Deterministic Dual Control of Phase Competition in Strained BiFeO3: A Multiparametric Structural Lithography Approach

The realization of a mixed-phase microstructure in strained BiFeO3 (BFO) thin films has led to numerous novel effects derived from the coexistence of the tetragonal-like monoclinic phase (T phase) and rhombohedral-like monoclinic phase (R phase). Strong strain and polarization differences between the phases should result in a high level of transformation plasticity, which enables the continuous alteration of the relative proportion of R and T states in response to external forces. Although the potential for utilizing such plasticity to control mixed-phase populations under external stimuli is evident, direct experimental evidence backed by equilibrium predictions has not yet been fully demonstrated. Here we demonstrate deterministic control of mixed-phase populations in an epitaxially strained BFO thin film through the application of localized stresses and electric fields in a reversible manner. The results illustrate and rationalize deterministic control of mixed phases in strained BFO films, which could be crucial in tuning their functional properties. The findings also highlight a new multiparametric technique in the scanning probe lithography toolbox based on tip-assisted electric and strain field manipulation of functional properties that might find application beyond the ferroelectric domain and structural phase lithography.

Determinants of haemosporidian single and co-infections risks in western paleartic birds

Co-infections with multiple pathogens are common in the wild and may act as a strong selective pressure on both host and parasite evolution. Yet, contrary to single infection, the factors that shape co-infection risk are largely under-investigated. Here, we explored the extent to which bird ecology and phylogeny impact single and co-infection probabilities by haemosporidian parasites using large datasets from museum collections and a Bayesian phylogenetic modelling framework. While both phylogeny and species attributes (e.g. size of the geographic range, life-history strategy, migration) were relevant predictors of co-infection risk, these factors were less pertinent in predicting the probability of being single infected. Our study suggests that co-infection risk is under a stronger deterministic control than single-infection risk. These results underscore the combined influence of host evolutionary history and species attributes in determining single and co-infection pattern providing new avenues regarding our ability to predict infection risk in the wild.

Macroscopically entangled light fields

A novel method of macroscopically entangled light-pair generation is presented for a quantum laser using randomness-based deterministic phase control of coherent light in a coupled Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI). Unlike the particle nature-based quantum correlation in conventional quantum mechanics, the wave nature of photons is applied for collective phase control of coherent fields, resulting in a deterministically controllable nonclassical phenomenon. For the proof of principle, the entanglement between output light fields from a coupled MZI is examined using the Hong-Ou-Mandel-type anticorrelation technique, where the anticorrelation is a direct evidence of the nonclassical features in an interferometric scheme. For the generation of random phase bases between two bipartite input coherent fields, a deterministic control of opposite frequency shifts results in phase sensitive anticorrelation, which is a macroscopic quantum feature.

Interface-engineered electron and hole tunneling

Although the phenomenon of tunneling has been known since the advent of quantum mechanics, it continues to enrich our understanding of many fields of science. Commonly, this effect is described in terms of electrons traversing the potential barrier that exceeds their kinetic energy due to the wave nature of electrons. This picture of electron tunneling fails, however, for tunnel junctions, where the Fermi energy lies sufficiently close to the insulator valence band, in which case, hole tunneling dominates. We demonstrate the deterministic control of electron and hole tunneling in interface-engineered Pt/BaTiO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 ferroelectric tunnel junctions by reversal of tunneling electroresistance. Our electrical measurements, electron microscopy and spectroscopy characterization, and theoretical modeling unambiguously point out to electron or hole tunneling regimes depending on interface termination. The interface control of the tunneling regime offers designed functionalities of electronic devices.

Stochastic homogenization of deterministic control problems

In this paper we study homogenization of a class of control problems in a stationary and ergodic random environment. This problem has been mostly studied in the calculus of variations setting in connection to the homogenization of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation. We extend the result to control problems with more general state dynamics and macroscopically inhomogeneous Lagrangians. Moreover, our approach proves homogenization under weaker growth assumptions on the Lagrangian, even in the well-studied calculus of variations setting.

Deterministic control of adhesive crack propagation through jamming based switchable adhesives

We show deterministic control of adhesive crack initiation, propagation, and arresting by integrating a granular jamming layer into adhesive films.

Comparative Analysis of Energy Use and Human Comfort by an Intelligent Control Model at the Change of Season

For improving control methods in the thermal environment, various algorithms have been studied to satisfy the specific conditions required by the characteristics of building spaces and to reduce the energy consumed in operation. In this research, a network-based learning control equipped with an adaptive controller is proposed to investigate the control performance for supply air conditions with maintaining the levels of indoor thermal comfort. In order to examine its performance, the proposed model is compared to two different models in terms of the patterns of heating and cooling energy use and the characteristics of operational signals and overshoots. As a result, the energy efficiency of the proposed control has been slightly decreased due to the energy consumption increased by precise controls, but the thermal comfort has improved by about 10.7% more than a conventional thermostat and by about 19.8% more than a deterministic control, respectively. This result can contribute to the reduction of actual installation and maintenance costs by reducing the operating time of dampers and the energy use of heating coils without compromising indoor thermal comfort.