Some modifications of the classification tree construction algorithm

The paper describes a few modifications of the classification tree construction algorithm that have proved to be useful for solving tasks of noise spectra processing with reference to NPP diagnostics. The article was translated by the authors.     

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.     

Elastic-stress relaxation in heteroepitaxial structures investigated by computer simulation

Atomic mechanisms of elastic-stress relaxation in heteroepitaxial structures are investigated by computer simulation. A 2D model of a heteroepitaxial structure with an empirical interatomic potential is considered. Advanced methods of saddle-point search in a multidimensional space are used to identify main mechanisms of structural change involving the formation of a structural imperfection, and to estimate energy characteristics of the processes.     

Catalytic properties of composite amorphous carbon-platinum layers in fuel cells

Catalytic properties of composite amorphous carbon-platinum layers produced by magnetron cosputtering have been studied. The layers were characterized by electron microscopy, IR spectroscopy, ellipsometry, gravimetry, and spectrophotometric chemical analysis. The catalytic activity of the layers was studied in an air-hydrogen fuel cell by measuring its load and power characteristics.     

Inclusions of carbon in ingots of silicon carbide grown by the modified Lely method

The problem of the appearance of carbon inclusions in single-crystal silicon carbide ingots grown by the modified Lely method (the so-called graphitization of the ingot) is analyzed. It is shown that the process of graphitization of the ingot is not related to a deficit of silicon in the growth cell; in contrast, it is excess of silicon at the growth surface that inhibits the ingot growth rate and gives rise to intense corrosion of the graphite fittings.     

Functions for relative maximization

We introduce functions for relative maximization in a general context: the beta and alpha applications. After a systematic study of different kinds of regularities, we investigate how to approximate certain values of these functions using periodic orbits. We also show that the differential of an alpha application determines the asymptotic behavior of the optimal trajectories.     

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.     

Earing in cup drawing face-centered cubic single crystals and polycrystals

A simple model of flange behavior during cup drawing was used to predict the earing profile of deep-drawn cups. The relationship between yield surface shape and earing tendency was established, with plane stress yielding corresponding to no hold-down pressure on the flange and plane strain corresponding to no thickening. Using the Schmid law, the earing model was applied to the case of a single crystal in cube position and compared to Tucker’s well-known results.^[6] For the plane strain case, good agreement was obtained with the experiment; but for plane stress, the predicted profile did not agree with the experimental one. Using the Taylor/ Bishop and Hill (TBH) theory^[8,9] and measured crystallite orientation distribution functions (CODF), the model was applied to the case of high-purity aluminum sheet with various cold-rolling reductions (35, 60, 80, and 90 pct). The major experimental trends were again correctly predicted by the plane strain case.     

Reliability assessment of polysilicon MEMS structures under mechanical fatigue loading

This paper examines the current status and methodologies of study of material and system reliability in Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS). This includes: a review of the current literature in the area of MEMS regarding failure analysis experimental investigations; testing methods and philosophies for material characterization and possible mechanistic analytical solutions for estimating material properties. The paper proposes a reliability framework that encompasses all the available information. This statistical platform will enable the MEMS design engineer to distill all the available information in the literature into a stand-alone semi-empirical material reliability model, and a holistic system-level model for a complete system.     

Characterisation of K, Na, and Li birnessites prepared by oxidation with H2O2 in a basic medium. Ion exchange properties and study of the calcined products

Birnessites containing Na, K or Li in the interlayer have been prepared by oxidation of Mn(II) cations with H₂O₂ in a basic medium with different alkaline cation/Mn molar ratios. The solids prepared have been characterised by elemental chemical analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analyses (differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis), FT-IR spectroscopy and surface texture assessment by adsorption of N₂ at –196°C. Crystalline birnessites are obtained for A/Mn ratios (A = K, Li) larger than 3.4, but MnO(OH) has been also identificed when such a ratio is smaller than 3.4. Ion exchange is topotactic, but is not complete for exchanging Na, K, or Mg for pre-existing Li. The solids are stable up to 400°C, and formation of spinels and solids with tunnel structures is observed at this temperature. Li-containing birnessites are transformed to LiMn₂O₄ spinel at 400°C, and co-crystallization of bixbyte (Mn₂O₃) is observed at higher temperatures. Bixbyte and cryptomelane are formed at 500°C for the K-containing birnessites.