Algorithms for mobile robotic systems are generally implemented on purely digital computing platforms. Developing alternative computational platforms may lead to more energy-efficient and responsive mobile robotics. Here, we report a hybrid analog-digital computing platform enabled by memristors on a mobile inverted pendulum robot. Our mobile robotic system can tune the conductance states of memristors adaptively using a model-free optimization method to achieve optimal control performance. We implement sensor fusion and the motion control algorithms on our hybrid analog-digital computing platform and demonstrate more than one order of magnitude enhancement of speed and energy efficiency over traditional digital platforms.
Plasmon-enhanced fluorescence is demonstrated in the vicinity of metal surfaces due to strong local field enhancement. Meanwhile, fluorescence quenching is observed as the spacing between fluorophore molecules and the adjacent metal is reduced below a threshold of a few nanometers. Here, we introduce a technology, placing the fluorophore molecules in plasmonic hotspots between pairs of collapsible nanofingers with tunable gap sizes at sub-nanometer precision. Optimal gap sizes with maximum plasmon enhanced fluorescence are experimentally identified for different dielectric spacer materials. The ultrastrong local field enhancement enables simultaneous detection and characterization of sharp Raman fingerprints in the fluorescence spectra. This platform thus enables in situ monitoring of competing excitation enhancement and emission quenching processes. We systematically investigate the mechanisms behind fluorescence quenching. A quantum mechanical model is developed which explains the experimental data and will guide the future design of plasmon enhanced spectroscopy applications.
Memristive devices (i.e., memristors) can be highly beneficial in many emerging applications that may play important roles in the future generations of electronic systems, such as bioinspired neuromorphic computing, high density nonvolatile memory, and field programmable gate arrays. Therefore, the memristor characteristics (such as operation voltage, on/off ratio, and the number of conductance states) must be engineered carefully for different applications. Here, we demonstrate a method to modify the memristor characteristics specifically by controlling the crystallinity of the switching layer material. Through setting the temperature of atomic layer deposition, the crystallinity of deposited Al 2 O 3 can be controlled. Using different crystalline Al 2 O 3 as the memristor switching layer, the characteristics of the corresponding Pt/Al 2 O 3 /Ta/Pt cross-point memristors can be modified precisely. The high I-V linearity, high on/off ratio (around 10 8 ), low pulse operation voltage (2.5 V), and multilevel conductance states (314 states) of the Pt/Al 2 O 3 /Ta/Pt cross-point memristor are demonstrated. More importantly, the mechanism behind this phenomenon is studied. This work deepens our understanding of the working mechanism of memristors and paves the way for using memristors in a broad spectrum of applications.
The Breakthrough Starshot Initiative, established in 2016, aims to propel an ultra-lightweight spacecraft to Alpha Centauri using radiation pressure from a high-power, ground-based laser. Nanopatterned silicon nitride has been proposed as a candidate material for the laser sail. In this work, we design and fabricate a silicon nitride photonic crystal with high reflectivity around a laser wavelength of 1064 nm. We demonstrate the ability to shift the resonant features of the laser sail using titanium dioxide coatings and increase the longwave infrared emissivity using polymer coatings. We also characterize the response of the sail to temperature and optical power.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.