High density photovoltaic

Photovoltaic technology can directly generate high voltages in a solid state material through the series interconnect of many photovoltaic diodes. We are investigating the feasibility of developing an electrically isolated, high-voltage power supply using miniature photovoltaic devices that convert optical energy to electrical energy

Direct observations of single sonoluminescence pulses

Previous reports have described experimental measurements and theoretical descriptions of sonoluminescence without clearly resolving the physical events that underlie this phenomenon. Although incomplete, these results have led to suggestions that sonoluminescence might be such an extreme process that it could serve as an unusual inertial confinement source of fusion neutrons. Such a possibility depends on physical details of individual sonoluminescence events such as the source temperature, diameter, and density. The present report describes attempts to measure the diameter and duration of single sonoluminescence flashes. In both cases the results were limited by the resolution of the instruments, giving diameters of the order of 3 ltm or less and durations of the order of 12 ps, or less

SPICE: a business process diagnostic tool for construction projects

The construction sector is under growing pressure to increase productivity and improve quality, most notably in reports by Latham (1994, Constructing the Team, HMSO, London) and Egan (1998, Rethinking Construction, HMSO, London). A major problem for construction companies is the lack of project predictability. One method of increasing predictability and delivering increased customer value is through the systematic management of construction processes. However, the industry has no methodological mechanism to assess process capability and prioritise process improvements. Standardized Process Improvement for Construction Enterprises (SPICE) is a research project that is attempting to develop a stepwise process improvement framework for the construction industry, utilizing experience from the software industry, and in particular the Capability Maturity Model (CMM), which has resulted in significant productivity improvements in the software industry. This paper introduces SPICE concepts and presents the results from two case studies conducted on design and build projects. These studies have provided further in-sight into the relevance and accuracy of the framework, as well as its value for the construction sector