A review of modular strategies and architecture within manufacturing operations

This paper reviews existing modularity and modularization literature within manufacturing operations. Its purpose is to examine the tools, techniques, and concepts relating to modular production, to draw together key issues currently dominating the literature, to assess managerial implications associated with the emerging modular paradigm, and to present an agenda for future research directions. The review is based on journal papers included in the ABI/Inform electronic database and other noteworthy research published as part of significant research programmes. The research methodology concerns reviewing existing literature to identify key modular concepts, to determine modular developments, and to present a review of significant contributions to the field. The findings indicate that the modular paradigm is being adopted in a number of manufacturing organizations. As a result a range of conceptual tools, techniques, and frameworks has emerged and the field of modular enquiry is in the process of codifying the modular lexicon and developing appropriate modular strategies commensurate with the needs of manufacturers. Modular strategies and modular architecture were identified as two key issues currently dominating the modular landscape. Based on this review, the present authors suggest that future research areas need to focus on the development and subsequent standardization of interface protocols, cross-brand module use, supply chain power, transparency, and trust. This is the first review of the modular landscape and as such provides insights into, first, the development of modularization and, second, issues relating to designing modular products and modular supply chains

Zero-Bias Anomalies in Narrow Tunnel Junctions in the Quantum Hall Regime

We report on the study of cleaved-edge-overgrown line junctions with a serendipitously created narrow opening in an otherwise thin, precise line barrier. Two sets of zero-bias anomalies are observed with an enhanced conductance for filling factors $\nu > 1$ and a strongly suppressed conductance for $\nu < 1$. A transition between the two behaviors is found near $\nu \approx 1$. The zero-bias anomaly (ZBA) line shapes find explanation in Luttinger liquid models of tunneling between quantum Hall edge states. The ZBA for $\nu < 1$ occurs from strong backscattering induced by suppression of quasiparticle tunneling between the edge channels for the $n = 0$ Landau levels. The ZBA for $\nu > 1$ arises from weak tunneling of quasiparticles between the $n = 1$ edge channels.Comment: version with edits for clarit

Cascade of Quantum Phase Transitions in Tunnel-Coupled Edge States

We report on the cascade of quantum phase transitions exhibited by tunnel-coupled edge states across a quantum Hall line junction. We identify a series of quantum critical points between successive strong and weak tunneling regimes in the zero-bias conductance. Scaling analysis shows that the conductance near the critical magnetic fields $B_{c}$ is a function of a single scaling argument $|B-B_{c}|T^{-\kappa}$, where the exponent $\kappa = 0.42$. This puzzling resemblance to a quantum Hall-insulator transition points to importance of interedge correlation between the coupled edge states.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Interference measurements of non-Abelian e/4 & Abelian e/2 quasiparticle braiding

The quantum Hall states at filling factors $\nu=5/2$ and $7/2$ are expected to have Abelian charge $e/2$ quasiparticles and non-Abelian charge $e/4$ quasiparticles. For the first time we report experimental evidence for the non-Abelian nature of excitations at $\nu=7/2$ and examine the fermion parity, a topological quantum number of an even number of non-Abelian quasiparticles, by measuring resistance oscillations as a function of magnetic field in Fabry-P\'erot interferometers using new high purity heterostructures. The phase of observed $e/4$ oscillations is reproducible and stable over long times (hours) near $\nu=5/2$ and $7/2$, indicating stability of the fermion parity. When phase fluctuations are observed, they are predominantly $\pi$ phase flips, consistent with fermion parity change. We also examine lower-frequency oscillations attributable to Abelian interference processes in both states. Taken together, these results constitute new evidence for the non-Abelian nature of $e/4$ quasiparticles; the observed life-time of their combined fermion parity further strengthens the case for their utility for topological quantum computation.Comment: A significantly revised version; 54 double-column pages containing 14 pages of main text + Supplementary Materials. The figures, which include a number of new figures, are now incorporated into the tex

Impact of disorder on the 5/2 fractional quantum Hall state

We compare the energy gap of the \nu=5/2 fractional quantum Hall effect state obtained in conventional high mobility modulation doped quantum well samples with those obtained in high quality GaAs transistors (heterojunction insulated gate field-effect transistors). We are able to identify the different roles that long range and short range disorders play in the 5/2 state and observe that the long range potential fluctuations are more detrimental to the strength of the 5/2 state than short-range potential disorder.Comment: PRL 106, 206806 (2011