Analysis of Zinc Compound Buffer Layers in Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se)2 Thin Film Solar Cells by Synchrotron-Based Soft X-Ray Spectroscopy

Zinc-based buffer layers like ZnSe, ZnS, or wet-chemically deposited ZnO on Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se)2 absorber materials (CIGSSe) have yielded thin film solar cell efficiencies comparable to or even higher than standard CdS/CIGSSe cells. However, little is known about surface and interface properties of these novel buffer layers. In this contribution we characterize the specific chemical environment at the absorber/buffer-interface using X-ray Emission Spectroscopy (XES) and Photoelectron Spectroscopy (PES) in a complementary way. Evidence of intermixing and chemical reactions is found for different buffer materials and deposition methods.

Observation of a transition in the water-nanoparticle formation process at 167K

Rapid-scan Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of the vapor/solid formation process of water nanoparticles in the 180-140 K temperature range at thermal-equilibrium conditions is reported. At 167 K a transition in the formation process was observed: the particle volume quintuples and the particle formation time triples within a temperature interval of +/-0.4 K caused by the temperature control. The authors interpret this behavior by an abrupt change in the nucleation rate of the H2O monomers in He buffer gas kept at 167 K and 200 mbar. A size and shape analysis of the particles during the formation process was carried out by application of the discrete dipole approximation method which delivers excellent accordance between experimental and calculated mid-IR spectra. Compared to other compact shapes (cube, prolate ellipsoid, and hexagonal prism) the ideal spherical shape fits the experimental spectra best. A distinct change in shape by particle conversion or agglomeration could be excluded to be involved in the formation process. As a possible explanation of the observed phenomenon, a transition from vapor/liquid/solid to vapor/solid nucleation with decreasing temperature is considered which was recently theoretically predicted by van Dongen and co-workers [J. Chem. Phys. 117, 5647 (2002); private communication; J. Chem. Phys. 120, 6314 (2004)].

Spectroscopic investigation of the deeply buried Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2∕Mo interface in thin-film solar cells

The Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)(2)Mo interface in thin-film solar cells has been investigated by surface-sensitive photoelectron spectroscopy, bulk-sensitive x-ray emission spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. It is possible to access this deeply buried interface by using a suitable lift-off technique, which allows us to investigate the back side of the absorber layer as well as the front side of the Mo back contact. We find a layer of Mo(S,Se)(2) on the surface of the Mo back contact and a copper-poor stoichiometry at the back side of the Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)(2) absorber. Furthermore, we observe that the Na content at the Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)(2)Mo interface as well as at the inner grain boundaries in the back contact region is significantly lower than at the absorber front surface.

Rotational vibrational-rotational Raman differential absorption lidar for atmospheric ozone measurements: methodology and experiment

A single-laser Raman differential absorption lidar (DIAL) for ozone measurements in clouds is proposed. An injection-locked XeCl excimer laser serves as the radiation source. The ozone molecule number density is calculated from the differential absorption of the anti-Stokes rotational Raman return signals from molecular nitrogen and oxygen as the on-resonance wavelength and the vibrational-rotational Raman backscattering from molecular nitrogen or oxygen as the off-resonance wavelength. Model calculations show that the main advantage of the new rotational vibrational-rotational (RVR) Raman DIAL over conventional Raman DIAL is a 70-85% reduction in the wavelength-dependent effects of cloud-particle scattering on the measured ozone concentration; furthermore the complexity of the apparatus is reduced substantially. We describe a RVR Raman DIAL setup that uses a narrow-band interference-filter polychromator as the lidar receiver. Single-laser ozone measurements in the troposphere and lower stratosphere are presented, and it is shown that on further improvement of the receiver performance, ozone measurements in clouds are attainable with the filter-polychromator approach.

Error analysis of Raman differential absorption lidar ozone measurements in ice clouds

A formalism for the error treatment of lidar ozone measurements with the Raman differential absorption lidar technique is presented. In the presence of clouds wavelength-dependent multiple scattering and cloud-particle extinction are the main sources of systematic errors in ozone measurements and necessitate a correction of the measured ozone profiles. Model calculations are performed to describe the influence of cirrus and polar stratospheric clouds on the ozone. It is found that it is sufficient to account for cloud-particle scattering and Rayleigh scattering in and above the cloud; boundary-layer aerosols and the atmospheric column below the cloud can be neglected for the ozone correction. Furthermore, if the extinction coefficient of the cloud is ?0.1 km(-1), the effect in the cloud is proportional to the effective particle extinction and to a particle correction function determined in the limit of negligible molecular scattering. The particle correction function depends on the scattering behavior of the cloud particles, the cloud geometric structure, and the lidar system parameters. Because of the differential extinction of light that has undergone one or more small-angle scattering processes within the cloud, the cloud effect on ozone extends to altitudes above the cloud. The various influencing parameters imply that the particle-related ozone correction has to be calculated for each individual measurement. Examples of ozone measurements in cirrus clouds are discussed.

Classical galactosemia and mutations at the galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT) gene

Classical galactosemia is caused by a deficiency in activity of the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT), which, in turn, is caused by mutations at the GALT gene. The disorder exhibits considerable allelic heterogeneity and, at the end of 1998, more than 150 different base changes were recorded in 24 different populations and ethnic groups in 15 countries worldwide. The mutations most frequently cited are Q188R, K285N, S135L, and N314D. Q188R is the most common mutation in European populations or in those predominantly of European descent. Overall, it accounts for 60-70% of mutant chromosomes, but there are significant differences in its relative frequency in individual populations. Individuals homoallelic for Q188R tend to have a severe phenotype and this is in keeping with the virtually complete loss of enzyme activity observed in in vitro expression systems. Globally, K285N is rarer, but in many European populations it can be found on 25-40% of mutant chromosomes. It is invariably associated with a severe phenotype. S135L is found almost exclusively in African Americans. In vitro expression results are discrepant, but some individuals carrying S135L appear to exhibit GALT activity in some tissues. Duarte 1 (or Los Angeles) and Duarte 2 (or Duarte) variants carry the same amino acid substitution, N314D, even though D1 is associated with increased erythrocyte GALT activity and D2 with reduced activity. N314D is in linkage disequilibrium with other base changes that differ on the D1 and D2 alleles. N314D does not impair GALT activity in in vitro expression systems. However, there are differences in the abundance of GALT protein in lymphoblastoid cells lines from D2 and D1 individuals. It is unclear whether the specific molecular changes that distinguish the D1 and D2 alleles account for the different activities. The considerable genetic heterogeneity documented to date undoubtedly contributes to the phenotypic heterogeneity that is observed in galactosemia. The additional effects of nonallelic variation and other constitutional factors on phenotypic variability remain to be elucidated.

Lidar inelastic multiple-scattering parameters of cirrus particle ensembles determined with geometrical-optics crystal phase functions

Multiple-scattering correction factors for cirrus particle extinction coefficients measured with Raman and high spectral resolution lidars are calculated with a radiative-transfer model. Cirrus particle-ensemble phase functions are computed from single-crystal phase functions derived in a geometrical-optics approximation. Seven crystal types are considered. In cirrus clouds with height-independent particle extinction coefficients the general pattern of the multiple-scattering parameters has a steep onset at cloud base with values of 0.5-0.7 followed by a gradual and monotonic decrease to 0.1-0.2 at cloud top. The larger the scattering particles are, the more gradual is the rate of decrease. Multiple-scattering parameters of complex crystals and of imperfect hexagonal columns and plates can be well approximated by those of projected-area equivalent ice spheres, whereas perfect hexagonal crystals show values as much as 70% higher than those of spheres. The dependencies of the multiple-scattering parameters on cirrus particle spectrum, base height, and geometric depth and on the lidar parameters laser wavelength and receiver field of view, are discussed, and a set of multiple-scattering parameter profiles for the correction of extinction measurements in homogeneous cirrus is provided.

Atmospheric temperature profiling in the presence of clouds with a pure rotational Raman lidar by use of an interference-filter-based polychromator

A lidar polychromator design for the measurement of atmospheric temperature profiles in the presence of clouds with the rotational Raman method is presented. The design utilizes multicavity interference filters mounted sequentially at small angles of incidence. Characteristics of this design are high signal efficiency and adjustable center wavelengths of the filters combined with a stable and relatively simple experimental setup. High suppression of the elastic backscatter signal in the rotational Raman detection channels allows temperature measurements independent of the presence of thin clouds or aerosol layers; no influence of particle scattering on the lidar temperature profile was observed in clouds with a backscatter ratio of at least 45. The minimum integration time needed for temperature profiling with a statistical temperature error of +/-1 K at, e.g., 20-km height and 960-m height resolution is 1.5 h.

[An unusual case of morbid weight loss]

A 47 year old patient was admitted because of 20 kg weight loss and microcytic anaemia. There wasn't any important disease in his medical history. During examinations it has been found microcytic anaemia, hypoproteinaemia, low serum potassium, elevated prothrombin INR value, malabsorption and mild hepatosplenomegaly. After precluding the possibility of malignant disorders and any other chronic diseases, examinations have cleared Whipple-disease.

Human UDP-galactose 4' epimerase (GALE) gene and identification of five missense mutations in patients with epimerase-deficiency galactosemia

The galactosemias are a series of three inborn errors of metabolism caused by deficiency of any one of the three human galactose-metabolic enzymes: galactokinase (GALK), galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT), and UDP-galactose 4' epimerase (GALE). We report here the characterization of the entire coding sequence of the GALE gene and screening for mutations in epimerase-deficient individuals. The human GALE gene is about 4 kb in size and is divided into 11 exons on chromosome band 1p36. We have identified five mutations in the GALE gene of epimerase-deficient galactosemia patients. The patients were either homozygotes or compound heterozygotes for mutations. These results confirm that epimerase-deficiency galactosemia is the result of missense mutations in the GALE gene and indicate that the disease is characterized by extensive allelic heterogeneity.

Determination of stratospheric aerosol microphysical properties from independent extinction and backscattering measurements with a Raman lidar

An algorithm that permits the retrieval of profiles of particle mass and surface-area concentrations in the stratospheric aerosol layer from independently measured aerosol (particle and Rayleigh) and molecule (Raman or Rayleigh) backscatter signals is developed. The determination is based on simultaneously obtained particle extinction and backscatter profiles and on relations between optical and microphysical properties found from Mie-scattering calculations for realistic stratospheric particle size distributions. The size distributions were measured with particle counters released on balloons from Laramie, Wyoming, between June 1991 and April 1994. Mass and surface-area concentrations can be retrieved with relative errors of 10-20% and 20-40%, respectively, with a laser wavelength of 355 nm and with errors of 20-30% and 30-60%, respectively, with a laser wavelength of 308 nm. Lidar measurements taken within the first three years after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in June 1991 are shown. Surface-area concentrations around 20 µm(2) cm(-3) and mass concentrations of 3 to 6 µg m(-3) were found until spring 1993.

Characterization of two stop codon mutations in the galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase gene of three male galactosemic patients with severe clinical manifestation

Classical galactosemia, which is caused by deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase, is characterized by acute problems of hepatocellular dysfunction, sepsis, cataracts and failure to thrive. Galactose limitation reverses these symptoms immediately; however, the long-term complications, such as mental retardation and ovarian failures are major problems in most of these patients. In order to investigate the molecular basis for phenotype variation in galactosemia, we have screened the most common mutation in the GALT gene, Q188R. We have further examined those patients who are heterozygous for Q188R or negative for this mutation by SSCP analysis and direct sequencing. In three male patients, we have identified, for the first time, two stop-codon mutations in the GALT gene, G212X (exon 7) and E340X (exon 10). Two patients of 8 and 28 years of age, respectively, who are compound heterozygotes for Q188R and G212X, have severe mental retardation and their general clinical condition is more severe than that of patients with missense mutations. The third patient, who is 8 years of age and who is homozygous for E340X, the N314D polymorphism and a silent substitution L218L, presents with a relatively normal physical and mental condition to date.

Detection of IgM antibodies against coxsackie B viruses by a western blot technique

We report the application of a modified Western blot (WB) micromethod basically relying on a diffusion-blotting technique (Modi-blot) combined with an immunological detection system using monoclonal antibodies and a biotinavidin amplification step for the detection of IgM antibodies against coxsackieviruses B1 (CBV1), CBV2 and CBV4. Fifty-one adult patients with clinical signs of coxsackievirus B infection (e.g. myocarditis and meningitis) were investigated. The test revealed a total of 31 (60%) IgM positives. The majority of IgM antibodies were group reactive (22/31). Type-specific antibodies could be recognized in 9 cases (3 with CBV1, 5 with CBV2 and 1 with CBV4). The highest rate of antibody prevalence was found in sera from patients with acute meningitis (12/14). Controls [healthy adults (n = 13) and individuals with other infections (n = 13)] were all negative for specific IgM against coxsackievirus B1, B2 and B4. Further WB tests of 8 IgM positive specimens with coxsackievirus B4 revealed specific IgA responses in all cases, reinforcing the evidence for a recent infection. In addition, the patterns of IgG antibody subclasses, also investigated in this group, showed a clear predominance of specific IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies.

Inhibition of meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion in man by exogenous and endogenous pancreatic glucagon

The effect of intravenous infusion of glucagon (300 ng x kg(-1) x h(-1)), 1-arginine (0.6 g x kg(-1) x h(-1)) and of saline on meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion was studied in six healthy volunteers. Infusion of glucagon and 1-arginine enhanced plasma concentrations of pancreatic glucagon to 65--85 pmol/l, a level similar to that seen after a normal protein-rich meal. Both infusions significantly inhibited the acid response to the meal, most pronounced after 1-arginine. The difference in acid inhibition could not be ascribed either to differences in plasma glucagon concentrations or to differences in serum gastrin concentrations. The study supports the concept that pancreatic glucagon is a physiological inhibitor of gastric acid secretion.

The natural history of the double pylorus

A study of 11 patients with "double pylorus" revealed that a second channel between the gastric antrum and the duodenal bulb is the result of ulcer penetration. The fistula can be a sign of spontaneous recovery from ulcerative disease; the fistula occurred in conjunction with clinical improvement in the majority of the patients. The advantages of radiological vs. endoscopic diagnostic procedures are discussed.