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At least 37 records · Page 2

An acoustic charge transport imager for high definition television applications

The primary goal of this research is to develop a solid-state television (HDTV) imager chip operating at a frame rate of about 170 frames/sec at 2 Megapixels/frame. This imager will offer an order of magnitude improvements in speed over CCD designs and will allow for monolithic imagers operating from the IR to UV. The technical approach of the project focuses on the development of the three basic components of the imager and their subsequent integration. The camera chip can be divided into three distinct functions: (1) image capture via an array of avalanche photodiodes (APD's); (2) charge collection, storage, and overflow control via a charge transfer transistor device (CTD); and (3) charge readout via an array of acoustic charge transport (ACT) channels. The use of APD's allows for front end gain at low noise and low operating voltages while the ACT readout enables concomitant high speed and high charge transfer efficiency. Currently work is progressing towards the optimization of each of these component devices. In addition to the development of each of the three distinct components, work towards their integration and manufacturability is also progressing. The component designs are considered not only to meet individual specifications but to provide overall system level performance suitable for HDTV operation upon integration. The ultimate manufacturability and reliability of the chip constrains the design as well. The progress made during this period is described in detail.

Hunt, W. D.↗

An acoustic charge transport imager for high definition television applications

The primary goal of this research is to develop a solid-state high definition television (HDTV) imager chip operating at a frame rate of about 170 frames/sec at 2 Megapixels per frame. This imager offers an order of magnitude improvement in speed over CCD designs and will allow for monolithic imagers operating from the IR to the UV. The technical approach of the project focuses on the development of the three basic components of the imager and their integration. The imager chip can be divided into three distinct components: (1) image capture via an array of avalanche photodiodes (APD's), (2) charge collection, storage and overflow control via a charge transfer transistor device (CTD), and (3) charge readout via an array of acoustic charge transport (ACT) channels. The use of APD's allows for front end gain at low noise and low operating voltages while the ACT readout enables concomitant high speed and high charge transfer efficiency. Currently work is progressing towards the development of manufacturable designs for each of these component devices. In addition to the development of each of the three distinct components, work towards their integration is also progressing. The component designs are considered not only to meet individual specifications but to provide overall system level performance suitable for HDTV operation upon integration. The ultimate manufacturability and reliability of the chip constrains the design as well. The progress made during this period is described in detail in Sections 2-4.

Hunt, W. D.↗

Atomic-scale imaging and charge state manipulation of NV centers by scanning tunneling microscopy

Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are among the most promising solid-state qubit candidates, owing to their exceptionally long spin coherence times, efficient spin-photon coupling, room-temperature operation, and steadily advancing fabrication and integration techniques. Despite significant progress in the field, atomic-scale characterization and control of individual NV centers have remained elusive. In this work, we utilize a conductive graphene capping layer to enable direct imaging and manipulation of NV - defects via scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). By investigating over 40 individual NV - centers, we identify their spectroscopic signatures and spatial configurations. Our dI/dV conductance spectra reveal the ground state resonance approximately 300 meV below the Fermi level and density-of-states maps uncover a two-lobed wavefunction aligned along the [111] crystallographic direction. Remarkably, we demonstrate the ability to manipulate the charge state of the NV centers from NV - to NV 0 through STM tip-induced gating. This work represents a significant advance in the atomic-scale imaging, spectroscopic characterization, and charge-state manipulation of NV centers, potentially paving the way for future quantum device development.

Raghavan, Arjun [Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champ↗

An acoustic charge transport imager for high definition television applications

In this report we present the progress during the second six month period of the project. This includes both experimental and theoretical work on the acoustic charge transport (ACT) portion of the chip, the theoretical program modelling of both the avalanche photodiode (APD) and the charge transfer and overflow transistor and the materials growth and fabrication part of the program.

Hunt, William D.↗

An Acoustic Charge Transport Imager for High Definition Television Applications: Low-Voltage SAW Amplifiers on Multilayer GaAs/ZnO Substrates

This thesis addresses the acoustoelectric issues concerning the amplification of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) and the reflection of SAWs from slanted reflector gratings on GaAs, with application to a novel acoustic charge transport (ACT) device architecture. First a simple model of the SAWAMP was developed, which was subsequently used to define the epitaxially grown material structure necessary to provide simultaneously high resistance and high electron mobility. In addition, a segmented SAWAMP structure was explored with line widths on the order of an acoustic wavelength. This resulted in the demonstration of SAWAMPS with an order of magnitude less voltage and power requirements than previously reported devices. A two-dimensional model was developed to explain the performance of devices with charge confinement layers less then 0.5 mm, which was experimentally verified. This model was extended to predict a greatly increased gain from the addition of a ZnO overlay. These overlays were experimentally attempted, but no working devices were reported due to process incompatibilities. In addition to the SAWAMP research, the reflection of SAWs from slanted gratings on GaAs was also studied and experimentally determined reflection coefficients for both 45 deg grooves and Al stripes on GaAs have been reported for the first time. The SAWAMp and reflector gratings were combined to investigate the integrated ring oscillator for application to the proposed ACT device and design parameters for this device have been provided.

Hunt, W. D.↗

An acoustic charge transport imager for high definition television applications

This report covers: (1) invention of a new, ultra-low noise, low operating voltage APD which is expected to offer far better performance than the existing volume doped APD device; (2) performance of a comprehensive series of experiments on the acoustic and piezoelectric properties of ZnO films sputtered on GaAs which can possibly lead to a decrease in the required rf drive power for ACT devices by 15dB; (3) development of an advanced, hydrodynamic, macroscopic simulator used for evaluating the performance of ACT and CTD devices and aiding in the development of the next generation of devices; (4) experimental development of CTD devices which utilize a p-doped top barrier demonstrating charge storage capacity and low leakage currents; (5) refinements in materials growth techniques and in situ controls to lower surface defect densities to record levels as well as increase material uniformity and quality.

Hunt, William D.↗

Edge passivated charge-coupled device image sensor

A charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor includes in a substrate of single crystalline silicon of one conductivity type an array of a plurality of spaced, parallel channel regions of the opposite conductivity type extending along one major surface of the substrate. A plurality of parallel conductive gates are over the one major surface of the substrate and extend transversely across the channel regions. The outermost channel regions of the array are positioned adjacent edges of the substrate so that a plurality of the image sensors can be mounted in edge-to-edge relation with the channel regions of the various sensors being close together. The sensor includes passivating means between each outermost channel region and the adjacent edge to prevent charge carriers generated by the edge from being injected into the outermost channel region. The passivating means includes a highly conductive drain region of a conductivity type opposite to that of the substrate within the substrate and extending along the one major surface between the outermost channel region and the edge. Also, a highly conductive region of the same conductivity type as the substrate is on the substrate and extends along the one major surface directly at the edge.

Kosonocky, Walter F.↗

Photoelectrochemical Imaging of Charge Separation between MoS 2 Triangles and Insulating SiO 2 Support

The role of the insulating support in photocatalysis is poorly understood. Using high-resolution photo-scanning electrochemical microscopy (photo-SECM), we observed significant spatial charge separation in few-layer-thick molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) triangles attached to a SiO 2 substrate. Spatially resolved surface photovoltage (SPV) measurements revealed that photogenerated holes migrate from MoS 2 to the SiO 2 surface and travel laterally over distances exceeding 2 μm, driven by the builtin electric field of ~1.7 kV/cm. In thicker and less uniform flakes, the charge separation is dominated by internal driving forces within MoS 2 , without significant contribution from SiO 2 . These findings underscore the importance of insulator–semiconductor interactions for effective charge separation, suggesting a new strategy for optimizing photocatalytic systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Direct momentum imaging of charge transfer following site-selective ionization

We study ultrafast charge rearrangement in dissociating 2-iodopropane (2-C 3 H 7 I) using site-selective core-ionization at the iodine atom. Clear signatures of electron transfer between the neutral propyl fragment and multiply charged iodine ions are observed in the recorded delay-dependent ion momentum distributions. The detected charge transfer pathway is only favorable within a small (few angstrom), charge-state-dependent spatial window located at C-I distances longer than that of the neutral ground-state molecule. Lastly, these results offer new insights into the physics underpinning charge transfer in isolated molecules and pave the way for a new class of time-resolved studies.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Improved Charge-Coupled Imager For X Rays

Device proposed to improve imaging of x rays. Features thin layer of oxide in virtual phase to increase quantum efficiency and depletion layer nearly as thick as epitaxial silicon layer to increase resolution. Applications include imaging spectrometers for x-ray astronomy, investigations of plasmas, and x-ray crystallography.

Wadsworth, Mark↗

An Acoustic Charge Transport Imager for High Definition Television Applications: Reliability Modeling and Parametric Yield Prediction of GaAs Multiple Quantum Well Avalanche Photodiodes

Reliability modeling and parametric yield prediction of GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum well (MQW) avalanche photodiodes (APDs), which are of interest as an ultra-low noise image capture mechanism for high definition systems, have been investigated. First, the effect of various doping methods on the reliability of GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum well (MQW) avalanche photodiode (APD) structures fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy is investigated. Reliability is examined by accelerated life tests by monitoring dark current and breakdown voltage. Median device lifetime and the activation energy of the degradation mechanism are computed for undoped, doped-barrier, and doped-well APD structures. Lifetimes for each device structure are examined via a statistically designed experiment. Analysis of variance shows that dark-current is affected primarily by device diameter, temperature and stressing time, and breakdown voltage depends on the diameter, stressing time and APD type. It is concluded that the undoped APD has the highest reliability, followed by the doped well and doped barrier devices, respectively. To determine the source of the degradation mechanism for each device structure, failure analysis using the electron-beam induced current method is performed. This analysis reveals some degree of device degradation caused by ionic impurities in the passivation layer, and energy-dispersive spectrometry subsequently verified the presence of ionic sodium as the primary contaminant. However, since all device structures are similarly passivated, sodium contamination alone does not account for the observed variation between the differently doped APDs. This effect is explained by the dopant migration during stressing, which is verified by free carrier concentration measurements using the capacitance-voltage technique.

Hunt, W. D.↗

Self-compensating light calorimetry with liquid argon time projection chamber for GeV neutrino physics

The Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) is a powerful dual calorimeter capable of estimating particle energy from both ionization charge and scintillation light. Here, our study shows that, due to the recombination luminescence, the LArTPC functions as a self-compensating light calorimeter: the missing energy in the hadronic component is compensated for by the increased luminescence relative to the electromagnetic component. Using 0.5-5 GeV electron neutrino charged current interactions as a case study, we show that good compensation of the electron-to-hadron response ratio (e/h) from 1-1.05 can be achieved across a broad range of drift electric fields (0.2-1.8 kV / cm), with better performance for neutrino energies above 2 GeV. This study highlights the potential of light calorimetry in LArTPCs for GeV neutrino energy reconstruction, complementing traditional charge calorimetry. Under ideal conditions of uniform light collection, we show that LArTPC light calorimetry can achieve an energy resolution comparable to the charge imaging calorimetry. Challenges arising from nonuniform light collection in large LArTPCs can be mitigated with a position-dependent light yield correction derived from 3D charge signal imaging.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

A backside illuminated 400 x 400 charge-coupled device imager

Large-area backside illuminated charge-coupled device imagers have been fabricated using double level aluminum transfer electrode technology. Devices with 100 x 160 and 400 x 400 resolution elements have been fabricated using buried channel technology for high charge transfer efficiency. Detailed optical characterization has been performed on these imagers over the temperature range -40 to +24 C and at several operating frequencies between 10 kHz and 1 MHz.

Antcliffe, G. A.↗

Charge-coupled device image sensor study

The design specifications and predicted performance characteristics of a Charge-Coupled Device Area Imager and a Charge-Coupled Device Linear Imager are presented. The Imagers recommended are intended for use in space-borne imaging systems and therefore would meet the requirements for the intended application. A unique overlapping metal electrode structure and a buried channel structure are described. Reasons for the particular imager designs are discussed.

Source record↗

Long-Range Charge Transport Facilitated by Electron Delocalization in MoS 2 and Carbon Nanotube Heterostructures

Controlling charge transport at the interfaces of nanostructures is crucial for their successful use in optoelectronic and solar energy applications. Mixed-dimensional heterostructures based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have demonstrated exceptionally long-lived charge-separated states. However, the factors that control the charge transport at these interfaces remain unclear. In this study, we directly image charge transport at the interfaces of single- and multilayered MoS 2 and (6,5) SWCNT heterostructures using transient absorption microscopy. We find that charge recombination becomes slower as the layer thickness of MoS 2 increases. This behavior can be explained by electron delocalization in multilayers and reduced orbital overlap with the SWCNTs, as suggested by nonadiabatic (NA) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Dipolar repulsion of interfacial excitons results in rapid density-dependent transport within the first 100 ps. Stronger repulsion and longer-range charge transport are observed in heterostructures with thicker MoS 2 layers, driven by electron delocalization and larger interfacial dipole moments. These findings are consistent with the results from NAMD simulations. Our results suggest that heterostructures with multilayer MoS 2 can facilitate long-lived charge separation and transport, which is promising for applications in photovoltaics and photocatalysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

InSb charge coupled infrared imaging device: The 20 element linear imager

The design and fabrication of the 8585 InSb charge coupled infrared imaging device (CCIRID) chip are reported. The InSb material characteristics are described along with mask and process modifications. Test results for the 2- and 20-element CCIRID's are discussed, including gate oxide characteristics, charge transfer efficiency, optical mode of operation, and development of the surface potential diagram.

Thom, R. D.↗

Imaging the flow of holes from a collimating contact in graphene

A beam of holes formed in graphene by a collimating contact is imaged using a liquid-He cooled scanning probe microscope (SPM). The mean free path of holes is greater than the device dimensions. A zigzag shaped pattern on both sides of the collimating contact absorbs holes that enter at large angles. The image charge beneath the SPM tip defects holes, and the pattern of flow is imaged by displaying the change in conductance between contacts on opposite sides, as the tip is raster scanned across the sample. Collimation is confirmed by bending hole trajectories away from the receiving contact with an applied magnetic field. The SPM images agree well with ray-tracing simulations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗