Pin Configuration Research Articles

3-D optical modeling of single and multi-junction thin-film silicon solar cells on gratings

ABSTRACTThree-dimensional (3-D) optical modeling based on Finite Element Method of single, double, and triple junction thin-film silicon solar cells is presented. The combination of front periodic gratings with optimal geometrical parameters and rear ZnO/Ag reflector constitutes an efficient light trapping scheme for solar cells in superstrate (pin) configuration. The application of optimized trapezoidal 1-D and 2-D gratings resulted in 25.5% (1-D case) and 32.5% (2-D case) increase in photo-current density with respect to the flat solar cell. The application of inverted pyramidal 2-D gratings in double and triple junction silicon solar cells with very thin absorber layers resulted in a photo-current density > 11 mA/cm2 and > 9 mA/cm2, respectively.

A retrospective analysis of loss of reduction in operated supracondylar humerus fractures

Background:Loss of reduction following closed or open reduction of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children varies widely and is considered dependent on stability of the fracture pattern, Gartland type, number and configuration of pins for fixation, technical errors, adequacy of initial reduction, and timing of the surgery. This study was aimed to evaluate the factors responsible for failure of reduction in operated pediatric supracondylar fracture humerus.Materials and Methods:We retrospectively assessed loss of reduction by evaluating changes in Baumann's angle, change in lateral rotation percentage, and anterior humeral line in 77 consecutive children who were treated with multiple Kirschner wire fixation and were available for followup. The intraoperative radiographs were compared with those taken immediately after surgery and 3 weeks postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed by STATA 10.Results:Reduction was lost in 18.2% of the patients. Technical errors were significantly higher in those who lost reduction (P = 0.001; Odds Ratio: 57.63). Lateral pins had a significantly higher risk of losing reduction than cross pins (P = 0.029; Odds Ratio: 7.73). Other factors including stability of fracture configuration were not significantly different in the two groups.Conclusions:The stability of fracture fixation in supracondylar fractures in children is dependent on a technically good pinning. Cross pinning provides a more stable fixation than lateral entry pins. Fracture pattern and accuracy of reduction were not important factors in determining the stability of fixation.

CONSTANT FACTOR APPROXIMATION ALGORITHMS FOR REPETITIVE ROUTING PROBLEMS OF GRASP-AND-DELIVERY ROBOTS IN PRODUCTION OF PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS

In this paper, we consider a repetitive routing problem which we find on a printed circuit board assembly line. There are m different printed circuit boards to be processed. As an automated manipulator embeds electronic parts in a printed circuit board from above, n identical pins from underneath protect it against overbending. A dedicated pin configuration is designed for each printed circuit board so that pins do not obstruct its own circuit. A single grasp-and-delivery robot transfers the pins one by one to arrange them from a configuration to another one. Given an initial configuration of pins and a permutable set of m required configurations, our repetitive routing problem asks to find a configuration sequence, i.e., a processing order of m printed circuit boards, and a transfer route of the grasp-and-delivery robot so that the route length over all m transitions is minimized. We first design a polynomial time approximation algorithm with factor four to a restricted version of the repetitive routing problem with a non-permutable set of configurations, i.e., with a fixed processing order of m printed circuit boards. Applying the procedure, we then show that the repetitive routing problem with a permutable set of configurations admits a polynomial time approximation algorithm with factor six.

Flatness optimization of micro-injection moulded parts: the case of a PMMA microfluidic component

Micro-injection moulding (µ-IM) has attracted a lot of interest because of its potential for the production of low-cost, miniaturized parts in high-volume. Applications of this technology are, amongst others, microfluidic components for lab-on-a-chip devices and micro-optical components. In both cases, the control of the part flatness is a key aspect to maintaining the component's functionality. The objective of this work is to determine the factors affecting the flatness of a polymer part manufactured by µ-IM and to control the manufacturing process with the aim of minimizing the in-process part deformation. As a case study, a PMMA microfluidic substrate with overall dimensions of 10 mm diameter and 1 mm thickness was investigated by designing a µ-IM experiment having flatness as the experimental response. The part flatness was measured using a micro-coordinate measuring machine. Finite elements analysis was also carried out to study the optimal ejection pin configuration. The results of this work show that the control of the µ-IM process conditions can improve the flatness of the polymer part up to about 15 µm. Part flatness as low as 4 µm can be achieved by modifying the design of the ejection system according to suggested guidelines.

Development of integrated ΔE–E silicon detector telescope using silicon planar technology

Abstract An integrated ΔE–E silicon detector telescope using silicon planar technology has been developed. The technology developed is based on standard integrated circuit technology and involves double sided wafer processing. The ΔE and E detectors have been realized in a PIN configuration with a common buried N+ layer. Detectors with ΔE thicknesses of 10, 15 and 25 μm, and E detector with thickness of 300 μm have been fabricated and tested with alpha particles using 238Pu–239Pu dual alpha source. The performance of the detector with ΔE detector of thickness 10 μm and E detector of thickness 300 μm has been studied for identification of charged particles using 12 MeV 7Li+ ion beam on carbon target. The results of these tests demonstrate that the integrated detector telescope clearly separates the charged particles, such as alpha particles, protons and 7Li. Due to good energy resolution of the E detector, discrete alpha groups corresponding to well known states of 15N populated during the reaction could be clearly identified.

Biomechanical analysis of percutaneous all lateral pinning (Dorgan's technique) technique for supracondylar humerus fractures in children

We tried to compare biomechanical properties of all lateral pinning (Dorgan's technique) with other pinning configurations used for humerus supracondylar fractures in children. In all lateral pinning technique iatrogenic nerve injury risk is minimized with secure fixation compared with other pin fixation configurations. Biomechanical testing was performed on 50 synthetic humeral bones (Keklikoglu). Transverse supracondylar humeral fractures were made with a hand-held saw above the olecranon fossa. Five different pin configurations were selected for fracture stabilization: 2 lateral pins and 1 medial pin (3 crossed), 2 laterally divergent pins, 2 crossed pins, 2 all laterally crossed pins (Dorgan's technique), 2 laterally parallel pins. All the pin configurations were fluoroscopically confirmed. The fractures were stabilized with 0.062″ Kirschner wires. Biomechanical tests were performed by torsional load producing machine with internal rotation of the distal fragment. All the models were subjected to torsional loads for 10 times between 5 and 50 N and rotation in degrees and corresponding torques were recorded for statistical analysis. The differences of the stiffness of the pin configurations [2 lateral pins and 1 medial pin (3 crossed), 2 laterally divergent pins, 2 crossed pins, 2 all lateral crossed pins (Dorgan's technique), 2 laterally parallel pins] were found, respectively, 0.06, 0.043, 0.039, 0.012 and 0.013 N m/degree. All lateral crossed pins (Dorgan's technique) showed biomechanically equal properties to the medio-lateral, lower to the 2 lateral and 1 medial pin, and superior to the other pin configurations. All lateral crossed pins do not jeopardize the ulnar nerve during insertion of the pins percutaneously and fix the fracture with low learning curve.

Auditing the use of percutaneous pinning as a technique of fixation of unstable humeral supracondylar fractures in Sudanese children.

Background:Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children are commonly treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation. There has been controversy regarding the optimal pin configuration inthe management of supracondylar humeral fractures in children.Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of closed percutaneous pinning (P.C.P.) as a treatment modality of supracondylar fractures of humerus in Sudanese children.Patients and methods: Hospital based prospective study conducted in Khartoum teaching hospital during the period from July 2006 to March 2007. It included all children less than 14 years of age, with closed type III supracondylar humeral fracture, extension variant, who treated by closedreduction and percutaneous cross pinning.Results: 34 patients were included in the study. Their age ranged between 4 -12 years, with mean ± SD of 7.68 ± 2.34 years. Twenty-four (70.6%) fractures were fixed with crossed pins whereas ten (29.4%) fractures with two lateral pins. The two lateral pins fixation was found to be significantlyassociated with loss of reduction (p=0.004).Conclusion: PCP is safe and effective with good functional outcome in treatment of unstable supracondylar fractures. The best wires configuration is that which gives ability to extend elbow with much stability.

Biomechanical Analysis of Lateral Humeral Condyle Fracture Pinning

The purpose of this study was to determine the optimum pin configuration and the number of pins needed to stabilize the Milch type II lateral humeral condyle fractures in a pediatric bone model. Forty synthetic pediatric humeri were sectioned through the lateral distal humerus to simulate a Milch type II lateral condyle fracture. Each fracture was stabilized with 0.062-in K-wires in 1 of 5 configurations: 2 convergent pins, 2 parallel pins, 2 divergent 30-degree pins, 2 divergent 60-degree pins, and 3 divergent pins (n=8/group). Models were tested in extension, flexion, varus, and valgus by applying a translational force through the distal fragment at 0.5 mm/sec oscillating between 5 N and 50 N for 10 cycles. For internal and external rotation, constructs were tested at 0.5 degree/sec between ±1 Nm more than 10 cycles. The maximum force and torque values were also recorded. For bending loads, stiffness was calculated between 0.5 and 5 mm of displacement, whereas torsional stiffness was calculated between 1 degree and 10 degrees of rotation. Data for stiffness were analyzed with a 1-way analysis of variance and a 2-sample t test (P<0.05). Among 2-pin configurations, divergent (60 degrees) pins provided statistically greater stability than less divergent pins in torsional loading, and greater stability than parallel pins in valgus loading. Three divergent pins had statistically greater stability than all the 2-pin configurations in valgus and torsional loading, and tended to provide more secure fixation in varus loading. For 2-pin constructs, maximizing pin divergence at the fracture site provided greater stability in torsional loading and valgus loading. The addition of a third pin in a divergent orientation increases stability compared with 2-pin constructs in valgus, internal, and external rotation loading. Bicortical pins placed with maximum divergence and spread at the fracture site maximizes stability for 2-pin constructs in Milch type II lateral condyle fractures. If the stability of the fracture is questionable after 2 pins are inserted, the addition of a divergent third pin enhances the stability.

Feasibility study of the application of exotic pin for tight-lattice fuel assembly

A tight-lattice fuel assembly having less space for the coolant is more feasibly applied in Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR). The thermal hydraulic constraint due to smaller coolant space can be compensated by the high heat capacity of the liquid metal coolant. A tight pin configuration provides high fuel volume fraction which eventually gives better neutronic performance for longer core lifetime. A cylindrical pin array provides less flexible arrangement for tight-lattice assembly, which results in very narrow coolant gaps connecting its neighboring subchannels. Therefore, the so-called exotic pin shape is introduced, which enable to distribute the coolant flow more uniformly, to be applied in tight-lattice bundles with sodium coolant. As Nusselt number and wall friction correlation are absent for this type of geometry, CFD calculations are performed by employing k–ε turbulent model.

Advanced Optical Modeling of Thin-film Silicon Solar Cells with 1-D Periodic Gratings.

ABSTRACTDesign of one-dimensional periodic gratings is investigated for enhancing the light absorption in thin-film silicon solar cells due to scattering at rough interfaces that are introduced into solar cells by the gratings. A rigorous full-wave analysis is carried out in order to determine the optical properties of amorphous and microcrystalline silicon solar cells in PIN and NIP configurations, respectively. Optimal geometrical parameters of 1-D gratings for maximizing photocurrent density in thin-film silicon solar cells are determined.

Suprakondylære humerusfrakturer hos barn

Supracondylar humerus fractures are common in children. Severe complications are rare. We present an overview of treatment options and prognosis. The article is based on a non-systematic search in PubMed and experience from our own clinical research. The injury is usually caused by falling from a height with the arm in extension. The mean age is about 6 years. Undisplaced fractures are treated conservatively with a cast. Displaced fractures should not be treated with a cast alone, as this may cause malunions and permanent neurovascular complications. The rate of complications after traction of displaced fractures is substantially lower than for immobilisation in cast alone. Traction and percutaneous pinning yield similar results, but percutaneous pinning is less expensive--mainly because it shortens the hospital stay. In addition, the risk of cubitus varus deformity seems to be reduced. Today the treatment of choice is closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Choice of pin configuration is at the surgeon's discretion. Crossed pins are more common than two lateral pins, although medial pins can affect the ulnar nerve. However, the affection is almost always transient. Deep infection after percutaneous pinning is very rare. Percutaneous pinning of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children is cheap and the results are good.

The Stability of Percutaneous Fixation of Proximal Humeral Fractures

The treatment of an unstable proximal humeral fracture is challenging. Although the majority of proximal humeral fractures can be treated successfully with nonoperative treatment, some fractures require operative treatment to achieve outcomes that meet the patient’s expectations. Several techniques and devices have been employed to treat unstable proximal humeral fractures, including the locking plate1,2, intramedullary locking nails3, Kirschner wires4, and screw fixation5. The proximal humeral locking plate has been shown to achieve relatively rigid fracture fixation6,7. However, after the initial enthusiasm for locking plates, several authors recently have raised concerns about these implants8,9. Less-invasive techniques, such as Kirschner wire fixation, may provide adequate stability and require a less-invasive second operation for implant removal. However, this advantage must be balanced with the inferior biomechanical properties of Kirschner wires, with risks that include wire migration and loss of fracture reduction10-12. New fracture-fixation devices have been introduced to minimize the disadvantages of Kirschner wires13, with the goal of redistributing the loads on the wires and transmitting the loads from the insufficient subchondral cancellous bone to the lateral cortex of the proximal part of the humerus. However, the biomechanical properties of these devices recently have been shown to be inferior to locking plates14. The reasons for these differences could be related to several variables, including the Kirschner wire dimensions, the length of the threaded portion of the Kirschner wire, the pin configuration used in the humeral head (including the positioning, spacing, orientation, and number of pins), the system for cortical fixation, or a combination of all of these factors. In 2005, a new device was developed to augment percutaneous wire fixation both by using an external fixator to …

Does the technique of lateral cross-wiring (Dorgan’s technique) reduce iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury?

In this study we compared the results of patients with displaced supracondylar humeral fractures who had been treated with all lateral cross-wire and medio-lateral cross-wire fixation techniques. Only the 139 patients who were able to attend the final examination were included in the assessment. The patients were allocated retrospectively into two groups according to the pin configuration used. Group 1 comprised 75 patients, 60 male and 15 female, with a mean age of 7.5 years (range, 1.5-14 years). After closed reduction, fixation was achieved with crossed K-wires placed from the lateral condyle and lateral humerus towards the medial epicondyle. Care was taken so that the end of the K-wire passing from the lateral humerus did not protrude excessively at the level of the medial epicondyle. Group 2 comprised 64 patients, 54 males and ten females, with a mean age of 7.8 years (range, 2-13 years). After closed reduction, two cross-wires passed-one from medial and one from lateral. In group 1 there was no postoperative iatrogenic nerve damage whereas in group 2 iatrogenic ulnar nerve damage developed in six (9%) patients. On statistical evaluation, a significant difference was seen between the two groups. According to Flynn's criteria, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. In conclusion, the lateral cross-wire fixation technique may be a good choice in the treatment of paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures as it reduces the possibility of ulnar nerve damage and achieves the same level of stabilisation as medio-lateral fixation.

Iatrogenic Ulnar Nerve Injury After the Surgical Treatment of Displaced Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus: Number Needed to Harm, A Systematic Review

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are common pediatric elbow injuries. Most displaced or angulated fractures are treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, with either a crossed pin or lateral pin configuration. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review to determine if there is an increased risk of iatrogenic nerve injury associated with the crossed pin configuration. Relevant articles were identified by searching electronic databases and hand searching-related journal and conference proceedings. Within each trial, the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury was calculated for each pinning technique. For studies comparing crossed versus lateral pinning, the resulting trial-based differences in risk estimates were pooled using a random effects meta-analysis. A number needed to harm was determined using the pooled risk difference. Thirty-two trials consisting of 2639 patients were used in the pooled analysis. The pooled risk difference of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury is 0.035 (95% confidence interval, 0.014-0.056), with a higher incidence of injury in the crossed pinning group. The weighed number needed to harm for the crossed pinning is 28 (95% confidence interval, 17-71). The results of this review suggest that there is an iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury for every 28 patients treated with the crossed pinning compared with the lateral pinning. Further research is necessary to ensure that the optimal pinning technique is chosen to treat these factors. Level III.

Classification of joints

Any machine part consists of components con� nected together, and the assembly of joints is funda� mental to its construction. There are many types of joints, including threaded, helical, tapered, conical, pin, key, slotted, and flanged configurations. Analysis of machine parts shows a wide range of joint structures, with little standardization. The exist� ing ESDP unified tolerance and fit system covers only a narrow range of joints. The lack of joint standardiza� tion prevents standardization of assembly procedures. This helps account for the unacceptable diversity of such procedures. Accordingly, the classification of joint designs is of great importance, in order to improve the efficiency of assembly procedures.

Biomechanical Analysis of Lateral Pin Placements for Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

Several clinical studies have shown that lateral pinning alone is of equal stability to crossed pins in the treatment of supracondylar fractures. The aim of this study was to compare the stability of parallel and varied divergent lateral pin configurations to provide an easily reproducible technique for optimal pin placement. Twelve third-generation synthetic composite humeri were osteotomized at the level of the coronoid and olecranon fossae to simulate a humeral supracondylar fracture. Each fracture was reduced and fixed using two 1.6 mm (0.062 inches) Kirschner wires (1 fixed, 1 varied) in 4 different positions (from parallel to divergent with respect to fixed wire), and sequentially tested in extension, varus, and valgus as well as internal and external rotations using an MTS 858 Minibionix materials testing load frame (MTS Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN). A 2-way analysis of variance was carried out to compare construct stiffness in all 5 modes of testing according to both pin position and testing sequence. A level of P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The best torsional, valgus, and extension resistances were found with position 4, which was the most divergent configuration. For both internal and external rotations, position 4 showed statistically higher stiffness as compared with all other configurations (P<0.05). In resistance to extension, both positions 3 and 4 were stiffer than either position 1 or 2 (P<0.05). For resistance in varus testing, position 3 showed statistically greater stiffness than all other pin positions (P<0.05). Although there was no statistical difference between all the 4 positions in valgus testing, position 4 showed greater resistance when compared with other positions. The lateral pin placed parallel to the metaphyseal flare of the lateral humeral cortex, in combination with a second diverging pin crossing the fracture site at the medial edge of the coronoid fossa (position 4), provided the optimum fixation for supracondylar fractures of the humerus. Using these readily available landmarks, the treating surgeon can reproducibly provide appropriate pinning treatment for most of these fractures.

Nanorobots, NEMS, Nanoassembly, Control and Sensors

Nanorobotics encompasses the design, fabrication and programming of robots with overall dimensions below a few micrometers, and the programmable assembly of nonsocial objects. Nanorobots are quintessential nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) and raise all the important issues that must be addressed in NEMS design: sensing, actuation, control, communications, power, and interfacing across spatial scales and between the organic/inorganic and biotic/abiotic realms. In this paper presentation I have tried to use the idea of nanorobots to design an own autonomous robot that can be used for medical and mechanical purposes and hence can be used in any field. This paper discusses the various calculations involved in making the rebot and its neseccary design in making the sensor too. Nanorobots are expected to have revolutionary applications in such areas as environmental monitoring and health care. This paper begins by discussing nanorobot construction, which is still at an embryonic stage. The emphasis is on nanomachines, an area which has seen a spate of rapid progress over the last few years. Nanoactuators will be essential components of future NEMS. The paper’s focus then changes to nanoassembly by manipulation with scanning probe microscopes (SPMs), which is a relatively well established process for prototyping nanosystems. Prototyping of nanodevices and systems is important for design validation, parameter optimization and sensitivity studies. Nanomanipulation also has applications in repair and modification of nanostructures built by other means. High throughput SPM manipulation may be achieved by using multitip arrays. Experimental results are presented which show that interactive SPM manipulation can be used to accurately and reliably position molecular-sized components. These can then be linked by chemical or physical means to form subassemblies, which in turn can be further manipulated. Applications in building wires, single-electron transistors and nanowaveguides are presented. This presentation will also discuss the use of ultrasonic sensorswhich can act as a transducer i.e can act as the receiver and transmitter device as well as controlling the device as per the necessary pin configuration given below, which when connected with an atmel micro-controller can do a lot of stuff simultaneously like detecting, ranging, sensing, manipulating with the help of mathematical modeling, etc. this could possibly replace the sonar technology and also could prove of a big use in medicine. The only disadvantage being the cost worthy of it. But then it is going to be our proposal for the technology that could be the next ‘small’ to replace the ‘big’. Using this concept I have made an autonomous bot that has specially designed control and ultrasonic sensors all of them working on the principle of nanoelectronic devices. To give as an experimental proof I have sent a video of its working and even the sensor pin configuration and the coding part can be easily explained if given an opportunity to explain( we have to use simple c++ language to code it to haxa notation) Also the use of biomotors would take care of the renew ability of the product and hence it is very user-friendly. Basically it’s a proposal and working encompassing most of the process. The full text of the article is not available in the cache. Kindly refer the IJCA digital library at www.ijcaonline.org for the complete article. In case, you face problems while downloading the full-text, please send a mail to editor at editor@ijcaonline.org

Modeling and Optimization of Scintillator Arrays for PET Detectors

<para xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> A new Zemax model has been developed, which reliably predicts the light output of scintillator crystal pins for Positron Emission Tomography. Different configurations, including pin shape, surface finish and reflector types are investigated. The simulations use the actual measured wavelength-dependent parameters of the scintillator crystal, of the reflector and of the PMT's components. Good agreement is demonstrated between simulated and measured light output figures for 33 different pin configurations. The highest light output was found by both simulation and experiment for the pins with polished superficies (either polished or diffuse <formula formulatype="inline"><tex Notation="TeX">$\gamma$</tex></formula>-side) with a non-coupled high reflectivity specular reflector around the superficies and an optically coupled high reflectivity diffuse reflector on the <formula formulatype="inline"><tex Notation="TeX">$\gamma$</tex> </formula>-side. We also present the measured light output homogeneity of a scintillator array fabricated according to one of the best pin configurations. </para>

A influência do número de barras na resistência à compressão axial dos fixadores externos monoplanares em modelos de tíbias de poliuretano

This is an experimental study with the objective of analyses the increase of rigidity in synthetic tibia bones with external fixators, with single and double connecting rods and with stable and unstable fracture patterns. The external fixators were used in the monoplanar, half pin configuration submitted to an axial compression load using the connecting bar in different patterns. Forty-eight similar models to the human tibia had been used. In all the models were left an interval of 0,5 cm between the fragments and were made cuts of 15 masculine and 45 masculine to simulate stable and unstable fracture patterns, respectively. The models had been divided in four groups in accordance with the cut (15 masculine and 45 masculine) and the number of metallic bars in assembly (1 and 2 bars). The study used the Instron testing machine which the models were submitted to the axial load until the fragments that were separated by a gap made full contact. The instability forces in the assembly with a double bar had been sufficiently superior to the forces with only one bar. It was still observed that the group with unstable fracture pattern and with only one connecting rod had a lesser variability compared with the other groups and presented more homogeneous results, with a minor average. The assembly with a double longitudinal connecting rod in the studied models is more stable than the others to stand compression load.

Low Thermal Budget Monolithic Integration of Evanescent-Coupled Ge-on-SOI Photodetector on Si CMOS Platform

The design and fabrication of a monolithically integrated evanescent-coupled Ge-on-silicon-on-insulator (SOI) photodetector and CMOS circuits were realized on common SOI platform using an ¿electronic-first and photonic-last¿ integration approach. High-performance detector with an integrated Si waveguide was demonstrated on epitaxial Ge-absorbing layer selectively grown on an ultrathin SOI substrate. Performance metrics of photodetector designs featuring vertical and lateral PIN configurations were investigated. When operated at a bias of -1.0 V, a vertical PIN detector achieved a lower <i xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">I</i> <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">dark</sub> of ~ 0.57 ¿A as compared to a lateral PIN detector, a value that is below the typical ~ 1 ¿A upper limit acceptable for high-speed-receiver design. Very high responsivity of ~ 0.92 A/W was obtained in both detector designs for a wavelength of 1550 nm, which corresponds to a quantum efficiency of ~ 73%. Impulse response measurements showed that the vertical PIN detector gives rise to a smaller full-width at half-maximum of ~ 24.4 ps over a lateral PIN detector, which corresponds to a -3 dB bandwidth of ~ 11.3 GHz. <i xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">RC</i> time delay is shown to be the dominant factor limiting the speed performance. Eye patterns (pseudorandom binary sequence 2 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">7</sup> -1) measurement further confirms the achievement of high-speed and low-noise photodetection at a bit rate of 8.5 Gb/s. Excellent transfer and output characteristics have also been achieved by the integrated CMOS inverter circuits in addition to the well-behaved logic functions. The introduction of an additional thermal budget (800 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">°</sup> C) arising from the Ge epitaxy growth has no observable detrimental impact on the short-channel control of the CMOS inverter circuit. In addition, we describe the issues associated with monolithic integration and discuss the potential of Ge-detector/Si CMOS receiver for future optical communication applications.