3D elemental mapping with nanometer scale depth resolution via electron optical sectioning
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A new series of strongly coupled oscillators based upon (porphinato)Pd, (porphinato)Pt, and bis(terpyridyl)-ruthenium(II) building blocks is described. These RuPPd, RuPPt, RuPPdRu, and RuPPtRu chromophores feature bis- (terpyridyl)Ru(II) moieties connected to the (porphinato)metal unit via an ethyne linker that bridges the 4!-terpyridyl and porphyrin macrocycle meso-carbon positions. Pump–probe transient optical data demonstrate sub-picosecond excited singlet-to-triplet-state relaxation. The relaxed lowest-energy triplet (T 1 ) excited states of these chromophores feature absorption manifolds that span the 800–1200 nm spectral region, microsecond triplet-state lifetimes, and large absorptive extinction coefficients [ε(T 1 → T n ) > 4 × 10 4 M –1 cm –1 ]. Dynamic hyperpolarizability (β λ ) values were determined from hyper-Rayleigh light scattering (HRS) measurements carried out at several incident irradiation wavelengths over the 800–1500 nm spectral region. Relative to benchmark RuPZn and RuPZnRu chromophores which showed large βHRS values over the 1200–1600 nm range, RuPPd, RuPPt, RuPPdRu, and RuPPtRu displayed large βHRS values over the 850–1200 nm region. Generalized Thomas–Kuhn sum (TKS) rules and experimental hyperpolarizability values were utilized to determine excited state-to-excited state transition dipole terms from experimental electronic absorption data and thus assessed frequency-dependent β λ values, including two- and three-level contributions for both β zzz and β xzx tensor components to the RuPPd, RuPPt, RuPPdRu, and RuPPtRu hyperpolarizability spectra. Furthermore, these analyses qualitatively rationalize how the βzzz and βxzx tensor elements influence the observed irradiation wavelength-dependent hyperpolarizability magnitudes. The TKS analysis suggests that supermolecules related to RuPPd, RuPPt, RuPPdRu, and RuPPtRu will likely feature intricate dependences of experimentally determined βHRS values as a function of irradiation wavelength that derive from substantial singlet–triplet mixing, and complex interactions among multiple different β tensor components that modulate the long wavelength regime of the nonlinear optical response.
Theoretical predictions of ZnO:MnO solid solutions (abbreviated here as ZMO) with the rocksalt-type structure suggest improved visible light absorption and suitable band edge positions for the overall water splitting reaction, but experimental efforts to produce such phases are limited by the low solubility of Zn within this structure type. Here, we produce solid solutions of ZnxMn1-xO, with x = 0.5 and 0.3 in the metastable rocksalt phase, using high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) techniques. X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy methods were employed to determine the crystal structure, chemical composition, and homogeneity on the submicron scale. The solid solutions exhibit increased optical absorbance in the visible spectral range as compared to those of the parent oxides ZnO and MnO. Our theoretical calculations for ZnxMn1-xO with x = 0.5, 0.25 predict band gaps of 2.53 and 2.98 eV, respectively, with an unusually large band gap bowing. Our calculations also show small effective electron mass for these materials indicating their potential for solar energy applications. Initial photoelectrochemical tests reveal that ZMO solid solutions are suitable for water oxidation and warrant further experimental optimization.
We report on the anisotropic optical properties of single-crystal tin monosulfide (SnS). The components ε{sub a}, ε{sub b}, and ε{sub c} of the pseudodielectric-function tensor (ε)=(ε₁)+i(ε₂) spectra are taken from 0.73 to 6.45 eV by spectroscopic ellipsometry. The measured (ε) spectra are in a good agreement with the results of the calculated dielectric response from hybrid density functional theory. The (ε) spectra show the direct band-gap onset and a total of eight above-band-gap optical structures that are associated with the interband-transition critical points (CPs). We obtain accurate CP energies by fitting analytic CP expressions to second-energy-derivatives of the (ε) data. Their probable electronic origins and implications for photovoltaic applications are discussed.
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Two-dimensional hole gases (2DHGs) have attracted recent attention for their unique quantum physics and potential applications in areas including spintronics and quantum computing. However, their properties remain relatively unexplored, motivating the use of different techniques to study them. We then used terahertz magneto-optical spectroscopy to investigate the cyclotron resonance frequency in a high mobility 2DHG, revealing a nonlinear dependence on the applied magnetic field. This is shown to be due to the complex non-parabolic valence band structure of the 2DHG, as verified by multiband Landau level calculations. We also found that impurity scattering dominates cyclotron resonance decay in the 2DHG, in contrast with the dominance of superradiant damping in two-dimensional electron gases. Our results shed light on the properties of 2DHGs, motivating further studies of these unique 2D nanosystems.
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We propose electro-optic detection techniques based on variations of the laser pulse spectrum induced during pulse co-propagation with terahertz wave radiation in a nonlinear crystal. Quantitative comparison with two other detection methods is made. Substantial improvement of the sensitivity compared to the standard electro-optic detection technique (at high frequencies) and to the previously shown technique based on laser pulse energy changes is demonstrated in experiment.
Electromagnetic interaction between a sub-wavelength particle (the “probe”) and a material surface (the “sample”) is studied theoretically. The interaction is shown to be governed by a series of resonances corresponding to surface polariton modes localized near the probe. The resonance parameters depend on the dielectric function and geometry of the probe as well as on the surface reflectivity of the material. Calculation of such resonances is carried out for several types of axisymmetric probes: spherical, spheroidal, and pear-shaped. For spheroids, an efficient numerical method is developed, capable of handling cases of large or strongly momentum-dependent surface reflectivity. Application of the method to highly resonant materials, such as aluminum oxide (by itself or covered with graphene), reveals a rich structure of multi-peak spectra and nonmonotonic approach curves, i.e., the probe-sample distance dependence. These features also strongly depend on the probe shape and optical constants of the model. For less resonant materials such as silicon oxide, the dependence is weak, so that the spheroidal model is reliable. The calculations are done within the quasistatic approximation with radiative damping included perturbatively.
Quasi-hydrostatic high-pressure equations of state (EOS) are typically determined, for crystalline solids, by measuring unit-cell volumes using x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. However, when characterizing low-symmetry materials with large unit cells, conventional XRD approaches may become problematic. To overcome this issue, we examined the utility of a “direct” approach toward determining high pressure material volume by measuring surface area and sample thickness using optical microscopy and interferometry (OMI), respectively. We have validated this experimental approach by comparing results obtained for 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene TATB with an EOS determined from synchrotron XRD measurements; and, a good match is observed. We have measured the high pressure EOS of 5-nitro-2,4-dihydro-1,2,4,-triazol-3-one (α-NTO) up to 28 GPa. No high-pressure XRD EOS data have been published on α-NTO, probably due to its complex crystal structure. The results of this study suggest that OMI is a reliable and versatile alternative for determining EOSs, especially when conventional methodologies are impractical.
A new thin-film diamond crystal mounting apparatus has been designed at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) for coherence preservation hard x-ray optics with optimized thermal contact and minimized crystal strain. This novel mechanical design can be applied to new development in the field of: x-ray optics cavities for hard x-ray free-electron laser oscillators (XFELOs), self-seeding monochromators for hard x-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) with high average thermal loading, high heat load diamond crystal monochromators and beam-sharing/beam-split-and-delay devices for XFEL facilities and future upgraded high-brightness coherent x-ray source in the MBA lattice configuration at the APS.
We report on the current status of the Adaptive X-ray Optics project run by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). LLNL is collaborating with the Advanced Light Source (ALS) to demonstrate a near real-time adaptive X-ray optic. To this end, a custom-built 45 cm long deformable mirror has been installed at ALS beamline 5.3.1 (end station 2) for a two-year period that started in September 2014. We will outline general aspects of the instrument, present results from a recent experimental campaign and touch on future plans for the project.
Diagnostic use of single-pulse x-ray diffraction (XRD) at pulsed power facilities can be challenging due to factors such as the high flux and brightness requirements for diffraction and the geometric constraints of experimental platforms. By necessity, the x-ray source is usually positioned very close, within a few inches of the sample. On dynamic compression platforms, this puts the x-ray source in the debris field. We coupled x-ray polycapillary optics to a single-shot needle-and-washer x-ray diode source using a laser-based alignment scheme to obtain high-quality x-ray diffraction using a single 16 ns x-ray pulse with the source >1 m from the sample. Additionally, the system was tested on a Mo sample in reflection geometry using 17 keV x-rays from a Mo anode. We also identified an anode conditioning effect that increased the x-ray intensity by 180%. Quantitative measurements of the x-ray focal spot produced by the polycapillary yielded a total x-ray flux on the sample of 3.3 ± 0.5 × 10 7 molybdenum Kα photons.
Laser-induced periodic surface structuring is a powerful technique for modifying the surface properties of solids. Using ultrashort pulses from a Ti:Sapphire laser (800 nm, 100 fs) we have fabricated nanoscale order laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on a silicon (100) surface. The LIPSS patterns are found to be strongly dependent on the laser pulse energy, state of polarization, number of shots delivered on the target, and the ambient pressure. The role of laser wavelength is studied by using the second harmonic output (400 nm) also for fabrication. Large area (5x4 mm2) surface structuring has been carried out at atmospheric pressure after optimizing the laser parameters at 800 nm. The patterned silicon surface shows a substantial reduction in the reflection of incident light over a wide range of wavelengths, in comparison to plain silicon. Moreover, when used for laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) experiments, enhanced optical emission and ion current have been observed from the patterned surface. This indicates that coupling of laser energy to the surface is enhanced in the case of patterned silicon. While spectral lines emitted by doubly ionized silicon have been observed from the patterned surface, the plain surface gives lines from singly ionized silicon only. A discernible enhancement has been measured in both optical (50-90%) and electrical (34%) signals from the plasma generated on the patterned surface. These results confirm that LIPSS is a versatile method for enhancing the coupling of laser energy on to irradiated solid surfaces.
An Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy funded diagnostic system has been deployed to the Princeton field-reversed configuration 2 (PFRC-2) device, located at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. The Portable Diagnostic Package (PDP), designed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, allows for the measurement of Thomson Scattering (TS) for electron density and temperature and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) for ion temperature, impurity density, and ion velocity. A tunable spectrometer on the PDP with three gratings provides the flexibility to measure low (1 eV) and high (1000 eV) electron temperature ranges from TS. Additionally, using a second spectrometer, the OES diagnostic can survey light emission from various ion excitation levels for wide wavelength ranges. The electron density (<2 × 10 19 m –3 ) of plasmas generated in PFRC-2 has been below the PDP TS discrimination threshold, which has made TS signal detection challenging against a high-background of laser stray light. The laser stray light was iteratively reduced by making modifications to the entrance and exit geometry on PFRC-2. Rayleigh scattering experiments on PFRC have yielded the TS discrimination sensitivity to be >1 × 10 20 m –3 for the PDP. A recently implemented narrow-band notch spectral filter that masks the second harmonic 532 nm Nd:YAG laser wavelength has increased the system’s TS light discrimination sensitivity 65 times compared to the instance when the notch filter was not implemented. The hardware implementation including design changes to the flight tubes and Brewster windows will be discussed, along with results from Rayleigh and rotational Raman scattering sensitivity analyses, which were used to establish a quantitative figure of merit on the system performance. Further, the Raman scattering calibration with the notch filter has improved the PDP electron density threshold to 1 ± 0.5 × 10 18 m –3 .
A system of precise frequency modulation of laser radiation by an acousto-optic modulator, which makes it possible to stabilise the radiation power and simultaneously suppress the residual amplitude modulation to a level of 10{sup -8} of the total laser power at the third harmonic of modulation frequency (∼500 Hz), is presented. The use of this system for the Nd : YAG/I{sub 2} optical frequency standard and application of digital signal synthesis and processing methods provided a level of frequency standard instability as small as ∼10{sup -15} for ∼6 × 10{sup 4} s. (frequency standards)
By means of experimental and ab initio investigations, in this article we report on the cubic phase stability of Cu doped zirconia (ZrO 2 ) at room temperature, and further characterize its structural, optical and magnetic properties. Various compositions of Zr 1– x Cu x O 2 (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) nanocrystallites of average size ~16 nm were synthesized using co-precipitation technique. Thermal analysis and kinetics of crystallization revealed that the cubic phase at ambient temperature can be stabilized by using a critical calcination temperature of 500 °C for 8 h in air and a critical composition of $x_c$ = 0.10 ± 0.05. For $x < x_c$, some undigested monoclinic phase of ZrO 2 exists together with the cubic structure. However, for $x > x_c$, the monoclinic CuO emerges as a secondary phase with shrinkage of unit-cell volume with increasing the Cu content. At x = 0.05 and 500 °C calcination temperature, we observe a high degree of cubic crystallinity which breaks down into monoclinic phase with increasing calcination temperature beyond 550 °C. Electron magnetic resonance studies provide evidence for the substitution of Cu 2+ ( 2 D 5/9 ,3d 9 ) ions at Zr 4+ sites with g ∥ = 2.250, g ⊥ = 2.018 and average g a = (g ∥ + 2g ⊥ )/3 ~ 2.1. The temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility measurements from 2 K to 300 K exhibits Curie–Weiss behaviour whose analysis using g a = 2.1 and spin S = 1/2 yields x = 0.028 and x = 0.068 for the nominal x = 0.05 and x = 0.20 samples, respectively. This magnetic analysis confirms the findings from x-ray diffraction that only a part of Cu is successfully doped into cubic phase of Cu-doped ZrO 2 . The optical bandgap decreases with increasing x, which is due to the emergence of Cu-d states at Fermi-level near the valence bands, thus making Cu-doped zirconia a hole doped (p-type) semiconductor.
A key aspect of single crystal diamond growth via microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition is in-process control of the local plasma–substrate environment, that is, plasma gas phase concentrations of activated species at the plasma boundary layer near the substrate surface. Emission spectra of the plasma relative to the diamond substrate inside the microwave plasma reactor chamber have been analyzed via optical emission spectroscopy. The spectra of radical species such as CH, C{sub 2}, and H (Balmer series) important for diamond growth were identified and analyzed. The emission intensities of these electronically excited species were found to be more dependent on operating pressure than on microwave power. Plasma gas temperatures were calculated from measurements of the C{sub 2} Swan band (d{sup 3}Π → a{sup 3}Π transition) system. The plasma gas temperature ranges from 2800 to 3400 K depending on the spatial location of the plasma ball, microwave power and operating pressure. Addition of Ar into CH{sub 4}+H{sub 2} plasma input gas mixture has little influence on the Hα, Hβ, and Hγ intensities and single-crystal diamond growth rates.