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At least 667 records · Page 37

Ferroelectricity in Si-Doped Hafnia: Probing Challenges in Absence of Screening Charges

The ability to develop ferroelectric materials using binary oxides is critical to enable novel low-power, high-density non-volatile memory and fast switching logic. The discovery of ferroelectricity in hafnia-based thin films, has focused the hopes of the community on this class of materials to overcome the existing problems of perovskite-based integrated ferroelectrics. However, both the control of ferroelectricity in doped-HfO2 and the direct characterization at the nanoscale of ferroelectric phenomena, are increasingly difficult to achieve. The main limitations are imposed by the inherent intertwining of ferroelectric and dielectric properties, the role of strain, interfaces and electric field-mediated phase, and polarization changes. In this work, using Si-doped HfO2 as a material system, we performed a correlative study with four scanning probe techniques for the local sensing of intrinsic ferroelectricity on the oxide surface. Putting each technique in perspective, we demonstrated that different origins of spatially resolved contrast can be obtained, thus highlighting possible crosstalk not originated by a genuine ferroelectric response. By leveraging the strength of each method, we showed how intrinsic processes in ultrathin dielectrics, i.e., electronic leakage, existence and generation of energy states, charge trapping (de-trapping) phenomena, and electrochemical effects, can influence the sensed response. We then proceeded to initiate hysteresis loops by means of tip-induced spectroscopic cycling (i.e., “wake-up”), thus observing the onset of oxide degradation processes associated with this step. Finally, direct piezoelectric effects were studied using the high pressure resulting from the probe’s confinement, noticing the absence of a net time-invariant piezo-generated charge. Our results are critical in providing a general framework of interpretation for multiple nanoscale processes impacting ferroelectricity in doped-hafnia and strategies for sensing it.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Part 1: Classical laser. Part 2: The effect of velocity changing collisions on the output of a gas laser

A classical model for laser action is discussed, in which an active medium consisting of anharmonic oscillators interacts with an electromagnetic field in a resonant cavity. Comparison with the case of a medium consisting of harmonic oscillators shows the significance of nonlinearities for producing self-sustained oscillations in the radiation field. A theoretical model is presented for the pressure dependence of the intensity of a gas laser, in which only velocity-changing collisions with foreign gas atoms are included. A collision model for hard sphere, repulsive interactions was derived. Collision theory was applied to a third-order expansion of the polarization in powers of the cavity electric field (weak signal theory).

Borenstein, M.↗

Effect of velocity-changing collisions on the output of a gas laser.

A theoretical model for the pressure dependence of the intensity of a gas laser is presented in which only velocity-changing collisions with foreign-gas atoms are included. This is a special case where the phase shifts are the same for the two atomic-laser levels or are so small that deflections are the dominant effect of collisions. A collision model for hard-sphere repulsive interactions is derived and the collision parameters, persistence of velocity and collision frequency, are assumed to be independent of velocity. The collision theory is applied to a third-order expansion of the polarization in powers of the cavity electric field (weak-signal theory). The resulting expression for the intensity shows strong pressure dependence. The collisions reduce the amount of saturation and the laser intensity increases with pressure in a characteristic fashion.

Borenstein, M.↗

Gravitational-wave observations as a tool for testing relativistic gravity.

The nature of gravitational wave measurements is discussed, along with their significance for tests of relativistic gravity theory. It is shown that the Riemann tensor of the most general wave is composed of six modes of polarization expressible in terms of six 'electric' components that govern driving forces in a detector. Consequently, currently feasible detectors can obtain all the measurable information contained in the most general wave permitted by any metric theory of gravity. It is important that future experiments be designed to measure all six 'electric' components.

Eardley, D. M.↗

Scientific management and implementation of the geophysical fluid flow cell for Spacelab missions

Scientific support for the spherical convection experiment to be flown on Spacelab 3 was developed. This experiment takes advantage of the zero gravity environment of the orbiting space laboratory to conduct fundamental fluid flow studies concerned with thermally driven motions inside a rotating spherical shell with radial gravity. Such a system is a laboratory analog of large scale atmospheric and solar circulations. The radial body force necessary to model gravity correctly is obtained by using dielectric polarization forces in a radially varying electric field to produce radial accelerations proportional to temperature. This experiment will answer fundamental questions concerned with establishing the preferred modes of large scale motion in planetary and stellar atmospheres.

Hart, J.↗

ULF/ELF waves and turbulence in the high-altitude dayside magnetosphere

Three groups of waves appear to be characteristic of the dayside high-lattitude magnetosphere, in view of AC electric field measurements made by polar-orbiting satellites: (1) ULF/ELF broadband noise, whose region of peak intensity is generally found to be consistent with the latitudinal extension of the cusp; (2) VLF hiss, which although present in the cusp region extends outside the established cusp projection; and (3) narrow-band ELF emissions, covering frequencies betwen 200 Hz and 1 kHz, on the equatorward side of the cusp. This classification of the waves is independent of the magnetic disturbance level. Attention is given to the manner in which the appearance of the ULF/ELF noise and the narrow-band ELF emissions can be used to localize the solar cusp position.

Holtet, J. A.↗

Scattering by a groove in an impedance plane

An analysis of two-dimensional scattering from a narrow groove in an impedance plane is presented. The groove is represented by a impedance surface and the problem reduces to that of scattering from an impedance strip in an otherwise uniform impedance plane. On the basis of this model, appropriate integral equations are constructed using a form of the impedance plane Green's functions involving rapidly convergent integrals. The integral equations are solved by introducing a single basis representation of the equivalent current on the narrow impedance insert. Both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations are treated. The resulting solution is validated by comparison with results from the standard boundary integral method (BIM) and a high frequency solution. It is found that the presented solution for narrow impedance inserts can be used in conjunction with the high frequency solution for the characterization of impedance inserts of any given width.

Bindiganavale, Sunil↗

Design and fabrication of a reflection far ultraviolet polarizer and retarder

New methods have been developed for the design of a far ultraviolet multilayer reflection polarizer and retarder. A MgF2/Al/MgF2 three-layer structure deposited on a thick opaque Al film (substrate) is used for the design of polarizers and retarders. The induced transmission and absorption method is used for the design of a polarizer and layer-by-layer electric field calculation method is used for the design of a quarterwave retarder. In order to fabricate these designs in a conventional high vacuum chamber, we have to minimize the oxidation of the Al layers and somehow characterize the oxidized layer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to investigate the amount and profile of oxidation. Depth profiling results and a seven layer oxidation model are presented.

Kim, Jongmin↗

Magnetic field structure in Monoceros R2

We have carried out polarimetric observations to investigate the geometry of the magnetic field in the giant molecular cloud Monoceros R2. This study is based upon deep R-band charge coupled device (CCD) polarimetry, covering a total area of 0.5 deg(exp 2) of the giant molecular cloud. The data were calibrated using a new technique that relies on obtaining broad-band photometry of stars simultaneously with polarimetric photometry of the Mon R2 fields, thus providing an accurate means of measuring the electric vectors of starlight which is polarized by the fore-ground dust grains aligned by the magnetic field in the Mon R2 GMC. In this work, (1) we were able to continuously trace magnetic field lines from the largest scales in Mon R2 to the detailed structure of the field in the dense core, as determined from infrared polarimetry; and (2) we have found that the ambient field is apparently modified by a large-scale structure in the Mon R2 cloud. The mean angle of polarization for the complete sample we measured is 158 deg, which is roughly coincident with the local Galactic magnetic field (155 deg). The dispersion in the angle of polarization is 33 deg, similar to that found in the Orion GMC. The dispersion in angle of polarization for stars located along the western side of the three CCD fields is 22 deg. The CCD fields are bisected by a dense ridge of gas defining the boundary of an expanding gas shell that recent observational results at millimeter wavelengths now reveal dominates the Mon R2 GMC. Our results suggest th at the expanding shell has distorted the magnetic field lines extending from the core to the northern gas structure comprising Mon R2.

Jarrett, T. H.↗

The Twist Limit for Bipolar Active Regions

We present new evidence that further supports the standard idea that active regions are emerged magnetic-flux-rope omega loops. When the axial magnetic twist of a cylindrical flux rope exceeds a critical amount, the flux rope becomes unstable to kinking, and the excess axial twist is converted into writhe twist by the kinking. This suggests that, if active regions are emerged omega loops, then (1) no active region should have magnetic twist much above the limit set by kinking, (2) active regions having twist near the limit should often arise from kinked omega loops, and (3) since active regions having large delta sunspots are outstandingly twisted, these arise from kinked omega loops and should have twist near the limit for kinking. From each of 36 vector magnetograms of bipolar active regions, we have measured (1) the total flux of the vertical field above 100 G, (2) the area covered by this flux, and (3) the net electric current that arches over the polarity inversion line. These three quantities yield an estimate of the axial magnetic twist in a simple model cylindrical flux rope that corresponds to the top of the active region s hypothetical omega loop prior to emergence. In all 36 cases, the estimated twist is below the critical limit for kinking. The 11 most twisted active regions (1) have estimated twist within a factor of approx.3 of the limit, and (2) include all of our 6 active regions having large delta sunspots. Thus, our observed twist limit for bipolar active regions is in good accord with active regions being emerged omega loops.

Moore, Ron↗

Current State of the Electrodynamic Dust Shield for Mitigation

The Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) has been developed as a means to lift, transport and remove dust from surfaces for over 18 years in the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA Kennedy Space Center. Resent advances in the technology have allowed large-scale EDSs to be fabricated using roll-to-roll techniques for quick efficient processing. The aim of the current research is to demonstrate the 3-dimensional (3-D) version of the EDS and its applicability to various surfaces of interest throughout the Artemis program that require dust mitigation. The conventional two dimensional (2-D) EDS has been comprised of interdigitated electrodes across a surface of alternating polarity to setup non-uniform electric fields in the location of interest for which the particles need to be removed. The 2-D system can be designed to accommodate various phases. For example, the two phase EDS is comprised of two electrodes 180˚ out of phase, while the 3-phase EDS is 120˚ out of phase with the adjacent leg. 4-phase EDS configurations are also possible but for each square wave a high voltage signal is applied to each leg.

Buhler, C. R.↗

Considerations on Electrolytic Conductivity Measurement for Monitoring of Ionic Silver Biocide Dosing

NASA interest in ionic silver (Ag+) as a biocide for spacecraft potable water systems motivates the development of Ag+ concentration sensors to ensure nominal dosing. The electrolytic conductivity change of highly-purified potable water is linearly related to the concentration of chemically-dosed Ag+ and could serve as a useful proxy measurement, while the conductivity change during electrolytic dosing may be less so, depending on the influent water chemistry and electrolytic efficiency. Understanding and mitigating the potentially deleterious effects of Ag+ interaction with conductivity measurement systems requires investigation. Issues associated with traditional conductivity cells, which rely on wetted(typically metal or graphite) electrodes, and capacitively-coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) for this application are considered. Traditional conductivity cells may potentially be subject to significant excitation-induced or auto-galvanic reduction of Ag+. These may result in Ag+ depletion or electrode fouling and associated measurement error. Proper selection of electrode material, excitation parameters, and cell geometry may limit such effects. C4D uses electrodes placed outside an inert, insulating material, with dielectric polarization enabling the production of an electric field and resultant current across the analyte solution. This approach could potentially mitigate problems with Ag+ depletion and fouling by eliminating the possibility of auto-galvanic deposition and reducing the Faradaic current density. However, it is necessary to confirm C4D performance at very low conductivity levels and to determine if long-term operation produces conductive deposits, which could result in measurement error. A commercial C4D system with 1/16” (1.59 mm)outer diameter flow tubing and claimed performance in the conductivity range appropriate for this application was identified, and its sensitivity in the upper parts of this range was confirmed in a preliminary experiment. A concept for a C4D detector that could allow for full rate flow-through using planar electrodes and thin-film dielectric layers is discussed.

silver↗

Structural, Electrical, and Electromechanical Properties of Inverse Hybrid Perovskites from First-Principles: The Case of (CH 3 NH 3 ) 3 OI

Inverse-hybrid perovskites (IHPs) with large polarization have recently been predicted from first-principles computations. Here, we use one representative from the IHP class of materials, (CH 3 NH 3 ) 3 OI (MA3OI), to propose a route to the first-principles prediction of structural and electrical properties, such as polarization, polarization reversibility, and the associated coercive field for hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites. The route relies on the construction of the polarization reversal path that models experimental measurements. Such a path was found to play an important role in the ground-state search as well as in the identification of competing structural variations. The latter is believed to be the origin of the structural disorder that is characteristic of hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites. The application of such an approach to MA3OI leads to the prediction of several structural variations that are expected to result in a structurally disordered phase above 766 K and of the polar ground state with a polarization of 25.3 μC/cm 2 that is reversible with the application of an electric field. The upper estimate for the coercive field associated with homogeneous polarization reversal is 6.9 GV/m. The piezoelectric constants of MA3OI are predicted to be an order of magnitude smaller in comparison with a prototypical inorganic ferroelectric PbTiO 3 ; however, the low symmetry of the MA3OI structure yields finite values for all components of the piezoelectric tensor. The polarization in MA3OI is tunable by the epitaxial strain (11.5% change under 5% epitaxial strain), although less so as compared with PbTiO 3 .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Polymer-Polymer Bilayer Actuator

A device for providing an electromechanical response includes two polymeric webs bonded to each other along their lengths. At least one polymeric web is activated upon application thereto of an electric field and exhibits electrostriction by rotation of polar graft moieties within the polymeric web. In one embodiment, one of the two polymeric webs in an active web upon application thereto of the electric field, and the other polymeric web is a non-active web upon application thereto of the electric field. In another embodiment, both of the two polymeric webs are capable of being active webs upon application thereto of the electric field. However, these two polymeric webs are alternately activated and non-activated by the electric field.

Su, Ji↗

Role of inductive electric fields in substorm development

A study discussing and investigating the role of inductive electric fields in substorm development is presented. It is common to use the scalar potential phi to calculate the electrostatic field E(sup ES)-(inverted Delta)(phi). However, vector potential A has not been extensively used to analyze results by the relation for the inductive electric field E(sup IND)-delta A/delta t. Because of the weak dependence in distance (1/r) these potentials show the effect of distant sources, unlike MHD (Magnetohydrodynamic) theory which is strictly local. The two can be separated by the choice of the Coulomb (transverse) gauge. It is proper to consider that the plasma polarizes to counteract the activation of the inductive electric field; this is a matter of cause and effect. However, such polarization produces a curl free electrostatic field and thus cannot alter the electromotive force due to induction. This idea has some interesting consequences for plasma physics, including violations of MHD theory, creation of the substorm current diversion, and a fresh look at dayside merging via plasma transfer events.

Heikkila, Walter J.↗

Polar cap electron densities from DE 1 plasma wave observations

Electric-field-spectum measurements from the plasma-wave instrument on the Dynamics Explorer 1 spacecraft are used to study the local electron density at high altitudes in the northern polar-cap region. The electron density is determined from the upper cutoff of whistler-mode radiation at the electron plasma frequency. Median density values over the polar cap at L greater than 10 are found to vary from 35.2 + or - 8.5 cu cm at 2.1 earth radii to 0.99 + or - 0.51 cu cm at 4.66 earth radii. The steady-state radial-outflow model is examined for consistency with the observed density profile. A power-law fit to the radial variation of the electron density yields an exponent of - 3.85 + or - 0.32, which for the radial-outflow model implies a flow velocity increasing nearly linearly with incresing radial distance. Comparison of the observed electron densities with theoretical polar-wind densities yields consistent results up to 2.8 earth radii. A comparison of the observed electron densities with low-altitude density profiles from the Alouette II and ISIS 1 spacecraft illustrates transitions in the slope of the profile at 1.16 earth radii and between 1.55 and 2.0 earth radii. The changes in the density profile suggest that changes occur in the basic radial-transport processes at these altitudes.

Persoon, A. M.↗