To the understanding of the formation of the III–V based droplet epitxial nanorings

The paper deals with the kinetics of the droplet epitaxial GaAs quantum ring formation grown on AlGaAs (0 0 1) surface. The observation is, that the aspect ratio of these nano structures is depends not only on the technological parameters but on the size of the initial droplet. Under appropriate growth conditions, the depressions, in the middle of the rings are deeper than the surface level of the substrate. A large number of tests show, that the depressions in the middle of the small rings are often deeper than that of the larger ones. The number is larger, than just statistical fluctuation. An explanation for this phenomenon and its kinetics are given in the paper, based on the size dependence of the material properties, like for instance solubility. The plausible explanation assumes is that the probability of the crystal seed formation in the larger droplets is higher.     

Thermoacoustic Emission from Carbon Nanotubes Imaged by Atomic Force Microscopy

The thermoacoustic effect of isolated single‐wall carbon nanotubes aligned between electrodes is experimentally observed for the first time by imaging the emitted acoustic wave using an atomic force microscopy‐based technique specifically developed for the task. The capability of such a technique for single‐point thermoacoustic measurements is first verified on carbon nanotubes layers with two electrodes for injecting alternate electric current. The technique is then demonstrated to allow the acquisition, simultaneously with the topography, of images reflecting the pressure of the acoustic wave at fixed distance from the sample. Such a capability is used to collect images reflecting the amplitude of acoustic waves generated by isolated nanotubes and nanotube bundles by the thermoacoustic effect.     

Lateral‐Polarity Structure of AlGaN Quantum Wells: A Promising Approach to Enhancing the Ultraviolet Luminescence

Aluminum‐gallium‐nitride alloys (Al _x Ga_{1– x} N, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1) can emit light covering the ultraviolet spectrum from 210 to 360 nm. However, these emitters have not fulfilled their full promise to replace the toxic and fragile mercury UV lamps due to their low efficiencies. This study demonstrates a promising approach to enhancing the luminescence efficiency of AlGaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) via the introduction of a lateral‐polarity structure (LPS) comprising both III and N‐polar domains. The enhanced luminescence in LPS is attributed to the surface roughening, and compositional inhomogeneities in the N‐polar domain. The space‐resolved internal quantum efficiency (IQE) mapping shows a higher relative IQE in N‐polar domains and near inversion domain boundaries, providing strong evidence of enhanced radiative recombination efficiency in the LPS. These experimental observations are in good agreement with the theoretical calculations, where both lateral and vertical band diagrams are investigated. This work suggests that the introduction of the LPS in AlGaN‐based MQWs can provide unprecedented tunability in achieving higher luminescence performance in the development of solid state light sources.     

On the impact of physical layer awareness on scheduling and resource allocation in broadband multicellular IEEE 802.16 systems [Radio Resource Management and Protocol Engineering for IEEE 802.16]

Multicellular networks based on the IEEE 802.16 standard appear to be very promising candidates to provide end users with broadband wireless access. However, they also pose interesting challenges in terms of radio resource management, where several design choices are not specified in the standard, intentionally left open to implementors. For this reason, we focus in this article on scheduling and resource allocation, and investigate how they could operate in a cross-layer fashion. In particular, we describe the principles of joint scheduling and resource allocation for IEEE 802.16 operating in AMC mode, and discuss the critical role played by physical layer considerations, especially intercell interference estimation and channel state awareness, in the obtained performance. This leads to identifying key open issues and possible general solutions     

Inpainting of binary images using the Cahn-Hilliard equation.

Image inpainting is the filling in of missing or damaged regions of images using information from surrounding areas. We outline here the use of a model for binary inpainting based on the Cahn-Hilliard equation, which allows for fast, efficient inpainting of degraded text, as well as super-resolution of high contrast images.     

An efficient HARQ scheme for applications in multicast communication systems

This paper deals with the performance evaluation and optimization of an efficient hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) scheme suitable for applications delivered over lossy multicast communication channels. In particular, different from previously investigated strategies, this paper proposes a modified HARQ scheme based on the symbol combining principle (MHARQ‐SC) where multiple copies of a same packet are consecutively transmitted at each transmission opportunity. By considering as the performance metrics, the mean packet delivery delay, and the energy consumption per information packet, this paper presents suitable performance evaluation and optimization strategies tailored for multicast communications. For the sake of comparisons, it has been also analyzed, under the same operational conditions, the performance of different HARQ schemes optimized for multicast communications. Numerical results have been provided to validate the proposed performance evaluation and optimization approaches in the case of the MHARQ‐SC scheme. An important result devised here is that the reported analytical results clearly highlight the performance gain of the proposed strategy in comparison with all the other considered alternatives. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electrosynthesized CuMgAl Layered Double Hydroxides as New Catalysts for the Electrochemical Reduction of CO2

In this study, new nanostructured CuMgAl Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) based materials are synthesized on a 4 cm² sized carbonaceous gas diffusion membrane. By means of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, the catalysts are thoroughly investigated, revealing the presence of several species within the same material. By a one-step, reproducible potentiodynamic deposition it is possible to obtain a composite with an intimate contact between a ternary CuMgAl LDH and Cu⁰/Cu₂O species. The catalyst compositions are investigated by varying: the molar ratio between the total amount of bivalent cations and Al³⁺, the amount of loading, and the molar ratios among the three cations in the electrolyte. Each electrocatalyst has been evaluated based on the catalytic performances toward the electrochemical CO₂ reduction to CH₃COOH at −0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode  in liquid phase. The optimized catalyst, that is, CuMgAl 2:1:1 LDH exhibits a productivity of 2.0 mmol_CH3COOH g_cat⁻¹ h⁻¹. This result shows the beneficial effects of combining a material like the LDHs, alkaline in nature, and thus with a great affinity to CO₂, with Cu⁰/Cu⁺ species, which couples the increase of carbon sources availability at the electrode with a redox mediator capable to convert CO₂ into a C₂ product.     

An Adaptive Control System to Deliver Interactive Virtual Environment Content to Handheld Devices

Wireless communication advances have enabled emerging video streaming applications to mobile handheld devices. For example, it is possible to display and interact with complex 3D virtual environments on mobile devices that don’t have enough computational and storage capabilities (e.g. smart phones, PDAs) through remote rendering techniques, where a server renders 3D data and streams the corresponding image flow to the client. However, due to fluctuations in bandwidth characteristics and limited mobile device CPU capabilities, it is extremely challenging to design effective systems for streaming interactive multimedia over wireless networks. This paper presents a novel approach based on a controller that can automatically adjust streaming parameters basing on feedback measures from the client device. Experimental results prove the effectiveness of the proposed solution in coping with bandwidth changes, thus providing high Quality of Service (QoS) in remote visualizations.     

An Approach for Enhancement of Saturation Magnetization in Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles by Incorporation of Terbium Cation

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by a reverse micelle process. The optimum processing conditions required to fabricate nanocrystalline cobalt ferrite using a reverse micelle technique, especially the effect of water-to-surfactant molar ratios including w = 8, 10, 12, and 14, pH values in the range of 8 to 11, and annealing temperatures in the range of 400°C to 800°C, were evaluated. x-Ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), vibrating-sample magnetometry, and superconducting quantum interference device analysis were employed to evaluate the structural and magnetic properties of synthesized nanoparticles. XRD analysis confirms that the nanoparticles have a single-phase cubic spinel structure. The average particle size increases with increasing pH value and annealing temperature. Magnetization study reveals that the cobalt ferrite nanoparticles exhibit a superparamagnetic trend. The zero-field-cooled magnetization curves of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles indicated that, with an increase in pH value, the blocking temperature increases. Based on the obtained optimum parameters, terbium-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with composition CoFe_2?x Tb _x O₄ (x = 0.1 to 0.5) were prepared by a reverse micelle process. XRD and field-emission scanning electron microscopy evaluation demonstrated that single-phase spinel ferrites with narrow size distribution were obtained. Mössbauer spectroscopy was used to determine the site preference of terbium cation. The results confirm that terbium cations were distributed at tetrahedral and octahedral sites, but with a preference for the former. It was observed that, with an increase in terbium content, the saturation magnetization increases.     

Evidence for the Band‐Edge Exciton of CuInS2 Nanocrystals Enables Record Efficient Large‐Area Luminescent Solar Concentrators

Ternary I‐III‐VI₂ nanocrystals (NCs), such as CuInS₂, are receiving attention as heavy‐metals‐free materials for solar cells, luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs), LEDs, and bio‐imaging. The origin of the optical properties of CuInS₂ NCs are however not fully understood. A recent theoretical model suggests that their characteristic Stokes‐shifted and long‐lived luminescence arises from the structure of the valence band (VB) and predicts distinctive optical behaviours in defect‐free NCs: the quadratic dependence of the radiative decay rate and the Stokes shift on the NC radius. If confirmed, this would have crucial implications for LSCs as the solar spectral coverage ensured by low‐bandgap NCs would be accompanied by increased re‐absorption losses. Here, by studying stoichiometric CuInS₂ NCs, it is revealed for the first time the spectroscopic signatures predicted for the free band‐edge exciton, thus supporting the VB‐structure model. At very low temperatures, the NCs also show dark‐state emission likely originating from enhanced electron‐hole spin interaction. The impact of the observed optical behaviours on LSCs is evaluated by Monte Carlo ray‐tracing simulations. Based on the emerging device design guidelines, optical‐grade large‐area (30×30 cm²) LSCs with optical power efficiency (OPE) as high as 6.8% are fabricated, corresponding to the highest value reported to date for large‐area devices.