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At least 271 records · Page 15

A compact approach to higher-resolution resonant inelastic x-ray scattering detection using photoelectrons

The detection of inelastically scattered soft x-rays with high energy resolution usually requires large grating spectrometers. Recently, photoelectron spectrometry for analysis of x-rays (PAX) has been rediscovered for modern spectroscopy experiments at synchrotron light sources. By converting scattered photons to electrons and using an electron energy analyser, the energy resolution for resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) becomes decoupled from the x-ray spot size and instrument length. In this work, we develop PAX towards high energy resolution using a modern photoemission spectroscopy setup studying Ba 2 Cu 3 O 4 Cl 2 at the Cu L 3 -edge. We measure a momentum transfer range of 24% of the first Brillouin zone simultaneously. Our results hint at the observation of a magnon excitation below 100 meV energy transfer and show intensity variations related to the dispersion of dd-excitations. With dedicated setups, PAX can complement the best and largest RIXS instruments, while at the same time opening new opportunities to acquire RIXS at a range of momentum transfers simultaneously and combine it with angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy in a single instrument.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Pseudo-Polymorphism in Layered FeS Intercalates: A Competition between Charged and Neutral Guest Species

Systematic synthesis studies of the formation of tetrahedral FeS-ethylenediamine intercalates resulted in the synthesis of a new compound, [Fe 9.4(2) S 10 ][Fe(en) 3 ] 0.6(1) ·en 0.9 ( 3 ). The composition and complex crystal structure were determined based on a synergistic combination of elemental composition, decomposition behavior, high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction and total scattering, 57 Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, and electron diffraction. The structural model was derived based on a systematic comparison to the previously reported structures [Fe 8 S 10 ][Fe(en) 3 ] 1 ·en 0.5 and tetragonal FeS. The new compound has flat Fe 9.4 S 10 layers, analogous to those in superconducting binary FeS. In the crystal structure of [Fe 9.4 S 10 ][Fe(en) 3 ] 0.6 ·en 0.9 , the interlayer space is occupied by [Fe(en) 3 ] 2+ complexes and neutral ethylenediamine molecules in a ~2:3 ratio. Interlayer species are not randomly oriented but ordered as evidenced by superstructural diffraction peaks in both high-resolution X-ray diffraction and electron diffraction patterns. Magnetic studies reveal no superconducting transition down to 2 K, indicating that the presence of minute amounts (~6%) of iron vacancies at the Fe-S layer in [Fe 9.4 S 10 ][Fe(en) 3 ] 0.6 ·en 0.9 is still sufficient to shift the position of the Fermi level resulting in an adjustment of the properties. Here, our work shows the importance of detailed characterization of the crystal structure of intercalated compounds to understand the origin of the observed properties and develop proper structure–property relationships.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A Theory-Guided X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Approach for Identifying Active Sites in Atomically Dispersed Transition-Metal Catalysts

Atomically dispersed supported metal catalysts offer new properties and the benefits of maximized metal accessibility and utilization. The characterization of these materials, however, remains challenging. Using atomically dispersed platinum supported on crystalline MgO (chosen for its well-defined bonding sites) as a prototypical example, we demonstrate in this work how systematic density functional theory calculations for assessing all the potentially stable platinum sites, combined with automated analysis of extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra, leads to unbiased identification of isolated, surface-enveloped platinum cations as the catalytic species for CO oxidation. The catalyst has been characterized by atomic-resolution imaging and EXAFS and high-energy resolution fluorescence detection X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy. The proposed platinum sites are in agreement with experiment. This theory-guided workflow leads to rigorously determined structural models and provides a more detailed picture of the structure of the catalytically active site than what is currently possible with conventional EXAFS analyses. As this approach is efficient and agnostic to the metal, support, and catalytic reaction, we posit that it will be of broad interest to the materials characterization and catalysis communities.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Influence of electrical field on the susceptibility of gallium nitride transistors to proton irradiation

Radiation susceptibility of electronic devices is commonly studied as a function of radiation energetics and device physics. Often overlooked is the presence or magnitude of the electrical field, which we hypothesize to play an influential role in low energy radiation. Accordingly, we present a comprehensive study of low-energy proton irradiation on gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), turning the transistor ON or OFF during irradiation. Commercially available GaN HEMTs were exposed to 300 keV proton irradiation at fluences varying from 3.76 × 10 12 to 3.76 × 10 14 cm 2 , and the electrical performance was evaluated in terms of forward saturation current, transconductance, and threshold voltage. The results demonstrate that the presence of an electrical field makes it more susceptible to proton irradiation. The decrease of 12.4% in forward saturation and 19% in transconductance at the lowest fluence in ON mode suggests that both carrier density and mobility are reduced after irradiation. Additionally, a positive shift in threshold voltage (0.32 V and 0.09 V in ON and OFF mode, respectively) indicates the generation of acceptor-like traps due to proton bombardment. high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis reveal significant defects introduction and atom intermixing near AlGaN/GaN interfaces and within the GaN layer after the highest irradiation dose employed in this study. According to in-situ Raman spectroscopy, defects caused by irradiation can lead to a rise in self-heating and a considerable increase in (∼750 times) thermoelastic stress in the GaN layer during device operation. The findings indicate device engineering or electrical biasing protocol must be employed to compensate for radiation-induced defects formed during proton irradiation to improve device durability and reliability.

gallium nitride↗

A high resolution echelle spectrometer for soft X-ray and EUV astronomy

A new design is presented for high resolution spectroscopy from 80 to 400 A. This design employs grazing incidence optics and variable line-spaced gratings to achieve high resolution. Unlike some previously proposed EUV echelles, this design employs straight groove planar gratings, which are a well-proven, easily manufactured design. The instrument delivers a peak resolution of 7500 and a peak effective area of 3 sq cm.

Green, James↗

In Situ Insights into Enhanced Cooperative Ligand Exchange Kinetics via Solvent-Induced Restacking in a 2D Metal–Organic Framework

Understanding the reaction kinetics at catalytically active sites is crucial for integrating catalytic two-dimensional (2D) materials into industrial processes. This study focuses on in situ observation of ligand exchange kinetics and solvent-assisted structural restacking transition in the 2D paddle wheel-based MOF [Cu 2 (dttc) 2 ] n (DUT-134(Cu), dttc = dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′- d]thiophene-2,6-dicarboxylate). The ligand exchange process, involving the replacement of dimethylformamide (DMF) with nitriles such as acetonitrile (ACN), pentanenitrile, and heptanenitrile, was investigated using advanced in situ characterization techniques with high temporal resolution, including powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The larger analytes exhibited reduced exchange rates, consistent with enhanced steric hindrance and greater diffusion constraints. Interestingly, the study revealed that the exchange of DMF with ACN induces a structural transition to higher symmetry within few seconds, a transition from AB to AA stacking mode of the layers, and a widening of the interlayer distance. Crucially, this structural transition dramatically accelerates the solvent exchange process through cooperative effects, offering critical advantages for catalytic applications. Notably, the reverse exchange from ACN to DMF proceeds more slowly and does not reverse the structural changes, but a new phase is formed with preserved AA stacking. By isotope labeling of linker molecules in combination with two complementary theoretical vibrational simulation methods, the precise assignment of Raman bands and the vibrational modes associated with the ligand exchange process could be achieved. These pioneering insights into the dynamic behavior of 2D MOFs, coupled with ligand exchange, establish a highly promising and transformative approach to achieving enhanced tunability and responsiveness in future catalytic applications.

Layers↗

AXIOM: Advanced X-Ray Imaging Of the Magnetosheath

AXIOM (Advanced X-ray Imaging Of the Magnetosphere) is a concept mission which aims to explain how the Earth's magnetosphere responds to the changing impact of the solar wind using a unique method never attempted before; performing wide-field soft X-ray imaging and spectroscopy of the magnetosheath. magnetopause and bow shock at high spatial and temporal resolution. Global imaging of these regions is possible because of the solar wind charge exchange (SWCX) process which produces elevated soft X-ray emission from the interaction of high charge-state solar wind ions with primarily neutral hydrogen in the Earth's exosphere and near-interplanetary space.

Sembay, S.↗

High resolution EUV spectroscopy of 56 Pegasi (KO 2p + wd)

The hypothesis that X-ray and UV emission by 56 Pegasi (K0II p + wd) originates in a conventional chromosphere, transition region and corona, as opposed to Schindler's hypothesis of accretion of the cool stellar wind onto the white dwarf companion, is discussed. Analysis of IUE data indicates that within the uncertainties associated with determining the stellar radius and abundances, the chromosphere, transition region, and corona of 56 Peg are similar to that of Beta Draconis both in structure and energy balance. The accretion hypothesis is not a unique explanation of the observed spectral properties and the white dwarf companion may not play a direct role. Furthermore, 56 Peg, according to current values of V-R and luminosity class, is on the nonsolar side of the Linsky-Haisch dividing line whereas Beta Draconis is on the solar side.

Jordan, C.↗

X-Ray Spectroscopy Using Low Temperature Detectors

After several decades of development, a significant amount of the effort in low temperature detectors (LTDs) is concentrated on deploying real-world experiments. This has resulted from a great deal of basic detector physics performed by several generations of students, post-docs, and researchers. One of the most fruitful applications of LTDs is in non-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. LTD x-ray spectrometers are broadband, efficient, moderately high-resolution, and can handle moderately high count rates. However, they require significantly more power, mass, and infrastructure compared to traditional solid state x-ray spectrometers, and cannot achieve, at least at low energies, the resolving powers achieved with dispersive spectrometers. In several fields, however, LTDs have or will make a significant contribution. In this review, we will discuss x-ray spectroscopy in general, the fields of science where LTDs are making a significant impact, and some of the current and near-term LTD spectrometers.

Porter, Frederick↗

Pre- and post-launch operation of the Resolve soft X-ray spectrometer onboard the XRISM satellite

Resolve is a high-resolution X-ray spectrometer onboard the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM), launched on September 6 (UT), 2023. The Resolve has performed better than its required spectral resolution (7 eV at full width at half maximum at 6 keV), both on the ground and in orbit, and has been confirmed to have comparable performance to the soft X-ray spectrometer onboard the ASTRO-H (Hitomi) satellite. The focal plane is composed of an array of microcalorimeter detectors operated at 50 mK to achieve the required energy resolution, and the cooling system is designed to satisfy the lifetime requirement of over 3 years. The focal plane and cooling system are contained in a vacuum-insulated dewar. The cooling system is equipped with a two-stage adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR) that uses superfluid liquid helium (LHe) as its heat sink. The system includes a third ADR stage that can be used to provide the heat sink when the helium is exhausted. A Joule–Thomson cooler and several two-stage Stirling coolers are used to reduce the heat load on the LHe. During pre-launch operations, we carried out a superfluid LHe top-off operation. The resultant amount of LHe onboard Resolve was over 35 L before launch, which is sufficient to meet the lifetime requirement. During post-launch operation, the LHe vent valve was opened 5 min after launch during rocket acceleration, and the cryocoolers were turned on after several orbits, as planned, which established stable cooling within the dewar. Pre- and post-launch operations for the Resolve instrument were planned around multiple constraints from launch vehicle operations; all were successfully completed, and the launch requirements were fully met.

X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission↗

Kinematic Evidence for Bipolar Ejecta Flows in the Galactic Supernova Remnant W49B

W49B is a unique Galactic supernova remnant with centrally peaked, “bar”-like ejecta distribution, which was once considered evidence for a hypernova origin that resulted in a bipolar ejection of the stellar core. However, chemical abundance measurements contradict this interpretation. Closely connected to the morphology of the ejecta is its velocity distribution, which provides critical details for understanding the explosion mechanism. We report the first ever observational constraint on the kinematics of the ejecta in W49B using the Resolve microcalorimeter spectrometer on the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM). Using XRISM/Resolve, we measured the line-of-sight velocity traced by the Fe Heα emission, which is the brightest feature in the Resolve spectrum, to vary by ±300 km s −1 with a smooth east-to-west gradient of a few tens of kilometers per second per parsec along the major axis. Similar trends in the line-of-sight velocity structure were found for other Fe-group elements Cr and Mn, traced by the Heα emission, and also for intermediate-mass elements Si, S, Ar, and Ca, traced by the Lyα emission. The discovery of the east–west gradient in the line-of-sight velocity, together with the absence of a twin-peaked line profile or enhanced broadening in the central region, clearly rejects the equatorially expanding disk model. In contrast, the observed velocity structure suggests bipolar flows reminiscent of a bipolar explosion scenario. An alternative scenario would be a collimation of the ejecta by an elongated cavity sculpted by bipolar stellar winds.

High resolution spectroscopy↗

Disentangling multiple gas kinematic drivers in the Perseus galaxy cluster

Galaxy clusters, the Universe’s largest halo structures, are filled with an X-ray-emitting gas with a temperature between 10 million and 100 million degrees. Their evolution is shaped by energetic processes such as feedback from supermassive black holes (SMBHs) and mergers with other cosmic structures. The imprints of these processes on gas kinematics remain largely unknown, restricting our understanding of energy conversion within clusters4. High-resolution spectral mapping with the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) observatory offers a way forward. Here we present XRISM kinematic measurements of the Perseus cluster, radially covering the extent of its cool core. We find direct evidence for at least two dominant drivers of gas motions operating on distinct physical scales: a small-scale driver in the inner approximately 60 kpc, probably associated with the SMBH feedback; and a large-scale driver in the outer core, powered by mergers. This finding suggests that, during the active phase, SMBH feedback drives gas motions, which, if fully dissipated into heat, could have a substantial role in offsetting radiative cooling losses in the Perseus core. Furthermore, our study underscores the necessity of kinematic mapping observations of extended sources to robustly characterize the velocity fields and their role in the evolution of massive halos. It further offers a kinematic diagnostic for SMBH feedback models.

Astronomy and AstroPhysics↗

Highly sensitive 2D X-ray absorption spectroscopy via physics informed machine learning

Abstract Improving the spatial and spectral resolution of 2D X-ray near-edge absorption structure (XANES) has been a decade-long pursuit to probe local chemical reactions at the nanoscale. However, the poor signal-to-noise ratio in the measured images poses significant challenges in quantitative analysis, especially when the element of interest is at a low concentration. In this work, we developed a post-imaging processing method using deep neural network to reliably improve the signal-to-noise ratio in the XANES images. The proposed neural network model could be trained to adapt to new datasets by incorporating the physical features inherent in the latent space of the XANES images and self-supervised to detect new features in the images and achieve self-consistency. Two examples are presented in this work to illustrate the model’s robustness in determining the valence states of Ni and Co in the LiNi x Mn y Co 1-x-y O 2 systems with high confidence.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Chandra Grating Spectroscopy of Three Hot White Dwarfs

High-resolution soft X-ray spectroscopic observations of single hot white dwarfs are scarce. With the Chandra Low-Energy Transmission Grating, we have observed two white dwarfs, one is of spectral type DA (LB1919) and the other is a non-DA of spectral type PG1159 (PG1520+525). The spectra of both stars are analyzed, together with an archival Chandra spectrum of another DA white dwarf (GD246). Aims. The soft X-ray spectra of the two DA white dwarfs are investigated in order to study the effect of gravitational settling and radiative levitation of metals in their photospheres. LB1919 is of interest because it has a significantly lower metallicity than DAs with otherwise similar atmospheric parameters. GD246 is the only white dwarf known that shows identifiable individual iron lines in the soft X-ray range. For the PG1159 star, a precise effective temperature determination is performed in order to confine the position of the blue edge of the GW Vir instability region in the HRD. Methods. The Chandra spectra are analyzed with chemically homogeneous as well as stratified NLTE model atmospheres that assume equilibrium between gravitational settling and radiative acceleration of chemical elements. Archival EUV and UV spectra obtained with EUVE, FUSE, and HST are utilized to support the analysis. Results. No metals could be identified in LB1919. All observations are compatible with a pure hydrogen atmosphere. This is in stark contrast to the vast majority of hot DA white dwarfs that exhibit light and heavy metals and to the stratified models that predict significant metal abundances in the atmosphere. For GD246 we find that neither stratified nor homogeneous models can fit the Chandra spectrum. The Chandra spectrum of PG1520+525 constrains the effective temperature to T(sub eff) = 150 000 +/- 10 000 K. Therefore, this nonpulsating star together with the pulsating prototype of the GWVir class (PG1159-035) defines the location of the blue edge of the GWVir instability region. The result is in accordance with predictions from nonadiabatic stellar pulsation models. Such models are therefore reliable tools to investigate the interior structure of GW Vir variables. Conclusions. Our soft X-ray study reveals that the understanding of metal abundances in hot DA white dwarf atmospheres is still incomplete. On the other hand, model atmospheres of hydrogen-deficient PG1159-type stars are reliable and reproduce well the observed spectra from soft X-ray to optical wavelengths.

Adamczak, J.↗

The GSFC/Wisconsin X-ray spectroscopy investigation for AXAF

A novel device is described which combines the high quantum efficiency of a photoelectric detector with the high energy resolution of a dispersive spectrometer in a system that operates simultaneously over the whole AXAF bandpass. It is basically an X-ray calorimeter, in which the temperature rise of an X-ray absorber following the deposition of energy from a single X-ray photon can be measured to an accuracy expected to be of order one part in 1000 at 6 keV.

Holt, S. S.↗

The U.S. Spectrum X Gamma Coordination Facility

Spectrum-X-Gamma (SXG) provides for US participation in a first-class international x-ray mission. Despite launch delays, SXG will provide unique scientific opportunities due to its capability for all-sky monitoring, polarimetry, high resolution spectroscopy, and broad wavelength range-from the ultraviolet (TAUVEX and FUVITA), through the x-ray (SODART and JET-X), to the hard x-ray (MART), and gamma-ray burst detectors. Before describing our completed work, we review the unique properties of SXG and provide some examples of the scientific importance of SXG in the Chandra, XMM, and ASTRO-E era.

Forman, William R.↗

Resolving the iron K line in Cygnus X-2 - An observation with BBXRT

The Astro-1 Space Shuttle payload's Broad Band X-ray telescope has been used to obtain high-quality, moderate-resolution spectroscopy of Cygnus X-2 which allow the resolving of the physical width of the 6.7 keV Fe K-alpha feature with a factor-of-4 energy resolution improvement over past experiments. Three possible sites are noted for the Fe K-alpha emission: the accretion disk, its corona, and the source itself. It is judged that reflection from the accretion disk can generate a line of the observed energy, width, and equivalent width, provided that the disk surface is highly ionized.

Smale, A. P.↗