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At least 325 records · Page 18

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DOE OSTI2015

The scaling of electron and positron generation in intense laser-solid interactions

This study presents experimental scalings of the electrons and positrons produced by intense laser-target interactions at relativistic laser intensities (10 18 –10 20 W cm -2 ). The data were acquired from three short-pulse laser facilities with laser energies ranging from 80 to 1500 J. We found a non-linear (≈E L 2 ) scaling of positron yield [Chen et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 114, 215001 (2015)] and a linear scaling of electron yield with the laser energy. These scalings are explained by theoretical and numerical analyses. Positron acceleration by the target sheath field is confirmed by the positron energy spectrum, which has a pronounced peak at energies near the sheath potential, as determined by the observed maximum energies of accelerated protons. The parameters of laser-produced electron-positron jets are summarized together with the theoretical energy scaling. Finally, the measured energy-squared scaling of relativistic electron-positron jets indicates the possibility to create an astrophysically relevant experimental platform with such jets using multi-kilojoule high intensity lasers currently under construction.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2016

On the elimination of the electronic structure bottleneck in on the fly nonadiabatic dynamics for small to moderate sized (10-15 atom) molecules using fit diabatic representations based solely on ab initio electronic structure data: The photodissociation of phenol

In this work, we demonstrate that for moderate sized systems, here a system with 13 atoms, global coupled potential energy surfaces defined for several electronic states over a wide energy range and for distinct regions of nuclear coordinate space characterized by distinct electron configurations, can be constructed with precise energetics and an excellent description of non-adiabatic interactions in all regions. This is accomplished using a recently reported algorithm for constructing quasi-diabatic representations, H{sup d}, of adiabatic electronic states coupled by conical intersections. In this work, the algorithm is used to construct an H{sup d} to describe the photodissociation of phenol from its first and second excited electronic states. The representation treats all 33 internal degrees of freedom in an even handed manner. The ab initio adiabatic electronic structure data used to construct the fit are obtained exclusively from multireference configuration interaction with single and double excitation wave functions comprised of 88 × 10{sup 6} configuration state functions, at geometries determined by quasi-classical trajectories. Since the algorithm uses energy gradients and derivative couplings in addition to electronic energies to construct H{sup d}, data at only 7379 nuclear configurations are required to construct a representation, which describes all nuclear configurations involved in H atom photodissociation to produce the phenoxyl radical in its ground or first excited electronic state, with a mean unsigned energy error of 202.9 cm{sup −1} for electronic energies <60 000 cm{sup −1}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2016

Beyond the ponderomotive limit: Direct laser acceleration of relativistic electrons in sub-critical plasmas

We examine a regime in which a linearly polarized laser pulse with relativistic intensity irradiates a sub-critical plasma for much longer than the characteristic electron response time. A steady-state channel is formed in the plasma in this case with quasi-static transverse and longitudinal electric fields. These relatively weak fields significantly alter the electron dynamics. The longitudinal electric field reduces the longitudinal dephasing between the electron and the wave, leading to an enhancement of the electron energy gain from the pulse. The energy gain in this regime is ultimately limited by the superluminosity of the wave fronts induced by the plasma in the channel. The transverse electric field alters the oscillations of the transverse electron velocity, allowing it to remain anti-parallel to laser electric field and leading to a significant energy gain. The energy enhancement is accompanied by the development of significant oscillations perpendicular to the plane of the driven motion, making trajectories of energetic electrons three-dimensional. Proper electron injection into the laser beam can further boost the electron energy gain.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2016

Physics design of the in-vessel collection optics for the ITER electron cyclotron emission diagnostic

Measurement of the electron cyclotron emission (ECE) is one of the primary diagnostics for electron temperature in ITER. In-vessel, in-vacuum, and quasi-optical antennas capture sufficient ECE to achieve large signal to noise with microsecond temporal resolution and high spatial resolution while maintaining polarization fidelity. Two similar systems are required. One views the plasma radially. The other is an oblique view. Both views can be used to measure the electron temperature, while the oblique is also sensitive to non-thermal distortion in the bulk electron distribution. The in-vacuum optics for both systems are subject to degradation as they have a direct view of the ITER plasma and will not be accessible for cleaning or replacement for extended periods. Blackbody radiation sources are provided for in situ calibration.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2014

Electron acceleration during the decay of nonlinear Whistler waves in low-beta electron-ion plasma

Relativistic electron acceleration through dissipation of a nonlinear, short-wavelength, and monochromatic electromagnetic whistler wave in low-beta plasma is investigated by utilizing a one-dimensional fully relativistic electromagnetic particle-in-cell code. The nonlinear (large-amplitude) parent whistler wave decays through the parametric instability which enhances electrostatic ion acoustic waves and electromagnetic whistler waves. These waves satisfy the condition of three-wave coupling. Through the decay instability, the energy of electron bulk velocity supporting the parent wave is converted to the thermal energy perpendicular to the background magnetic field. Increase of the perpendicular temperature triggers the electron temperature anisotropy instability which generates broadband whistler waves and heats electrons in the parallel direction. The broadband whistler waves are inverse-cascaded during the relaxation of the electron temperature anisotropy. In lower-beta conditions, electrons with a pitch angle of about 90° are successively accelerated by inverse-cascaded whistler waves, and selected electrons are accelerated to over a Lorentz factor of 10. The result implies that the nonlinear dissipation of a finite-amplitude and short-wavelength whistler wave plays an important role in producing relativistic nonthermal electrons over a few MeV especially at lower beta plasmas.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2015

Electron energy partition in the ‘above-the-looptop’ solar hard X-ray sources

The presentation begins by considering the non-thermal fraction of electron energies (R ε ) in 'above-the-looptop' (ALT). Several spectral models area considered: isothermal model, power-law, and the newly derived kappa distribution. Technically, all 3 non-thermal models can fit the data. In the discussion of flare scenario, energy partition, energization mechanism, and collisionality are considered. It is concluded that the kappa distribution works (R ε ≲ 50%), magnetic reconnection scenario works, and Coulomb collisions may reduce the non-thermal fraction of electron energies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Anticathode effect on electron kinetics in electron beam generated E × B plasma

Electron beam (e-beam) generated plasmas with applied crossed electric and magnetic (E x B) fields are promising for low damage processing of materials with applications to microelectronics and quantum information systems. In cylindrical e-beam E x B plasmas, radial confinement of electrons and ions is achieved by an axial magnetic field and radial electric field, respectively. To control the axial confinement of electrons, such e-beam generated plasma sources may incorporate a conducting boundary known as an anticathode, which is placed on the axially opposite side of the plasma from the cathode. In this work, it is shown that varying the anticathode voltage bias can control the degree to which the anticathode collects or repels incident electrons, allowing control of warm electron (electron energies in 10–30 eV range) and beam electron population confinement. It is suggested that the effect of the anticathode bias on the formation of these distinct electron populations is also associated with the transition between weak turbulence and strong Langmuir turbulence.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2014

A Spin-Light Polarimeter for Multi-GeV Longitudinally Polarized Electron Beams

The physics program at the upgraded Jefferson Lab (JLab) and the physics program envisioned for the proposed electron-ion collider (EIC) include large efforts to search for interactions beyond the Standard Model (SM) using parity violation in electroweak interactions. These experiments need precision electron polarimetry with an uncertainty of <; 0.5 %. The spin dependent Synchrotron radiation, called "spin-light," can be used to monitor the electron beam polarization. Here, we develop a conceptual design for a "spin-light" polarimeter that can be used at a high intensity, multi-GeV electron accelerator. We have also built a Geant4 based simulation for a prototype device and report some of the results from these simulations

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2018

Electron Transitions during the Capture of an Electron by a He{sup 2+} Ion at the Argon Atom

We have measured the absolute values of the total cross section of the one-electron capture by He{sup 2+} ions in the kinetic energy range 2–30 keV at the Ar atoms. The absolute values of the differential scattering cross sections of He{sup +} ions formed during the one-electron capture and the electron capture with ionization at energies of 2.2, 5.4, and 30 keV have been determined. The electronic states of the formed ions have been determined using collision spectroscopy based on analysis of the change in the kinetic energy of He{sup +} after the interaction. We have measured doubly differential (with respect to the kinetic energy and the scattering angle) cross sections of the formation of free electrons. The free electron formation channels (direct ionization and electron capture with ionization) have been analyzed by calculating the electron terms of the (HeAr){sup 2+} system. The calculated cross section of capture with ionization is in conformity with the cross section measured using collision spectroscopy.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2016

MIXING THE SOLAR WIND PROTON AND ELECTRON SCALES: EFFECTS OF ELECTRON TEMPERATURE ANISOTROPY ON THE OBLIQUE PROTON FIREHOSE INSTABILITY

The double adiabatic expansion of the nearly collisionless solar wind plasma creates conditions for the firehose instability to develop and efficiently prevent the further increase of the plasma temperature in the direction parallel to the interplanetary magnetic field. The conditions imposed by the firehose instability have been extensively studied using idealized approaches that ignore the mutual effects of electrons and protons. Recently, more realistic approaches have been proposed that take into account the interplay between electrons and protons, unveiling new regimes of the parallel oscillatory modes. However, for oblique wave propagation the instability develops distinct branches that grow much faster and may therefore be more efficient than the parallel firehose instability in constraining the temperature anisotropy of the plasma particles. This paper reports for the first time on the effects of electron plasma properties on the oblique proton firehose (PFH) instability and provides a comprehensive vision of the entire unstable wave-vector spectrum, unifying the proton and the smaller electron scales. The plasma β and temperature anisotropy regimes considered here are specific for the solar wind and magnetospheric conditions, and enable the electrons and protons to interact via the excited electromagnetic fluctuations. For the selected parameters, simultaneous electron and PFH instabilities can be observed with a dispersion spectrum of the electron firehose (EFH) extending toward the proton scales. Growth rates of the PFH instability are markedly boosted by the anisotropic electrons, especially in the oblique direction where the EFH growth rates are orders of magnitude higher.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2015

Quasi-two-dimensional electron gas at the epitaxial alumina/SrTiO{sub 3} interface: Control of oxygen vacancies

In this paper, we report on the highly conductive layer formed at the crystalline γ-alumina/SrTiO{sub 3} interface, which is attributed to oxygen vacancies. We describe the structure of thin γ-alumina layers deposited by molecular beam epitaxy on SrTiO{sub 3} (001) at growth temperatures in the range of 400–800 °C, as determined by reflection-high-energy electron diffraction, x-ray diffraction, and high-resolution electron microscopy. In situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to confirm the presence of the oxygen-deficient layer. Electrical characterization indicates sheet carrier densities of ∼10{sup 13 }cm{sup −2} at room temperature for the sample deposited at 700 °C, with a maximum electron Hall mobility of 3100 cm{sup 2}V{sup −1}s{sup −1} at 3.2 K and room temperature mobility of 22 cm{sup 2}V{sup −1}s{sup −1}. Annealing in oxygen is found to reduce the carrier density and turn a conductive sample into an insulator.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2016

A split-step method to include electron–electron collisions via Monte Carlo in multiple rate equation simulations

A split-step numerical method for calculating ultrafast free-electron dynamics in dielectrics is introduced. The two split steps, independently programmed in C++11 and FORTRAN 2003, are interfaced via the presented open source wrapper. The first step solves a deterministic extended multi-rate equation for the ionization, electron–phonon collisions, and single photon absorption by free-carriers. The second step is stochastic and models electron–electron collisions using Monte-Carlo techniques. This combination of deterministic and stochastic approaches is a unique and efficient method of calculating the nonlinear dynamics of 3D materials exposed to high intensity ultrashort pulses. Results from simulations solving the proposed model demonstrate how electron–electron scattering relaxes the non-equilibrium electron distribution on the femtosecond time scale.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2019

Continuous Wave Resonant Photon Stimulated Electron Energy-Gain and Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy of Individual Plasmonic Nanoparticles

The unique optical properties of surface plasmon resonances in nanostructured materials have attracted considerable attention, broadly impacting both fundamental research and applied technologies ranging from sensing and optoelectronics to quantum computing. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) in the transmission electron microscope has revealed valuable information about the full plasmonic spectrum of these materials with nanoscale spatial resolution. Here, in this study, we report a novel approach for experimentally accessing the photon-stimulated electron energy-gain and stimulated electron energy-loss responses of individual plasmonic nanoparticles via the simultaneous irradiation of a continuous wave laser and continuous current, monochromated electron probe. Stimulated gain and loss probabilities are equivalent and increase linearly in the low-irradiance range of 0.5 × 10 8 to 4 × 10 8 W/m 2 , above which excessive heating reduces the observed probabilities; importantly in our low-irradiance regime, the photon energy must be tuned in resonance with the plasmon energy for the stimulated gain and loss peaks to emerge. Theoretical modeling based on Fermi’s golden rule elucidates how the plasmon resonantly and coherently shuttles energy quanta between the electron probe and the radiation field and vice versa in stimulated electron energy-loss and -gain events. This study opens a fundamentally new approach to explore the quantum physics of excited-state plasmon resonances that does not rely on high-intensity laser pulses or any modification to the EELS detector.

(scanning) transmission electron microscope ((S)TE↗

DOE OSTI2016

Theoretical analysis and simulation of the influence of self-bunching effects and longitudinal space charge effects on the propagation of keV electron bunch produced by a novel S-band Micro-Pulse electron Gun

As an important electron source, Micro-Pulse electron Gun (MPG) which is qualified for producing high average current, short pulse, low emittance electron bunches steadily holds promise to use as an electron source of Coherent Smith-Purcell Radiation (CSPR), Free Electron Laser (FEL). The stable output of S-band MPG has been achieved in many labs. To establish reliable foundation for the future application of it, the propagation of picosecond electron bunch produced by MPG should be studied in detail. In this article, the MPG which was working on the rising stage of total effective Secondary Electron Yield (SEY) curve was introduced. The self-bunching mechanism was discussed in depth both in the multipacting amplifying state and the steady working state. The bunch length broadening induced by the longitudinal space-charge (SC) effects was investigated by different theoretical models in different regions. The 2D PIC codes MAGIC and beam dynamic codes TraceWin simulations were also performed in the propagation. The result shows an excellent agreement between the simulation and the theoretical analysis for bunch length evolution.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2014

Simulations of Gaussian electron guns for RHIC electron lens

Simulations of two versions of the electron gun for RHIC electron lens are presented. The electron guns have to generate an electron beam with Gaussian radial profile of the electron beam density. To achieve the Gaussian electron emission profile on the cathode we used a combination of the gun electrodes and shaping of the cathode surface. Dependence of electron gun performance parameters on the geometry of electrodes and the margins for electrodes positioning are presented.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2019

Electronically Nonadiabatic Structural Transformations Promoted by Electron Beams

The use of scanning transmission electron microscopes to manipulate substitutional defects in graphene has recently been demonstrated and modeled using ground state molecular dynamics, but the role of electronic excitations induced through inelastic electron scattering in promoting these transformations has so-far remained unexplored. In this work, probed are the effects of electronic excitation on the structural dynamics of graphene quantum dots of differing edge morphologies that are substitutionally doped with silicon or phosphorous. The ground and excited state potential energy barriers for pyramidal inversion of these nonplanar doped species are evaluated using time-dependent density functional theory. Optically bright excited states in which the barrier is decreased are identified in the low energy region of the electronic spectrum, suggesting that photoexcitation can modulate the reactivity of defects in graphene under electron beam irradiation. Coupling matrix elements between these inversion-favoring excited states and the ground state and time-domain simulations of the material's response to a point charge impulse indicate that focusing an electron beam near the defect can also lead to population of these states, implying that beam electrons incident on a defect can both excite the material to an inversion-favoring state and transfer momentum to the defect to initiate the inversion.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2021

Quantum Sensing of Electron Transfer Pathways in Natural Photosynthesis Using Time-Resolved High-Field Electron Paramagnetic Resonance/Electron–Nuclear Double Resonance Spectroscopy

Photosynthetic integral membrane reaction center (RC) proteins capture and convert sunlight into chemical energy via efficient charge separation achieved through a series of rapid, photoinitiated electron transfer steps. These fast electron transfers create an entangled spin qubit (radical) pair that contains detailed information about the weak magnetic interactions, structure, and dynamics of localized protein environments involved in charge separation events. In this work, we investigate how these entangled electron spin qubits interact with nuclear spins of the protein environment using the high spectral resolution of 130 GHz electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR). Spectroscopic interrogation enabled the observation and probing of protons located in the electron transfer pathway between the membrane-spanning electron pair P + Q A - (where P + is the primary donor, a special pair of bacteriochlorophylls, and Q A is the primary quinone acceptor) in the bacterial RC. Spectroscopic analysis reveals hydrogen-bonding interactions involved in regulating the route that light-induced electrons travel through the RC protein during charge separation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2019

Layer-Dependent Electronic Structure of Atomically Resolved Two-Dimensional Gallium Selenide Telluride

Alloying two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors provides a powerful method to tune their physical properties, especially those relevant to optoelectronic applications. However, as the crystal structure becomes more complex, it becomes increasingly difficult to accurately correlate response characteristics to detailed atomic structure. We investigate, via annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and second harmonic generation, the layered III-VI alloy GaSe 0.5 Te 0.5 as a function of layer number. The local atomic structure and stacking sequence for different layers is explicitly determined. We complement the measurements with first-principles calculations of the total energy and electronic band structure of GaSe 0.5 Te 0.5 for different crystal structures and layer number. The electronic band gap as well as the π and π + σ plasmons are found to be sensitive to layer number.

2D semiconductor alloys↗