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At least 433 records · Page 24

An in situ shearing x-ray measurement system for exploring structures and dynamics at the solid–liquid interface

Revealing interfacial structure and dynamics has been one of the essential thematic topics in material science and condensed matter physics. Synchrotron-based x-ray scattering techniques can deliver unique and insightful probing of interfacial structures and dynamics, in particular, in reflection geometries with higher surface and interfacial sensitivity than transmission geometries. We demonstrate the design and implementation of an in situ shearing x-ray measurement system, equipped with both inline parallel-plate and cone-and-plate shearing setups and operated at the advanced photon source at Argonne National Laboratory, to investigate the structures and dynamics of end-tethered polymers at the solid-liquid interface. With a precise lifting motor, a micrometer-scale gap can be produced by aligning two surfaces of a rotating upper shaft and a lower sample substrate. A torsional shear flow forms in the gap and applies tangential shear forces on the sample surface. The technical combination with nanoscale rheology and the utilization of in situ x-ray scattering allow us to gain fundamental insights into the complex dynamics in soft interfaces under shearing. In this work, we demonstrate the technical scope and experimental capability of the in situ shearing x-ray system through the measurements of charged polymers at both flat and curved interfaces upon shearing. Furthermore, through the in situ shearing x-ray scattering experiments integrated with theoretical simulations, we aim to develop a detailed understanding of the short-range molecular structure and mesoscale ionic aggregate morphology, as well as ion transport and dynamics in soft interfaces, thereby providing fundamental insight into a long-standing challenge in ionic polymer brushes with a significant technological impact.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Quantum Effect on the Ground State of the Triple-Perovskite Ba 3 MNb 2 O 9 (M = Co, Ni, and Mn) with Triangular-Lattice

As the simplest example of geometrical frustration, the two-dimensional triangular lattice antiferromagnet exhibits the mismatch between the lattice geometry and spin-exchange interaction, which has been the subject of intensive studies due to its exotic quantum phenomena. In this work, we performed detailed studies of the magnetic structures and spin wave excitations by neutron powder diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering measurements on the triple-perovskite oxides Ba 3 MNb 2 O 9 (M = Co, Ni, and Mn) with triangular-lattice geometry. The interplay between the frustrated interaction and easy-plane/axis anisotropy gives rise to two magnetic phase transition temperatures for Ba 3 CoNb 2 O 9 (Ba 3 MnNb 2 O 9 ) and only one for Ba 3 NiNb 2 O 9 . The linear spin-wave theory +1/S calculations indicate that both spatial dimensionality and the spin size have a significant impact on the strength of quantum fluctuations, which lead to their different magnetic ground states and exotic physical properties. Moreover, the effects of the thermal fluctuations are presented for Ba 3 NiNb 2 O 9 .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Towards the Gravituhedron: new expressions for NMHV gravity amplitudes

In this paper, we present new expressions for n-point NMHV tree-level gravity amplitudes. We introduce a method of factorization diagrams which is a simple graphical representation of R-invariants in Yang-Mills theory. We define the gravity analogues which we call G-invariants, and expand the NMHV gravity amplitudes in terms of these objects. We provide explicit formulas of NMHV gravity amplitudes up to eight points in terms of G-invariants, and give the general definition for any number of points. We discuss the connection to BCFW representation, special behavior under large momentum shift, the role of momentum twistors and the intricate web of spurious poles cancelation. Because of the close connection between R-invariants and the (tree-level) Amplituhedron for Yang-Mills amplitudes, we speculate that the new expansion for gravity amplitudes should correspond to the triangulation of the putative Gravituhedron geometry.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Upgrades and redesign of the National Ignition Facility’s soft x-ray opacity spectrometer (OpSpec)

The soft x-ray Opacity Spectrometer (OpSpec) used on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) has recently incorporated an elliptically shaped crystal. The original OpSpec used two convex cylindrical crystals for time-integrated measurements of point-projection spectra from 540 to 2100 eV. However, with the convex geometry, the low-energy portion of the spectrum suffered from high backgrounds due to scattered x-rays as well as reflections from alternate crystal planes. An elliptically shaped crystal allows an acceptance aperture at the crossover focus between the crystal and the detector, which reduces background and eliminates nearly all reflections from alternate crystal planes. The current elliptical design is an improvement from the convex cylindrical design but has a usable energy range from 900 to 2100 eV. In addition, OpSpec is currently used on 18 NIF shots/year, in which both crystals are typically damaged beyond reuse, so efficient production of 36 crystals/year is required. Design efforts to improve the existing system focus on mounting reliability, reducing crystal strain to increase survivability between mounting and shot time, and extending the energy range of the instrument down to 520 eV. The elliptical design, results, and future options are presented.

Wallace, M. S. (ORCID:0000000310871216)↗

SCExAO/CHARIS Near-infrared Integral Field Spectroscopy of the HD 15115 Debris Disk

We present new, near-infrared (1.1–2.4 μm) high-contrast imaging of the debris disk around HD 15115 with the Subaru Coronagraphic Extreme Adaptive Optics (SCExAO) system coupled with the Coronagraphic High Angular Resolution Imaging Spectrograph (CHARIS). The SCExAO/CHARIS resolves the disk down to ρ ∼ 0.″2 (r {sub proj} ∼ 10 au), a factor of ∼3–5 smaller than previous recent studies. We derive a disk position angle of PA ∼ 279.°4–280.°5 and an inclination of i ∼ 85.°3–86.2.°. While recent SPHERE/IRDIS imagery of the system could suggest a significantly misaligned two-ring disk geometry, CHARIS imagery does not reveal conclusive evidence for this hypothesis. Moreover, optimizing models of both one- and two-ring geometries using differential evolution, we find that a single ring having a Hong-like scattering phase function matches the data equally well within the CHARIS field of view (ρ ≲ 1″). The disk’s asymmetry, well evidenced at larger separations, is also recovered; the west side of the disk appears, on average, around 0.4 mag brighter across the CHARIS bandpass between 0.″25 and 1″. Comparing Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) 50CCD optical photometry (2000–10500 Å) with CHARIS near-infrared photometry, we find a red (STIS/50CCD−CHARIS broadband) color for both sides of the disk throughout the 0.″4–1″ region of overlap, in contrast to the blue color reported at similar wavelengths for regions exterior to ∼2″. Further, this color may suggest a smaller minimum grain size than previously estimated at larger separations. Finally, we provide constraints on planetary companions and discuss possible mechanisms for the observed inner disk flux asymmetry and color.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Hydrodynamics of winds from irradiated companion stars in low-mass X-ray binaries

We study the hydrodynamics of evaporative winds driven by X-rays and/or soft gamma-rays irradiating the outer layers of companion stars in low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs). We consider several irradiating fluxes and spectra for LMXBs with white dwarf and main-sequence companion stars. The thermal structure of the base of the coronal region, the position of the sonic point, and the value of the mass-loss rate are calculated in the case of spherical geometry. We consider photospheric and coronal heating from both X-ray photoionization and Compton scattering of X-rays and soft gamma-rays with energy about 1 MeV possibly irradiating the companion star in LMXBs. Evaporative winds may play a relevant role for the evolution of a special class of radiation-driven LMXBs, and this study is a step toward a quantitative understanding of the mechanism driving LMXB evolution.

Tavani, Marco↗

Theoretical studies of the radar properties of the icy Galilean moons of Jupiter

The icy Galilean satellites of Jupiter - Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto - have unusual radar scattering properties compared with those of the terrestrial planets or Earth's Moon. There are three main features of the data that distinguish these targets: (1) the radar cross-section normalized by the geometrical cross-section is an order of magnitude larger than that of any terrestrial planet; (2) the reflected power is almost evenly distributed between two orthogonal polarizations with more power being returned in the same circular polarization as was transmitted whereas virtually all of the power returned from the terrestrial planets is contained in the opposite circular polarization to the one that was transmitted; and (3) the echo power spectra have a broad shape indicating a nearly uniformly radar-bright surface in contrast to the spectra from the terrestrial planets that contain a strong quasi-specular component from the vicinity of the sub-radar point and very little reflected power from the rest of the surface. The normalized radar cross-sections decrease as the areal water ice coverage decreases from Europa to Ganymede to Callisto. Recently, radar echoes from the polar caps of Mars and Mercury, and from Saturn's satellite Titan imply similarly strong cross-sections and have classically unexpected polarization properties and it is also thought that this is due to the presence of ice on the surface. A model called the radar glory model is analyzed and it is shown that the main features of the radar echoes calculated from this model agree well with the observations from all three icy Galilean satellites. This model involves long radar paths in the ice below the surface and special structures in which the refractive index decreases abruptly at a hemispherical boundary. It is not known whether such structures exist or how they could be created, but possible scenarios can be imagined such as the formation of an impact crater followed by deposition of a frost layer followed by a resurfacing event in which a layer of solid ice is placed above the layer of frost. Regardless of the exact geophysical processes required to create such structures, the superior ability of this model to account for all of the important observations with very few adjustable parameters and with no ad hoc assumptions is a compelling argument in support of at least the electromagnetic model. The key features of the electromagnetic model are multiple subsurface scattering events, total internal reflection, and a low degree of randomness imposed on a deterministic geometry that strongly favors backscattering.

Eshleman, Von R.↗

A Least-Squares Finite Element Method for Electromagnetic Scattering Problems

The least-squares finite element method (LSFEM) is applied to electromagnetic scattering and radar cross section (RCS) calculations. In contrast to most existing numerical approaches, in which divergence-free constraints are omitted, the LSFF-M directly incorporates two divergence equations in the discretization process. The importance of including the divergence equations is demonstrated by showing that otherwise spurious solutions with large divergence occur near the scatterers. The LSFEM is based on unstructured grids and possesses full flexibility in handling complex geometry and local refinement Moreover, the LSFEM does not require any special handling, such as upwinding, staggered grids, artificial dissipation, flux-differencing, etc. Implicit time discretization is used and the scheme is unconditionally stable. By using a matrix-free iterative method, the computational cost and memory requirement for the present scheme is competitive with other approaches. The accuracy of the LSFEM is verified by several benchmark test problems.

Wu, Jie↗

Far Ultraviolet Imaging from the Image Spacecraft: System Design - 1

Direct imaging of the magnetosphere by the IMAGE spacecraft A,ill be supplemented by observation of the global aurora, the footprint of magnetospheric regions. To assure the simultaneity of these observations and tile measurement of the magnetospheric back-round neutral gas density, the IMAGE satellite instrument complement includes three Far Ultraviolet (FUV) instruments. In tile wavelength region 120-1 90 nm. a downward-viewing aurora imager is only minimally contaminated sunlight, scattered from clouds and ground, and radiance of the aurora observed in a nadir viewing geometry can be observed in the presence of the high-latitude day-low. Tile Wideband Imaging Camera (WIC) will provide broadband ultraviolet images of the aurora for maximum spatial and temporal resolution by imaging the LBH N2 bands of the aurora. The Spectrographic Imager (SI), a monochromatic imager, will image different types of aurora, filtered by wavelength. By measuring the Doppler-shifted Lyman-alpha, the proton-induced component of the aurora will be imaged separately. Finally, the GEO instrument will observe the distribution of the geocoronal emission, which is a measure of the neutral background density source of the charge exchange in the magnetosphere. The FUV instrument complement looks radially outward from the rotating IMAGE satellite and, therefore, it spends only a short time observing tile aurora and the Earth during, each spin. Detailed descriptions of the WIC, Si, GEO, and their individual performance validations are discussed in companion papers. This paper summarizes the system requirements and system design approach taken to satisfy the science requirements. One primary requirement is to maximize photon collection efficiency and use efficiently tile short time available foe exposures. The FUV auroral imagers WIC and SI both have wide fields of view and take data continuously as the auroral region proceeds through the field of view. To minimize data volume, multiple images are taken and electronically co-added by suitably shifting each image to compensate for the spacecraft rotation. In order to minimize resolution loss, the images have to be distortion-corrected in real time foe both WIC and Si prior to co-adding. The distortion correction is accomplished using high-speed look Lip tables that are pre-generated by least square fitting to polynomial functions by the on-orbit processor. The instruments were calibrated individually while on stationary platforms, mostly in vacuum chambers as described in the companion papers. Extensive -round-based testing was performed with visible and near UV simulators mounted oil a rotating platform to estimate their on-orbit performance. The predicted instrument system performance is summarized and some of the preliminary data formats are shown.

Mende, S. B.↗

Magnetic Merging Locations Deduced from: Slow-Mode Shock Orientation Determinations, Boundary Layer Wave Intensities and Energetic Ion Velocity Dispersion in the Distant Geomagnetic Tail

Several techniques will be used to determine the location of the magnetic reconnection in the distant geomagnetic tail using the ISEE-3. Techniques to be used are calculated wave-particle scattering time, plasmoid source location (if a plasmoid is found), analysis of the magnetic field geometry and slow-mode shock orientation, and examination of the magnetic field Bz components and plasma bulk speeds.

geomagnetic tail ISEE-3 magnetic fields↗

Enhancement of the MODIS Daily Snow Albedo Product

The MODIS daily snow albedo product is a data layer in the MOD10A1 snow-cover product that includes snow-covered area and fractional snow cover as well as quality information and other metadata. It was developed to augment the MODIS BRDF/Albedo algorithm (MCD43) that provides 16-day maps of albedo globally at 500-m resolution. But many modelers require daily snow albedo, especially during the snowmelt season when the snow albedo is changing rapidly. Many models have an unrealistic snow albedo feedback in both estimated albedo and change in albedo over the seasonal cycle context, Rapid changes in snow cover extent or brightness challenge the MCD43 algorithm; over a 16-day period, MCD43 determines whether the majority of clear observations was snow-covered or snow-free then only calculates albedo for the majority condition. Thus changes in snow albedo and snow cover are not portrayed accurately during times of rapid change, therefore the current MCD43 product is not ideal for snow work. The MODIS daily snow albedo from the MOD10 product provides more frequent, though less robust maps for pixels defined as "snow" by the MODIS snow-cover algorithm. Though useful, the daily snow albedo product can be improved using a daily version of the MCD43 product as described in this paper. There are important limitations to the MOD10A1 daily snow albedo product, some of which can be mitigated. Utilizing the appropriate per-pixel Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Functions (BRDFs) can be problematic, and correction for anisotropic scattering must be included. The BRDF describes how the reflectance varies with view and illumination geometry. Also, narrow-to-broadband conversion specific for snow on different surfaces must be calculated and this can be difficult. In consideration of these limitations of MOD10A1, we are planning to improve the daily snow albedo algorithm by coupling the periodic per-pixel snow albedo from MCD43, with daily surface ref|outanoom, In this paper, we compare a daily version of MCD43B3 with the daily albedo from MOD10A1. and MCD43B3 with a 16-day average of MOD10A1, over Greenland. We also discuss some near-future planned enhancements to MOD10A1.

Hall, Dorothy K.↗

Variance of the Quantum Dwell Time for a Nonrelativistic Particle

Munoz, Seidel, and Muga [Phys. Rev. A 79, 012108 (2009)], following an earlier proposal by Pollak and Miller [Phys. Rev. Lett. 53, 115 (1984)] in the context of a theory of a collinear chemical reaction, showed that suitable moments of a two-flux correlation function could be manipulated to yield expressions for the mean quantum dwell time and mean square quantum dwell time for a structureless particle scattering from a time-independent potential energy field between two parallel lines in a two-dimensional spacetime. The present work proposes a generalization to a charged, nonrelativistic particle scattering from a transient, spatially confined electromagnetic vector potential in four-dimensional spacetime. The geometry of the spacetime domain is that of the slab between a pair of parallel planes, in particular those defined by constant values of the third (z) spatial coordinate. The mean Nth power, N = 1, 2, 3, . . ., of the quantum dwell time in the slab is given by an expression involving an N-flux-correlation function. All these means are shown to be nonnegative. The N = 1 formula reduces to an S-matrix result published previously [G. E. Hahne, J. Phys. A 36, 7149 (2003)]; an explicit formula for N = 2, and of the variance of the dwell time in terms of the S-matrix, is worked out. A formula representing an incommensurability principle between variances of the output-minus-input flux of a pair of dynamical variables (such as the particle s time flux and others) is derived.

Hahne, Gerhard↗

SCExAO/CHARIS Near-infrared Integral Field Spectroscopy of the HD 15115 Debris Disk

We present new, near-infrared (1.1–2.4 μm) high-contrast imaging of the debris disk around HD 15115 with the Subaru Coronagraphic Extreme Adaptive Optics (SCExAO) system coupled with the Coronagraphic High Angular Resolution Imaging Spectrograph (CHARIS). The SCExAO/CHARIS resolves the disk down to ρ ∼ 0."2 (r(proj) ∼ 10 au), a factor of ∼3–5 smaller than previous recent studies. We derive a disk position angle of PA ∼ 279.°4–280.°5 and an inclination of i ∼ 85.°3–86.2.°. While recent SPHERE/IRDIS imagery of the system could suggest a significantly misaligned two-ring disk geometry, CHARIS imagery does not reveal conclusive evidence for this hypothesis. Moreover, optimizing models of both one- and two-ring geometries using differential evolution, we find that a single ring having a Hong-like scattering phase function matches the data equally well within the CHARIS field of view (ρ ≲ 1''). The disk's asymmetry, well evidenced at larger separations, is also recovered; the west side of the disk appears, on average, around 0.4 mag brighter across the CHARIS bandpass between 0farcs25 and 1''. Comparing Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) 50CCD optical photometry (2000–10500 Å) with CHARIS near-infrared photometry, we find a red (STIS/50CCD−CHARIS broadband) color for both sides of the disk throughout the 0farcs4–1'' region of overlap, in contrast to the blue color reported at similar wavelengths for regions exterior to ∼2''. Further, this color may suggest a smaller minimum grain size than previously estimated at larger separations. Finally, we provide constraints on planetary companions and discuss possible mechanisms for the observed inner disk flux asymmetry and color.

Kellen Lawson↗

Mitigating Scatter in Mechanical Properties in AISI 410 Fabricated via Arc-Based Additive Manufacturing Process

Wire-based metal additive manufacturing utilizes the ability of additive manufacturing to fabricate complex geometries with high deposition rates (above 7 kg/h), thus finding applications in the fabrication of large-scale components, such as stamping dies. Traditionally, the workhorse materials for stamping dies have been martensitic steels. However, the complex thermal gyrations induced during additive manufacturing can cause the evolution of an inhomogeneous microstructure, which leads to a significant scatter in the mechanical properties, especially the toughness. Therefore, to understand these phenomena, arc-based additive AISI 410 samples were fabricated using robotic gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and were subjected to a detailed characterization campaign. The results show significant scatter in the tensile properties as well as Charpy V-notch impact toughness data, which was then correlated to the microstructural heterogeneity and delta (δ) ferrite formation. Post-processing (austenitizing and tempering) treatments were developed and an ~70% reduction in the scatter of tensile data and a four-times improvement in the toughness were obtained. The changes in mechanical properties were rationalized based on the microstructure evolution during additive manufacturing. Based on these, an outline to tailor the composition of “printable” steels for tooling with isotropic and uniform mechanical properties is presented and discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Performance of synthetic DAS as a function of array geometry

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) can record acoustic wavefields at high sampling rates and with dense spatial resolution difficult to achieve with seismometers. Using optical scattering induced by cable deformation, DAS can record strain fields with spatial resolution of a few meters. However, many experiments utilizing DAS have relied on unused, dark telecommunication fibers. As a result, the geophysical community has not fully explored DAS survey parameters to characterize the ideal array design. This limits our understanding of guiding principles in array design to deploy DAS effectively and efficiently in the field. A better quantitative understanding of DAS array behavior can improve the quality of the data recorded by guiding the DAS array design. Here we use steered response functions, which account for DAS fiber’s directional sensitivity, as well as beamforming and back-projection results from forward modelling calculations to assess the performance of varying DAS array geometries to record regional and local sources. A regular heptagon DAS array demonstrated improved capabilities for recording regional sources over other polygonal arrays, with potential improvements in recording and locating local sources. These results help reveal DAS array performance as a function of geometry and can guide future DAS deployments.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Mode-expansion method for predicting radar signature above rough ocean surfaces at low-grazing angle

The Mode-Expansion Method (MEM) is introduced to calculate the electromagnetic (EM) waves scattered by 2-D rough water surfaces at low-grazing angles. The Electric Field Integral Equation (EFIE) is used in defining the problem and is simplified by using the Impedance Boundary Condition (IBC). The surface currents are expressed as the sum of modes expanded as the Fourier series with incident wave as the dominant mode. It is shown that, by the MEM and for the geometry with transmitting and receiving waves at low-grazing angles, very few modes are needed in solving the forward scattering field with reasonable accuracy.

electromagnetic (EM)↗

Theoretical Study of Electron Scattering By Small Clusters and Adsorbates

Current interest in clusters stems from their role as novel materials as well as a possible extension of cluster results to bulk systems. Experimental investigations on clusters have been carried out using laser spectroscopy, microwave spectroscopy, heavy-particle collisions, as well as electron collisions with earlier experimental work on electron attachment and ionization having been reviewed previously. Recently, Mark and coworkers studied the decay channels of cluster ions following electron impact ionization. Rauth et al. reported the formation of the superhalogen ion SF7(-) and other nonstoichiometric cluster ions in their study of electron attachment to SF6 clusters. Kresin et al. measured the absolute electron-impact depletion cross section of metal clusters Na8, Na(20), and Na(40). They found that the inelastic scattering cross section increased with cluster size and was considerably greater than the hard sphere collision cross sections. They hypothesized that electron attachment and collision-induced fragmentation were the dominant physical processes responsible for this effect. For the two smaller clusters, they also found a sharp increase in the cross section near threshold. Most theoretical studies of clusters have been devoted to their electronic structures, vibrational relaxation, and predissociation while investigations of electron scattering from clusters has been lacking. In view of this, we recently undertook an ab initio study of electron scattering from small Be clusters and BeCO. Beryllium was chosen because it is readily amenable to ab t'nitio calculations. Moreover, the electronic structure of Be clusters has been studied extensively, showing that the Be-Be bond is relatively weak in comparison with a normal chemical bond. Our investigation focuses on how the cross sections change with cluster size and geometry. The range of energy studied, 0.05 - 5.0 eV, is chosen because of the ubiquitous resonance in the low-energy scattering of Be. Hence it can be determined if it is possible, as a consequence of the weaker bonds in the Be clusters, to identify the atomic origin of the cluster resonance.

Huo, Winifred M.↗

Comparison of quasi-specular radar scatter from the moon with surface parameters obtained from images

Quasi-specular radar data used to determine apparent surface roughness of geologic surfaces displays a variable wavelength dependence. The strongest changes with wavelength are observed in lunar maria, while scatter from lunar highlands is nearly wavelength independent. Commonly used, gently undulating surface models for electromagnetic scatter predict no wavelength dependence. Wavelength dependence occurs whenever a significant fraction of the surface has local radii of curvature comparable to the observing wavelength. This condition can be determined by comparison of the value of the integrated surface curvature spectrum with the radar wave number, multiplied by a constant that depends on the geometry. Variations in curvature statistics calculated from photogrammetric reduction of lunar images are consistent with the observed variations in quasi-specular scatter between wavelengths of 13 and 116 cm at the same locations. Variations in the strength of the wavelength dependence are correlated with the sizes of lunar craters that lie near the upper size limit for the local steady-state distribution. This correlation is also consistent with variations in the curvature spectrum calculated from crater size-frequency distributions.

Tyler, G. L.↗