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Electrochemical nanoimprint lithography (ECNL) has emerged as a promising technique for fabricating three‐dimensional micro/nano‐structures (3D‐MNSs) directly on semiconductor wafers. This technique is based on a localized corrosion reaction induced by the contact potential across the metal/semiconductor boundaries. The anodic etching of semiconductor and the cathodic reduction of electron acceptors occur at the metal/semiconductor/electrolyte interface and the Pt mold surface, respectively. However, the etching rate is limited by the mass transfer of species in the ultrathin electrolyte layer between the mold and the workpiece. To overcome this challenge, we introduce the ultrasonics effect into the ECNL process to facilitate the mass exchange between the ultrathin electrolyte layer and the bulk solution, thereby improving the imprinting efficiency. Experimental investigations demonstrate a positive linear relationship between the reciprocal of the area duty ratio of the mold and the imprinting efficiency. Furthermore, the introduction of ultrasonics improves the imprinting efficiency by approximately 80 %, irrespective of the area duty ratio. The enhanced imprinting efficiency enables the fabrication of 3D‐MNSs with higher aspect ratios, resulting in a stronger light trapping effect. These results indicate the prospective applications of ECNL in semiconductor functional devices, such as photoelectric detection and photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes and discusses the implementation of a project-based graduate design course in telecommunications engineering. This course, which requires a combination of technical and soft skills for its completion, enables guided independent learning (GIL) and application of technical knowledge acquired from classroom learning. Its main implementation challenge is the need for instructors to define graduate-level GIL activities that are unique for the project objectives and scope. This process is required at both the system and subsystem levels. These activities must also satisfy the program learning outcomes and course outcomes (PLOs and COs). The course initiation, implementation, and management are first described from the instructor's perspective. Technical specifications and outcomes from a recently implemented project titled "A Human-Inspired Telecommunication System" is taken as a case study. Besides explaining the methodology used to evaluate both the course and the students, an empirical assessment of PLOs and COs against the associated educational activities is also presented. Results of a student exit survey, in which each instrument was mapped to specific COs, indicated that the intended course objectives had been accomplished and that there was a good level of student satisfaction.

Lithium metal batteries are highly pursued for energy storage applications due to superior energy densities. However, fast battery decay accompanied by lithium dendrite growth occurs mainly owing to solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) failure. To address this, a novel functional quasi‐solid‐state polymer electrolyte is developed through in situ copolymerization of a cyclic carbonate‐containing acrylate and a urea‐based acrylate monomer in commercial available electrolyte. Based on the rigid‐tough coupling design of SEI, anionic polymerization of cyclic carbonate units and reversible hydrogen bonding formed using urea motifs on the polymer matrix can take place at SEI. This mechanically stabilizes SEI and thus helps achieve uniform lithium deposition behaviors and non‐dendrite growth. Thus, the superior cycling performance of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2/Li metal batteries is promoted by the formation of compatible SEI. This design philosophy to build mechanochemically stable SEI provides a good example for realizing advanced lithium metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an asymmetric sinusoidal modulated substrate integrated waveguide‐spoof surface plasmon polariton (SIW‐SSPP) leaky‐wave antenna with open stopband suppressed is proposed. The SSPP transmission line can covert the guided waves to the leaky‐wave radiations with frequency‐scanning properties due to the sinusoidal modulation. Using asymmetric model is an effective method to restrain the open stopband. The asymmetric radiating element with π/2 phase difference between the upper and lower sides of the top surface is introduced in the antenna to realize zero‐crossing beam scanning and unidirectional radiation characteristic. In the operating band of 12.6 to 13.7 GHz, the measured scanning angle of the fabricated antenna is from −14° to +34°. The gain is above 10.1 dBi and the radiation efficiency is basically above 50% over the operating band. Although the way of eliminate the open stopband has been proposed, this is the first time it is used in SIW‐SSPP antenna design. It has potential applications in radar and wireless communication systems for simple structure, low‐profile, zero‐crossing beam scanning, and unidirectional radiation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) with polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have attracted tremendous attention owing to their superior safety and high energy density. However, the unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) between Lithium (Li) and SPEs hinders their practical application. Herein, an innovative interfacial catalysis strategy is applied to the in situ construction of a multifunctional inorganic‐rich SEI. The transfer of unpaired electrons adjacent to calcium vacancies (VCa) to the TFSI− anion promotes the breaking of S─N and C─F bonds during the electrochemical decomposition of TFSI−, thus enhancing its decomposition kinetics. The inorganic‐rich SEI derived from TFSI− is super‐stable and kinetically favorable for fast and homogeneous transport of Li ions, thereby hindering the growth of lithium dendrites. Consequently, the interfacial catalysis strategy endows Li||Li symmetric cells, LFP||Li and NCM811||Li full batteries with enhanced cyclability. Thus, this work expands the interfacial catalysis strategy to a platform for designing multifunctional SEI in long‐life SSLMB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]