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At least 703 records · Page 39

Scalable single-mode surface-emitting laser via open-Dirac singularities

Single-aperture cavities are a key component of lasers that are instrumental for the amplification and emission of a single light mode. However, the appearance of high-order transverse modes as the size of the cavities increases has frustrated efforts to scale-up cavities while preserving single-mode operation since the invention of the laser six decades ago. A suitable physical mechanism that allows single-mode lasing irrespective of the cavity size-a 'scale invariant' cavity or laser-has not been identified yet. Here we propose and demonstrate experimentally that open-Dirac electromagnetic cavities with linear dispersion-which in our devices are realized by a truncated photonic crystal arranged in a hexagonal pattern-exhibit unconventional scaling of losses in reciprocal space, leading to single-mode lasing that is maintained as the cavity is scaled up in size. The physical origin of this phenomenon lies in the convergence of the complex part of the free spectral range in open-Dirac cavities towards a constant governed by the loss rates of distinct Bloch bands, whereas for common cavities it converges to zero as the size grows, leading to inevitable multimode emission. An unconventional flat-envelope fundamental mode locks all unit cells in the cavity in phase, leading to single-mode lasing. We name such sources Berkeley surface-emitting lasers (BerkSELs) and demonstrate that their far-field corresponds to a topological singularity of charge two, in agreement with our theory. Open-Dirac cavities unlock avenues for light-matter interaction and cavity quantum electrodynamics.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Incorporating long-range dependence and fractal features in turbulence spectra

We introduce an advanced turbulence spectrum model developed from mathematical foundations from a covariance function class and empirically validated using extensive field data. This model captures the complex dynamics of long-range dependence, and fractal characteristics prevalent in riverine and atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) flows that are ignored by classical spectrum models, such as IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) von Kármán and Kaimal model. The model delineates scaling behaviors across distinct frequency bands and offers substantial flexibility through five well-defined parameters each characterizing a distinct physical aspect of the velocity time series. A detailed procedure for obtaining each parameter from time series data is outlined. The comprehensive validations with field data from tidal currents and ABL flows substantiate the model’s fidelity in accurately replicating observed phenomena. This validation establishes the reliability of the proposed model and, when incorporated into stochastic full-field simulators such as TurbSim, demonstrates its potential to advance the predictive modeling and analysis of turbulent flows in environmental science and engineering contexts.

Cheng, Shyuan [Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champai↗

Detector thickness effects on nanosecond-gated imager response

Hybrid CMOS multi-frame imagers with exposure times down to ~2 ns have made significant impacts in high energy density physics and inertial confinement fusion research. The detector thickness is a key parameter in both detector quantum efficiency and temporal response. The Icarus hybrid CMOS imager has been fabricated with Si detector thicknesses of 8, 25, and 100 µm. The temporal response of imaging sensors with exposure time down to 2 ns has been examined and compared to directly measured photodiode current. The 100-μm thick variant displays extended features related to charge carrier collection and is more susceptible to field collapse. Here, we also demonstrate charge collection time effects on spatial response.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

In situ TEM measurement of electrical properties of individual BaTiO 3 nanocubes

We report on the measurement of the electrical properties of individual pristine and doped BaTiO 3 nanocubes by using in situ transmission electron microscopy with a two-electrode configuration. The dimensions of the nanocubes tested are between 10 and 20 nm, which rendered their in situ electrical characterization challenging. We characterized 4%Cr and 5%La (atomic percentage) doped BaTiO 3 nanocubes and compared them with the properties of pristine BaTiO3 nanocubes synthesized by the same solvothermal method. We found that the resistance of all three types of nanocubes when displayed in log-scale shows a nearly linear dependence on the applied electric field (R2 ≥ 0.95) over a wide range of electric fields (50–900 kV/cm). Compared with pristine BaTiO 3 nanocubes, the resistance of both 4%Cr and 5%La doped nanocubes showed reduced variation rates with respect to the electric field, with 5%La doping, demonstrating a better reduction in the variation rate. By developing techniques capable of evaluating the properties of individual BaTiO 3 nanocubes, we expect that our work to open the door to the use of BaTiO 3 nanomaterials in the design of future multilayer ceramic capacitors with improved volumetric efficiency and ferroelectrics-enabled nanodevices with advanced functionality.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Single-shot x-ray phase-contrast and dark-field imaging based on coded binary phase mask

We introduce a coded-mask-based multi-contrast imaging method for high-resolution phase-contrast and dark-field imaging. The method uses a binary phase mask designed to provide an ultra-high-contrast pattern and reference-free single-shot measurement and an algorithm based on maximum-likelihood optimization and automatic differentiation to perform simultaneous reconstruction of absorption, phase, and dark-field object images. Further, we demonstrate that the method has great potential for real-time quantitative phase imaging and wavefront sensing when combined with deep learning.

Qiao, Zhi (ORCID:0000000286285320)↗

Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy for crystalline samples containing initial strain

Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) is a mature and robust technique for the nondestructive characterization of the elastic properties of solids capable of providing the elastic constants of anisotropic crystalline solids. The traditional method is based on assuming that the solid is linear elastic and, therefore, obeys a linearized Hookean constitutive relationship (Hooke’s law). In this work, an alternative constitutive law is provided that allows for an initial strain or prestrain to be present stemming from residual stress. Then, the constitutive relationship is integrated into the RUS framework. The model is demonstrated using a realistic prestrain field obtained by simulating shot-peening processing of a polycrystalline Cu sample. The sensitivity of the resonances to the developed prestrain is established and discussed. This work allows researchers to consider the influence of initial strain or residual stress in their samples and the potential influence on accurate elastic constant estimates. The model also supports the potential of RUS for the nondestructive characterization of prestrain in materials.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Alpha-heating analysis of burning plasma and ignition experiments on the National Ignition Facility

A recent experiment conducted on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) described in the study by Abu-Shawareb et al. achieved a fusion yield output of 1.3 MJ from ~ 220 kJ of x-ray energy absorbed by the capsule, demonstrating remarkable progress in the field of laser driven inertial confinement fusion. In the study by A. R. Christopherson [“Effects of charged particle heating on the hydrodynamics of inertially confined plasmas,” Ph.D. thesis (2020)], the plasma conditions needed to claim the onset of ignition and burn propagation were outlined and multiple criterion were provided to assess progress in inertial fusion experiments. In this work, we modify the metrics from A. R. Christopherson to accurately calculate performance metrics for indirect-drive experiments on the NIF. We also show that performance metric trends observed in NIF data are consistent with theory and simulations. This analysis indicates that all the identified criterion for ignition and burn propagation have been exceeded by experiment 210 808.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Heavy ion beam probe for Wendelstein 7-X measurement capabilities as projected through its design

A heavy ion beam probe (HIBP) diagnostic is being developed for studies of plasma equilibrium and turbulence in the optimized Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) stellarator. Operation of W7-X has experimentally demonstrated that its optimized magnetic field results in improved neoclassical particle confinement and, as a result, turbulence is the predominant cause of energy transport. The HIBP will have the unique ability to provide experimental data needed to complement models of both neoclassical and turbulent transport. It will acquire direct measurements in the W7-X plasma interior of the electric potential (needed for understanding ambipolar particle flux) and fluctuations of electron density and potential (needed for understanding turbulence). The HIBP for W7-X will inject singly charged ion beams with energies of up to 2 MeV and is designed to access the upper cross section of the W7-X plasma. We use trajectory simulations to illustrate the plasma coverage that the diagnostic can achieve in the reference magnetic configurations of W7-X. We calculate beam signal levels, discuss anticipated measurement sensitivity of broadband fluctuations of electron density and plasma potential, and show how they depend on plasma density. We also discuss the diagnostic sensitivity to equilibrium plasma potential.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗

Quench protection for high-temperature superconductor cables using active control of current distribution

Superconducting magnets of future fusion reactors are expected to rely on composite high-temperature superconductor (HTS) cable conductors. In presently used HTS cables, current sharing between components is limited due to poorly defined contact resistances between superconducting tapes or by design. The interplay between contact and termination resistances is the defining factor for power dissipation in these cables and ultimately defines their safe operational margins. However, the current distribution between components along the composite conductor and inside its terminations is a priori unknown, and presently, no means are available to actively tune current flow distribution in real-time to improve margins of quench protection. Also, the lack of ability to electrically probe individual components makes it impossible to identify conductor damage locations within the cable. In this work, we address both problems by introducing active current control of current distribution between components using cryogenically operated metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). We demonstrate through simulation and experiments how real-time current controls can help to drastically reduce heat dissipation in a developing hot spot in a two-conductor model system and help identify critical current degradation of individual cable components. Finally, prospects of other potential uses of MOSFET devices for improved voltage detection, AC loss-driven active quench protection, and remnant magnetization reduction in HTS magnets are also discussed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Understanding Majorana braiding in superconductors with a fixed total number of particles

Mean-field one-dimensional topological superconductors host edge Majorana zero modes (MZMs) that encode a topologically protected ground-state degeneracy and enable robust braiding operations within this subspace. Mean-field states lack definite particle number and thus cannot represent isolated systems. Nevertheless, projecting them onto fixed particle number can yield good approximations to an isolated superconductor ground state. In earlier work [Sajith et al., Phys. Rev. B 109, 184509 (2024)] we showed that the projected Kitaev wave function of a single wire preserves some important mean-field features, such as the zero-energy spectral peaks near the wire edges. However, uniqueness of the fixed-number ground state does not allow for any nontrivial operations in the ground-state subspace. To overcome this limitation, here we consider the case of multiple wires with a conserved total charge, using the same approach. In the limit of vanishing interwire coupling, this system has a macroscopic ground-state degeneracy. We show how this degeneracy is resolved by coherent single-particle tunneling, and identify special many-body states which play the same role as the MZM parity states in the mean field. In this work, we demonstrate how braiding operations can be implemented and discuss both intrinsic and extrinsic limits on their fidelity.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Focusing of relativistic electron beams with permanent magnetic solenoid

Achieving strong focusing of MeV electron beams is a critical requirement for advanced beam applications such as compact laboratory x-ray sources, high gradient accelerators, and ultrafast electron scattering instrumentation. To address these needs, a compact radially magnetized permanent magnetic solenoid (PMS) has been designed, fabricated, and tested. The solenoid provides a compact and inexpensive solution for delivering high axial magnetic fields (1 T) to focus MeV electron beams. Field characterization of the solenoid demonstrates good agreement with analytical models, validating the PMS design. The electron beam test employs a high-brightness photoinjector to study the focusing properties of the PMS. The results indicate a focal length of less than 10 cm and a significant reduction in beam size with small spherical aberrations. Two application cases are evaluated: angular magnification in ultrafast electron diffraction setups and strong focusing for Compton scattering or other microfocus uses.

Electron diffraction↗

Broadening of the drumhead-mode spectrum due to in-plane thermal fluctuations of two-dimensional trapped ion crystals in a Penning trap

Two-dimensional crystals of ions stored in Penning traps are a leading platform for quantum simulation and sensing experiments. For small amplitudes, the out-of-plane motion of such crystals can be described by a discrete set of normal modes called the drumhead modes, which can be used to implement a range of quantum information protocols. However, experimental observations of crystals with Doppler-cooled and even nearground- state-cooled drumhead modes reveal an unresolved drumhead-mode spectrum. In this work, we establish in-plane thermal fluctuations in ion positions as a major contributor to the broadening of the drumhead-mode spectrum. In the process, we demonstrate how the confining magnetic field leads to unconventional in-plane normal modes, whose average potential and kinetic energies are not equal. This property, in turn, has implications for the sampling procedure required to choose the in-plane initial conditions for molecular-dynamics simulations. Further, for current operating conditions of the NIST Penning trap, our study suggests that the two-dimensional crystals produced in this trap undergo in-plane potential-energy fluctuations of the order of 10mK. Our study therefore motivates the need for designing improved techniques to cool the in-plane degrees of freedom.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Correlated metals and unconventional superconductivity in rhombohedral trilayer graphene: A renormalization group analysis

Here, motivated by recent experimental observations of correlated metallic phases and superconductivity in rhombohedral trilayer graphene (RTG), we perform an unbiased study of electronic ordering instabilities in hole-doped RTG. Specifically, we focus on electronic states energetically proximate to Van Hove singularities (VHSs), where a large density of states promotes different interaction-induced symmetry-breaking electronic orders. To resolve the Fermi surface near VHSs, we construct a fermionic hot-spot model and demonstrate that a perpendicular electric field can tune different nesting structures of the Fermi surface. Subsequently, we apply a renormalization group analysis to describe the low-energy phase diagrams of our model under both short-range repulsive interactions as well as realistic (long-range) Coulomb interactions. Our analysis shows instabilities towards either intervalley coherent metallic phases or superconducting phases. The dominant pairing channel depends crucially on the nature of Fermi surface nesting—repulsive Coulomb interaction favors spin-singlet d-wave pairing for relatively small displacement field and spin-singlet i-wave pairing for larger displacement field. We argue that the phase diagram of RTG can be well-understood by modeling the realistic Coulomb interaction as the sum of repulsive density-density interaction and ferromagnetic spin-triplet intervalley coherence (IVC) Hund's coupling, while phonon-mediated electronic interactions have a negligible effect on this system, in sharp contrast to twisted graphene multilayers.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Isometric Tensor Network States in Two Dimensions

Tensor-network states (TNS) are a promising but numerically challenging tool for simulating two-dimensional (2D) quantum many-body problems. We introduce an isometric restriction of the TNS ansatz that allows for highly efficient contraction of the network. Here we consider two concrete applications using this ansatz. First, we show that a matrix-product state representation of a 2D quantum state can be iteratively transformed into an isometric 2D TNS. Second, we introduce a 2D version of the time-evolving block decimation algorithm for approximating of the ground state of a Hamiltonian as an isometric TNS-which we demonstrate for the 2D transverse field Ising model.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Regularization prescription for the mixing between nonlocal gluon and quark operators

It is well known that in the study of mixing between nonlocal gluon and quark bilinear operators there exists an ambiguity when relating coordinate space and momentum space results. In this work, we show that this ambiguity is due to the lack of a proper regularization prescription of the singularity that arises when the separation between the gluon/quark fields approaches zero. We then demonstrate that dimensional regularization resolves this issue and yields consistent results in both coordinate and momentum space. This prescription is also compatible with lattice extractions of parton distributions from nonlocal operators.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Design and Construction of a High Field Cable Test Facility at Fermilab

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, together with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, is building a new High Field Vertical Magnet Test Facility (HFVMTF) to be situated in the Magnet Test Facility at Fermilab. The HFVMTF is jointly funded by the US DOE Offices of Science, High Energy Physics, and Fusion Energy Sciences, and will serve as a superconducting cable test facility for both communities. The background magnetic field for test samples is 15 T and will be produced by a magnet provided by LBNL operating at 1.9 K in superfluid helium. The samples will be placed in the background magnetic field, cooled to between 4.5 K and a user-specified upper limit, and will be powered with a super-conducting transformer at up to 100 kA. Additionally, this facility will be used to test high-field superconducting magnet models and demonstrators, including hybrid magnets, produced by the US Magnet Development Program. Presently, the various tasks of the project are at different stages of execution, from conceptual to ready-for-construction designs. Here, this paper describes the parameters and design status of the pit construction, cryostat, heat exchanger, lambda plate, power system, and quench protection and monitoring systems of the facility.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Status of the High Field Cable Test Facility at Fermilab

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) are building a new High Field Vertical Magnet Test Facility (HFVMTF) for testing superconducting cables in high magnetic field. The background magnetic field of 15 T in the HFVMTF will be produced by a magnet provided by LBNL. The HFVMTF is jointly funded by the US DOE Offices of Science, High Energy Physics (HEP), and Fusion Energy Sciences (FES), and will serve as a superconducting cable test facility in high magnetic fields and a wide range of temperatures for HEP and FES communities. This facility will also be used to test high-field superconducting magnet models and demonstrators, including hybrid magnets, produced by the US Magnet Development Program (MDP). The paper describes the status of the facility, including construction, cryostat designs, top and lambda plates, and systems for powering, and quench protection and monitoring.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Status of the Top Plate and Anticryostat for High Field Cable Test Facility at Fermilab

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) is currently constructing a new High Field Vertical Magnet Test Facility (HFVMTF) designed for testing High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) cables under high magnetic fields. This facility is expected to offer capabilities similar to those of EDIPO at PSI and FRESCA2 at CERN. The background magnetic field of 15 T will be generated by a magnet supplied by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The primary function of HFVMTF will be to serve as a superconducting cable test facility, facilitating tests under high magnetic fields and a broad spectrum of cryogenic temperatures. Additionally, the facility will be utilized for testing high-field superconducting magnet models and demonstrators, including hybrid magnets, developed by the US Magnet Development Program (MDP). This paper provides a comprehensive description of the current status of two pivotal components of the facility: the Top/Lambda Plates Assembly and the Anticryostat for the Test Sample Holder. The latter will serve as a principal interface component connecting cable test samples with the facility's cryostat.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗