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At least 163 records · Page 9

LEED and AES characterization of the GaAs(110)-ZnSe interface

In this paper, a study is conducted of the composition and structure of epitaxial ZnSe films grown by congruent evaporation on GaAs(110) at a rate of 2 A/min. It is found that the films grown on 300 C GaAs are nearly stoichiometric and form an abrupt interface with the substrate. Films grown at higher temperature (T greater than 350-400 C) are Se rich. The crystallinity of films grown at 300 C is good and their surface atomic geometry is identical to that of a ZnSe crystal. The GaAs-ZnSe interface geometry seems to be dominated by the Se-substrate bonds. The adsorption of Se, during the formation of very thin ZnSe films (2-3 A), produces a (1 x 2) LEED pattern and modifications of the LEED I-V profiles, which probably indicate a change in the substrate atomic relaxation.

Tu, D.-W.↗

Unexplained Fe, Ni and S anomalies in CV chondrite components

Large negative anomalies in Fe, Co, Ni, S and Se are present in Allende Type B Ca-Al-rich inclusions (CAI's). Based on compilations of all the known published analyses, Allende chondrules, aggregates and other types of CAI's also display anomalies. These observations show that: (1) since Fe, Co, Ni, S and Se are more depleted than elements bracketing them in volatility (such as Pt and Au, and Su and Cd), the anomalies were not produced during the volatility dependent, high temperature CAI forming processes; (2) since Pt, Au, Ge and other siderophiles are not as depleted as Fe, Co and Ni, the anomalies are not due to a metal/silicate fractionation; (3) the association of Fe, Co, and Ni anomalies with S and Se anomalies suggests that the anomalies are due to the removal of FeNi sulfide; and (4) since these anomalies occur in all types of Allende inclusions, aggregates and chondrules, the Allende parental material must have undergone sulfide loss before the formation of these components.

Wark, D. A.↗

Development of an 8000 bps voice codec for AvSat

Air-mobile speech communication applications share robustness and noise immunity requirements with other mobile applications. The quality requirements are stringent, especially in the cockpit where air safety is involved. Based on these considerations, a decision was made to test an intermediate data rate such as 8.0 and 9.6 kb/s as proven technologies. A number of vocoders and codec technologies were investigated at rates ranging from 2.4 kb/s up to and including 9.6 kb/s. The proven vocoders operating at 2.4 and 4.8 kb/s lacked the noise immunity or the robustness to operate reliably in a cabin noise environment. One very attractive alternative approach was Spectrally Encoded Residual Excited LPC (SE-RELP) which is used in a multi-rate voice processor (MRP) developed at the Naval Research Lab (NRL). The MRP uses SE-RELP at rates of 9.6 and 16 kb/s. The 9.6 kb/s rate can be lowered to 8.0 kb/s without loss of information by modifying the frame. An 8.0 kb/s vocoder was developed using SE-RELP as a demonstrator and testbed. This demonstrator is implemented in real time using two Compaq 2 portable computers, each equipped with an ARIEL DSP016 Data Acquisition Processor.

Clark, Joseph F.↗

Surface emitting lasers for optical circuitry - Optical interconnect technology

Surface emitting (SE) lasers and their application in VLSI optical interconnect networks are considered. In particular, the advantages provided by SE lasers in optical interconnect circuits and monolithic integration are discussed. Some of the requirements, such as wavelength stability, power dissipation, emission angle, size, etc., are compared with respect to conventional laser diodes. It is noted that the operation of SE lasers will be critically dependent on the properties of the feedback reflectors. Experimental measurements of reflection spectra on AlGaAs/GaAs multilayer reflectors and InAlAs/InGaAs etalons formed with molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) are presented.

Yu, P. K. L.↗

Geology of Southern Guinevere Planitia, Venus, based on analyses of Goldstone radar data

The ensemble of 41 backscatter images of Venus acquired by the S Band (12.6 cm) Goldstone radar system covers approx. 35 million km and includes the equatorial portion of Guinevere Planitia, Navka Planitia, Heng-O Chasma, and Tinatin Planitia, and parts of Devana Chasma and Phoebe Regio. The images and associated altimetry data combine relatively high spatial resolution (1 to 10 km) with small incidence angles (less than 10 deg) for regions not covered by either Venera Orbiter or Arecibo radar data. Systematic analyses of the Goldstone data show that: (1) Volcanic plains dominate, including groups of small volcanic constructs, radar bright flows on a NW-SE arm of Phoebe Regio and on Ushas Mons and circular volcano-tectonic depressions; (2) Some of the regions imaged by Goldstone have high radar cross sections, including the flows on Ushas Mons and the NW-SE arm of Phoebe Regio, and several other unnamed hills, ridged terrains, and plains areas; (3) A 1000 km diameter multiringed structure is observed and appears to have a morphology not observed in Venera data (The northern section corresponds to Heng-O Chasma); (4) A 150 km wide, 2 km deep, 1400 km long rift valley with upturned flanks is located on the western flank of Phoebe Regio and extends into Devana Chasma; (5) A number of structures can be discerned in the Goldstone data, mainly trending NW-SE and NE-SW, directions similar to those discerned in Pioneer-Venus topography throughout the equatorial region; and (6) The abundance of circular and impact features is similar to the plains global average defined from Venera and Arecibo data, implying that the terrain imaged by Goldstone has typical crater retention ages, measured in hundreds of millions of years. The rate of resurfacing is less than or equal to 4 km/Ga.

Arvidson, R. E.↗

Microhardness variations in II-VI semiconducting compounds as a function of composition

A comparison is made of microhardness variations as a function of composition in directionally solidified alloys of Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te, Hg(1-x)Zn(x)Te, Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Se, and Hg(1-x)Zn(x)Se, using the same growth method for all four systems in order to eliminate preparation-induced mechanical property variations. In each case, compositional analysis was performed next to a microhardness indentation. Due to the 14-percent shorter bond length of ZnTe relative to HgTe, Zn-base alloy mechanical strength should exceed that of Cd-base systems. Experimental verification is furnished for this hardening effect in both Hg(1-x)Zn(x)Te and Hg(1-x)Zn(x)Se.

Andrews, R. N.↗

Systems engineering and integration and management for manned space flight programs

This paper discusses the history of SE&I management of the overall program architecture, organizational structure and the relationship of SE&I to other program organizational elements. A brief discussion of the method of executing the SE&I process, a summary of some of the major lessons learned, and identification of things that have proven successful are included.

Morris, Owen↗

Systems engineering and integration processes involved with manned mission operations

This paper will discuss three mission operations functions that are illustrative of the key principles of operations SE&I and of the processes and products involved. The flight systems process was selected to illustrate the role of the systems product line in developing the depth and cross disciplinary skills needed for SE&I and providing the foundation for dialogue between participating elements. FDDD was selected to illustrate the need for a structured process to assure that SE&I provides complete and accurate results that consistently support program needs. The flight director's role in mission operations was selected to illustrate the complexity of the risk/gain tradeoffs involved in the development of the flight techniques and flight rules process as well as the absolute importance of the leadership role in developing the technical, operational, and political trades.

Kranz, Eugene F.↗

Interaction of various mechanical activity models in regulation of myosin heavy chain isoform expression

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a novel combination of mechanical activity paradigms on the isomyosin distribution in rat hindlimb muscles. Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five experimental groups as follows: normal control, functional overload (OV) of the plantaris, OV in conjunction with hindlimb suspension (OV-S), and a combination of OV-S and either static standing weight-bearing activity (OV-SS) or high-incline treadmill exercise (OV-SE). OV of the plantaris resulted in significant hypertrophy and significant fast-to-slow isomyosin shifts. These changes were completely inhibited by the addition of hindlimb suspension (OV-S). Also, neither of the two weight-bearing regimes (OV-SS and OV-SE) was able to attenuate the suspension-induced atrophy. In the vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis, however, OV-SS was able to partially retard the atrophy associated with suspension. In both the plantaris and vastus intermedius, only OV-SS was able to partially reverse the slow-to-fast isomyosin transitions associated with suspension. These results suggest that the type of mechanical activity is important in determining adaptation to altered loading conditions, with OV-SS appearing more effective than OV-SE in reversing the effects of unweighting.

Diffee, Gary M.↗

Yana ring structure, North-Eastern Siberia: A possible counterpart of coronae on Venus

An arch of Verkhoyansky Range in NE Siberia, Russia is considered as W and S parts of the rim of the large ring structure, referred hereafter as Yana Ring Structure (YRS). It has general appearance similar to coronae on Venus and could be considered as the terrestrial counter part of coronae. The structure is located between 63 and 70 deg N, 125 and 140 deg E. The outer diameter of YRS (between the rim feet) is 680-700 km. The rim crest diameter is 500-520 km. The inner diameters (between the inner feet of the rim) is 320-350 km. The rim of YRS consist of the following topographic features: W segment is Orulgan Range (N part of Verkhoyansky Range), SW and S segments consist of S part of Verkhoyansky Range, SE segment is Elginskoye Ploskogorye (Tableland), E segment is Chersky Range (its part W of Indigirka River), NE segment is Selennyakhsky Range, and NW segment is Kular Range. Inside this ring of mountains Yanskoye Ploskogorye (Tableland) is located. The circular outlines of YRS are marked with the large river valleys located outside: Lena River (lower of Aldan River mouth) is located W from YRS, Aldan River (lower of Amga River mouth) is from S, Indigirka River (between 64 and 67 deg N lat) is from E, and Selennyakh River (the part running N to S) is from NE. The ring patterns inside the mountaineous rim of YRS are marked with the tributaries of Yana River. The largest ring here, 300 km in diameter, consists of Bytangay (with Bellyakh) River at W, Nelgese and Derbeke Rivers at S/SE, and Tuostakh River at E. The typical altitudes of YRS mountain rim are 1000-2000 m. The maximal ones are: 2400 m in W part of the rim, 2300 m in S, 1600 m in SE, 2200-2500 m in E, and 1300-1500 m in N. The central part of YRS have typical altitudes of 400-600 m. There are lowlands with altitudes 50-200 m to the S, W, N, and NW outside YRS Oymyakonskoye Nagorye (Highland) is located SE of YRS at 500-1500 m altitudes. It should be recognized from this description YRS have a general appearance of circular highland with its central plateau located 1000-2000 m lower than surrounding mountain rim, but 300-400 m higher than plains of lowlands located outside the rim. Such topographic patterns are typical for coronae on Venus. The diameter of YRS is equal to the largest coronae on Venus. There are only 3 or 4 structures of such or larger size on the whole Venus. This calls to compare morphology and geologic evolution of YRS with morphology and models of coronae evolutions especially the largest ones, to search the similarities and/or differences in geologic histories of the structures on the Earth and Venus.

Burba, G. A.↗

Spectroscopic ellipsometric characterization of Si/Si(1-x)Ge(x) strained-layer superlattices

Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) was employed to characterize Si/Si(1-x)Ge(x) strained-layer superlattices. An algorithm was developed, using the available optical constants measured at a number of fixed x values of Ge composition, to compute the dielectric function spectrum of Si(1-x)Ge(x) at an arbitrary x value in the spectral range 17 to 5.6 eV. The ellipsometrically determined superlattice thicknesses and alloy compositional fractions were in excellent agreement with results from high-resolution x ray diffraction studies. The silicon surfaces of the superlattices were subjected to a 9:1 HF cleaning prior to the SE measurements. The HF solution removed silicon oxides on the semiconductor surface, and terminated the Si surface with hydrogen-silicon bonds, which were monitored over a period of several weeks, after the HF cleaning, by SE measurements. An equivalent dielectric layer model was established to describe the hydrogen-terminated Si surface layer. The passivated Si surface remained unchanged for greater than 2 h, and very little surface oxidation took place even over 3 to 4 days.

Yao, H.↗

Post-entry and volcanic contaminant abundances of zinc, copper, selenium, germanium and gallium in stratospheric micrometeorites

Some fraction of Zn, Cu, Se, Ga and Ge in chondritic interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) collected in the lower stratosphere between 1981 May and 1984 June has a volcanic origin. I present a method to evaluate the extent of this unavoidable type of stratospheric contamination for individual particles. The mass-normalized abundances for Cu and Ge as a function of mass-normalized stratospheric residence time show their time-integrated stratospheric aerosol abundances. The Zn, Se and Ga abundances show a subdivision into two groups that span approximately two-year periods following the eruptions of the Mount St. Helens (1980 May) and El Chichon (1982 April) volcanoes. Elemental abundances in particles collected at the end of each two-year period indicate low, but not necessarily ambient, volcanic stratospheric abundances. Using this time-integrated baseline, I calculate the straospheric contaminant fractions in nine IDPs and show that Zn, SE and Ga abundances in chondritic IDPs derive in part from stratospheric aerosol contaminants. Post-entry elemental abundances (i.e., the amount that survived atmospheric entry heating of the IDP) show enrichments relative to the CI abundances but in a smaller number of particles than previously suggested.

Rietmeijer, Frans J. M.↗

Mass Flux of ZnSe by Physical Vapor Transport

Mass fluxes of ZnSe by physical vapor transport (PVT) were measured in the temperature range of 1050 to 1160 C using an in-situ dynamic technique. The starting materials were either baked out or distilled under vacuum to obtain near-congruently subliming compositions. Using an optical absorption technique Zn and Se, were found to be the dominant vapor species. Partial pressures of Zn and Se, over the starting materials at temperatures between 960 and 1140 C were obtained by measuring the optical densities of the vapor phase at the wavelengths of 2138, 3405, 3508, 3613, and 3792 A. The amount and composition of the residual gas inside the experimental ampoules were measured after the run using a total pressure gauge. For the first time, the experimentally determined partial pressures of Zn and Se, and the amount and composition of the residual gas were used in a one-dimensional diffusion limited analysis of the mass transport rates for a PVT system. Reasonable agreement between the experimental and theoretical results was observed.

Sha, Yi-Gao↗

Idealized Simulations of the Effects of Amazon Convection and Baroclinic Waves on the South Atlantic Convergence Zone

The South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) is a NW-SE oriented, stationary region of enhanced convergence and convection that extends southeastward from the ITCZ convection anchored over the Amazon region. On daily satellite images each SACZ episode is seen as a progression of one or several midlatitude cold fronts that intrude into the subtropics and tropics, becoming stationary over southeastern Brazil for a few days. Previous studies have shown that while Amazon convection plays a fundamental role in the formation of the SACZ, Atlantic sea surface temperatures and the Andes Mountains play a relatively minor role in the strength and location of the SACZ. The role of interactions between Amazon convection and midlatitude baroclinic waves in establishing the origin, position, and maintenance of the SACZ is studied here using idealized dry, multilayer global model simulations that do not include the effects of topography. The model simulations produce SACZ-like regions of low-level convergence in the presence of Amazon convection embedded in a mean-flow that contains propagating baroclinic waves. The results of these simulations indicate that Amazon convection plays two fundamental roles in the formation and location of the SACZ. First, it produces a NW-SE oriented region of low-level convergence to the SE of Amazon convection. Second, it produces a storm-track region and accompanying stronger midlatitude baroclinic waves in the region of the SACZ. It is suggested that in the presence of moist effects, the 'seedling' SACZ regions produced in these simulations can be enhanced to produce the observed SACZ.

Ferreira, Rosana Nieto↗

Band Anticrossing in Highly Mismatched Compound Semiconductor Alloys

Compound semiconductor alloys in which metallic anions are partially replaced with more electronegative isoelectronic atoms have recently attracted significant attention. Group IIIN(x)V(1-x), alloys with a small amount of the electronegative N substituting more metallic column V elements has been the most extensively studied class of such Highly Mismatched Alloys (HMAs). We have shown that many of the unusual properties of the IIIN(x),V(1-x) alloys can be well explained by the Band Anticrossing (BAC) model that describes the electronic structure in terms of an interaction between highly localized levels of substitutional N and the extended states of the host semiconductor matrix. Most recently the BAC model has been also used to explain similar modifications of the electronic band structure observed in Te-rich ZnS(x)Te(l-x) and ZnSe(Y)Te(1-y) alloys. To date studies of HMAs have been limited to materials with relatively small concentrations of highly electronegative atoms. Here we report investigations of the electronic structure of ZnSe(y)Te(1-y) alloys in the entire composition range, 0 less than or equal to y less than or equal to 1. The samples used in this study are bulk ZnSe(y)Te(1-y) crystals grown by either a modified Bridgman method or by physical vapor transport. Photomodulated reflection (PR) spectroscopy was used to measure the composition dependence of optical transitions from the valence band edge and from the spin-orbit split off band to the conduction band. The pressure dependence of the band gap was measured using optical absorption in a diamond anvil cell. We find that the energy of the spin-orbit split off valence band edge does not depend on composition and is located at about 3 eV below the conduction band edge of ZnSe. On the Te-rich side the pressure and the composition dependence of the optical transitions are well explained by the BAC model which describes the downward shift of the conduction band edge in terms of the interaction between localized Se states and the conduction band. On the other hand we show that the large band gap reduction observed on the Se-rich side of the alloy system is a result of an interaction between the localized Te level and the valence bands. This interaction leads to the formation of a Te-like valence band edge that strongly interacts with the light hole valence band. Calculations based on a modified k p model account for the reduction of the band gap and the large increase of the spin-orbit splitting observed in Se-rich ZnSe(y)Te(l-y) alloys. We will also discuss the importance of these new results for understanding of the electronic structure and band offsets in other highly mismatched alloy systems.

Yu, Kin Man↗

Band Anticrossing in Highly Mismatched Compound Semiconductor Alloys

Compound semiconductor alloys in which metallic anions are partially replaced with more electronegative isoelectronic atoms have recently attracted significant attention. Group IIIN(sub x)V(sub 1-x) alloys with a small amount of the electronegative N substituting more metallic column V elements has been the most extensively studied class of such Highly Mismatched Alloys (HMAs). We have shown that many of the unusual properties of the IIIN(sub x)V(sub 1-x) alloys can be well explained by the Band Anticrossing (BAC) model that describes the electronic structure in terms of an interaction between highly localized levels of substitutional N and the extended states of the host semiconductor matrix. Most recently the BAC model has been also used to explain similar modifications of the electronic band structure observed in Te-rich ZnS(sub x)Te(sub 1-x) and ZnSe(sub y)Te(sub 1-y) alloys. To date studies of HMAs have been limited to materials with relatively small concentrations of highly electronegative atoms. Here we report investigations of the electronic structure of ZnSe(sub y)Te(sub 1-y) alloys in the entire composition range, y between 0 and 1. The samples used in this study are bulk ZnSe(sub y)Te(sub 1-y) crystals grown by either a modified Bridgman method or by physical vapor transport. Photomodulated reflection (PR) spectroscopy was used to measure the composition dependence of optical transitions from the valence band edge and from the spin-orbit split off band to the conduction band. The pressure dependence of the band gap was measured using optical absorption in a diamond anvil cell. We find that the energy of the spin-orbit split off valence band edge does not depend on composition and is located at about 3 eV below the conduction band edge of ZnSe. On the Te-rich side the pressure and the composition dependence of the optical transitions are well explained by the BAC model which describes the downward shift of the conduction band edge in terms of the interaction between localized Se states and the conduction band. On the other hand we show that the large band gap reduction observed on the Se-rich side of the alloy system is a result of an interaction between the localized Te level and the valence bands. This interaction leads to the formation of a Te-like valence band edge that strongly interacts with the light hole valence band. Calculations based on a modified k(sup dot)p model account for the reduction of the band gap and the large increase of the spin-orbit splitting observed in Se-rich ZnSe(sub y)Te(sub 1-y) alloys. We will also discuss the importance of these new results for understanding of the electronic structure and band offsets in other highly mismatched alloy systems.

Yu, Kin Man↗

ISO 9000 and/or Systems Engineering Capability Maturity Model?

For businesses and organizations to remain competitive today they must have processes and systems in place that will allow them to first identify customer needs and then develop products/processes that will meet or exceed the customers needs and expectations. Customer needs, once identified, are normally stated as requirements. Designers can then develop products/processes that will meet these requirements. Several functions, such as quality management and systems engineering management are used to assist product development teams in the development process. Both functions exist in all organizations and both have a similar objective, which is to ensure that developed processes will meet customer requirements. Are efforts in these organizations being duplicated? Are both functions needed by organizations? What are the similarities and differences between the functions listed above? ISO 9000 is an international standard of goods and services. It sets broad requirements for the assurance of quality and for management's involvement. It requires organizations to document the processes and to follow these documented processes. ISO 9000 gives customers assurance that the suppliers have control of the process for product development. Systems engineering can broadly be defined as a discipline that seeks to ensure that all requirements for a system are satisfied throughout the life of the system by preserving their interrelationship. The key activities of systems engineering include requirements analysis, functional analysis/allocation, design synthesis and verification, and system analysis and control. The systems engineering process, when followed properly, will lead to higher quality products, lower cost products, and shorter development cycles. The System Engineering Capability Maturity Model (SE-CMM) will allow companies to measure their system engineering capability and continuously improve those capabilities. ISO 9000 and SE-CMM seem to have a similar objective, which is to document the organization's processes and certify to potential customers the capability of a supplier to control the processes that determine the quality of the product or services being produced. The remaining sections of this report examine the differences and similarities between ISO 9000 and SE-CMM and make recommendations for implementation.

Sampson E. Gholston↗

Marine ecosystem appropriation in the Indo-Pacific: a case study of the live reef fish food trade

Our ecological footprint analyses of coral reef fish fisheries and, in particular, the live reef fish food trade (FT), indicate many countries' current consumption exceeds estimated sustainable per capita global, regional and local coral reef production levels. Hong Kong appropriates 25% of SE Asia's annual reef fish production of 135 260-286 560 tonnes (t) through its FT demand, exceeding regional biocapacity by 8.3 times; reef fish fisheries demand out-paces sustainable production in the Indo-Pacific and SE Asia by 2.5 and 6 times. In contrast, most Pacific islands live within their own reef fisheries means with local demand at < 20% of total capacity in Oceania. The FT annually requisitions up to 40% of SE Asia's estimated reef fish and virtually all of its estimated grouper yields. Our results underscore the unsustainable nature of the FT and the urgent need for regional management and conservation of coral reef fisheries in the Indo-Pacific.

Fishes↗