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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Systems and methods for quantum optical device authentication

Quantum optical device authentication technologies are described herein. A first device includes an optical transmitter transmits a plurality of pulses to an optical receiver included on a second device. The optical pulses each have one of two non-orthogonal optical states. The optical receiver measures each of the pulses and the second device records a measured value of the optical state of each pulse. Subsequently, the second device transmits the measured values of the optical states of the pulses to the first device. The first device outputs an indication of whether the second device is authenticated based upon the measured values received from the second device and the optical states of the pulses transmitted by the optical transmitter.

Soh, Daniel Beom Soo↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electrostatic harvester device

An electrostatic harvester device for charging an energy storage device is provided. The electrostatic harvester device comprises an inductor, a variable capacitor device, a semiconductor device, and a plurality of transistors. The inductor is operable to receive electric charge and store the electric charge. The variable capacitor device is configured to receive electric charge from the inductor and to change capacitance in response to physical stimulation. The semiconductor device is operable to allow electric current to flow from the variable capacitor device. The transistors are operable to connect at least two of the aforementioned devices. At least one of the transistors comprises at least one of gallium nitride or aluminum gallium nitride.

Wilson, Amy Charlene↗
DOE OSTI2023

Position sensing circuit for an electrostatically driven MEMS device

The present disclosure relates to a system for detecting movement of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device. The system uses a drive voltage signal source for generating a low frequency drive voltage signal for driving the MEMS device. An excitation signal source may be used for generating an excitation signal which is also applied to the MEMS device. The excitation signal has a frequency which is above a physical response capability of the MEMS device, such that operation of the MEMS device is not significantly affected by the excitation signal. A sensing impedance is used to help generate a signal which is responsive to the capacitance of the MEMS device. The capacitance of the MEMS device changes in response to movement of the MEMS device. An output subsystem is provided which responds to changes sensed by the sensing impedance, and which produces an output voltage signal. A filter filters the output voltage signal to produce a filtered output voltage signal. The filtered output voltage signal is indicative of a position of the MEMS device.

Panas, Robert Matthew↗
DOE OSTI2025

In Situ Study of Resistive Switching in a Nitride‐Based Memristive Device

Abstract Resistive switching (RS) devices with ultra‐low‐voltage threshold and reliable switching repeatability exhibits great potential applications in energy‐efficient data storage and neuromorphic computing. Understanding switching mechanisms at nanoscale is critical to design RS devices with improved performance. In this work, a lamella memristive device using focused ion beam (FIB) method based on the metal/TiO x /TiN/Si structure device is fabricated. In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and current–voltage ( I–V ) characteristic demonstrate that the lamella device shows a volatile RS behavior with a threshold switching at ≈ ± 0.4 V. In situ scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) experiments with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) reveal that the charge carriers such as oxygen vacancies migrate under positive/negative DC bias and modulate Schottky barriers at the top and bottom metal/semiconductor interfaces. The RS mechanism of the lamella device is based on the Schottky barriers modulation and Joule heating assisted electric field triggered thermal runaway (FTTR) occurred at the metal/semiconductor interfaces. The fundamental insights gained from this study presents a perspective on interface‐type RS devices processing and opens up new technological opportunities of fabricating ultra‐low‐energy memristive devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Topological quantum devices: a review

The introduction of the concept of topology into condensed matter physics has greatly deepened our fundamental understanding of transport properties of electrons as well as all other forms of quasi particles in solid materials. It has also fostered a paradigm shift from conventional electronic/optoelectronic devices to novel quantum devices based on topology-enabled quantum device functionalities that transfer energy and information with unprecedented precision, robustness, and efficiency. In this article, the recent research progress in topological quantum devices is reviewed. We first outline the topological spintronic devices underlined by the spin-momentum locking property of topology. We then highlight the topological electronic devices based on quantized electron and dissipationless spin conductivity protected by topology. Finally, we discuss quantum optoelectronic devices with topology-redefined photoexcitation and emission. The field of topological quantum devices is only in its infancy, we envision many significant advances in the near future.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

Study of an Integration Platform Based on an Adiabatic Active-Layer Waveguide Connection for InP Photonic Device Integration Mirroring That of Heterogeneous Integration on Silicon

In this work, a photonic device integration platform capable of integration of active-passive InP-based photonic devices without the use of material regrowth is introduced. The platform makes use of an adiabatic active-layer waveguide connection (ALWC) to move an optical beam between active and passive devices. The performance of this platform is analyzed using an example made up of four main sections: (1) a fiber coupling section for enabling vertical beam coupling from optical fiber into the photonic chip using a mode-matched surface grating with apodized duty cycles; (2) a transparent waveguide section for realizing passive photonic devices; (3) an adiabatic mode connection structure for moving the optical beam between passive and active device sections; and (4) an active device section for realizing active photonic devices. It is shown that the coupled surface grating, when added with a bottom gold reflector, can achieve a high chip-to-fiber coupling efficiency (CE) of 88.3% at 1550 nm. The adiabatic active-layer mode connection structure has an optical loss of lower than 1% (CE > 99%). The active device section can achieve an optical gain of 20 dB/mm with the use of only 3 quantum wells. The optimized structural parameters of the entire waveguide module are analyzed and discussed.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Method of fabricating photosensitive devices with reduced process-temperature budget

A method is provided for fabricating a backside-illuminated photodetector in which a device wafer is joined to a readout wafer in an IC hybridization step. Before the IC hybridization step, the device layer is defined in the device wafer, and an LPCVD layer is formed over the device layer. The LPCVD layer may be a passivation layer, an antireflection coating, or both. The side of the device wafer having the LPCVD layer is bonded to a handle wafer, the IC is hybridized by mating the device wafer to the readout wafer, and the handle wafer is then removed, exposing the LPCVD layer. Because the LPCVD layer is formed before the active devices are fabricated, it can be made by high-temperature techniques for deposition and processing. Accordingly, a layer of high quality can be fabricated without any hazard to the active devices.

Kay, Randolph R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fabrication of thin-film electronic devices with non-destructive wafer reuse

Thin-film electronic devices such as LED devices and field effect transistor devices are fabricated using a non-destructive epitaxial lift-off technique that allows indefinite reuse of a growth substrate. The method includes providing an epitaxial protective layer on the growth substrate and a sacrificial release layer between the protective layer and an active device layer. After the device layer is released from the growth substrate, the protective layer is selectively etched to provide a newly exposed surface suitable for epitaxial growth of another device layer. The entire thickness of the growth substrate is preserved, enabling continued reuse. Inorganic thin-film device layers can be transferred to a flexible secondary substrate, enabling formation of curved inorganic optoelectronic devices.

Forrest, Stephen R.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Local control robotic surgical devices and related methods

The various robotic medical devices include robotic devices that are disposed within a body cavity and positioned using a support component disposed through an orifice or opening in the body cavity. Additional embodiments relate to devices having arms coupled to a device body wherein the device has a minimal profile such that the device can be easily inserted through smaller incisions in comparison to other devices without such a small profile. Further embodiments relate to methods of operating the above devices.

Markvicka, Eric↗
DOE OSTI2023

Piezoelectric deformable photonic devices

A CMOS-compatible actuator platform for implementing phase, amplitude, and frequency modulation in silicon nitride photonic integrated circuits via piezo-optomechanical coupling using tightly mechanically coupled aluminum nitride actuators is disclosed. The platform, which may be fabricated in a CMOS foundry, enables scalable active photonic integrated circuits for visible wavelengths, and the piezoelectric actuation functions without performance degradation down to cryogenic operating temperatures. A number of devices are possible, including ring modulator devices, phase shifter devices, Mach-Zehnder interferometer devices, directional coupler devices (including tunable directional coupler devices), and acousto-optic modulator and frequency shifter devices, each of which can employ the same AlN actuator platform. As all of these devices can be built on the same AlN actuator platform, numerous optical functions can be implemented on a single die.

Eichenfield, Matt↗
DOE OSTI2025

Opportunities and Challenges of Computational Electromagnetics Methods for Superconducting Circuit Quantum Device Modeling: A Practical Review

High-fidelity numerical methods that model the physical layout of a device are essential for the design of many technologies. For methods that characterize electromagnetic effects, these numerical methods are referred to as computational electromagnetics (CEM) methods. Although the CEM research field is mature, emerging applications can still stress the capabilities of the techniques in use today. The design of superconducting circuit quantum devices falls in this category due to the unconventional material properties and important features of the devices covering nanometer to centimeter scales. Such multiscale devices can stress the fundamental properties of CEM tools which can lead to an increase in simulation times, a loss in accuracy, or even cause no solution to be reliably found. While these challenges are being investigated by CEM researchers, knowledge about them is limited in the broader community of users of these CEM tools. This review is meant to serve as a practical introduction to the fundamental aspects of the major CEM techniques that a researcher may need to choose between to model a device, as well as provide insight into what steps they may take to alleviate some of their challenges. Our focus is on highlighting the main concepts without rigorously deriving all the details, which can be found in many textbooks and articles. After covering the fundamentals, we discuss more advanced topics related to the challenges of modeling multiscale devices with specific examples from superconducting circuit quantum devices. We conclude with a discussion on future research directions that will be valuable for improving the ability to successfully design increasingly more sophisticated superconducting circuit quantum devices. Although our focus and examples are taken from this area, researchers from other fields will still benefit from the details discussed here.

Elkin, Samuel T. [Virginia Tech., Blacksburg]↗
DOE OSTI2023

Gate-tunable superconducting diode effect in a three-terminal Josephson device

Abstract The phenomenon of non-reciprocal critical current in a Josephson device, termed the Josephson diode effect, has garnered much recent interest. Realization of the diode effect requires inversion symmetry breaking, typically obtained by spin-orbit interactions. Here we report observation of the Josephson diode effect in a three-terminal Josephson device based upon an InAs quantum well two-dimensional electron gas proximitized by an epitaxial aluminum superconducting layer. We demonstrate that the diode efficiency in our devices can be tuned by a small out-of-plane magnetic field or by electrostatic gating. We show that the Josephson diode effect in these devices is a consequence of the artificial realization of a current-phase relation that contains higher harmonics. We also show nonlinear DC intermodulation and simultaneous two-signal rectification, enabled by the multi-terminal nature of the devices. Furthermore, we show that the diode effect is an inherent property of multi-terminal Josephson devices, establishing an immediately scalable approach by which potential applications of the Josephson diode effect can be realized, agnostic to the underlying material platform. These Josephson devices may also serve as gate-tunable building blocks in designing topologically protected qubits.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Scalable Al 2 O 3 –TiO 2 Conductive Oxide Interfaces as Defect Reservoirs for Resistive Switching Devices

Abstract Resistive switching devices herald a transformative technology for memory and computation, offering considerable advantages in performance and energy efficiency. Here, a simple and scalable material system of conductive oxide interfaces is employed, and their unique properties are leveraged for a new type of resistive switching device. An Al 2 O 3 –TiO 2 ‐based valence‐change resistive switching device, where the conductive oxide interface serves both as the bottom electrode and as a reservoir of defects for switching, is demonstrated. The amorphous–polycrystalline Al 2 O 3 –TiO 2 conductive interface is obtained following the technological path of simplifying the fabrication of the 2D electron gases (2DEGs), making them scalable for practical mass integration. Physical analysis of the device chemistry and microstructure with comprehensive electrical analysis of its switching behavior and performance is combined. The origin of the resistive switching is pinpointed to the conductive oxide interface, which serves both as the bottom electrode and as a reservoir of oxygen vacancies. The latter plays a key role in valence‐change resistive switching devices. The new device, based on scalable and complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS)‐technology‐compatible fabrication processes, opens new design spaces toward increased tunability and simplification of the device selection challenge.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Influence of design and operating parameters for additively manufactured intensified packing devices on CO 2 -Absorption column cooling and capture efficiency

Solvent-based CO 2 absorption is technologically a matured CO 2 capture pathway but suffers from: high regeneration energy demand, and solvent temperature rise and decreased capture efficiency caused by the heat of reaction. While research has focused on developing non-aqueous and low-aqueous solvents for decreasing the regeneration energy, the temperature bulge due to exothermic absorption is typically dealt with by cooling the solvent with an external inter-stage heat-exchanger. This approach may increase the overall process footprint, as well as capital and operating costs. Here, the current study explores a process intensification approach by incorporating inside the column an additively manufactured intensified packing device that consists of corrugated plates and internal coolant channels. The corrugated plates provide surface area for mass transfer between gas and liquid, while cooling fluid inside the internal channels removes heat from the exothermic reactive system. Two different intensified devices with specific surface areas of 266 m 2 /m 3 and 359 m 2 /m 3 were designed, manufactured, and tested inside a 2.06-m long and 0.203-m diameter column packed with commercial Mellapak 250Y packing. The device with a lower surface area showed up to 27 % reduction in cooling performance. A steady-state heat transfer model provides good agreement with the experimental column temperature and intra-stage heat removal data. Although a decrease in heat transfer performance was observed for the device with lower surface area, CO 2 capture experiments performed with simulated flue gas and low-aqueous solvent demonstrated that both intensified devices lead to a similar improvement of 12 % in capture efficiency. This study provides an understanding on simplifying the intensified packing device geometry and decreasing the device fabrication cost by 25 % without compromising with the CO 2 absorption performance of the packed column.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development and application of an environmental risk register for marine energy device and project developers

The marine energy industry is steadily advancing as more devices are deployed worldwide. However, several challenges and barriers remain, such as lingering uncertainty regarding the potential environmental effects of marine energy devices on marine animals, habitats, and ecosystems. Concerns have led to difficulty navigating permitting and consenting processes and receiving authorization to deploy devices in the marine environment, including extended timelines and costs. Based on existing risk registers, a novel marine energy environmental risk register was created to help the marine energy industry move beyond these barriers. This risk register aims to aid marine energy device and project developers identify and assess potential environmental risks early in device design or project planning, document and track potential environmental interactions, prioritize risks and determine risk responses, and make decisions throughout device or project development. It can also be used as a tool to assist in communicating with regulators and advisors during permitting processes and to inform stakeholder and community engagement efforts. This paper details the methods and process to develop a risk register specific to environmental effects of marine energy and describes two use cases (one for wave energy and another for tidal energy) to highlight example results. Due to the tool's novelty, the paper showcases its application for the marine energy industry and acknowledges limitations and possible future improvements. Overall, the environmental risk register shows promise to support marine energy developers when identifying, tracking, and addressing potential environmental risks and to help successfully navigate permitting and deploy marine energy devices responsibly.

Environmental effects↗
DOE OSTI2024

3D Printing of Functional Hydrogel Devices for Screenings of Membrane Permeability and Selectivity

Developing a fundamental understanding of the effects of varying ligand chemistries on mass transport rates is key to designing membranes with solute-specific selectivity. While permeation cells offer a robust method to characterize membrane performance, they are limited to assessing a single membrane chemistry or salt solution per test. As a result, investigating the effects of varying ligand chemistries on membrane performance can be a tedious process, involving both the preparation of multiple samples and numerous, time-consuming permeation tests. This study uses digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing to fabricate a millifluidic flow-based permeation device made from a hydrogel active ester network that can be easily functionalized with ion-selective ligands. Without the need for bonding or assembly steps, ligands can be introduced and tested in the permeation device by simply injecting a small volume of a ligand solution. Various salt concentrations and molecular species can be cycled through a single device by switching the solution feeding into the salt reservoir, thereby reducing the number of samples needed for permeability and selectivity screenings. This research sets the groundwork for formulation development and postprocessing methods to 3D-print functional millifluidic devices capable of assessing solute selectivity in membranes and polymer adsorbents for aqueous separations. In this work, comparable salt permeability trends were observed with both 3D-printed devices and traditional assays. Devices were functionalized with an imidazole ligand to investigate salt permeability and selectivity of monovalent and divalent salts. Measurements showed increasing permeability for monovalent salts (NaCl) relative to divalent salts (MgCl 2 , CuCl 2 ) in functionalized membranes, with higher monovalent/divalent selectivity at increasing imidazole grafting densities. Here, the methods and findings described here represent a step toward developing higher-throughput methods with 3D-printed devices for screening the effects of ligand chemistry on mass transport rates in membrane materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Redox-Active Polymers Designed for the Circular Economy of Energy Storage Devices

Electrochemical energy storage is a keystone to support the rapid transition to a low-carbon-emission future for grid storage and transportation. While research on electrochemical energy storage devices has mostly dealt with performance improvements (energy density and power density), little attention has been paid to designing devices that can be recycled with low cost and low environmental impact. Thus, next-generation energy storage devices should also address the integration of recyclability into the device design. In this study, we demonstrate recyclable energy storage devices based on solution-processable redox-active conjugated polymers. The high electronic and ionic charge transport in these polymers enables the operation of single-phase electrodes in aqueous electrolytes with C-rates >100 with good electrochemical stability when the cell is charged to 1.2 V. Finally, we demonstrate the recyclability of these devices, achieving >85% capacity retention in each recycling step. Our work provides a framework for developing recyclable devices for sustainable energy storage technologies.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Aerosol jet printing of surface acoustic wave microfluidic devices

Abstract The addition of surface acoustic wave (SAW) technologies to microfluidics has greatly advanced lab-on-a-chip applications due to their unique and powerful attributes, including high-precision manipulation, versatility, integrability, biocompatibility, contactless nature, and rapid actuation. However, the development of SAW microfluidic devices is limited by complex and time-consuming micro/nanofabrication techniques and access to cleanroom facilities for multistep photolithography and vacuum-based processing. To simplify the fabrication of SAW microfluidic devices with customizable dimensions and functions, we utilized the additive manufacturing technique of aerosol jet printing. We successfully fabricated customized SAW microfluidic devices of varying materials, including silver nanowires, graphene, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). To characterize and compare the acoustic actuation performance of these aerosol jet printed SAW microfluidic devices with their cleanroom-fabricated counterparts, the wave displacements and resonant frequencies of the different fabricated devices were directly measured through scanning laser Doppler vibrometry. Finally, to exhibit the capability of the aerosol jet printed devices for lab-on-a-chip applications, we successfully conducted acoustic streaming and particle concentration experiments. Overall, we demonstrated a novel solution-based, direct-write, single-step, cleanroom-free additive manufacturing technique to rapidly develop SAW microfluidic devices that shows viability for applications in the fields of biology, chemistry, engineering, and medicine.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗