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At least 685 records · Page 38

Determining the twist angle of stacked MoS 2 layers using machine learning-assisted low-frequency interlayer Raman fingerprints

The investigation of twisted stacked few-layer MoS 2 has revealed novel electronic, optical, and vibrational properties over an extended period. For the successful integration of twisted stacked few-layer MoS 2 into a wide range of applications, it is crucial to employ a noninvasive, versatile technique for characterizing the layered architecture of these complex structures. Here, in this work, we introduce a machine learning-assisted low-frequency Raman spectroscopy method to characterize the twist angle of few-layer stacked MoS 2 samples. A feedforward neural network (FNN) is utilized to analyze the low-frequency breathing mode as a function of the twist angle. Moreover, using finite difference method (FDM) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we show that the low-frequency Raman spectra of MoS 2 are mainly influenced by the effect of the nearest and second nearest layers. A new improved linear chain model (TA-LCM) with taking the twist angle into the consideration is developed to understand the interlayer breathing modes of stacked few-layer MoS 2 . This approach can be extended to other 2D materials systems and provides an intelligent way to investigate naturally stacked and twisted interlayer interactions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Spatially Resolved Mapping of Three-Dimensional Molecular Orientations with ~2 nm Spatial Resolution through Tip-Enhanced Raman Scattering

We record local optical field images of silver nanocubes (75 nm) using tip-enhanced Raman (TER) spectral imaging. The images that we observe are consistent with several recent reports from our group, but here, we demonstrate sub-2 nm spatial resolution in local optical field nanoimaging under ambient laboratory conditions. This is achieved by scanning the substrate (nanocube on Si) relative to a 4-thiobenzonitrile (TBN)-functionalized Ag-coated TER probe. The spatial resolution that we obtain necessitates that only a few molecules govern the recorded optical response; molecular orientation becomes an important consideration in such measurements. We model the orientation through geometry optimization of a TBN molecule chemisorbed onto an Ag79 cluster (sphere with a ~1 nm diameter). Using the computed orientation of the cluster-bound molecule, we then model the optical response using formalism that accounts for the orientation of the molecule relative to vector components of the local optical fields. We find optimal agreement between experiment and theory. In effect, this work reveals the parallels between single-molecule Raman scattering and high-spatial-resolution TER spectroscopy, even when the images themselves cannot be used to visualize a single molecule in real space.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Strain-stress study of Al x Ga 1–x N/AlN heterostructures on c-plane sapphire and related optical properties

This work presents a systematic study of stress and strain of Al x Ga 1-x N/AlN with composition ranging from GaN to AlN, grown on a c-plane sapphire by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, using synchrotron radiation high-resolution X-ray diffraction and reciprocal space mapping. The c-plane of the Al x Ga 1-x N epitaxial layers exhibits compressive strain, while the alpha-plane exhibits tensile strain. The biaxial stress and strain are found to increase with increasing Al composition, although the lattice mismatch between the Al x Ga 1-x N and the buffer layer AlN gets smaller. A reduction in the lateral coherence lengths and an increase in the edge and screw dislocations are seen as the Al x Ga 1-x N composition is varied from GaN to AlN, exhibiting a clear dependence of the crystal properties of Al x Ga 1-x N on the Al content. The bandgap of the epitaxial layers is slightly lower than predicted value due to a larger tensile strain effect on the alpha-axis compared to the compressive strain on the c-axis. Raman characteristics of the Al x Ga 1-x N samples exhibit a shift in the phonon peaks with the Al composition. The effect of strain on the optical phonon energies of the epitaxial layers is also discussed

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Simulations of the infrared, Raman, and 2D-IR photon echo spectra of water in nanoscale silica pores

Vibrational spectroscopy is frequently used to characterize nanoconfined liquids and probe the effect of the confining framework on the liquid structure and dynamics relative to the corresponding bulk fluid. However, it is still unclear what molecular-level information can be obtained from such measurements. In this paper, we address this question by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to reproduce the linear infrared (IR), Raman, and two-dimensional IR (2D-IR) photon echo spectra for water confined within hydrophilic (hydroxyl-terminated) silica mesopores. To simplify the spectra the OH stretching region of isotopically dilute HOD in D{sub 2}O is considered. An empirical mapping approach is used to obtain the OH vibrational frequencies, transition dipoles, and transition polarizabilities from the MD simulations. The simulated linear IR and Raman spectra are in good general agreement with measured spectra of water in mesoporous silica reported in the literature. The key effect of confinement on the water spectrum is a vibrational blueshift for OH groups that are closest to the pore interface. The blueshift can be attributed to the weaker hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) formed between the OH groups and silica oxygen acceptors. Non-Condon effects greatly diminish the contribution of these OH moieties to the linear IR spectrum, but these weaker H-bonds are readily apparent in the Raman spectrum. The 2D-IR spectra have not yet been measured and thus the present results represent a prediction. The simulated spectra indicates that it should be possible to probe the slower spectral diffusion of confined water compared to the bulk liquid by analysis of the 2D-IR spectra.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Temperature Dependent Raman Spectroscopic Study of the Fe Doped La{sub 0.67}Sr{sub 0.33}MnO{sub 3} Prepared Using Ball Milling Method

Polycrystalline samples of La{sub 0.67}Sr{sub 0.33}Mn{sub 0.65}Fe{sub 0.35}O{sub 3} (LSMFO) were synthesized using the standard ball mill method with different calcination temperatures ranging from 800 to 1100°C for 7 h. The phase purity of these samples was confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. All samples were found to have rhombohedral crystal structure with R 3-bar c space group. The lattice parameters, cell volume, bond angle and bond length have been obtained using the Rietveld refinement by FullProf software. The average crystallite size calculated using the Debye-Scherrer formula was found between 27 and 60 nm. Surface morphology of the prepared samples has been examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM images show the formation of well-arranged grain sizes distributed from 240 to 400 nm, much larger than one estimated using the Scherrer formula. All tiny particles are highly agglomerated with the increasing temperature and porosity decreases with increasing temperature. An analysis of the frequency and peak broadening of Raman modes as a function of temperature clearly shows the significant temperature effect on the A{sub 1g} and E{sub g} modes of LSMFO. The shifts and broadening of the A{sub 1g} and E{sub g} modes are discussed in light of the oxygen sublattice distortion. Our study shows the reduction in distortion with increasing calcination temperature, which suggests a decrease in the JT effect.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Structural transitions of 4:1 methanol–ethanol mixture and silicone oil under high pressure

A 4:1 (volume ratio) methanol–ethanol (ME) mixture and silicone oil are two of the most widely used liquid pressure-transmitting media (PTM) in high-pressure studies. Their hydrostatic limits have been extensively studied using various methods; however, the evolution of the atomic structures associated with their emerging nonhydrostaticity remains unclear. Here, we monitor their structures as functions of pressure up to ∼30 GPa at room temperature using in situ high-pressure synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD), optical micro-Raman spectroscopy, and ruby fluorescence spectroscopy in a diamond anvil cell. No crystallization is observed for either PTM. The pressure dependence of the principal diffraction peak position and width indicates the existence of a glass transition in the 4:1 ME mixture at ∼12 GPa and in the silicone oil at ∼3 GPa, beyond which a pressure gradient emerges and grows quickly with pressure. There may be another liquid-to-liquid transition in the 4:1 ME mixture at ∼5 GPa and two more glass-to-glass transitions in the silicone oil at ∼10 GPa and ∼16 GPa. By contrast, Raman signals only show peak weakening and broadening for typical structural disordering, and Raman spectroscopy seems to be less sensitive than XRD in catching these structural transitions related to hydrostaticity variations in both PTM. These results uncover rich pressure-induced transitions in the two PTM and clarify their effects on hydrostaticity with direct structural evidence. The high-pressure XRD and Raman data on the two PTM obtained in this work could also be helpful in distinguishing between signals from samples and those from PTM in future high-pressure experiments.

Chen, Xiehang (ORCID:0000000168541506)↗

Application of Raman Spectroscopy to Determine Uranium Content in ADUN Solution

The work presented in this report is part of the ongoing efforts to address the nuclear material control and accounting needs for advanced reactor fuel fabrication facilities. This work was supported by the Materials Protection, Accounting, and Control Technologies (MPACT) program under the US Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy‘s Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Supply Chain program. The activities and engagements under the MPACT program are designed to support a robust US civilian nuclear energy enterprise. In the work described in this report, we supported MPACT objectives by developing measurement techniques that could be used for material accounting and process monitoring and by working with industry partners to identify existing gaps and areas for improvement. Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been working with commercial tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel fabricators such as Standard Nuclear to develop technology for rapid and cost-effective uranium content assessment. This work has focused on demonstrating advanced measurement techniques (e.g., Raman spectroscopy) that can be used for rapid, reliable, and cost-effective routine measurements of uranium content in feed solutions and liquid waste streams as well as for monitoring in-line process measurements and product streams. Specifically, this report explores techniques for accurately determining uranium content in acid-deficient uranyl nitrate (ADUN) solutions and detecting low uranium concentrations in ammonia solutions. Developing such measurement techniques will benefit TRISO fuel fabrication facilities, facilities involved in other parts of the fuel cycle that require online monitoring of aqueous solutions, and potentially molten salt fuel reactors. This work supports developing Raman spectroscopy procedures to determine uranium concentrations in ADUN solutions, which are used as feedstock in the sol–gel process for creating TRISO fuel. Some additional benefits of using Raman spectroscopy for uranium quantification in fabrication facilities include enabling online monitoring of the chemical process, which would provide near real-time feedback; eliminating the need for sample transfers, preparation, or dilution; providing nondestructive measurements; and user friendliness. In this fiscal year, FY25, we determined the identity of the unknown Raman band at approximately 853 cm−1 that was discovered in ADUN Raman spectra in FY24, created calibration curves and determined uranium concentrations of two ADUN solutions, and compared the Raman results to results obtained from inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and Davies–Gray titration. Furthermore, we have identified focus areas for experimentation in future fiscal years. A key result is that the accuracy of using Raman can provide accuracy comparable to destructive analysist techniques, With a well-developed calibration curve, using standards and a large number of samples (more than five samples), uncertainty on the order of 1%–3% is achievable. Given that the uncertainties achieved by Raman spectroscopy were on the order of the uncertainties achieved using ICP-MS, we conclude that with a well-developed procedure Raman spectroscopy can be used to determine uranium concentrations in ADUN solutions for NMC&A applications. The benefits of such an approach are that the time and effort will be less than that of comparable destructive analysis techniques, with approximately the same level of technical expertise. This will be attractive to operators of fuel fabrication facilities as it will lower costs and improve efficiencies.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Hollow-core optical fibre sensors for operando Raman spectroscopy investigation of Li-ion battery liquid electrolytes

Improved analytical tools are urgently required to identify degradation and failure mechanisms in Li-ion batteries. However, understanding and ultimately avoiding these detrimental mechanisms requires continuous tracking of complex electrochemical processes in different battery components. Here, we report an operando spectroscopy method that enables monitoring the chemistry of a carbonate-based liquid electrolyte during electrochemical cycling in Li-ion batteries with a graphite anode and a LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 cathode. By embedding a hollow-core optical fibre probe inside a lab-scale pouch cell, we demonstrate the effective evolution of the liquid electrolyte species by background-free Raman spectroscopy. The analysis of the spectroscopy measurements reveals changes in the ratio of carbonate solvents and electrolyte additives as a function of the cell voltage and show the potential to track the lithium-ion solvation dynamics. The proposed operando methodology contributes to understanding better the current Li-ion battery limitations and paves the way for studies of the degradation mechanisms in different electrochemical energy storage systems.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Enhanced Uranium Ore Concentrate Analysis by Handheld Raman Sensor: FY15 Status Report

High-purity uranium ore concentrates (UOC) represent a potential proliferation concern. A cost-effective, “point and shoot” in-field analysis capability to identify ore types, phases of materials present, and impurities, as well as estimate the overall purity would be prudent. Handheld, Raman-based sensor systems are capable of identifying chemical properties of liquid and solid materials. While handheld Raman systems have been extensively applied to many other applications, they have not been broadly studied for application to UOC, nor have they been optimized for this class of chemical compounds. PNNL was tasked in Fiscal Year 2015 by the Office of International Safeguards (NA-241) to explore the use of Raman for UOC analysis and characterization. This report summarizes the activities in FY15 related to this project. The following tasks were included: creation of an expanded library of Raman spectra of a UOC sample set, creation of optimal chemometric analysis methods to classify UOC samples by their type and level of impurities, and exploration of the various Raman wavelengths to identify the ideal instrument settings for UOC sample interrogation.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Ultra high resolution molecular beam cars spectroscopy with application to planetary atmospheric molecules

The measurement of high resolution pulsed and continuous wave (CW) coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) measurements in pulsed and steady state supersonic expansions were demonstrated. Pulsed molecular beam sources were characterized, and saturation of a Raman transition and, for the first time, the Raman spectrum of a complex molecular cluster were observed. The observation of CW CARS spectra in a molecular expansion and the effects of transit time broadening is described. Supersonic expansion is established as a viable technique for high resolution Raman spectroscopy of cold molecules with resolutions of 100 MH2.

Byer, R. L.↗

Extraordinary suppression of carrier scattering in large area graphene oxide films

In this study, we find that thermal treatment in ethanol vapor has a remarkable suppression effect of carrier scattering occurring between reduced graphene oxide (rGO) flakes in large area films. We observe excellent electrical properties such as high carrier mobility (∼5 cm{sup 2}/Vs) and low sheet resistance (∼40 KΩ/□) for the rGO films. From the electrical conductivity analysis of large area rGO films using two-dimensional variable range hopping model and structural analysis using Raman spectra measured from the rGO films, we reveal that the significant effect is caused by the expansion of conjugated π-electron system in rGO flake due to the efficient restoration of graphitic structure.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Importance of multimodal characterization and influence of residual Li 2 S impurity in amorphous Li 3 PS 4 inorganic electrolytes

Amorphous Li 3 PS 4 (LPS) solid-state electrolytes are promising for energy-dense lithium metal batteries. LPS glass, synthesized from a 3:1 mol ratio of Li 2 S and P 2 S 5 , has high ionic conductivity and can be synthesized by ball milling or solution processing. Ball milling has been attractive because it provides the easiest route to access amorphous LPS with a conductivity of 3.5 × 10 –4 S cm –1 (20 °C). However, achieving the complete reaction of precursors via ball milling can be difficult, and most literature reports use X-ray diffraction (XRD) or Raman spectroscopy to confirm sample purity, both of which have limitations. Furthermore, the effect of residual precursors on ionic conductivity and lithium metal cycling is unknown. In this work, we illustrate the importance of multimodal characterization to determine LPS phase and chemical purity. To determine the residual Li 2 S content in LPS, we show that (1) XRD and 31 P solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) are insufficient and (2) Raman loses sensitivity at concentrations below 12 mol% Li 2 S. Most importantly, we show that 7 Li ssNMR is highly sensitive. Using 7 Li ssNMR, we investigate the effect of ball milling parameters and develop a robust and highly reproducible procedure for pure LPS synthesis. We find that as the residual Li 2 S precursor content increases, LPS conductivity decreases and lithium metal batteries exhibit higher overpotentials and poor cycle life. Furthermore, our work reveals the importance of multimodal characterization techniques for amorphous solid-state electrolyte characterization and will enable better synthetic strategies for highly conductive electrolytes for efficient energy-dense solid-state lithium metal batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Impact of dynamic Jahn-Teller effect on magnetic excitations, lattice vibration, and thermal conductivity in U 𝑥 ⁢T⁢h 1−𝑥 ⁡O 2 system

Vibrational and magnetic properties of single-crystal uranium-thorium dioxide (U 𝑥 ⁢T⁢h 1−𝑥⁡ O 2 ) with a full range of 0 < 𝑥 < 1 are investigated. Thorium dioxide is a diamagnet whose thermal properties are governed by lattice vibration. The addition of paramagnetic uranium ions leads to the emergence of magnetic effects that alter the thermophysical properties noticeably even at room temperature. The interaction of phonons with magnetic moments of uranium 5⁢𝑓 electrons mediated by magnetoelastic coupling results in an anomalous low-temperature thermal conductivity profile. Analysis of the magnetic susceptibility measurements indicates a departure from the Curie-Weiss relationship characteristic of noninteracting paramagnetic ions, previously associated with the dynamic Jahn-Teller (DJT) effect characterized by coupling between spin and the oxygen sublattice. The T 2⁢g Raman peak position follows a nonlinear trend as a function of uranium concentration and hints that these Raman active optical modes play a role in either DJT or in mediating quadrupole-quadrupole interactions. A first-principle-based thermal transport model is implemented to explain the low-temperature transport measurements, where the anomalous reduction is attributed to phonon-spin resonant scattering. The interplay between spins and phonons is also captured using high-resolution inelastic x-ray scattering (IXS) measurements of phonon linewidths. Our results provide insights into the phonon interactions with the magnetic excitations governing DJT effect and impacting the low-temperature thermal transport processes in this material system. Furthermore, these findings have implications for understanding low-temperature thermal transport and magnetic properties in advanced materials for information processing and energy applications.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Speciation of residual carbon contained in UO{sub 2}

UO{sub 2} powders were synthesized thanks to oxalic precipitation (platelet morphology) and sol-gel route and completely characterized. A secondary phase was found depending on the calcination atmospheres. This phase has been identified by Raman spectroscopy as graphitic material (i.e. carbon-based secondary compound) and quantified by thermogravimetric analyses. Its amount varies with the calcination atmosphere. The presence of this secondary phase has no significant effect on the lattice parameter and its specific surface area. - Graphical abstract: Figure 2: Raman spectroscopy of the three UO{sub 2} powders and of the dissolution residues.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Geometric effects in the effective-mass theory and topological optical superlattices

Cold atoms tailored by an optical lattice have become a fascinating arena for simulating quantum physics. In this area, one important and challenging problem is creating effective spin-orbit coupling (SOC), especially for fashioning a cold atomic gas into a topological phase, for which prevailing approaches mainly rely on the Raman coupling between the atomic internal states and a laser field. Herein, a strategy for realizing effective SOC is proposed by exploiting the geometric effects in the effective-mass theory, without resorting to internal atomic states. Furthermore, it is shown that the geometry of Bloch states can have nontrivial effects on the wave-mechanical states under external fields, leading to effective SOC and an effective Darwin term, which have been neglected in the standard effective-mass approximation. It is demonstrated that these relativisticlike effects can be employed to introduce effective SOC in a two-dimensional optical superlattice, and induce a nontrivial topological phase.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Phonon spectrum of $\mathrm{Pr_2Zr_2O_7}$ and $\mathrm{Pr_2Ir_2O_7}$ as evidence of coupling of the lattice with electronic and magnetic degrees of freedom

Magnetic materials with pyrochlore crystal structure form exotic magnetic states due to the high lattice frustration. Here in this work we follow the effects of coupling of the lattice and electronic and magnetic degrees of freedom in two praseodymium-based pyrochlores $\mathrm{Pr_2Zr_2O_7}$ and $\mathrm{Pr_2Ir_2O_7}$. In either of these materials, the presence of magnetic interactions does not lead to magnetically ordered low temperature states; however, their electronic properties are different. A comparison of Raman phonon spectra of $\mathrm{Pr_2Zr_2O_7}$ and $\mathrm{Pr_2Ir_2O_7}$ allows us to identify magnetoelastic coupling in $\mathrm{Pr_2Zr_2O_7}$ that elucidates its magnetic properties at intermediate temperatures and allows us to characterize phonon-electron scattering in the semimetallic $\mathrm{Pr_2Ir_2O_7}$. We also show that the effects of random disorder on the Raman phonon spectra is small.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Multivariate Analysis To Quantify Species in the Presence of Direct Interferents: Micro-Raman Analysis of HNO 3 in Microfluidic Devices

Microfluidic devices are a growing field with significant potential for application to small scale processing of solutions. Much like large scale processing, fast, reliable, and cost effective means of monitoring the streams during processing are needed. Here we apply a novel Micro-Raman probe to the on-line monitoring of streams within a microfluidic device. For either macro or micro scale process monitoring via spectroscopic response, there is the danger of interfering or confounded bands obfuscating results. By utilizing chemometric analysis, a form of multivariate analysis, species can be accurately quantified in solution despite the presence of overlapping or confounded spectroscopic bands. This is demonstrated on solutions of HNO 3 and NaNO 3 within micro-flow and microfluidic devices.

Lines, Amanda M.↗

Deformation Mechanisms of Vertically Stacked WS 2 /MoS 2 Heterostructures: The Role of Interfaces

Here, the mechanical and optical properties generated due to the stacking of different atomically thin materials have made it possible to tune and engineer these materials for next-generation electronics. The understanding of the interlayer interactions in such stacked structures is of fundamental interest for structure and property correlation. Here, a combined approach of in situ Raman spectroscopy and mechanical straining along with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations has been used to probe one such interface, namely, the WS 2 /MoS 2 heterostructure. Vertical heterostructures on poly(methyl methacrylate), when flexed, showed signs of decoupling at 1.2% strain. Theoretical calculations showed strain-induced stacking changes at 1.75% strain. The sliding characteristics of layers were also investigated using scanning probe microscopy based nanoscratch testing, and the results are further supported by MD simulations. The present study could be used to design future optoelectronic devices based on WS 2 /MoS 2 heterostructures.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗