Whiskerless Schottky diode

A Schottky diode for millimeter and submillimeter wave applications is comprised of a multi-layered structure including active layers of gallium arsenide on a semi-insulating gallium arsenide substrate with first and second insulating layers of silicon dioxide on the active layers of gallium arsenide. An ohmic contact pad lays on the silicon dioxide layers. An anode is formed in a window which is in and through the silicon dioxide layers. An elongated contact finger extends from the pad to the anode and a trench, preferably a transverse channel or trench of predetermined width, is formed in the active layers of the diode structure under the contact finger. The channel extends through the active layers to or substantially to the interface of the semi-insulating gallium arsenide substrate and the adjacent gallium arsenide layer which constitutes a buffer layer. Such a structure minimizes the effect of the major source of shunt capacitance by interrupting the current path between the conductive layers beneath the anode contact pad and the ohmic contact. Other embodiments of the diode may substitute various insulating or semi-insulating materials for the silicon dioxide, various semi-conductors for the active layers of gallium arsenide, and other materials for the substrate, which may be insulating or semi-insulating

Spin-Orbit Splitting in Non-Relativistic and Relativistic Self-Consistent Models

The splitting of single-particle energies between spin-orbit partners in nuclei is examined in the framework of different self-consistent approachs, non-relativistic as well as relativistic. Analytical expressions of spin-orbit potentials are given for various cases. Proton spin-orbit splittings are calculated along some isotopic chains (O, Ca, Sn) and they are compared with existing data. It is found that the isotopic dependence of the relativistic mean field predictions is similar to that of some Skyrme forces while the relativistic Hartree-Fock approach leads to a very different dependence due to the strong non-locality.Comment: 12 pages, RevTeX, 4 new figs.in .zip format, unchanged conclusions, Phys. ReV.

Interaction of consumer preferences and climate policies in the global transition to low-carbon vehicles

Burgeoning demands for mobility and private vehicle ownership undermine global efforts to reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Advanced vehicles powered by low-carbon sources of electricity or hydrogen offer an alternative to conventional fossil-fuelled technologies. Yet, despite ambitious pledges and investments by governments and automakers, it is by no means clear that these vehicles will ultimately reach mass-market consumers. Here, we develop state-of-the-art representations of consumer preferences in multiple, global energy- economy models, specifically focusing on the non-financial preferences of individuals. We employ these enhanced model formulations to analyse the potential for a low-carbon vehicle revolution up to mid-century. Our analysis shows that a diverse set of measures targeting vehicle buyers is necessary for driving widespread adoption of clean technologies. Carbon pricing alone is insufficient for bringing low-carbon vehicles to mass market, though it can certainly play a supporting role in ensuring a decarbonised energy supply

Towards demand-side solutions for mitigating climate change

Research on climate change mitigation tends to focus on supply-side technology solutions. A better understanding of demand-side solutions is missing. We propose a transdisciplinary approach to identify demand-side climate solutions, investigate their mitigation potential, detail policy measures and assess their implications for well-being

Climate policy when preferences are endogenous— and sometimes they are

Policy can change people's preferences. For example, how cities are designed has an impact on future preferences about modes of transport, even after people move. We examine the normative significance of such preference formation for climate policy design, in which such effects are commonly ignored. Yet, on the long time scales that climate policy must consider, it is likely to change preferences. We argue that this is of high relevance for the adequate evaluation of mitigation options. We further argue that the orthodox approach of addressing environmental concerns with marginal pricing and Pigouvian taxes is missing a key element. Policies that change preferences can influence the cost of carbon mitigation, and hence change the optimal carbon tax rate. As an attempt to assist in policy making with endogenous preferences, we examine alternatives to preference satisfaction for normative economics. Some new arguments for and against established positions in welfare theory are considered. We conclude that substantive welfare criteria, or perhaps a reinterpretation of the standard liberal approach to welfare as about fundamental preferences, may serve as a better guide to policy where preferences are endogenous.</p

Climate policy when preferences are endogenous— and sometimes they are

Policy can change people's preferences. For example, how cities are designed has an impact on future preferences about modes of transport, even after people move. We examine the normative significance of such preference formation for climate policy design, in which such effects are commonly ignored. Yet, on the long time scales that climate policy must consider, it is likely to change preferences. We argue that this is of high relevance for the adequate evaluation of mitigation options. We further argue that the orthodox approach of addressing environmental concerns with marginal pricing and Pigouvian taxes is missing a key element. Policies that change preferences can influence the cost of carbon mitigation, and hence change the optimal carbon tax rate. As an attempt to assist in policy making with endogenous preferences, we examine alternatives to preference satisfaction for normative economics. Some new arguments for and against established positions in welfare theory are considered. We conclude that substantive welfare criteria, or perhaps a reinterpretation of the standard liberal approach to welfare as about fundamental preferences, may serve as a better guide to policy where preferences are endogenous.</p