Data retention characteristics of sub-100 nm NAND flash memory cells

In contrast to the conventional theories, we have revealed that the most distinguished mechanism in the data retention phenomenon after Fowler-Nordheim (FN) stress in sub-100 nm NAND Flash memory cells is the annihilation of interface states. Interface state generation rate increases rapidly as the channel width of NAND flash cell decreases. Comparison of interface states and stress-induced leakage current (SILC) component during retention mode shows that the annihilation of interface states strongly affects data retention characteristics of the programmed cells.     

Adaptive contour smoothing based on inter-region contrast

An adaptive contour smoothing algorithm designed as a preprocessor for shape coders is presented. In the method, the degree of the adaptive smoothing is controlled based on the significance of each contour point, which is quantified according to inter-region contrast in an intensity image. The actual smoothing consists of an expansion operator and a thinning algorithm.     

Vibration control of a flexible structure using a hybrid mount

This paper presents vibration control of a flexible beam structure using a hybrid mount which consists of elastic rubber and piezoelectric stack actuator. After identifying stiffness and damping properties of the rubber and piezoelectric elements, a mechanical model of the hybrid mount is established. The mount model is then incorporated with the beam structure, and the governing equation of motion is obtained in a state space. A sliding mode controller is designed in order to actively attenuate the vibration of the beam structure subjected to high-frequency and small magnitude excitations. The controller is experimentally realized and measured control responses such as acceleration of the beam structure and force transmission through the hybrid mount are evaluated and presented in both frequency and time domains.     

Mechanism of simultaneous solutes separation and concentration by size exclusion cyclic separation

The semicontinuous separation/concentration of two solutes with different molecular size by the size exclusion cyclic separation method is based on the opposite swelling responses of two gels to a temperature change. Experimental results of separation and concentration of solutes are verified qualitatively by the theoretical models based on the local equilibrium assumption. Separation of two solutes is shown by the breakthrough curves in coupled gel columns. In closed coupled columns, the volumetric space for the large molecules which are totally excluded from the gels becomes smaller, creating a concentrating effect as the gels swell when temperature changes. A mechanistic model is suggested to predict the large molecule concentration to increase to its solubility limit as cycle repeats.     

Nickel- and copper-coated carbon fibre reinforced tin-lead alloy composites

Nickel and copper were deposited over brominated, surface treated, and pristine P-100 carbon fibres using cementation and electroplating techniques. The fibres were brominated by bromine vapour for 48 h and then desorbed at 200 °C in air for 12 h. The anodic oxidation treatment of the fibres involved electrochemical etching in a dilute sodium hydroxide electrolyte for 3 min. Electroplated coated fibres showed better tensile properties than cementation coated fibres. In addition, nickel coating exhibited better bonding with the carbon fibres compared to copper coating. The effect of bromination and surface treatment was improved adhesion between coating and fibres. Nickel- and copper-coated fibres, which were brominated, anodically oxidized, and pristine, reinforced tin-lead alloy composites were fabricated by squeeze casting. The composites containing coated treated carbon fibres had higher tensile and shear strength than the ones containing coated pristine carbon fibres. Moreover, the composite with coated brominated carbon fibres had better tensile strength and shear strength than the surface treatment. The results also showed the composites containing nickel-coated fibres had higher tensile and shear strength than the ones containing copper-coated fibres.