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At least 37 records · Page 2

Electron-ion equilibration in superheated gold

Electron-ion equilibration dynamics in samples driven into superheated states with multi-eV electron temperatures represent a fundamental process in nonequilibrium physics. A clear picture of the evolving ion temperature is essential for understanding the strength of the electron-ion coupling. However, direct, model-independent measurements of the ion temperature in laser-irradiated samples have remained experimentally elusive. Using inelastic X-ray scattering with meV-resolution in gold samples, the ion response to ultrafast heating by the hot electrons can be resolved, quantifying the electron-ion equilibration dynamics. We report measurements revealing a strongly enhanced energy transfer rate compared to that in weakly excited gold. Moreover, we obtain a quasi-constant electron-ion coupling at the highly elevated electron temperatures. These results place new constraints on electron-ion energy transfer in warm dense matter and establish a path toward quantitative benchmarking of models for nonequilibrium dynamics.

Griffin, Travis D. [Univ. of Nevada, Reno, NV (Uni↗

Design of monolithic piezoelectric bimorph mirrors made from lithium niobate

Recent advances in deformable mirrors based on monolithic piezoelectric substrates, such as lithium niobate, have the potential to improve the image quality of X-ray optical systems on synchrotron and free-electron laser beamlines and microscopes. However, the quantitative relationship between design parameters and the deformed shape has not been readily available in the literature. We present an analytical model, validated through finite element analysis, enabling calculation of tangential and sagittal curvatures based on mirror dimensions, crystallographic orientation, and applied voltage. We demonstrate that through the selection of material orientation, it is possible to achieve different deformed shapes (sphere, cylinder, or hyperbolic paraboloid). This methodology can be generalized to other piezoelectric materials and substrate-integrated actuator systems.

Marzari, Francesco [University of Trento (Italy); ↗

Redirection and reshaping of intense extreme-ultraviolet radiation

The goal to control short-wavelength radiation for the investigation and manipulation of ultrafast dynamics in quantum systems coevolves with the growing availability of extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) and x-ray sources from high-harmonic generation and free-electron lasers. Here, we present an XUV spatio-spectral phase modulator based on an intense XUV laser beam propagating through an optically thick resonant target, introducing dispersion profile variations around the resonance both perpendicular to and along the laser propagation direction. The resulting dipole radiation gets spectrally reshaped and becomes more divergent as compared to the original beam in the far field. As an experimental demonstration, the intense-XUV–induced double-peak off-axis structure in the far-field spectrum obtained at the Free-Electron Laser in Hamburg (FLASH) shows indications of the underlying XUV-driven Rabi dynamics and resonant pulse propagation effects. The presented work highlights a ubiquitous phenomenon occurring when an intense laser beam passes through a resonant medium.

He, Yu [Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Heidel↗

Forensic characterization of surrogate nuclear explosion debris: radiochemical and spectroscopic strategies for method validation

Surrogate nuclear explosion debris (SNED) has emerged as a critical platform for advancing post-detonation nuclear forensic analysis in the absence of readily accessible historic materials. SNED enables controlled investigation and validation of analytical methodologies used to interrogate the chemical, isotopic, radiological, and microstructural signatures preserved in nuclear explosion debris. This review presents an integrated assessment of destructive and non-destructive analytical techniques commonly employed within decision-driven nuclear forensic workflows. Each technique is discussed individually while highlighting how it contributes to different stages of post-detonation analysis. Core methods – including gamma and alpha spectrometry, ICP-MS, TIMS, SIMS, SEM-EDS, XRF, LIBS, vibrational spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy – are critically evaluated with respect to forensic maturity, information content, and matrix limitations. Emphasis is placed on the role of SNED in benchmarking multi-modal workflows and identifying gaps in reproducing heterogeneity, fractionation, and radiation-driven evolution relevant to forensic attribution.

X-ray spectroscopic methods↗

Ultrafast Laser Welding and Terahertz Time-domain Spectroscopy of Soda Lime Silicate Glass

Joining and welding techniques of similar and dissimilar materials have reached their limits due to the inflexibility of adapting dielectric materials, e.g., glasses and ceramics, reproducibility for transparent materials, and cycle process time. The ability to join pieces of glasses using laser irradiation allows rapid processing of vacuum insulating glass (VIG) for a widening range of commercial energy-efficient applications. We have used a 1064-nm laser wavelength with 15 picoseconds pulse width and a 155-kHz repetition rate to weld commercial plate glass pieces. The welded samples were characterized via x-ray fluorescence (XRF), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF–SIMS), polarimetry, and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) to determine the integrity of the weld and chemical changes in the welded areas. Our data shows no significant changes in glass chemistry and structure on average over nano- to micro-scales occurred from the welding process within the limits of the characterization tools. Our results demonstrate successful welding of glass plates without significant changes in the glass chemistry, structure, or properties in the laser-modified region or strains in the bulk glass.

Matthies, Kathleen [ORNL] (ORCID:0009000213135441)↗

Multiplet lines in seeded stimulated Mn 𝐾⁢𝛼 1 x-ray emission

We report the successful resolution of the multiplet structure of 𝐾⁢𝛼 1 x-ray emission in manganese (Mn) complexes through seeded stimulated x-ray emission spectroscopy (seeded S-XES). Using a femtosecond pump pulse above the Mn 𝐾 edge to generate simultaneous 1⁢𝑠 core holes, and a second-color tunable seed pulse to initiate the stimulated emission process, we were able to enhance individual lines within the 𝐾⁢𝛼 1 emission. This approach allows to resolve the fine multiplet features that are obscured by lifetime broadening in conventional (spontaneous) Mn 𝐾⁢𝛼 XES. The work builds on our previous observation that S-XES from Mn(II) and Mn(VII) complexes pumped at high intensities can exhibit stimulated emission without sacrificing the chemical sensitivity to oxidation states. Furthermore, this technique opens the door to controlled high-resolution electronic structure spectroscopy in transition-metal complexes beyond the core-hole lifetime, with potential applications in catalysis, inorganic chemistry, and materials science.

Chemical Physics & Physical Chemistry↗

Atmospheric, Non-Combusting Droplet Sizing and Spray Imaging Results From a Non-Proprietary Aero Gas Turbine Engine Pressure Swirl Atomizer using Shadowgraphy and Planar Laser Scatter

Members from industry and federal agencies of the United States have developed a collaborating group focused on improving the understanding of the atomization processes common to gas turbine engines. The group is aimed on providing high quality data using x-ray diagnostics in the internal geometry and the near-field dense spray as well as optical diagnostics in the visible spectrum, downstream of the nozzle. This paper reports results from one of the two non-proprietary injectors designs from the group: the primary-secondary injector. In particular, we characterize the spray from only the primary, pressure-swirl atomizing circuit using water through the nozzle. We observed Sauter mean diameter decreased with increased water pressure drop across the nozzle. SMD was also collected at three axial distances and showed decreased size with distance from the nozzle. Planar laser sheet droplet scattering provided qualitative assessment of the spray. Higher water pressure drops provided better atomization than lower pressure drops. The addition of swirling air flow through the injector alleviates and improves the atomization quality, particularly at the lower water pressure drops.

optical diagnostics↗

Ultrafast Reactive Laser Sintering of Highly Conductive Garnet-Type LLZTO Solid Electrolytes

Rapid and scalable fabrication of garnet-type solid electrolytes remains a major challenge for the practical deployment of lithium metal batteries. Here, we report reactive laser sintering (RLS) as an ultrafast and potentially scalable strategy for fabricating garnet-type Li 6.4 La 3 Zr 1.4 Ta 0.6 O 12 (LLZTO) solid electrolytes. RLS of LLZTO enables simultaneous reaction and densification, achieving ∼95% relative density while minimizing lithium loss and suppressing secondary phase formation. Compared to conventional furnace sintering, RLS promotes enhanced grain growth and improved densification, leading to improved ionic conductivity (0.36 ± 0.08 mS cm −1 ) while maintaining comparable activation energies for Li + transport. Structural characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and solid-state 6 Li/ 7 Li NMR confirms the formation of cubic garnet LLZTO with homogeneous microscale elemental distribution. In addition, nanoindentation measurements demonstrate that RLS preserves the mechanical properties of the garnet framework despite ultrafast localized thermal processing. By integrating simultaneous reaction and densification with tunable microstructural control, reactive laser sintering provides a promising manufacturing pathway for high-performance garnet solid electrolytes toward next-generation solid-state batteries.

CO2 laser↗

Pursuing Heteroleptic Ligand Design Principles for Photoactive Fe Complexes with Ultrafast X-ray Emission and Variable-Temperature Optical Spectroscopies

Understanding the key parameters that govern the photophysical and photochemical properties of transition metal complexes is essential for the development of efficient photosensitizers for photocatalytic applications. Achieving this objective necessitates clear and detailed investigations of their electronic excited states, for which time-resolved metal Kβ X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) has proven highly effective. Here, we present a time-resolved Fe Kβ XES study of a heteroleptic Fe(II) polypyridyl carbene complex, [Fe(phen) 2 (C 4 H 10 N 4 )] 2+ (1; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), utilizing both the valence-to-core and Kβ mainline spectral regions, complemented by variable-temperature transient optical absorption (VT-TA) spectroscopy. Detailed analysis of the time-resolved Kβ XES data, supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and an Eyring analysis of the VT-TA data, reveals parallel excited state relaxation dynamics that support an assignment of the long-lived excited state to a triplet metal-centered state. Placing these results in the context of prior studies of heteroleptic Fe(II) polypyridyl cyanide complexes motivated a series of DFT calculations to investigate the effects of ligand structural flexibility and arrangement. These calculations reinforce the experimentally derived conclusion that constraining structural flexibility with multidentate ligands significantly impacts the excited state relaxation dynamics. Furthermore, our study emphasizes that the arrangement of strong field ligands in heteroleptic complexes substantially affects the energy of Jahn–Teller active triplet metal-centered states in low-spin d 6 metal complexes. Together, these findings provide synthetic design principles for extending metal-to-ligand charge transfer excited state lifetimes of heteroleptic Fe complexes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Multi-modal dynamic radiography using short-pulse laser-generated probe beams

Radiography is an important tool for the interrogation of dynamic experiments in the fields of dynamic properties of materials, and in condensed matter, high explosive, and high-energy-density physics. Multi-modal radiography advances the hypothesis that combining the information delivered by multiple radiographic modalities can lead to more constrained (improved) “reconstruction” of the scene than can be obtained from a single probe. We identify four modalities: multi-probe, time sequence, multi-view, and multi-messenger. Multi-probe radiography is a promising candidate for a next-generation dynamic radiographic facility. High-energy X-rays are the most frequently used probe for dynamic radiography, although recent developments show the utility of proton (pRad), electron (eRad), and neutron probe beams. Because each probing species interacts with material in the radiographic scene through quantitatively different mechanisms, each returns independent information about the scene, which can add extra constraints to the reconstruction process. How to conduct detailed, quantitative “co-analysis” of multiple data streams remains an area of active research. Multi-beam, short-pulse, laser-generated probes offer sufficient dose, an appropriate spectrum, and appropriate spatio-temporal resolution to produce high-quality dynamic radiographs. This paper reports on technology development to advance the state of the art of multi-modal/multi-probe radiography and the pursuit of both deterministic and inferential (AI/ML assisted) co-analysis methodologies to produce more constrained reconstructions from multi-modal data.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Photoinduced correlations in stochastic dynamics of a solid-state ionic conductor

Photoexcitation by ultrashort laser pulses plays a crucial role in controlling reaction pathways, creating nonequilibrium material properties, and probing complex molecular dynamics. The photoresponse following a laser pulse is generally nonidentical between exposures due to spatiotemporal fluctuations or the stochastic nature of dynamical pathways. However, most ultrafast pump-probe experiments struggle to distinguish intrinsic sample fluctuations from extrinsic apparatus noise, often missing deviations from the averaged response. Leveraging the stability and high photon flux of time-resolved X-ray micro-diffraction at a synchrotron, we characterized stochastic photoinduced dynamics in a solid-state ionic conductor. By analyzing temporal evolutions of the lattice parameter of a single grain, we found that shot-to-shot fluctuations are not independent. Instead, correlations exist between nonequilibrium lattice trajectories following adjacent shots, with a characteristic correlation length of approximately 1500 shots, corresponding to an energy barrier of 0.4 ± 0.1 eV, close to the activation energy of lithium-ion diffusion.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ablating Pellets for Areal Density Symmetry Control in Indirectly Driven Inertial Confinement Fusion Target Designs

Asymmetry of the compressed fusion fuel configuration, as characterized by a variation in areal density, in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosions is a known performance limitation. While ignition has been achieved on the National Ignition Facility (NIF), implosion symmetry was not perfect, and subsequent experiments that have extended fusion performance still struggle with symmetry control and would, in principle, perform much better if the areal density uniformity of the fuel was improved by eliminating thin regions in the DT (Deuterium-Tritium) fuel that develop by the time of peak compression. In indirect drive (IDD), altering the time-dependent laser cone fraction and cross-beam energy transfer are the usual tactics for controlling implosion asymmetry in IDD target designs, but it may be that those tools have been pushed to their limits. In this Letter, we present a new tactic for controlling the implosion using satellite ablating pellets to manipulate the time-dependent x-ray field around an ICF capsule. In theory and in simulations the action of these pellets is quite effective at reducing the swing of x-ray drive from waist hot to pole hot, thus achieving a more one-dimensional fuel configuration at peak compression. Simulations show that a factor of ∼2 in yield performance can be obtained via this technique, when applied to past record implosions on the NIF. As a result, some speculative alternate uses of the proposed target concept are also mentioned in the conclusion of this Letter.

Implosion symmetry↗

Laser-heated diamond anvil cell synthesis and recovery of metastable MnSb 2 and YbZn 2 for post-synthesis transport studies

The creation and exploration of new materials under extreme pressure–temperature conditions has become increasingly reliant on laser-heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC) techniques, which provide direct access to previously unexplored regions of multinary phase diagrams. Whereas numerous high-pressure phases have been identified in situ, systematic recovery and post-synthesis physical property characterization of these materials remain significant challenges. In this work, we describe the setup and implementation of an LHDAC-based synthesis and recovery workflow and demonstrate its application to metastable MnSb 2 and YbZn 2 phases. Synchrotron x-ray diffraction and spatial mapping confirm dominant formation of the targeted phases, whereas laboratory-based refinement quantifies phase fractions despite intrinsic microstrain and minor secondary phases. High-pressure transport measurements on recovered samples reveal pressure-tunable electronic instabilities in both systems. In MnSb 2 , pressure suppresses two high-temperature magnetic ordering anomalies, observed in transport, by ∼5 GPa and, for higher pressures, induces a new low-temperature feature that increases with further pressure increase. In hexagonal high-pressure YbZn 2 , an electronic reconstruction emerges at ∼11 GPa, characterized by semiconducting-like behavior from ∼30 to 300 K and a broad low-temperature coherence crossover near 30 K. Our results establish LHDAC synthesis not only as a structural discovery tool but also as an experimental platform for investigating correlated quantum states stabilized far from equilibrium thermodynamic conditions.

Huyan, S. [Iowa State University, Ames, IA (United↗

Coupling Microstructural Evolution Simulations to Material Property Degradation Predictions for Plasma-Facing Materials

Reliable material performance is required for plasma-facing material (PFM) candidates. Previous research has shown that plasma and neutron radiation exposure induces microstructural changes in PFMs; changes in thermal and electrical conductivities and in material hardening and embrittlement were also observed after neutron irradiation. These material property changes will negatively impact the performance of the PFMs in a fusion reactor. Despite the well-known connection between material microstructure, properties, and performance, there is a need for validated modeling capabilities connecting PFM property degradation with microstructural evolution under fusion-relevant conditions. We are developing a simulation capability to couple plasma-induced microstructural evolution to material property degradation. Our approach relies on deliberate mapping between individual simulation models and experimental characterization for validation. The open-source Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) software was used for this simulation capability development. A MOOSE phase-field model was coupled with the cluster dynamics code, Xolotl, to predict microstructural evolution. Microstructure characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) are used to validate these microstructural evolution simulations. Calculation of thermal and electrical conductivities with first principles simulations was performed for bulk material and for grain boundaries; these results are used within MOOSE models to calculate effective thermal and electrical conductivities as a function of grain characteristics. Thermoreflectance and four-probe techniques were employed to measure the thermal and electrical conductivities, respectively. A MOOSE crystal plasticity model was adapted to predict microstructure-sensitive deformation behavior, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to collect bulk dislocation density data for validation. After individual simulation validation, these models are coupled to predict material property changes resulting from plasma exposure. We focused here on an experimental design to emphasize the separate effects of moderate thermal loads and plasma exposure using tungsten. Annealing of tungsten was performed under a protective environment for temperatures ranging from 500 C to 1500 C. The plasma exposure was completed in the Tritium Plasma Experiment at Idaho National Laboratory under a deuterium flux of 1e22 D/m^2-s. This incremental approach is employed to build confidence in the modeling capability: separate-effects tests ensure that the models capture key mechanisms from single environmental conditions before predicting PFM property degradation under combined loads. We will show our early results from coupling these simulation models to predict PFM property changes from microstructural evolution. Comparisons of the simulation results with preliminary validation data will be discussed.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Connect microstructure evolution to property degradation with validated simulation

Reliable material performance is required for plasma-facing material (PFM) candidates. Previous research has shown that plasma and neutron radiation exposure induces microstructural changes in PFMs; changes in thermal and electrical conductivities and in material hardening and embrittlement were also observed after neutron irradiation. These material property changes will negatively impact the performance of the PFMs in a fusion reactor. Despite the well-known connection between material microstructure, properties, and performance, there is a need for validated modeling capabilities connecting PFM property degradation with microstructural evolution under fusion-relevant conditions. We are developing a simulation capability to couple plasma-induced microstructural evolution to material property degradation. Our approach relies on deliberate mapping between individual simulation models and experimental characterization for validation. The open-source Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) software was used for this simulation capability development. A MOOSE phase-field model was coupled with the cluster dynamics code, Xolotl, to predict microstructural evolution. Microstructure characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) are used to validate these microstructural evolution simulations. Calculation of thermal and electrical conductivities with first principles simulations was performed for bulk material and for grain boundaries; these results are used within MOOSE models to calculate effective thermal and electrical conductivities as a function of grain characteristics. Thermoreflectance and four-probe techniques were employed to measure the thermal and electrical conductivities, respectively. A MOOSE crystal plasticity model was adapted to predict microstructure-sensitive deformation behavior, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to collect bulk dislocation density data for validation. After individual simulation validation, these models are coupled to predict material property changes resulting from plasma exposure. We focused here on an experimental design to emphasize the separate effects of moderate thermal loads and plasma exposure using tungsten. Annealing of tungsten was performed under a protective environment for temperatures ranging from 500$^o$C to 1500$^o$C. The plasma exposure was completed in the Tritium Plasma Experiment at Idaho National Laboratory under a deuterium flux of 1e22 $\frac{D}{m^2s}$. This incremental approach is employed to build confidence in the modeling capability: separate-effects tests ensure that the models capture key mechanisms from single environmental conditions before predicting PFM property degradation under combined loads. We will show our early results from coupling these simulation models to predict PFM property changes from microstructural evolution. Comparisons of the simulation results with preliminary validation data will be discussed.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Connecting Current and Future Dual Active Galactic Nucleus Searches to LISA and Pulsar Timing Array Gravitational-wave Detections

Abstract Dual active galactic nuclei (DAGN) mark the observable stage of massive black hole (MBH) pairing during galaxy mergers and are the progenitors of the MBH binaries that generate low-frequency gravitational waves. Using the large-volume ASTRID cosmological simulation, we construct mock DAGN catalogs tailored to the selection functions of current (COSMOS-Web and DESI) and forthcoming (Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (Roman) and Lynx X-ray Observatory (Lynx)) surveys, enabling direct comparisons between simulations and observations. With realistic observational selections, ASTRID reproduces the observed dual fractions, projected separations, and host-galaxy properties across redshifts. We predict a substantial population of small-separation (<5 kpc) duals that remain inaccessible to current surveys, demonstrating that the apparent paucity of subkiloparsec systems in COSMOS-Web is primarily a consequence of observational selection rather than an intrinsic absence. Following each simulated dual to coalescence, we show that DAGN are effective tracers of MBH mergers: ∼30%–70% merge within ≲1 Gyr, and 20%–60% of these mergers produce gravitational-wave signals detectable by the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). Duals observable with Roman and Lynx are the progenitors of ∼10%–50% of low-redshift LISA sources and contribute ∼30% of the PTA-band stochastic gravitational-wave background. We further identify massive green-valley galaxies hosting moderate-luminosity active galactic nuclei (AGN), together with massive star-forming galaxies containing bright quasars at z > 1, as the environments most likely to host imminent MBH binaries. These results establish a unified cosmological framework connecting DAGN demographics, MBH binary evolution, and gravitational-wave sources, while identifying high-priority targets for coordinated electromagnetic and multimessenger observations in the coming decade.

Chen, Nianyi [Max-Planck-Institut für Astrophysik;↗

The next-generation particle x-ray temporal diagnostic for simultaneous time-resolved measurements of nuclear-burn and x-ray emission histories in support of basic-science and inertial confinement fusion experiments at OMEGA

The next-generation Particle X-ray Temporal Diagnostic (PXTD) has been implemented for simultaneous measurements of x-ray, charged particle, and neutron emission histories from a wide range of inertial confinement fusion and high energy density plasma experiments, demonstrating excellent timing accuracy and greatly improved experimental flexibility. The key changes to the previously fielded system are a redesigned set of thin foil filters in front of the scintillators and individual neutral density filters for each region of the detector. The fully implemented PXTD system can provide unique information about the evolution of ion and electron temperatures in multi-ion and kinetic-physics experiments, proton radiography experiments, and DT experiments executed at the OMEGA facility. The system has 35 ps time resolution and negligible relative timing uncertainty between measured emission history signals. The first use of the upgraded four-channel PXTD system during a set of D 3 He-filled silica-glass implosions on OMEGA captured electron temperatures with a minimum uncertainty of 0.5 keV and resolved both the relative timings and widths of neutron, proton, and x-ray peaks within a single recorded image.

Evans, T. E. [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (M↗

Spatial Mapping of Valence Excited-State Landscapes Using Time-Resolved Shake-Down Spectroscopy

Time-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to track the photodissociation dynamics of 2-iodothiophene following 262 nm excitation. The transient XPS features include both direct ionization of the initially populated excited states and pronounced satellite peaks arising from shake-down processes. While the direct ionization signals exhibit only minimal energy shifts during C−I bond cleavage, the shake-down transitions undergo a substantial, 5 eV, shift over the reaction coordinate. By correlating these shifts with simulated C−I bond lengths, a direct structural mapping is established that reveals the exceptional sensitivity of shake-down channels to molecular geometry. These results demonstrate that shake-down transitions provide a new and powerful probe of ultrafast structural dynamics.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗