|
“On the concept of a supervisory, fuzzy set logic based, advanced filtration control in membrane bioreactors”. Brauns E, van Hoof E, Huyskens C, de Wever H, Desalination and water treatment 29, 119 (2011). http://doi.org/10.5004/DWT.2011.2258
Abstract: The filtration process within a membrane bioreactor (MBR) is mostly controlled in a classic way through typical set-points such as aeration flow rate, filtration duration, backwash frequency or relaxation duration. The values of these filtration set-points result from experience and remain often unchanged during the installations operational lifetime. Filtration is dictated considerably by membrane fouling phenomena. The fouling potential of the mixed liquor however can significantly fluctuate, even daily, from changing influent characteristics. Fixed set-point values thus may represent sub-optimal filtration conditions. Consequently, a supervising advanced control system, being able to continuously adapt the set-points values would be beneficial regarding the MBR filtration process optimization. Such optimization could reduce the corresponding MBR energy consumption, e.g. linked to the filtration related membrane aeration. An Advanced Control System (ACS) based on Fuzzy Set Logic (FSL) is introduced here, enabling to supervise an existing classic membrane filtration control system. Such ACS is able to daily (or even more frequent) optimize the set-points of the underlying classic control system, from the input of various sensor and process parameter values. The theoretical background and practical implementation of the FSL based ACS concept is explained.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.5004/DWT.2011.2258
|
|
|
“Transmission electron microscopy study of microstructural evolution in nanograined Ni-Ti microwires heat treated by electric pulse”. Delville R, Malard B, Pilch J, Sittner P, Schryvers D, Diffusion and defect data : solid state data : part B : solid state phenomena 172/174, 682 (2011). http://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.172-174.682
Abstract: Transmission electron microscopy and mechanical testing were employed to investigate the evolution of microstructure and functional superelastic properties of 0.1mm diameter as-drawn Ni-Ti wires subjected to a non-conventional heat treatment by controlled electric pulse current. This method enables a finer control of the recovery and recrystallisation processes taking place during the heat treatment and accordingly a better control on the final microstructure. The best functional properties were obtained for heat-treated Ni-Ti wires having a nanograined microstructure (20-50 nm) partially recovered through polygonization and partially recrystallized. Such microstructure is highly resistant against dislocation slip upon cycling, while microstructures annealed for longer time and showing mostly recrystallized grains were prone to dislocation slip, particularly as the grain size exceeds 100 nm. The density of dislocation defects increased significantly with increasing grain size of the microstructure. The activity of three <100>/{011} slip systems was identified in the largest grains of 500-1200 nm. An additional mode of plastic deformation, {114} compound austenite twinning, was observed in the largest grains of fully recrystallized microstructures. It is proposed that dislocation slip (and possibly deformation twinning) occurring in superelastic cycling is coupled with the stress-induced martensitic transformation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.172-174.682
|
|
|
“Advanced TEM and SEM methods applied to 3D nano- and microstructural investigations of Ni4Ti3 precipitates in Ni-Ti (SMA)”. Schryvers D, Tirry W, Cao S, Diffusion and defect data : solid state data : part B : solid state phenomena 172/174, 229 (2011). http://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.172-174.229
Abstract: Two different kinds of experimental approaches yielding three-dimensional structural information on metastable semi-coherent precipitates are demonstrated. By combining high-resolution images from two independent viewing directions a full description of the strain field surrounding a nano-sized Ni4Ti3 precipitate in Ni-Ti can be obtained. The principal axes and strains correlate well with the transformation strain of the observed R-phase transformation close to the precipitate. Using a slice-and-view procedure in a FIB/SEM dual-beam instrument, a three-dimensional voxel dataset is produced from which morphological and distributional information on the same precipitates can be obtained yielding new insight into the particular transformation paths of these alloys, relevant for their functional behaviour.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.172-174.229
|
|
|
“FIB/SEM applied to quantitative 3D analysis of precipitates in Ni-Ti”. Cao S, Nishida M, Schryvers D, Diffusion and defect data : solid state data : part B : solid state phenomena 172/174, 1284 (2011). http://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.172-174.1284
Abstract: Ni4Ti3 precipitates with a heterogeneous distribution growing in a polycrystalline Ni50.8Ti49.2 alloy have been investigated in a Dual-Beam FIB/SEM system. The volume ratio, mean volume, central plane diameter, thickness, aspect ratio and sphericity of the precipitates in the grain interior as well as near to the grain boundary were measured or calculated. The morphology of the precipitates was classified according to the Zingg scheme. The multistage martensitic transformation occurring in these kinds of samples is interpreted in view of the data of this heterogeneous microstructure of matrix and precipitates.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.172-174.1284
|
|
|
“Special microstructures and twin features in Ti50Ni50-x(Pd,Au)x at small hysteresis”. Delville R, Shi H, James RD, Schryvers D, Diffusion and defect data : solid state data : part B : solid state phenomena 172/174, 105 (2011). http://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.172-174.105
Abstract: The breaking of symmetry due to atomic displacements in the austenite-martensite phase transformation generally leads to their crystallographic incompatibility. Energy minimizing accommodation mechanisms such as martensite twinning have been recently shown to be a source of hysteresis and irreversible plastic deformation. Compatibility between the two phases can however be achieved by carefully tuning lattice parameters through composition change. A dramatic drop in hysteresis and novel microstructures such as a lowering of the amount of twin lamella are then observed. Related theoretical and simulation works also support the existence of such microstructures including peculiar self-accommodating configurations at near-compatibility. We present the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study of these novel microstructures for the alloy systems Ti50Ni50-xPdx and Ti50Ni50-xAux where the composition was systemically tuned to approach perfect compatibility. High resolution imaging of the interface between austenite and martensite supplies evidences of compatibility at the atomic level.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.172-174.105
|
|
|
“Computer simulations of laser ablation, plume expansion and plasma formation”. Bogaerts A, Aghaei M, Autrique D, Lindner H, Chen Z, Wendelen W Trans Tech, Aedermannsdorf, page 1 (2011).
Keywords: H1 Book chapter; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.227.1
|
|
|
“Community structure and feeding preference of nematodes associated with methane seepage at the Darwin mud volcano (Gulf of Cádiz)”. Pape E, Bezerra TN, Vanneste H, Heeschen K, Moodley L, Leroux F, van Breugel P, Vanreusel A, Marine ecology progress series 438, 71 (2011). http://doi.org/10.3354/meps09278
Abstract: We sampled the Darwin mud volcano (MV) for meiofaunal community and trophic structure in relation to pore-water geochemistry along a 10 m transect from a seep site on the rim of the crater towards the MV slope. Pore-water profiles indicated considerable variation in upward methane (CH4) flow among sediment cores taken along the transect, with highest flux in the seep sediment core, gradually decreasing along the transect, to no CH4 flux in the core taken at a 5 m distance. Low sulphate concentrations and high levels of total alkalinity and sulphide (H2S) suggested that anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) occurred close to the sediment surface in the seep sediment core. High H2S levels had a genus- and species-specific impact on meiofaunal densities. Nematode genus composition varied gradually between sediment cores, with the genus Sabatieria dominating almost all sediment cores. However, genus diversity increased with increasing distance from the seep site. These limited data suggest that the community structure of seep meiofauna is highly dependent on local (a)biotic habitat characteristics, and a typical seep meiofaunal community cannot be delineated. Stable isotope values suggested the nematode diet up to 10 m from the seep site included thiotrophic carbon. The thicker hemipelagic sediment layer (photosynthetic carbon), the increased trophic diversity, and the heavier nematode δ13C farther from the seep site suggest a decrease in thiotrophy and an increase in photosynthetic carbon in the nematode diet.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.292
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.3354/meps09278
|
|
|
“Rapid automated measurement system for simultaneous determination of effective air-filled porosity and soil gas diffusivity”. Bonroy J, Volckaert M, Seuntjens P, Soil Science Society of America journal 75, 408 (2011). http://doi.org/10.2136/SSSAJ2010.0102
Abstract: The effective air-filled porosity and the gas diffusion coefficient are important soil parameters determining the success of soil bioremediation projects such as (bio)venting and (bio)sparging methods in combination with soil vapor extraction. We have developed a new method to sequentially measure the effective air-filled porosity and the soil gas diffusion coefficient of a soil sample. During the purging of the sample, a fast and accurate measurement of the effective air-filled porosity can be obtained. The subsequent diffusion measurement does not require a zero-O(2) concentration in the soil sample. The procedure further allows the calculation of the soil gas diffusion coefficient before an equilibrium O(2) concentration has been reached. The results are obtained by combining the data of the inlet and outlet compartment in a single equation. A stable reading is reached when the results for the inlet and outlet compartment coincide with the results from the combined equation. The analysis time is reduced by 89 to 96% compared with methods that run until an equilibrium concentration has been reached. Moreover, combining data from inlet and outlet compartments increases the accuracy of the diffusivity measurement by a factor of two compared with previous methods.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.2136/SSSAJ2010.0102
|
|
|
“The Robin problem for the Helmholtz equation in a starlike planar domain”. Caratelli D, Gielis J, Natalini P, Ricci PE, Tavkhelidze I, Georgian mathematical journal 18, 465 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1515/GMJ.2011.0031
Abstract: The interior and exterior Robin problems for the Helmholtz equation in starlike planar domains are addressed by using a suitable Fourier-like technique. Attention is in particular focused on normal-polar domains whose boundaries are defined by the so-called superformula introduced by J. Gielis. A dedicated numerical procedure based on the computer algebra system Mathematica© is developed in order to validate the proposed approach. In this way, highly accurate approximations of the solution, featuring properties similar to the classical ones, are obtained. The computed results are found to be in good agreement with the theoretical findings on Fourier series expansion presented by L. Carleson.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1515/GMJ.2011.0031
|
|
|
“Synthesis and characterisation of lanthanide-based dioxide”. Esquivel MR, Zelaya E, Advances in applied ceramics 110, 219 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1179/1743676110Y.0000000021
Abstract: In the present work, the microstructure and structure of La(0.25)Ce(0.52)Nd(0.17)Pr(0.06)(OH)(3) and La(0.25)Ce(0.52)Nd(0.17)Pr(0.06)O(2) is obtained from transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements. Space group P6(3)/m is assigned to the structure of La(0.25)Ce(0.52)Nd(0.17)Pr(0.06)(OH)(3). Lanthanides are assigned to Wyckoff positions 2c. Cell parameters are a=6.375(5) angstrom and c=3.753(5) angstrom. The thermal decomposition of this compound was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The process is exothermal with an enthalpy change Delta H degrees value of -254 +/- 10 kJ mol(-1). The decomposition kinetics is complex and two global processes with E(a) values of 98 +/- 4 and 61 +/- 2 kJ mol 21 were observed. The product is a lanthanide dioxide. Space group Fm3m is assigned to the La(0.25)Ce(0.52)Nd(0.17)Pr(0.06)O(2). Lanthanides are distributed in Wyckoff positions 4a. The cell parameter is a=5.479(5) angstrom. Nanopores in the oxide surface are obtained using this method and characterised by STEM measurements.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.325
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1179/1743676110Y.0000000021
|
|
|
“Degradation of galvanised iron roofing material in Tanzania by atmospheric corrosion”. Potgieter-Vermaak SS, Mmari A, Van Grieken R, McCrindle RI, Potgieter JH, Corrosion engineering science and technology 46, 642 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1179/147842210X12695149033972
Abstract: Galvanised iron is popular in many applications, particular as a roofing material. However, just like other materials, especially metallic ones, it is prone to degradation by corrosion. In this particular study, the degradation of galvanised roof sheets was investigated at a coastal, urban and rural site in Tanzania, Africa. Samples were exposed to various outdoor environments over a period of 3 years. In addition, some accelerated laboratory investigations were conducted in different simulated air pollution environments in an artificial corrosion chamber constructed for this purpose to supplement the outdoor exposure tests. It was found that the combination of the tropical climate and increasing air pollution due to industrial development in the capital Dar-es-Salaam resulted in substantial atmospheric corrosion of the roof sheets, which eventually leads to failure and the necessity for replacement. The rural site had the lowest degree of atmospheric corrosion as expected. A combination of different corrosion products was identified as a result of the atmospheric corrosion by Raman and EDX analyses. The information gained from this investigation could be utilised to construct more durable structures requiring less frequent replacement and maintenance in future.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1179/147842210X12695149033972
|
|
|
“Identification of substitutional nitrogen and surface paramagnetic centers in nanodiamond of dynamic synthesis by electron paramagnetic resonance”. Orlinskii SB, Bogomolov RS, Kiyamova AM, Yavkin BV, Mamin GM, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Shiryaev AA, Vlasov II, Shenderova O, Nanoscience and nanotechnology letters 3, 63 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1166/nnl.2011.1121
Abstract: Production of nanodiamond particles containing substitutional nitrogen is important for a wide variety of advanced applications. In the current work nanodiamond particles synthesized from a mixture of graphite and hexogen were analyzed to determine the presence of substitutional nitrogen using pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Nitrogen paramagnetic centers in the amount of 1.2 ppm have been identified. The spin relaxation characteristics for both nitrogen and surface defects are also reported. A new approach for efficient depletion of the strong non-nitrogen EPR signal in nanodiamond material by immersing nanodiamond particles into ice matrix is suggested. This approach allows an essential decrease of the spin relaxation time of the dominant non-nitrogen defects, while preserving the substitutional nitrogen spin relaxation time.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.889
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1166/nnl.2011.1121
|
|
|
“Single neutral excitons confined in AsBr3 in situ etched InGaAs quantum rings”. Ding F, Li B, Akopian N, Perinetti U, Chen YH, Peeters FM, Rastelli A, Zwiller V, Schmidt OG, Journal of nanoelectronics and optoelectronics 6, 51 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1166/jno.2011.1132
Abstract: We observe the evolution of single self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots into quantum rings during AsBr3 in situ etching. The direct three-dimensional imaging of In(Ga)As nanostructures embedded in GaAs matrix is demonstrated by selective wet chemical etching combined with atomic force microscopy. Single neutral excitons confined in these quantum rings are studied by magneto-photoluminescence. Oscillations in the exciton radiative recombination energy and in the emission intensity are observed under an applied magnetic field. Further, we demonstrate that the period of the oscillations can be tuned by a gate potential that modifies the exciton confinement. The experimental results, combined with calculations, indicate that the exciton Aharonov-Bohm effect may account for the observed effects.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 0.497
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1166/jno.2011.1132
|
|
|
“Melting properties of two-dimensional multi-species colloidal systems in a parabolic trap”. Yang W, Nelissen K, Kong MH, Li YT, Tian YM, European physical journal : B : condensed matter and complex systems 83, 499 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2011-20595-9
Abstract: The angular and radial melting properties of two-dimensional classical systems consisting of different types of particles confined in a parabolic trap are studied through modified Monte Carlo simulations. A universal behavior of the angular melting process is found, which occurs in multiple steps due to shell depended melting temperatures. The melting sequence of the different shells is determined by two major factors: (1) the confinement strength which each shell is subjected to, and (2) the specific structure of each shell. Further, a continuous radial disordering of the particle types forming a single circular shell is found and analyzed. This phenomenon has never been observed before in two-dimensional mono-dispersive systems. This continuous radial disordering results from the high energy barrier between different particle types in multi-species systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.461
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1140/epjb/e2011-20595-9
|
|
|
“Tubular fullerenes inside carbon nanotubes : optimal molecular orientation versus tube radius”. Verberck B, Tarakina NV, European physical journal : B : condensed matter and complex systems 80, 355 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2011-10952-1
Abstract: We present an investigation of the orientations and positions of tubular fullerene molecules (C90, ..., C200) encapsulated in single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), a series of so-called fullerene nanopeapods. We find that increasing the tube radius leads to the following succession of energetically stable regimes: (1) lying molecules positioned on the tube's long axis; (2) tilted molecules on the tube's long axis; and (3) lying molecules shifted away from the tube's long axis. As opposed to C70 and C80 molecules encapsulated in a SWCNT, standing orientations do not develop. Our results are relevant for the possible application of molecular-orientation-dependent electronic properties of fullerene nanopeapods, and also for the interpretation of future experiments on double-walled carbon nanotube formation by annealing fullerene peapod systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.461
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1140/epjb/e2011-10952-1
|
|
|
“Long-wavelength, confined optical phonons in InAs nanowires probed by Raman spectroscopy”. Cantoro M, Klekachev AV, Nourbakhsh A, Sorée B, Heyns MM, de Gendt S, European physical journal : B : condensed matter and complex systems 79, 423 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2011-10705-2
Abstract: Strongly confined nano-systems, such as one-dimensional nanowires, feature deviations in their structural, electronic and optical properties from the corresponding bulk. In this work, we investigate the behavior of long-wavelength, optical phonons in vertical arrays of InAs nanowires by Raman spectroscopy. We attribute the main changes in the spectral features to thermal anharmonicity, due to temperature effects, and rule out the contribution of quantum confinement and Fano resonances. We also observe the appearance of surface optical modes, whose details allow for a quantitative, independent estimation of the nanowire diameter. The results shed light onto the mechanisms of lineshape change in low-dimensional InAs nanostructures, and are useful to help tailoring their electronic and vibrational properties for novel functionalities.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.461
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1140/epjb/e2011-10705-2
|
|
|
“Zirconia-modified exfoliated graphite”. Afanasov IM, Van Tendeloo G, Inorganic materials 47, 603 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1134/S0020168511050013
Abstract: Zirconia has been incorporated into exfoliated graphite (EG) through the anodic polarization in the natural graphite-ZrO(NO3)2-HNO3-H2O system, followed by flash heating. The thermal properties of the oxidized graphites employed as precursors to EG have been studied by thermogravimetry in combination with differential scanning calorimetry, and the distribution of ZrO2 particles in the EG has been assessed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Conditions are described for the preparation of EG with bulk densities in the range 1.34.7 g/l and ZrO2 contents in the range 434 wt %.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.62
DOI: 10.1134/S0020168511050013
|
|
|
“Manganese staining of archaeological glass : the characterization of Mn-rich inclusions in leached layers and a hypothesis of its formation”. Schalm O, Proost K, De Vis K, Cagno S, Janssens K, Mees F, Jacobs P, Caen J, Archaeometry 53, 103 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1111/J.1475-4754.2010.00534.X
Abstract: During the study of a large number of archaeological glass fragments, manganese-rich inclusions in leached layers were observed in a limited number of cases. This phenomenon occurs only in black-coloured leached layers. Since the formation mechanism of such manganese-rich inclusions is still unclear, a combination of several analytical techniques was used in order to investigate this phenomenon and, more specifically, to obtain more information on (a) the composition and morphology of the inclusions, (b) the chemical state of Mn and (c) the 3D morphology of the inclusions. A mechanism that might explain the formation of these inclusions is proposed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.47
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1111/J.1475-4754.2010.00534.X
|
|
|
“Temperature-dependent modeling and characterization of through-silicon via capacitance”. Katti G, Stucchi M, Velenis D, Sorée B, de Meyer K, Dehaene W, IEEE electron device letters 32, 563 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1109/LED.2011.2109052
Abstract: A semianalytical model of the through-silicon via (TSV) capacitance for elevated operating temperatures is derived and verified with electrical measurements. The effect of temperature on the increase in TSV capacitance over different technology parameters is explored, and it is shown that higher oxide thickness reduces the impact of temperature rise on TSV capacitance, while with low doped substrates, which are instrumental for reducing the TSV capacitance, the sensitivity of TSV capacitance to temperature is large and cannot be ignored.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.048
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1109/LED.2011.2109052
|
|
|
“Binary dusty plasma Coulomb balls”. Apolinario SWS, Peeters FM, Physical review : E : statistical physics, plasmas, fluids, and related interdisciplinary topics 83, 041136 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.83.041136
Abstract: We investigated the mixing and segregation of a system consisting of two different species of particles, having different charges, interacting through a pure Coulomb potential, and confined in a three-dimensional parabolic trap. The structure of the cluster and its normal mode spectrum are analyzed as a function of the relative charge and the relative number of different types of particles. We found that (a) the system can be in a mixed or segregated state depending on the relative charge ratio parameter and (b) the segregation process is mediated by a first or second order structural phase transition which strongly influences the magic cluster properties of the system.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.366
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.83.041136
|
|
|
“Characterization of an Ar/O2 magnetron plasma by a multi-species Monte Carlo model”. Bultinck E, Bogaerts A, Plasma sources science and technology 20, 045013 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/0963-0252/20/4/045013
Abstract: A combined Monte Carlo (MC)/analytical surface model is developed to study the plasma processes occurring during the reactive sputter deposition of TiOx thin films. This model describes the important plasma species with a MC approach (i.e. electrons, Ar+ ions, {\rm O}_2
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.302
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1088/0963-0252/20/4/045013
|
|
|
“Modeling Cl2/O2/Ar inductively coupled plasmas used for silicon etching : effects of SiO2 chamber wall coating”. Tinck S, Boullart W, Bogaerts A, Plasma sources science and technology 20, 045012 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/0963-0252/20/4/045012
Abstract: In this paper, simulations are performed to gain a better insight into the properties of a Cl2/Ar plasma, with and without O2, during plasma etching of Si. Both plasma and surface properties are calculated in a self-consistent manner. Special attention is paid to the behavior of etch products coming from the wafer or the walls, and how the chamber walls can affect the plasma and the resulting etch process. Two modeling cases are considered. In the first case, the reactor walls are defined as clean (Al2O3), whereas in the second case a SiO2 coating is introduced on the reactor walls before the etching process, so that oxygen will be sputtered from the walls and introduced into the plasma. For this reason, a detailed reaction set is presented for a Cl2/O2/Ar plasma containing etched species, as well as an extensive reaction set for surface processes, including physical and chemical sputtering, chemical etching and deposition processes. Density and flux profiles of various species are presented for a better understanding of the bulk plasma during the etching process. Detailed information is also given on the composition of the surfaces at various locations of the reactor, on the etch products in the plasma and on the surface loss probabilities of the plasma species at the walls, with different compositions. It is found that in the clean chamber, walls are mostly chlorinated (Al2Cl3), with a thin layer of etch products residing on the wall. In the coated chamber, an oxy-chloride layer is grown on the walls for a few nanometers during the etching process. The Cl atom wall loss probability is found to decrease significantly in the coated chamber, hence increasing the etch rate. SiCl2, SiCl4 and SiCl3 are found to be the main etch products in the plasma, with the fraction of SiCl2 being always slightly higher. The simulation results compare well with experimental data available from the literature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.302
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1088/0963-0252/20/4/045012
|
|
|
“Dielectric barrier discharges used for the conversion of greenhouse gases: modeling the plasma chemistry by fluid simulations”. De Bie C, Martens T, van Dijk J, Paulussen S, Verheyde B, Corthals S, Bogaerts A, Plasma sources science and technology 20, 024008 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/0963-0252/20/2/024008
Abstract: The conversion of methane to value-added chemicals and fuels is considered to be one of the challenges of the 21st century. In this paper we study, by means of fluid modeling, the conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons or oxygenates by partial oxidation with CO2 or O2 in a dielectric barrier discharge. Sixty-nine different plasma species (electrons, ions, molecules, radicals) are included in the model, as well as a comprehensive set of chemical reactions. The calculation results presented in this paper include the conversion of the reactants and the yields of the reaction products as a function of residence time in the reactor, for different gas mixing ratios. Syngas (i.e. H2 + CO) and higher hydrocarbons (C2Hx) are typically found to be important reaction products.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.302
Times cited: 38
DOI: 10.1088/0963-0252/20/2/024008
|
|
|
“Computer simulations of an oxygen inductively coupled plasma used for plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition”. Tinck S, Bogaerts A, Plasma sources science and technology 20, 015008 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/0963-0252/20/1/015008
Abstract: In this paper, an O2 inductively coupled plasma used for plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 thin films is investigated by means of modeling. This work intends to provide more information about basic plasma properties such as species densities and species fluxes to the substrate as a function of power and pressure, which might be hard to measure experimentally. For this purpose, a hybrid model developed by Kushner et al is applied to calculate the plasma characteristics in the reactor volume for different chamber pressures ranging from 1 to 10 mTorr and different coil powers ranging from 50 to 500 W. Density profiles of the various oxygen containing plasma species are reported as well as fluxes to the substrate under various operating conditions. Furthermore, different orientations of the substrate, which can be placed vertically or horizontally in the reactor, are taken into account. In addition, special attention is paid to the recombination process of atomic oxygen on the different reactor walls under the stated operating conditions. From this work it can be concluded that the plasma properties change significantly in different locations of the reactor. The plasma density near the cylindrical coil is high, while it is almost negligible in the neighborhood of the substrate. Ion and excited species fluxes to the substrate are found to be very low and negligible. Finally, the orientation of the substrate has a minor effect on the flux of O2, while it has a significant effect on the flux of O. In the horizontal configuration, the flux of atomic oxygen can be up to one order of magnitude lower than in the vertical configuration.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.302
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1088/0963-0252/20/1/015008
|
|
|
“Buckled circular monolayer graphene : a graphene nano-bowl”. Neek-Amal M, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 23, 045002 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/23/4/045002
Abstract: We investigate the stability of circular monolayer graphene subjected to a radial load using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. When monolayer graphene is radially stressed, after some small circular strain (~0.4%) it buckles and bends into a new bowl-like shape. Young's modulus is calculated from the linear relation between stress and strain before the buckling threshold, which is in agreement with experimental results. The prediction of elasticity theory for the buckling threshold of a radially stressed plate is presented and its results are compared to the one of our atomistic simulation. The Jarzynski equality is used to estimate the difference between the free energy of the non-compressed states and the buckled states. From a calculation of the free energy we obtain the optimum radius for which the system feels the minimum boundary stress.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/23/4/045002
|
|
|
“Hydrogenated cation vacancies in semiconducting oxides”. Varley JB, Peelaers H, Janotti A, van de Walle CG, Journal of physics : condensed matter 23, 334212 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/23/33/334212
Abstract: Using first-principles calculations we have studied the electronic and structural properties of cation vacancies and their complexes with hydrogen impurities in SnO2, In2O3 and β-Ga2O3. We find that cation vacancies have high formation energies in SnO2 and In2O3 even in the most favorable conditions. Their formation energies are significantly lower in β-Ga2O3. Cation vacancies, which are compensating acceptors, strongly interact with H impurities resulting in complexes with low formation energies and large binding energies, stable up to temperatures over 730 °C. Our results indicate that hydrogen has beneficial effects on the conductivity of transparent conducting oxides: it increases the carrier concentration by acting as a donor in the form of isolated interstitials, and by passivating compensating acceptors such as cation vacancies; in addition, it potentially enhances carrier mobility by reducing the charge of negatively charged scattering centers. We have also computed vibrational frequencies associated with the isolated and complexed hydrogen, to aid in the microscopic identification of centers observed by vibrational spectroscopy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 125
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/23/33/334212
|
|
|
“Graphene in inhomogeneous magnetic fields : bound, quasi-bound and scattering states”. Masir MR, Vasilopoulos P, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 23, 315301 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/23/31/315301
Abstract: The electron states in graphene-based magnetic dot and magnetic ring structures and combinations of both are investigated. The corresponding spectra are studied as a function of the radii, the strengths of the inhomogeneous magnetic field and of a uniform background field, the strength of an electrostatic barrier and the angular momentum quantum number. In the absence of an external magnetic field we have only long-lived quasi-bound and scattering states and we assess their influence on the density of states. In addition, we consider elastic electron scattering by a magnetic dot, whose average B vanishes, and show that the Hall and longitudinal resistivities, as a function of the Fermi energy, exhibit a pronounced oscillatory structure due to the presence of quasi-bound states. Depending on the dot parameters this oscillatory structure differs substantially for energies below and above the first Landau level.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 38
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/23/31/315301
|
|
|
“Wavepacket scattering of Dirac and Schrödinger particles on potential and magnetic barriers”. Rakhimov KY, Chaves A, Farias GA, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 23, 275801 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/23/27/275801
Abstract: We investigate the dynamics of a charged particle moving in a graphene layer and in a two-dimensional electron gas, where it obeys the Dirac and the Schrödinger equations, respectively. The charge carriers are described as Gaussian wavepackets. The dynamics of the wavepackets is studied numerically by solving both quantum-mechanical and relativistic equations of motion. The scattering of such wavepackets by step-like magnetic and potential barriers is analysed for different values of wavepacket energy and width. We find: (1) that the average position of the wavepacket does not coincide with the classical trajectory, and (2) that, for slanted incidence, the path of the centre of mass of the wavepacket does not have to penetrate the barrier during the scattering process. Trembling motion of the charged particle in graphene is observed in the absence of an external magnetic field and can be enhanced by a substrate-induced mass term.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/23/27/275801
|
|
|
“D- shallow donor near a semiconductor-metal and a semiconductor-dielectric interface”. Hao YL, Djotyan AP, Avetisyan AA, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 23, 115303 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/23/11/115303
Abstract: The ground state energy and the extent of the wavefunction of a negatively charged donor (D − ) located near a semiconductormetal or a semiconductordielectric interface are obtained. We apply the effective mass approximation and use a variational two-electron wavefunction that takes into account the influence of all image charges that arise due to the presence of the interface, as well as the correlation between the two electrons bound to the donor. For a semiconductormetal interface, the D − binding energy is enhanced for donor positions d > 1.5aB (aB is the effective Bohr radius) due to the additional attraction of the electrons with their images. When the donor approaches the interface (i.e. d < 1.5aB) the D − binding energy drops and eventually it becomes unbound. For a semiconductordielectric (or a semiconductorvacuum) interface the D − binding energy is reduced for any donor position as compared to the bulk case and the system becomes rapidly unbound when the donor approaches the interface.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/23/11/115303
|
|
|
“Barrier efficiency of sponge-like La2Zr2O7 buffer layers for YBCO-coated conductors”. Molina L, Tan H, Biermans E, Batenburg KJ, Verbeeck J, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Superconductor science and technology 24, 065019 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-2048/24/6/065019
Abstract: Solution derived La2Zr2O7 films have drawn much attention for potential applications as thermal barriers or low-cost buffer layers for coated conductor technology. Annealing and coating parameters strongly affect the microstructure of La2Zr2O7, but different film processing methods can yield similar microstructural features such as nanovoids and nanometer-sized La2Zr2O7 grains. Nanoporosity is a typical feature found in such films and the implications for the functionality of the films are investigated by a combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and quantitative electron tomography. Chemical solution based La2Zr2O7 films deposited on flexible Ni5 at.%W substrates with a {100}lang001rang biaxial texture were prepared for an in-depth characterization. A sponge-like structure composed of nanometer-sized voids is revealed by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy in combination with electron tomography. A three-dimensional quantification of nanovoids in the La2Zr2O7 film is obtained on a local scale. Mostly non-interconnected highly faceted nanovoids compromise more than one-fifth of the investigated sample volume. The diffusion barrier efficiency of a 170 nm thick La2Zr2O7 film is investigated by STEM-EELS, yielding a 1.8 ± 0.2 nm oxide layer beyond which no significant nickel diffusion can be detected and intermixing is observed. This is of particular significance for the functionality of YBa2Cu3O7 − δ coated conductor architectures based on solution derived La2Zr2O7 films as diffusion barriers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/24/6/065019
|
|