Nanocrystal seeding: A low temperature route to polycrystalline Si films

A novel method is presented for growth of polycrystalline silicon films on amorphous substrates at temperatures of 540–575 °C. Grain nucleation and grain growth are performed in two steps, using Si nanocrystals as nuclei ("seeds"). The nanocrystal seeds are produced by excimer laser photolysis of disilane in a room temperature flow cell. Film (grain) growth occurs epitaxially on the seeds in a separate thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) step, with growth rates 10–100 times higher than similar CVD growth rates on crystal Si. Grain size and CVD growth rates are dependent on seed coverage, for seed coverage <0.2 monolayers

Infrared ground-based astronomy with the Hughes 256 X 256 PtSi array

It is shown that large format PtSi Schottky diode infrared arrays, the Hughes 256 X 256 hybrid Schottky array in particular, are competitive alternatives to the smaller format photovoltaic arrays for ground-based astronomy. The modest quantum efficiency of the PtSi compared to the photovoltaic devices is more than compensated for by the larger format. The use of hybrid technology yields effective fill factors of nearly 100 percent, and the low dark current, noise, excellent imaging characteristics, cost, and solid nitrogen operating temperature add to the effectiveness of this array for ground-based imaging. In addition to discussing the characteristics of this array, researchers present laboratory test data and astronomical results achieved at Kitt Peak

The N=2 Super Yang-Mills Low-Energy Effective Action at Two Loops

We have carried out a two loop computation of the low-energy effective action for the four-dimensional N=2 supersymmetric Yang-Mills system coupled to hypermultiplets, with the chiral superfields of the vector multiplet lying in an abelian subalgebra. We have found a complete cancellation at the level of the integrands of Feynman amplitudes, and therefore the two loop contribution to the action, effective or Wilson, is identically zero.Comment: 8 pages, Latex, 2 .eps figure

Ventilation System Design Parameters for Greenhouses for Tobacco Production

Methods for germination and initial growth of tobacco have changed rapidly in recent years, moving from outside float beds into double-layer plastic greenhouses. Typically, these tobacco greenhouses consist of sidewall curtains, which run the entire length of both sides of the house. They may also have modest mechanical ventilation. Ventilation of greenhouse structures is a mature field, with engineering practices for proper design given by numerous organizations including ASAE. In this article we briefly outline the important features of ventilation of concern to tobacco greenhouse operators

Extending Native Winter Pasture Use with Spring Grazing Practices

Improving profitability will help sustain the economic viability of ranch operations. Feed costs typically represent well over half of annual cow-calf production costs. Two things, 1) grazing strategies aimed at increasing the proportion of feed supplied through grazing and 2) decreasing reliance on high-cost harvested forages, have the potential to improve profit

The three-dimensional non-anticommutative superspace

We propose two alternative formulations for a three-dimensional non-anticommutative superspace in which some of the fermionic coordinates obey Clifford anticommutation relations. For this superspace, we construct the supersymmetry generators satisfying standard anticommutation relations and the corresponding supercovariant derivatives. We formulate a scalar superfield theory in such a superspace and calculate its propagator. We also suggest a prescription for the introduction of interactions in such theories.Comment: 9 pages, revtex4, v3: some clarifications and references added, version accepted for publication in Phys.Rev.

All-loop finiteness of the two-dimensional noncommutative supersymmetric gauge theory

Within the superfield approach, we discuss two-dimensional noncommutative super-QED. Its all-order finiteness is shown explicitly.Comment: 7 page

Consistent two--dimensional chiral gravity

We study chiral induced gravity in the light-cone gauge and show that the theory is consistent for a particular choice of chiralities. The corresponding Kac--Moody central charge has no forbidden region of complex values. Generalized analysis of the critical exponents is given and their relation to the $SL(2,R)$ vacuum states is elucidated. All the parameters containing information about the theory can be traced back to the characteristics of the group of residual symmetry in the light--cone gauge.Comment: 38 pages, LateX, to appear in Int.J.Mod.Phys.

The Fine Guidance Sensor, An Electronic Scanning Star Tracker

The advent of space exploration has placed hitherto unheard of requirements on accuracy and precision sensing devices for guidance and attitude control. The necessity for high reliability, due to non-repairability, required new approaches to this design problem. Rather than try to improve upon existing systems, components, and approaches, a totally new concept evolved which eliminates the mechanical rotors and reticles of yesterday. Instead, a totally new breed of electronic scanning star sensor resulted. This paper describes one such device, a Boresighted Star and Planet Tracker developed for precise attitude sensing and control of an experimental sounding rocket. Discussed are the major elements of the basic sensing system, optics, detector, and electronics. The heart of the new sensor is the electronic scanning multiplier phototube, a small, rugged, highly accurate and highly reliable device. Electronic circuit design to enhance accuracy and precision is outlined