581,888 research outputs found
Distributed NEGF Algorithms for the Simulation of Nanoelectronic Devices with Scattering
Through the Non-Equilibrium Green's Function (NEGF) formalism, quantum-scale
device simulation can be performed with the inclusion of electron-phonon
scattering. However, the simulation of realistically sized devices under the
NEGF formalism typically requires prohibitive amounts of memory and computation
time. Two of the most demanding computational problems for NEGF simulation
involve mathematical operations with structured matrices called semiseparable
matrices. In this work, we present parallel approaches for these computational
problems which allow for efficient distribution of both memory and computation
based upon the underlying device structure. This is critical when simulating
realistically sized devices due to the aforementioned computational burdens.
First, we consider determining a distributed compact representation for the
retarded Green's function matrix . This compact representation is exact
and allows for any entry in the matrix to be generated through the inherent
semiseparable structure. The second parallel operation allows for the
computation of electron density and current characteristics for the device.
Specifically, matrix products between the distributed representation for the
semiseparable matrix and the self-energy scattering terms in
produce the less-than Green's function . As an illustration
of the computational efficiency of our approach, we stably generate the
mobility for nanowires with cross-sectional sizes of up to 4.5nm, assuming an
atomistic model with scattering
Zenithal bistable device: comparison of modeling and experiment
A comparative modeling and experimental study of the zenithal bistable liquid crystal device is presented. A dynamic Landau de Gennes theory of nematic liquid crystals is solved numerically to model the electric field induced latching of the device and the results are compared with experimental measurements and theoretical approximations. The study gives a clear insight into the latching mechanism dynamics and enables the dependence of the device latching on both material parameters and surface shape to be determined. Analytical approximation highlights a route to optimize material selection in terms of latching voltages and the numerical model, which includes an accurate surface representation, recovers the complex surface shape effects. Predictions of device performance are presented as a function of both surface anchoring strength and surface shape and grating pitch. A measurement of the homeotropic anchoring energy has been undertaken by comparing the voltage response as a function of cell gap; we find the homeotropic anchoring energies can be varied in the range 0.5 to 4 (10-44 J m-2)
Functional reasoning in diagnostic problem solving
This work is one facet of an integrated approach to diagnostic problem solving for aircraft and space systems currently under development. The authors are applying a method of modeling and reasoning about deep knowledge based on a functional viewpoint. The approach recognizes a level of device understanding which is intermediate between a compiled level of typical Expert Systems, and a deep level at which large-scale device behavior is derived from known properties of device structure and component behavior. At this intermediate functional level, a device is modeled in three steps. First, a component decomposition of the device is defined. Second, the functionality of each device/subdevice is abstractly identified. Third, the state sequences which implement each function are specified. Given a functional representation and a set of initial conditions, the functional reasoner acts as a consequence finder. The output of the consequence finder can be utilized in diagnostic problem solving. The paper also discussed ways in which this functional approach may find application in the aerospace field
Emergence of a stable cortical map for neuroprosthetic control.
Cortical control of neuroprosthetic devices is known to require neuronal adaptations. It remains unclear whether a stable cortical representation for prosthetic function can be stored and recalled in a manner that mimics our natural recall of motor skills. Especially in light of the mixed evidence for a stationary neuron-behavior relationship in cortical motor areas, understanding this relationship during long-term neuroprosthetic control can elucidate principles of neural plasticity as well as improve prosthetic function. Here, we paired stable recordings from ensembles of primary motor cortex neurons in macaque monkeys with a constant decoder that transforms neural activity to prosthetic movements. Proficient control was closely linked to the emergence of a surprisingly stable pattern of ensemble activity, indicating that the motor cortex can consolidate a neural representation for prosthetic control in the presence of a constant decoder. The importance of such a cortical map was evident in that small perturbations to either the size of the neural ensemble or to the decoder could reversibly disrupt function. Moreover, once a cortical map became consolidated, a second map could be learned and stored. Thus, long-term use of a neuroprosthetic device is associated with the formation of a cortical map for prosthetic function that is stable across time, readily recalled, resistant to interference, and resembles a putative memory engram
Quantum Transport in a Nanosize Silicon-on-Insulator Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor
An approach is developed for the determination of the current flowing through
a nanosize silicon-on-insulator (SOI) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect
transistors (MOSFET). The quantum mechanical features of the electron transport
are extracted from the numerical solution of the quantum Liouville equation in
the Wigner function representation. Accounting for electron scattering due to
ionized impurities, acoustic phonons and surface roughness at the Si/SiO2
interface, device characteristics are obtained as a function of a channel
length. From the Wigner function distributions, the coexistence of the
diffusive and the ballistic transport naturally emerges. It is shown that the
scattering mechanisms tend to reduce the ballistic component of the transport.
The ballistic component increases with decreasing the channel length.Comment: 21 pages, 8 figures, E-mail addresses: [email protected]
An investigation of correlation between pilot scanning behavior and workload using stepwise regression analysis
An electro-optical device called an oculometer which tracks a subject's lookpoint as a time function has been used to collect data in a real-time simulation study of instrument landing system (ILS) approaches. The data describing the scanning behavior of a pilot during the instrument approaches have been analyzed by use of a stepwise regression analysis technique. A statistically significant correlation between pilot workload, as indicated by pilot ratings, and scanning behavior has been established. In addition, it was demonstrated that parameters derived from the scanning behavior data can be combined in a mathematical equation to provide a good representation of pilot workload
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