Bounded Consensus Algorithms for Multi‐Agent Systems in Directed Networks

In this paper, the consensus problem is investigated via bounded controls for the multi‐agent systems with or without communication. Based on the nested saturation method, the saturated control laws are designed to solve the consensus problem. Under the designed saturated control laws, the transient performance of the closed‐loop system can be improved by tuning the saturation level. First of all, asymptotical consensus algorithms with bounded control inputs are proposed for the multi‐agent systems with or without communication delays. Under these consensus algorithms, the states’ consensus can be achieved asymptotically. Then, based on a kind of novel nonlinear saturation functions, bounded finite‐time consensus algorithms are further developed. It is shown that the states’ consensus can be achieved in finite time. Finally, two examples are given to verify the efficiency of the proposed methods.     

Quantized H∞ Control for Networked Systems with Communication Constraints

The problem of quantized H_∞ control for networked control systems (NCSs) subject to time‐varying delay and multiple packet dropouts is investigated in this paper. Both the control input and the measurement output signals are quantized before being transmitted and the quantized errors are described as sector bound uncertainties. The measurement channel and the control channel packet dropouts are considered simultaneously, and the stochastic variables satisfying Bernoulli random binary distribution are utilized to model the random multiple packet dropouts. Sufficient conditions for the existence of an observer‐based controller are established to ensure the exponential mean‐square stablility of the closed‐loop system and achieve the optimal H_∞ disturbance attenuation level. By using a globally convergent algorithm involving convex optimization, the nonconvex feasibility can be solved successfully. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method.     

A method for diagnosis of current faults in antenna arrays using neural networks

A method for detection of faulty elements in antenna arrays from far‐field radiation pattern is presented. The proposed technique finds variation of current from correct values in the faulty elements. A step wise approach is proposed to determine magnitude and phase of current excitation and location of faulty element using neural networks. The results with radial basis function neural network and probabilistic neural network are compared. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2009.     

Hollow Pd/MOF Nanosphere with Double Shells as Multifunctional Catalyst for Hydrogenation Reaction

A new type of hollow nanostructure featured double metal‐organic frameworks shells with metal nanoparticles (MNPs) is designed and fabricated by the methods of ship in a bottle and bottle around the ship. The nanostructure material, hereinafter denoted as Void@HKUST‐1/Pd@ZIF‐8, is confirmed by the analyses of photograph, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma, and N₂ sorption. It possesses various multifunctionally structural characteristics such as hollow cavity which can improve mass transfer, the adjacent of the inner HKUST‐1 shell to the void which enables the matrix of the shell to host and well disperse MNPs, and an outer ZIF‐8 shell which acts as protective layer against the leaching of MNPs and a sieve to guarantee molecular‐size selectivity. This makes the material eligible candidates for the heterogeneous catalyst. As a proof of concept, the liquid‐phase hydrogenation of olefins with different molecular sizes as a model reaction is employed. It demonstrates the efficient catalytic activity and size‐selectivity of Void@HKUST‐1/Pd@ZIF‐8.     

Homopolymer Nanolithography

Future progress in nanoscience and nanotechnology necessitates further development of versatile, labor‐, and cost‐efficient surface patterning strategies. A new approach to nanopatterning is reported, which utilizes surface segregation of a smooth layer of an end‐grafted homopolymer in a poor solvent. The variation in polymer grafting density yields a range of surface nanostructures, including randomly organized pinned spherical micelles, worm‐like structures, networks, and porous films. The capability to use the polymer patterns for site‐specific deposition of small molecules, polymers, or nanoparticles is shown. This versatile strategy enables patterning of curved surfaces with direct access to the substrate and no need in changing polymer composition to realize different surface patterns.     

Monitoring the Dynamic Process of Formation of Plasmonic Molecular Junctions during Single Nanoparticle Collisions

The capability to study the dynamic formation of plasmonic molecular junction is of fundamental importance, and it will provide new insights into molecular electronics/plasmonics, single‐entity electrochemistry, and nanooptoelectronics. Here, a facile method to form plasmonic molecular junctions is reported by utilizing single gold nanoparticle (NP) collision events at a highly curved gold nanoelectrode modified with a self‐assembled monolayer. By using time‐resolved electrochemical current measurement and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy, the current changes and the evolution of interfacial chemical bonding are successfully observed in the newly formed molecular tunnel junctions during and after the gold NP “hit‐n‐stay” and “hit‐n‐run” collision events. The results lead to an in‐depth understanding of the single NP motion and the associated molecular level changes during the formation of the plasmonic molecular junctions in a single NP collision event. This method also provides a new platform to study molecular changes at the single molecule level during electron transport in a dynamic molecular tunnel junction.