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“Insights into the growth of (ultra)nanocrystalline diamond by combined molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations”. Eckert M, Neyts E, Bogaerts A, Crystal growth &, design 10, 3005 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1021/cg100063c
Abstract: In this paper, we present the results of combined molecular dynamics−Metropolis Monte Carlo (MD-MMC) simulations of hydrocarbon species at flat diamond (100)2 × 1 and (111)1 × 1 surfaces. The investigated species are considered to be the most important growth species for (ultra)nanocrystalline diamond ((U)NCD) growth. When applying the MMC algorithm to stuck species at monoradical sites, bonding changes are only seen for CH2. The sequence of the bond breaking and formation as put forward by the MMC simulations mimics the insertion of CH2 into a surface dimer as proposed in the standard growth model of diamond. For hydrocarbon species attached to two adjacent radical (biradical) sites, the MMC simulations give rise to significant changes in the bonding structure. For UNCD, the combinations of C3 and C3H2, and C3 and C4H2 (at diamond (100)2 × 1) and C and C2H2 (at diamond (111)1 × 1) are the most successful in nucleating new crystal layers. For NCD, the following combinations pursue the diamond structure the best: C2H2 and C3H2 (at diamond (100)2 × 1) and CH2 and C2H2 (at diamond (111)1 × 1). The different behaviors of the hydrocarbon species at the two diamond surfaces are related to the different sterical hindrances at the diamond surfaces.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.055
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1021/cg100063c
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“Inter and intrasubband transitions via lo phonons in quantum wires”. Leao SA, Hipolito O, Peeters FM, Superlattices and microstructures 13, 37 (1993). http://doi.org/10.1006/spmi.1993.1007
Abstract: We investigate the effects of the finite confining potential V0 on the absorption and emission scattering rates of electrons interacting with LO phonons for a cylindrical GaAs quantum wire. The emission rates are qualitatively similar to those of the 2D case. The absorption rates on the other hand exhibit two different regimes: 1) for a wire radius smaller than a certain value (80 Å in the case where V0 = 190 meV) the behavior is similar to the 2D and 3D analogues, but 2) for larger radius the absorption rates initially increase with increasing energy, reach a maximum value and then decrease monotonicaly. A complete study is made as a function of wire radius, and electron energy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.097
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1006/spmi.1993.1007
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“Interaction between a superconducting vortex and an out-of-plane magnetized ferromagnetic disk: influence of the magnet geometry”. Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 68, 094510 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.68.094510
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 55
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.68.094510
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“Interaction between rock-forming minerals and fluids under hydrothermal conditions : experiments with emphasis on the chemical composition of the minerals surface and on the trace element content of the aqueous phase”. Beusen J-M, Van 't dack L, Gijbels R, , 310 (1985)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
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“Interband magnetooptical studies of resonant polaron coupling in CdTe/Cd1-xMnxTe quantum-wells”. Nicholas RJ, Sasaki S, Miura N, Peeters FM, Shi JM, Hai GQ, Devreese JT, Lawless MJ, Ashenford DE, Lunn B, Physical Review B 50, 7596 (1994). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.50.7596
Abstract: Magnetoreflectivity measurements of the 1s and 2s exciton energies in a CdTe/Cd1-xMnxTe superlattice have been made in magnetic fields up to 45 T, showing the resonant polaron coupling of electrons to LO phonons. Strong reflectivity features are seen for both the 1s and 2s excitons, which show a strong field-dependent spin splitting due to the dilute magnetic barriers. At B-z=0, the 2s exciton feature is observed lying 18 meV above the Is state, and is shifted upward in energy by the magnetic fields. No resonant behavior occurs when the 2s state passes through the LO-phonon energy of 21 meV, but at higher fields of around 20 T, the resonances for both spin states (sigma(+/-)) of the 2s exciton broaden and show a strong anticrossing behavior. These experiments are shown to be in excellent agreement with a theoretical treatment which includes the resonant polaron coupling of the electrons alone. Both experiment and theory demonstrate an extremely strong resonant splitting of the 2s exciton states of approximately 11 meV, which is over 50% of the LO-phonon energy. The dominance of single-particle polaron coupling is attributed to the relative sizes of the polaron (35 Angstrom A) and the exciton (50 Angstrom A) radius.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Theory of quantum systems and complex systems
Impact Factor: 3.736
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.50.7596
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“Interband optical properties of concentric type-I nanorings in a normal magnetic field”. Arsoski V, Tadić, M, Peeters FM, Acta physica Polonica: A: general physics, solid state physics, applied physics 117, 733 (2010)
Abstract: Two concentric two-dimensional GaAs/(Al,Ga)As nanorings in a normal magnetic field are theoretically studied. The single-band effective mass approximation is adopted for both the electron and the hole states, and the analytical solutions are given. We find that the electronic single particle states are arranged in pairs, which exhibit anticrossings and the orbital momentum transitions in the energy spectrum when magnetic field increases. Their period is essentially determined by the radius of the outer ring. The oscillator strength for interband transitions is strongly reduced close to each anticrossing. We show that an optical excitonic Aharonov-Bohm effect may occur in concentric nanorings.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 0.469
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“Interface effects on magnetopolarons in GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs quantum wells at high magnetic fields”. Hai GQ, Peeters FM, Studart N, Wang YJ, McCombe BD, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 58, 7822 (1998). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.58.7822
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.58.7822
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“Interface optical phonon mode coupling in GaAs/AlAs quantum wells at high magnetic fields”. Hai GQ, Peeters FM, Devreese JT, Physica: B : condensed matter 184, 289 (1993). http://doi.org/10.1016/0921-4526(93)90367-F
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Theory of quantum systems and complex systems
Impact Factor: 1.319
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/0921-4526(93)90367-F
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“Intergrowth of components and ramps in coffin-shaped ZSM-5 zeolite crystals unraveled by focused ion beam-assisted transmission electron microscopy”. Lu J, Roeffaers MBJ, Bartholomeeusen E, Sels BF, Schryvers D, Microscopy and microanalysis 20, 42 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927613013731
Abstract: Scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam (FIB), and transmission electron microscopy are combined to study the intergrowth of 90 degrees rotational components and of ramps in coffin-shaped ZSM-5 crystals. The 90 degrees rotational boundaries with local zig-zag features between different intergrowth components are observed in the main part of crystal. Also a new kind of displacement boundary is described. At the displacement boundary there is a shift of the unit cells along the boundary without a change in orientation. Based on lamellae prepared with FIB from different positions of the ramps and crystal, the orientation relationships between ramps and the main part of the crystal are studied and the three-dimensional morphology and growth mechanism of the ramp are illustrated.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.891
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1017/S1431927613013731
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“Interminiband spectroscopy of biased superlattices”. Helm M, Hilber W, Strasser G, de Meester R, Peeters FM, Wacker A, Physica. E: Low-dimensional systems and nanostructures 7, 274 (2000). http://doi.org/10.1016/S1386-9477(99)00275-1
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.221
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/S1386-9477(99)00275-1
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“Interplay between s-d exchange interaction and Rashba effect: spin-polarized transport”. Yang W, Chang K, Wu XG, Zheng HZ, Peeters FM;, Applied physics letters 89 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.2357888
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1063/1.2357888
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“Interplay of 2D and 3D charge carriers in Si-δ-doped InSb layers grown epitaxially on GaAs”. de Keyser A, Bogaerts R, Karavolas VC, van Bockstal L, Herlach F, Peeters FM, van de Graaf W, Borghs G, Solid state electronics 40, 395 (1996). http://doi.org/10.1016/0038-1101(96)84617-X
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.504
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/0038-1101(96)84617-X
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“Interplay of atomic displacement in the quantum magnet (CuCI)LaNb2O7”. Tsirlin AA, Abakumov AM, Van Tendeloo G, Rosner H, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 82, 054107 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.82.054107
Abstract: We report on the crystal structure of the quantum magnet CuClLaNb2O7 that was controversially described with respect to its structural organization and magnetic behavior. Using high-resolution synchrotron powder x-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and band-structure calculations, we solve the room-temperature structure of this compound -CuClLaNb2O7 and find two high-temperature polymorphs. The -CuClLaNb2O7 phase, stable above 640 K, is tetragonal with asub=3.889 Å, csub =11.738 Å, and the space group P4/mmm. In the -CuClLaNb2O7 structure, the Cu and Cl atoms are randomly displaced from the special positions along the 100 directions. The phase asub2asubcsub, space group Pbmm and the phase 2asub2asubcsub, space group Pbam are stable between 640 K and 500 K and below 500 K, respectively. The structural changes at 500 and 640 K are identified as order-disorder phase transitions. The displacement of the Cl atoms is frozen upon the → transformation while a cooperative tilting of the NbO6 octahedra in the phase further eliminates the disorder of the Cu atoms. The low-temperature -CuClLaNb2O7 structure thus combines the two types of the atomic displacements that interfere due to the bonding between the Cu atoms and the apical oxygens of the NbO6 octahedra. The precise structural information resolves the controversy between the previous computation-based models and provides the long-sought input for understanding CuClLaNb2O7 and related compounds with unusual magnetic properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.82.054107
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“Intersubband-coupling and screening effects on the electron transport in a quasi-two-dimensional δ-doped semiconductor system”. Hai G-Q, Studart N, Peeters FM, Koenraad PM, Wolter JH, Journal of applied physics 80, 5809 (1996). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.363573
Abstract: The effects due to intersubband coupling and screening on the ionized impurity scattering are studied for a quasi-two-dimensional electron system in delta-doped semiconductors. We found that intersubband coupling plays an essential role in describing the screening properties and the effect of ionized impurity scattering on the mobility in a multisubband system. At the onset of the occupation of a higher subband, the screening due to the intersubband coupling leads to a reduction of the small angle scattering rate in the lower subband. We showed that such an effect is significant in a delta-doped quantum well and results in a pronounced increase of the quantum mobility at the onset of the occupation of a higher subband. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.183
Times cited: 40
DOI: 10.1063/1.363573
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“Intersubband plasmons in quasi-one-dimensional electron systems on a liquid helium surface”. Tavares MRS, Hai G-Q, Peeters FM, Studart N, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 68, 140504 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.68.140504
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.68.140504
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“Intersubband transitions in InAs/GaSb superlattices in a parallel magnetic field”. de Meester RHJ, Peeters FM, Lakrimi M, Nicholas RJ, Poulter AJL, Mason NJ, Walker PJ, Physica. E: Low-dimensional systems and nanostructures 7, 93 (2000)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.221
Times cited: 1
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“Intersublevel absorption in stacked n-type doped self-assembled quantum dots”. Veljkovic D, Tadić, M, Peeters FM, Materials science forum 494, 37 (2005)
Abstract: The intersublevel absorption in n-doped InAs/GaAs self-assembled quantum-dot molecules composed of three quantum dots is theoretically considered. The transition matrix elements and the transition energies are found to vary considerably with the spacer thickness. For s polarized light, decreasing the thickness of the spacer between the dots brings about crossings between the transition matrix elements, but the overall absorption is not affected by the variation of the spacer thickness. For p-polarized light and thick spacers, there are no available transitions in the single quantum dot, but a few of them emerge as a result of the electron state splitting in the stacks of coupled quantum dots, which leads to a considerable increase of the transition matrix elements, exceeding by an order of magnitude values of the matrix elements for s-polarized light.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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“Intersublevel magnetoabsorption in the valence band of p-type InAs/GaAs and Ge/Si self-assembled quantum dots”. Tadić, M, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 71, 125342 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.71.125342
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.71.125342
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“Inverse flux quantum periodicity of magnetoresistance oscillations in two-dimensional short-period surface superlattices”. Wang XF, Vasilopoulos P, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 69, 035331 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.69.035331
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.69.035331
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“Investigating the plasma chemistry for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes/nanofibres in an inductively coupled plasma enhanced CVD system : the effect of different gas mixtures”. Mao M, Bogaerts A, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 43, 205201 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1088/0022-3727/43/20/205201
Abstract: A hybrid model, called the hybrid plasma equipment model (HPEM), was used to study an inductively coupled plasma in gas mixtures of H2 or NH3 with CH4 or C2H2 used for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes or carbon nanofibres (CNTs/CNFs). The plasma properties are discussed for different gas mixtures at low and moderate pressures, and the growth precursors for CNTs/CNFs are analysed. It is found that C2H2, C2H4 and C2H6 are the predominant molecules in CH4 containing plasmas besides the feedstock gas, and serve as carbon sources for CNT/CNF formation. On the other hand, long-chain hydrocarbons are observed in C2H2-containing plasmas. Furthermore, the background gases CH4 and C2H2 show a different decomposition rate with H2 or NH3 addition at moderate pressures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
Times cited: 52
DOI: 10.1088/0022-3727/43/20/205201
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“Investigating the plasma chemistry for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes/nanofibres in an inductively coupled plasma-enhanced CVD system : the effect of processing parameters”. Mao M, Bogaerts A, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 43, 315203 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1088/0022-3727/43/31/315203
Abstract: A parameter study is carried out for an inductively coupled plasma used for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes or carbon nanofibres (CNTs/CNFs), by means of the Hybrid Plasma Equipment Model. The influence of processing parameters including gas ratio for four different gas mixtures typically used for CNT/CNF growth (i.e. CH4/H2, CH4/NH3, C2H2/H2 and C2H2/NH3), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) power (501000 W), operating pressure (10 mTorr1 Torr), bias power (01000 W) and temperature of the substrate (01000 °C) on the plasma chemistry is investigated and the optimized conditions for CNT/CNF growth are analysed. Summarized, our calculations suggest that a lower fraction of hydrocarbon gases (CH4 or C2H2, i.e. below 20%) and hence a higher fraction of etchant gases (H2 or NH3) in the gas mixture result in more 'clean' conditions for controlled CNT/CNF growth. The same applies to a higher ICP power, a moderate ICP gas pressure above 100 mTorr (at least for single-walled carbon nanotubes), a high bias power (for aligned CNTs) and an intermediate substrate temperature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1088/0022-3727/43/31/315203
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“Investigation by electron diffraction microscopy of (RE)BaCuOS polycrystalline ceramic compounds: interpretation of unexpected superstructures and influence of secondary phases”. Cloots R, Rulmont A, Krekels T, Van Tendeloo G, Diko P, Ausloos M, Journal of crystal growth 129, 394 (1993)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.698
Times cited: 5
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“Investigation of 50 Hz pulsed DC nitrogen plasma with active screen cage by trace rare gas optical emission spectroscopy”. Saeed A, Khan AW, Shafiq M, Jan F, Abrar M, Zaka-ul-Islam M, Zakaullah M, Plasma science &, technology 16, 324 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1088/1009-0630/16/4/05
Abstract: Optical emission spectroscopy is used to investigate the nitrogen-hydrogen with trace rare gas (4% Ar) plasma generated by 50 Hz pulsed DC discharges. The filling pressure varies from 1 mbar to 5 mbar and the current density ranges from 1 mA.cm(-2) to 4 mA.cm(-2). The hydrogen concentration in the mixture plasma varies from 0% to 80%, with the objective of identifying the optimum pressure, current density and hydrogen concentration for active species ([N] and [N-2]) generation. It is observed that in an N-2-H-2 gas mixture, the concentration of N atom density decreases with filling pressure and increases with current density, with other parameters of the discharge kept unchanged. The maximum concentrations of active species were found for 40% H-2 in the mixture at 3 mbar pressure and current density of 4 mA.cm(-2).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 0.83
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1088/1009-0630/16/4/05
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“Investigation of laser output power saturation in the He-Cu+ IR hollow cathode discharge laser by experiments and numerical modeling”. Bogaerts A, Gijbels R, Grozeva M, Sabotinov N, Physica scripta T105, 90 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1238/Physica.Topical.105a00090
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.28
DOI: 10.1238/Physica.Topical.105a00090
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“Investigation of the electron distribution functions in low pressure electron cyclotron resonance discharges”. Kaganovich I, Misina M, Bogaerts A, Gijbels R Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, page 543 (1999).
Keywords: H1 Book chapter; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
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“Investigation of the morphology of the mesoporous SBA-16 and SBA-15 materials”. Stevens WJJ, Lebeau K, Mertens M, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, Vansant EF, The journal of physical chemistry : B : condensed matter, materials, surfaces, interfaces and biophysical 110, 9183 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp0548725
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.177
Times cited: 109
DOI: 10.1021/jp0548725
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“Ion beam synthesis of Te and Bi nanoclusters in silicon: the effect of post-implantation high frequency electromagnetic field”. Kalitzova M, Peeva A, Ignatova V, Lebedev OI, Zollo G, Vitali G, Nuclear instruments and methods in physics research: B: beam interactions with materials and atoms 242, 209 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.nimb.2005.08.017
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.109
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/j.nimb.2005.08.017
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“Josephson phenomenology and microstructure of YBaCuO artificial grain boundaries characterized by misalignment of the c-axes”. Tafuri F, Granozio FM, Carillo F, Lombardi F, Di Uccio US, Verbist K, Lebedev O, Van Tendeloo G, Physica: C : superconductivity 327, 63 (1999). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-4534(99)00372-X
Abstract: YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) (YBCO) grain boundaries characterized by a misalignment of the c-axes (45 degrees c-axis tilt or 45 degrees c-axis twist) have been obtained by employing a recently implemented biepitaxial technique. Junctions based on these grain boundaries exhibit good Josephson properties useful for applications. High values of the I(C)R(N) product and a Fraunhofer-like dependence of the critical current on the magnetic field, differently from traditional biepitaxial junctions, have been obtained. The correlation between transport properties and microstructure has been investigated by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), which was also performed on previously measured junctions. The presence of atomically clean basal plane (BP) faced tilt boundaries, among other types of interfaces, has been shown. The possibility of selecting these kinds of boundaries by controlling film growth, and their possible advantages in terms of reproducibility and uniformity of the junction properties an discussed. The possibility of employing these junctions to explore the symmetry of the order parameter is also discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/S0921-4534(99)00372-X
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“Joule heat in a two-dimensional electron gas exposed to a normal non-homogeneous magnetic field of a 'chess' configuration”. Badalyan SM, Peeters FM, Physica: B : condensed matter 316, 216 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-4526(02)00462-3
Abstract: We have calculated analytically the spatial distribution of the electric field and current density, and obtained the Joule heat generation rate in a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) subjected to a non-homogeneous magnetic field of a 'chess' configuration. The generation of the Joule heat from the 2DEG is mainly concentrated near the singular corners of each 'chess' field and tends to zero in other corners. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.386
DOI: 10.1016/S0921-4526(02)00462-3
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“KCN chemical etch for interface engineering in Cu2ZnSnSe4 solar cells”. Buffière M, Brammertz G, Sahayaraj S, Batuk M, Khelifi S, Mangin D, El Mel AA, Arzel L, Hadermann J, Meuris M, Poortmans J;, ACS applied materials and interfaces 7, 14690 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.5b02122
Abstract: The removal of secondary phases from the surface of the kesterite crystals is one of the major challenges to improve the performances of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)(4) (CZTSSe) thin film solar cells. In this Contribution, the KCN/KOH Chemical etching approach, originally developed for the removal of CuxSe phases in Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)(2) thin films) is applied to CZTSe absorbers exhibiting various chemical compositions. Two distinct electrical behaviors were observed on CZTSe/CdS solar cells after treatment: (i) the improvement of the fill factor (FF) after 30 s of etching for the CZTSe absorbers showing initially a distortion of the electrical characteristic; (ii) the progressive degradation Of the FF after long treatment time for all Cu-poor CZTSe solar cell samples. The first effect can be attributed to the action of KCN on the absorber, that is found to clean the absorber free surface from most of the secondary phases surrounding the kesterite grains (e.g., Se-0, CuxSe, SnSex, SnO2, Cu2SnSe3 phases, excepting the ZnSe-based phases). The second observation was identified as a consequence of the preferential etching of Se, Sn, and Zn from the CZTSe surface by the KOH solution, combined with the modification of the alkali content of the absorber. The formation of a Cu-rich shell at the absorber/buffer layer interface, leading to the increase of the recombination rate at the interface, and the increase in the doping of the absorber layer after etching are found to be at the origin of the deterioration of the FF of the solar cells.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.504
Times cited: 34
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b02122
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