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At least 433 records · Page 24

Amorphous boron nitride: synthesis, properties and device application

Amorphous boron nitride (a-BN) exhibits remarkable electrical, optical, and chemical properties, alongside robust mechanical stability, making it a compelling material for advanced applications in nanoelectronics and photonics. This review comprehensively examines the unique characteristics of a-BN, emphasizing its electrical and optical attributes, state-of-the-art synthesis techniques, and device applications. Key advancements in low-temperature growth methods for a-BN are highlighted, offering insights into their potential for integration into scalable, CMOS-compatible platforms. Additionally, the review discusses the emerging role of a-BN as a dielectric material in electronic and photonic devices, serving as substrates, encapsulation layers, and gate insulators. Finally, perspectives on future challenges, including defect control, interface engineering, and scalability, are presented, providing a roadmap for realizing the full potential of a-BN in next-generation device technologies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Quantum search on noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices

Abstract Quantum search algorithm (also known as Grover's algorithm) lays the foundation for many other quantum algorithms. Although it is very simple, its implementation is limited on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) processors. Grover's algorithm was designed without considering the physical resources, such as depth, in the real implementations. Therefore, Grover's algorithm can be improved for NISQ devices. In this paper, we demonstrate how to implement quantum search algorithms better on NISQ devices. We present detailed benchmarks of the five-qubit quantum search algorithm on different quantum processors, including IBMQ, IonQ, and Honeywell quantum devices. We report the highest success probability of the five-qubit search algorithm compared to previous works. Our results show that designing the error-aware quantum search algorithms is possible, which can maximally harness the power of NISQ computers.

Physics↗

Spectral interferometry-based microwave-frequency vibrometry for integrated acoustic wave devices

Microwave phononics is a promising platform for sensing, computing, and quantum information science; thus, sensitive and high-throughput characterization tools are needed not only for device verification and optimization but also for revealing transient and nonlinear dynamics. Existing interferometric optical vibrometers for 2D mapping are challenged by operating point stabilization, surface reflectivity contrast, and long acquisition time. Here, we use spectral interferometry, which is insensitive to these factors and utilizes a continuous raster scanning scheme for vibration mapping with high throughput. We intensity-modulate our broadband light source with an electro-optic modulator to resolve vibrations at microwave frequencies. Our system requires no fast photodetector or digitizer operating in the microwave frequency range. We image the 1 GHz vibration field of a 300 × 150 µm 2 area of an entire surface acoustic wave device in 10 min with simultaneous surface profilometry. Our system has a vibration sensitivity of 120 fm/sqrt(Hz) and a linear throughput of 0.77 mm/s on the chip surface. The technique offers capabilities for characterizing a wide range of acoustic wave and micromechanical devices to better understand their behavior and performance.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Applying in Situ Bias During TOF-SIMS Analysis to Investigate Ion Migration in Perovskite Devices

An in situ electrical bias was placed on a perovskite device through the device thickness while under investigation with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. The applied bias resulted in an observed reversible migration of halide and lithium ions on the timescale of minutes. The results show a framework that can be used for further study of ion migration in perovskite materials and devices.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Development and Evaluation of Distributed Energy Resource Device Models: Electric Vehicles, Electric Water Heaters, and Commercial Refrigeration Systems

In order to validate distributed energy resource (DER) models operated with grid services in the GMLC 1.4.2 team’s February (GMLC 2019a) and July (GMLC 2019b) reports, a test and measurement program using actual DER devices was conducted by national laboratories for three devices: (1) electric vehicles (EVs), (2) water heaters, and (3) commercial refrigeration. Test procedures were developed and carried out to identify the mathematical models and their parameters that describe the operational function, characterize the physics, and obey transient response of the devices. This report focuses on the experimental results obtained to develop and verify simulations of three specific EV models. This section summarizes elements of the mathematical model and shows the necessity data collected from the EVs while charging and discharging (driving). In the course of the study, we found it necessary to make some modifications to the model to deal with observed transient behavior. Section 1.2 details the model assumptions and equations, Section 1.3 provides details of the EVs tested, Section 1.4 outlines the test procedures developed for the projects, and Section 1.5 presents the experimental results obtained for the three different EVs tested and how these results compare to the models running the same test profiles.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Response of GaN-Based Semiconductor Devices to Ion and Gamma Irradiation

GaN has electronic properties that make it an excellent material for the next generation of power electronics; however, its radiation hardening still needs further understanding before it is used in radiation environments. In this work we explored the response of commercial InGaN LEDs to two different radiation environments: ion and gamma irradiations. For ion irradiations we performed two types of irradiations at the Ion Beam Lab (IBL) at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL): high energy and end of range (EOR) irradiations. For gamma irradiations we fielded devices at the gamma irradiation facility (GIF) at SNL. The response of the LEDs to radiation was investigated by IV, light output and light output vs frequency measurements. We found that dose levels up to 500 krads do not degrade the electrical properties of the devices and that devices exposed to ion irradiations exhibit a linear and non- linear dependence with fluence for two different ranges of fluence levels. We also performed current injection annealing studies to explore the annealing properties of InGaN LEDs.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Helpful Engineering's Universal Citizen Protection Device (UCPD)

The Universal Citizen Protection Device (UCPD) is a UV-based, filterless PPE concept developed by Helpful Engineering that aims to keep viral particles out of eyes, nose and mouth with a 99%+ reliability. The heart of the device is a concealed UV chamber that decontaminates all air going in and out of the PPE. The objective of this project was to provide measurements as evidence of proof of function of a representative prototype. Sandia utilized its aerosol characterization facility to measure the amount of virus that is inactivated by the device at representative flow rates and concentrations, using MS2 bacteriophage as the BSL-1 viral surrogate.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

On-Device Lead Detention for Perovskite Solar Cells

As the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have reached above 25.5%, the commercialization of PSCs appears to be imminent due to its lower fabrication cost, simpler manufacturing processes, and larger processing area over Si-based solar cells that dominate the current photovoltaic (PV) market. While many efforts have focused on tackling the stability and scalability issues with promising advances, the potential lead (Pb) toxicity issue has remained a concern of PSCs. Unlike the metallic Pb, the Pb 2+ in perovskite generally exhibit high solubility in water. However, Pb 2+ has so far appeared to be a necessary component in all high-efficiency PSCs. Handful methods have been explored to mitigate the potential Pb2+ leaking issue, which can be generally categorized as physical encapsulation and our pioneering chemical absorption method, which was extended by others later. Since device damage is inevitable in outdoor conditions, physical encapsulation alone is not sufficient to mitigate the long-term risk of leakage of soluble Pb 2+ to the environment under severe weather conditions. As a result, the chemical absorption approach has recently attracted significant attention as a more effective solution to confine the potential lead leakage. Hence, it is of great value to develop durable and highly efficient Pb-absorbing components that can be conveniently mounted onto the standard PSC stack as an add-on accessory in line with the encapsulation of PSCs instead of modifying the standard device fabrication and/or device configuration.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Workshop on Ultra-Precision Control for Ultra-Efficient Devices (Workshop Report)

On April 21–23, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) within the office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) held the second in a series of workshops on different topics related to semiconductor research and development (R&D) to increase energy efficiency. This workshop focused on ultra-energy-efficient devices and the ultra-precision manufacturing (UPM) processes and next-generation control and metrology technologies needed to manufacture these devices. In addition to the industry needs and RDD&D opportunities, AMO’s new goal on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction was addressed. The output of this workshop will inform AMO’s future R&D portfolio investments; provide perspectives on trends, drivers, and challenges for ultra-energy-efficient devices and enabling technologies; and help the stakeholder community understand the opportunities on the horizon.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

A Path Toward Understanding the Performance Capabilities of SmartNIC Devices [Slides]

SmartNICs, accelerator devices integrated with a network, have conventionally been utilized to offload low-level networking functionality. However, newer SmartNIC variants, which incorporate a system-on-chip (SoC) with traditional designs, are challenging this precedent. Leveraging significantly augmented resources, these new devices offer increased versatility and the potential to more effectively complement a given architecture’s CPU. Naturally, there is performance overhead associated with offloading tasks from a host CPU to a SmartNIC. As SmartNICs become more versatile and are used for a wider range of computational tasks, it is critical to understand how well the SmartNICs perform those respective tasks in order to determine whether the cost of offloading is worthwhile. In this work, we lay out a path to understand the important question of when and when not to offload to SmartNIC devices by way of a series of microbenchmarks.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Testing and Expertise for Marine Energy (TEAMER) Program Support - Numerical Modeling Assistance for iProTech's "PIP" WEC Device: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-20-17303

Develop a time-domain, 3 degree of freedom numerical model of IProTech's PIP device, including power take-off (PTO), that can be used to develop control algorithms and establish a baseline technology performance level (TPL). This is important to IProTech because having a good numerical model allows IProTech to optimize design and control algorithms on an ongoing basis. A baseline TPL enables the PIP technology to be benchmarked against other wave energy converter (WEC) concepts, providing (i) justification (or not) for investment in wave tank model testing, (ii) identifying optimum design parameters and control algorithms for the test model, (iii) specifying test conditions and (iv) interpreting wave tank test results. An accredited WEC-Sim model of the PIP device is an essential tool for further development of the technology. 1) The development of numerical models of the PIP concept will enable iProTech to evaluate the potential performance of this concept, and to investigate how sensitive the device is to different variables within the system (e.g. hydraulic components, geometry dimensions, etc.) 2) The numerical models were developed with WEC-Sim and PTO-Sim -- the de-facto industry standard WEC numerical modeling tools. A detailed model of the system's hydraulic circuit was developed with PTO-Sim. However, WEC-Sim is based on linear hydrodynamics and has several limitations; validation against high fidelity models/physical scale models would help to build confidence in the results.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Modeling Vapor Transport Deposition of Metal-halide Perovskite Thin Films for Photovoltaic and Optoelectronic Devices

Over the past decade, metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as a promising materials platform for high-efficiency solar cells and low-cost optoelectronics. However, there are challenges that frustrate the large-scale manufacturing of MHP devices, including difficulty in controlling film composition, interface formation and their device instability under ambient conditions. Vapor processing offers an attractive path to manufacturability, while also opening the door to new opportunities in device design that could favorably impact ultrahigh efficiency tandem solar cells or overall stability. Emphasis here is on the use of an alternate processing methodology, vapor transport deposition (VTD), to deposit the MHP layer. In experimental work, we found that our deposition system had significant run-to-run variations in film thickness and composition. To understand and resolve these issues, we use COMSOL Multiphysics software to model the precursor deposition rate numerically, trying to guide the broad range of parameters in the system. The result can be matched with experimental data and provides insight into system hydrodynamics and molar transport effects. Finally, we show that chamber pressure is a key factor to scale up the VTD technique.

Hsu, Wan-Ju↗

Evaluation of the Feasibility of Utilizing a Low-Cost UWB Radar for Hardware Implant & Counterfeit Device Detection

Hardware implants & counterfeit devices in the US power grid pose a significant national security threat. Asset owners currently have few options for detecting the presence of such devices “in the wild”. The goal of this work is to develop a non-invasive sensing method to solve this problem. In this work we evaluate the feasibility of implementing a nonlinear UWB radar tomography system to differentiate between electronic internals of externally-similar devices using low-cost off-the-shelf hardware.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Synchrotron-based Characterization Techniques for Radiation Detection Materials and Devices: An Overview

High-performance room-temperature radiation detectors (high energy resolution for spectrometers, high spatial resolution for imaging devices, and low defect-density for high flux applications) are needed for photon energies (>20 keV) that are not well suited for silicon detectors. Applications for such radiation detectors include nonproliferation, synchrotron, medical, astrophysics, and homeland security. Material- and device- characterization to understand and solve the limiting factors of radiation detection materials and devices is a core element of a radiation detector development R&D program. This presentation will give an overview on the two main synchrotron-based characterization techniques that have been employed by the authors in the last ~20 years: (1) White Beam X-ray Diffraction Topography and (2) Micron-scale detector mapping. A perfect (one domain) crystal (radiation detection material) is a requirement to achieve a highperformance radiation detector. White Beam X-ray Diffraction Topography (WBXDT) allows the rapid screening of the crystallinity of the detector material. With WBXDT we can quickly screen CZT and other crystals to make sure they have only one domain, and to see the presence of extended defects and strain fields.

Camarda, Giuseppe S.↗

A Novel, Low-Cost, Portable Device for Counterfeit and Noncompliant Refrigerant Detection

The increasing prevalence of counterfeit refrigerants presents significant risks to Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) systems, including compromised equipment performance, safety hazards, and environmental non-compliance. This report details the development of a novel, cost-effective, and portable detection device designed to accurately identify counterfeit refrigerants. The device utilizes a controlled gas sampling and analysis system within a sealed chamber, ensuring precise measurements while maintaining safety through a purging mechanism. The system features a high-sensitivity sensor integrated with an onboard control module that analyzes gas composition in real-time, providing users with clear visual indicators for refrigerant authenticity. Laboratory validation demonstrated the device’s high accuracy (exceeding 95%) in detecting unauthorized refrigerant blends. Key advantages include affordability, ease of use, rapid response time, and compatibility with a wide range of refrigerants. This solution supports compliance with regulatory frameworks such as the AIM Act, enhances safety in HVACR operations, and mitigates the risks associated with counterfeit refrigerants. Future developments will focus on expanding refrigerant detection capabilities, integrating machine learning for enhanced accuracy, implementing cost-reduction strategies to improve accessibility and market adoption, and optimizing system packaging for enhanced field portability.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Next-Generation Electric Motors and Electromagnetic Devices (CRADA Final Report)

As part of the Cyclotron Road program, the Foli Research team investigated electric motors and other electromagnetic devices additively manufactured by depositing fine conducting wire onto a substrate. By leveraging modern motion control and efficient upstream manufacturing processes, the team explored using geometric control and turnkey production comparable to printed circuit board manufacturing, aiming at ten-fold improvements in signal density, while eliminating the material use, cost, and complexity overheads of subtractive processes at large scales. Owing to the achievable density and additive scaling, disparate components became monolithic, and disparate processes were combined with the aim of reducing development costs, uncertainties, and timelines. When applied to electric motors, this technology may enable agile manufacturing of next-generation designs, with dramatic increases in achievable power density and material utilization. Electric motors represent the single largest user of electricity in the U.S. and a critical component of decarbonized infrastructure. Despite this significance, the manufacturing of motors and other electromagnetic devices remains capital-intensive, labor-intensive, and performance-limiting. Advanced manufacturing processes were required to produce high-performance, low-cost, application-specific electric motors and electromagnetic devices to support an electrified future.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Equipment Assessment Guide: A Technical Inspection and Hardening Guide for Devices in Power Grid Operations

This Equipment Assessment Guide, developed by Idaho National Laboratory (INL), provides a comprehensive framework designed to enhance the security of operational technology (OT) devices within power grid operations. The guide outlines essential steps for asset owners to conduct technical inspections and harden vulnerable hardware and firmware components commonly found in embedded systems. It focuses on components frequently targeted by cyber threats, offering valuable identification techniques for locating and recognizing critical components on devices. Additionally, the guide presents recommended secure configurations aimed at minimizing exposure and reinforcing defenses, along with impact analysis that highlights the potential consequences for grid operations if components are compromised. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this guide, asset owners can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture, reduce the attack surface of field-deployed devices, and improve the resilience of grid services against emerging cyber threats.

42 - ENGINEERING↗

Feature Classification for Control System Devices

Control systems are used to automate industrial processes, smart grids, and smart cities. Unfortunately, cyber attacks on control systems are on the rise. Additionally, control systems lack the plethora of tools available for commodity systems for forensic investigation. An important step towards the proper forensic investigation is to analyze device memory. To assist in identifying features of device memory, we present a machine learning-based technique that integrates ontology information for feature classification in a control system device’s memory.

ahmed mithu, M Rayhan↗