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68 records · Page 4

Growth of periodic nano-layers of nano-crystals of Au, Ag, Cu by ion beam

Multilayered thin films of SiO2/AU+ SiO2/, SiO2/Ag+ SiO2/, and SiO2/Cu+ SiO2/, were grown by deposition. We have previously shown that MeV ion Bombardment of multi-nano-layers of SiO2/AU+ SiO2/ produces Au nanocrystals in the AU+ SiO2 layers. An increased number of nano-layers followed by MeV ion bombardment produces a wide optical absorption band, of which its FWHM depends on the number of nano-layers of SiO2/AU+ SiO2/. We have successfully repeated this process for nano-layers of SiO2/Ag+ SiO2/, and SiO2/Cu+ SiO2/. In this work we used 5 MeV Si as the post deposition bombardment ion and monitored the location as well as the optical absorption's FWHM for each layered structure using Optical Absorption Photospectrometry. The concentration and location of the metal nano-crystals were measured by Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry. We will report on the results obtained for nano-layered structures produced by post deposition bombardment of SiO2/AU+ SiO2/, SiO2/Ag+ SiO2/, and SiO2/Cu+ SiO2/ layered systems as well as the results obtained from a system containing a periodic combination of SiO2/AU+ SiO2/, SiO2/Ag+ SiO2/, and SiO2/Cu+ SiO2/.

Smith, Cydale C.↗

New insights into the origin of magnetite crystals in ALH84001 carbonate disks

Martian meteorite ALH84001 preserves evidence of interaction with aqueous fluids while on Mars in the form of microscopic carbonate disks which are believed to have precipitated approximately 3.9 Ga ago at beginning of the Noachian epoch. Intimately associated within and throughout these carbonate disks are nanocrystal magnetites (Fe3O4) with unusual chemical and physical properties, whose origins have become the source of considerable debate. One group of hypotheses argues that these Fe3O4 are the product of partial thermal decomposition of the host carbonate. Alternatively, the origins of Fe3O4 and carbonate may be unrelated; that is, from the perspective of the carbonate the magnetite is allochthonous. We have sought to resolve between these hypotheses through the detailed characterized of the compositional and structural relationships of the carbonate disks and associated magnetites with the orthopyroxene matrix in which they are embedded. We focus this discussion on the composition of ALH84001 magnetites and then compare these observations with those from experimental thermal decomposition studies of sideritic carbonates under a range of plausible geological heating scenarios.

Thomas-Keprta, K. L.↗

Making Ternary Quantum Dots From Single-Source Precursors

A process has been devised for making ternary (specifically, CuInS2) nanocrystals for use as quantum dots (QDs) in a contemplated next generation of high-efficiency solar photovoltaic cells. The process parameters can be chosen to tailor the sizes (and, thus, the absorption and emission spectra) of the QDs.

Bailey, Sheila↗

Efficient thermoelectric device

A high efficiency thermo electric device comprising a multi nanolayer structure of alternating insulator and insulator/metal material that is irradiated across the plane of the layer structure with ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation produces nanocrystals in the layered structure that increase the electrical conductivity and decrease the thermal conductivity thereby increasing the thermoelectric figure of merit. Figures of merit as high as 2.5 have been achieved using layers of co-deposited gold and silicon dioxide interspersed with layers of silicon dioxide. The gold to silicon dioxide ratio was 0.04. 5 MeV silicon ions were used to irradiate the structure. Other metals and insulators may be substituted. Other ionizing radiation sources may be used. The structure tolerates a wide range of metal to insulator ratio.

Ila, Daryush↗

Origin of Magnetite Crystals in Martian Meteorite ALH84001 Carbonate Disks

Martian meteorite ALH84001 preserves evidence of interaction with aqueous fluids while on Mars in the form of microscopic carbonate disks which are believed to have precipitated approx.3.9 Ga ago at beginning of the Noachian epoch. Intimately associated within and throughout these carbonate disks are nanocrystal magnetites (Fe3O4) with unusual chemical and physical properties, whose origins have become the source of considerable debate. One group of hypotheses argues that these Fe3O4 are the product of partial thermal decomposition of the host carbonate. Alternatively, the origins of Fe3O4 and carbonate may be unrelated; that is, from the perspective of the carbonate the magnetite is allochthonous. We have sought to resolve between these hypotheses through the detailed characterized of the compositional and structural relationships of the carbonate disks and associated magnetites with the orthopyroxene matrix in which they are embedded [1]. We focus this discussion on the composition of ALH84001 magnetites and then compare these observations with those from our thermal decomposition studies of sideritic carbonates under a range of plausible geological heating scenarios.

Thomas-Keprta, K.L.↗

Nonvolatile Memory Technology for Space Applications

This slide presentation reviews several forms of nonvolatile memory for use in space applications. The intent is to: (1) Determine inherent radiation tolerance and sensitivities, (2) Identify challenges for future radiation hardening efforts, (3) Investigate new failure modes and effects, and technology modeling programs. Testing includes total dose, single event (proton, laser, heavy ion), and proton damage (where appropriate). Test vehicles are expected to be a variety of non-volatile memory devices as available including Flash (NAND and NOR), Charge Trap, Nanocrystal Flash, Magnetic Memory (MRAM), Phase Change--Chalcogenide, (CRAM), Ferroelectric (FRAM), CNT, and Resistive RAM.

Oldham, Timothy R.↗

Processing of Nanosensors Using a Sacrificial Template Approach

A new microsensor fabrication approach has been demonstrated based upon the use of nanostructures as templates. The fundamental idea is that existing nanostructures, such as carbon nano tubes or biological structures, have a material structure that can be used advantageously in order to provide new sensor systems but lack the advantages of some materials to, for example, operate at high temperatures. The approach is to start with a template using nanostructures such as a carbon nanotube. This template can then be coated by an oxide material with higher temperature capabilities. Upon heating in air, the carbon nanotube template is burned off, leaving only the metal oxide nanostructure. The resulting structure has a combination of the crystal structure and surface morphology of the carbon nanotube, combined with the material durability and hightemperature- sensing properties of the metal oxide. Further, since the metal oxide nanocrystals are deposited on the carbon nanotube, after burn-off what is left is a metal oxide porous nanostructure. This makes both the interior and the exterior of this nano structured sensor available for gas species detection. This, in effect, increases the surface area available for sensing, which has been shown in the past to significantly increase sensor performance.

Biaggi-Labiosa, Azlin M.↗

Quantum Dots Microstructured Optical Fiber for X-Ray Detection

Microstructured optical fibers containing quantum dots scintillation material comprised of zinc sulfide nanocrystals doped with magnesium sulfide are presented. These quantum dots are applied inside the microstructured optical fibers using capillary action. The x-ray photon counts of these fibers are compared to the output of a collimated CdTe solid state detector over an energy range from 10 to 40 keV. The results of the fiber light output and associated effects of an acrylate coating and the quantum dot application technique are discussed.

DeHaven, Stan↗

Multifunctional 2D- Materials: Selenides and Halides

Material is the key component and controls the performance of the detectors, devices and sensors. The materials design, processing, growth and fabrication of bulk and nanocrystals and fabrication into devices and sensors involve multidisciplinary team of experts. This places a large burden on the cost of the novel materials development. Due to this reason there is a big thrust for the prediction of multifunctionality of materials before design and development. Up to some extent design can achieve certain properties. In multinary materials processing is also a big factor. In this presentation, examples of two classes of industrially important materials will be described.

Singh, N. B.↗

Quantum Dots Microstructured Optical Fiber for X-Ray Detection

A novel concept for the detection of x-rays with microstructured optical fibers containing quantum dots scintillation material comprised of zinc sulfide nanocrystals doped with magnesium sulfide is presented. These quantum dots are applied inside the microstructured optical fibers using capillary action. The x-ray photon counts of these fibers are compared to the output of a collimated CdTe solid state detector over an energy range from 10 to 40 keV. The results of the fiber light output and associated effects of an acrylate coating and the quantum dots application technique are discussed.

DeHaven, S. L.↗

Design of Multifunctional Materials: Chalcogenides and Chalcopyrites

There is a strong need for developing multifunctional materials to reduce the cost of applied material without compromising the performance of the detectors, devices and sensors. The materials design, processing, growth and fabrication of bulk and nanocrystals and fabrication into devices and sensors involve huge cost and resources including a multidisciplinary team of experts. Because of this reason, prediction of multifunctionality of materials before design and development should be evaluated. Chalcogenides and chalcopyrites are a very exciting class of materials for developing multifunctionality. Materials such as Gallium selenide GaSe and zinc selenide ZnSe have been proven to be excellent examples. GaSe is a layered material and very difficult to grow in large crystal. However, it's ternary and quaternary analogs such as thallium gallium selenide TlGaSe2, thallium gallium selenide sulfide TlGaSe2-xSs, thallium arsenic selenide Tl3AsSe3, silver gallium selenide AgGaGe3Se8, AgGaGe5Se12 and several others have shown great promise for multifunctionality. Several of these materials have shown good efficiency for frequency conversion (nonlinear optical NLO), electro-optic modulation, and acousto-optic tunable filters and imagers suitable for the visible, near-infrared wavelength, mid wave infrared (MWIR), long wave infrared (LWIR) and even up to Tera hertz wavelength (THW) regions. In addition, this class of materials have demonstrated low absorption coefficients and power handling capability in the systems. Also, these crystals do not require post growth annealing, show very large transparency range and fabricability.

Singh, N. B.↗

Surface Modification at Nanoscale; Nanoparticle-Nanowire Transition

Binary, ternary and quaternary oxides and selenides have been developed and used in multiple applications including high power lasers, detectors, dielectric energy storage and variety of optical devices. These materials have been grown by Bridgman, physical vapor transport (PVT), chemical vapor transport (CVT) methods and flux methods in the form of bulk thin film, nanocrystals and nanowires. With increasing thrust of bio applications, nanoparticles it is essential to understand nucleation and nanomorphological transition during drug delivery, growth of nanoengineered bio composites in body, grain growth and final morphology. Addition of fluorides and selenides have increased significantly in synthetic tissue constituents because of some advantages in adhesion and stability. We have performed experiments on multinary oxides Sr-Ba-O-F, Se-Tl-As and Se-Pb-Sn-Se using several growth methods to demonstrate nanoparticle and nanowire transition. This study has great potential to increase surface area and also provides understanding to the mechanism of nanowire growth.

Singh, N. B.↗