There are many potential areas for the utilization of GaN-based nitride materials, including ultraviolet photodetectors. Ultraviolet photodetectors are used in the military for missile plume detection and space communications. Medically, ultraviolet photodiodes are used in monitoring skin cancer. Schottky barrier metal-semiconductor contacts are choice devices for the manufacture of ultraviolet photodiodes due to higher short wavelength sensitivity and fast response. They also require simple fabrication technology; suffer lower breakdown voltages, and record larger leakage currents at lower voltages as compared to p-n structures of the same semiconductor material. Thus the formation of a Schottky contact with high barrier height, low leakage current, and good thermal stability in order to withstand high temperature processing and operation are some of the most important factors in improving the performance of Schottky barrier photodiodes to be used for ultraviolet detection. The first stage of this study was to establish a chemical cleaning and etching technique. It was found that KOH was suitable in reducing C from the surface and that (NH4)2S further reduced the surface oxides. The next phase of the work was to select a metal that will allow UV light to pass through at a high transmission percentage: a combination of annealed Ni/Au was found to be ideal. The transmission percentage of this alloy was found to be above 80%. The next phase was the fabrication of Ni/Au Schottky barrier diodes on GaN to study the electrical characteristics of the diodes. Electrical characterization of the diodes showed that the dominant current transport mechanism was thermionic emission, masked by the effects of series resistance, which resulted from the condition of the GaN surface. Finally, we fabricated GaN UV photodiodes and characterized them in the optoelectronic station designed and produced during this research. Device responsivity as high as 31.8 mA/W for GaN and 3.8 mA/W for AlGaN were recorded. The calculated quantum efficiencies of the photodiodes were 11 % for GaN and 1.7 % for AlGaN respectively. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Physics / unrestricted

Solar-blind Ultraviolet cameras are used to detect missile plumes and perform the detection of corona on high voltage electrical lines. This study investigates the influence of the spectral transfer function of a specific solar-blind Ultraviolet camera upon Ultraviolet energy measurement results. In addition to the spectral transfer response investigated, is the influence of other related factors, including the specific camera operation and design. The possibility that the particular camera‟s measurements are being influenced by its own spectral transfer function, is initially investigated by using a simplified model. The objective of the model was to determine if the hypothesis is possible. In addition to the spectral transfer function of the camera, other factors that could influence camera measurements were also investigated in the literature. Included are highlights from other research conducted utilising this type of camera for high voltage electrical purposes, as well as comments for further research. Subsequently experiments were executed to characterise the camera, including the determination of the spectral transfer function of the specific camera, taking into considering limitations of the camera and related equipment. Derived from the spectral transfer of the camera and the other experiments and literature, a proposed method of calibration is presented, as well as suggestions for the improvement of the camera and better utilisation thereof. / Son-blind ultraviolet kameras word gebruik om missiel uitlaat gasse sowel as korona op hoogspannings kraglyne op te spoor. Die studie ondersoek die invloed van die spektrale oordragfunksie van „n spesifieke son-blind ultraviolet kamera op ultraviolet energie meetingsresultate. Addisioneel tot die spektrale response geondersoek, is die invloed van ander verwante faktore op metings insluitend die spesifieke kamera se werking en ontwerp. Die moontlikheid dat die spesifieke kamera se metings beïnvloed word deur sy eie spektrale oordragfunksie, word aanvanklik eers ondersoek aan die hand van ‟n eenvoudige model. Die doel van die model is om te bepaal of die hipotese moontlik is. Addisioneel tot die spektrale oordragfunksie van die kamera, word ander faktore wat die kamerametings kon beïnvloed het, ook ondersoek in die literatuur. Ingesluit is hoogtepunte van ander navorsing wat die tipes kameras gebruik vir hoogspannings elektriese doeleindes, plus kommentaar vir verdere navorsing. Vervolgens is eksperimente uitgevoer om die kamera te karakteriseer, insluitend die bepaling van die spesifieke kamera se spektrale oordragfunksie, met inagneming van die beperkings van kamera en verwante toerusting. Afgelei uit die spektrale oordragfunksie van die kamera en die ander eksperimente en literatuurstudie, is „n voorgestelde kalibrasiemetode aangebied, asook voorstelle vir die verbetering en die kamera en meer effektiewe gebruik daarvan. / Dissertation (MEng (Electronic Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2015. / Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering / MEng (Electronic Engineering) / Unrestricted

Several applications require the detection of terrestrial UV-C signatures. Efficiency, compactness, environmentally friendly and cost-effective requirements for UV-C–detectors resulted in a research interest in wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor-based photovoltaic diodes with a 280 nm cut-off wavelength. Advances in producing group-III-nitride materials allowed the growth of high quality Al[x]Ga[1−x]N, a direct-WBG ternary semiconductor in which the Al mole fraction (x) could be varied, allowing for a tuneable bandgap that made the semiconductor intrinsically 'blind' to longer wavelengths and responsive to selected wavelengths shorter than 360 nm. This dissertation reports on the development and characterization of a tuneable AlGaN-based solar-blind UV-sensitive Schottky photodiode. A fabrication procedure was established using optimized metallization techniques derived from literature. This included metallization schemes, metal thicknesses and annealing methods for metallization of both the ohmic and Schottky contacts for a front-irradiated photodiode. Characterization was done with a newly constructed optoelectronic characterization system. Electrical characterization was performed inside a light-tight shielded enclosure and a software routine aided in applying current–voltage and capacitance–voltage measurements on a Schottky diode. Spectral characterization made use of either a UV source or a visible-to-near-infrared source that was coupled to a monochromator that allowed for wavelength selection. The monochromatic electromagnetic radiation was guided by an optical fibre from the monochromator into the enclosure where the photodiode was irradiated. An additional software routine was developed that allowed for the automation of the spectral characterization. The system was calibrated against standards traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) by following the photodetector substitution method. The study concluded with the manufacturing of an epoxy wire-bonded front-irradiated four-quadrant detector that was mounted on a commercial microchip carrier. Metal depositions were done through physical contact masks. The quadrants were surrounded with optimized layered ohmic contacts and a quadrant consisted of a thin-film iridium(IV) oxide (IrO₂) as Schottky contact that is UV transmissive with a Au contact on top to which a wire was bonded. Optoelectronic characterization verified that the four-quadrant detector was intrinsically solar-blind and showed good uniformity across the quadrants. Electrical parameters obtained included an average ideality factor of 1.97 ± 0.09, a Schottky barrier height of (1.22 ± 0.08) eV, a reverse leakage current density of (2.1 ± 3.3) nA/cm² and a series resistance of (120 ± 30) Ω. Spectral parameters obtained included a (275 ± 5) nm cut-off wavelength, an average current responsivity at 250 nm of (28 ± 1.0) mA/W with a quantum efficiency of (14 ± 0.5) % and an UV-to-visible and near-infrared rejection ratio between 10³ and 10⁵ for 400 nm to 1100 nm wavelengths. These characteristics allowed for the detector to be used in demonstrating a working solar-blind UV-sensitive electro-optic device. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2015. / Physics / Unrestricted

Wide bandgap semiconductors have been broadly investigated for their potential to detect and emit high energy ultraviolet (UV) photons. Advancements in deep UV optoelectronic materials would enable the efficient and affordable realization of many medical, industrial and consumer UV optical devices. The traditional growth method, vacuum deposition, is an extremely complicated and expensive process. Sol-gel processing dramatically simplifies facility requirements and can be scaled to industrial size. The work presented here involves a novel study of the ternary wide bandgap material Ni1-xMgxO. Films were developed by sol-gel spin coating for investigation of material and electrical properties. This method produced films 200-600 nm thick with surface roughness below 4 nm RMS. Sintered films indicated an improvement from 60% to 90% transmission near the band edge. Additionally, compositional analysis was performed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and film defects were characterized by photoluminescence using a continuous wave He-Cd UV laser, revealing the expected oxygen defect at 413nm. This film growth technique has produced thin polycrystalline films with low surface roughness and a high degree of crystalline orientation; crucial characteristics for semiconductor devices. These films have demonstrated the ability to be tuned over the full compositional range from the bandgap of NiO (3.6 eV) to that of MgO (7.8 eV). Optoelectronic devices produced by standard photolithographic techniques are discussed as well as the electrical transport properties of their metal contacts. Based on initial results, these films have demonstrated strong potential as solar blind detectors of UV radiation.

Yes / This article describes the synthesis and application of lanthanide-based luminophores for visualisation under short wavelength ultraviolet (UV) activation (typically 254 nm). Luminophores are chemical compounds which re-emit light of longer wavelength than typical fluorescence and phosphorescence, following photoexcitation, because of efficient energy transfer from the ligands to the lanthanide ion emission levels. The luminophores described in this article are all derived from europium and terbium metal complexes and cover the complete colour gamut. Selection of appropriate ligands allows for water solubility or water insolubility (if required pigment or disperse “dye” applications). Similar to dyeing or printing processes, the anionic complexes can be applied to polyamide fibres or to cellulosic fibres, whereas dispersions of the non-ionic complexes are suitable for polyester or cellulose acetate fibre application. The water-soluble derivatives are also suitable for ink-jet printing and the water-insoluble derivatives are suitable for lithographic or intaglio paper printing. The novel complexes are excited by radiation below 300 nm and thus cannot be activated by sunlight (the earth's atmosphere prevents light below about 300 nm reaching the surface). Accordingly, the photo-stability of the dyed materials and prints obtained is excellent. These materials could be used in security marking applications, for example bank-notes and passports, where they could replace the current fluorophores that are rendered visible under near UV light (typically 365 nm) illumination but exhibit relatively poor photo-stability. The development of an RGB (red, green and blue) colour palette for inkjet printing based on these innovative luminophores will significantly support the design of digitally printed security features. / The research was part funded by Inovink Ltd and theWorshipful Company of Clothworkers of the City of London.

The main objective of this study was to determine the applicability of advanced water treatment processes namely granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption, ultraviolet (UV) light disinfectant and ozone in the management of deteriorating water quality in the Mid-Vaal River system for drinking purposes. Both the scarcity and the deteriorating quality of water in South Africa can be addressed by investigating advanced water treatment processes such as GAC adsorption, UV light disinfectant and ozone. Previously disregarded water resources have the potential to be purified and advanced treatments can improve water quality where conventional water treatments have failed. In addition, advanced treatment processes can be applied to treat used water. The two sampling sites selected for the study, Rand Water Barrage (RWB) and Midvaal Water Company (MWC), are both located in the Middle Vaal Water Management Area with RWB upstream of MWC. RWB uses GAC adsorption and UV light disinfection and MWC uses ozone as pre- and intermediate treatment process steps for water purification. The quality of the source water at both sampling sites was determined by analysing the physical and chemical characteristics as well as the algal and invertebrate compositions of the source water. The physical and chemical water quality variables measured included pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total organic carbon (TOC), total photosynthetic pigments (TPP), microcystin and geosmin. The source water of both sites was characterised as hypertrophic on account of high chlorophyll concentrations. The water quality of the two sites was distinctly different and a downstream change was observed. The source water of RWB was characterised by high microcystin, geosmin, DOC, TOC and conductivity measurements and dominated by Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) and Cyanophyceae (blue-green bacteria). Problematic species that were present in the source water of RWB included Aulacoseira sp., other unidentified centric diatoms, Pandorina sp., Anabaena sp., Microcystis sp., Oscillatoria sp., Cryptomonas sp., Ceratium sp. and Trachelomonas sp. The source water of MWC was characterised by high pH, turbidity and TPP measurements and was dominated by Chlorophyceae (green algae) and Bacillariophyceae (diatom) species. Problematic algal species that were present in the source water of MWC included Cyclotella sp., Coelastrum sp., Pediastrum sp. and Scenedesmus sp. The source water of MWC was deemed to be of a better quality due to the lower Cyanophyceae concentrations and lower microcystin levels. The invertebrate composition of both sites was similar with Rotatoria as the dominant invertebrate group. The efficacy of GAC adsorption/UV light disinfection/ozonation on restoring the physical and chemical characteristics of the source water at both sampling sites as well as the algal and invertebrate compositions was determined by ascertaining the nature of the change in or the percentage removal of a water quality variable. The potable water of both sites complied with the standards of water intended for domestic use except for the conductivity at RWB that was slightly elevated. The phytoplankton was removed effectively from the source water of both sites but the removal of invertebrates was unsatisfactory. GAC adsorption and filtration proved to be more effective in the removal of TPP, turbidity, DOC, microcystin and geosmin than ozone. Ozone effected an increase in DOC. UV light disinfection had no or little effect on restoring the water quality variables investigated in this study. / M (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The main objective of this study was to determine the applicability of advanced water treatment processes namely granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption, ultraviolet (UV) light disinfectant and ozone in the management of deteriorating water quality in the Mid-Vaal River system for drinking purposes. Both the scarcity and the deteriorating quality of water in South Africa can be addressed by investigating advanced water treatment processes such as GAC adsorption, UV light disinfectant and ozone. Previously disregarded water resources have the potential to be purified and advanced treatments can improve water quality where conventional water treatments have failed. In addition, advanced treatment processes can be applied to treat used water. The two sampling sites selected for the study, Rand Water Barrage (RWB) and Midvaal Water Company (MWC), are both located in the Middle Vaal Water Management Area with RWB upstream of MWC. RWB uses GAC adsorption and UV light disinfection and MWC uses ozone as pre- and intermediate treatment process steps for water purification. The quality of the source water at both sampling sites was determined by analysing the physical and chemical characteristics as well as the algal and invertebrate compositions of the source water. The physical and chemical water quality variables measured included pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total organic carbon (TOC), total photosynthetic pigments (TPP), microcystin and geosmin. The source water of both sites was characterised as hypertrophic on account of high chlorophyll concentrations. The water quality of the two sites was distinctly different and a downstream change was observed. The source water of RWB was characterised by high microcystin, geosmin, DOC, TOC and conductivity measurements and dominated by Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) and Cyanophyceae (blue-green bacteria). Problematic species that were present in the source water of RWB included Aulacoseira sp., other unidentified centric diatoms, Pandorina sp., Anabaena sp., Microcystis sp., Oscillatoria sp., Cryptomonas sp., Ceratium sp. and Trachelomonas sp. The source water of MWC was characterised by high pH, turbidity and TPP measurements and was dominated by Chlorophyceae (green algae) and Bacillariophyceae (diatom) species. Problematic algal species that were present in the source water of MWC included Cyclotella sp., Coelastrum sp., Pediastrum sp. and Scenedesmus sp. The source water of MWC was deemed to be of a better quality due to the lower Cyanophyceae concentrations and lower microcystin levels. The invertebrate composition of both sites was similar with Rotatoria as the dominant invertebrate group. The efficacy of GAC adsorption/UV light disinfection/ozonation on restoring the physical and chemical characteristics of the source water at both sampling sites as well as the algal and invertebrate compositions was determined by ascertaining the nature of the change in or the percentage removal of a water quality variable. The potable water of both sites complied with the standards of water intended for domestic use except for the conductivity at RWB that was slightly elevated. The phytoplankton was removed effectively from the source water of both sites but the removal of invertebrates was unsatisfactory. GAC adsorption and filtration proved to be more effective in the removal of TPP, turbidity, DOC, microcystin and geosmin than ozone. Ozone effected an increase in DOC. UV light disinfection had no or little effect on restoring the water quality variables investigated in this study. / M (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / The Lineate Image Near Ultraviolet Spectrometer (LINUS) is a spectral imager developed to operate in the 0.3-0.4 micron spectral region. The 2-D imager operates with a scan mirror, forming image scenes over time intervals of 10-20 minutes. Sensor calibration was conducted in the laboratory, and the system response to Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) gas was determined. The absorption profile for SO2 was measured, and curves of growth were constructed as a function of gas concentration. Test measurements were performed at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), from the roof of Spanagel Hall. Field observations were conducted at a coal-burning factory site at Concord, CA with the purpose of quantifying the presence of SO2. The Concord field measurement showed traces of SO2, with further analysis still required. / Civilian, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore