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At least 55 records · Page 3

Decagonal Sn clathrate on d-Al-Ni-Co

Decagonal quasiperiodic ordering of Sn thin films on d-Al-Ni-Co is shown based on scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), low-energy electron diffraction, and density functional theory (DFT). Interestingly, the decagonal structural correlations are partially retained even up to a large film thickness of 10 nm grown at 165±10K. The nucleation centers called “Sn white flowers” identified by STM at submonolayer thickness are recognized as valid patches of the decagonal clathrate structure with low adsorption energies of these motifs. Due to the excellent lattice matching (to within 1%) between columns of Sn dodecahedra in the clathrate structure and pentagonal motifs at the d-Al-Ni-Co surface, the interfacial energy favors clathrate over the competing Sn crystalline forms. DFT study of the Sn/Al-Ni-Co composite model shows good mechanical stability, as shown by the work of separation of Sn from Al-Ni-Co slab that is comparable to the clathrate self-separation energy. Finally, the relaxed surface terminations of the R 2 T 4 clathrate approximant are in self-similarity correspondence with the motifs observed in the STM images from monolayer to the thickest Sn film.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Absence of a bulk signature of a charge density wave in hard x-ray measurements of UTe 2

The long-sought pair density wave (PDW) is an exotic phase of matter in which charge density wave (CDW) order is intertwined with the amplitude or phase of coexisting, superconducting order. Originally predicted to exist in copper-oxides, circumstantial evidence for PDW order now exists in a variety of materials. Recently, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) studies have reported evidence for a three-component CDW at the surface of the heavy-fermion superconductor, UTe 2 , persisting below its superconducting transition temperature [Aishwarya et al., Nature 618, 928933 (2023); Gu et al., Nature 618, 921927 (2023); LaFleur et al., Nat. Commun. 15, 4456 (2024)]. Here, in this study, we use hard x-ray diffraction measurements on crystals of UTe 2 at 𝑇 = 1.9 and 12 K to search for a bulk signature of this CDW. Using STM measurements as a constraint, we calculate the expected locations of CDW superlattice peaks and sweep a large volume of reciprocal space in search of a signature. We fail to find any evidence for a CDW near any of the expected superlattice positions in many Brillouin zones. We estimate an upper bound on the CDW lattice distortion of 𝑢 max ≲ 4×10 −3 Å. Our results suggest that the CDW observed in STM is either purely electronic, somehow lacking a signature in the lattice, or is restricted to the material surface.

Kengle, Caitlin S.↗

Spectroscopy of Twisted Bilayer Graphene Correlated Insulators

Here we analytically compute the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) signatures of integer-filled correlated ground states of the magic angle twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) narrow bands. After experimentally validating the strong-coupling approach at ± 4 electrons/moiré unit cell, we consider the spatial features of the STM signal for 14 different many-body correlated states and assess the possibility of Kekulé distortion (KD) emerging at the graphene lattice scale. Remarkably, we find that coupling the two opposite graphene valleys in the intervalley-coherent (IVC) TBG insulators does not always result in KD. As an example, we show that the Kramers IVC state and its nonchiral U(4) rotations do not exhibit any KD, while the time-reversal-symmetric IVC state does. Our results, obtained over a large range of energies and model parameters, show that the STM signal and Chern number of a state can be used to uniquely determine the nature of the TBG ground state.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Comment on “Tunneling-tip-induced collapse of the charge gap in the excitonic insulator Ta 2 NiSe 5 ”

In this study, we investigate the discrepancy between the estimate of Q. He [], who observed a remarkable collapse of the exciton gap in Ta 2 NiSe 5 due to the electrostatic field between the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) tip and the sample, and that of a recent angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy investigation [C. Chen , ]. It is proposed that a critical factor contributing to this discrepancy is due to He 's assumption of a constant work function of the STM tip. This assumption led to an underestimation of the tip-induced electric field. Using a literature value for the sample work function, a more substantial electric field strength is obtained, which resolves the apparent conflict between the doping estimates of these two techniques. Furthermore, our findings highlight the importance of the STM tip condition, which can significantly impact the tip work function and, consequently, influence the doping estimation in experiments involving tip-induced electric fields. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Intrinsic Defect-Induced Local Semiconducting-to-Metallic Regions Within Monolayer 1T-TiS2 Displayed by First-Principles Calculations and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Using density functional theory (DFT) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), the intrinsic point defects, formation energy, and electronic structure of 1T-TiS2 were investigated. Defect systems include single-atom vacancies, interstitial and adatom additions, and direct atomic substitution. Using a collective approach for analyzing realistic systems for point defect investigation, we provide a more straightforward comparison to the experimental measurements, reproducing more realistic environmental conditions related to thin film growth. STM images are compared to computationally simulated electron density images to identify specific geometries that result from favorable point defects. DFT suggests that titanium interstitials are the most energetically favorable intrinsic defect, and sulfur vacancies are more likely to form than titanium vacancies within this realistic analysis, which is in agreement with STM data. A pristine, stoichiometric monolayer system is calculated to have a direct band gap of 0.422 eV, which varies based on local point defects. Local semiconducting-to-metallic electronic transitions are predicted to occur based on the presence of Ti interstitials.

Keeney, P. J.↗

Guiding Principles for Geochemical/Thermodynamic Model Development and Validation in Nuclear Waste Disposal: A Close Examination of Recent Thermodynamic Models for H + —Nd 3+ —NO 3 - (—Oxalate) Systems

Development of a defensible source-term model (STM), usually a thermodynamical model for radionuclide solubility calculations, is critical to a performance assessment (PA) of a geologic repository for nuclear waste disposal. Such a model is generally subjected to rigorous regulatory scrutiny. In this article, we highlight key guiding principles for STM model development and validation in nuclear waste management. We illustrate these principles by closely examining three recently developed thermodynamic models with the Pitzer formulism for aqueous H + —Nd 3+ —NO 3 - (—oxalate) systems in a reverse alphabetical order of the authors: the XW model developed by Xiong and Wang, the OWC model developed by Oakes et al., and the GLC model developed by Guignot et al., among which the XW model deals with trace activity coefficients for Nd(III), while the OWC and GLC models are for concentrated Nd(NO 3 ) 3 electrolyte solutions. The principles highlighted include the following: (1) Principle 1. Validation against independent experimental data: A model should be validated against experimental data or field observations that have not been used in the original model parameterization. We tested the XW model against multiple independent experimental data sets including electromotive force (EMF), solubility, water vapor, and water activity measurements. The results show that the XW model is accurate and valid for its intended use for predicting trace activity coefficients and therefore Nd solubility in repository environments. (2) Principle 2. Testing for relevant and sensitive variables: Solution pH is such a variable for an STM and easily acquirable. All three models are checked for their ability to predict pH conditions in Nd(NO 3 ) 3 electrolyte solutions. The OWC model fails to provide a reasonable estimate for solution pH conditions, thus casting serious doubt on its validity for a source-term calculation. In contrast, both the XW and GLC models predict close-to-neutral pH values, in agreement with experimental measurements. (3) Principle 3. Honoring physical constraints: Upon close examination, it is found that the Nd(III)-NO 3 association schema in the OWC model suffers from two shortcomings. Firstly, its second stepwise stability constant for Nd(NO 3 ) 2+ (log K 2 ) is much higher than the first stepwise stability constant for NdNO 3 2+ (log K 1 ), thus violating the general rule of (log K 2 –log K 1 ) < 0, or $\frac{K1}{K2}$>1. Secondly, the OWC model predicts abnormally high activity coefficients for Nd(NO 3 ) 2 + (up to ~900) as the concentration increases. (4) Principle 4. Minimizing degrees of freedom for model fitting: The OWC model with nine fitted parameters is compared with the GLC model with five fitted parameters, as both models apply to the concentrated region for Nd(NO 3 ) 3 electrolyte solutions. The latter appears superior to the former because the latter can fit osmotic coefficient data equally well with fewer model parameters. The work presented here thus illustrates the salient points of geochemical model development, selection, and validation in nuclear waste management.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Methods and devices configured to operated scanning tunneling microscopes using out-of-bandwidth frequency components added to bias voltage and related software

In the system and method disclosed, an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) scanning tunneling microscope (STM) tip is used to selectively desorb hydrogen atoms from the Si(100)-2X1:H surface by injecting electrons at a negative sample bias voltage. A new lithography method is disclosed that allows the STM to operate under imaging conditions and simultaneously desorb H atoms as required. A high frequency signal is added to the negative sample bias voltage to deliver the required energy for hydrogen removal. The resulted current at this frequency and its harmonics are filtered to minimize their effect on the operation of the STM's feedback loop. This approach offers a significant potential for controlled and precise removal of hydrogen atoms from a hydrogen-terminated silicon surface and thus may be used for the fabrication of practical silicon-based atomic-scale devices.

Moheimani, Seyed Omid Reza↗

Adaptive, Active Learning, and Multifidelity Monte Carlo Methods in the MOOSE Stochastic Tools Module

MOOSE is an open-source computational platform for constructing multi-physics models and executing them in a massively parallel fashion. It has a stochastic tools module (STM) for forward/inverse uncertainty quantification (UQ) and surrogate modeling. This presentation details some recent developments to the STM with respect to the implementation of adaptive, active learning, and multifidelity Monte Carlo methods for forward UQ of computational models. Specifically, the adaptive Monte Carlo methods include Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)-driven algorithms like adaptive importance sampling and parallelized subset simulation for statistical QoI estimation, rare events analysis, and stochastic gradient-free optimization. The active learning methods include Gaussian Process (GP) surrogates and their training via Adam optimization, design of acquisition functions, and integration with samplers like Monte Carlo, adaptive importance, and parallelized subset simulation. These active learning methods are also designed to work in a batch mode, wherein, the required calls to the full computational model are executed in parallel whenever a user-specified batch size is met. The multifidelity methods in STM are broadly divided into two categories: hierarchical, where a defined hierarchy exists among the low-fidelity models, and peer, where all the low-fidelity models are treated equally. A GP surrogate is used to learn the differences between the low- and high-fidelity models in both multifidelity categories, and acquisition functions from the active learning classes are used to decide whether to rely on a low-fidelity model or call the expensive high-fidelity model. Alongside the software description and usage, applications are also presented to nuclear engineering computational models including a TRISO nuclear fuel particle, a reactor pressure vessel, and a heat-pipe microreactor.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Development of online pulse-finding algorithms for the Mu2e Stopping Target Monitor and an evaluation of the signal to background ratio for the Mu2e stopped-muon rate determination

This thesis presents a determination of the acceptance of the Mu2e Stopping Target Monitor (STM) detector for both signal and background events. The rate of X-rays of a specific energy in the STM is used to determine the rate of stopped muons in the aluminium stopping target, which is used as the normalisation for all Mu2e measurements, particularly the branching ratio for a charged lepton flavour violating (cLFV) process. The acceptance for the 347\,keV $2p-1s$ aluminium signal X-ray is determined to be $(8.03 \pm 0.05) \times 10^{-10}$\,cm$^{-2}$ and the acceptance for the background photons (at 347\,keV) to be $(3.19 \pm 0.21) \times 10^{-8}$\,cm$^{-2}$. This results in a signal-to-background ratio of approximately two which is significantly higher than had previously been estimated. These signal-to-background rates are used to determine the time required to achieve a statistical uncertainty of 10\% on the number of 347\,keV X-rays as a function of the detector resolution and back ground rate. For a resolution of 2\,keV, and the background rate determined in this thesis, approximately one minute of data is required. The three corrections needed to be applied to the measured 347\,keV rate to determine the rate of stopped muons are also determined and potential sources of bias arising from the background shape, background fit range and energy calibration are investigated and found to be insignificant. The raw energy of the particles in the STM detector comes from a 16-bit ADC digitising at $\sim 300$\,MHz. It is not possible to store all the raw digitisations and online algorithms have been developed to rapidly select pulses in the detector and reconstruct their energy. The performance of these algorithms has been characterised with simulated data as a function of detector rate and resolution and optimum operating points for the algorithms have been defined. The integrity of the algorithms has also been demonstrated and characterised on test-beam data at high r ates and with radioactive sources at low rates.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Comparative Study of Enhanced Geothermal System Supply Curves Across CONUS from Two Temperature Models Using the Renewable Energy Potential Model (reV)

Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) have had recent breakthroughs within the geothermal sector. These breakthroughs are reflected in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 2024 Annual Technology Baseline and will result in updated EGS supply curves (i.e., the available resource capacity relative to cost). Our research uses NREL's Renewable Energy Potential (reV) model to compare EGS supply curves across the conterminous United States (CONUS) for two different temperature models: the Stanford temperature model (STM) and the Southern Methodist University temperature model (SMU). The reV model provides the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) at a consistent resolution across CONUS, taking into consideration transmission costs and constraints as well as technical exclusions pertaining to sensitive cultural, ecological, or infrastructure locations. In addition to a countrywide analysis of both models, we also conducted a regional analysis of Texas. We observed the STM had, on average, lower temperatures across different depths, resulting in slightly higher mean and median LCOEs as compared to the SMU temperature model at the same depths. In the regional analysis for Texas, however, when we compared only the common points between the two temperature models, the STM had lower median and mean LCOEs compared to SMU due to higher temperatures at depths greater than 5 km.

enhanced geothermal systems↗

Ghost states and surface structures of the charge density wave kagome metal ScV 6 Sn 6

In this work, we investigate the high-temperature phase of the kagome metal ScV 6 Sn 6 using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/S) and density functional theory calculations. STM topographic images of the cleaved sample reveal two distinct surface terminations: flat islands with Sn termination and trenches terminated by kagome layers with Sn as the outermost atomic layer. STS measurements on the Sn-terminated and kagome-terminated surfaces show significant differences, in particular the presence of large density of states near the Fermi level in the former case. Our first-principles calculations reveal that the charge density on the kagome-terminated surface gives rise to “ghost states” which show intensity away from surface atoms, arising due to hybridization of orbitals above the surface. These states can obscure the intrinsic properties of the surface, potentially leading to misattribution of the surface termination. This underscores the need for careful interpretation in STM studies, especially when discerning surface states of localized states. Understanding the surface structure of this versatile quantum material provides essential information for interpreting surface-sensitive experiments, tailoring material properties, engineering interfaces, and controlling stability and reactivity. This knowledge paves the way for further exploration and potential applications of kagome lattice materials in various fields, including quantum computing, topological physics, and advanced electronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Composition-Dependent Reconstructions of Titanium Oxide Clusters and Cu(111) Support via Cluster-Adatom Interactions

Mass-selected cluster deposition and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) were used to investigate the surface structure and thermal stability of Ti 3 O y (y = 5, 6) clusters on a Cu(111) surface. STM imaging shows that the substoichiometric Ti 3 O 5 clusters aggregate into large dendritic assemblies at step edges, while the stoichiometric Ti 3 O 6 clusters are highly dispersed as single or small groupings of clusters. Cluster deposition also results in extensive reconstruction of the Cu(111) surface. The Ti 3 O 5 /Cu(111) surface exhibits one Cu-layer deep pits that are ringed by cluster assemblies that nucleate and grow at the perimeter step edges. By comparison, the Ti 3 O 6 /Cu(111) surface consists of irregular step edges and small one Cu-layer islands that are decorated with clusters. The restructuring of the Cu(111) surface is attributed to strong Cu-cluster interactions that release Cu adatoms from the step edges. This mechanism is supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which predict that the Cu adatom attachment to the clusters is energetically favorable. Annealing the surfaces at elevated temperatures (400-700 K) results in higher densities of irregular steps, pits and isolated Cu islands as well as increased cluster aggregation. In conclusion, this work highlights adatom-cluster interactions as another manifestation of strong cluster-support interactions that can significantly alter the nature of the oxide-metal interface.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Distinguishing Elements at the Sub‐Nanometer Scale on the Surface of a High Entropy Alloy

Materials in crystalline form possess translational symmetry (TS) when the unit cell is repeated in real space with long- and short-range orders. The periodic potential in the crystal regulates the electron wave function and results in unique band structures, which further define the physical properties of the materials. Amorphous materials lack TS due to the randomization of distances and arrangements between atoms, causing the electron wave function to lack a well-defined momentum. High entropy materials provide another way to break the TS by randomizing the potential strength at periodic atomic sites. The local elemental distribution has a great impact on physical properties in high entropy materials. It is critical to distinguish elements at the sub-nanometer scale to uncover the correlations between the elemental distribution and the material properties. Here, the use of synchrotron X-ray scanning tunneling microscopy (SX-STM) with sub-nm scale resolution in identifying elements on a high entropy alloy (HEA) surface is demonstrated. By examining the elementally sensitive X-ray absorption spectra with an STM tip to enhance the spatial resolution, the elemental distribution on an HEA's surface at a sub-nm scale is extracted. In conclusion, these results open a pathway towards quantitatively understanding high entropy materials and their material properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Identification of Defects and the Origins of Surface Noise on Hydrogen–Terminated (100) Diamond

Near-surface nitrogen vacancy centres are critical to many diamond-based quantum technologies such as information processors and nanosensors. Surface defects play an important role in the design and performance of these devices. The targeted creation of defects is central to proposed bottom-up approaches to nanofabrication of quantum diamond processors, and uncontrolled surface defects may generate noise and charge trapping which degrade shallow NV device performance. Surface preparation protocols may be able to control the production of desired defects and eliminate unwanted defects, but only if their atomic structure can first be conclusively identified. This work uses a combination of scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) imaging and first-principles simulations to identify several surface defects on H:C(100)—2 × 1 surfaces prepared using chemical vapour deposition (CVD). The atomic structure of these defects is elucidated, from which the microscopic origins of magnetic noise and charge trapping are determined based on the modeling of their paramagnetic properties and acceptor states. Rudimentary control of these deleterious properties is demonstrated through STM tip-induced manipulation of the defect structure. Furthermore, the results validate accepted models for CVD diamond growth by identifying key adsorbates responsible for the nucleation of new layers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Thermodynamic Stability and Site‐Specific Distribution of Graphitic and Pyridinic Nitrogen in Graphene Moiré on Ru(0001)

Abstract Graphene‐like materials are of interest for large‐scale hydrogen storage applications due to their lightweight, durable, and scalable properties. Nitrogen‐doping minimizes kinetic limitations in diffusion and recombination on surfaces, however, the role of graphitic nitrogen (GN) and pyridinic nitrogen (PN) is not well understood. Nitrogen‐doped graphene is synthesized on Ru(0001) using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of pyridine and ion irradiation. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and density functional theory (DFT) are used to identify the structure, location, and thermodynamic stability of nitrogen species within the graphene moiré. CVD of pyridine results in a low nitrogen concentration (<0.1at%), while the post‐growth nitrogen ion irradiation allows us to increase the concentration further. The concentration of GN and PN is controlled by varying the ion dose and annealing temperature. Comparison of measured and simulated STM images of GN and PN yield an excellent agreement, allowing us to confidently establish that GN is preferentially located near the center of the Atop region, while PN is located in the valley region of the graphene moiré. This report explicitly confirms the site assignments and provides a foundation for the site synthesis and analysis of structural and electronic properties that drive the reactivity of N‐doped graphene.

Gedara, Buddhika S. A. [Physical and Computational↗

In‐Plane Anisotropy in van der Waals NiTeSe Ternary Alloy

Abstract The anisotropic properties of materials profoundly influence their electronic, magnetic, optical, and mechanical behaviors and are critical for a wide range of applications. In this study, the anisotropic characteristics of Ni‐based van der Waals materials, specifically NiTe 2 and its alloy NiTeSe, utilizing a combination of comprehensive scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, are explored. Unlike 1T‐NiTe 2 , which exhibits trigonal in‐plane symmetry, the substitution of Te with Se in NiTe 2 (resulting in the NiTeSe alloy) induces a pronounced in‐plane anisotropy. This anisotropy is clear in the STM topographs, which reveal a distinct linear order of charge distribution. Corroborating these observations, ARPES measurements and DFT calculations reveal an anisotropic Fermi surface centered at the point, which is notably elongated along the k y direction, leading to directional variations in in‐plane carrier velocities. Consequently, the Fermi velocity is highest along the k x direction where the linear charge distribution aligns in real space and is lowest along the k y direction. These findings offer valuable insights into the tunability of anisotropic properties in ternary transition metal dichalcogenide systems, highlighting their potential applications in the development of anisotropic electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Chemistry↗

Monolayer TiS 2 Nanosheets on Au(111)–Structural Characterization and Effect of Edge Stability for Shape Control

Transition metal dichalcogenides are promising alternatives to noble metal catalysts, e.g., for (photo-)activation of greenhouse gases or hydrogenations. Herein, a direct synthetic route for 2D TiS 2 nanosheets on Au(111) by titanium deposition in the presence of a mild, organic, non-oxidizing sulfur source is presented. High-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is used to gain atomic-level insights into the TiS 2 nanosheet morphology. In contrast to the literature, this protocol gains mostly hexagonal and truncated triangular nanosheets with an increased edge contrast in STM, analog to metallic edge states in MoS 2 . Synchrotron-based photoelectron spectroscopy allows insights into compositional details, specifically to distinguish different S sites on the TiS 2 sheets and other S species on the sample. Further, a minimum size is identified (9 S atoms side length), which underlines the importance of moiré reconstructions for stress relief. The TiS 2 sheets coexist with [Au]Ti 1 S 3 clusters, in which a single gold atom is alloyed into the surface and capped by three S atoms. Together with the finding of a critical sheet size, this points toward on-surface Ostwald ripening as a relevant process in the sheet formation. Ab-initio calculations (density functional theory) underscore that the chemical potential of S is an essential descriptor to maintain shape control.

2D nanomaterials↗

Influence of structural defects on charge density waves in 1T-TaS2

Abstract The influence of intrinsic defects of 1T-TaS 2 on charge density waves (CDWs) is studied using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM, STS), angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES), and density functional theory (DFT). We identify several types of structural defects and find that most have a local character limited to a single CDW site, with a single exception which effectively behaves as a dopant, leading to band-bending and affecting multiple neighboring sites. While only one type of defect can be observed by STM topographic imaging, all defects are easily resolved in STS mapping. Our results indicate modulation of the Mott band gap commensurate with the CDW and breaking of the three-fold symmetry of electronic states. DFT calculations (with included Coulomb interactions) are used to investigate the electronic structure, focusing on both sulfur vacancy and oxygen-sulfur substitution. The sulfur vacancy system, characterized with a metallic behavior, is identified as the origin of one of the experimentally observed defects. Additionally, the effect of oxidation of 1T-TaS 2 depends on the substitution site, leading to the heterogeneity of electronic properties.

Chemistry↗