Low-loss singlemode PECVD silicon nitride photonic wire waveguides for 532-900 nm wavelength window fabricated within a CMOS pilot line

PECVD silicon nitride photonic wire waveguides have been fabricated in a CMOS pilot line. Both clad and unclad single mode wire waveguides were measured at lambda = 532, 780, and 900 nm, respectively. The dependence of loss on wire width, wavelength, and cladding is discussed in detail. Cladded multimode and singlemode waveguides show a loss well below 1 dB/cm in the 532-900 nm wavelength range. For singlemode unclad waveguides, losses < 1 dB/cm were achieved at lambda = 900 nm, whereas losses were measured in the range of 1-3 dB/cm for lambda = 780 and 532 nm, respectively

High spatial resolution nanoslit SERS for single-molecule nucleobase sensing

Solid-state nanopores promise a scalable platform for single-molecule DNA analysis. Direct, real-time identification of nucleobases in DNA strands is still limited by the sensitivity and the spatial resolution of established ionic sensing strategies. Here, we study a different but promising strategy based on optical spectroscopy. We use an optically engineered elongated nanopore structure, a plasmonic nanoslit, to locally enable single-molecule surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Combining SERS with nanopore fluidics facilitates both the electrokinetic capture of DNA analytes and their local identification through direct Raman spectroscopic fingerprinting of four nucleobases. By studying the stochastic fluctuation process of DNA analytes that are temporarily adsorbed inside the pores, we have observed asynchronous spectroscopic behavior of different nucleobases, both individual and incorporated in DNA strands. These results provide evidences for the single-molecule sensitivity and the sub-nanometer spatial resolution of plasmonic nanoslit SERS

A method to evaluate equitable accessibility: combining ethical theories and accessibility-based approaches

In this paper, we present the case that traditional transport appraisal methods do not sufficiently capture the social dimensions of mobility and accessibility. However, understanding this is highly relevant for policymakers to understand the impacts of their transport decisions. These dimensions include the distribution of mobility and accessibility levels over particular areas or for specific population groups, as well as how this may affect various social outcomes, including their levels of participation, social inclusion and community cohesion. In response, we propose a method to assess the socially relevant accessibility impacts (SRAIs) of policies in some of these key dimensions. The method combines the use of underlying ethics principles, more specifically the theories of egalitarianism and sufficientarianism, in combination with accessibility-based analysis and the Lorenz curve and Gini index. We then demonstrate the method in a case study example. Our suggestion is that policymakers can use these ethical perspectives to determine the equity of their policies decisions and to set minimum standards for local transport delivery. This will help them to become more confident in the development and adoption of new decision frameworks that promote accessibility over mobility and which also disaggregate the costs and benefits of transport policies over particular areas or for specific under-served population groups

Simultaneous activities in the household and residential electricity demand in Spain

Recent research and policy studies on the low-carbon future highlight the importance of flexible electricity demand. This might be problematic particularly for residential electricity demand, which is related to simultaneous consumers’ practices in the household. This paper analyses issues of simultaneity in residential electricity demand in Spain. It makes use of the 2011 Spanish Time Use Survey data with comparisons from the previous Spanish Time Use Survey and the Harmonised European Time Use Surveys. Findings show that media activities are associated the highest levels of continuity and simultaneity, particularly in the early and late parts of the evening during weekdays