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At least 397 records · Page 22

Self-patterning Gd nano-fibers in Mg-Gd alloys

Manipulating the shape and distribution of strengthening units, e.g. particles, fibers, and precipitates, in a bulk metal, has been a widely applied strategy of tailoring their mechanical properties. Here, we report self-assembled patterns of Gd nano-fibers in Mg-Gd alloys for the purpose of improving their strength and deformability. 1-nm Gd nano-fibers, with a $\langle$c$\rangle$ -rod shape, are formed and hexagonally patterned in association with Gd segregations along dislocations that nucleated during hot extrusion. Such Gd-fiber patterns are able to regulate the relative activities of slips and twinning, as a result, overcome the inherent limitations in strength and ductility of Mg alloys. Finally, this nano-fiber patterning approach could be an effective method to engineer hexagonal metals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fronts and patterns in a spatially forced CDIMA reaction

Here we use the CDIMA chemical reaction and the Lengyel–Epstein model of this reaction to study resonant responses of a pattern-forming system to time-independent spatial periodic forcing. We focus on the 2 : 1 resonance, where the wavenumber of a one-dimensional periodic forcing is about twice the wavenumber of the natural stripe pattern that the unforced system tends to form. Within this resonance, we study transverse fronts that shift the phase of resonant stripe patterns by π. We identify phase fronts that shift the phase discontinuously, and pairs of phase fronts that shift the phase continuously, clockwise and anti-clockwise. We further identify a front bifurcation that destabilizes the discontinuous front and leads to a pair of continuous fronts. This bifurcation is the spatial counterpart of the nonequilibrium Ising–Bloch (NIB) bifurcation in temporally forced oscillatory systems. The spatial NIB bifurcation that we find occurs as the forcing strength is increased, unlike earlier studies of the NIB bifurcation. Furthermore, the bifurcation is subcritical, implying a range of forcing strength where both discontinuous Ising fronts and continuous Bloch fronts are stable. Finally, we find that both Ising fronts and Bloch fronts can form discrete families of bound pairs, and we relate arrays of these front pairs to extended rectangular and oblique patterns.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Programming entropy production hotspots via interaction patterning

Dissipation in soft matter and living systems is highly heterogeneous, giving rise to complex local entropy production patterns. Recent work has identified the connection between local entropy production and locally extractable amount of work. This suggests that locally produced entropy can be recovered to power nanorobots and biological machines, prompting the need for efficient strategies to modulate and fine-tune local entropy production. In this work, we propose to program entropy production hotspots by leveraging local interaction patterns and test this approach in simulations of a fluid driven through a nanopore or past an obstacle. Here, the results show that patterning the surface of the pore with a repulsive patch gives rise to an entropy production hotspot around the patch, while an attractive patch leads to an entropy production cold spot. Varying the strength of the interaction and width of the patch enables modulating the hotness and extent of the hot spot. In flows past interaction patterned-obstacles, we show that the combined effects of steric hindrance and attraction allows to program a specific entropy production map, thereby opening the door to the precise powering of nanomachines.

Desgranges, Caroline [University of Massachusetts,↗

Writing magnetic patterns with surface acoustic waves

A novel patterning technique that creates magnetization patterns in a continuous magnetostrictive film with surface acoustic waves is demonstrated. Patterns of 10 μm wide stripes of alternating magnetization and a 3 μm dot of reversed magnetization are written using standing and focusing acoustic waves, respectively. The magnetization pattern is size-tunable, erasable, and rewritable by changing the magnetic field and acoustic power. This versatility, along with its solid-state implementation (no moving parts) and electronic control, renders it as a promising technique for application in magnetic recording, magnonic signal processing, magnetic particle manipulation, and spatial magneto-optical modulation.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

The improvement of GaN-based light-emitting diodes using nanopatterned sapphire substrate with small pattern spacing

Self-assembly SiO{sub 2} nanosphere monolayer template is utilized to fabricate nanopatterned sapphire substrates (NPSSs) with 0-nm, 50-nm, and 120-nm spacing, receptively. The GaN growth on top of NPSS with 0-nm spacing has the best crystal quality because of laterally epitaxial overgrowth. However, GaN growth from pattern top is more difficult to get smooth surface than from pattern bottom. The rougher surface may result in a higher work voltage. The stimulation results of finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) display that too large or too small spacing lead to the reduced light extracted efficiency (LEE) of LEDs. Under a driving current 350 mA, the external quantum efficiencies (EQE) of GaN-based LEDs grown on NPSSs with 0-nm, 50-nm, and 120-nm spacing increase by 43.3%, 50.6%, and 39.1%, respectively, compared to that on flat sapphire substrate (FSS). The optimized pattern spacing is 50 nm for the NPSS with 600-nm pattern period.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Square Turing patterns in reaction-diffusion systems with coupled layers

Square Turing patterns are usually unstable in reaction-diffusion systems and are rarely observed in corresponding experiments and simulations. We report here an example of spontaneous formation of square Turing patterns with the Lengyel-Epstein model of two coupled layers. The squares are found to be a result of the resonance between two supercritical Turing modes with an appropriate ratio. Besides, the spatiotemporal resonance of Turing modes resembles to the mode-locking phenomenon. Analysis of the general amplitude equations for square patterns reveals that the fixed point corresponding to square Turing patterns is stationary when the parameters adopt appropriate values.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Investigation on synchronization of the offset printing process for fine patterning and precision overlay

Offset printing processes are promising candidates for producing printed electronics due to their capacity for fine patterning and suitability for mass production. To print high-resolution patterns with good overlay using offset printing, the velocities of two contact surfaces, which ink is transferred between, should be synchronized perfectly. However, an exact velocity of the contact surfaces is unknown due to several imperfections, including tolerances, blanket swelling, and velocity ripple, which prevents the system from being operated in the synchronized condition. In this paper, a novel method of measurement based on the sticking model of friction force was proposed to determine the best synchronized condition, i.e., the condition in which the rate of synchronization error is minimized. It was verified by experiment that the friction force can accurately represent the rate of synchronization error. Based on the measurement results of the synchronization error, the allowable margin of synchronization error when printing high-resolution patterns was investigated experimentally using reverse offset printing. There is a region where the patterning performance is unchanged even though the synchronization error is varied, and this may be viewed as indirect evidence that printability performance is secured when there is no slip at the contact interface. To understand what happens at the contact surfaces during ink transfer, the deformation model of the blanket's surface was developed. The model estimates how much deformation on the blanket's surface can be borne by the synchronization error when there is no slip at the contact interface. In addition, the model shows that the synchronization error results in scale variation in the machine direction (MD), which means that the printing registration in the MD can be adjusted actively by controlling the synchronization if there is a sufficient margin of synchronization error to guarantee printability. The effect of synchronization on the printing registration was verified experimentally using gravure offset printing. The variations in synchronization result in the differences in the MD scale, and the measured MD scale matches exactly with the modeled MD scale.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Bit patterned media optimization at 1 Tdot/in{sup 2} by post-annealing

We report on the fabrication of 1 Tdot/in{sup 2} bit patterned media with high coercivity (H{sub C}) and narrow intrinsic switching field distribution (iSFD) based on nanoimprint from a master pattern formed by e-beam guided block copolymer assembly onto a carbon hard mask and subsequent pattern transfer via etching into a thin CoCrPt perpendicular anisotropy recording layer. We demonstrate that an additional vacuum annealing step after pattern transfer into the CoCrPt layer and after Carbon hard mask removal not only yields recovery from undesired damage of the island edges, but actually transforms the islands into a magnetically more favorable compositional phase with higher H{sub C}, lower iSFD/H{sub C}, and three-fold increased thermal stability. Energy filtered transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals that the diffusion of Cr from the island cores to the periphery of the islands during post-annealing is responsible for the transformation of the magnetic bits into a more stable state.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Recognizing molecular patterns by machine learning: An agnostic structural definition of the hydrogen bond

The concept of chemical bonding can ultimately be seen as a rationalization of the recurring structural patterns observed in molecules and solids. Chemical intuition is nothing but the ability to recognize and predict such patterns, and how they transform into one another. Here, we discuss how to use a computer to identify atomic patterns automatically, so as to provide an algorithmic definition of a bond based solely on structural information. We concentrate in particular on hydrogen bonding – a central concept to our understanding of the physical chemistry of water, biological systems, and many technologically important materials. Since the hydrogen bond is a somewhat fuzzy entity that covers a broad range of energies and distances, many different criteria have been proposed and used over the years, based either on sophisticate electronic structure calculations followed by an energy decomposition analysis, or on somewhat arbitrary choices of a range of structural parameters that is deemed to correspond to a hydrogen-bonded configuration. We introduce here a definition that is univocal, unbiased, and adaptive, based on our machine-learning analysis of an atomistic simulation. The strategy we propose could be easily adapted to similar scenarios, where one has to recognize or classify structural patterns in a material or chemical compound.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Spontaneous decoration of Au nanoparticles on micro-patterned reduced graphene oxide shaped by focused laser beam

We report a facile, two-step method for the micro-landscaping of Au nanoparticles(NPs) on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) film en route to micro-patterned Au(NPs)-rGO hybrid functional materials. This method employs a focused laser beam to first locally convert GO to rGO before immersing the micro-patterned GO-rGO film into HAuCl{sub 4} solution. The rGO micro-pattern, shaped by the focused laser beam, serves as nucleation sites for the reduction of Au ions. The reduction mechanism that governs the decoration of Au NPs on rGO films is akin to electroless deposition process. In this instance, surface charges that are formed during laser reduction of GO to rGO provide active nucleation sites for Au{sup 3+} ions to form Au NPs when HAuCl{sub 4} solution is introduced. The number density, the size, and size distribution of the Au NPs can thus be directly tuned and preferentially anchored onto the rGO micro-pattern by varying the incident laser power, the scanning speed of the laser, or the concentration of HAuCl{sub 4}. The resulting hybrid materials can be used as a substrate for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). Using Rhodamine 6G as the test subject, we found an improvement of SERS enhancement over bare rGO of up to four times, depending on the size of the Au NPs.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Honeycomb superlattice pattern in a dielectric barrier discharge in argon/air

We report on a honeycomb superlattice pattern in a dielectric barrier discharge in argon/air for the first time. It consists of hexagon lattice and honeycomb framework and bifurcates from a hexagon pattern as the applied voltage increases. A phase diagram of the pattern as a function of the gas component and gas pressure is presented. The instantaneous images show that the hexagon lattice and honeycomb framework are ignited in turn in each half voltage cycle. The honeycomb framework is composed of filaments ignited randomly. The spatiotemporal dynamics of honeycomb superlattice pattern is discussed by wall charges.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Direct observation of interlocked domain walls and topological four-state vortex-like domain patterns in multiferroic YMnO{sub 3} single crystal

Using the advanced spherical aberration-corrected high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscope imaging techniques, we investigated atomic-scale structural features of domain walls and domain patterns in YMnO{sub 3} single crystal. Three different types of interlocked ferroelectric-antiphase domain walls and two abnormal topological four-state vortex-like domain patterns are identified. Each ferroelectric domain wall is accompanied by a translation vector, i.e., 1/6[210] or −1/6[210], demonstrating its interlocked nature. Different from the four-state vortex domain patterns caused by a partial edge dislocation, two four-state vortex-like domain configurations have been obtained at atomic level. These observed phenomena can further extend our understanding of the fascinating vortex domain patterns in multiferroic hexagonal rare-earth manganites.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

LiNbO{sub 3}: A photovoltaic substrate for massive parallel manipulation and patterning of nano-objects

The application of evanescent photovoltaic (PV) fields, generated by visible illumination of Fe:LiNbO{sub 3} substrates, for parallel massive trapping and manipulation of micro- and nano-objects is critically reviewed. The technique has been often referred to as photovoltaic or photorefractive tweezers. The main advantage of the new method is that the involved electrophoretic and/or dielectrophoretic forces do not require any electrodes and large scale manipulation of nano-objects can be easily achieved using the patterning capabilities of light. The paper describes the experimental techniques for particle trapping and the main reported experimental results obtained with a variety of micro- and nano-particles (dielectric and conductive) and different illumination configurations (single beam, holographic geometry, and spatial light modulator projection). The report also pays attention to the physical basis of the method, namely, the coupling of the evanescent photorefractive fields to the dielectric response of the nano-particles. The role of a number of physical parameters such as the contrast and spatial periodicities of the illumination pattern or the particle deposition method is discussed. Moreover, the main properties of the obtained particle patterns in relation to potential applications are summarized, and first demonstrations reviewed. Finally, the PV method is discussed in comparison to other patterning strategies, such as those based on the pyroelectric response and the electric fields associated to domain poling of ferroelectric materials.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Junction size dependence of ferroelectric properties in e-beam patterned BaTiO{sub 3} ferroelectric tunnel junctions

We investigate the switching characteristics in BaTiO{sub 3}-based ferroelectric tunnel junctions patterned in a capacitive geometry with circular Ru top electrode with diameters ranging from ∼430 to 2300 nm. Two different patterning schemes, viz., lift-off and ion-milling, have been employed to examine the variations in the ferroelectric polarization, switching, and tunnel electro-resistance resulting from differences in the pattering processes. The values of polarization switching field are measured and compared for junctions of different diameter in the samples fabricated using both patterning schemes. We do not find any specific dependence of polarization switching bias on the size of junctions in both sample stacks. The junctions in the ion-milled sample show up to three orders of resistance change by polarization switching and the polarization retention is found to improve with increasing junction diameter. However, similar switching is absent in the lift-off sample, highlighting the effect of patterning scheme on the polarization retention.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

A simple method for understanding the triangular growth patterns of transition metal dichalcogenide sheets

Triangular nanoflake growth patterns have been commonly observed in synthesis of transition metal dichalcogenide sheets and their hybrid structures. Triangular nanoflakes not only show exceptional properties, but also can serve as building blocks for two or three dimensional structures. In this study, taking the MoS{sub 2} system as a test case, we propose a Matrix method to understand the mechanism of such unique growth pattern. Nanoflakes with different edge types are mathematically described with configuration matrices, and the total formation energy is calculated as the sum of the edge formation energies and the chemical potentials of sulfur and molybdenum. Based on energetics, we find that three triangular patterns with the different edge configurations are energetically more favorable in different ranges of the chemical potential of sulfur, which are in good agreement with experimental observations. Our algorithm has high efficiency and can deal with nanoflakes in microns which are beyond the ability of ab-initio method. This study not only elucidates the mechanism of triangular nanoflake growth patterns in experiment, but also provides a clue to control the geometric configurations in synthesis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Facile stamp patterning method for superhydrophilic/superhydrophobic surfaces

Patterning techniques are essential to many research fields such as chemistry, biology, medicine, and micro-electromechanical systems. In this letter, we report a simple, fast, and low-cost superhydrophobic patterning method using a superhydrophilic template. The technique is based on the contact stamping of the surface during hydrophobic dip coating. Surface characteristics were measured using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis. The results showed that the hydrophilic template, which was contacted with the stamp, was not affected by the hydrophobic solution. The resolution study was conducted using a stripe shaped stamp. The patterned line was linearly proportional to the width of the stamp line with a constant narrowing effect. A surface with regions of four different types of wetting was fabricated to demonstrate the patterning performance.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Note: Experimental observation of nano-channel pattern in light sheet laser interference nanolithography system

We experimentally observed nano-channel-like pattern in a light-sheet based interference nanolithography system. The optical system created nano-channel-like patterned illumination. Coherent counter-propagating light sheets are made to interfere at and near geometrical focus along the propagation z-axis. This results in the formation of nano-channel-like pattern (of size ≈ 300 nm and inter-channel periodicity of ≈337.5 nm) inside the sample due to constructive and destructive interference. In addition, the technique has the ability to generate large area patterning using larger light-sheets. Exciting applications are in the broad field of nanotechnology (nano-electronics and nano-fluidics).

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Fabrication and independent control of patterned polymer gate for a few-layer WSe{sub 2} field-effect transistor

We report the fabrication of a patterned polymer electrolyte for a two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor, few-layer tungsten diselenide (WSe{sub 2}) field-effect transistor (FET). We expose an electron-beam in a desirable region to form the patterned structure. The WSe{sub 2} FET acts as a p-type semiconductor in both bare and polymer-covered devices. We observe a highly efficient gating effect in the polymer-patterned device with independent gate control. The patterned polymer gate operates successfully in a molybdenum disulfide (MoS{sub 2}) FET, indicating the potential for general applications to 2D semiconductors. The results of this study can contribute to large-scale integration and better flexibility in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD)-based electronics.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗