285 research outputs found
Spectral fingerprint of quantum confinement in single CsPbBr nanocrystals
Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are promising materials for
classical and quantum lightemission applications. To gain a better
understanding of their outstanding properties, a thorough understanding of the
band-edge exciton emission is needed which is not reachable in ensemble and
room temperature studies because of broadening effects. Here, we report on a
study of the photoluminescence (PL) of single CsPbBr NCs in the
intermediate quantum confinement regime at cryogenic temperature. We reveal the
size-dependence of the spectral features observed in single NCs PL: the
bright-triplet exciton energy splittings, the trion and biexciton binding
energies as well as the optical phonon replica spectrum. In addition, we show
that the bright triplet energy splittings are consistent with a pure exchange
model and that the variety of polarisation properties and PL spectra of single
CsPbBr NCs can be simply rationalised by considering the orientation of the
emitting dipoles and the thermal populations of the emitting states
Recombination-current suppression in GaAs p-n junctions grown on AlGaAs buffer layers by molecular-beam epitaxy
n+pp+GaAs and n+pP+ GaAs/GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As mesa diodes have been fabricated from films grown by molecular‐beam epitaxy. The diodes made from films employing an AlGaAs buffer layer show marked improvements (a factor of 5 reduction) in recombination current densities. Deep level transient spectroscopy measurements moreover indicate that deep level concentrations are reduced by the AlGaAs buffer
Basic Studies of III-IV High Efficiency Cell Components
The objective of the project is to raise the understanding of dark current mechanisms in GaAs-related solar cells to a level comparable to that of silicon cells. Motivation for this work arises from the observation that much of the progress in crystalline silicon cell performance has occurred as a result of a very deep knowledge of the physics controlling the cell’s dark current. Based on this knowledge, new cell structures evolved to suppress dominant dark current mechanisms. A comparable level of knowledge of GaAs cell device physics does not yet exist, but will be essential if cell performance near the thermodynamic limit is to be achieved
“Am I my genes?”: Questions of identity among individuals confronting genetic disease
Purpose: To explore many questions raised by genetics concerning personal identities that have not been fully investigated.
Methods: We interviewed in depth, for 2 hours each, 64 individuals who had or were at risk for Huntington disease, breast cancer, or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Results: These individuals struggled with several difficult issues of identity. They drew on a range of genotypes and phenotypes (e.g., family history alone; mutations, but no symptoms; or symptoms). They often felt that their predicament did not fit preexisting categories well (e.g., “sick,” “healthy,” “disabled,” “predisposed”), due in part to uncertainties involved (e.g., unclear prognoses, since mutations may not produce symptoms). Hence, individuals varied in how much genetics affected their identity, in what ways, and how negatively. Factors emerged related to disease, family history, and other sources of identity. These identities may, in turn, shape disclosure, coping, and other health decisions.
Conclusions: Individuals struggle to construct a genetic identity. They view genetic information in highly subjective ways, varying widely in what aspects of genetic information they focus on and how. These data have important implications for education of providers (to assist patients with these issues), patients, and family members; and for research, to understand these issues more fully
Direct observation and control of near-field radiative energy transfer in a natural hyperbolic material
Heat control is a key issue in nano-electronics, where new efficient energy
transfer mechanisms are highly sought after. In this respect, there is indirect
evidence that high-mobility hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)-encapsulated graphene
exhibits hyperbolic out-of-plane radiative energy transfer when driven
out-of-equilibrium. Here we directly observe radiative energy transfer due to
the hyperbolic phonon polaritons modes of the hBN encapsulant in intrinsic
graphene devices under large bias, using mid-infrared spectroscopy and
pyrometry. By using different hBN crystals of varied crystalline quality, we
engineer the energy transfer efficiency, a key asset for compact thermal
management of electronic circuits.Comment: 21 pages including Supplementary Material (Main text: 10 pages, 4
figures
Scandium oxide deposited by high-pressure sputtering for memory devices: Physical and interfacial properties
Patients' perspectives on high-tech home care: a qualitative inquiry into the user-friendliness of four technologies
BACKGROUND: The delivery of technology-enhanced home care is growing in most industrialized countries. The objective of our study was to document, from the patient's perspective, how the level of user-friendliness of medical technology influences its integration into the private and social lives of patients. Understanding what makes a technology user-friendly should help improve the design of home care services. METHODS: Four home care interventions that are frequently used and vary in their technical and clinical features were selected: Antibiotic intravenous therapy, parenteral nutrition, peritoneal dialysis and oxygen therapy. Our qualitative study relied on the triangulation of three sources of data: 1) interviews with patients (n = 16); 2) interviews with carers (n = 6); and 3) direct observation of nursing visits of a different set of patients (n = 16). Participants of varying socioeconomic status were recruited through primary care organizations and hospitals that deliver home care within 100 km of Montreal, the largest urban area in the province of Quebec, Canada. RESULTS: The four interventions have both a negative and positive effect on patients' lives. These technologies were rarely perceived as user-friendly, and user-acceptance was closely linked to user-competence. Compared with acute I.V. patients, who tended to be passive, chronic patients seemed keener to master technical aspects. While some of the technical and human barriers were managed well in the home setting, engaging in the social world was more problematic. Most patients found it difficult to maintain a regular job because of the high frequency of treatment, while some carers found their autonomy and social lives restricted. Patients also tended to withdraw from social activities because of social stigmatization and technical barriers. CONCLUSIONS: While technology contributes to improving the patients' health, it also imposes significant constraints on their lives. Policies aimed at developing home care must clearly integrate principles and resources supporting the appropriate use of technology. Close monitoring of patients should be part of all technology-enhanced home care programs
Generic nano-imprint process for fabrication of nanowire arrays
A generic process has been developed to grow nearly defect free arrays of
(heterostructured) InP and GaP nanowires. Soft nanoimprint lithography has been
used to pattern gold particle arrays on full 2 inch substrates. After lift-off
organic residues remain on the surface, which induce the growth of additional
undesired nanowires. We show that cleaning of the samples before growth with
piranha solution in combination with a thermal anneal at 550 C for InP and 700
C for GaP results in uniform nanowire arrays with 1% variation in nanowire
length, and without undesired extra nanowires. Our chemical cleaning procedure
is applicable to other lithographic techniques such as e-beam lithography, and
therefore represents a generic process.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures, 2 table
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