Error performance analysis for FSO systems with diversity reception and optical preamplification over gamma–gamma atmospheric turbulence channels

The error performance was investigated of free-space optical (FSO) systems that use optical preamplifiers and diversity reception in turbulent atmosphere with gamma–gamma distribution. More specifically, assuming that the dominant sources of the receiver noises are the background light and amplifier spontaneous emission noises, we develop an exact bit-error-rate (BER) expression for binary pulse position modulation (BPPM) by a moment-generating function (MGF) derivative-based method. To gain more insight, we also derive a closed-form asymptotic BER expression for BPPM at high received optical power, by which we obtain the diversity and coding gains of the considered systems. Our analytical results lead to the observations that the attained diversity gain only changes with the gamma-gamma distribution parameters and the number of spatial modes collected by the receiver, while independent on the number of temporal modes passed by the optical preamplifiers. We verify the analytical results by Monte Carlo simulations.     

Synthesis of manganese–zinc ferrite by powder mixing using ferric oxide from a steel mill acid recovery unit

With the aim of producing fine-grained manganese–zinc (Mn–Zn) ferrite at the end of a calcination process at moderate temperatures, this study consisted, at first, of an “electrochemically designed” powder mixing by wet-ball milling a mixture of manganese (MnO₂), zinc (ZnO), and iron (Fe₂O₃ granules produced by an acid recovery unit of a Brazilian steelmaker, milled to fine sizes using alkaline media) –based raw materials. This mixing/milling resulted in improved size reduction when compared to milling without any alkali addition. Further, noticeable size reduction was achieved when elemental Zn was used in place of ZnO, especially when ammonia was used as the medium. Calcination of the alkaline-milled mixture of MnO₂ + ZnO + Fe₂O₃ at 1200 °C allowed obtaining well-crystallized single-phase Mn–Zn ferrite, whereas calcination of the MnO₂ + ZnO + Fe₂O₃ mill-mixed in 100% NH₄OH at 1200 °C produced the highest saturation magnetization in the as-calcined state.     

Synthesis, characterization and oxide ionic conductivity of β-type solid solution in bismuth oxide doped with ytterbium oxide binary system

In this study, after doping Yb₂O₃ substance to α -Bi₂O₃ substance in the range of 1% ≤ n ≤ 8% in a series of different mole ratios, heat treatment was performed by applying a cascade temperature rise in the range of 700–790 °C for 48 and 120 h and new phases were obtained in the (Bi₂O₃)_1???x (Yb₂O₃) _x system. After 48 h of heat treatment at 750 °C and 120 h of heat treatment at 790 °C, mixtures containing 1–8% mole Yb₂O₃ formed a tetragonal phase. With the help of XRD, crystal systems and lattice parameters of the solid solutions were obtained and their characterization was carried out. Thermal measurements were made by using a simultaneous DTA/TG system. The total conductivity (σ _T) in the β-Bi₂O₃ doped with Yb₂O₃ system was measured using four-probe d.c. method.     

Directional nature of Goodman–Kruskal gamma and some consequences: identity of Goodman–Kruskal gamma and Somers delta,and their connection to Jonckheere–Terpstra test statistic

Although usually taken as a symmetric measure, G is shown to be a directional coefficient of association. The direction in G is not related to rows or columns of the cross-table nor the identity of the variables to be a predictor or a criterion variable but, instead, to the number of categories in the scales. Under the conditions where there are no tied pairs in the dataset, G equals Somers’ D so directed that the variable with a wider scale (X) explains the response pattern in the variable with a narrower scale (g), that is, D(g│X). Hence, G = G(g│X) = D(g│X) but G ≠ D(X│g) and G ≠ D(symmetric). If there are tied pairs, the estimates by G = G(g│X) are more liberal in comparison with those by D(g│X). Algebraic relation of G and D with Jonckheere–Terpstra test statistic (JT) is derived. Because of the connection to JT, G = G(g│X) and D = D(g│X) indicate the proportion of logically ordered test-takers in the item after they are ordered by the score. It is strongly recommendable that gamma should not be used as a symmetric measure, and it should be used directionally only when willing to explain the behaviour of a variable with a narrower scale by the variable with a wider scale. This fits well with the measurement modelling settings.

     

Preparation and characterization of epoxy/γ-aluminum oxide nanocomposites

Epoxy/γ-Al₂O₃ nanocomposites were prepared with a homogenizer and followed by a stepwise thermal curing process in this study. The dispersion of γ-Al₂O₃ nanoparticles was examined with a transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Meanwhile, the effects of γ-Al₂O₃ nanoparticles on thermal, dynamic mechanical and tensile properties of epoxy/γ-Al₂O₃ nanocomposites were also investigated and discussed. When the γ-Al₂O₃ content was increased from 1phr to 5phr, results revealed that γ-Al₂O₃ nanoparticles were effective to enhance both the stiffness and toughness of epoxy resin. Meanwhile, the maximum properties of glass transition temperature (T_g), T_d5%, storage modulus, tensile modulus, and elongation at break were observed in the epoxy/5phr γ-Al₂O₃ nanocomposite.     

Sol–gel synthesis and characterization of mesoporous manganese oxide

Mesoporous manganese oxide (MPMO) from reduction of KMnO₄ with maleic acid, was obtained and characterized in detail. The characterization of the material was confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD) and N₂ sorptometry. The results showed that MPMO is a pseudo-crystalline material with complex network pore structure, of which BET specific surface area is 297 m²/g and pore size distribution is approximately in the range of 0.7–6.0 nm. The MPMO material turns to cryptomelane when the calcinating temperature rises to 400 °C. The optimum sol–gel reaction conditions are KMnO₄/C₄H₄O₄ molar ratio=3, pH=7 and gelation time>6 h.     

Enhanced capacitance of composite anodic ZrO₂ films comprising high permittivity oxide nanocrystals and highly resistive amorphous oxide matrix

Anodic oxide films with nanocrystalline tetragonal ZrO(2) precipitated in an amorphous oxide matrix were formed on Zr-Si and Zr-Al alloys and had significantly enhanced capacitance in comparison with those formed on zirconium metal. The capacitance enhancement was associated with the formation of a high-temperature stable tetragonal ZrO(2) phase with high relative permittivity as well as increased ionic resistivity, which reduces the thickness of anodic oxide films at a certain formation voltage. However, there is a general empirical trend that single-phase materials with higher permittivity have lower ionic resistivity. This study presents a novel material design based on a nanocrystalline-amorphous composite anodic oxide film for capacitor applications.     

Metallic and insulating interfaces of amorphous SrTiO₃-based oxide heterostructures

The conductance confined at the interface of complex oxide heterostructures provides new opportunities to explore nanoelectronic as well as nanoionic devices. Herein we show that metallic interfaces can be realized in SrTiO(3)-based heterostructures with various insulating overlayers of amorphous LaAlO(3), SrTiO(3), and yttria-stabilized zirconia films. On the other hand, samples of amorphous La(7/8)Sr(1/8)MnO(3) films on SrTiO(3) substrates remain insulating. The interfacial conductivity results from the formation of oxygen vacancies near the interface, suggesting that the redox reactions on the surface of SrTiO(3) substrates play an important role.     

An alternative route towards micro- and nano-patterning of oxide films

This paper presents a method to obtain submicron-?and nanometer structures of different oxide films and heterostructures combining e-beam lithography and chemical etching. The most relevant advantage of this method is that structures of tens of microns in length and below ～100?nm width can be produced, keeping the intrinsic bulk film properties, as proven by electrical transport measurements. In this way our method provides a bridge that connects the attractive properties of oxide films and the nanoworld.     

Preparation and magnetic characteristics of mesoporous nickel oxide–silica composites

Mesoporous NiO–SiO₂ (MCM-41) silica-matrix composites with various nickel oxide concentrations (NiO : SiO₂ = 0.025 : 1 to 0.2 : 1) have been produced by oxide cocondensation under hydrothermal synthesis conditions in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a template and (2-cyanoethyl) triethoxysilane as an organosubstituted trialkoxysilane additive. X-ray diffraction data have been used to evaluate the maximum nickel(II) oxide concentration (NiO : SiO₂ = 0.1 : 1) that allows the ordered mesopore structure of MCM-41 to persist in the silica-matrix composites. We have studied the magnetic properties of this material as functions of temperature and magnetic field. The results demonstrate that the magnetic properties of the nanocomposite with NiO : SiO₂ = 0.1 : 1 at low temperatures (T < 20 K) are determined by incomplete spin compensation in the matrix and on the surface of the NiO nanoparticles.     

Near-infrared photoluminescence in germanium oxide enclosed germanium nano- and micro-crystals

We have studied the near-infrared photoluminescence properties of free-standing germanium nano-crystals (20?nm on average) and micro-crystals (60?μm on average) at 80-300?K. Two peaks were observed at ～1.0 and ～1.4?eV from both the nano-?and micro-crystals. The integrated PL (I(PL)) intensity of the nano-crystals is about an order of magnitude stronger than that of the micro-crystals and the I(PL) is also enhanced by ageing in air for both crystals. The ～1.0?eV peak position does not change with either the crystal size or temperature. We suggest that the deep traps located at the interfacial region between the surface GeO(2) layer and the bulk crystal Ge is responsible for the near-infrared PL.     

The influence of zinc oxide–cerium oxide nanoparticles on the structural characteristics and electrical properties of polyvinyl alcohol films

With the objective to investigate the influence of zinc oxide–cerium oxide (ZnO–Ce₂O₃) nanoparticles on the electrical properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PVA/ZnO–Ce₂O₃ nanocomposite films were prepared by solution intercalation method with different weight percentage viz., 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0?wt% of ZnO–Ce₂O₃ nanoparticles. The fabricated nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The effect of ZnO–Ce₂O₃ nanoparticles on the dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε″), electric modulus (M′ and M″), ac conductivity (σ _ac), and dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) over a range of frequencies at room temperature of PVA nanocomposites have been studied. FT-IR, XRD, and DSC analysis indicates the nature of ZnO–Ce₂O₃ nanoparticles interaction with the PVA matrix. The morphological behavior of the nanocomposites has been performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dielectric behaviors such as dielectric constant (ε′) and dielectric loss (ε″) increases with increase in nanoparticle concentration, but decreases with increase in frequency. But, the electric modulus (M′) increases with increase in frequency. Dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) decreases with increase in filler content at lower frequency, but at higher frequencies the tan δ increases with increase in nanoparticles content. AC conductivity (σ _ac) of PVA/ZnO–Ce₂O₃ nanocomposites increases with increasing frequency following the universal dielectric response law.     

Cyclic and sustained loading behaviors of oxide/oxide Nextel™720/alumina composite with double edge sharp notch

This study investigated an oxide/oxide CMC consisting of Nextel?720 (meta-stable mullite) fibers in alumina matrix, N720/A, with 0°/90° fiber orientation having double edge sharp notch under sustained and cyclic loading conditions at 1200 °C in laboratory air environment. Monotonic tensile tests at 1200 °C were also conducted. Fracture surfaces were examined to analyze failure and damage mechanisms. Comparisons with counterparts from unnotched geometry showed N720/A is mildly sensitive to the sharp notch under monotonic tensile, creep and fatigue loading conditions. The ultimate tensile strength of the composite was reduced by about 15% in the presence of the sharp notch. The rupture strength of the sharp notched geometry was reduced by about 15% of unnotched geometry for a given rupture time. The fatigue strength was reduced by about 20% of unnotched geometry for a given number of cycles to failure. Deformation under cyclic loading condition had contributions both from fatigue and creep. Damage mechanisms were identical under cyclic and sustained loading conditions.     

Preparation and tribological properties of polyurethane/α-aluminum oxide hybrid films

This study focused on the preparation and tribological properties of polyurethane/α-aluminum oxide (PU/α-Al₂O₃) hybrid films. PU/α-Al₂O₃ hybrid films containing various nanoscaled α-Al₂O₃ contents were prepared by an effectively mechanical stirring method. The tribological properties of PU/α-Al₂O₃ hybrid films were investigated by a TABER type abrasion tester after 2000 cycles. The results of abrasion tests showed the abrasion resistance of the PU/α-Al₂O₃ hybrid film was increased as the α-Al₂O₃ content was increased. The abrasion resistance of the PU/α-Al₂O₃ hybrid film was significantly improved up to 27.4% by adding 2 wt.% nanoscaled α-Al₂O₃ particles. The surface morphologies of PU/α-Al₂O₃ hybrid films, before and after abrasion tests, were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For the loading of 2 wt.% α-Al₂O₃ particles, the SEM image of the worn surface of the PU/α-Al₂O₃ hybrid film showed much smoother than those of pure PU film and other PU/α-Al₂O₃ hybrid films.     

Infinite-layer,T′-Phase,and 1-D-ladder copper oxide compounds

Results of recent research on electron-doped infinite-layer compounds (e.g., Sr_1–xLa_xCuO₂), T-phase compounds (e.g., Nd_2–xCe_xCuO₄), and spin-1/2 quasi-1-D ladder compounds (e.g., Sr₁₄Cu₂₄O₄₁) are presented, including structural and magnetic measurements. Studies of steric effects indicate that superconductivity disappears in both electron-doped systems for values of the in-plane lattice constant below a critical value, a_cr 3.92 Å. Attempts to hole dope both the infinite-layer and T phases are described. For the quasi-1-D ladder compound Sr₁₄Cu₂₄O₄₁, the anisotropic susceptibility of this system and its small gap are discussed. Collaborative studies of these systems using SR, NMR, and other spectroscopies are reviewed.This research was supported by NSF Grant DMR-9158089 and Welch Foundation Grant F-1191.     

Ultrathin oxide films on metals: new physics and new chemistry?

Oxide thin films on metals are now currently used as model systems to study the surface properties of highly insulating oxides by means of electron spectroscopies. However, it has been recently proposed that ultrathin oxide films and oxide–metal interfaces may actually have unprecedented intrinsic chemical–physical properties, because of image potential screening of charge fluctuations and interfacial hybridizational effects. In fact, on-site Coulomb interactions and charge transfer energies in oxide thin films on metals are reduced by as much as a few eV as compared to the bulk values, thus suggesting a large reduction of the conductivity gap and a strong enhancement of the strength of various exchange and superexchange magnetic interactions in thin layers of strongly correlated oxides on metals. Moreover, interfacial oxygen states with strong metallic character have been observed and considered responsible for an unusually high and chemical selective reactivity of oxide–metal interfaces. Some basic ideas and results connected with these intriguing interfacial phenomena will be presented and discussed taking MgO thin films on Ag(100) as a model system.     

Ferroelastic domain identification and toughening mechanism for yttrium tantalate–zirconium oxide

Yttrium tantalate(YTaO₄) is the next generation of higher service temperature thermal barrier coatings(TBCs) materials due to its smaller volume effect in phase change, lower thermal conductivity and unique ferroelastic domain structure. However, the low fracture toughness limits its application. We first characterized the diffraction patterns of variants, and two variants(M₁ and M₂) observed in transmission electron microscopy(TEM) results were determined from f...     

Structure and optical properties of ordered mesoporous copper oxide–silica composite films

In this study, ordered mesoporous copper oxide–silica (CuO–SiO₂) composite films with CuO/SiO₂ molar ratio ≤6% have been prepared. Small-angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy investigations show that the mesoporous CuO–SiO₂ composite films have a hexagonally ordered pore array nanostructure. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the copper oxide and silica in the composite films are non-crystalline. The non-crystalline CuO in the mesoporous composite films has an obvious blue-shift phenomenon of the absorption edge. The calculated band gap energy for CuO is 3.2?eV, which is much higher than its bulk counterparts (1.21–1.5?eV).     

In situ high-temperature X-ray and neutron diffraction of Cu–Mn oxide phases

Copper–manganese oxides were analyzed by in situ high-temperature powder neutron and X-ray diffraction to investigate their crystal structure. Cu–Mn spinel was found to form a continuous solid solution with cubic symmetry between Mn₃O₄ and Cu₂MnO₄. A high-temperature phase with approximate composition Cu₅Mn₄O₉ was shown to have hexagonal symmetry. The cation distribution and lattice parameters of Cu–Mn spinel were resolved through Rietveld refinement of in situ neutron diffraction data. The results demonstrated that the Cu ion has a lower octahedral site preference than manganese ions, and quenching is not a reliable method to determine the equilibrium structure in the system.