以珊瑚蛋白及光頻轉換分子改善太陽能電池效率之研究
能源危機日益嚴重，開發再生能源成為當務之急。在諸多的再生能源之中，太陽能最易於使用，且可源源不絕的不斷取得利用。但目前太陽能電池的效率始終不高。其中重要的原因是太陽本身的頻譜多為短波長，並不適合絕大部分頻譜響應較佳，多為長波長的太陽能電池。目前改善效率方式，多為改變太陽能電池的頻譜響應以配合太陽之頻譜。本研究提出反向思考的概念，藉由頻譜轉換的方法，改變照射在太陽能電池上的太陽光頻譜，以提升太陽能電池的效率。本研究利用一種珊瑚礁的螢光蛋白質（DsRed）以及人工合成的螢光染料（Cy-5）最為本研究的頻譜轉換的材料，加於低成本，目前市場佔有率較大的單晶矽太陽能電池上，經由理論與實驗的結果顯示，增加的發電效率約為3~5%，證實利用頻譜轉換的概念確實可以提升太陽能電池的效率。Energy crisis has become more and more serious in recent years, which makes recycled-energy development is a must. Among different recycled energies, solar power has two advantages, that is, easy-to-use and endless supply. However, the conventional solar cell makes poor use of the solar spectrum because the solar spectrum is mainly composed of short-wavelength, which can’t fit to most of solar cells which is more sensitive to long-wavelength. Currently, the major method to improve the efficiency is change the function of spectral response, such as concentration lens, tracking devices, and antireflection coating. Up to now, no one notices the possibility of changing solar spectrum yet. This research provides an insight into this issue. Instead of changing the function of spectral response, I changed the solar spectrum, which irradiates solar cells through spectrum conversion to improve solar cells’ efficiency. This research uses one kind of coral fluorescence proteins (DsRed) and one kind of artificial fluorescence dyes (Cy-5) as the materials of spectrum conversion. Then coat them on the low-cost and high-market-share mono-crystal-Si. According to the theories I researched and my experiments, the improvement of the efficiency is about 3~5%, which proves it is actually useful to elevate the efficiency of solar cells through spectrum conversion.
終端速度
液體中之球體運動與液體的黏滯性有關，本實驗找出球體半徑與終端速度之間的關係。利用攝錄機作為紀錄工具，拍攝三種材質（壓克力、玻璃、水晶）的球體在沙拉油中的自由落體過程。使用電腦影像處理軟體將影像分解成幅影像，時間的解析度為1/30秒。測量球體的高度與時間，分析高度與時間的變化情形，發現終端速度與球體半徑之間的關係。
流體中之運動方程Fdrag = -k1V，無法符合實驗結果。我們的實驗結果顯示油中的自由落體的運動方程應該是Fdrag = -（k1V+ k2V2）。由不同材質的壓克力球（~1.18g/cm3）、玻璃珠（~2.47g/cm3）與水晶球（~2.66g/cm3）所獲得的終端速度（Vt）與球體半徑（a）的關係為a3(ρ-ρ') = 0.00003（a Vt）2 + 0.00021（a Vt） + 0.00575，其中ρ與ρ'分別為球體密度與沙拉油密度（0.90 g/cm3）。
再者，在相同半徑的條件下，密度越大的球體終端速度越大，在靜止下落後，越久達到終端速度。
The motion of a sphere which is falling through a fluid is subject to the fluid viscosity. In this study, we find out the relation between the radius of a sphere and the terminal velocity. We used a digital camera to record the sphere's descent in the oil. The three kinds of sphere we choose are acrylic（~1.18g/cm3）, glass （~2.47g/cm3）and crystal （~2.66g/cm3）. Frame-by-frame analysis of the video footage yielded rough estimates of the sphere's location within 1/30 seconds accuracy for statistically consistent results. By measuring the location and time and analyzing them, we find out the relation between the radius of a sphere and the terminal velocity. The expression of the drag force,Fdrag = -k1V, is not cosistent with our results. The study indicates the expression of the drag force should be Fdrag = -（k1V+ k2V2）. The expression for the terminal velocities of the three kinds of sphere is of the form：a3(ρ-ρ') = 0.00003（a Vt）2 + 0.00021（a Vt）+ 0.00575, where a is the radius, ρ is the sphere density and ρ' is the oil density（0.90 g/cm3）. In addition, if the radius is the same, the terminal velocity of a denser sphere is higher and the time to approches the terminal velocity is longer.
利用雷射光實驗研究液的折射率梯度
溶液和溶劑置於同一容器中，當溶質向上擴散時，會形成濃度梯度及折射率梯度 dn/dy，且dn/dy 對高度y 的關係圖會呈現隨著高度改變的現象。 半徑r 的Ｄ形容器，下方置溶液，上方置溶劑，以雷射光照射容器的平面部份時， 雷射光沿著法線出射，受折射率梯度的作用而向下偏Ζ距離，a 為容器至屏的距離， 得到dn/dy=Z/ar 的關係式；改變雷射光的高度y 可得dn/dy 圖。 以硫代硫酸那作實驗，其dn/dy-y 圖為以原始界面為對稱軸，因其擴散係數不隨濃 度改變；甘游水溶液的dn/dy-y 圖呈現不對稱，圖形的極大值往甘油方偏，主要係因 為甘油的擴散係數隨濃度的增大而減少。 我們成功第把不同時間對同一溶液的實驗結果予以模型化，得到的dn/dy-y 曲線隨 時間改變，並發現該曲線所涵蓋的面積為定值。 雷射光經光柵再照射半圓筒，可直接測出各高度的折射率，量出y、 dn/dy、n、及濃度可算出擴散係數。The mixing between a pure liquid and a solutionin a vertical column produced a concentration gradient , which in turn produced the refractive index gradient . As the solute particles diffused upward into the pure liquid , a gradient was generated because of the varying solute concentration . The plot of the refractive index gradient versus vertical position y (dn/dy vs y) is found to vary with time . A D-shape container of radius r is partly filled with a dense solution , and partly filled with solvent which is on the top of the solution. When laser beam pendicularly enters the flat surface of the container, the outgoing beam strikes the container at a normal incidence , and is deflected down a vertical distance Z by the refractive index gradient . We can get dn/dy=Z/ar , where a is the distance between the container and the screen . By changing the vertical position (y)of laser beam , we can get the plot of dn/dy vs y . We have successfully modeled the time dependent experimental gradient curves on the same solution . The area beneath the trace of dn/dy vs y at different time is found to be constant . Additionally, with a grating at the center of the semicircle, we can measure the index of refraction n and get the plot of n vs y. The diffusion coefficient D of the solute can be calculated using the plot of dn/dy,y,and time t.
擺動知覺曉，觸角知多少!--光線與震動影響美洲蜚蠊觸角擺動模式之研究
During the biology classes from junior to senior high, we have learned many interesting instance of different animal behavior. Most people paid more attention on the Vertebrates as their experimental subjects. The other species around us, although with simple body structures, may behave rather complicated and versatile reactions. In particular, one of the most common insects with simple body structure in our neighborhood is the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). The aim of this study is to investigate the different swing motion modes of antennae of American cockroach by computer-aided Imaging Analysis. The parameters of each swing motion mode were calculated in order to analyze how light (including light stimulation and light adaptation) and vibration may affect the antennae behavior of American cockroach. It was found that the antennae swing motion modes were significantly different under different types of stimulus. If two types of stimulus occurred at the same time, the reactions of antennae motion may become conformable. In conclusion, antennae behavior has shown to significantly affect the survivability and environmental adaptation of American cockroach. Not only the antennae are considered as the sensitive receivers; but also they are the important transmitters to reflect physiological status and environmental condition.從國中到高中的生物課堂上，我們學到許多有趣的動物行為例子，但前人多以脊椎動物作為研究對象，而我們身旁的許多生物，身體構造雖較為簡單，但行為表現卻豐富多樣，尤其是常見的美洲蟑螂(Periplaneta americana)，可說是最親近我們的昆蟲之一。本研究以攝影紀錄的方式，透過電腦進行影像分析，記錄不同刺激下蟑螂的觸角擺動模式，並計算出各項觸角運動的參數，以瞭解光線(照光刺激或照光適應)與震動刺激對其觸角行為的影響。我們發現在不同因子的刺激下，觸角擺動的模式具有差異，若兩種刺激同時發生，蟑螂觸角的行為亦具有整合性的反應，證明蟑螂觸角的行為模式，對其生存與適應具有重要意義。這也代表觸角除了為敏感的受器，亦為能反映出生理與環境狀態的重要動器。
溫泉中的秘密
The experiment was primarily focused on studying whether the enzymes from different bacterial species collected in various hot spring areas still exhibited activities at high temperatures. A further study would be conducted on analyzing the unique characteristics universally found in the genes of selected bacteria. First, hot spring samples were collected form Peitou and Wulai, and then cultured on the PY, PTG, MFB, and TS media in the laboratory. After the broth media growing with thermophilic bacteria, a series of continuous dilution method and solid-plate spreading were applied to separate these bacterial clones. The genomic DNA of the selected bacteria was extracted and used to analyze subtilisin-like gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electrophoresis. Finally, we examined the six selected thermophilic bacteria with the enzymatic activities of fibrin- and milk-protein degradation. We successfully concluded the experiment by proving that these thermophilic bacteria still exhibited significant enzymatic activitives in the high-temperature environments. The results of this experiment can be applied in numerous fields, for example, thrombus treatment and food processing, and a more in-depth study shall warrant the due consideration. 這次的實驗，主要是研究在不同的溫泉區中所採集不同種類細菌，是否酵素在高溫下仍具活性，如果有，再進而研究它們的基因有何特別的共同之處。首先，我分別自北投和烏來採集水樣，到實驗室後再以PY、PTG、MFB 和TS 四種培養基做細菌的培養，接著再利用連續稀釋和固態塗抹來做細菌的分離。經過挑選和培養之高溫菌直接進行DNA 的抽取，並利用「聚合?鏈反應」和「電泳跑膠」技術分析其類似蛋白質分解酵素subtilisin 基因。另外，本研究同時針對所選定之6 株高溫細菌利用血栓和牛奶蛋白來測試其蛋白質分解酵素的活性。由以上實驗結果可以證明某些細菌在高溫的環境下酵素仍具活性。這次在高溫菌的實驗結論，可應用在很多地方，例如：血栓的治療、在高溫下食品處理‧‧‧等，應用相當廣泛。
昆蟲也會大小眼！？
本研究目的主要在瞭解昆蟲的複眼(compound eyes)結構，比較晝行性與夜行性昆蟲複眼之差異，探討其視覺遠近和複眼結構的關連，及進一步觀察其對不同波長光源反應的差異。本實驗使用反射式及倒立式顯微鏡來觀察複眼及其小眼的結構，及觀察其成像情形，並使用攝影式接觸分析儀與放大管來探討視覺遠近和小眼表面曲率之關連，另外在暗室利用不同波長的光源照射蝴蝶以觀察其反應。實驗結果顯示複眼是由數千至數萬個小眼組成，小眼表面曲率半徑隨選用物種在25.3μm 至117.6μm 之間，蜻蜓複眼上半部和下半部小眼曲率半徑分別為30.6μm、117.6μm，印證了蜻蜓複眼上看遠下看近的說法，也發現蝦子小眼是正方形，其他實驗物種則皆為六邊形，而蝴蝶對光的反應程度則是隨波長漸增而遞減。The main purpose of this study is to understand the structure of the compound eye of insects, to compare the difference between the diurnal insect’s compound eye (apposition eye) and that of the nocturnal insect (superposition eye), to explore the relationship between the vision and the structure of the compound eye, and to observe the eye’s reaction to the different light wave length. In this study, a microscope (OLYMPUS BX51M) and an inverted microscope (OLYMPUS 1X71) were used to observe the structure of the compound eye and its ommatidia, as well as the resulting image. A contact angle measuring instrument (Dataphyscis OCA 20) and a microscope (Mitutoyo NAVITAR) were used to determine the connection between the vision distance and the facet curvature of ommatidia. The butterfly’s reaction to the light source with different wave length was also observed in a darkroom. It was observed that the compound eye of insects is composed of more than a thousand ommatidia. Among the subject insects, the facet curvature radius of their ommatidia ranged from 25.3μm to 117.6μm. The radius of the top and bottom half of a dragonfly is 30.6μm and 117.6μm. It confirms a scientific finding that dragonfly’s top compound eye focuses farther than the bottom half. The facet of each ommatidium observed is hexagonal in insects compared with the square shape found in the eye structure of shrimp. Regarding the reaction to light of the butterfly eye; the reaction decreased when the light wave length increased.
揭開變化球的神秘面紗 --- 探討丘腦至前額葉的路徑連結
During the evolution of humankind, development of frontal cortex has played a critical role, where higher brain function like emotions, self-consciousness, decisions…etc, were all related to frontal cortex. On the other hand, thalamus is usually associated with relaying the sensory signals from peripheral receptors. In order to understand the functional role of frontal cortex, the signal processing mechanisms in the thalamo-frontal cortical pathway became an important research issue. The aim of this experiment was to find a method to dissect a brain slice that contains a connecting route in vitro between thalamus and frontal cortex with functional activity. Through nerve fibers tracking technique using fluorescent-dye (DiI), it was understood that the 3D-space connection between thalamus and frontal surface was an upward curve with a turn of about 110 degrees and bending inwards from the two sides. If a conventional horizontal section was performed, the route would be cut-off and its integrity lost regardless of the direction. To solve this problem, a novel section method was developed to retain the route. Based on the route direction shown by the fluorescent-dye, a piece of brain block was cut and flattened of about 110 degrees. Other sections were performed as control for studying the effectiveness of the sectioning on the plane of the route. Finally, electrophysiological methods were used to verify the connection route was complete and functional. Thalamus-evoked extracellular field potentials in the frontal cortex were observed by changing stimulation strength, adjusting slice temperature and prepared oxygen supply and administration of drugs like CNQX and picrotoxin in the 110 degree flattened slice but not the others. It was found that the reaction was essentially a neuronal response, indicating the pathway between thalamus and frontal surface was retained substantially. With this novel brain slice technique, we can assess the functional connection between thalamus and frontal cortex and investigate the cellular mechanisms of the signal processing in this connection pathway. It is anticipated that present technique provides an important step to further elucidate the functional role of the frontal cortex. 在人類的演化史上，前額葉的發展扮演了極為重要的角色，凡舉情緒、自我意識、決策等，皆與前額葉有關。而丘腦通常與視覺、聽覺及本體感受如痛覺、觸覺、溫度覺的訊息傳遞有關。要了解前額葉的功能，丘腦到前額葉的徑路及訊息處理機制，便成為一個很重要的研究課題。本實驗的目的是尋找一個方法能在離體的腦切片上維持具有丘腦到前額葉連結的徑路並且有功能的活性。經由螢光染料(DiI)神經束追蹤技術，了解從丘腦至前額葉路徑的三度空間連結為一先向下再向上約110度的角度轉折，並同時先由內向外再轉向內的曲線，若用一般水平之切片方法，無論何種方向，其路徑必定會被切斷，不能保持其完整性。為了解決此問題，發展出一種可以保存其路徑的腦切片方法。依照螢光染料所顯示出的的路徑走向，在腦塊的皮質上切一刻痕，將腦塊以110度的角度展平，使其路徑處在一個平面上再切片。最後利用電生理的方法來證明所切出的連結路徑是完整且具有活性。改變在丘腦的刺激強度、調整腦切片(腦脊髓液)溫度、氧氣的供給以及施予藥物CNQX、picrotoxin，觀察其前額葉之電位變化，發現其反應確實為神經反應，表示從丘腦至前額葉的路徑已在這種特殊的腦切片中被完整保存。藉由這個方法，將有助於研究丘腦至前額葉功能性連結，神經網路結構，及其訊息處理機制，並期待以這樣一個全新的方法將來有助於瞭解前額葉的功能。
天空之城耐震設計與隔震技術之探討
我們的研究包括兩部份，第一部份是實地調查訪問。瞭解地震成因、傷害及現有防震方法，並調查坊間各種建築物類型，及常見私自改變建築物結構現象，做為研究的基礎。第二部份為建築物抗震實驗。研究發現：牆面挖空、頂樓加蓋、樓層挑高，建築物會在該處產生弱點，由此斷裂。柱子數量相同下，散開時支撐力較弱。不對稱建築物遇震時會不自然扭轉且易倒。隔震素材恰當，能有效提高耐震力。滑軌、彈珠隔震效果很好，但位移太大，為實際建築所不容許。建物下加裝阻尼材料，能吸收部份地震能量，降低地震對建築物的危害，並有效控制位移問題，是良好的隔震素材。樓頂加裝消能設施亦能減震，但設計極其不易。 The research includes two parts. In the first part the work is concentrated on on-site visiting and investigation such as understanding the cause of earthquake, the damage and the preventive method currently available, investigating the different types of building and the phenomenon of altering the structure of an existing building without permission by government authorities which is popularly seen in Taiwan. These are considered as the basis of the research. The second part is the experimental study of earthquake resistance of a building. The test results showed that weak-point can be caused at the place where the existing wall is moved or an extra building is attached to the roof or the structure of building has extended space between floors, and fracture always occurs at the weak-point. If the number of columns of a building is the same, then the scattering arranged location of columns is weaker than concentrating type of arrangement of columns. The building having unsymmetrical structure will twist in uneven fashion that causes the building apt to collapse in case of earthquake. Employing proper vibration-absorption material can effectively increase earthquake resistance. Sliding rails and balls can provide satisfiable vibration-isolation effect, but can also cause too much displacement of building structure. Install damping material beneath the building can absorb part of the energy of earthquake, and decrease the damage, and can solve the problem of displacement of building, therefore, damping material can be considered as an ideal vibration-isolation material. Install energy-attenuation equipment can also reduce vibration but the design of the equipment is extremely difficult.