Characteristics of tunneling and impact ionization in ZnS:Mn-based thin-film electroluminescent structures

A method for measuring the characteristics of tunneling and impact ionization in thin-film electroluminescent emitters is suggested. This method makes it possible to find time dependences of the space-charge layer thickness near the anode and the length of the impact ionization region, to determine more exactly the time dependence of the field in the potential barrier at the cathode interface, the maximum depth of the surface states from which electron tunneling occurs, the minimum thickness of the barrier, and the electron tunneling probability, as well as the impact ionization rate for the deep centers related to structural defects of the phosphor layer.     

A Microfluidic Device to Acquire Gaseous Samples Via Surface Tension Held Gas-Liquid Interface

We present a relatively simple and effective method for acquiring gaseous samples into microfluidic channels. Hydrophobic polymers are photopatterned on hydrophilic substrates. Due to surface tension, aqueous liquid is confined by the hydrophobic polymers, but not completely blocked by a physical wall, thus allowing an interface for gas-liquid interaction. Here, the mechanism is demonstrated by using hydrophobic (poly)iso-bornyl acrylate polymer patterns on hydrophilic glass substrates, and through a Nessler's reagent-ammonia reaction that exhibits changes in color and electrical resistance.     

Interaction of optical radiation with GaAs nanowhisker arrays

We have studied the reflectivity spectra of doped GaAs nanowhiskers (NWs) with various morphologies, which were grown by molecular-beam epitaxy. It is established that the character of the reflectivity spectra of NWs is determined by the shape of nanocrystals. NWs with droplike and pointlike vertices differently interact with electromagnetic radiation. Laser radiation produces a spectraly selective action on the NW array, which leads to a change in the NW height and induces “caking” of their vertices, thus modifying the reflectivity of the sample. This phenomenon can be used for the creation of local microstructures with preset characteristics in large NW arrays.     

On the prospects of developing high-efficiency piezocomposites based on crystals of solid solutions of ferroelectric relaxors

Electromechanical properties of the 0-0-2-2 type composite based on platelike crystals of solid solutions of ferroelectric relaxors of the Pb(A_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-PbTiO₃ system (A = Zn, Mg) have been studied for the first time. Factors accounting for the record values of some effective parameters of this composite are considered. The relationship between the components of the elastic compliance tensor of the layered structures forming the composite and the positions of maxima of the effective hydrostatic parameters is established.     

Threshold sensitivity of anti-Stokes frequency converter

Expressions describing the threshold sensitivity of a quantum converter of IR radiation into visible light are obtained for two schemes of energy levels in the active atoms. Based on these expressions, practical criteria for the creation of such devices are formulated.     

Nanoscale Crystallization in the Amorphous Alloy Fe79P14.2Si4.4Mn2.2V0.2 upon Pulsed Photon Annealing

The effect of pulsed photon annealing with energy densities from 1.4 to 42 J/cm² for various lengths of time on the structure of the amorphous alloy Fe₇₉P_14.2Si_4.4Mn_2.2V_0.2 was studied by x-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that short-term irradiation with low energy densities leads to surface relaxation of the amorphous alloy, increases the strength of the surface layer, and reduces the internal-friction peak. Longer term photon annealing leads to crystallization of the alloy throughout the sample thickness.     

Comparative Assessment of the Effect of Chemical and Radiation Factors on Workers and the General Public Resulting from the Salvaging of Nuclear-Powered Submarines

The results of observations performed over many years are used to make an assessment of the degree to which the concentration of chemical and radioactive substances escaping into the environment during salvaging of nuclear-powered submarines exceeds the admissable norms for workers at the main ship-repair facilities in Russia and for the general public in the surrounding territories. It is shown that the chemical substances are a determining factor in environmental contamination. Their content in the atmosphere and sea water exceeds the admissable norms near sources, on the territory of the enterprises, and (for individual indicators) at populated points. Under these conditions, the concentration of technogenic radionuclides does not exceed the admissable norms and its damaging effect on man is hundreds and thousands of times less than that of chemicals.     

Special Features of Fracture of Steels from Partially-Alloyed Powders

Special features of fracture of structural steels 45N2D2M and 45N4D2M manufactured by pressing with subsequent sintering from partially alloyed iron powders are studied. Impact bending tests of specimens with different levels of retained porosity show two kinds of fracture, i.e., intraparticle cleavage and interparticle dimple fracture. In addition, the surfaces of the “initial” pores come out to the fracture surface. Other conditions being equal, growth in porosity decreases the proportion of the brittle component of fracture and decreases the critical brittle point.