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At least 325 records · Page 18

Finite-size effects of hysteretic dynamics in multilayer graphene on a ferroelectric

The origin and influence of finite-size effects on the nonlinear dynamics of space charge stored by multilayer graphene on a ferroelectric and resistivity of graphene channel were analyzed. In this paper, we develop a self-consistent approach combining the solution of electrostatic problems with the nonlinear Landau-Khalatnikov equations for a ferroelectric. The size-dependent behaviors are governed by the relations between the thicknesses of multilayer graphene, ferroelectric film, and the dielectric layer. The appearance of charge and electroresistance hysteresis loops and their versatility stem from the interplay of polarization reversal dynamics and its incomplete screening in an alternating electric field. These features are mostly determined by the dielectric layer thickness. The derived analytical expressions for electric fields and space-charge-density distribution in a multilayer system enable knowledge-driven design of graphene-on-ferroelectric heterostructures with advanced performance. We further investigate the effects of spatially nonuniform ferroelectric domain structures on the graphene layers’ conductivity and predict its dramatic increase under the transition from multi- to single-domain state in a ferroelectric. Finally, this intriguing effect can open possibilities for the graphene-based sensors and explore the underlying physical mechanisms in the operation of graphene field-effect transistor with ferroelectric gating.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Accurate model of the stripe domain phase of perpendicularly magnetized multilayers

We develop an accurate analytical model for the stray field energy of parallel stripe domains in multilayer films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, taking into account the effects of finite domain wall width and variable domain wall angle. By minimizing the total energy, we predict the domain width, the domain wall width, and the domain wall angle for given material parameters. We show how the domain wall width depends on the film thickness and the domain size. We explore the domain wall angle as a function of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) and derive a threshold value We develop an accurate analytical model for the stray field energy of parallel stripe domains in multilayer films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, taking into account the effects of finite domain wall width and variable domain wall angle. By minimizing the total energy, we predict the domain width, the domain wall width, and the domain wall angle for given material parameters. We show how the domain wall width depends on the film thickness and the domain size. We explore the domain wall angle as a function of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) and derive a threshold value D thr beyond which the system is in a Néel state. We find that thicker films require larger values of DMI to stabilize the Néel state. Finally, we test the effective medium theory, which allows treating multilayers as effective single layer films, and provide criteria for the applicability of the model in the presence of both surface and volume stray fields. Furthermore our results are supported by micromagnetic simulations, which indicate that the predictions are still precise even if the system is in a labyrinthine domain state. Using our model, otherwise inaccessible magnetic parameters, such as the DMI constant or the exchange constant, can now be obtained straightforwardly from static measurements of the stripe domain width in such films.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Extreme asymmetry of Néel domain walls in multilayered films of the dilute magnetic semiconductor (Ga,Mn)(As,P)

Here, we report on unconventional perfectly shaped, fully asymmetric ~90° Néel domain walls in multilayered films of the diluted ferromagnetic semiconductor (Ga,Mn)(As,P) with a stepwise variation of P doping. Our results contradict micromagnetic calculations, which favor symmetric domain walls due to crystallographic anisotropy and stray field energy. We demonstrate that both the puzzling uniaxial in-plane anisotropy in the tetragonal multilayered film and the asymmetry of the domain walls could result from Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions that are enhanced by the multiple sharp interfaces between the layers and from anisotropic nonrelativistic exchange coupling. Our finding shows that digital variations of composition during the molecular beam epitaxy can be used to tune the anisotropy and chirality of magnetic multilayers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Two-plasmon decay mitigation in direct-drive inertial-confinement-fusion experiments using multilayer targets

Multilayer direct-drive inertial-confinement-fusion (ICF) targets are shown to significantly reduce two-plasmon-decay (TPD) driven hot-electron production while maintaining high hydrodynamic efficiency. Implosion experiments on the OMEGA Laser used targets with silicon layered between an inner beryllium and outer silicon-doped plastic ablator. A factor of five reduction in hot-electron generation (> 50 keV) was observed in the multilayer targets relative to pure CH targets. Three-dimensional simulations of the TPD driven hot-electron production using a laser-plasma interaction code (LPSE) that includes nonlinear and kinetic effects show excellent agreement with the measurements. As a result, the simulations suggest that the reduction in hot-electron production observed in the multilayer targets is primarily due to increased electron-ion collisional damping.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Miniaturized Millimeter-Wave Multilayer Filter Design Using Additive Manufacturing

Here, this article presents an innovative, fully additive manufactured approach to millimeter-wave multilayer circuits. An aerosol jet printer is used to fabricate a multilayer stepped-impedance low-pass filter. By leveraging the second layer for miniaturization, we achieve a more compact design. By precisely controlling conductor separation and utilizing 3-D printing technology, we were able to optimize the width of the high- and low-impedance segments for optimal filter performance. Two filter types were successfully fabricated: a low-pass microstrip filter and a low-pass stripline filter, both with a cutoff frequency near 29 GHz and exhibiting acceptable stopband attenuation. The stripline configuration allows for a 36% decrease in the stripline waveguide conductor area while achieving a great passband insertion loss of just 0.62 dB, enabled by aerosol jet printing (AJP). The line loss of both designs was characterized using a microstrip through line and a stripline through line. Both designs demonstrated low overall loss, with the microstrip line exhibiting a loss of 0.26 dB/mm and the stripline having a loss of 0.37 dB/mm at 29 GHz. This work demonstrates a multilayer integration solution and offers an advantage in reducing the size of RF circuits such as filter banks for next-generation integrated RF front ends.

additive manufacturing↗

Increased Multilayer Fabrication and RF Characterization of a High-Density Stacked MIM Capacitor Based on Selective Etching

This paper presents the fabrication and characterization of a high-density multilayer stacked metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor based on a novel process of depositing the MIM multilayer on pillars followed by polishing and selective etching steps to form a stacked capacitor with merely three photolithography steps. In this paper, the pillars were made of glass to prevent substrate loss, whereas an oxide-nitride-oxide dielectric was employed for lower leakage, better voltage/frequency linearity, and better stress compensation. MIM capacitors with six dielectric layers were successfully fabricated, yielding capacitance density of 3.8 fF/mu m(2), maximum capacitance of 2.47 nF, and linear and quadratic voltage coefficients of capacitance below 21.2 ppm/V and 2.31 ppm/V-2. The impedance was measured from 40 Hz to 3 GHz, and characterized by an analytically derived equivalent circuit model to verify the radio frequency applicability. The multilayer stacking-induced plate resistance mismatch and its effect on the equivalent series resistance (ESR) and effective capacitance was also investigated, which can be counteracted by a corrected metal thickness design. A low ESR of 800 m Omega was achieved, whereas the self-resonance frequency was >760 MHz, successfully demonstrating the feasibility of this method to scale up capacitance densities for high-quality-factor, high-frequency, and large-value MIM capacitors.

Tseng, VFG↗

Angular oversampling with temporally offset layers on multilayer detectors in computed tomography

Purpose: Today’s computed tomography (CT) scanners operate at an increasingly high rotation speed in order to reduce motion artifacts and to fulfill the requirements of dynamic acquisition, e.g., perfusion and cardiac imaging, with lower angular sampling rate as a consequence. In this paper, a simple method for obtaining angular oversampling when using multilayer detectors in continuous rotation CT is presented. Methods: By introducing temporal offsets between the measurement periods of the different layers on a multilayer detector, the angular sampling rate can be increased by a factor equal to the number of layers on the detector. The increased angular sampling rate reduces the risk of producing aliasing artifacts in the image. A simulation of a detector with two layers is performed to prove the concept. Results: The simulation study shows that aliasing artifacts from insufficient angular sampling are reduced by the proposed method. Specifically, when imaging a single point blurred by a 2D Gaussian kernel, the method is shown to reduce the strength of the aliasing artifacts by approximately an order of magnitude. Conclusions: The presented oversampling method is easy to implement in today’s multilayer detectors and has the potential to reduce aliasing artifacts in the reconstructed images.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Optical and Magneto-Optical Properties of Multilayer Nanosized [Co/TiO{sub 2}]{sub n} Films

Abstract—The optical and magneto-optical properties of the metal–dielectric multilayer [Co/TiO{sub 2}]{sub n} structures with 2–4-nm-thick layers prepared on a silicon substrate Si(001) by ion-beam deposition have been studied. The complex permittivity of multilayer [Co/TiO{sub 2}]{sub n} structures has been measured by the optical ellipsometry technique in the spectral range of 0.6–5.6 eV and analyzed using the optical reflection matrices for isotropic multilayer dielectric structures taking into account the optical losses and also using the method of anisotropic effective medium. The magneto-optical Kerr effect has been measured by the polarimetric technique in the spectral range of 1.2–4.5 eV in the polar and longitudinal geometries. The magnetic anisotropy type is determined on the base of the field dependences of the magneto-optical Kerr effect. It is found that the nanosized [Co/TiO{sub 2}]{sub n} structures can be considered as artificial optically uniaxial media with a strong magnetic and optical anisotropy at room temperature.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Study of Multilayer Thin Film Structures by Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry

We have evaluated possibilities of using the method of Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) for depth profiling of multilayer thin-film structures containing nanodmensional layers of elements with close atomic masses. It is established that RBS measurements can ensure high precision determination of the composition of these multilayer structures, total film thickness, and thicknesses of separate layers. This ability can be used for the input quality control of multilayer structures used in micro- and nanotechnologies.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Temporal and spatial laser intensification within nodular defects overcoated with multilayer dielectric mirrors over a wide range of defect geometries

The nodular defect shape and the laser incidence angle have a dramatic impact on the spatial distribution of light intensification within the nodule as well as how the laser light is drained from the defect. Nodular defect geometries unique to ion beam sputtering, ion-assisted deposition, and electron-beam (e-beam) deposition, respectively, are modeled in this parametric study over a wide range of nodular inclusion diameters and layer count for optical interference mirror coatings constructed with quarter-wave thicknesses and capped with a half wave of the low index material. It was found for hafnia ($n$=1.9) and silica ($n$=1.45) multilayer mirrors that the light intensification in nodular defects with a $C$ factor of 8, typical of e-beam deposited coatings deposited with a wide range of deposition angles, was maximized for a 24-layer design. For intermediate size inclusion diameters, increasing the layer count for normal incidence multilayer mirrors reduced the light intensification within the nodular defect. A second parametric study explored the impact of the nodule shape on the light intensification for a fixed number of layers. In this case, there is a strong temporal trend for the different nodule shapes. Narrow nodules tend to drain more laser energy through the bottom of the nodule into the substrate while wide nodules tend to drain more laser energy through the top of the nodule when irradiated at normal incidence. Further, at a 45° incidence angle, waveguiding is an additional method to drain laser energy from the nodular defect. Finally, laser light resonates within nodular defects longer than within the adjacent nondefective multilayer structure.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Impact of B 4 C co-sputtering on structure and optical performance of Cr/Sc multilayer X-ray mirrors

We investigate the influence of B 4 C incorporation during magnetron sputter deposition of Cr/Sc multilayers intended for soft X-ray reflective optics. Chemical analysis suggests formation of metal: boride and carbide bonds which stabilize an amorphous layer structure, resulting in smoother interfaces and an increased reflectivity. A near-normal incidence reflectivity of 11.7%, corresponding to a 67% increase, is achieved at λ = 3.11 nm upon adding 23 at.% (B + C). The advantage is significant for the multilayer periods larger than 1.8 nm, where amorphization results in smaller interface widths, for example, giving 36% reflectance and 99.89% degree of polarization near Brewster angle for a multilayer polarizer. The modulated ion-energy-assistance during the growth is considered vital to avoid intermixing during the interface formation even when B + C are added.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Irradiation resistance of nanostructured interfaces in Zr–Nb metallic multilayers

We report that irradiation resistance of metallic nanostructured multilayers is determined by the interactions between defects and phase boundaries. However, the dose-dependent interfacial morphology evolution can greatly change the nature of the defect–boundary interaction mechanisms over time. In the present study, we used atomistic models combined with a novel technique based on the accumulation of Frenkel pairs to simulate irradiation processes. We examined dose effects on defect evolutions near zirconium–niobium multilayer phase boundaries. Our simulations enabled us to categorize defect evolution mechanisms in bulk phases into progressing stages of dislocation accumulation, saturation, and coalescence. In the metallic multilayers, we observed a phase boundary absorption mechanism early on during irradiation, while at higher damage levels, the increased irradiation intermixing triggered a phase transformation in the Zr–Nb mixture. Lastly, this physical phenomenon resulted in the emission of a large quantity of small immobile dislocation loops from the phase boundaries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Magnetic Field Penetration Technique to Study High Field Shielding of Multilayered Superconductors

The SIS structure which consists of alternative thin layers of superconductors and insulators on a bulk niobium has been proposed to shield niobium cavity surface from high magnetic field and hence increase the accelerating gradient. The study of the behavior of multilayer super-conductors in an external magnetic field is essential to optimize their SRF performance. In this work we report the development of a simple and efficient technique to measure penetration of magnetic field into bulk, thin film and multilayer superconductors. Experimental setup contains a small superconducting solenoid which can produce a parallel surface magnetic field up to 0.5 T and Hall probes to detect penetrated magnetic field across the superconducting sample. This system was calibrated and used to study the effect of niobium sample thickness on the field of full magnetic flux penetration. We determined the optimum thickness of the niobium substrate to fabricate the multilayer structure for the measurements in our setup. This technique was used to measure penetration fields of Nb₃Sn thin films and Nb₃Sn/Al₂O₃ multi-layers deposited on Al₂O₃ wafers.

Senevirathne, I. H.↗

Prediction and Characterization of Heat-Affected Zone Formation due to Neighboring Nickel-Aluminum Multilayer Foil Reaction

Reactive multilayer foils have the potential to be used as local high intensity heat sources for a variety of applications. Much of the past research effort concerning these materials have focused on understanding the structure-property relationships of the foils that govern the energy released during a reaction. To enhance the ability of researchers to more rapidly develop technologies based on reactive multilayer foils, a deeper and more predictive understanding of the relationship between the heat released from the foil and microstructural evolution in the neighboring materials is needed. This work describes the development of a numerical model for the purpose of evaluating new foil-substrate combinations for screening and optimization. The model is experimentally validated using a commercially available Ni-Al multilayer foils and different alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Further Support of the Development of Advanced Multilayer Optics Coatings for X-Ray Imaging

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is working with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to develop Wolter-I optics for x-ray imaging applications at energies of 15-50 keV and above for National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) facilities. SAO work includes R&D on advanced multilayer coatings as well as fabrication and testing of Wolter multilayer coated optics. It also includes delivery of custom 3.05-meter focal length Wolter optics with response at energies of interest to Sandia National Laboratories and LLNL. The optics are fabricated using an electroform nickel replication technique which has been used to fabricate optics for X-ray astronomy satellites over the past two decades. This technique starts with a figured, polished mandrel from which the optics are replicated. To carry this technique over to fabricate optics for NNSA facilities, several additional barriers had to be overcome to deposit multilayer coatings on integral optics with radii as small as 25 mm. These breakthroughs allow fabrication of optics which meet the spatial and spectral specifications required by NNSA facilities. During this present contract period SAO delivered four custom optics to LLNL with spectral response at or near the Kα line of silver, 22.16 keV.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Development of Roll-to-Roll Simultaneous Multilayer Deposition Methods for Solid-state Electrochemical Devices using Highly Particulate Loaded Aqueous Inks

A platform for simultaneous multilayer roll-to-roll coating was developed for solid-state electrochemical devices through Saint-Gobain’s Solid Oxide Fuel Cell. Six wet layers were successfully coated one top of another using multilayer slide coating following design rules developed through a step-wise approach. Solid oxide fuel cells, which comprise of engineered ceramic films, were made with dual slot and multi-layer slide dies and shown to have similar performance to cells made with incumbent coating methods. Additionally, interlayers were coated below their individual singular low flow limits using simultaneous multilayer coating.

08 HYDROGEN↗

An Overview of Nano Multilayers as Model Systems for Developing Nanoscale Microstructures

The microstructural transformations of binary nanometallic multilayers (NMMs) to equiaxed nanostructured materials were explored by characterizing a variety of nanoscale multilayer films. Four material systems of multilayer films, Hf-Ti, Ta-Hf, W-Cr, and Mo-Au, were synthesized by magnetron sputtering, heat treated at 1000 °C, and subsequently characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Binary systems were selected based on thermodynamic models predicting stable nanograin formation with similar global compositions around 20–30 at.%. All NMMs maintained nanocrystalline grain sizes after evolution into an equiaxed structure, where the systems with highly mobile incoherent interfaces or higher energy interfaces showed a more significant increase in grain size. Furthermore, varying segregation behaviors were observed, including grain boundary (GB) segregation, precipitation, and intermetallic formation depending on the material system selected. The pathway to tailored microstructures was found to be governed by key mechanisms and factors as determined by a film’s initial characteristics, including global and local composition, interface energy, layer structure, and material selection. This work presents a global evaluation of NMM systems and demonstrates their utility as foundation materials to promote tailored nanomaterials.

Appleget, Chelsea D.↗

NASA/MSFC multilayer diffusion models and computer program for operational prediction of toxic fuel hazards

The NASA/MSFC multilayer diffusion models are discribed which are used in applying meteorological information to the estimation of toxic fuel hazards resulting from the launch of rocket vehicle and from accidental cold spills and leaks of toxic fuels. Background information, definitions of terms, description of the multilayer concept are presented along with formulas for determining the buoyant rise of hot exhaust clouds or plumes from conflagrations, and descriptions of the multilayer diffusion models. A brief description of the computer program is given, and sample problems and their solutions are included. Derivations of the cloud rise formulas, users instructions, and computer program output lists are also included.

Dumbauld, R. K.↗