Abstract: Employing the quantum transmitting boundary (QTB) method, we have developed a two-dimensional Schrödinger-Poisson solver in order to investigate quantum transport in nano-scale CMOS transistors subjected to open boundary conditions. In this paper we briefly describe the building blocks of the solver that was originally written to model silicon devices. Next, we explain how to extend the code to semiconducting materials such as germanium, having conduction bands with energy ellipsoids that are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the channel interfaces or even to each other. The latter introduces mixed derivatives in the 2D effective mass equation, thereby heavily complicating the implementation of open boundary conditions. We present a generalized quantum transmitting boundary method that mainly leans on the completeness of the eigenstates of the effective mass equation. Finally, we propose a new algorithm to calculate the chemical potentials of the source and drain reservoirs, taking into account their mutual interaction at high drain voltages. As an illustration, we present the potential and carrier density profiles obtained for a (111) Ge NMOS transistor as well as the ballistic current characteristics.

Abstract: Introduction: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a well-established treatment for acute-on-chronic respiratory failure in hypercapnic COPD patients. Less is known about the effects of a long-term treatment with NIV in hypercapnic COPD patients and about the factors that may predict response in terms of improved oxygenation and lowered CO2 retention.Methods: In this study, we randomized 15 patients to a routine pharmacological treatment (n = 5, age 66 [standard deviation ± 6] years, FEV1 30.5 [±5.1] %pred, PaO2 65 [±6] mmHg, PaCO2 52.4 [±6.0] mmHg) or to a routine treatment and NIV (using the Synchrony BiPAP device [Respironics, Inc, Murrsville, PA]) (n = 10, age 65 [±7] years, FEV1 29.5 [±9.0] %pred, PaO2 59 [±13] mmHg, PaCO2 55.4 [±7.7] mmHg) for 6 months. We looked at arterial blood gasses, lung function parameters and performed a low-dose computed tomography of the thorax, which was later used for segmentation (providing lobe and airway volumes, iVlobe and iVaw) and post-processing with computer methods (providing airway resistance, iRaw) giving overall a functional image of the separate airways and lobes.Results: In both groups there was a nonsignificant change in FEV1 (NIV group 29.5 [9.0] to 38.5 [14.6] %pred, control group 30.5 [5.1] to 36.8 [8.7] mmHg). PaCO2 dropped significantly only in the NIV group (NIV: 55.4 [7.7] → 44.5 [4.70], P = 0.0076; control: 52.4 [6.0] → 47.6 [8.2], NS). Patients actively treated with NIV developed a more inhomogeneous redistribution of mass flow than control patients. Subsequent analysis indicated that in NIV-treated patients that improve their blood gases, mass flow was also redistributed towards areas with higher vessel density and less emphysema, indicating that flow was redistributed towards areas with better perfusion. There was a highly significant correlation between the % increase in mass flow towards lobes with a blood vessel density of >9% and the increase in PaO2. Improved ventilation–perfusion match and recruitment of previously occluded small airways can explain the improvement in blood gases.Conclusion: We can conclude that in hypercapnic COPD patients treated with long-term NIV over 6 months, a mass flow redistribution occurs, providing a better ventilation–perfusion match and hence better blood gases and lung function. Control patients improve homogeneously in iVaw and iRaw, without improvement in gas exchange since there is no improved ventilation/perfusion ratio or increased alveolar ventilation. These differences in response can be detected through functional imaging, which gives a more detailed report on regional lung volumes and resistances than classical lung function tests do. Possibly only patients with localized small airway disease are good candidates for long-term NIV treatment. To confirm this and to see if better arterial blood gases also lead to better health related quality of life and longer survival, we have to study a larger population.

Abstract: The dynamics of electrons and holes propagating through the nano-scaled channels of modern semiconductor devices can be seen as a widespread manifestation of non-equilibrium statistical physics and its ruling principles. In this respect both the devices that are pushing conventional CMOS technology towards the final frontiers of Moores law and the upcoming set of alternative, novel nanostructures grounded on entirely new concepts and working principles, provide an almost unlimited playground for assessing physical models and numerical techniques emerging from classical and quantum mechanical non-equilibrium theory. In this paper we revisit the Boltzmann as well as the WignerBoltzmann equation which offers a valuable platform to study transport of charge carriers taking part in drive currents. We focus on a numerical procedure that regained attention recently as an alternative tool to solve the time-dependent Boltzmann equation for inhomogeneous systems, such as the channel regions of field-effect transistors, and we discuss its extension to the WignerBoltzmann equation. Furthermore, we pay attention to the calculation of tunneling leakage currents. The latter typically occurs in nano-scaled transistors when part of the carrier distribution sustaining the drive current is found to tunnel into the gate due the presence of an ultra-thin insulating barrier separating the gate from the channel region. In particular, we discuss the paradox related to the very existence of leakage currents established by electrons occupying quasi-bound states, while the (real) wave functions of the latter cannot carry net currents. Finally, we describe a simple model to resolve the paradox as well as to estimate gate currents provided the local carrier generation rates largely exceed the tunneling rates.

Abstract: We point out that the predicted strong spin-injection effect by Jiang and Jalil [phys. stat. sol. (b) 235, 157 (2003)] for a double magnetic barrier structure is based on a wrong calculation of the transmission probability. We corrected the result and found no significant spin-injection.

Abstract: The engineering, construction, performance and running costs of a catalytic flue gas cleaning component in the low dust area of a municipal waste incinerator is discussed. For this purpose, the case study of a Flemish incineration plant is presented, covering the history, the design procedure of the catalyst, relevant process data and the financial aspects. A reliable PCDD/F-destruction by means of oxidation by the catalyst to typical values of 0.001 ng TEQ/Nm3 has been demonstrated. At the same time, NOx− and CO-emissions are reduced by 90% and 20% to about 50 mg/Nm3 and below 10 mg/Nm3, respectively.