A Nanoscale Bistable Resistor for an Oscillatory Neural Network

Coupled oscillators construct an oscillatory neural network (ONN) by mimicking the interactions among neurons in the human brain. This work demonstrates a fully CMOS-based oscillator consisting of a bistable resistor (biristor), which shares a structure identical with that of a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor, except for the use of a gate electrode. The biristor-based oscillator (birillator) generates oscillating voltage signals in the form of spikes due to a single transistor latch phenomenon. When two birillators are connected with a coupling capacitor, they become synchronized with a phase difference of 180°. These coupled oscillation characteristics are experimentally investigated for an ONN. As practical applications of the ONN with coupled birillators, edge detection and vertex coloring are conducted by encoding information into phase differences between them. The proposed fully CMOS-based birillators are advantageous for low power consumption, high CMOS compatibility, and a compact footprint area.

Growth mechanism of nano-plates structured SnS films on different substrates in glancing angle deposition method

In this work, Tin (II) sulfide films have been deposited on glass, Indium Tin Oxide, and Fluorinated Tin Oxide substrates at the deposition angles of 0º, 65º, and 85º using Physical Vapor Deposition method equipped with Glancing Angle Deposition technique. Based on the results obtained from the X-ray diffraction technique, the crystalline structure of substrates and the angle of depositions along with their effects on the structure of SnS nano-plates have been investigated. Using Raman analysis, the phonons lifetime of the samples was found to change with the type of substrate and the employed deposition angle. Based Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, the atomic ratio of Sn to S was observed to change with the change of deposition angle, substrate type and variation the diameter of nano-plates. This phenomenon resulted the formation of the second phase of Sn₂S₃ which was confirmed by Raman and X-ray diffraction patterns. The nano-sheets-like growth of all the samples has been confirmed using Felid Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis. For further morphological studies, the Atomic Force Microscopy analysis has been applied, by which the direct relation between the substrate roughness and the final structure of the samples has been observed. The relation between the substrate roughness and the deposition angle in the growth process of SnS nano-sheets has been explained.

Solar Energy Production in India and Commonly Used Technologies—An Overview

This review uses a more holistic approach to provide comprehensive information and up-to-date knowledge on solar energy development in India and scientific and technological advancement. This review describes the types of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, existing solar technologies, and the structure of PV systems. Substantial emphasis has been given to understanding the potential impacts of COVID-19 on the solar energy installed capacity. In addition, we evaluated the prospects of solar energy and the revival of growth in solar energy installation post-COVID-19. Further, we described the challenges caused by transitions and cloud enhancement on smaller and larger PV systems on the solar power amended grid-system. While the review is focused on evaluating the solar energy growth in India, we used a broader approach to compare the existing solar technologies available across the world. The need for recycling waste from solar energy systems has been emphasized. Improved PV cell efficiencies and trends in cost reductions have been provided to understand the overall growth of solar-based energy production. Further, to understand the existing technologies used in PV cell production, we have reviewed monocrystalline and polycrystalline cell structures and their limitations. In terms of solar energy production and the application of various solar technologies, we have used the latest available literature to cover stand-alone PV and on-grid PV systems. More than 5000 trillion kWh/year solar energy incidents over India are estimated, with most parts receiving 4–7 kWh/m2. Currently, energy consumption in India is about 1.13 trillion kWh/year, and production is about 1.38 trillion kWh/year, which indicates production capacities are slightly higher than actual demand. Out of a total of 100 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, the existing solar capacity in India is about 40 GW. Over the past ten years, the solar energy production capacity has increased by over 24,000%. By 2030, the total renewable energy capacity is expected to be 450 GW, and solar energy is likely to play a crucial role (over 60%). In the wake of the increased emphasis on solar energy and the substantial impacts of COVID-19 on solar energy installations, this review provides the most updated and comprehensive information on the current solar energy systems, available technologies, growth potential, prospect of solar energy, and need for growth in the solar waste recycling industry. We expect the analysis and evaluation of technologies provided here will add to the existing literature to benefit stakeholders, scientists, and policymakers.