A silicon Mach–Zehnder modulator with a low-loss phase shifter formed by restricted-depth doping is fabricated and characterized. The phase shifter has a PN junction at the bottom of the rib waveguide, whereas the top of the rib is un-doped. Device simulations confirm that the phase-shifter loss is reduced by 26−28% with an increased phase-shifter length to keep a π phase shift with the same bi...

To shed light on the role of suction in adhesion of microstructure with mushroom-shaped terminal elements, we compared pull-off forces measured at different retraction velocities on structured and smooth surfaces under different pressure conditions. The results obtained allow us to suggest that suction may contribute up to 10 per cent of the pull-off force measured on the structured surfaces at...

Many insect species reversibly adhere to surfaces by combining contact splitting (contact formation via fibrillar contact elements) and wet adhesion (supply of liquid secretion via pores in the insects' feet). Here, we fabricate insect-inspired fibrillar pads for wet adhesion containing continuous pore systems through which liquid is supplied to the contact interfaces. Synergistic interaction o...

This paper describes the 'push-pull' or 'stimulo-deterrent diversionary' strategy in relation to current and potential examples from our own experiences. The push-pull effect is established by exploiting semiochemicals to repel insect pests from the crop ('push') and to attract them into trap crops ('pull'). The systems exemplified here have been developed for subsistence farming in Africa and ...

This paper presents the results of testing adhesion geopolymer coatings and varnishes with ceramic additives to concrete steel substrates. The measurement method used described in this article was pull-off method. test provides an easy way evaluate degree metal surfaces. device values for peel stress, which not only allows a quick determination coating substrate, but also makes it easier compar...

The maximum speed of synchronous circuits is generally constrained by the worst case propagation delay, which limits the system clock frequency. Various techniques exist to manage the circuit delay, trading off speed for other system resources. One such approach is to equalize the rise and fall delay times. The primary design parameter for equalizing these delay times is the ratio between the w...