Observation of a half-quantum-flux periodicity pattern in an rf SQUID with small critical currents

We have found experimentally that rf SQUID's working in a nonhysteretic mode with small critical currents give exactly at resonance and at very low rf bias a triangular pattern with a period equal to half of one elementary quantum of magnetic flux. We discuss a possible explanation of this peculiar result.     

Substrate temperature and water vapour effects on structural and mechanical properties of TiO x N y coatings

Dc reactive sputtering was successfully implemented to deposit titanium oxynitride thin films using a titanium metallic target, argon, nitrogen and water vapour as reactive gases. The nitrogen partial pressure was kept constant during every deposition whereas that of the water vapour was systematically changed from 0 to 0.1 Pa. The study aims at comparing the structural and mechanical properties of the coatings deposited at room temperature (293 K) and at 673 K. Surface morphology of the film was examined by atomic force microscopy and showed different aspects according to the growth temperature. Topography mainly depends on the amount of water vapour introduced during the deposition process. Some significant changes of the crystallographic structure, due to the high substrate temperature were correlated with the evolution of the surface aspect and roughness parameters. Determination of the phase occurrence by X-ray diffraction was also carried out and appeared to be a significant parameter in understanding the evolution of mechanical properties like nanohardness (H _n) and Young’s modulus (E). H _n and E values obtained by nanoindentation ranged from 16.5 to 7 GPa and from 240 to 100 GPa, respectively. For both temperatures, mechanical properties of titanium oxynitride thin films were notably reduced as a function of the water vapour supply, especially for partial pressures higher than 4 × 10⁻² Pa. These mechanical behaviours were correlated and discussed with the phase occurrence and the amorphous structure of titanium oxynitride thin films.     

Ultrasonic measurements of microelectronic resins

The elastic moduli, measured with the ultrasonic technique, of commercial silica filled epoxy resins used in the electronic circuits are reported. Measurements of velocity propagation and attenuation were carried out in large temperature and frequency ranges. Predictions of the theoretical models were compared with the experimental values. Explicit expressions of the elastic moduli were derived as functions of filler content and the properties of the matrix and the fillers. The influences of frequency and temperature on the elastic moduli and attenuation are discussed.     

Three generations of asynchronous microprocessors

We trace the evolution of Caltech asynchronous processors from a simple proof of concept, to a high-performance MIPS-like processor using a different buffer circuit for better performance, to the latest 8051 clone targeting low-energy operation. We describe the control aspects of the evolving circuit styles. We describe these three generations of asynchronous microprocessors (Caltech asynchronous processors, MiniMIPS and Lutonium) and the corresponding circuit families and design methods. The asynchronous circuits we use are called quasidelay-insensitive (QDI) circuits. A QDI circuit involves no assumption about, or knowledge of, delays in operators and wires, except for isochronic forks, which the designer assumes have similar delays on the different branches. QDI circuits are the most conservative asynchronous circuits in terms of delays.     

Total Travel Cost in Stochastic Assignment Models

Deterministic assignment models are sometimes used to approximate properties of more complex stochastic models. One property that is of particular interest from a system optimization viewpoint is total travel cost. This paper looks at the approximation of mean total travel cost. It is shown that deterministic models will underestimate this quantity in many common situations. Furthermore, discrepancies between total travel cost under the different modelling frameworks can lead to situations in which network modifications which are detrimental according to a stochastic model appear beneficial when using the natural deterministic approximation. We conclude that estimation of mean travel cost in stochastic assignment is often best done using simulation. Some suggestions are made regarding the implementation of traffic assignment simulation.     

Mobile phones as computing devices: the viruses are coming!

Understanding existing threats against mobile phones helps us better protect our information and prepare for future dangers. Mobile phones have evolved from their roots as analog walkie-talkies to full-scale Internet-enabled computers. Today, mobile phone handsets are arguably the dominant computer form factor consumers purchase. But having such powerful networked computers leads to a new class of malware: viruses, worms, and trojans specifically designed for the mobile environment. Merely enumerating known attacks doesn't help us understand all possible threats. Instead, we present a taxonomy of attacks against mobile phones that shows known as well as potential attacks.     

Microscopy under pressure--an optical chamber system for fluorescence microscopic analysis of living cells under high hydrostatic pressure

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) becomes more and more interesting for life science research, since it can be employed to inactivate various cells. To directly monitor "cells under pressure," the development of an optical high-pressure chamber is required. Therefore, an optical pressure chamber that can be used for up to 300 MPa was constructed. This chamber has already been described as a tool for in situ observation of dynamic changes of microscopic structures in bright field as well as phase contrast. In combination with an inverted microscope, we obtained brilliant microscopic color pictures with an optical resolution more than 0.56 microm. Here, we demonstrate the capabilities of the HHP cell, in combination with epifluorescence microscopy. Using a nonadherent human B-cell line (Raji, ATCC CCL 86), stained with the fluorescent dyes propidium iodide, Hoechst 33342, or dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide, we were able to show that the system is suitable to perform fluorescence microscopic analyses, with pressures up to 300 MPa, with viable mammalian cells.     

Synthesis and applications of new left handed microstrip lines with complementary split-ring resonators etched on the signal strip

A new type of left handed microstrip lines implemented by means of complementary split-ring resonators (CSRRs) is proposed. The CSRRs are etched on the signal strip alternating with series gaps. Additionally, shunt connected stubs are introduced for the first time to the previous structure. The combination of these three elements, that is, the series gaps, the CSRR and the shunt inductance, enhances design flexibility. By this means, the ground plane is left unaltered and narrow band artificial transmission lines with good performance and compact dimensions can be synthesised. The lumped element equivalent circuit model of the structure is proposed and validated. To demonstrate the applicability of these new left handed transmission lines, two compact microwave components have been designed and fabricated: (i) a narrow band power divider and (ii) a band pass filter. The resulting power divider is 75% smaller than the conventional implementation and 50% smaller than previous power dividers implemented by means of CSRRs. The band pass filter performance is comparable to that of previous CSRR-based filters with ground plane etching, whereas its size is smaller. This work represents a significant progress on the design of microwave components based on CSRRs, that is, the approach is opened to those systems where the ground plane cannot be etched.     

Metal‐containing Polymers via Electropolymerization

Electropolymerization represents a suitable and well‐established approach for the assembly of polymer structures, in particular with regard to the formation of thin, insoluble films. Utilization of monomers that are functionalized with metal complex units allows the combination of structural and functional benefits of polymers and metal moieties. Since a broad range of both electropolymerizable monomers and metal complexes are available, various structures and, thus, applications are possible. Recent developments in the field of synthesis and potential applications of metal‐functionalized polymers obtained via electropolymerization are presented, highlighting the significant advances in this field of research.     

Lithium Intercalation Compound Dramatically Influences the Electrochemical Properties of Exfoliated MoS2

MoS₂ and other transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have recently gained a renewed interest due to the interesting electronic, catalytic, and mechanical properties which they possess when down‐sized to single or few layer sheets. Exfoliation of the bulk multilayer structure can be achieved by a preliminary chemical Li intercalation followed by the exfoliation due to the reaction of Li with water. Organolithium compounds are generally adopted for the Li intercalation with n‐butyllithium (n‐Bu‐Li) being the most common. Here, the use of three different organolithium compounds are investigated and compared, i.e., methyllithium (Me‐Li), n‐butyllithium (n‐Bu‐Li) and tert‐butyllithium (t‐Bu‐Li), used for the exfoliation of bulk MoS₂. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) are adopted for a comprehensive characterization of all materials under investigation. In addition, catalytic properties towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and capacitive properties are also tested. Different organolithium compounds exhibit different extent of Li intercalation resulting in different degrees of exfoliation. The inherent electrochemical behavior of MoS₂ consisting of significant anodic and cathodic peaks as well as its capacitive behavior and catalytic properties towards hydrogen evolution reaction are strongly connected to the exfoliation compound used. This research significantly contributes to the development of large‐scale synthesis of electrocatalytic MoS₂‐based materials.