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Hill, D.

Publications and source records attributed to Hill, D..

Persistent dynamic magnetic state in artificial honeycomb spin ice

Abstract Topological magnetic charges, arising due to the non-vanishing magnetic flux on spin ice vertices, serve as the origin of magnetic monopoles that traverse the underlying lattice effortlessly. Unlike spin ice materials of atomic origin, the dynamic state in artificial honeycomb spin ice is conventionally described in terms of finite size domain wall kinetics that require magnetic field or current application. Contrary to this common understanding, here we show that a thermally tunable artificial permalloy honeycomb lattice exhibits a perpetual dynamic state due to self-propelled magnetic charge defect relaxation in the absence of any external tuning agent. Quantitative investigation of magnetic charge defect dynamics using neutron spin echo spectroscopy reveals sub-ns relaxation times that are comparable to the relaxation of monopoles in bulk spin ices. Most importantly, the kinetic process remains unabated at low temperature where thermal fluctuation is negligible. This suggests that dynamic phenomena in honeycomb spin ice are mediated by quasi-particle type entities, also confirmed by dynamic Monte-Carlo simulations that replicate the kinetic behavior. Our research unveils a macroscopic magnetic particle that shares many known traits of quantum particles, namely magnetic monopole and magnon.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Self-stabilizing exchange-mediated spin transport

We report that long-range spin transport in magnetic systems can be achieved by means of exchange-mediated spin textures with robust topological winding, a phenomenon referred to as spin superfluidity. Its experimental signatures have been discussed in antiferromagnets, which are nearly free of dipolar interaction. However, in ferromagnets, which possess non-negligible dipole fields, realization of such spin transport has remained a challenge. Using micromagnetic simulations, we investigate coherent exchange-mediated spin transport in extended thin ferromagnetic films. We uncover a two-fluid state in which the long-range spin transport by spin textures coexists with spin waves, as well as a soliton-screened spin transport regime at high spin injection biases. Both states are associated with distinct spin texture reconstructions near the spin injection region and sustain spin transport over large distances.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A study of two-phase flow in a reduced gravity environment

A test loop was designed and fabricated for observing and measuring pressure drops of two-phase flow in reduced gravity. The portable flow test loop was then tested aboard the NASA-JSC KC135 reduced gravity aircraft. The test loop employed the Sundstrand Two-Phase Thermal Management System (TPTMS) concept which was specially fitted with a clear two-phase return line and condenser cover for flow observation. A two-phase (liquid/vapor) mixture was produced by pumping nearly saturated liquid through an evaporator and adding heat via electric heaters. The quality of the two-phase flow was varied by changing the evaporator heat load. The test loop was operated on the ground before and after the KC135 flight tests to create a one-gravity data base. The ground testing included all the test points run during the reduced gravity testing. Two days of reduced gravity tests aboard the KC135 were performed. During the flight tests, reduced-gravity, one-gravity, and nearly two-gravity accelerations were experienced. Data was taken during the entire flight which provided flow regime and pressure drop data for the three operating conditions. The test results show that two-phase pressure drops and flow regimes can be accurately predicted in zero-gravity.

Hill, D.↗

The role of multispectral scanners as data sources for EPA hydrologic models

An estimated cost savings of 30% to 50% was realized from using LANDSAT-derived data as input into a program which simulates hydrologic and water quality processes in natural and man-made water systems. Data from the satellite were used in conjunction with EPA's 11-channel multispectral scanner to obtain maps for characterizing the distribution of turbidity plumes in Flathead Lake and to predict the effect of increasing urbanization in Montana's Flathead River Basin on the lake's trophic state. Multispectral data are also being studied as a possible source of the parameters needed to model the buffering capability of lakes in an effort to evaluate the effect of acid rain in the Adirondacks. Water quality in Lake Champlain, Vermont is being classified using data from the LANDSAT and the EPA MSS. Both contact-sensed and MSS data are being used with multivariate statistical analysis to classify the trophic status of 145 lakes in Illinois and to identify water sampling sites in Appalachicola Bay where contaminants threaten Florida's shellfish.

Slack, R.↗