Evaluation Program (FOSEP) and are scheduled to be conducted in April 1996. 8 figs., 4 tabs.
... a Networked Embedded Sensing Toolkit (MSR Sense ... edging due to mis-registration than the ... Langrebe, Signal theory in multisensor remote sensing ...
Nov 13, 2006 ... Indicator Experiment (TIE) consists of a wideband sensor to gather radar, ... November 10 at Shore Memorial. Hospital in Nassawadox, Va. ...
We studied the effect of extracellular Ca"2"+ concentration ([Ca"2"+]_e) on adipocyte differentiation. Preadipocytes exposed to continuous [Ca"2"+]_e higher than 2.5 mmol/l accumulated little or no cytoplasmic lipid compared to controls in 1.8 mmol/l [Ca"2"+]_e. Differentiation was monitored by Oil Red O staining of cytoplasmic lipid and triglyceride assay of accumulated lipid, by RT-PCR analysis of adipogenic markers, and by the activity of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH). Elevated [Ca"2"+]_e inhibited expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor #gamma#, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein #alpha#, and steroid regulatory binding element protein. High [Ca"2"+]_e significantly inhibited differentiation marker expression including adipocyte fatty acid binding protein, and GPDH. The decrease in Pref-1 expression that accompanied differentiation also was prevented by high [Ca"2"+]_e. Treatment of 3T3-L1 cells with high [Ca"2"+]_e ...
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 formation of a B-metal complex in the SoG-Si ...
The proposed device incorporates an axle which has a roller bearing support mounted upon it. This support uses a cylindrical sleeve that comes in contact with the housing, the sensors, and the bearing support component. Metering accuracy is improved by placing roller bearing supports into grooves running through the protruding center sections of the sensor elements. These roller bearing supports interface with the cylindrical sleeve.
The application of various signal processing methods to extract energy storage information from plasma diamagnetism sensors occurring during physics experiments on the Tandom Mirror Experiment-Upgrade (TMX-U) is discussed. We show how these processing techniques can be used to decrease the uncertainty in the corresponding sensor measurements. The algorithms suggested are implemented using SIG, an interactive signal processing package developed at LLNL.
A piezoelectric biosensor substrate useful for immobilizing biomolecules in an oriented manner on the surface of a piezoelectric sensor has a ladder polymer of polyacrylonitrile. To make the substrate, a solution of an organic polymer, preferably polyacrylonitrile, is applied to the surface of a piezoelectric sensor. The organic polymer is modifying by heating the polymer in a controlled fashion in air such that a ladder polymer is produced which, in turn, forms the attachment point for the biomolecules comprising the piezoelectric biosensor. 3 figs.
This comprehensive, critical review summarizes the use of nanoparticles in enhanced and amplified chemiluminescence detection, illustrated by different reaction strategies, electrogenerated chemiluminescence sensors, immunoassay or hybridization labels and electrogenerated chemiluminescence immunoassay or hybridization sensors. We discuss the analytical applications on the basis of validity, range and sensitivity, and draw some useful conclusions about the most sensitive approach in each type of application.
University research group with research areas: * Land based and submersible autonomous robots, (UUVs: AUVs and ROVs); * Controllers, electronics, sensor design and fusion, motion control; * Guidance and navigation of underwater vehicles; * AI, neural networks, fuzzy logic, subsumption control, behaviour based control; * Optical fibre and ultrasonic sensors for proximal object detection; * Robot arm control, visual servoing; * Imaging sonar applications; * Simulator development: UUV simulator; imaging sonar simulator; Aircraft/flight simulator.
In order to examine the state of technology of all areas of magnetic suspension and to review related recent developments in sensors and controls approaches, superconducting magnet technology, and design/implementation practices, a symposium was held. The proceedings are presented. The sessions covered the areas of bearings, sensors and controls, microgravity and vibration isolation, superconductivity, manufacturing applications, wind tunnel magnetic suspension systems, magnetically levitated trains (MAGLEV), space applications, and large gap magnetic suspension systems.
Real-time horizon sensing on continuous mining machines is becoming an industry tool. Installation and testing of production-grade Horizon Sensor (HS) systems continued this quarter at Monterey Coal Company (ExxonMobil), Mountain Coal Company West Elk Mine (Arch), and Ohio Valley Coal Company (OVC). Monitoring of system function, user experience, and mining benefits is ongoing. All horizon sensor components have finished MSHA (U.S.) and IEC (International) certification.
Biofuels will have more intense impact on the energetic grid of the planet, because known fossil fuels reserves are being exhausted. The biofuel production relies on the transformation process of some organic material in the desired hydrocarbon product. Because of the natural characteristics of the related processes, fibre optic sensors appear to be adequate candidates to be used.
The application of airborne sensors for providing environmental assessment and monitoring of a test site in an open cast mining area that is part of a lignite deposit in central Germany is described. Hyperspectral remote sensing data from three different sensors were tested. The hyperspectral scanner data was suitable for classification of different sediments and vegetation types and the water chemistry of residual mining lakes. Summary form only. 1 tab.
Topics addressed include future trends in IR sensors, IR observer performance modeling ... steer a sensor platform with a thermal camera or an air-to-air missile system. .... Skyship and Sentinel series airships. It also outlines the current .... A layout schematic of the UPS is given. AIAA. A93-55494 ...
The Micro-strip Metal Foil Detectors (MMFD) designed and used for the Beam Profile Monitoring (BPM) are discussed. The results obtained for the MMFDs produced by different technologies are presented. The MMFD deposited onto the 20 {mu}m thick Si-wafer has been used for the BPM of the 32 MeV alpha-particle beam at the MPIfK (Heidelberg) Tandem generator. Another MMFD with totally removed Si-wafer at the working area has been applied for the on-line X-ray BPM at the HASYLAB (DESY). One may conclude that the developed technology of the micro-strip metal detector manufacturing allows to provide non-destructive measurement of X-ray intensity distribution over area of up to 50 mm{sup 2} with an accuracy of 10-20 {mu}m with a possibility of its improvement by a factor 5. A sub-micron position resolution is expected by applying electron lithography for the strip pattern production.
Due to legal restrictions, the German hard coal mining company Deutsche Steinkohle AG (DSK) is obliged to conduct a monitoring on surface changes (subsidence) caused by mining activity (e.g. topographic surface, groundwater, water, flora and fauna, soil). To fulfill legal demands and to do this effectively, process chains by use of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Geo-Informationssystems (GIS) have been established. Photogrammetric methods are used to generate high resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEM) from which in combination with subsidence data geometrical changes at the topographic surface are deduced. The potential use of activesensors (Laser Scanning and Synthetic Aperture Radar Systems) to deduct DEM has been investigated. The applicability of SAR satellite data to detect and observe subsidence and resulting movements - point wise or with spatial extent - using differential SAR Interferometry (dInSAR) as well ...
The present investigation deals with the fabrication of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) sensor based on semiconducting oxide SnO{sub 2}. The gas sensor elements have been prepared by conventional solid state route. Addition of noble metal sensitizer, palladium and grain growth inhibitor, aluminum silicate to the base material SnO{sub 2}, not only improved the sensitivity towards LPG but also the selectivity in the presence of CO and CH{sub 4} gases. Out of various sensor compositions, SnO{sub 2}:Al{sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} (35 wt.%):Pd (1.5 wt.%) sintered at 800 C for 5 h has shown high sensitivity (0.97) towards LPG at an operating temperature of 350 C. Different characterization techniques have been employed, such as differential thermal analysis (DTA), surface area analyzer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), to study the formation of SnO{sub 2}, surface area and crystallite size, respectively. The results suggested the possibility of ...
Advances in the development of several electrooptic shutter devices utilizing the quadratic electrooptic effect of lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) ceramic wafers are described. Aperture sizes utilized in these PLZT devices ranged from 25 ..mu..m to 0.25 m. Practical applications of the shutters discussed in this paper include eye protection in military and industrial applications, a goggle-type device with dual synchronously operated PLZT shutters for use in a stereoscopic three-dimensional TV display, an electrically controlled variable density filter for use with vidicon tubes, a large-aperture photographic shutter for image motion compensation cameras, and a page composer for use in a holographic memory system.
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.
Laser-assisted processing techniques for producing high-quality solar cell metallization patterns are investigated, developed, and characterized. The tasks comprising these investigations are outlined. A new batch of solar cells was processed using the laser decomposition of spun-on silver neodecanoate to metallize cells. Decomposition of silver neodecanoate was carried out at different laser powers on different cells on a given wafer to determine whether this would have any effect on cell performance. Solar cells which were written with laser powers of 5 to 8 watts, gave excellent results with cell efficiencies in the range of 14 to 16%.
This paper describes the performance of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with 2.4 #mu#m source-drain spacing. So far these are the smallest source-drain spacing AlGaN/GaN HEMTs which have been implemented with a domestic wafer and domestic process. This paper also compares their performance with that of 4 #mu#m source-drain spacing devices. The former exhibit higher drain current, higher gain, and higher efficiency. It is especially significant that the maximum frequency of oscillation noticeably increased. (semiconductor integrated circuits)
White beam Laue micro-diffraction was performed on directionally solidified, single-crystal Mo pillars in the as-grown state, after focused ion beam (FIB) milling and after pre-straining. The Laue diffraction peaks from the as-grown pillars are very sharp and show no broadening, similar to those from single-crystal Si wafers. Significant broadening and streaking of the peaks occurred after FIB milling and pre-straining, indicative of the damage these treatments induce in the nearly perfect crystal structure of the directionally solidified Mo pillars.
The authors present design methodology for high power microwave switches. Among all possible applications for such a switch they emphasize the design parameters for application to the pulse compression system associated with the Next Linear Collider (NLC). 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. Mainly, they explore solutions to the problems of thermal runaway, avalanche breakdown, photo-emission, and secondary emission. Different design methodologies are presented.
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.
Two branches of research are conducted in this thesis. The first deals with nonlinear combustion response as a mechanism for triggering combustion instabilities in solid rocket motors. A nonlinear wave equation is developed to study a wide class of combustion response functions to second-order in fluctuation amplitude. Conditions for triggering are derived from analysis of limit cycles, and regions of triggering are found in parametric space. Introduction of linear cross-coupling and quadratic self-coupling among the acoustic modes appears to be how the nonlinear combustion response produces triggering to a stable limit cycle. Regions of initial conditions corresponding to stable pulses were found, suggesting that stability depends on initial phase angle and harmonic content, as well as the composite amplitude, of the pulse. Also, dependence of nonlinear stability upon system parameters is considered. The second part of this thesis presents research for a controller to improve the ...
The anodic reaction kinetics and interfacial mass transport of a direct polymer electrolyte membrane formic acid fuel cell have been investigated in an all solid-state electrochemical cell using a highly active nanostructured palladium-gold alloy microelectrode as an in situ probe. Well-defined 'S-shaped' steady-state cyclic voltammograms exhibiting current-rising region at lower overpotentials and limiting current region at higher overpotentials have been first obtained for the electrochemical oxidation of formic acid at varying temperature. The 'S-shaped' steady state polarization curves and chronoamperometric curves enable convenient measurements of the anodic reaction kinetics and interfacial mass transport of formic acid under real polymer electrolyte membrane conditions. It is encouragingly found that formic acid can be directly oxidized to CO2 with the first electron transfer being the likely rate-determining step and the formation of surface poison can be ...
Nowadays there is a lot of welding processes giving an answer to the great diversity of joints to realize and to the characteristics of the metals employed. The first chapter describes the different power sources used in welding. After that, a more detailed explanation of arc welding is given. Finally we present the design of a welding test bed. One can, of course, use an empirical approach to optimize a process. Nevertheless there are advantages in choosing an analytical approach since we can expect significant progress in the understanding of the dynamical interactions in the arc. That's why we present in the second chapter the theoretical knowledge concerning the behaviour of the molten metal transferred during Gas Metal Arc Welding. This work involves as well an experimental aspect required for the elaboration of the databases used to build the model. The recordings were made at CTAS on a test bed equipped with an acquisition system for measuring voltage, current, wire ...
This paper summarizes results of preliminary experiments to develop cytological and biochemical indicators for estimating damage to respiratory cells in test animals exposed by inhalation to toxic agents associated with nonnuclear energy production, the specific goal being the application of advanced multiparameter flow-systems technologies to the detection of early atypical cellular changes in lung epithelium. Normal Syrian hamster lung cell samples composed of histiocytes, leukocytes, macrophages, ciliated columnar cells, and epithelial cells were stained with fluorescent dyes specific for different biochemical parameters and were analyzed in liquid suspension as they flowed through a chamber intersecting a laser beam of exciting light. Multiple sensors measured the total or two-color fluorescence and light scatter on a cell-by-cell basis. Cellular parameters proportional to optical measurements (i.e., cell size, DNA content, total protein, nonspecific esterase ...
The research for the development of flexible organic electronic devices (FEDs) is rapidly increasing worldwide, since FEDs will change radically several aspects of everyday life. Although there has been considerable progress in the area of flexible inorganic devices (a-Si or solution processed Si), there are numerous advances in the organic (semiconducting, conducting and insulating), inorganic and hybrid (organic-inorganic) materials that exhibit customized properties and stability, and in the synthesis and preparation methods, which are characterized by a significant amount of multidisciplinary efforts. Furthermore, the development and encapsulation of organic electronic devices onto flexible polymeric substrates by large-scale and low-cost roll-to-roll production processes will allow their market implementation in numerous application areas, including displays, lighting, photovoltaics, radio-frequency identification circuitry and chemical sensors, as well as to ...
The Detartment of Energy's National Solar Data Program established solar energy systems in residential and commercial buildings across the United States. These solar sites are linked to Vitro Laboratories Division's computer in the National Solar Data Network (NSDN). Vitro collects and analyzes data from this network to determine the thermal performance of each of the solar systems. Environmental information collected at the sites for the month of August 1980 is presented. The environmental data for the NSDN are presented in the form of tables for each solar site. The solar sites are grouped into 12 zones, each of which consists of several adjacent states. The solar energy sites are in alphabetical sequence within each zone. The tables provide available meteorological data for reporting sites in the NSDN as follows: (1) Insolation: the insolation table presents the total, diffuse, direct, maximum, and extra-terrestrial radiation for the solar site. It also shows the ...
This is the final report of a three year DOE funded project titled ''A real-time coal content/ore grade (C{sub 2}OG) sensor''. The sensor, which is based on hyperspectral imaging technology, was designed to give a machine vision assay of ore or coal. Sensors were designed and built at Resonon, Inc., and then deployed at the Stillwater Mining Company core room in southcentral Montana for analyzing platinum/palladium ore and at the Montana Tech Spectroscopy Lab for analyzing coal and other materials. The Stillwater sensor imaged 91' of core and analyzed this data for surface sulfides which are considered to be pathfinder minerals for platinum/palladium at this mine. Our results indicate that the sensor could deliver a relative ore grade provided tool markings and iron oxidation were kept to a minimum. Coal, talc, and titanium sponge samples ...
This paper outlines conceptual framework for safeguards remote sensing, and suggests a strategy for overcoming the challenges to full exploitation of all types of optical satellite imagery. Since the introduction of commercial open-source high-resolution satellite imagery in 1999, it has become an important tool for verification of declarations, baseline mapping, detection and monitoring of changes and investigation of undeclared activities. Its use is still relatively restricted, but there is a growing demand for wider satellite reconnaissance support, and the Satellite Image Analysis Unit (SIAU) has recently been expanded in response. For a number of reasons, IAEA safeguards use of satellite imagery is largely based on visual interpretation by experienced image analysts of high-resolution monochromatic imagery to monitor and characterize buildings and structures on safeguards sites. The very wide range of remote sensing capabilities could be more fully exploited. ...
The urine test strip is the most common test used to detect ketones in veterinary patients, but it can underestimate the degree of ketonuria and hence, ketonemia. Additionally, adequate urine samples for analysis may be difficult to obtain from dehydrated animals. The standard method used to detect and monitor ketonemia in human medicine is measurement of serum or whole blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (?HOB). A point-of-care (POC) analyzer has been validated for this purpose in humans. This study compared the accuracy of the POC device to an enzymatic reaction laboratory method for measurement of ?HOB in dogs. Although the POC sensor tended to overestimate ?HOB concentrations, there was good correlation (R(2) = 0.96) and good agreement between the 2 methods with a bias +/- precision of 0.0860 +/- 0.3410 mmol/L ?HOB. The POC ?HOB sensor can be useful for assessing ketonemia in dogs. PMID:21119867
Mesoporous films of platinized carbon nanotube-zirconia-Nafion composite have been used for the immobilization of tris(2,2prime-bipyridyl)ruthenium (II) (Ru(bpy)32+) on an electrode surface to yield a solid-state electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor. The composite films of Pt-CNT-zirconia-Nafion exhibit much larger pore diameter (3.55 nm) than that of Nafion (2.82 nm) and thus leading to much larger ECL response for tripropylamine (TPA) because of the fast diffusion of the analyte within the films. Due to the conducting and electrocatalytic features of CNTs and Pt nanoparticles, their incorporation into the zirconia-Nafion composite films resulted in the decreased electron transfer resistance within the films. The present ECL sensor based on the Pt-CNT-zirconia-Nafion gave a lin...
The authors report the fabrication and characterization of a low temperature (200--400 C) thin film gas sensor constructed from a MOCVD-grown yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) layer sandwiched between two platinum thin film electrodes. A reproducible gas-sensing response is produced by applying a cyclic voltage which generates voltammograms with gas-specific current peaks and shapes. Growth conditions are optimized for preparing YSZ films having dense microstructures, low leakage currents, and maximum ion conductivities. In particular, the effect of growth temperature on film morphology and texture is discussed and related to the electrical and gas-sensing properties of the thin film sensor device.
In this work, we have investigated the capability of different bimetallic nanoparticle alloy combinations to be used in fibre optic sensors based on the technique of surface plasmon resonance. The metals considered for this analysis are silver, gold, copper and aluminium. The performance of the sensor with different bimetallic nanoparticle alloy combinations is evaluated and compared numerically. The performance is analysed in terms of three parameters: sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and operating range for the sensing layer refractive index values. On the basis of the comparison and some logistic criteria, the best possible bimetallic alloy combinations along with a requisite alloy composition ratio are predicted. The bimetallic nanoparticle alloy combination is capable of simultaneously providing larger values of sensitivity, SNR and operating range, which is not possible with any single metallic nanoparticle layer.
We described the use of silica nanoparticles as building blocks for the immobilization of electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) reagent Ru(bpy){sub 3}{sup 2+} and the fabrication of layer-by-layer assembly film by alternating the deposition of the Ru(bpy){sub 3}{sup 2+}-doped silica nanoparticles and Au nanoparticles. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry and ECL were used to characterize the uniform growth of the multilayer film. Since Ru(bpy){sub 3}{sup 2+} could still maintain its ECL property when doped into the silica nanoparticles, the as-prepared multilayer film could be used as an effective ECL sensor, and the sensor showed high sensitivity and good stability.
We described the use of silica nanoparticles as building blocks for the immobilization of electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) reagent Ru(bpy)_3"2"+ and the fabrication of layer-by-layer assembly film by alternating the deposition of the Ru(bpy)_3"2"+-doped silica nanoparticles and Au nanoparticles. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry and ECL were used to characterize the uniform growth of the multilayer film. Since Ru(bpy)_3"2"+ could still maintain its ECL property when doped into the silica nanoparticles, the as-prepared multilayer film could be used as an effective ECL sensor, and the sensor showed high sensitivity and good stability.
We described the use of silica nanoparticles as building blocks for the immobilization of electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) reagent Ru(bpy)32+ and the fabrication of layer-by-layer assembly film by alternating the deposition of the Ru(bpy)32+-doped silica nanoparticles and Au nanoparticles. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry and ECL were used to characterize the uniform growth of the multilayer film. Since Ru(bpy)32+ could still maintain its ECL property when doped into the silica nanoparticles, the as-prepared multilayer film could be used as an effective ECL sensor, and the sensor showed high sensitivity and good stability.
The Multiconjugate Adaptive optics Demonstrator (MAD) has successfully demonstrated on sky both Star Oriented (SO) and Layer Oriented (LO) multiconjugate adaptive optics techniques. While SO has been realized using 3 Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors (WFS), we designed a multi-pyramid WFS for the LO. The MAD bench accommodates both WFSs and a selecting mirror allows choosing which sensor to use. In the LO approach up to 8 pyramids can be placed on as many reference stars and their light is co-added optically on two different CCDs conjugated at ground and to an high layer. In this paper we discuss LO commissioning phase and on sky operations.
Passive microwave soil moisture datasets can be used as an input to provide an integrated assessment of climate variability as it relates to agricultural production. The objective of this research was to examine three passive microwave derived soil moisture datasets over multiple growing seasons in contrasting Canadian agricultural environments. Absolute and relative soil moisture was evaluated from two globally available datasets from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E) sensor using different retrieval algorithms, as well as relative soil wetness at a weekly scale from the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) sensor. At a daily scale, the Land Parameter Retrieval Model (LPRM) provides a better estimate of surface soil moisture conditions than the National Snow a...
Energy consumption is a perennial issue in the design of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) which typically rely on portable sources like batteries for power. Recent advances in ambient energy harvesting technology have made it a potential and promising alternative source of energy for powering WSNs. By using energy harvesters with supercapacitors, WSNs are able to operate perpetually until hardware failure and in places where batteries are hard or impossible to replace. In this paper, we study the performance of different medium access control (MAC) schemes based on CSMA and polling techniques for WSNs which are solely powered by ambient energy harvesting using energy harvesters. We base the study on (i) network throughput (S), which is the rate of sensor data received by the sink, (ii) fair...
Silicon sensors have about ten times improved radiation hardness around 130 K temperature, compared with the state-of-art sensors close to room temperature. This is based on the Lazarus effect studied by the RD39 Collaboration of CERN. Other benefits of low temperatures will also be discussed. We shall describe the conceptual design of low-mass detector modules cooled using two-phase flow of argon in miniature cooling pipes integrated in the module structure between the sensors and the readout hybrid circuit. The main engineering features of the cooling system and mechanical support structures are discussed, as well as the benefits arising from the operation of the tracker under cryogenic vacuum. 4 Refs.
A calorimetric sensor with several novel design features has been developed. These sensors will provide an accurate sampling of thermal power density and energy deposition from proton beams incident on target components of accelerator-based systems, such as the Accelerator Production of Tritium Project (APT) and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). A small, solid slug (volume = 0.347 cc) of target material is suspended by kevlar fibers and surrounded by an adiabatic enclosure in an insulating vacuum canister of stainless steel construction. The slug is in thermal contact with a low-mass, calibrated, 100-k{Omega} thermistor. Power deposition caused by the passage of radiation through the slug is calculated from the rate of temperature rise of the slug. The authors have chosen slugs composed of Pb, Al, and LiAl.
This paper describes the design, fabrication and application of a micro-fabricated salinity sensor system. The theoretical electrochemical behaviour is described using electrical equivalent diagrams and simple scaling properties are investigated analytically and numerically using finite element method (FEM). The chip design and fabrication is described and measurement results of two different electrode designs are presented. The 4mm Formula Not Shown 4mm multi-sensor allows for salinity determination with an accuracy of Formula Not Shown 0.5psu through determination of the electrical conductivity, temperature and pressure with accuracies of Formula Not Shown 0.6mS, Formula Not Shown 0.065 Formula Not Shown C and Formula Not Shown 0.05bar, respectively.
At Super-LHC luminosity it is expected that the standard suite of L1 triggers for CMS will saturate. Information from the tracker will be needed to reduce trigger rates to satisfy the L1 bandwidth. Tracking trigger modules which correlate information from closely-spaced sensor layers to form an on-detector momentum filter are being developed by several groups. We report on a trigger module design which utilizes three dimensional IC technology to incorporate chips which are connected both to the top and bottom sensor, providing the ability to filter information locally. A demonstration chip, the VICTR, has been submitted to the Chartered/Tezzaron two-tier 3D run coordinated by Fermilab. We report on the 3D design concept, the status of the VICTR chip and associated sensor integration utilizing oxide bonding.
The problem of passively tracking a moving signal source has importance in a variety of applications such as radar, sonar, seismology, and radio astronomy. In many applications, only limited information is available about the signal source. It will be assumed here that only the signals which are detected by the sensors and the velocity of the source signal are known. The objective of this document is to present a program which passively tracks a target using an array of sensors. This program is available in MATLAB, version 3.5. The algorithm which is implemented consists of three main parts: time delay estimation, passive localization, and data post processing. Each of these parts are discussed, and the mathematical foundation for their solution given. Following, this the organization of the program is presented, and an example of its usage is given.
The core-shell luminol-doped SiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized and immobilized on the surface of chitosan film coating graphite electrode by the self-assembled technique. Then, a novel electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for pyrogallol was developed based on its ECL enhancing effect for the core-shell luminol-doped silica nanoparticles. The ECL analytical performances and the sensing mechanism of this ECL sensor for pyrogallol were investigated in detail. The corresponding results showed that: compared with the conventional ECL reaction procedures by luminol ECL reaction system, the electrochemical (EC) reaction of pyrogallol and its subsequent chemiluminescence (CL) reaction occurred in the different spatial region whilst offering a high efficiency to couple the EC with the ...
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has developed a mobile field laboratory for remote measurement of atmospheric processes and observables that are important in global climate change, dispersal of hazardous materials, and atmospheric pollution. Specific observables of interest are water vapor, trace gases, aerosol size and density, wind, and temperature. The goal is to study atmospheric processes continuously for extended periods in remote field locations. This laboratory has just reached field ready status with sensors for aerosol and trace gas measurement based on established techniques. A development program is underway to enhance the sensor suite with several new techniques and instruments that are expected to significantly extend the state of the art in remote trace gas analysis. The new sensors will be incorporated into the lab during the next two years.
Abstract In this paper, a Cognitive Radio Based Medium Access Control (CR-MAC) protocol for Wireless Sensor Body Area Networks (WSBAN) that utilizes cognitive radio transmission is proposed. In this proposal, the sensor nodes are classified into nodes of life-critical health information and nodes of non-critical health information. The CR-MAC protocol prioritizes the critical packets access to the transmission medium by transmitting them with higher power while transmitting lower priority packets using lower transmission power. At the receiver, a higher priority packet experiences collision only when there are more than one critical packet transmission at the same transmission slot while non critical packets experience collision when there are more than one transmission at the same transmi...
Seismic monitoring at the Las Tres Virgenes, BCS, geothermal field started in 1992 with an analog station of vertical components detecting a large number of earthquakes of varying magnitudes. In February 1993, a seismic network was installed, composed of six digital stations DR-2000-with S-6000 and S-5000 sensors and three registration channels (N-S, E-W and vertical). This was the basis for the development of a program to correct arrival-time data for P and S waves due to instrument drift. From January to April 1994 and May to August 1995, based on the 170 seismic events recorded, a velocity model was proposed. From December 1995 to July 1996, seismic data were processed and interpreted, and zones of occurrence were determined for events according to magnitude and the predominant noise in the field. From September 2003 to December 2004, 10 seismic stations (permanent and temporary) were installed and monitored and it was concluded the most ...
vehicles including the H2-A rocket and the space shuttle. .... The vacuum can's main function is to provide a high vacuum so that the science experiment and its sensors ... EMI-shielded power conversion from the incoming ISS power supply. 4. ...
Incoming solar energy had to be assimilated to sustain it. .... Roll stability was achieved with an Earth sensor mounted on the directional antenna. .... Once more a rocket becomes the means of producing a vector change in velocity. ...
Introduction and hypothesisThis study seeks to evaluate axial variation, comparisons with current technology, performance during dynamic conditions, and patient tolerability of the...Full Text Available
Lists of reportable conditions and case definitions are important tools for epidemiologic surveillance. As part of an initiative to encourage occupational disease surveillance systems linked to intervention...Full Text Available
Oct 2, 2007 ... The Payload combines some of the most sensitive particle sensors .... provide state-of-the-art measurements of incoming x-ray, ultraviolet, .... It will be launched into a low-Earth orbit on a Delta 7320 rocket in September 2004. ...
The plant hormone cytokinin is perceived by membrane-located sensor histidine kinases. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) possesses three cytokinin receptors: ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE...Full Text Available
Trace gas molecules absorb specific wavelengths of incoming solar ... These data(with information collected from similar experiments carried on balloons, rockets, ... The ATMOS sensor instrumentis a state-of-the-art version of a 19th century ...
Peptide toxins with high affinity, divergent pharmacological functions, and isoform-specific selectivity are powerful tools for investigating the structure-function relationships of voltage-gated...Full Text Available
Feb 23, 2011 ... THEMIS-D: The Solid State Telescope (SST) measures the incoming ... Each single sensor covers an angle of 36 degrees. .... The five small satellites were launched together on a Delta II rocket and they carry identical ...
Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor (APS) + Continuous along-track scanning ... side of the spacecraft and faces outward, measures the intensity of incoming solar ... on a larger rocket, and faced slightly different conditions in spaceinto Glory wasn't ...
Mar 1, 2011 ... Bending moments recorded by sensors on the aluminum tube. ... the escape rocket motor, tests also were made with the escape tower and rocket .... Incoming photographic data will be electronically converted and processed ...
BackgroundThe Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci, GAS) two-component signal transduction system CovRS has been described to be important for pathogenesis...Full Text Available
An overview of the operations of Sandia`s Microelectronics Development Lab (MDL) is to develop radiation hardened IC, but techniques used for IC processing have been applied to a variety of related technologies such as micromechanics, smart sensors, and packaging.
THEMIS-A: The Solid State Telescope (SST) measures the incoming intensity ... units (heads), each SST unit has two pairs of opposing ion and electron sensors. .... The five small satellites were launched together on a Delta II rocket and they ...
The author describes the layout of the environmental monitoring scheme at Devco's No. 26 Colliery in Canada, which includes wall face ventilation, fan performance, and methane drainage monitoring. He gives details of the sensors, outstations, and the surface control room.
Most palladium thin film based hydrogen gas sensors have response and recovery times that are too long to make them useful in vehicular and stationary gas leak detection applications. In contrast, a palladium-silver thin film based microcantilever (MC) hydrogen gas microsensor is reported herein with near ideal response characteristics for use in these hydrogen economy related applications. Specifically, 3-10 second response and recovery times have been measured for these sensors in contrast to previous sensor response measurements of several to tens of minutes using Pd thin film and MC based sensing techniques. The much reduced response times observed in the present study are attributed to a wet chemical Pd-Ag thin film deposition technique and a gas conditioning protocol that produces a highly nanostructured, porous film that rapidly adsorbs and desorbs H2, allowing rapid equilibration with the H2 concentration in the ...
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 ...
Mar 2, 2011 ... CCT's software is capable of simultaneously handling incoming ... has been using CCTK to automate its remote control rocket cryogenic fueling systems. ... seismic, infrared, and proximity sensor data with auto-tracking ...
SummaryPAS domains sense oxygen, redox potential and light, and are implicated in behavior, circadian rhythmicity, development and metabolic regulation. Although PAS domains are...Full Text Available
Feb 7, 2011 ... The potentials of the spherical sensor and nearby conductors are controlled ... Incoming data are continuously monitored by algorithms in the software ... together with FM8 (Tango) by a Soyuz-Fregat rocket from Baikonur. ...
Advanced aerospace vehicles and system components tend to be slim and elastic, ...... In the manufacturing sector, semiconductor manufacturing requires ... The energy generation and storage for modern-day sensor networks, ...... Current NASA roadmaps point towards development of new hydrocarbon fueled engines. ...
Eddy current inspection methods are widely used for the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of tubular products. Specifically, the sensors and instrumentation are designed to detect and characterize changes in a material's electrical and magnetic properties produced by the presence of discontinuities. A recent major enhancement in eddy current inspection technology has been the development of computer interfacing for data collection, analysis, and display. This breakthrough has led to multiple-frequency testing, eddy current imaging, and automated data interpretation systems that significantly enhance both capabilities and reliability of the eddy current inspection. In addition to the clear advantages in data processing, computer interfacing also permits the design and creation of unique sensors that further enhance eddy current inspection capabilities. Perhaps the most promising area of computer interactive probe design is multiple ...
Integration of solid-state biosensors and lipid bilayer membranes is important for membrane protein research and drug discovery. In these sensors, it is critical that the solid-state sensing...Full Text Available
Equipped with terahertz sensors, the Aura mission will see far more ... We introduce you to a few amazing individuals, all sharing the dubious title of rocket scientist . And a ..... similar thing happens with incoming light. Astronomers call it the ...
The NS together with a gamma ray sensor make up the Gamma- Ray and ... A simplified view of the interactions between incoming cosmic rays and the .... held in Huntsville, Alabama, at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center on January 2830. ...
Study of cloud pictures taken from rockets, such as figure 1, indicates that it is .... One might visualize a "Satellite Weather Data Center" where incoming data would ... about 300 miles; satellite packaging, containing the sensors, storage, power, ...
It was thus actually the fourth stage of the rocket assembly. ... package, and several temperature sensors - was mounted in the cross-lattice frame. ... Earth's geomagnetic field and incoming charged particles from the Sun and extra-solar space. ...
funded these sensors as the first Discovery Mission of. Opportunity, part of the ... aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket. .... the Swedes on other projects, mainly sounding rocket projects. ..... incoming applications for the Fellowship Program, fielding ...
In voltage-gated Na+, K+, and Ca2+ channels, four voltage-sensor domains operate on a central pore domain in response to membrane voltage. In contrast, the voltage-gated...Full Text Available
A silicon capacitive accelerometer was fabricated to detect subsurface elastic waves by using micromachining technology. Characteristics required for it call for capability of detecting acceleration with amplitudes from 0.1 to 1 gal and flat amplitude characteristics in frequency bands of 10 Hz to several kHz. For the purpose of measuring transition phenomena, linear phase characteristics in the required bands must be guaranteed, cross sensitivity must be small, and resistance to water, pressure and heat is demanded. Sensitivity of the sensor is determined finally by noise level in a detection circuit. The sensor`s minimum detection capability was 40 mgal in the case of the distance between a weight and an electrode being 3 {mu}m. This specification value is a value realizable by the current micromachining technology. Dimensions for the weight and other members were decided with the natural frequency to make band width 2 kHz set to 4 kHz. ...
Aug 15, 2002 ... In Section II, we describe the routing and transceiver power model used ... In our power model, we assume a certain non-zero minimum level of ...
The goal of this LDRD was to demonstrate the use of robotic vehicles for deploying and autonomously reconfiguring seismic and acoustic sensor arrays with high (centimeter) accuracy to obtain enhancement of our capability to locate and characterize remote targets. The capability to accurately place sensors and then retrieve and reconfigure them allows sensors to be placed in phased arrays in an initial monitoring configuration and then to be reconfigured in an array tuned to the specific frequencies and directions of the selected target. This report reviews the findings and accomplishments achieved during this three-year project. This project successfully demonstrated autonomous deployment and retrieval of a payload package with an accuracy of a few centimeters using differential global positioning system (GPS) signals. It developed an autonomous, multisensor, temporally aligned, radio-frequency communication and signal ...
... Rep. ISIS-04-504, Institute for Software Integrated Systems (2004). [59] G. Simon, M. Maroti, A. Ledeczi, G. Balogh, B. Kusy, A. Nadas, G. Pap, J ...
The mission includes a reflected solar instrument retrieving at-sensor .... incoming solar radiation. This direct aerosol radiative forcing (DARF) ... examining the behavior of geosynchronous rocket bodies and non-stabilized payloads as ...
Ventilation of blind drifts in the Karaganda Basin because of the high release of methane is a very important task. As indicated by measurements in 116 blind drifts, on the average the magnitude of air velocity in the pipelines VPM is in limits of 15-25 m/sec. The DPV-1 sensor encompasses almost the entire range of velocities of air motion. Operation of the DPV-1 sensors at mines of the production association ''Karaganda-ugol''' confirmed their high reliability and convenience for operation.
Aggregation of fine-resolution land-cover maps to coarser scales indicates that estimates of the proportions of land-cover types vary as a function of spatial resolution. The magnitude of these proportional errors in a forested area in northern California increase significantly as resolution exceeds a 90-m threshold. These errors could pose difficulties for the use of land-cover products generated from coarse-resolution sensors such as the NOAA-AVHRR and the MODIS sensor planned for the EOS program. The magnitude of the errors appears to be a function of the spatial resolution of the map, the original size of the land-cover classes, and the spatial patterns of the classes.
The repeated use and limited lifetime of a composite tiring vessel compel a need to survey techniques for monitoring the structural integrity of the vessel in order to determine when it should be retired. Various nondestructive techniques were researched and evaluated based on their applicability to the vessel. The methods were visual inspection, liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, surface mounted strain gauges, thermal inspection, acoustic emission, ultrasonic testing, radiography, eddy current testing, and embedded fiber optic sensors. It was determined that embedded fiber optic sensor is the most promising technique due to their ability to be embedded within layers of composites and their immunity to electromagnetic interference.
A new coumarin-based sensor molecule (L1) has been synthesized and this was found to bind calcium and magnesium ions more effectively as compared to other alkali/alkaline earth/lanthanide and certain transition metal ions. A significant enhancement in fluorescence intensity was observed on binding to Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions; while a minor quenching was observed for weakly bound Hg2+, Ni2+, Fe3+, and Co2+ ions. PET process, coupled with the ICT process, is proposed to explain the observed spectral response.
The term biological motion is often used by researchers studying the patterns of movement generated by living forms and in sports. We studied a pattern recognition system of motion in sport using biological motion data. Biological motion data are acquired using a 3D motion capture system. However, 3D motion capture systems are very expensive. In this article, a biological motion capture system was built using acceleration sensors. Our proposed system uses the technique of Gaussian fitting and regression analysis. We tested our proposed system in pattern recognition of outdoor tennis and its evaluations.
In one of the first uses of high Tc superconductors in an end-use product, Lake Shore Cryotronics and a Swiss lab have developed a liquid nitrogen level sensor using a high Tc thin film. The probe is manufactured using a seamless stainless steel tube with an yttrium-based zirconium oxide flame-sprayed on the tube. A plasma-sprayed superconductor compound is deposited on top of that. The probe is coated with a sealant that protects the superconducting film from the atmosphere. This manufacturing method has yielded an extremely durable product. Unaffected by ice formation and related mechanical problems, the superconducting level sensor can be kept in the dewar for long periods of time.
Formaldehyde, a well-identified indoor pollutant, was recently classified as carcinogenic. New regulations for the air quality are expected and therefore there is a need for low-cost sensors, sensitive and selective with a fast response time for the detection of formaldehyde at ppb level. In the present work, we had developed a chemical sensor based on nano-porous matrices doped with Fluoral-P and optical methods of detection. The nano-porous matrices, elaborated via the Sol-Gel process, display nano-pores whose cavity is tailored for the trapping of the targeted pollutant. They provide a first selectivity with the discrimination of the pollutants by their size. A second selectivity is obtained with a molecular probe, Fluoral-P, which reacts specifically with formaldehyde leading to the 3,5- di-acetyl-1,4-dihydro-lutidine (DDL). The kinetics of formation of DDL was studied as function of many parameters such as the concentration of Fluoral-P in ...
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.
Room-temperature continuous-wave (cw) operation of a GaInP/AlGaInP multiquantum well (MQW) laser was achieved for the first time. The threshold current was 70 mA at 22 /sup 0/C for a device with an 8-..mu..m-wide and a 250-..mu..m-long planar stripe. The emission wavelength was 668 nm. The characteristic temperature T/sub 0/ was 138 K under cw operation. The wafer with the MQW structure composed of 100-A-thick GaInP wells and 40-A-thick AlGaInP barrier layers was grown by atmospheric pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition.
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).
Today TBP and TBAs are the compounds which have the highest potential to replace the hydrides arsine and phosphine in the MOVPE process. The authors have demonstrated the entire material system Ga-In-As-P can be grown without any loss of quality using TBP and TBAs not only in one reactor, but in a complete family of reactors. These reactors range from small-scale single wafer R and D reactors to multiwafer Planetary Reactor systems. Both InP based and GaAs based materials could be grown with an excellent quality. Thus all growth processes for III-V devices--long and short wavelength lasers, LEDs, high speed transistors, etc.--can be switched to TBP and TBAs. This will drastically reduce safety hazards and lead to processes that have advantages both from the ecological and economical point of view.
Conventional interconnect and switching technology is rapidly becoming a critical issue in the realization of systems using high speed silicon and GaAs based technologies. In recent years clock speeds and on-chip density for VLSI/VHSIC technology has made packaging these high speed chips extremely difficult. A strong case can be made for using optical interconnects for on-chip/on-wafer, chip-to-chip and board-to-board high speed communications. GaAs integrated optoelectronic circuits (IOC's) are being developed in a number of laboratories for performing Input/Output functions at all levels. In this paper integrated optoelectronic materials, electronics and optoelectronic devices are presented. IOC's are examined from the standpoint of what it takes to fabricate the devices and what performance can be expected.
This article presents the micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) microrobot which demonstrates locomotion controlled by hardware neural networks (HNN). The size of the microrobot fabricated by the MEMS technology is 4 ? 4 ? 3.5 mm. The frame of the robot is made of silicon wafer, and it is equipped with a rotary-type actuator, a link mechanism, and six legs. The rotary-type actuator generates rotational movement by applying an electrical current to artificial muscle wires. The locomotion of the microrobot is obtained by the rotation of the rotary-type actuator. As in a living organism, the HNN realized robot control without using any software programs, A/D converters, or additional driving circuits. A central pattern generator (CPG) model was implemented as an HNN system to emulate the lo...
Anti-reflective coatings made with Teflon AF2400 had the highest damage thresholds recorded for physical vapor deposited coatings at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory damage facility. Physical vapor deposited layers of Teflon AF2400, a perfluorinated amorphous polymer, maintained the bulk optical properties of a high transmittance from 200 nm to 1600 nm, and a low refractive index. In addition, the refractive index can be intentionally reduced by control of two common deposition parameters, deposition rate and substrate temperature. Scanning electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance observations indicated that morphological changes caused the variations in the refractive index rather than compositional changes. The coatings adhered to fused silica and silicon wafers under normal laboratory handling conditions.
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 gain-guiding tapered stripe laser was fabricated using a Ga/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P/(Al/sub 0.5/Ga/sub 0.5/)/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P double heterostructure wafer grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The laser showed a continuous wave (cw) threshold current of 48 mA, a maximum temperature for cw operation of 81 /sup 0/C, an aspect ratio of about 2, and an astigmatism near 25 ..mu..m. The emission wavelength was 684 nm. Thirty-two devices have been operating without significant degradation for more than 2000 h at 50 /sup 0/C with a constant output power of 3 mW.
Dust detection and control in real time, represent one of the most challenging problem in all those environments where fine and ultrafine airborne particulate solids products are present. The presence of such products can be linked to several factors, often directly related and influenced by the working-production actions performed. Independently from the causes generating dust, airborne contaminants are an occupational problem of increasing interest as they are related to a wide number of diseases. In particular, airborne dusts are well known to be associated with several classical occupational lung diseases, such as the pneumoconiosis, especially at high levels of exposure. Nowadays there is also an increasing interest in other dust related diseases, from the most serious as cancer and asthma, to those related with allergies or irritation and other illnesses, also occurring at lower levels of exposure. Among the different critical factors influencing health risk for airborne dust ...
Silicon on insulator (SOI) structures are promising candidates for the fabrication of VLSI circuits with very high packing densities. The preparation of such structures can now be achieved by high dose implantation of reactive ion species such as oxygen to produce buried layers of SiO/sub 2/ in silicon. In this paper we report experiments to depth profile these layered structures by SIMS. SOI samples have been prepared by implanting (100) silicon wafers with 400 keV molecular oxygen ions at a dose of 1.8x10/sup 18/ O/sup +/ cm/sup -2/. During the implantation the wafers were maintained at temperatures between 325 and 600/sup 0/C, using beam heating, which achieved in situ-annealing and ensured that the top silicon layer remained single crystal. Analysis was carried out on an Atomika DIDA-II spectrometer using 10 keV Ar/sup +/ ions with a low current density of less than 1 mA cm/sup -2/. During analysis negative secondary ions were monitored ...
Plasma-deposited thin films prepared at room temperature, ranging from 46 to 250 A of PdAu on #approx#45-50 A Si-oxide and Si-oxynitride films grown on Si wafers were studied. Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity, and XPS depth profile techniques were used to characterize the thin films. A reactive interface involving Pd- and Au-silicides is formed, linking the thin film to the Si-oxide and Si-oxynitride films: a small fraction of Pd and Au atoms from PdAu migrate into the Si substrate, first penetrating the oxide layer, and the small fraction of Si atoms from the oxide layer migrate into the PdAu film and form a silicide interlayer consisting of a reactive interface made up of mixtures of Au- and Pd-silicides interspersed within the matrix of PdAu and substrate. The concentration profiles of these silicides have a maximum at the interface with decay on both sides. The density and the face-centered cubic (fcc) lattice parameter of the film are ...
This paper introduces examples of satellite imageries analysis and utilizations for safeguards activities. Recently, many kinds of satellite imageries are available in the world i.e., high-spatial resolution, multi- and hyper-spectral, multi-function, and multi-polarization radars. The problem is that how to obtain the required information from these digital images. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has successfully launched the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS, the nickname is 'Daichi') on 24th January, 2006. The mission objectives are cartography, regional observation, disaster monitoring etc. ALOS has three instruments, PRISM, AVNIR-2, and PALSAR, to achieve these objectives. An overview of ALOS is provided. ALOS follows the Japanese Earth Resources Satellite- 1 (JERS-1) and the Advanced Earth Observing Satellite (ADEOS) and utilizes advanced land-observing technology. ALOS is fling in a Sun-synchronous orbit with an inclination angle of 98.16 ...
We have studied the correlation between the chemical state and the oxygen-sensing properties of an iron oxide thin film using a setup that allows simultaneous sensor resistance measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data acquisition. The gas exposures were performed at the highest operating pressure of the XPS spectrometer at a controlled sample temperature which allows direct comparison between the sensor response and the chemical state of the surface. The iron oxide film was modified by a sequence of argon ion sputtering steps and the induced changes in the chemical state, resistance, and sensitivity to oxygen were investigated. The sputtering was found to reduce the iron from the Fe"3"+ to the Fe"2"+ state and to decrease the sensor resistance. The measured sensitivity to oxygen first increased by a factor of two but then collapsed to its original level. The mechanism for oxygen sensing was found to be ...
Mesoporous V2O5/Nafion composite films have been used for the immobilization of tris(2,2prime-bipyridyl)ruthenium (II) (Ru(bpy)$\\rm{ {_{3}^{2+}}}$) on an electrode surface to yield a solid-state electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor. The electrochemical and ECL behavior of Ru(bpy)$\\rm{ {_{3}^{2+}}}$ ion-exchanged into the composite films has been characterized as a function of the amount of Nafion incorporated into the V2O5/Nafion composite. The composite film with 80% Nafion content has the largest pore diameter (4.19 nm) and yields the maximum ECL response for tripropylamine (TPA) because of the fast diffusion of analyte into the film with large pores. Due to the enlarged pore size and enhanced conductivity of the V2O5/Nafion composite, the present ECL sensor based on the compo...
In this article we describe an optoelectronic sensor for assessing the level of light petrochemical products in technological tanks at the oil refineries. This sensor employs the multi-element vertical array of discrete micro- optical refractometric transducers. The transducers are made of silica glass and have the conical shape. In the air, each transducer operates as a tiny retro-reflector that optically couple together two multimode optical fibers. The optical coupling in the transducer is due to the internal reflection at the conical surface. The amount of the coupling depends on the refractive index of the surrounding media. In a fluid, the total internal reflection vanishes and the coupling becomes negligibly small. The number of immersed transducers is a measure of the fluid level in the reservoir. Because of the significance of the transducer transmission function, it is evaluated in detail under various combinations of the geometrical ...
We demonstrate detection of a single core-shell magnetite-silica nanoparticle (outer diameter #approx#120 nm, moment #approx#10"4#mu#_B) using an Nb dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) with the loop size of 350 nm operational at T < 10 K. The system noise was minimized down to 0.2 #mu##PHI#_0 Hz"-"1"/"2 using a cryogenic SQUID series array pre-amplifier. Initial measurements of an individual magnetic nanoparticle were performed and a clear change of the noise spectra of the nano-SQUID was detected at low frequencies in the presence of the nanoparticle. Similar behaviour was confirmed with an FePt nanoparticle with a larger magnetic moment (diameter #approx#150 nm, moment #approx#10"6#mu#_B). Thus, we demonstrate a magnetic sensor based on a dc nano-SQUID and enabling detection of small moments (potentially down to a few electron spins). Such a sensor is of considerable significance for nanomagnetic metrology and quantum ...
Eaton, in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has completed a project that applies a combination of wireless sensor network (WSN) technology, anticipatory theory, and a near-term value proposition based on diagnostics and process uptime to ensure the security and reliability of critical electrical power infrastructure. Representatives of several Eaton business units have been engaged to ensure a viable commercialization plan. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), American Electric Power (AEP), PEPCO, and Commonwealth Edison were recruited as partners to confirm and refine the requirements definition from the perspective of the utilities that actually operate the facilities to be protected. Those utilities have cooperated with on-site field tests as the project proceeds. Accomplishments of this project included: (1) the design, modeling, and simulation of the anticipatory wireless sensor ...
This patent describes a solar heater freeze protection valve apparatus comprising in combination: a valve housing; a remote sensor operatively connected to the valve housing from a remote position, the remote sensor including a bulb containing a liquid adapted to compress and expand with the temperature adjacent the bulb; a piston located in the valve body and slidable responsive to expansion and contraction of the liquid in the remote sensor; a first valve element located in the valve housing and attached to the valve piston for movement; a second valve element located in the valve housing and attached to the housing; a first valve seat in the second valve element forming an opening; a second valve seat positioned in a water passageway to allow the flow of fluid when the second valve element is in an open position and to cut off the flow of fluid when the second valve element is in a closed position. Liquid in a solar ...
The report details the results of a series of large-scale experiments where small coal fires were used to ignite conveyor belting at air velocities ranging from 0.76 m/s to 6.1 m/s. In the tests, electrical strip heaters imbedded within a pile of coal were used to heat the coal to a point of flaming ignition. The flaming coal subsequently ignited conveyor belting located approximately 5 to 10 cm above the coal pile. During the tests, temperature, CO, and smoke levels were continuously measured in order to determine both alarm time and level as the fire intensity progressed through the stages of smoldering coal, flame coal, and flaming coal plus flaming belt. Analysis of the data leads to certain conditions of air velocity and sensor alarm levels that are required for early detection of conveyor belt entry fires. Two nomographs are presented which define sensor alarm levels and sensor spacings as a function of belt entry ...
A study was conducted under the auspices of the Coordinating Research Council, Inc. (CRC) to assess the potential effects of gasoline octane quality on vehicle acceleration performance. Twelve participating laboratories, representing both the oil and the automotive industries, tested a total of 182 vehicles as part of the 1989 CRC Octane Number Requirement Survey. The vehicles consisted of 78 with electronic knock control systems and 104 without. All testing was performed using the 1989/1990 CRC FBRU fuel series. The results showed that acceleration performance of vehicles with knock sensors was significantly affected by gasoline octane quality. Octane effects on acceleration performance were most pronounced at maximum-throttle (detent) conditions and at octane levels below the vehicles' octane requirements; however, some knock-sensor vehicles did show improved acceleration performance with fuels at octane levels above the octane ...
Reactor Power Measurement is an essential part of the Reactor Power Control Loop in PHWRs. None of the available power measuring sensor offers characteristics which allow their direct use in the Reactor Power Control Loop. Thermal power, which is considered as relatively accurate, suffers from measurement delays and is used only as reference. Neutronic power sensors like Ion Chambers and Self Powered Neutron Detectors (SPNDs) which sense instantaneous power suffer from inaccuracies. A technique is required which makes use of both types-reference power and instantaneous power to extract real power information from the signals. This paper describes techniques to calibrate (correct) neutronic power that with the thermal reference power signals. The paper also brings out limitation of the calibration technique. (author)
The Authenticated Tracking and Monitoring System (ATMS) has been designed to address the need for global monitoring of the status and location of proliferation-sensitive items. Conceived to utilize the proposed Global Verification and Location System (GVLS) satellite link, ATMS could use the existing International Maritime Satellite commercial communication system until GVLS is operational. The ATMS concept uses sensor packs to monitor items and environmental conditions, collects a variety of events data through a sensor processing unit, and transmits the data to a satellite, which then sends data to ground stations. Authentication and encryption algorithms will be used to secure the data. A typical ATMS application would be to track and monitor the safety and security of a number of items in transit along a scheduled shipping route. This paper also discusses a possible proof-of-concept system demonstration.
We describe a position sensitive photon counting microchannel plate based detector with an improved quadrant anode (QA) readout system. The technique relies on a combination of the four planar elements pattern and an additional fifth electrode. The charge cloud induced by single particle detection is split between the electrodes. The measured charge values uniquely define the position of the initial event. QA has been first published in 1976 by Lampton and Malina. This anode configuration was undeservedly forgotten and its potential has been hardly underestimated. The presented approach extends the operating spatial range to the whole sensitive area of the microchannel plate surface and demonstrates good linearity over the field of view. Therefore, the novel image sensor results in spatial resolution better then 50?m and count rates up to one million events per second.
We describe a position sensitive photon counting microchannel plate based detector with an improved quadrant anode (QA) readout system. The technique relies on a combination of the four planar elements pattern and an additional fifth electrode. The charge cloud induced by single particle detection is split between the electrodes. The measured charge values uniquely define the position of the initial event. QA has been first published in 1976 by Lampton and Malina. This anode configuration was undeservedly forgotten and its potential has been hardly underestimated. The presented approach extends the operating spatial range to the whole sensitive area of the microchannel plate surface and demonstrates good linearity over the field of view. Therefore, the novel image sensor results in spatial...
Retaining an appropriate level of moisture at the interface between a healing wound and an applied dressing is considered to be critical for effective wound healing. Failure to control exudate at this interface can result in maceration or drying out of the wound surface. The ability to control moisture balance at the wound interface is therefore a key aspect of wound dressing performance. To date it has not been possible to monitor in any effective manner the distribution of moisture within dressings or how this varies with time.A new measurement system is presented based on sensors placed at the wound/dressing interface which are capable of monitoring moisture levels in real time. The system comprises a model wound bed and sensor array complete with fluid injection path to mimic exudate f...
An automotive powertrain includes a conventional piston engine, a continuously variable ratio transmission, an engine speed sensor and a feedback control system. The control system adjusts both the transmission ratio and the throttle valve in the engine carburetor or fuel metering system in response to the position of the accelerator pedal and in response to the crankshaft speed as measured by the engine sensor. The transmission provides extreme overdrive gear ratios which allow the engine to be operated at wide open throttle even during moderate cruising, and, in addition, the engine carburetor or fuel metering system is calibrated to deliver to the engine a stoichiometric air-fuel mixture which is combined, before combustion, with a special proportion of recirculated exhaust gas. As a result of extensive wide open throttle engine operation with the above mentioned intake charge composition, combustion variables are optimized to produce ...
A new surveillance system for Oil-Filled cable, which can provide continuous monitoring, using a newly developed optical gas sensor that can detect the concentration of the gas dissolved in the oil with extremely high sensitivity has been developed. It was proved that the degree of deterioration of the insulating oil can be detected by measuring C{sub 2}H{sub 2} and CH{sub 4} by investigating the relation between the degree of deterioration and amount of combustible gas generated. In order to detect extremely small amounts of gas, a new gas detecting method using absorption line of the gas using a frequency modulated technique has been developed. The gas detection ability was also confirmed by examination using a 66 kV of cable and the possibility of detection at an early stage is expected.
Many nondestructive beam position monitors are known. However, these devices can not be used for DC particle beam diagnostics. We investigated a method of beam diagnostics applicable for the operative control of DC high power e-beam inside closed waveguide. A design of the detector for determination of{open_quote} center of mass {close_quote} position of DC particle beam was developed. It was shown that the monitor can be used as a nondestructive method for the beam position control in resonators. Magnetic field of the particle beam outside a resonator is used. The detector consists of the steel yokes and magnetic field sensors. The sensors measure magnetic fluxes in the steel yokes fixed outside the resonator. When the particle beam changes its position, these magnetic fluxes also change. Beam displacement sensitivity of the monitor depends on the steel yoke dimensions. The detector sensitivity is equal to 1 Gauss/mm for the conditions ...
The high-frequency data from 12 sensors at the ITCE 1976 are analyzed to determine the Kolmogoroff constants for velocity, temperature and humidity fluctuations, ..cap alpha../sub u/, ..cap alpha../sub T/, and ..cap alpha../sub q/. The occurrence of aliasing in the spectral analysis in some cases together with the limited response of some sensors at the higher frequencies introduces some uncertainties into the analysis. The Soviet sonic anemometer, fine-wire thermometer and infrared hygrometer and the Australian infrared hygrometer provide the best information, namely that: ..cap alpha../sub u/ = 0.59 +/- 0.01, ..cap alpha../sub T/ = 0.68 +/- 0.02, ..cap alpha../sub q/ = 0.76 +/- 0.03, where the errors quoted refer solely to statistical errors. The other instruments provide general support to these values. The technique of using spectral density measurements to determine eddy fluxes is illustrated.
Eddy current testing is one of the most widely used methods in non-destructive testing for the inspection of conductive materials. Numerical modelling of eddy current testing has emerged as an important approach alongside experimental studies. This paper investigates an application of numerical modelling and experimental study as a means of the quantitative non-destructive evaluation (QNDE) of defects in conductive samples. There are two methods of measuring eddy current response, more commonly by measuring the change in impedance of the eddy current probe coil, or as used in this work, by measuring the change in magnetic field directly using magnetic field sensors such as superconducting quantum interference devices, giant magneto resistance, or as in this case Hall sensors. Specifically,...
The ultrasonic inspection pig system was described as being under development. This system was said to adopt the unique wheel type ultrasonic sensor which does not need couplant. This pig was designed to detect external corrosion in long-distance pipelines without interruption of the gas service. The wall-thickness measurement performance test and the travel performance test of the inspection pig in the test line confirmed that these performances satisfied the development specifications. However, the effect induced by the inner surface properties of the pipe and the influence of the pipe`s performance over long distances and for a long period of time still needed to be verified in an actual gas pipeline, and while the pipeline was actually in service. Improvements to the prototype model of the inspection pig were expected to include combinations of inspection pigs, with increases in battery and memory capacities to permit them to cope with in increased number of ...
Polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been prepared and used as an immobilization matrix for the fabrication of solid-state tris(2,2prime-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+) electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor. The pre-synthesized maghemite (g-Fe2O3) MNPs were coated with poly(3-thiopheneacetic acid) based on an oxidative polymerization method using KMnO4. The poly(3-thiopheneacetic acid)-coated MNPs have formed the clusters with average diameter of 200-500nm. The multilayer films of poly(3-thiopheneacetic acid)-coated MNPs were uniformly formed on the surface of a Pt electrode by an external magnet. The Ru(bpy)32+ was rapidly incorporated into the multilayer films within 5min through the electrostatic interaction between the Ru(bpy)32+ and the negatively charged c...
The methods of superconducting device fabrication by lithography and multilevel processing usually require a number of processing steps with lithographic resolution and alignment adequate for the scale of the device be fabricated. As an alternative, the focused ion beam (FIB) microscope is increasingly being used directly to fabricate devices. A major advantage of using a FIB compared to other lithography methods is its flexibility and high resolution. It allows in-situ, milling (#propor to#5 nm at a beam current of 1 pA) to a variety of depths, and imaging (2 nm) of the sample. In this paper we describe our development of junction fabrication techniques using the FIB and their application in creating a range of potential sensor devices and quantum electronics applications. (copyright 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)
The exposure and subsequent undermining of pier/abutment foundations through the scouring action of a flood can result in the structural failure of a bridge. Bridge scour is one of the leading causes of bridge failure. Bridges subject to periods of flood/high flow require monitoring during those times in order to protect the traveling public. In this study, an innovative scour monitoring system using button-like fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors was developed and applied successfully in the field during the Aere typhoon period in 2004. The in situ FBG scour monitoring system has been demonstrated to be robust and reliable for real-time scour-depth measurements, and to be valid for indicating depositional depth at the Dadu Bridge. The field results show that this system can function well and survive a typhoon flood.
A stable chlorobenzene dispersion of conducting polyaniline (PANI) has been obtained by doping emeraldine base with dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) and studied by spectrophotometric measurements in the UV-vis-IR range. The electrical properties of PANI: DBSA films obtained from the above dispersion have been investigated under different temperature and relative humidity conditions. All-organic chemoresistive devices have been developed by spin-coating the PANI: DBSA dispersion on flexible substrates, and then by depositing electrodes on the top, from a carbon nanotube conducting ink. Sensing tests performed under exposition to calibrated amounts of ammonia reveal that these simple and inexpensive sensors are able to detect ammonia at room temperature in a reliable way, with a sensitivity linearly related to concentration in the range between 5 ppm and 70 ppm.
A compact and supersensitive device that can rapidly detect minute trace vapors from concealed explosives has been developed by scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The new explosives sensor can detect and chemically identify organic nitrogen-oxygen compounds which are the building blocks of explosives such as TNT, plastiques, and nitroglycerine. The device could be used to scan persons entering airport terminals, nuclear power plants, defense installations, or other sensitive locations, providing greater security against potential terrorism. This device works on a glow discharge principle, and is more specifically called an ''Atmospheric Sampling Glow Discharge Ionization'' (ASGDI) source. The new detector is a highly automated, miniaturized version of research mass spectrometers widely used to trace constituents of chemical mixtures. Detail of this device's construction and advantages are discussed in ...
This paper reviews various techniques to harden Charged Coupled Device (CCD) sensors and the results after irradiation of three Thomson n buried channel CCDs having a different degree of hardening. It describes the major irradiation effects on CCD performances and it makes a comparison of the results between the different hardening levels. It shows good results on dark voltage after ionizing radiation for TH 7863M device hardened both by design and by operating conditions (MPP mode) with respect to the standard device TH 7863A. The irradiations were performed with "6"0Co or X-ray (10 keV) sources on devices in operating mode. (author). 3 refs., 8 figs.
DescriptionAbstract of Research Proposal The root environment has a major effect on crop growth, both directly through the supply of water and nutrients to the shoot, and indirectly through root to shoot signalling. Better management of crop root systems through agronomic and genetic means has the potential to improve the efficiency of water and nutrient uptake, and limit root restrictions to crop growth. However, progress in this area is currently limited by the lack of sensors for in situ estimates of [continued...
Practical procedures were developed for large-scale microbial decontamination of dry egg powder and gelatine with gamma radiation ("6"0Co). The formation and lifes of free organic radicals in these materials were examined by ESR measurements of powder samples. The concentration of these radicals was studied in dependence on the time of storage. Secondary oxidation of egg fats by air oxygen was investigated. Sensoric tests of irradiated gelatine, both in powder and hydrogel form, were performed. (author). 4 figs., 2 tabs., 2 refs.
This book contains the proceedings of the International Topical Meeting on Remote Systems and Robotics in Hostile Environments. It is organized under the following sessions: Worldwide Applications Overview; Operating Mobile Systems; Sensors and Control Systems; Space Applications; Reactor Operations and Surveillance; Remote Equipment for Hazardous Operations; Future Mobile System; Mining and Construction Operations; Special Applications; Hot Cell Applications; Processing; Reactor Operations and Maintenance; Decontamination and Waste Handling; Remote Handling Development and Demonstration.
It is maintained that special features of FFTF make it an ideal system to test sodium boiling detection techniques by acoustic/neutronic methods and to test the response of acoustic/neutronic sensors to vibrations. It is shown that accumulated research results indicate that such tests in FFTF are feasible, predictable, promising and safe. (author).
Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) sensors can supply much of the critical downhole information needed in a systems approach to improving drilling efficiency. The author looks at some areas where MWD information has helped to improve drilling efficiency. To date, most use of MWD has been for directional survey, pressure prediction, and formation evaluation. As MWD systems become more reliable and cost effective, their applications will expand.
Remotely-fielded unattended sensor networks generally must operate at very low power--in the milliwatt or microwatt range--and thus have extremely limited communications bandwidth. Such sensors might be asleep most of the time to conserve power, waking only occasionally to transmit a few bits. RFID tags for tracking or material control have similarly tight bandwidth constraints, and emerging nanotechnology devices will be even more limited. Since transmitted data is subject to spoofing, and since sensors might be located in uncontrolled environments vulnerable to physical tampering, the high-consequence data generated by such systems must be protected by cryptographically sound authentication mechanisms; but such mechanisms are often lacking in current sensor networks. One reason for this undesirable situation is that standard authentication methods become impractical or impossible when bandwidth is ...
A length of metal sheathed metal oxide cable is perforated to permit liquid access to the insulation about a pair of conductors spaced close to one another. Changes in resistance across the conductors will be a function of liquid level, since the wetted insulation will have greater electrical conductivity than that of the dry insulation above the liquid elevation.
A short synopsis of each project is given covering the following main areas of research and development: Atmospheric sciences; Biotechnology; Chemical and instrumentation analysis; Computer and information science; Design and manufacture engineering; Ecological science; Electronics and sensors; Experimental technology; Health protection and dosimetry; Hydrologic and geologic science; Marine sciences; Materials science; Nuclear science and engineering; Process science and engineering; Sociotechnical systems analysis; Statistics and applied mathematics; and Thermal and energy systems.
The results show that the SQUID device eddy current testing system is a suitable tool for NDE. Due to the high low-frequency sensitivity of the SQUID sensor, the SQUID device eddy current testing system permits lower examination frequencies than the conventional eddy current probe system. The SQUID system enhances fault detection in even deeper materials layers. (orig./MM).
We apply two variations of the principle of Minimum Cross Entropy (the Kullback information measure) to fit parameterized probability density models to observed data densities. For an array beamforming problem with P incident narrowband point sources, N > P sensors, and colored noise, both approaches yield eigenvector fitting methods similar to that of the MUSIC algorithm[1]. Furthermore, the corresponding cross-entropies are related to the MDL model order selection criterion[2].
Coatings and sensors having both steric and chemical selectivity. Controlled porosity provides the steric selectivity, whereas chemically tailored film properties, using controlled composition or modification by coupling agents, chemical species replacement, or chemical species within pores, provide the chemical selectivity. Single or multiple layers may be provided.
We propose a system for the on-line monitoring of short and medium term radioactive waste repositories. Such a system is distributed, fine-grained, robust, reliable, and must be based on low-cost components. It could, in principle, open new perspectives on the modality of waste packaging and storage. In particular we propose to employ a new family of cheap and powerful micro sensors to be placed in shape of a fine grid around each single drum. (authors)
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.
An x-ray zone plate was fabricated using the novel approach of focused ion beam (FIB) milling. The FIB technique was developed in recent years, it has been successfully used for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample preparation, lithographic mask repair, and failure analysis of semiconductor devices. During FIB milling, material is removed by the physical sputtering action of ion bombardment. The sputter yield is high enough to remove a substantial amount of material, therefore FIB can perform a direct patterning with submicron accuracy. The authors succeeded in fabricating an x-ray phase zone plate using the Micrion 9500HT FIB station, which has a 50 kV Ga{sup +} column. Circular Fresnel zones were milled in a 1.0-{micro}m-thick TaSiN film deposited on a silicon wafer. The outermost zone width of the zone plate is 170 nm at a radius of 60 {micro}m. An achieved aspect ratio was 6:1.
Surface compositional changes in GaAs due to RF plasmas of different gases have been investigated by XPS and etch rates were measured using AFM. Angular Resolved XPS (ARXPS) was also employed for depth analysis of the composition of the surface layers. An important role in this study was determination of oxide thickness using XPS data. The study of surface - plasma interaction was undertaken by correlating results of surface analysis with plasma diagnosis. Different experiments were designed to accurately measure the BEs associated with the Ga 3d, Ga 2p sub 3 sub / sub 2 and LMM peaks using XPS analysis and propose identification in terms of the oxides of GaAs. Along with GaAs wafers, some reference compounds such as metallic Ga and Ga sub 2 O sub 3 powder were used. A separate study aiming the identification of the GaAs surface oxides formed on the GaAs surface during and after plasma processing was undertaken. Surface compositional changes after plasma treatment, ...
Thin films of the protein, lysozyme, have been deposited by the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. Frozen targets of 0.3-1.0 wt.% lysozyme dissolved in ultrapure water were irradiated by laser light at 355 nm with a fluence of 2 J/cm{sup 2}. The surface quality of the thin lysozyme films of different thickness deposited on 7 mm x 7 mm Si-<1 0 0>-wafers was investigated with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Already at comparatively low thickness, {approx}20 nm, the substrate is covered by intact lysozyme molecules and fragments. The concentration of lysozyme in the ice matrix apparently does not play any significant role for the morphology of the film. The morphology obtained with MAPLE has been compared with results for direct laser irradiation of a pressed lysozyme sample (i.e. pulsed laser deposition (PLD))
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.
Continuous-wave (cw) operation at temperatures up to 23 /sup 0/C of an Al/sub 0.26/Ga/sub 0.26/In/sub 0.48/P/Ga/sub 0.52/In/sub 0.48/P/ Al/sub 0.26/Ga/sub 0.26/In/sub 0.48/P double heterostructure (DH) laser has been achieved for the first time. The threshold current was 160 mA at 20 /sup 0/C for a device with a 10-..mu..m-wide and 250-..mu..m-long ion-implanted stripe geometry. The emission wavelength was 671 nm during cw operation at 10 /sup 0/C. To reduce thermal resistance to a heat sink, a dually stacked structure made of a thin (approx.0.3 ..mu..m) p-AlGaInP layer and a p-Al/sub 0.76/Ga/sub 0.24/As layer was used as a cladding layer. The DH wafer was grown by atmospheric pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition.
The differential recoil cross sections of H have been determined for 1.5-3.0 MeV He"+ incidence. In order to obtain precise data, we have performed simultaneous detection and spectrum simulation of recoiled H and backscattered He. In addition, a careful cross check has been made by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The present results have revealed a pronounced contribution from a nuclear short-range interaction. The He"+ energy and recoil angle dependence of the H recoil cross sections are well reproduced by adding the nuclear term, which is simply derived from effective range theory. Our computer simulation program of elastic recoil combined with Rutherford backscattering spectra makes it possible to determine the depth distributions of H together with other elements absolutely, without any ambiguities. The present elastic recoil analysis is employed to determine the H composition of amorphous Si(H) films deposited on Si wafers. An excellent agreement, ...
The optical properties and microstructure of germanium (Ge) films, prepared by ion-assisted deposition (IAD) process, were investigated. The Ge films were deposited on sapphire and silicon substrates, with and without simultaneous Ar+ bombardment. Higher index films, with a refractive index 7.7% larger than that of the single crystalline Ge wafer, were obtained with the IAD process. The density of the IAD film could be 1.5% greater than that of the e-beam film. The results of the heat treatment indicated that the optical and structural properties of the IAD films were more stable. Ge nano-crystallites could be observed under high ion power density, which induced a crystalline structure in the Ge thin films. The average size of the nano-crystallites, as determined from both the X-ray diffraction data and the transmission electron microscopy images, showed that no systematic change had occurred. The results presented in this work suggest that the optical and ...
A route, as followed by ECN, is described for development of SiN{sub x}:H layers deposited by microwave (MW) PECVD, which are suited for surface and bulk passivation of mc-Si solar cells. First research was focussed on surface passivation and this resulted in the development of SiN layers that were Si-rich and where the hydrogen is mainly bonded to silicon atoms. A disadvantage of such Si-rich layers is their large absorption at shorter wavelengths, which make them unsuitable as front side AR coatings. Further, these layers appeared to be less suitable for bulk passivation. The next step therefore was the development of SiN layers for bulk passivation. For good bulk passivation of solar cells by means of a thermal anneal of the SiN layers, we found that SiN layers with high N-H bonding concentrations are required. Fine-tuning of the deposition conditions of these layers, finally resulted in the development of a SiN layer type which combines the three desired properties: low absorption ...
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 ...
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 has been repeatedly demonstrated to be ...
An attempt was made to minimize the channeling tail by implantation along a random equivalent direction following a careful alignment of the target. In order to analytically determine the random equivalent directions, critical angles for channeling were mapped on a stereogram. Boron ions with energies of 17 and 45 keV are implanted along specified directions determined from the map. The depth distribution of the dopant is profiled by SIMS and the effects of water orientation upon the channeling tail are noted. Industrial common use of a 7/sup 0/ tilt is not optimum. However, implantation with the wafer tilted at 5.5 +/- 0.5/sup 0/ from the surface normal and rotated at 7.0 +/- 0.5/sup 0/ from a (100) plane shows the least channel-tail compared to implantation along other directions. Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) is a promising annealing method for shallow junction formation. Transient enhanced diffusion of implanted boron is observed. Two different mechanisms for ...
An attempt was made to minimize the channeling tail by implantation along a random equivalent direction following a careful alignment of the target. In order to analytically determine the random equivalent directions, critical angles for channeling were mapped on a stereogram. Boron ions with energies of 17 and 45 keV are implanted along specified directions determined from the map. The depth distribution of the dopant is profiled by SIMS and the effects of water orientation upon the channeling tail are noted. Industrial common use of a 7"0 tilt is not optimum. However, implantation with the wafer tilted at 5.5 +/- 0.5"0 from the surface normal and rotated at 7.0 +/- 0.5"0 from a (100) plane shows the least channel-tail compared to implantation along other directions. Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) is a promising annealing method for shallow junction formation. Transient enhanced diffusion of implanted boron is observed. Two different mechanisms for the boron ...
Buried silicon carbide (SiC) microstructures with lateral dimensions in the #mu#m range were formed by high-dose projection of 1.5 MeV C"2"+ ions in Si(100) at different doses and temperatures and subsequent annealing for 10 h at 1250 deg. C. Sections of individual SiC microstructures were prepared for cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis using a focused ion beam (FIB). Besides the possibility to select an individual microstructure, the FIB technique has the advantage of producing specimen foils of uniform thickness. Therefore, it was possible to map the carbon concentration of microstructures by energy filtered TEM (EFTEM) using the C_K absorption edge without the need of any sample thickness correction. Local overstoichiometric (>50%) carbon concentrations are shown to be correlated to the formation of an amorphous phase in the SiC and to significant swelling visible at the Si wafer surface 2 #mu#m above.
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 preliminary economic ...
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.
Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1{minus}x}P layers (0 {le} x {le} 0.7), with thicknesses of {ge}1 {micro}m were grown on Si (100) wafers by metal-organic molecular beam epitaxy (MOMBE) at 450 C. Transmission electron micrographs of the single crystal films revealed that the microstructure contains stacking faults and microtwins especially near the interface as well as both threading and misfit dislocations. Hardness and elastic modulus were measured using a Nanotest 500 indenter, which can probe the film properties without influence from the substrate. The hardness H varies linearly according to (11.8 {minus} 2.3x) GPa. The absence of alloy hardening is due to the fact that there is no difference in atomic size of Al and Ga. The indentation modulus E/(1{minus}v{sup 2}) decreases monotonically from 136 GPa for GaP to 129 GPa for Al{sub 0.7}Ga{sub 0.3}P and bows only slightly (about 2%) below the straight line of linear interpolation.
Investigations of the properties of absorbed monolayers have received great experimental and theoretical attention recently, both because of the importance of surface processes in practical applications such as catalysis, and the importance of such systems to the understanding of the fundamentals of thermodynamics in two dimensions. We have adapted the composite bolometer technology to the construction of microcalorimeters. For these calorimeters, the adsorption substrate is an evaporated film deposited on one surface of an optically polished sapphire wafer. This approach has allowed us to make the first measurements of the heat capacity of submonolayer films of /sup 4/He adsorbed on metallic films. In contrast to measurements of /sup 4/He adsorbed on all other insulating substrates, we have shown that /sup 4/He on silver films occupies a two-dimensional gas phase over a broad range of coverages and temperatures. Our apparatus has been used to study the heat ...
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 capacitance-voltage characteristics demonstrated that ...
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 capacitance-voltage characteristics demonstrated that ...
(001) CZ silicon wafers were implanted with arsenic (As{sup +}) at energies of 10--50 keV to doses of 2 {times} 10{sup 14} to 5 {times} 10{sup 15}/cm{sup 2}. All implants were amorphizing in nature. The samples were annealed at 700 C for 16 hrs. The resultant defect microstructures were analyzed by XTEM and PTEM and the As profiles were analyzed by SIMS. The As profiles showed significantly enhanced diffusion in all of the annealed specimens. The diffusion enhancement was both energy and dose dependent. The lowest dose implant/annealed samples did not show As clustering which translated to a lack of defects at the projected range. At higher doses, however, projected range defects were clearly observed, presumably due to interstitials generated during As clustering. The extent of enhancement in diffusion and its relation to the defect microstructure is explained by a combination of factors including surface recombination of point defects, As precipitation, As ...
(001) CZ silicon wafers were implanted with arsenic (As"+) at energies of 10--50 keV to doses of 2 x 10"1"4 to 5 x 10"1"5/cm"2. All implants were amorphizing in nature. The samples were annealed at 700 C for 16 hrs. The resultant defect microstructures were analyzed by XTEM and PTEM and the As profiles were analyzed by SIMS. The As profiles showed significantly enhanced diffusion in all of the annealed specimens. The diffusion enhancement was both energy and dose dependent. The lowest dose implant/annealed samples did not show As clustering which translated to a lack of defects at the projected range. At higher doses, however, projected range defects were clearly observed, presumably due to interstitials generated during As clustering. The extent of enhancement in diffusion and its relation to the defect microstructure is explained by a combination of factors including surface recombination of point defects, As precipitation, As clustering and end of range damage.
Si nanocrystal floating gate MOS capacitors were formed on p-Si (100) wafers by thermal plasma jet (TPJ) annealing of SiO2/SiOx /SiO2/Si(100) stacked structure. The chemical composition of SiOx layer was controlled by changing the SiH4, He, and O2 gas flow ratio during plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The MOS capacitors showed clear hysteresis in capacitance-voltage (CV) characteristics after TPJ annealing. The hysteresis width shows maximum value when initial composition x =1.7, which shows the maximum photoluminescence (PL) intensity. The maximum hysteresis width of 6.8 V was observed with gate voltage swept between 20 and -20 V in x = 1.7 sample. The result means 7.4 x 1012 cm-2 carriers are injected to or emitted from Si nanocrystals. The duration of 1 V shift in flatband vo...
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.
This thesis reports on the fabrication and test of a new gaseous detector with a very large number of readout channels. This detector is intended for measuring the tracks of charged particles with an unprecedented sensitivity to single electrons of almost 100 %. It combines a metal grid for signal amplification called the Micromegas with a pixel readout chip as signal collecting anode and is dubbed GridPix. GridPix is a potential candidate for a sub-detector at a future electron linear collider (ILC) foreseen to work in parallel with the LHC around 2020--2030. The tracking capability of GridPix is best exploited if the Micromegas is integrated on the pixel chip. This integrated grid is called InGrid and is precisely fabricated by wafer post-processing. The various steps of the fabrication process and the measurements of its gain, energy resolution and ion back-flow property are reported in this document. Studies of the response of the complete detector formed by an ...
A mass separated focused ion beam (FIB) is a very useful tool to fabricate nanostructures by writing implantation within an ion beam synthesis process. In these investigations the IMSA-OrsayPhysics FIB, equipped with a Co_3_6Nd_6_4 alloy liquid metal ion source, was applied. Si(100) and (111) wafers were implanted with 60 keV Co"+"+ ions in the dose range of 2 . 10"1"6 to 2 . 10"1"7 cm"-"2. Implantation parameters were investigated, like pixel dwell time, relaxation time (time between two cycles), dose rate as well as the pixel overlapping factor. The subsequent annealing was done in a two step process, namely 600 deg. C for 60 min and 1000 deg. C for 30 min in a N_2 ambient. The results obtained by SEM investigations in terms of continuous nanowire structures following the direction and interrupted CoSi_2 pattern in the direction show a clear dependence on the time scale as well as the scanning mode of the irradiation. Structure sizes as small as 10 nm are ...
Peripartal serum alkaline phosphatase activity and lactate dehydrogenase activity were measured in 30 dairy cows in order to examine the association between retained fetal membranes and enzyme activity....Full Text Available
With the aid of a DOE grant (No. DE-FC26-01NT41050), Stolar Research Corporation (Stolar) developed the Horizon Sensor (HS) to distinguish between the different layers of a coal seam. Mounted on mining machine cutter drums, HS units can detect or sense the horizon between the coal seam and the roof and floor rock, providing the opportunity to accurately mine the section of the seam most desired. HS also enables accurate cutting of minimum height if that is the operator's objective. Often when cutting is done out-of-seam, the head-positioning function facilitates a fixed mining height to minimize dilution. With this technology, miners can still be at a remote location, yet cut only the clean coal, resulting in a much more efficient overall process. The objectives of this project were to demonstrate the feasibility of horizon sensing on mining machines and demonstrate that Horizon Sensing can allow coal to be cut cleaner and more efficiently. ...
ActiveActivator (Ac) elements undergo mutations to become nonautonomous Dissociation (Ds) elements at a low frequency. To understand...Full Text Available
Four low activation alloy classes, two austenitic and two ferritic, have been incorporated into the MOTA-1B experiment in the FFTF reactor to provide an early assessment of the suitability of such alloys for reactor service.
The in vitro activity of teicoplanin, a new antibiotic related to vancomycin, was determined against 456 gram-positive cocci. The activity of teicoplanin in comparison with that of vancomycin was similar...Full Text Available
One approach to validate nuclear power plant (NPP) signals makes use of pattern recognition techniques. This approach often assumes that there is a set of signal prototypes that are continuously compared with the actual sensor signals. These signal prototypes are often computed based on empirical models with little or no knowledge about physical processes. A common problem of all data-based models is their limited ability to make predictions on the basis of available training data. Another problem is related to suboptimal training algorithms. Both of these potential shortcomings with conventional approaches to signal validation and sensor operability validation are successfully resolved by adopting a recently proposed learning paradigm called the support vector machine (SVM). The work presented here is a novel application of SVM for data-based modeling of system state variables in an NPP, integrated with a nonlinear, nonparametric technique ...
The two-phase flow regime transition in a large diameter (I.D.=200mm) vertical pipe was experimentally investigated using a dual-sensor optical probe. The flow transitions from bubbly to chum without an intermediate slug flow regime as the air flow rate is increased. The transition boundaries developed for bubbly to slug flow in small diameter pipes are compared to the bubbly to chum flow transition of the present experiment. The bubbly to chum transition occurs at a void fraction of about 0.15 compared to 0.25 for bubbly to slug transition in small diameter pipes. The radial distribution of bubble diameter, bubble frequency, bubble velocity and local void fraction were obtained using a dual-sensor optical probe at different flow conditions. The Probability Density Function (PDF) and Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) of the bubble velocity and size are used to study the flow regime transition in the large diameter pipe. (author)
The two-phase flow regime transition in a large diameter (I.D.=200mm) vertical pipe was experimentally investigated using a dual-sensor optical probe. The flow transitions from bubbly to chum without an intermediate slug flow regime as the air flow rate is increased. The transition boundaries developed for bubbly to slug flow in small diameter pipes are compared to the bubbly to chum flow transition of the present experiment. The bubbly to chum transition occurs at a void fraction of about 0.15 compared to 0.25 for bubbly to slug transition in small diameter pipes. The radial distribution of bubble diameter, bubble frequency, bubble velocity and local void fraction were obtained using a dual-sensor optical probe at different flow conditions. The Probability Density Function (PDF) and Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) of the bubble velocity and size are used to study the flow regime transition in the large diameter pipe. (author)
This work describes the theoretical basis for a new concept rotating magnetic tensor gradiometer. The rotating gradiometer consists of an approximately axial or transverse gradiometer which is made to rotate about a perpendicular axis so that the direction of sensitivity is continually changing. It is demonstrated for the first time that the rotation separates gradient components of progressively higher-order in the frequency domain and enables absolute-value measurements of all components of the first-order magnetic gradient tensor, even if the magnetic sensors comprising the gradiometer are intrinsically incapable of absolute-value detection. In addition, the rotating gradiometer concept has a number of other advantages: the gradiometer imbalance is no longer directly determined by the engineering precision, the DC and low-frequency performance of the instrument is not limited by the performance of the detectors in these respects, rotation at frequencies above ...
Stripping Voltammetry (SV) at microelectrodes has gained increased interest in the analysis of aqueous solutions due to its ability to analyze low concentrations (ppb) of electroactive metallic species in solution. Existing integrated circuit (IC) technology allows the inexpensive fabrication of microelectrodes with dimensions on the order of microns and with a high degree of uniformity and reproducibility. Additional circuitry, both multiplexing and signal conditioning, can be placed directly onto the sensor offering increased sensitivity and flexibility. Multi-element electrochemical sensors containing arrays of Pt, Au, and Ag electrodes and capable of individual measurement through built-in multiplexing or simultaneous measurement at the appropriate potential ranges for each individual electrode were fabricated using existing 2 micron IC technology. Results of simultaneous measurements of low concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, As, and Hg in ...
Size-selected SnO{sub 1.8}:Ag mixed nanoparticle films have been prepared using a gas phase condensation method. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the applied size-selection technique yields well-defined, monodisperse and spherical SnO{sub 1.8} and Ag nanoparticles, both with a fixed diameter of 20 nm. The technique allows an independent variation of the particle size of both materials as well as the concentration of Ag. It allows to assess the influence of these parameters on the gas-sensing properties of the films, here for ethanol vapor in synthetic air. SnO{sub 1.8}:Ag nanoparticle films show optimal values of the sensor signal and response time at a Ag nanoparticle concentration of 5%. Due to the fact that the Ag nanoparticles are clearly distinct from the SnO{sub 1.8} nanoparticles in the film, the most probable mechanism leading to improved sensor properties is chemical sensitization via a spill-over effect.
A 19.1 metre wind turbine blade was subjected to static tests. The purpose of the test series was to verify the abilities of different types of sensors to detect damage in wind turbine blades. Prior to each of the static test-series an artificial damage was made on the blade. The damage made for each test-series was surveyed during each series by acoustic emission, fiber optic micro bend displacement transducers and strain gauges. The propagation of the damage was determined by use of ultra sonic and X-ray surveillance during stops in the test series. By use of acoustic emission it was possible to measure damage propagation before the propagation was of visible size. By use of fiber optic micro bend displacement transducers and strain gauges it was possible to measure minor damage propagation. By use of both ultra sonic, and X-ray NDT-equipment it were possible to determine the size of propagated damage. (au)
High precision, fast computation speed, as well as a good capability of fault tolerant and reconstruction are required more and more for spacecraft attitude determination system. To realize the above requirement, an approach was presented to the synthesis of federated filters using sigma point technique. In this algorithm, the sigma point technique brought the algorithm a high precision, while the federated structure significantly enhanced the filters' capability of multi-rate information fusion, fault tolerance, and system modularity. Within consideration of computation consumption, a simple information-sharing formulation was derived to adapt to the special property of sigma point distribution, and a dynamical information sharing strategy for multi-rate fusion was developed. A numerical simulation example was employed to give the algorithm a test, where the simulated system contained a suit of gyroscopes; a three-axis magnetometer and a sun sensor each had a ...
The personal neutron dosimetry becomes more important with the increasing use of nuclear and accelerator facilities. The solid state track detector, film badge and thermo-luminescent dosimeter have widely been used as passive-type personal neutron dosimeters, but the real-time neutron dosimeter is strongly needed. A real time personal dosimeter which could give neutron dose equivalent over wide energy range from thermal to 10 odd MeV by using two neutron sensors has been developed by our group. For practical commercial product, some changes from these prototype sensors have recently been done by Fuji Electric Co. Ltd. The purpose of this work is the final performance test of the dosimeter just before sale. We checked again about the sensitivity in the monoenergetic neutron field from 8 keV to 15 MeV and in the neutron fields around a few accelerator facilities. (author)
The Loose Parts Monitoring System (LPMS) provides information on the location of a loosened or detached metal impacted onto the inner surface of a primary pressure boundary and on a mass or energy of the impact signal. For the conventional system, it is popular to employ the group delay among the sensors installed within 3 ft range from the impact source in a collection zone as stated in the Reg. Guide 1.133. However, there exist inherent errors for the estimation of the true location of the impact since it is highly dependent on the plant personnel's decision to determine the arrival time differences of the generated wave group among the neighbouring sensors. To overcome this problem in this study, the two-dimensional approach has been proposed and applied to effectively estimate the arrival time differences of the impact signal by using continuous wavelet transform which is one of the linear time-frequency analysis methods. The experiment has ...
Design of energy efficient schemes for data gathering is an important concern for lifetime enhancement of wireless sensor networks. Variation in the distances of nodes from the Base Station and differences in inter-nodal distances are primary factors causing unequal energy dissipation among the nodes. Thus energy difference between the various nodes increases with time resulting in degraded network performance. The LEACH and PEGASIS schemes which provided elegant solutions to the problem suffer basic drawbacks due to randomization of cluster heads and greedy chain formation respectively. In this paper, we propose an Optimized Lifetime Enhancement (OLE) Scheme which shows enhanced performance over these schemes. OLE increases the network performance by ensuring a sub-optimal energy dissipation of the individual nodes despite their random deployment. It employs modern heuristics like particle swarm optimization instead of the greedy algorithm as in PEGASIS to ...
We report for the first time about a micromachined mass flow sensor directly integrated between the double guidance and the needle seat into the body of a Common Rail (CR) injection nozzle. The thermal measurement principle was chosen because gaseous as well as liquid mass flows can be determined fast and precisely. Additionally, with glass-ceramic materials fabricated in a low cost batch process, a high temperature and especially pressure stable substrate can be used. The flow sensitive thin film is realized by an e-beam evaporated 110 nm thick molybdenum (Mo) layer. The latter is electrically characterized by the resistivity of {rho} = 8.2 x 10{sup -7} {omega} m ({+-}2%) at room temperature as well as by the first {alpha}=4.5 x 10{sup -4} K{sup -1} ({+-}5%) and second {beta}=3.0 x 10{sup -6} K{sup -2} ({+-}12%) temperature coefficients of resistance up to 300 C. The static temperature field at and around the thin film sensor on the ...
A centralized, automatic monitoring system for coal mines has been developed. The system consists of newly-developed and improved sensors, transmission equipment, a minicomputer designed for scientific and technical calculations, and accompanying software (MOLES). MOLES performs six functions: input, computation, decision, memory, output and correction. Previously, centralized monitoring has been limited to single dimensional monitoring of the 'time and point' type. The present system carries out data analysis and processing with respect to time, space and item. It is also capable of simple automatic diagnosis of abnormalities. (In Japanese)
This report addresses remote monitoring of coal waste impoundments for stability. Existing automated geotechnical monitoring systems are described and reviewed along with details of instruments suitable for such systems. An impoundment in West Virginia, which was in the construction stage, was instrumented and monitored between July 1979 and May 1981. Sensors that measure surface and subsurface parameters including settlement, horizontal deflection, surface tilt, pore water pressure, seepage, pond level, and meteorlogical parameters were installed. Recommendations for improving and expanding the capabilities of the monitoring system are given.
For reliable operation and the optimization of production, industrial fermentation processes require appropriate tools for monitoring the process in real time. This work presents the structure and operation of a soft sensor for the on-line monitoring of biomass and product concentration during salinomycin and bacitracin fermentation in an industrial, 80-m^3 batch reactor; moreover it provides a tool for evaluation of batch production verified in industrial application. The process estimation algorithm consists of decoupled growth and product models, which ensures an unbiased convergence of the estimator and the robustness of the model. The production of secondary metabolites is described with a non-structured model upgraded with a variable forgetting factor that demonstrated a successful e...
The theme of the conference was recent developments in airborne remote sensing and their applications. The proceedings contain the papers presented at 14 general sessions and 13 interactive sessions covering airborne platforms, sensor systems, airborne/spaceborne synergy, atmospheric and oceanic measurements, land cover/land use, emergency response and reconnaissance, data handling, forestry, agriculture, water resources, geospatial reference, system calibration, environmental monitoring and planning, and information product advancements. Two papers are abstracted separately.
The design and material characteristics of garter spring were summarized and Nondestructive detection techniques of garter spring were also described. In particular, Eddy current testing of loose type garter spring was used in Wolsung unit 1 and was described in detail. The inspection technique of tight type garter spring has not been established and all candidated techniques were investigated in order to choose the possible detection technique. Candidated nondestructive techniques including RFEC, PEC, Magnetic technique using GMR sensor, AE, Guided Wave technique, and high frequency ultrasonic technique, are summarized for evaluating the detectability of tight garter spring.
The Meteorological Information System (MIS) comprising the meteorological instruments, the computers, and the software for data processing and recording, is part of the KfK safety and control system. In 1982 is was equipped with an independent data processing system. The report explains the arrangement and the operation of the sensors and thw two process computers. For selected meteorological situations the ability of the system is demonstrated, i.e., the presentation of the vertical profiles of wind, temperature and turbulence in the lower atmospheric boundary layer as well as the calculation and graphical representation of the transport and dispersion into the KfK environment of radioactive pollutants being released by the nuclear installations of the KfK into the atmosphere.
We report on the single-particle properties of lanthanide-ion doped oxide nanoparticles. We have demonstrated that their size can be accurately determined from their luminosity. The optically determined size distribution is in very good agreement with the distribution obtained from transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We also showed that the photobleaching of these nanoparticles is related to a reduction process and that we can use it to sense in a concentration-dependent manner the presence of an oxidant like H2O2. Finally, we propose a way to perform nanoparticle-protein coupling and to determine the protein-nanoparticle ratio at the single-particle level.
A Si array neutron detector is proposed based on commercial CCD and CMOS sensor technology coupled with a thin film neutron conversion coating. System sensitivity is estimated for a baseline device containing a single array and various schemes to increase detection probability by simple area scaling and stacking are discussed. Some possible use scenarios are discussed involving static and moving sources. Likely neutron source fluxes for weapons grade and commercial grade nuclear material are estimated along with expected intensities of cosmic background neutrons which would establish a noise floor to detection limits.
We have developed a novel laser ray-tracing method to measure aberrations in optical systems. It consists of delivering narrow laser pencils (by a laser scanner), recording the spots that are formed on the image plane (with a CCD camera), and computing the position of each centroid. This approach could be considered an experimental (approximate) implementation of standard numerical ray tracing. Several tests and experiments, including a direct comparison with a Hartmann-Shack wave-front sensor, provided highly satisfactory results that confirmed the validity of the method and revealed potential advantages. PMID:18073906
This article deals with the need for control strategies and control systems in buildings with hybrid ventilation. In this respect, control strategies are methods of keeping certain parameters like temperature, air quality etc within specified limits. A control system is automatic and includes sensors, motors, dampers etc. The article also discusses consequences with respect to thermal comfort, air quality and energy use following selection of control parameters for controlling air masses.
Initial clinical experience in gastrointestinal radiography using Fuji Computed Radiography(FCR) system was reported. Image quality of conventional film/screen radiography and FCR system on upper GI series and barium enema was compared. Reflecting wide dynamic range of the system, improved image quality was confirmed, particularity in visibility of fine mucosal pattern(area gastricae), folds and overall contour. High sensor sensitivity of the system could reduce radiation dose requirement significantly. Diagnostically acceptable images were obtained with approximately 1/5 of routine dose for conventional radiography except in cases of lateral view of the rectum. (author).
The present invention is a device for a solar heating system having a solar collector, a storage tank connected to the solar collector, a pump for circulating liquid from the tank to the solar collector, a supply of liquid at a temperature above freezing and a connection from the supply of liquid to the solar collector for replacing any liquid lost from said solar collector. The device comprises a sensor for sensing the temperature of liquid in the solar collector, and a valve for bleeding liquid from the solar collector when the sensed temperature falls below a predetermined minimum whereby cool liquid in the solar collector is automatically replaced by liquid at a temperature above freezing.
Plans, engineering parameters, and some test results for several FFTF core and primary sodium circuit instrument systems are presented. The systems discussed include temperature, flow, pressure, leak detectors, level sensors, fuel failure monitoring, sodium impurity analysis and cover gas monitors. Since many of these instruments are similar to those used in other fast reactors around the world, only a brief description is presented for these systems. Results of recent demonstration tests of the FFTF Under-Sodium Viewing and Ranging system are also presented. (U.K.).
The development of new electro-optical instrumentation for studying the annular dispersed two-phase flow regime is described. The system measures the thickness of the water film and droplet size and velocity distributions which would be encountered in such a flow regime. The water film thickness is measured by an improved capacitance method with a short time constant using newly developed sensor electrodes. The electrodes are made flush with the inner wall of a cylindrical tube and do not disturb the flow. In the test equipment, steady, laminar flow of water along the inner wall of the tube is controlled by appropriate valves and a porous jacket while droplets are introduced by means of a special spray nozzle.
In the framework of the development of new generations of surface ships, the Royal Netherlands Navy is studying the option of the all-electric ship concept. Background is the growing demand of electric power on board of naval ships for various services (including weapons and sensors). Important features of such an all-electric ship concept are decentralized electric energy generation and storage. In such an all-electric ship concept, fuel cells are expected to play an important role in the future, not only for reasons of energy efficiency and low emissions, but also because of their potential military advantages. Especially polymer electrolyte fuel cell systems appear to be very interesting for this application.
A hyperbolic Stefan problem based on the linearized Gurtin-Pipkin heat conduction law is considered. The temperature and free boundary are controlled by a thermostat acting on the boundary. This feedback control is based on temperature measurements performed by real thermal sensors located within the domain containing the two-phase system and/or at its boundary. Three different types of thermostats are analyzed: simple switch, relay switch, and a Preisach hysteresis operator. The resulting models lead to integrodifferential hyperbolic Stefan problems with nonlinear and nonlocal boundary conditions. Existence results are proved in all the cases. Uniqueness is also shown, except in the situation corresponding to the ideal switch.
In this article, several applications of nanomaterials in food packaging and food safety are reviewed, including: polymer/clay nanocomposites as high barrier packaging materials, silver nanoparticles as potent antimicrobial agents, and nanosensors and nanomaterial-based assays for the detection of food-relevant analytes (gasses, small organic molecules and food-borne pathogens). In addition to covering the technical aspects of these topics, the current commercial status and understanding of health implications of these technologies are also discussed. These applications were chosen because they do not involve direct addition of nanoparticles to consumed foods, and thus are more likely to be marketed to the public in the short term.
Solid-state acoustic sensors for monitoring conditions at a surface immersed in a liquid and for monitoring concentrations of species in a liquid and for monitoring electrical properties of a liquid are formed by placing interdigital input and output transducers on a piezoelectric substrate and propagating acoustic plate modes therebetween. The deposition or removal of material on or from, respectively, a thin film in contact with the surface, or changes in the mechanical properties of a thin film in contact with the surface, or changes in the electrical characteristics of the solution, create perturbations in the velocity and attenuation of the acoustic plate modes as a function of these properties or changes in them.
The cupola furnace is used to melt scrap steel, pig iron, foundry returns, and alloying additives to a prescribed tapping chemistry and temperature for iron casting applications. The melting process within the cupola is highly complex and not well quantified. The American Foundrymen's Society is developing a mathematical model to aid in the understanding of these processes. This model is reaching maturity, and has been successful in estimating a number of melting parameters. This paper details the results of efforts to verify the model in a controlled system, equipped wit the appropriate sensors, for model verification. The work was performed on a research-scale cupola furnace located at the Department of Energy's Albany Research Center.
The advancement of bioprocess monitoring will play a crucial role to meet the future requirements of bioprocess technology. Major issues are the acceleration of process development to reduce the time to the market and to ensure optimal exploitation of the cell factory and further to cope with the requirements of the Process Analytical Technology initiative. Due to the enormous complexity of cellular systems and lack of appropriate sensor systems microbial production processes are still poorly understood. This holds generally true for the most microbial production processes, in particular for the recombinant protein production due to strong interaction between recombinant gene expression and host cell metabolism. Therefore, it is necessary to scrutinise the role of the different cellular compartments in the biosynthesis process in order to develop comprehensive process monitoring concepts by involving the most significant process variables and their ...
This document is a Final Technical Report that describes the results of the Geophex Airborne Unmanned Survey System (GAUSS) research project. The objectives were to construct a geophysical data acquisition system that uses a remotely operated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and to evaluate its effectiveness for characterization of hazardous environmental sites. The GAUSS is a data acquisition system that mitigates the potential risk to personnel during geophysical characterization of hazardous or radioactive sites. The fundamental basis of the GAUSS is as follows: (1) an unmanned survey vehicle carries geophysical sensors into a hazardous location, (2) the pilot remains outside the hazardous site and operates the vehicle using radio control, (3) geophysical measurements and their spatial locations are processed by an automated data-acquisition system which displays data on an off-site monitor in real-time, and (4) the pilot uses the display to direct the survey ...
A small-sized inexpensive carbon dioxide gassensor was prepared using LiTi2 (PO4)3 +0.2Li3PO4 as lithium-ion conductive, solid electrolyte and its detectability and the effects of co-existing gases were examined. The above compound was obtained by the method where a powdery mixture of Li2CO3, TiO2, (NH4)H2PO4 and Li3PO3 was molded in the presence of a sintering assistant, subjected to hydrostatic press, and sintered. Measurements were made on the relation between CO2 concentration and the electromotive force of the CO2 sensor made of the compound and the influence of concentration of coexisting NO2, SO2 or CH4 on the electromotive force. The results are summarized as follows. A linear relation exists between the electromotive force and the CO2 concentration in the range from 80ppm to 1% to show a good agreement between theoretical and experimental results. Coexistence of NO2 the range of 100-4500ppm has no influence on the electromotive force. Coexistence of ...
1. Proteolytic enzyme activities were examined in the pancreas of zinc-deficient and control rats. 2. No change was detected in trypsin-plus-chymotrypsin activity. 3. Carboxypeptidase activity was...Full Text Available
Suppressed IL-12 production and maladaptive immune activation, both of which are ameliorated by successful highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), are thought to play important roles in the immunopathogenesis...Full Text Available
In addition to inducing new transcriptional activities that lead within a few hours to the accumulation of heat shock proteins (Hsps), heat shock activates within minutes the major signaling transduction...Full Text Available
Information is presented concerning reactor research activities; isotope geology; NERC radiocarbon laboratory; teaching activities; and reactor operation.
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 diode near the GaAs bandedge is over 90%. The ...
Glabridin, an active constituent of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots, was found to be active against both yeast and filamentous fungi. Glabridin also showed resistance modifying activity against drug resistant mutants of Candida albicans at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 31.25-250 g/mL. Although the compound was reported earlier to be active against Candida albicans, but this is the first report of its activity against drug resistant mutants. Copyright Copyright 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In this study attempts have been made to utilize biomass residues in a proper and efficient way. As a part of these attempts activated charcoal has been produced from coconut shell. The effects of temperature, time and impregnation ratio on activation and yield have also been studied. Experimental results show that higher temperature produces better activation but lower yield. The optimum values for activation time and impregnation ratio in producing activated charcoal were 50 min and 40%, respectively, at 600{sup o}C. (Author)
Transient enhanced diffusion (TED) from implantation of 5thinspkeVthinspB{sub 10}H{sub 14} and 0.5 keV B ions has been quantified and compared for nominal boron doses of 10{sup 14} and 10{sup 15}thinspcm{sup {minus}2}. Boron diffusivity during annealing was extracted from secondary ion mass spectroscopy depth profiles of diffused marker layers in boron doping-superlattices and the actual implanted B dose was independently measured by nuclear reaction analysis. Comparable enhancements were observed from both ions. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that both boron- and decaborane-implanted samples were amorphized at a nominal 10{sup 15}thinspcm{sup {minus}2}thinspB dose. A comparison with data from low energy Si implants revealed a similar dependence of diffusivity enhancement on implant dose. These findings are consistent with the understanding that TED is caused by the interstitial supersaturation resulting from a number of excess interstitials approximately equal to ...
Transient enhanced diffusion (TED) from implantation of 5keVB_1_0H_1_4 and 0.5 keV B ions has been quantified and compared for nominal boron doses of 10"1"4 and 10"1"5cm"-"2. Boron diffusivity during annealing was extracted from secondary ion mass spectroscopy depth profiles of diffused marker layers in boron doping-superlattices and the actual implanted B dose was independently measured by nuclear reaction analysis. Comparable enhancements were observed from both ions. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that both boron- and decaborane-implanted samples were amorphized at a nominal 10"1"5cm"-"2B dose. A comparison with data from low energy Si implants revealed a similar dependence of diffusivity enhancement on implant dose. These findings are consistent with the understanding that TED is caused by the interstitial supersaturation resulting from a number of excess interstitials approximately equal to the number of implanted atoms which can become substitutional in the ...
The retina consists of many kinds of central nervous cells, and some cells contain fatty acids such as palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) has a possibility to detect kinds and quantity of materials in relation to the cell or tissue. We applied TOF-SIMS to detect the palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid in the visual cell of the rat retina. We used 4- and 18-month-old normal Wistar Kyoto rats. After pentobarbital anesthesia, the eyes were enucleated, and immediately put into liquid nitrogen without any fixation and then cut into semithin sections (10 {mu}m) with a cryo-ultramicrotome, and laid it on a silicon wafer plate and air-dried. Ion images were detected with TOF-SIMS. Positive ion images were examined with a Ga{sup +} source at an acceleration voltage of 15 keV. The secondary ion acceleration voltage was 4.5 keV. In the 4-month-old rat, palmitic and stearic acid were detected in the ...
ZnO thin films were electrodeposited in aqueous solution on gilded p-type Si wafer substrates. Thermal treatments were carried out on different films in Ar atmosphere at different temperatures, between 200 and 600 {sup 0}C. Surface morphology studies using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy show a smooth surface for an annealing temperature of 400 {sup 0}C with a roughness mean square value of about 15 nm and a precipitation of ZnO microcrystals on the deposit surface at 600 {sup 0}C. X-ray diffraction experiments reveal a decrease in the c-parameter value from 5.223 to 5.206 A after treatment at 600 {sup 0}C, due to the removal of hydrogen from the film. Raman spectroscopy analyses show an improvement in the crystal quality of the film and a decrease in the compressive stress inside the deposit. Photoluminescence observations reveal an important change in the UV emission band after annealing at 200 {sup 0}C. A visible region emission band at ...
We have shown that energy contamination introduced by ion beam deceleration technology that is used to increase the beam currents available for low energy boron implants, can affect fabricated junctions adversely. A 4 keV "1"1B beam is extracted and retarded by a potential of -3.5 keV for 0.5 keV "1"1B implantation, or by a potential of -3.8 keV for 0.2 keV "1"1B implantation. Intentional beam contamination was introduced by turning off the retarding potential to allow the 4 keV "1"1B ions to irradiate Si wafers directly. The percentage of contamination, at levels of 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% was introduced. Rapid thermal annealing of all the implanted samples was performed under N_2 ambient at 1050 deg. C for 1 s. The dopant tail profiles themselves are not significant if the contamination levels are low. However, the much higher damage level coming from high energy contamination increases the transient enhanced diffusion of "1"1B more than proportionately, resulting in ...
This paper presents the results of the Spatial Signature Analysis (SSA) Electrical-test (e-test) validation study that was conducted between February and June, 1998. SSA is an automated procedure developed by researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to address the issue of intelligent data reduction while providing feedback on current manufacturing processes. SSA was initially developed to automate the analysis of optical defect data. Optical defects can form groups, or clusters, which may have a distinct shape. These patterns can reveal information about the manufacturing process. Optical defect SSA uses image processing algorithms and a classifier system to interpret and identify these patterns, or signatures. SSA has been extended to analyze and interpret electrical test data. The algorithms used for optical defect SSA have been adapted and applied to e-test binmaps. An image of the binmap is created, and features such as geometric and invariant moments are extracted and ...
Magnetron sputter deposition was used to fabricate body centered cubic (bcc) and A-15 crystal structure W thin films. Previous work demonstrated that the as-deposited crystal structure of the films was dependent on the deposition parameters and that the formation of a metastable A-15 structure was favored over the thermodynamically stable bcc phase when the films contained a few atomic percent oxygen. However, the A-15 phase was shown to irreversibly transform into the bcc phase between 500 C and 650 C and that a significant decrease in the resistivity of the metallic films was measured after the transformation. The current investigation of 150 nm thick, sputter deposited A-15 and bcc tungsten thin films on silicon wafers consisted of a series of experiments in which the stress, resistivity and crystal structure of the films was measured as a function of temperatures cycles in a Flexus 2900 thin film stress measurement system. The as-deposited film stress was found ...
The growth of stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric silicon nitride films was studied experimentally on 100 mm silicon wafers by batch depositions from the dichlorosilane (SiH{sub 2}Cl{sub 2})-ammonia (NH{sub 3}) system in a hot-wall horizontal low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) reactor. The growth kinetics were discussed in terms of the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The kinetic parameters were determined by comparing the experimental data with a one-dimensional simulation model. The decomposition of NH{sub 3} at high temperatures was included in the simulation procedure. When the SiH{sub 2}Cl{sub 2}:NH{sub 3} ratios were greater than 1.5, a quantity higher than the thermodynamic critical values above which Si-rich nitride films begin to deposit, various SiN{sub x} films with x < 4/3 were obtained. The composition of the SiN{sub x} films was found to vary along the LPCVD reactor. The film stoichiometry was examined by Rutherford backscattering and ...
The laser grooved buried grid (LGBG) cell was developed at the University of New South Wales, Australia. The enormous advantage of the Saturn technology is the simple formation of a selective emitter via two step diffusion, which is optimised on the surface for the charge carrier generation and under the metal grid for contact formation. The reflection losses due to shading are simultaneously minimised by the installation of the contacts at right angles in the wafer surface. Due to the increased infeed compensation, particularly the compensation covering the costs, the economic importance of the energy yield of a PV plant is growing. Ultimately, it is not just the installed output (KWp) that matters to the customer, but increasingly the specific yield (kWh/kWp). An increased energy yield with optimally matched components with the Saturn technology means high annual compensation, which in turn shortens the amortisation period. [Deutsch] Die LGBG-Zelle wurde an der ...
As semiconductor device density and wafer area continue to increase, the volume of in-line and off-line data required to diagnose yield-limiting conditions is growing exponentially. To manage this data in the future, analysis tools will be required that can automatically reduce this data to useful information, e.g., by assisting the engineer in rapid root-cause diagnosis of defect generating mechanisms. In this paper, the authors describe a technology known as Spatial Signature Analysis (SSA) and its application to both optically-detected defect data as well as electrical test (e-test) bin data. The results of a validation study are summarized that demonstrate the effectiveness of the SSA approach on optical defect wafermaps through field-testing at three semiconductor manufacturing sites on ASIC, DRAM and SRAM products. This method has been extended to analyze and interpret electrical test data and to provide a pathway for correlation of this data with in-line ...
Significant ion irradiation during film growth is required for the formation of cubic boron nitride (cBN) films. Meanwhile, a huge level of intrinsic stress possibly induced by the ion bombardment has been frequently reported to result in cracking and/or lack of adhesion of deposited cBN films. The present work has been performed to investigate the interfacial and/or the buffer layer structures with better matching to the cBN film by relaxation of the film stress using ion-beam-assisted deposition (IBAD). Boron nitride films have been synthesized on Si(100) wafer and tungsten carbide (WC) substrates by depositing boron vapor under simultaneous bombardment with nitrogen ions and nitrogen-argon mixture ions in the energy range of 0.5-10 keV. Cubic BN films with enhanced tribological properties have been explored by inserting a BN layer with various B/N compositions as a controlled buffer at the interface. Significant relaxation of the film stress has been observed ...
Commercial focused ion beam (FIB) systems are commonly used to image integrated circuits (ICS) after device processing, especially in failure analysis applications. FIB systems are also often employed to repair faults in metal lines for otherwise functioning ICS, and are being evaluated for applications in film deposition and nanofabrication. A problem that is often seen in FIB imaging and repair is that ICS can be damaged during the exposure process. This can result in degraded response or out-right circuit failure. Because FIB processes typically require the surface of an IC to be exposed to an intense beam of 30--50 keV Ga{sup +} ions, both charging and secondary radiation damage are potential concerns. In previous studies, both types of effects have been suggested as possible causes of device degradation, depending on the type of device examined and/or the bias conditions. Understanding the causes of this damage is important for ICS that are imaged or repaired by a FIB between ...
Si nanocrystal floating gate MOS capacitors were formed on p-Si (100) wafers by thermal plasma jet (TPJ) annealing of SiO{sub 2}/SiO{sub x} /SiO{sub 2}/Si(100) stacked structure. The chemical composition of SiO{sub x} layer was controlled by changing the SiH{sub 4}, He, and O{sub 2} gas flow ratio during plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The MOS capacitors showed clear hysteresis in capacitance-voltage (CV) characteristics after TPJ annealing. The hysteresis width shows maximum value when initial composition x =1.7, which shows the maximum photoluminescence (PL) intensity. The maximum hysteresis width of 6.8 V was observed with gate voltage swept between 20 and -20 V in x = 1.7 sample. The result means 7.4 x 10{sup 12} cm{sup -2} carriers are injected to or emitted from Si nanocrystals. The duration of 1 V shift in flatband voltage was {proportional_to}0.1 ms with 20 V pulse, and charged carriers were stably maintained for {proportional_to}2 hours. ...
A wide variety of thin film coatings, deposited by different techniques and with potential applications in various important areas, have been characterised by the Phase Modulated Spectroscopic Ellipsometer, installed recently in the Spectroscopy Division, B.A.R.C. The Phase Modulated technique provides a faster and more accurate data acquisition process than the conventional ellipsometry. The measured Ellipsometry spectra are fitted with theoretical spectra generated assuming an appropriate model regarding the sample. The fittings have been done objectively by minimising the squared difference (#chi#"2) between the measured and calculated values of the ellipsometric parameters and thus accurate information have been derived regarding the thickness and optical constants (viz, the refractive index and extinction coefficient) of the different layers, the surface roughness and the inhomogeneities present in the layers. Measurements have been done on (i) ion-implanted ...
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 {mu}m and an intermediate inter-pillar gap size of Y = 4 {mu}m with superhydrophobic CAs over 170 . Surface analysis with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that CF{sub 3} groups ...
As with mammalian enzymes, green crab (Scylla serrata) alkaline phosphatase can be activated by Mg2+ through a time-dependent course. The activation is mainly a Vmax effect. Tsou's method was used to study the kinetic course of activation. The results show that the enzyme was activated by a complexing scheme that had not been previously identified: the enzyme first reversibly and quickly binds Mg2+ and then undergoes a slow reversible course to activation, with a relatively high activation energy (78 +/- 4 kJ/mol) and a slow conformational change. The activation reaction is a single molecule reaction, and the apparent activation rate constant is independent of Mg2+ concentration if the concentration is sufficiently high. The microscopic rate constants of activation and the association constant were ...
The catalytic activities of various iron ores were investigated in the search for a high-activity catalyst for direct coal liquefaction. Laterite ores were shown to have a high catalytic activity in this process. Comparison of the ore with red mud in hydrocracking of 1-methylnaphthalene showed that the ore had higher activity in the hydrogenation of aromatic rings and in hydrocracking of alkylaromatics.
A web-based decision support tool, zone mapping application for precision farming (ZoneMAP, External Reference Not Shown ), has been developed to automatically determine the optimal number of management zones and delineate them using satellite imagery and field data provided by users. Application rates, such as of fertilizer, can be prescribed for each zone and downloaded in a variety of formats to ensure compatibility with GPS-enabled farming equipment. ZoneMAP is linked to Digital Northern Great Plains, a web-based application which hosts an archive of satellite imagery, as well as high resolution imagery from airborne sensors. Management zones created by ZoneMAP mapped natural variation of the soil organic matter and other nutrients relatively well and were consistent with zone maps cre...
Drosophila melanogaster is a model organism rich in genetic tools to manipulate and identify neural circuits involved in specific behaviors. Here we present a technique for two-photon calcium imaging in the central brain of head-fixed Drosophila walking on an air-supported ball. The ball's motion is tracked at high resolution and can be treated as a proxy for the fly's own movements. We used the genetically encoded calcium sensor, GCaMP3.0, to record from important elements of the motion-processing pathway, the horizontal-system lobula plate tangential cells (LPTCs) in the fly optic lobe. We presented motion stimuli to the tethered fly and found that calcium transients in horizontal-system neurons correlated with robust optomotor behavior during walking. Our technique allows both behavior ...
This paper provides a brief overview of the young, but rapidly growing field of spintronics. Its primary objective is to explain how as electrons tunnel through simple insulators such as MgO, wavefunctions of certain symmetries are preferentially transmitted. This symmetry filtering property can be converted into a spin-filtering property if the insulator is joined epitaxially to a ferromagnetic electrode with the same two-dimensional symmetry parallel to the interface. A second requirement of the ferromagnetic electrodes is that a wavefunction with the preferred symmetry exists in one of the two spin channels but not in the other. These requirements are satisfied for electrons traveling perpendicular to the interface for Fe-MgO-Fe tunnel barriers. This leads to a large change in the resistance when the magnetic moment of one of the electrodes is rotated relative to those of the other electrode. This large tunneling magnetoresistance effect is being used as the read ...
Abstract Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is an immune sensor for gram-positive bacterial cell wall components. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TLR2 gene that impair its function may, therefore, influence the risk and outcomes of gram-positive bacterial infections. In a cohort of 694 liver transplant recipients, we assessed the TLR2 SNP that is translated into an amino acid substitution of arginine for glutamine at position 753 (R753Q), and we found that its presence was associated with the clinical characteristics and outcomes of gram-positive bacterial infections. The proportions of patients with the TLR2 R753Q SNP did not significantly differ between those with gram-positive bacterial infections and those without gram-positive bacterial infections (9.6% versus 9.6%, P = 0.999)....
This paper describes a new time-resolved three-dimensional, three-component (3D-3C) measurement technique called wall-PIV. It was developed to assess near wall flow fields and shear rates near non-planar surfaces. The method is based on light absorption according to Beer-Lambert's law. The fluid containing a molecular dye and seeded with buoyant particles is illuminated by a monochromatic, diffuse light. Due to the dye, the depth of view is limited to the near wall layer. The three-dimensional particle positions can be reconstructed by the intensities of the particle's projection on an image sensor. The flow estimation is performed by a new algorithm, based on learned particle trajectories. Possible sources of measurement errors related to the wall-PIV technique are analyzed. The accuracy analysis was based on single particle experiments and a three-dimensional artificial data set simulating a rotating sphere. (orig.)
The radiative heat loss from a surface is determined by its total hemispherical emittance, which consequently plays an important role in aerospace and solar applications. This study compares emittances measured calorimetrically with values derived from near normal incidence spectral reflectance measurements. This optical derivation is based on a number of assumptions which limit the accuracy if not sufficiency fulfilled. These assumptions include sample specularity, a straybody character beyond the range of measurement, only small variations of emittance with temperature, and a perfectly smooth sample surface. The comparison of calorimetrically and optically derived emittance performed in this study not only quantifies the errors introduced by insufficient fulfillment of the assumptions but also identifies which assumption causes the dominant error. The calorimetric emissometer, constructed for this study and based on a heat flow sensor, was calibrated with ...
The recent advances in RFID offer vast opportunities for research, development and innovation in agriculture. The aim of this paper is to give readers a comprehensive view of current applications and new possibilities, but also explain the limitations and challenges of this technology. RFID has been used for years in animal identification and tracking, being a common practice in many farms. Also it has been used in the food chain for traceability control. The implementation of sensors in tags, make possible to monitor the cold chain of perishable food products and the development of new applications in fields like environmental monitoring, irrigation, specialty crops and farm machinery. However, it is not all advantages. There are also challenges and limitations that should be faced in the...
A three-level approach to viability is developed, considering (1) living systems, (2) a niche, understood as the area within the reach of their actions, and (3) an environment. A systematic analysis of the interrelations between these levels shows that living systems emerge with matter/energy processing systems. These can add controller structures when producing excess energy. A three-sensor controller structure enables a living system to deal with unfavourable and scarce environments. Further evolution of these controller structures offers improved ways to act on niches. Maintaining niches in scarce environments can require technology or economy. So social systems emerge, which are understood as aggregates of living systems. Basic patterns of interactions within social systems are analyse...
The Micro-X instrument is a NASA funded, rocket borne X-ray imaging spectrometer planned for launch in January 2011. An array of Transition Edge Sensors (TESs) will observe incoming photons in the 0.2-3 keV energy band with an energy resolution of 2-4 eV at 1 keV. This will be a substantial improvement over current non-dispersive detectors for X-ray spectroscopy of extended sources and will be the first demonstration of a TES-based microcalorimeter in space. The TESs will utilize the 50 mK stage of an Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator (ADR) as a heat sink, and will be read out by a SQUID time division multiplexer. X-rays will be focused onto the TES array of 128 pixels on a 600 micron pitch by a conically approximated Wolter optic with an effective area of 200 cm2. The spectrometer will have a field of view of 11.8 arcmin. We describe the design and development progress of the instrument.
This document presents a summary of the work performed in support of the Buried Waste Robotics Program Subsurface Mapping Project. The project objective was to demonstrate the feasibility of remotely characterizing buried waste sites. To fulfill this objective, a remotely-operated vehicle, equipped with several sensors, was deployed at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. Descriptions of the equipment and areas involved in the project are included in this report. Additionally, this document provides data that was obtained during characterization operations at the Cold Test Pit and the Subsurface Disposal Area, both at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory's Radioactive Waste Management Complex, and at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant. The knowledge gained from the experience, that can be applied to the next generation remote-characterization system, is extensive and is presented in this report.
The constituent phases and associated deformed microstructure of the quenched Ti-xNb-(0.5-1.5) at.% Si alloy consisting of non-cytotoxicity elements, where x = 24-30 at.%, were investigated to provide pseudoelasticity for biomedical and sensor applications. Optical microscopy revealed that stress-induced martensitic transformation takes place during the deformation in the present alloys. It is confirmed from the X-ray diffraction results of the deformed specimens that the crystal structure of the stress-induced martensite phase is the orthorhombic so-called #alpha#'' structure. Within the alloys having #beta#(bcc) phase studied Nb-poor region appeared to exhibit a dominant behavior for stress-induced martensitic transformation than Nb-rich region. This result suggests that metastable #beta# phase is superior to stable #beta# phase for the occurrence of stress-induced martensitic transformation in the present alloy system.
This paper presents a new method to improve sensorless performance of matrix converter drives using a parameter estimation scheme. To improve low-speed sensorless performance, the non-Iinearities of a matrix converter drive such as commutation delays, turn-on and turn-off times of switching devices, and on-state switching device voltage drop is modelled using PQR transformation and compensated using a reference current control scheme. To eliminate the input current distortion due to the input voltage unbalance, a simple method using PQR transformation is also presented. The proposed compensation method is applied for high performance induction motor drives using a 3 kW matrix converter system without a speed sensor. Experimental results are shown to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed strategy.
In the world of pipeline maintenance, there are pigs and there are intelligent pigs. Intelligent pigs, when launched into a pipeline, carry instrumentation onboard which enables them to gather and record information about problems such as denting, corrosion, and cracking. More basic pigs, on the other hand, look after the routine internal maintenance chores such as cleaning and swabbing, or else perform operational duties such as batching different types of product along the line. The harsh environment in which pigs often operate is described. Aside from the mechanical shocks they undergo when passing welds, bends, and other fittings, they may have to contend with hostile conditions such as hydrogen sulfide environments. High pressure is another factor to consider. In crude oil lines, significant paraffin deposits also can cause problems if they affect the sensors ability to maintain good contact with the pipe wall. In spite of these considerations, increasing ...
In production systems where high-resolution harvest data are unavailable there is often a reliance on ancillary information to generate potential management units. In these situations correct identification of relevant sources of data is important to minimize cost to the grower. For three fields in a sweet corn production system in central NSW, Australia, several sets of high-resolution data were obtained using soil and crop canopy sensors. Management units were derived by k-means classification for 2?5 classes using three approaches: (1) with soil data, (2) with crop data and (3) a combination of both soil and crop data. Crop quantity and quality were sampled manually, and the sample data were related to the different management units using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The ...
Manual drilling in titanium structures is a tedious and labor-intensive work. To reduce man-hour requirements while concurrently improving hole quality, we developed a robotic drilling system for this application. The lean system contains the product holding fixture, the industrial robot, the end effector, the control and sensor system, and the offline programming. The system functions include locating workpiece with a calibration stick or the vision system, weld mark inspection, one-sided clamping, drilling and reaming hole in material stack combinations of titanium and aluminum, and real-time thrust force feedback. The positional accuracy and the repeatability of the system have successfully been placed within the specification?s 0.3?mm tolerance and 0.2?mm tolerance, respectively. The d...
The interaction between molecules and solid surfaces plays important roles in various applications, including catalysis, sensors, nanoelectronics, and solar cells. Surprisingly, a full understanding of molecule-surface interaction at the quantum mechanical level has not been achieved even for very simple molecules, such as water. In this mini-review, we report recent progresses and current status of studies on interaction between representative molecules and surfaces. Taking water/metal, DNA bases/carbon nanotube, and organic dye molecule/oxide as examples, we focus on the understanding on the microstructure, electronic property, and electron-ion dynamics involved in these systems obtained from first-principles quantum mechanical calculations. We find that a quantum mechanical description ...
A position-sensitive event-counting electronic readout system for microchannel plates (MCPs) is described that offers the advantages of high spatial resolution and fast time resolution. The technique relies upon a four-quadrant electron-collecting anode located behind the output face of the microchannel plate, so that the electron cloud from each detected event is partly intercepted by each of the four quadrants. The relative amounts of charge collected by each quadrant depend on event position, permitting each event to be localized with two ratio circuits. A prototype quadrant anode system for ion, electron, and extreme ultraviolet imaging is described. The spatial resolution achieved, approx. =10 ..mu.., allows individual MCP channels to be distinguished. (AIP)
A position-sensitive event-counting electronic readout system for microchannel plates (MCPs) is described that offers the advantages of high spatial resolution and fast time resolution. The technique relies upon a four-quadrant electron-collecting anode located behind the output face of the microchannel plate, so that the electron cloud from each detected event is partly intercepted by each of the four quadrants. The relative amounts of charge collected by each quadrant depend on event position, permitting each event to be localized with two ratio circuits. A prototype quadrant anode system for ion, electron, and extreme ultraviolet imaging is described. The spatial resolution achieved, approx. =10 #mu#, allows individual MCP channels to be distinguished.
The experimental technique used for detection of subcooled boiling through analysis of the fluctuation contained in pressure transducer signals is presented. This work was partly conducted at the Institut fuer Kerntechnik und zertoerungsfreie Pruefverfahren von Hannover (IKPH, Germany) in a thermal-hydraulic circuit with one electrically heated rod with annular geometry test section. Piezo resistive pressure sensors are used for onset of nucleate boiling (ONB) and onset of fully developed boiling (OFDB) detection using spectral analysis/ signal correlation techniques. Experimental results are interpreted by phenomenological analysis of these two points and compared with existing correlation. The results allow to conclude that this technique is adequate for the detection and monitoring of the ONB and OFDB. (author)
The experimental technique used for detection of subcooled boiling through analysis of the fluctuation contained in pressure transducer signals is presented. This work was partly conducted at the Institut fuer Kerntechnik und zertoerungsfreie Pruefverfahren von Hannover (IKPH, Germany) in a thermal-hydraulic circuit with one electrically heated rod with annular geometry test section. Piezo resistive pressure sensors are used for onset of nucleate boiling (ONB) and onset of fully developed boiling (OFDB) detection using spectral analysis/ signal correlation techniques. Experimental results are interpreted by phenomenological analysis of these two points and compared with existing correlation. The results allow to conclude that this technique is adequate for the detection and monitoring of the ONB and OFDB. (author)
Recent Kawasaki Steel's development on size and shape measurement techniques for hot steel rolling processes is reviewed. First, a precision enhancement technique for a laser distance meter is described, then its rugged structure necessary for measurement in such tough environment as hot rolling processes is described in detail. A plate length meters and an inter-stand sensors for a hot strip mill are shown as developed size measurement techniques. Furthermore, plate shape meters and laser profile gauges for H-beams are depicted as specific examples of shape measurement techniques. (author)
In this work, we have investigated the capability of different bimetallic nanoparticle alloy combinations to be used in fibre optic temperature sensing based on the technique of surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The metals considered for the present analysis are silver, gold and aluminium. The analysis is derived mainly from the thermo-optic effect along with some fundamental concepts of metal optics such as surface scattering, phonon-electron scattering and electron-electron scattering. The performance of the sensor with three different bimetallic nanoparticle alloy combinations is evaluated and compared, numerically, in terms of its sensitivity and accuracy. On the basis of the comparison and some logistic criterion, we predict the best possible bimetallic alloy combination along with a requisite alloy composition ratio that simultaneously provides higher values of both sensitivity and accuracy which is not possible with any single metallic nanoparticle layer.
New Non Destructive Testing techniques are currently being developed for the inspection of two groups of components in the FA3 EPR nuclear reactor at Flamanville. The first group of components to be controlled is constituted by the welds of the (89) rod cluster control assemblies' containment; two control types are to be used: an ultrasonic technique (UT) evaluation from the outside of the flange-casing weld, and an ET control from the inside of the three other welds. The second group of components is formed by the 44 welded joints of the primary circuit, which will be inspected through ultrasonic testing. Details of the components, control devices and sensors are given and some test results are presented
The present investigation deals with the synthesis of nanostructured nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) and their liquid petroleum gas-sensing characteristics. The 15-20nm size nickel ferrite has been synthesized at 700degreeC by a simple molten-salt route using sodium chloride as grain growth inhibitor. These nanoparticles exhibit significantly high response towards liquid petroleum gas (LPG) in comparison with ethanol vapor, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and hydrogen. The gas response towards various gases at their 200ppm concentrations is investigated at 200-450degreeC. Different characterization techniques have been employed, such as differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution transmission elec...
This study highlights a methodology to detect the transplanting operation of wetland rice at a regional scale using SSM/I brightness temperature in frequencies like 19, 37 and 85 GHz with vertical polarization. A cloud removal algorithm was used to make weekly composites of the brightness temperature, which were used to estimate the soil wetness index (SWI). Flooding of rice fields with water for transplanting induces very high change in SWI due to contrasting dielectric constant of water (80) and soil (4). Different weather conditions and fractional wet area under the footprint of sensor affect SWI, hence absolute value of SWI was not adequate. Therefore, multi-year SWI anomaly was used to generate a threshold value of SWI change to detect when SWI change between two consecutive weeks was...
Ultrathin solid polymer electrolyte membranes containing sulfonic ester groups were prepared by polymerization of methyl benzenesulfonate and octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane in a glow discharge plasma. The sulfonic ester groups of the plasma polymer were transformed to lithium sulfonate groups by treatment with lithium iodide. Hybridization of this plasma polymer containing the lithium sulfonate groups with poly(ethylene oxide) (average Mw 300) resulted in the formation of a single lithium ion conductive film. The hybrid polymer electrolyte films were about 1 #mu#m thick, pinhole-free, adherent to various substrates, and showed ionic conductivities at 60 degrees C of the order of 10"- "6 S cm"- "1 (10"2 #OMEGA# cm"2 resistance per unit area of as-prepared solid polymer electrolyte). This material shows promise for electrochemical applications such as all solid-state lithium batteries, sensors, and electrochemical display devices.
Luminescent transition metal complexes are enjoying a growing interest because of their ubiquitous applications in, e.g., the fields of material science, sensors and (biomedical) diagnostics, and iridium(III) and ruthenium(II) complexes are among the best studied. Due to their long-living excited states, these complexes can have a strong interaction with dioxygen, resulting in luminescence quenching. This oxygen quenching might be regarded as an unwanted effect in luminescence imaging, but, on the other hand, it can be exploited for diagnostic and therapeutic applications as well. After a theoretical introduction concerning the dioxygen quenching mechanism and the parameters involved, in the second part of this review we focus on the possibility of tailoring this quenching by modifying sel...
In an ignition timing control apparatus for controlling the ignition timing of each cylinder in order to reduce knock generation in a multi-cylinder engine, a lag-angle correction is made for the ignition timing of a cylinder in which a knock is generated and at the same time, a slight lag-angle correction is made for the ignition timing of the other cylinders in which no knock is generated. When the operating condition of engine is rapidly changed for example, under the condition in which knock is liable to occur in all cylinders as at rapid acceleration time, a lag-angle correction is made by the same amount as in the knock generating cylinder, for the ignition timing of cylinders in which no knock is generated. When no knock is generated for a predetermined time, a lead-angle correction is made for the ignition timing subjected to the lag-angle correction of each cylinder at intervals of the predetermined time.
Approximately 95% of the world`s integrated chips are packaged using a hot, high pressure transfer molding process. The stress created by the flow of silica powder loaded epoxy can displace the fine bonding wires and can even distort the metalization patterns under the protective chip passivation layer. In this study the authors developed a technique to measure the mechanical stress over the surface of an integrated circuit during the molding process. A CMOS test chip with 25 diffused resistor stress sensors was applied to a commercial lead frame. Both compression and shear stresses were measured at all 25 locations on the surface of the chip every 50 milliseconds during molding. These measurements have a fine time and stress resolution which should allow comparison with computer simulation of the molding process, thus allowing optimization of both the manufacturing process and mold geometry.
The mission of the Health and Safety Research Division (HASRD) is to provide a sound scientific basis for the measurement and assessment of human health impacts of radiological and chemical substances. Our approach to fulfilling this mission is to conduct a broad program of experimental, theoretical, and field research based on a strong foundation of fundamental physical studies that blend into well-established programs in life sciences. Topics include biomedical screening techniques, biological and chemical sensors, risk assessment, health hazards, dosimetry, nuclear medicine, environmental pollution monitoring, electron-molecule interactions, interphase physics, surface physics, data base management, environmental mutagens, carcinogens, and tetratogens.
Nitridation of Cr-bearing alloys can yield low interfacial contact resistance (ICR), electrically conductive and corrosion-resistant CrN or Cr2N base surfaces of interest for a range of electrochemical devices, including fuel cells, batteries, and sensors. This paper presents results of exploratory studies of the nitridation of commercially available, high Cr (30-35wt%) Ni-Cr alloys and a ferritic high Cr (29wt%) stainless steel for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) bipolar plates. A high degree of corrosion resistance in sulfuric acid solutions designed to simulate bipolar plate conditions and low ICR values were achieved. Oxygen impurities in the nitriding environment were observed to play a significant role in the nitrided surface structures that formed, with detrimental effect...
A sensitive hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor was fabricated based on graphene-Pt (GN-Pt) nanocomposite. The GN-Pt was synthesized by photochemical reduction of K2PtCl4 on GNs, and characterized by atomic force microscope (AFM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Electrochemical investigations indicated that the GN-Pt exhibited a high peak current and low overpotential towards the reduction of H2O2. The GN-Pt modified glass carbon electrode displayed a wide linear range (2-710mM), low limit of detection (0.5mM) and good selectivity for detection of H2O2 with a much higher sensitivity than that of Pt nanoparticles or graphene modified electrode.
Field-annealed Co-based amorphous ribbon (Metglas? 2705M) with a meander structure is fabricated by MEMS technology and the giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effects are studied at different magnetic fields and frequencies. The maximum longitudinal GMI ratio of the ribbon is 193.7% and the magnetic field sensitivity is 17.4%/Oe. The maximum GMI ratio of the meander ribbon is much larger than the single strip ribbon mainly due to the larger change ratio of inductance L. The sensitivity of an output U reach up to 10 V/A and U thermal fluctuation is less than 15 mV in the temperature range of ?20 to 40?C. This meander shape ribbon can be considered as a good candidate for the GMI-based sensor fabrication.
A parachute system was designed and prototypes built to deploy a telemetry package behind an earth-penetrating weapon just before impact. The parachute was designed to slow the 10 lb. telemetry package and wire connecting it to the penetrator to 50 fps before impact occurred. The parachute system was designed to utilize a 1.3-ft-dia cross pilot parachute and a 10.8-ft-dia main parachute. A computer code normally used to model the deployment of suspension lines from a packed parachute system was modified to model the deployment of wire from the weapon forebody. Results of the design calculations are presented. Two flight tests of the WBS were conducted, but initiation of parachute deployment did not occur in either of the tests due to difficulties with other components. Thus, the trajectory calculations could not be verified with data. Draft drawings of the major components of the parachute system are presented.
The development of new electro-optical instrumentation for studying the annular dispersed two-phase flow regime is described. The system measures the thickness of the water film and droplet size and velocity distributions which would be encountered in such a flow regime. The water film thickness is measured by an improved capacitance method with a short time constant using newly developed sensor electrodes. The electrodes are made flush with the inner wall of a cylindrical tube and do not disturb the flow. In the test equipment, steady, laminar flow of water along the inner wall of the tube is controlled by appropriate valves and a porous jacket while droplets are introduced by means of a special spray nozzle.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are being proposed for many applications including surveillance, mapping and atmospheric studies. These applications require a lightweight, low speed, medium to long duration airplane. Due to the weight, speed, and altitude constraints imposed on such aircraft, solar array generated electric power is a viable alternative to air-breathing engines. Development of such aircraft is currently being funded under the Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) program. NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) is currently building a Solar Electric Airplane to demonstrate UAV technology. This aircraft utilizes high efficiency Applied Solar Energy Corporation (ASEC) GaAs/Ge space solar cells. The cells have been provided by the Air Force through the ManTech Office. Expected completion of the plane is early 1995, with the airplane currently undergoing flight testing using battery power.
Nowadays, diamond and the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) colour centres constitute the best solid-state system in view of quantum-computing applications. It has also been shown recently that single NV centres could be used as nanoscale magnetic sensors. Such applications require the creation of single NV centres with very high resolution and with a high efficiency. The nano-implanter at the university of Bochum provides low energy nitrogen ions which can be implanted through a hole pierced in the tip of an atomic force microscope. Ultrapure diamond samples have been implanted with spot sizes of 50nm and less. Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy has been used to characterise and resolve the implanted spots.
The conceptual design for MCP to be installed in the integral reactor SMART was carried out. Canned motor pump was adopted in the conceptual design of MCP. Three-dimensional modeling was performed to visualize the conceptual design of the MCP and to check interferences between the parts. The theoretical design procedure for the impeller was developed. The procedures for the flow field and structural analysis of impeller was also developed to assess the design validity and to verify its structural integrity. A computer program to analyze the dynamic characteristics of the rotor shaft of MCP was developed. The rotational speed sensor was designed and its performance test was conducted to verify the possibility of operation. A prototypes of the canned motor was manufactured and tested to confirm the validity of the design concept. The MCP design concept was also investigated for fabricability by establishing the manufacturing procedures. 41 refs., 96 figs., 10 tabs. ...
Subsurface and surface coalfires are a serious problem in many coal-producing countries. Combustion can occur within the coal seams (underground or surface), in piles of stored coal, or in spoil dumps at the surface. While consuming a non renewable energy source, coalfires promote several environmental problems. Among all GHGs that are emitted from coalfires, CO2 is the most significant because of its high quantity. In connection to this environmental problem, the core aim of the present research is to develop a hyperspectral remote sensing and radiative transfer based model that is able to estimate CO2 concentration (ppmv) from coalfires. Since 1960s remote sensing is being used as a tool to detect and monitoring coalfires. With time, remote sensing has proven a reliable tool to identify and monitor coalfires. In the present study multi-temporal, multi-sensor and multi-spectral thermal remote sensing data are being used to detect and monitor coalfires. Unlike the ...
Subsurface and surface coalfires are a serious problem in many coal-producing countries. Combustion can occur within the coal seams (underground or surface), in piles of stored coal, or in spoil dumps at the surface. While consuming a non renewable energy source, coalfires promote several environmental problems. Among all GHGs that are emitted from coalfires, CO2 is the most significant because of its high quantity. In connection to this environmental problem, the core aim of the present research is to develop a hyperspectral remote sensing and radiative transfer based model that is able to estimate CO2 concentration (ppmv) from coalfires. Since 1960s remote sensing is being used as a tool to detect and monitoring coalfires. With time, remote sensing has proven a reliable tool to identify and monitor coalfires. In the present study multi-temporal, multi-sensor and multi-spectral thermal remote sensing data are being used to detect and monitor coalfires. Unlike the ...
The use of dendrimers for preparing chemically sensitive interfaces for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using surface acoustic wave (SAW) device transducers is described. Specifically, the synthesis of the dendrimers and the means by which they are affixed to SAW devices is discussed, followed by a detailed spectroscopic analysis of the surface-confined dendrimers and a discussion of their interaction with different VOCs. Most of these preliminary experiments focus on dendrimer surface modification using benzoylchloride, which leads to phenyl terminal groups linked to the dendrimer via amide groups. The results of this study lead us to conclude that dendrimers: (1) provide general specificity towards classes of functional groups and are therefore suitable for array-based sensing schemes; (2) are intermediate in structure between monolayers and polymers and exhibit the desirable properties of both; (3) can be straightforwardly attached to the surfaces of acoustic wave ...
Course website from Cambridge on ceramic materials. This site contains eight lectures in PDF format (Adobe Reader required), two question sheets, five practicals (including answers), digital movies and further useful links. "There is a strong relationship between the structure of a material and its physical properties. The properties of a material whether mechanical, electrical, optical or magnetic, determine how it can be used in practical applications. In this course, the focus is on the structure / property relationship for ionic materials with electrical properties utilised in various transducer devices. The materials considered include perovskites, which have special polarisation properties exploited in ferroelectric, pyroelectric and piezoelectric devices. Other oxides, such as zirconia, have structures permitting rapid diffusion of ions, making them suitable for use in sensors, fuel cells and batteries. The scientific principles underlying the properties of ...
The author presents a detailed and quantitative description of all of the programs, systems, sensors and experiments associated with the next 30 years of space endeavors by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Derived from the fifth issue of the NASA Space Systems Technology Model, the missions and payloads are categorized by applications area: solar system exploration, astrophysics, earth sciences, communications, space transportation and utilization of the space environment. Far-term missions are described as opportunity missions and landmark missions, for the distant future. Technology requirements are collected by discipline: power, propulsion, materials, structures, information systems, navigation, guidance and control. Payload technology requirements are organized by instrument sensing range. This information defines in quantitative terms, the opportunities and limits for future civilian space system capabilities.
During FY1997, the JMTR was operated for 3 complete cycles (120th, 121st and 122nd cycles) and was utilized for the research and development programs on the technology of LWRs and fusion reactor, as well as for fundamental research of fuels and materials, and for radioisotope productions. The improvement of evaluation technique in a local neutron spectrum for irradiation utilization and development of capsule having the vertical migration, the reinstrumentation and loading mechanism have been carried out. Development of a new oxygen potential sensor for oxide fuel pellets has been done as an elemental technology of irradiation for high burn-up fuels. As for post irradiation examination, the techniques for measuring of crack length using an alternating current potential drop method and machining of miniaturized specimen by the remote handling have been developed. A research on the blanket materials and components for thermonuclear fusion reactor were also ...
Manufacturers may be required to design transformers to overload specifications. Oil viscosity changes and loss variation with temperature are not accounted for in the industry loading guide. A comprehensive test program was performed using a winding assembly with imbedded thermocouples. Steady state and transient tests were performed for natural and non-directed forced oil circulation. The temperature distribution in the winding was not linear with height as usually assumed. A large number of temperature sensors is required to determine the hot spot location. The location of the hot spot was found to be different and less predictable for natural oil circulation compared with non-directed forced oil circulation especially during overload conditions. This paper reports that improved loading guide equations were developed to account for oil viscosity, resistance change, cooling duct oil rise, and location of the hot spot.
Concrete is the primary material for building envelopes in some parts of the world, and its ability to store heat as well as its dynamic temperature changes will not only affect the deterioration rate of the exterior wall but will also greatly influence the energy efficiency of interior air conditioning. There are many methods for measuring the inner temperature of concrete, but they often have limitations, such as indirect estimation, cable installation requirements, high cost, or heterogeneity of the sample structure. In order to measure the internal temperature of concrete, this study integrated a Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) with a temperature sensor chip and embedded the device in concrete structures. A Smart Temperature Information Material (STIM) was thus developed. Thi...
A growing number of applications that generate massive streams of data need intelligent data processing and online analysis. Real-time surveillance systems, telecommunication systems, sensor networks and other dynamic environments are such examples. The imminent need for turning such data into useful information and knowledge augments the development of systems, algorithms and frameworks that address streaming challenges. The storage, querying and mining of such data sets are highly computationally challenging tasks. Mining data streams is concerned with extracting knowledge structures represented in models and patterns in non stopping streams of information. Generally, two main challenges are designing fast mining methods for data streams and need to promptly detect changing concepts and data distribution because of highly dynamic nature of data streams. The goal of this article is to analyze and classify the application of diverse data mining techniques in ...
Recent advances made in the area of amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys exhibiting high saturation inductions are reviewed. A new chemical composition was identified that achieves a saturation induction of 1.64 T in an iron-based amorphous alloy. This alloy, when used in electrical transformers, shows a much improved performance over the existing amorphous alloy. Nanocrystalline FeCoCuNbSiB alloys are found to have saturation induction levels reaching 1.7 T. These materials are suited for use in sensors and inductors carrying large currents. Some of these nanocrystalline alloys show a BH squareness ratio exceeding 90%, which can be utilized in pulse power devices. Recent developments in the applications of these materials are also pointed out.
The six-axes industrial robot MANUTEC r15 UW was modified to work underwater and successfully tested down to the simulated water depth of 1100 m. Next step in the program was to use this robot as a handling tool for inspection tasks at the welding seam of an underwater structure conducted with CCD-cameras and distance sensors. This was also to demonstrate the possibility to assist and later on to replace divers from this work. Additional research was focussed on the stiffness and rigidity of the robot during the precise guiding of tools and workpieces under current water conditions up to a flow velocity of 1.1 m/s. Present work is concentrated on the application of this subsea robot on a maintenance task at the Brazilian underwater template OCTOS-1000. For this experiments the robot is integrated in a large mock-up which simulates a quarter section of this template. (orig.)
This paper presents a new method to compensate the nonlinearities for matrix converter drives. The nonlinearities of matrix converter drives such as commutation delay, turn-on and turn-off time of the switching devices, and on-state switching device voltage drop is corrected by a new matrix converter model using the direction of current. The proposed method does not need any additional hardware or complicated software and it is easy to realize by applying the algorithm to the conventional vector control. The proposed compensation method is applied for high-performance induction motor drives using a 3-kW matrix converter system without a speed sensor. Experimental results show the proposed method provides good compensating characteristics.
This work addresses the problem of estimating the direction-of-arrival (DOA) of two sources using an array of sensors. This problem is mostly useful in radar applications, where we have few targets at each range bin. Super-resolution algorithms, such as maximum likelihood (ML) estimation and multiple signal classification (MUSIC), have been applied to this problem, but the former involves high computation efforts, while the later has poor estimation performance for coherent sources. In this work, we propose a DOA estimation network, named RBF-AML, which combines the approximated ML (AML) estimator and a radial basis function (RBF) neural network (NN). In the proposed RBF-AML network, the entire two dimensional DOA space is divided into multiple sectors covered by RBF experts. The AML funct...
When gear fault occurs, the vibration signals always display non-stationary behavior. Therefore time-frequency analysis has become the well-accepted technique for vibration-based gear fault diagnosis. This paper presents the application of a new time-frequency signal processing technique, the Hilbert spectrum based on the maximal overlap discrete wavelet packet transform (MODWPT), to the analysis of simulation signals and gear fault vibration signals measured by the acceleration sensor fixed on the bearing house. As long as the decomposition scale and disjoint dyadic decomposition are chosen suitably, the original signal could be decomposed into a set of monocomponent signals whose instantaneous amplitude and instantaneous frequency own physical meaning. After the instantaneous amplitude a...
Current concepts of the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis suggest that the expanded numbers of activated T-helper/inducer cells at sites of disease activity result, at least in part, from their proliferation...Full Text Available
Emphasis was put on the comparative quantitative structure-activity approaches to the exploration of action mechanisms of structurally different classes of compounds showing the same type of activity...Full Text Available
Background and objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with impaired physical activity. However, it is unclear whether the associations of physical activity with mortality are modified...Full Text Available
BACKGROUND--Interstitial lung diseases are characterised by the recruitment of mononuclear cells to disease sites where maturation occurs and activation products, including lysozyme (LZM), are released....Full Text Available
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors belonging to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Their discovery in the 1990s provided insights...Full Text Available