Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Commons^™

Ict For Poverty Alleviation In Pacific Island Nations: Study Of Icts4d In Fiji, Deogratias Harorimana, Opeti Rokotuinivono, Emali Sewale, Fane Salaiwai, Marica Naulu, Evangelin Roy

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

ICT for Poverty Alleviation in Pacific Island Nations: Study of ICTs4D in Fiji There has been a vague and little knowledge on the role or potential of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) in relation to addressing poverty in Fiji. This may be probably due to the newness of the technology in the South Pacific Region as a whole but also probably due to the fact that only 9.7% of the current Fiji 931,000 populations are internet users (ITC Figures 2011). This paper reports on finding how ICTs is contributing towards poverty alleviation in Fiji. On the basis of reviewed best …

Breast On-A-Chip: Mimicry Of The Channeling System Of The Breast For Development Of Theranostics, Meggie Grafton, Lei Wang, Pierre-Alexandre Vidi, James Leary, Sophie Lelievre

Dr Lei Wang

Improved detection and therapy of breast neoplasia might benefit from nanodevices traveling inside mammary ducts. However, the decreasing size of branched mammary ducts prevents access to remote areas of the ductal system using a pressure-driven fluid-based approach. Magnetic field guidance of superparamagnetic submicron particles (SMPs) in a stationary fluid might provide a possible alternative but it is critical to first reproduce the breast ductal system to assess the use of such devices for future therapeutic & diagnostic ("theranostic'') purposes. Here we describe the engineering of a portion of a breast ductal system using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic channels with a total …

The Impact Of Controlled Solvent Exposure On The Morphology, Structure And Function Of Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells, Raghavendra R. Hegde Dr

Raghavendra R Hegde Dr

Films of poly(3-hexyl thiophene) (P3HT):[6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) were controllably exposed to CS2 vapor in a column with a linear solvent vapor pressure gradient. Changes in the morphology of the P3HT:PCBM thin film were monitored and correlated to the ability of this thin film to act as the active layer in an organic solar cell. The results show that the crystallinity and crystal size of the P3HT increase initially with solvent vapor pressure and annealing time, but longer exposure to solvent decreases P3HT crystallinity and photovoltaic efficiency. Neutron reflectivity indicates that the PCBM segregates to the Si substrate …

Research Inequality In Nanomedicine, Thomas Woodson

Thomas Woodson

The 10-90 gap is an idea in the healthcare literature that less than 10%of all research funding goes to solving health problems that are 90%of the global disease burden. This paper examines whether there is inequality in nanotechnology healthcare research (nanomedicine). To understand the inequality in nanomedicine, I conducted a bibliometric review of Web of Science and PubMed databases. Overall there is not large inequality in nanomedicine research. The bibliometric analysis shows that most nanomedicine research is done in high income countries, but their research portfolios extend beyond rich world diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes to include research on …

A Study Of Anodization Process During Pore Formation In Nanoporous Alumina Templates, Z. Wu, C. Richter, L. Menon

Latika Menon

We have carried out a systematic investigation of the anodization procedure in order to determine the exact chemical mechanism of the dissolution process responsible for pore formation in nanoporous alumina templates. We measured the anodization current as a function of time and compared it with the thickness of porous aluminum oxide layer obtained from cross-section scanning electron microscopy images. From this, we calculated the number of moles of electrons generated per mole of porous alumina grown. This analysis is consistent with a reaction mechanism in which aluminum is converted to aluminum oxide in addition with the direct transfer of aluminum …

Size Dependence Of Energetic Properties In Nanowire-Based Energetic Materials, L. Menon, D. Aurongzeb, S. Patibandla, K. Bhargava Ram, C. Richter, A. Sacco

Latika Menon

We prepared nanowire-array-based thin film energetic nanocomposites based on Al–Fe₂O₃. The ignition properties as a function of wire dimensions and interwire spacing have been investigated. We show significant variations in ignition behavior, which we relate to the kinetic and heat transfer dynamics of the various configurations studied. Our results indicate the possibility for nanoscale control of reaction parameters such as flame temperature and burn rate in such composites for optimized configurations (optimum wire size, interwire spacing, film thickness, etc.).

Negative Index Metamaterials Based On Metal-Dielectric Nanocomposites For Imaging Applications, L. Menon, W. T. Lu, A. L. Friedman, S. P. Bennett, D. Heiman, S. Sridhar

Srinivas Sridhar

Negative index metamaterials are demonstrated based on metal-dielectric nanocomposites prepared using a versatile bottom-up nanofabrication approach. The method involves the incorporation of vertically aligned metal nanowires such as Au and Ag inside dielectric aluminum oxide nanotemplates. Optical absorbance measurements show resonance peaks corresponding to the transverse and longitudinal surface plasmon modes. A quantitative model based on effective medium theory is in excellent agreement with experimental data, and points to specific composite configurations and wavelength regimes where such structures can have applications as negative refraction media for imaging.

Super-Resolution Imaging Using A Three-Dimensional Metamaterials Nanolens, B. Casse, W. Lu, Y. Huang, E. Gultepe, L. Menon, S. Sridhar

Srinivas Sridhar

Super-resolution imaging beyond Abbe's diffraction limit can be achieved by utilizing an optical medium or "metamaterial" that can either amplify or transport the decaying near-field evanescent waves that carry subwavelength features of objects. Earlier approaches at optical frequencies mostly utilized the amplification of evanescent waves in thin metallic films or metal-dielectric multilayers, but were restricted to very small thicknesses (⪡λ, wavelength) and accordingly short object-image distances, due to losses in the material. Here, we present an experimental demonstration of super-resolution imaging by a low-loss three-dimensional metamaterial nanolens consisting of aligned gold nanowires embedded in a porous alumina matrix. This composite …

Possible Room-Temperature Ferromagnetism In Hydrogenated Carbon Nanotubes, Adam L. Friedman, Hyunkyung Chun, Yung Joon Jung, Don Heiman, Evan R. Glaser, Latika Menon

Yung Joon Jung

We find that ferromagnetism can be induced in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by introducing hydrogen. Multiwalled CNTs grown inside porous alumina templates contain a large density of defects resulting in significant hydrogen uptake when annealed at high temperatures. This hydrogen incorporation produces H-complex and adatom magnetism which generates a sizable ferromagnetic moment and a Curie temperature near TC=1000  K. We studied the conditions for the incorporation of hydrogen, the temperature-dependent magnetic behavior, and the dependence of the ferromagnetism on the size of the nanotubes.

Possible Room-Temperature Ferromagnetism In Hydrogenated Carbon Nanotubes, Adam L. Friedman, Hyunkyung Chun, Yung Joon Jung, Don Heiman, Evan R. Glaser, Latika Menon

Donald Heiman

We find that ferromagnetism can be induced in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by introducing hydrogen. Multiwalled CNTs grown inside porous alumina templates contain a large density of defects resulting in significant hydrogen uptake when annealed at high temperatures. This hydrogen incorporation produces H-complex and adatom magnetism which generates a sizable ferromagnetic moment and a Curie temperature near TC=1000  K. We studied the conditions for the incorporation of hydrogen, the temperature-dependent magnetic behavior, and the dependence of the ferromagnetism on the size of the nanotubes.

Negative Index Metamaterials Based On Metal-Dielectric Nanocomposites For Imaging Applications, L. Menon, W. T. Lu, A. L. Friedman, S. P. Bennett, D. Heiman, S. Sridhar

Donald Heiman

Negative index metamaterials are demonstrated based on metal-dielectric nanocomposites prepared using a versatile bottom-up nanofabrication approach. The method involves the incorporation of vertically aligned metal nanowires such as Au and Ag inside dielectric aluminum oxide nanotemplates. Optical absorbance measurements show resonance peaks corresponding to the transverse and longitudinal surface plasmon modes. A quantitative model based on effective medium theory is in excellent agreement with experimental data, and points to specific composite configurations and wavelength regimes where such structures can have applications as negative refraction media for imaging.

Large Coercivity In Nanostructured Rare-Earth-Free Mnₓga Films, Don Heiman, Tom Nummy, Steve Bennett, Tom Cardinal

Donald Heiman

The magnetic hysteresis of MnₓGa films exhibit remarkably large coercive fields as high as μₒHC=2.5 T when fabricated with nanoscale particles of a suitable size and orientation. This coercivity is an order of magnitude larger than in well-ordered epitaxial film counterparts and bulk materials. The enhanced coercivity is attributed to the combination of large magnetocrystalline anisotropy and ~50-100 nm size nanoparticles. The large coercivity is also replicated in the electrical properties through the anomalous Hall effect. The magnitude of the coercivity approaches that found in rare-earth magnets, making them attractive for rare-earth-free magnet applications.

Magnetic Properties Of Gamnas Nanodot Arrays Fabricated Using Porous Alumina Templates, S. Bennett, L. Menon, D. Heiman

Donald Heiman

Ordered arrays of GaMnAs magnetic semiconductor nanodots have been fabricated using anodic porous alumina templates as etch masks. The magnetic behavior is studied for prepared arrays with 40 nm dot diameter, 15 nm dot thickness, and 80 nm periodicity. The disklike nanodots exhibit an easy axis for fields applied in the radial direction and a hard axis in the smaller direction. In the radial direction superparamagnetism is observed with a blocking temperature of 30 K. The fabrication technique is convenient for preparing nanodot arrays of compound semiconductors that cannot be formed by self-assembly techniques.

Possible Room-Temperature Ferromagnetism In Hydrogenated Carbon Nanotubes, Adam Friedman, Hyunkyung Chun, Yung Joon Jung, Don Heiman, Evan Glaser, Latika Menon

Latika Menon

We find that ferromagnetism can be induced in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by introducing hydrogen. Multiwalled CNTs grown inside porous alumina templates contain a large density of defects resulting in significant hydrogen uptake when annealed at high temperatures. This hydrogen incorporation produces H-complex and adatom magnetism which generates a sizable ferromagnetic moment and a Curie temperature near TC=1000  K. We studied the conditions for the incorporation of hydrogen, the temperature-dependent magnetic behavior, and the dependence of the ferromagnetism on the size of the nanotubes.

Optimal Parameters For Synthesis Of Magnetic Nanowires In Porous Alumina Templates: Electrodeposition Study, Adam L. Friedman, Latika Menon

Latika Menon

We have carried out a systematic study of the electrodeposition process to understand the effect of varying three important quantities on the synthesis of nanowires inside porous alumina templates. We have electrodeposited iron nanowires inside porous alumina to determine the optimal settings of these variables to induce effective and efficient nanowire growth. First, we vary the pH of the electrolyte solution to show that pH has little effect on the deposition rate. Second, we vary the magnitude of the applied ac voltage to show that the deposition rate increases with increasing voltage. Finally, we vary the frequency of the applied …

Negative Index Metamaterials Based On Metal-Dielectric Nanocomposites For Imaging Applications, L. Menon, W. T. Lu, A. L. Friedman, S. P. Bennett, D. Heiman, S. Sridhar

Latika Menon

Negative index metamaterials are demonstrated based on metal-dielectric nanocomposites prepared using a versatile bottom-up nanofabrication approach. The method involves the incorporation of vertically aligned metal nanowires such as Au and Ag inside dielectric aluminum oxide nanotemplates. Optical absorbance measurements show resonance peaks corresponding to the transverse and longitudinal surface plasmon modes. A quantitative model based on effective medium theory is in excellent agreement with experimental data, and points to specific composite configurations and wavelength regimes where such structures can have applications as negative refraction media for imaging.

Magnetic Properties Of Gamnas Nanodot Arrays Fabricated Using Porous Alumina Templates, S. P. Bennett, L. Menon, D. Heiman

Latika Menon

Ordered arrays of GaMnAs magnetic semiconductor nanodots have been fabricated using anodic porous alumina templates as etch masks. The magnetic behavior is studied for prepared arrays with 40 nm dot diameter, 15 nm dot thickness, and 80 nm periodicity. The disklike nanodots exhibit an easy axis for fields applied in the radial direction and a hard axis in the smaller direction. In the radial direction superparamagnetism is observed with a blocking temperature of 30 K. The fabrication technique is convenient for preparing nanodot arrays of compound semiconductors that cannot be formed by self-assembly techniques.

Super-Resolution Imaging Using A Three-Dimensional Metamaterials Nanolens, B. D. F. Casse, W. T. Lu, Y. J. Huang, E. Gultepe, L. Menon, S. Sridhar

Latika Menon

Super-resolution imaging beyond Abbe's diffraction limit can be achieved by utilizing an optical medium or "metamaterial" that can either amplify or transport the decaying near-field evanescent waves that carry subwavelength features of objects. Earlier approaches at optical frequencies mostly utilized the amplification of evanescent waves in thin metallic films or metal-dielectric multilayers, but were restricted to very small thicknesses (⪡λ, wavelength) and accordingly short object-image distances, due to losses in the material. Here, we present an experimental demonstration of super-resolution imaging by a low-loss three-dimensional metamaterial nanolens consisting of aligned gold nanowires embedded in a porous alumina matrix. This composite …

A Study Of Titania Nanotube Synthesis In Chloride-Ion-Containing Media, E. Panaitescu, C. Richter, L. Menon

Latika Menon

We have completed a detailed experimental investigation into the recently discovered synthesis of titania nanotubes in chloride-ion-containing media. We show that the role of the chloride ions is catalytic and it has a strong effect in increasing the reactivity of the solution, while the nature of cations has no visible role. We have identified the critical parameters for optimal growth and fast production of nanotubes, and a basic growth mechanism for the tubes is proposed. This opens routes for significant improvements of the method toward uniformity and/or better overall yield, making it a viable alternative to the present established methods.

Growth And Magnetic Properties Of Polycrystalline Self-Assembled Bifurcated Co Nanowires, Jesse Silverberg, Adam L. Friedman, Latika Menon

Latika Menon

We use anodization of aluminum foil with variable applied anodization voltage to create an alumina template with bifurcated porous structures. The template is then used to electrodeposit Co, fabricating unique bifurcated Co nanowires. In order to better understand the crystal structure of our new material, we then report magnetic properties of these self-assembled bifurcated Co nanowires. Magnetic measurements of the bifurcated wires are studied as functions of branch/stem ratios, wire length, and temperature. The results are compared with those of straight Co nanowires of similar dimensions and thin film Co samples to find that a different crystal lattice structure prevails …

How Can Pacific Island Economies Benefits From The Advent Of Ict’S – Review Of Best Practices In Education, Deogratias Harorimana Sr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

This paper explored implementation and use of information and communication technologies in Fiji, in order to gain insight into recent government initiatives to introduce computers and other ICTs for the community of Fiji. The focus of this paper in that it provided the framework for an in-depth exploration of e-learning centers around the country and the benefits from the advent of ICT’s in e-learning community centers in Fiji. Areas concentrated on are outcome of ICT’s in formal education to students and community as a whole in areas of agriculture, health, environment and infrastructure etc. The research sought understanding from the …

Temperature Dependence Anomalous Dielectric Relaxation In Co Doped Zno Nanoparticles, Sajid Ali Ansari

Sajid Ali Ansari

We have reported temperature and frequency dependence of dielectric behaviour of nanocrystalline Zn1-xCoxO (x = 0.0, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1) samples prepared by gel-combustion method. The synthesized samples were examined by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and LCR-meter, respectively. The XRD analysis reveals that ZnO has a hexagonal (wurtzite) crystal structure. The morphology and size of the nanoparticles (∼10-25 nm) were observed by SEM for 5% Co doped ZnO sample. In dielectric properties, complex permittivity (ɛ* = ɛ’-jɛ”), loss tangent (tanδ) and ac conductivity (σac) in the frequency range 75 kHz - 5 MHz were analyzed with temperature …

Technical Assistance, Knowledge Gatekeeping And Indigenous Knowledge: Re-Thinking The International Development Practice, Deogratias Harorimana Sr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

This paper presents results from a multi-disciplinary conceptual analysis of development theory and practice. It reviews issues raised and proposes a shift in the epistemology of possession towards an epistemology of practice which is guided by the following aspects (1) The consideration of the learning culture of parties involved, (2) the ability and willingness for decontextualisation of the knowledge by the source and (3) the ability to embedded it by recipients (embededness ), (4) the importance that is attached to knowledge of the host country as reflected through (5) Similarity in culture, values, understanding of context and knowledge bases; (6) …

Characterization Of Conducting-Polymer-Based Bimorph Vibration Sensors, Weihua Li, Geoffrey M. Spinks, Lianbin Zhao, Yanzhe Wu, Dezhi Zhou, G G. Wallace

Professor Weihua Li

This paper presents theoretical and experimental investigation of mechanical-electrical properties of conducting polymers based bimorph sensors. A material parameter, hCP , is proposed to represent linear relationship between induction charge and the applied external deformation. Based on this assumption, a constitutive equation for bimorph sensors under steady-state external loadings are constructed and then solved. Mechanical-electrical properties of bimorph sensors are experimentally studied using both vibration-amplitude sweep mode and frequency sweep mode. The material parameter hCP , is identified by comparing theoretical analysis and experimental results. The applications of conducting polymers based bimorph sensors in smart structures are also discussed.

Size-Dependent Metal-Insulator Transition In Pt-Dispersed Sio2 Thin Film: A Candidate For Future Non-Volatile Memory, Albert B. Chen

Albert B Chen

Non-volatile random access memories (NVRAM) are promising data storage and processing devices. Various NVRAM, such as FeRAM and MRAM, have been studied in the past. But resistance switching random access memory (RRAM) has demonstrated the most potential for replacing flash memory in use today. In this dissertation, a novel RRAM material design that relies upon an electronic transition, rather than a phase change (as in chalcogenide Ovonic RRAM) or a structural change (such in oxide and halide filamentary RRAM), is investigated. Since the design is not limited to a single material but applicable to general combinations of metals and insulators, …

Multimodal Grain Size Distribution And High Hardness In Fine Grained Tungsten Fabricated By Spark Plasma Sintering, Osman El-Atwani, D.V. Quach, Mert Efe, Patrick Cantwell, Bryan Heim, Bradley Schultz, Eric Stach, Joanna Groza, Jean Allain

Osman El-Atwani

Preparation of fine grained, hard and ductile pure tungsten for future fusion reactor applications was tested using the bottom-up approach via powder consolidation by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at different temperature (1300-1800 degrees C) and pressure (90-266 MPa) conditions. Pure tungsten powders with an average particle size of about 1 mu m were sintered to high density (about 94%) with almost no grain growth at a temperature below 1400 degrees C and an applied pressure up to 266 MPa. These samples had a multi-modal grain size distribution (resembling the size distribution of the initial powder) and a very high Vickers …

Mis Mock Questions (Why Mis In Corporate Turbulant Times), Deogratias Harorimana Sr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

With corporate strategy becoming more and more dependent on speed,focus, innovation and strategy, what can MIS do? and what should be MIS role ? what is the relationship between Corporate Strategy KPI and MIS? These questions are answered in an MBA Management Information Systems at USP. This programme is delivered across the entire Pacific region through the Graduate School of Business. It is my privilege to post here few questions that students who attended one of the course in Nadi, at Tanoa International Hotel had to answer in one of the Quiz test.

Performance Analysis Of Nitride Alternative Plasmonic Materials For Localized Surface Plasmon Applications, U. Guler, Gururaj V. Naik, Alexandra Boltasseva, Vladimir M. Shalaev, Alexander V. Kildishev

U. Guler

We consider methods to define the performance metrics for different plasmonic materials to be used in localized surface plasmon applications. Optical efficiencies are shown to be better indicators of performance as compared to approximations in the quasistatic regime. The near-field intensity efficiency, which is a generalized form of the well-known scattering efficiency, is a more flexible and useful metric for local-field enhancement applications. We also examine the evolution of the field enhancement from a particle surface to the far-field regime for spherical nanoparticles with varying radii. Titanium nitride and zirconium nitride, which were recently suggested as alternative plasmonic materials in …

The Miscibility And Depth Profile Of Pcbm In P3ht: Thermodynamic Information To Improve Organic Photovoltaics, Raghavendra R. Hegde Dr

Raghavendra R Hegde Dr

Recent work has shown that poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and the surface-functionalized fullerene 1-(3-methyloxycarbonyl)propyl(1-phenyl[6,6])C(61) (PCBM) are much more miscible than originally thought, and the evidence of this miscibility requires a return to understanding the optimal morphology and structure of organic photovoltaic active layers. This manuscript describes the results of experiments that were designed to provide quantitative thermodynamic information on the miscibility, interdiffusion, and depth profile of P3HT : PCBM thin films that are formed by thermally annealing initial bilayers. It is found that the resultant thin films consist of a 'bulk' layer that is not influenced by the air or substrate surface. …

Economic Benefits Analysis Of Mining Industries In Png And Solomon Islands, Deogratias Harorimana Sr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

This paper discusses mining and mineral operations in the two countries Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands with regards to its contribution to the overall Gross domestic Product and the economic development of each country.

Our finding shows that mining is an excellent contributor to economic growth and development as in the case of Papua New Guinea.Tax revenue from PNG Mining industries contributions to the PNG fiscal basket remains strong and growing steadily. The mining and minerals tax revenue remains an important contributor to the government fiscal budget over the last 10 years. This has been a strong contributor to …