MAPLE-deposited polymer films for improved organic device performance

Matrix-assisted pulsed-laser evaporation (MAPLE) provides a mechanism for layer-by-layer growth to control the polymer–dielectric interface in organic metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) diodes and field-effect transistors (FETs). MAPLE-deposited copolymers of polyfluorene (PF) and polythiophene maintain their structural and optical properties, as determined by Raman spectroscopy, absorption, and photoluminescence. These films are further utilized in MIS and FET structures with SiO₂ and other polymer dielectrics. Since common polymer dielectrics prevent spin coating of solution processable polymers due to solubility effects, MAPLE is one of the only deposition techniques for investigating all polymer semiconductor-insulator interfaces. In this paper we present optical and electrical studies of MAPLE-deposited PF and polythiophene films in FETs and MIS structures. The FET carrier mobilities of these devices compare well with spin-coated devices. Capacitance–voltage and conductance–voltage from MIS structures with MAPLE-deposited PF copolymer films yield interface trap densities in the low 10¹² eV⁻¹ cm⁻² range.     

Structural behaviour of fibre metal laminates subjected to a low velocity impact

Structural impact tests were first presented to cover typical fibre metal laminates (FMLs) subjected a low velocity projectile impact,which produced the corresponding load-displacement traces and deformation/failure modes for the validation of numerical models.Finite element (FE) models were then developed to simulate the impact behaviour of FMLs tested.The aluminium (alloy grade 2024-0) layer was modelled as an isotropic elasto-plastic material up to the on-set of post failure stage,followed by shear failu...     

Studies on the impact response of carbon-epoxy laminates with and without buffer-strip layers

The work looks at the dynamic behaviour of laminated carbon-epoxy (C-E) composites with inserted interleaf material. Instrumented impact tests were performed to study the impact response of C-E system containing the interleaved PTFE-coated fabric material. Significant differences were noticed in the trend of the load-time plots. It was inferred that the introduction of small amounts of less adherent layers of material at specific locations causes a decrement in the load carrying capability of this material. An attempt to correlate these trends with the post impact observed failure features has been made in this work.     

Development of mechanoluminescence technique for impact studies

A new technique called, mechanoluminescence technique, is developed for measuring the parameters of impact. This technique is based on the phenomenon of mechanoluminescence (ML), in which light emission takes place during any mechanical action on solids. When a small solid ball makes an impact on the mechanoluminescent thin film coated on a solid, then initially the elastico ML (EML) intensity increases with time, attains a maximum value I_m at a particular time t_m, and later on it decreases with time. The contact time T_c of ball, can be determined from the relation T_c=2t_c, where t_c is the time at which the EML emission due to compression of the sample becomes negligible. The area from where the EML emission occurs can be taken as the contact area A_c. The maximum compression h is given by h=A_c/(πr), where r is the radius of the impacting ball, and thus, h can be determined from the known values of A_c and r. The maximum force at contact is given by F_m=(2mU₀)/T_c, where m is the mass of the impacting ball and U₀ is the velocity of the ball at impact. The maximum impact stress σ_m can be obtained from the relation, σ_m=F_m/A_c=(2mU₀)/(T_cA_c). Thus, ML provides a real-time technique for determining the impact parameters such as T_c, A_c, h, F_m and σ_m. Using the ML technique, the impact parameters of the SrAl₂O₄:Eu film and ZnS:Mn coating are determined. The ML technique can be used to determine the impact parameters in the elastic region and plastic region as well as fracture. ML can also be used to determine the impact parameters for the collision between solid and liquid, if the mechanoluminescent material is coated on the surface of the solid. The measurement of fracto ML in microsecond and nanosecond range may provide a tool for studying the fragmentations in solids by the impact. Using the fast camera the contact area and the depth of compression can be determined for different intervals of time.     

An improved algorithm for detecting point of impact in anisotropic inhomogeneous plates

Conventional triangulation techniques fail to correctly predict the acoustic source location in anisotropic plates due to the direction dependent nature of the elastic wave speeds. To overcome this problem, Kundu et al. [1] proposed an alternative method for acoustic source prediction based on optimizing an objective function. They defined an objective function that uses the time of flight information of the acoustic waves to the passive transducers attached to the plate and the wave propagation direction (θ) from the source point to the receiving sensors. Some weaknesses of the original algorithm proposed in Ref. [1] were later overcome by developing a modified objective function [2]. A new objective function is introduced here to further simplify the optimization procedure and improve the computational efficiency. A new algorithm for source location is also introduced here to increase the source location accuracy. The performance of the objective function and source location algorithm were experimentally verified on a homogeneous anisotropic plate and a non-homogeneous anisotropic plate with a doubler patch. Results from these experiments indicate that the new objective function and source location algorithm have improved performance when compared with those discussed in Refs. [1] and [2].     

Narrow stripe semiconductor laser for improved performance of optical communication systems

A narrow stripe (GaAl) As/GaAs laser is described, which has low source noise, high linearity and an expected life in excess of 20,000 hours. It has a short coherence length compared with a self-focused or refractive index guided laser giving very good modal noise performance. It is suitable for all digital systems and all but the most demanding amplitude modulated analogue systems.     

A simple technique for improved performance of intracavity Fabry-Perot frequency selectors

By placing an intracavity Fabry-Perot transmission etalon between quarter-wave plates it is possible to operate it at normal incidence without spurious oscillation due to reflections from the etalon. The insertion loss and reduced finesse associated with a tilted etalon are thereby avoided. This technique will allow the use of longer etalons thus allowing much greater mode selectivity.     

氧化锌掺铝绒面薄膜在有机光伏电池中的应用

目前有机光伏电池的吸光活性层电学传输特性和光学吸收特性的不匹配是制约其能量转换效率提升的主要原因之一. 通过陷光结构对入射光进行调控, 提高电池对光的约束和俘获能力从而达到“电学薄”和“光学厚”的等效作用, 是解 决有机光伏电池电学和光学不匹配的有效手段. 本文采用湿法刻蚀技术获得了系列时间梯度的绒面氧化锌掺铝薄膜, 并将其作为有机光伏电池的入射陷光电极, 显著增强了电池的光学吸收. 研究发现, 当使用浓度0.5%的稀HCL腐蚀30 s后的氧化锌掺铝薄膜作为入射电极后, 电池的光电性能和效率显著增强. 基于此绒面电极电池的电流密度比平面结构的电池提高了8.17%, 效率改善了11.29%. 通过对绒面电极表面的修饰处理, 实现了电极与光活性层之间良好的界面接触, 从而减小了对电池的开路电压和填充因子的影响.     

用于闪光照相的准直器设计及性能

为了实现高度准直同时较好地保留飞层界面信息,针对高能闪光照相实验中常用的准直技术,改进了设计方法,以法国实验客体（FTO）为例,利用蒙特卡罗程序对光子电子耦合输运过程进行数值模拟实验,验证了所提出的准直器的性能,对采用该准直器技术下的模拟照相结果进行了准直器光程扣除方法研究,结果表明：改进的准直器将客体芯部区域的散射照射量降低99.8%,接收平面处的客体信号动态范围降低99.7%,同时在图像中完整地保留了客体外界面信息;对准直器轴向分层照相的方法可以获得误差小于0.1的客体光程。     

Automatic tracking improved performance for electro-optical imaging and target acquisition system

Real time electro-optical imaging devices, especially those sensors having standard television format compatibility, have previously been adapted for use in various airborne reconnaissance and fire control systems. Performance requirements of these systems have become particularly stringent in such applications as aircraft-mounted laser designator platforms which are needed to assure a high probability of first-pass target acquisition and engagement. This paper discusses a new generation of microprocessor based digital tracker modules for electro-optical fire control systems.     

用于闪光照相的准直器设计及性能

为了实现高度准直同时较好地保留飞层界面信息,针对高能闪光照相实验中常用的准直技术,改进了设计方法,以法国实验客体(FTO)为例,利用蒙特卡罗程序对光子电子耦合输运过程进行数值模拟实验,验证了所提出的准直器的性能,对采用该准直器技术下的模拟照相结果进行了准直器光程扣除方法研究,结果表明:改进的准直器将客体芯部区域的散射照射量降低99.8%,接收平面处的客体信号动态范围降低99.7%,同时在图像中完整地保留了客体外界面信息;对准直器轴向分层照相的方法可以获得误差小于0.1的客体光程。     

Development of an improved energy-based method for residual stress assessment

In this study, an improved energy-based method is proposed to measure the equi-biaxial residual stress of bulk materials using spherical indentation. Through analysis of the load–depth curve and residual indentation profile, two calculation methods of the energy of residual stress are proposed, one of which is determined from the load–depth curve and the other based on the Hertizan theory. Finite element analysis was used to establish their relationship, which is the function of the residual stress and material parameters. According to reverse analysis, the proposed method can be used to quickly and effectively determine residual stress. To verify the model, indentation experiments were performed using a ZHU0.2/Z2.5 testing machine. A comparison with conventional X-ray diffraction results showed that the improved method is suitable for the quantitative assessment of residual stress in industrial facilities.     

Design of composite laminates for optimum frequency response

In this study, natural frequency response of symmetrically laminated composite plates was optimized. An analytical model accounting for bending–twisting effects was used to determine the laminate natural frequency. Two different problems, fundamental frequency maximization and frequency separation maximization, were considered. Fiber orientation angles were chosen as design variables. Because of the existence of numerous local optimums, a global search algorithm, a variant of simulated annealing, was utilized to find the optimal designs. Results were obtained for different plate aspect ratios. Effects of the number of design variables and the range of values they may take on the optimal frequency were investigated. Problems in which fiber angles showed uncertainty were considered. Optimal frequency response of laminates subjected to static loads was also investigated.     

One-step ultrasonic synthesis of Co/Ni-catecholates for improved performance in oxygen reduction reaction

The inherent periodically arranged M−N_X, M−S_X and M−O_X units (M are usually Fe, Co, Ni, etc.) in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can be promising active centers in electrocatalysis. In previous studies, MOFs were usually constructed by energy-consuming hydro- or solvo-thermal reactions. Ultrasonic synthesis is a rapid and environment-friendly technique when envisaging MOFs’ industrial applications. In addition, different synthetic pathways for MOFs may lead to difference in their microstructure, resulting in different electrocatalytic performance. Nevertheless, only a handful of MOFs were successfully prepared by ultrasonic synthesis and few were applied in electrochemical catalysis. Herein, we constructed Ni/Co-catecholates (Ni/Co-CATs) synthesized by one-step ultrasonic method (250 W, 40 KHz, 25 W/L, Ultrasonic clearing machine) and compared their performance in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with that of Ni/Co-CATs synthesized by hydrothermal method. Ni-CAT and Co-CAT prepared by ultrasonic showed the half-wave potential of −0.196 V and −0.116 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), respectively. The potentials were more positive than those prepared by hydro-thermal method. And they showed excellent electrochemical stability in neutral solution. The latter was only 32 mV lower than that of commercial Pt/C. The improved performance in ORR was attributed to higher specific surface area and mesopore volume as well as more structural defects generated in the ultrasonic synthesis process, which could facilitate their exposure of electrocatalytic active sites and their mass transport. This work gives some perspective into cost-effective synthetic strategies of efficient MOFs-based electrocatalysts.     

Sn/carbon nanotube composite anode with improved cycle performance for lithium-ion battery

Anode material for lithium-ion battery based on Sn/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite is synthesized via a chemical reduction method. The Sn/CNT composite is characterized by thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, and transition electron microscopy. The Sn/CNT composite delivers high initial reversible capacity of 630.5 mAh g^?1 and exhibits stable cycling performance with a reversible capacity of 413 mAh g^?1 at the 100th cycle. The enhanced electrochemical performance of the Sn/CNT composite could be mainly attributed to the well dispersion of Sn nanoparticles on CNT and partially filling Sn nanoparticles inside the CNT. It is proposed that the chemical treatment of CNT with concentrated nitric acid, which cuts carbon nanotube into short pieces and increases the amount of oxygen-functional groups on the surface, plays an important role in the anchoring of Sn nanoparticles on carbon nanotube and inhibiting the agglomeration of Sn nanoparticles during the charge–discharge process.     

Development of an improved dosemeter for assessments of risk to the eye

To develop an improved dosemeter to assess photon and beta exposures of the eye lens, and in response to issues surrounding the preferred values of H_lens to be used for guiding operational radiation protection, a programme of re-optimization of the current PHE thermoluminescence dosemeter has been performed. In particular, refinements of the filter located in front of the sensitive ⁷LiF:Mg,Cu,P element have been considered, so that the dose response characteristics of the device provide a better and more conservative estimate of risk. The investigation was performed using the Monte Carlo modelling software MCNP5, to produce a final design that featured a filter containing a 9.5 mm diameter polypropylene hemisphere truncated to a maximum thickness of 3.0 mm. The responses of this design in photon and electron fields are presented here, contrasted against those of the existing PHE eye dosemeter, with respect to the operational quantity H_p(3,E,θ) and both current and suggested values for the absorbed dose per fluence risk profile for the lens of the eye.     

Comparative analysis for performance of brown coal combustion in a vortex furnace with improved design

Comparative study of 3D numerical simulation of fluid flow and coal-firing processes was applied for flame combustion of Kansk-Achinsk brown coal in a vortex furnace of improved design with bottom injection of secondary air. The analysis of engineering performance of this furnace was carried out for several operational modes as a function of coal grinding fineness and coal input rate. The preferable operational regime for furnace was found.     

Dynamic characteristics of composite laminates

An exact solution for the vibration of elastic composite laminates in cylindrical bending is presented. Dispersion curves for multi-layer symmetrical and unsymmetrical laminates with materials possessing high and low degrees of anisotropy at various fiber orientations are compared with those obtained from an approximate shear deformation theory. Mode shapes are also drawn for different wavelengths and their variation with fiber orientation is studied. Equations are developed for the wave propagation in an infinite medium consisting of a repeated pair of anisotropic layers by extending the “continuum” theory of Sun, Achenbach and Herrmann. Dispersion characteristics for 0–90° fiber orientations obtained by the “continuum” approach are also compared with those obtained by the exact method. The range of validity of each approximate theory is then assessed.     

Diffraction grating interferometers for mechanical characterisations of advanced fabric laminates

It is demonstrated that two grating interferometers with high spatial resolutions can successfully be applied for the mechanical characterisation of the advanced fabric composite materials. Based on these two techniques, the mechanical properties of two kinds of fabric laminates are obtained without assumption of uniform strain fields to be used in the characterisation approaches using the local strain sensors. The degree of the yarn crimp effects of the two laminates is compared in terms of the out-of-plane displacement derivatives. Especially, it is shown that the grating shearing interferometer is appropriate for the crimped fabric structure requiring a three-dimensional analysis. The modification from moiré interferometer to grating shearing interferometer is performed by introducing a Michelson interferometer modified for image shearing.