Electrical Switching Research Articles

Synthesis, growth, and optical applications of N, N′-bis (2-aminophenyl) ethane-1,2-diammonium picrate: An organic crystal

Futuristic organic nonlinear optical single AEDP crystal bearing the IUPAC nomenclature of N, N′-Bis(2-Aminoethyl) Ethane-1,2-Diammonium Picrate was grown via slow evaporation approach in aqueous solvent. The single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were employed for resolving lattice parameters of AEDP single crystal. The data regarding triclinic crystalline structure, bonds vibrations and symmetries of molecular vibrations of the prepared single crystal were realized adopting XRD, FT-IR and vibrational measurements techniques respectively. Evidences regarding excellent crystal optical transparency and maximum crystal non-linear optical properties for the prepared AEDP crystal in the range 200–2000 nm were revealed by Optical absorbance spectrum documented in the UV–vis–NIR wavelength range enhances the scope of unearthing and evolving potential nonlinear systems. Thermal stability and nonlinear optical (NLO) nature of AEDP crystal were inspected by applying differential thermal-thermo gravimetric analysis (DTA–TGA) and second harmonic generation test respectively. The promising features of the crystal leads towards application in the design of nonlinear optical devices and light-controlled electrical switches.

Boosting responsive deformation of nanochannel membrane actuators by exploiting the surface defects

The discovery of the “quantum tunneling fluid effect” in organisms has led to the exploration of constructing nanochannels for ultrafast transmission of ions or molecules, which is important for biochemical sensing, energy conversion, and mass transfer. Recently, responsive nanochannel membranes have been constructed by using 2D nanosheets and applied in the field of soft actuator fabrication. However, the response speed of these nanochannel membrane actuators (NMAs) is relatively slow compared to the ultrafast transmission of molecules within nanochannels. This delay can be attributed to the rate-limiting process of surface permeation. By increasing the surface defects on NMAs, the surface permeation process can be facilitated, resulting in improved response speed. In this study, we exploit the utilization of small active Laponite building blocks with a lateral size of 50 nm to induce more surface defects on NMAs. The resulting NMAs exhibit a rapid response speed of 175°/s (204 cm−1/s) upon the stimuli of acetone vapor. Furthermore, we employ direct laser writing (DLW) to create Origami creases on NMAs, enabling programmable transformations and expanding their potential applications in soft grippers, responsive electrical switches, and soft robotics.

Optical switching will innovate intra data center networks [Invited Tutorial

Reflecting the recent slow-down in Moore’s law and the proliferation of artificial intelligence/machine learning workloads, the performance and energy consumption of networks are becoming barriers in high-performance computing (HPC) and data centers. Optical switches are expected to break these barriers, and indeed their introduction has recently commenced in data centers. This paper discusses how optical switching technologies can innovate future intra data center networks. Hyperscale data centers are much bigger in scale, and network requirements are slightly different from those of HPC. This paper focus on data center networks, since the impact of optical technologies will be more significant in data centers than in HPC. In addition to the scale issue, important metrics to be considered for network design are traffic characteristics and latency, both of which are highlighted in this paper. For hybrid (electrical packet and optical circuit) switching networks, the target latency for the optical circuit switch network (connection setup/teardown time) is shown to be around 10 µs, and the needed technologies are clarified and verified by experiments. The optical switch can simplify the present multi-tier switching network above tier-1 switches into a single tier configuration, which is possible with the development of efficient large port count optical switches. Among the different switching architectures, combining the different dimensions of space and wavelength is shown to be one of the best solutions. Fast switching needs fast device response time. Si photonics devices using Mach–Zehnder interferometers or ring-resonator-based switches and tunable filters are the most promising candidates; they offer cost-effective mass-production and fast operation and so are excellent candidates for the optical switches envisaged. Another critical technology to maximize the benefits of optical switches is a simple and low-latency control mechanism. Different approaches have been suggested as summarized in this work. Among them, harnessing optical switch parallelism is a unique technique that matches recent advances in electrical switch chips. A fast control network is realized by using a fully decentralized and asynchronous control mechanism. A hyperscale data center offers a wide variety of services, and no one system fits all needs. Optimization of parameters is an important task for maximizing the impact of optical switching in different kinds of data centers.

Analysis of KFC company marketing activities: aspects of sustainable development

Methods. A number of general scientific and specific research methods were used in the research of the marketing activity of the international company Kentucky Fastfood Center (KFC), which is represented on the territory of Ukraine by a chain of fast food restaurants. In particular, statistical methods were applied – when analyzing the dynamics of financial indicators of the company’s activity; analysis and synthesis – when forming an assessment of the product range; methods of expert evaluations in the form of IFAS analysis – when conducting a study of the internal environment of KFC. Results. The article describes the economic activity of the KFC company and highlights its specifics as an institution belonging to fast food restaurants. The specifics of the consumer behavior of the company’s customers were identified, and a forecast of its possible change due to the establishment of the principles of a healthy lifestyle in public consciousness was made. The financial and economic indicators of the institution’s activity for 2020–2022 were analyzed, and a number of problems were identified that could disrupt its stability in the future. Based on the marketing mix model, the company’s marketing product and price policy, as well as its target segment, are characterized. The analysis of internal factors of KFC’s development was carried out based on the IFAS analysis. The components of sustainable development marketing within the strategy of the KFC enterprise are described. The use of steam ovens instead of traditional fryers is proposed, which can reduce electricity consumption and switch to technologies in line with sustainable development goals. Novelty. Based on the results of the analysis, the width of the KFC assortment and the KFC company logo were determined. The marketing promotion of products in the area of sustainable development has been specified, in particular, raising the awareness of consumers regarding the problems of sustainable development and the impact of their consumption habits on the environment. Practical valur. The performed analysis allows to improve the planning and organization of marketing activities of the KFC company, taking into account the aspects of sustainable development.

Varied domain structures in 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.3PbTiO3 single crystals

Single crystals of 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.3PbTiO3 (PMN-30PT) with a composition close to the morphotropic phase boundary have demonstrated remarkable electromechanical properties, stimulating intensive research interest in the field of piezoelectrics. Domain structures have long been associated with their overall piezoelectric properties, thereby garnering particular research interest for the enhancement of piezoelectric properties. Here, we report on three distinct domain structures in this material. Through a combination of X-ray diffraction reciprocal space mapping and piezoresponse force microscopy measurements, an M A crystal structure has been confirmed. The three-dimensional polar vectors of the three domain structures have been reconstructed with two 4M A and one 2M A domain structures. Correlations between different domain structures and their local electrical switching properties have been revealed. Our study of the PMN-30PT single crystal examines diverse domain structures at the mesoscale in detail, which provides valuable insight into the relationship between structures and properties of the material.

Heterogeneity in Extended Reality Influences Procedural Knowledge Gain and Operation Training

Extended reality (XR) is a general term for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). By converting abstract digital expressions into intelligent feedback through figures, one can effectively compensate for the poor performance of traditional learning in deep cognitive processing and operational skills training. However, the extant results are uncertain, and only a limited number of studies have investigated the influence mechanism of heterogeneity among VR, AR, and MR on procedural knowledge learning, higher-level presence and generative cognitive processing, higher-quality operational behaviour and knowledge transfer. This study explored and analysed the influence of XR heterogeneity on procedural knowledge gain and operation training. Participants (n = 127) were recruited from among junior undergraduate students majoring in rail traffic signal and control. Based on the procedural disassembly and assembly of the ZD6 electric switch machine, an XR pre-training system and a 3D-printed combined virtual-real procedural training system were developed to collect three types of data regarding knowledge gain, procedural training and a set of questionnaires. Subsequently, a one-way analysis of variance was conducted with XR as the moderator variable. The results indicate that fully immersive VR is more conducive to procedural operation training; however, space and real factors must be considered. AR is consistent with the learner's operating habits, but the corresponding lack of immersion and interactivity restricts the improvement of procedural learning effects. MR multimodal perception leads to an increase in cognitive load, but moderate cognitive pressure is conducive to the cultivation of procedural cognition skills. Furthermore, this study proposes suggestions for using XR to intensify the perception and understanding of procedural cognitive actions.

Electroactive Polymers for On-Demand Drug Release.

Conductive materials have played a significant role in advancing society into the digital era. Such materials are able to harness the power of electricity and are used to control many aspects of daily life. Conductive polymers (CPs) are an emerging group of polymers that possess metal-like conductivity yet retain desirable polymeric features, such as processability, mechanical properties, and biodegradability. Upon receiving an electrical stimulus, CPs can be tailored to achieve a number of responses, such as harvesting energy and stimulating tissue growth. The recent FDA approval of a CP-based material for a medical device has invigorated their research in healthcare. In drug delivery, CPs can act as electrical switches, drug release is achieved at a flick of a switch, thereby providing unprecedented control over drug release. In this review, recent developments in CP as electroactive polymers for voltage-stimuli responsive drug delivery systems are evaluated. The review demonstrates the distinct drug release profiles achieved by electroactive formulations, and both the precision and ease of stimuli response. This level of dynamism promises to yield "smart medicines" and warrants further research. The review concludes by providing an outlook on electroactive formulations in drug delivery and highlighting their integral roles in healthcare IoT.

Direct observation of intrinsic room-temperature ferroelectricity in 2D layered CuCrP2S6

Multiferroic materials have ignited enormous interest owing to their co-existence of ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism, which hold substantial promise for advanced device applications. However, the size effect, dangling bonds, and interface effect in traditional multiferroics severely hinder their potential in nanoscale device applications. Recent theoretical and experimental studies have evidenced the possibility of realizing two-dimensional (2D) multiferroicity in van der Waals (vdW) layered CuCrP2S6. However, the incorporation of magnetic Cr ions in the ferroelectric framework leads to antiferroelectric and antiferromagnetic orderings, while macroscopic spontaneous polarization is always absent. Herein, we report the direct observation of robust out-of-plane ferroelectricity in 2D vdW CuCrP2S6 at room temperature with a comprehensive investigation. Modification of the ferroelectric polarization states in 2D CuCrP2S6 nanoflakes is experimentally demonstrated. Moreover, external electric field-induced polarization switching and hysteresis loops are obtained in CuCrP2S6 down to ~2.6 nm (4 layers). By using atomically resolved scanning transmission electron microscopy, we unveil the origin of the emerged room-temperature ferroelectricity in 2D CuCrP2S6. Our work can facilitate the development of multifunctional nanodevices and provide important insights into the nature of ferroelectric ordering of this 2D vdW material.

Digital circuit for switch contact bounce analysis

This article discusses the issue of studying the parameters of the bounce of electrical contacts of switches in digital systems. Digital circuits of bounce analyzer are described. The results of experimental studies of the behavior of electrical contacts of various buttons and switches are presented. It is shown that various electric switches have random and unique characteristics, which can be used to solve the problems of random numbers generating, identifying of digital devices and user’s authentication. Prototyping of the proposed circuits was carried out on Digilent ZYBO Z7-10 debug boards, digital circuits were designed in VHDL for the Xilinx Zynq-7000 FPGA chip.

Fabrication, characterization and numerical modeling of Sb2Se3 nano-patterned structures

There has been a renewed and strong interest in phase change materials (PCMs) in many fields beyond traditional memories, due to their optical and electrical tunability aspect. Given their unique characteristic of changing phase and refractive index on-demand from amorphous to crystalline and vice versa via optical or electrical switching, they can be employed in many applications ranging from optical filters to rewritable metasurfaces. Patterning PCMs into self-assembled nanorod structures much smaller than the wavelength in diameter could potentially lead to interesting applications such as controlled chirality, birefringence and anisotropy. Additionally, such nanorod geometries may potentially lead to robust switching over multiple cycles for films of thicknesses well beyond those that are switchable in bulk thin film geometries. In this work, we grow and characterize self-assembled nanorods of antimony selenide PCM, and we characterize the nanostrucutres using ellipsometry and X-ray diffraction. We additionally provide an effective medium approximation (EMA) fit that greatly simplifies future macroscopic devices based on the underlying PCM nanorod geometry.

Impact of DGs on the Reactive Power-Supported Optimal EDN for Profit Maximisation

Significant issues such as high-Power Loss (PLoss) and drop in node voltages in Electric Distribution Networks (EDNs) can be well mitigated using renowned techniques such as Alteration of Electric Distribution Network Switches (AEDNS), Optimal Capacitor Support (OCS), and Integration of Dispersed Generation (IDG), which are identified as the most economical and efficient approaches. This study presents the optimisation of AEDNS with and without OCS considering four different scenarios to maximise the profit through reduction in PLoss, which is regarded as the first-step process. To further increase profit, IDG was integrated into the EDNs after the combined optimisation of OCS and AEDNS. In this work, Levy Flight Mechanism (LFM) was incorporated into the Seagull Optimisation Algorithm (SOA) and applied to solve the objective function based on economics. The effectiveness of the presented methodology was evaluated and confirmed using a real 59-bus in Cairo, Egypt, EDN, as well as a conventional 33-bus test system. For each scenario, the PLoss reductions and net profit of the proposed methodology were contrasted with those obtained from previously reported approaches. The collected findings show that by optimising AEDNS, OCS, and IDG, the established methodology effectively yields more economic gain for all scenarios.

Power Electronics Revolutionized: A Comprehensive Analysis of Emerging Wide and Ultrawide Bandgap Devices.

This article provides a comprehensive review of wide and ultrawide bandgap power electronic semiconductor devices, comparing silicon (Si), silicon carbide (SiC), gallium nitride (GaN), and the emerging device diamond technology. Key parameters examined include bandgap, critical electric field, electron mobility, voltage/current ratings, switching frequency, and device packaging. The historical evolution of each material is traced from early research devices to current commercial offerings. Significant focus is given to SiC and GaN as they are now actively competing with Si devices in the market, enabled by their higher bandgaps. The paper details advancements in material growth, device architectures, reliability, and manufacturing that have allowed SiC and GaN adoption in electric vehicles, renewable energy, aerospace, and other applications requiring high power density, efficiency, and frequency operation. Performance enhancements over Si are quantified. However, the challenges associated with the advancements of these devices are also elaborately described: material availability, thermal management, gate drive design, electrical insulation, and electromagnetic interference. Alongside the cost reduction through improved manufacturing, material availability, thermal management, gate drive design, electrical insulation, and electromagnetic interference are critical hurdles of this technology. The review analyzes these issues and emerging solutions using advanced packaging, circuit integration, novel cooling techniques, and modeling. Overall, the manuscript provides a timely, rigorous examination of the state of the art in wide bandgap power semiconductors. It balances theoretical potential and practical limitations while assessing commercial readiness and mapping trajectories for further innovation. This article will benefit researchers and professionals advancing power electronic systems.

Optical Read‐Out of the Electrical Switching of Cobalt‐Terpyridine‐BODIPY Molecules Immobilized as Single Layer on ITO

AbstractA single layer of a dyad made of a cobalt(II) bis‐terpyridine complex functionalized with a Boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY) fluorophore on transparent Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) electrode is prepared. A modulation of the photoluminescence intensity of the fluorophore upon the application of an electric stimulus on the ITO electrode that supports 10 picomoles of molecules is demonstrated. The intensity of the fluorescence intensity decreases when the cobalt is at the oxidation state +III, due to CoIII oxidative quenching of BODIPY emission that has a higher driving force than the CoII reductive quenching initially responsible for the low fluorescence intensity of the chemisorbed dyad.

Switching of Perpendicular Magnetization by Spin-Orbit Torque.

Magnetic materials with strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy are of great interest for the development of nonvolatile magnetic memory and computing technologies due to their high stabilities at the nanoscale. However, electrical switching of such perpendicular magnetization in an energy-efficient, deterministic, scalable manner has remained a big challenge. This problem has recently attracted enormous efforts in the field of spintronics. Here, recent advances and challenges in the understanding of the electrical generation of spin currents, the switching mechanisms and the switching strategies of perpendicular magnetization, the switching current density by spin-orbit torque of transverse spins, the choice of perpendicular magnetic materials are reviewed, and the progress in prototype perpendicular SOT memory and logic devices toward the goal of energy-efficient, dense, fast perpendicular spin-orbit torque applications is summarized.

Investigation of resistive switching behaviors of cuprous phosphide thick film

In order to find high-performance memristor materials. we prepared cuprous phosphide (Cu3P) thick film by a simple chemical reaction method and studied its resistive switching properties. We investigated the effects of device structure, voltage sweep rate and electrode material on the resistive switching performance. For devices employing various electrode materials, negligible disparities were observed in transition voltage (< 0.35 V), endurance (2 ×103), and retention time (> 4 ×104 s). However, substantial differences were observed in operational speed and Off/On ratio. Specifically, device utilizing stainless steel (SS) electrode exhibited the highest operational speed (5000 V/s), while that employing nickel electrode demonstrated the largest Off/On ratio (2.1 ×104). We also observed that the device status self-healed after a voltage sweep operation. Finally, we discussed electrical switching mechanism. Our work enriches the resistive switching performance and mechanism of Cu3P bulk materials, hoping to provide a reference for the research of memristor materials.

Dual-mode sensor for intelligent solution monitoring: Enhancing sensitivity and recognition accuracy through capacitive and triboelectric sensing

Monitoring solution parameters is of utmost importance in various industries and daily applications. However, the challenge lies in using a single sensor to effectively monitor different parameters in the solution. In this study, a dual-mode sensor is proposed, capable of monitoring multiple solution parameters combined with deep learning method. The fabrication process of the dual-mode sensor is simple, involving a substrate, interdigital electrodes, and a dielectric layer. The sensitivity of the dual-mode sensor is improved by increasing the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer and optimizing the design of the interdigital electrodes. Under the capacitive sensing mode, the sensor effectively identifies solution type by detecting capacitance changes due to the conductivity of the mixed solution. Under the triboelectric sensing mode, the sensor exhibits high sensitivity to solution concentration through the coupling of the capacitive enhancement effect and the triboelectric effect. An electric switch is incorporated into the design to control the signal acquisition of the dual-mode sensor. By combining the deep learning method with the dual-mode sensor, high recognition accuracies have been achieved for both solution type and concentration, with average accuracies exceeding 95%. Furthermore, the dual-mode sensor is not limited to monitoring liquid droplets; it can also be used for monitoring the types of liquids in bottles. In addition, an intelligent system is developed to visualize the intelligent monitoring process. This work not only contributes to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of planar capacitive sensors (PCS) and free-standing triboelectric nanogenerators (FS-TENG), but also presents a promising method for intelligent solution monitoring.

Learning to Control a Three-Dimensional Ferrofluidic Robot.

In recent years, ferrofluids have found increased popularity as a material for medical applications, such as ocular surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, and cancer treatment, among others. Ferrofluidic robots are multifunctional and scalable, exhibit fluid properties, and can be controlled remotely; thus, they are particularly advantageous for such medical tasks. Previously, ferrofluidic robot control has been achieved via the manipulation of handheld permanent magnets or in current-controlled electromagnetic fields resulting in two-dimensional position and shape control and three-dimensional (3D) coupled position-shape or position-only control. Control of ferrofluidic liquid droplet robots poses a unique challenge where model-based control has been shown to be computationally limiting. Thus, in this study, a model-free control method is chosen, and it is shown that the task of learning optimal control parameters for ferrofluidic robot control can be performed using machine learning. Particularly, we explore the use of Bayesian optimization to find optimal controller parameters for 3D pose control of a ferrofluid droplet: its centroid position, stretch direction, and stretch radius. We demonstrate that the position, stretch direction, and stretch radius of a ferrofluid droplet can be independently controlled in 3D with high accuracy and precision, using a simple control approach. Finally, we use ferrofluidic robots to perform pick-and-place, a lab-on-a-chip pH test, and electrical switching, in 3D settings. The purpose of this research is to expand the potential of ferrofluidic robots by introducing full pose control in 3D and to showcase the potential of this technology in the areas of microassembly, lab-on-a-chip, and electronics. The approach presented in this research can be used as a stepping-off point to incorporate ferrofluidic robots toward future research in these areas.

Edge-Confined Excitons in Monolayer Black Phosphorus.

Quantum confinement of two-dimensional excitons in van der Waals materials via electrostatic trapping, lithographic patterning, Moiré potentials, and chemical implantation has enabled significant advances in tailoring light emission from nanostructures. While such approaches rely on complex preparation of materials, natural edges are a ubiquitous feature in layered materials and provide a different approach for investigating quantum-confined excitons. Here, we observe that certain edge sites of monolayer black phosphorus (BP) strongly localize the intrinsic quasi-one-dimensional excitons, yielding sharp spectral lines in photoluminescence, with nearly an order of magnitude line width reduction. Through structural characterization of BP edges using transmission electron microscopy and first-principles GW plus Bethe-Salpeter equation (GW-BSE) calculations of exemplary BP nanoribbons, we find that certain atomic reconstructions can strongly quantum-confine excitons resulting in distinct emission features, mediated by local strain and screening. We observe linearly polarized luminescence emission from edge reconstructions that preserve the mirror symmetry of the parent BP lattice, in agreement with calculations. Furthermore, we demonstrate efficient electrical switching of localized edge excitonic luminescence, whose sites act as excitonic transistors for emission. Localized emission from BP edges motivates exploration of nanoribbons and quantum dots as hosts for tunable narrowband light generation, with future potential to create atomic-like structures for quantum information processing applications as well as exploration of exotic phases that may reside in atomic edge structures.

Electrical switching of the edge current chirality in quantum anomalous Hall insulators.

A quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulator is a topological phase in which the interior is insulating but electrical current flows along the edges of the sample in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, as dictated by the spontaneous magnetization orientation. Such a chiral edge current eliminates any backscattering, giving rise to quantized Hall resistance and zero longitudinal resistance. Here we fabricate mesoscopic QAH sandwich Hall bar devices and succeed in switching the edge current chirality through thermally assisted spin-orbit torque (SOT). The well-quantized QAH states before and after SOT switching with opposite edge current chiralities are demonstrated through four- and three-terminal measurements. We show that the SOT responsible for magnetization switching can be generated by both surface and bulk carriers. Our results further our understanding of the interplay between magnetism and topological states and usher in an easy and instantaneous method to manipulate the QAH state.

New electric field responsive photonic crystals with remarkable yellow-to-green switch for adaptive camouflage

Electric field responsive photonic crystals take on critical significance in developing adaptive camouflage technology, which are promising materials for adaptive camouflage devices with better fabrication processes and color saturation. However, electric field responsive photonic crystals are primarily susceptible to poor fusion with typical background colors and necessitate the continuous implementation of electric fields to attain specific colors, thus limiting their practical applications. Monodisperse polyvinylpyrrolidone modified cadmium sulfide (PVP/CdS) microspheres with large refractive index are well prepared in this study. Liquid photonic crystals, exhibiting earth-yellow and light green under specific electric field, are obtained with PVP/CdS particles dispersed in propylene carbonate in accordance with the subtractive color mixing principle of structural color and initial color. The resulting electric field responsive photonic crystals are characterized by a simple preparation process, fast electrical response, long-time holding of the earth-yellow state, and reversible color changes between earth-yellow and light green in −3.5 V and + 3.5 V electric field switching. This study can contribute to the development of color-changing devices designed for adaptive camouflage applications.