Surface Cu depletion of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films: An investigation by hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

The origin of surface Cu depletion of polycrystalline chalcopyrite thin films and its consequences for the physics of related solar cells have been discussed for the past 15 years. In order to shed light on the composition and thickness of this Cu-depleted surface layer, depth-dependent compositional analysis by hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was performed. The data from Cu-poor grown Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ samples point to a surface layer in the sub-nanometer regime, which is completely depleted of Cu. This result supports the surface reconstruction model proposed by first-principles calculations by other authors. Analysis of the surface morphology of the investigated samples confirms the conjunction of Cu depletion and faceting of the surface. Theoretical considerations show that the apparent surface concentration ratio of [Cu]/([In] + [Ga]) = 1/3 found by conventional photoelectron spectroscopy studies can be explained by the surface reconstruction model.     

The Critical Temperature of Aluminum

The critical temperature, T _c, of metals is a fundamental point when vaporization due to high energy exchanges occurs. Although aluminum is a metal often studied as a benchmark for theories, its critical temperature is not known with a high degree of accuracy. Its determination by experiment is difficult as a result of its high value. This paper reviews the existing data and proposes new ones resulting from recent measurements of particular physical properties and recent theoretical approaches. These new estimates lead to the recommended value of T _c = (6700 ± 800) K.     

Measurement of linear dimensions of pattern elements of micro- and nano-structures under high- and low-voltage scanning electron microscopes

Measurements of the line width of one and the same test object under high- and low-voltage scanning electron microscopes are performed. Translated from Izmeritel’naya Tekhnika, No. 1, pp. 15–17, January, 2009.     

Growth and morphology manipulation of carbon nanostructures on porous supports

Structural polymorphism of carbon grown on porous supports by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is demonstrated. Combining three different supports (activated carbon, macroporous polymeric beads, and microporous aluminophosphate molecular sieves), with two catalysts (Ni and Fe), yielded a variety of carbon nanostructures ranging from coils and belts to fibers and tubes, without changing CVD temperature, time, and precursor composition and flow rate. Ion exchange between ammonium-impregnated supports and the metals was necessary in order to achieve a fine dispersion of the catalyst over the support surface. Metal-support interactions and the balance between ammonium and metal concentrations were investigated and found to considerably affect catalyst dispersion, shape, and crystallographic orientation, which in turn determined the morphological and structural characteristics, and yield of the carbon product. The catalyst-loaded supports and the resulting carbon materials were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetic analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy, while nitrogen and mercury porosimetry were used to characterize the supports and evaluate the degree of support pore blocking by the carbon deposits.     

Reliability-based retransmission criteria for hybrid ARQ

Bit error probability (BEP) and word error probability (WEP) are used as reliability-based retransmission criteria in conjunction with hybrid ARQ (HARQ) protocols. Instead of exploiting an error-detecting code, the decision for a retransmission is based on the error probability of the decoded word, which can be calculated in or after the decoding process.     

Cu-Ni-Sn: A Key System for Lead-Free Soldering

Being the most complex constituent of the quaternary system Ag-Cu-Ni-Sn, the ternary system Cu-Ni-Sn is the key system for the investigation of the interactions of Ag-Cu-Sn solder alloys with Ni as a contact material. Although this system has been thoroughly studied in the literature, there are still many uncertainties left. In the present work, a study of the phase equilibria in four isothermal sections at 220, 400, 500, and 700°C of the Cu-Ni-Sn system was carried out following a comprehensive literature study. The methods employed were x-ray diffraction (XRD), metallography, and scanning electron microscopy including electron probe microanalysis. The ternary solubilities of the Ni₃Sn₂-Cu₆Sn₅ and Ni₃Sn-Cu₃Sn fields were characterized in detail. So far no continuous solubility between the respective phases has been found. At 25 at.% Sn the existence of two ternary compounds formed from the BiF₃-type (Cu,Ni)₃Sn phase and reported in literature could be confirmed. On the other hand, our results differ significantly from the very recent literature related to lead-free soldering.     

Anodic oxidation of phenol for waste water treatment

The electrochemical oxidation of phenol for waste water treatment was studied at a platinum anode. Analysis of reaction intermediates and a carbon balance has shown that the reaction occurs by two parallel pathways; chemical oxidation with electrogenerated hydroxyl radicals and direct combustion of adsorbed phenol or/and its aromatic intermediates to CO₂.     

A study of the effect of some factors influencing Alinite clinker formation

Research interest in chloride salts has been revived due to the new technological trends in cements following the development of Alinite Technology. Thus, the present work, which is a part of an extensive program, deals with the searching of the effect of LSF, MgO, alkalies and chlorides on the formation of Alinite clinker. In this context, seven raw mixes were prepared by varying the factors mentioned. The clinkers formed were studied by means of both XRD and chemical analysis. Useful information is derived concerning the influence of these factors on Alinite clinker formation.