A low-power 2nd-order CT delta-sigma modulator with a single operational amplifier

We present a 2nd-order 4-bit continuous-time (CT) delta-sigma modulator (DSM) employing a 2nd-order loop filter with a single operational amplifier. This choice strongly reduces the power consumption, since operational amplifiers are the most power hungry blocks in the DSM. The DSM has been implemented in a 65 nm CMOS process, where it occupies an area of \(0.08\,\hbox {mm}^2\) . It achieves an SNDR of 64 dB over a 500 kHz signal bandwidth with an oversampling ratio of 16. The power consumption is \(76\,\upmu \hbox {W}\) from a 800 mV power supply. The DSM figure-of-merit is 59 fJ/conversion. The CT DSM is well suited for the receiver of an ultra-low-power radio.     

An economic input-output analysis for urban stormwater quality planning

A new approach using input-output techniques is proposed for the analysis of urban stormwater pollution caused by urban land development. The input-output model provides projections of sectoral outputs within an urban region. By defining land as an input to production, these output projections may be translated into projections of commercial and industrial land development. Furthermore, the closed version of the input-output model is used to project residential land development as a function of projected wage income. The pollutant generation in urban stormwater is related to the quantity of each category of land development by a pollutant coefficient matrix. Thus, the model can be used to predict the impact of various economic growth scenarios on pollution loadings in runoff water. This will help planners in assessing the environmental costs of various scenarios, and in preparing for remedial actions. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the applications of the model.     

High-gain free electron lasers using induction linear accelerators

High-power free electron lasers (FEL's) can be realized using induction linear accelerators as the source of the electron beam. These accelerators are currently capable of producing intense currents (10²-10⁴A) at moderately high energy (1-50 MeV). Experiments using a 500 A, 3.3 MeV beam have produced 80 MW of radiation at 34.6 GHz and are in good agreement with theoretical analysis. Future experiments include a high-gain, high-efficiency FEL operating at 10.6 μm using a 50 MeV beam.     

Distributed optical fibre Raman temperature sensor using a semiconductor light source and detector

The letter reports on the first experimental measurements of the temperature distribution along silica-based optical fibres using a semiconductor laser source and an avalanche photodiode detector. Previous results by the same authors demonstrated the first use of the Raman scattering technique, but used a less practical ion laser source and a photomultiplier detector.     

Solid-State Electrodes for Multichannel Multiplexed Intracortical Neuronal Recording

Thin-film arrays of extracellular recording electrodes have been developed for use in studies of information processing in neural structures and eventual use in closed-loop control of neural prostheses. These probes consist of a silicon substrate which supports an array of thin-film conductors. The conductors are insulated above and below with deposited dielectrics. The electrode sites are defined by openings in the upper dielectric layer and are inlaid with gold to form low-impedance recording surfaces. The probes are typically 15 pim in thickness with shank widths as narrow as 20 ?m. The probe fabrication process is compatible with the inclusion of signal processing circuitry directly on the probe substrate. A 12 channel on-chip signal processor design with per-channel gain of 100, bandwidth of 100 Hz-6 kHz, multiplexed output, and recording-site impedance check capability is described. The probes have adequate strength to penetrate the gerbil pia-arachnoid layer and have recorded single neuron activity of over 500 ?V peak-to-peak from tip, side, and mid-carrier sites. Signal-to-noise ratios as high as 10:1 have been achieved. An equivalent circuit model for the conducting leads, the recording site, and the electrode-electrolyte interface is described. Development of biocompatible insulation and encapsulation materials for long-term implantation of active probes is underway.     

Systematic Bivariate Analysis of AM Field Strength Measurement Data

A systematic method for analyzing AM field strength measurement data to establish inverse distance field strength and ground conductivity zones is presented. The technique uses a simple bivariate error minimization routine to find the combination of radiation and conductivity which most closely matches the measurement data out to three kilometers. The balance of the conductivity zones are determined by a running average which again seeks minimum error when compared to digitized versions of the FCC groundwave propagation curves. An extension of the technique allows such net conductivities along a radial to be converted to equivalent "M3 map" conductivities. The mathematical algorithms provide unique and repeatable results, and are readily adapted for use in computer programs.     

In vivo Quantum‐Dot Toxicity Assessment

Quantum dots have potential in biomedical applications, but concerns persist about their safety. Most toxicology data is derived from in vitro studies and may not reflect in vivo responses. Here, an initial systematic animal toxicity study of CdSe–ZnS core–shell quantum dots in healthy Sprague–Dawley rats is presented. Biodistribution, animal survival, animal mass, hematology, clinical biochemistry, and organ histology are characterized at different concentrations (2.5–15.0 nmol) over short‐term (<7 days) and long‐term (>80 days) periods. The results show that the quantum dot formulations do not cause appreciable toxicity even after their breakdown in vivo over time. To generalize the toxicity of quantum dots in vivo, further investigations are still required. Some of these investigations include the evaluation of quantum dot composition (e.g., PbS versus CdS), surface chemistry (e.g., functionalization with amines versus carboxylic acids), size (e.g., 2 versus 6 nm), and shape (e.g., spheres versus rods), as well as the effect of contaminants and their byproducts on biodistribution behavior and toxicity. Combining the results from all of these studies will eventually lead to a conclusion regarding the issue of quantum dot toxicity.     

Measurement of Local Si‐Nanowire Growth Kinetics Using In situ Transmission Electron Microscopy of Heated Cantilevers

A technique to study nanowire growth processes on locally heated microcantilevers in situ in a transmission electron microscope has been developed. The in situ observations allow the characterization of the nucleation process of silicon wires, as well as the measurement of growth rates of individual nanowires and the ability to observe the formation of nanowire bridges between separate cantilevers to form a complete nanowire device. How well the nanowires can be nucleated controllably on typical cantilever sidewalls is examined, and the measurements of nanowire growth rates are used to calibrate the cantilever‐heater parameters used in finite‐element models of cantilever heating profiles, useful for optimization of the design of devices requiring local growth.     

Influence of Si:Al ratio on the microstructural and mechanical properties of a fine-limestone aggregate alkali-activated slag concrete

Three series of fine limestone aggregate, alkali-activated blast furnace slag (AAS) concretes were fabricated and tested; two through activation with waterglass/NaOH solution, of which one included NaCl as a retarding agent, and one activated by Na₂CO₃. Each of these series was made up of three formulae containing different amounts of Al₂O₃. The compressive strengths of the series activated by waterglass/NaOH after 28 days were ≈65 ± 5.3 MPa, a 22% increase compared to previously reported formulae containing no additional Al₂O₃. Increasing the amount of Al₂O₃ did not further increase strength, however. The Na₂CO₃-activated formulae had strengths of ≈35 ± 3 MPa after 28 days, representing no increase in strength over formulae not containing Al₂O₃ previously reported. X-ray diffraction showed the main binding phase to be calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) gel, as is commonly found in ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed little difference from the previously reported results for formulae not containing Al₂O₃ and strongly resemble the spectra reported elsewhere for C–S–H. Electron microscopy, coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy, showed the cementing phase to be a single homogenous phase—not a mixed system of geopolymer and C–S–H gel—with a lower volume fraction of unreacted slag than formulae without Al₂O₃. The reason for the increase in strength of Al₂O₃-containing formulae is unclear, but is unlikely to be ascribed to the formation of large amounts of ‘geopolymers’ and may be related to a possible increase in reaction temperature of between 2 and 5°C, depending on amount of additive.