Critical Role of Interface and Crystallinity on the Performance and Photostability of Perovskite Solar Cell on Nickel Oxide
Abstract not provided
Nie, Wanyi↗
SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “CONTROL DEVICE”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Driving ultrafast spin and energy modulation in quantum well states via photo-induced electric fields
Abstract The future of modern optoelectronics and spintronic devices relies on our ability to control the spin and charge degrees of freedom at ultrafast timescales. Rashba spin-split quantum well states, 2D states that develop at the surface of strong spin-orbit coupling materials, are ideal given the tunability of their energy and spin states. So far, however, most studies have only demonstrated such control in a static way. In this study, we demonstrate control of the spin and energy degrees of freedom of surface quantum well states on Bi 2 Se 3 at picosecond timescales. By means of a focused laser pulse, we modulate the band-bending, producing picosecond time-varying electric fields at the material’s surface, thereby reversibly modulating the quantum well spectrum and Rashba effect. Moreover, we uncover a dynamic quasi-Fermi level, dependent on the Lifshitz transition of the second quantum well band bottom. These results open a pathway for light-driven spintronic devices with ultrafast switching of electronic phases, and offer the interesting prospect to extend this ultrafast photo-gating technique to a broader host of 2D materials.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Image-based solar estimates
An example device is configured to determine, based on a sky image of a portion of sky over a power distribution network and using a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based image regression model, an estimated global horizontal irradiance (GHI) value and manage or control the power distribution network using the estimated GHI value. The device may also be configured to determine, based on GHI values and aggregate load values for at least a portion of the power distribution network, using a Bayesian Structural Time Series model, an estimated photovoltaic power output value for the at least a portion of the power distribution network. The device may manage or control the power distribution network using the estimated photovoltaic power output value.
Bernstein, Andrey↗
Switching of transmission resonances in a two-channels coupler: A Boundary Wall Method scattering study
In this work, we study the transmission characteristics of a two-channels coupler model system using the Boundary Wall Method (BWM) to determine the solution of the corresponding scattering problem of an incident plane wave. We show that the BWM provides detailed information regarding the transmission resonances. In particular, we focus on the case of single channel input aiming to explore the energy switching performance of the coupler. We show that the coupler geometry can be tailored to allow for the first transmission resonances to be predominantly transmitted on specific output channels, an important characteristic for the realization of logical operations. - Highlights: • The switching performance of a coupled waveguide device is studied via the boundary wall method. • The method efficiently identifies all resonant transmission modes. • Energy switching is controlled and optimized as a function of the device geometry.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Solvent Additives: Key Morphology-Directing Agents for Solution-Processed Organic Solar Cells
By affecting film formation during the solution processing, solvent additives can provide fine control of the active layer morphology of organic photovoltaics. As such, solvent additives form a versatile method of experimental control for enhancing organic solar cell device performance. In this review, we provide a brief history of bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics (OPV) processed from solution and the advent of solvent additives, putting them into context with other morphology directing agents. We present our current understanding of how solvent additives impact various mechanisms of phase separation, enabled by recent advances in morphology characterization by in situ X-ray scattering, absorbance and reflectometry. Indeed, understanding solvent additives’ effects on film formation has allowed them to be applied and combined effectively and synergistically to boost OPV performance. Their success as a morphology control strategy has also prompted the use of solvent additives in related organic semiconductor technologies. Finally, we discuss the role of solvent additives in the development of next-generation OPV active layers. In conclusion, despite concerns over their environmental toxicity and role in photo-instability, solvent additives will likely remain relevant morphological directing agents as research interests evolve toward non-fullerene acceptors, ternary blends and environmentally sustainable solvents.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Communication device for implementing selective encryption in a software defined network
The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for selectively encrypting data flows within a software defined network (SDN). In one embodiment, a communication device may be configured to receive a plurality of unencrypted data packets. The communication device may receive from an SDN controller a criterion used to identify at least one of the unencrypted data flows to be encrypted. Based on the criterion, an encryption subsystem may generate an encrypted data flow the unencrypted data packets based on an encryption key. In some embodiments, the encryption system may parse the packets and encrypt the data payloads without encrypting the routing information associated with the packet. In other embodiments, the encryption subsystem may be configured to encapsulate and encrypt the entire unencrypted data packet. In some embodiments, the encryption subsystem may further be configured to authenticate a sending device and/or to verify the integrity of a message.
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
Communication device for implementing selective encryption in a software defined network
The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for selectively encrypting data flows within a software defined network (SDN). In one embodiment, a communication device may be configured to receive a plurality of unencrypted data packets. The communication device may receive from an SDN controller a criterion used to identify at least one of the unencrypted data flows to be encrypted. Based on the criterion, an encryption subsystem may generate an encrypted data flow the unencrypted data packets based on an encryption key. In some embodiments, the encryption system may parse the packets and encrypt the data payloads without encrypting the routing information associated with the packet. In other embodiments, the encryption subsystem may be configured to encapsulate and encrypt the entire unencrypted data packet. In some embodiments, the encryption subsystem may further be configured to authenticate a sending device and/or to verify the integrity of a message.
97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
Wireless Sensing and Communication Capability from In-Core to a Monitoring Center
Significant cost savings can be made if electrical cables can be replaced by wireless technology in current Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) and in advance reactor designs. Wireless technology can also provide in-core opportunities by significantly reducing the number of penetrations in the pressure vessel, cost and complexity of sensor installation and by increasing the efficiency of current and advanced reactors. Unlike other deployment scenarios for an industrial environment, operators need to have centralized control over all the networks. Centralized control will reduce implementation costs, provide single point control and enable monitoring of network devices, improve security, and enhance connectivity. Micro-sensors that can simultaneously monitor temperature and pressure within a fuel rod inside nuclear reactors will enable preventative actions during abnormal operating conditions. This ability could avert accidents and enable the expedient development of accident tolerant fuels. A novel micro-sensor suite (~ mm) to simultaneously measure multiple parameters such as temperature, strain, pressure, and neutron/gamma flux inside a fuel rod is being developed for use in reactors. The necessary communication architecture is also being developed to transmit measurement signals from the core to the plant's data cloud or control room. A three three-tier strategy has been developed to support wireless transmission of in-core measurements to the control room or to a secure cloud platform for control, analytics, and decision-making purposes. 1. In-core: data signal from in-core to outside of the pressure vessel within the containment building 2. Containment building: data signal from inside to the outside of the containment building and into the balance of the plant network 3. Balance of the plant network: information transmitted to the data cloud and control room This plan presents a wireless sensing and communication system for use within a reactor core and elsewhere. The communication technology is advantageous to compensate for network equipment failures and adverse data transmission conditions. Wireless technology will significantly increase the resiliency of the plants network system. The wireless system naturally provides multiple transmission path capability and data redundancy.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Parametrized Hamiltonian simulation using quantum optimal control
Analog quantum simulation offers a hardware-specific approach to studying quantum dynamics, but mapping a model Hamiltonian onto the available device parameters requires matching the hardware dynamics. In this work, we introduce a paradigm for quantum Hamiltonian simulation that leverages digital decomposition techniques and optimal control to perform analog simulation. We validate this approach by constructing the optimal analog controls for a superconducting transmon device to emulate the dynamics of an extended Bose-Hubbard model. We demonstrate the role of control time, digital error, and pulse complexity, and we explore the accuracy and robustness of these controls. We conclude by discussing the opportunity for implementing this paradigm in near-term quantum devices.
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
Field-free deterministic switching of all–van der Waals spin-orbit torque system above room temperature
Two-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) magnetic materials hold promise for the development of high-density, energy-efficient spintronic devices for memory and computation. Recent breakthroughs in material discoveries and spin-orbit torque control of vdW ferromagnets have opened a path for integration of vdW magnets in commercial spintronic devices. However, a solution for field-free electric control of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) vdW magnets at room temperatures, essential for building compact and thermally stable spintronic devices, is still missing. Here, we report a solution for the field-free, deterministic, and nonvolatile switching of a PMA vdW ferromagnet, Fe 3 GaTe 2 , above room temperature (up to 320 K). We use the unconventional out-of-plane anti-damping torque from an adjacent WTe 2 layer to enable such switching with a low current density of 2.23 × 10 6 A cm –2 . This study exemplifies the efficacy of low-symmetry vdW materials for spin-orbit torque control of vdW ferromagnets and provides an all-vdW solution for the next generation of scalable and energy-efficient spintronic devices.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
The role of surface ligands in quantum-dot devices: Villain or unsung hero?
For over three decades, the study of nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs), which are solution-synthesized nanometer-scale bits of semiconductor materials, has produced singular advances in both our understanding of quantum confinement effects, and in our ability to make use of them in tech-relevant materials. Accordingly, QDs have found their way into the marketplace, specifically as high-performance fluorophores for, e.g., displays and biolabeling. In such applications, optimization of the QD surface, including the passivating ligands, is key to keeping photo-excited carriers from leaving the QD interior before recombining, resulting in a high fluorescence efficiency. Increasingly, attention has turned to realize the promise of QDs for optoelectronic applications (e.g., solar cells, LEDs, sensors) which require charge carriers to controllably enter, exit and/or travel through QDs, a much more challenging problem. In this scenario, the role of the QD surface must be completely reimagined, from being an impenetrable wall to being a gateway, or even a ramp. In this talk, I’ll explore the inherent contrast between QD fluorophore and device applications, and describe how ligands, originally thought only to be impediments to QD electronic devices, may actually give the savvy QD device designer control over function and performance in a manner unknown in bulk semiconductor devices. Finally, I’ll survey recent efforts at Los Alamos to develop a universal tool box for deposition of conductive QD films that may finally allow the manufacturing of economical, high-performance devices for a wide range of applications.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
All-optical control of microfiber resonator by graphene's photothermal effect
We demonstrate an efficient all-optical control of microfiber resonator assisted by graphene's photothermal effect. Wrapping graphene onto a microfiber resonator, the light-graphene interaction can be strongly enhanced via the resonantly circulating light, which enables a significant modulation of the resonance with a resonant wavelength shift rate of 71 pm/mW when pumped by a 1540 nm laser. The optically controlled resonator enables the implementation of low threshold optical bistability and switching with an extinction ratio exceeding 13 dB. The thin and compact structure promises a fast response speed of the control, with a rise (fall) time of 294.7 μs (212.2 μs) following the 10%–90% rule. The proposed device, with the advantages of compact structure, all-optical control, and low power acquirement, offers great potential in the miniaturization of active in-fiber photonic devices.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Design and construction of 3D printed devices to investigate active and passive bacterial dispersal on hydrated surfaces
Background: To disperse in water-unsaturated environments, such as the soil, bacteria rely on the availability and structure of water films forming on biotic and abiotic surfaces, and, especially, along fungal mycelia. Dispersal along such “fungal highways” may be driven both by mycelial physical properties and by interactions between bacteria and fungi. However, we still do not have a way to disentangle the biotic and abiotic elements. Results: We designed and 3D printed two devices establishing stable liquid films that support bacteria dispersal in the absence of biotic interactions. The thickness of the liquid film determined the presence of hydraulic flow capable of transporting non-motile cells. In the absence of flow, only motile cells can disperse in the presence of an energy source. Non-motile cells could not disperse autonomously without flow but dispersed as “hitchhikers” when co-inoculated with motile cells. Conclusions: The 3D printed devices can be used as an abiotic control to study bacterial dispersal on hydrated surfaces, such as plant roots and fungal hyphae networks in the soil. By teasing apart the abiotic and biotic dimensions, these 3D printed devices will stimulate further research on microbial dispersal in soil and other water-unsaturated environments.
3D printing↗
Tale of Two Domains: Cyber - Physical
As devices and systems continue to modernize and adopt integrated circuits, the use of cyber technology to deploy an application is the expectation. This deployment through cyber assets brings new cyber risk and cybersecurity is the practice of managing this risk. Cyber-risk is constantly changing due to the speed of technology advancement and the changing quality of the adversary. Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) mitigates cyber-risk through engineering controls where as the traditional practice of cybersecurity mitigates cyber-risk through cybersecurity controls. By clearly defining the cyber-physical boundary, engineering controls and cybersecurity controls can clearly demonstrate their complementary nature to provide layered defenses and successfully mitigate cyber-risk through independent controls. In this paper, a layered model of device decomposition of the the cyber-physical boundary is presented to provide clarity where engineering controls are used to reduce cyber-risk within the physics, functional materials, electronic, or integrated circuit layers and where cybersecurity controls are used to reduce cyber-risk within the machine code and application layers. By implementing both traditional cybersecurity controls and engineering controls, a more holistic approach to cybersecurity is achieved in protecting modern devices and systems, as well as a clear awareness in identifying, documenting, and authorizing the system’s cybersecurity protection scheme is achieved.
42 - ENGINEERING↗
Recent advancements in chiral spintronics: from molecular-level insights to device applications. A prospect based on the interplay between physical and chemical properties of chiral systems
This review discusses recent advancements in chiral-based spin-electronic devices achieved using suitable combinations of organic, inorganic and hybrid materials. The focus is on how chirality can be effectively used to control spin in practical applications, particularly in spintronic sensors and consumer devices. Interestingly, the underlying mechanism for this control is the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect, which links the structural chirality of a material to its spin-selective electronic transport properties. The CISS effect arises from the observation that charge transmission in chiral systems is spin selective. Experimental evidence suggests a relationship between electron spin and the structural handedness of the material. In conclusion, this unique structure-transport relationship can be exploited to design a wide range of spintronics devices, including memory, transistors, logic gates and molecular q-bits.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Broadband THz Modulation via Solid–State Organic Electrochemical Devices
The sub-Terahertz and Terahertz bands play a critical role in next-generation wireless communication and sensing technologies, thanks to the large amount of available bandwidth in this spectral regime. While long-wavelength (microwave to mm-Wave) and short-wavelength (near-infrared to ultraviolet) devices are well-established and studied, the sub-THz to THz regime remains relatively underexplored and underutilized. Traditional approaches used in the aforementioned spectral regions are more difficult to replicate in the THz band, leading to the need for the development of novel devices and structures that can manipulate THz radiation effectively. Herein a novel organic, solid-state electrochemical device is presented, capable of achieving modulation depths of over 90% from ≈500 nm of a conducting polymer that switches conductivity over a large dynamic range upon application of an electronically controllable external bias. The stability of such devices under long-term, repeated voltage switching, as well as continuous biasing at a single voltage, is also explored. Switching stabilities and long-term bias stabilities are achieved over two days for both use cases. Additionally, both depletion mode (always “ON”) and accumulation mode (always “OFF”) operation are demonstrated. These results suggest applications of organic electrochemical THz modulators in large area and flexible implementations.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Thermodynamics of quantum measurement and Maxwell's demon's arrow of time
Here, we discuss the thermodynamic aspects of a single qubit based device, powered by weak quantum measurements, and feedback controlled by a quantum Maxwell's demon. We discuss both discrete and time-continuous operation of the measurement based device at finite temperature of the reservoir. In the discrete example where a demon acquires information via discrete weak measurements, we find that the thermodynamic variables including the heat exchanged, extractable work, and the entropy produced are completely determined by an information theoretic measure of the demon's perceived arrow of time. We also discuss a realistic time-continuous operation of the device where the feedback is applied after a sequence of weak measurements. In the time-continuous limit, we derive the exact finite-time statistics of work, heat and entropy changes along individual quantum trajectories of the quantum measurement process, and relate them to the demon's arrow of time.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Enhancing Responsiveness and Resilience with Distributed Applications in the Grid
A number of trends are increasing the variability in electric power systems resulting in a need for new approaches in control. The increased variability is originating from distributed energy resources and an increasing demand for personalized energy choice from customers grid-edge. Electricity distribution systems continue to incorporate increasing numbers of intelligent end devices, automated switchgear, and sensing and measurement devices which are providing more visibility and control at the grid-edge. Traditional distribution system planning and operations techniques must evolve to meet the new complexity while continuing to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy. New technologies are enabling new capabilities at the grid-edge to respond to these needs. Distributed applications can deploy intelligence across the distribution grid with peer-to-peer communications and a shared data context for their local environment. These applications can cooperate with each other to respond quickly to changing grid conditions. This enables a layered coordination framework spanning the centralized Advanced Distribution Management System functions with wide area visibility to these new distributed applications running at intelligent devices and meters throughout the distribution system. This paper describes an open-architecture, open-source system approach for commercial scale integration of devices and intelligence at the grid-edge.
Ogle, James P.↗