In this thesis, a novel low-voltage, highly linear and tunable triode transconductor is introduced. The proposed transconductor with new structure is based on constant drain-source voltage method to operate at low-voltage. The proposed transconductor achieves wide linear input range up to 1.5V at 1.8V supply voltage and the total harmonic distortion is -61dB at 0.7Vpp. The design uses TSMC 0.18£gm CMOS technology and supply voltage as low as 1.6V. Moreover, it possesses large transconductance tuning range from 220£gS to 869£gS and also keeps the wide linear input range.

Descreve-se a construção de um triodo corona que permite carregar eletricamente filmes dielétricos com corrente constante e simultaneamente medir a evolução temporal do potencial de superficie. A corrente de carga é mantida constante por controlar o potencial de grade, do qual o potencial de superfície da amostra é determinado. Com o sistema pode-se obter correntes de carga desde 1 nA até 1 &#956A e carregar amostras até potenciais da ordem de &#177 6 kV. Descrevem-se também as características elétricas do sistema, seu princípio de funcionamento e seu desempenho para o estudo das propriedades elétricas de polímeros. O sistema foi utilizado no estudo da ferroeletricidade e na condução elétrica do polimero PVDF (polifluoreto de vinilideno). Os resultados mostram que o processo de condução, é dominado pelo transporte de um excesso de cargas (corrente limitada por carga espacial). A formação de uma polarização permanente, durante o carregamento, pode ser deduzida da curva de subida do potencial de superfície e confirmada pelas medidas do coeficiente piezoelétrico d31. Discutem-se as transições estruturais provocadas pelo campo elétrico, mostrando que podem ocorrer transições reversíveis e irreversíveis no material e além da polarização ferroelétrica, infere-se dos resultados que também ocorre uma polarização reversível. No final do trabalho, elabora-se um modelo físico que descreve a subida do potencial de superfície, incluindo o chaveamento da polarização ferroelétrica. / This work describes a corona triode setup which allows charging thin dielectric films with a constant current and the simultaneous measurement of the sample surface potential. The charge current is kept constant by controlling the gride voltage, from which the sample potential is also derived. With the experimental setup we were able to obtain charging currents from 1 nA to 1 &#956A and getting potential UP to &#177 6 kV. The electric characteristics of the system and its performance is also shown and discussed. The corona triode was used to study the electric conduction and the ferro-electricity of the PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) polymer. The results show that the conduction is dominated by the transport of an excess of charge. Formation of a permanent polarization during charging may be deduced from the potential build up curve and confirmed by piezoelectric measurements. We also discuss the structural transitions due to the electric field showing that both reversible and irreversible transitions may occur. Together with ferro-electric components we infer that a reversible polarization is also occurring in the material. Finally we present a theoretical model describing the sample potential build up including in it the ferroelectric switching.

Descreve-se a construção de um triodo corona que permite carregar eletricamente filmes dielétricos com corrente constante e simultaneamente medir a evolução temporal do potencial de superficie. A corrente de carga é mantida constante por controlar o potencial de grade, do qual o potencial de superfície da amostra é determinado. Com o sistema pode-se obter correntes de carga desde 1 nA até 1 &#956A e carregar amostras até potenciais da ordem de &#177 6 kV. Descrevem-se também as características elétricas do sistema, seu princípio de funcionamento e seu desempenho para o estudo das propriedades elétricas de polímeros. O sistema foi utilizado no estudo da ferroeletricidade e na condução elétrica do polimero PVDF (polifluoreto de vinilideno). Os resultados mostram que o processo de condução, é dominado pelo transporte de um excesso de cargas (corrente limitada por carga espacial). A formação de uma polarização permanente, durante o carregamento, pode ser deduzida da curva de subida do potencial de superfície e confirmada pelas medidas do coeficiente piezoelétrico d31. Discutem-se as transições estruturais provocadas pelo campo elétrico, mostrando que podem ocorrer transições reversíveis e irreversíveis no material e além da polarização ferroelétrica, infere-se dos resultados que também ocorre uma polarização reversível. No final do trabalho, elabora-se um modelo físico que descreve a subida do potencial de superfície, incluindo o chaveamento da polarização ferroelétrica. / This work describes a corona triode setup which allows charging thin dielectric films with a constant current and the simultaneous measurement of the sample surface potential. The charge current is kept constant by controlling the gride voltage, from which the sample potential is also derived. With the experimental setup we were able to obtain charging currents from 1 nA to 1 &#956A and getting potential UP to &#177 6 kV. The electric characteristics of the system and its performance is also shown and discussed. The corona triode was used to study the electric conduction and the ferro-electricity of the PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) polymer. The results show that the conduction is dominated by the transport of an excess of charge. Formation of a permanent polarization during charging may be deduced from the potential build up curve and confirmed by piezoelectric measurements. We also discuss the structural transitions due to the electric field showing that both reversible and irreversible transitions may occur. Together with ferro-electric components we infer that a reversible polarization is also occurring in the material. Finally we present a theoretical model describing the sample potential build up including in it the ferroelectric switching.

A técnica do triodo de corona com corrente constante foi utilizada para carregar amostras de PVDF na fase &#945, acompanhando a evolução do potencial de superfície durante o carregamento. Com essa técnica foi possível não só obter a fase &#945p a partir da fase &#945 como também analisar o comportamento elétrico de ambas as fases. Os resultados obtidos em ambiente úmido mostram que a forma geral das curvas de potencial nas amostras carregadas com corona positiva e negativa são similares, ou seja, no início do carregamento tem-se um salto inicial, continua crescendo numa taxa mais lenta até alcançar um valor máximo de potencial e a partir deste valor decai para um regime estacionário. Os valores de potenciais alcançados na superfície da amostra não foram suficientes para gerar campos elétricos da ordem 1.5MV/cm, requeridos para induzir uma transição para a fase &#945p. Apesar de ocorrerem mudanças no comportamento elétrico durante os carregamentos, nenhuma mudança na estrutura das amostras foi detectada, usando a técnica de difratometria de raios-X. Em ambiente seco foi verificado que, durante o carregamento, o potencial na superfície da amostra alcançava valores altos quando comparado aos obtidos em ambiente úmido. Verificou-se também, que as amostras apresentavam enrugamento, característicos de materiais poliméricos. As mudanças ocorridas devido ao carregamento foram detectadas pela técnica de raios-X, confirmando a mudança de estrutura para &#945p. O comportamento ferroelétrico das amostras na fase &#945p, foi identificado pela curva de evolução do potencial de superfície, onde se avalia a quantidade de polarização ferroelétrica adquirida. As mudanças de estrutura e das propriedades elétricas em ambiente seco foram irreversíveis. / The constant current corona triode was used for charging &#945-PVDF samples and monitoring their surface potential buildup during poling. It is shown that the method allows one to obtain the polar &#945p form of PVDF from the non-polar &#945-form and also to analuse electrical characteristics of both forms. The experimental results obtained with samples under humid conditions show a similar behavior for positive and negative corona. There is na initial steep increase in the surface potential which then increases passing through a maximum value, and decreases until a steady state is reached. The maximum values attained are not sufficiently high to attain electric fields of around 1.5MV/cm required for causing a phase change from &#945 to &#945p. Furthermore, no change in the structure of the samples is noted in X-ray diffractograms. For measurments carried out under dry conditions, on the other hand, the sample surface potential attain much higher values. The samples become wrinkled after being submitted to these high electric fields (&#62 1.5MV/cm), and this is characteristic of ferroelectric materials. The change to &#945p from samples is confirmed by the structural changes exhibited in X-ray diffractograms. The ferroelectric behavior of the &#945p samples is further identified by the surface potential buildup, from which the remanent polarization can be inferred. The structural as well as the electric changes caused by the corona charging are found to be irreversible.

A técnica do triodo de corona com corrente constante foi utilizada para carregar amostras de PVDF na fase &#945, acompanhando a evolução do potencial de superfície durante o carregamento. Com essa técnica foi possível não só obter a fase &#945p a partir da fase &#945 como também analisar o comportamento elétrico de ambas as fases. Os resultados obtidos em ambiente úmido mostram que a forma geral das curvas de potencial nas amostras carregadas com corona positiva e negativa são similares, ou seja, no início do carregamento tem-se um salto inicial, continua crescendo numa taxa mais lenta até alcançar um valor máximo de potencial e a partir deste valor decai para um regime estacionário. Os valores de potenciais alcançados na superfície da amostra não foram suficientes para gerar campos elétricos da ordem 1.5MV/cm, requeridos para induzir uma transição para a fase &#945p. Apesar de ocorrerem mudanças no comportamento elétrico durante os carregamentos, nenhuma mudança na estrutura das amostras foi detectada, usando a técnica de difratometria de raios-X. Em ambiente seco foi verificado que, durante o carregamento, o potencial na superfície da amostra alcançava valores altos quando comparado aos obtidos em ambiente úmido. Verificou-se também, que as amostras apresentavam enrugamento, característicos de materiais poliméricos. As mudanças ocorridas devido ao carregamento foram detectadas pela técnica de raios-X, confirmando a mudança de estrutura para &#945p. O comportamento ferroelétrico das amostras na fase &#945p, foi identificado pela curva de evolução do potencial de superfície, onde se avalia a quantidade de polarização ferroelétrica adquirida. As mudanças de estrutura e das propriedades elétricas em ambiente seco foram irreversíveis. / The constant current corona triode was used for charging &#945-PVDF samples and monitoring their surface potential buildup during poling. It is shown that the method allows one to obtain the polar &#945p form of PVDF from the non-polar &#945-form and also to analuse electrical characteristics of both forms. The experimental results obtained with samples under humid conditions show a similar behavior for positive and negative corona. There is na initial steep increase in the surface potential which then increases passing through a maximum value, and decreases until a steady state is reached. The maximum values attained are not sufficiently high to attain electric fields of around 1.5MV/cm required for causing a phase change from &#945 to &#945p. Furthermore, no change in the structure of the samples is noted in X-ray diffractograms. For measurments carried out under dry conditions, on the other hand, the sample surface potential attain much higher values. The samples become wrinkled after being submitted to these high electric fields (&#62 1.5MV/cm), and this is characteristic of ferroelectric materials. The change to &#945p from samples is confirmed by the structural changes exhibited in X-ray diffractograms. The ferroelectric behavior of the &#945p samples is further identified by the surface potential buildup, from which the remanent polarization can be inferred. The structural as well as the electric changes caused by the corona charging are found to be irreversible.

L’effet magnétoélectrique (ME) se traduit par la possibilité d’induire une magnétisation à l’aide d’un champ électrique (effet direct) ou celle d’induire une polarisation électrique à l’aide d’un champ magnétique (effet inverse). Les composites laminés qui possèdent de grands coefficients ME ont généré beaucoup d’intérêt dans le domaine des capteurs, des modulateurs, des interrupteurs et des inverseurs de phase. Dans cette thèse, nous présentons les performances de composites dits laminés à deux ou trois couches. Il a été montré que l’on pouvait obtenir des performances en conversion magnéto-électrique directe en associant des phases magnétostrictives et piézoélectriques. Une modélisation de leur comportement basée sur un oscillateur mécanique a été proposée. Elle a été en particulier utilisée pour simuler le couplage mécanique entre deux couches. Une autre approche pour développer des dispositifs originaux a consisté à utiliser un champ magnétique alternatif pour induire des courants de Foucault dans des électrodes métalliques et une Force de Lorentz en présence d’un deuxième champ magnétique continu. Si ces électrodes recouvrent un matériau piézoélectrique, la force de Lorentz sera alors convertie en signal électrique suivant l’effet direct. Cette approche permet donc de développer des dispositifs de conversion électromagnétique sans phase magnétique. Différents prototypes utilisant un bimorphe piézoélectrique, un film de PVDF et une céramique piézoélectrique ont été réalisés et caractérisés. Un signal électrique proportionnel à la composante continue du champ magnétique a été mis en évidence, ce qui ouvre des applications pour la détection magnétique. Cette thèse s’est également intéressée à l’augmentation du coefficient d’électrostriction par injection de charges électriques en utilisant la technique de décharge Corona. Cette étude a été réalisée sur du polypropylène, connu pour sa capacité à stocker des charges électriques. Le mécanisme de stockage de charge et l’effet sur l’électrostriction ont été étudiées par la mesure du potentiel de surface, la mesure des courants thermo-stimulés, la calorimétrie différentielle et l’interférométrie Laser. L’injection de charges a contribué à une augmentation de la permittivité et par la même à celle du coefficient d’électrostriction, en accord avec un modèle simple de distribution de charges dans l’échantillon. / Magnetoelectric (ME) interactions in matter correspond to the appearance of magnetization by means of an electric field (direct effect) or the appearance of electric polarization by means of a magnetic field (converse effect). The composite laminates which possess large ME coefficient, have attracted much attention in the field of sensors, modulators, switches and phase inverters. In this thesis, we report on the ME performances of the bi- and tri- layered composites. It is shown that their ME couplings can be achieved by combining magnetostrictive and piezoelectric layers. A model based on a driven damped oscillation is established for the piezoelectric/magnetostrictive laminated composite. It is used to simulate the mechanical coupling between the two layers. In addition, we report that the ME coupling can be achieved without magnetic phase but only with eddy current induced Lorentz forces in the metal electrodes of a piezoelectric material induced by ac magnetic field. The models based on the Lorentz effect inducing ME coupling in PZT unimorph bender, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film and PZT ceramic disc are thus established. The results show the good sensitivity and linear ME response versus dc magnetic field change. Thus, the room temperature magnetic field detection is achievable using the product property between magnetic forces and piezoelectricity. Besides, we report on the electrostrictive performance of cellular polypropylene electret after high-voltage corona poling. We use the Surface Potential test, Thermal Stimulated Depolarization Current experiment and Differential Scanning Calorimetry experiment to analyse its charge storage mechanism. The result show that the electrostrictive coefficient and relative permittivity of the charged samples increase. Last but not least, in order to explain this phenomenon, a mathematic model based on the charged sample has been established.

Magnetoelectric (ME) interactions in matter correspond to the appearance of magnetization by means of an electric field (direct effect) or the appearance of electric polarization by means of a magnetic field (converse effect). The composite laminates which possess large ME coefficient, have attracted much attention in the field of sensors, modulators, switches and phase inverters. In this thesis, we report on the ME performances of the bi- and tri- layered composites. It is shown that their ME couplings can be achieved by combining magnetostrictive and piezoelectric layers. A model based on a driven damped oscillation is established for the piezoelectric/magnetostrictive laminated composite. It is used to simulate the mechanical coupling between the two layers. In addition, we report that the ME coupling can be achieved without magnetic phase but only with eddy current induced Lorentz forces in the metal electrodes of a piezoelectric material induced by ac magnetic field. The models based on the Lorentz effect inducing ME coupling in PZT unimorph bender, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film and PZT ceramic disc are thus established. The results show the good sensitivity and linear ME response versus dc magnetic field change. Thus, the room temperature magnetic field detection is achievable using the product property between magnetic forces and piezoelectricity. Besides, we report on the electrostrictive performance of cellular polypropylene electret after high-voltage corona poling. We use the Surface Potential test, Thermal Stimulated Depolarization Current experiment and Differential Scanning Calorimetry experiment to analyse its charge storage mechanism. The result show that the electrostrictive coefficient and relative permittivity of the charged samples increase. Last but not least, in order to explain this phenomenon, a mathematic model based on the charged sample has been established.

The current technological age is embodied by a constant push for increased performance and efficiency of electronic devices. This push is particularly observable for technologies that comprise free electron sources, which are used in various technologies including electronic displays, x-ray sources, telecommunication equipment, and spacecraft propulsion. Performance of these systems can be increased by reducing weight and power consumption, but is often limited by a bulky electron source with a high energy demand. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) show favorable properties for field electron emission (FE) and performance as electron sources. This dissertation details the developments of a uniquely designed Spindt type CNT field emission array (CFEA), from initial concept to working prototype, to specifically prevent electrical shorting of the gate. The CFEA is patent pending in the United States. Process development enabled fabrication of a CFEA with a yield of up to 82%. Furthermore, a novel oxygen plasma etch process was developed to reverse shorting after CNT synthesis. CFEA testing demonstrates FE with a current density of up to 293 μA/cm² at the anode and 1.68 mA/cm² at the gate, with lifetimes in excess of 100 hours. A detailed analysis of eighty tested CFEAs revealed three distinct types of damage. Surprisingly, about half of the damaged chips are not electrically shorted, indicating that the CFEAs are very robust. Potential applications of this technology as cathodes for spacecraft electric propulsion were explored. Exposure to an operating electric propulsion thruster showed no significant effect or damage to the CFEAs, marking the first experimental study of CNT field emitters in an electric propulsion environment. A second effort in spacecraft propulsion is a collaboration with the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). CFEAs are the payload on an AFIT developed Cube Satellite, called ALICE, to test electron emission in the space environment. ALICE has passed flight tests and is awaiting launch scheduled for 5 December 2013.

Neste trabalho foram realizadas algumas deposições de filmes de Nitreto de Titânio sobre substrato de aço inoxidável. Foi utilizado o processo conhecido como triodo magnetron sputtering. Os parâmetros de deposição foram mantidos entre as deposições, exceto pela voltagem de bias no substrato, que foi variada de uma deposição para outra. Medições in-situ das tensões residuais no filme depositado foram realizadas. As medições foram feitas através do método da curvatura do substrato, utilizando-se um sensor capacitivo posicionado dentro da câmara de deposição. Embora o dispositivo não tenha sido capaz de quantificar os valores de tensão, foi possível identificar a natureza das mesmas, indicando se elas são de caráter trativo ou compressivo. Comprovou-se a possibilidade do uso de sistemas capacitivos para medições em sputtering. Observou-se que os filmes depositados apresentaram tensões de caráter trativo durante as deposições. / In this work, a series of depositions of titanium nitride thin films was conducted in a triode unbalanced magnetron sputtering chamber. Similar parameters were selected during each deposition, except for the substrate bias voltage, which was different for every deposition. An in-situ measurement of film residual stresses was carried out as the depositions proceeded. This measurement was based on substrate curvature, which was assessed by a home-built capacitive sensor positioned inside the sputtering chamber. Although the measurement device was not able to quantify the stress values, it was possible to identify if they were tensile or compressive. It was proved the possibility of using capacitive measurement devices in sputtering processes. It was possible to observe that the films underwent tensile stresses during the deposition.

A aplicação de filmes finos em diferentes setores da indústria tem aumentado consideravelmente nos últimos anos. Dentre os diversos tipos de revestimentos, filmes finos cerâmicos tem se destacado por melhorarem as propriedades mecânicas, tribológicas e superficiais dos componentes industriais. Dentre os mais variados filmes finos cerâmicos, o Nitreto de Titânio (TiN) é um dos mais conhecidos e aplicados. Caracteriza-se principalmente por possuir alta dureza, resistência à corrosão, estabilidade química e resistência ao desgaste. Essas e outras características são extremamente sensíveis ao processo e, principalmente, aos parâmetros de deposição. Entender a influência da variação dos parâmetros de deposição em busca de melhorar as propriedades é um dos desafios da Ciência e Engenharia de Superfícies. O objetivo deste trabalho é obter, caracterizar e avaliar as propriedades mecânicas e adesivas de filmes finos de TiN obtidos via deposição física a vapor (PVD, Physical Vapour Deposition). Os filmes foram depositados em substratos de alumínio AA 1000, utilizando a técnica Triodo Magnetron Sputtering. Variou-se o fluxo de N2 durante a deposição e comparou-se com a condição de fluxo de N2 constante, sendo verificada a viabilidade de produção de filmes funcionalmente gradados. Os filmes obtidos foram caracterizados por Nanoindentação instrumentada, Difração de Raios-X por ângulo rasante, Teste de riscamento (scratch test), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), Microscopia de Varredura de Alta Emission Gun) e Ensaio de tração em escala reduzida. Como resultado, os filmes depositados com fluxo de N2 variável possuíram melhor comportamento mecânico/adesivo e quando comparados com os filmes depositados sob fluxo de N2 constante. Portanto, a obtenção de filmes finos de TiN gradados funcionalmente com propriedades superiores aos filmes finos de TiN obtidos de modo convencional é possível, e sua aplicação em diferentes áreas da indústria tendem a ser melhor exploradas. / The application of thin films in different industry sectors has increased considerably in recent years. Among the various types of coatings, thin ceramic films have been distinguished by improving the mechanical, tribological and surface properties of industrial components. Among the ceramic thin films, titanium nitride (TiN) is one of the most known and applied. It is characterized by its high hardness, corrosion resistance, chemical stability and wear resistance. These characteristics are extremely sensitive to the deposition process.Understanding the influence of the variation of deposition parameters to improve properties is one of the challenges of Surface Science and Engineering. The films were deposited on AA 1000 aluminum substrates by Triode Magnetron Sputtering. N2 flow was varied during deposition and compared to the constant N2 flow condition and the viability of production of functionally graded films was tested. The obtained films were characterized by instrumented Nanoindentation, Grazing Incidence X-Ray Diffraction (GIXRD), scratch test, TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), Field Emission Gun (FEG) and Tensile Test on a reduced scale. As a result, films deposited with variable N2 flow had better mechanical / adhesive behavior when compared to films deposited under constant N2 flow. Therefore, obtaining thin films of functionally graded TiN with properties superior to the TiN thin films obtained in conventional manner is possible, and their application in different areas of industry tend to be better explored.