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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 379 records · Page 21

Influence of extended interactions on spin dynamics in one-dimensional cuprates

Quasi-one-dimensional (1D) materials provide a unique platform for understanding the importance and influence of extended interactions on the physics of strongly correlated systems due to their relative structural simplicity and the existence of powerful theoretical tools well-adapted to one spatial dimension. Recently, this was highlighted by anomalous observations in the single-particle spectral function A(q, ω) of 1D cuprate chain compounds, measured by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), which were explained by the presence of a long-range attractive interaction. Such an extended interaction should leave its fingerprints on other observables, notably the dynamical spin structure factor S(q, ω), measured by neutron scattering or resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS). Starting from a simple Hubbard Hamiltonian in 1D and using time-dependent density matrix renormalization group (tDMRG) methods, we show that the presence of long-range attractive coupling, directly through an instantaneous Coulomb interaction V or retarded electron phonon (el-ph) coupling, can introduce significant spectral weight redistribution in S(q, ω) across a wide range of doping. Here, this underscores the significant impact that extended interactions can have on dynamical correlations among particles, and the importance of properly incorporating this influence in modeling. Our results demonstrate that S(q, ω) can provide a sensitive experimental constraint, which complements ARPES measurements, in identifying key interactions in 1D cuprates, beyond the standard Hubbard model.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Gate-Tunable Phonon Magnetic Moment in Bilayer Graphene

Here we develop a first-principles quantum scheme to calculate the phonon magnetic moment in solids. As a showcase example, we apply our method to study gated bilayer graphene, a material with strong covalent bonds. According to the classical theory based on the Born effective charge, the phonon magnetic moment in this system should vanish, yet our quantum mechanical calculations find significant phonon magnetic moments. Furthermore, the magnetic moment is highly tunable by changing the gate voltage. Our results firmly establish the necessity of the quantum mechanical treatment, and identify small-gap covalent materials as a promising platform for studying tunable phonon magnetic moment.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Diverse electronic topography in a distorted kagome metal LaTi 3 ⁢Bi 4

Recent reports on a family of kagome metals of the form 𝐿⁢𝑛⁢Ti 3 ⁢Bi 4 (𝐿⁢𝑛 = Lanthanide) have stoked interest due to the combination of highly anisotropic magnetism and a rich electronic structure. The electronic structure near the Fermi level is proposed to exhibit Dirac points and van Hove singularities (VHSs). Here, in this manuscript, we use angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements in combination with density functional theory calculations to investigate the electronic structure of an interesting kagome metal LaTi 3 ⁢Bi 4 . Our results reveal multiple VHSs with one VHS located in the vicinity of the Fermi level. We clearly observe two flat bands, which originate from the destructive interference of wave functions within the Ti kagome motif. These flat bands and VHSs originate from Ti 𝑑 orbitals and are very responsive to the polarization of the incident beam. We notice a significant anisotropy in the electronic structure, resulting from the breaking of sixfold rotational symmetry in this material. Our findings demonstrate this member of Ti based kagome materials as a promising platform to explore novel emerging phenomena in the wider 𝐿⁢𝑛⁢Ti 3⁢ Bi 4 (𝐿⁢𝑛 = lanthanide) family.

electronic structure↗

The Mini Astrophysical MeV Background Observatory (MAMBO) CubeSat mission

The origin of the cosmic diffuse gamma-ray (CDG) background in the 0.3 – 30 MeV energy range is a mystery that has persisted for over 40 years. The Mini Astrophysical MeV Background Observatory (MAMBO) is a CubeSat mission concept motivated by the fact that, since the MeV CDG is relatively bright, only a small detector is required to make highquality measurements of it. Indeed, the sensitivity of space-based gamma-ray instruments to the CDG is limited not by size, but by the locally generated instrumental background produced by interactions of energetic particles in spacecraft materials. Comparatively tiny CubeSat platforms provide a uniquely quiet environment relative to previous gamma-ray science missions. The MAMBO mission will provide the best measurements ever made of the MeV CDG spectrum and angular distribution, utilizing two key innovations: 1) low instrumental background on a 12U CubeSat platform; and 2) an innovative shielded spectrometer design that simultaneously measures signal and background. We describe the MAMBO instrument and mission concept in detail, including simulations and laboratory measurements demonstrating the key measurement concept.

Astronomy and astrophysics↗

Electrically driven photon emission from individual atomic defects in monolayer WS 2

Quantum dot–like single-photon sources in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit appealing quantum optical properties but lack a well-defined atomic structure and are subject to large spectral variability. Here, we demonstrate electrically stimulated photon emission from individual atomic defects in monolayer WS 2 and directly correlate the emission with the local atomic and electronic structure. Radiative transitions are locally excited by sequential inelastic electron tunneling from a metallic tip into selected discrete defect states in the WS 2 bandgap. Coupling to the optical far field is mediated by tip plasmons, which transduce the excess energy into a single photon. The applied tip-sample voltage determines the transition energy. Atomically resolved emission maps of individual point defects closely resemble electronic defect orbitals, the final states of the optical transitions. Inelastic charge carrier injection into localized defect states of two-dimensional materials provides a powerful platform for electrically driven, broadly tunable, atomic-scale single-photon sources.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Lithium niobate photonics: Unlocking the electromagnetic spectrum

Lithium niobate (LN), first synthesized 70 years ago, has been widely used in diverse applications ranging from communications to quantum optics. These high-volume commercial applications have provided the economic means to establish a mature manufacturing and processing industry for high-quality LN crystals and wafers. Breakthrough science demonstrations to commercial products have been achieved owing to the ability of LN to generate and manipulate electromagnetic waves across a broad spectrum, from microwave to ultraviolet frequencies. Here, we provide a high-level Review of the history of LN as an optical material, its different photonic platforms, engineering concepts, spectral coverage, and essential applications before providing an outlook for the future of LN.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Direct visualization of magnetic domains and moiré magnetism in twisted 2D magnets

Moiré superlattices of twisted nonmagnetic two-dimensional (2D) materials are highly controllable platforms for the engineering of exotic correlated and topological states. In this work, we report emerging magnetic textures in small-angle twisted 2D magnet chromium triiodide (CrI 3 ). Using single-spin quantum magnetometry, we directly visualized nanoscale magnetic domains and periodic patterns, a signature of moiré magnetism, and measured domain size and magnetization. In twisted bilayer CrI 3 , we observed the coexistence of antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) domains with disorder-like spatial patterns. In twisted double-trilayer CrI 3 , AFM and FM domains with periodic patterns appear, which is in good agreement with the calculated spatial magnetic structures that arise from the local stacking-dependent interlayer exchange interactions in CrI 3 moiré superlattices. Our results highlight magnetic moiré superlattices as a platform for exploring nanomagnetism.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Toward “super-scintillation” with nanomaterials and nanophotonics

Abstract Following the discovery of X-rays, scintillators are commonly used as high-energy radiation sensors in diagnostic medical imaging, high-energy physics, astrophysics, environmental radiation monitoring, and security inspections. Conventional scintillators face intrinsic limitations including a low extraction efficiency of scintillated light and a low emission rate, leading to efficiencies that are less than 10 % for commercial scintillators. Overcoming these limitations will require new materials including scintillating nanomaterials (“nanoscintillators”), as well as new photonic approaches that increase the efficiency of the scintillation process, increase the emission rate of materials, and control the directivity of the scintillated light. In this perspective, we describe emerging nanoscintillating materials and three nanophotonic platforms: (i) plasmonic nanoresonators, (ii) photonic crystals, and (iii) high-Q metasurfaces that could enable high performance scintillators. We further discuss how a combination of nanoscintillators and photonic structures can yield a “super scintillator” enabling ultimate spatio-temporal resolution while enabling a significant boost in the extracted scintillation emission.

Carr Delgado, Hamish↗

Double sided measurements and associated error bars for planar samples or subassemblies

Many of the high energy density (HED) experiments use targets with planar components usually in a multilayer stack as the physics package which is at the heart of the experiment. The physics package contains the sample part under study as well as other components as shown in Fig. 1, that when exposed to the laser drive applies pressure onto or shock the main component to take it to the desired state in the phase diagram. These other components may include the ablator, pusher, x-ray pre-heat shield, window or other special components. The components are usually glued together. Currently, experiments on NIF and Omega in the Dynamic Materials campaign use several platforms such as Diffraction, EOS and Strength (Ref 1-3) which all use such planar stack physics packages.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Remote Radiation Sensing Using Aerial and Ground Platforms

Remote sensing of ionizing radiation has a significant role in waste management, nuclear material management and nonproliferation, and radiation safety. Robotic platforms can surpass the number of tasks that are achieved by humans. With this technique, the operator's radiation exposure can be decreased. Remote sensing allows for the evaluation and monitoring of radiological contamination. Gamma-ray and neutron sensors were integrated onto the robotic platforms. This approach allows for the radiation sensor data to be dynamically tracked and mapped thus enabling further analysis of the radiation flux in temporal and spatial domains. The goal is to complete scheduled tasks while the robot is being irradiated. To achieve this, electronic components must be shielded and radiation hardened. CZT Detector: Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) detector technology has been a promising solution for gamma-ray and x-ray measurements. Detector data is transferred to the Odroid minicomputer that controls and powers the module via the USB. Robot Operating System (ROS) was utilized for data acquisition and data fusion. The Mariscotti method was employed for the spectrum analysis. A function was programmed in ROS for the automatic identification of photopeaks. CLYC Detector: A Cs{sub 2}LiYCl{sub 6}:Ce{sup 3+} (CLYC) detector was used for simultaneous medium-resolution gamma-ray measurements and neutron counting. A 2.54 cm diameter photomultiplier tube (PMT) was equipped with a high voltage supply and a miniature digitizer. Gamma-ray excitation: fast core-to-valence luminescence (CVL) with 1 ns decay constant, and prompt Ce{sup 3+} emission with 50 ns decay constant. Neutron excitation: slow cerium self-trapped excitation (Ce{sup 3+} STE), 1000 ns decay constant. Radiation Source Localization: Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and gradient-based methods were used to locate the position of a radiation source based on measured radiation intensities. Multi-Particle Transport Code FLUKA: Estimation of radiation damage of the electronic components is important in order to optimize the robot's operational time while it is irradiated. Displacement per atom (DPA) represents the radiation damage in materials exposed to the ionizing radiation. Various shielding layers of different thickness t were analyzed (< 5% statistical error). The model of the controller of the UAS was designed in FLUKA. Conclusion: CZT and CLYC detectors were integrated onto the robotic platforms. Radiation source localization and contour mapping using robotic platforms were studied. Functions for data analysis and fusion were developed in ROS. FLUKA code was utilized to analyze DPA values. Layers of low-density and high-density materials were used to shield the UAS electronics.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Direct synthesis of ordered mesoporous materials from thermoplastic elastomers

Abstract The ability to manufacture ordered mesoporous materials using low-cost precursors and scalable processes is essential for unlocking their enormous potential to enable advancement in nanotechnology. While templating-based methods play a central role in the development of mesoporous materials, several limitations exist in conventional system design, including cost, volatile solvent consumption, and attainable pore sizes from commercial templating agents. This work pioneers a new manufacturing platform for producing ordered mesoporous materials through direct pyrolysis of crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer-based block copolymers. Specifically, olefinic majority phases are selectively crosslinked through sulfonation reactions and subsequently converted to carbon, while the minority block can be decomposed to form ordered mesopores. We demonstrate that this process can be extended to different polymer precursors for synthesizing mesoporous polymer, carbon, and silica. Furthermore, the obtained carbons possess large mesopores, sulfur-doped carbon framework, with tailorable pore textures upon varying the precursor identities.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Creating a three-dimensional intrinsic electric dipole on rotated CrI 3 bilayers

Here two-dimensional (2D) materials are being explored as a novel multiferroic platform. One of the most studied magnetoelectric multiferroic 2D materials are antiferromagnetically coupled (AFM) CrI 3 bilayers. Neglecting magnetism, those bilayers possess a crystalline point of inversion, which is only removed by the antiparallel spin configuration among its two constituent monolayers. The resulting intrinsic electric dipole on those bilayers has a magnitude no larger than 0.04 pC/m, it points out of plane, and it reverts direction when the Ising-like-chromium spins are flipped (toward opposite layers versus away from opposite layers). The combined presence of antiferromagnetism and a weak intrinsic electric dipole makes this material a two-dimensional magnetoelectric multiferroic. Here, we remove the crystalline center of inversion of the bilayer by a relative 60° rotation of its constituent monolayers. This process enhances the out-of-plane intrinsic electric dipole tenfold with respect to its magnitude in the nonrotated AFM bilayer and also creates an even stronger and switchable in-plane intrinsic electric dipole. The ability to create a three-dimensional electric dipole is important because it enhances the magnetoelectric coupling on this experimentally accessible 2D material, which is explicitly calculated here as well.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

High Fluence 14 MeV Neutron Exposure Capability at the National Ignition Facility

Neutron experiments conducted at the National Ignition Facility can utilize high neutron fluences delivered in very short pulses. By adapting inertial confinement fusion laser pulses and targets, fluences above 10 15 n/cm 2 can be achieved on small experimental volumes, and prospectively up to 10 16 n/cm 2 onto capsule materials under development. Neutron pulse lengths are less than 1 ns. Large experimental volumes from 150 cm 3 to 20 L can access fluences of 10 8 -10 13 n/cm 2 . Experimental platforms may contain encapsulated hazardous materials, active electronics connected to sophisticated prompt read-out equipment, and large assemblies up to 200 kg. Furthermore, sources are designed to maximize total yield, total experimental fluence, or maximum fluenceper user-day allocated as required.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Evidence for a higher-order topological insulator in a three-dimensional material built from van der Waals stacking of bismuth-halide chains

Low-dimensional van der Waals materials have been extensively studied as a platform with which to generate quantum effects. Advancing this research, topological quantum materials with van der Waals structures are currently receiving a great deal of attention. Here, we use the concept of designing topological materials by the van der Waals stacking of quantum spin Hall insulators. Most interestingly, we find that a slight shift of inversion centre in the unit cell caused by a modification of stacking induces a transition from a trivial insulator to a higher-order topological insulator. Based on this, we present angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy results showing that the real three-dimensional material Bi4Br4 is a higher-order topological insulator. Our demonstration that various topological states can be selected by stacking chains differently, combined with the advantages of van der Waals materials, offers a playground for engineering topologically non-trivial edge states towards future spintronics applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Understanding and tuning magnetism in van der Waals-type metal thiophosphates

Over the past two decades, significant progress in two-dimensional (2D) materials has invigorated research in condensed matter and material physics in low dimensions. While traditionally studied in three-dimensional systems, magnetism has now been extended to the 2D realm. Recent breakthroughs in 2D magnetism have attracted substantial interest from the scientific community, owing to the stable magnetic order achievable in atomically thin layers of the van der Waals (vdW)-type layered magnetic materials. These advances offer an exciting platform for investigating related phenomena in low dimensions and hold promise for spintronic applications. Consequently, vdW magnetic materials with tunable magnetism have attracted significant attention. Specifically, antiferromagnetic metal thiophosphates MPX 3 (M = transition metal, P = phosphorus, X = chalcogen) have been investigated extensively. These materials exhibit long-range magnetic order spanning from bulk to the 2D limit. The magnetism in MPX 3 arises from localized moments associated with transition metal ions, making it tunable via substitutions and intercalations. In this review, we focus on such tuning by providing a comprehensive summary of various metal- and chalcogen-substitution and intercalation studies, along with the mechanism of magnetism modulation, and a perspective on the development of this emergent material family.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Time resolved x-ray diffraction in shock compressed systems

The availability of pulsed x rays on short timescales has opened up new avenues of research in the physics and chemistry of shocked materials. The continued installation of shock platforms such as gas guns and high power lasers placed at beamline x-ray facilities has advanced our knowledge of materials shocked to extreme conditions of pressure and temperature. In addition, theoretical advancements have made direct correspondence with high-pressure x-ray experiments more viable, increasing the predictive capability of these models. In this paper, we discuss both recent experimental results and the theory and modeling that has been developed to treat these complex situations. Finally, we discuss the impact that new platforms and increased beam time may have on the future direction of this field.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Twistronics of Janus transition metal dichalcogenide bilayers

Twisted multilayers of two-dimensional (2D) materials are an increasingly important platform for investigating quantum phases of matter, and in particular, strongly correlated electrons. The moiré pattern introduced by the relative twist between layers creates effective potentials of long wavelength, leading to electron localization. However, in contrast to the abundance of 2D materials, few twisted heterostructures have been studied until now. Here, in this study, we develop a first-principles continuum theory to study the electronic bands introduced by moire patterns of twisted Janus transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) homo- and heterobilayers. The model includes lattice relaxation, stacking-dependent effective mass, and Rashba spin-orbit coupling. We then perform a high-throughput generation and characterization of DFT-extracted continuum models for more than a hundred possible combinations of materials and stackings. Our model predicts that the moiré physics and emergent symmetries depend on chemical composition, vertical layer orientation, and twist angle, so that the miniband wave functions can form triangular, honeycomb, and kagome networks. Rashba spin-orbit effects, peculiar of these systems, can dominate the moiré bandwidth at small angles. Our work enables detailed investigation of Janus twisted heterostructures, allowing the discovery and control of novel electronic phenomena.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗