Tunneling Through a Single Quench-condensed Cluster

Quench-condensed bismuth films of 3–5 nm thickness have beenused as a cluster source to prepare Single ElectronTransistors (SET) based on a single cluster with high chargingenergy. We used electron-beam defined shadow evaporation masksto pattern 10 nm wide constrictions in these films. Byincremental depositions through these masks controlled by insitu sample conductance measurements, we obtained a SETgeometry for clusters with charging energies up to 90 meV. Ourexperiment showed that the SET geometry can be achieved inevery sample preparation run, despite the apparent randomnature of cluster formation in granular films. The resultingcharging energy of the transistor varied from experiment toexperiment. Its value, however, was always higher than 10 meV.     

Comparative Evaluation of Several Pitch Process Models in the Detection of Vocal Tremor

Three models describing the speech excitation wave (denoted as pitch process) are suggested in order to detect vocal tremor in pathological speech. These models are compared, and the advantages and disadvantages of each of them are discussed. Comparison results for synthesized speech are presented, as well as spectral analysis results for real data of Parkinsonian speech, from which it turns out that the pitch process may serve as a powerful tool for detecting such tremor.     

Introduction of integrated environmental, health, and safety management system at OAO Alchevskkoks

An integrated environmental, health, and safety management system (EHS MS) has been developed at OAO Alchevskkoks. This system incorporates two spheres of plant activity: labor safety and environmental protection. The development of EHS documentation was completed in May 2009. The system is being prepared for an audit, to permit international certification.     

Kinetics and Mechanism of Chromium Electroplating from Cr(III) Baths

Kinetics of step-wise discharge of Cr(III) to Cr(0) in electrolytes containing aminoacetic acid is studied. The limiting current of Cr(II) ion discharge to metal is much lower than the limiting diffusion current of Cr(III) reduction to Cr(II), which results in the accumulation of Cr(II) ions in the electrolyte even at the potentials of the limiting current of chromium electroplating. The apparent catalytic effect of OH^–ions during Cr(II) discharge is associated with the formation of electroactive hydroxocomplexes of bivalent chromium. The kinetic equation of the studied process is derived and analyzed. The probable nature of the limiting currents of chromium electroplating is discussed.     

Calculation of DGS diagrams of a normal transducer with a rectangular piezoelectric plate

In the Kirchhoff approximation, the acoustic path of a normal transducer with a rectangular piezoelectric plate is calculated for reflectors of the type of rectangular and circular flat-bottom holes. The formula for the acoustic path can be used for constructing DGS diagrams. In limiting cases, relationships coinciding with familiar ones follow from this formula for the acoustic path. Numerical calculations of DGS diagrams of a transducer with a rectangular piezoelectric plate with different ratios of sides are performed and certain features are pointed out. Additional results of numerical calculations of a bottom signal of such a transducer performed with the relation obtained above are presented.