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At least 667 records · Page 37

Nonlinear negative refraction by difference frequency generation

Negative refraction has attracted much interest for its promising capability in imaging applications. Such an effect can be implemented by negative index meta-materials, however, which are usually accompanied by high loss and demanding fabrication processes. Recently, alternative nonlinear approaches like phase conjugation and four wave mixing have shown advantages of low-loss and easy-to-implement, but associated problems like narrow accepting angles can still halt their practical applications. Here, we demonstrate theoretically and experimentally a scheme to realize negative refraction by nonlinear difference frequency generation with wide tunability, where a thin Beta barium borate slice serves as a negative refraction layer bending the input signal beam to the idler beam at a negative angle. Furthermore, we realize optical focusing effect using such nonlinear negative refraction, which may enable many potential applications in imaging science.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DaMoScope and its internet graphics for the visual control of adjusting mathematical models describing experimental data

The experience of using the dynamic atlas of the experimental data and mathematical models of their description in the problems of adjusting parametric models of observable values depending on kinematic variables is presented. The functional possibilities of an image of a large number of experimental data and the models describing them are shown by examples of data and models of observable values determined by the amplitudes of elastic scattering of hadrons. The Internet implementation of an interactive tool DaMoScope and its interface with the experimental data and codes of adjusted parametric models with the parameters of the best description of data are schematically shown. The DaMoScope codes are freely available.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

NASA Tech Briefs, October 2010

Topics covered include: Hybrid Architecture Active Wavefront Sensing and Control; Carbon-Nanotube-Based Chemical Gas Sensor; Aerogel-Positronium Technology for the Detection of Small Quantities of Organic and/or Toxic Materials; Graphene-Based Reversible Nano-Switch/Sensor Schottky Diode; Inductive Non-Contact Position Sensor; High-Temperature Surface-Acoustic-Wave Transducer; Grid-Sphere Electrodes for Contact with Ionospheric Plasma; Enabling IP Header Compression in COTS Routers via Frame Relay on a Simplex Link; Ka-Band SiGe Receiver Front-End MMIC for Transponder Applications; Robust Optimization Design Algorithm for High-Frequency TWTs; Optimal and Local Connectivity Between Neuron and Synapse Array in the Quantum Dot/Silicon Brain; Method and Circuit for In-Situ Health Monitoring of Solar Cells in Space; BGen: A UML Behavior Network Generator Tool; Platform for Post-Processing Waveform-Based NDE; Electrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide Generator; Fabrication of Single, Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes in 3D Nanoscale Architectures; Process to Create High-Fidelity Lunar Dust Simulants; Lithium-Ion Electrolytes Containing Phosphorous-Based, Flame-Retardant Additives; InGaP Heterojunction Barrier Solar Cells; Straight-Pore Microfilter with Efficient Regeneration; Determining Shear Stress Distribution in a Laminate; Self-Adjusting Liquid Injectors for Combustors; Handling Qualities Prediction of an F-16XL-Based Reduced Sonic Boom Aircraft; Tele-Robotic ATHLETE Controller for Kinematics - TRACK; Three-Wheel Brush-Wheel Sampler; Heterodyne Interferometer Angle Metrology; Aligning Astronomical Telescopes via Identification of Stars; Generation of Optical Combs in a WGM Resonator from a Bichromatic Pump; Large-Format AlGaN PIN Photodiode Arrays for UV Images; Fiber-Coupled Planar Light-Wave Circuit for Seed Laser Control in High Spectral Resolution Lidar Systems; On Calculating the Zero-Gravity Surface Figure of a Mirror; Optical Modification of Casimir Forces for Improved Function of Micro- and Nano-Scale Devices; Analysis, Simulation, and Verification of Knowledge-Based, Rule-Based, and Expert Systems; Core and Off-Core Processes in Systems Engineering; Digital Reconstruction Supporting Investigation of Mishaps; and Template Matching Approach to Signal Prediction.

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Design and construction of a quantum matter synthesizer

The quantum matter synthesizer (QMS) is a new quantum simulation platform in which individual particles in a lattice can be resolved and re-arranged into arbitrary patterns. The ability to spatially manipulate ultracold atoms and control their tunneling and interactions at the single-particle level allows full control of a many-body quantum system. We present the design and characterization of the QMS, which integrates into a single ultra-stable apparatus a two-dimensional optical lattice, a moving optical tweezer array formed by a digital micromirror device, and site-resolved atomic imaging. We demonstrate excellent mechanical stability between the lattice and tweezer array with relative fluctuations below 10 nm, diffraction-limited imaging at a resolution of 655 nm, and high-speed real-time control of the tweezer array at a 2.52 kHz refresh rate, which will be adopted to realize fast rearrangement of atoms. The QMS also features new technologies and schemes, such as nanotextured anti-reflective windows and all-optical long-distance transport of atoms.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Optimizing spectral phase transfer in four-wave mixing with gas-filled capillaries

Four-wave mixing (FWM) in gas-filled hollow-core capillaries, a nonlinear optical process that mixes signal and pump photon frequencies to generate idler frequency photons, offers a method for precise spectral phase transfer from signal to idler at ultrashort timescales and extreme powers. However, this regime is challenged by competing linear and nonlinear dynamics, leading to significant trade-offs between spectral phase transfer and conversion efficiency. Our computational investigation focuses on the upconversion of femtosecond pulses from the infrared (IR) to the ultraviolet (UV), a range notoriously difficult to manipulate. We explore an intermediate energy regime that strikes an optimal balance between FWM-mediated phase-transfer fidelity and nonlinear conversion efficiency. By adjusting the energy ratios and spectral phase profiles of the input signal, we achieve conversion efficiencies of approximately 5-15% while maintaining an effective quasi-linear spectral phase transfer. These findings will contribute to establishing first-principles and scaling laws essential for applications such as high-precision imaging, spectroscopy, quantum transduction, and distributed entangled interconnects, facilitating advanced control of ultrafast photonic and electronic wavepackets in quantum materials with unprecedented spatial and temporal precision.

Zhang, Hao↗

Effect of Annealing Temperature on Structure and Magnetic Properties of Zn{sub 0.94}Mg{sub 0.01}Mn{sub 0.05}O Nanoparticles

Structural and magnetic characteristics of Zn{sub 0.94}Mg{sub 0.01}Mn{sub 0.05}O (ZnMgMnO) nanoparticles synthesized by Sol-Gel preparation technique in a wide temperature range were reported. The influence of annealing temperature on the crystal structure of ZnMgMnO nanoparticles was figured out by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). To optimize the annealing temperature and reveal the particle formation and size, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging technique was performed. The required stoichiometry of the synthesized samples was obtained by an energy dispersive X-ray analysis technique (EDX). Quantum Design Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (QDVSM) tool was used for the magnetic characterizations of Zn{sub 0.94}Mg{sub 0.01}Mn{sub 0.05}O composition. Magnetization measurements as a function of magnetic field (M-H) were performed in the magnetic field up to 10 kOe. Temperature dependence of magnetization measurements (M-T) was taken between 10 and 320 K temperature ranges.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Synchrotron nanoimaging of single In-rich InGaN nanowires

This work reports on the elemental distribution and local structure of single In{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}N nanowires (NWs) grown by molecular beam epitaxy on Si (111) substrates using X-ray fluorescence nanoprobe. Ga and In maps reveal an inhomogeneous elemental distribution along the NWs, with a higher Ga concentration at the bottom of the NW. Scanning electron microscopy images show that the inhomogeneous axial distribution is not correlated with a X-ray beam induced damage, and therefore, should be an intrinsic characteristic of the NWs arising from the growth process. Spatially resolved X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy data acquired around the In K-edge show that the tetrahedral structure is preserved around the absorbing In-atoms all along the NW, and suggests that the compositional modulation could be affecting its long-range order.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Automated detection of rear contact voids in perc cells with photoluminescence imaging

An image-processing method combined with Fourier analysis is introduced here in this work as a rapid and highly-automated method of detecting rear contact voids in passivated emitter and rear contact cells (PERC). This approach utilizes photoluminescence (PL) imaging to locate the central point of the most detrimental type of voids and associate a void fraction to each cell in a manner of seconds. Acoustic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy are also used as complementary tools to confirm the presence of voids detection using PL imaging and provide more insight into the actual physical mechanism of what is observed in PL measurements.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Stochastic solution of population balance equations for reactor networks

This work presents a sequential modular approach to solve a generic network of reactors with a population balance model using a stochastic numerical method. Full-coupling to the gas-phase is achieved through operator-splitting. The convergence of the stochastic particle algorithm in test networks is evaluated as a function of network size, recycle fraction and numerical parameters. These test cases are used to identify methods through which systematic and statistical error may be reduced, including by use of stochastic weighted algorithms. The optimal algorithm was subsequently used to solve a one-dimensional example of silicon nanoparticle synthesis using a multivariate particle model. This example demonstrated the power of stochastic methods in resolving particle structure by investigating the transient and spatial evolution of primary polydispersity, degree of sintering and TEM-style images. Highlights: •An algorithm is presented to solve reactor networks with a population balance model. •A stochastic method is used to solve the population balance equations. •The convergence and efficiency of the reported algorithms are evaluated. •The algorithm is applied to simulate silicon nanoparticle synthesis in a 1D reactor. •Particle structure is reported as a function of reactor length and time.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Effect of annealing on SiO{sub x}-TiO{sub 2} axial heterostructure nanowires and improved photodetection

Glancing angle deposition technique has been used to synthesize the axial heterostructure SiO{sub x}-TiO{sub 2} nanowires (NWs) on the Si substrate. The field emission gun scanning electron microscope image shows the formation of perpendicular NWs on Si substrate. A typical transmission electron microscope image confirms the heterostructure NW which consists of SiO{sub x} of length ∼130 nm and TiO{sub 2} of length ∼170 nm. The amorphous NWs transformed to polycrystalline nature after annealing. The trap assisted radiative recombination process is absent for the annealed NWs. An averagely 1.1 fold enhanced photoabsorption was exhibited by the annealed NWs in the 200–350 nm region and 1.5 fold in the 500–850 nm region. The leakage current (2.6 × 10{sup −8} A/cm{sup 2} at −0.5 V) significantly reduced for annealed NWs device. A maximum 1.4 × 10{sup 3} times enlarged photodetection has been observed for annealed device.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

The iQID Camera: An Ionizing-Radiation Quantum Imaging Detector

We have developed and tested a novel, ionizing-radiation Quantum Imaging Detector (iQID). This scintillation-based detector was originally developed as a high-resolution gamma-ray imager, called BazookaSPECT, for use in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Recently, we have investigated the detectors response and imaging potential with other forms of ionizing radiation including alpha, neutron, beta, and fission fragment particles. The detector’s response to a broad range of ionizing radiation has prompted its new title. The principle operation of the iQID camera involves coupling a scintillator to an image intensifier. The scintillation light generated particle interactions is optically amplified by the intensifier and then re-imaged onto a CCD/CMOS camera sensor. The intensifier provides sufficient optical gain that practically any CCD/CMOS camera can be used to image ionizing radiation. Individual particles are identified and their spatial position (to sub-pixel accuracy) and energy are estimated on an event-by-event basis in real time using image analysis algorithms on high-performance graphics processing hardware. Distinguishing features of the iQID camera include portability, large active areas, high sensitivity, and high spatial resolution (tens of microns). Although modest, iQID has energy resolution that is sufficient to discrimate between particles. Additionally, spatial features of individual events can be used for particle discrimination. An important iQID imaging application that has recently been developed is single-particle, real-time digital autoradiography. In conclusion, we present the latest results and discuss potential applications.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

One-step synthesis of lightly doped porous silicon nanowires in HF/AgNO{sub 3}/H{sub 2}O{sub 2} solution at room temperature

One-step synthesis of lightly doped porous silicon nanowire arrays was achieved by etching the silicon wafer in HF/AgNO{sub 3}/H{sub 2}O{sub 2} solution at room temperature. The lightly doped porous silicon nanowires (pNWs) have circular nanopores on the sidewall, which can emit strong green fluorescence. The surface morphologies of these nanowires could be controlled by simply adjusting the concentration of H{sub 2}O{sub 2}, which influences the distribution of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) along the nanowire axis. A mechanism based on Ag NPs-induced lateral etching of nanowires was proposed to explain the formation of pNWs. The controllable and widely applicable synthesis of pNWs will open their potential application to nanoscale photoluminescence devices. - Graphical abstract: The one-step synthesis of porous silicon nanowire arrays is achieved by chemical etching of the lightly doped p-type Si (100) wafer at room temperature. These nanowires exhibit strong green photoluminescence. SEM, TEM, HRTEM and photoluminescence images of pNWs. The scale bars of SEM, TEM HRTEM and photoluminescence are 10 {mu}m, 20 nm, 10 nm, and 1 {mu}m, respectively. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Simple one-step synthesis of lightly doped porous silicon nanowire arrays is achieved at RT. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Etching process and mechanism are illustrated with etching model from a novel standpoint. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer As-prepared porous silicon nanowire emits strong green fluorescence, proving unique property.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Long Wavelength Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP) Research at Jet Propulsion Laboratory

One of the simplest device realizations of the classic particle-in-the-box problem of basic quantum mechanics is the Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP). Optimization of the detector design and material growth and processing has culminated in the realization of a 15 ??utoff 128x128 focal plane array camera and a camera with large (256x256 pixel) focal plane array of QWIPs which can see at 8.5 ??holding forth great promise for a variety of applications in the 6-25 ??avelength range. This paper discusses the physics of the QWIP and QWIP technology development at Jet Propulsion Laboratory

QWIP↗

Nanoscale imaging of photocurrent and efficiency in CdTe solar cells

The local collection characteristics of grain interiors and grain boundaries in thin film CdTe polycrystalline solar cells are investigated using scanning photocurrent microscopy. The carriers are locally generated by light injected through a small aperture (50-300 nm) of a near-field scanning optical microscope in an illumination mode. Possible influence of rough surface topography on light coupling is examined and eliminated by sculpting smooth wedges on the granular CdTe surface. By varying the wavelength of light, nanoscale spatial variations in external quantum efficiency are mapped. We find that the grain boundaries (GBs) are better current collectors than the grain interiors (GIs). The increased collection efficiency is caused by two distinct effects associated with the material composition of GBs. First, GBs are charged, and the corresponding built-in field facilitates the separation and the extraction of the photogenerated carriers. Second, the GB regions generate more photocurrent at long wavelength corresponding to the band edge, which can be caused by a smaller local band gap. As a result, resolving carrier collection with nanoscale resolution in solar cell materials is crucial for optimizing the polycrystalline device performance through appropriate thermal processing and passivation of defect and surfaces.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Circular dichroism in photoelectron images from aligned nitric oxide molecules

We have used velocity map photoelectron imaging to study circular dichroism of the photoelectron angular distributions (PADs) of nitric oxide following two-color resonanceenhanced two-photon ionization via selected rotational levels of the A 2 Σ + , v' = 0 state. By using a circularly polarized pump beam and a counter-propagating, circularly polarized probe beam, cylindrical symmetry is preserved in the ionization process, and the images can be reconstructed using standard algorithms. The VMI set up enables individual ion rotational states to be resolved with excellent collection efficiency, rendering the measurements considerably simpler to perform than previous measurements conducted with a conventional photoelectron spectrometer. The results demonstrate that circular dichroism is observed even when cylindrical symmetry is maintained, and serve as a reminder that dichroism is a general feature of the multiphoton ionization of atoms and molecules. Furthermore, the observed PADs are in good agreement with calculations based on parameters extracted from previous experimental results obtained by using a time-offlight electron spectrometer.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Self-aligned process for forming microlenses at the tips of vertical silicon nanowires by atomic layer deposition

The microlens is a key enabling technology in optoelectronics, permitting light to be efficiently coupled to and from devices such as image sensors and light-emitting diodes. Their ubiquitous nature motivates the development of new fabrication techniques, since existing methods face challenges as microlenses are scaled to smaller dimensions. Here, the authors demonstrate the formation of microlenses at the tips of vertically oriented silicon nanowires via a rapid atomic layer deposition process. The nature of the process is such that the microlenses are centered on the nanowires, and there is a self-limiting effect on the final sizes of the microlenses arising from the nanowire spacing. Finite difference time domain electromagnetic simulations are performed of microlens focusing properties, including showing their ability to enhance visible-wavelength absorption in silicon nanowires.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High power THz sources for nonlinear imaging

Many biological and chemical compounds have unique absorption features in the THz (0.1 - 10 THz) region, making the use of THz waves attractive for imaging in defense, security, biomedical imaging, and monitoring of industrial processes. Unlike optical radiation, THz frequencies can pass through many substances such as paper, clothing, ceramic, etc. with little attenuation. The use of currently available THz systems is limited by lack of highpower, sources as well as sensitive detectors and detector arrays operating at room temperature. Here we present a novel, high power THz source based on intracavity downconverison of optical pulses. The source delivers 6 ps pulses at 1.5 THz, with an average power of >300 μW and peak powers >450 mW. We propose an imaging method based on frequency upconverison that is ideally suited to use the narrow bandwidth and high peak powers produced by the source. By upconverting the THz image to the infrared, commercially available detectors can be used for real time imaging.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Investigation of combinatorial coevaporated thin film Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4}. I. Temperature effect, crystalline phases, morphology, and photoluminescence

Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} is a promising low-cost, nontoxic, earth-abundant absorber material for thin-film solar cell applications. In this study, combinatorial coevaporation was used to synthesize individual thin-film samples spanning a wide range of compositions at low (325 °C) and high (475 °C) temperatures. Film composition, grain morphology, crystalline-phase and photo-excitation information have been characterized by x-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence imaging and mapping. Highly textured columnar grain morphology is observed for film compositions along the ZnS-Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4}-Cu{sub 2}SnS{sub 3} tie line in the quasi-ternary Cu{sub 2}S-ZnS-SnS{sub 2} phase system, and this effect is attributed to structural similarity between the Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4}, Cu{sub 2}SnS{sub 3}, and ZnS crystalline phases. At 475 °C growth temperature, Sn-S phases cannot condense because of their high vapor pressures. As a result, regions that received excess Sn flux during growth produced compositions falling along the ZnS-Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4}-Cu{sub 2}SnS{sub 3} tie line. Room-temperature photoluminescence imaging reveals a strong correlation for these samples between film composition and photoluminescence intensity, where film regions with Cu/Sn ratios greater than ∼2 show strong photoluminescence intensity, in comparison with much weaker photoluminescence in regions that received excess Sn flux during growth or subsequent processing. The observed photoluminescence quenching in regions that received excess Sn flux is attributed to the effects of Sn-related native point defects in Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} on non-radiative recombination processes. Implications for processing and performance of Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} solar cells are discussed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗