Gap Surface Research Articles

Transport Theory of Half-Quantized Hall Conductance in a Semimagnetic Topological Insulator.

Recently, a half-quantized Hall conductance (HQHC) plateau was experimentally observed in a semimagnetic topological insulator heterostructure. However, the heterostructure was metallic with a nonzero longitudinal conductance, which contradicts the common belief that quantized Hall conductance is usually observed in insulators. In this work, we systematically study the surface transport of a semimagnetic topological insulator with both gapped and gapless Dirac surfaces in the presence of dephasing process. In particular, we reveal that the HQHC is directly related to the half-quantized chiral current along the edge of a strongly dephasing metal. The Hall conductance keeps a half-quantized value for large dephasing strengths, while the longitudinal conductance varies with Fermi energies and dephasing strengths. Furthermore, we evaluate both the conductance and resistance as a function of the temperature, which is consistent with the experimental results. Our results not only provide the microscopic transport mechanism of the HQHC, but also are instructive for the probe of the HQHC in future experiments.

Angle and polarization dependent coupling of surface plasmon and gap modes in plasmonic gap metasurfaces

Plasmonic metasurfaces with coupled gap and collective surface plasmon polariton modes are of interest for a variety of optoelectronic devices. The coupling between the gap and plasmon polariton modes leads to tunable extinction spectra that provide flexibility when used in various photonic applications. We demonstrate both experimentally and numerically the polarization and angle dependent tunable optical extinction spectra of a gold nanoparticles monolayer on a glass substrate in close proximity to a thin aluminum film. The monolayer of gold nanoparticles is separated from the aluminum thin film by a dielectric shellac spacer. We observe three angle and polarization dependent peaks in the extinction spectra when the shellac spacer is 10 nm. The three peaks degenerate into one hybrid mode when the spacer thickness is 30 nm. By using a finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) numerical method, we confirm the position of both the collective surface plasmon and the gap modes. Changing the polarization of the incident light leads to a change of the width and a shift of the wavelength of the peaks.

Extraordinary Nonlinear Optical Interaction from Strained Nanostructures in van der Waals CuInP2S6.

Local strain engineering and structural modification of 2D materials furnish benevolent control over their optoelectronic properties and provide an exciting approach to tune light-matter interaction in layered materials. Application of strain at the nanoscale is typically obtained through permanently deformed nanostructures such as nanowrinkles, which yield large band gap modulation, photoluminescence enhancement, and surface potential. Ultrathin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have been greatly analyzed for such purposes. Herein, we extend strain-induced nanoengineering to an emerging 2D material, CuInP2S6 (CIPS), and visualize extraordinary control over nonlinear light-matter interaction. Wrinkle nanostructures exhibit ∼160-fold enhancement in second harmonic generation (SHG) compared to unstrained regions, which is additionally influenced by a change in the dielectric environment. The SHG enhancement was significantly modulated by the percentage of applied strain which was numerically estimated. Furthermore, polarization-dependent SHG revealed quenching and enhancement in the parallel and perpendicular directions, respectively, due to the direction of the compressive vector. Our work provides an important advancement in controlling optoelectronic properties beyond TMDs for imminent applications in flexible electronics.

High photodetection performance on vertically oriented topological insulator Sb2Te3/Silicon heterostructure

The coexistence of bulk electronic band gap and gapless surface states of topological insulators (TIs) opens up many new opportunities in optoelectronic devices. Here we demonstrate the synthesis and photodetection response of vertical Sb2Te3 nanoplate film grown on n-type Si substrates. The small bulk bandgap of Sb2Te3 and surface states conduction lead to effective light absorption and photocarrier transport. The device exhibits a significant photoresponse over a broad spectral range between 350 and 1400 ​nm. The switching speed and on/off ratio Iph/Id are estimated to be 3 ​ms and 5900, respectively, which are much better than those of other TI-based photodetectors. Given the simple device preparation and compatibility with silicon technology, the unconventional structure Sb2Te3/Si heterostructure holds great promise for high-performance optoelectronic applications.

Visible and Near-Infrared Broadband Absorber Based on Ti3C2Tx MXene-Wu.

A high absorption broadband absorber based on MXene and tungsten nanospheres in visible and near-infrared bands is proposed. The absorber has a maximum absorption of 100% and an average absorption of 95% in the wavelength range of 400–2500 nm. The theoretical mechanism and parameter adjustability of the absorber are analyzed by FDTD solutions. The results show that the structural parameters can effectively adjust the absorption performance. The good absorption performance is due to the action of the local surface plasmon resonance coupling with the gap surface plasmon resonance and Fabry–Perot resonance. The simulation results show that the absorber is insensitive to the polarization and oblique incidence angle of incident light, and that high absorption and broadband can be maintained when the oblique incidence angle is up to 60°.

Magnus spin Hall and spin Nernst effects in gapped two-dimensional Rashba systems

We study the Magnus transport in a gapped two-dimensional electron gas with Rashba spin-orbit coupling using semiclassical Boltzmann transport formalism. Apart from its signature in the charge transport coefficients, the inclusion of Magnus velocity in the spin current operator enables us to study Magnus spin transport in the system. In particular, we study the roles of mass gap and Fermi surface topology on the behavior of Magnus Hall and Nernst conductivities and their spin counterparts. We find that the Magnus spin Hall conductivity vanishes in the limit of zero gap, unlike the universal spin Hall conductivity ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{s}=e/(8\ensuremath{\pi})$. The Magnus spin currents with spin polarization perpendicular to the applied bias (electrical/thermal) are finite while with polarization along the bias vanishes. Each Magnus conductivity displays a plateau as Fermi energy sweeps through the gap and has peaks (whose magnitudes decrease with the gap) when the Fermi energy is at the gap edges.

Molecular structure, electronic properties, ESP map (polar aprotic and polar protic solvents), and topology investigations on 1-(tert‑Butoxycarbonyl)-3-piperidinecarboxylic acid- Anticancer therapeutic agent

The theoretical elucidation of 1-(tert‑Butoxycarbonyl)-3-piperidinecarboxylic acid (1TB3PC) was achieved in this work by using DFT/6–311++G(d,p) as the basis set level -B3LYP approach for the gas phase, polar aprotic, and protic solvents phases, respectively. Potential energy scan (PES) analysis and the optimized geometrical parameters for the gas, polar aprotic and polar protic solvent phases were attained and corresponding parameters were compared with the closely related molecule. The FMO's molecular orbitals (HOMO-LUMO) and the energy gap, FLU indices, and molecular electrostatic potential map (ESP) surface were carried out to predict the nucleophilic and electrophilic regions for the three phases (gas, polar aprotic, and polar protic solvents) were discussed. Further, the electron-hole distribution for the excited states and topological analyses (AIM, ELF, LOL and RDG) were also deliberated. To discern the biological activity of the title compound, drug likeness and ADMET predictions were carried out. Molecular docking approach was performed against ligand with various AKT /Protein Kinase B inhibitors targets and their corresponding parameters were conferred. Thus, the header composite designates as an alternative anticancer therapeutic agent.

Effect of Coaxial Electrode Geometry on the Electric Field Enhancement Factor for a High Voltage Vacuum Gap

We present an experimental analysis of the change in the electric field enhancement factor with varying gap size and penetration depth (P.D) of cathode into anode for a coaxial vacuum gap, diagnosed using Fowler–Nordheim analysis and optical imaging via scanning electron microscope (SEM) and time integrated Digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR). Data were collected on the Coaxial Gap Breakdown Machine (240 A, 25 kV, 150 ns, ~0.1 Hz). Experiments using five different gap sizes at nine different P.Ds are compared over runs comprising 50 shots for each case. The results show a strong link between enhancement factor and gap size, with P.D and surface topology. For large gap sizes, 150, 330, and 700 <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \mathrm {m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> , the average enhancement factor value increases with increasing P.D. For smaller gap sizes, 50 and 100 <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \mathrm {m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> , the average enhancement factor decreases with P.D. SEM imaging before and after plasma formation for each gap size allows for quantifying surface finish, microprotrusion growth, average blast diameter, and an estimation of the surface area breakdowns occupy. Time integrated DSLR imaging analysis of the gap at each shot allows for a determination of the distribution of breakdowns about the circumference of the gap for each case tested. The Fowler–Nordheim analysis allows for a quantitative analysis of the surface roughness of all gap sizes tested. Results show that for large gap sizes, the gap geometry and increasing area of breakdown is the main cause for increasing average enhancement factor. For small gap sizes, the dominant driving factor for small average enhancement factors—that subsequently decrease with P.D—is significant changes in surface topology due to an increased number of breakdowns.

Mechanical Properties and a Brittle-to-Ductile Fracture Transition in 3D Boron Nitride Foams.

We uncover the fracture characteristics of a boron nitride foam (BNF): a highly promising nanomaterial with a large band gap, superelastic behavior, and high surface area. By applying tension tests to BNF samples and characterizing them using image-processing tools and detailed scanning and transmission electron microscopies, we demonstrate a transition from brittle to a ductile fracture. Complementary mechanical analyses revealed that constraints originating from the synthesis process induce significant prestresses in the BNF and that wall thickness variations explain the fracture transition. We also show that BNF has a nearly zero Poisson's ratio and a high (>200 MPa) shear strength and that it absorbs a significant amount of energy before the fracture occurs. Thus, our findings shed light on the fundamental microscopic-scale mechanics of BNF, paving the way toward its integration into advanced applications, such as wearable electronics and energy absorbers.

Hexagonal Ring Origami Assemblies: Foldable Functional Structures With Extreme Packing

Abstract Foldable structures have been of great interest due to their ability to reduce in size from deployed to folded state, enabling easier storage in scenarios with space constraints such as aerospace and medical applications. Hexagonal structural components have been of interest, due to their ability to tessellate, or cover without gap, 2D and 3D surfaces. However, the study on effective folding strategies for hexagon-based structures and the hexagon geometry itself is limited. Here, we report a strategy of snap-folding hexagonal rings, to result in folded states with only 10.6% the initial area of a single ring. Motivated by this significant packing, we utilize a combination of experiments and finite element analysis to study effective folding strategies and packing abilities of various 2D and 3D hexagonal ring assemblies, with structures that can be folded to 1.5% and 0.4% of their initial area and volume, respectively. The effect of geometric parameters of hexagonal rings on the mechanical stability of their assemblies is investigated. Additionally, the instabilities of rings can be utilized to facilitate the automatic deployment of folded ring assemblies under small perturbations. Furthermore, an assembly with rigid functional panels is explored to demonstrate the functionality and design space for hexagonal ring assemblies. With such significant demonstrated area and volume changes upon snap-folding, it is anticipated that hexagonal ring assemblies could inspire future aerospace or biomedical designs, where reconfiguration and large packing are required.

Impact of the aileron gap sealing on the aileron effectiveness

PurposeThe purpose of the presented aileron modification analysis is the improvement of the flight handling by eliminating adverse phenomena in the aileron area, such as aileron shaking movements, without the risk of deterioration of flow characteristics during manoeuvres. It was also crucial to reduce aileron forces acting on the control stick.Design/methodology/approachNumerical CFD analysis of the aileron system with modifications of sealing in the aileron gap area were performed. The effect of the caulking strip at the upper surface of the aileron gap was determined, as well as caulking at the entrance to the aileron gap on the bottom surface. A solution has also been proposed, consisting of completely closing the aileron gap by using a diaphragm. The three-dimensional flow analysis was carried out, allowing localization of the flow disturbances in the aileron gap at cruising speed. The result of the analysis are the aerodynamic and the hinge moment coefficients determining forces on the control stick, depending on the type of seals.FindingsIt has been shown that the use of subsequent sealing means has a direct impact on the hinge moment value. The results of the CFD analysis showed that the more closed aileron gap is, the higher aileron forces are generated on the control stick. Completely closing the flow in the aileron gap changes the character of the force generated on the control stick.Practical implicationsThrough CFD analyses of the aileron gap sealing in the PZL-130 Orlik aircraft, the impact of successive aileron gap sealing on the aileron efficiency was determined. It has been shown that simple change of the aileron gap size by the slat sealing can significantly affect the value of the forces generated on the control stick.Originality/valueThe research using CFD methods allowed to verify the impact of the particular type of aileron gap sealing on the hinge moment value and thus to determine proper sealing configuration for the PZL-130 Orlik aircraft at low computational cost.

Extremely confined gap plasmon modes: when nonlocality matters

Historically, the field of plasmonics has been relying on the framework of classical electrodynamics, with the local-response approximation of material response being applied even when dealing with nanoscale metallic structures. However, when the confinement of electromagnetic radiation approaches atomic scales, mesoscopic effects are anticipated to become observable, e.g., those associated with the nonlocal electrodynamic surface response of the electron gas. Here, we investigate nonlocal effects in propagating gap surface plasmon modes in ultrathin metal–dielectric–metal planar waveguides, exploiting monocrystalline gold flakes separated by atomic-layer-deposited aluminum oxide. We use scanning near-field optical microscopy to directly access the near-field of such confined gap plasmon modes and measure their dispersion relation via their complex-valued propagation constants. We compare our experimental findings with the predictions of the generalized nonlocal optical response theory to unveil signatures of nonlocal damping, which becomes appreciable for few-nanometer-sized dielectric gaps.

Zeros of Green functions in topological insulators

This study demonstrates that the zeros of the diagonal components of Green functions are key quantities that can detect noninteracting topological insulators. We show that zeros of the Green functions traverse the band gap in the topological phases. The traverses induce the crosses of zeros, and the zeros' surface in the band gap, analogous to the Fermi surface of metals. By calculating the zeros of the microscopic models, we show the traverses of the zeros universally appear in all six classes of conventional noninteracting topological insulators. By utilizing the eigenvector-eigenvalue identity, which is a recently rediscovered relation in linear algebra, we prove that the traverses of the zeros in the bulk Green functions are guaranteed by the band inversions, which occur in the topological phases. The relevance of the zeros to detecting the exotic topological insulators such as the higher-order topological insulators is also discussed. For the Hamiltonians with the nearest-neighbor hoppings, we also show that the gapless edge state guarantees the zeros' surfaces in the band gap. The analysis demonstrates that the zeros can be used to detect a wide range of topological insulators and thus useful for searching new topological materials.

Facile Synthesis of Various ZrO2 Phases and ZrO2-MO2 (M = Ti, Hf) by Thermal Decomposition of a Single UiO-66 Precursor for Photodegradation of Methyl Orange

A zirconia-based catalyst with controlled crystalline phases is synthesized through a simple thermal decomposition of a parent UiO-66 single precursor. The introduction of Ti(IV) and Hf(IV) cation into the Zr(IV) framework has been successfully obtained to tune the photocatalytic activity over methyl orange (MO) solution. Their resulting crystalline phases, morphologies, elemental analysis, band gap values, surface area, and photocatalytic degradation study over MO dye are presented and discussed. The tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO2) catalyst exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity with 89% decoloration efficiency under UV irradiation (λ = 254 nm) for 300 min compared to m-ZrO2 (67%), the mixed phases (t-ZrO2 and m-ZrO2), as well as the synthesized mixed oxides ZrO2-MO2 (M = Ti or Hf), where the photocatalytic activities are 74% and 63%, respectively. This result is on par with commercially available anatase TiO2 and other reported t-ZrO2 catalysts.

Research on the speed‐dependence of heat convection in high‐speed EV motors and its application in the model‐based rotor temperature monitoring technology

Using the embedded onboard digital thermal model is an economical and effective way to monitor the rotor temperatures of the electric vehicle (EV) propulsion Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) in real-time. The onboard thermal model is generally in an analytical form with constant thermal resistances. However, in practical situations, the thermal convection intensities on the surfaces of the air gap and the end-cavity vary significantly with the rotational speed, producing a non-negligible influence on the estimation accuracy of the onboard thermal model. Aiming at eliminating this error and improving the accuracy, this paper explores the variation of the airflow's aerodynamics characteristics and the heat convection with the rotational speed through a syncretic study of theoretical, experimental, and numerical methods. It is found that the changing trend of the airflow presents a multi-stage characteristic in the speed range of 0–12,000 rpm. The speed-dependent convective thermal resistances are formulaically parameterised and then used to replace the related constant thermal resistances in the thermal model. The standard vehicle driving cycle test result shows that this optimisation brings a nearly 11% reduction of the overall estimation error.

Designing of Unit EBG Cell Using Conductive Textile for Dual Band Operation

Background/Objectives: Flexible electronics have paved the way for Wireless Body Area Networks (WBAN). The main challenge in accommodating such applications is reducing the impact of radiation on the human body. The presence of body tissues may affect WBAN devices such as wearable sensors and wearable antennas, so reducing back radiations becomes an important task. Methodology: When a microstrip patch antenna is placed on a human body, the artificially formed Electromagnetic Band Gap (EBG) surface mimics the property of a Perfect Magnetic Conductor (PMC) rather than the conventional Perfect Electrical Conductor (PEC). Findings: In this work, the unique property of the EBG surface beneath the patch antenna creates a zero phase shift at the resonance, which improves the antenna’s performance and reduces back radiations as well. The proposed EBG surface structure is the simplest square-shaped structure with no conductor connections Via patch (Via-less). Novelty: The EBG structure designed and presented in this paper has zero reflections for the dual-band of operations. The resonance frequency of 2.45GHz and 5.5 GHz has been designed for the absorption of 80% and 65% respectively. This level of absorption has not yet been reported in the literature. The newly formed EBG cell integrated with the patch antenna and its performance improvements has been shown. The analysis shows that the EBG enhances the return loss by 20.35 % and gain enhances by 16.44 %, on textile materials with the advantage of most simplex EBG cell construction. Keywords: EBG; PMC; PEC; Wearable Microstrip Patch Antenna; WBAN

Scalable Reflective Plasmonic Structural Colors from Nanoparticles and Cavity Resonances – the Cyan‐Magenta‐Yellow Approach

AbstractPlasmonic metasurfaces for color generation are emerging as important components for next generation display devices. Fabricating bright plasmonic colors economically and via easily scalable methods, however, remains difficult. Here, the authors demonstrate an efficient and scalable strategy based on colloidal lithography to fabricate silver‐based reflective metal–insulator–nanodisk plasmonic cavities that provide a cyan‐magenta‐yellow (CMY) color palette with high relative luminance. With the same basic structure, they exploit different mechanisms to efficiently produce a complete subtractive color palette. Finite‐difference time‐domain simulations reveal that these mechanisms include gap surface plasmon modes for thin insulators and hybridized modes between disk plasmons and Fabry–Pérot modes for thicker systems. To produce yellow hues, they take advantage of higher‐energy gap surface plasmon modes to allow resonance dips in the blue spectral region for comparably large nanodisks, thereby circumventing difficult fabrication of nanodisks less than 80 nm. It is anticipated that incorporation of these strategies can reduce fabrication constraints, produce bright saturated colors, and expedite large‐scale production.

Regeneration of the ciprofloxacin-loaded clinoptilolite by non-thermal atmospheric plasma

Natural clinoptilolite (CLI) exhibited a high efficacy in ciprofloxacin (CIP) removal from aqueous solution by adsorption. However, the regeneration of the spent adsorbent was a challenge since the adsorption occurred via electrostatic interactions and ion-exchange reaction. Herein, the feasibility of non-thermal plasma (NTP) was studied for the regeneration of ciprofloxacin-containing clinoptilolite (CIP-CLI) in five successive adsorption/NTP regeneration cycles. The NTP treatments were performed using a surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) operating at atmospheric pressure in air. Plasma discharge gap, sample mass, and electrode surfaces were varied to find optimal regeneration parameters. For the plasma source with an electrode surface of 37.2 cm2, the 2 mm electrode gap and 20 min of plasma treatment were found as optimal parameters (sample mass of 0.2 g). The plasma treatment did not affect clinoptilolite features which were concluded from a study of textural properties and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed a decrease of total carbon content with around 10% of carbon residual left on the surface. The CLI adsorption capacity can be regenerated to at least 90% of its initial capacity during the five successive cycles, showing the involvement of plasma reactive species in decomposition of adsorbed CIP.

Spontaneous emission enhancement by rotationally-symmetric optical nanoantennas: impact of radially and axially propagating surface plasmon polaritons.

The excitation and radiation properties of rotationally-symmetric optical nanoantennas are independent of the azimuth angle, which enables great convenience and superior performances in practical applications. However, for rotationally-symmetric nanoantennas, the physical mechanisms behind their resonance properties remain to be clarified. In this paper, firstly, for a simple single-nanocylinder-on-mirror antenna (S-antenna), we establish a first-principles-based semianalytical model of surface plasmon polariton (SPP) by considering an intuitive multiple-scattering process of the radially-propagating gap surface plasmon (RGSP) in the nanogap and the axially-propagating surface plasmon (ASP) on the nanocylinder. The model can comprehensively reproduce all the radiation properties of the S-antenna such as the total and radiative emission rates, SPP excitation rates, and far-field radiation pattern. The model indicates that when the antenna radius is small (respectively, large), the enhancement of spontaneous emission mainly results from the resonance of ASP (respectively, RGSP). To show the wide applicability of the SPP model along with its unveiled decisive role of the RGSP and ASP in the spontaneous emission enhancement for other rotationally-symmetric nanoantennas of cylindrical shapes, we extend the SPP model to a more complex ring-nanocylinder-on-mirror antenna (R-antenna) that supports two ASPs. Moreover, to provide an explicit explanation of the resonance properties of the R-antenna, we further establish a semianalytical model for the resonant modes (called quasinormal modes, QNMs) supported by the R-antenna based on the SPP model, which quantitatively reveals the role of the RGSP and ASP in forming the antenna resonant modes and the resultant enhancement of spontaneous emission.

French Fries-Like Bismuth Oxide: Physicochemical Properties, Electrical Conductivity and Photocatalytic Activity

Bismuth oxide synthesis using hydrothermal method has been conducted. This study aims to examine the effect of the hydrothermal reaction time on product characteristics and photocatalytic activity in degrading methyl orange dye. Bismuth oxide synthesis was initiated by dissolving bismuth nitrate pentahydrate (Bi(NO3)3.5H2O) and Na2SO4 in a distilled water and added NaOH gradually. The solution formed was transferred into a Teflon-lined autoclave and heated at 120 °C with time variations of 8–16 h. The formation of bismuth oxide was indicated by the vibrations of the Bi−O−Bi and Bi−O groups and the crystal structure consisting of a-Bi2O3, β-Bi2O3, and g-Bi2O3. In addition, the highest photocatalytic activity can be examined through several factors, such as: content of Bi−O−Bi and Bi−OH groups, crystal structure, band gap values, morphology, and surface area, acquired as a result of the effect of hydrothermal reaction time. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).