• Journal of the Korean Vacuum Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.223-230
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• 2006

We have investigated the characteristics of hydrogen (H) plasma treated quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs). The structure used in this study consists of 3 stacked, self assembled $In_{0.5}Ga_{0.5}As/GaAs$ QD layer separated by GaAs barrier layers that were grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Optical characteristics of QDIPs, such as photoluminescence (PL) spectra and photocurrent spectra, have been studied and compared with each other for the as grown and H plasma treated QDIPs. H plasma treatment, resulted in the splitting of PL peak, which can be attributed to the redistribution of the size of QDs. The activation energies estimated from the temperature dependence of integrated PL intensity for as grown and H plasma treated QDIPs are found to be in good agreement with those determined from corresponding peaks of photocurrent spectra. It is also noted that photocurrent is detected up to 130 K for the H plasma treated QDIP, suggesting the future possibility for the development of infrared photodetectors with high temperature operation.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2013.02a
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• pp.334-334
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• 2013

In the past decade, the infrared detectors based on intersubband transition in quantum dots (QDs) have attracted much attention due to lower dark currents and increased lifetimes, which are in turn due a three-dimensional confinement and a reduction of scattering, respectively. In parallel, focal plane array development for infrared imaging has proceeded from the first to third generations (linear arrays, 2D arrays for staring systems, and large format with enhanced capabilities, respectively). For a step further towards the next generation of FPAs, it is envisioned that a two-dimensional metal hole array (2D-MHA) structures will improve the FPA structure by enhancing the coupling to photodetectors via local field engineering, and will enable wavelength filtering. In regard to the improved performance at certain wavelengths, it is worth pointing out the structural difference between previous 2D-MHA integrated front-illuminated single pixel devices and back-illuminated devices. Apart from the pixel linear dimension, it is a distinct difference that there is a metal cladding (composed of a number of metals for ohmic contact and the read-out integrated circuit hybridization) in the FPA between the heavily doped gallium arsenide used as the contact layer and the ROIC; on the contrary, the front-illuminated single pixel device consists of two heavily doped contact layers separated by the QD-absorber on a semi-infinite GaAs substrate. This paper is focused on analyzing the impact of a two dimensional metal hole array structure integrated to the back-illuminated quantum dots-in-a-well (DWELL) infrared photodetectors. The metal hole array consisting of subwavelength-circular holes penetrating gold layer (2DAu-CHA) provides the enhanced responsivity of DWELL infrared photodetector at certain wavelengths. The performance of 2D-Au-CHA is investigated by calculating the absorption of active layer in the DWELL structure using a finite integration technique. Simulation results show the enhanced electric fields (thereby increasing the absorption in the active layer) resulting from a surface plasmon, a guided mode, and Fabry-Perot resonances. Simulation method accomplished in this paper provides a generalized approach to optimize the design of any type of couplers integrated to infrared photodetectors.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2012

The possibility of nanoparticles (NPs) in biotechnology had been discussed by biomedical investigators. Here we report to suggest a solution and problems when using electron microscopy to determine the distribution of quantum dots (QDs) nanoparticles that penetrate skin. The results of this study showed that NPs were able to penetrate stratum corneum (SC) and sebocyte via hair follicle. However, we have found artifacts such as nanoparticles that are produced from combination of free fatty acid and osmium tetroxide during specimen preparation. It is usually difficult to identify NPs. Therefore, we tried to resolve these problems by comparing the cross-correlation image pattern that are derived from the images of sample that had been processed differently. This method can contribute to more accurate interpretation and minimal errors during the analysis using quantum dot as tracer.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2019

The health benefits associated with consumption of fresh produce have been clearly demonstrated and encouraged by international nutrition and health authorities. However, since fresh produce is usually minimally processed, increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables has also led to a simultaneous escalation of foodborne illness cases. According to the report by the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 10 people suffer from foodborne diseases and 420,000 die every year globally. In comparison to other processed foods, fresh produce can be easily contaminated by various routes at different points in the supply chain from farm to fork. This review is focused on the identification and characterization of possible sources of foodborne illnesses from chemical, biological, and physical hazards and the applicable methodologies to detect potential contaminants. Agro-chemicals (pesticides, fungicides and herbicides), natural toxins (mycotoxins and plant toxins), and heavy metals (mercury and cadmium) are the main sources of chemical hazards, which can be detected by several methods including chromatography and nano-techniques based on nanostructured materials such as noble metal nanoparticles (NMPs), quantum dots (QDs) and magnetic nanoparticles or nanotube. However, the diversity of chemical structures complicates the establishment of one standard method to differentiate the variety of chemical compounds. In addition, fresh fruits and vegetables contain high nutrient contents and moisture, which promote the growth of unwanted microorganisms including bacterial pathogens (Salmonella, E. coli O157: H7, Shigella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus) and non-bacterial pathogens (norovirus and parasites). In order to detect specific pathogens in fresh produce, methods based on molecular biology such as PCR and immunology are commonly used. Finally, physical hazards including contamination by glass, metal, and gravel in food can cause serious injuries to customers. In order to decrease physical hazards, vision systems such as X-ray inspection have been adopted to detect physical contaminants in food, while exceptional handling skills by food production employees are required to prevent additional contamination.