Review on advances in microcrystalline, nanocrystalline and ultrananocrystalline diamond films-based micro/nano-electromechanical systems technologies

AbstractA comprehensive review is presented on the advances achieved in past years on fundamental and applied materials science of diamond films and engineering to integrate them into new generations of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). Specifically, the review focuses on describing the fundamental science performed to develop thin film synthesis processes and the characterization of chemical, mechanical, tribological and electronic properties of microcrystalline diamond, nanocrystalline diamond and ultrananocrystalline diamond films technologies, and the research and development focused on the integration of the diamond films with other film-based materials. The review includes both theoretical and experimental work focused on optimizing the films synthesis and the resulting properties to achieve the best possible MEMS/NEMS devices performance to produce new generation of MEMS/NEMS external environmental sensors and energy generation devices, human body implantable biosensors and energy generation devices, electron field emission devices and many more MEMS/NEMS devices, to produce transformational positive impact on the way and quality of life of people worldwide.

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Science and Technology of Piezoelectric/Diamond Hybrid Heterostructures for High Performance MEMS/NEMS Devices

MRS Proceedings ◽

10.1557/proc-1052-dd07-05 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 1052 ◽

Author(s):

Orlando Auciello ◽

Anirudha Sumant ◽

Jon Hiller ◽

Bernd Kabius ◽

Sudarsan Srinivasa

Keyword(s):

Tribological Properties ◽

High Performance ◽

Low Voltage ◽

Diamond Films ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Nanoelectromechanical Systems ◽

Mechanical And Tribological Properties ◽

Ultrananocrystalline Diamond ◽

Pzt Films ◽

Film Form

AbstractMost current micro/nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) are based on silicon. However, silicon exhibits relatively poor mechanical/tribological properties, compromising applications to some devices. Diamond films with superior mechanical/tribological properties provide an excellent alternative platform material. Ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD®) in film form with 2-5 nm grains exhibits excellent mechanical and tribological properties for high-performance MEMS/NEMS devices. Concurrently, piezoelectric Pb(ZrxTi1-x)O3 (PZT) films provide high sensitivity/low electrical noise for sensing/high-force actuation at relatively low voltages. Therefore, integration of PZT and UNCD films provides a high-performance platform for advanced MEMS/NEMS devices. This paper describes the bases of such integration and demonstration of low voltage piezoactuated hybrid PZT/UNCD cantilevers.

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The Contribution of Intermediate-Voltage, High-Resolution Electron Microscopy In Materials Science: An Appraisal

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100181142 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 48 (1) ◽

pp. 478-479

Author(s):

John L. Hutchison

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Materials Science ◽

High Resolution Electron Microscopy ◽

Optical Diffraction ◽

The Past ◽

Resolution Electron ◽

Extreme Sensitivity ◽

Electron Microscopes ◽

New Generation ◽

Small Metal Particles

Over the past five years or so the development of a new generation of high resolution electron microscopes operating routinely in the 300-400 kilovolt range has produced a dramatic increase in resolution, to around 1.6 Å for “structure resolution” and approaching 1.2 Å for information limits. With a large number of such instruments now in operation it is timely to assess their impact in the various areas of materials science where they are now being used. Are they falling short of the early expectations? Generally, the manufacturers’ claims regarding resolution are being met, but one unexpected factor which has emerged is the extreme sensitivity of these instruments to both floor-borne and acoustic vibrations. Successful measures to counteract these disturbances may require the use of special anti-vibration blocks, or even simple oil-filled dampers together with springs, with heavy curtaining around the microscope room to reduce noise levels. In assessing performance levels, optical diffraction analysis is becoming the accepted method, with rotational averaging useful for obtaining a good measure of information limits. It is worth noting here that microscope alignment becomes very critical for the highest resolution.In attempting an appraisal of the contributions of intermediate voltage HREMs to materials science we will outline a few of the areas where they are most widely used. These include semiconductors, oxides, and small metal particles, in addition to metals and minerals.

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Overcoming stereotypes of renewable energy

Voprosy Ekonomiki ◽

10.32609/0042-8736-2019-4-124-136 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 124-136

Author(s):

Victor D. Gazman

Keyword(s):

Renewable Energy ◽

Empirical Analysis ◽

Energy Generation ◽

New Paradigm ◽

Financial Instrument ◽

Promising Direction ◽

Investment Projects ◽

Power Stations ◽

New Generation ◽

The Impact

The article considers prerequisites for the formation of a new paradigm in the energy sector. The factors that may affect the imminent change of leadership among the energy generation are analyzed. The variability of the projects of creation and functioning of power stations is examined. The focus is made on problematic aspects of the new generation, especially, storage and supply of energy, achieving a system of parity that ensures balance in pricing generations. The author substantiates the principles of forming system of parities arising when comparing traditional and new generations. The article presents the results of an empirical analysis of the 215 projects for the construction of facilities for renewable energy. The significance and direction of the impact of these factors on the growth in investment volumes of transactions are determined. The author considers leasing as an effective financial instrument for overcoming stereotypes of renewable energy and as a promising direction for accelerated implementation of investment projects.

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AN ANALYSIS OF THE EU’S INVESTMENT POLICY AFTER CETA: EFFECTS ON THE BULGARIAN ECONOMY

4th EMAN Conference Proceedings (part of EMAN conference collection) ◽

10.31410/eman.2020.55 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nikolay Marin ◽

◽

Mariya Paskaleva ◽

Keyword(s):

Bilateral Trade ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Value Added ◽

Trade Agreement ◽

Trade Agreements ◽

Investment Policy ◽

National Parliaments ◽

Total Employment ◽

Investment Protection ◽

New Generation

In this paper we analyze the changes of the EU’s investment policy provoked by the mixed trade agreements. The EU’s investment policy has turned towards attaining bilateral trade agreements. One of these “new-generation” agreements is the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). It is in a process of being ratified by the national parliaments of the EU members. This study is focused on the general characteristics of CETA and the eventual problems posed by its regulatory and wide-ranging nature. We prove that the significance of this agreement pertains not only to the economic influence, that it will have on the European and Canadian economies, but CETA is also the first trade agreement to have been negotiated with a focus on investment protection and a change in the EU’s investment policy. The current study reveals the influence arising from the conclusion of CETA on the Bulgarian economy with an emphasis on electronic industry, machinery industry and manufacturing. We estimate both – the direct and indirect effects on Bulgaria’s exports, imports, value added and employment. In order to estimate the influence, we apply the multi-regional input-output model. It is proved that CETA will have a low but positive impact on the Bulgarian economy. After constructing different scenarios of development, we prove that the influence of CETA on the Bulgarian economy will amount to 0.010% GDP. The average total employment will be increased by more than 172 jobs in Bulgaria, which in turn, relative to the labor market, represents less than 0.01% of the total employment.

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