Preparation and Characterization of CdTe Nanoparticles in Zirconia Films Prepared by the Sol Gel Method

Two methods for the synthesis of CdTe nanoparticles in zirconia sol-gel films are demonstrated. The nanoparticles were obtained by chemical reduction of Te(IV) using reducing agent (hydrazine) or tin chloride. Particle sizes ranging from 6 to 20 nm in diameter could be prepared by varying the experimetal parameters. The size and crystalline structure of the particles were characterized by optical absorption, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The film morphology was characterized by scanning force microscopy.The film obtained by SnCl₂ method is smooth and homogeneous. The dense structure of CdTe nanoparticles of a few nm in diameter is revealed. The films prepared with hydrazine are porous as a result of evolution of the decomposition gaseous products during the reduction.Advantages and disadvantages of the two methods are discussed.     

Optical and Conductivity Properties of PbS Nanocrystals in Amorphous Zirconia Sol-Gel Films

Lead sulfide (PbS) nanocrystals (NCs), embedded in amorphous zirconia sol-gel film with different PbS mole concentration (5–30%), were grown at temperature, ranging from 200°C to 350°C. The size of PbS NCs was determined by TEM and by blue shift of the absorption edge. The size increased with an increase of the synthesis temperature and PbS mole concentration. The optical and electrical properties of various sizes of PbS NCs in zirconia film are investigated utilizing absorption, photoluminescence (PL) and current-voltage measurement. The PL spectra were Stokes shifted from the corresponding absorption edge by about 0.5 eV. The latter can be associated with recombination process from surface state. The electrical properties were investigated by the deposition of the PbS NCs-zirconia films on ITO/glass substrate, followed by their coverage with gold contact. The current-voltage characteristics depend on the PbS NCs size and exhibits nonlinear nearly symmetric curve, associated with the space-charge limited current or the tunneling of carriers through the nanocrystalline film.     

Distance measures for dynamic citation networks

Acyclic digraphs arise in many natural and artificial processes. Among the broader set, dynamic citation networks represent an important type of acyclic digraph. For example, the study of such networks includes the spread of ideas through academic citations, the spread of innovation through patent citations, and the development of precedent in common law systems. The specific dynamics that produce such acyclic digraphs not only differentiate them from other classes of graphs, but also provide guidance for the development of meaningful distance measures. In this article, we develop and apply our sink distance measure together with the single-linkage hierarchical clustering algorithm to both a two-dimensional directed preferential attachment model as well as empirical data drawn from the first quarter-century of decisions of the United States Supreme Court. Despite applying the simplest combination of distance measure and clustering algorithm, analysis reveals that more accurate and more interpretable clusterings are produced by this scheme.