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Accelerating material discovery has tremendous societal and industrial impact, particularly for pharmaceuticals and clean energy production. Many experimental instruments have some degree of automation, facilitating continuous running and higher throughput. However, it is common that sample preparation is still carried out manually. This can result in researchers spending a significant amount of their time on repetitive tasks, which introduces errors and can prohibit production of statistically relevant data. Crystallisation experiments are common in many chemical fields, both for purification and in polymorph screening experiments. The initial step often involves a solubility screen of the molecule; that is, understanding whether molecular compounds have dissolved in a particular solvent. This usually can be time consuming and work intensive. Moreover, accurate knowledge of the precise solubility limit of the molecule is often not required, and simply measuring a threshold of solubility in each solvent would be sufficient. To address this, we propose a novel cascaded deep model that is inspired by how a human chemist would visually assess a sample to determine whether the solid has completely dissolved in the solution. In this paper, we design, develop, and evaluate the first fully autonomous solubility screening framework, which leverages state-of-the-art methods for image segmentation and convolutional neural networks for image classification. To realise that, we first create a dataset comprising different molecules and solvents, which is collected in a real-world chemistry laboratory. We then evaluated our method on the data recorded through an eye-in-hand camera mounted on a seven degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator, and show that our model can achieve 99.13% test accuracy across various setups., Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures

We demonstrate the first “nonlocal” pump-probe measurement using a scattering scanning near-field microscopy technique by laterally displacing the pump and probe spots. We observe nonlocal effects associated with carrier drift into the probe region.

Automated laboratory experiments have the potential to propel new discoveries, while increasing reproducibility and improving scientists' safety when handling dangerous materials. However, many automated laboratory workflows have not fully leveraged the remarkable advancements in robotics and digital lab equipment. As a result, most robotic systems used in the labs are programmed specifically for a single experiment, often relying on proprietary architectures or using unconventional hardware. In this work, we tackle this problem by proposing a novel robotic system architecture specifically designed with and for chemists, which allows the scientist to easily reconfigure their setup for new experiments. Specifically, the system's strength is its ability to combine together heterogeneous robotic platforms with standard laboratory equipment to create different experimental setups. Finally, we show how the architecture can be used for specific laboratory experiments through case studies such as solubility screening and crystallisation., 7 pages, 5 figures, accepted for presentation at 2022 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA2022)

We present a very simple, rapid and low-cost prototyping technique to make metallic 2D patterns for the terahertz range. We demonstrate arrays of split-ring resonators and wire-grid polarizers.

We demonstrate the first “nonlocal” nanoscale NIR-pump THz-probe measurements of semi-insulating GaAs using a scattering-type scanning near-field microscopy technique. We observe temporal shifts in the photoexcitation response which correspond to lateral offsets in the pump spot.

We demonstrate an experimental platform based on an scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope (s-SNOM) with the ability to perform Laser Terahertz Emission Microscopy (LTEM), Terahertz Time-Domain Imaging (THz-TDI) and optical-pump terahertz probe back-to-back in the same configuration. We illustrate this by imaging a metal-semiconductor interface with all three methods.

ENEA and Ansaldo Nucleare S.p.A. (ANN) have being deeply involved in the European International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) development activities for the manufacturing of the inner vertical target (IVT) plasma-facing components of the ITER divertor. © 2015 IEEE.

FAST (Fusion Advanced Studies Torus) is a proposal for a Satellite Facility which can contribute the rapid exploitation of ITER and prepare ITER and DEMO regimes of operation, as well as exploiting innovative DEMO technology. FAST operates with high performance H-Mode (BT up to 8.5 T; I P up to 8 MA) as well as Advanced Tokamak operation (I P =3 MA), and full non inductive current scenario (I P =2 MA) [1]. The project is based on a dominant 30 MW of ICRH, 6 MW of LH and 4 MW of ECRH.

A new facility for fusion, the Fusion Advanced Studies Torus (FAST), has been proposed to prepare ITER scenarios and to investigate non linear dynamics of energetic particles, relevant for the understanding of burning plasmas behavior, using fast ions accelerated by heating and current drive systems [1]. This new facility is considered an important tool also for the successful development of the demonstration/prototype reactor (DEMO), because the DEMO scenarios can take valuable advantage by a preparatory activity on devices smaller than ITER with sufficient flexibility and capable plasma conditions, before to testing them on ITER itself.

As a part of the FAST (Fusion Advanced Studies Torus) project a neutronic analysis has been performed aimed to design optimization and radiological safety assessment. The neutron emissivity source foreseen for various FAST scenarios has been calculated and used as input for Monte Carlo calculations. The shielding analysis and nuclear heating calculations have been carried out with MCNP5 using a detailed 3-D model of the machine. The energy and spatial distributions of neutron fluxes have been used to perform activation analysis by means of the FISPACT code for safety assessment. The implications of the results on the design of the machine and on safety issues are presented and discussed.

The ITER divertor design, as originally conceived, required further optimisation to overcome the critical issue still remaining after the first assessment and to reduce the redundancies of some feature. In particular, the analyses carried out on the cassette body (CB) and the divertor plasma facing component (PFC) showed substantially high stress due both to thermal and fast-vertical displacement event (VDE) loads to be reduced by modifying the attachment system and making provisions for reducing the electromagnetic loads (EM). On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that a large margin exist in the shielding capability of the proposed design as well as in the required stiffness of the CB. The reduction of the CB thickness allow for a reduction of the thermal stresses. The design revision required many scope analyses to find the best configuration from the EM standpoint, neutronic analysis to assess the minimum shield thickness and a thermal-mechanical analysis on the modified attachment system. The results of the new set of analyses show the soundness of the modified divertor system.

The Ignitor machine is based on an axisymmetric confinement configuration designed to produce high plasma currents. In order to reach the nominal plasma parameters, optimized magnetic configurations with elongated plasma cross sections have to be obtained. A double null plasma shape has been developed for the purpose of identifying configuration requirements and analyzing the load assembly structural stresses. The overall electromagnetic, thermal and structural analysis of the machine configuration has been carried out using FEM models, 2D for electromagnetic and 3D for thermal and structural calculations, which takes into account an accurate description of geometry and materials of each component. In such a sequence of different analyses several FEM models are integrated and linked: common data files with all input entities (geometrical, materials, currents) are available to each FEM model. The output results files are printed in common directories and structured to be directly read or imported by the other FEM models. The whole process is fully automatic and doesn't need any data handling. It is possible in this way to interface different meshes in the same working environment (ANSYS), each aimed at its own calculation and detail. In the present work these points are taken into account and a complete electromagnetic, thermal and mechanical analysis for Ignitor double-null configuration has been done.

The structural analysis of the IGNITOR machine load assembly has been performed taking into account the friction coefficients at the interfaces between the significant components. The finite element ANSYS model was used to analyze the nonlinear mechanical behavior of the structure. The calculation shows stresses within the allowable limits at the operating temperature. Interlaminar shear stresses values on TFC insulation have been validated by the results of test performed by Ansaldo. Two full size of Ignitor TFC turns have been manufactured by Kabel Metal to qualify the fabrication process and the hardening of the material OFHC. Several samples of the cooling channel were machined to validate the Electron Beam (EB) welding process

The upgraded design of the plasma chamber (PC) and of the first wall (FW) system consider the updated scenarios for IGNITOR vertical plasma disruption (VDE). The electromagnetic (EM) loads are so large to require a dynamic elastic-plastic structural analysis of the PC. A 360deg PC torus has been modeled to take into account the toroidal asymmetry of the halo current as well as the lateral EM loads. The PC wall thickness reduces the displacements within the clearance with toroidal coil. The PC low-cycle fatigue analysis results in a lifetime longer than the number of disruption events at the maximum performance

The aim of this work is to present two solutions developed to optimize Flash cell erasing time. These solutions have been proposed with our flash simulator based on Pao and Sah approach. This model was implemented in a common circuit simulator, Eldo, and used to study the Flash memory writing/erasing operations. Thank to simulations, we have proposed two solutions to increase injection efficiency of the cell during erasing operation. The first solution is based on signal optimization and the second on a simple process modification during SAS etching. These two solutions have been validated with ST-Microelectronics Flash technologies.

In an age of heightened awareness due to terrorist threats, there is a great need for decision-support tools for first responder teams, such as FBI bomb squads, HAZMAT teams, etc. These teams suffer from the following deficiencies: "lack of information regarding hazards and equipment, and inadequate management and communication of information" (Jackson et al. 2002, 37). Decision-support tools strengthen the communication and management of disaster situations, and subsequently protect the safety and security of first responders and citizens. This project was the design and implementation of visual tools that improve CoBRAreg (chemical biological response aide), a portable decision- support system that facilitates first responders in hazardous material accidents and attacks (DGI, "CoBRAreg," 2003). Testing of these tools clearly demonstrates the improvements that result from their integration: the automated briefing tool reduces data transfer time by 33%, while it increases reliability of information and the speed of communication within first responder teams. The ATP 45 interface decreases the time required for graphing of isolation and downwind protection zones by 80%. The sketchpad tool reduces the time required for mapping by 83.3%; finally, the GPS tool decreases the time required to understand global positional awareness by 95%. In every case, these tools strengthen the quality and accuracy of information available to first responders; thus, they meet the needs of these teams in handling disaster situations

The shielding of the heat flux coming from plasma is one of the most limiting factors in plasma-facing component (PFC) design. In fact, the performance of a cooled divertor plate system is mainly limited by the heat transfer capability (maximum value of the critical heat flux CHF) and by the capability to sustain thermal stresses, even if the maximum allowable heat flux is determined by the thermal conductivity of the protective material (maximum temperature value on the plasma facing surface). A new concept for cooled thermal shield design was devised and tested. Analyses and tests demonstrate that the new concept introduces very high improvement in PFC design, in terms of both heat removal capability (very high CHF) and related stress performance. Up to 80 MW/m/sup 2/ under steady state were successfully applied.

The Frascati Tokamak Upgrade (FTU) is now operating in the ohmic phase (I/sub p/ up to 1 MA B/sub t/=6 T) with a poloidal limiter. The large heat flux expected during the 8-MW, 8-GHz LH radio frequency heating experimental phase suggested the design and verification of the feasibility of a toroidal limiter. The analyses were carried out on both stainless steel and graphite. The results obtained demonstrate that the solution providing graphite tiles is much better in terms of mechanical performance and reliability. >

The problem of identification of a nonlinear vectorial function is studied using an approach based on the rough set and fuzzy logic theories. The rough set theory allows one to obtain a linguistic description of the function, whereas the fuzzy logic theory allows one to generate numerical values of the function starting from its linguistic description. Simulation experiments are shown regarding the identification of a two-variables sinc function.

The EU design of the ITER Divertor Wing envisages the use of tungsten as an armour because of its low sputter rate. To guarantee an adequate armour lifetime a minimum thickness of 5 mm is required. A promising technology to apply W as an armour for extended surfaces is the plasma spray process (PS). Aim of the activity was qualifying a PS able to realise up to 5 mm thick W coating on Copper Chromium Zirconium (CuCrZr) tube substrate (Dout=50 mm, Din=40 mm and length=150 mm) to be tested with respect to thermal fatigue under high heat flux. Several samples were manufactured, and in particular: many flat samples for selection of the spraying parameters; four tubular samples 50 mm long with W coating thickness of 4 mm; two tubular mock ups 150 mm long with coating thickness of 3 and 5 mm. Thermal fatigue tests were performed at the electron beam facility FE200 (Le Creusot-France). The mock up with 5 mm thick W coating realised with the low pressure plasma spray technique survived without any damage 1000 cycles at 2 MW/m/sup 2/ and 200 cycles at 4 MW/m/sup 2/.

The report presents an overview of the main results obtained with the Frascati Tokamak Upgrade (FTU) machine after four years of operation, Information is given on FTU plasma scenarios (plasma start-up, current ramp-up and ramp down), conditioning of the vacuum chamber, plasma performance during ohmic discharges and commissioning work on additional radiofrequency heating systems. Finally, the major FTU modifications and improvements carried out during the last major shutdown are described.

A semi-quantum model of tunnel current through N-polysilicon/Oxide/N/sup +/-silicon structure is implemented in order to simulate transient behavior of an EEPROM memory cell. This model depends on the sheet charge, electron impact frequency on the interface and tunneling probability. A comparison of this model with Fowler-Nordheim model is given.

A model for static and transient simulations of an electrically erasable programmable read only memory cell has been developed. This physical compact model is based on charge sheet approach which is able to describe the complete electrical behavior of the cell. In this model the charge neutrality, including the charge trapped on the floating gate, is applied to determine the surface potential. From the surface potential, related to the terminal voltages, the drain current and the different charges present in the cell structure can be calculated. This model has been successfully implemented in common circuit simulators and used for the study of the write/erase operations in an electrically erasable programmable read only memory cell.