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We present the results of an investigation into the growth of InGaSb/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) by molecular beam epitaxy using migration-enhanced epitaxy. Surface atomic force microscopy and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy show that the QDs undergo a significant change in morphology upon capping with GaAs. A GaAs ‘cold capping’ technique was partly successful in preserving QD morphology during this process, but strong group-V intermixing was still observed. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy reveals that the resulting nanostructures are small ‘core’ QDs surrounded by a highly intermixed disc. Temperature varying photoluminescence (PL) measurements indicate strong light emission from the QDs, with an emission wavelength of 1230 nm at room temperature. Nextnano 8 × 8 k.p calculations show good agreement with the PL results and indicate a low level of group-V intermixing in the core QD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To demonstrate the potential for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) incorporation of thin-film photovoltaics, commercially available quantum dots (QDs) have been deposited, as part of a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composite film, on a cadmium telluride (CdTe) micro-module. This resulted in an increase in photocurrent generation through the luminescent down-shifting (LDS) process. The optical properties of these films were characterized through UV–vis spectroscopy. The impact of the film on the micro-module was studied through current–voltage (I–V) and external quantum efficiency measurements. Further layers were added to the initial single-layer LDS film, however no additional improvement to the micro-module were observed. Additionally, a range of emission wavelengths have been explored. The majority of these films, when tested on a CdTe device, were shown to improve the photocurrent generation whilst also visually displaying the vivid colour palette provided by quantum confined materials. The future feasibility of using QD based LDS films for large scale BIPV-based power generation has also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many difficulties exist in directly following the static recrystallization of metals, particularly during hot working. Indirect measurement of static recrystallization has been extensively performed in the literature where, for example, the recrystallization behavior of austenite in steels has commonly been measured indirectly using the fractional softening method. This method relies on the yield stress changes during recrystallization which are physically simulated by hot torsion or compression tests. However, the inherent heterogeneity of deformation during a mechanical test leads to a non-uniform static recrystallization distribution in the test sample. This, in turn, poses a serious question concerning the reliability of the measurement since the stress calculation techniques during recrystallization are not adequately developed in the existing literature.This paper develops a computer-based method to account for heterogeneous deformation during fractional softening measurements based on the hot torsion test data. The importance of the fractional softening gradient in determining the kinetics is emphasized and deficiencies in our understanding of the basic mechanisms are highlighted. A computer-based method is introduced to generate the experimental and computational components in a cost function. The cost function is then utilized by an inverse solution to calibrate the design parameters in a static recrystallization model.A [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of temperature on the forming behavior of an aluminum/polypropylene/aluminum (APA) sandwich sheet was studied. Shear and tensile tests were performed to determine the mechanical properties of the laminate and the component materials as a function of process temperature. The forming limit diagram (FLD) of the laminate was established for two different temperatures, and its springback behavior was examined in four-point bend and channel bend tests. Cup forming tests were performed at various test temperatures to determine the limiting drawing ratio (LDR) and the tendency for wrinkling at these temperatures. Although there was only a minor influence of temperature on the mechanical properties and the FLD values of the laminate, the bend test results reveal that springback can be reduced by forming at higher temperature. The decreasing strength of the core material with rising process temperature led to an increased tendency of the laminate to wrinkle in the heated cup drawing tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]