The effect of a market factor on information flow between stocks using the minimal spanning tree

We empirically investigated the effects of market factors on the information flow created from N(N−1)/2 linkage relationships among stocks. We also examined the possibility of employing the minimal spanning tree (MST) method, which is capable of reducing the number of links to N−1. We determined that market factors carry important information value regarding information flow among stocks. Moreover, the information flow among stocks showed time-varying properties according to the changes in market status. In particular, we noted that the information flow increased dramatically during periods of market crises. Finally, we confirmed, via the MST method, that the information flow among stocks could be assessed effectively with the reduced linkage relationships among all links among stocks from the perspective of the overall market.     

Photonic crystal fiber coupler

Fiber couplers made with photonic crystal fibers (PCF) are reported. Two types of PCF were fabricated by means of stacking a group of silica tubes around a silica rod and drawing them. The fiber couplers were made by use of the fused biconical tapered method. With a fiber that had five hexagonally stacked layers of air holes, a 33/67 coupling ratio was obtained, and with a one-layer four-hole fiber, a 48/52 coupling ratio was obtained. The fabrication processes and the characteristics of the PCFs and the PCF couplers are presented.     

Diffractometric methods for absolute measurement of diffraction-grating spacings

We propose one- and two-wavelength methods of absolute measurement of diffraction-grating spacings based on the Littman configuration for autocollimation. The one-wavelength method has been applied to measure the spacing of a grating with a nominal value of 2160grooves/mm . The grating spacing was measured to be 463.16 nm, with an experimental standard deviation of 0.24 nm. It has been demonstrated that the both methods can provide direct traceability in the submicrometer region in terms of wavelength standards for applications in the field of nanometrology.     

A comparison between backscattering coefficients using Gaussian and non-Gaussian surface statistics

This communication provides a comparison between the backscattering coefficients computed using Gaussian versus non-Gaussian surface statistics. The computations are performed for a class of surface height distributions and surface correlation functions. Results indicate that the coherent component of the scattering coefficient is strongly dependent upon the surface height distribution. The noncoherent component also depends on the surface height distribution and the surface root mean square (rms) slope when the rms surface height is large relative to the incident wavelength. On the other hand, when the surface rms height is moderate or small, the noncoherent component is sensitive mainly to the surface height correlation function.     

Building Pb nanomesas with atomic-layer precision

We demonstrate a novel scheme for manipulating metallic nanostructures involving a macroscopic number of atoms, yet with precise control in their local structures. The scheme entails a two-step process: (a) a triggering step using a scanning tunneling microscope, followed by (b) self-driven and self-limiting mass-transfer process. By using this scheme, we construct Pb nanomesas on Si(111) substrates whose thickness can be controlled with atomic-layer precision. The kinetic barrier for the mass transfer and the underlying mechanism behind this novel manipulation are determined.     

Comparison of modeling approaches to ultrasonic testing at near critical angles

Modeling of ultrasonic testing has been paid a great attention in nondestructive evaluation community recently since it can provide thorough understanding of underlying physics of ultrasonic testing. As a result, there have been developed various modeling approaches up to now. Especially, many practical models have been developed based on either the multi-Gaussian beam or the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld integral. This paper discusses the modeling of ultrasonic testing with oblique incidence at the near critical angles using these two approaches. The theoretical models that can predict the reflection signals from side drilled cylindrical holes in solid specimen immersed in water are developed. Then, the theoretical predictions for the oblique incidence at the near critical angles are compared to the experiments for the investigation of model behavior.     

Radiation of a Leaky Coaxial Cable With Narrow Transverse Slots

The problem of a leaky coaxial cable with narrow transverse slots is solved by using the Fourier transform and mode-matching techniques. The characteristics of far-field radiation and near-field coupling are presented in terms of numerically fast convergent series. Our theoretical results are compared with experimental data to confirm favorable agreement     

Utilizing Reverse Short-Channel Effect for Optimal Subthreshold Circuit Design

The impact of the reverse short-channel effect (RSCE) on device current is stronger in the subthreshold region due to reduced drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) and the exponential dependency of current on threshold voltage. This paper describes a device-size optimization method for subthreshold circuits utilizing RSCE to achieve high drive current, low device capacitance, less sensitivity to random dopant fluctuations, better subthreshold swing, and improved energy dissipation. Simulation results using ISCAS benchmark circuits show that the critical path delay, power consumption, and energy consumption can be improved by up to 10.4%, 34.4%, and 41.2%, respectively.     

Fabrication of stabilized piezoelectric thick film for silicon-based MEMS device

Electrical properties of piezoelectric thick films with controlled microstructure were investigated. In order to enhance the electromechanical properties (e.g. d₃₁, d₃₃) of a thick film by control of its microstructure, a mixed powder, referred to as BNP, consisting of both nano-sized and micro-sized piezoelectric particles, was employed as a starting precursor in the film fabrication process. According to a scanning electron microscopy study, it is shown that a BNP thick film exhibits the densest homogeneous microstructures. According to surface area measurements, the BNP thick film was sufficiently densified without an additional infiltration process of Pb(Zr_1-xTi_x)O₃ sol for densification. The screen-printed BNP thick film possesses a dielectric constant and a remanent polarization much higher than those of a thick film composed of only micro-sized piezoelectric particles by a factor of more than two. This suggests the potential application of the BNP thick film, in conjunction with a silicon substrate, to a micromachined monolithic PZT thick film device on the silicon substrate. PACS 85.40.Xx; 85.85.+j; 85.50.-n; 77.65.-j; 68.37.-d     

Electromagnetic penetration into 2-D multiple slotted rectangularcavity: TM-wave

Electromagnetic wave penetration into the two-dimensional (2-D) rectangular cavity with multiple slots in an infinite conducting plane with a finite thickness is investigated. The Fourier transform and the mode-matching technique are used to obtain simultaneous equations, which are solved to represent the scattered and the penetrated fields in series forms that are suitable for numerical computations