Lateral space-charge effects on ballistic electron transport across graded heterojunctions

Hot electron transport across graded compound semiconductor heterojunctions has been explored using a two-dimensional formulation of the self-consistent ensemble Monte Carlo method. The Al_xGa_1-xAs/GaAs heterojunction imbedded into a vertical field effect transistor with two ohmic contacts (source, drain) and two lateral Schottky gates has been used as an example. Lateral space charges modulated by the gates are shown to control ballistic injection of electrons over the heterojunction under steady state conditions. The transient response to a gate pulse is found to be determined by carrier transit from the heavily doped source contact region into the channel. A conceptual one-dimensional section model is used to explain the Monte Carlo results.     

Resolution of singularities for multi-loop integrals

We report on a program for the numerical evaluation of divergent multi-loop integrals. The program is based on iterated sector decomposition. We improve the original algorithm of Binoth and Heinrich such that the program is guaranteed to terminate. The program can be used to compute numerically the Laurent expansion of divergent multi-loop integrals regulated by dimensional regularisation. The symbolic and the numerical steps of the algorithm are combined into one program.

Program summary

Program title: sector_decompositionCatalogue identifier: AEAG_v1_0Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEAG_v1_0.htmlProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. IrelandLicensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.htmlNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 47 506No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 328 485Distribution format: tar.gzProgramming language: C++Computer: allOperating system: UnixRAM: Depending on the complexity of the problemClassification: 4.4External routines: GiNaC, available from http://www.ginac.de, GNU scientific library, available from http://www.gnu.org/software/gslNature of problem: Computation of divergent multi-loop integrals.Solution method: Sector decomposition.Restrictions: Only limited by the available memory and CPU time.Running time: Depending on the complexity of the problem.     

An efficient parallel implementation of the MSPAI preconditioner

We present an efficient implementation of the Modified SParse Approximate Inverse (MSPAI) preconditioner. MSPAI generalizes the class of preconditioners based on Frobenius norm minimizations, the class of modified preconditioners such as MILU, as well as interface probing techniques in domain decomposition: it adds probing constraints to the basic SPAI formulation, and one can thus optimize the preconditioner relative to certain subspaces. We demonstrate MSPAI’s qualities for iterative regularization problems arising from image deblurring.Such applications demand for a fast and parallel preconditioner realization. We present such an implementation introducing two new optimization techniques: First, we avoid redundant calculations using a dictionary. Second, our implementation reduces the runtime spent on the most demanding numerical parts as the code switches to sparse QR decomposition methods wherever profitable. The optimized code runs in parallel with a dynamic load balancing.     

Cantilever probes for high speed AFM

Since the invention in 1986 atomic force microscopy (AFM) has become the most widely used scanning probe microscopy (Binnig et al. in Phys Rev Lett 56:930–933, 1986). The microscope images the interaction of forces like Van der Waals or Coulomb forces between a sample and the apex of a small tip integrated near the free end of a flexible cantilever. But as all other scanning probe techniques the AFM requires serial data acquisition and suffers therefore from a low temporal resolution. Enhancing the speed to video rate imaging makes high demands on scanner technology, control electronics and on the key feature the cantilever with integrated sharp stylus. For the cantilever probes, fundamental resonance frequencies in the MHz regime are envisaged while the force constant of a few nN/nm shall be maintained. We present different novel AFM probes with ultrashort cantilevers and integrated sharp tips for high speed AFM while focusing on widely dispersed applications and on aspects of mass fabrication.     

Heuristic Methods for Minimum-Cost Pipeline Network Design – a Node Valency Transfer Metaheuristic

Designing low-cost network layouts is an essential step in planning linked infrastructure. For the case of capacitated trees, such as oil or gas pipeline networks, the cost is usually a function of both pipeline diameter (i.e. ability to carry flow or transferred capacity) and pipeline length. Even for the case of incompressible, steady flow, minimizing cost becomes particularly difficult as network topology itself dictates local flow material balances, rendering the optimization space non-linear. The combinatorial nature of potential trees requires the use of graph optimization heuristics to achieve good solutions in reasonable time. In this work we perform a comparison of known literature network optimization heuristics and metaheuristics for finding minimum-cost capacitated trees without Steiner nodes, and propose novel algorithms, including a metaheuristic based on transferring edges of high valency nodes. Our metaheuristic achieves performance above similar algorithms studied, especially for larger graphs, usually producing a significantly higher proportion of optimal solutions, while remaining in line with time-complexity of algorithms found in the literature. Data points for graph node positions and capacities are first randomly generated, and secondly obtained from the German emissions trading CO₂ source registry. As political will for applications and storage for hard-to-abate industry CO₂ emissions is growing, efficient network design methods become relevant for new large-scale CO₂ pipeline networks.

     

Untersuchungen zu Mesityldimethylhalogensilanen als Schutzgruppenreagenzien für Alkohole

Investigation on Mesityldimethylhalosilanes as Protectiv Reagents for Alcohols The use of mesityldimethylhalosilanes as protecting reagents for steroid alcohols was investigated. The resistance of the obtained silyl ethers was tested in various media. The reaction pathway of the acidic hydrolyses of the silyl ethers is explained.     

A 300 GHz quasioptical schottky frequency doubler

A monolithically integrated frequency multiplier based on a planar antenna providing impedance matching has been realized and measured at 300 GHz. Each of the two circuits comprises a Schottky varactor, slot antenna, MIM-capacitor and microstrip bias feed. The theoretical design aspects, the technological approach and the RF performance are addressed.     

Fast evolution of parton distributions

I report on a numerical program for the evolution of parton distributions. The program uses the Mellin-transform method with an optimized contour. Due to this optimized contour the program needs only a few evaluations of the integrand and is therefore extremely fast. In addition, the program can also be used to reproduce the results of the x-space method.     

Die Bedeutung der Chemietechnik für fortgeschrittene Technologien zur Stromerzeugung

Significance of chemical engineering for advanced power generation technologies . The demands placed on power plant engineers have altered with the introduction of advanced technologies of power generation, with the classical physical areas of work being increasingly augmented by tasks requiring considerable knowledge of chemical engineering. This change began with the introduction of the desulphurization of flue gases in fossil-fuel fired power plant and continued steadily with the further development of environmental protection requirements. In addition, demands for reduction of emission in connection with high fuel prices led to the development of new power plant technologies permitting better utilization of input energy. With the aid of examples taken from the whole field of advanced powerplant technology and which range from development and design of non-polluting and more efficient power plant processes to questions of disposal of power plant by-products it is shown to what extent conventional powerplant engineering is pervaded by chemical engineering questions.