Long Duration Persistent Photocurrent in 3 nm Thin Doped Indium Oxide for Integrated Light Sensing and In-Sensor Neuromorphic Computation

Miniaturization and energy consumption by computational systems remain major challenges to address. Optoelectronics based synaptic and light sensing provide an exciting platform for neuromorphic processing and vision applications offering several advantages. It is highly desirable to achieve single-element image sensors that allow reception of information and execution of in-memory computing processes while maintaining memory for much longer durations without the need for frequent electrical or optical rehearsals. In this work, ultra-thin (<3 nm) doped indium oxide (In₂O₃) layers are engineered to demonstrate a monolithic two-terminal ultraviolet (UV) sensing and processing system with long optical state retention operating at 50 mV. This endows features of several conductance states within the persistent photocurrent window that are harnessed to show learning capabilities and significantly reduce the number of rehearsals. The atomically thin sheets are implemented as a focal plane array (FPA) for UV spectrum based proof-of-concept vision system capable of pattern recognition and memorization required for imaging and detection applications. This integrated light sensing and memory system is deployed to illustrate capabilities for real-time, in-sensor memorization, and recognition tasks. This study provides an important template to engineer miniaturized and low operating voltage neuromorphic platforms across the light spectrum based on application demand.     

Surface roughness optimization of cold-sprayed coatings using Taguchi method

In this paper, Taguchi L 18 orthogonal array have been employed for depositing the electro-conductive coatings by varying various process parameters, i.e., substrate material, type of powder feeding arrangement, stagnation gas temperature, stagnation gas pressure, and stand-off distance. The response parameter of the coatings so produced is measured in terms of surface roughness. The optimum process parameters are predicted on the basis of analyses (ANOVA) of the raw data and signal to noise ratio. The significant process parameters in order of their decreasing percentage contribution are: stagnation pressure, stand-off distance, substrate material, stagnation temperature of the carrier gas, and feed arrangement of the powder particles, respectively.     

Effect of rotation and thermal relaxation on Rayleigh waves in piezothermoelastic half space

The present paper represents an analysis of Rayleigh surface waves in a homogeneous, transversely isotropic, generalized piezothermoelastic half-space rotating with uniform angular velocity about normal to its boundary and subjected to stress free, electrically shorted/charge free and thermally insulated/isothermal boundary conditions. The secular equations for stress free, generalized piezothermoelastic half-space in closed form and isolated mathematical conditions are derived. The characteristics of surface waves propagating in generalized piezothermoelastic solid half-space and their dependence upon various geometric and physical parameters have been investigated. Finally, in order to illustrate and compare the theoretical results, numerical solution of various secular equations and other relevant relations are derived for cadmium selenide (6 mm) class material by adopting functional iteration scheme after employing Descartes’ algorithm to compute the characteristic roots of coupled differential equation system. The corresponding simulated results of various physical quantities such as phase velocity, attenuation, specific loss, frequency shifts and electromechanical coupling have been presented graphically for rotation and non-rotation cases. The study will be useful in design and construction of gyroscope, rotation sensors, temperature sensors and other pyro/piezoelectric SAW devices.     

Elemental Analogues of Graphene: Silicene,Germanene, Stanene,and Phosphorene

The fascinating electronic and optoelectronic properties of free‐standing graphene has led to the exploration of alternative two‐dimensional materials that can be easily integrated with current generation of electronic technologies. In contrast to 2D oxide and dichalcogenides, elemental 2D analogues of graphene, which include monolayer silicon (silicene), are fast emerging as promising alternatives, with predictions of high degree of integration with existing technologies. This article reviews this emerging class of 2D elemental materials – silicene, germanene, stanene, and phosphorene – with emphasis on fundamental properties and synthesis techniques. The need for further investigations to establish controlled synthesis techniques and the viability of such elemental 2D materials is highlighted. Future prospects harnessing the ability to manipulate the electronic structure of these materials for nano‐ and opto‐electronic applications are identified.     

Stretchable and Tunable Microtectonic ZnO‐Based Sensors and Photonics

The concept of realizing electronic applications on elastically stretchable “skins” that conform to irregularly shaped surfaces is revolutionizing fundamental research into mechanics and materials that can enable high performance stretchable devices. The ability to operate electronic devices under various mechanically stressed states can provide a set of unique functionalities that are beyond the capabilities of conventional rigid electronics. Here, a distinctive microtectonic effect enabled oxygen‐deficient, nanopatterned zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films on an elastomeric substrate are introduced to realize large area, stretchable, transparent, and ultraportable sensors. The unique surface structures are exploited to create stretchable gas and ultraviolet light sensors, where the functional oxide itself is stretchable, both of which outperform their rigid counterparts under room temperature conditions. Nanoscale ZnO features are embedded in an elastomeric matrix function as tunable diffraction gratings, capable of sensing displacements with nanometre accuracy. These devices and the microtectonic oxide thin film approach show promise in enabling functional, transparent, and wearable electronics.     

Flame retardancy of ceramic-based rigid polyurethane foam composites

In this work, ceramic fillers zirconia and alumina powder were incorporated in the rigid polyurethane foams derived from modified castor oil and their impact on the mechanical, thermal, and fire performances of composite foams have been analyzed. It was observed that the addition of ceramic filler showed improved mechanical and thermal properties and best properties were shown by 6% zirconia with compressive strength of 6.61 MPa and flexural strength of 5.72 MPa. Zirconia also demonstrated an increase in T_5% up to 260 °C. Cone calorimetry shows a decrease in peak of heat release from 118 to 84 kW m⁻² and 94 kW m⁻² by the incorporation of alumina and zirconia powder, respectively. Furthermore, total heat release (THR), smoke production rate (SPR), and total smoke release (TSR) were also found to decrease remarkably on the incorporation of ceramic fillers. So, these fillers have a great potential as an additive to incorporate good mechanical, thermal, and fire properties in bio-based rigid PU foams. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 48250.