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We investigate the optical lifetime, decay characteristics, spectral linewidth and energy level properties of thulium ions doped in a KY(WO 4 ) 2 crystal at 4 K temperature. High doping concentration of thulium ions with inhomogeneous broadening allow us to study nonradiative behaviors, instantaneous spectral diffusion, and spectral power broadening in this solid-state material. The theoretical consideration of ion–ion interactions is shown to accurately characterize the absorption, decay and other spectral behaviors of Tm 3 + ions. We observe more than ten-fold reduction in the decay time of 3H4 state and about three-fold reduction in the spectral-hole lifetime as we approach the center of the inhomogeneous broadening, corresponding to higher optical densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energetic disorder induced by fluctuating liquid environments acts in opposition to the precise control required for coherence-based sensing. Overcoming fluctuations requires a protected quantum subspace that only weakly interacts with the local environment. We report a ytterbium complex that exhibited an ultranarrow absorption linewidth in solution at room temperature with a full width at half maximum of 0.625 milli–electron volts. Using spectral hole burning, we measured an even narrower linewidth of 410 pico–electron volts at 77 kelvin. Narrow linewidths allowed low-field magnetic circular dichroism at room temperature, used to sense Earth-scale magnetic fields. These results demonstrated that ligand protection in lanthanide complexes could substantially diminish electronic state fluctuations. We have termed this system an “atomlike molecular sensor” (ALMS) and proposed approaches to improve its performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research dealt with the system of cantilever beam, which has holes of various shapes on its surface, under the influence of direct external load. The design of the system control of four three-dimensional models consisting of steel and various composite materials was modeled and simulating by the use of ANSYS program, using finite element technology. The results of modeling in the ANSYS program using the finite element technique show that the values of the deflection in the models consisting of different composite materials increased by various percentages when compared to the model consisting of steel, with the model consisting of fiber class having the highest value. The displacements in these models also increase at rates almost similar to the percentage of deflections. According to the results, the various stresses that resulted from the steel model in the composite models were reduced by around a third, except for shear stress values, they increased in the composite material models, by more than a third compared to the shear stress in the steel model. The results of strains indicate an increase in the models composed of composite materials in different proportions, with the highest values (92.18%) in the model consisting of fiberglass. The results of the strains and stresses obtained at the seven points and distributed in order at the holes on the surface of the four models located in the path (A - A) most of the increments were at the third point, While the highest value of displacements was at the fifth and eighth points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drilling deviated wellbores has raised concerns about proper cutting transport. Cuttings settling downhole can create stationary cutting beds, causing drilling mishaps like stuck pipes. High fluid velocity is typically required to efficiently erode a stationary bed, but this is constrained by hydraulic and wellbore geometry. When this occurs, pipe rotation can erode the bed mechanically and enable efficient cutting transport even with lower fluid velocities. Therefore, this study formulated water-based mud (WBM) with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (n-HAp) to examine the effect of pipe rotation on cutting transport in deviated wells. It was compared with copper II oxide nanoparticles (CuO NP) in terms of rheology, filtration, and cutting transfer efficiency (CTE). The CTE of n-HAp amounts (0.4–2.0 g) in moving cuttings with diameters of 0.80 to 3.60 mm through deviated wellbores of 40 to 65° at a 3.5 m/s fluid velocity with 60 and 120 rpm pipe rotation speeds was determined. Compared with CuO NP, n-HAp findings demonstrated enhanced rheology and CTE. However, for fluid loss control, n-HAp was slightly less effective compared to CuO NP. For all deviated angles, n-HAp increased the CTE by 9.5–50%, while CuO NP increased it by 3.4–38.7% at 120 rpm. Compared with 60 rpm, a higher CTE occurred at 120 rpm. Moreover, CTE occurs in the following manner: 40° > 65° > 45° > 60° > 50° > 55°. It suggests that stationary bed formation is more likely to occur at inclinations of 50–55°. These findings are crucial for drilling deviated wells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) has been widely applied for the surface protection of electronic component packaging through a pore-sealing process, with the enhanced hardness value reaching around 400 Vickers hardness (HV). However, the traditional AAO fabrication at 0~10 °C for surface protection takes at least 3–6 h for the reaction or other complicated methods used for the pore-sealing process, including boiling-water sealing, oil sealing, or salt-compound sealing. With the increasing development of nanostructured AAO, there is a growing interest in improving hardness without pore sealing, in order to leverage the characteristics of porous AAO and surface protection properties simultaneously. Here, we investigate the effect of voltage on hardness under the same AAO thickness conditions in oxalic acid at room temperature from a normal level of 40 V to a high level of 100 V and found a positive correlation between surface hardness and voltage. The surface hardness values of AAO formed at 100 V reach about 423 HV without pore sealing in 30 min. By employing a hybrid pulse anodization (HPA) method, we are able to prevent the high-voltage burning effect and complete the anodization process at room temperature. The mechanism behind this can be explained by the porosity and photoluminescence (PL) intensity of AAO. For the same thickness of AAO from 40~100 V, increasing the anodizing voltage decreases both the porosity and PL intensity, indicating a reduction in pores, as well as anion and oxygen vacancy defects, due to rapid AAO growth. This reduction in defects in the AAO film leads to an increase in hardness, allowing us to significantly enhance AAO hardness without a pore-sealing process. This offers an effective hardness enhancement in AAO under economically feasible conditions for the application of hard coatings and protective films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In glass industry, the evolved gases and fumes from burning the gas fuel absorbed in calcium hydroxide to minimize the pollution of environment. After a period of time, the calcium hydroxide fouled with sulphate and carbonate as action of the absorbed SO3 and CO2 gases. Based on our interest to treatment the solid waste materials, this study intended to convert the obtained waste of calcium hydroxide fouled with gases to valuable products. Firstly, this waste was treated with water, caustic soda and acids. The results confirmed the conversion of waste to pure calcium sulfate by treatment with 6 v/v% sulfuric acid. Secondly, the obtained calcium sulfate was reacted with ammonium dihydrogen phosphate solution for preparation of calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles. The produced HAp sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and N2 adsorption measurements. The obtained findings confirmed that the HAp can be produced after calcination at 700 °C, nanorods-like of sizes ranged from 11 to 15 nm and with main surface functional groups of hydroxyapatite. TGA and DTA data indicated that HAp is thermally stable up to 700 °C. Also, the obtained HAp has Ca/P molar ratio of 1.60 and exhibited high total surface area of 146 m2/g with mesoporous structure which make this material can be used in medical and water purification applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy is used to investigate formation and ultrafast long-distance propagation of electron–hole plasma in strongly photoexcited GaAs and InP. The observed phenomena involve fundamental interactions of electron–hole system with light, which manifest themselves in two different regimes: a coherent one with the plasma propagation speeds up to c/10 (in GaAs at 20 K) and an incoherent one reaching up to c/25 (in InP at 20 K), both over a macroscopic distance >100 μm. We explore a broad range of experimental conditions by investigating the two materials, by tuning their band gap with temperature and by controlling the interaction strength with the optical pump fluence. Our interpretation suggests that the observed phenomena should occur in most direct band semiconductors upon strong photoexcitation with low excess energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal safety issues of batteries have hindered their large‐scale applications. Nonflammable electrolytes improved safety but solvent evaporation above 100 °C limited thermal tolerance, lacking reliability. Herein, fire‐tolerant metal‐air batteries were realized by introducing solute‐in‐air electrolytes whose hygroscopic solutes could spontaneously reabsorb the evaporated water solvent. Using Zn/CaCl2‐in‐air/carbon batteries as a proof‐of‐concept, they failed upon burning at 631.8 °C but self‐recovered then by reabsorbing water from the air at room temperature. Different from conventional aqueous electrolytes whose irreversible thermal transformation is determined by the boiling points of solvents, solute‐in‐air electrolytes make this transformation determined by the much higher decomposition temperature of solutes. It was found that stronger intramolecular bonds instead of intermolecular (van der Waals) interactions were strongly correlated to ultra‐high tolerance temperatures of our solute‐in‐air electrolytes, inspiring a concept of non‐van der Waals electrolytes. Our study would improve the understanding of the thermal properties of electrolytes, guide the design of solute‐in‐air electrolytes, and enhance battery safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical treatment based on the equations of motion of an electronic reduced density matrix, and related computational modeling, is used to describe and calculate relaxation times for nanostructured TiO2(110) surfaces, here for Ag and Ag2 adsorbates. The theoretical treatment deals with the preparation of a photoexcited system under two different conditions, by steady light absorption with a cutoff and by a light pulse, and describes the following relaxation of electronic densities. On the computational modeling, results are presented for electronic density of states, light absorbance, and relaxation dynamics, comparing results for Ag and Ag2 adsorbates. The aim of this work is to provide insight on the dynamics and magnitude of relaxation rates for a surface with adsorbed open- and closed-shell Ag species to determine whether the advantages in using them to enhance light absorbance remain valid in the presence of charge density relaxation. Different behaviors can be expected depending on whether the adsorbate particles (Ag metal clusters in our present choice) have electronic open-shell or closed-shell structures. Calculated electron and hole lifetimes are given for pure TiO2(110), Ag/TiO2(110), and Ag2/TiO2(110). The present results, while limited to chosen structures and photon wavelengths, show that relaxation rates are noticeably different for electrons and holes, but comparable in magnitude for pure and adsorbate surfaces. Overall, the introduction of the adsorbates does not lead to rapid loss of charge carriers, while they give large increases in light absorption. This appears to be advantageous for applications to photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical treatment based on the equations of motion of an electronic reduced density matrix, and related computational modeling, is used to describe and calculate relaxation times for nanostructured TiO2(110) surfaces, here for Ag and Ag2 adsorbates. The theoretical treatment deals with the preparation of a photoexcited system under two different conditions, by steady light absorption with a cutoff and by a light pulse, and describes the following relaxation of electronic densities. On the computational modeling, results are presented for electronic density of states, light absorbance, and relaxation dynamics, comparing results for Ag and Ag2 adsorbates. The aim of this work is to provide insight on the dynamics and magnitude of relaxation rates for a surface with adsorbed open- and closed-shell Ag species to determine whether the advantages in using them to enhance light absorbance remain valid in the presence of charge density relaxation. Different behaviors can be expected depending on whether the adsorbate particles (Ag metal clusters in our present choice) have electronic open-shell or closed-shell structures. Calculated electron and hole lifetimes are given for pure TiO2(110), Ag/TiO2(110), and Ag2/TiO2(110). The present results, while limited to chosen structures and photon wavelengths, show that relaxation rates are noticeably different for electrons and holes, but comparable in magnitude for pure and adsorbate surfaces. Overall, the introduction of the adsorbates does not lead to rapid loss of charge carriers, while they give large increases in light absorption. This appears to be advantageous for applications to photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐assembled materials with complex nanoscale and mesoscale architecture attract considerable attention in energy and sustainability technologies. Their high performance can be attributed to high surface area, quantum effects, and hierarchical organization. Delineation of these contributions is, however, difficult because complex materials display stochastic structural patterns combining both order and disorder, which is difficult to be consistently reproduced yet being important for materials' functionality. Their compositional variability make systematic studies even harder. Here, a model system of FeSe2 "hedgehog" particles (HPs) was selected to gain insight into the mechanisms of charge storage n complex nanostructured materials common for batteries and supercapacitors. Specifically, HPs represent self‐assembled biomimetic nanomaterials with a medium level of complexity; they display an organizational pattern of spiky colloids with considerable disorder yet non‐random; this patternt is consistently reproduced from particle to particle.. It was found that HPs can accommodate ≈70× greater charge density than spheroidal nano‐ and microparticles. Besides expanded surface area, the enhanced charge storage capacity was enabled by improved hole transport and reversible atomic conformations of FeSe2 layers in the blade‐like spikes associated with the rotatory motion of the Se atoms around Fe center. The dispersibility of HPs also enables their easy integration into energy storage devices. HPs quadruple stored electrochemical energy and double the storage modulus of structural supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors are key devices required in the industrial, military, space, environmental, and biological fields. The Schottky barrier (SB)-MOSFET, with its high hole and electron barrier, and given its extremely low dark current, has broad development prospects in the optoelectronics field. We analyze the effects of trap states on the output characteristics of an inversion mode n-channel GaN SB-MOSFET using TCAD simulations. At the oxide/GaN interface below the gate, it was demonstrated that shallow donor-like traps were responsible for degrading the subthreshold swing (SS) and off-state current density (Ioff), while deep donor-like traps below the Fermi energy level were insignificant. In addition, shallow acceptor-like traps shifted the threshold voltage (Vt) positively and deteriorated the SS and on-state current density (Ion), while deep acceptor-like traps acted on a fixed charge. The output characteristics of the GaN SB-MOSFET were related to the resistive GaN path and the tunneling rate due to the traps at the metal (source, drain)/GaN interface. For the UV responses, the main mechanism for the negative Vt shift and the increases in the Ion and spectral responsivity was related to the photo-gating effect caused by light-generated holes trapped in the shallow trap states. These results will provide insights for UV detection technology and for a high-performance monolithic integration of the GaN SB-MOSFET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work studies the total gain of the InTlAsSb quantum dot structure, which is not studied earlier. Adding thallium to structures makes it emit at larger wavelengths. The nonlinear effect of the injected signal power is examined for three quaternary thallium structures: In0.85Tl0.15AsSb, In0.93Tl0.07AsSb and In0.97Tl0.03AsSb. The gain peak was increased by four times and the wavelength was shifted to longer one for the In0.97Tl0.03AsSb quantum dot (QD) structure. This quaternary QD structure extends the emission wavelength to more than 12 μm which is important in long-wavelength infrared applications. The nonlinear behavior of these QD structures is also addressed. It is shown that the structure In0.97Tl0.03AsSb has a deeper spectral hole burning which is adequate for nonlinear signal processing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs), sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS), and diesel blends on the ignition delay and burning rate are examined experimentally. For this purpose, single-droplet combustion tests were conducted in a combustion system for 21 days using CNTs at concentrations of 50 ppm and 100 ppm, which were dispersed in Colombian commercial diesel and stabilized by SDBS. Videos of the diesel droplet burning were obtained using a high-speed camera, and the Shadowgraph optical technique was used to observe the development of the droplet size during combustion. Thus, records of the process were collected, and the treatment was carried out using a MATLAB algorithm. The measurements and processing were carried out along with a stability study, which included measurements of dynamic light scattering (DLS), pH, potential Zeta, and properties such as thermal conductivity and surface tension. The results demonstrated that the temporal stability has a direct impact on the single-droplet combustion tests because a concentration of CNTs of 100 ppm showed a higher stability than those achieved by 50 ppm. Consequently, improvements were found with a concentration of 100 ppm—for instance, the thermal conductivity increased by about 20%, the ignition delay time increased by 16.2%, and the burning rate increased by 30.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-implantation of Mg with N has been shown to improve p-type conductivity in Mg-implanted GaN. Achievement of p-type material still requires temperatures beyond the thermodynamic stability of GaN, however. In this study, we present results of implantation and anneal activation of GaN, co-implanted with Mg and N or Mg only by repeated, short thermal cycles of 1350 °C using a high-power gyrotron microwave source with a quasi-gaussian intensity profile. Spatial variations in optical and electrical properties of the resulting films are characterized by photoluminescence and diode I–V and C–V measurements. Resistive Mg/N co-implanted and annealed material shows dominant luminescence of the VN-related green luminescence (GL2) band at 2.37 eV and relatively lower intensity acceptor-related ultraviolet luminescence (UVL) at 3.27 eV. However, a material showing p–n diode behavior shows higher-intensity UVL luminescence and suppression of the GL2 band, permitting observation of the yellow luminescence (YL) present in the as-grown GaN. The YL is attributed to unintentionally introduced CN–ON complexes and is commonly observed in GaN grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition but is typically absent in implanted/annealed GaN. Co-implanted material is compared to material implanted only with Mg and annealed under the same conditions, which shows p-type activation, but contains persistent GL2 luminescence post-anneal and lowers maximum hole concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acquisition of reliable knowledge about the mechanism of short laser pulse interactions with semiconductor materials is an important step for high-tech technologies towards the development of new electronic devices, the functionalization of material surfaces with predesigned optical properties, and the manufacturing of nanorobots (such as nanoparticles) for bio-medical applications. The laser-induced nanostructuring of semiconductors, however, is a complex phenomenon with several interplaying processes occurring on a wide spatial and temporal scale. In this work, we apply the atomistic–continuum approach for modeling the interaction of an fs-laser pulse with a semiconductor target, using monolithic crystalline silicon (c-Si) and porous silicon (Si). This model addresses the kinetics of non-equilibrium laser-induced phase transitions with atomic resolution via molecular dynamics, whereas the effect of the laser-generated free carriers (electron–hole pairs) is accounted for via the dynamics of their density and temperature. The combined model was applied to study the microscopic mechanism of phase transitions during the laser-induced melting and ablation of monolithic crystalline (c-Si) and porous Si targets in a vacuum. The melting thresholds for the monolithic and porous targets were found to be 0.32 J/cm2 and 0.29 J/cm2, respectively. The limited heat conduction mechanism and the absence of internal stress accumulation were found to be involved in the processes responsible for the lowering of the melting threshold in the porous target. The results of this modeling were validated by comparing the melting thresholds obtained in the simulations to the experimental values. A difference in the mechanisms of ablation of the c-Si and porous Si targets was considered. Based on the simulation results, a prediction regarding the mechanism of the laser-assisted production of Si nanoparticles with the desired properties is drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An earthquake-resistant brick of M150–M175 grade is obtained from a low-alumina (Al2O3) < 15%) fusible clay and a high-alumina (Al2O3 > 60%) nanotechnogenic aluminoalkaline sludge. The use of the aluminoalkaline sludge even in the amount of 20% enhances the performance characteristics of the ceramic brick to the M125 grade; the optimum amount of the aluminoalkaline sludge to be used is at most 30%. The crystallization of hematite, anorthite, diopside, and crystobalite is observed when the temperature of burning of the ceramic samples is 1000°C. The increase in the burning temperature to 1050°C results in no specific changes, except for an increase in the content of crystobalite, anorthite, glass phase, and diopside. A further increase in the temperature of burning of the aseismic brick to 1100°C favors the emergence of mullite, which increases the main physicomechanical and chemical characteristics of the aseismic brick. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical spectral hole burning (MSHB) has been used to investigate the nonlinear dynamics in polymers, ranging from melts, solutions, block co-polymers, and glasses. MSHB was developed as an analog to the dielectric spectral hole burning method, which is not readily applicable in polymers due to weak dielectric response. While similar holes were observed in both mechanical and dielectric hole burning, the interpretations were different. In the latter case, it has been argued that the holes are related to dynamic heterogeneity as related to an increase in the local temperature of molecular sub-ensembles (spatial heterogeneity), while in the former case, the holes have been related to the type of dynamics (rubbery, Rouse, etc.). Recent work from our laboratories used MSHB to investigate glassy poly(methyl methacrylate) and showed evidence of hole burning and supported the hypothesis that the origin of holes was related to dynamic heterogeneity as evidenced by the holes being developed near the strong β-relaxation in PMMA. In this work, MSHB is used to study polycarbonate, which has a weak β-relaxation, and the results are compared with those observed in PMMA. We observe that the polycarbonate exhibits weak holes and the nature of the holes with a change in pump amplitude and frequency is different than observed in PMMA. These results support the hypothesis that the hole burning observed in amorphous polymers below the glass transition temperature is related to the strength of the β-transition, which, in turn, is related to molecular level heterogeneity in the material dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth ions hosted in solids are good candidates for quantum technologies due to their chemical stability and optical and spin transitions exhibiting long coherence lifetimes. While bulk oxide crystals are usually the preferred host material, the development of a scalable silicon-compatible thin film platform would be desirable. In this paper, we report on the growth of Y2(1−x)Eu2xO3 thin films on silicon in the full range of Eu3+ concentration by direct liquid injection chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Our sub-micrometer polycrystalline films with a strong-(111) texture were grown for all compositions into the bixbyite cubic phase. The variation of growth rates with temperature and flow indicated that deposition occurred through a mass-transport controlled regime. Optical assessment of the Eu-doped thin films showed inhomogeneous linewidths as narrow as 50 GHz and fluorescence lifetimes of 1 ms for the lowest concentrations. Finally, a spectral hole was successfully burned in a 200 nm-thin film with a 2% Eu doping leading to a homogeneous linewidth of 11 MHz. These values are still below those reported for bulk single crystals indicating that additional decoherence mechanisms exist in such nanometric films, which might be alleviated by further improvement of the crystalline quality. Nevertheless, these results pave the way to the use of CVD-grown Eu:Y2O3 thin films as a platform for integrated quantum devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonlinear mechanics of soft materials such as polymer melts or polymer solutions are frequently investigated by Large Amplitude Oscillatory Shear (LAOS) spectroscopy tests. Less work has been reported on the characterization of the nonlinear viscoelastic properties of glassy polymers within a similar framework. In the present work, we use an extension of LAOS, i.e., mechanical spectral hole burning (MSHB), to investigate the nonlinear dynamics of an amorphous polymer in the deep glassy state. MSHB was developed as an analog to non-resonant spectral hole burning developed by Schiener et al. [Science 274(5288), 752–754 (1996)], who attributed the presence of holes to dynamic heterogeneity. On the other hand, Qin et al. [J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 47(20), 2047–2062 (2009)] in work on polymer solutions of tailored heterogeneity have attributed the presence of holes to the type of dynamics (Rouse, rubbery, etc.) rather than to a specific spatial heterogeneity. Here, we have performed MSHB experiments on poly(methyl methacrylate) in the deep glassy state (at ambient temperature, which is near to the β-relaxation) to investigate the presence and origin of holes, if any. The effects of pump frequency and pump amplitude were investigated, and we find that vertical holes could be burned successfully for frequencies from 0.0098 Hz to 0.0728 Hz and for pump amplitudes from 2% to 9% strain. On the other hand, horizontal holes were incomplete at high pump amplitude and low frequency, where higher spectral modification is observed. The results are interpreted as being related to the dynamic heterogeneity corresponding to the β-relaxation rather than to the hysteresis energy absorbed in the large deformation pump. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous depletion of fossil fuels and the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable energy sources have prompted researchers to look for alternative energy sources. The loss of thermal energy in heat engines (100 °C–350 °C), coal-based thermal plants (150 °C–700 °C), heated water pumping in the geothermal process (150 °C–700 °C), and burning of petrol in the automobiles (150 °C–250 °C) in form of untapped waste-heat can be directly and/or reversibly converted into usable electricity by means of charge carriers (electrons or holes) as moving fluids using thermoelectric (TE) technology, which works based on typical Seebeck effect. The enhancement in TE conversion efficiency has been a key challenge because of the coupled relation between thermal and electrical transport of charge carriers in a given material. In this review, we have deliberated the physical concepts governing the materials to device performance as well as key challenges for enhancing the TE performance. Moreover, the role of crystal structure in the form of chemical bonding, crystal symmetry, order–disorder and phase transition on charge carrier transport in the material has been explored. Further, this review has also emphasized some insights on various approaches employed recently to improve the TE performance, such as, (i) carrier engineering via band engineering, low dimensional effects, and energy filtering effects and (ii) phonon engineering via doping/alloying, nano-structuring, embedding secondary phases in the matrix and microstructural engineering. We have also briefed the importance of magnetic elements on thermoelectric properties of the selected materials and spin Seebeck effect. Furthermore, the design and fabrication of TE modules and their major challenges are also discussed. As, thermoelectric figure of merit, zT does not have any theoretical limitation, an ideal high performance thermoelectric device should consist of low-cost, eco-friendly, efficient, n - or p -type materials that operate at wide-temperature range and similar coefficients of thermal expansion, suitable contact materials, less electrical/thermal losses and constant source of thermal energy. Overall, this review provides the recent physical concepts adopted and fabrication procedures of TE materials and device so as to improve the fundamental understanding and to develop a promising TE device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the nature of charge‐trapping defects in amorphous chalcogenide alloy‐based phase‐change memory materials is important for tailoring the development of multilevel memory devices with increased data storage density. Herein, hybrid density‐functional theory simulations have been employed to investigate electron‐ and hole‐trapping processes in melt‐quenched glassy models of four different Ge‐Sb‐Te compositions, namely, GeTe, Sb2Te3, GeTe4, and Ge2Sb2Te5. The calculations demonstrate that extra electrons and holes are spontaneously trapped, creating charge‐trapping centers in the bandgap of the amorphous materials. Over‐ and undercoordinated atoms, tetrahedral and "see‐saw" octahedral‐like geometries, fourfold rings, homopolar bonds, near‐linear triatomic configurations, and chain‐like motifs comprise the range of the defective atomic environments that have been identified in the structural patterns of the charge‐trapping sites inside the glassy networks. The results illustrate that charge trapping corresponds to an intrinsic property of the glassy Ge‐Sb‐Te systems, show the impact of electron and hole localization on the atomic bonding of these materials, and they may have important implications related to the operation of phase‐change electronic‐memory devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human bone has shown to have luminescent properties that remain throughout the phases of cremation, with the exception of fully carbonized bone, when excited with a narrow band light source. During this research, an alternate light source (420–470nm, peak at 445nm) was used to visualize and investigate latent details relevant for forensic investigations of human remains recovered at fire scenes. As fire is a destructive force, it induces a vast variety of physical and chemical alterations to all components of the bone, making the subsequent analysis and interpretation of burned human remains challenging. A spectral shift in emission bandwidth, from green to red, was previously observed when the exposure temperature increased from 700 to 800 °C. This spectral shift was reproduced on a total of 10 human forearms, divided into 20 segments, by burning at 700 °C and 900 °C in an ashing furnace. The shift of emission bandwidth caused only by an increase in temperature was furthermore investigated by colorimetric analysis, proving the spectral shift to be significant. By easily quantifying the spectral shift, substantiation is provided for the use of this technique in practice to improve the interpretation of heat induced changes of bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of two spin components with different Larmor frequencies in colloidal CdSe and CdS quantum dots (QDs) leads to the entanglement of spin signals, complicating the analysis of dynamic processes and hampering practical applications. Here, we explored several methods, including varying the types of hole acceptors, air or anaerobic atmosphere and laser repetition rates, in order to facilitate the obtention of one single Larmor frequency in the coherent spin dynamics using time-resolved ellipticity spectroscopy at room temperature. In an air or nitrogen atmosphere, manipulating the photocharging processes by applying different types of hole acceptors, e.g., Li[Et3BH] and 1-octanethiol (OT), can lead to pure spin components with one single Larmor frequency. For as-grown QDs, low laser repetition rates favor the generation of the higher Larmor frequency spin component individually, while the lower Larmor frequency spin component can be enhanced by increasing the laser repetition rates. We hope that the explored methods can inspire further investigations of spin dynamics and related photophysical processes in colloidal nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral plasmonic nanostructures have emerged as promising objects for numerous applications in nanophotonics, optoelectronics, biosensing, chemistry, and pharmacy. Here, we propose a novel method to induce strong chirality in achiral ensembles of gold nanoparticles via irradiation with circularly-polarized light of a picosecond Nd:YAG laser. Embedding of gold nanoparticles into a nanoporous silicate matrix leads to the formation of a racemic mixture of metal nanoparticles of different chirality that is enhanced by highly asymmetric dielectric environment of the nanoporous matrix. Then, illumination with intense circularly-polarized light selectively modifies the particles with the chirality defined by the handedness of the laser light, while their "enantiomers" survive the laser action almost unaffected. This novel modification of the spectral hole burning technique leads to the formation of an ensemble of plasmonic metal nanoparticles that demonstrates circular dichroism up to 100 mdeg. An unforeseen peculiarity of the chiral nanostructures obtained in this way is that 2D and 3D nanostructures contribute almost equally to the observed circular dichroism signals. Thus, the circular dichroism is neither even nor odd under reversal of direction of light propagation. These findings will help guide the development of a passive optical modulator and nanoplatform for enhanced chiral sensing and catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Nanosensors and actuators are frequently made of graphene. Any defect in the graphene's manufacturing has an impact on its sensing performance and on its dynamic behaviour. Using a molecular dynamics technique, the influence of pinhole defects and atomic defects on the performance parameters of single-layer graphene sheets (SLGSs) and double-layer graphene sheets (DLGSs) with various boundary conditions and lengths is explored. In contrast to the perfect nanostructure of a graphene sheet, defects are described as holes formed by atomic vacancies. As the number of defects increases, the simulation results show that the presence of defects has the greatest impact on the resonance frequency of SLGSs and DLGSs. The influence of pinhole defect (PD) and atomic vacancy defect (AVD) on armchair, zigzag, and chiral SLGSs and DLGSs was investigated in this article using molecular dynamics simulation. The influence of both types of defects is largest when it is adjacent to the fixed support for all three different types of graphene sheets, i.e. armchair, zigzag, and chiral. Methods: The structure of the graphene sheet has been created using ANSYS APDL software. In the structure of the graphene sheet, atomic and pinhole defects have been generated. SLG and DLG sheets are modelled using a space frame structure that is identical to a three-dimensional beam. Dynamic analysis of single-layer and double-layer graphene sheets performed with different lengths using the atomistic finite element method. The interlayer separation in the form of Van der Waals interaction is modelled using characteristic spring element (Combin14). The upper and lower sheets of DLGSs are described as elastic beams connected by a spring element. With atomic vacancy defect for the bridged boundary condition, the highest frequency of 2.86 × 108 Hz was found for zigzag DLG (20 0) and with same boundary condition for pinhole defect 2.79 × 108 Hz frequency achieved. In a single-layer graphene sheet with an atomic vacancy and cantilever boundary condition, the maximum efficiency was 4.13 × 103 Hz for SLG (20 0), while in a pinhole defect, it produced 2.73 × 107 Hz. Moreover, the elastic parameters of beam components are calculated using the mechanical properties of covalent bonds between carbon atoms in the hexagonal lattice. The model has been tested against previous research. The focus of this research is to develop a mechanism for determining how defects affect graphene frequency band in application as nano resonators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We report a high-resolution fiber optic temperature sensor system based on an air-filled Fabry–Pérot (FP) cavity, whose spectral fringes shift due to a precise pressure variation in the cavity. The absolute temperature can be deduced from the spectral shift and the pressure variation. For fabrication, a fused-silica tube is spliced with a single-mode fiber at one end and a side-hole fiber at the other to form the FP cavity. The pressure in the cavity can be changed by passing air through the side-hole fiber, causing the spectral shift. We analyzed the effect of sensor wavelength resolution and pressure fluctuation on the temperature measurement resolution. A computer-controlled pressure system and sensor interrogation system were developed with miniaturized instruments for the system operation. Experimental results show that the sensor had a high wavelength resolution (<0.2 pm) with minimal pressure fluctuation (~ 0.015 kPa), resulting in high-resolution ( ± 0.32   ℃ ) temperature measurement. It shows good stability from the thermal cycle testing with the maximum testing temperature reaching 800   ℃ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Nd3+-doped Ca3Nb(Al0.5Ga0.5)3Si2O14 (Nd:CNAGS) crystal with dimensions 50 × 80 × 16 mm³ was grown for the first time using the Czochralski (Cz) method as a potential material for ultrafast laser application and elastic optical modulators. The thermal expansion coefficients in different directions show a small difference, which means that the crystal expands more uniformly and could reduce the internal stress concentration when the temperature changes. The specific heat of Nd:CNAGS in the temperature range of 25-300 °C was in the range of 0.632-0.988 J g-1 K-1. The thermal conductivity of the crystal is anisotropic, and the thermal conductivity in the z direction increases with the increase of temperature and is obviously greater than that in the x direction. The optical properties of the crystal, including absorption, transmission, and fluorescence spectra, have been systematically analyzed; the strongest absorption peak with a full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 19 nm is centered at 805 nm wavelength, and the broad emission band with a peak at 1066 nm has an FWHM of 16 nm. The experimental line strength, the calculated spectral line intensities, the spontaneous radiation probability, the fluorescence branching ratio, and the radiation lifetime are obtained using the Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory. A 1.06 μm continuous-wave (CW) laser output was realized using the Nd:CNAGS crystal. The maximum output power at 1.06 μm wavelength is 1.54 W at an incident pump power of 12.87 W under an output coupler of 5% along the x-axis direction, corresponding to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 11.97% and a slope efficiency η of 12.28%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The super-droplet method (SDM) is a Lagrangian particle-based numerical scheme for cloud microphysics. In this work, a series of simulations based on the DYCOMS-II (RF02) setup with different horizontal and vertical resolutions are conducted to explore the grid convergence of the SDM simulations of marine stratocumulus. The results are compared with the double-moment bulk scheme (SN14) and model intercomparison project (MIP) results. In general, all SDM and SN14 variables show a good agreement with the MIP results and have similar grid size dependencies. The stratocumulus simulation is more sensitive to the vertical resolution than to the horizontal resolution. The vertical grid length DZ << 2.5 m is necessary for both SDM and SN14. The horizontal grid length DX < 12.5 m is necessary for the SDM simulations. DX = 25 m is sufficient for SN14. We also assess the numerical convergence with respect to the super-droplet (SD) numbers. The simulations are well converged when the SD number concentration (SDNC) is larger than 16 SDs/cell. Our results indicate that the SD number per grid cell is more critical than that per unit volume at least for the stratocumulus case investigated here. A comparison of the SDM and SN14 results shows that the cloud cover in SN14 is higher than that in the SDM at a common grid resolution. Therefore, the cloud layer in the SDM is more strongly eroded by the warm free atmosphere through the cloud holes. addition, the radiative cooling at the cloud top is weaker in the SDM. The warmer cloud layer in the SDM results in a smaller liquid water mixing ratio. The smaller cloud volume also weakens the buoyancy production and decreases the turbulence kinetic energy. The larger cloud holes in the SDM could be explained by the two following mechanisms: 1) the SDM does not have numerical diffusion; hence, the dissipation of the small-scale dynamical features of entrainment processes, such as cloud holes, caused by numerical diffusion does not happen; and 2) due to the sedimentation process in the SDM, the total particle number concentration near the cloud top and in the cloud holes is relatively low. The aerosol particle depletion in the hole volume in the SDM makes the cloud holes more persistent. This study provides guidance on the numerical settings required for the accurate simulation of stratocumulus clouds and helps us understand the mechanisms of cloud-aerosol interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric microplasma jets (MPJs) sustained in rare gases have gained increased attention due to their potential to generate highly reactive species. In this paper, we present space- and time-resolved argon metastable densities, Ar(1s5), measured in an atmospheric pressure MPJ operated in Ar and propagating into ambient air using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (1s5 → 2p9 optical transition). The MPJ was produced using a dielectric barrier discharge energized by short duration (230 ns) high-voltage positive pulses (4.2–6.2 kV) at a repetition frequency of 20 kHz. The spectral absorption line profile was recorded and allowed measurements of the absolute metastable Ar(1s5) density integrated in the line-of-sight of the laser beam under various operating conditions of the MPJ. The results reveal a sensitive dependence of the Ar(1s5) density on spatial coordinates, i.e., distance from the exit of the capillary tube of the discharge and from the axis of the argon jet. The highest Ar(1s5) densities of about 3 × 1013 cm−3 were measured at the axis of the argon jet at longitudinal distances between 4 and 5.5 mm downstream from the nozzle of the tube. The temporal distribution of the Ar(1s5) density, which presents three maxima, is thoroughly discussed in this paper. The spatial distribution of the effective Ar(1s5) lifetime (<250 ns) is also reported, giving some insight into the surrounding environment of the argon metastable atoms. The determined spatiotemporal distributions of the Ar(1s5) density can be useful for the optimization of argon MPJs for different applications like surface or biomedical processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of longitudinal spatial hole burning on the performance of a semiconductor laser with a strongly asymmetric resonator is investigated numerically. The effects of spatial hole burning on, firstly, the non-stimulated recombination in the laser (quantified as an increased effective threshold current) and, secondly, the output efficiency are calculated and compared, and the latter is shown to dominate at high currents. It is shown that the output efficiency at high pumping levels in the presence of the spatial hole burning effect can be estimated using the standard expression as the ratio of output loss to total loss, but with the internal loss enhanced by a factor greater than one and independent on the injection level. A simple universal expression for this factor for a highly asymmetric cavity, as a function of the output mirror reflectance, is obtained and compared to numerical results, with good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the band-gap structure of the spectrum of the Neumann problem for the Laplace operator in a strip with periodic dense transversal perforation by identical holes of a small diameter ε > 0. The periodicity cell itself contains a string of holes at a distance O (ε) between them. Under assumptions on the symmetry of the holes, we derive and justify asymptotic formulas for the endpoints of the spectral bands in the low-frequency range of the spectrum as ε → 0. We demonstrate that, for ε small enough, some spectral gaps are open. The position and size of the opened gaps depend on the strip width, the perforation period, and certain integral characteristics of the holes. The asymptotic behavior of the dispersion curves near the band edges is described by means of a 'fast Floquet variable' and involves boundary layers in the vicinity of the perforation string of holes. The dependence on the Floquet parameter of the model problem in the periodicity cell requires a serious modification of the standard justification scheme in homogenization of spectral problems. Some open questions and possible generalizations are listed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescence probes are widely used to assess the molecular environment based on their photo-physical properties. Specifically, flexible and aromatic photo-functional system (FLAP) is unique viscosity probe owing to the excited-state planarization of anthracene wings. We have previously applied fluorescence spectroscopy to monitor the evaporative crystallization of solvents. The fluorescence color and spectral changes, which depend on the aggregation form, enable direct fluorescence visualization during evaporative crystallization. The fluorescence visualization of the liquid-like cluster intermediate proposed in the two-step nucleation model for the nucleation process has been achieved. However, the physical properties of these clusters, especially the viscosity, molecular motion, and intermolecular interactions, are still unclear. In this study, FLAPs are used as probes for local-viscosity changes and space limitations of the liquid-like cluster state during evaporative crystallization by observing the fluorescence–spectral changes and using hyperspectral-camera (HSC) imaging. Green emission originates from the monomer in the solution owing to the free-flapping motion. The fluorescence color turns blue with increasing viscosity under crowding conditions. If the survival time of the liquid-like cluster state is sufficient, crystalline phase (R-phase) formation proceeds via a 2-fold π-stacked array of the V-shaped molecules. It is difficult to form the V-shaped stacked columnar structures in the liquid-like cluster state region, resulting in the deposition of head-to-tail dimer structures, such as the yellow-emissive phase (Y-phase). In the case of the FLAP, the stacking intermediate does not form during solvent evaporation in the liquid-like cluster; rather, it is deposited in an amorphous form that exhibits blue emission (B-phase). These findings suggest that it is important to the maintenance of the survival time of the liquid-like cluster states to organize and rearrange the stacking forms. We have achieved the fluorescence probing of viscosity changes at local molecular motion with solvent depletion during solvent evaporation for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional slow evaporation solution growth technique was used to grow potassium iodide-doped L-Alanine single crystals (PI-LA). Single crystal x-ray diffraction analysis revealed the lattice parameters of the grown crystal. UV–Visible-NIR spectral analysis was carried out to analyze the linear optical properties of the crystal. The Vickers microhardness test was performed on the grown PI-LA single crystal to study the mechanical stability. The fluorescence property of the grown crystal was investigated, resultant it emits blue light. The open and closed aperture curves of Z-scan analysis were used to estimate the third-order nonlinear refractive index and third-order absorption coefficient, respectively. It revealed that the material has reverse saturable absorption. The second harmonic generation measurement has been carried out using the Kurtz-Perry powder technique. The results of various investigations, the PI-LA crystals could be useful for nonlinear optical frequency conversion device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates a Fano filter design based on a nano-hole array, patterned in fused silica using high-energy ultrafast femtosecond laser pulses. After carefully observing the experimental results, the structural profile of the nano-holes is numerically modeled in a 3D finite-difference time-domain-based software platform. The metasurface design consists of conical shaped air holes structured in the substrate, and a later deposited waveguide layer which leaves craters on the surface as the material fills inside the nano-holes. The spectral properties of the device are studied against variations in the structural parameters, such as the depth of the nano-holes, its surface diameter, and the depth of the craters on the surface of the waveguide. The proposed Fano filter device is designed to operate in the near-infrared (NIR) wavelength range around a telecommunication window of 1550 nm. Multiple narrowband resonances are observed with a linewidth in the range of 1.4 to 24.2 nm and a quality factor of 66.51 to 1090.12. The device shows good spectral tunability over a wide range from 1380 to 1650 nm comprising multiple narrowband resonances and variations in the structural parameters. Since the device can be implemented using a cost-effective and rapid fabrication method, it can be proposed for use in various optical filtering and sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The active mode-locking technique of quantum cascade lasers is highly affected by the bias current level and the magnitude of the modulated signal because of the spatial hole burning effect. The laser generates a stable pulse train near the threshold current and for a high modulation magnitude. We show in this paper an improvement of these conditions with an integration of a single-layer graphene which works as a saturable absorber. The light-matter interaction in the laser active region is described by the two-level Maxwell-Bloch equations and in graphene layer by the Maxwell-Ampere equation and Maxwell-Bloch equations. These system equations are solved using the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method which has the main advantage of not involving any approximation. The weakly coupled splitting scheme is adopted for the time discretization of Maxwell and Bloch equations. The graphene saturable absorption is modelled by a saturable conductivity in Maxwell-Ampere equation and with the dipole moment and carrier density in Maxwell-Bloch equations. For a QCL structure with a gain recovery time of 50 ps, simulation results show better stability of the mode-locking over a broad range of injection current and for smaller magnitude of the modulated signal. QCL structure with gain recovery time close to 1 ps reveals the generation of two pulses per roundtrip linked to spatial hole burning. The carrier grating strength can be reduced by changing the boundary conditions of the cavity such as with a high reflectivity mirror in front of graphene layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar-to-hydrogen generation is a promising approach to generate clean and renewable fuel. Nanohybrid structures such as CdSe@CdS-Pt nanorods were found favorable for this task (attaining 100% photon-to-hydrogen production efficiency); yet the rods cannot support overall water splitting. The key limitation seems to be the rate of hole extraction from the semiconductor, jeopardizing both activity and stability. It is suggested that hole extraction might be improved via tuning the rod's dimensions, specifically the width of the CdS shell around the CdSe seed in which the holes reside. In this contribution, we successfully attain atomic-scale control over the width of CdSe@CdS nanorods, which enables us to verify this hypothesis and explore the intricate influence of shell diameter over hole quenching and photocatalytic activity towards H2 production. A non-monotonic effect of the rod's diameter is revealed, and the underlying mechanism for this observation is discussed, alongside implications towards the future design of nanoscale photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While modern industry has contributed to the prosperity of an increasingly urbanized society, it has also led to serious pollution problems, with discharged wastewater and exhaust gases causing significant environmental harm. Titanium dioxide (TiO2), which is an excellent photocatalyst, has received extensive attention because it is inexpensive and able to photocatalytically degrade pollutants in an environmentally friendly manner. TiO2 has many advantages, including high chemical stability, low toxicity, low operating costs, and environmental friendliness. TiO2 is an N-order semiconductor material with a bandgap of 3.2 eV. Only when the wavelength of ultraviolet light is less than or equal to 387.5 nm, the valence band electrons can obtain the energy of the photon and pass through the conduction band to form photoelectrons, meanwhile the valence band forms a photogenerated hole. And light in other wavelength regions does not excite this photogenerated electrons. The most common methods used to improve the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 involve increasing its photoresponse range and reducing photogenerated-carrier coupling. The morphology, size, and structure of a heterojunction can be altered through element doping, leading to improved photocatalytic efficiency. Mainstream methods for preparing TiO2 are reviewed in this paper, with several excellent preparation schemes for improving the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 introduced. TiO2 is mainly prepared using sol-gel, solvothermal, hydrothermal, anodic oxidation, microwave-assisted, CVD and PVD methods, and TiO2 nanoparticles with excellent photocatalytic properties can also be prepared. Ti-containing materials are widely used to purify harmful gases, as well as contaminants from building materials, coatings, and daily necessities. Therefore, the preparation and applications of titanium materials have become globally popular research topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance and low-cost photocatalysts play the key role in achieving the large-scale solar hydrogen production. In this work, we report a liquid-exfoliation approach to prepare NiPS3 ultrathin nanosheets as a versatile platform to greatly improve the light-induced hydrogen production on various photocatalysts, including TiO2, CdS, In2ZnS4 and C3N4. The superb visible-light-induced hydrogen production rate (13,600 μmol h−1 g−1) is achieved on NiPS3/CdS hetero-junction with the highest improvement factor (~1,667%) compared with that of pure CdS. This significantly better performance is attributed to the strongly correlated NiPS3/CdS interface assuring efficient electron-hole dissociation/transport, as well as abundant atomic-level edge P/S sites and activated basal S sites on NiPS3 ultrathin nanosheets advancing hydrogen evolution. These findings are revealed by the state-of-art characterizations and theoretical computations. Our work for the first time demonstrates the great potential of metal phosphorous chalcogenide as a general platform to tremendously raise the performance of different photocatalysts. While light-driven water splitting offers a renewable means to produce fuel, the limited availability of high-performance materials inspires the search for new photocatalysts. Here, authors demonstrate two-dimensional NiPS3 to enhance semiconductor photocatalytic H2 evolution activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diesel soot particles are of concern for both the environment and health. To catalytically remove them, it is important to know their structure and composition. There is little described in the literature on how catalysts favor the combustion of different soot fractions. In this work, programmed temperature oxidation (TPO) experiments were carried out using Co,Ce or Co,Ba,K catalysts supported on ceramic papers. Soot particles were obtained by burning diesel fuel in a vessel (LabSoot) or by filtering exhaust gases from a turbo diesel engine in a DPF filter (BenchSoot), and compared with a commercial diesel soot: Printex U. Various characterization techniques were useful to relate the characteristics of both the soot particles and the catalysts with the TPO results. The maximum catalytic soot burn rate (TM) temperatures were in the range of diesel exhaust temperatures that would facilitate in-situ regeneration of the DPF. The Co,Ba,K catalyst showed a higher catalytic effect in LabSoot, as the latter exhibited the largest primary particles and the higher order of graphene layers, for which the potassium-containing catalyst improves the contact between soot and catalyst and favors the combustion of soot, while the Co,Ce catalyst preferentially enhanced the combustion of commercial soot by supplying active oxygen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confined coupled acoustic line-modes supported by two parallel lines of periodic holes on opposite surfaces of a glide-symmetric waveguide have a hybrid character combining symmetric and anti-symmetric properties. These hybrid coupled acoustic line-modes have a near constant group velocity over a broad frequency range as no band gap is formed at the first Brillouin zone boundary. We show that the hybrid character of these confined modes is tuneable as a function of the spacing between the two surfaces. Further we explore how the band-gap reappears as the glide symmetry is broken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Coal Science & Technology (0253-2336) is the property of Coal Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cryogenics is a pivotal aspect in the development of quantum technologies. Closed-cycle devices have recently emerged as an environmentally friendly and low-maintenance alternative to liquid helium cryostats. Yet the larger level of vibrations in dry cryocoolers forbids their use in most sensitive applications. In a recent work, we have proposed an inertial, broadband, contactless sensor based on the piezospectroscopic effect, i.e., the natural sensitivity of optical lines to strain exhibited by impurities in solids. This sensor builds on the exceptional spectroscopic properties of rare earth ions and operates below 4 K, where spectral hole burning considerably enhances the sensitivity. In this paper, we investigate the fundamental and technical limitations of this vibration sensor by comparing a rigid sample attachment to the cold stage of a pulse-tube cryocooler and a custom-designed exchange gas chamber for acoustic isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Clean Coal Technology is the property of Clean Coal Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There have recently been remarkable achievements in turning lightâ€"matter interaction into strong-coupling quantum regime. In particular, room-temperature plexcitonic strong coupling in plasmon-exciton hybrid systems can bring promising benefits for fundamental and applied physics. Herein, we review theoretical insight and recent experimental achievements in plexcitonic strong coupling, and divide this review into two main parts. The first part briefly introduces the general field of strong coupling, including its origin and history, physical mechanisms and theoretical models, as well as recent advanced applications of strong coupling, such as quantum or biochemical devices enabled by optical strong coupling. The second part concentrates on plexcitonic strong coupling by introducing its unique features and new potentials (such as single-particle ultrastrong coupling, strong-coupling dynamics in femtosecond scale) and discusses the limitations and challenges of plexcitonic strong coupling. This will also be accompanied by potential solutions, such as microcavity-engineered plexcitonics, spectral hole burning effects and metamaterial-based strong coupling. Finally, we summarize and conclude this review, highlighting future research directions and promising applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the number of graphene layers on the spectral responsivity and response speed of graphene/n-type Si (Gr/n-Si)-based Schottky barrier photodiodes is investigated. Gr/n-Si photodiode devices are fabricated by transferring chemical vapor deposition-grown graphene layers one by one on n-Si substrates, reaching up to three graphene layers. The devices show a clear rectifying Schottky character and have a maximum responsivity at a peak wavelength of 905 nm. Wavelength-resolved and time-dependent photocurrent measurements demonstrated that both spectral responsivity and response speed are enhanced as the number of graphene layers is increased from 1 to 3 on n-Si substrates. For example, the spectral responsivity and the response speed of the fabricated device were found to be improved by about 15% (e.g., from 0.65 to 0.75 AW−1) and 50% (e.g., 14 to 7 μs), respectively, when three graphene layers are used as the hole-collecting cathode electrode. The experimentally obtained results showed that the device parameters, such as spectral responsivity and response speed of Gr/n-Si Schottky barrier photodiodes, can be boosted simply by increasing the number of graphene layers on n-Si substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three subjects in polymer and soft matter physics are outlined in the present article. The first relates to concepts of an ideal glass transition. We describe work on ultra‐stable glass, either a 20‐million‐year‐old amber or a vapor deposited amorphous fluoropolymer, which examines the temperature dependence of the dynamics in a window between a low fictive temperature and the glass transition temperature. From this "finesse" of the problem of the geological time scales in sub‐glass temperature systems strong evidence that the divergence of the relaxation times at finite temperature from WLF‐types of extrapolation is not correct. The second topic is polymer nonlinear viscoelasticity as it relates to dynamic heterogeneity. We show results from mechanical hole burning experiments that suggest that dynamic heterogeneity arises from the nature of specific relaxation mechanisms rather than heterogeneous changes in, for example, the fictive temperature. Included is a discussion of large amplitude oscillatory shear testing and how it relates to characterization of nonlinear viscoelastic materials. The last topic addressed is the rheology of circular macromolecules. Here, we take a historical perspective and describe important new results from several laboratories that seem inconsistent. New works from our own studies on circular DNA are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectral hole burning reduces sodium laser guide star efficiency. Due to photon recoil, atoms that are initially resonant with the single-frequency laser get Doppler shifted out of resonance, which reduces the return flux. Frequency-chirped (also known as frequency-swept) continuous-wave lasers have the potential to mitigate the effect of spectral hole burning and even increase the laser guide star efficiency beyond the theoretical limit of a single-frequency laser. We investigate the return flux of frequency-chirped laser guide stars and its dependence on environmental and chirping parameters. On-sky measurements of a frequency-chirped, single-frequency laser guide star are performed at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma. A fast photon-counting receiver system is employed to resolve the return-flux response during laser frequency sweeps gaining insights into the population dynamics of the sodium layer. At a launched laser power of 16.5 W, we find a maximum gain in return flux of 22 per cent compared to a fixed-frequency laser at a chirping amplitude of the order of 150 MHz and a chirping rate of 0.8 MHz µs−1. Time-resolved measurements during the chirping period confirm our understanding of the population dynamics in the sodium layer. These are the first measurements of return-flux enhancement for laser guide stars excited by a single-frequency-chirped continuous-wave laser. For higher laser powers, the effectiveness of chirping is expected to increase, which could be highly beneficial for telescopes equipped with high-power laser guide star adaptive optics systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capability to finely tailor material thickness with simultaneous atomic precision and non-invasivity would be useful for constructing quantum platforms and post-Moore microelectronics. However, it remains challenging to attain synchronized controls over tailoring selectivity and precision. Here we report a protocol that allows for non-invasive and atomically digital etching of van der Waals transition-metal dichalcogenides through selective alloying via low-temperature thermal diffusion and subsequent wet etching. The mechanism of selective alloying between sacrifice metal atoms and defective or pristine dichalcogenides is analyzed with high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. Also, the non-invasive nature and atomic level precision of our etching technique are corroborated by consistent spectral, crystallographic, and electrical characterization measurements. The low-temperature charge mobility of as-etched MoS2 reaches up to 1200 cm2 V−1s−1, comparable to that of exfoliated pristine counterparts. The entire protocol represents a highly precise and non-invasive tailoring route for material manipulation. Here, the authors exploit a non-invasive layer-bylayer etching technique to fabricate electronic devices based on 2D transition metal dichalcogenides with controlled thickness and transport properties comparable to those of exfoliated flakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]