Geometry Optimization of Thermoelectric Modules: Deviation of Optimum Power Output and Conversion Efficiency

Besides the material research in the field of thermoelectrics, the way from a material to a functional thermoelectric (TE) module comes alongside additional challenges. Thus, comprehension and optimization of the properties and the design of a TE module are important tasks. In this work, different geometry optimization strategies to reach maximum power output or maximum conversion efficiency are applied and the resulting performances of various modules and respective materials are analyzed. A Bi₂Te₃-based module, a half-Heusler-based module, and an oxide-based module are characterized via FEM simulations. By this, a deviation of optimum power output and optimum conversion efficiency in dependence of the diversity of thermoelectric materials is found. Additionally, for all modules, the respective fluxes of entropy and charge as well as the corresponding fluxes of thermal and electrical energy within the thermolegs are shown. The full understanding and enhancement of the performance of a TE module may be further improved.     

The analysis of the error statistics in a 5 × 40 Gbit/s fibre link with hybrid amplification

We quantify the error statistics and patterning effects in a 5 × 40 Gbit/s WDM RZ-OOK SMF/DCF fibre link using hybrid Raman/EDFA amplification. By extensive use of a numerical model, we determine how the error statistics change with the transmission distance. This knowledge is used as a basis for a constrained coding technique in order to improve the transmission error rate. We propose an adaptive constrained code for mitigation of the patterning effects and demonstrate that this approach can substantially reduce the bit error rate (BER) even for very large values of the channel BER (BER > 10^− 1). The proposed technique can be used in combination with forward error correction schemes (FEC) to extend the range of channel BERs that an FEC scheme is effective over.     

Effective bimetallic composite catalysts for the synthesis of arylated furans and thiophenes in aqueous media

Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds - N-(4,6-Dimethylpyrimidin-2-yl)-5-phenylisoxazole-3-carboxamide was used as a ligand for obtaining bimetallic boron-containing heterogeneous catalysts...     

On Linear Transformations of Intersections

Set-Valued and Variational Analysis - For any linear transformation and two convex closed sets, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the transformation of the intersection of the sets...     

Introducing tox-Profiles of Chemical Reactions

In this Essay, we present a critical analysis of two common practices in modern chemistry—that is, of using speculations about the “greenness” and “nontoxicity” of developed synthesis procedures and of a priori labelling various compounds derived from natural sources as being environmentally safe. We note that every organic molecule that contains functional groups should be biologically active. Thus, analysis of the particular greenness and the potential environmental impact of a given chemical process should account for the biological activity of all its components in a measureable (rather than empirical) way. We highlight the necessity of clarifying discussions on biological activity and toxicity and propose possible ways of introducing tox-Profiles as a reliable overview of the overall toxicity of chemical reactions.     

The modes of combustion of copper nanopowders

It was shown that the synthesis of Cu nanopowder by thermal decomposition afforded chemically purer (without oxides) and finer (specific surface value ～45 m2 g^?1) product than the synthesis by chemical reduction. The latter method leads to pyrophoric nanopowders containing detectable amounts of copper oxides.     

Bethe Subalgebras in Hecke Algebra and Gaudin models

The generating function for elements of the Bethe subalgebra of the Hecke algebra is constructed as Sklyanin’s transfer-matrix operator for the Hecke chain. We show that in a special classical limit ${q \to 1}$ the Hamiltonians of the Gaudin model can be derived from the transfer-matrix operator of the Hecke chain. We construct a non-local analog of the Gaudin Hamiltonians in the case of the Hecke algebras.     

Numerical study of chaotic oscillations in the electron beam with virtual cathode in the external non-uniform magnetic fields

In this Letter the results of theoretical investigations of the chaotic microwave oscillator based on the electron beam with a virtual cathode are presented. Nonlinear non-stationary processes in these electron systems are studied by means of numerical analysis of 2.5D model. It was discovered that the non-uniform external magnetic field value controls the dynamical regime of oscillations in the virtual cathode oscillator. The processes of the chaotization of output microwave radiation are described and interpreted from the point of view of the formation and interaction of electron structures (bunches) in the electron beams. The numerical results have shown that the investigated electron system with virtual cathode could be considered as a promising controlled source of wideband chaotic oscillations in the microwave range.     

Quasi-optical ferrite devices for millimeter and submillimeter wave bands

Main features of the development of quasi-optical ferrite devices, using Faraday effect, are considered. Properties of a polarizing divider and a ferrite rotator of a polarization plane are analysed with standpoint of minimum losses. A matching method, based on an utilization of the rotator element in a form of the multilayers ferrite structure, which can be adjusted independently for right-handed and left-handed cyrcularly polarized waves, is suggested. It is shown, that this method allows to obtain a total matching in a quasi-optical transmission line. Results of an investigation of quasi-optical ferrite devices for the oversized round waveguide withH ₁₁ mode are presented.