Design and fabrication of a high-efficiency extreme-ultraviolet binary phase-only computer-generated hologram

As the development of extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) lithography progresses, interest grows in the extension of traditional optical components to the EUV regime. The strong absorption of EUV by most materials and its extremely short wavelength, however, make it very difficult to implement many components that are commonplace in the longer wavelength regimes. One such component is the diffractive optical element used, for example, in illumination systems to efficiently generate modified pupil fills. The fabrication and characterization of an EUV binary phase-only computer-generated hologram is demonstrated, allowing arbitrary far-field diffraction patterns to be generated. Based on reflective architecture, the fabricated device is extremely efficient. Based on an identically fabricated null hologram, the absolute efficiency into one diffracted order of 22% has been demonstrated. In the case where axially symmetric diffraction patterns are desired (both positive and negative diffraction orders can be used), the efficiency can be twice as high.     

Influence of preparation procedure and ferric oxide nanoparticles addition on transport properties of homogeneous cation-exchange SPPO/SPVC membrane

Homogeneous cation-exchange membranes were prepared through evaporation and phase inversion methods using sulfonated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (SPPO) and sulfonated polyvinylchloride as binders. The effect of polymers blend’s ratio and preparation method on structure and electrochemical properties of the prepared membranes were evaluated. The microstructures of the membranes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the sulfonation of polyvinylchloride was confirmed by elemental analyses. Moreover, the membranes performance was evaluated by ion-exchange capacity (IEC), fixed ion concentration, membrane potential, transport number, permselectivity, areal resistance, ionic permeability, flux of ions, current efficiency, membrane oxidative stability, mechanical properties and water content tests. The results indicated that IEC and water content were affected by the SPPO content and microstructures of the membranes. The results showed increased efficiency and suitable electrochemical properties for membranes prepared by the evaporation method in comparison with others. Also, \(\hbox {Fe}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}\) nanoparticles were synthesized at room temperature by a simple sonochemical reaction between ferric chloride and NaOH. The results revealed that the addition of different amounts of \(\hbox {Fe}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}\) nanoparticles to the polymeric matrix could affect the hydrophilicity and transport properties of ion-exchange membranes.     

Impact of renewable energy on rural electrification in Malaysia: a review

Malaysia is rich in renewable energy (RE) resources. Hybrid systems of these resources can contribute strongly to the electrification and sustainable development of rural areas that do not have access to electricity grids. The integration of the generation of hybrid renewable power in remote and rural areas supplies the required power demand and mitigates emissions. Thus, this study reviews the latest literature (theses, journals articles, and conference proceedings) on the need for electricity in remote rural communities, on hybrid RE systems, on environmental impact, and on economic regulation in Malaysia. Power in this country is mainly generated by fossil fuels that emit high concentrations of greenhouse gases. Thus, RE is a potential alternative for to electrify rural areas, to meet current and future energy demands, and to mitigate emissions. Moreover, Malaysia has pledged to reduce its carbon-emission intensity by a maximum of 40 % (2005 level) by the year 2020. Therefore, the implementation of RE technologies in this country is significantly aided by RE projects, research and development activities, technologies, energy policies, and future direction. This review concludes that solar, wind, hydro, and biomass energy, as well as a hybrid of these, can effectively electrify rural areas.     

Analysis of room temperature magnetic regenerative refrigeration

Results of a room temperature magnetic refrigeration test bed and an analysis using a computational model are presented. A detailed demonstration of the four sequential processes in the transient magnetocaloric regeneration process of a magnetic material is presented. The temperature profile during the transient approach to steady state operation was measured in detail. A 5 °C evolution of the difference of temperature between the hot end and the cold end of the magnetocaloric bed due to regeneration is reported. A model is developed for the heat transfer and fluid mechanics of the four sequential processes in each cycle of thermal wave propagation in the regenerative bed combined with the magnetocaloric effect. The basic equations that can be used in simulation of magnetic refrigeration systems are derived and the design parameters are discussed.     

Nanoscale conjugated-polymer light-emitting diodes

We use e-beam lithography to pattern an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode to create arrays of conjugated-polymer LEDs, each of which has a hole-injecting contact limited to 100 nm in diameter. Using optical microscopy, we estimate that the electroluminescence from a 100 nm diameter LED comes from a region characterized by a diameter of approximately 170 nm. This apparent broadening occurs due to current spreading within a PEDOT:PSS layer which was included to aid hole injection.     

Overaluminizing of a CoNiCrAlY Coating by Inward and Outward Diffusion Treatments

Overaluminizing is a commercially accepted treatment to enhance high temperature oxidation resistance of MCrAlY overlay coatings. In the current investigation, a low pressure plasma-sprayed CoNiCrAlY coating was aluminized by two different growth modes: outward growth and inward growth. The resultant microstructures were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results showed that the final microstructure of both types of overaluminized coatings was similar and included Al-rich NiAl and Ni-rich NiAl zones from the top to the bottom. The details of the microstructures are discussed and compared with the results of simple aluminizing of the nickel-based substrate.     

Post-Weld Heat Treatment of Additively Manufactured Inconel 718 Welded to Forged Ni-Based Superalloy AD730 by Linear Friction Welding

A new post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) cycle was designed for novel dissimilar linear friction welding (LFW) of selective laser melted (SLM) Inconel 718 (IN718) to AD730 forged nickel-based superalloy. The microstructure and hardness of the joints after the PWHT are investigated and compared with those of as-linear friction welded samples. The precipitation of γ′ + γ″ is determined as the main mechanism to increase the mechanical properties of SLM IN718 alloy. These particles coarsened during heat treatment at 1253 K and double aging. The results show that the thermomechanical history of linear friction welded joints can affect the microstructure of IN718 alloy such as the morphology of δ phase after solution treatment (ST) from the platelike in the weld zone (WZ) to the needlelike in the base material (BM). It was found that in AD730, nanometric size γ′ particles reprecipitated close to the weld line during rapid cooling after welding. The presence of ultrafine γ′ particles and coarsening of the remaining particles in the microstructure of the alloy, during PWHT, can enhance the strength and hardness. The developed PWHT resulted in uniform hardness across the new dissimilar joint.