Number Of Technological Steps Research Articles

Weak Magnetic Fields Regulate the Ability of High Dilutions of Water to Enhance ROS Production by Neutrophils

The influence of magnetic fields on the physico–chemical properties of water and aqueous solutions is well known. We have previously shown that weak combined magnetic fields with a 60 µT static component and a 100 nT (at 12.6 Hz) variable component are able to activate neutrophils, both directly and indirectly, through water pre-incubated in these fields. The ability to influence the activity of neutrophils was retained in serial dilutions of water, but only when a mechanical effect (shaking) was applied at each dilution step. Here, we confirm that combined magnetic fields are required for the formation of the stimulatory activity of water on ROS production by neutrophils. For the first time, we determined the threshold values of a constant magnetic field (at least 350–550 nT) necessary to maintain this activity in a series of successive dilutions. Additionally, the biophysical properties of various dilutions appeared to be not identical. This confirms that the number of technological steps (successive dilutions with physical influence) is a key factor that determines the activity of highly diluted samples.

Doped sol-gel based microstructured layers to improve the light emission of luminescent coatings

Sol-gel based layers doped with Rhodamine B phosphors (RB) were directly microstructured to produce sub-lambda 2D gratings, using nanoimprint lithography. Such an approach enables the simplification of technological processes, since no further etching process is required, which reduces considerably the number of technological steps and thus production costs. Surface microstructuring improved fluorophore emission in the visible range. Demonstrations were performed experimentally and samples were characterized using angle-resolved fluorescence. The emissions measured on microstructured luminescent coatings were 3–4 times higher, depending on the angle of observation, than those recorded on flat surfaces. This technological approach is very promising for the next generation of low-cost, high-performance anti-counterfeiting marking processes and for the traceability of objects based on unique optical effects.

Upgrading Metallurgical Grade Silicon to Solar Grade Silicon

<p>he photovoltaics (PV) is a method of direct conversion of solar energy to electricity using semicon-ductor solar cells. In terms of globally installed capacity, PV remains third the most important renewable energy source after hydro and wind powers. 31.1 GW of PV systems were installed around the world in 2012 and up from 30.4 GW in 2011.There is a rapid growth of PV cell production and it is expected to increase further. However PV technology have to cost effective in comparison to hydro or wind powers and other sources of renewable energy. It has to reach the “grid parity” i.e. less or equal price for generated electricity <br />power. More than 85% of solar cells (SC) are made from solar grade silicon (SoGSi). SoGSi is produced by purification of metallurgy grade silicon (MGSi) which is produced by carbon recovering silicon from quartz. Also Quartz is an initial and essential material for obtaining SoGSi and SC. Rich resource of quartz <br />Sarykol located at southern part of Kazakhstan where the main factory for MG Si production «Каzsilicon» is situated. Upgrading of MGSi up to SoGSi consists is a number of technological steps and SoGSi is basis for PV industry. Therefore the cost of SoGSi determines the competitiveness of PV technology compared to <br />other energy sources. There are several chemical and metallurgical technologies for SoGSi production. This paper briefly describes these technologies and shows main advantages of metallurgical technologies based on slag refining (oxygenation). Considered technologies are the basis for industrial production of SoGSi, <br />solar cells with an efficiency of 15.8-17.1% and solar panels. The 1st power plant made from solar panels in Kazakhstan was launched in December 25, 2012 by «AstanaSolar» with a total capacity of 250 kW.</p>

Finite Element Simulation Of Laser-Induced Diffusion In Silicon

Abstract Laser-assisted diffusion of dopants is a promising way to realize selective emitter solar cells with a reduced number of technological steps. This paper discusses the simulation by finite element method of laser doping in order to optimise the fabrication process. A finite element method is used to solve the heat-transfer equation which describes the thermal effects and Fick's second law which describes the diffusion of dopants. The phosphosilicate glass (PSG) layer that is produced during the emitter formation on p-type silicon solar cells is used as the doping source during the laser-assisted diffusion process. The influence of laser parameters and material properties are studied. Modelling results are compared to SIMS measurements of the phosphorous doping profile. A structure is discussed in the perspective of a self-aligned process for selective emitter fabrication, where the PSG layer is present underneath the silicon nitride (SiNx) passivation layer.

Direct Synthesis of Ceramic Membranes by Sol-Gel Process

Ceramic ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes (TiO2) are prepared by sol-gel route using a special arrangement which allows the reaction of the reactants directly in the pores of a tubular Al2O3 support or on its surface, respectively. By this direct synthesis the number of technological steps can be reduced which is the main advantage of the method. The produced layers are well joined with the Al2O3 support and the reaction can be adjusted by various technological parameters. The dried and sintered coatings are characterized by X-Ray diffraction, FESEM and AFM. In addition, pore size distribution and filtration properties are investigated and discussed.