Large Bolometer Arrays with Superconducting NbSi Sensors for Future Space Experiments

New techniques in microelectronics allow to build large arrays of bolometers filling the focal plane of submillimeter and millimeter telescopes. The expected sensitivity increase is the key for the next generation of space experiments in this wavelength range. Superconducting bolometers offer currently the best prospects in terms of sensitivity and multiplexed readout. We present here the developments led in France based on NbSi alloy thermometers. The manufacturing process of a 23 pixel array and the test setup are described.      

Elastic and thermodynamic properties of OsSi, OsSi2 and Os2Si3

All components of the elasticity tensors for OsSi (P2₁3), OsSi₂ (Cmca) and Os₂Si₃ (Pbcn and P-4c2) were computed by means of the stress–strain method in the framework of the density functional theory. The total energies and stress were calculated using density functional theory within the local density and conjugate gradient approximations. From the knowledge of the elastic constants, the Born stability criteria were discussed and the Debye approximation was used to evaluate the enthalpies of formation (ΔH_f) of the different compounds. The ΔH_f calculated at 298 K for OsSi is in correct agreement with the experimental data but for Os₂Si₃(Pbcn) ΔH_f is 30 kJ/mol of atoms more exothermic than the measured one. Moreover, we have found that from 1200 K the P-4c2 phase of Os₂Si₃ is most stable from the energy point of view than the Pbcn structure.     

Impact of silicon nitride CESL on NLDEMOS transistor reliability

Aging of the linear drain current during OFF stress on a N-type lateral drain extended MOS is shown to be induced by the amorphous silicon nitride Contact Etch Stop Layer (CESL). A design of experiment on its PECVD conditions enables to demonstrate that the higher its Si-rich composition or at least of its interface, the higher the degradation. Supported by TCAD simulations, we propose a charge displacement model in the CESL that leads to the depletion of the extended drain region during stress explaining the on-resistance increase monitored by the linear drain current.     

Failure of a Fusion Welded Ball Joint as a Result of Modification in MnS Direction

A failure investigation was performed on a ball joint from an ATV front suspension system. The location of the fracture was the bearing ball/stud interface, which is a fusion-welded joint, and occurred after approximately 20 h of field-testing. The two parts are made out of carbon steel and were previously heat-treated. Many elongated MnS inclusions were found in the stud material, and these inclusions were parallel to the symmetry axis. Even though these inclusions were not significantly sized, their number was important. Macroscopic evidence showed that the joint failed in a ductile mode under centered tensile overload. Microscopic examination showed that MnS orientation changed in the fusion joint area. The inclusions had been redirected during the welding process and laid parallel to the fracture surface. This reorientation caused a significant decrease in the effective cross section of the joint and overload fracture occurred.     

Understanding the Selectivity Mechanism of the Human Asialoglycoprotein Receptor (ASGP-R) toward Gal- and Man-type Ligands for Predicting Interactions with Exogenous Sugars

A practical approach for addressing the computer simulation of protein-carbohydrate interactions is described here. An articulated computational protocol was set up and validated by checking its ability to predict experimental data, available in the literature, and concerning the selectivity shown by the Carbohydrate Recognition Domain (CRD) of the human asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R) toward Gal-type ligands. Some required features responsible for the interactions were identified. Subsequently the same protocol was applied to monomer sugar molecules that constitute the building blocks for alginates and ulvans. Such sugar polymers may supply a low-cost source of rare sugars with a potential impact on several industrial applications, from pharmaceutical to fine chemical industry. An example of their applicative exploitation could be given by their use in developing biomaterial with adhesion properties toward hepatocytes, through interaction with the ASGP-R. Such a receptor has been already proposed as a target for exogenous molecules, specifically in the case of hepatocytes, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The DOCK5.2 program was used to search optimal locations of the above ligands of interest into CRD binding site and to roughly estimate interaction energies. Finally, the binding ΔG of theoretical protein-ligand complexes was estimated by using the DelPhi program in which the solvation free energy is accounted for with a continuum solvent model, by solving the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. The structure analysis of the obtained complexes and their ΔG values suggest that one of the sugar monomers of interest shows the desired characteristics.     

HERSCHEL—PACS Bolometer Arrays for Submillimeter Ground-Based Telescopes

The Herschel Space Observatory will carry onboard a new kind of bolometric architecture for the PACS (Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer) submillimeter photometer. These new generation CCD-like multiplexed bolometer arrays are buttable and enable the conception of large fully sampled focal planes either for space or for ground-based telescopes. We present here some development for ground-based applications in the context of the ARTEMIS (ARchitecture de bolomètres pour des TElescopes sub-MIllimétriques au Sol) project. We have developed an electro-thermal numerical model that simulates the performances of these semiconducting bolometers under specific ground-based conditions (different wavelengths and background powers for example). This model permits to determine the optimal parameters for each condition and shows that the bolometers can be background limited in each atmospheric transmission window between 200 and 450 microns. We also describe the optical system that provides a high optical efficiency in each submillimeter atmospheric window. Astronomical observations made with a prototype on the APEX telescope are presented.     

Hawaiian and Azorean volcanic aggregates: a preliminary study of the potential alkali-silica reaction

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment - The alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a chemical deterioration of concrete that involves reactive forms of silica. Volcanic glass is one of the...