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At least 487 records · Page 27

Modeling of resistive plasma response in toroidal geometry using an asymptotic matching approach

The method of solving the linear resistive plasma response, based on the asymptotic matching approach, is developed for full toroidal tokamaks by upgrading the resistive DCON code [A. H. Glasser, Z. R. Wang, and J.-K. Park, Phys. Plasmas 23, 112506 (2016)]. The derived matching matrix, asymptotically matching the outer and inner regions, indicates that the applied three dimension (3-D) magnetic perturbations contribute additional small solutions at each resonant surface due to the toroidal coupling of poloidal modes. In contrast, the resonant harmonic only affects the corresponding resonant surface in the cylindrical plasma. Additionally, the solution of the ideal outer region is critical to the asymptotic matching and is challenging in toroidal geometry due to the singular power series solution at the resonant surfaces. Thus, a systematic verification of the outer region Δ' matrix is made by reproducing the well-known analytical Δ' result in Furth et al. [Phys. Fluids 16, 1054–1063 (1073)] and by making a quantitative benchmark with the PEST3 code [A. Pletzer and R. L. Dewar, J. Plasma Phys. 45, 427–451 (1991)]. Finally, the reconstructed numerical solution of the resistive plasma response from the toroidal matching matrix is presented. Compared with the ideal plasma response, the global structure of the response can be affected by the small finite island at the resonant surfaces.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

High resolution >40 keV x-ray radiography using an edge-on micro-flag backlighter at NIF-ARC

Radiography of low-contrast features in high-density materials evolving on a nanosecond timescale requires a bright photon source in the tens of keV range with high temporal and spatial resolution. One application for sources in this category is the study of dynamic material strength in samples compressed to Mbar pressures at the National Ignition Facility, high-resolution measurements of plastic deformation under conditions relevant to meteor impacts, geophysics, armor development, and inertial confinement fusion. Here, we present radiographic data and the modulation transfer function (MTF) analysis of a multi-component test object probed at ~100 keV effective backlighter energy using a 5 μm-thin dysprosium foil driven by the NIF Advanced Radiographic Capability (ARC) short-pulse laser (~2 kJ, 10 ps). The thin edge of the foil acts as a bright line-projection source of hard x rays, which images the test object at 13.2× magnification into a filtered and shielded image plate detector stack. The system demonstrates a superior contrast of shallow (5 μm amplitude) sinusoidal ripples on gold samples up to 90 μm thick as well as enhanced spatial and temporal resolution using only a small fraction of the laser energy compared to an existing long-pulse-driven backlighter used routinely at the NIF for dynamic strength experiments.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Applying the Euclidean-signature semi-classical method to the quantum Taub models with a cosmological constant and aligned electromagnetic field

We prove the existence of a countably infinite number of “excited” states for the Lorentzian-signature Taub–Wheeler–DeWitt (WDW) equation when a cosmological constant is present using the Euclidean-signature semi-classical method. We also find a “ground” state solution when both an aligned electromagnetic field and cosmological constant are present; as a result, conjecture that the Euclidean-signature semi classical method can be used to prove the existence of a countably “infinite” number of “excited” states when the two aforementioned matter sources are present. Afterward, we prove the existence of asymptotic solutions to the vacuum Taub–WDW equation using the “no boundary” and “wormhole” solutions of the Taub Euclidean-signature Hamilton–Jacobi equation and compare their mathematical properties. We then discuss the fascinating qualitative properties of the wave functions we have computed. By utilizing the Euclidean-signature semi-classical method in the above manner, we further show its ability to prove the existence of solutions to Lorentzian-signature equations without having to invoke a Wick rotation. This feature of not needing to apply a Wick rotation makes this method potentially very useful for tackling a variety of problems in bosonic relativistic field theory and quantum gravity

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Local Noether theorem for quantum lattice systems and topological invariants of gapped states

Here, we study generalizations of the Berry phase for quantum lattice systems in arbitrary dimensions. For a smooth family of gapped ground states in d dimensions, we define a closed d + 2-form on the parameter space, which generalizes the curvature of the Berry connection. Its cohomology class is a topological invariant of the family. When the family is equivariant under the action of a compact Lie group G, topological invariants take values in the equivariant cohomology of the parameter space. These invariants unify and generalize the Hall conductance and the Thouless pump. A key role in these constructions is played by a certain differential graded Fréchet–Lie algebra attached to any quantum lattice system. As a by-product, we describe ambiguities in charge densities and conserved currents for arbitrary lattice systems with rapidly decaying interactions.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Simultaneous determination of electrical conductivity and thickness of nonmagnetic metallic foils using two-sided multifrequency eddy current techniques

Here, in this paper, we describe a simple method for performing multifrequency eddy current characterization of free-standing uniform-thickness metallic foils using a forked inductive coil arrangement. The method involves measuring the mutual inductance between two coils when a foil is present between the coils, and when it is not present; the ratio of these mutual inductances is compared with an analytical solution, and foil conductivity, thickness, and sheet resistance are simultaneously estimated using numerical inversion and least-squares fitting. This method was used to characterize 34 non-ferrous metallic samples with thicknesses between 50 and 640 μm and with conductivities between 0.8 × 10 7 and 5.8 × 10 7 S/m. The estimated thicknesses from eddy current characterization agreed well with those measured using confocal optical techniques; the two approaches agreed to within 1 μm for samples that were thinner than 200 μm, and to within 0.5% for samples that had a thickness of 200 μm or greater. The estimated conductivities from eddy current characterization were in close agreement with expected values, given knowledge of the materials used. A particular strength of this approach is that the instrumentation needed is broadly available in research and development laboratories and the associated fixturing is easy to manufacture and assemble. A calibration procedure is described that can be used to reduce errors from geometric uncertainties. This calibration requires a sample that has only a known conductivity or thickness; both do not need to be known. The method described herein is likely extensible to conductivities and thickness well outside the ranges measured as part of this work.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

The slow wave resonance cone in the collisional regime

In the low-density edge plasma of tokamaks, ion cyclotron range of frequencies actuators may parasitically emit slow waves. If the density is sufficiently low, which may be common in large future devices such as international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER), these slow waves take the form of so-called resonance cones. The traditional theoretical description of this wave mode relies on formally relating an electrostatic approximation of the frequency-domain wave equation to a time-domain wave equation and relating the cone angle to the wave speed in the time-domain wave equation. In the cold plasma collisional regime, that wave speed is complex. We investigate that scenario in this work.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Impact of mechanical tolerances on partial turn skipping in helical flux compression generator

Maintaining tight mechanical tolerances of the components used in helical flux compression generators is crucial for optimizing device performance. Moving beyond current literature, which provides various approximations for acceptable tolerances, a 3D simulation of the armature stator interaction during generator operation was developed, revealing that existing equations frequently misestimate the tolerance limits. Without restricting the generality of the presented approach, the focus was primarily on the armature’s concentricity and roundness, comparing the acceptable tolerance limits between generators of different sizes. An analytical approach for select geometries was developed, confirming the 3D results. Quantitative results reveal that a steeper Gurney angle and increased winding pitch allow for less restrictive tolerances for eccentricity and ellipticity. Even small deviations from the ideal armature positioning and shape will result in fluctuations of the output current time-derivative, observed experimentally and in simulation. Larger deviations then cause partial turn skipping, associated with loss of magnetic flux. The simulation elucidates the impact of tolerance deviations on generator performance by offering precise tolerance ranges for various generator sizes, thereby facilitating informed design decisions.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Renormalization of states and quasiparticles in many-body downfolding

We explore the principles of many-body Hamiltonian complexity reduction via downfolding on an effective low-dimensional representation. We show that the renormalization factor provides a unique measure of the quality of the compression as it directly represents the projection between the approximate stationary state of the many-body Hamiltonian and the full many-body wavefunction. Hence, the renormalization factor is a measure of fidelity between the effective (reduced-rank) description and the full many-body treatment for arbitrary (i.e., ground and excited) states. When the entire problem is mapped on a system of interacting quasiparticles [Romanova et al., npj Comput. Mater. 9, 126 (2023)], the effective Hamiltonians can faithfully reproduce the physics only when a clear energy scale separation exists between the subsystems and their environment. We also demonstrate that it is necessary to include quasiparticle renormalization at distinct energy scales, capturing the distinct interaction between subsystems and their surrounding environments. Numerical results from simple, exactly solvable models highlight the limitations and strengths of this approach, particularly for ground and low-lying excited states. This work lays the groundwork for applying dynamical downfolding techniques to problems concerned with (quantum) interfaces.

Green-functions technique↗

APS: High-Energy X-rays Expediting Applied and Fundamental Research

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) was designed and built as one of the first large 3rd generation synchrotrons operated at 7 GeV. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science funded the construction and continues to fund the operation of this national facility. Furthermore, the beamlines were originally operated by Collaborative Access Teams (CAT), which allowed a strong involvement of research institutes, universities, and industry. Today 43 of 68 beamlines are operated by the X-ray Science Division (XSD) and 35 beamlines are directly funded by the DOE Office of Science. The APS became operational in 1995, and was planned right from the beginning with 4 beamlines dedicated to high-energy x-rays above 40 keV: 1-ID designed to study engineering materials science, 6-ID-D for magnetism and condensed matter research, 11-ID-B dedicated to magnetic Compton scattering using an Elliptical Multipole Wiggler, and 11-ID-C for materials science and condensed matter physics. These stations were later joined by the bending magnet beamlines 6-BM for white beam studies and 17-BM for rapid powder diffraction. CAT operated beamlines such as 15-ID for crystallography or 16-ID for high-pressure studies also use the high-energy x-ray regime frequently. The program in Compton scattering ended in 2004 and the wiggler was replaced by an undulator. 11-ID-B became the first dedicated station for Pair Distribution Function (PDF) Analysis.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Atomic structure and Mott nature of the insulating charge density wave phase of 1T-TaS 2

Here, using x-ray pair distribution function (PDF) analysis and computer modeling, we explore structure models for the complex charge density wave (CDW) phases of layered 1T-TaS 2 that both well capture their atomic-level features and are amenable to electronic structure calculations. The models give the most probable position of constituent atoms in terms of 3D repetitive unit cells comprising a minimum number of Ta–S layers. Structure modeling results confirm the emergence of star-of-David (SD) like clusters of Ta atoms in the high-temperature incommensurate (IC) CDW phase and show that, contrary to the suggestions of recent studies, the low-temperature commensurate (C) CDW phase expands upon cooling thus reducing lattice strain. The C-CDW phase is also found to preserve the stacking sequence of Ta–S layers found in the room temperature, nearly commensurate (NC) CDW phase to a large extent. DFT based on the PDF refined model shows that bulk C-CDW 1T-TaS 2 also preserves the insulating state of individual layers of SD clusters, favoring the Mott physics description of the metal-to-insulator (NC-CDW to C-CDW) phase transition in 1T-TaS 2 . Our work highlights the importance of using precise crystal structure models in determining the nature of electronic phases in complex materials.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Etched Silicon Planar CRL Optics for the High-Energy X-ray Diffraction Beamlines 11-ID-B and 11-ID-C at the APS

We report the focusing of high-energy X-rays is most commonly achieved by commercially available compound refractive lenses (CRL), which are added together in larger structures. There is a need for high-energy X-ray beamlines to enable focusing in only one dimension down to a few micrometers to study layered materials and thin films. High-energy X-rays above 50 keV require often 100 lenses or more, therefore it is more efficient to etch the complete arrays of lenses into a monolithic substrate like a silicon wafer. Custom lens arrays were fabricated for the high-energy x-ray beamlines 11-ID-B, and 11-ID-C at the Argonne National Laboratory. The fabrication required tuning parameters of the Bosch process to optimize the etching of deep vertical sidewalls at a reasonable speed without overheating. The beamline 11-ID-B is equipped with lens arrays of 85-110 lenses for 59 keV and 190-250 lenses for 87 keV photon energy, focusing the beam vertically below 5.0 µm at the sample positions between 1600 mm to 2100 mm. 11-ID-C has received arrays of 435 lenses that focus 106 keV X-rays to a vertical height of 2.0 µm at the sample position. In both cases, the flux density gain in the focal spot is larger than a factor of 20, relative to using slits to cut the beam size. The lens setup is permanently installed and can be moved in and out of the beam during the experiment without further alignment. The lenses have enabled operando diffraction studies on interfaces in batteries and the development of pair distribution function (PDF) analysis using grazing incidence geometry.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Exotic bonding interactions and coexistence of chemically distinct periodic lattice distortions in the charge density wave compound TaTe2

The superstructure of TaTe 2 is examined by total high-energy x-ray scattering and large-scale structure modeling over a broad temperature range. At room temperature, it features double zigzag chains of Ta atoms exhibiting metallic bonding. The chains are sandwiched between planes of weakly interacting Te atoms. Below 170 K, the chains appear broken to “butterflylike” clusters and single zigzag chains of covalently bonded Te atoms emerge while Ta-Te interactions remain largely ionic. This is a rare example of a charge density wave compound stabilized by bonding that is a mix of covalent, ionic, and metallic character giving rise to chemically distinct periodic lattice distortions. We argue that the formation of periodic lattice distortions in the Te sublattice in addition to those in the Ta sublattice favors charge delocalization, which may explain the unusually diminished resistivity and increased magnetic susceptibility exhibited by the low-temperature charge density wave phase of TaTe 2 . The effect may be common for 5d transition metal chalcogenides containing Te because of the extended electronic orbitals of the constituent atoms.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Hierarchy among the crystal lattice, charge density wave, and superconducting orders in transition metal dichalcogenides

Using high-energy x-ray scattering and large-scale three-dimensional (3D) structure modeling, in this study we investigate the relationship between the crystal lattice, charge density wave (CDW), and superconducting (SC) orders in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). In particular, we systematically substitute Te for Se in Ta-Se-Te solid solutions, determine changes in their crystal lattice, and relate them to changes in the CDW transition temperature, $T_{CDW}$, and SC critical temperature, $T_c$ . We find that strong lattice distortions such as buckling of Ta layers are detrimental to the CDW and SC orders. The presence of a perfect lattice order in two dimensions is a prerequisite to the emergence of CDWs but insufficient to achieve a SC ordered state. For the SC order to emerge, the Ta sublattice should also appear periodic in 3D. Local chemical disorder may promote the SC order, and the perfectness of Ta coordination polyhedra is a factor contributing to its strength. A hierarchical relationship among the crystal lattice, CDW, and SC orders thus appears to exist in TMDs in a sense that different degrees of crystal lattice order-disorder promote and maintain the CDW and SC orders to a different extent, offering an opportunity to control the latter through modifying the former by rational design. Our findings are a step towards a better understanding of the correlation between lattice and electronic degrees of freedom in TMDs. We also demonstrate an efficient experimental approach to study them in fine detail.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Temperature-induced structural evolution in liquid Ag-Ga alloys

Temperature-dependent atomic structural evolutions of liquid Ag 60 Ga 40 and Ag 70 Ga 30 alloys have been studied by in situ high-energy x-ray-diffraction (HEXRD) experiments combined with ab initio molecular-dynamics simulations. The experimental data show a reversible structural crossover at about 1050 ~ 1100 (± 50) K in both liquid Ag 60 Ga 40 and Ag 70 Ga 30 alloys. Obvious changes of the electrical resistivity, absolute thermoelectric power, and atomic diffusivity around the similar temperature range for both Ag-Ga liquids strongly support the HEXRD results. The origin of the liquid-to-liquid crossover in both Ag-Ga liquids was suggested to link with the rearrangements of Ag and Ga atoms, i.e., Ag and Ga atoms prefer to associate with themselves in the higher temperature range above 1100 K, consistent with the accelerated increase of the strong covalently bonded Ga–Ga dimers in both Ag-Ga liquids. In addition, more studies from the energy aspect are still desirable to understand the rearrangements of Ag and Ga atoms in the higher temperature range in both Ag-Ga liquids.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Neutron scattering investigation of proposed Kosterlitz-Thouless transitions in the triangular-lattice Ising antiferromagnet TmMgGaO 4

In this study, we use a variety of neutron scattering techniques to investigate the nature of the unusual magnetism in the compound TmMgGaO 4 . The crystal structure of this material hosts a triangular lattice of Tm spins exhibiting strong geometrical frustration. Theoretical predictions have suggested an unusual topological magnetic phase transition known as a Kosterlitz-Thouless transition at low temperature. By combining and comparing the various neutron scattering results, we have compelling evidence that such a transition indeed occurs at temperatures around 4 K in TmMgGaO 4 . This establishes TmMgGaO 4 as a valuable system to study Kosterlitz-Thouless physics in a dense spin system.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Magnetoelastic coupling, negative thermal expansion, and two-dimensional magnetic excitations in FeAs

We present a temperature-dependent investigation of the local structure and magnetic dynamics of the FeAs binary. The magnetic susceptibility χ (T) result shows an anomalous broad feature up to 550 K, with χ continuing to increase above the Néel antiferromagnetic ordering temperature (T N =70K), peaking at ~250 K, then decreasing gently above. It is remarkable that this peak susceptibility temperature corresponds to the onset of anisotropic negative thermal expansion in both the a and c axes, suggesting that magnetic interactions are affecting the structure even well above the Néel point. A systematic investigation into local bonding correlations, from time-of-flight neutron pair distribution function analyses, shows the octahedral volume around each Fe site growing monotonically while adjacent octahedra tilt toward one another before relaxing away past this peak in the anomalous magnetic susceptibility. We use inelastic-neutron scattering to map spin-wave excitations in FeAs at temperatures above and below the T N . We find magnetic excitations near T N to be very different from the excitations in the ground state at 1.5 K. Spin waves measured at 1.5 K are three dimensional (3D), however, in the vicinity of the magnetic transition, the magnetic fluctuations clearly indicate two-dimensional (2D) character in this intrinsically 3D crystal structure. Unlike the undoped 2D parents of iron-arsenide superconductors, where the magnetic correlations are considerably weaker along the c axis than in the ab plane, inelastic neutron scattering here shows that the spin fluctuations in the 3D FeAs binary are nearly 2D in the bc plane at 90 K. These results demonstrate the importance of short-range correlations in understanding the magnetic properties of transition-metal binaries, and suggest how 2D excitations, even in a 3D structure, can potentially become a breeding ground for unconventional superconductivity.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Dynamical origins of weakly coupled relaxor behavior in Sn-doped (Ba,Ca)TiO 3 -BiScO 3

The peculiar characteristics of relaxors, viz., a frequency-dependent dielectric permittivity peak and good functional properties (dielectric, electromechanical, electrocaloric, etc.), are attributed to nanoscale regions with correlated dipoles, or polar nanoregions (PNRs). However, the exact nature of PNRs and their contribution to relaxor behavior remains debatable. In recent years, solid solutions of BaTiO3-BiMeO3 (where Me is a metal), have emerged as an interesting system with characteristics in between that of relaxors and dipole glasses. Here, we have examined the atomistic origins of weakly coupled relaxor behavior, specifically with regard to formation of PNRs, in Sn-doped (1-x)(Ba,Ca)TiO 3-x BiScO 3 using macroscopic polarization and neutron dynamic pair distribution function measurements. We show that the short-range atomic correlations observed within the PNRs dynamically fluctuate with frequencies of the order of THz. Furthermore the composition-dependent dielectric and polarization behaviors are critically influenced by the relative stability of the atomic correlations near ~1 THz, while the instantaneous atomic correlations are largely independent of x. The current results are discussed based on a model of intrinsic local modes distributed in a dielectrically soft matrix.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Absence of long-range magnetic order in Fe 1–δ Te 2 (δ ≈ 0.1) crystals

Transition metal dichalcogenides attract considerable attention due to variety of interesting properties, including long range magnetism in nanocrystals. Here we have investigated magnetic, thermal and electrical properties of FeTe 2 single crystal with iron vacancy defects. Magnetic measurements shows paramagnetic state and the absence of magnetic order with small anisotropy in magnetic susceptibility. Fe 3d orbitals are well hybridized, contributing to bad metal electrical resistivity. Observed thermal conductivity values below room temperature are rather low and comparable to high performance thermoelectric materials. Furthermore, our results indicate that FeTe 2 can form in highly defective marcasite crystal structure which can be exploited in future materials design.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗