Nanotechnologies: inventions of Turkmen scientists are applied widely from aviation to medicine
April 23, 2018 | 11:43 |7827
The Center for Physical and Mathematical Research and the Institute of Solar Energy of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan are actively working to create and introduce nanotechnology and new nanomaterials in industrial production. Daulbay Melebayev, Ph.D. in Physics and Mathematics, Head of Nanomaterials and Optoelectronics Department of the Institute of Solar Energy of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, shared in an interview with the ORIENT. The scientist has been studying nanoparticles and related processes for decades. He is the author of a number of patented inventions, including a new type of photo detector based on nanostructures. A group of Turkmen scientists under his guidance developed a technology for creating composite nanostructures, and discovered quantum processes previously unknown.Arslan KEMALOV
- Now we are working on the creation of photosensitive semiconductor materials based on nanotechnology, the manufacture of semiconductor cells using gallium arsenide and silicon for the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy, as well as the mathematical modeling of production processes.
- The fact is that the current photo detectors have disadvantages: they are designed to measure UV rays in the spectrum of 200-400 nanometers and they have a sharp decrease in sensitivity in the range of 250-315 nanometers, which creates problems in the measurements. Thanks to many years of experience in this field, we have created a more efficient photo detector of UV radiation in the range of 280-400 nanometers based on diode structures.
Another feature of the new photo detector is that it was first created based on nanostructures of metal-dielectric (oxide), which has the properties of a semiconductor. The photodiode housing of the device consists of a layer of gold with a thickness of 12-14 nanometers and an oxide with a thickness of 3-5 nanometers. This nanolayer of gold applied on the oxide surface can acquire new properties under the influence of the internal electric field, which in turn allows the creation of new types of optoelectronic devices. At the same time, the sensitivity of the device is 2-3 times higher than previous analogues, which, along with low weight, is the main advantage of the device.
The scientist also told about new observations at the photo detector:
- Recently, with the help of a new type of photo detector, specific properties on the oxide layer of the device have been observed under electron microscope observation. The nanowires with the iron oxide are detected. This phenomenon was not observed before.
Elaborations of scientists have quite a wide field of application, especially in those areas where there is a need to measure UV radiation – ecology, energy, astrophysics and space research as well as medicine and biotechnology.
The photo detector technology, developed by Melebayev, was introduced in various fields abroad, including the Moscow Aviation Institute Branch in Batumi, the Meteorological Laboratory of the Moscow State University, and the St. Petersburg Institute of Cytology.
The study of the influence of UV rays on the human body is of particular importance in Turkmenistan.
Under the influence of UV rays, various photochemical processes occur in the body, which leads to the formation of biologically active substances and their entry through the bloodstream into tissues and organs. In the optimal dose, ultraviolet radiation has a number of positive effects: vitamin D is formed in the body, respiration and circulation are improved, and overall, it has a favorable effect on the endocrine and nervous systems.
On the contrary, overexposure can lead to negative consequences. A photo detector developed by Turkmen scientists solves this problem.
Measurements with this device make possible to prepare more precise scientific and medical recommendations, – notes Melebayev. – By measuring the intensity of ultraviolet rays coming from Sun at the resorts of Turkmenistan (Avaza, Bayramali, etc.), we can study the effect of rays on the human body, identifying the most suitable season and time of the day for medical procedures in the fresh air.
The results of scientific research related to the new device were published in the leading scientific journals of the world, including the journal of the American Mathematical Society, the Russian journals “Natural and Technical Sciences”, “Journal of Technical Physics”, “Physics and Technology of Semiconductors”, “Nanotechnics” and many others. In total, the results of studies of nanostructured semiconductors of D. Melebayev are published in about 200 scientific publications and in over 60 summaries of international scientific forums.
The Turkmen scientists will present their new research on nanowires at the International Scientific Conference in St. Petersburg this September.
The interaction of scientific research centers of Turkmenistan with higher educational institutions of the country is also expanding. For example, the lectures and seminars on nanotechnologies for students were introduced in the State University named after Makhtumkuli under the special educational program.
