Vertical full-colour micro-LEDs via 2D materials-based layer transfer.

Micro-LEDs (µLEDs) have been explored for augmented and virtual reality display applications that require extremely high pixels per inch and luminance1,2. However, conventional manufacturing processes based on the lateral assembly of red, green and blue (RGB) µLEDs have limitations in enhancing pixel density3-6. Recent demonstrations of vertical µLED displays have attempted to address this issue by stacking freestanding RGB LED membranes and fabricating top-down7-14, but minimization of the lateral dimensions of stacked µLEDs has been difficult. Here we report full-colour, vertically stacked µLEDs that achieve, to our knowledge, the highest array density (5,100 pixels per inch) and the smallest size (4 µm) reported to date. This is enabled by a two-dimensional materials-based layer transfer technique15-18 that allows the growth of RGB LEDs of near-submicron thickness on two-dimensional material-coated substrates via remote or van der Waals epitaxy, mechanical release and stacking of LEDs, followed by top-down fabrication. The smallest-ever stack height of around 9 µm is the key enabler for record high µLED array density. We also demonstrate vertical integration of blue µLEDs with silicon membrane transistors for active matrix operation. These results establish routes to creating full-colour µLED displays for augmented and virtual reality, while also offering a generalizable platform for broader classes of three-dimensional integrated devices.

Heterogeneous integration of single-crystalline complex-oxide membranes.

Complex-oxide materials exhibit a vast range of functional properties desirable for next-generation electronic, spintronic, magnetoelectric, neuromorphic, and energy conversion storage devices1-4. Their physical functionalities can be coupled by stacking layers of such materials to create heterostructures and can be further boosted by applying strain5-7. The predominant method for heterogeneous integration and application of strain has been through heteroepitaxy, which drastically limits the possible material combinations and the ability to integrate complex oxides with mature semiconductor technologies. Moreover, key physical properties of complex-oxide thin films, such as piezoelectricity and magnetostriction, are severely reduced by the substrate clamping effect. Here we demonstrate a universal mechanical exfoliation method of producing freestanding single-crystalline membranes made from a wide range of complex-oxide materials including perovskite, spinel and garnet crystal structures with varying crystallographic orientations. In addition, we create artificial heterostructures and hybridize their physical properties by directly stacking such freestanding membranes with different crystal structures and orientations, which is not possible using conventional methods. Our results establish a platform for stacking and coupling three-dimensional structures, akin to two-dimensional material-based heterostructures, for enhancing device functionalities8,9.

Remote epitaxy through graphene enables two-dimensional material-based layer transfer.

Epitaxy-the growth of a crystalline material on a substrate-is crucial for the semiconductor industry, but is often limited by the need for lattice matching between the two material systems. This strict requirement is relaxed for van der Waals epitaxy, in which epitaxy on layered or two-dimensional (2D) materials is mediated by weak van der Waals interactions, and which also allows facile layer release from 2D surfaces. It has been thought that 2D materials are the only seed layers for van der Waals epitaxy. However, the substrates below 2D materials may still interact with the layers grown during epitaxy (epilayers), as in the case of the so-called wetting transparency documented for graphene. Here we show that the weak van der Waals potential of graphene cannot completely screen the stronger potential field of many substrates, which enables epitaxial growth to occur despite its presence. We use density functional theory calculations to establish that adatoms will experience remote epitaxial registry with a substrate through a substrate-epilayer gap of up to nine ångströms; this gap can accommodate a monolayer of graphene. We confirm the predictions with homoepitaxial growth of GaAs(001) on GaAs(001) substrates through monolayer graphene, and show that the approach is also applicable to InP and GaP. The grown single-crystalline films are rapidly released from the graphene-coated substrate and perform as well as conventionally prepared films when incorporated in light-emitting devices. This technique enables any type of semiconductor film to be copied from underlying substrates through 2D materials, and then the resultant epilayer to be rapidly released and transferred to a substrate of interest. This process is particularly attractive in the context of non-silicon electronics and photonics, where the ability to re-use the graphene-coated substrates allows savings on the high cost of non-silicon substrates.

Capillary transfer of soft films.

Existing transfer technologies in the construction of film-based electronics and devices are deeply established in the framework of native solid substrates. Here, we report a capillary approach that enables a fast, robust, and reliable transfer of soft films from liquid in a defect-free manner. This capillary transfer is underpinned by the transfer front of dynamic contact among receiver substrate, liquid, and film, and can be well controlled by a selectable motion direction of receiver substrates at a high speed. We demonstrate in extensive experiments, together with theoretical models and computational analysis, the robust capabilities of the capillary transfer using a versatile set of soft films with a broad material diversity of both film and liquid, surface-wetting properties, and complex geometric patterns of soft films onto various solid substrates in a deterministic manner.

Exciton-Dominated Ultrafast Optical Response in Atomically Thin PtSe2.

Strongly bound excitons are a characteristic hallmark of 2D semiconductors, enabling unique light-matter interactions and novel optical applications. Platinum diselenide (PtSe2 ) is an emerging 2D material with outstanding optical and electrical properties and excellent air stability. Bulk PtSe2 is a semimetal, but its atomically thin form shows a semiconducting phase with the appearance of a band-gap, making one expect strongly bound 2D excitons. However, the excitons in PtSe2 have been barely studied, either experimentally or theoretically. Here, the authors directly observe and theoretically confirm excitons and their ultrafast dynamics in mono-, bi-, and tri-layer PtSe2 single crystals. Steady-state optical microscopy reveals exciton absorption resonances and their thickness dependence, confirmed by first-principles calculations. Ultrafast transient absorption microscopy finds that the exciton dominates the transient broadband response, resulting from strong exciton bleaching and renormalized band-gap-induced exciton shifting. The overall transient spectrum redshifts with increasing thickness as the shrinking band-gap redshifts the exciton resonance. This study provides novel insights into exciton photophysics in platinum dichalcogenides.

Light Polarization-Controlled Conversion of Ultrafast Coherent-Incoherent Exciton Dynamics in Few-Layer ReS2.

Coherent light-matter interaction can transiently modulate the quantum states of matter under nonresonant laser excitation. This phenomenon, called the optical Stark effect, is one of the promising candidates for realizing ultrafast optical switches. However, the ultrafast modulations induced by the coherent light-matter interactions usually involve unwanted incoherent responses, significantly reducing the overall operation speed. Here, by using ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy, we suppress the incoherent response and modulate the coherent-to-incoherent ratio in the two-dimensional semiconductor ReS2. We selectively convert the coherent and incoherent responses of an anisotropic exciton state by solely using photon polarizations, improving the control ratio by 3 orders of magnitude. The efficient modulation was enabled by transient superpositions of differential spectra from two nondegenerate exciton states due to the light polarization dependencies. This work provides a valuable contribution toward realizing ideal ultrafast optical switches.

Polarity governs atomic interaction through two-dimensional materials.

The transparency of two-dimensional (2D) materials to intermolecular interactions of crystalline materials has been an unresolved topic. Here we report that remote atomic interaction through 2D materials is governed by the binding nature, that is, the polarity of atomic bonds, both in the underlying substrates and in 2D material interlayers. Although the potential field from covalent-bonded materials is screened by a monolayer of graphene, that from ionic-bonded materials is strong enough to penetrate through a few layers of graphene. Such field penetration is substantially attenuated by 2D hexagonal boron nitride, which itself has polarization in its atomic bonds. Based on the control of transparency, modulated by the nature of materials as well as interlayer thickness, various types of single-crystalline materials across the periodic table can be epitaxially grown on 2D material-coated substrates. The epitaxial films can subsequently be released as free-standing membranes, which provides unique opportunities for the heterointegration of arbitrary single-crystalline thin films in functional applications.

Improved visible-blindness of AlGaN deep ultraviolet photodiode with monolithically integrated angle-insensitive Fabry-Perot filter.

Despite the rapidly increasing demand for accurate ultraviolet (UV) detection in various applications, conventional Si-based UV sensors are less accurate due to disruption by visible light. Recently, Ga(Al)N-based photodiodes have attracted great interest as viable platforms that can avoid such issues because their wide bandgap enables efficient detection of UV light and they are theoretically blind to visible and infrared light. However, the heteroepitaxy of a Ga(Al)N layer on sapphire substrates inevitably leads to defects, and the Ga(Al)N photodiode (PD) becomes not perfectly insensible to visible light. Employment of a dielectric stacked UV pass filter is possible to avoid unwanted absorption of visible light, but the angle-dependent pass band limits the detection angle. Here, we have demonstrated the Ag-Al2O3 Fabry-Perot UV pass filter-integrated AlGaN ultraviolet photodiode. The inherent optical extinction characteristics of Ag was utilized to design the fabrication-tolerant UV pass filter with a peak transmittance at ∼325 nm. As the angle of incidence increased, the peak transmission decreased from 45% to 10%, but the relative transmission spectrum remained almost unchanged. By integrating these filters, the visible light rejection ratio (responsivity for 315 nm light to responsivity for 405 nm light) was improved by a factor of 10, reaching a value of 106 at angles of up to 80 degrees.

A Minimum Ten Years of Follow-Up of Alumina Head on Delta Liner Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: In the early days when delta ceramics were developed, there was a period of using delta ceramic liner and alumina ceramic head. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of total hip arthroplasty using delta ceramic liner on alumina ceramic head after a minimum of 10 years of follow-up and to evaluate problems of early delta ceramic liner. METHODS: Alumina on delta cementless total hip arthroplasty was performed in 92 hips (85 patients) from August 2005 to March 2007 at our hospital. Bilateral total hip arthroplasty were performed in 7 patients, 30 patients on the left side and 48 patients on the right side. Preoperative diagnosis was osteonecrosis of the femoral head in 34 hips (37%), degenerative arthritis in 31 hips (33.7%), femur neck fracture in 21 hips (22.8%), and rheumatoid arthritis in 6 hips (6.5%). All surgeries were carried out with anterolateral approach. For the clinical evaluation, Harris hip score (HHS), pain, and range of motion were assessed. Radiographs were reviewed by the authors to search for any signs of osteolysis, loosening of implants, and heterotopic ossification. RESULTS: HHS was compared between preoperative and final follow-ups. The mean HHS improved from preoperative 58.3 points (range 27-76) to 92.7 points (range 78-98) on the final follow-up (P = .02). The mean range of hip motion at the final follow-up was flexion 116.9°, adduction 23.8°, abduction 34.6°, internal rotation 16.3°, and external rotation 39.2°. As for the postoperative pain, 1 patient complained of inguinal pain and 4 patients complained of thigh pain. Because of trauma, 3 cases of dislocation were observed in all cases. There are 3 cases with dislocation and 2 cases were treated with conservative treatment without recurrence, but 1 case was required for surgical treatment due to eccentric rim wear of delta liner. The aseptic loosening of acetabular cup and femoral stem was each 1 hip. CONCLUSION: Alumina head-on-delta liner cementless THA, using a large femoral head 32-36 mm in diameter, demonstrated satisfactory clinical and radiological results in the minimum 10 years of follow-up. Eccentric rim wear can occur even in delta ceramic liners that are known to have high strength, and this can lead to dislocation which can, in turn, increase the possibility of linear fracture.

FAST: Size-Selective, Clog-Free Isolation of Rare Cancer Cells from Whole Blood at a Liquid-Liquid Interface.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have great potential to provide minimally invasive ways for the early detection of cancer metastasis and for the response monitoring of various cancer treatments. Despite the clinical importance and progress of CTC-based cancer diagnostics, most of the current methods of enriching CTCs are difficult to implement in general hospital settings due to complex and time-consuming protocols. Among existing technologies, size-based isolation methods provide antibody-independent, relatively simple, and high throughput protocols. However, the clogging issues and lower than desired recovery rates and purity are the key challenges. In this work, inspired by antifouling membranes with liquid-filled pores in nature, clog-free, highly sensitive (95.9 ± 3.1% recovery rate), selective (>2.5 log depletion of white blood cells), rapid (>3 mL/min), and label-free isolation of viable CTCs from whole blood without prior sample treatment is achieved using a stand-alone lab-on-a-disc system equipped with fluid-assisted separation technology (FAST). Numerical simulation and experiments show that this method provides uniform, clog-free, ultrafast cell enrichment with pressure drops much less than in conventional size-based filtration, at 1 kPa. We demonstrate the clinical utility of the point-of-care detection of CTCs with samples taken from 142 patients suffering from breast, stomach, or lung cancer.

Practical approach to determine sample size for building logistic prediction models using high-throughput data.

An empirical method of sample size determination for building prediction models was proposed recently. Permutation method which is used in this procedure is a commonly used method to address the problem of overfitting during cross-validation while evaluating the performance of prediction models constructed from microarray data. But major drawback of such methods which include bootstrapping and full permutations is prohibitively high cost of computation required for calculating the sample size. In this paper, we propose that a single representative null distribution can be used instead of a full permutation by using both simulated and real data sets. During simulation, we have used a dataset with zero effect size and confirmed that the empirical type I error approaches to 0.05. Hence this method can be confidently applied to reduce overfitting problem during cross-validation. We have observed that pilot data set generated by random sampling from real data could be successfully used for sample size determination. We present our results using an experiment that was repeated for 300 times while producing results comparable to that of full permutation method. Since we eliminate full permutation, sample size estimation time is not a function of pilot data size. In our experiment we have observed that this process takes around 30min. With the increasing number of clinical studies, developing efficient sample size determination methods for building prediction models is critical. But empirical methods using bootstrap and permutation usually involve high computing costs. In this study, we propose a method that can reduce required computing time drastically by using representative null distribution of permutations. We use data from pilot experiments to apply this method for designing clinical studies efficiently for high throughput data.

Stereoscopic artificial compound eyes for spatiotemporal perception in three-dimensional space.

Arthropods' eyes are effective biological vision systems for object tracking and wide field of view because of their structural uniqueness; however, unlike mammalian eyes, they can hardly acquire the depth information of a static object because of their monocular cues. Therefore, most arthropods rely on motion parallax to track the object in three-dimensional (3D) space. Uniquely, the praying mantis (Mantodea) uses both compound structured eyes and a form of stereopsis and is capable of achieving object recognition in 3D space. Here, by mimicking the vision system of the praying mantis using stereoscopically coupled artificial compound eyes, we demonstrated spatiotemporal object sensing and tracking in 3D space with a wide field of view. Furthermore, to achieve a fast response with minimal latency, data storage/transportation, and power consumption, we processed the visual information at the edge of the system using a synaptic device and a federated split learning algorithm. The designed and fabricated stereoscopic artificial compound eye provides energy-efficient and accurate spatiotemporal object sensing and optical flow tracking. It exhibits a root mean square error of 0.3 centimeter, consuming only approximately 4 millijoules for sensing and tracking. These results are more than 400 times lower than conventional complementary metal-oxide semiconductor-based imaging systems. Our biomimetic imager shows the potential of integrating nature's unique design using hardware and software codesigned technology toward capabilities of edge computing and sensing.

Genome sequence of the thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus var. marxianus KCTC 17555.

Kluyveromyces marxianus is a thermotolerant yeast that has been explored for potential use in biotechnological applications, such as production of biofuels, single-cell proteins, enzymes, and other heterologous proteins. Here, we present the high-quality draft of the 10.9-Mb genome of K. marxianus var. marxianus KCTC 17555 (= CBS 6556 = ATCC 26548).

An artificial neuromuscular junction for enhanced reflexes and oculomotor dynamics based on a ferroelectric CuInP2S6/GaN HEMT.

A neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a particularized synapse that activates muscle fibers for macro-motions, requiring more energy than computation. Emulating the NMJ is thus challenging owing to the need for both synaptic plasticity and high driving power to trigger motions. Here, we present an artificial NMJ using CuInP2S6 (CIPS) as a gate dielectric integrated with an AlGaN/GaN-based high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT). The ferroelectricity of the CIPS is coupled with the two-dimensional electron gas channel in the HEMT, providing a wide programmable current range of 6 picoampere per millimeter to 5 milliampere per millimeter. The large output current window of the CIPS/GaN ferroelectric HEMT (FeHEMT) allows for amplifier-less actuation, emulating the biological NMJ functions of actuation and synaptic plasticity. We also demonstrate the emulation of biological oculomotor dynamics, including in situ object tracking and enhanced stimulus responses, using the fabricated artificial NMJ. We believe that the CIPS/GaN FeHEMT offers a promising pathway for bioinspired robotics and neuromorphic vision.

Low-Thermal-Budget Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistors Based on CuInP2S6 and InZnO.

In this paper, we demonstrate low-thermal-budget ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs) based on the two-dimensional ferroelectric CuInP2S6 (CIPS) and oxide semiconductor InZnO (IZO). The CIPS/IZO FeFETs exhibit nonvolatile memory windows of ∼1 V, low off-state drain currents, and high carrier mobilities. The ferroelectric CIPS layer serves a dual purpose by providing electrostatic doping in IZO and acting as a passivation layer for the IZO channel. We also investigate the CIPS/IZO FeFETs as artificial synaptic devices for neural networks. The CIPS/IZO synapse demonstrates a sizable dynamic ratio (125) and maintains stable multilevel states. Neural networks based on CIPS/IZO FeFETs achieve an accuracy rate of over 80% in recognizing MNIST handwritten digits. These ferroelectric transistors can be vertically stacked on silicon complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) with a low thermal budget, offering broad applications in CMOS+X technologies and energy-efficient 3D neural networks.

Reconfigurable Physical Reservoir in GaN/α-In2Se3 HEMTs Enabled by Out-of-Plane Local Polarization of Ferroelectric 2D Layer.

Significant effort for demonstrating a gallium nitride (GaN)-based ferroelectric metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS)-high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) for reconfigurable operation via simple pulse operation has been hindered by the lack of suitable materials, gate structures, and intrinsic depolarization effects. In this study, we have demonstrated artificial synapses using a GaN-based MOS-HEMT integrated with an α-In2Se3 ferroelectric semiconductor. The van der Waals heterostructure of GaN/α-In2Se3 provides a potential to achieve high-frequency operation driven by a ferroelectrically coupled two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). Moreover, the semiconducting α-In2Se3 features a steep subthreshold slope with a high ON/OFF ratio (∼1010). The self-aligned α-In2Se3 layer with the gate electrode suppresses the in-plane polarization while promoting the out-of-plane (OOP) polarization of α-In2Se3, resulting in a steep subthreshold slope (10 mV/dec) and creating a large hysteresis (2 V). Furthermore, based on the short-term plasticity (STP) characteristics of the fabricated ferroelectric HEMT, we demonstrated reservoir computing (RC) for image classification. We believe that the ferroelectric GaN/α-In2Se3 HEMT can provide a viable pathway toward ultrafast neuromorphic computing.

A multicenter retrospective study of patients treated in the thalamus with responsive neurostimulation.

Introduction: For drug resistant epilepsy patients who are either not candidates for resective surgery or have already failed resective surgery, neuromodulation is a promising option. Neuromodulatory approaches include responsive neurostimulation (RNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and vagal nerve stimulation (VNS). Thalamocortical circuits are involved in both generalized and focal onset seizures. This paper explores the use of RNS in the centromedian nucleus of the thalamus (CMN) and in the anterior thalamic nucleus (ANT) of patients with drug resistant epilepsy. Methods: This is a retrospective multicenter study from seven different epilepsy centers in the United States. Patients that had unilateral or bilateral thalamic RNS leads implanted in the CMN or ANT for at least 6 months were included. Primary objectives were to describe the implant location and determine changes in the frequency of disabling seizures at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and > 2 years. Secondary objectives included documenting seizure free periods, anti-seizure medication regimen changes, stimulation side effects, and serious adverse events. In addition, the global clinical impression scale was completed. Results: Twelve patients had at least one lead placed in the CMN, and 13 had at least one lead placed in the ANT. The median baseline seizure frequency was 15 per month. Overall, the median seizure reduction was 33% at 6 months, 55% at 1 year, 65% at 2 years, and 74% at >2 years. Seizure free intervals of at least 3 months occurred in nine patients. Most patients (60%, 15/25) did not have a change in anti-seizure medications post RNS placement. Two serious adverse events were recorded, one related to RNS implantation. Lastly, overall functioning seemed to improve with 88% showing improvement on the global clinical impression scale. Discussion: Meaningful seizure reduction was observed in patients who suffer from drug resistant epilepsy with unilateral or bilateral RNS in either the ANT or CMN of the thalamus. Most patients remained on their pre-operative anti-seizure medication regimen. The device was well tolerated with few side effects. There were rare serious adverse events. Most patients showed an improvement in global clinical impression scores.

High-throughput manufacturing of epitaxial membranes from a single wafer by 2D materials-based layer transfer process.

Layer transfer techniques have been extensively explored for semiconductor device fabrication as a path to reduce costs and to form heterogeneously integrated devices. These techniques entail isolating epitaxial layers from an expensive donor wafer to form freestanding membranes. However, current layer transfer processes are still low-throughput and too expensive to be commercially suitable. Here we report a high-throughput layer transfer technique that can produce multiple compound semiconductor membranes from a single wafer. We directly grow two-dimensional (2D) materials on III-N and III-V substrates using epitaxy tools, which enables a scheme comprised of multiple alternating layers of 2D materials and epilayers that can be formed by a single growth run. Each epilayer in the multistack structure is then harvested by layer-by-layer mechanical exfoliation, producing multiple freestanding membranes from a single wafer without involving time-consuming processes such as sacrificial layer etching or wafer polishing. Moreover, atomic-precision exfoliation at the 2D interface allows for the recycling of the wafers for subsequent membrane production, with the potential for greatly reducing the manufacturing cost.

Different roles of peripheral mitogen-activated protein kinases in carrageenan-induced arthritic pain and arthritis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) might be involved in hypersensitivity of various pain models. However, there is a lack of direct evidence for actual involvement of peripheral ERK, p38, and JNK in induction and maintenance of arthritic pain and the development of arthritis. METHODS: We evaluated the effects of preemptive and therapeutic intra-articular administration of selective inhibitors of p38 (SB203580) and JNK (SP600125), and indirect inhibition of ERK with a blocker (PD98059) of the kinase that activates ERK (i.e., MEK, the mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK]/ERK kinase), on arthritic pain-related behavior such as reduction of weight load and the inflammatory responses such as neutrophil infiltration into the synovium and knee joint diameter in rats. In addition, arthritis-induced phosphorylation of ERK, p38, and JNK in synovium of knee joint was examined. RESULTS: Pretreatments with PD98059, SB203580, and SP600125 prevented the reduction of weight load induced by the carrageenan injected into the knee joint cavity, but their effects showed different time course patterns. Therapeutic administration of PD98059 and SB203580 partially reversed carrageen-induced reduction of weight load, and their effects showed a similar time course pattern. However, therapeutic administration of SP600125 had no effect on the reduction of weight load. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that carrageenan-induced neutrophil infiltration into the synovium was inhibited by pretreatment with SB203580 or SP600125, but not PD98059. Western blot measurements showed distinct expression of phosphorylated ERK, p38, and JNK in the synovium at different time points after carrageenan injection. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that ERK, p38, and JNK signaling pathways at the peripheral level may play different roles in arthritic pain and arthritis of the knee joint.

In-sensor image memorization and encoding via optical neurons for bio-stimulus domain reduction toward visual cognitive processing.

As machine vision technology generates large amounts of data from sensors, it requires efficient computational systems for visual cognitive processing. Recently, in-sensor computing systems have emerged as a potential solution for reducing unnecessary data transfer and realizing fast and energy-efficient visual cognitive processing. However, they still lack the capability to process stored images directly within the sensor. Here, we demonstrate a heterogeneously integrated 1-photodiode and 1 memristor (1P-1R) crossbar for in-sensor visual cognitive processing, emulating a mammalian image encoding process to extract features from the input images. Unlike other neuromorphic vision processes, the trained weight values are applied as an input voltage to the image-saved crossbar array instead of storing the weight value in the memristors, realizing the in-sensor computing paradigm. We believe the heterogeneously integrated in-sensor computing platform provides an advanced architecture for real-time and data-intensive machine-vision applications via bio-stimulus domain reduction.