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At least 433 records · Page 24

Deep level transient spectroscopy investigation of ultra-wide bandgap ($\bar201$) and ($001$) β -Ga 2 O 3

Here, this work reports on a comprehensive examination of the electrical and thermal properties of vertical Schottky diodes fabricated on ($\bar201$) and ($001$)-oriented samples of β-Ga 2 O 3 . The temperature-dependent current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) data were gathered and analyzed down to 60 K. Deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) was used to study bulk and interface defects in the two materials from approx. 325 K down to 60 K. In the bulk ($\bar201$) material, an electron trap was observed at E C -0.46 eV, with a capture cross section of 1.6 x 10 -14 cm 2 and a lambda-corrected maximum trap density of 9.08 x 10 15 cm -3 . These results and others indicate that the electron trap is a strong candidate for the well-known E1 defect in β-Ga 2 O 3 based on recent investigations. Additionally, in the ($\bar201$) material, the smooth modulation typical of interface states is evident at temperatures below 275 K. The ($001$) samples manifested what is likely the E2* electron trap at E C -0.68 eV, with a capture cross section of 1.64 x 10 -15 cm 2 and a lambda-corrected maximum trap density of 8.85 x 10 15 cm -3 . The presence of the E2* defect, in particular, is a contrast to the findings of recent DLTS investigations on β-Ga 2 O 3 , which report that E2* emerged only after low-energy proton irradiation. These results help to further map out the defect signatures found in β-Ga 2 O 3 materials, which are of vital importance in the design and fabrication of future β-Ga 2 O 3 devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Growing neoclassical tearing modes seeded via transient-induced-multimode interactions

Nonlinear extended magnetohydrodynamics simulations demonstrating seeding of neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs) via magnetohydrodynamics-transient-induced multimode interactions are presented. Simulations of NTMs are enabled by two recent NIMROD code developments: the implementation of heuristic neoclassical stresses and the application of transient magnetic perturbations (MPs) at the boundary. NTMs are driven unstable by the inherently pressure driven kinetic bootstrap current, which arises due to collisional viscosity between passing and trapped electrons. These simulations use heuristic closures that model the neoclassical electron and ion stresses. NTM growth requires a seed island, which is generated by a transiently applied MP in simulations. The capability is demonstrated using kinetic-based reconstructions with flow of a DIII-D ITER Baseline Scenario discharge (La Haye et al., in Proceedings IAEA FEC, 2020). The applied MP seeds a 2/1 NTM that grows in two phases: a slow growth phase followed by a faster robust growth phase. Additionally, an evolving sequence of higher order core modes are excited at first. Power transfer analysis shows that nonlinear interactions between the core modes and the 2/1 helps drive the initial slow growth. Once the induced 2/1 magnetic island reaches a critical width, the NTM transitions to faster robust growth, which is well described by the nonlinear modified Rutherford equation. Furthermore, this work highlights the role of nonlinear mode coupling in seeding NTMs.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Collisionless electron shocks in electron-beam-plasma systems

One-dimensional Vlasov simulations show that when an electron beam is suddenly injected into a plasma, a fast-moving monotonic shock forms during the early stage of the transient plasma response. In the shock, the ions are nearly immobile. The shock appears to be an electrostatic electron-beam-plasma mode. The shock evolves from an initial positive potential perturbation, which is supported by an ion burst. The steepening of the perturbation into a shock is characterized by an electron-beam-plasma mode.

Singh, N.↗

In Situ Visualization of the Pinning Effect of Planar Defects on Li Ion Insertion

Longevity of Li ion batteries strongly depends on the interaction of transporting Li ions in electrode crystals with defects. However, detailed interactions between the Li ion flux and structural defects in the host crystal remain obscure due to the transient nature of such interactions. Here, by in situ transmission electron microscopy and density function theory calculations, we reveal how the diffusion pathways and transport kinetics of a Li ion can be affected by planar defects in a tungsten trioxide lattice. We uncover that changes in charge distribution and lattice spacing along the planar defects disrupt the continuity of ion conduction channels and dramatically increase the energy barrier of Li diffusion, thus, arresting Li ions at the defect sites and twisting the lithiation front. In conclusion, the atomic-scale understanding holds critical implications for rational interface design in solid-state batteries and solid oxide fuel cells.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Time-Resolved Observation of Hole Tunneling in van der Waals Multilayer Heterostructures

We reported a time-resolved study of quantum-mechanical tunneling of holes between two MoSe 2 monolayers that are separated by a monolayer WS 2 energy barrier. Four-layer heterostructures of MoSe 2 /WS 2 /MoSe 2 /graphene, as well as control samples, were fabricated by mechanical exfoliation and dry transfer techniques. To time-resolve the hole tunneling process, an ultrashort laser pulse was used to excite electrons and holes in both MoSe 2 layers. Here, by utilization of the graphene layer to eliminate carriers in the third MoSe 2 layer, the first MoSe 2 layer is selectively populated with the holes, which then tunnel to the third MoSe 2 layer. By monitoring decay of the hole population with an ultrashort probe pulse, we measure a hole tunneling time of about 20 ps, which is found to slightly increase with the injected carrier density. Besides the fundamental interests of real-time observation of the quantum-mechanical tunneling effect across a nanometer barrier, these results provide quantitative understanding on tunneling mechanisms of charge transfer in van der Waals heterostructures, which is useful for designing sophisticated van der Waals multilayer heterostructures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ultrafast formation of topological defects in a two-dimensional charge density wave

Topological defects play a central role in dynamical systems undergoing a non-adiabatic transition. In solids, topological defects as a result of femtosecond laser excitation have attracted increasing interest not only because they are key to understanding phase transitions but also because they can generate a variety of hidden orders that are not accessible in thermal equilibrium. Despite the common occurrence of these defects in a non-equilibrium system, the fundamental limit on how fast they can emerge in solids and the generic pathway for defect creation at such fast timescales have remained open questions. Here we apply ultrafast electron diffraction to study the reciprocal-space signatures of transient defects in a two-dimensional charge density wave, where simultaneous measurements of both defect and phonon dynamics yield a microscopic view of defect formation in the femtosecond regime. We find that one-dimensional domain walls are generated well within 1 ps following photoexcitation, during which the defect growth is not dictated by the amplitude of the order parameter but is mediated by a non-thermal population of longitudinal optical phonons. In conclusion, our work provides a framework for the ultrafast engineering of topological defects that are coupled to specific collective modes, which will prove useful for the dynamical control of non-equilibrium phases in correlated materials.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Energy transfer in a type-I van der Waals heterostructure of WSe 2 /PtSe 2

Abstract Energy transfer of a van der Waals heterostructure formed by monolayers of WSe 2 and PtSe 2 is studied by steady-state photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy. The heterostructure sample is fabricated by transferring a mechanically exfoliated WSe 2 monolayer onto a PtSe 2 monolayer film obtained by chemical vapor deposition. The sample is thermally annealed to improve the interface quality. PL of the heterostructure is quenched by four times compared to the individual WSe 2 monolayer, indicating excitation transfer from WSe 2 to PtSe 2 . Femtosecond transient absorption measurements with two configurations show that both the electrons and the holes can transfer from WSe 2 to PtSe 2 on a sub-picosecond time scale, while neither can transfer from PtSe 2 to WSe 2 . These results indicate that WSe 2 and PtSe 2 monolayers form a type-I band alignment with both the conduction band minimum and the valence band maximum in the PtSe 2 layer.

Materials Science↗

Programmable hyperbolic polaritons in van der Waals semiconductors

Lighting a route for hyperbolic dispersion The propagation of light within a material is usually well defined, with the propagation described by scattering and dispersion. In artificially designed metamaterials and in anisotropic layered materials, the dispersion can be hyperbolic, giving rise to subwavelength confinement of the light. Sternbach et al. show that the hyperbolic dispersion can be optically switched on and off on demand in the layered transition metal dichalcogenide tungsten diselenide (see the Perspective by Deng and Chen). Illuminating the material with ultrafast pulses of sub-bandgap light creates a transient waveguide, resulting in hyperbolic dispersion in the material. The ability to tune the dispersion characteristics on demand using optical pumping is an effective approach for developing ultrafast switching photonic devices and controlling the propagation of light on the nanoscale. Science , this issue p. 617 ; see also p. 572

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Electro-optic crystals and their use for light modulation

Several methods of modulating a beam of light, which have been described in the literature, utilizing the influence of an electrical signal on the birefringence of certain crystals, will be reviewed. These employ optics which respond to the state of polarization of a light beam, and include intensity modulation, position modulation, and the possibility of an electrically tuned optical filter. The influence of the piezo-optic, or strain contribution to the total electro-optic response in the design of an optoelectronic device will be discussed. Current experimental work in our laboratory in which the strain contribution is separated from the direct effect will be described. The strain-free effect is measured by applying a step voltage to the crystal, and observing the initial response. The electro-optical transient response can be observed with nanosecond time resolution. An electronic sampling technique is used to extract the desired response from photon noise. The stress-free or low-frequency effect is measured similarly but at low audio frequencies. Single crystal tetragonal BaT10 3 has been investigated in detail with the result that the strain-optic contribution to the low frequency effect r_(c) = r_(33)—r_(13) is about 80% of the total, where it is only 10% in KDP and 45% in ADP. The magnitudes of the electro-optic effect, dielectric constant, and other related properties are compared for several materials potentially useful as electro-optic modulators, and some comments are made about the practical problems of building a modulator.

ELECTRO-OPTICS↗

Energetic particles in space

A review is presented of observations of suprathermal particles in the interplanetary medium along with new data on low energy particles from experiments aboard the ISEE spacecraft. Energy spectra of protons in the near earth atmosphere are plotted in the rest frame of the solar wind noting that at energies above 10 to the 9th eV, the galactic cosmic ray electron component has an unattenuated access into the heliosphere. Solar transient events such as flares accelerate and release energetic particles into the interplanetary medium; flare particle fluxes generate shock waves propagating past 1 AU following the event. It is concluded that the energy spectra for shock wave accelerations show a characteristic shape in accordance with the power law with a rapid steepening at high energies.

Lin, R. P.↗

Circuit for Lifetime and Surface-Recombination Measurements

Test circuit for silicon solar cells suppresses spurious effects. New circuit increases accuracy of measurements of recombination lifetime and effective surface recombination velocity in silicon solar cell. Fast electronic switch, circuit grounds forward-biased cell so rapidly transient voltage to be measured not affected significantly.

Lindholm, F. A.↗

Time-dependent numerical simulation of hot ion outflow from the polar ionosphere

The time-dependent hydrodynamic model of Gombosi et al. (1985) was used to investigate the effects of bulk plasma heating on ion flows in the polar ionosphere. In the analysis, coupled time-dependent continuity, momentum, and energy equations of a two-ion (H/+/ and O/+/) quasi-neutral plasma were solved between 200 and 8000 km for polar wind conditions. In spite of its several limitations, the model can serve to indicate the gross behavior of polar region plasma flows. Two specific cases, ion heating and electron heating, were considered. The calculated temperature and flow profiles suggest that ion heating, rather than electron heating, generates the upwelling ion events, for which large transient O(+) outflows accompanied by elevated ion temperatures were observed.

Gombosi, T. I.↗

A detailed study of the photo-injection annealing of thermally diffused InP solar cells

A detailed analysis of the annealing of thermally diffused InP solar cells fabricated by the Nippon Mining Co. is presented. The cells were irradiated with 1 MeV electrons, and the induced degradation is measured using deep level transient spectroscopy and low temperature (86 K) IV measurements. Clear recovery of the photovoltaic parameters is observed during low temperature (T is less than 300 K) solar illuminations (1 sun, AMO) with further recovery at higher temperatures (300 less than T less than 500 K). For example, the output of a cell which was irradiated up to a fluence of 1 x 10(exp 16) cm(sup -2) was observed to recover to within 5 percent of the pre-irradiation output. An apparent correlation between the recovery of I(sub sc) and the annealing of the H4 defect and of the minority carrier trapping centers is observed. An apparent correlation between the recovery of VO, and the annealing of the H5 defect is also observed. These apparent correlations are used to develop a possible model for the mechanism of the recovery of the solar cells.

Walters, R. J.↗

Monte Carlo Model Insights into the Lunar Sodium Exosphere

Sodium in the lunar exosphere is released from the lunar regolith by several mechanisms. These mechanisms include photon stimulated desorption (PSD), impact vaporization, electron stimulated desorption, and ion sputtering. Usually, PSD dominates; however, transient events can temporarily enhance other release mechanisms so that they are dominant. Examples of transient events include meteor showers and coronal mass ejections. The interaction between sodium and the regolith is important in determining the density and spatial distribution of sodium in the lunar exosphere. The temperature at which sodium sticks to the surface is one factor. In addition, the amount of thermal accommodation during the encounter between the sodium atom and the surface affects the exospheric distribution. Finally, the fraction of particles that are stuck when the surface is cold that are rereleased when the surface warms up also affects the exospheric density. In [1], we showed the "ambient" sodium exosphere from Monte Carlo modeling with a fixed source rate and fixed surface interaction parameters. We compared the enhancement when a CME passes the Moon to the ambient conditions. Here, we compare model results to data in order to determine the source rates and surface interaction parameters that provide the best fit of the model to the data.

Hurley, Dana M.↗

Decoupled few-femtosecond phase transitions in vanadium dioxide

Abstract The nature of the insulator-to-metal phase transition in vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ) is one of the longest-standing problems in condensed-matter physics. Ultrafast spectroscopy has long promised to determine whether the transition is primarily driven by the electronic or structural degree of freedom, but measurements to date have been stymied by their sensitivity to only one of these components and/or their limited temporal resolution. Here we use ultra-broadband few-femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy to resolve the electronic and structural phase transitions in VO 2 at their fundamental time scales. Our experiments show that the system transforms into a bad-metallic phase within 10 fs after photoexcitation, but requires another 100 fs to complete the transition, during which we observe electronic oscillations and a partial re-opening of the bandgap, signalling a transient semi-metallic state. Comparisons with tensor-network simulations and density-functional theory calculations show these features result from an unexpectedly fast structural transition, in which the vanadium dimers separate and untwist with two different timescales. Our results resolve the structural and electronic nature of the light-induced phase transition in VO 2 and establish ultra-broadband few-femtosecond spectroscopy as a powerful tool for studying quantum materials out of equilibrium.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Acceleration of greater than 47 keV ions and greater than 2 keV electrons by interplanetary shocks at 1 AU

It is pointed out that collisionless shocks may be responsible for much of the particle acceleration which occurs in the interplanetary medium. The present investigation is concerned with the conditions for acceleration of particles by interplanetary shocks near 1 AU. Interplanetary shocks near 1 AU have large scale sizes, radii of curvature on the order of 1 AU, or about 1000 times the size of the earth's bow shock. At the considered heliocentric distance the shocks are primarily associated with solar flares and/or solar coronal transients. Observations of magnetic fields, solar wind plasma, and energetic ions and electrons from the ISEE 3 spacecraft are used to study the interplanetary shocks occurring in the period from launch in August 1978 through November 1979. Attention is given to the method of analysis, the determination of the normal to the shock, and energetic particle results.

Tsurutani, B. T.↗

Facile hermetic TEM grid preparation for molecular imaging of hydrated biological samples at room temperature

Abstract Although structures of vitrified supramolecular complexes have been determined at near-atomic resolution, elucidating in situ molecular structure in living cells remains a challenge. Here, we report a straightforward liquid cell technique, originally developed for real-time visualization of dynamics at a liquid-gas interface using transmission electron microscopy, to image wet biological samples. Due to the scattering effects from the liquid phase, the micrographs display an amplitude contrast comparable to that observed in negatively stained samples. We succeed in resolving subunits within the protein complex GroEL imaged in a buffer solution at room temperature. Additionally, we capture various stages of virus cell entry, a process for which only sparse structural data exists due to their transient nature. To scrutinize the morphological details further, we used individual particle electron tomography for 3D reconstruction of each virus. These findings showcase this approach potential as an efficient, cost-effective complement to other microscopy technique in addressing biological questions at the molecular level.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

The explosive transient camera (ETC) - An instrument for identification of gamma ray burst optical counterparts

The ETC is a wide-field (3-steradian) electronic camera array which can detect coincident optical flashes with durations of 0.1 to 100 sec. Each array element is a 20 x 30 deg FOV, cooled CCD detector. An optical transient (possibly associated with a gamma ray burst) as faint as B = +11 (1 sec duration) can be detected with an S/N of not less than 20, and its position determined to an accuracy of + or - 10 arcsec. Candidate events 1000 times fainter than the archived event (plate taken in 1928) reported for the November 19, 1978 gamma ray burst by Schaefer (1981) should be detectable in real time. A prototype camera was tested in April 1982 to establish sky background levels and spurious event rejection schemes; a 1/2-ster test version of the ETC was planned for operation in early 1984; expansion to the full 3-ster complement of 16 detectors at each of two sites was planned for the 1984-1985 period.

Ricker, G. R.↗