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At least 955 records · Page 53

Balance on the charge generation, separation and transfer performance of different TiO{sub 2} nanostructures in quantum dot sensitized solar cells

Graphical abstract: QDSSCs with different structure: (a) J-V curves, (b) TRPL spectra. - Highlights: • Charge generation, separation and transfer performance have been balanced by different structures. • Excellent charge separation and transfer performance have been exhibited for nano-array structure. • Nanotube array structure relative better charge generation, excellent charge separation and transfer performance of QDSSCs. - Abstract: TiO{sub 2} nanoparticle and nano-array structures including nanorods, nanowires and nanotubes are prepared for the photo-electrodes of CuInS{sub 2} quantum dot sensitized solar cells, which are investigated the balance on charge generation, separation and transfer performance in solar cells. The optical absorption properties and PL spectra of different photo-electrodes are investigated, which indicates better charge generation property for nanoparticle structure and better charge separation property for nano-arrays structure. With the grain boundary of nanoparticle films and excellent charge transfer performance of nano-arrays films, higher short-circuit current density value has been performed for all the nano-array structure based solar cells. Due to the relative large surface area of three nano-arrays structure for charge generation, excellent charge separation and transfer performance, the TiO{sub 2} nanotube based CuInS{sub 2} quantum dot sensitized solar cells exhibits greater photovoltaic efficiency than other nanostructures, which can support the progress for further photovoltaic performance enhancement on quantum dot sensitized solar cells.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Standard, Random, and Optimum Array conversions from Two-Pole resistance data

We present an array evaluation of standard and nonstandard arrays over a hydrogeological target. We develop the arrays by linearly combining data from the pole-pole (or 2-pole) array. The first test shows that reconstructed resistances for the standard Schlumberger and dipoledipole arrays are equivalent or superior to the measured arrays in terms of noise, especially at large geometric factors. The inverse models for the standard arrays also confirm what others have presented in terms of target resolvability, namely the dipole-dipole array has the highest resolution. In the second test, we reconstruct random electrode combinations from the 2-pole data segregated into inner, outer, and overlapping dipoles. The resistance data and inverse models from these randomized arrays show those with inner dipoles to be superior in terms of noise and resolution and that overlapping dipoles can cause model instability and low resolution. Finally, we use the 2-pole data to create an optimized array that maximizes the model resolution matrix for a given electrode geometry. The optimized array produces the highest resolution and target detail. Thus, the tests demonstrate that high quality data and high model resolution can be achieved by acquiring field data from the pole-pole array.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Development of Aluminum LEKIDs for Balloon-Borne Far-IR Spectroscopy

We are developing lumped-element kinetic inductance detectors (LEKIDs) designed to achieve background-limited sensitivity for far-infrared (FIR) spectroscopy on a stratospheric balloon. The spectroscopic terahertz airborne receiver for farinfrared exploration will study the evolution of dusty galaxies with observations of the [CII] 158µm and other atomic fine-structure transitions at z = 0.5–1.5, both through direct observations of individual luminous infrared galaxies, and in blind surveys using the technique of line intensity mapping. The spectrometer will require large format (~1800 detectors) arrays of dual-polarization sensitive detectors with NEPs of 1 × 10 –17 W Hz –1/2 . The low-volume LEKIDs are fabricated with a single layer of aluminum (20-nm-thick) deposited on a crystalline silicon wafer, with resonance frequencies of 100–250MHz. The inductor is a single meander with a linewidth of 0.4µm, patterned in a grid to absorb optical power in both polarizations. As a result, the meander is coupled to a circular waveguide, fed by a conical feedhorn. Initial testing of a small array prototype has demonstrated good yield and a median NEP of 4 × 10 –18 W Hz –1/2 .

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Automatic Determination of the Weak-Beam Condition in Dark Field X-ray Microscopy

Mechanical properties in crystals are strongly correlated to the arrangement of 1D line defects, termed dislocations. Recently, Dark field X-ray Microscopy (DFXM) has emerged as a new tool to image and interpret dislocations within crystals using multidimensional scans. However, the methods required to reconstruct meaningful dislocation information from high-dimensional DFXM scans are still nascent and require significant manual oversight (i.e. supervision). In this work, we present a new relatively unsupervised method that extracts dislocation-specific information (features) from a 3D dataset (x, y, Φ) using Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization to represent the large dataset as an array of 3-component feature vectors for each position, corresponding to the weak-beam conditions and the strong-beam condition. Finally, this method offers key opportunities to significantly reduce dataset size while preserving only the crystallographic information that is important for data reconstruction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A practical method of modeling a treatment couch using cone-beam computed tomography for intensity-modulated radiation therapy and RapidArc treatment delivery

The effect of a treatment couch on dose perturbation is not always fully considered in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). In the course of inverse planning radiotherapy techniques, beam parameter optimization may change in the absence of the couch, causing errors in the calculated dose distributions. Although modern treatment planning systems (TPS) include data for the treatment couch components, they are not manufactured identically. Thus, variations in their Hounsfield unit (HU) values may exist. Moreover, a radiotherapy facility may wish to have a third-party custom tabletop installed that is not included by the TPS vendor. This study demonstrates a practical and simple method of acquiring reliable computed tomography (CT) data for the treatment couch and shows how the absorbed dose calculated with the modeled treatment couch can differ from that with the default treatment couch found in the TPS. We also experimentally verified that neglecting to incorporate the treatment couch completely in the treatment planning process might result in dose differences of up to 9.5% and 7.3% for 4-MV and 10-MV photon beams, respectively. Furthermore, 20 RapidArc and IMRT cases were used to quantify the change in calculated dose distributions caused by using either the default or modeled couch. From 2-dimensional (2D) ionization chamber array measurements, we observed large dose distribution differences between the measurements and calculations when the couch was omitted that varied according to the planning technique and anatomic site. Thus, incorporating the treatment couch in the dose calculation phase of treatment planning significantly decreases dose calculation errors.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 139

The experimental nuclear spectroscopic data for known nuclides of mass number 139 (Sn, Sb, Te, I, Xe, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) have been evaluated and presented together with adopted properties for levels and gamma rays. This evaluation represents a revision of previous one (2001Bu16) by T.W. Burrows. Since then extensive new data have become available for many A=139 nuclides although, no excited state data are yet available for {sup 139}Sn, {sup 139}Sb, {sup 139}Tb, and {sup 139}Dy. The decay schemes of {sup 139}Sn, {sup 139}Sb, {sup 139}I, {sup 139}Tb and {sup 139}Dy nuclei are not known, and those for {sup 139}Gd and {sup 139}Eu are poorly known. Particle-transfer data are available for {sup 139}Ba, {sup 139}La, {sup 139}Ce and {sup 139}Pr. Limited high-spin data are available for {sup 139}Te, {sup 139}I, {sup 139}Cs, {sup 139}Ba, {sup 139}La and {sup 139}Ce, while such data are extensive for {sup 139}Pr, {sup 139}Nd, {sup 139}Pm, {sup 139}Sm, {sup 139}Eu and {sup 139}Gd. Recent {sup 139}Pm high-spin data from two independent studies using the same reaction and similar beam energy are in conflict and could be improved using state-of-the-art large gamma-detector arrays in contrast to the smaller arrays currently used. Cases for which no new experimental information are available since the last update have undergone checking resulting in some changes in the current work, but for the most part these are taken from the previous evaluations. Thus, the present work has greatly benefited from all prior NDS evaluations (2001Bu16, 1989Bu12, 1981Pe04, 1974Gr46), but at the same time data presented herein supersede those in the earlier evaluations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Nuclear Data Sheets for A=64

The evaluated experimental data are presented and evaluated for 13 known nuclides of mass 64 (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se). For each nuclide, the best values combining all available data are recommended for spectroscopic properties. No excited states have been identified in 64 Ti, 64 As, and 64 Se. Only one excited state in 64 V as an isomer, and three in 64 Cr have been identified. Data for excited states in 64 Mn, 64 Fe, and 64 Co remain limited. 64 Ni, 64 Cu, and 64 Zn are the most studied nuclides through various reactions and decays, followed by 64 Ga and 64 Ge. In the opinion of the evaluators, there are several incomplete or discrepant aspects of the high-spin portion of the level scheme for 64 Zn above ≈5 MeV excitation which need to be resolved in further experiments using large γ-detector arrays. The decay schemes of 64 Ti β - , 64 As ε and 64 Se ε are unknown, while very little information is available for 64 V β - and 64 Cr β - . The decay schemes of 64 Mn β - , 64 Fe β - , 64 Co β - and 64Ge ε are somewhat better known, but still considered incomplete by evaluators. The decay scheme of 64 Ga ε decay is known in detail, however there is the possibility of additional levels populated above 4713 keV, as the Q(ε) value is 7171 keV. The β - , β + and ε decay modes of 64 Cu are well known, as this radionuclide is of great importance in applications, for example, as a dosimeter for neutron flux determination in nuclear reactors, and as a radiopharmaceutical for positron emission tomography (PET). This work supersedes earlier full evaluations of A=64 by 2007Si04, 1996Si12, 1991Si03, 1979Ha35 and 1974Au04.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Construction and performance of the barrel electromagnetic calorimeter for the Gluex experiment

The barrel calorimeter is part of the new spectrometer installed in Hall D at Jefferson Lab for the GlueX experiment. The calorimeter was installed in 2013, commissioned in 2014 and has been operating routinely since early 2015. The detector configuration, associated Monte Carlo simulations, calibration and operational performance are described in this paper. The calorimeter records the time and energy deposited by charged and neutral particles created by a multi-GeV photon beam. It is constructed as a lead and scintillating-fiber calorimeter and read out with 3840 large-area silicon photomultiplier arrays. Particles impinge on the detector over a wide range of angles, from normal incidence at 90 degrees down to 11.5 degrees, which defines a geometry that is fairly unique among calorimeters. The response of the calorimeter has been measured during a running experiment and performs as expected for electromagnetic showers below 2.5 GeV. Finally, we characterize the performance of the BCAL using the energy resolution integrated over typical angular distributions for π 0 and η production of σ E / E = 5 . 2 % / E ( GeV ) ⊕ 3 . 6 % and a timing resolution of σ = 150 ps at 1 GeV.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

High definition large area mapping of geological samples using a Maia detector array in the Nuclear Microprobe

A Maia detector array has been utilized and installed on the CSIRO-MARC Nuclear Microprobe. Maia uses an annular array of 384 silicon detectors to provide a solid-angle of 1.3 sr to improve the collection of X-rays induced by Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) using a micron focussed MeV proton beam. It features event-by-event data acquisition with dead-time correction and pileup rejection and a total count-rate capacity above 10 M/s, versatile stage and beam scanning modes (coupled to the DAQ-36 system described previously) to cater for a variety of sample configuration and experimental needs, precise measurement of transit time and integration of beam fluence per pixel, and spectral deconvolution of event data in real-time using the Dynamic Analysis method to provide element images during data collection. In this work we demonstrate the system on thin sections made from geological samples extracted from active seafloor hydrothermal vents in the PACMANUS hydrothermal field in Papua New Guinea.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Prompt fission gamma-ray studies at DANCE

Measurements of correlated data on prompt-fission γ-rays (PFG) have been carried out for various actinide isotopes in recent years using the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). We have developed a model that conveniently parametrizes the correlated data of γ-ray multiplicity and energy. New results on two- dimensional prompt-fission γ-ray multiplicity versus energy distributions from spontaneous fission on ²⁵²Cf and neutron-induced fission on 242m Am are presented together with previously obtained results on 233,235 U and ²³⁹Pu. Correlated PFG data from ²⁵²Cf are also compared to results of the detailed theoretical model developed at LANL, for different thresholds of PFG energies. Future plans to measure correlated data on fission fragments, prompt fission neutrons and γ-rays at DANCE are presented.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

mmu-miR-1963 negatively regulates the ameloblast differentiation of LS8 cell line by directly targeting Smoc2 3’UTR

Highlights: • mmu-miR-1963 could downregulate the expression of Smoc2 by binding to its 3’UTR. • Smoc2 could promote the amelogenic differentiation of LS8. • mmu-miR-1963 inhibits the ameloblast differentiation of LS8 via Smoc2. RUNX2 is a key regulator of osteogenic differentiation and odontoblastic differentiation. RUNX2 mutations could cause Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD; OMIM119600), which is featured by abnormal development of bone and teeth. By using microRNA array, we identified a large number of microRNAs that showed different expression between wild-type Runx2 group and mutant groups. The aim of this study is to find out the effect of mmu-miR-1963, which was downregulated in all mutant Runx2 groups, on the ameloblast differentiation of LS8 cells. qPCR and Western Blot results showed the suppressive effect of mmu-miR-1963 on ameloblast differentiation of LS8 cell line. We further confirmed Smoc2 as one direct target of mmu-miR-1963. For the first time, we showed that mmu-miR-1963 could regulate the ameloblast differentiation of LS8 by targeting Smoc2. This study suggests the suppressive role of mmu-miR-1963 on ameloblast differentiation of LS8 via directly targeting the 3’UTR of Smoc2. We also demonstrated that Smoc2 itself could promote the ameloblast differentiation of LS8 for the first time. Our results indicate a novel explanation to the enamel hypoplasia phenotype in part of CCD patients.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Pick-and-Place Transfer of Arbitrary-Metal Electrodes for van der Waals Device Fabrication

Van der Waals electrode integration is a promising strategy to create nearly perfect interfaces between metals and 2D materials, with advantages such as eliminating Fermi-level pinning and reducing contact resistance. However, the lack of a simple, generalizable pick-and-place transfer technology has greatly hampered the wide use of this technique. Here, we demonstrate the pick-and-place transfer of prefabricated electrodes from reusable polished hydrogenated diamond substrates without the use of any sacrificial layers due to the inherent low-energy and dangling-bond-free nature of the hydrogenated diamond surface. The technique enables transfer of arbitrary-metal electrodes and an electrode array, as demonstrated by successful transfer of eight different elemental metals with work functions ranging from 4.22 to 5.65 eV. We also demonstrate the electrode array transfer for large-scale device fabrication. The mechanical transfer of metal electrodes from diamond to van der Waals materials creates atomically smooth interfaces with no interstitial impurities or disorder, as observed with cross-section high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. As a demonstration of its device application, we use the diamond transfer technique to create metal contacts to monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide semiconductors with high-work-function Pd, low-work-function Ti, and semimetal Bi to create n- and p-type field-effect transistors with low Schottky barrier heights. We also extend this technology to air-sensitive materials (trilayer 1T’ WTe 2 ) and other applications such as ambipolar transistors, Schottky diodes, and optoelectronics. This highly reliable and reproducible technology paves the way for new device architectures and high-performance devices.

2D materials↗

Templated fabrication and characterization of SiO{sub 2} nanotube covered Fe nanowires

In this study, Fe nanowires coated with SiO{sub 2} nanotubes have been synthesized by electrodeposition method using anodic alumina oxide template. Before growing Fe nanowires, 6–8 nm thick SiO{sub 2} nanotubes are grown inside the template using a “surface sol-gel” technique. The nanotube structures were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Magnetic properties of the SiO{sub 2} insulated Fe nanowires inside the membrane are characterized by superconducting quantum interference device. Coercivities of around 120 Oe with field parallel to the nanowire axis and 240 Oe with field perpendicular the nanowire axis are observed at room temperature. These values are comparable to Fe nanowires without insulating layer in membrane. The magnetic hysteresis loop suggests that the SiO{sub 2} insulated nanowires have uniaxial magnetic anisotropy with the easy axis magnetization direction along the nanowire arrays due to their large shape anisotropy.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Nanoindentation study of the mechanical behavior of TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays

Titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) nanotube arrays are attracting increasing attention for use in solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, and biomedical implants. To take full advantage of their unique physical properties, such arrays need to maintain adequate mechanical integrity in applications. However, the mechanical performance of TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays is not well understood. In this work, we investigate the deformation and failure of TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays using the nanoindentation technique. We found that the load–displacement response of the arrays strongly depends on the indentation depth and indenter shape. Substrate-independent elastic modulus and hardness can be obtained when the indentation depth is less than 2.5% of the array height. The deformation mechanisms of TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays by Berkovich and conical indenters are closely associated with the densification of TiO{sub 2} nanotubes under compression. A theoretical model for deformation of the arrays under a large-radius conical indenter is also proposed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Bias-free terahertz generation from a silicon-compatible photoconductive emitter operating at telecommunication wavelengths

Here, we present a telecommunication-compatible bias-free photoconductive terahertz emitter composed of a bilayer InAs structure directly grown on a high-resistivity silicon substrate. The bilayer InAs structure includes p + -doped and undoped InAs layers, inducing a strong built-in electric field that enables terahertz generation without requiring any external bias voltage. A large-area plasmonic nanoantenna array is used to enhance and confine optical generation inside the photoconductive region with the highest built-in electric field, leading to the generation of a strong ultrafast photocurrent and broadband terahertz radiation. Thanks to a higher terahertz transmission through the silicon substrate and a shorter carrier lifetime in the InAs layers grown on silicon, higher signal-to-noise ratios are achieved at high terahertz frequencies compared with previously demonstrated bias-free terahertz emitters realized on GaAs. In addition to compatibility with silicon integrated optoelectronic platforms, the presented bias-free photoconductive emitter provides more than a 6 THz radiation bandwidth with more than 100 dB dynamic range when used in a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Nanosecond-level time synchronization of autonomous radio detector stations for extensive air showers

To exploit the full potential of radio measurements of cosmic-ray air showers at MHz frequencies, a detector timing synchronization within 1 ns is needed. Large distributed radio detector arrays such as the Auger Engineering Radio Array (AERA) rely on timing via the Global Positioning System (GPS) for the synchronization of individual detector station clocks. Unfortunately, GPS timing is expected to have an accuracy no better than about 5 ns. In practice, in particular in AERA, the GPS clocks exhibit drifts on the order of tens of ns. We developed a technique to correct for the GPS drifts, and an independent method used for cross-checks that indeed we reach nanosecond-scale timing accuracy by this correction. First, we operate a “beacon transmitter” which emits defined sine waves detected by AERA antennas recorded within the physics data. The relative phasing of these sine waves can be used to correct for GPS clock drifts. In addition to this, we observe radio pulses emitted by commercial airplanes, the position of which we determine in real time from Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcasts intercepted with a software-defined radio. From the known source location and the measured arrival times of the pulses we determine relative timing offsets between radio detector stations. We demonstrate with a combined analysis that the two methods give a consistent timing calibration with an accuracy of 2 ns or better. Consequently, the beacon method alone can be used in the future to continuously determine and correct for GPS clock drifts in each individual event measured by AERA.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗