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Design, Synthesis and Applications of Novel Two-Component Gels and Soft-NanocompositesBhattacharjee, Subham January 2014 (has links) (PDF)
No description available.
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Impact of Nanoscale Defects on Thermal Transport in MaterialsChauhan, Vinay Singh January 2020 (has links)
No description available.
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Using molecular dynamics to quantify biaxial membrane damage in a multiscale modeling framework for traumatic brain injuryMurphy, Michael Anthony 11 August 2017 (has links)
The current study investigates the effect of strain state, strain rate, and membrane planar area on phospholipid bilayer mechanoporation and failure. Using molecular dynamics, a 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) bilayer was deformed biaxially to represent injury-induced neuronal membrane mechanoporation and failure. For all studies, water forming a bridge through both phospholipid bilayer leaflets was used as a failure metric. To examine the effect of strain state, 72 phospholipid structures were subjected to equibiaxial, 2:1 non-equibiaxial, 4:1 non-equibiaxial, strip biaxial, and uniaxial tensile deformations at the von Mises strain rate of 5.45 × 108 s-1. The stress magnitude, failure strain, headgroup clustering, and damage behavior were strain state dependent. The strain state order of detrimentality in descending order was equibiaxial, 2:1 non-equibiaxial, 4:1 non-equibiaxial, strip biaxial, and uniaxial with failure von Mises strains of 0.46, 0.47, 0.53, 0.77, and 1.67, respectively. Additionally, pore nucleation, growth, and failure were used to create a Membrane Failure Limit Diagram (MFLD) to demonstrate safe and unsafe membrane deformation regions. This MFLD allowed representative equations to be derived to predict membrane failure from in-plane strains. To examine the effect of strain rate, the equibiaxial and strip biaxial strain states were repeated at multiple strain rates. Additionally, a 144 phospholipid structure, which was twice the size of the 72 phospholipid structure in the x dimension, was subjected to strip biaxial tensile deformations to examine planar area effect. The applied strain rates, planar area, and cross-sectional area had no effect on the von Mises strains at which pores greater than 0.1 nm2 were detected (0.509 plus/minus 7.8%) or the von Mises strain at failure (0.68 plus/minus 4.8%). Additionally, changes in bilayer planar and cross-sectional areas did not affect the stress response. However, a strain rate increase from 1.4 × 108 to 6.8 × 108 s-1 resulted in a yield stress increase of 44.1 MPa and a yield strain increase of 0.17. Additionally, a stress and mechanoporation behavioral transition was determined to occur at a strain rate of ~1.4 × 108 s-1. These results provide the basis to implement a more accurate mechano-physiological internal state variable continuum model that captures lower-length scale damage.
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THE STUDY AND APPLICATIONS OF PLASMONICS WITH ORDERED AND DISORDERED METASURFACESSarah Nahar Chowdhury (9215831) 13 June 2023 (has links)
<p>Plasmonics with the capability to harness electromagnetic waves at a nanoscale can be utilized for multitude of applications in ultra-compact miniature optical devices. Plasmonic metasurfaces which are artificially designed sub-wavelength structures have gained unprecedented interest in being able to engineer and effectively modulate the amplitude and phase of the incident wave. Introducing randomness to such plasmonic metasurfaces can also advance possibilities for extraordinary wave manipulation. Hence, by exploiting the plasmonic response of the ordered and disordered metasurfaces, we can design high performance devices for nanoscale optics.</p>
<p>Aiming to provide a holistic solution to the current device limitations and bio-compatibility, my research focuses on non-toxic and environment-friendly coloration using plasmonic disordered metasurfaces. These structures generate a broad range of long-lasting colors in reflection that can be applied to real-life artistic or technological applications with a spatial resolution on the order of 0.3 mm or less. Moreover, my research also deals with the possibility of even concentrating energy in the smallest phase-space volume in optics in the form of coherent radiation through designing nanolasers. The study of carrier dynamics and photophysics of the gain media can be extremely beneficial towards the practicability of these lasers. This work elucidates the evolution of different competing mechanisms for coherent lasing. The dynamic study and experimental demonstration of these devices and respective materials can therefore provide a novel aspect to fundamental and applied research.</p>
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Stem Cell Regulation Using Nanofibrous Membranes with Defined Structure and Pore SizeBlake, Laurence A 08 1900 (has links)
Electrospun nanofibers have been researched extensively in the culturing of stem cells to understand their behavior since electrospun fibers mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) in many types of mammalian tissues. Here, electrospun nanofibers with defined structure (orientation/alignment) and pore size could significantly modulate human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) behavior. Controlling the fiber membrane pore size was predominantly influenced by the duration of electrospinning, while the alignment of the fiber membrane was determined by parallel electrode collector design. Electric field simulation data provided information on the electrostatic interactions in this electrospinning apparatus.hMSCs on small-sized pores (~3-10 µm²) tended to promote the cytoplasmic retention of Yes-associated protein (YAP), while larger pores (~30-45 µm²) promoted the nuclear activation of YAP. hMSCs also displayed architecture-mediated behavior, as the cells aligned along with the fiber membranes orientation. Additionally, fiber membranes affected nuclear size and shape, indicating changes in cytoskeletal tension, which coincided with YAP activity. The mechanistic understanding of hMSC behavior on defined nanofiber structures seeks to advance their translation into more clinical settings and increase biomanufacturing efficiencies.
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Magnetic Domains and Domain Wall Oscillations in Planar and 3D Curved MembranesSingh, Balram 30 August 2023 (has links)
This dissertation presents a substantial contribution to a new field of material science, the investigation of the magnetic properties of 3D curved surfaces, achieved by using a self-assembled geometrical transformation of an initially planar membrane. Essential magnetic properties of thin films can be modified by the process of transforming them from a 2D planar film to a 3D curved surface. By investigating and controlling the reasons that influence the properties, it is possible to improve the functionality of existing devices in addition to laying the foundation for the future development of microelectronic devices based on curved magnetic structures. To accomplish this, it is necessary both to fabricate high-quality 3D curved objects and to establish reliable characterization methods based on commonly available technology.
The primary objective of this dissertation is to develop techniques for characterizing the static and dynamic magnetic properties of self-assembled rolled 3D geometries. The second objective is to examine the origin of shape-, size- and strain/curvature-induced effects.
The developed approach based on anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) measurement can quantitatively define the rolling-induced static magnetic changes, namely the induced magnetoelastic anisotropy, thus eliminating the need for microscopic imaging to characterize the structures. The interpretation of the AMR signal obtained on curved stripes is enabled by simultaneous visualization of the domain patterns and micromagnetic simulations. The developed approach is used to examine the effect of sign and magnitude of curvature on the induced anisotropies by altering the rolling direction and diameter of the 'Swiss-roll'.
Furthermore, a time-averaged imaging technique based on conventional microscopies (magnetic force microscopy and Kerr microscopy) offers a novel strategy for investigating nanoscale periodic domain wall oscillations and hence dynamic magnetic characteristics of flat and curved structures. This method exploits the benefit of a position-dependent dwell time of periodically oscillating DWs and can determine the trajectory and amplitude of DW oscillation with sub-100 nm resolution. The uniqueness of this technique resides in the ease of the imaging procedure, unlike other DW dynamics imaging methods.
The combined understanding of rolling-induced anisotropy and imaging DW oscillation is utilized to examine the dependence of DW dynamics on external stimuli and the structure's physical properties, such as lateral size, film thickness, and curvature-induced anisotropy. The presented methods and fundamental studies help to comprehend the rapidly expanding field of 3-dimensional nanomagnetism and advance high-performance magneto-electronic devices based on self-assembly rolling.
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QUANTUM EFFECTS ON ENERGY TRANSPORT IN 2D HETERO-INTERFACES AND LEAD HALIDE PEROVSKITE QUANTUM DOTSVictoria A Lumsargis (15060268) 10 October 2023 (has links)
<p dir="ltr">Photovoltaics are leading devices in green energy production. Understanding the fundamental physics behind energy transport in candidate materials for future photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices is necessary to both realize material limitations and improve efficiency. Excitons, which are bound electron-hole pairs, are central to determining how energy propagates throughout semiconductors. Exciton transport is greatly influenced by material dimensionality. In highly ordered quantum dot (QD) systems, electronic coupling between individual QDs can lead to coherent exciton transport, whereas in two-dimensional heterostructures, excitons can form at the interface of a heterojunction, creating charge-transfer excitons.</p><p dir="ltr">This dissertation is dedicated to summarizing the studies of exciton transport and behavior in two systems: perovskite QD superlattices and transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC)/polyacene heterostructures. Chapter 1 provides readers with details on these materials in addition to information on the fundamental concepts (i.e., excitons, phonons, energy transfer) needed to best appreciate further chapters. Chapter 2 summarizes the spectroscopic techniques (photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopy and microscopy) used to examine exciton behavior. Next, the effects of disorder and dephasing pathways on the ability of perovskite QDs to coherently couple is investigated through the lens of superradiance in Chapter 3. After this, the temperature-dependent exciton transport within perovskite QD superlattices is imaged with high spatial and temporal resolutions in Chapter 4. The experimental transport data on these superlattices provides evidence for environment-assisted quantum transport, which, until this study, had yet to be realized in solid-state systems. In Chapter 5, attention is switched to verifying the existence and deepening the understanding of the behavior of several spatially separated interlayer excitons in a tungsten disulfide/tetracene heterostructure. Finally, Chapter 6 summarizes the preliminary results obtained through transient absorption spectroscopy on other TMDC/polyacene heterostructures where separation of the triplet pair state is attempted. </p><p dir="ltr">It is this author’s hope that this dissertation will not only summarize their graduate work but will also serve as inspiration for others to continue learning and contribute to the advancement of the energy research field.</p>
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INFRARED DIGITAL-MODE POISSONIAN BOLOMETERLeif Harrison Bauer (18863617) 24 June 2024 (has links)
<p dir="ltr">The market for infrared detectors has grown significantly in recent years due to the wide variety of applications from astronomy to medical thermography. Additionally, several emerging applications for high-speed infrared technologies are in development such as infrared LIDAR, autonomous vehicles, semiconductor device analysis, and free space communication. Improvements in the readout-speed and sensitivity of uncooled infrared detectors are required for some of these applications, and have been a long-standing goal in the field. Two technologies currently dominate the detection of infrared radiation, photodiodes and bolometers. Bolometers are extremely interesting as they are currently the most sensitive infrared detectors (either cooled or uncooled). We will propose and demonstrate a new type of bolometric infrared detector based on a highly structured spintronic material. The device's detection mechanism utilizes thermally activated magnetic transitions in a nanoscale magnetic device. We will also discuss a classification for detectors based on their digital-mode (discrete) or analog (continuous) readout signals. We develop a stochastic model to compare the sensitivity of these detectors. From this model we demonstrate several fundamental limits in the measurement of temperature by infrared detection.</p>
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EXPLORATION OF COLLOIDAL NANOCRYSTALS FOR ESTABLISHED AND EMERGING SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALSDaniel Christian Hayes (19918281) 24 October 2024 (has links)
<p dir="ltr">For reliable, facile, and user-friendly, solution-based synthesis of materials, the colloidal nanocrystal route has proven to be the method of choice for so many. The tunability that this process renders its users---from choice of precursors, solvent systems, and reaction conditions including temperature, pressure, and precursor addition order---is truly second to none. In their simplest form, these nanomaterials are usually comprised of an inorganic core of the desired material and an outer layer of surface-stabilizing molecules called ligands. These ligands provide colloidal stability and allow for the solution-processing of these materials for downstream usage in devices such as light-emitting diodes and photovoltaics, for example. In this thesis, the study and use of colloidal nanomaterials of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)<sub>2</sub> (CIGSSe), IIA-IVB-S<sub>3</sub> (including BaZrS<sub>3</sub> and SrZrS<sub>3</sub>), alkaline earth polysulfides (IIAS<sub>x</sub>; IIA = Sr, Ba; x = 2, 3), and other materials like Cu<sub>2</sub>GeS<sub>3</sub> and Cu<sub>2</sub>BaSnS<sub>4</sub>, for studies into the formation, colloidal stability, and fabrication into solar cells was performed.</p><p dir="ltr">More specifically, an experimental protocol was developed to fabricate high-quality CIGSSe nanoparticles with carbonaceous residues that are substantially reduced from traditional pathways. Traditional methods for synthesizing colloidal CIGS NPs often utilize heavy, long-chain organic species to serve as surface ligands which, during annealing in a Se/Ar atmosphere, leave behind an undesirable carbonaceous residue in the film. In an effort to minimize these residues, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) was used as an alternative surface ligand. Through the use of the NMP-based synthesis, a substantial reduction in the number of carbonaceous residues was observed in selenized films. Additionally, the fine-grain layer at the bottom of the film, a common observation of solution-processed films from organic media, was observed to exhibit a larger average grain size and increased chalcopyrite character over those of traditionally prepared films, presumably as a result of the reduced carbon content, allowing for superior growth. As a result, a gallium-free CuIn(S,Se)<sub>2</sub> device was shown to achieve power-conversion efficiencies of over 11% as well as possessing exceptional carrier generation capabilities with a short-circuit current density (J<sub>SC</sub>) of 41.6 mA/cm<sup>2</sup>, which is among the highest for the CIGSSe family of devices fabricated from solution-processed methods. It was shown that pre-selenized films of sulfide nanoparticles instead of selenide nanoparticles performed better as solar cells. While the exact mechanism is still under debate, it appears that the growth phase during selenization, which varies depending on the chalcogen present in the starting material plays an important role.</p><p dir="ltr">The IIA-IVB-S<sub>3</sub> system is just beginning to emerge as a material system shown to be capable of solution-based synthesis methods. This is primarily due to the extremely high oxophilicity of the IVB elements, Ti, Zr, and Hf, necessitating that extreme care and judicial use of inert environments be used to synthesize these materials via solution-based methods. In the IIA-IVB-S<sub>3</sub> system exists some of the chalcogenide perovskites, including BaZrS<sub>3</sub>, which are expected to have similar electronic properties to the well-known, high-performing halide perovskites, albeit much more stable, making them attractive prospects as novel semiconductor materials for optoelectronic applications. This work builds upon recent studies to show a general synthesis protocol, involving the use of carbon disulfide insertion chemistry to generate highly reactive precursors, that can be used towards the colloidal synthesis of numerous nanomaterials in the IIA-IVB-S<sub>3</sub> system, including BaTiS<sub>3</sub>, BaZrS<sub>3</sub>, BaHfS<sub>3</sub>, α-SrZrS<sub>3</sub> and α-SrHfS<sub>3</sub>. Additionally, we establish a method to reliably control the formation of the BaZrS<sub>3</sub> perovskite, a complication seen in previous literature where BaZrS<sub>3</sub> appears to exist as two different phases when synthesized via colloidal methods. The utility of these nanomaterials is also assessed via the measurement of their absorption properties and in the form of highly stable colloidal inks for the fabrication of homogenous, crack-free thin films of BaZrS<sub>3</sub>. In addition to the chalcogenide perovskites, the IIA-S system was also explored to better understand the solution-based formation of these materials and how the control of IIA polysulfides can be achieved. We show that the synthesis of these materials is strongly correlated to the reaction temperature and that the length of the S<sub>n</sub><sup>2-</sup> oligomer chain is the dependent variable. We also report on the synthesis of a previously unreported polymorph of SrS<sub>2</sub> which appears to take on the <i>C2/c</i> space group, the same as BaS<sub>2</sub>.</p><p dir="ltr">Finally, some discussion is also provided on the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to analyze the crystal structure of materials. Some tips and techniques used throughout this thesis are summarized in this section.</p>
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Nanolithography on thin films using heated atomic force microscope cantileversSaxena, Shubham 01 November 2006 (has links)
Nanotechnology is expected to play a major role in many technology areas including electronics, materials, and defense. One of the most popular tools for nanoscale surface analysis is the atomic force microscope (AFM). AFM can be used for surface manipulation along with surface imaging.
The primary motivation for this research is to demonstrate AFM-based lithography on thin films using cantilevers with integrated heaters. These thermal cantilevers can control the temperature at the end of the tip, and hence they can be used for local in-situ thermal analysis. This research directly addresses applications like nanoscale electrical circuit fabrication/repair and thermal analysis of thin-films. In this study, an investigation was performed on two thin-film materials. One of them is co-polycarbonate, a variant of a polymer named polycarbonate, and the other is an energetic material called pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN).
Experimental methods involved in the lithography process are discussed, and the results of lithographic experiments performed on co-polycarbonate and PETN are reported. Effects of dominant parameters during lithography experiments like time, temperature, and force are investigated. Results of simulation of the interface temperature between thermal cantilever tip and thin film surface, at the beginning of the lithography process, are also reported.
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