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At least 613 records · Page 34

Experimental geometry for simultaneous beam characterization and sample imaging allowing for pink beam Fourier transform holography or coherent diffractive imaging

One consequence of the self-amplified stimulated emission process used to generate x rays in free electron lasers (FELs) is the intrinsic shot-to-shot variance in the wavelength and temporal coherence. In order to optimize the results from diffractive imaging experiments at FEL sources, it will be advantageous to acquire a means of collecting coherence and spectral information simultaneously with the diffraction pattern from the sample we wish to study. We present a holographic mask geometry, including a grating structure, which can be used to extract both temporal and spatial coherence information alongside the sample scatter from each individual FEL shot and also allows for the real space reconstruction of the sample using either Fourier transform holography or iterative phase retrieval.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Scalable Nanoimprint Manufacturing of Functional Multilayer Metasurface Devices

Optical metasurfaces, consisting of subwavelength-scale meta-atom arrays, hold great promise of overcoming the fundamental limitations of conventional optics. Due to their structural complexity, metasurfaces usually require high-resolution yet slow and expensive fabrication processes. Here, using a metasurface polarimetric imaging device as an example, the photonic structures and the Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) processes are designed, creating two separate NIL molds over a patterning area of > 20 mm2 with designed Moiré alignment markers by electron-beam writing, and further subsequently integrate silicon and aluminum metasurface structures on a chip. Uniquely, the silicon and aluminum metasurfaces are fabricated by using the nanolithography and 3D pattern-transfer capabilities of NIL, respectively, achieving nanometer-scale linewidth uniformity, sub-200 nm translational overlay accuracy, and <0.017 rotational alignment error while significantly reducing fabrication complexity and surface roughness. Here, the micro-sized multilayer metasurfaces have high circular polarization extinction ratios as large as ≈20 and ≈80 in blue and red wavelengths. Further, the metasurface chip-integrated CMOS imager demonstrates high accuracy in broad-band, full Stokes parameter analysis in the visible wavelength ranges and single-shot polarimetric imaging. This novel, NIL-based, multilayered nanomanufacturing approach is applicable to the scalable production of large-area functional structures for ultra-compact optic, electronic, and quantum devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Full-wave feasibility study of magnetic diagnostic based on O-X mode conversion and oblique reflectometry imaging

An innovative millimeter wave diagnostic is proposed to measure the local magnetic field and the edge current as a function of the minor radius in the pedestal region. The idea behind such diagnostic is to localize and characterize a direction of reduced reflectivity at the O-mode cutoff layer. We modeled the wave scattering and mode-conversion processes by means of the finite-element COMSOL Multiphysics code in two dimensions (2D). Sensitivity studies were performed for parameters mocking up DIII-D plasmas. Simulations confirmed the presence of a minimum in reflectivity of an externally injected O-mode beam, and confirmed that this minimum depends on the magnetic field at the cutoff, as expected from the OX mode conversion physics. This study gives confidence in the feasibility of the diagnostic.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Thin-film X-ray filters on microstructured substrates and their thermophysical properties

It is shown that structured substrates having micron- or submicron-sized through holes and coated with an ultrathin organic film can be used for the fabrication of thin-film X-ray filters via direct growth of functional layers on a substrate by sputter deposition, without additional complex processing steps. An optimised process is considered for the fabrication of X-ray filters on support structures in the form of electroplated fine nickel grids and on track-etched polymer membranes with micron- and submicron-diameter through pores. ‘Optimisation’ is here taken to mean matching the sputter deposition conditions with the properties of substrates so as to avoid overheating. The filters in question are intended for both imaging and single-channel detectors operating in the soft X-ray and vacuum UV spectral regions, at wavelengths from 10 to 60 nm. Thermal calculations are presented for the heating of ultrathin layers of organic films and thin-film support substrates during the sputter deposition of aluminium or other functional materials. The paper discusses approaches for cooling thin-film composites during the sputter deposition process and the service of the filters in experiments and gives a brief overview of the works that utilised filters produced by the described technique on microstructured substrates, including orbital solar X-ray research in the framework of the CORONAS programme and laboratory laser plasma experiments. (invited paper)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Probing three-dimensional mesoscopic interfacial structures in a single view using multibeam X-ray coherent surface scattering and holography imaging

Abstract Visualizing surface-supported and buried planar mesoscale structures, such as nanoelectronics, ultrathin-film quantum dots, photovoltaics, and heterogeneous catalysts, often requires high-resolution X-ray imaging and scattering. Here, we discovered that multibeam scattering in grazing-incident reflection geometry is sensitive to three-dimensional (3D) structures in a single view, which is difficult in conventional scattering or imaging approaches. We developed a 3D finite-element-based multibeam-scattering analysis to decode the heterogeneous electric-field distribution and to faithfully reproduce the complex scattering and surface features. This approach further leads to the demonstration of hard-X-ray Lloyd’s mirror interference of scattering waves, resembling dark-field, high-contrast surface holography under the grazing-angle scattering conditions. A first-principles calculation of the single-view holographic images resolves the surface patterns’ 3D morphology with nanometer resolutions, which is critical for ultrafine nanocircuit metrology. The holographic method and simulations pave the way for single-shot structural characterization for visualizing irreversible and morphology-transforming physical and chemical processes in situ or operando .

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Optically sensitive devices based on Pt nano particles fabricated by atomic layer deposition and embedded in a dielectric stack

We report a series of metal insulator semiconductor devices with embedded Pt nano particles (NPs) fabricated using a low temperature atomic layer deposition process. Optically sensitive nonvolatile memory cells as well as optical sensors: (i) varactors, whose capacitance-voltage characteristics, nonlinearity, and peak capacitance are strongly dependent on illumination intensity; (ii) highly linear photo detectors whose responsivity is enhanced due to the Pt NPs. Both single devices and back to back pairs of diodes were used. The different configurations enable a variety of functionalities with many potential applications in biomedical sensing, environmental surveying, simple imagers for consumer electronics and military uses. The simplicity and planar configuration of the proposed devices makes them suitable for standard CMOS fabrication technology.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Fabrication and Study of a Concave Crystal Mirror for the KORTES Project

A method for fabrication of a concave spherical mirror made of crystalline quartz is proposed and X-ray optical properties of the mirror are studied. The radius of curvature is 1630 mm. The shape of the mirror surface is studied using an interferometer with a diffraction reference wave. In the entire processing region, the maximum deviation from the nearest sphere is about 0.2 μm and the rms is 34 nm, so that high quality of imaging is provided with an angular error of about 2″ (angular seconds). Reflection coefficient (about 7%) and lower bound limit of spectral selectivity (λ/δλ ≈ 1775) are determined in the vicinity of a wavelength of λ = 0.834 nm, which is close to the working wavelengths of the MgXII doublet (λ = 0.8418 and 0.8423 nm). Position of the Bragg peak and spectral selectivity remain unchanged upon bending of the crystal mirror within measurement accuracy.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

A signature dissimilarity measure for trabecular bone texture in knee radiographs

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a dissimilarity measure for the classification of trabecular bone (TB) texture in knee radiographs. Problems associated with the traditional extraction and selection of texture features and with the invariance to imaging conditions such as image size, anisotropy, noise, blur, exposure, magnification, and projection angle were addressed. Methods: In the method developed, called a signature dissimilarity measure (SDM), a sum of earth mover's distances calculated for roughness and orientation signatures is used to quantify dissimilarities between textures. Scale-space theory was used to ensure scale and rotation invariance. The effects of image size, anisotropy, noise, and blur on the SDM developed were studied using computer generated fractal texture images. The invariance of the measure to image exposure, magnification, and projection angle was studied using x-ray images of human tibia head. For the studies, Mann-Whitney tests with significance level of 0.01 were used. A comparison study between the performances of a SDM based classification system and other two systems in the classification of Brodatz textures and the detection of knee osteoarthritis (OA) were conducted. The other systems are based on weighted neighbor distance using compound hierarchy of algorithms representing morphology (WND-CHARM) and local binary patterns (LBP). Results: Results obtained indicate that the SDM developed is invariant to image exposure (2.5-30 mA s), magnification (x1.00-x1.35), noise associated with film graininess and quantum mottle (<25%), blur generated by a sharp film screen, and image size (>64x64 pixels). However, the measure is sensitive to changes in projection angle (>5 deg.), image anisotropy (>30 deg.), and blur generated by a regular film screen. For the classification of Brodatz textures, the SDM based system produced comparable results to the LBP system. For the detection of knee OA, the SDM based system achieved 78.8% classification accuracy and outperformed the WND-CHARM system (64.2%). Conclusions: The SDM is well suited for the classification of TB texture images in knee OA detection and may be useful for the texture classification of medical images in general.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Atomic-Scale Manipulation and In Situ Characterization with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Scanning tunneling microscope (STM) has presented a revolutionary methodology to nanoscience and nanotechnology. It enables imaging of the topography of surfaces, mapping the distribution of electronic density of states, and manipulating individual atoms and molecules, all at atomic resolutions. In particular, atom manipulation capability has evolved from fabricating individual nanostructures toward the scalable production of the atomic-sized devices bottom-up. The combination of precision synthesis and in situ characterization has enabled direct visualization of many quantum phenomena and fast proof-of-principle testing of quantum device functions with immediate feedback to guide improved synthesis. Several representative examples are reviewed to demonstrate the recent development of atomic-scale manipulation, focusing on progress that addresses quantum properties by design in several technologically relevant materials systems. Integration of several atomically precisely controlled probes in a multiprobe STM system vastly extends the capability of in situ characterization to a new dimension where the charge and spin transport behaviors can be examined from mesoscopic to atomic length scale. The automation of atomic-scale manipulation and the integration with well-established lithographic processes further push this bottom-up approach to a new level that combines reproducible fabrication, extraordinary programmability, and the ability to produce large-scale arrays of quantum structures.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Photoluminescence Dynamics Defined by Exciton Trapping Potential of Coupled Defect States in DNA-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

Chemical reactions between semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) achieve spatially patterned covalent functionalization sites and create coupled fluorescent quantum defects on the nanotube surface, tailoring SWCNT photophysics for applications such as single-photon emitters in quantum information technologies. The evaluation of relaxation dynamics of photoluminescence (PL) from those coupled quantum defects is essential for understanding the nanotube electronic structure and beneficial to the design of quantum light emitters. Here, we measured the PL decay for ssDNA-functionalized SWCNTs as a function of the guanine content of the ssDNA oligo that dictates the red-shifting of their PL emission peaks relative to the band-edge exciton. We then correlate the observed dependence of PL decay dynamics on energy red-shifts to the exciton potential energy landscape, which is modeled using first-principles approaches based upon the morphology of ssDNA-altered SWCNTs obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging. In this work, our simulations illustrate that the multiple guanine defects introduced within a single ssDNA strand strongly interact to create a deep exciton trapping well, acting as a single hybrid trap. The emission decay from the distinctive trapping potential landscape is found to be biexponential for ssDNA-modified SWCNTs. We attributed the fast time component of the biexponential PL decay to the redistribution of exciton population among the lowest energy bright states and a manifold of dark states emerging from the coupling of multiple guanine defects. The long lifetime component in the biexponential decay, on the other hand, is attributed to the redistribution of exciton population among different exciton trapping sites that arise from the binding of multiple ssDNA strands along the nanotube axis. AFM measurements indicate that those trapping sites are separated on average by ~8 nm along the nanotube axis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Optical-Gating of Spin-based Quantum States (Final Report)

This project developed a generalizable strategy for optical control of spin-based quantum states through the Photoisomerization-Induced Spin–Charge Excited State (PISCES) process, in which a photochromic spirooxazine ligand bound to an electronically bistable metal complex enables reversible, room-temperature optical switching of spin states in both dilute matrices and the solid state. A multidisciplinary team integrated synthesis, spectroscopy, theory, and surface science to establish design principles for opto-spintronic quantum materials. Systematic structure–property studies across four spirooxazine series revealed that donor–π–acceptor interactions govern thermal isomerization, which proceeds via a rotational pathway. Pulsed EPR measurements demonstrated millisecond-scale coherence times in cobalt-dioxolene-spirooxazine complexes, establishing their promise as optically addressable molecular qubits; the approach was extended to Cu(II), Ni(II), and lanthanide complexes, including optical modulation of zero-field splittings and clock transitions. Two-dimensional IR spectroscopy resolved picosecond ground-state population exchange dynamics, while ab initio calculations elucidated photoisomerization mechanisms and parametrized Hamiltonians for spin relaxation and decoherence. Toward device integration, the team fabricated 2D polymer scaffolds for covalent qubit organization, developed tip-enhanced Raman imaging of molecular monolayers, and demonstrated optical gating of gate voltage in spirooxazine-graphene field-effect transistors. The project produced numerous publications, dissertations, and presentations, and trained over 30 researchers.

2D polymers↗

System and method to estimate compressional to shear velocity (VP/VS) ratio in a region remote from a borehole

In some aspects of the disclosure, a method for creating three-dimensional images of non-linear properties and the compressional to shear velocity ratio in a region remote from a borehole using a conveyed logging tool is disclosed. In some aspects, the method includes arranging a first source in the borehole and generating a steered beam of elastic energy at a first frequency; arranging a second source in the borehole and generating a steerable beam of elastic energy at a second frequency, such that the steerable beam at the first frequency and the steerable beam at the second frequency intercept at a location away from the borehole; receiving at the borehole by a sensor a third elastic wave, created by a three wave mixing process, with a frequency equal to a difference between the first and second frequencies and a direction of propagation towards the borehole; determining a location of a three wave mixing region based on the arrangement of the first and second sources and on properties of the third wave signal; and creating three-dimensional images of the non-linear properties using data recorded by repeating the generating, receiving and determining at a plurality of azimuths, inclinations and longitudinal locations within the borehole. The method is additionally used to generate three dimensional images of the ratio of compressional to shear acoustic velocity of the same volume surrounding the borehole.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Efficient laser-induced 6-8 keV x-ray production from iron oxide aerogel and foil-lined cavity targets

The performance of new iron-based laser-driven x-ray sources has been tested at the OMEGA laser facility for production of x rays in the 6.5-8.5 keV range. Two types of targets were experimentally investigated: low-density iron oxide aerogels (density 6-16 mg/cm{sup 3}) and stainless steel foil-lined cavity targets (steel thickness 1-5 {mu}m). The targets were irradiated by 40 beams of the OMEGA laser (500 J/beam, 1 ns pulse, wavelength 351 nm). All targets showed good coupling with the laser, with <5% of the incident laser light backscattered by the resulting plasma in all cases (typically <2.5%). The aerogel targets produced T{sub e}=2 to 3 keV, n{sub e}=0.12-0.2 critical density plasmas yielding a 40%-60% laser-to-x-ray total conversion efficiency (CE) (1.2%-3% in the Fe K-shell range). The foil cavity targets produced T{sub e}{approx} 2 keV, n{sub e}{approx} 0.15 critical density plasmas yielding a 60%-75% conversion efficiency (1.6%-2.2% in the Fe K-shell range). Time-resolved images illustrate that the volumetric heating of low-density aerogels allow them to emit a higher K-shell x-ray yield even though they contain fewer Fe atoms. However, their challenging fabrication process leads to a larger shot-to-shot variation than cavity targets.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Measurements of 3D slip velocities and plasma column lengths of a gliding arc discharge

A non-thermal gliding arc discharge was generated at atmospheric pressure in an air flow. The dynamics of the plasma column and tracer particles were recorded using two synchronized high-speed cameras. Whereas the data analysis for such systems has previously been performed in 2D (analyzing the single camera image), we provide here a 3D data analysis that includes 3D reconstructions of the plasma column and 3D particle tracking velocimetry based on discrete tomography methods. The 3D analysis, in particular, the determination of the 3D slip velocity between the plasma column and the gas flow, gives more realistic insight into the convection cooling process. Additionally, with the determination of the 3D slip velocity and the 3D length of the plasma column, we give more accurate estimates for the drag force, the electric field strength, the power per unit length, and the radius of the conducting zone of the plasma column.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Time resolved diagnostics of ions in colliding carbon plasmas

We report a comparative study of the dynamic behaviour of ions at different pressures in laser ablated colliding and single plasma plumes using 2D imaging, optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and a retarding field analyser (RFA). 2D imaging shows the splitting of plasma plumes due to different velocities of various plasma species. OES shows enhancement in abundance of ionic species with their presence for a longer time in colliding plume. C{sub 2} molecular formation is seen at later time in colliding plume compared to single plume and is attributed to dominating collisional processes in the colliding region of the plumes. The time of flight distribution of ions traced by the RFA shows the variation with change in fluence as well as ambient pressure for both colliding and single plume. Time of flight analysis of ions also shows the appearance of a fast peak in ion signal due to acceleration of ions at larger fluence.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Radial magnetic compression in the expelled jet of a plasma deflagration accelerator

A spectroscopic study of a pulsed plasma deflagration accelerator is carried out that confirms the existence of a strong compression in the emerging jet at the exit plane of the device. An imaging spectrometer is used to collect broadened Hα emission from a transaxial slice of the emerging jet at high spatial resolution, and the radial plasma density profile is computed from Voigt fits of the Abel inverted emissivity profiles. The plasma temperature, determined via Doppler broadening of impurity line emission, is compared against the temperature predictions of a radial magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium model applied to the measured density profiles. Empirical scaling laws developed for the plasma density, combined with the measured and predicted temperatures, indicate that a radially equilibrated Z-pinch is formed within the expelled plasma jet at the exit plane during the deflagration process.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

An instrument for in situ time-resolved X-ray imaging and diffraction of laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing processes

In situ X-ray-based measurements of the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing process produce unique data for model validation and improved process understanding. Synchrotron X-ray imaging and diffraction provide high resolution, bulk sensitive information with sufficient sampling rates to probe melt pool dynamics as well as phase and microstructure evolution. Here, we describe a laboratory-scale LPBF test bed designed to accommodate diffraction and imaging experiments at a synchrotron X-ray source during LPBF operation. We also present experimental results using Ti-6Al-4V, a widely used aerospace alloy, as a model system. Both imaging and diffraction experiments were carried out at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource. Melt pool dynamics were imaged at frame rates up to 4 kHz with a ~1.1 μm effective pixel size and revealed the formation of keyhole pores along the melt track due to vapor recoil forces. Diffraction experiments at sampling rates of 1 kHz captured phase evolution and lattice contraction during the rapid cooling present in LPBF within a ~50 × 100 μm area. In conclusion, we also discuss the utility of these measurements for model validation and process improvement.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Characterization of midwave infrared InSb avalanche photodiode

This paper focuses on the InSb material potential for the elaboration of Avalanche Photodiodes (APD) for high performance infrared imaging applications, both in passive or active mode. The first InSb electron-APD structure was grown by molecular beam epitaxy, processed and electrically characterized. The device performances are at the state of the art for the InSb epi-diode technology, with a dark current density J(−50 mV) = 32 nA/cm{sup 2} at 77 K. Then, a pure electron injection was performed, and an avalanche gain, increasing exponentially, was observed with a gain value near 3 at −4 V at 77 K. The Okuto–Crowell model was used to determine the electron ionization coefficient α(E) in InSb, and the InSb gain behavior is compared with the one of InAs and MCT APDs.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗