Abstract: Electrons in double-layer semiconductor heterostructures experience a special type of spin-orbit interaction that arises in each layer from the perpendicular component of the Coulomb electric field created by electron-density fluctuations in the other layer. We show that this interaction, acting in combination with the usual spin-orbit interaction, can generate a spin current in one layer when a charge current is driven in the other. This effect is distinct symmetrywise from the spin-Hall drag. The spin current is not, in general, perpendicular to the drive current.

Abstract: The interplay between quantum Hall states and Cooper pairs is usually hindered by the suppression of the superconducting state due to the strong magnetic fields needed to observe the quantum Hall effect. From this point of view, graphene is special since it allows the creation of strong pseudomagnetic fields due to strain. We show that in a Josephson junction made of strained graphene, Cooper pairs will diffuse into the strained region. The pair correlation function will be sublattice polarized due to the polarization of the local density of states in the zero pseudo-Landau level. We uncover two regimes: (1) one in which the cyclotron radius is larger than the junction length, in which case the supercurrent will be enhanced, and (2) the long junction regime where the supercurrent is strongly suppressed because the junction becomes an insulator. In the latter case quantized Hall states form and Andreev scattering at the normal/superconducting interface will induce edge states. Our numerical calculation has become possible due to an extension of the Chebyshev-Bogoliubovde Gennes method to computations on video cards (GPUs).

Abstract: By applying an electric field perpendicular to a semiconductor quantum ring we show that it is possible to modify the single particle wave function between quantum dot (QD)-like and ring-like. The constraints on the geometrical parameters of the quantum ring to realize such a transition are derived. With such a perpendicular electric field we are able to tune the Aharanov-Bohm (AB) effect for both the single particle and for excitons. The tunability is in both the strength of the AB effect as well as in its periodicity. We also investigate the strain induce potential inside the self-assembled quantum ring and the effect of the strain on the AB effect.

Abstract: In this article we study excitons and trions in fractional dimensional spaces using the model suggested by C. Palmer [ J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 37 6987 (2004)] through variational quantum Monte Carlo. We present a direct approach for estimating the exciton binding energy and discuss the von Neumann rejection- and Metropolis sampling methods. A simple variational estimate of trions is presented which shows good agreement with previous calculations done within the fractional dimensional model presented by D. R. Herrick and F. H. Stillinger [ Phys. Rev. A 11 42 (1975) and J. Math. Phys. 18 1224 (1977)]. We explain the spatial physics of the positive and negative trions by investigating angular and inter-atomic distances. We then examine the wave function and explain the differences between the positive and negative trions with heavy holes. As applications of the fractional dimensional model we study three systems: First we apply the model to estimate the energy of the hydrogen molecular ion H2+. Then we estimate trion binding energies in GaAs-based quantum wells and we demonstrate a good agreement with other theoretical work as well as experimentally observed binding energies. Finally, we apply the results to carbon nanotubes. We find good agreement with recently observed binding energies of the positively charged trion.

Abstract: The vortex-vortex interaction potential in bulk superconductors is calculated within the Ginzburg-Landau (GL) theory and is obtained from a numerical solution of a set of two coupled nonlinear GL differential equations for the vector potential and the superconducting order parameter, where the merger of vortices into a giant vortex is allowed. Further, the interaction potentials between a vortex and a giant vortex and between a vortex and an antivortex are obtained for both type-I and type-II superconductors. Our numerical results agree asymptotically with the analytical expressions for large intervortex separations that are available in the literature. We propose empirical expressions valid over the full interaction range, which are fitted to our numerical data for different values of the GL parameter.

Abstract: We present the GW band structure of ZnO in its wurtzite (WZ), zincblende (ZB) and rocksalt (RS) phases at the Γ point, calculated within the GW approximation. We have used a Zn20+ pseudopotential which is essential for the adequate treatment of the exchange interaction in the self-energy. The accuracy of the pseudopotential used is also discussed. The effect of the pd hybridization on the GW corrections to the band gap is correlated by comparing the ZB and RS phase.

Abstract: It is known that film structure may change dramatically with the extent of surface diffusion during the film growth process. In the present work, surface diffusion, induced thermally or activated by energetic impacts, is investigated theoretically under conditions appropriate for magnetron sputter-deposition of MgAlO thin films with varying stoichiometry. The distribution of surface diffusion energy barriers available to the system was determined for each stoichiometry, which allowed assessing in a qualitative way how much surface diffusion will take place on the time scale available between deposition events. The activation energy barriers increase with the Al concentration in the film, and therefore, the surface diffusion rates in the time frame of typical deposition rates drop, which can explain the decrease in crystallinity in the film structure and the transition to amorphous structure. The deposition process and the immediate surface diffusion enhanced by the energetic adatoms are simulated by means of a molecular dynamics model. The longer-time thermal surface diffusion and the energy landscape are studied by the temperature accelerated dynamics method, applied in an approximate way. The surface diffusion enhanced by the energetic impacts appears to be very important for the film structure in the low-temperature deposition regime.

Abstract: Relying on combined electron-beam lithography and lift-off methods Au/Ti bilayer electrical contacts were attached to individual ZnO nanowires (NWs) that were grown by a vapor phase deposition method. Reliable Schottky-type as well as ohmic contacts were obtained depending on whether or not an ion milling process was used. The response of the ZnO NWs to ultraviolet light was found to be sensitive to the type of contacts. The intrinsic electronic properties of the ZnO NWs were studied in a field-effect transistor configuration. The transfer characteristics, including gate threshold voltage, hysteresis and operational mode, were demonstrated to unexpectedly respond to visible light. The origin of this effect could be accounted for by the presence of point defects in the ZnO NWs.

Abstract: To counter global warming, a transition to a low-carbon economy is needed. The greenhouse sector can contribute by installing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, known for their excellent energy efficiency. Due to the recent European liberalization of the energy market, glass horticulturists have the opportunity to sell excess electricity to the market and by tailored policy and support measures, regional governments can fill the lack of technical and economic knowledge, causing initial resistance. This research investigates the economic and environmental opportunities using two detailed cases applying a self managed cogeneration system. The Net Present Value is calculated to investigate the economic feasibility. The Primary Energy Saving, the CO2 Emission Reduction indicator and an Emission Balance are applied to quantify the environmental impact. The results demonstrate that a self-managed CHP system is economic viable and that CO2 emissions are reduced. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract: Using reactive molecular dynamics simulations by means of the ReaxFF potential, we studied the growth mechanism of ultrathin silica (SiO2) layers during hyperthermal oxidation at room temperature. Oxidation of Si(100){2 × 1} surfaces by both atomic and molecular oxygen was investigated in the energy range 15 eV. The oxidation mechanism, which differs from thermal oxidation, is discussed. In the case of oxidation by molecular O2, silica is quickly formed and the thickness of the formed layers remains limited compared to oxidation by atomic oxygen. The Si/SiO2 interfaces are analyzed in terms of partial charges and angle distributions. The obtained structures of the ultrathin SiO2 films are amorphous, including some intrinsic defects. This study is important for the fabrication of silica-based devices in the micro- and nanoelectronics industry, and more specifically for the fabrication of metal oxide semiconductor devices.

Abstract: Germanium combined with high-κ dielectrics is investigated for the next generations of CMOS devices. Therefore, we study reaction mechanisms for Al2O3 atomic layer deposition on sulfur passivated Ge using calculations based on density functional theory and total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF). TXRF indicates 6 S/nm2 and 4 Al/nm2 after the first TMA/H2O reaction cycle, and growth inhibition from the second reaction cycle on. Calculations are performed on molecular clusters representing −GeSH surface sites. The calculations confirm that the TMA reaction does not affect the S content. On fully SH-terminated Ge, TMA favorably reacts with up to three −GeSH sites, resulting in a near tetrahedral Al coordination. Electron deficient structures with a GeS site shared between two Al atoms are proposed. The impact of the cluster size on the structures and reaction energetics is systematically investigated.

Abstract: This contribution presents the effects of a mild O2 plasma treatment on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of single-layer (SLG) and bilayer graphene (BLG). Unexpectedly, we observe only photoluminescence in the SLG parts of a graphene flake composed of regions of various thickness upon O2 plasma treatment, whereas the BLG and few-layer graphene (FLG) parts remain optically unchanged. Confirmed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) that O2 plasma induces epoxide and hydroxyl-like groups in graphene, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are carried out on representative epoxidized and hydroxylated SLG and BLG models to predict density of states (DOS) and band structures. Sufficiently oxidized SLG shows a bandgap and thus loss of semimetallic behavior, while oxidized BLG maintains its semimetallic behavior even at high oxygen density in agreement with the results of the photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) experiments. DFT calculations confirm that the Fermi velocity in epoxidized BLG is remarkably comparable with that of pristine SLG, pointing to a similarity of electronic band structure. The similarity is also experimentally demonstrated by the electrical characterization of a plasma-treated BLG-FET. As expected from the electronegative oxygen adatoms in the graphene, epoxidized BLG presents conductive features typical of hole doping. Moreover, the electrical characteristics suggest band structures closely related to that of epoxidized graphene while deviating from that of hydroxylated graphene. Finally, upon O2 plasma treatment of BLG, the four-component 2D peak around 2700 cm1 in the Raman spectrum evolves into a single Lorentzian line, very like the 2D peak of pristine SLG. Summarizing, the data in this contribution recommend that a controlled O2 plasma treatment, which is compatible with CMOS process flow in contrast to wet chemical oxidation methods, provides an efficient and valuable technique to exploit the transport properties of the bottom layer of BLG.

Abstract: Zeogrids and Zeotiles are hierarchical materials built from assembled MFI zeolite precursor units. Permanent secondary porosity in these materials is obtained through self assembly of nanoparticles encountered in MFI zeolite synthesis in the presence of supramolecular templates. Hereon, the aggregated species are termed nanoslabs. Zeogrids are layered materials with lateral spacings between nanoslabs creating galleries qualifying as supermicropores. Zeotiles present a diversity of tridimensional nanoslab assemblies with mesopores. Zeotile-1, -4 and -6 are hexagonal mesostructures. Zeotile-1 has triangular and hexagonal channels; Zeotile-4 has hexagonal channels interconnected via slits. Zeotile-2 has a cubic structure with gyroid type mesoporosity. The behavior of Zeogrids and Zeotiles in adsorption, membrane and chromatographic separation and catalysis has been characterized and compared with zeolites and mesoporous materials derived from unstructured silica sources. Shape selectivity was detected via adsorption of n- and iso-alkanes. The mesoporosity of Zeotiles can be exploited in chromatographic separation of biomolecules. Zeotiles present attractive separation properties relevant to CO2 sequestration. Because of its facile synthesis procedure without hydrothermal steps Zeogrid is convenient for membrane synthesis. The performance of Zeogrid membrane in gas separation, nanofiltration and pervaporation is reported. In the Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime Zeogrids and Zeotiles display a catalytic activity characteristic of silicalite-1 zeolites. Introduction of acidity and redox catalytic activity can be achieved via incorporation of Al and Ti atoms in the nanoslabs during synthesis. Zeogrids are active in hydrocracking, catalytic cracking, alkylation and epoxidation reactions. Zeogrids and Zeotiles often behave differently from ordered mesoporous materials as well as from zeolites and present a valuable extension of the family of hierarchical silicate based materials.

Abstract: The Pb2Fe2O5 compound with a layered intergrowth structure has been prepared by a solid-state reaction at 700 °C. The incommensurate compound crystallizes in a tetragonal system with a = 3.9037(2) Å, c = 3.9996(4) Å, and q = 0.1186(4)c*, or when treated as a commensurate approximant, a = 3.9047(2) Å, c = 36.000(3) Å, space group I4/mmm. The crystal structure of Pb2Fe2O5 was resolved from transmission electron microscopy data. Atomic coordinates and occupancies of the cation positions were estimated from high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy data. Direct visualization of the positions of the oxygen atoms was possible using annular bright-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The structure can be represented as an intergrowth of perovskite blocks and partially disordered blocks with a structure similar to that of the Bi2O2 blocks in Aurivillius-type phases. The A-cation positions at the border of the perovskite block and the cation positions in the Aurivillius-type blocks are jointly occupied by Pb2+ and Fe3+ cations, resulting in a layer sequence along the c axis: PbOFeO2PbOFeO2Pb7/8Fe1/8O1xFe5/8Pb3/8O2Fe5/8Pb3/8. Upon heating, the layered Pb2Fe2O5 structure transforms into an anion-deficient perovskite modulated by periodically spaced crystallographic shear (CS) planes. Considering the layered Pb2Fe2O5 structure as a parent matrix for the nucleation and growth of CS planes allows an explanation of the specific microstructure observed for the CS structures in the PbFeO system.

Abstract: Multiphase steels utilising composite strengthening may be further strengthened via grain refinement or precipitation by the addition of microalloying elements. In this study a Nb microalloyed steel comprising martensite, bainite and retained austenite has been studied. By means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) we have investigated the size distribution and the structural properties of (Nb, Ti)N and NbC precipitates, their occurrence in the various steel phases, and their relationship with the Fe matrix. (Nb, Ti)N precipitates were found in ferrite, martensite, and bainite, while NbC precipitates were found only in ferrite. All NbC precipitates were found to be small (520 nm in size) and to have a face centred cubic (fcc) crystal structure with lattice parameter a = 4.36 ± 0.05 Å. In contrast, the (Nb, Ti)N precipitates were found to have a broader size range (5150 nm) and to have a fcc crystal structure with lattice parameter a = 8.09 ± 0.05 Å. While the NbC precipitates were found to be randomly oriented, the (Nb, Ti)N precipitates have a well-defined NishiyamaWasserman orientation relationship with the ferrite matrix. An analysis of the lattice mismatch suggests that the latter precipitates have a high potential for effective strengthening. Density functional theory calculations were performed for various stoichiometries of NbCx and NbxTiyNz phases and the comparison with experimental data indicates that both the carbides and nitrides are deficient in C and N content.