Key Physical Parameters Research Articles

Study on Carrier Mobility Model for PD-Ge Monolithic Optoelectronic Integration Chips

Based on the difference of thermal expansion coefficient between Si and Ge, low-intensity tensile stress can be introduced into Ge epitaxial layer on Si substrate. S-Ge/Si semiconductor (as known as low tensile strained Ge grown on Si substrate) has a higher carrier mobility when compared with unstrained-Ge or Si material, so that s-Ge/Si is appropriate for the production of high-speed circuit. At the same time, transformation from indirect bandgap semiconductor Ge into Pseudo-Direct bandgap semiconductor (which is also called PD-Ge) will be happen after s-Ge/Si is heavy doped, which makes LED produced of PD-Ge material perform a higher luminous efficiency because the radiative recombining probability of carriers in PD-Ge material is greatly improved compared with unstrained one. Taking the advantages referred of s-Ge/Si into account, s-Ge/Si has the potential to PD-Ge monolithic optoelectronic integration. Carrier mobility of the semiconductor is one of the key physical parameters during the design and simulation of PD-Ge monolithic optoelectronic integrated system. While as far as the authors are aware, carrier mobility model of s-Ge/Si is still rarely reported to date. In view of that all above, based on the E-k relation in both conduction band and valence band of s-Ge/Si material, the analytical models of physical parameters in energy band are established, and the models are verified by experiments. Then the s-Ge/Si carrier models are further established based on our band structure model, and the Monte Carlo method is used to verify our s-Ge/Si carrier mobility model. The quantificational results of our paper will help understand s-Ge/Si material physics and provide an important theoretical basis for the design of PD-Ge monolithic optoelectronic integration.

Spatial distribution of starch, proteins and lipids in maize endosperm probed by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy

The main storage components of the maize endosperm are starch, proteins and lipids. Starch and proteins are heterogeneously deposited, leading to the formation of vitreous and floury regions at the periphery and at the centre of the endosperm. The vitreous/floury mass ratio is a key physical parameter of maize end-uses for the food, feed and non-food sectors, as well as for the resistance of seeds to environmental aggressions. To improve maize breeding for vitreousness, one of the main issues is to finely delineate the molecular and physicochemical mechanisms associated with the formation of endosperm texture. In this context, we use scanning transmission X-ray microscopy at the C K-edge on maize endosperm resin-embedded ultrathin sections. The combination of local near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy and high-resolution images enable us to achieve a quantitative fine description of the spatial distribution of the main components within the endosperm.

Why Do Precipitation Intensities Tend to Follow Gamma Distributions?

AbstractThe probability distribution of daily precipitation intensities, especially the probability of extremes, impacts a wide range of applications. In most regions this distribution decays slowly with size at first, approximately as a power law with an exponent between 0 and −1, and then more sharply, for values larger than a characteristic cutoff scale. This cutoff is important because it limits the probability of extreme daily precipitation occurrences in current climate. There is a long history of representing daily precipitation using a gamma distribution—here we present theory for how daily precipitation distributions get their shape. Processes shaping daily precipitation distributions can be separated into nonprecipitating and precipitating regime effects, the former partially controlling how many times in a day it rains, and the latter set by single-storm accumulations. Using previously developed theory for precipitation accumulation distributions—which follow a sharper power-law range (exponent < −1) with a physically derived cutoff for large sizes—analytical expressions for daily precipitation distribution power-law exponent and cutoff are calculated as a function of key physical parameters. Precipitating and nonprecipitating regime processes both contribute to reducing the power-law range exponent for the daily precipitation distribution relative to the fundamental exponent set by accumulations. The daily precipitation distribution cutoff is set by the precipitating regime and scales with moisture availability, with important consequences for future distribution shifts under global warming. Similar results extend to different averaging periods, providing insight into how the precipitation intensity distribution evolves as a function of both underlying physical climate conditions and averaging time.

Current status of global warming potential reduction by cleaner composting

The global living standards are currently undergoing a stage of growth; however, such improvement also brings some challenges. Global warming is the greatest threat to all living things and attracts more and more attention on a global scale due to the rapid development of economy. Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) are the common components of greenhouse gases, which contribute to the global warming. Mitigation technologies for these gas emissions are urgently needed in every industry for the aim of cleaner production. Traditional agriculture also contributes significantly to enhance the greenhouse gases emission. Composting is a novel and economic greenhouse gases mitigation strategy compared to other technologies in terms of the organic waste disposal. Some of the European countries showed an increase of more than 50% in the composting rate. The microbial respiration, nitrification and denitrification processes, and the generation of anaerobic condition makes the emission of greenhouse gases inevitable during composting. However, although there have been a lot of papers that focused on the reduction of greenhouse gases emission in composting, none of these has summarized the methods of reducing the emission of greenhouse gases during the composting. This review discusses the benefit of composting in greenhouse gases mitigation in the organic waste management and the current methods to improve mitigation efficiency during cleaner composting. Key physical, chemical, and biological parameters related to greenhouse gases mitigation strategies were precisely studied to give a deep understanding about the emission of greenhouse gases during cleaner composting. Furthermore, the mechanism of greenhouse gases emission mitigation strategies for cleaner composting based on various external measures would be helpful for the exploration of novel and effective mitigation strategies.

Control of Pore Size in Ordered Mesoporous Carbon-Silica by Hansen Solubility Parameters of Swelling Agent.

The cooperative assembly of functional precursors with block copolymers (BCPs) is a powerful, general route to fabricate ordered mesoporous materials, but the precise tuning of the mesopore size generally requires trial and error to obtain the correct BCP template or appropriate swelling agent. Here, we demonstrate the ability to effectively modulate both expansion and contraction of the ordered cylindrical mesopores relative to those obtained from cooperatively assembled Pluronic F127, resol, and tetraethylorthosilicate. The two key physical parameters for the swelling agents are their hydrophobicity, as quantified by the octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow), and Hansen solubility parameters that describe the interactions of the solvent with the different components of the BCP template. Four low volatility solvents are examined that span a wide Kow with up to 90 wt % solvent relative to the Pluronic F127. Glycerol triacetate (Kow < 1) can decrease the average mesopore size from 5.9 to 4.8 nm due to segmental screening of the interactions in the Pluronic F127 to decrease chain stretching at intermediate loadings. A modest increase in mesopore size to 8.1 nm can be achieved with trimethylbenzene (TMB, Kow = 3.42). Dioctyl phthalate (DOP), which is slightly more hydrophobic (Kow = 8.1), is more effective than TMB at expanding the pore size (maximum: 13.5 nm) without loss of ordered structure. A more hydrophobic solvent, tris (2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate (Kow = 12.5), is less effective at increasing the pore size (maximum: 8.2 nm). The Hansen solubility parameters for DOP most closely match those of the hydrophobic segment in the Pluronic F217 template. We attribute this similarity, which is related to the solvent quality, to the improved efficacy of DOP in increasing the pore size. These results illustrate that both the Hansen solubility parameters (relative to the hydrophobic segment of the template) and relative hydrophobicity of the swelling agent determine the obtainable pore sizes in cooperatively assembled ordered mesoporous materials.

Computer-aided detection of the optimal spraying modes of coatings based on intermetallic titanium-aluminum alloys

The computational experiments results on simulation of a layered structure formation and the prediction of characteristics (porosity, roughness, adhesion) of metallic coatings based on intermetallic titanium-aluminum alloys (α2-Ti3Al, γ-TiAl and TiAl3) are given. The coatings under conditions typical of atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) and for high-velocity spraying (HVOF, D-Gun Spraying, etc.) by computer-aided design have been prepared. The ranges of the “key physical parameters (KPPs)” values of the sprayed particles, which ensure the stable formation of spreading and solidified melt particles (splats) on the sprayed surface for each of the three types of intermetallic titanium-aluminum coatings, have been detected. Taking into account the stable splat formation conditions, as well as the minimum of porosity (and roughness) and the maximum adhesion strength of the simulated coatings, the optimal spraying modes of coatings based on intermetallic titanium-aluminum alloys (Ti3Al, TiAl and TiAl3) were determined.

Determination of distributions of key physical parameters of plasma jet particles by means of image stream processing during high-speed video filming

During the filming by a high-speed video camera, the images of a particle flux moving in a plasma jet during the spraying of powder coatings on machine parts are recorded. The distributions of key physical parameters of particles in the flux cross sections of the plasma jet with the help of algorithms of the filtering and selection of the particle tracks from the images are computed. The distribution of the particle velocities along the jet axis was computed. The processing of the image stream with a small frame exposition time allowed determining the particle bulk density distribution along the plasma jet axis. As a result of images processing for cross section at the end of the flux the dependence of differential density distribution of particles vs. orientation angle of their tracks directions relative to the flux axis has been obtained.

Preliminary conceptual design and performance assessment of combined heat and power systems based on the supercritical carbon dioxide power plant

Nuclear energy with attractive expectation can be efficiently used by the supercritical carbon dioxide power system. However, amounts of the cooling heat is wasted in the nuclear power plant. Two conceptual designs of combined heat and power systems based on the supercritical carbon dioxide power system are proposed to exploit the waste heat. A comparison research is performed in thermodynamics and economics. Several key physical parameters are selected to investigate their effects on system performance, and multi-objective optimization using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithms-II is carried out with the target of gaining maximum system exergy efficiency and minimum total product unit cost. The results of parameter analysis exhibit that there exist optimal values for two target functions with the increasing compressor pressure ratio for three thermal systems, and the system with heat pump needs the highest pressure ratio. Better system performance can be achieved by increasing the turbine inlet temperature and evaporator temperature. The multi-objective optimization results of genetic algorithm display that proposed two systems can gain an improvement by 7.02% and 8.45% for the system exergy efficiency, and 11.95% and 13.48% for the total product unit cost compared with the stand-alone supercritical carbon dioxide system, respectively.

The unique case of the AGN core of M87: a misaligned low power blazar?

Abstract M87 hosts one of the closest jetted active galactic nucleus (AGN) to Earth. Thanks to its vicinity and to the large mass of is central black hole, M87 is the only source in which the jet can be directly imaged down to near-event horizon scales with radio very large baseline interferometry (VLBI). This property makes M87 a unique source to isolate and study jet launching, acceleration and collimation. In this paper we employ a multi-zone model designed as a parametrisation of general relativistic magneto-hydrodynamics (GRMHD); for the first time we reproduce the jet’s observed shape and multi-wavelength spectral energy distribution (SED) simultaneously. We find strong constraints on key physical parameters of the jet, such as the location of particle acceleration and the kinetic power. However, we under-predict the (unresolved) γ-ray flux of the source, implying that the high-energy emission does not originate in the magnetically-dominated inner jet regions. Our results have important implications both for comparisons of GRMHD simulations with observations, and for unified models of AGN classes.

Effect of carbon nanotubes with varying dimensions and properties on the performance of lead acid batteries operating under high rate partial state of charge conditions

Abstract Multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with their highly ordered structures, high electrical and mechanical stability are considered as promising and effective additives towards improving the performance of lead acid batteries (LAB) especially under high rate partial state of charge conditions (HRPSoC). In this work, carbon nanotubes with different diameter range (MWCNT 1 with diameter >50 nm, MWCNT 2 with diameter 15–50 nm and MWCNT 3 with diameter 110–170 nm) are employed as negative active material (NAM) additives in lead acid batteries operating under HRPSoC cycling conditions. The MWCNTs and NAM (containing MWCNTs) are characterized using various physical and electrochemical techniques. Correlation between key physical parameters (including surface area, dimension and structural defects) and cycle life are investigated. The results show that MWCNTs 1 with high capacitance, surface defects and display best performance regarding specific capacity and cyclability. Incorporation of MWCNT 1 ensures easy access of ions, low polarization and low solution/charge transfer resistance for the NAM. The present study indicates that MWCNT capable of improving the capacitance, conductivity and decreasing the polarization of the electrode is highly beneficial towards improving the cycle life of the lead acid batteries especially operating at HRPSoC cycling conditions.

The potential of photon-counting CT for quantitative contrast-enhanced imaging in radiotherapy

The aim of this study is to use a simulation environment to evaluate the potential of using photon-counting CT (PCCT) against dual-energy CT (DECT) in the context of quantitative contrast-enhanced CT for radiotherapy. An adaptation of Bayesian eigentissue decomposition by Lalonde et al (2017 Med. Phys. 44 5293–302) that incorporates the estimation of contrast agent fractions and virtual non-contrast (VNC) parameters is proposed, and its performance is validated against conventional maximum likelihood material decomposition methods for single and multiple contrast agents. PCCT and DECT are compared using two simulation frameworks: one including ideal CT numbers with image-based Gaussian noise and another defined as a virtual patient with projection-based Poisson noise and beam hardening artifacts, with both scenarios considering spectral distortion for PCCT. The modalities are compared for their accuracy in estimating four key physical parameters: (1) the contrast agent fraction, as well as VNC parameters relevant to radiotherapy such as the (2) electron density, (3) proton stopping power and (4) photon linear attenuation coefficient. Considering both simulation frameworks, a reduction of root mean square (RMS) errors with PCCT is noted for all physical parameters evaluated, with the exception of the error on the contrast agent fraction being about constant through modalities in the virtual patient. Notably, for the virtual patient, RMS errors on VNC electron density and stopping power are respectively reduced from 2.0% to 1.4% and 2.7% to 1.4% when going from DECT to PCCT with four energy bins. The increase in accuracy is comparable to the differences between contrast-enhanced and non-contrast DECT. This study suggests that in a realistic simulation environment, the overall accuracy of radiotherapy-related parameters can be increased when using PCCT with four energy bins instead of DECT. This confirms the potential of PCCT to provide robust and quantitative tissue parameters for contrast-enhanced CT required in radiotherapy applications.

Time-dependent spectral modelling of Markarian 421 during a violent outburst in 2010

Abstract We present the results of extensive modelling of the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of the closest blazar (z = 0.031) Markarian 421 (Mrk 421) during a giant outburst in 2010 February. The source underwent rapid flux variations in both X-rays and very high energy (VHE) gamma rays as it evolved from a low-flux state on 2010 February 13–15 to a high-flux state on 2010 February 17. During this period, the source exhibited significant spectral hardening from X-rays to VHE gamma rays while exhibiting a ‘harder when brighter’ behaviour in these energy bands. We reproduce the broad-band SED using a time-dependent multizone leptonic jet model with radiation feedback. We find that an injection of the leptonic particle population with a single power-law energy distribution at shock fronts followed by energy losses in an inhomogeneous emission region is suitable for explaining the evolution of Mrk 421 from low- to high-flux state in 2010 February. The spectral states are successfully reproduced by a combination of a few key physical parameters, such as the maximum and minimum cut-offs and power-law slope of the electron injection energies, magnetic field strength, and bulk Lorentz factor of the emission region. The simulated light curves and spectral evolution of Mrk 421 during this period imply an almost linear correlation between X-ray flux at 1–10 keV energies and VHE gamma-ray flux above 200 GeV, as has been previously exhibited by this source. Through this study, a general trend that has emerged for the role of physical parameters is that, as the flare evolves from a low- to a high-flux state, higher bulk kinetic energy is injected into the system with a harder particle population and a lower magnetic field strength.

On Optimal Imaging Angles in Multi-Angle Ocean Sun Glitter Remote-Sensing Platforms to Observe Sea Surface Roughness.

Sea surface roughness (SSR) is a key physical parameter in studies of air–sea interactions and the ocean dynamics process. The SSR quantitative inversion model based on multi-angle sun glitter (SG) images has been proposed recently, which will significantly promote SSR observations through multi-angle remote-sensing platforms. However, due to the sensitivity of the sensor view angle (SVA) to SG, it is necessary to determine the optimal imaging angle and their combinations. In this study, considering the design optimization of imaging geometry for multi-angle remote-sensing platforms, we have developed an error transfer simulation model based on the multi-angle SG remote-sensing radiation transmission and SSR estimation models. We simulate SSR estimation errors at different imaging geometry combinations to evaluate the optimal observation geometry combination. The results show that increased SSR inversion accuracy can be obtained with SVA combinations of 0° and 20° for nadir- and backward-looking SVA compared with current combinations of 0° and 27.6°. We found that SSR inversion prediction error using the proposed model and actual SSR inversion error from field buoy data are correlated. These results can provide support for the design optimization of imaging geometry for multi-angle ocean remote-sensing platforms.

A Prototype Quantitative Precipitation Estimation Algorithm for Operational S-Band Polarimetric Radar Utilizing Specific Attenuation and Specific Differential Phase. Part II: Performance Verification and Case Study Analysis

Abstract The quantitative precipitation estimate (QPE) algorithm developed and described in Part I was validated using data collected from 33 Weather Surveillance Radar 1988-Doppler (WSR-88D) radars on 37 calendar days east of the Rocky Mountains. A key physical parameter to the algorithm is the parameter alpha α, defined as the ratio of specific attenuation A to specific differential phase KDP. Examination of a significant sample of tropical and continental precipitation events indicated that α was sensitive to changes in drop size distribution and exhibited lower (higher) values when there were lower (higher) concentrations of larger (smaller) rain drops. As part of the performance assessment, the prototype algorithm generated QPEs utilizing a real-time estimated and a fixed α were created and evaluated. The results clearly indicated ~26% lower errors and a 26% better bias ratio with the QPE utilizing a real-time estimated α as opposed to using a fixed value as was done in previous studies. Comparisons between the QPE utilizing a real-time estimated α and the operational dual-polarization (dual-pol) QPE used on the WSR-88D radar network showed the former exhibited ~22% lower errors, 7% less bias, and 5% higher correlation coefficient when compared to quality controlled gauge totals. The new QPE also provided much better estimates for moderate to heavy precipitation events and performed better in regions of partial beam blockage than the operational dual-pol QPE.

Analysis of Silicon Channel Waveguide Thermo-Optic Switches by the Image Charge Method

Employing the “image charge” method, we theoretically study the influence of key physical parameters on the thermo-optic characteristics of a channel waveguide silicon-on-insulator (SOI) Mach–Zehnder Switch. The power consumption and spatial temperature profile of such structures are given as explicit functions of various structural, thermal, and optical parameters, offering physical insight not available in finite-element simulations. Agreement with finite-element simulations is demonstrated. The trends of switching power versus various parameters provide quantitative guide for further device optimization. This approach may also be useful for efficient modeling of an integrated optical circuit containing a large number of thermo-optic devices.

A simple model for radiative and convective fluxes in planetary atmospheres

One-dimensional (vertical) models of planetary atmospheres typically balance the net solar and internal energy fluxes against the net thermal radiative and convective heat fluxes to determine an equilibrium thermal structure. Thus, simple models of shortwave and longwave (optical and infrared) radiative transport can provide insight into key processes operating within planetary atmospheres. Here, we develop a simple, analytic expression for both the downwelling thermal and net thermal radiative fluxes in a planetary troposphere. For thermal wavelengths, we assume that the atmosphere is non-scattering and that opacities are grey (i.e., wavelength-independent). Additionally, we adopt an atmospheric thermal structure that follows a modified dry adiabat as well as a physically-motivated power-law relationship between grey thermal optical depth and atmospheric pressure. To verify aspects of our analytic treatment, we compare our model to more sophisticated “full physics” tools as applied to Venus, Earth, and a cloudfree Jupiter, thereby exploring a diversity of atmospheric conditions. Next, we seek to better understand our analytic model by exploring how thermal radiative flux profiles respond to variations in key physical parameters, such as the total grey thermal optical depth of the atmosphere. Using energy balance arguments, we derive convective flux profiles for the tropospheres of all Solar System worlds with thick atmospheres, and propose a scaling that enables inter-comparison of these profiles. Lastly, we use our analytic treatment to discuss the validity of other simple models of convective fluxes in planetary atmospheres. Our new expressions build on decades of analytic modeling exercises in planetary atmospheres, and further prove the utility of simple, generalized tools in comparative planetology studies.

Observations of the photochemical evolution of carbonaceous macromolecules in star-forming regions

AbstractThe goal of this contribution is to illustrate how spatially resolved spectroscopic observations of the infrared emission of UV irradiated regions, from star forming regions to the diffuse ISM, can be used to rationalize the chemical evolution of carbonaceous macromolecules in space, with the help of astrophysical models. For instance, observations with the Spitzer space telescope lead to the idea that fullerenes (including C60 can form top-down from Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the interstellar medium. The possibility that this process can occur in space was tested using a photochemical model which includes the key molecular parameters derived from experimental and theoretical studies. This approach allows to test the likelihood that the proposed path is realistic, but, more importantly, it allows to isolate the key physical processes and parameters that are required to capture correctly the evolution of carbonaceous molecules in space. In this specific case, we found that relaxation through thermally excited electronic states (a physical mechanism that is largely unexplored, except by few a teams) is one of the keys to model the photochemistry of the considered species. Subsequent quantum chemical studies stimulated by the (limited) astrophysical model showed that a detailed mapping of the energetics of isomerization and de-hydrogenation is necessary to understand the competition between these processes in space.Such approaches, involving experimentalists and theoreticians, are particularly promising in the context of the upcoming JWST mission, which will provide access to the signatures of carbonaceous species in emission and in absorption at an angular resolution that will enable to reach new chemical frontiers in star and even in planet forming regions.

Correlation between the physical parameters and the electrochemical performance of a silicon anode in lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion battery anode used as silicon particles were obtained from different major suppliers, and they were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques and evaluated by electrochemical experiments. Correlations between the key physical parameters and electrochemical properties of the silicon particles were investigated. Silicon particle size, surface oxygen content, -OH content and physical appearance are found to strongly influence the electrochemical properties of the Si anode. The particle size of 100 nm has great promise for the practical application of Si nanoparticles in the lithium-ion battery industry. An inverse correlation between the oxygen content and the reversible capacity or first coulombic efficiency was obtained. The -OH content by surface treatment contributes to enhanced cycling stability by the improved affinity between the Si particle and the water-soluble binder. Spherical Si particles perform better compared to irregular particles, and agglomeration dramatically decreases the cycling stability of the Si anode. Among the investigated Si particles, the sample that exhibited a reversible capacity of more than 2500 mAh g−1, a first coulombic efficiency of 89.26% and an excellent cycling stability, has great potential for use in the battery industry.

Study on removing calcium carbonate plug from near wellbore by high-power ultrasonic treatment.

In this paper, the effects of ultrasonic wave on the removal of inorganic scaling and plugging in cores and the influence of the key wave field parameters, process parameters and core physical parameters on the plugging removal efficiency are systematically studied. The main dynamic mechanism of ultrasonic plugging removal is also systematically analyzed. Results show that the transducer frequency, transducer power, ultrasonic treatment time and initial permeability of core have great influence on the effect of ultrasonic scale removal. When the cumulative treatment time of ultrasonic wave exceeds 60 min, the recovery rate of core permeability tends to be stable. Best effect can be achieved when processing for 80-120 min cumulatively; the plugging removal effect is improved with the increase of ultrasonic transducer power and ultrasonic frequency, but the effect of plugging removal is not obvious with the further increasing of them. In addition, it is proved that the effect of removing calcium carbonate plug from near wellbore by hydrochloric acid solution is slightly better than that by ultrasonic treatment alone. Finally, the micro dynamic mechanism of removing inorganic scale plug by high-power ultrasonic treatment is discussed in view of ultrasonic inorganic scale body crushing, ultrasonic cavitation, ultrasonic friction, ultrasonic peristaltic transport operation and ultrasonic fracture-making and permeability-increasing effect.

Voyaging around ClpB/Hsp100 proteins and plant heat tolerance

Temperature is one of the key physical parameters that fine tunes plant growth and development. However, above the optimal range, it can negatively affect the physiology of plants. Supraoptimal temperature brings incongruity in cellular proteostasis resulting in the build-up of insoluble toxic protein aggregates. To prevent protein misfolding and aggregation, cells deploy different strategies including synthesis of heat shock proteins (Hsp) belonging to different families, like small Hsps (sHsps), Hsp40, Hsp60, Hsp70. Once these aggregates are formed, their dissolution and recovery of the functional proteins occurs by the action of Caseinolytic Protease B (ClpB)/Hsp100, which are evolutionarily conserved in bacteria, fungi and plants. ClpB function during heat stress (HS) is important and appears indispensable, as mutant bacteria, yeast as well as plants lacking ClpB protein fail to survive HS. Genetic expression of ClpB proteins is modulated both by high temperature as well as developmental cues. Plant contains three isoforms of ClpB/Hsp100, one each localized to cytoplasm (ClpB-C), chloroplast (ClpB-P) and mitochondria (ClpB-M), against one in bacteria and two in yeast. Among these, ClpB-C protein in particular governs the thermotolerance response in plants. This review introduces plant ClpB proteins, summarizes the knowledge gained hitherto in ClpB biology, critically analyzes the recent findings and brings forth the areas requiring thrust in the upcoming research on ClpBs.