International Journal of Nanoelectronics and Materials (IJNeaM)

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Subash Chandra Bose Gopinath

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Foo Wah Low

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Muhammad Kashif

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Nor Azura Abdul Rahman

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Sam Sung Ting

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Veeradasan Perumal

Recently, microwave welding has arisen as an advanced joining method due to its versatility and rapid heating capabilities. Among others, microwave susceptors play a crucial role in microwave welding, as different classes of microwave susceptors have distinct microwave heating mechanisms. In this work, polypropylene (PP) was utilized as a thermoplastic substrate and two types of microwaves susceptors, namely multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and silicon carbide nanowhiskers (SiC NWs), were studied for microwave welding. The susceptor was first dispersed in acetone to form susceptor suspension. Next, the susceptor suspension was deposited onto the targeted area on substrate and paired with another bare PP substrate. The paired sample was then exposed to 800 W microwave radiation in a microwave oven. Afterward, the welded joint was evaluated using a tensile test and scanning electron microscopy to determine its joint strength and cross-section microstructure. The results showed that the joint strength increased as the heating duration increased. The welded joint formed using MWCNTs achieved a maximum strength of 2.26 MPa when 10 s was used, while the SiC NWs-formed welded joint achieved a maximum strength of 2.25 MPa at 15 s. This difference in duration in forming a complete welded joint can be attributed to the higher microwave heating rates and thermal conductivity of MWCNTs. However, increasing the heating duration to 20 s caused severe deformation at the welded joint and resulted in low joint strength. Overall, this study highlights the significance of understanding the microwave heating mechanism of different susceptors and provides essential insight into the selection of a microwave susceptor for microwave welding.

Publication

A controlled growth of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on graphene

( 2023-12)

Mishtha Fiyatillah

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Syarifah Norfaezah Sabki

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Norzilah Abdul Halif

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L K Wisnu Kita

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Muhammad Asri Idris

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Noraini Othman

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A F Abd Rahim

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have superior properties such as high conductivity, good mechanical strength, high specific surface area, and chemical stability. CNFs-graphene hybrid material can be used as a high-quality electrode in electronics applications. In the CNFs on graphene synthesis, the growth parameters must be well controlled. This work observes the evolution of the CNF's growth on graphene on Ni at reaction temperatures of 800oC and 860oC and at different reaction times of 30 min, 60 min, and 120 min. This research aims to find suitable conditions for obtaining controllable growth of CNFs on graphene. Based on the SEM measurement, it was found that the 860oC reaction temperature at 60 min and 120 min reaction time led to longer and smaller widths of CNFs with high coverage and distribution on graphene. The CNFs on graphene formation were confirmed by the XRD analysis.

Publication

A review of the effect of different electrolytes on the synthesis of graphene sheets by electrochemical exfoliation

( 2024-04)

S. S. Bhullar

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Liu Wei Wen

Graphene oxide (GO) possess some excellent properties that fulfil various applications. Hummers’ method has been used in GO synthesis for years but some issues such as high-cost GO synthesis, the use of toxic chemicals and low yield of GO are still remains and concerned. In addition, this method spends very long time to be completed and subjected to thorough cleaning process to remove toxic chemicals. On the other hand, the electrochemical method saves time, has no explosion risk, releases no toxic gases, and keep safe environmental. The demand of GO supply is crucial particularly important in applications such as energy storage in automobiles thus, a large scale and cheap production of GO is needed. It is reported that the electrochemical synthesis of GO has more benefits such as rapid synthesis, low cost and environmentally friendly than Hummers’ method, therefore, the impact of different electrolytes is important to be studied. Herein, various research works about the electrochemical synthesis of GO are reviewed, precisely involving the anodic exfoliation of graphite, exfoliation mechanism and effects of exfoliation parameters.

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Publication

A review of visible-to-UV photon upconversion systems based on triplet–triplet annihilation photon upconversion

( 2022-12)

Kelvin Voon Yan Jie

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Mohd Fairus Ahmad

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Muhammad Mahyiddin Ramli

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Safizan Shaari

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Arif Mawardi Ismail

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Yusran Sulaiman

Due to the tunable spectrum range and potential application under non-coherent solar irradiation, triplet-triplet annihilation based molecular photon upconversion (TTA-UC) systems represent a compelling study field for a variety of photonic implementations. There were studies on the incorporation of TTA-UC technology with photovoltaic technology, which made it possible to further improve the energy harvest performance through the utilisation of the wasted spectrum. However, many TTA-UC studies are limited to energy upconversion within the visible spectrum range. For photovoltaic cells with a higher band gap, which harvest the higher energy spectrum (UV region), an efficient Vis-to-UV upconversion is preferred. The Vis-to-UV TTA-UC system was first introduced in 2006. Recently, more studies were conducted to discover the Vis-to-UV upconversion system with high quantum efficiency and low excitation intensity such as the nanocrystal sensitizerbased system and the thermally activated delayed fluorescence sensitizer-based system. Recent studies in the solvent system of Vis-to-UV upconversion system had demonstrated the dependence of the couple photostability on the solvent and extended the solvent selection to inorganic solvent. In this review, we are reviewing the research background of the Vis-to-UV TTA-UC system and discussing the current challenges and potential developments in this research area.

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Publication

A review: synthesis and mechanism of growth of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) – graphene hybrid material and its application as electrodes

( 2023-07)

Mishthafiyatillah

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Syarifah Norfaezah Sabki

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Norzilah Abdul Halif

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Muhammad Asri Idris

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Norashiken Othman

The CNTs–graphene hybrids have many advantages and potential for use in a wide range of electronic applications as electrodes. The CNTs–graphene hybrid structure outperforms the structure of each material in terms of characteristics and performance. There are several methods to grow CNTs. This paper reviews the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method used to synthesize CNTs–graphene hybrid material. This paper discusses the processes and growth parameters of the synthesis of the CNTs-graphene hybrid. This paper also discusses the growth mechanism and kinetics of CNTs. In addition, the potential and performance of CNTs–Graphene hybrid material as electrodes in batteries are also reviewed.

Publication

A study on electrical performance of SiC-based self-switching diode (SSD) as a high voltage high power device

( 2023-12)

N. Z. A. A. Sha’ari

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Nor Farhani Zakaria

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Shahrir Rizal Kasjoo

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Mohd Natashah Norizan

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Ili Salwani Mohamad

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Mohd Fairus Ahmad

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Shamsul Amir Abdul Rais

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Banu Poobalan

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Norhayati Sabani

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A. F. A. Rahim

The Self-switching Diodes (SSDs) have been primarily researched and used in low-power device applications for RF detection and harvesting applications. In this paper, we explore the potential of SSDs in high-voltage applications with the usage of Silicon Carbide (SiC) as substrate materials which offers improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption. Optimization in terms of the variation in the interface charges, metal work function, and doping concentration values has been performed by means of a 2D TCAD device simulator. The results showed that the SSD can block up to 600 V of voltage with an optimum interface charge value of 1013 cm-2, making them suitable for higher voltage applications. Furthermore, it also found that the work function of the metal contact affected the forward voltage value, impacting the current flow in the device. Variation in doping concentrations also resulted in higher breakdown voltages and significantly increased forward current, leading to an increased power rating of 27 kW. In conclusion, the usage of 4H-SiC-based SSDs shows a usable potential for high-voltage applications with optimized parameters. The results from this research can facilitate the implementation of SSD in the development of high-power semiconductor devices for various industrial applications.

Publication

Absorption ability and degradable of thin film from Orange peel waste

( 2024-12)

Nor Azwin Ahad

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Nur Afiqah Rosli

Bioplastics are plastic derived from natural resources and they are bio-degradable entirely or partially. Fruit waste is supposed to be an undesirable matter and will be used as compost. The present work aimed to produce a thin film from fruit material, in converting the fruit-derived waste into useful material. The thin film was developed by film casting method using waste fiber from orange peel, glycerol, and corn starch. The thin film was characterized by water, oil absorption, and biodegradable properties. The fact, natural fibers that originate from the surface of the fruit are hydrophilic rather than oleophilic, so the thin film tends to absorb more water than cooking oil over 28 days of observation. The biodegradation rate of orange peel film is quickest for films with 50 wt.% of orange peel powder and slowest for films with 0% of orange peel powder. We concluded that these materials can be used for membrane and packaging applications. Therefore, this work aims to provide a promising bioplastic that will help the environment and be an alternative material to modern society.

Publication

Advancing COVID-19 detection high-performance RNA biosensing via electrical interactions

( 2024-06)

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Muhammad Nur Afnan Uda

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Nur Hulwani Ibrahim

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Chai Chang Yii

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Lorita Angeline

This research paper investigated the detection of COVID-19 using an Aluminum Interdigitated Electrode (Al-IDE) sensor based on electrical conductivity. The silanization process involved the functionalization step, employing (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), while the immobilization process was facilitated by the RNA Probe specific to COVID-19. To verify its specificity in detection, the functionalized biosensor was tested against single-base mismatches, non-complementary sequences, and complementary sequences. The physical characteristics of the Al-IDE biosensor were examined using both low-power microscopy (LPM) and high-power microscopy (HPM). Additionally, the morphological properties of the biosensor were assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). To assess its diagnostic potential, the biosensor's sensitivity was evaluated by exposing it to a range of complementary targets, spanning from 1 femtomolar (fM) to 1 micromolar (μM). The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the biosensor were meticulously analyzed at each stage of functionalization bare Al-IDE, silanization, immobilization, and hybridization. This I-V characterization was carried out using a picoammeter voltage source (Keithley 2450), Kickstart software, and a probe station. The results confirmed the biosensor's capability to effectively detect COVID-19 targets within the nanoampere concentration range, demonstrating its success in detecting specific COVID-19 targets at the nanoampere level.

Publication

Aluminium interdigitated electrode with 5.0 μm gap for electrolytic scooting

( 2024-06)

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Asral Bahari Jambek

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Ismail Saad

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Shahidah Arina Shamsuddin

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Nursakinah Abdul Karim

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G. Yashni

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Nur Hulwani Ibrahim

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N. Parimon

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M. F. H. Rani

The goal of the research project is to design, fabricate, and characterize an extremely sensitive biosensor for use in healthcare. Using AutoCAD software, a novel IDE pattern with a 5 μm finger gap was created. Conventional photolithography and regular CMOS technology were used in the fabrication process. A 3D nano profiler, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-power microscopy (HPM), and low-power microscopy (LPM) were used to physically characterize the manufactured IDE. Chemical testing was done using several pH buffer solutions, and electrical validation was performed using I-V measurements. The Al IDE was produced, with a tolerance of 0.1 μm between the fabricated IDEs and the design mask. Electrical measurements verified the flawless fabrication of the IDE, and the device's repeatability was validated by the outcomes of comparable IDE samples. For each pH buffer solution, a modest additional volume of 2 μl was used to quantitatively detect slight current fluctuations in the microampere range. Through pH calibration for advanced applications in the realm of chemical sensors using an amperometric method, this research study has verified the chemical behavior of the IDE.

Publication

Analysis of an electrically induced optical waveguide in a c-axis barium titanate thin film

( 2021-12)

Arif Mawardi Ismail

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Prabakaran A/L Poopalan

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Nurjuliana Juhari

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Mohd. Azarulsani Md. Azidin

In this paper, we report our analysis of an electrically generated optical waveguide in a 𝑐- axis barium titanate (BTO) thin film. The waveguide consists of a BTO thin film which is sandwiched between two electrodes. The thin film forms a waveguide when a voltage difference is applied across the electrodes. It is found that the formed waveguide supports both TE and TM modes, with TM modes more tightly confined within the waveguide than TE modes. The possibility to turn the waveguide on and off simply by turning the electric field on and off may prove useful for optical switching.

Publication

Analysis of different piezoelectric materials on the film bulk acoustic wave resonator

( 2023-12)

Nurul Izza Mohd Nor

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Nazuhusna Khalid

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Hasnizah Aris

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M. S. Mispan

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N. Aiman Syahmi

The performance of film bulk acoustic wave resonators (FBAR) is greatly dependent on the choice of piezoelectric materials. Different piezoelectric materials have distinct properties that can impact the performance of FBAR. Hence, this work presents the analysis of three different piezoelectric materials which are aluminum nitride (AlN), scandium aluminum nitride (ScAlN) and zinc oxide (ZnO) on the performance of FBARs working at resonance frequencies of 6 GHz until 10 GHz. The one-dimensional (1-D) modelling is implemented to characterize the effects of these materials on the quality (Q) factor, electromechanical coupling coefficient (k2eff) and bandwidth (BW). It is determined that employing ScAlN in FBAR results in the highest Q factor, ranges from 628 to 1047 while maintaining a relatively compact area (25 μm × 25 μm) and thickness (430 nm to 720 nm). However, ScAlN yields the narrowest BW, measuring 0.11 GHz at 6 GHz, as opposed to AlN and ZnO, which exhibit broader bandwidths of 0.16 GHz and 0.23 GHz, respectively.

Publication

Analysis of power distribution in mach zehnder interferometer polymer-based waveguide for sensing applications

( 2022-12)

Mohd. Azarulsani Md. Azidin

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Nurjuliana Juhari

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Arif Mawardi Ismail

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Norhayati Sabani

Two Mach Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) polymer-based waveguide designs namely MZI symmetrical and MZI asymmetrical structures were simulated and analyzed using Optiwave OptiBPM10. The two designs with device size of 4000μm x 300μm exhibit clear optical propagation path when light is simulated through them as well as displaying single mode profile. Highest output power was obtained by the MZI symmetrical design at 0.90 a.u, which suggests better waveguide design for sensing applications.

Publication

Analysis on silica and graphene nanomaterials obtained from rice straw for antimicrobial potential

( 2024-06)

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N. H. A Jalil

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Muhammad Firdaus Abdul Muttalib

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Fahisal Abdullah

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Subash Chandra Bose Gopinath

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Shahidah Arina Shamsuddin

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Nursakinah Abdul Karim

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Ahmad Radi Wan Yaakub

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Nur Hulwani Ibrahim

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Nadiya Akmal Baharum

This study focuses on the encapsulation of silica and graphene nanoparticles and their potential applications. The encapsulation enhances the properties and effectiveness of these nanoparticles, with silica providing stability and graphene contributing to high surface area and electrical conductivity. Characterization of silica-graphene nanoparticles was conducted using various techniques including High Power Microscope (HPM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and 3D Nano Profiler. The antimicrobial activity of silica, graphene, and silica-graphene nanoparticles was evaluated using a disc diffusion assay against E. coli and B. subtilis at varying concentrations. Results showed significant antimicrobial activity, with the inhibition zone being directly proportional to the concentration. Silica-graphene nanoparticles demonstrated higher efficacy against E. coli compared to B. subtilis, attributed to differences in cell wall structure. Statistical analysis using ANOVA confirmed significant differences in antimicrobial activity among the tested components.

Publication

Analysis on square and circular inductor for a high Q-factor inductor

( 2021-12)

Aimi Noorliyana Hashim

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Nazuhusna Khalid

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Nurul Izza Mohd Nor

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Shahrir Rizal Kasjoo

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Zaliman Sauli

This paper presents the high-quality (Q) factor inductors using Silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) for the 10GHz to 20GHz frequency band. Inductors are designed on SOS because of their advantages, including high resistivity and low parasitic capacitance. This paper compares square and circular inductor topologies for high-quality (Q) factor inductors using HFSS software for the high-frequency band. Both inductors have been designed with the same width and thickness to make them comparable with each other. The comparison shows that a circular inductor achieves the highest Q-factor. Furthermore, the circular and square inductor's Q-factor, inductance, and resistance are analyzed. As a result, the circular inductor has the maximum Q-factor of 89.34 at 10.6GHz for 0.29nH, while the square inductor has obtained a maximum Q-factor of 80.72 at 10GHz for 0.40nH inductance.

Publication

Annealing effects on polycrystalline silicon germanium (SiGe) thin films grown on nanostructured silicon substrates using thermal evaporation technique

( 2022-10)

Ayu Wazira Azhari

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Eop, T. S.

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Dewi Suriyani Che Halin

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Sopian, K.

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Zaidi, S. H.

Polycrystalline SiGe thin films have been formed after thermal annealing of formerly vacuum evaporated a-Ge layers. The a-Ge thin films were deposited onto nanostructured Si substrates via low-cost thermal evaporation method. Then, the films were annealed in a furnace at temperatures ranging from 400 °C to 1000 °C resulting in crystal growth of the SiGe layers. In general, the annealing temperature for polycrystalline SiGe is between 600 °C – 800 °C. The crystalline structure of the SiGe layer is improved as a function of increased temperature. This is shown by the low FWHM of about 5.27 as compared to the commercially available Ge substrates where the FWHM value is about 5.06. This method also produces more relax Ge layer where the strain value is 0.261.

Publication

Application of synopsys' taurus TCAD in developing CMOS fabrication process modules

( 2009-01)

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Chin Seng Fatt

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S. Sakrani

Technology CAD (TCAD) refers to the use of computer simulation to model semiconductor processing and devics operation. TCAD has two major functions namely process simulation and device simulation. It performs the semiconductor process simulation and the device simulation by taking the description of the transistor layout input to stimulate the fabrication process and device behavior before the actual silicon is made. this paper illustrates the use of Synopsys' Taurus TCAD to develop and stimulate the fabrication and electrical behavior of NMOS and PMOS transistors in the complete CMOS process flow. Illustration also include how mask information extracted from a layout by Taurus Layout is used by TSUPREM-4 to produce an output file containing complete structure, mesh and doping information that can be read into MEDICI device simulator to extract electrical characteristics. The specified process includes, not only steps required to stimulate a MOSFET device, but also all steps of the hypothetical CMOS process.

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Publication

Arthropods-mediated green synthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles using cellar spider extract a biocompatible remediation for environmental approach

( 2024-06)

Muzamir Isa

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M. A. R. Irfan

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Subash Chandra Bose Gopinath

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Hafiza Shukor

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MRM Huzaifah

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Maimunah Mohd Ali

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Nur Hulwani Ibrahim

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Muaz Mohd Zaini Makhtar

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Ng Qi Hwa

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Mohd Khairul Rabani Hashim

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Zainal Abidin Arsat

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Liyana Ahmad Sofri

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Mahfuz Affif Mohd Ruslan

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