bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of metal diffusion, lattice distortions, native defects, and ambient on dielectric breakdown in Ni–Ga2O3 Schottky diodes
Authors: Ramdin Daram N. , Huang Hsien-Lien , Chae Christopher , Dhara Sushovan , Rajan Siddharth , Hwang Jinwoo , Brillson Leonard J. 
Published: October 2024

Ga2O3 unipolar devices are of high interest due to their ∼8 MV/cm predicted breakdown fields, which have not yet been achieved due to premature device failure. Pre- and post-failure defect analysis of Ni–Ga2O3 Schottky diodes in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) and air were performed using depth-resolved cathodoluminescence, high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray analysis to understand the physical mechanisms that precede premature breakdown. The breakdown voltage in UHV was dramatically reduced by nearly 40% compared with the breakdown in air. This reduction in the breakdown voltage correlated with post-breakdown differences in Ni distribution, indicating that the coordination and bonding of Ni contribute strongly to electrical behavior in Ni–Ga2O3 Schottky diodes. Breakdown studies in UHV revealed that Ni diffuses away more from the metal–semiconductor interface than with air breakdown, where Ni localizes more near the interface, indicative of the preferential formation of a Ni oxide under O-poor conditions. These measurements also identified the formation of divacancy-interstitial complexes and their characteristic luminescence signature ∼150 nm from the interface, the densities of which correlated with breakdown fields. These findings show that electric-field-induced degradation occurs via the rearrangement of native point defects, which act as an additional precursor to device failure. Macroscopically, they show the impact of both vacuum conditions and metal reactivity on Ga2O3 device fabrication.
0.7 MW Yb:YAG pumped degenerate optical parametric oscillator at 2.06 μm
Authors: Li Anni , Bahri Mehran , Gray Robert M. , Choi Seowon , Hoseinkhani Sajjad , Srivastava Anchit , Marandi Alireza , Fattahi Hanieh 
Published: October 2024

Frequency comb spectroscopy and field-resolved broadband absorption spectroscopy are promising techniques for rapid, precise, and sensitive detection of short-lived atmospheric pollutants on-site. Enhancing detection sensitivity in absorption spectroscopy hinges on bright sources that cover molecular resonances and fast signal modulation techniques to implement lock-in detection schemes efficiently. Yb:YAG thin-disk lasers, combined with optical parametric oscillators (OPOs), present a compelling solution to fulfill these requirements. In this work, we report on a bright OPO pumped using a Yb:YAG thin-disk Kerr-lens mode-locked oscillator delivering 2.8 W, 114 fs pulses at 2.06 μm with an averaged energy of 90 nJ. The OPO cavity operates at 30.9 MHz repetition rate—twice the repetition rate of the pump laser—allowing for a broadband, efficient, and dispersion-free modulation of the OPO output pulses at a 15.45 MHz rate. With 13% optical-to-optical conversion efficiency and a high-frequency intra-cavity modulation, this scalable scheme holds promise to advance the detection sensitivity and frontiers of field-resolved spectroscopy.
Incommensurate superlattice modulation surviving down to an atomic scale in sputter-deposited Co/Pt(111) epitaxial multilayered films
Authors: Song Jieyuan , Scheike Thomas , He Cong , Wen Zhenchao , Ohkubo Tadakatsu , Kim Kwangseok , Sukegawa Hiroaki , Mitani Seiji 
Published: October 2024

We report the structural feature of sputter-deposited epitaxial [Co (0.2 nm)/Pt (0.2–1.0 nm)] multilayered films prepared with various periodic structural designs consisting of non-integer numbers of Co and Pt monoatomic layers on an atomically flat Ru(0001). Sharp superlattice modulation peaks and their systematic changes with the Pt thicknesses were observed in the x-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum. The formation of periodic structures shows that layer-by-layer like growth occurs and the resulting incommensurate superlattice modulation survives down to an atomic scale even in the sputter-deposited Co/Pt multilayers. Magnetic properties were also investigated for the Co/Pt multilayers. Interestingly, the maximum perpendicular magnetic anisotropy Ku of 3 × 106 erg/cm3 was obtained for the [Co (0.2 nm)/Pt (0.3 nm)] multilayer exhibiting incommensurate superlattice modulation peaks, while the [Co (0.2 nm)/Pt (0.2 nm)] multilayer with a L11-like XRD peak showed a smaller Ku. A cross-sectional high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that a partially L11-ordered CoPt structure is formed in the [Co 0.2 nm/Pt 0.2 nm] multilayer, interpreting the observed Ku. This study gives a new insight into the structural feature of sputter-deposited Co/Pt multilayers useful for a wide range of spintronic devices, such as magnetic tunnel junctions.
Influence of parent rock on soil clay mineralogy and physicochemical properties: a case study from the O’Higgins region, central Chile
Authors: Navarro-Hasse Eduardo , Kelm Ursula , Jerez Oscar , Yáñez Carolina , Neaman Alexander 
Published: October 2024

Context Lithology plays a crucial role in soil formation processes, and its interaction with soil properties is closely tied to climatic factors, making regional-scale investigations essential. Aims This study aimed to investigate the impact of lithology on both clay mineralogy and the physicochemical properties of soils in the O’Higgins region of central Chile. Methods We examined soils derived from seven distinct rock types: (1) lithic tuff (volcanoclastic, felsic); (2) andesite (volcanic, intermediate); (3) ash tuff (volcanoclastic, felsic); (4) breccia flow (volcanoclastic, intermediate; (5) granite (plutonic, felsic); (6) quartz schist (metamorphic); and (7) muscovite schist (metamorphic). A total of 21 topsoil samples (0–10 cm) and seven rock samples were collected for analysis. Key results Kaolinite and illite were ubiquitous in all soil samples, whereas smectite and vermiculite were restricted to soils derived from volcanic and volcanoclastic parent materials. Notably, the physicochemical characteristics of the soils converged toward a sandy loam texture with high base saturation levels (>90%). Conclusions The parent material exerts a significant influence on the clay mineral composition of soils in the study area. Conversely, the underlying lithology appears to have a negligible impact on the physicochemical properties of the soils in the region. Implications The findings of this study highlight the need for a more extensive and diverse sampling strategy to elucidate the complex relationships between lithology, soil clay mineralogy, and soil physicochemical properties. A more comprehensive understanding of these interactions can only be achieved through the inclusion of a larger and more representative sample set.
Enhancing Welfare for Aquarium Fishes with an Ecologically Relevant Environment
Authors: Rose Paul 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Aquarium fish keeping is an incredibly popular hobby. Despite this popularity, fishes can suffer poor welfare due to being housed in an inappropriate environment, lack of owner knowledge that perpetuates misconceptions, and our perception of them as “lower vertebrates”. This article examines the complexity of fish biology and behaviour to support appropriate care of fishes within home aquaria. It focuses on the importance of evidence for what fish need and how to use such evidence in the domestic aquarium. In the UK, around 21% of households maintain an indoor aquarium and 13% of households have an outdoor pond. This equates to many millions of individual fish in private households. Approximately 70% of fishes in home aquaria are tropical freshwater species. Although fishes may appear easy pets to keep, being cheap to buy and readily available in different outlets, many common-in-the-home-aquarium species have specific requirements (from their water chemistry, physical environment, and social grouping) that they require to thrive, and owners should be aware of their natural biology and wild ecology when setting up an aquarium and maintaining a social group. Inaccuracies and misrepresentations abound when non-specialists think about fishes; they have no memory, they only grow to the size of the tank they are provided with, they do not feel pain and therefore are disposable. Fishes have complex physiologies that enable them to live in an environment alien to us as terrestrial mammals. They also display a diverse array of behaviours that provide them with fitness benefits within their habitat. Alongside essential aquarium considerations (heating, filtration, water quality), aquarium fish owners need to provide a suitably enriched environment for the species being housed. This case study considers simple steps that owners can take to improve welfare, health, and longevity of aquarium fishes through better knowledge of their natural history, the provision of a more ecologically relevant environment, and the maintenance of correct social groupings.

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© The Author 2024
Advancements in maize cultivation: synergistic effects of dry atmospheric plasma combined with plasma-activated water
Authors: Kamseu-Mogo Jean-Paul , Soulier Manon , Kamgang-Youbi Georges , Apala Mafouasson Hortense Noëlle , Dufour Thierry 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In this study, we investigate the effects of pre-germinative and post-germinative plasma treatments, applied separately or in combination, to improve maize germination and early seedling development. Pre-germinative treatment consists of priming the seeds with a dry atmospheric plasma (DAP) generated by a dielectric barrier device, characterized by minimal radiative emission, low electrical power (4 W) and high emissions of O, OH and NO radicals. Post-germinative treatment, known as plasma-activated water (PAW), uses a single pin electrode device (SPED) to generate a DC discharge that features a power of 126 W and produces large amounts of OH radicals. The resulting PAW, after 5 min of SPED treatment, induces a slight acidification and increased concentrations of nitrate ions (from 24 to 250 mg l−1), nitrite ions (from less than 0.1 to 56.1 mg l−1) and hydrogen peroxide (from 0.3 to 18.5 mg l−1). Results indicate that DAP applied on maize seeds for 20 min boosts their germination rate by up to 90% (versus only 65% for untreated seeds) while reducing the median germination time by 37.5%. Then, seedling growth monitoring is achieved on control, DAP, PAW and DAP + PAW groups to assess stem length, hypocotyl length, leaf count, collar diameter and fresh/dry mass. The DAP + PAW group shows the most robust growth, demonstrating a synergistic effect of the combined treatments, particularly with significantly longer stem lengths. Additionally, physiological analyses of seedling leaves indicate a decrease in chlorophyll content despite enhanced growth, while fluorescence microscopy reveals a reduction in stomatal density in leaves treated with DAP and PAW, especially in the combined treatment group, potentially impacting photosynthetic efficiency and water regulation.
Attenuation of bulk waves using locally resonant soil-coupled metabarriers
Authors: Nistri Fabio , Cosentini Renato Maria , Dal Poggetto Vinicius F , Miniaci Marco , Charkaluk Paul , Pugno Nicola M , Gliozzi Antonio S , Bosia Federico 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Low frequency ground-borne vibrations generated by transport infrastructure are one of the most serious causes of disturbance to the general population. One possibility to reduce this problem is to use the wave filtering properties of elastic metamaterials. However, their integration in the soil complicates the prediction of their response, and the influence of soil-structure interaction needs to be correctly evaluated for an efficient design. The aim of this work is to experimentally evaluate the efficiency of metamaterial trench barriers set in soil in attenuating vibrations, using low-frequency local resonance mechanisms. A lab scale model is proposed comprising different resonating structures and a cylindrical encasement is adopted to couple the structure to the soil. The influence of various parameters is evaluated, such as metamaterial structure, geometrical characteristics of the resonator, and constituent materials. Finite Element simulations are used to develop a suitable design, analysing mode shapes and resonance frequencies of structures with and without the surrounding encasement. Experimental modal analysis is then performed on the corresponding fabricated samples, providing both model validation and out-of-soil mechanical characterization. Finally, vibration transmission loss measurements are performed in a setup in which different resonant metamaterial barriers are embedded into the soil sample, allowing the evaluation of barrier performance. Results indicate that the metamaterial structures provide good attenuation of vibrations in selected intervals in the low to high frequency range (1–5 kHz), demonstrating the feasibility of the approach in a scaled sample. Preliminary data regarding the structures providing preferable design characteristics is also obtained. These results can be useful for the design of trench barriers scaled to large dimensions in more realistic applicative settings.
High-precision IFM receiver based on random forest algorithm
Authors: Zou Ying , Hu Anyu , Sun Mingchen , Zhang Chao , Xue Xufeng , Wang Wen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The six-port network-based Instantaneous Frequency Measurement (IFM) receiver is widely utilized in industrial applications for signal frequency demodulation. However, current IFM receivers face the issue of low algorithmic demodulation accuracy (ACC). According to the four-channel output characteristics of the IFM receiver, we use the Random Forest algorithm to extract features, train and test the output voltage data set, and recognize frequency labels. The experimental results show that the ACC of the proposed algorithm reaches 0.9583, which is 13.99% higher than that of the traditional polynomial fitting algorithm. To evaluate the noise reduction performance of the algorithm, we add Gaussian white noise to the original data and demodulate the signal with noise. Comparative tests prove the advantages of the algorithm in high stability and flexibility. Finally, multiple model evaluation indicators demonstrate that the algorithm features strong applicability and robustness to the experimental data with IFM receiver.
Probing the friction mechanism of diamond-like carbon films in aqueous environments based on molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Zhu Xiaohua , Wang Xiaowen , Liu Yunhai , Luo Yiyao , Zhang Hu , Li Bo , Zhao Xiao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The frictional behavior of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films in an aqueous environment is of tremendous interest. To compare the impacts of the quantity of water molecules, sliding velocity, and loading on the friction behavior of DLC films, a molecular model of DLC films in an aqueous environment was built. The results show that the DLC film under high load and high sliding velocity leads to severe friction behavior, but the water molecules can prevent the occurrence of this severe friction behavior. Also increasing the number of water molecules can effectively reduce the increase in friction during the running-in stage and keep it at a low value. The primary explanation is that if there are enough water molecules, they will create a stable water film at the friction interface and prevent large-scale contact and distortion between the upper and lower DLC films, significantly reducing friction.
Characterizing structural features of two-dimensional particle systems through Voronoi topology
Authors: Lazar Emanuel A , Lu Jiayin , Rycroft Chris H , Schwarcz Deborah 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This paper introduces a new approach toward characterizing local structural features of two-dimensional particle systems. The approach can accurately identify and characterize defects in high-temperature crystals, distinguish a wide range of nominally disordered systems, and robustly describe complex structures such as grain boundaries. This paper also introduces two-dimensional functionality into the open-source software program VoroTop which automates this analysis. This software package is built on a recently-introduced multithreaded version of Voro++, enabling the analysis of systems with billions of particles on high-performance computer architectures.
Investigating the time-distance relationship: an innovative approach to Galileo’s inclined plane experiment using Arduino
Authors: dos Santos Jessica Fabiana Mariano , de Oliviera Nunes Luiz Antônio 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we present an innovative approach to hands-on scientific inquiry, for classroom use, by integrating modern tools such as reflective photointerrupter sensors and sound emitters into an experimental setup. Inspired by Galileo’s pioneering work, our proposed experiments investigate the relationship between sound intervals and the motion of an object along an inclined U-shaped profile. Using different sensor arrangements, we explore the quadratic relationship between distance and time for spheres rolling on the inclined plane. Additionally, we discuss a simplified theoretical framework facilitating comparison between theoretical and experimental acceleration values. Our findings demonstrated a close correspondence between experimental distance-time data and theoretical predictions, validating the effectiveness of our approach.
A framework to model charge sharing and pulse pileup for virtual imaging trials of photon-counting CT
Authors: Sharma Shobhit , Vrbaški Stevan , Bhattarai Mridul , Abadi Ehsan , Longo Renata , Samei Ehsan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective. This study describes the development, validation, and integration of a detector response model that accounts for the combined effects of x-ray crosstalk, charge sharing, and pulse pileup in photon-counting detectors. Approach. The x-ray photon transport was simulated using Geant4, followed by analytical charge sharing simulation in MATLAB. The analytical simulation models charge clouds with Gaussian-distributed charge densities, which are projected on a 3×3 pixel neighborhood of interaction location to compute detected counts. For pulse pileup, a prior analytical method for redistribution of energy-binned counts was implemented for delta pulses. The x-ray photon transport and charge sharing components were validated using experimental data acquired on the CdTe-based Pixirad-1/Pixie-III detector using monoenergetic beams at 26, 33, 37, and 50 keV. The pulse pileup implementation was verified with a comparable Monte Carlo simulation. The model output without pulse pileup was used to generate spatio-energetic response matrices for efficient simulation of scanner-specific photon-counting CT (PCCT) images with DukeSim, with pulse pileup modeled as a post-processing step on simulated projections. For analysis, images for the Gammex multi-energy phantom and the XCAT chest phantom were simulated at 120 kV, both with and without pulse pileup for a range of doses (27–1344 mAs). The XCAT images were evaluated qualitatively at 120 mAs, while images for the Gammex phantom were evaluated quantitatively for all doses using measurements of attenuation coefficients and Calcium concentrations. Main results. Reasonable agreement was observed between simulated and experimental spectra with Mean Absolute Percentage Error Values (MAPE) between 10

%

and 31

%

across all incident energies and detector modes. The increased pulse pileup from increased dose affected attenuation coefficients and calcium concentrations, with an effect on calcium quantification as high as MAPE of 28%. Significance. The presented approach demonstrates the viability of the model for enabling VITs to assess and optimize the clinical performance of PCCT.
Impact of overvoltage on the mode transition of the spark gap switch: from edge breakdown to stochastic breakdown
Authors: Luo Weixi , Ren Chenhua , Huang Bangdou , Zhang Tianyang , Cong Peitian , Zhai Rongxiao , Zhang Cheng , Shao Tao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Spark gap switch (SGS) is a fundamental but critical component for large-scale pulsed power devices, whose reliable operation is significantly affected by the breakdown characteristics of SGS. It is observed experimentally that, with the increase of overvoltage, the bridging position of the spark channel transits from edge to stochastic center. In this work, the influence of overvoltage on the breakdown process of a parallel-plate SGS with low geometric distortion of static electric field (<13%) between an atmospheric-pressure air gap of 5 mm is investigated by particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision simulation. It is found that, under a low overvoltage (ratio of applied voltage U
a to static breakdown voltage U
0, U
a/U
0 = 1.5), the streamers at the edge first bridge the gap before that in the central region, due to the field enhancement induced by the electrode curvature. Under higher overvoltage (U
a/U
0 = 3), the synchronicity between streamers initiating from the center and those from the edge is greatly improved during the inception stage. After the streamers pass the middle of the gap, the field enhancement at the streamer front is more intensified and promotes the generation of fast electrons. These fast electrons rapidly magnify the difference among the propagating streamers by providing abundant seed electrons ahead of the discharge channel, which leads to the randomness of the bridging position. The results in this work demonstrate the relationship between overvoltage and streamer dynamics, which is beneficial for the performance improvement of SGS.
Simulation and modeling of a new CsSnI3 solar cell structure: a numerical study
Authors: Adjouz Razika , Allam Zehor , Souli Lahcene , Hafaifa Loumafak , Zebeir Achouak 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This study explores the development of a lead-free CsSnI3-based solar cell structure aimed at enhancing charge stability, transport, and overall performance. A device configuration of Spiro-OMeTAD/CsSnI3/CH3NH3SnI3/PCBM/ITO was simulated using the SCAPS-1D program. Simulation results, performed under standard illumination conditions (1000 W m−2) at 300 K, identified an optimal CsSnI3 absorber layer thickness of 300 nm, corresponding to a defect density ranging between 1012 cm−3and 1014 cm−3. This optimized configuration not only enhances device performance but also reduces the long-term environmental toxicity associated with tin. Through a detailed analysis of parasitic resistances, the optimal shunt resistance (

R

shunt

) was found to be 106 Ω.cm2, with a series resistance (

R

Series

) approaching zero. Under these conditions, the device achieved a fill factor (

FF

) of 71.99%, power conversion efficiency (

η

) of 19.47%, short-circuit current density (

J

SC

) of 31.092 mA cm−2, and open-circuit voltage (

V

OC

) of 0.87 V. After optimizing the doping density, the performance was further enhanced, yielding

V

OC

= 0.9919 V,

J

SC

= 32.5664 mA cm−2,

FF

= 71.64%, and

η

= 23.14%. These results closely align with the experimental findings reported by NREL in 2024. This work demonstrates significant advancements in the development of high-efficiency, environmentally friendly, lead-free CsSnI3 solar cells, providing valuable insights for future research and practical applications.