Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica
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Numerical analysis of Josephson junction arrays for multi-order quantum voltage steps
Full text linkThe dynamics of overdamped Josephson junctions under varying microwave-driving conditions have been studied through numerical simulations using the resistively-shunted junction model, with a focus on primary voltage metrology applications, where a significantly high number of series-connected junctions and stringent uniformity of their electrical parameters are required. The aim is to determine the optimal junction characteristics and external microwave (rf) parameters that maximize the width of quantum voltage levels (Shapiro steps) from order n = 0 to n > 1. Both the rf and dc power requirements, along with the junction parameter spread and power attenuation, are analyzed as key factors that need to be optimized for improved performance of the quantum device. This work aims to advance the development of next-generation programmable Josephson voltage standards with logic architectures that surpass the conventional binary and ternary codifications used in present quantum voltage arrays, while significantly reducing the overall number of junctions as well as the number of sub-arrays and bias lines. Existing technologies exploiting n = 0 and n=+/- 1 voltage steps are first discussed and analyzed to verify the validity of the simulation model. They are then further investigated to extend their usability with multi-order quantum steps for n up to 3. From the simulation results, it follows that present junction technologies may be employed with no modifications for the simultaneous operation of quantum steps up to n = 2, although optimal power efficiency would require a retrimming of the junction's electrical parameters. On the contrary, extending the highest step order to n = 3 strictly requires the junction's characteristic parameters to be properly adjusted to maintain sustainable power levels as well as acceptable quantum-locking ranges
Editorial: The intersection of machine learning and physical sciences: Insights from the 2024 Nobel Prizes
No full text3D–1D modelling of cranial mesh heating induced by low or medium frequency magnetic fields
Full text linkA Concise Overview of the Use of Low-Dimensional Molybdenum Disulfide as an Electrode Material for Li-Ion Batteries and Beyond
Full text linkThe urgent demand for sustainable energy solutions in the face of climate change and resource depletion has catalyzed a global shift toward cleaner energy production and more efficient storage technologies. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), as the cornerstone of modern portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid-scale storage systems, are continually evolving to meet the growing performance requirements. In this dynamic context, two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as highly promising candidates for use in electrodes due to their layered structure, tunable electronic properties, and high theoretical capacity. Among 2D materials, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has gained increasing attention as a promising low-dimensional candidate for LIB anode applications. This review provides a comprehensive yet concise overview of recent advances in the application of MoS2 in LIB electrodes, with particular attention to its unique electrochemical behavior at the nanoscale. We critically examine the interplay between structural features, charge-storage mechanisms, and performance metrics—chiefly the specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability. Furthermore, we discuss current challenges, primarily poor intrinsic conductivity and volume fluctuations, and highlight innovative strategies aimed at overcoming these limitations, such as through nanostructuring, composite formation, and surface engineering. By shedding light on the opportunities and hurdles in this rapidly progressing field, this work offers a forward-looking perspective on the role of MoS2 in the next generation of high-performance LIBs
Open-hardware platform for synchronous performance testing of multiple passive radiative cooling materials
Full text linkZinc Oxide Nanorod-Based Sensor for Precision Detection and Estimation of Residual Pesticides on Tea Leaves
Full text linkThis study presents the development of a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod-based sensor for the detection and quantification of residual pesticides commonly found in tea plantations, with a focus on quinalphos and thiamethoxam. Exploiting the unique electrical characteristics of ZnO nanorods, the sensor exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity in monitoring trace levels of pesticide residues. The detection mechanism relies on measurable changes in electrical resistance when the ZnO nanorod-coated electrodes interact with varying concentrations of the target pesticides. A performance evaluation was carried out using water samples spiked with different pesticide concentrations. The sensor displayed distinct response profiles for each compound: a linear resistance–concentration relationship for quinalphos and a non-linear, saturating trend for thiamethoxam, reflecting their differential interactions with the ZnO surface. Statistical analysis confirmed the sensor’s reliability, reproducibility, and consistency across repeated measurements. The rapid response time and ease of fabrication underscore its potential for real-time, on-site pesticide monitoring. This method offers a promising alternative to traditional analytical techniques, enhancing food safety assurance and supporting sustainable agricultural practices through effective environmental surveillance
Seismic noise in crystal neutron interferometry
No full textWe are involved in designing, constructing and operating a split-crystal interferometer that uses X-rays and neutrons simultaneously. Neutron interferometers are sensitive to seismic and acoustic noise due to the low speed, low flux and long detection time of thermal neutrons. The crystal splitting and the increased length and separation of the interferometer arms further heighten this sensitivity. To support the interferometer design and operation, we present an estimate of the root-mean-square phase noise when the interferometer is passively isolated from ground accelerations
Digital transformation applications in mechanical quantities – hardness measurements
No full textOne of the most important and widely used testing method for extracting mechanical properties of material is the hardness test. It is mainly based on realizing a deformation on the material, measuring the geometric dimensions of the deformation and from that calculate the hardness value. Measurements are performed with imaging instruments like optical microscopes, mostly operated manually. However, new developments aim to determine the border of indentation, measure its diameter and diagonal length, save and mark the locations of the measured indents on the surface of the hardness reference block by making use of a fully automated indentation measurement system (IMS). This digitalization approach shifts hardness measurements from manual processes to using pixel-wise image processing and fully automated IMS, leading to increased precision, repeatability and speed and leading the way for further improvements by digital transformation
Current State-of-the-Art and Perspectives in the Design and Application of Vitrimeric Systems
Full text linkTo fulfill the current circular economy concept, the academic and industrial communities are devoting significant efforts to plastic materials’ end-of-life. Unlike thermoplastics, which are easy to recover and re-valorize, recycling thermosets is still difficult and challenging. Conversely, because of their network structure, thermosetting polymer systems exhibit peculiar features that make these materials preferable for several applications where high mechanical properties, chemical inertness, and thermal stability, among others, are demanded. In this view, vitrimers have quite recently attracted the attention of the scientific community, as they can form dynamic covalent adaptive networks that provide the properties typical of thermosets while keeping the possibility of being processed (and, therefore, mechanically recycled) beyond a certain temperature. This review aims to provide an overview of vitrimers, elucidating their most recent advances and applications and posing some perspectives for the forthcoming years
Improvement of the INRiM calibration capabilities for lighting impulse voltages higher than 200 kV
No full textA lighting impulse (LI) is an impulse voltage with a front time shorter than 20 μs. Measurement systems for LI are established to evaluate dielectric stress of transient over voltages caused by lightning strikes, disruptive discharges to validate electrical components or devices. At the Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRIM) the “Laboratorio Alte Tensioni e Forti Correnti” (LATFC), equipped with two measurement systems for LI calibrations with two voltage dividers for voltages till to 200 kV and to 600 kV respectively, participated with satisfactory results, to the EURAMET.EM-S42 comparison of LI. An improvement of the INRIM calibration capabilities (CMCs) of LI voltages up to 600 kV is proposed. The INRIM measurements of the most critical waveforms at voltages higher than 200 kV are submitted to a refinement by means of a discrete deconvolution method. The comparison results are then recalculated inserting the INRiM measurements with and without deconvolution (these last for less critical waveforms) taking into account new uncertainties. The recalculation still shows a satisfactory agreement of the INRiM measurements with the key comparison value also for short impulses (0.84 μs) where the size of the used divider was not optimal. The recalculation does not affect the results of the other participants and the comparison consistency. The new uncertainties span from 0.5 % of Ut for the long impulse at 600 kV to 2 % of T1 for short impulse at 400 kV and at 600 kV. A validation of both the new uncertainties and of the discrete application of the deconvolution is also propose