Parallelized multi-degrees-of-freedom cell mapping method

Long-term global analysis of lower-dimensional systems can be performed by in a computationally efficient manner by using cell mapping methods. Scaling limitations associated with higher order systems can be addressed by using the multiple degree-of-freedom cell mapping (MDCM) method. However, the MDCM algorithm consists of a number of sequential operations which limits its ability to utilize the parallel processing capabilities of modern computers. A parallelized multiple degree-of-freedom cell mapping (PMDCM) method is introduced here to address this limitation. By restructuring the MDCM algorithm to enable parallel operations, the efficiency of the algorithm is significantly enhanced. The details of the PMDCM algorithm are presented and performance is compared to the MDCM method and baseline obtained by using the grid-of-starts method. By running the PMDCM method on a workstation with a quad-core processor and by parallelizing 100 numerical integration operations, the total computation time is decreased by 93% from the time required of the MDCM method. Parallelizing the integration operations also reduces the error which can accumulate when by using the sequential operations of the MDCM method

Shale Investment Dashboard in Ohio

This report presents findings from an investigation into shale-related investment in Ohio from researchers at Cleveland State and Youngstown State Universities. The investment estimates are cumulative from 2011 through the summer of 2016. Subsequent reports will estimate additional investment since the date of this report. The investigation was made into upstream, midstream and downstream investments. The downturn in oil and gas prices in late 2014 that continued through 2016 has constrained upstream investment in Ohio, as drilling slowed. However low hydrocarbon prices have increased a nationwide appetite for natural gas and natural gas liquids. This has led to a continuation of midstream and downstream investment. Since operating companies do not generally make investments publicly available, upstream investments were estimated by using approximations for typical expenditures on wells that are drilled in the Utica. Information for typical investments were obtained through a combination of industry interviews and publicly available data

Shale Investment Dashboard in Ohio Q3 and Q4 2016

This report presents findings from an investigation into shale-related investment in Ohio. The investment estimates are cumulative from July through December of 2016. Prior investments have previously been reported and are available from Cleveland State University. Subsequent reports will estimate additional investment since the date of this report

Design and development of base-catalyzed materials for microelectronics applications

Most lithographic processes in the microelectronics industry rely on the use of processes catalyzed by photochemically generated acids. The generation of organic bases photochemically is much less common, but allows for design of new resolution enhancement techniques and packaging materials. The microelectronics industry has been able to continue its path toward smaller transistors for several decades, but recently 157 nm and EUV lithography processes have faced delays. Alternative strategies such as double patterning are now required to keep the pace of scaling and they greatly increase manufacturing costs. This dissertation discusses a resolution enhancement technique termed pitchdivision designed to extend 193 nm lithography. This process depends on addition of a photobase generator (PBG) to commercial photoresists that enables printing of both positive and negative features, effectively doubling resolution. Using PBGs that require two separate photochemical events to generate base allows for improved image quality over standard PBGs. The use of PBGs in photosensitive polyimide packaging materials is also detailed. In packaging of integrated circuits, there is a need for an insulating material having low dielectric constant that provides support for the wires connecting the silicon chip to the circuit board. Aromatic polyimides meet many of the integration requirements, and can be patterned using PBGs in a base-catalyzed process. However, the UV absorbance of such materials is too high for thick films. The fluorinated polyimide pyromellitic dianhydride-co-2,2’-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (PMDA-TFMB) was therefore auditioned for this use. PMDA-TFMB was printed using 365 nm lithography using near-UV PBGs and achieved resolution as small as 2.5 μm. This material was found to have a dielectric constant around 3.0, and a coefficient of thermal expansion of 6 ppm/K. Further work on the system sought to improve both material properties and lithographic patterning. The use of alternative monomers was explored. New PBGs capable of producing stronger amidine bases were also synthesized and used to cure PMDA-TFMB. Finally, the discovery of new catalysts for low temperature curing of polyimides is described. These materials include organic and inorganic salts that allow for the complete curing of polyimides below 200°C. The material properties of films cured with these catalysts are described.Chemical Engineerin

Shale Investment Dashboard in Ohio Q1 and Q2 2017

This report presents findings from an investigation into shale-related investment in Ohio. The investment estimates are cumulative from January through June of 2017. Prior investments have previously been reported and are available from Cleveland State University. Subsequent reports will estimate additional investment since the date of this report