Enhanced thermal emission from metal-free,fully epitaxial structures with epsilon-near-zero InAs layers

We introduce a novel method to create mid-infrared(MIR)thermal emitters using fully epitaxial,metal-free structures.Through the strategic use of epsilon-near-zero(ENZ)thin films in InAs layers,we achieve a narrow-band,wide-angle,and p-polarized thermal emission spectra.This approach,employing molecular beam epitaxy,circumvents the complexities associated with current layered structures and yields temperature-resistant emission wavelengths.Our findings contribute a promising route towards simpler,more efficient MIR optoelectronic devices.

The Influence of Microscopic Fungi on Chromated Galvanized Zinc Coatings

A solution containing Cr(VI), Cr(NO3)3 and its complex with an organic acid as well as several commercial solutions containing Cr(III) complexes with an organic acid and additionally CO2+, F-, SO42- ions were used for the studies. Results of the studies obtained in the following commercial solutions: Likonda 2AT, Cr(NO3)3 + malonic acid;Likonda 3Cr5 and Likonda 3CrMC are discussed. Steel coated with chromated Zn coatings was contaminated by some microscopic fungi. The variety of fungi on chromated plates diminished, however the propagules of fungi did not disappear completely. The Likonda 3Cr5 solution diminishes fungi contamination on chromated steel most effectively. In water used to rinse the surface of chromated plates the number of fungi propagules was detected to be higher as compared to that on the plate surface. The least quantity of fungi propagules was detected in water used to rinse plates coated in the Likonda 3Cr5 solution. The main part of fungi detected on chromated plates treated in the Likonda 3Cr5 solution were the fungi of Cladosporium species (C.herbarum, C.cladosporioides). The latter species also dominated on chromated plates coated with zinc and treated with the other solution. It should be mentioned, that on these plates chromated in this solution, Actinomycetes of the Streptomyces group were abundant. After comparison of surfaces of the plates treated in four solutions it has been determined that the surface of the plates treated in the Likonda 3Cr5 passivation solution and exposed to modelling conditions changed least of all. It has been noticed that on the subject studied white porous rust accumulates, the intensity of this process on the surface studied determines both the probability of corrosion and the resistance of the used safety means to the external factors.

Rapid thermal evaporation for cadmium selenide thin-film solar cells

Cadmium selenide(CdSe)belongs to the binary II-VI group semiconductor with a direct bandgap of~1.7 eV.The suitable bandgap,high stability,and low manufacturing cost make CdSe an extraordinary candidate as the top cell material in silicon-based tandem solar cells.However,only a few studies have focused on CdSe thin-film solar cells in the past decades.With the advantages of a high deposition rate(~2µm/min)and high uniformity,rapid thermal evaporation(RTE)was used to maximize the use efficiency of CdSe source material.A stable and pure hexagonal phase CdSe thin film with a large grain size was achieved.The CdSe film demonstrated a 1.72 eV bandgap,narrow photoluminescence peak,and fast photoresponse.With the optimal device structure and film thickness,we finally achieved a preliminary efficiency of 1.88%for CdSe thin-film solar cells,suggesting the applicability of CdSe thin-film solar cells.