Charge transport spectra in superconductor-InAs/GaSb-superconductor heterostructures

Charge transport physics in InAs/GaSb bi-layer systems has recently attracted attention for the experimental search for two-dimensional topological superconducting states in solids. Here we report measurement of charge transport spectra of nano devices consisting of an InAs/GaSb quantum well sandwiched by tantalum superconductors. We explore the current-voltage relation as a function of the charge-carrier density in the quantum well controlled by a gate voltage and an external magnetic field. We observe three types of differential resistance peaks, all of which can be effectively tuned by the external magnetic field, and, however, two of which appear at electric currents independent of the gate voltage, indicating a dominant mechanism from the superconductor and the system geometry. By analyzing the spectroscopic features, we nd that the three types of peaks identify Andreev reflections, quasi-particle interference, and superconducting transitions in the device, respectively. Our results provide a basis for further exploration of possible topological superconducting state in the InAs/GaSb system.

Modeling Macroscopic Currents of Ion Channels

Ion-channel functions are often studied by the current-voltage relation, which is commonly fitted by the Boltzmann equation, a powerful model widely used nowadays. However, the Boltzmann model is restricted to a two-state ion-permeation process. Here we present an improved model that comprises a flexible number of states and incorporates both the single-channel conductance and the open-channel probability. Employing the channel properties derived from the single-channel recording experiments, the proposed model is able to describe various current-voltage relations, especially the reversal ion-permeation curves showing the inward- and outward-rectifications. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model using the published patch-clamp data of BK and MthK potassium channels, and discuss the similarity of the two channels based on the model studies.

Effects of Magnetic Fields on PN Junctions in Piezomagnetic–Piezoelectric Semiconductor Composite Fibers

We study the electromechanical and electrical behaviors of a PN junction in a multiferroic composite fiber, consisting of a piezoelectric semiconductor (PS) layer between two piezomagnetic (PM) layers, under a transverse magnetic field. Based on the derived one-dimensional model for multiferroic composite semiconductor structures, we obtain the linear analytical solution for the built-in potential and electric field in the junction when there is no applied voltage between the two ends of the fiber. When a bias voltage is applied over the two ends of the fiber, a nonlinear numerical analysis is performed for the current–voltage relation. Both a homogeneous junction with a uniform PS layer and a heterogeneous junction with two different PSs on different sides of the junctions are studied. It is found that overall the homogeneous junction is essentially unaffected by the magnetic field, and the heterojunction is sensitive to the magnetic field with potential applications in piezotronics.

Genetic-based optimization of a multi insulator tunneling diode for THz energy harvesting

The deployment of multi-insulator tunneling diodes has recently had more attention to be used as rectifiers in energy harvesting rectennas with good potentiality for a millimeter and terahertz range. However, with the rather complicated math to obtain the current–voltage relation, it is difficult to evaluate the design figures of merit (FOM)s such as asymmetry, nonlinearity, responsivity, and dynamic resistance and monitor the impact of changing physical parameters on them. This complicates the decision-making process for the required physical parameters. In this work, a heuristic optimization framework using genetic algorithm is suggested using the transfer matrix method to find the combination of physical parameters which satisfies the minimum required FOM set by users and weighted by their preference.

Accurate Constant Phase Elements Dedicated for Audio Signal Processing

This review paper introduces real-valued two-terminal fully passive RC ladder structures of the so-called constant phase elements (CPEs). These lumped electronic circuits can be understood as two-terminal elements described by fractional-order (FO) dynamics, i.e., current–voltage relation described by non-integer-order integration or derivation. Since CPEs that behave almost ideally are still not available as off-the-shelf components, the correct behavior must be approximated in the frequency domain and is valid only in the predefined operational frequency interval. In this study, an audio frequency range starting with 20 Hz and ending with 20 kHz has been chosen. CPEs are designed and values tabularized for predefined phase shifts that are commonly used in practice. If constructed carefully, a maximum phase error less than 0.5° can be achieved. Several examples of direct utilization of designed CPEs in signal processing applications are provided.

Electronic transport through renormalized DNA chains

DNA have presented through experiments great variability in terms of its electronic characteristics. They have shown that it can acquire the behavior of a conductor, semiconductor or insulator, making it a good candidate for replicating at the mesoscopic scale electronic devices. In the present work, the quantum transmission coefficient is calculated for DNA chains of various lengths with the use of the decimation and renormalization procedure, within the tight binding approximation and the Lippmann-Schwinger scattering theory. Transmission-Energy profiles were obtained, which helped to infer electronic transport properties of the system, Additionally, the current-voltage relation for a 30-pairs chain was calculated as well, and compared with the experimental results of Porath et al. Results show the semiconductor characteristics of the molecule, and a resemblance with the work of Porath, showing the quality of the procedure and the model utilized.

Testing miniaturized electrodes for impedance measurements within the β-dispersion – a practical approach

Miniaturized electrodes are introduced in life sciences in a great number and variety. They are often designed for a special purpose without the need of quantitative analysis, such as for detecting cells or water droplets in a fluid channel. Other developments aim in monitoring a single quantity in a process where all other factors held constant. To use miniaturized electrodes for quantitative measurements, their behavior should be known in detail and stable over time in order to allow a mathematical correction of the data measured. Here we show test procedures for evaluating macroscopic but also microscopic electrodes. The most important quality parameters for electrode systems used in life science are the electrode impedance, its stability, the useful frequency range as well as the limits for applied stimulus without driving the electrode system into a non-linear region of the current/voltage relation. Proper electrode design allows a bandwidth from 100 Hz up to some MHz for impedances ranging over decades from 50 Ω up to several MΩ.