243 research outputs found

    Micro/Nano Liquid Crystal Layer–Based Tunable Optical Fiber Interferometers

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    Miniaturization and integration are the main trends in modern photonic technology. In this chapter, two kinds of micro-/nano liquid crystal (LC) layer–based tunable optical fiber interferometers are proposed. One fiber interferometer is the optical fiber gratings (LPGs), and the other one is the locally bent microfiber taper (LBMT). The working principles of the devices are theoretically analyzed. The preparation process and the functional properties of the devices are experimentally investigated as well

    Criterions, Prediction and Prevention of Loess Liquefaction

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    Although loess liquefaction is not very common during earthquakes in Northwest of China, it is disastrous if it happens. Both study and valid evidence from Haiyuan 8.5 Earthquake in 1920 and Tajikistan 5.9 Earthquake in 1989 have proved that loess liquefaction could be very disastrous under certain conditions. In this paper, the criterions of loess liquefaction are discussed to show that unlike typical liquefaction of sand, loess which falls into the category of both silt clay and clayey silt has unique characteristics during liquefaction test. To predict liquefaction of loess, a simple method based on laboratory test and field evidences using GIS is proposed. The prediction results and corresponding measure have been adopted in Seismic Design Code for Buildings in Lanzhou Urban Area. Finally, recent approach of treatment of loess with chemicals methods is developed, which may have some application implication as an simple and feasible treatment method against liquefaction of loess

    Strong structural and electronic coupling in metavalent PbS moire superlattices

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    Moire superlattices are twisted bilayer materials, in which the tunable interlayer quantum confinement offers access to new physics and novel device functionalities. Previously, moire superlattices were built exclusively using materials with weak van der Waals interactions and synthesizing moire superlattices with strong interlayer chemical bonding was considered to be impractical. Here using lead sulfide (PbS) as an example, we report a strategy for synthesizing of moire superlattices coupled by strong chemical bonding. We use water-soluble ligands as a removable template to obtain free-standing ultra-thin PbS nanosheets and assemble them into direct-contact bilayers with various twist angles. Atomic-resolution imaging shows the moire periodic structural reconstruction at superlattice interface, due to the strong metavalent coupling. Electron energy loss spectroscopy and theoretical calculations collectively reveal the twist angle26 dependent electronic structure, especially the emergent separation of flat bands at small twist angles. The localized states of flat bands are similar to well-arranged quantum dots, promising an application in devices. This study opens a new door to the exploration of deep energy modulations within moire superlattices alternative to van der Waals twistronics

    Carbon nanocages with nanographene shell for high-rate lithium ion batteries

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    Carbon nanocages with a nanographene shell have been prepared by catalytic decomposition of p-xylene on a MgO supported Co and Mo catalyst in supercritical CO2 at a pressure of 10.34 MPa and temperatures ranging from 650 to 750 °C. The electrochemical performance of these carbon nanocages as anodes for lithium ion batteries has been evaluated by galvanostatic cycling. The carbon nanocages prepared at a temperature of 750 °C exhibited relatively high reversible capacities, superior rate performance and excellent cycling life. The advanced performance of the carbon nanocages prepared at 750 °C is ascribed to their unique structural features: (1) nanographene shells and the good inter-cage contact ensuring fast electron transportation, (2) a porous network formed by fine pores in the carbon shell and the void space among the cages facilitating the penetration of the electrolyte and ions within the electrode, (3) thin carbon shells shortening the diffusion distance of Li ions, and (4) the high specific surface area providing a large number of active sites for charge-transfer reactions. These carbon nanocages are promising candidates for application in lithium ion batteries
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