ALBERT

Beschreibung: Barnacles are one of the most prominent hardfouling organisms in the marine environment. They are able to adhere efficiently to nearly every surface underwater including artificial ones like ship hulls and maritime installations. This overgrowing can lead to huge economical costs. Previous studies have shown that specific microstructure types including micropillars can reduce the initial settlement of barnacles. However, it is not clear how adult barnacles are influenced by microstructured surfaces and whether microstructures can even decrease the resulting adhesion strength of them under natural conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically investigate the influence of height, diameter, aspect ratio and flexibility of fibrillar microstructures made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on initial settlement of barnacles as well as the permanent attachment of adult ones. Micropillars with three different heights (50 µm, 100 µm, 200 µm) and two different diameters (25 µm, 50 µm) were exposed to the Baltic Sea for 12 weeks. On a weekly basis, all barnacles (Balanus [= Amphibalanus] improvisus) were tracked individually to calculate the release-to-settlement ratio and to capture the average attachment duration prior to detachment. The results have shown that with increasing height, both initial settlement and fouling density development were reduced. An increase of diameter showed a similar relationship but at a much smaller scale. All tested microstructures decreased the detachment rates of barnacles from the surface compared to a flat PDMS control. However, they appear to complicate the development of a strong adhesive joint in the young adult phase. Some grade of flexibility in the microstructures appeared to increase the fouling retention. The results shed light in the interaction between adult barnacle adhesion and microstructures and may help in the development of new antifouling technologies.

Beschreibung: DLC:Si and DLC:N (diamond-like carbons doped with Si or N) functional layers in different configurations are deposited on polyurethane (PU) for bioengineering applications using CCP (capacitively coupled plasma) discharge generated in the PE CVD (plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition) system. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations show that the obtained single and multilayers are continuous and well adherent to the substrates, but they differ in surface morphologies. DLC:Si layers form granular-like outer surfaces, while DLC:N ones a mosaic structure of plain areas. Topography analyses by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical profilometry reveal that Si-doped layers are characterized by significantly higher surface roughness (Ra ca. 5 nm) in comparison to N-doped layers (Ra ca. 0.3 nm) and also higher values of profile roughness parameter Rz (up to 32 μm vs. about 13 μm). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis indicates the homogenous chemical composition of the layers. DLC:N layers, are characterized by significantly higher polar component of surface free energy (up to ca. 5.0 mJ/m2). DLC:Si layers exhibit higher values of diiodomethane contact angle (up to ca. 90°) compared with DLC:N layers (up to ca. 55°). The attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic measurements (ATR-FTIR) of the layers reveal that the addition of silicon to the DLC structure increases the content of terminal CHn bonds (n = 1, 2, 3) as well as beneficial Si–H and Si–CHn bonds, which significantly reduce the internal stresses in the layers. Both DLC:Si and DLC:N layers exhibit no cytotoxic effects using the human osteoblast-like cell line and human keratinocytes.

Beschreibung: Ba x Sr 1− x Fe 12 O 19 /Fe 3 O 4 /polyacrylic acid/polythiophene (Ba x Sr 1− x Fe 12 O 19 /Fe 3 O 4 /PAA/PTh) nanocomposites with multi-core–shell structure were successfully synthesized by four steps. The samples were characterized by FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer, and radar absorbing material reflectivity far-field radar cross-section method, respectively. XRD and TEM results indicated that the obtained nanoparticles have multi-core–shell morphology. The magnetic properties and microwave absorption analyses reveal that there are interphase interactions at the interface of Ba x Sr 1− x Fe 12 O 19 , Fe 3 O 4 , PAA, and PTh, which can affect the magnetic properties and microwave absorption properties of the samples. The microwave-absorbing properties of nanocomposites were investigated at 8–14 GHz. A typical layer absorber exhibited an excellent microwave absorption with a −26 dB maximum absorption at 14 GHz. Compared with core material, the coercivity and saturation magnetization of multi-core–shell nanocomposites decrease obviously, but the microwave absorption properties of nanocomposites are improved greatly. The results show that these composite could be used as advancing absorption and shielding materials due to their favorable microwave-absorbing properties.

Beschreibung: This paper presents a simplified model of a terminal mobile where a monopole antenna is associated with three different metamaterials: artificial magnetic conductor (AMC), electromagnetic band gap and resistive high-impedance surface (RHIS). The objective is to evaluate what is the metamaterial which is the best solution to reduce exposure. The exposure has been evaluated using a simplified phantom model. Results show that both AMC and RHIS reduce the exposure preserving the antenna performances. A reduction of 23 % of specific absorption rate 10 g has been obtained when the monopole is associated with an optimized RHIS structure. Antenna with and without metamaterials has been realized. The experimental results confirm the performances given by simulation in terms of impedance matching and radiation.

Beschreibung: The annealing effects of c -plane sapphire (α-Al 2 O 3 ) substrate with a vicinal-cut angle of α  = 0.25° toward the a -plane \(\left( {11\overline{2} 0} \right)\) on the quality of epitaxial ZnO films grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition were studied. The atomic steps formed on sapphire substrate surface by annealing at high temperature were analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The annealing effects of sapphire substrate on the microstructural and optical properties of the ZnO films were examined by high-resolution X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, AFM and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Experimental results indicate that the film quality is strongly affected by annealing treatment of the sapphire substrate. X-ray diffraction study revealed that ZnO films deposited on c -plane sapphire substrate annealed at T  ≥ 1050 °C exhibit a wurtzite phase and have a c -axis orientation. The decrease in FWHM for (0004) and \(\left( {10\overline{1} 4} \right)\) ZnO peak confirms the improvement of the crystalline quality of ZnO thin film as increasing annealing substrate temperature. Sapphire annealing at 1100 °C for 3 h under oxygen prior to ZnO film growth is the best to achieve ZnO film with good structural and optical quality.

Beschreibung: Determination of phosphorus and boron concentrations in Czochralski-grown silicon wafer-thick samples has been examined by means of low-temperature high-resolution far-infrared transmission measurements with p -polarized light incident at Brewster angle. The measurements were taken at about 8.7 K with a spectral resolution of 0.5 cm −1 under halogen light illumination. Linear correlations are clearly obtained between the absorption coefficients of several phosphorus and boron transitions and their concentrations, which are approximately in the range of 7.7 × 10 13 –1.6 × 10 15  atoms cm −3 for phosphorus and of 2.5 × 10 14 –7.6 × 10 14  atoms cm −3 for boron. The correlations are obtained regardless of the surface processing conditions of the samples. These are because interference fringes due to internal multiple reflections in wafer-thick silicon samples are almost suppressed using this incidence. The detection limit of phosphorus is about 1.2 × 10 13  atoms cm −3 and that of boron is about 4.2 × 10 13  atoms cm −3 . P -polarized Brewster angle incidence has made it possible to determine phosphorus and boron concentrations in wafer-thick samples.

Beschreibung: Nanocrystalline CeO 2 /C 3 N 4 was synthesized via a one-step solution combustion method using urea as fuel for the first time. The effects of the molar ratio of urea to cerium chloride on the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized samples were investigated. The synthesized nanocrystalline CeO 2 /C 3 N 4 shows small size and large surface exposure area. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue demonstrates that the synthesized nanocrystalline CeO 2 /C 3 N 4 possesses enhanced photocatalytic activity. It is proposed that the enhanced photocatalytic activity might be related to the favorable morphology and structure, and the effective charge separation between C 3 N 4 and CeO 2 in the photocatalytic process.

Beschreibung: Vertical MBE- and MOCVD-grown \({n}^{+}/{n}\hbox {-GaAs}/\hbox {Al}_{0.25}\hbox {Ga}_{0.75}\hbox {As}\) structures used for microwave electronics have been studied with continuous wave and time-correlated single photon counting dynamic photoluminescence technique. The photoluminescence spectra and light emission lifetimes are used to explain the recombination mechanisms of the excited carriers. This paper presents results showing the differences in recombination characteristics of \({n}^{+}\hbox {-Al}_{0.25}\hbox {Ga}_{0.75}\hbox {As}\) layers grown using MBE process compared with MOCVD process. One of these differences is that the PL spectrum of the MOCVD-grown layer is shifted towards the forbidden energy gap region, as well as the characteristic recombination time is longer than for the MBE-grown sample. This peculiarity can be attributed to the formation of the localised band tails in the \({n}^{+}\hbox {-Al}_{0.25}\hbox {Ga}_{0.75}\hbox {As}\) MOCVD-grown sample. The proposed analytical model explains the differences in microwave detection properties of the samples grown by MBE and MOCVD processes.

Beschreibung: Hybrid nanocomposites of II–VI semiconductor nanoparticles are gaining great interest in nonlinear optoelectronic devices. Present work includes the characterization of CdSe polymer nanocomposite prepared by chemical in situ technique. From X-ray diffraction, the hexagonal wurtzite structure of nanoparticles has been confirmed with spherical morphology from transmission electron microscopy. Ag–CdSe hybrid polymer nanocomposite has been prepared chemically at different Ag concentrations. The presence of Ag in hybrid nanocomposite has been confirmed with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The effect of varying Ag concentration on the linear and nonlinear optical properties of the nanocomposites has been studied. In linear optical parameters, the linear absorption coefficient, refractive index, extinction coefficient and optical conductivity have been calculated. The third-order nonlinear optical properties have been observed with open- and closed-aperture Z-scan technique. The large nonlinear refractive index ~10 −5  cm 2 /W with self-focusing behaviour is due to the combined effect of quantum confinement and thermo-optical effects. The enhanced nonlinearity with increasing Ag content is due to the surface plasmon resonance, which enhances the local electric field near the nanoparticle surface. Thus, Ag–CdSe hybrid polymer nanocomposite has favourable nonlinear optical properties for various optoelectronic applications.

Beschreibung: The effect of doping palladium (Pd) at the Cu site of CaCu 3 Ti 4 O 12 powders (CCPTO) synthesized by sol–gel technique on electrical properties was studied. XRD analysis revealed the formation of CCTO and CCPTO ceramics with some minor quantities of impurities. SEM micrographs revealed that the grain size decreased with Pd doping. TEM micrographs of CCPTO powder showed the formation of irregular-shaped particles of ~40 nm. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss showed a significant enhancement with Pd doping. A significant decrease in grain-boundary resistance with Pd doping was ascertained by impedance spectroscopy study.

Beschreibung: Uranium groundwater anomalies, observed before the L’Aquila earthquake (April 6th, 2009) and before the seismic swarm, which occurred in the second half of 2010, represent a key geochemical signal of a progressive increase of deep fluids fluxes at middle–lower crustal levels associated with the geodynamics of the earthquake. In this paper, temporal variations of uranium groundwater are studied in association with the seismic pattern around Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS-INFN). The normalized seismic energy release and the number of earthquakes are analyzed in detail by means of monthly sliding time windows. They are compared with uranium anomalies to highlight any possible correlation.

Beschreibung: We report the result of a 2010 survey of the effects on the Iranian coastline of the tsunami which followed the earthquake of 27 November 1945 ( M 0  = 2.8 × 10 28  dyn cm; M w  = 8.2), the only large event recorded along the Makran subduction zone since the onset of instrumental seismology. Based on the interview of elderly survivors of the event, we obtained a database of nine values of run-up or splash amplitudes on a segment of shore extending 280 km from Souraf in the West to Pasabandar near the Pakistani border, and ranging in vertical amplitude from 2.3 to 13.7 m. Witness reports are consistent with a significant delay (estimated at ~2.5 h) of the tsunami waves, suggesting that they were generated by an ancillary phenomenon, such as a landslide triggered by the earthquake. None of our witnesses bore ancestral memory of comparable events in the past, suggesting that reported predecessors to the 1945 earthquake may have been smaller in size. The survey also allowed the compilation of previously unreported data concerning the effects of the 2004 Sumatra–Andaman tsunami.

Beschreibung: Multi-scale scratch analysis on a regional gravity field is a new data processing system for depicting three-dimensional density structures and tectonic features. It comprises four modules including the spectral analysis of potential fields, multi-scale wavelet analysis, density distribution inversion, and scratch analysis. The multi-scale scratch analysis method was applied to regional gravity data to extract information about the deformation belts in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which can help reveal variations of the deformation belts and plane distribution features from the upper crust to the lower crust, provide evidence for the study of three-dimensional crustal structures, and define distribution of deformation belts and mass movement. Results show the variation of deformation belts from the upper crust to the lower crust. The deformation belts vary from dense and thin in the upper crust to coarse and thick in the lower crust, demonstrating that vertical distribution of deformation belts resembles a tree with a coarse and thick trunk in the lower part and dense and thin branches at the top. The dense and thin deformation areas in the upper crust correspond to crustal shortening areas, while the thick and continuous deformation belts in the lower crust indicate the structural framework of the plateau. Additionally, the lower crustal deformation belts recognized by the multi-scale scratch analysis coincide approximately with the crustal deformation belts recognized using single-scale scratch analysis. However, deformation belts recognized by the latter are somewhat rough while multi-scale scratch analysis can provide more detailed and accurate results.

Beschreibung: This work focuses on the composition and microstructure of the lead white pigment employed in a set of paintworks, using a combination of µ-XRD and 2D scanning XRF, directly applied on five drapery studies attributed to Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) and conserved in the Département des Arts Graphiques , Musée du Louvre and in the Musée des Beaux - Arts de Rennes . Trace elements present in the composition as well as in the lead white highlights were imaged by 2D scanning XRF. Mineral phases were determined in a fully noninvasive way using a special µ-XRD diffractometer. Phase proportions were estimated by Rietveld refinement. The analytical results obtained will contribute to differentiate lead white qualities and to highlight the artist’s technique.

Beschreibung: Easel paintings on canvas are subjected to alteration mechanisms triggered or accelerated by moisture. For the study of the spatial distribution and kinetics of such interactions, a moisture exposure chamber was designed and built to perform neutron radiography experiments. Multilayered sized and primed canvas samples were prepared for time-resolved experiments in the ICON cold neutron beamline. The first results show that the set-up gives a good contrast and sufficient resolution to visualise the water uptake in the layers of canvas, size and priming. The results allow, for the first time, real-time visualisation of the interaction of water vapour with such layered systems. This offers important new opportunities for relevant, spatially and time-resolved material behaviour studies and opens the way towards numerical modelling of the process. These first results show that cellulose fibres and glue sizing have a much stronger water uptake than the chalk–glue ground. Additionally, it shows that the uptake rate is not uniform throughout the thickness of the sized canvas. With prolonged moisture exposure, a higher amount of water is accumulating at the lower edge of the canvas weave suggesting a decrease in permeability in the sized canvas with increased water content.

Beschreibung: Titanium dioxide thin films were coated on soda-lime glass substrates using spray pyrolysis method with a thickness of 152 ± 10 nm. The films were irradiated with hydrogen ions at room temperature at various beam energies and fluences. Optimized incident beam energy and beam fluence were obtained to improve photocatalytic and hydrophilicity properties of TiO 2 thin films by narrowing the band gap. Samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy to study the surface morphology and by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy to measure the band gap. The optical band gap of H-doped anatase TiO 2 thin films irradiated with hydrogen beam with energies of 2 and 4 keV and a fluence of 10 15 ions/cm 2 was narrowed from 3.34 eV (before irradiation) to 3.04 and 2.92 eV (after irradiation), respectively. The irradiated sample with energy of 4 keV with a fluence of 10 15 ions/cm 2 has the best improvement. This is attributed to the contraction of the band gap and to the increase in surface active site. Furthermore, it was observed that photocatalytic and hydrophilicity properties of this sample were improved, as well.

Beschreibung: The complexity of the modeling of the rotational motion of the Earth in space has produced that no single theory has been adopted to describe it in full. Hence, it is customary using at least a theory for precession and another one for nutation. The classic approach proceeds by deriving some of the fundamental parameters from the precession theory, like, e.g., the dynamical ellipticity \(H_{\mathrm{d}}\) , and then using those values in the nutation theory. The former IAU 1976 precession and IAU 1980 nutation theories followed that scheme. Along with the improvement of the accuracy of the determination of Earth orientation parameters, IAU 1980 was superseded by IAU2000, based on the application of the MHB2000 transfer function to the previous rigid Earth analytical theory REN2000. The latter was derived while the precession model IAU 1976 was still in force, therefore it used the corresponding values for some of the fundamental parameters, as the precession rate, associated to the dynamical ellipticity. The new precession model P03 was adopted as IAU 2006. That change introduced some inconsistency since P03 used different values for some of the fundamental parameters that MHB2000 inherited from REN2000. Besides, the derivation of the basic Earth parameters of MHB2000 itself comprised a fitted variation of the dynamical ellipticity adopted in the background rigid theory. Due to the strict requirements of accuracy of the present and coming times, the magnitude of the inconsistencies originated by this twofold approach is no longer negligible as earlier, hence the need of discussing the effects of considering slightly different values for \(H_\mathrm{d}\) in precession and nutation theories.

Beschreibung: Data assimilation is a critical component for short-range weather forecasting; a number of algorithms have been developed and applied for assimilation of different kind of observations. However, an important but less explored question is the (optimal) amount of observation for maximum improvement in forecasts through data assimilation. Because the meteorological fields at different spatial and temporal resolutions are not necessarily mutually independent, indefinite increase in resolution of observations may be ineffective; thus data optimality in this sense can be defined as the maximum resolution of observation beyond which no appreciable improvement occurs due to assimilation of data. Based on forecasts of seven events over a complex terrain (urban location, Delhi) with different combinations of observations, we show that improvement in forecast skill does not saturate even with assimilation of observations a few kilometers (〈10 km) apart. The improvement due to assimilation of data from each of the profilers is appreciable; however, the impact was generally the highest for assimilation of data from all the four profilers. Applicable strategies for observation system design over high-impact areas are discussed.

Beschreibung: People have calculated Rayleigh-wave phase velocities from vertical component of ambient seismic noise for several years. Recently, researchers started to extract Love waves from transverse component recordings of ambient noise, where “transverse” is defined as the direction perpendicular to a great-circle path or a line in small scale through observation sensors. Most researches assumed Rayleigh waves could be negligible, but Rayleigh waves can exist in the transverse component when Rayleigh waves propagate in other directions besides radial direction. In study of data acquired in western Junggar Basin near Karamay city, China, after processing the transverse component recordings of ambient noise, we obtain two energy trends, which are distinguished with Rayleigh-wave and Love-wave phase velocities, in the frequency–velocity domain using multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW). Rayleigh waves could be also extracted from the transverse component data. Because Rayleigh-wave and Love-wave phase velocities are close in high frequencies (〉0.1 Hz), two kinds of surface waves might be merged in the frequency–velocity domain. Rayleigh-wave phase velocities may be misidentified as Love-wave phase velocities. To get accurate surface-wave phase velocities from the transverse component data using seismic interferometry in investigating the shallow geology, our results suggest using MASW to calculate real Love-wave phase velocities.

Beschreibung: In this paper, nanocrystalline ZnO film with porous structure was successfully prepared on alumina substrate by the technology of screen printing and the subsequent heat treatment. The fundamental characteristics of the as-prepared sample were examined through XRD, FE-SEM, EDX and PL spectra measurements. Meanwhile, photoelectric responses of it were tested under UV and white light irradiation, respectively. Different photocurrent curves were obtained. Under UV light, the photocurrent with comparatively high amplitude of each cycle could mostly recover upon the light off. While for white light, the photocurrent with low amplitude just partially recovered when the light was turned off. This phenomenon indicated that, after the white light off, a large number of free electrons still remained within the materials. To calculate the amount of the remained free electrons, three photocurrent parameters, which are related to the density of free electrons in ZnO, were defined for the first time. Furthermore, the explanations for the different photoelectric responses of ZnO based on the double Schottky barrier model were also proposed.

Beschreibung: The evolution of the microstructure and texture of Cu-2.7Be alloys during hot rolling was investigated and related to the mechanical properties of the resulting sheets. Hot cross-rolling is shown to be an effective way to refine the hard and brittle secondary-phase particles in Cu-2.7Be alloys. The Cu- and brass-type textures increase and decrease in prevalence, respectively, during the rolling process. The yield strengths along the first and second rolling directions, and 45° to the former, are all enhanced because the corresponding Schmid factors decrease as the sheets are rolled thinner. The ductility anisotropy of the as-rolled sheets is related to the distribution and shape of the secondary-phase particles therein.

Beschreibung: Novel In 2 O 3 /BiVO 4 heterojunction composite photocatalysts with tunable In 2 O 3 content were prepared using a mild hydrothermal method. The structure, composition, and optical properties of the In 2 O 3 /BiVO 4 composites were determined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared composites were investigated by studying the degradation of methylene blue (MB) solutions under simulated visible light irradiation ( λ  〉 420 nm). It was found that the 50 % proportion of In 2 O 3 in the In 2 O 3 /BiVO 4 composite exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance, leading to 91 % decomposition of MB within 240 min of irradiation.

Beschreibung: Uruk archaeological site, which located in Al-Muthanna Governorate southern Iraq, was investigated by integrated geophysical methods, ground penetration radar (GPR) and electric resistivity tomography (ERT) to image the historical buried structures. The GPR images show large radar attributes characterized by its continuous reflections having different widths. GPR attributes at shallower depth are mainly representing the upper part of Babylonian Houses that can often be found throughout the study area. In addition, radargrams characterized objects such as buried items, buried trenches and pits which were mainly concentrated near the surface. The ERT results show the presence of several anomalies at different depths generally having low resistivities. It is clear that the first upper zone can be found throughout the whole area and it may represent the top zone of the Babylonian houses. This zone is characterized by its dry clay and sandy soil containing surface broken bricks and slag mixed with core boulders. The second one underneath the top shows a prominent lower resistivity zone. It is probably caused by the moisture content that reduces the resistivity. The thickness of this zone is not equal at all parts of the site. The third deeper zone typically represents the archaeological walls. Most of the main anomalies perhaps referred to the buried clay brick walls. The map of the archaeological anomalies distribution and 3D view of the foundations at the study area using GPR and ERT techniques clearly show the characteristics of the Babylonian remains. A contour map and 3D view of Uruk show that the archaeological anomalies are concentrated mainly at the NE part of the district with higher values of wall height that range between 6 and 8 m and reach to more than 10 m. At the other directions, there are fewer walls with lower heights of 4–6 m and reach in some places the wall foot.

Beschreibung: Photovoltaic Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) thin films have been deposited on the glass substrate by a simple and low-cost spray pyrolysis technique without sulfurization treatment in a toxic atmosphere. The influence of the substrate temperatures on the structural, compositional, morphological, optical and electrical properties of the CZTS films was investigated. The formation of kesterite structure in the films was confirmed using X-ray diffraction measurements. The improved crystallinity of the CZTS with a (112) orientation was observed with increasing the substrate temperature. The band gap of all films was found to be in the range from 1.44 to 1.56 eV which is close to the ideal band gap for the highest theoretical conversion efficiency of solar cell. AFM analysis revealed a smooth, compact and crack-free morphology. The electrical studies showed that all these samples had a p-type conductivity, and the free hole density and mobility increased with increasing the substrate temperature.

Beschreibung: The various Co 2 MnSi films, from chemical ordered L 2 1 state to completely disordered amorphous state, were prepared on glass substrates with different deposition/annealing temperatures. The influence of deposition/annealing temperature on the crystallographic defects and atomic disorders, and further on the magnetic and transport properties of the Co 2 MnSi films were investigated in detail. The decrease in crystallinity leads to the structure disorder, spin disorder and further the reduction of magnetization as well as the increase of residual resistivity. The dominant source in anomalous Hall effect for the polycrystalline samples is the skew scattering, while the skew scattering coefficient a becomes larger with the increasing deposition temperature, due to the increase of skew scattering center introduced by the increasing structure disorder.

Beschreibung: The luminescence of a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in a nanodiamond (ND) is of great interest because of its features, especially in the field of nanophotonics. When an NV center in an ND is located in the vicinity of the surface, the emission is often disturbed by any surface defects, resulting in non-radiative recombination. In this work, we performed dressed photon–phonon (DPP) etching of the NDs, and found that the size of the NDs decreased, while the cathodoluminescence (CL) intensity increased. We assume that this increase in the CL intensity originates from the removal of the surface protrusions and/or defects by DPP etching.

Beschreibung: This paper has investigated the dynamic behavior of a cylindrically shaped DNA nanoparticle during its displacement on a rough substrate by an atomic force microscope. Due to the cylindrical geometry of the DNA nanoparticle, two multi-asperity models have been considered for the adhesion between nanoparticle and rough substrate. The two selected models for the contact between smooth and rough surfaces have been further developed for cylindrical geometries. One of these models is analytical and based on uniform asperities and the other one is based on random asperities. Also, in each of these models, the real area of contact between particle and rough substrate has been calculated based on the number of asperities in contact. Then, a 3D dynamic model for the manipulation of cylindrical nanoparticle on rough substrate has been developed and simulated. The maximum difference between the results obtained from the two multi-asperity models is 〈5 %, indicating a good agreement between the two models. The comparison of critical forces indicates that the critical force necessary for moving a particle is smaller for rough substrates than for smooth substrates and larger compared to the critical force obtained from the Rabinovich model, which is single-asperity model. Finally, the surface roughness parameters were estimated from the topographic images, and the manipulation process was simulated for these substrates by developing the relevant equations. The obtained results indicated that the critical force for a substrate with a higher root-mean-square roughness is smaller and particles can be moved easier on such a substrate.

Beschreibung: Electropulsing treatment is a practical method to arrest crack propagation. The microstructure characterization and research on the forming mechanism are difficult due to the small affected area (0.01–1 mm 2 ), high-temperature gradient (10 2  K/mm) and change rate (10 4 –10 7  K/s). In this paper, the 1045 steel plate with a preexisting crack subjected to high-voltage pulses was investigated. The surface morphologies and microstructure around the crack tip were observed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Experimental results showed that the material around the tip melted, splashed and blunted under electropulsing treatment. The microstructure around the molten hole was divided into four distinct regions. An electro-thermal coupled model considering material ejection, cavity formation, current oscillation and temperature-dependent material properties was proposed to investigate the dynamic formation process of molten hole and gradient microstructure. The uneven temperature distribution, high cooling rate and insufficient carbon diffusion led to the formation of gradient microstructure.

Beschreibung: Nanostructured metallic backside reflectors (BSRs) are crucial for enhanced optical absorption in thin-film amorphous silicon solar cells. The structural fabrication based on rapid aluminum (Al) anodization has a potential for roll-to-roll processes, which are promising for low-cost and large-scale fabrication of BSRs. In this regard, the short fabrication time via appropriate choice of acid, acid concentration, temperature, and time-dependent voltage control is very important. In addition, we first demonstrate the trimming of structural height by using conventional Al anodization, so the best pore size of BSRs with the same structural height can be determined. According to integrated external quantum efficiency (IEQE) calculations, the nanostructured BSR with 430-nm pore size shows 51.6 % IEQE improvement compared with the value of the flat BSR. Moreover, it is interesting that the absorption spectra of a -Si:H on nanostructured Al BSRs with and without the 100-nm Ag coating are highly similar even if the optical properties of Al and Ag are different.

Beschreibung: The nature of charge transport mechanism in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanofiber bundles has been studied as a function of temperature, magnetic field and AC electric field. High-resolution transmission electron micrographs show the formation of nanofibers with an average diameter of 14 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis depicts the enhancement of polymer chains ordering with increasing dopant concentration. Analysis of the temperature dependence of resistivity reveals a three-dimensional variable range hopping electrical conduction mechanism in the synthesized nanofibers system. A large positive magnetoresistance has been observed at low temperature, which shows a decreasing trend with increasing temperature as well as dopant concentration. The high value of positive magnetoresistance at low temperature has been explained by the wave function shrinkage model. The decrease in frequency exponent s with increasing temperature suggests that the AC conduction takes place through correlated barrier hopping mechanism.

Beschreibung: The Roman invasion introduces new alloys and metallurgical practices in Iberian Peninsula. The southwestern end of this region has many evidences of connections with the Roman World, but there are no studies about the manufacture and use of copper-based artefacts during this period. Therefore, a set of about 20 ornaments, tools and small attachments recovered at the Roman sites of Monte Molião and Cidade das Rosas was studied by an analytical approach combining micro-EDXRF, optical microscopy, SEM–EDS and Vickers microhardness testing. The artefact composition shows a good correlation with function, namely pure copper for nails and rivets, low-tin bronze (2–6 wt% Sn) for basic tools, high-tin bronze (14 wt% Sn) for fibulae and high-lead bronze (19 wt% Pb) for a decorated jug handle. The manufacture also depends on function because most artefacts were subjected to thermomechanical processing, except the ornaments that would not benefit from post-casting work. Brass and gunmetal were only present in the site with a later chronology. A metallurgy visibly ruled by economical, aesthetical and technological concerns reinforces the evidences about the total integration of Southwestern Iberian Peninsula in the Roman World, but further studies will be essential to determine the evolution of copper-based alloys in Lusitania under Roman influence.

Beschreibung: Rapid thermal annealing effects on the electrical, structural and surface morphological properties of a fabricated Ti/p-GaN Schottky diode (SD) have been investigated. The AFM results showed that the surface morphology of the Ti/p-GaN SD is reasonably smooth at different annealing temperatures. The estimated Schottky barrier height (SBH) of the as-deposited and 200 °C annealed Ti/p-GaN SDs is found to be 0.88 eV ( I – V )/1.02 eV ( C – V ) and 0.91 eV ( I – V )/1.11 eV ( C – V ). Results showed that the SBH increases to 0.98 eV ( I – V )/1.26 eV ( C – V ) upon annealing at 300 °C for 1 min in N 2 ambient. However, the SBH slightly decreases to 0.94 eV ( I – V )/1.17 eV ( C – V ) after annealing at 400 °C. Using Norde method and Cheung’s functions, the series resistance, SBH and ideality factor of the Ti/p-GaN SD are estimated and discussed at various annealing temperatures. Also, the difference between the SBHs calculated by I – V and C – V methods are discussed. Further, the interface state density N ss of the Ti/p-GaN SD is calculated and it is found to be decreases upon annealing at 300 °C and then slightly increases after annealing at 400 °C. Experimental electrical results are also correlated with the interfacial microstructure of the Ti/p-GaN SD. The SIMS and XRD results revealed that the increase or decrease in the SBHs of the Ti/p-GaN SD upon annealing could be attributed to the formation of Ti–N and Ga–Ti interfacial phases at the interface.

Beschreibung: Artificial intelligence models have the capacity to eliminate the need for expensive experimental investigation in various areas of manufacturing processes, including the material science. This study investigates the applicability of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) approach for modeling the performance parameters of thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) of perovskite oxide for solid oxide fuel cell cathode. Oxides (Ln = La, Nd, Sm and M = Fe, Ni, Mn) have been prepared and characterized to study the influence of the different cations on TEC. Experimental results have shown TEC decreases favorably with substitution of Nd 3+ and Mn 3+ ions in the lattice. Structural parameters of compounds have been determined by X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy has been used for the morphological study. Comparison results indicated that the ANFIS technique could be employed successfully in modeling thermal expansion coefficient of perovskite oxide for solid oxide fuel cell cathode, and considerable savings in terms of cost and time could be obtained by using ANFIS technique.

Beschreibung: The model based on rate- and state-dependent friction law reproduces the temporal decay of an aftershock sequence with the p  value of the Omori–Utsu law equal to 1, if we simply assume a constant stress rate over time. However, because p  values vary in real aftershock sequences, this model requires some modification. This study examined the effect of secondary aftershocks on the variety of the p  value. A large aftershock causes a stepwise stress increase in the aftershock area, and the expected seismicity rate derived from the friction law also increases abruptly. These multiple increases in the seismicity rate during its decay following a mainshock could cause variation in the apparent p  value. In this study, a model incorporating this idea is applied to two aftershock sequences observed in Japan and is shown to substantially modify the modeling of aftershock activity.

Beschreibung: The depth-to-width aspect ratio of pattern engineering by surface plasmons is limited for its field intensity exponential attenuation property. We here report a method to enhance patterns’ aspect ratio with a mask–photoresist–dielectric–metal four-layer metallic waveguide structure. The parameters, index and thickness, of the dielectric layer are discussed and analyzed to illustrate their affection to the patterns’ resolution and aspect ratio. A small thickness of dielectric with its index higher than photoresist will enhance the resolution and aspect ratio of pattern by these proposed structures. Numerical simulation results show that 40 nm half-pitch and 100 nm depth patterns could be performed by a chromium mask with period of 160 nm at the wavelength of 365 nm.

Beschreibung: The welding of transparent materials with ultrashort laser pulse at high repetition rates has attracted much attention due to its potential applications in fields such as optics, microfluidics, optofluidics and precision machinery. One demanding issue is the stable and reliable welding of different materials without the utilization of an intermediate layer or an optical contact. In this work, we maximized the size of the molten volume in order to generate a large pool of molten material which is able to fill an existing gap between the samples. To this end, we used bursts of ultrashort laser pulses with an individual pulse energy of up to \(10\,\upmu \hbox {J}\) . The laser-induced welding seams exhibit a base area with a size of up to \(450\,\upmu \hbox {m}\,\times 160\,\upmu \hbox {m}\) . Using these large modifications, we are able to overcome the requirement of an optical contact and weld even gaps with a height of about \(3\,\upmu \hbox {m}\) . Bulging of the sample surface and ejection of molten material in the gap between the two samples allow to bridge the gap and enable successful welding. We also determined the breaking strength of laser-welded fused silica samples without an optical contact by a three-point bending test. The determined value of up to 73 MPa is equivalent to 85 % of stability of the pristine bulk material.

Beschreibung: The welded joints of dissimilar materials have been widely used in automotive, ship and space industries. The joint quality is often evaluated by weld seam geometry, microstructures and mechanical properties. To obtain the desired weld seam geometry and improve the quality of welded joints, this paper proposes a process modeling and parameter optimization method to obtain the weld seam with minimum width and desired depth of penetration for laser butt welding of dissimilar materials. During the process, Taguchi experiments are conducted on the laser welding of the low carbon steel (Q235) and stainless steel (SUS301L-HT). The experimental results are used to develop the radial basis function neural network model, and the process parameters are optimized by genetic algorithm. The proposed method is validated by a confirmation experiment. Simultaneously, the microstructures and mechanical properties of the weld seam generated from optimal process parameters are further studied by optical microscopy and tensile strength test. Compared with the unoptimized weld seam, the welding defects are eliminated in the optimized weld seam and the mechanical properties are improved. The results show that the proposed method is effective and reliable for improving the quality of welded joints in practical production.