Index to 1984 NASA Tech Briefs, volume 9, numbers 1-4

Short announcements of new technology derived from the R&D activities of NASA are presented. These briefs emphasize information considered likely to be transferrable across industrial, regional, or disciplinary lines and are issued to encourage commercial application. This index for 1984 Tech B Briefs contains abstracts and four indexes: subject, personal author, originating center, and Tech Brief Number. The following areas are covered: electronic components and circuits, electronic systems, physical sciences, materials, life sciences, mechanics, machinery, fabrication technology, and mathematics and information sciences

Nanomembrane: A New MEMS/NEMS Building Block

Since nanomembranes are a novel concept which extends the range of MEMS & NEMS building blocks and practically introduces a new one, this means that whole branches of science and technology can be re-read and re-created through it, which may create an enormous number of novel applications. Nanomembranes need to be incorporated into coherent and ambitious programs of nanotechnology research, with aggressive funding and awareness-increasing campaigns. A care should be taken at that both about the fundamental and the applied aspects of research, since the recent developments clearly indicate that the field may have many promises and even surprises in stock. A development of a novel technology or concept very rarely follows a smooth and gradual trend. Much more often one encounters an abrupt surge in development after the necessary conditions are met, not only scientific and technological, but also social and economic. In our opinion such is the situation with nanomembranes at the beginning of the 21st Century

Synthesis and Characterization of Glycidyl Methacrylate-Based Graft Copolymer Functional Interfaces

Modification of materials properties such as surface energy, wettability, ability to absorb, contain or release specific type of chemicals enables practical application of these materials in various scientific and engineering set-ups. However, designing protocol that could be easily adapted for different situations and simultaneously unlock multiple variations of the resulting properties is a non-trivial task. This dissertation is devoted to application of glycidyl methacrylate-based graft copolymers for the purposes of surface modification, establishing fundamental trends and dependencies of this process and exploring the possible range of applications. These materials have extremely valuable property to undergo controllable post-synthetic modifications including surface attachment and cross-linking. Deep understanding of the relationship between structure, properties and composition of these polymeric materials was made possible with the current study and can play pivotal role in introducing GMA-based functional interfaces into industrial practice. First part of this dissertation is focused on GMA-copolymer films prepared by “grafting to” method. As I have demonstrated, such nanoscale layers are promising elements of photonic sensors leading to creation of new generation of highly selective devices. Photonic technologies represent state-of-the-art answer to chemical weapon proliferation and ensure safety and security of global population, which necessitates research in highly responsive but stable and reliable polymer films for chemical detection. Here, I show that GMA-copolymer films are not only able to fulfill this task, but also can be actuated in a special way that allows them to operate as post-exposure sensing elements recording information of the chemical exposure. This groundbreaking finding has clear and evident applicability, but also great fundamental value as the investigation that I have performed gives new insights on the metastable polymer networks. Second part of the dissertation is devoted to GMA-copolymers prepared by “grafting through” method which results in water-soluble polymers that enable use of GMA-based reactions in aqueous environment. This not only reduces the use of organic solvents in polymer processing, but also opens new venues of modification of objects such as enzymes that would not be able to be processed otherwise. Through the rigorous study of the synthesis and relevant properties, I have identified the possible range of resulting properties and highlighted composition-dependent trends which serve as a practical guide for preparation of copolymers with desired properties. I demonstrated the applicability of GMA-copolymers for preparation of thermally-stable polymer-enzyme conjugates, mechanically resistant drug-loaded coatings, chemical sensors and preparation of transparent conductive coatings using graphene oxide as a precursor. Overall, this dissertation provides novel insights on surface modification of various materials and actualizes the role that GMA-based copolymers can play. Unique combination of fine control over surface properties and preparation practicality makes these materials a novel technological solution for advanced functional interface design

Modular integration and on-chip sensing approaches for tunable fluid control polymer microdevices

228 p.Doktore tesi honetan mikroemariak kontrolatzeko elementuak diseinatu eta garatuko dira, mikrobalbula eta mikrosentsore bat zehazki. Ondoren, gailu horiek batera integratuko dira likido emari kontrolatzaile bat sortzeko asmotan. Helburu nagusia gailuen fabrikazio arkitektura modular bat frogatzea da, non Lab-on-a-Chip prototipoak garatzeko beharrezko fase guztiak harmonizatuz, Cyclic-Olefin-Polymer termoplastikozko mikrogailu merkeak pausu gutxi batzuetan garatuko diren, hauen kalitate industriala bermatuz. Ildo horretan, mikrogailuak prototipotik produkturako trantsizio azkar, erraz, errentagarri eta arriskurik gabeen bidez lortu daitezkeenetz frogatuko da

Summary of flat-plate solar array project documentation: Abstracts of published documents, 1975-1986, revision 1

Abstracts of final reports, or the latest quarterly or annual, of the Flat-Plate Solar Array (FSA) Project Contractor of Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in-house activities are presented. Also presented is a list of proceedings and publications, by author, of work connected with the project. The aim of the program has been to stimulate the development of technology that will enable the private sector to manufacture and widely use photovoltaic systems for the generation of electricity in residential, commercial, industrial, and Government applications at a cost per watt that is competitive with utility generated power. FSA Project activities have included the sponsoring of research and development efforts in silicon refinement processes, advanced silicon sheet growth techniques, higher efficiency solar cells, solar cell/module fabrication processes, encapsulation, module/array engineering and reliability, and economic analyses

New Trends and Applications in Femtosecond Laser Micromachining

This book contains the scientific contributions to the Special Issue entitled: "New Trends and Applications in Femtosecond Laser Micromachining". It covers an array of subjects, from the basics of femtosecond laser micromachining to specific applications in a broad spectra of fields such biology, photonics and medicine

Engineering for a changing world: 60th Ilmenau Scientific Colloquium, Technische Universität Ilmenau, September 04-08, 2023 : programme

In 2023, the Ilmenau Scientific Colloquium is once more organised by the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The title of this year’s conference “Engineering for a Changing World” refers to limited natural resources of our planet, to massive changes in cooperation between continents, countries, institutions and people – enabled by the increased implementation of information technology as the probably most dominant driver in many fields. The Colloquium, supplemented by workshops, is characterised but not limited to the following topics: – Precision engineering and measurement technology Nanofabrication – Industry 4.0 and digitalisation in mechanical engineering – Mechatronics, biomechatronics and mechanism technology – Systems engineering – Productive teaming - Human-machine collaboration in the production environment The topics are oriented on key strategic aspects of research and teaching in Mechanical Engineering at our university

A flexible single-step 3D nanolithography approach via local anodic oxidation : theoretical and experimental studies

The field of nanotechnology has experienced rapid growth in recent years, fuelled by the increasing need for high-performance next-generation nano/quantum devices/products possessing 3D nanostructures with sub-10 nm feature sizes. As a result, there is a high demand for a new flexible nanofabrication technique capable of generating various 3D nanostructures with high precision and efficiency. Local anodic oxidation (LAO) nanolithography is a promising nanofabrication technique for the in-lab prototyping of nanoproducts due to its high precision, low environmental requirement, and ease of use. However, challenges remain with current LAO nanofabrication techniques to meet the processing demands of next-generation nanoproducts. These challenges include limited throughput, high defect rates, and inflexibility in generating various nanostructures. Consequently, the existing 3D LAO nanofabrication methods suffer from high costs and inefficiencies. Addressing these challenges is crucial for advancing the capabilities of LAO nanolithography and unlocking its full potential in nanofabrication. In this thesis, a novel flexible single-step nanofabrication approach was developed to generate diverse 3D nanostructures with sub-10 nm feature sizes through pulse-modulated LAO nanolithography. Compared with other tool and condition control methods, pulse modulation is easier to achieve with precise tunability, enabling flexible, high-precision, and cost-effective 3D nanofabrication. A clear and in-depth understanding of the manufacturing mechanisms at the atomic and molecular scales is crucial in determining the influencing factors during the manufacturing process. This thesis thus first used the reactive force field (ReaxFF) molecular dynamics simulation method to investigate the reaction mechanisms of the LAO process. A comprehensive analysis of bonding, molecular, and charge indicates that the bias-induced oxidation led mainly to the creation of Si–O–Si bonds in the oxide film and the consumption of H2O. In contrast, the oxidised surface’s chemical composition remained unchanged during the bias-induced oxidation process. In addition, parametric studies further revealed the dependence of electric field strength and humidity on the bias-induced oxidation process and their respective influencing mechanisms. A good agreement was achieved through qualitative comparison between simulation and experimental results. Secondly, this thesis proposed a new pulse-modulated LAO nanolithography approach to realise flexible and efficient fabrication of various 3D nanostructures. The process was designed on the principle that the amplitude or width of the pulse can control the lateral and vertical growth of each nanodot while the tuning of pulse periods can determine the position of each nanodot based on certain tip scan speeds and trajectories. Feasibility tests were conducted on an atomic force microscope (AFM) to demonstrate the capability of this approach in fabricating various nanostructures with the minimum linewidth at sub-10 nm and height variations at sub-nm. Finally, nanofabrication experiments were conducted to investigate the capabilities of pulse-modulated LAO nanolithography in achieving flexible, accurate, and efficient fabrication of 3D nanostructures. Based on the systematic parametric study on the effects of pulse period, amplitude, and width through the LAO experiment, a process model was developed to provide a clear and detailed interpretation of the nanofabrication process. This model links the geometry of 3D nanostructures with arrays of pulse periods, amplitudes, and widths, allowing for active control of the LAO process. The fabrication of several 3D nanostructures was experimentally validated by comparing the fabricated and predicted results, demonstrating good agreement. The fabricated three-dimensional curved surface could achieve the average form accuracy and precision at sub-nm levels. Higher efficiency was achieved by using a high scan rate, enabling the creation of a nanoscale lens structure consisting of four thousand nanodots within 50 seconds. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed flexible single-step nanofabrication approach were, therefore, fully demonstrated.The field of nanotechnology has experienced rapid growth in recent years, fuelled by the increasing need for high-performance next-generation nano/quantum devices/products possessing 3D nanostructures with sub-10 nm feature sizes. As a result, there is a high demand for a new flexible nanofabrication technique capable of generating various 3D nanostructures with high precision and efficiency. Local anodic oxidation (LAO) nanolithography is a promising nanofabrication technique for the in-lab prototyping of nanoproducts due to its high precision, low environmental requirement, and ease of use. However, challenges remain with current LAO nanofabrication techniques to meet the processing demands of next-generation nanoproducts. These challenges include limited throughput, high defect rates, and inflexibility in generating various nanostructures. Consequently, the existing 3D LAO nanofabrication methods suffer from high costs and inefficiencies. Addressing these challenges is crucial for advancing the capabilities of LAO nanolithography and unlocking its full potential in nanofabrication. In this thesis, a novel flexible single-step nanofabrication approach was developed to generate diverse 3D nanostructures with sub-10 nm feature sizes through pulse-modulated LAO nanolithography. Compared with other tool and condition control methods, pulse modulation is easier to achieve with precise tunability, enabling flexible, high-precision, and cost-effective 3D nanofabrication. A clear and in-depth understanding of the manufacturing mechanisms at the atomic and molecular scales is crucial in determining the influencing factors during the manufacturing process. This thesis thus first used the reactive force field (ReaxFF) molecular dynamics simulation method to investigate the reaction mechanisms of the LAO process. A comprehensive analysis of bonding, molecular, and charge indicates that the bias-induced oxidation led mainly to the creation of Si–O–Si bonds in the oxide film and the consumption of H2O. In contrast, the oxidised surface’s chemical composition remained unchanged during the bias-induced oxidation process. In addition, parametric studies further revealed the dependence of electric field strength and humidity on the bias-induced oxidation process and their respective influencing mechanisms. A good agreement was achieved through qualitative comparison between simulation and experimental results. Secondly, this thesis proposed a new pulse-modulated LAO nanolithography approach to realise flexible and efficient fabrication of various 3D nanostructures. The process was designed on the principle that the amplitude or width of the pulse can control the lateral and vertical growth of each nanodot while the tuning of pulse periods can determine the position of each nanodot based on certain tip scan speeds and trajectories. Feasibility tests were conducted on an atomic force microscope (AFM) to demonstrate the capability of this approach in fabricating various nanostructures with the minimum linewidth at sub-10 nm and height variations at sub-nm. Finally, nanofabrication experiments were conducted to investigate the capabilities of pulse-modulated LAO nanolithography in achieving flexible, accurate, and efficient fabrication of 3D nanostructures. Based on the systematic parametric study on the effects of pulse period, amplitude, and width through the LAO experiment, a process model was developed to provide a clear and detailed interpretation of the nanofabrication process. This model links the geometry of 3D nanostructures with arrays of pulse periods, amplitudes, and widths, allowing for active control of the LAO process. The fabrication of several 3D nanostructures was experimentally validated by comparing the fabricated and predicted results, demonstrating good agreement. The fabricated three-dimensional curved surface could achieve the average form accuracy and precision at sub-nm levels. Higher efficiency was achieved by using a high scan rate, enabling the creation of a nanoscale lens structure consisting of four thousand nanodots within 50 seconds. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed flexible single-step nanofabrication approach were, therefore, fully demonstrated