Structural changes and conductance thresholds in metal-free intrinsic SiOx resistive random access memory

We present an investigation of structural changes in silicon-rich silicon oxide metal-insulator-metal resistive RAM devices. The observed unipolar switching, which is intrinsic to the bulk oxide material and does not involve movement of metal ions, correlates with changes in the structure of the oxide. We use atomic force microscopy, conductive atomic force microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy to examine the structural changes occurring as a result of switching. We confirm that protrusions formed at the surface of samples during switching are bubbles, which are likely to be related to the outdiffusion of oxygen. This supports existing models for valence-change based resistive switching in oxides. In addition, we describe parallel linear and nonlinear conduction pathways and suggest that the conductance quantum, G0, is a natural boundary between the high and low resistance states of our devices

The SKA Particle Array Prototype: The First Particle Detector at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory

We report on the design, deployment, and first results from a scintillation detector deployed at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO). The detector is a prototype for a larger array -- the Square Kilometre Array Particle Array (SKAPA) -- planned to allow the radio-detection of cosmic rays with the Murchison Widefield Array and the low-frequency component of the Square Kilometre Array. The prototype design has been driven by stringent limits on radio emissions at the MRO, and to ensure survivability in a desert environment. Using data taken from Nov.\ 2018 to Feb.\ 2019, we characterize the detector response while accounting for the effects of temperature fluctuations, and calibrate the sensitivity of the prototype detector to through-going muons. This verifies the feasibility of cosmic ray detection at the MRO. We then estimate the required parameters of a planned array of eight such detectors to be used to trigger radio observations by the Murchison Widefield Array.Comment: 17 pages, 14 figures, 3 table

The upgraded Polaris powder diffractometer at the ISIS neutron source

This paper describes the design and operation of the Polaris time-of-flight powder neutron diffractometer at the ISIS pulsed spallation neutron source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK. Following a major upgrade to the diffractometer in 2010-2011, its detector provision now comprises five large ZnS scintillator-based banks, covering an angular range of 6\ub0 ≤ 2θ ≤ 168\ub0, with only minimal gaps between each bank. These detectors have a substantially increased solid angle coverage (ω ∼5.67 sr) compared to the previous instrument (ω ∼0.82 sr), resulting in increases in count rate of between 2 7 and 10 7, depending on 2θ angle. The benefits arising from the high count rates achieved are illustrated using selected examples of experiments studying small sample volumes and performing rapid, time-resolved investigations. In addition, the enhanced capabilities of the diffractometer in the areas of in situ studies (which are facilitated by the installation of a novel design of radial collimator around the sample position and by a complementary programme of advanced sample environment developments) and in total scattering studies (to probe the nature of short-range atomic correlations within disordered crystalline solids) are demonstrated

The Depth Resolution of Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometers: A Critical Evaluation

The ability of five Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) instruments to resolve thin layer and modulated dopant structures by depth profiling has been assessed. Three magnetic sector instruments (two Cameca IMS 3f\u27s and one 4f), which use optical gating and a high extraction field, were used, together with two different quadrupole based instruments (EVA 2000 and Atomika) , which use electronic gating and a low extraction field. The test structure, a thirty-one peak boron-in-silicon modulating dopant structure, was grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE). In all the depth profiles the near surface peaks appeared narrow and asymmetric, being broadened only by fundamental processes (e.g., atomic mixing and recoil implantation). As the profiles proceeded, however, further broadening was observed. This phenomena varied markedly both from one instrument to another and from one experiment to another on the same instrument. In some cases the loss of depth resolution with depth was manifested by broadening mainly in the leading edge, in others the trailing edge, of successive boron peaks. The \u27order of merit\u27 of the instruments thus depended on the parameter used to define depth resolution. The loss of peak (depth) resolution with depth was due to variations in primary ion beam density across the gated area of the crater, which led to uneven etching. The changes in peak shape with depth can be explained by a numerical model of the etching process. These observations dictate that the depth resolution of a SIMS instrument should not be measured in terms of a single interface width, such as the leading or trailing edge

Highly flexible silica/chitosan hybrid scaffolds with oriented pores for tissue regeneration

Inorganic/organic sol–gel hybrids have nanoscale co-networks of organic and inorganic components that give them the unique potential of tailored mechanical properties and controlled biodegradation in tissue engineering applications. Here, silica/chitosan hybrid scaffolds with oriented structures were fabricated through the sol–gel method with a unidirectional freeze casting process. 3-Glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) was used to obtain covalent inorganic/organic coupling. Process variables were investigated such as cooling rate, GPTMS and inorganic content, which can be used to tailor the mechanical properties and hybrid chemical coupling. Structural characterization and dissolution tests confirmed the covalent cross-linking of the chitosan and the silica network in hybrids. The scaffolds had a directional lamellar structure along the freezing direction and a cellular morphology perpendicular to the freezing direction. Compression testing showed that the scaffolds with 60 wt% organic were flexible and elastomeric perpendicular to the freezing direction whilst behaving in an elastic-brittle fashion parallel to the freezing direction. The compressive strengths are about one order of magnitude higher in the latter direction reaching values of the order of 160 kPa. This behaviour provides potential for clinicians to be able to squeeze the materials to fit tissue defect sites while providing some mechanical support from the other direction

Opening the terahertz window on the OSIRIS spectrometer

4 pags., 6 figs. -- QENS/WINS 2014 - 11th International Conference on Quasielastic Neutron Scattering and 6th International Workshop on Inelastic Neutron SpectrometersA cooled and mechanically retractable beryllium filter has been installed and commissioned on the low-energy OSIRIS spectrometer at ISIS. This instrument development extends the energy-transfer range of the spectrometer up to ca. 20 meV (∼ 5 THz), leading to an excellent resolution at THz frequencies and substantial gains in detected flux relative to existing capabilities on the neighbouring IRIS spectrometer. Herein, we provide a concise account of this new capability for high-resolution neutron spectroscopy in the THz domain, as well as outline a number of ongoing and potential scientific opportunities in condensed-matter physics, chemistry, and materials science.The authors gratefully acknowledge the UK Science & Technology Facilities Council for financial support and access to beam time at ISIS

Unique metabolites protect earthworms against plant polyphenols

All higher plants produce polyphenols, for defence against above-ground herbivory. These polyphenols also influence the soil micro- and macro-fauna that break down plant leaf litter. Polyphenols therefore indirectly affect the fluxes of soil nutrients and, ultimately, carbon turnover and ecosystem functioning in soils. It is unknown how earthworms, the major component of animal biomass in many soils, cope with high-polyphenol diets. Here, we show that earthworms possess a class of unique surface-active metabolites in their gut, which we term ‘drilodefensins’. These compounds counteract the inhibitory effects of polyphenols on earthworm gut enzymes, and high-polyphenol diets increase drilodefensin concentrations in both laboratory and field populations. This shows that drilodefensins protect earthworms from the harmful effects of ingested polyphenols. We have identified the key mechanism for adaptation to a dietary challenge in an animal group that has a major role in organic matter recycling in soils worldwide

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key determinant of the rare disease lymphangioleiomyomatosis and provides a novel therapeutic target

Acknowledgements The authors are grateful to Prof. Dr. Laszlo Seress, Professor Emeritus, Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary for his invaluable assistance with electron microscopic studies using the Jeol 1200 TEM and Jeol 1400 TEM electron microscopes. Jeol TEM was funded by the GINOP-2.3.3-15-2016-0002 (New generation electron microscope: 3D ultrastructure). We would also like to thank Dr. Veronika Csongei, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary for assistance with statistical analysis. Funding JEP was supported by the European Union and the State of Hungary, co-financed by the European Social Fund in the framework of TÁMOP-4.2.4.A/2-11/1-2012-0001 “National Excellence Program”.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

The new high field photoexcitation muon spectrometer at the ISIS pulsed neutron and muon source

A high power pulsed laser system has been installed on the high magnetic field muon spectrometer (HiFi) at the ISIS pulsed neutron and muon source, situated at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in the UK. The upgrade enables one to perform light-pump muon-probe experiments under a high magnetic field, which opens new applications of muon spin spectroscopy. In this report we give an overview of the principle of the HiFi Laser system, and describe the newly developed techniques and devices that enable precisely controlled photoexcitation of samples in the muon instrument. A demonstration experiment illustrates the potential of this unique combination of the photoexcited system and avoided level crossing technique.Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures, and 2 table