Small Size Research Articles

Small-size temperature/high-pressure integrated sensor via flip-chip method

Hydraulic technology with smaller sizes and higher reliability trends, including fault prediction and intelligent control, requires high-performance temperature and pressure-integrated sensors. Current designs rely on planar wafer- or chip-level integration, which is limited by pressure range, chip size, and low reliability. We propose a small-size temperature/high-pressure integrated sensor via the flip-chip technique. The pressure and temperature units are arranged vertically, and the sensing signals of the two units are integrated into one plane through silicon vias and gold–gold bonding, reducing the lateral size and improving the efficiency of signal transmission. The flip-chip technique ensures a reliable electrical connection. A square diaphragm with rounded corners is designed and optimised with simulation to sense high pressure based on the piezoresistive effect. The temperature sensing unit with a thin-film platinum resistor measures temperature and provides back-end high-precision compensation, which will improve the precision of the pressure unit. The integrated chip is fabricated by MEMS technology and packaged to fabricate the extremely small integrated sensor. The integrated sensor is characterised, and the pressure sensor exhibits a sensitivity and sensitivity drift of 7.97 mV/MPa and −0.19% FS in the range of 0–20 MPa and −40 to 120 °C. The linearity, hysteresis, repeatability, accuracy, basic error, and zero-time drift are 0.16% FS, 0.04% FS, 0.06% FS, 0.18% FS, ±0.23% FS and 0.04% FS, respectively. The measurement error of the temperature sensor and temperature coefficient of resistance is less than ±1 °C and 3142.997 ppm/°C, respectively. The integrated sensor has broad applicability in fault diagnosis and safety monitoring of high-end equipment such as automobile detection, industrial equipment, and oil drilling platforms.

PVP-assisted in-situ self-assembly hierarchical BiOCl with oxygen vacancies for efficient photocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexane under air in solvent-free conditions

Cyclohexane (CHA) selective oxidation reactions are crucial in designing advanced organic intermediates but suffering from very challenges as the products of KA oil (cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone) are more readily oxidized to CO2. Herein, we report that a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coating of fluffy self-assembled morphology of BiOCl by nanosheets with exposed {001} facets are synthesized via the solvothermal method. Moreover, the as-synthesized hierarchical BiOCl exhibits a significant presence of in-situ produced oxygen vacancies during photocatalysis, thereby facilitating efficient CHA oxidation to KA oil with air as an oxidant in solvent-free at room temperature. The crystallinity, micromorphology, and electronic structure of BiOCl can be significantly influenced by the concentration of NH4Cl and PVP. In the photocatalytic oxidation, oxygen vacancies act as traps to inhibit electrons and holes recombination and adsorb-activate the oxygen molecule, producing h+ and ·O2− radical to achieve 466.7 μmol of KA oil (340.8 μmol of cyclohexanone and 125.9 μmol of cyclohexanol) with a selectivity of 93.9 %. The ∙OH radicals play a predominant role in the production of CHA-one. After conducting 5 experimental cycles, a consistent yield of 92 % towards KA oil and unchanged selectivity can still be maintained. The excellent photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the enhanced photo-absorption and narrow energy gap, abundant oxygen vacancies, high exposed {001} facets, smaller size and large specific surface area, and efficient electron-hole separation. The present work sheds light on the synergistic effect of PVP coating and in-situ formed oxygen vacancies on enhancing photocatalytic activity of Bi-based materials.

Effect of isothermal holding time on microstructure, precipitates and hardness of Ti–V–Mo microalloyed steel during coiling process

The microstructural evolution, precipitation behavior, and hardness variation of the Ti-V-Mo complex microalloyed steel during isothermal holding following austenite deformation have been investigated using thermal simulation tester (Gleeble-3800), optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Vickers hardness tester. The results indicate that the microstructure transforms from austenite to ferrite as the holding time increases from 0 s to 5400 s at 630 °C, with the microstructure primarily comprising martensite and ferrite. The proportion of ferrite continues to increase, while the proportion of martensite decreases. At a holding time of 600 s, the austenite has nearly completed the ferrite transformation (95%), and the average grain size is very fine (3.9 μm). At this point, the (Ti, V, Mo)C particles exhibit the highest density and a smaller size (7.7 nm), with the hardness reaching its maximum value (415 HV). Concurrently, numerous spherical precipitates particles with a size of < 10 nm formed in the ferrite region, conforming to the Baker–Nutting (BN) orientation relationship with respect to the matrix: (100)(Ti, V, Mo)C//(100)α-Fe, [011](Ti, V, Mo)C//[012]α-Fe. As the holding time increases from 30 s to 60 s, the hardness decreases rapidly due to the reduction of martensite and addition of soft-phase ferrite. However, the subsequent slow decrease in hardness is primarily attributed to weakened precipitation strengthening caused by precipitates coarsening and decreased grain refinement strengthening due to the slight increase in ferrite grain size as the holding time increases from 600 s to 5400 s.

Characterizing sector-oriented roadside exposure to ultrafine particles (PM0.1) via machine learning models: Implications of covariates influences on sectors variability

Ultrafine particles (UFPs; PM0.1) possess intensified health risk due to their smaller size and unique spatial variability. One of major emission sources for UFPs is vehicle exhaust, which varies based on the traffic composition in each type of roadside sector. The current challenge of epidemiological UFPs study is limited characterization ability due to expensive instruments. This study assessed the UFPs particle number concentrations (UFPs PNC) exposure dose for typical healthy adults and children at three different roadside sectors, including industrial roadside (IN), residential roadside (RS), and urban background (UB). Furthermore, this study also developed and utilized machine learning (ML) algorithms that could accurately characterize the UFPs exposure dose and explain the covariates effects on the model outputs, representing the intra-urban variability of UFPs between sectors. It was found that the average inhaled UFPs dose for healthy adults and children during off-peak season (warm period) were 1.71 ± 0.19 × 1010; 1.28 ± 0.22 × 1010; 1.09 ± 0.18 × 1010 #/hour and 1.33 ± 0.15 × 1010; 0.99 ± 0.17 × 1010; 0.86 ± 0.14 × 1010 #/hour at IN, RS, UB. Inhaled UFPs were mainly deposited in tracheobronchial (TB) respiratory fraction for adults (67.7%) and in alveoli (ALV) fraction for children (67.5%). Among three ML algorithms implemented in this study, XGBoost possessed the highest UFPs PNC exposure dose estimation performances with R2 = 0.965; 0.959; 0.929 & RMSE = 0.79 × 108; 0.54 × 108; 0.15 × 105 #/hour at IN, RS, and UB which then followed by multiple linear regression (MLR), and random forest (RF). Furthermore, SHAP analysis from the XGBoost model has successfully pointed out the spatial variability of each roadside sector by quantifying the approximated contributions of covariates to the model's output. Findings in this study highlighted the potential use of ML models as an alternative for preliminary particle exposure source apportionment.

Comparison of nanovesicles derived from Panax notoginseng at different size: physical properties, composition, and bioactivity.

Plant-derived nanovesicles have emerged as potential agents for combating tumors. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Panax notoginseng-derived nanovesicles (PnNVs) on the proliferation and migration of squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, we explored the relationship between plant tuber size and the physical properties, composition and bioactivity of these nanovesicles. We isolated PnNVs from Panax notoginseng tubers of varying sizes: small-sized (s_PnNVs), medium-sized (m_PnNVs) and large-sized (l_PnNVs), and evaluated for size, potential, and morphology. Cellular uptake efficiency was assessed using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The ability of different PnNVs to inhibit oral squamous cell carcinoma cells was evaluated using plate cloning, CCK8 assay, and scratch healing assay. Off-target metabolomics was used to compare metabolic compounds of different PnNVs. Our findings revealed that s_PnNVs exhibited lower potential but had the highest cellular uptake efficiency, whereas m_PnNVs were characterized by the smallest size and lowest cellular uptake efficiency. Notably, m_PnNVs demonstrated the most effective inhibition of squamous cell carcinoma growth and migration. Compositional analyses showed that PnNVs were rich in proteins and contained lower levels of RNA, with l_PnNVs having the highest protein content. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed a significant increase in the expression of specific antitumour-related metabolites in m_PnNVs compared to s_PnNVs and l_PnNVs. Overall, our results underscore the influence of plant tuber size on the bioactivity of the nanovesicles from which they are derived, emphasizing its importance for experimental design and study reproducibility.

Effects of chain length and saturation of triacylglycerols on the characteristics and gastrointestinal digestion fates of curcumin-loaded triacylglycerol nanoparticles

This study assessed the effects of fatty acid length and saturation on the physicochemical, thermal, and gastrointestinal digestive characteristics of curcumin-loaded homo-triacylglycerol nanoparticles (C-NPs). All C-NPs had good colloidal stability and efficiently entrapped curcumin, regardless of their length and saturation. Tricaprylin NPs, with shorter chains, had a smaller size and emulsifier surface load. Curcumin was released faster from low-melting C-NPs (tricaprylin and triolein) than those with high-melting-point (trimyristin, tripalmitin, and tristearin); however, both were negligible without lipolysis. None of the C-NPs underwent significant aggregation, coalescence, or breakdown during digestion before the small intestine. Notably, longer and more saturated chains resulted in a slower initial rate and lower degree of lipolysis in the small intestine. However, greater bioaccessibility of curcumin was observed only with longer chains (tricaprylin, 70.72%; trimyristin, 78.05%; tripalmitin, 85.09%; tristearin, 89.65%; triolein, 89.71%). These findings could be valuable for the development of rational curcumin formulations for functional foods.

A P+ pocket doped 4H–SiC Schottky barrier FET as highly sensitive label-free biosensor

In this paper, a 4H–SiC Schottky barrier field-effect transistor with a P+ doping Pocket based on dielectric modulation effect for label-free detection of biomolecules has been proposed. Upon optimization of the length and position of P+ doping pocket, the sensitivity of the biosensor achieves the maximum when it is located within the channel 1 nm away from the Schottky contact with a length of 5 nm. Simulations have been performed for different dielectric constants and biomolecules with different charge densities by Sentaurus TCAD. The results show that the new structure has an on-current sensitivity of 1.03 × 108, a maximum transconductance sensitivity of 6.24 × 107, a threshold voltage sensitivity of 65 mV, and an Ion/Ioff ratio sensitivity of 1.8 × 104 for neutral biomolecules with K = 12. In addition, the fill factor of the cavity and linearity of the proposed structure are considered in this paper. Further, the on-current sensitivity of our proposed structure is gauged against state of the art, which demonstrate a high sensitivity of our proposed biosensors. The smaller size and prominent sensitivity characteristics of the biosensor proposed in this paper have made it widely used in the field of biomedical detection that requires high integration and efficient detection.

Pulsed TIG wire arc additive manufactured 17-4 PH stainless steel: Effect of Cu-rich precipitates and δ-ferrite on the mechanical properties

Thin-wall samples of 17-4 PH stainless steel were prepared by pulsed TIG wire arc additive manufacturing technology (P-TIG WAAM), and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the samples in different regions (bottom, middle, top) were studied. The results show that the microstructure of the thin-wall samples are mainly consisted of martensite matrix embedded by worm-like (bottom) and strip-shaped (top) δ-ferrite, with a small amount of austenite. The δ-ferrite content gradually decreases along the building direction, resulting in a gradual increase in microhardness from the bottom to the top. Along the building direction, the precipitation density and size distribution of nano-scale CRPs (Cu-rich precipitates) in δ-ferrite and martensite, as well as at the δ-ferrite/martensite interface are significantly different: the CRPs in δ-ferrite is precipitated with lower density, larger size, and inhomogeneous distribution at the bottom region, while that in martensite is precipitated with higher density, smaller size, and homogeneous distribution. At the bottom region, a chain of large size fcc-CRPs (∼65 nm) is precipitated along the δ-ferrite/martensite interface to coordinate the strain between them and improve the strength and ductility simultaneously, thus excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength = 1356 ± 24 MPa, elongation = 15.16 ± 2.6 %) are obtained. The relationship between the evolution of CRPs and the intrinsic heat treatment (IHT) during P-TIG WAAM is also discussed.

Effectiveness of bedside staplers in bariatric robotic procedures

BackgroundFew studies have evaluated the use of laparoscopic staplers in robotic procedures (bedside stapling, BS). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of BS compared with robotic staplers (RS) in bariatric robotic procedures.MethodsPatients who underwent robotic sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass elective procedures between 1/1/2021 and 12/31/2021 were extracted from PINC AI™ Healthcare Data. The following clinical outcomes were compared: blood transfusion, bleeding, anastomotic leak, intensive care unit (ICU) visit, and 30-day readmission, operating room (OR) time, inpatient costs, and length of stay. We evaluated baseline balance in BS and RS and bivariate association between covariates and outcomes using Chi-square or Fisher exact test and t-test or ANOVA. Multivariable general linear mixed models (GLMMs) with respective gamma or binomial distribution and log-link function were used to obtain adjusted outcomes variations between BS and RS.ResultsTotal of 7268 discharges were included with 1603 (22.1%) BS and 5665 (77.9%) RS cases. RS cases consisted of a higher number of patients who were Hispanic (17.0% vs. 9.4%), had Medicaid (26.9% vs. 19.4%) and underwent sleeve gastrectomy (68.4% vs. 53.5%). Higher proportions of RS cases were done by providers in Northeast region (35.5% vs. 24.3%), smaller size (< 500 beds; 71.1% vs. 52.3%), and teaching hospitals (59.4% vs. 39%). The adjusted outcomes variations demonstrated that patients that had RS were significantly more likely to have blood transfusions, ICU stays, increased ORT (19 min) and costs ($1273). Sensitivity analysis showed similar results, except no significant differences in blood transfusion rates in both groups.ConclusionsBedside staplers significantly reduce healthcare resource utilization with equivalent effectiveness and fewer ICU stays compared to robotic staplers.Graphical abstract

Morphology of &lt;i&gt;Caragana arborescens&lt;/i&gt; Lam., introduced in the Volgograd Oblast and the status of its cover herbaceous plant communities

The study of the shrub status in the South-East of the European Russia is relevant due to the need to maintain the necessary material for protective afforestation. The study of their cover plant communities provides valuable information about the ecological aspects of the introduction and successful adaptation of shrubs in a place of mass planting. The aim of the study was to assess the condition of Caragana arborescens, imported from Eastern Siberia and planted in the arid territories of the Volgograd Oblast, as well as the ecological characteristics of its cover herbaceous plant communities. In the study area we selected two groups of plants, those growing on ordinary soil and on soil with a high content of salts, zinc, and a low content of manganese. In the latter case, C. arborescens had a relatively smaller size, a rarer crown, a reduced ability to generate shoots and resistance to diseases and pests. C. arborescens are sensitive to the anthropogenic stress, but within the analyzed territory this is not accompanied by progressive succession of the ecosystem. Under the crown of C. arborescens at various sites and sites, we found in various phenophases from 8–10 to 24 species of higher sapiens with a predominance of one- and two-year-old forms. Nine species have consistently claimed the role of dominant and subdominant of plant communities, most often representatives of the Asteraceae and Mareaceae families. The discovered communities showed clear signs of anthropogenic impact, but without the development of progressive ecosystem succession.

Molecular dynamics simulation study of Zr interposer promoting Cu-Cu low-temperature hybrid bonding

With the development of the microelectronics industry, microelectronics packaging technology continues to develop towards higher integration and smaller size. To overcome the problem that the micro-bump size of solder cannot meet the fine pitch bonding, Cu-Cu direct bonding has become one of the most promising methods in advanced packaging technology. However, since the temperature required for Cu-Cu direct bonding is approximately 400 °C, currently Cu-Cu direct bonding is mostly achieved through a hot-pressing process. Such high temperatures will lead to reduced alignment accuracy, damage to device performance, and increased equipment requirements. In order to overcome these problems, this study proposed to use active metal Zr as the interposer material to improve the Cu-Cu atomic diffusion ability and reduce the Cu-Cu direct bonding temperature. The research results indicated that the interposer structure of Zr with (111), (11-2), and (1-10) surfaces contribute to promote Cu-Cu diffusion and bonding at low temperatures. Among them, the Zr (11-2) structure had the strongest promoting effect. Due to the tight arrangement of atoms in the densely packed crystal plane, the diffusion ability of atoms is significantly weakened during the bonding process of the densely packed crystal plane. Therefore, the Zr (001) structure can only promote bonding process under specific crystalline surface of Cu, and the bonding ability was very weak. The application of this research result will have a beneficial effect on the reliability and manufacturability of three-dimensional integrated packaging.

Enhanced Removal of Rhodamine b Dye from Aqueous Media via Adsorption on Facilely Synthesized Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles

This paper studies the synthesis, characterization, and application of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles for the removal of rhodamine b dye from aqueous media. Utilizing the combustion procedure, ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using two different fuels: glutamine (SG) and L-arginine (SA). In addition, the synthesized ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were characterized through various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. XRD analysis verified the creation of a ZnFe2O4 cubic spinel structure without any contaminants, revealing average crystallite sizes of 43.72 and 29.38 nm for the SG and SA samples, respectively. The FTIR spectra exhibited peaks indicative of metal-oxygen bond stretching, verifying the presence of a spinel formation. Elemental analysis via EDX confirmed the stoichiometric composition typical of zinc ferrite. In addition, FE-SEM imaging displayed that the SG and SA samples are composed of particles with irregular and spherical shapes, measuring average diameters of 135.11 and 59.89 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the BET surface area of the SG and SA samples is 60 and 85 m2/g, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of the SA sample (409.84 mg/g) towards rhodamine b dye was higher than that of the SG sample (279.33 mg/g), which was ascribed to its larger surface area and porosity. Kinetic and equilibrium studies revealed that the adsorption process of rhodamine b dye onto the SG and SA samples followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous, exothermic, and physical. The study concludes that ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized using L-arginine (SA) exhibit enhanced rhodamine b dye removal efficiency due to their smaller size, increased surface area, and higher porosity compared to those synthesized with glutamine (SG). The optimum conditions for the adsorption process of rhodamine b dye were found to be at pH 10, a contact time of 70 min, and a temperature of 298 K. These findings underscore the potential of L-arginine-synthesized ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles for effective and sustainable environmental cleanup applications.

Identifying Potential Critical Angel Shark Areas in Türkiye, Eastern Mediterranean Based on New Records of Squatina spp. Identified through Fisher Engagement

This study presents new records of three Critically Endangered angel shark species (Family: Squatinidae) occurring in the Eastern Mediterranean—Smoothback Angelshark S. oculata Bonaye, 1840, Sawback Angelshark S. aculeata Cuvier, 1829, and Angelshark S. squatina (Linnaeus, 1758). The supporting data serves to highlight three potential Critical Angel Shark Areas (CASAs) in Türkiye: Fethiye Bay, Çanakkale Strait (i.e., Dardanelles), and Antalya Bay. These data also demonstrate that female S. oculata may mature at a smaller size than prior published estimates of length at first maturity. This new dataset provides details of 23 S. squatina specimens, 52 S. oculata specimens, and 5 S. aculeata specimens, totalling 80 recent angel shark specimens found in Turkish waters mostly sent to us from small-scale fishers who had incidentally caught angel sharks. Also presented are four capture-induced parturition events in Turkish waters onboard fishing vessels, thus providing details on internal yolk sacs, reproductive habitats, and indications of spawning season. Our dataset presented here spans from 2018 to 2023 and suggests that mature adults of S. squatina and S. oculata still occur in Turkish waters, in Fethiye Bay and Çanakkale, respectively. Due to elevated chances of fishers encountering Critically Endangered angel sharks in Türkiye, we suggest that fishers are trained in handling and safe-release methods, to ensure reduced incidents of capture-induced parturition, and improved post-release survival. This study demonstrates that bottom set nets set by small-scale fishers pose less risk to mortality for angel sharks as they are almost always encountered alive after a usual 12 h soak time, suggesting that bottom trawling in critical habitats should be better regulated (or phased out) to help improve national angel shark conservation initiatives.

A novel approach for nanobubble generation toward biomedical applications

The stability of free-standing nanobubbles is a long-standing controversial problem due to the Laplace pressure catastrophe at the nanoscale. In most industrial circumstances, a large quantity of surfactants is required as stabilisers or emulsifiers to generate stable bubbles or foams. However, when surfactants exceed a certain level, they can adversely affect living organisms and pose environmental risks. Towards biomedical use, we investigated nanobubble generation through a mini-extruder in amino acid solutions. Herein, we considered glycine (having two acid dissociation constants, i.e. pKa values) and lysine (having three pKa values) as two model amino acids, conducting experiments with various concentrations (0.1 M, 0.5 M and 1 M), along with different pH values (above, equal to, and below the isoelectric points of each amino acids; 5.97 for glycine and 9.74 for lysine). Our results showcased the proof of concept that amino acids can stabilise nanobubbles in bulk for a few days. We achieved remarkable products of nanobubbles via nanopores by extrusion, with reproducible size distribution and stability. We also compared the extrusion protocol with the commonly used ultrasound method. It turned out that extrusion generated samples with smaller sizes and higher concentrations than sonication. This study provides a reliable protocol for generating small-scale nanobubbles for biomedical use, showing great potential in drug delivery for medical treatment.

Improved mechanical properties of Al-xMg-yZn-Cu alloys via optimized Mg/Zn ratio and thermomechanical processing

Three Al-xMg-yZn-1Cu alloys with equal total alloying element contents but different Mg/Zn ratios have been prepared in this work, i.e., Al–6Mg–1Zn–1Cu, Al–5Mg–2Zn–1Cu and Al–4Mg–3Zn–1Cu alloys. The influences of Mg/Zn ratios on microstructure and mechanical properties of heat-treated Al-xMg-yZn-1Cu alloys have been systematically studied. The results show that Al-xMg-yZn-1Cu alloys with higher Zn contents exhibit the faster aging response as Zn atom features the largest diffusion coefficient. Additionally, rod shaped and ellipsoidal T′ precipitates are observed in the Al–6Mg–1Zn–1Cu alloy. While in Al–4Mg–3Zn–1Cu alloy under TMT-2 process, T′ precipitates mainly exist in an ellipsoidal shape, with a higher number density (∼1.79 × 1023 m-3) and smaller size (∼4.1 nm) compared to the Al–6Mg–1Zn–1Cu alloy. The optimized thermomechanical treatment (80 °C/5 h + rolling + 130 °C/x h) could effectively improve the yield strength of Al–5Mg–2Zn–1Cu and Al–4Mg–3Zn–1Cu alloys, with values increasing from ∼419 MPa to ∼441 MPa–∼454 MPa and ∼470 MPa, respectively. In contrast, the Al–6Mg–1Zn–1Cu alloy exhibit almost no increment in yield strength after the same thermomechanical treatment. This could mainly be attributed to the higher density of T′ precipitates in alloys with higher Zn contents, resulting from the higher nucleation rate of T′ precipitates caused by high contents of Zn atoms featuring fast diffusion rates, with the assistance of dislocations introduced by rolling. This work provides theoretical supports for the development and production of age-hardenable Al-xMg-yZn-1Cu alloys.

Pressure and atomic size effects of IV cation on mechanical and electronic properties of Zn-IV-N2 (IV[dbnd]Si, Ge and Sn): First principles calculation

Zn-IV-N2 compounds, incorporating Si, Ge, and Sn, have emerged as pivotal materials for their mechanical and electronic properties, influencing optoelectronic devices and photovoltaic applications. Employing density functional theory (DFT), we comprehensively investigate the structural, elastic, mechanical, and electronic characteristics of ZnIVN2 (IVSi, Ge, Sn) under ambient and pressure conditions up to 20 GPa. Our findings suggest that a larger atomic size of the group IV cation can be more easily compressed than a smaller size. The mechanical stability criteria and the phonon dispersion show mechanical and dynamic stability in both ambient pressure and under high pressure up to 20 GPa. The ZnSiN2 and ZnGeN2 exhibit linear increments in bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (G), and Young's modulus (E) under pressure, while ZnSnN2 experiences a decrease in G and E. Notably, the energy gap of ZnSiN2, ZnGeN2, and ZnSnN2 (4.62 eV indirect, 2.82 eV, 1.16 eV, respectively) increases with pressure due to higher N s orbital energy, approaching the UV region. In the valence band, a hybridization of N p and Si/Ge/Sn p orbitals is observed, offering opportunities to tailor the band gap for optimal applications in optoelectronic devices. Preferentially adjusting group-IV elements over group-II elements is recommended for optimizing band gap modulation. The correlation between larger atomic size and decreased band gap energy highlights the potential to fine-tune material properties through controlled variations in group-IV elements.

Innovative pressure sensing with amorphous silicon nanostructures: Exploring applications in sports training supervision

This study introduces an innovative approach to pressure sensing in sports training using amorphous silicon nanostructure-based sensors. These sensors demonstrated high sensitivity (0.75 Ω/kPa) and a broad pressure detection range (1–100 kPa), making them ideal for capturing the nuances of athletic movements. Their compact size (5 mm×5 mm) and superior durability (over 5000 cycles with minimal performance variation) allowed for seamless integration into athletic shoes and attire. The sensors effectively captured pressure patterns in running, such as heel strikes peaking at 300 kPa, and cycling, revealing a 200 kPa increase in the perineal region during posture shifts. Comparative analysis highlighted the advantages of amorphous silicon nanostructure sensors over existing technologies, including higher sensitivity, wider pressure range, smaller size, and better durability. The integration of these sensors provided invaluable data for optimizing training regimes and preventing injuries. The study also delved into the physical and chemical characterization of the nanostructures, confirming their uniform size distribution, surface morphology, and amorphous nature, which contributed to their exceptional sensing performance. The findings underscore the immense potential of amorphous silicon nanostructure sensors in revolutionizing athletic performance analysis and injury prevention, offering a significant upgrade over current technologies in terms of accuracy, adaptability, and user-friendliness. This research paves the way for more sophisticated, precise, and athlete-centric pressure sensing solutions, transforming the landscape of sports technology and biomechanical assessment.

Stable SnAgCu solder joints reinforced by nickel-coated carbon fiber for electronic packaging

Today’s 3D electronic packaging is characterized by smaller size and higher functional density, which generally require multiple reflow cycles. However, due to the Ostwald ripening process of the interfacial intermetallic compound (IMC), the solder joint’s strength would decrease as the number of reflow cycles increases. To address this, we developed a novel composite solder by incorporating nickel-coated carbon fiber (Ni@CF) into the Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu (SAC305) solder connection. The study showed that Ni@CF effectively enhanced the stability and reliability of solder joints during multiple reflow processes. Compared with Ni@CF-free equivalents, Ni@CFs promoted the nucleation of interfacial IMC during the solid–liquid reaction and inhibited Ostwald ripening, leading to a refinement of the interfacial IMC grains. As a result, the interface was strengthened, and the shift of shear fracture to the brittle interface seen in the SAC305 solder joint with multiple reflows did not occur in the composite solder joint. Furthermore, carbon fiber strengthened the solder matrix through the load transfer and shear-off mechanisms, depending on its inclination angle with the shear plane. Consequently, the Ni@CFs-reinforced solder joints maintained a shear strength of over 42 MPa throughout ten reflow cycles, while the pristine SAC305 solder joint exhibited decreased shear strength to 33 MPa. This study provides new insights into composite solder joints’ stability and reinforcement characteristics when subjected to multiple reflows.

Review of Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistor for Nanoscale Regime

Background: The need for high performance, small size, low delay, low power consumption, and long battery backup of portable systems is increasing with the advancement of technology. Many features of portable systems can be improved using scaling methods. In the scaling process, reducing the size of devices causes serious difficulties, including the short channel effect (SCE) and leakage current, which degenerates the characteristics of the systems. Objective: In this review paper, a trending carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET) technology is discussed in detail. CNTFET can replace the conventional metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) technology to overcome the SCE problems in the nanoscale regime and also meet the requirements of portable systems. Methods: The CNTFET is an extremely good nanoscale technology due to its one-dimension band structure, high transconductance, high electron mobility, superior control over channel formation, and better threshold voltage. This technology is used to construct high-performance and low-power circuits by replacing the MOSFET technology. CNTFET in comparison to MOSFET takes the carbon nanotube (CNT) as a channel region. Results: The value of threshold voltage in CNTFET changes with the diameter of CNT. The threshold voltage of the devices controls many parameters at the circuit-level design. Hence, the detailed operation and the characteristics of CNTFET devices are presented in this review paper. The existing CNTFET-based ternary full adder (TFA) circuits are also described in this review paper for the performance evaluation of different parameters. Conclusion: CNTFET technology is the possible solution for the SCE in the nanoscale regime and is capable to design efficient logic circuits. The circuits using the CNTFET technology can provide better performance and various advantages, including fast speed, small area, and low power consumption, in comparison to the MOSFET circuits. Thus, CNTFET technology is the best choice for circuit designs at the nanoscale.

Advantages, manufacturing processes and challenges of FinFET technology

Abstract As an emerging cutting-edge integrated circuit technology, Fin Field Effect Transistor (FinFET) has not only successfully broken through the limitations of the 22nm node since its development in 1998, but it still maintains considerable vitality and is developing into smaller sizes. As an improvement over traditional MOSFET technology, FinFET offers many technical advantages, which practically solve the challenges encountered by traditional MOSFET. The FinFET process technology is incompatible with planar MOSFET process technology. Moreover, since the development of Finfet technology, there have been many technical challenges. The first half of this article mainly introduces the differences and advantages between FinFET and traditional Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET), and briefly outlines its manufacturing process. The second half explains the challenges and hopes on the development path of FinFET technology. I believe this article can provide a reference for integrated circuit designers when understanding FinFET technology, and provide guidance and reference for beginners.