Smart High-κ Nanodielectrics Using Solid Supported Polyoxometalate-Rich Nanostructures

Utilizing Langmuir-Blodgett deposition and scanning probe microscopy, we have investigated the extent to which cations alter the self-assembly processes of hybrid polyoxometalates (POMs) on surfaces. The well-defined 2D hexagonal nanostructures obtained were extensively characterized and their properties were studied, and this has revealed fascinating dielectric behavior and reversible capacitive properties. The nanostructures are extremely stable under ambient conditions, and yet exhibit fascinating self-patterning upon heating. These findings present POMs as effective smart nanodielectrics and open up a new field for future POM applications. (c) 2011 American Chemical Society.

Detection potential of the KM3NeT detector for high-energy neutrinos from the Fermi bubbles

A recent analysis of the Fermi Large Area Telescope data provided evidence for a high-intensity emission of high-energy gamma rays with a E-2 spectrum from two large areas, spanning 50 above and below the Galactic centre (the "Fermi bubbles"). A hadronic mechanism was proposed for this gamma-ray emission making the Fermi bubbles promising source candidates of high-energy neutrino emission. In this work Monte Carlo simulations regarding the detectability of high-energy neutrinos from the Fermi bubbles with the future multi-km(3) neutrino telescope KM3NeT in the Mediterranean Sea are presented. Under the hypothesis that the gamma-ray emission is completely due to hadronic processes, the resul…

Solution processes for plastic thin film transistors

Expansion cone for the 3-inch PMTs of the KM3NeT optical modules

[EN] Detection of high-energy neutrinos from distant astrophysical sources will open a new window on the Universe. The detection principle exploits the measurement of Cherenkov light emitted by charged particles resulting from neutrino interactions in the matter containing the telescope. A novel multi-PMT digital optical module (DOM) was developed to contain 31 3-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). In order to maximize the detector sensitivity, each PMT will be surrounded by an expansion cone which collects photons that would otherwise miss the photocathode. Results for various angles of incidence with respect to the PMT surface indicate an increase in collection efficiency by 30% on average…