Abstract: A plasma treatment has been used to modify the surface of BNNTs. In one example, the surface of the BNNT has been modified using ammonia plasma to include amine functional groups. Amine functionalization allows BNNTs to be soluble in chloroform, which had not been possible previously. Further functionalization of amine-functionalized BNNTs with thiol-terminated organic molecules has also been demonstrated. Gold nanoparticles have been self-assembled at the surface of both amine- and thiol-functionalized boron nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) in solution. This approach constitutes a basis for the preparation of highly functionalized BNNTs and for their utilization as nanoscale templates for assembly and integration with other nanoscale materials.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a light absorbing layer as a p-type semiconductor, a buffer layer, and a window layer. The light absorbing layer, the buffer layer, and the window layer are provided in this order. A film of a sulfide-based compound semiconductor containing Cu, Zn, Sn, and S is used as the light absorbing layer. In addition, the buffer layer includes a material having a composition of Zn1-xMgxO (0<x?0.4), and including a phase having a hexagonal crystal structure as a main component.

Abstract: A plasma treatment has been used to modify the surface of BNNTs. In one example, the surface of the BNNT has been modified using ammonia plasma to include amine functional groups. Amine functionalization allows BNNTs to be soluble in chloroform, which had not been possible previously. Further functionalization of amine-functionalized BNNTs with thiol-terminated organic molecules has also been demonstrated. Gold nanoparticles have been self-assembled at the surface of both amine- and thiol-functionalized boron nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) in solution. This approach constitutes a basis for the preparation of highly functionalized BNNTs and for their utilization as nanoscale templates for assembly and integration with other nanoscale materials.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising a substrate having a flat surface; semiconductor nanowires which are densely arrayed on the flat surface and tapered from the flat surface; and a semiconductor layer which fills gaps between the semiconductor nanowires and has a different carrier type from that of the semiconductor nanowires.

Abstract: A plasma treatment has been used to modify the surface of BNNTs. In one example, the surface of the BNNT has been modified using ammonia plasma to include amine functional groups. Amine functionalization allows BNNTs to be soluble in chloroform, which had not been possible previously. Further functionalization of amine-functionalized BNNTs with thiol-terminated organic molecules has also been demonstrated. Gold nanoparticles have been self-assembled at the surface of both amine- and thiol-functionalized boron nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) in solution. This approach constitutes a basis for the preparation of highly functionalized BNNTs and for their utilization as nanoscale templates for assembly and integration with other nanoscale materials.

Abstract: There is provided a method for evaluating the contamination by quantifying the surface contamination of an object such as a window glass plate, a wall, or the like in such a manner that the quantified value is close to the visual sensation of human being. The method comprises the steps of taking a color image of the surface of the object, converting a color image data denoting the color image into a monochromatic image data, dividing a monochromatic image denoted by the monochromatic image data into a dot matrix to obtain lightness per dot, selecting an area to be evaluated on the dot matrix, calculating a standard deviation of lightness from the distribution of lightness of the selected area.

Abstract: There is provided a method for evaluating the contamination by quantifying the surface contamination of an object such as a window glass plate, a wall, or the like in such a manner that the quantified value is close to the visual sensation of human being. The method comprises the steps of taking a color image of the surface of the object, converting a color image data denoting the color image into a monochromatic image data, dividing a monochromatic image denoted by the monochromatic image data into a dot matrix to obtain lightness per dot, selecting an area to be evaluated on the dot matrix, calculating a standard deviation of lightness from the distribution of lightness of the selected area.