Characteristic Features of the Optimal Processing of the Results of Measurements in the Case of a Random Observation Function

An analysis is made of the characteristic features and problems of the optimal processing of the results of measurements in the case of a random observation function utilizing a nonlinear Kalman filter. A method is proposed for increasing the convergence domain of the filter with additional processing of measurements in the frequency domain.     

High-gain hybrid amplifier consisting of cascaded fluoride-based TDFA and silica-based EDFA in 1458-1540 nm wavelength region

A hybrid optical fibre amplifier is described that consists of a fluoride-based thulium-doped fibre amplifier and a silica-based erbium-doped fibre amplifier connected in a cascade. The amplifier has a gain of more than 25 dB and a noise figure of less than 9 dB over a wide wavelength region of 1458-1540 nm.     

High-performance MIM capacitor using ALD high-k HfO/sub 2/-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ laminate dielectrics

For the first time, we successfully fabricated and demonstrated high performance metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors with HfO/sub 2/-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ laminate dielectric using atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. Our data indicates that the laminate MIM capacitor can provide high capacitance density of 12.8 fF//spl mu/m/sup 2/ from 10 kHz up to 20 GHz, very low leakage current of 3.2 /spl times/ 10/sup -8/ A/cm/sup 2/ at 3.3 V, small linear voltage coefficient of capacitance of 240 ppm/V together with quadratic one of 1830 ppm/V/sup 2/, temperature coefficient of capacitance of 182 ppm//spl deg/C, and high breakdown field of /spl sim/6 MV/cm as well as promising reliability. As a result, the HfO/sub 2/-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ laminate is a very promising candidate for next generation MIM capacitor for radio frequency and mixed signal integrated circuit applications.     

Hydrogen annealing effect on DC and low-frequency noise characteristics in CMOS FinFETs

The hydrogen annealing process has been used to improve surface roughness of the Si-fin in CMOS FinFETs for the first time. Hydrogen annealing was performed after Si-fin etch and before gate oxidation. As a result, increased saturation current with a lowered threshold voltage and a decreased low-frequency noise level over the entire range of drain current have been attained. The low-frequency noise characteristics indicate that the oxide trap density is reduced by a factor of 3 due to annealing. These results suggest that hydrogen annealing is very effective for improving device performance and for attaining a high-quality surface of the etched Si-fin.     

The effects of nonlocal impact ionization on the speed of avalanche photodiodes

The nonlocal enhancement in the velocities of charge carriers to ionization is shown to outweigh the opposing effects of dead space, increasing the avalanche speed of short avalanche photodiodes (APDs) over the predictions of a conventional local model which ignores both of these effects. The trends in the measured gain-bandwidth product of two short InAlAs APDs reported in the literature support this result. Relatively large speed benefits are predicted to result from further small reductions in the lengths of short multiplication regions.     

Simulating strength and failure in engineering plant

Current features are considered in the calculation of carrying capacities for constructions in engineering plant (EP). Methods and algorithms are described for EP calculations with comprehensive incorporation of the effects from technological and working defects on the behavior of structures under standard and emergency conditions. __________ Translated from Khimicheskoe i Neftegazovoe Mashinostroenie, No. 8, pp. 38–40, August, 2006.     

Motive Force in a Complex Model of Mass Transfer

Relations for determining a motive force in a complex model of mass transfer as applied to concurrent, countercurrent, and cross motion of the vapor and liquid phases have been introduced. These forces have been compared for different forms of organization of the flow, and their comparison with similar quantities from the known Murphree and Hausen models is presented.     

Management gaps analysis: a case study of groundwater resource management in New Zealand

The primary objective of this project is to identify gaps, whether real or perceived, that hinder effective groundwater management in New Zealand. These gaps show as gaps in information, gaps in implementation, gaps in technological and management tools, and gaps in understanding of fundamental processes. The secondary objective is to propose a management strategy to close the identified gaps. Several methods are used to meet these objectives: surveys distributed to selected staff in each regional council; the review of various written reports; the analysis of land-use databases; and private consultation within each regional council. Results show that groundwater management in New Zealand is generally reactionary with the main gaps being in strategic planning and national guidelines. Most gaps appear to be predominantly information and implementation issues. In some cases there are gaps in the understanding of fundamental processes within an aquifer system, including the long-term effects of land-use on groundwater quality. An adaptive management approach is suggested as a means of closing these gaps.