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At least 199 records · Page 11

Fabrication of Core–Shell Nanotube Array for Artificial Photosynthesis Featuring an Ultrathin Composite Separation Membrane

We report macroscale arrays of cobalt oxide-silica core-shell nanotubes with high aspect ratio and ultrathin walls of less than 20 nm have been fabricated. The silica shells feature embedded oligo-para(phenylenevinylene) molecules for charge transport across the insulating silica layer, which is tightly controlled by their electronic properties. The assembly is based on the use of a sacrificial Si nanorod array template combined with atomic layer deposition, covalent anchoring of organic wire molecules, and dry cryo-etching. High-resolution TEM imaging of samples prepared by microtome affords structural details of single core-shell nanotubes. The integrity of silica-embedded organic wire molecules exposed to atomic layer deposition, thermal treatment, and harsh etching procedures is demonstrated by grazing angle ATR FT-IR, FT-Raman, and XPS spectroscopy. The inorganic oxide-based core-shell nanotubes with ultrathin gas-impermeable, proton-conducting silica shells functionalized by molecular wires enable complete nanoscale photosynthetic units for CO 2 reduction by H 2 O under membrane separation. Arrays of massive numbers of such core-shell nanotube units afford a design that extends the separation of the incompatible H 2 O oxidation and CO 2 reduction catalysis environments across the continuum of length scales from nanometers to centimeters.

molecular wires↗

The organic redox transistor for neuromorphic computing

Inspired by the in-memory computing architectures of biological systems, neuromorphic computing using crossbar arrays of artificial synapses based on non-volatile memory (NVM) devices with variable conductances has emerged as a new paradigm to enable massively parallel and ultra-low power computing hardware for data centric applications. Although inference has been demonstrated successfully using crossbars based on a variety of NMV technologies, efficient learning and scaling to large arrays (>10 6 elements) remains a challenge due to the synaptic elements' non-ideal electrical characteristics which degrades ANN accuracy. A further challenge is that in the conductive state memristors draw large currents >μA resulting in significant voltage drops in the interconnect wires and increased probability of failure in scaled arrays. We suggest the organic polymer redox transistor (RT) is an alternate approach that could solve many of these challenges, enabling both inference and parallel outer product updates, as recently demonstrated by Fuller et al. An RT consists of redox-active channel and gate electrodes in contact with a liquid or solid electrolyte. lon insertion through the electrolyte controls the channel electronic conductivity, while electron transfer through an external circuit maintains overall charge neutrality. Unlike a rechargeable battery, in the RT the voltage built-up across the electrolyte is kept to a minimum (typically <100 mV) by using the same material for the gate and channel. Elimination of the voltage offset simplifies integration of the RT into programmable arrays by enabling the use of various selectors. RTs based on inorganic and organic materials have been recently demonstrated with conductance tuning occurring at potentials of just a few mV and hundreds to thousands of linearly and symmetrically programmable conductance states, enabling near ideal accuracy in neural network simulations. Introduced in the 1980's, redox transistors with metallic gate electrodes and organic channel materials, also known as organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), have been explored for a variety of applications such as chem- and bio-sensing, neural interfaces, and low cost printed circuits. A typical channel material for OECTs is the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). PEDOT is a p-type semiconducting polymer with mobile positively charged polarons that hop chain-to-chain.

Talin, Albert Alec↗

Sub-nanosecond RF synchronization for MIMO software defined radio sensor networks

This disclosure presents distributed and decentralized synchronization for wireless transceivers. The disclosed system, device, and method achieve sub-nanosecond synchronization using low-cost commercial off the shelf software defined radios. By providing a decentralized mechanism that does not rely on a hierarchical master-slave structure, networks constructed as disclosed are robust to sensor drop-out in contested or harsh environments. Such networks may be used to create phased array radars and communication systems without requiring wired connections to distribute a common clock or local oscillator reference.

Moghaddam, Mahta↗

Development of a Superconducting Adaptive Gap Undulator Prototype for NSLS-II

The photon flux and brightness of synchrotron radiation, crucial parameters for any light source, vary significantly depending on the type of source employed. Among the 23 Insertion Device (ID) sources at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Lab (BNL), the 12-year-old 3m-long In-Vacuum Undulator (IVU20) stands out for its superior performance, although it no longer represents the cutting edge of technology. Recently, there has been a shift in focus towards developing next-generation sources, particularly Superconducting Undulators (SCUs), characterized by smaller gaps, shorter periods, and maximum lengths. However, despite ongoing research and development efforts, SCUs have yet to surpass their predecessors, the Cryogenic Permanent Magnet Undulators (CPMUs), in terms of performance. This is largely attributed to the limitations posed by traditional superconducting wire, as well as challenges in the design of the magnetic structure and vacuum chamber. In this paper, we aim to overcome such limitations through the development of a unique prototype Superconducting Adaptive Gap Undulator (SC-AGU) magnet core and vacuum chamber design. This paper will outline a novel technical approach aimed at constructing a compact prototype magnet array utilizing state-of-the-art superconducting wire technology. This approach provides a more efficient magnetic structure, allowing for enhanced magnetic field strength and stability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Virtual electrodes for high-density electrode arrays

The present embodiments are directed to implantable electrode arrays having virtual electrodes. The virtual electrodes may improve the resolution of the implantable electrode array without the burden of corresponding complexity of electronic circuitry and wiring. In a particular embodiment, a virtual electrode may include one or more passive elements to help steer current to a specific location between the active electrodes. For example, a passive element may be a metalized layer on a substrate that is adjacent to, but not directly connected to an active electrode. In certain embodiments, an active electrode may be directly coupled to a power source via a conductive connection. Beneficially, the passive elements may help to increase the overall resolution of the implantable array by providing additional stimulation points without requiring additional wiring or driver circuitry for the passive elements.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Virtual electrodes for high-density electrode arrays

The present embodiments are directed to implantable electrode arrays having virtual electrodes. The virtual electrodes may improve the resolution of the implantable electrode array without the burden of corresponding complexity of electronic circuitry and wiring. In a particular embodiment, a virtual electrode may include one or more passive elements to help steer current to a specific location between the active electrodes. For example, a passive element may be a metalized layer on a substrate that is adjacent to, but not directly connected to an active electrode. In certain embodiments, an active electrode may be directly coupled to a power source via a conductive connection. Beneficially, the passive elements may help to increase the overall resolution of the implantable array by providing additional stimulation points without requiring additional wiring or driver circuitry for the passive elements.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Particle Response of Antenna-Coupled TES Arrays: Results from SPIDER and the Laboratory

Future mm-wave and sub-mm space missions will employ large arrays of multiplexed transition-edge-sensor (TES) bolometers. Such instruments must contend with the high flux of cosmic rays beyond our atmosphere that induce ‘glitches’ in bolometer data, which posed a challenge to data analysis from the Planck bolometers. Future instruments will face the additional challenges of shared substrate wafers and multiplexed readout wiring. Here, we explore the susceptibility of modern TES arrays to the cosmic ray environment of space using two data sets: the 2015 long-duration balloon flight of the SPIDER cosmic microwave background polarimeter, and a laboratory exposure of SPIDER flight hardware to radioactive sources. We find manageable glitch rates and short glitch durations, leading to minimal effect on SPIDER analysis. We constrain energy propagation within the substrate through a study of multi-detector coincidences and give a preliminary look at pulse shapes in laboratory data.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Superconducting Properties in Arrays of Nanostructured β-Gallium

Samples of nanostructured β-Ga wires were synthesized by a novel method of metallic-flux nanonucleation. Several superconducting properties were observed, revealing the stabilization of a weak-coupling type-II-like superconductor (T c ≈ 6.2 K) with a Ginzburg-Landau parameter κ GL = 1.18. This contrasts the type-I superconductivity observed for the majority of Ga phases, including small spheres of β-Ga with diameters near 15 μm. Remarkably, our magnetization curves reveal a crossover field H D , where we propose that the Abrikosov vortices are exactly touching their neighbors inside the Ga nanowires. A phenomenological model is proposed to explain this result by assuming that only a single row of vortices is allowed inside a nanowire under perpendicular applied field, with an appreciable depletion of Cooper pair density at the nanowire edges. Lastly, these results are expected to shed light on the growing area of superconductivity in nanostructured materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

An on-chip phased array for non-classical light

Abstract Quantum science and technology can offer fundamental enhancements in sensing, communications and computing. The expansion from wired to wireless links is an exciting prospect for quantum technologies. For classical technologies, the advent of phased arrays enabled directional and adaptive wireless links by manipulating electromagnetic waves over free space. Here we demonstrate a phased array system on a chip that can receive, image and manipulate non-classical light over free space. We use an integrated photonic-electronic system with more than 1000 functional components on-chip to detect squeezed light. By integrating an array of 32 sub-wavelength engineered metamaterial antennas, we demonstrate a direct free-space-to-chip interface for reconfigurable quantum links. On the same chip, we implement a large-scale array of quantum-limited coherent receivers that can resolve non-classical signals simultaneously across 32 channels. With coherent readout and manipulation of these signals, we demonstrate 32-pixel imaging and spatially configurable reception of squeezed light over free space. Our work advances wireless quantum technologies that could enable practical applications in quantum communications and sensing.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Static and dynamic behavior of ultrathin cobalt nanowires embedded in transparent matrix

Two self-assembly of ultrathin Co nanowires (NWs) embedded in a CeO{sub 2} matrix was grown on SrTiO{sub 3}(001) and oxidized Si(001) substrates. A common feature of the two arrays of NWs is the small diameter of the wires, falling in the 4–5 nm range. Combined with their length, the aspect ratio is large enough to ensure large magnetostatic anisotropy with an easy axis along the axis of the nanowires as revealed by magnetometry measurements. The Brillouin light scattering technique has been used to investigate the behavior of the spin waves under a field perpendicular to the NWs axes. The transparency of the matrix ensures the penetration of the probing light inside the sample. Importantly, Brillouin light scattering from the magnetic modes obeys the volume Bragg condition, which is characteristic of the configuration in which the observed modes are propagating along the nanowires and due to their very small diameter are nearly constant across the section. Both series of experimental results are satisfactorily analyzed by means of a single analytical model, based on a mean-field approach, assuming the presence at remanence of two populations of NWs with up and down magnetizations and including the dipolar coupling between the cylinders.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Spread Spectrum Time Domain Reflectometry for Complex Impedances: Application to PV Arrays

Spread spectrum time domain reflectometry (SSTDR) has previously been used for detection and location of intermittent faults on live electrical wiring. These intermittent faults can be open circuits, short circuits, or resistive changes, all of which preserve the original shape of the SSTDR correlated waveform. But things are very different when SSTDR encounters a complex impedance discontinuity such as a capacitor or inductor. In this case, the reflection is a function of frequency, changing the shape of the SSTDR signature. In this paper, we will show the SSTDR response to single capacitors and inductors. We will also explore how SSTDR responds to arrays of PV panels (which are capacitive) connected by wires. We will show both simulations and measurements. In some configurations, it is relatively easy to see faults, although algorithms are still under development. In other configurations, little change occurs, which makes it very difficult to create a system for testing for these faults.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Magnetization mechanisms in ordered arrays of polycrystalline Fe{sub 100−x}Co{sub x} nanowires

Magnetization reversal processes and coercivity mechanisms in polycrystalline Fe{sub 100−x}Co{sub x} nanowire arrays, resulting from an AC electrodeposition process, are investigated. The array coercivity is described on the basis of polarization reversal mechanisms operating in individual wires, under the effect of inter-wire dipolar interactions described by a mean field approximation. For individual wires, a reversal mechanism involving the nucleation and further expansion of domain-wall like spin configuration is considered. The wires have a mean grain size larger than both the nanowire diameter and the exchange length, so localized and non-cooperative nucleation modes are considered. As the Co content increases, the alloy saturation polarization gradually decreases, but the coercive field and the relative remanence of the arrays increase, indicating that they are not controlled by the shape anisotropy in all the composition range. The coercive field dependence on the angle between the applied field and the wire long axis is not well described by reversal mechanisms involving nucleation and further displacement of neither vortex nor transverse ideal domain walls. On the contrary, the angular dependence of the coercive field observed at room temperature is well predicted by a model considering nucleation of inverse domains by localized curling, in regions smaller than the grain size, exhibiting quite small aspect ratios as compared to those of the entire nanowire. In arrays with higher Co contents, a transition from an initial (small angle) localized curling nucleation mechanism to another one, involving localized coherent rotation is observed at about π/4.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Electrodeposited Co{sub 93.2}P{sub 6.8} nanowire arrays with core-shell microstructure and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

We demonstrate the formation of an unusual core-shell microstructure in Co{sub 93.2}P{sub 6.8} nanowires electrodeposited by alternating current (ac) in an alumina template. By means of transmission electron microscopy, it is shown that the coaxial-like nanowires contain amorphous and crystalline phases. Analysis of the magnetization data for Co-P alloy nanowires indicates that a ferromagnetic core is surrounded by a weakly ferromagnetic or non-magnetic phase, depending on the phosphor content. The nanowire arrays exhibit an easy axis of magnetization parallel to the wire axis. For this peculiar composition and structure, the coercivity values are 2380 ± 50 and 1260 ± 35 Oe, parallel and perpendicular to the plane directions of magnetization, respectively. This effect is attributed to the core-shell structure making the properties and applications of these nanowires similar to pure cobalt nanowires with an improved perpendicular anisotropy.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Coaxial microneedle assemblies and methods thereof

The present invention is directed to devices including one or more hollow needles and a transducing wire disposed within at least one needle. In particular instances, arrays of such needles can be employed. Methods for fabricating and using such devices are also disclosed herein.

Miller, Philip Rocco↗

Assisted extraction of the energy level spacings and lever arms in direct current bias measurements of one-dimensional quantum wires, using an image recognition routine

A multiplexer technique is used to individually measure an array of 256 split gates on a single GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure. This results in the generation of large volumes of data, which requires the development of automated data analysis routines. An algorithm is developed to find the spacing between discrete energy levels, which form due to transverse confinement from the split gate. The lever arm, which relates split gate voltage to energy, is also found from the measured data. This reduces the time spent on the analysis. Comparison with estimates obtained visually shows that the algorithm returns reliable results for subband spacing of split gates measured at 1.4 K. The routine is also used to assess direct current bias spectroscopy measurements at lower temperatures (50 mK). This technique is versatile and can be extended to other types of measurements. For example, it is used to extract the magnetic field at which Zeeman-split 1D subbands cross one another.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Mooring System Cost Estimates for Wave Energy Farms in Shared Mooring Arrays

As wave energy converters (WECs) become more advanced and cost-efficient, so too must their mooring systems. A key question in the development plans for WECs is the cost of the mooring system, particularly for large wave farms. WEC devices deployed in a WEC farm array, where each device can be connected by shared mooring lines in various array layouts, have potential to reduce mooring system costs significantly. This paper presents the modeling and designing of mooring systems for large WEC arrays and the calculation of the cost of each mooring system to determine the change in cost as the number of WECs in a farm increases. A baseline mooring system for a single floating oscillating water column (OWC) WEC was developed for this analysis. The mooring system utilizes four anchored mooring lines connected to a square assembly of wire rope mooring lines, supported by four floating buoys, and attached to the floating WEC by four polyester rope mooring lines. This assembly, referred to as a floating cell, can be tiled to form various rectangular WEC arrays. The objective of this analysis is to determine how the mooring system cost changes as more WECs are added to an array layout, each with their own interconnected floating cell. To do this, complete mooring systems need to be designed for each WEC array layout. To narrow down the design space of a WEC array mooring system, a couple assumptions were made. It was assumed that the floating cell parameters of the baseline design were to stay constant across all floating cells in the WEC array. It was also assumed that the anchored mooring lines would be of the baseline configuration, a predominantly chain mooring line with a short section of polyester rope near the fairlead, and a drag-embedment anchor. These anchored lines were assumed to extend from the outer edges of the WEC array, inline with the headings of the wire rope mooring lines of the floating cells, or diagonal if extending from a corner of the WEC array. Full mooring systems were designed for 2xN and NxN WEC array layouts and efficiently simulated in the mooring dynamics simulation tool, MoorDyn, to ensure all dynamic constraints were met. The system costs were calculated and then refined by shortening unnecessary chain line lengths and reducing the chain diameters of the downstream anchored mooring lines. It was found that, in general, mooring system costs per WEC decrease when WECs are installed in an array. Compared to the baseline mooring system for a single WEC, the 2x3 mooring system array had the lowest mooring system cost per WEC, reducing the cost per WEC by 59%. The 3x3 and 4x4 array mooring systems also saw significant reductions in cost per WEC but had negligible cost savings between the two designs, primarily because the larger 4x4 mooring system requires larger chain diameters, which increases cost. These results provide an interesting glimpse into modeling, designing, and calculating the cost of mooring systems for large WEC arrays.

cost↗

The GlueX beamline and detector

The GlueX experiment at Jefferson Lab has been designed to study photoproduction reactions with a 9-GeV linearly polarized photon beam. The energy and arrival time of beam photons are tagged using a scintillator hodoscope and a scintillating fiber array. The photon flux is determined using a pair spectrometer, while the linear polarization of the photon beam is determined using a polarimeter based on triplet photoproduction. Charged-particle tracks from interactions in the central target are analyzed in a solenoidal field using a central straw-tube drift chamber and six packages of planar chambers with cathode strips and drift wires. Electromagnetic showers are reconstructed in a cylindrical scintillating fiber calorimeter inside the magnet and a lead-glass array downstream. Charged particle identification is achieved by measuring energy loss in the wire chambers and using the flight time of particles between the target and detectors outside the magnet. The signals from all detectors are recorded with flash ADCs and/or pipeline TDCs into memories allowing trigger decisions with a latency of 3.3 $μs$. The detector operates routinely at trigger rates of 40 kHz and data rates of 600 megabytes per second. Here, we describe the photon beam, the GlueX detector components, electronics, data-acquisition and monitoring systems, and the performance of the experiment during the first three years of operation.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Multisource Rotating Shield Brachytherapy Apparatus for Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Our purpose is to present a novel multisource rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT) apparatus for the simultaneous precise angular and linear positioning of partially shielded {sup 153}Gd brachytherapy sources in interstitial needles for the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer. It is designed to lower the dose to nearby healthy tissues, the urethra in particular, relative to conventional high-dose-rate brachytherapy techniques. Methods and Materials: Following needle implantation through the patient template, an angular drive mechanism is docked to the patient template. Each needle is coupled to a multisource afterloader catheter by a connector passing through a shaft. The shafts are rotated about their axes by translating a moving template between 2 stationary templates. The shafts' surfaces and moving template holes are helically threaded with the same pattern such that translation of the moving template causes simultaneous rotation of the shafts. The rotation of each shaft is mechanically transmitted to the catheter-source-shield combination, inside the needles, via several key-keyway pairs. The catheter angles are simultaneously incremented throughout treatment, and only a single 360° rotation of all catheters is needed for a full treatment. For each rotation angle, source depth in each needle is controlled by a multisource afterloader, which is proposed as an array of belt-driven linear actuators, each of which drives a wire that controls catheter depth in a needle. Results: Treatment plans demonstrated that RSBT with the proposed apparatus reduced urethral D{sub 0.1cm{sup 3}} (the minimum dose delivered to the hottest 0.1cm{sup 3} of the urethra) below that of conventional high-dose-rate brachytherapy by 31% for urethral dose gradient volume within 3 mm of the urethra surface. Treatment time to deliver 20 Gy with the proposed multisource RSBT apparatus by use of nineteen 62.4-GBq {sup 153}Gd sources was 122 minutes. Conclusions: The proposed RSBT delivery apparatus enables a mechanically feasible urethra-sparing treatment technique for prostate cancer in a clinically reasonable time frame.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗