Mixed-Mode Electro-Optical Operation of Ge2Sb2Te5 Nanoscale Crossbar Devices

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is freely available from Wiley via the DOI in this record.The use of phase-change materials for a range of exciting new optoelectronic applications from artificial retinas to ultrahigh-resolution displays requires a thorough understanding of how these materials perform under a combination of optical and electrical stimuli. This study reports for the first time the complex link between the electronic and optical properties in real-world crossbar nanoscale devices constructed by confining a thin layer of Ge2Sb2Te5 between transparent indium tin oxide electrodes, forming an optical nanocavity. A novel proof-of-concept device that can be operated by a combination of optical and electrical stimuli is presented, leading the way for the development of further applications based on mixed-mode electro-optical operation.CONACYT. Grant Number: 215365. EPSRC. Grant Numbers: EP/J018783/1, EP/M015173/1, EP/M015130/1, EP/J018694/

Cerebellum Transcriptome of Mice Bred for High Voluntary Activity Offers Insights into Locomotor Control and Reward-Dependent Behaviors.

The role of the cerebellum in motivation and addictive behaviors is less understood than that in control and coordination of movements. High running can be a self-rewarding behavior exhibiting addictive properties. Changes in the cerebellum transcriptional networks of mice from a line selectively bred for High voluntary running (H) were profiled relative to an unselected Control (C) line. The environmental modulation of these changes was assessed both in activity environments corresponding to 7 days of Free (F) access to running wheel and to Blocked (B) access on day 7. Overall, 457 genes exhibited a significant (FDR-adjusted P-value < 0.05) genotype-by-environment interaction effect, indicating that activity genotype differences in gene expression depend on environmental access to running. Among these genes, network analysis highlighted 6 genes (Nrgn, Drd2, Rxrg, Gda, Adora2a, and Rab40b) connected by their products that displayed opposite expression patterns in the activity genotype contrast within the B and F environments. The comparison of network expression topologies suggests that selection for high voluntary running is linked to a predominant dysregulation of hub genes in the F environment that enables running whereas a dysregulation of ancillary genes is favored in the B environment that blocks running. Genes associated with locomotor regulation, signaling pathways, reward-processing, goal-focused, and reward-dependent behaviors exhibited significant genotype-by-environment interaction (e.g. Pak6, Adora2a, Drd2, and Arhgap8). Neuropeptide genes including Adcyap1, Cck, Sst, Vgf, Npy, Nts, Penk, and Tac2 and related receptor genes also exhibited significant genotype-by-environment interaction. The majority of the 183 differentially expressed genes between activity genotypes (e.g. Drd1) were under-expressed in C relative to H genotypes and were also under-expressed in B relative to F environments. Our findings indicate that the high voluntary running mouse line studied is a helpful model for understanding the molecular mechanisms in the cerebellum that influence locomotor control and reward-dependent behaviors

Mixed-Mode Electro Optical Properties of Ge2Sb2Te5

This is the author accepted manuscript.In this paper we present ongoing work on a novel alternative mode of operation of phase change materials, specifically Ge2Sb2Te5: mixed-mode electro-optical operation, which offers a new set of potential applications for this material

Active vibration isolation system for CLIC final focus

International audienceWith pinpoint accuracy, the next generation of Linear Collider such as CLIC will collide electron and positron beams at a centre of mass energy of 3 TeV with a desired peak luminosity of 2*1034 cm-2s-1. One of the many challenging features of CLIC is its ability to collide beams at the sub-nanometer scale at the Interaction Point (IP). Such a high level of accuracy could only be achieved by integrating Active Vibration Isolation systems (AVI) upstream of the collision to prevent the main source of vibration: Ground Motion (GM). Complementary control systems downstream of the collision (Interaction Point FeedBack (IPFB), Orbit FeedBack (OFB)) allow low frequency vibration rejection. This paper focuses on a dedicated AVI table designed for the last focusing quadrupole (QD0) where the specifications are the most stringent. Combining FeedForward (FF) and FeedBack (FB) techniques, the prototype is able to reduce GM down to 0.6 nm RMS(4Hz) experimentally without any load. These performances couldn't be achieved without cutting edge-technology such as sub-nanometer piezo actuators, ultra-low noise accelerometers and seismometers and an accurate guidance system. The whole AVI system is described in details. Further developments concern the integration of the final focusing magnet above the AVI table, first as part of the simulation with its dynamical model, and finally, as a realistic prototype