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At least 433 records · Page 24

Evidence for chiral superconductivity on a silicon surface

Tin adatoms on a Si(111) substrate with a one-third monolayer coverage form a two-dimensional triangular lattice with one unpaired electron per site. These electrons order into an antiferromagnetic Mott-insulating state, but doping the Sn layer with holes creates a two-dimensional conductor that becomes superconducting at low temperatures. Although the pairing symmetry of the superconducting state is currently unknown, the combination of repulsive interactions and frustration inherent in the triangular adatom lattice opens up the possibility of a chiral order parameter. Here we study the superconducting state of Sn/Si(111) using scanning tunneling microscopy, scanning tunneling spectroscopy and quasiparticle interference imaging. Here we find evidence for a doping-dependent superconducting critical temperature with a fully gapped order parameter, the presence of time-reversal symmetry breaking and a strong enhancement in zero-bias conductance near the edges of the superconducting domains. Although each individual piece of evidence could have a more mundane interpretation, our combined results suggest the possibility that Sn/Si(111) is an unconventional chiral d-wave superconductor.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Thermal stability and diffusion characteristics of ultrathin amorphous carbon films grown on crystalline and nitrogenated silicon substrates by filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition

Amorphous carbon (a-C) films are widely used as protective overcoats in many technology sectors, principally due to their excellent thermophysical properties and chemical inertness. The growth and thermal stability of sub-5-nm-thick a-C films synthesized by filtered cathodic vacuum arc on pure (crystalline) and nitrogenated (amorphous) silicon substrate surfaces were investigated in this study. Samples of a-C/Si and a-C/SiN x /Si stacks were thermally annealed for various durations and subsequently characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The TEM images confirmed the continuity and uniformity of the a-C films and the 5-nm-thick SiN x underlayer formed by silicon nitrogenation using radio-frequency sputtering. The EELS analysis of cross-sectional samples revealed the thermal stability of the a-C films and the efficacy of the SiNx underlayer to prevent carbon migration into the silicon substrate, even after prolonged heating. The obtained results provide insight into the important attributes of an underlayer in heated multilayered media for preventing elemental intermixing with the substrate, while preserving the structural stability of the a-C film at the stack surface. An important contribution of this investigation is the establishment of an experimental framework for accurately assessing the thermal stability and elemental diffusion in layered microstructures exposed to elevated temperatures.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Discovery of magnetic-field-tunable density modulations and spin tilting in a layered altermagnet

Altermagnets recently emerged as a new class of magnetic materials, arising from specific spin crystal symmetries. They exhibit a spin-polarized electronic band structure similar to ferromagnets, yet possess zero net magnetization, promising exotic properties. Here we study a layered triangular lattice altermagnet, cobalt-intercalated NbSe 2 using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/S). Spectroscopic-imaging STM and spin-polarized STM reveals emergent 2 a 0 tri-directional charge and spin density modulations on the selenium surface. Density functional theory simulations suggest these modulations reflect the underlying cobalt superstructure. We discover that an out-of-plane magnetic field tunes the modulation amplitudes and the electronic density-of-states in a manner dependent on the field direction and strength. This behavior is attributed to the field-induced tilting of cobalt spins, which can have profound implications on the electronic properties of the altermagnet. Our results provide atomic-scale insights to uncover a magnetic-field tunable altermagnetic band structure, highlight the importance of understanding spin canting in altermagnets.

condensed-matter physics↗

Breakdown and Discharge Characteristics of High Repetition Frequency Nanosecond Pulsed Air Dielectric Barrier Discharge

This study explores the breakdown characteristics and discharge modes in a parallel plate air dielectric barrier discharge system using repetitive nanosecond pulses, with pulse repetition frequencies (PRFs) from 0.1 to 100 kHz. It examines how pulse parameters—PRF, pulse number and gas pressure—affect the memory effect, leveraging current and voltage measurements, fast imaging and optical emission spectroscopy. The findings show that higher PRFs lead to a reduction in breakdown voltage well below the streamer breakdown threshold. We argue that this effect may be attributed to the cumulative buildup of metastable species and negative ions in the discharge gap which could sustain free electrons in‐between the voltage pulses. Despite observing increased energy deposition with higher PRFs, the impact on filament formation was minimal, highlighting a strong dependence of discharge morphology on the accumulation of plasma‐produced species. This research studies provides valuable insights for controlling discharge regimes in applications such as plasma‐assisted combustion, surface treatment and air treatment by clarifying the interactions between discharge mechanisms at different PRFs and pressures.

42 ENGINEERING↗

The brighter-fatter effect in the JWST MIRI Si:As IBC detectors: I. Observations, impact on science, and modeling

Context.The Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on board theJames WebbSpace Telescope (JWST) uses three Si:As impurity band conduction (IBC) detector arrays. The output voltage level of each MIRI detector pixel is digitally recorded by sampling up the ramp. For uniform or low-contrast illumination, the pixel ramps become nonlinear in a predictable way, but in areas of high contrast, the nonlinearity curve becomes much more complex. The origin of the effect is poorly understood and currently not calibrated out of the data. Aims.We provide observational evidence of the brighter-fatter effect (BFE) in MIRI conventional and high-contrast coronagraphic imaging, low-resolution spectroscopy, and medium-resolution spectroscopy data, and we investigate the physical mechanism that gives rise to the effect on the MIRI detector pixel raw voltage integration ramps. Methods.We used public data from the JWST/MIRI commissioning and Cycle 1 phase. We also developed a numerical electrostatic model of the MIRI detectors using a modified version of the publicPoisson_CCDcode. Results.We find that the physical mechanism behind the BFE manifesting in MIRI data is fundamentally different to that of charge-coupled devices and photodiode arrays such as the Hawaii-XRG near-infrared detectors used by the NIRISS, NIRCam, and NIRSpec instruments on board JWST. Observationally, the BFE makes the JWST MIRI data yield 10–25% larger point sources and spectral line profiles as a function of the relative level of de-biasing of neighboring detector pixels. This broadening impacts the MIRI absolute flux calibration, time-series observations of faint companions, and point spread function modeling and subtraction. We also find that the intra-pixel 2D profile of the shrinking Si:As IBC detector depletion region directly impacts the accuracy of the pixel ramp nonlinearity calibration model.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

Experimental study of atmospheric pressure single-pulse nanosecond discharge in pin-to-pin configuration

We present an experimental study of nanosecond high-voltage discharges in a pin-to-pin electrode configuration at atmospheric conditions operating in single-pulse mode (no memory effects). Discharge parameters were measured using microwave Rayleigh scattering, laser Rayleigh scattering, optical emission spectroscopy enhanced with a nanosecond probing pulse, and fast photography. Spark and corona discharge regimes were studied for electrode gap sizes 2-10 mm and discharge pulse duration of 90 ns. The spark regime was observed for gaps < 6 mm using discharge pulse energies of 0.6-1 mJ per mm of the gap length. Higher electron number densities, total electron number per gap length, discharge currents, and gas temperatures were observed for smaller electrode gaps and larger pulse energies, reaching maximal values of about 7.5 x 10 15 cm -3 , 3.5 x 10 11 electrons per mm, 22 A, and 4,000 K (at 10 microseconds after the discharge), respectively, for a 2 mm gap and 1 mJ/mm discharge pulse energy. Initial breakdown was followed by a secondary breakdown occurring about 30-70 ns later and was associated with ignition of a cathode spot and transition to cathodic arc. Here, a majority of the discharge pulse energy was deposited into the gas before the secondary breakdown (85-89%). The electron number density after the ns-discharge pulse decayed with a characteristic time scale of 150 ns governed by dissociative recombination and electron attachment to oxygen mechanisms. For the corona regime, substantially lower pulse energies (~0.1 mJ/mm), peak conduction current (1-2 A), and electron numbers (3-5 x 10 10 electrons per mm), and gas temperatures (360 K) were observed.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Uncovering surface plasmon optical resonances in nanohole arrays through interferometric photoemission electron microscopy

In this work, the role of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in nanohole array optical extinction spectra is explored using a time-resolved technique capable of isolating the air/metal interfacial SPP contribution to the typical Fano profile in optical transmission curves. A pair of interferometrically locked broad-band femtosecond pulses is used to launch SPPs from lithographically patterned plasmonic nanohole arrays. SPPs launched in the co- and counter-propagating directions are probed using a third probe pulse in a photoemission electron microscope. Using this approach, we record interferometric SPP–SPP linear autocorrelations that selectively report on the resonances of SPPs launched from arrays of varying pitches and hole diameters. Aside from advancing an approach to selective SPP spectroscopy, we illustrate that resonant coupling in the counter-propagating direction may be exploited to control the spatial, temporal, and spectral characteristics of SPPs. For the counter-propagating direction, we show that tuning the array pitch near the fundamental plasmon resonance generates color-tuned (~770–820 nm), narrow bandwidth SPPs, and the bandwidth may be controlled by changing the ratio of pitch to hole diameter. The SPP resonances we recover through Fourier transforms of the interferometric autocorrelations shed light on the classical problem of Fano interference in nanohole array extinction spectra.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Mechanisms of graphite ablation by sub-millisecond ytterbium fiber laser pulses

Graphite is a key material in a variety of cross-cutting applications in energy conversion, energy storage, and nuclear energy. Recently, temporally modulated continuous wave lasers have been shown to produce well-defined ablation features in graphite at relatively high processing speeds. In this work, we analyze in detail the laser ablation dynamics of single-pulse ablation in the sub-millisecond time regime to elucidate the origins of the resulting well-defined ablation craters using a combination of time-resolved emission imaging, diffuse reflection/scattering imaging, and optical emission spectroscopy. These multimodal in situ diagnostics revealed three main contributors to achieve well-defined ablation features: (1) rapid ejection of particles with ~100 m/s speed, (2) ablation of the graphite in the gaseous form, and (3) absence of bulk liquid motion, which is typically observed in laser processing of metals. Plasma plume formation was sustained throughout the duration of the laser pulse (500 μs). Here, this work provides insights into the complex physical and chemical mechanisms of sub-millisecond laser–matter interactions, which are critical for parameter space optimization and tailoring of laser machining and drilling processes.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Efficiency of charge transfer in changing the dissociation dynamics of OD + transients formed after the photo-fragmentation of D 2 O

Here, we present an investigation of the relaxation dynamics of deuterated water molecules after direct photo-double ionization at 61 eV. We focus on the very rare D + + O + + D reaction channel in which the sequential fragmentation mechanisms were found to dominate the dynamics. Aided by theory, the state-selective formation and breakup of the transient OD + (a 1 Δ, b 1 Σ + ) is traced, and the most likely dissociation path—OD + : a 1 Δ or b 1 Σ + → A 3 Π → X 3 Σ – → B 3 Σ – —involving a combination of spin–orbit and non-adiabatic charge transfer transitions is determined. The multi-step transition probability of this complex transition sequence in the intermediate fragment ion is directly evaluated as a function of the energy of the transient OD + above its lowest dissociation limit from the measured ratio of the D + + O + + D and competing D + + D + + O sequential fragmentation channels, which are measured simultaneously. Our coupled-channel time-dependent dynamics calculations reproduce the general trends of these multi-state relative transition rates toward the three-body fragmentation channels.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Optically multiplexed neutron time-of-flight technique for inertial confinement fusion

Neutron time-of-flight (nTOF) detectors are crucial in diagnosing the performance of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments, which implode targets of deuterium–tritium fuel to achieve thermonuclear conditions. These detectors utilize the fusion neutron energy spectrum to extract key measurements, including the hotspot ion temperature and fuel areal density. Previous work [Danly et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 94, 043502 (2023)] has demonstrated adding 1D spatial resolution to an nTOF-like detector using a neutron aperture and streak camera to measure the ion temperature profile of an ICF implosion. By contrast, the study presented herein explores modifying the 1D detector to use a fast photomultiplier tube (PMT) to validate the design of a 2D spatially resolved instrument based on reconstruction from 1D profiles. The modification would collect time-of-flight traces from separate scintillators in an imaging array with one PMT using optical fibers of varying lengths to time-multiplex the signals. This technique has been demonstrated in ride-along experiments on the OMEGA laser with 20 fiber-coupled scintillator channels connected to a Photek PMT210. Results provide constraints on the fiber lengths and PMT gating requirements to promote pulse fidelity throughout all channels. Calibration of the detector to fixed nTOFs can provide a preliminary estimate of the instrument response function (IRF), although measurement of the IRF is currently under way. These results suggest that nTOF signals can potentially be time-multiplexed with fibers so long as the design is strategic to mitigate signal-to-noise reduction, modal dispersion, and charge build-up in the PMT, which has implications beyond ion temperature imaging.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

An ultra-fast method for generating synthetic down-scattered neutron data for inertial confinement fusion implosions

In inertial confinement fusion experiments at the National Ignition Facility, asymmetries are probed by a variety of neutron diagnostics, including neutron imaging systems, real-time neutron activation diagnostics (RTNADs), and neutron spectrometers. It is often useful to generate synthetic data based on these diagnostics to validate and tune models. However, current methods of doing so using Monte Carlo particle tracing are time-consuming. In this paper, an ultra-fast method is presented for generating synthetic neutron images, RTNAD data, and spectrometry data using line integrals and 3D convolutions. While it does not contain as much physics as particle tracing codes, it is thousands of times faster and produces nearly identical data. This enables analysis techniques that depend on generating large amounts of synthetic data, which will prove very useful for the study of asymmetries going forward.

Deuterium↗

Experimental evaluation of the vapor box divertor concept with an open vapor box module in Magnum-PSI

A promising approach to handle the intense plasma heat flux in the divertor region of a tokamak is the Vapor Box Divertor (VBD). Here plasma-lithium interaction creates a dense lithium vapor cloud which interacts with the incoming plasma, effectively shielding the tungsten surface beneath, therefore preventing overheating and sputtering of the tungsten and increasing the component’s lifetime. Two key steps must be addressed to validate this concept: investigating plasma-Li interactions and the transport mechanism of the latter in the presence of plasma. To explore this, a Vapor Box Module (VBM) has been designed for use with the linear plasma generator Magnum-PSI. The VBM consists of a series of three cylindrical boxes, with Li being evaporated at a controlled temperature in the central box (CB). Divertor-like plasma enters the VBM from an upstream aperture, interacts with the Li vapor cloud and exits through a downstream aperture ultimately impacting a target equipped with a calorimetry system. Optical diagnostics Thomson scattering, Filtered fast camera Imaging and optical emission spectroscopy provided information on plasma parameters in terms of electron density n e , temperature T e and plasma composition before and after this interaction. A significant reduction in plasma power was observed upon the establishment of lithium vaporization determined via cooling water calorimetry and embedded thermocouples at the downstream target. This resulted in a drop of the target temperature from ∼800 °C to ∼350 °C (57%) at the highest applied power (11.1 MW m −2 ) and CB temperature (∼700 °C). Lithium condensation at the side boxes of the VBM in combination with strong plasma momentum transfer effectively prevented upstream migration of lithium, while enhancing Li transport toward the target. The achievement of the two main goals of reducing plasma power and confining the Li in the VBM, are consistent with earlier published preliminary SOLPS-ITER simulations. This study shows that the presence of lithium in a VBD-like configuration can result in a strong reduction of power to the target surface, while at the same time the lithium vapor is effectively confined by the VBM, aided by the incoming plasma, preventing its escape from the VBM geometry. This represents a valuable step toward validating the feasibility of the VBD configuration in future fusion reactors.

Magnum-PSI↗

Neutral gas analysis for JET DT operation

Neutral gas analysis, the measurement and evaluation of total and partial pressures, is a key technique to study the impact of neutral gas dynamics on retention, recycling and release processes of fuel or impurity species in fusion devices. At JET, the experiment closest to ITER in terms of operating parameters and size, various detectors and techniques for partial pressure and total pressure measurements are deployed together to characterise neutral gas dynamics during and after plasma operation on various toroidal and poloidal locations. An extensive modification of JET's sub-divertor neutral gas diagnostic system aims at retaining and extending established measurement capabilities in the forthcoming Deuterium-Tritium (DT) experiments (DTE2). To achieve DT compatibility, a separation of radiation-sensitive electronics from the sensor and adequate radiation shielding is required, as well as utilisation of a DT compatible differential pumping system with adjustable throughput to account for the strong pressure variation in the sub-divertor region. Finally, the sub-divertor neutral gas diagnostic will be equipped with multiple Residual Gas Analysers (RGAs), utilising quadrupole mass spectrometry and electrostatic ion-trap-principles, all operating with remote electronics located behind the biological radiation shield. These RGAs will record data in a fast selected discrete mass mode during plasma pulses (cycle ~2 s) and will automatically switch back to continuous data recording (cycle ~100 s) afterwards. They will be complemented by a newly improved Penning gauge spectroscopy configuration in particular supporting the He and D 2 separation relevant for DT operation. The distance between these devices and their associated control unit is typically 15m . A newly developed RGA with a cable length of 80 m, compatible with the ITER environment, will also be employed for the first time. Finally, this set-up and its operation in DTE2 will provide vital input to the development of the ITER divertor RGA in the most relevant environment currently available.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Progress in ITER ECE diagnostic design and integration

The ITER electron cyclotron emission (ECE) diagnostic system has primary roles in providing measurements of the core electron temperature profile and the electron temperature fluctuation associated with the neoclassical tearing modes. The ITER ECE system includes a radial and oblique line-of-sight. Four 43-meter long low-loss transmission lines (TLs) are designed to transmit millimeter wave power in the frequency range of 70–1000 GHz in both X- and O-mode polarization from the port plug to the ECE instrumentation room in the diagnostic building. The measurement instrumentation includes two Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) systems and two radiometer systems. The Indian Domestic Agency (IN-DA) and United States Domestic Agency share the responsibility. The IN-DA scope excluding instrumentation and control has passed its preliminary design review and is progressing towards the final design review (FDR). In parallel, the diagnostic integration in different areas is ongoing. Furthermore, several captive components for the TLs have passed FDR and will be manufactured for installation in the tokamak building soon. A peer review meeting has been held on the prototype hot calibration source, and its integration and new thermal analysis in the diagnostic shield module are continuing. A prototype TL is being tested. A prototype polarizing Martin-Puplett type FTS, operating in the frequency range 70–1000 GHz, features an in-vacuo fast scanning mechanism and a cryo-cooled dual-channel THz detector system. Its performance has been assessed in detail against ITER requirements.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Exploring cesium properties internal to the LANSCE H - ion source using resonant absorption spectroscopy

The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) H - ion source has provided stable output for decades of LANL mission needs, but its maximum beam output has remained the same at ~15 mA. A roadblock to improving beam output has been a lack of thorough understanding of the internal mechanisms of LANSCE H - ion source. The LANSCE H - Ion Source Laser Diagnostic Stand (HLDS) was recently built and commissioned to explore these internal mechanisms using laser absorption techniques, to measure and diagnose dynamic H - and cesium densities. The cesium density probe is based on resonant absorption of a continuous wave diode laser tuned though the D 2 line of cesium (~852 nm). The diagnostic capabilities of HLDS will be reviewed, and measurements using the cesium laser diagnostic will be presented.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Next steps in high-repetition-rate laser development for Thomson scattering

Design of a next generation high-rep-rate laser system is underway, aiming for a maximum rep rate of 100 kHz for 1 ms. This will be a "pulse-burst" laser, which is a type of heat-capacity laser. Heat-capacity laser operation is characterized by a burst of pulses of limited duration, with burst length ≤100 ms and pulse rep rate ≥1 kHz. Waste heat accumulates in the laser rod during the burst. This heat is deposited evenly throughout the rod volume, with very little heat removed during the burst, such that temperature rises evenly across the rod radius. Thus beam distortion due to thermal gradients is small. Heat is removed from the rod after the burst, with typically tens of seconds between bursts. Pulse-burst operation of flashlamp pumped Nd:YAG lasers is a cost-effective route to high-rep-rate capability. Pulse-burst laser systems with "fast burst" rep rates in the range of 10–20 kHz have been built for the Thomson scattering diagnostics on MST, NSTX-U, and LHD. For Thomson scattering diagnostic application, the typical requirements are 1064 nm, 1–2 J/pulse, ≤30 ns FWHM pulse, with a top-hat beam profile. A major requirement for this next generation laser system is flexibility in burst sequence programs, ranging from 1 kHz for 100 ms to 100 kHz for 1 ms, and a variety of scenarios in between so that operation can be tailored to plasma experiment requirements. Flashlamp pumping will be used for this next generation laser because it is inexpensive and flexible. A new switch-regulated flashlamp driver will provide improved flashlamp control at lower cost. Additional design issues such as the optimum flashlamp pumping spectrum and optimum Nd doping will be addressed. The use of commercial off-the-shelf components will be maximized in this laser system so that pulse-burst systems can be developed and built by others for new applications.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

GaN-based W-band receiver chip development for fusion plasma diagnostics

Millimeter-wave diagnostics have proven effective on various magnetic fusion devices worldwide, yet the formidable challenges posed by the harsh environments of future burning plasma devices, characterized by extreme temperatures, pressures, and radiation levels, remain a significant hurdle. To address these challenges, the utilization of wide bandgap Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based millimeter-wave diagnostics is a most promising solution for fusion reactor safety monitoring and control. A noteworthy W-band GaN-based system-on-chip receiver has been the demonstrated by employing HRL T3 40 nm GaN technology. This receiver chip, compactly designed with dimensions of 3 × 5 mm 2 , incorporates essential components such as the 75–110 GHz RF Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA), mixer, Intermediate Frequency (IF) amplifier, and Local Oscillator (LO) chain. This receiver chip will be packaged as a millimeter-wave receiver module and applied on the DIII-D National Fusion Facility, for fusion plasma edge shape monitoring for operational safety and dangerous disruption prediction. The laboratory measurement results have demonstrated suitable performance. Furthermore, this advancement is pivotal for accurate analysis of plasma behavior in the extreme conditions of burning plasma devices, driving progress in fusion research and technology.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

The 140 GHz notch filter development for millimeter-wave diagnostics protection on the stellarator Wendelstein 7-X

The notch filter plays a crucial role as a protective component in microwave diagnostics, primarily by addressing issues related to catastrophic interference. Designed for millimeter-wave diagnostics on the stellarator Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X), a WR-6 waveguide-based notch filter has been successfully developed to effectively isolate leakage from auxiliary heating gyrotrons operating at 140 GHz. The filter incorporates cylindrical cavities resonating at 140 GHz for the TE11p mode, with coupling structures that are designed and optimized for high-efficiency coupling. This configuration simplifies fabrication, thereby ensuring high-yield production. Experimental fabrication and in-house characterization confirm the notch filter's exceptional performance, with over 60 dB rejection in the vicinity of 140 GHz and low insertion loss (< 2 dB) above and below the notch frequency across a broad frequency bandwidth (121–138 GHz, 142–163 GHz). Furthermore, the utilization of this high-frequency structure fabrication technology can be applied to millimeter-wave diagnostics on other machines. In addition to the design elements of the notch filter, this paper also provides a detailed discussion of the fabrication process and methodology.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗