Scaling of Coulomb pseudo-potential in s-wave narrow-band superconductors

The Coulomb pseudo-potential $\mu^*$ is extracted by fitting the numerically calculated transition temperature $T_c$ of the Eliashberg-Nambu equation which is extended to incorporate the narrow-band effects, that is, the vertex correction and the frequency dependence of the screened Coulomb interaction. It is shown that even for narrow-band superconductors, where the fermi energy $\epsilon_F$ is comparable with the phonon frequency $\omega_{ph}$, the Coulomb pseudo-potential is a pertinent parameter, and is still given by $\mu^* = \mu/[1+\mu \ln(\epsilon_F/\omega_{ph})]$, provided $\omega_{ph}$ is appropriately scaled.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication by Phys. Rev.

Justification of Data Warehousing for DSS: A Competitive Advantage Point of View

This study analyzes twenty-three successful data warehouse implementations along Porter’s (1985) value chain model. It identifies the commonalities among the implementations in terms of project justification by applying the competitive advantage concept. A conceptual model, “Justification Grid of Data Warehousing,” provides a framework for organizations considering data warehousing that allows them to assess and evaluate data warehousing projects strategically. The framework is a complementary approach to cost-benefit analysis (CBA) in a comprehensive, organization-wide project justification

Transparent and Conductive Carbon Nanotube Multilayer Thin Films Suitable as an Indium Tin Oxide Replacement

Transparent electrodes made from metal oxides suffer from poor flexibility and durability. Highly transparent and electrically conductive thin films based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were assembled as a potential indium tin oxide (ITO) replacement using layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. The ultimate objective of this dissertation work is to produce CNT-based assemblies with sheet resistance below 100 Omega/sq and visible light transmission greater than 85 percent. The alternate deposition of positively charged poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) [PDDA] and CNTs stabilized with negatively charged deoxycholate (DOC) exhibit linear film growth and thin film properties can be precisely tuned. Ellipsometry, quartz crystal microbalance, and UV-vis were used to measure the growth of these films as a function of PDDA-CNT bilayers deposited, while TEM, SEM, and AFM were used to visualize the nanostructure of these films. Following a literature review describing potential ITO substitutes and LbL technology, the influence of CNT type on optoelectronic performance of LbL assemblies is described. Three different types of nanotubes were investigated: (1) multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), (2) few-walled carbon nanotubes (FWNT), and (3) purified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). SWNTs produced the most transparent (>85 percent visible light transmittance) and electrically conductive (148 S/cm, 1.62 kOmega/sq) 20-bilayer films with a 41.6 nm thickness, while MWNT-based films are much thicker and more opaque. A 20-bilayer PDDA/(MWNT DOC) film is approximately 103 nm thick, with a conductivity of 36 S/cm and a transmittance of 30 percent. In an effort to improve both transparency and electrical conductivity, heat and acid treatments were studied. Heating films to 300 degree C reduced sheet resistance to 701 Omega/sq (618 S/cm conductivity, 38.4 nm thickness), with no change in transparency, owing to the removal of insulating component in the film. Despite improving conductivity, heating is not compatible with most plastic substrates, so acid doping was investigated as an alternate means to enhance properties. Exposing SWNT-based assemblies to HNO3 vapor reduced sheet resistance of a 10 BL film to 227 Omega/sq. Replacing SWNTs with double walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) provided further reduction in sheet resistance due to the greater metallic of DWNT. A 5 BL DWNT film exhibited the lowest 104 Omega/sq sheet resistance (4200 S/cm conductivity, 22.9 nm thickness) with 84 percent transmittance after nitric acid treatment. DWNT-based assemblies maintained their low sheet resistance after repeated bending and also showed electrochemical stability relative to ITO. This work demonstrates the excellent optoelectronic performance, mechanical flexibility, and electrochemical stability of CNT-based assemblies, which are potentially useful as flexible transparent electrodes for a variety of flexible electronics

Nanogenerators in Korea

Fossil fuels leaded the 21st century industrial revolution but caused some critical problems such as exhaustion of resources and global warming. Also, current power plants require too much high cost and long time for establishment and facilities to provide electricity. Thus, developing new power production systems with environmental friendliness and low-cost is critical global needs. There are some emerging energy harvesting technologies such as thermoelectric, piezoelectric, and triboelectric nanogenerators, which have great advantages on eco-friendly low-cost materials, simple fabrication, and various operating sources. Since the introduction of various energy harvesting technologies, many novel designs and applications as power suppliers and physical sensors in the world have been demonstrated based on their unique advantages. In this Special Issue, we would like to address and share basic approaches, new designs, and industrial applications related to thermoelectric, piezoelectric, and triboelectric devices which are on-going in Korea. With this Special Issue, we aim to promote fundamental understanding and to find novel ways to achieve industrial product manufacturing for energy harvesters