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At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Disorder-induced proximate quantum spin ice phase in Pr2Sn2O7

We report a comprehensive bulk characterization and neutron scattering investigation of single-crystalline Pr2Sn2O7, a magnetic pyrochlore synthesized via a flux-growth method. Unpolarized neutron diffuse scattering reveals the emergence of spin-ice correlations below T ∼ 1 K, evidenced by the development of anisotropic pinch-point features that are consistent with quantum-spin-ice (QSI) behavior. A.C. susceptibility measurements indicate a progressive slowing of spin dynamics in this regime, culminating in complete spin freezing below Tf ≈ 0.15 K. Inelastic neutron scattering at T = 0.5 K reveals a broad spectrum of quasi-elastic magnetic excitations, with intensity in the low-energy range [0, 0.2] meV significantly suppressed below Tf. Meanwhile, an incipient (100)-type magnetic order begins to nucleate, and a gapped excitation centered at ℏω = 0.23 meV persists. We further identify two distinct dynamical timescales above Tf , a slow component τ_slow ∼ 10^−5 s and a fast component τ_fast ∼ 10^−10 s, in quantitative agreement with theoretical predictions for QSI systems. Taken together, these results indicate that Pr2Sn2O7 enters a disorder-induced spin-frozen phase below Tf , lying in close proximity to a U(1) quantum spin liquid

Luo, Yi [ORNL] (ORCID:000900048710428X)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Absence of magnetoelastic deformation in the spin-chain compound CuBr 2

Here, we investigate a spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ antiferromagnet, CuBr 2 , which has quasi-one-dimensional structural motifs. The system has previously been observed to exhibit unusual Raman modes possibly due to a locally deformed crystal structure driven by the low-dimensional magnetism. Using hard x-ray scattering and neutron total scattering, here we aim to verify a specific form of tetramerizing deformation proposed in the previous study. Apart from diffuse scattering signals, which we can reproduce by performing a thorough modeling of the lattice's thermal vibrations, we do not observe evidence for a tetramerized lattice structure within our detection sensitivity. Consequently, we consider it unlikely that the unusual Raman modes in CuBr 2 arise from quantum spin-singlet-driven lattice deformations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1982

Radar scattering from a diffuse vegetation layer over a smooth surface

A simple model is presented for the oblique backscatter and bistatic scatter from a smooth surface overlain by a diffuse layer. Only single scattering in the diffuse layer is taken into account. The model analysis shows that the combination of volume scattering and oblique reflection at the surface may increase appreciably the waves scattering. The scattering strongly depends on the properties of the smooth surface. These results support some of the observations made with the Seasat spaceborne imaging radar over flooded regions with heavy vegetation cover.

Engheta, N.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Stability Frontiers in the AM 6 X 6 Kagome Metals: The Ln Nb 6 Sn 6 ( Ln :Ce–Lu,Y) Family and Density-Wave Transition in LuNb 6 Sn 6

The kagome motif is a versatile platform for condensed matter physics, hosting rich interactions between magnetic, electronic, and structural degrees of freedom. In recent years, the discovery of a charge density wave (CDW) in the AV 3 Sb 5 superconductors and structurally-derived bond density waves (BDW) in FeGe and ScV 6 Sn 6 have stoked the search for new kagome platforms broadly exhibiting density wave (DW) transitions. Here, in this work, we evaluate the known AM 6 X 6 chemistries and construct a stability diagram that summarizes the structural relationships among the >125 member family. Subsequently, we introduce our discovery of the broader LnNb 6 Sn 6 (Ln:Ce–Nd,Sm,Gd–Tm,Lu,Y) family of kagome metals and an analogous DW transition in LuNb 6 Sn 6 . Our X-ray scattering measurements clearly indicate a (1/3, 1/3, 1/3) ordering wave vector (√$\bar{3}$ x √$\bar{3}$ x $3$ superlattice) and diffuse scattering on half-integer L-planes. Our analysis of the structural data supports the “rattling mode” DW model proposed for ScV 6 Sn 6 and paints a detailed picture of the steric interactions between the rare-earth filler element and the host Nb–Sn kagome scaffolding. We also provide a broad survey of the magnetic properties within the HfFe 6 Ge 6 -type LnNb 6 Sn 6 members, revealing a number of complex antiferromagnetic and metamagnetic transitions throughout the family. This work integrates our new LnNb 6 Sn 6 series of compounds into the broader AM 6 X 6 family, providing new material platforms and forging a new route forward at the frontier of kagome metal research.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1974

Satellite to aircraft multipath signals over the ocean

A satellite-to-aircraft communication link over the ocean may include a specularly reflected signal and a diffusely scattered signal, as well as the direct path transmission. A computer program is provided for estimating two statistical properties of the diffuse signal, namely the Doppler spectrum and the delay spectrum. A convenient representation of the total signal is also provided. Examples of the Doppler and delay spectra for a number of representative link geometries are given to illustrate the features of the diffuse signal.

Peake, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Measurement of Momentum Transfer Coefficients for H2, N2, CO, and CO2 Incident Upon Spacecraft Surfaces

Measurements of momentum transfer coefficients were made for gas-surface interactions between the Space Shuttle reaction control jet plume gases and the solar panel array materials to be used on the International Space Station. Actual conditions were simulated using a supersonic nozzle source to produce beams of the gases with approximately the same average velocities as the gases have in the Shuttle plumes. Samples of the actual solar panel materials were mounted on a torsion balance that was used to measure the force exerted on the surfaces by the molecular beams. Measurements were made with H2, N2, CO, and CO2 incident upon the solar array material, Kapton, SiO2-coated Kapton, and Z93-coated Al. The measurements showed that molecules scatter from the surfaces more specularly as the angle of incidence increases and that the scattering behavior has a strong dependence upon both the incident gas and velocity. These results show that for some technical surfaces the simple assumption of diffuse scattering with complete thermal accommodation is entirely inadequate. It is clear that additional measurements are required to produce models that more accurately describe the gas-surface interactions encountered in rarefied flow regimes.

Cook, Steven R.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Measurements of momentum transfer coefficients for H2, N2, CO and CO2 incident upon spacecraft surfaces

Measurements of momentum transfer coefficients were made for gas-surface interactions between the Space Shuttle reaction control jet plume gases and the solar panel array materials to be used on the International Space Station. Actual conditions were simulated using a supersonic nozzle source to produce beams of the gases with approximately the same average velocities as the gases have in the Shuttle plumes. Samples of the actual solar panel materials were mounted on a torsion balance that was used to measure the force exerted on the surfaces by the molecular beams. Measurements were made with H2, N2, CO, and CO2 incident upon the solar array material, Kapton, SiO2-coated Kapton, and Z93-coated Al. The measurements showed that molecules scatter from the surfaces more specularly as the angle of incidence increases and that scattering behavior has a strong dependence upon both the incident gas and velocity. These results show that for some technical surfaces the simple assumption of diffuse scattering with complete thermal accommodation is entirely inadequate. It is clear that additional measurements are required to produce models that more accurately describe the gas-surface interactions encountered in rarefied flow regimes.

Cook, S. R.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dynamics and structure of the B2→B19’ phase transformation in NiTi revealed through in situ 4D-STEM

The structural evolution of NiTi during the B2→B19’ martensitic phase transformation via thermal cycling is investigated using in situ four dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM). With 4D-STEM, we can directly visualize and quantify the nanoscale evolution of the martensitic structure on thermal cycling and also investigate the origin of diffuse scattering of NiTi in the pre-transitional state. Mapping of the martensite orientation and strain visualizes the progression of the transformation front and self-accommodation of the B19’ structure. Diffuse streaking and strain are measured in the pre-transitional austenite (B2) phase and demonstrate no localization or preferential directionality hinting that long-range homogeneous instability rather than nanoscale heterogeneities may be the origin of the pre-transitional anomalies in NiTi. Finally, it is revealed that NiTi does not reform the same martensite nanostructure on thermal cycling but does express similar features. This small variation is likely owing to transformation-induced dislocations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Influence of controlled disorder on the dipolar spin-ice state of Ho-based pyrochlores

Pyrochlore magnets of the form 𝑅 2 ⁢𝐵 2 ⁢O 7 , in which rare-earth ions on the 𝑅 site form a three-dimensional network of corner-sharing tetrahedra, provide a canonical setting for geometrical frustration. Ho-based pyrochlores host a dipolar spin-ice ground state, characterized by Ising moments constrained by the ice rules and elementary excitations analogous to magnetic monopoles. Here, in this work, we examine how controlled chemical disorder influences this state by introducing site mixing on the nonmagnetic 𝐵 site in two compounds. Ho 2⁢ GaSbO 7 contains only Ga 3+ /Sb 5+ charge disorder, whereas Ho 2 ⁢ScSbO 7 exhibits both charge and substantial size disorder arising from the large ionic-radius mismatch between Sc 3+ and Sb 5+ . Although both materials retain the pyrochlore structure, neutron-scattering measurements reveal a reduced correlation length for the 𝑅/𝐵-site cation ordering and enhanced local structural distortions in Ho 2 ⁢ScSbO 7 . Despite these structural differences, bulk thermodynamic measurements and magnetic diffuse scattering demonstrate that both systems exhibit the defining signatures of a dipolar spin-ice state. Low-energy inelastic neutron spectroscopy further uncovers broad magnetic excitations that develop within the dipolar spin-ice regime, a feature absent in pristine Ho pyrochlores and indicative of disorder-induced splitting of the non-Kramers ground-state doublet. Together, these results show that controlled disorder generates tunable transverse-field-driven quantum fluctuations in Ho-based pyrochlores, although the dipolar spin-ice state is remarkably robust to this disorder.

magnetic anisotropy↗
NASA NTRS2017

Electromagnetic Scattering by Spheroidal Volumes of Discrete Random Medium

We use the superposition T-matrix method to compare the far-field scattering matrices generated by spheroidal and spherical volumes of discrete random medium having the same volume and populated by identical spherical particles. Our results fully confirm the robustness of the previously identified coherent and diffuse scattering regimes and associated optical phenomena exhibited by spherical particulate volumes and support their explanation in terms of the interference phenomenon coupled with the order-of-scattering expansion of the far-field Foldy equations. We also show that increasing non-sphericity of particulate volumes causes discernible (albeit less pronounced) optical effects in forward and backscattering directions and explain them in terms of the same interference/multiple-scattering phenomenon.

Electromagnetic scattering; Multi-particle groups;↗
NASA NTRS1990

Electron scattering and the distances to cluster cooling flows

Cluster cooling flows have electron-scattering optical depths which are estimated to be about 0.01. Many of the cluster-dominant galaxies centered in cluster cooling flows have active nuclei, and about 1 percent of the luminosity from the active nuclei should appear as diffuse, scattered radiation. It is shown here that detection of this scattered radiation at radio wavelengths can provide a measure of the distance to the cluster that is independent of the Hubble constant. Observations of the scattered surface brightness profile can also be used to test for clumpiness in the gas, for variations in the central radio source on time scales less than 100,000 yr, and for the degree of beaming of radiation from the central source.

Wise, Michael W.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A ray tracing model for leaf bidirectional scattering studies

A leaf is modeled as a deterministic two-dimensional structure consisting of a network of circular arcs designed to represent the internal morphology of major species. The path of an individual ray through the leaf is computed using geometric optics. At each intersection of the ray with an arc, the specular reflected and transmitted rays are calculated according to the Snell and Fresnel equations. Diffuse scattering is treated according to Lambert's law. Absorption is also permitted but requires a detailed knowledge of the spectral attenuation coefficients. An ensemble of initial rays are chosen for each incident direction with the initial intersection points on the leaf surface selected randomly. The final equilibrium state after all interactions then yields the leaf bidirectional reflectance and transmittance distributions. The model also yields the internal two dimensional light gradient profile of the leaf.

Brakke, T. W.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Polarization of light scattered by clover

This study was undertaken in order to better understand the factors that govern the polarization of light scattered from vegetation and soils. This phenomenon is not well understood but is potentially of interest for remote sensing of the earth. The intensity and polarization of light scattered by clover in vivo and soil were measured at a number of different angles of incidence and reflectance. Both individual leaves and natural patches of vegetation were measured. The Umov effect, or inverse relation between polarization and reflectance noted by many earlier workers, was observed here and is shown to be a very general property of diffusely scattering surfaces. The light transmitted through the leaves was found to be negatively polarized. The polarization of light scattered from aggregations of leaves is affected by this negatively polarized, transmitted light. The light scattered from the upper leaf surfaces was found to be positively polarized in a manner which could be accounted for quantitatively by specular Fresnel reflection from small, randomly oriented facets on the surfaces of the leaves.

Woessner, Paul↗
NASA NTRS1982

Radar scatterometry of sand dunes and lava flows

Four frequency like polarized scatterometer data over a sand dune field and a volcanic field were analyzed to understand the scattering characteristics of these two terrain types as a function of frequency and incidence angle. For the frequency range studied (400 MHz to 13.3 GHz) unvegetated sand dunes are specular reflectors that return an echo to the radar antenna particularly when the geometry is such that the dune slope is nearly perpendicular to the antenna. Vegetation on the dunes can cause significant backscatter. Lava flows are strong diffuse scatterers which have backscatter values similar to coniferous forest at certain frequencies. Different observation frequencies are required for different situations. The scatterometer data correlate well with radar images.

Blom, R.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Pervasive symmetry-lowering nanoscale structural fluctuations in the cuprate La 2−𝑥 ⁢Sr 𝑥 ⁢Cu⁢O 4

The cuprate superconductors are among the most widely studied quantum materials, yet there remain fundamental open questions regarding their electronic properties and the role of structural degrees of freedom. Recent neutron and x-ray scattering measurements uncovered exponential scaling with temperature of the strength of orthorhombic fluctuations in the tetragonal phase of La 2−𝑥⁢ Sr 𝑥 ⁢Cu⁢O 4 and Tl 2 ⁢Ba 2 ⁢Cu⁢O 6+𝛿 , unusual behavior that closely resembles prior results for the emergence of superconducting fluctuations, and that points to a common origin rooted in inherent correlated structural inhomogeneity. Here, in this study, we use neutron and x-ray diffuse scattering to provide further insight into structural fluctuations in La 2−𝑥 ⁢Sr 𝑥 ⁢Cu⁢O 4 . We perform measurements up to temperatures that approach the melting point of the undoped parent compound, and we investigate the effects of in situ in-plane uniaxial elastic stress and plastic deformation. Our neutron scattering results for the parent compound La 2 ⁢Cu⁢O 4 reveal that short-range orthorhombic fluctuations persist to the maximum experimental temperature of nearly 1000 K, i.e., to a significant fraction of the crystallization temperature. At this temperature, the spatial characteristic length extracted from the momentum-space data is still about three lattice constants. The neutron scattering experiment enables quasistatic discrimination and reveals that the response is increasingly dynamic at higher temperatures. We also find that neither compressive elastic stress along the tetragonal [110] direction nor irreversible plastic deformation activating the ⟨100⟩⁢[001] slip system significantly alter the robust orthorhombic fluctuations. Overall, these results support the notion that these fluctuations couple to subtle, underlying inhomogeneity that underpins the cuprate phase diagram. Finally, in La 1.8⁢ Sr 0.2⁢ Cu⁢O 4 , we uncover low-energy structural fluctuations at a nominally forbidden reflection that are distinct from the orthorhombic distortions. While the origin of these fluctuations is not clear, they might be related to the presence of extended defects such as dislocations or stacking faults.

Spieker, R. J. [Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis, M↗
NASA NTRS1987

Problems and possible solutions involved in hard target calibration of coherent Doppler lidar

The field of radiometry is surveyed with reference to coherent light, since the surfaces to be considered here are irradiated with coherent, polarized light. Definitions of some concepts are modified. In light of these modifications calibration problems are analyzed and solutions suggested. The most important task was to develop hard targets exhibiting minimal specular reflection (mirror-like and retroreflection) and following closely a Lambertian scattering curve. Bistable reflectometer experiments and integrating sphere measurements are used to physically characterize the targets. Optical and electron microscopy are used to physically characterize the targets. Since the BRDF matrix is not measured, this capability must be developed preferably for both bistatic and monostatic reflectometer measurements. The equipment is expensive and not yet developed. Calibration can be simplified if it can be proved that the BRDF matrix is diagonal for a diffuse scatterer.

Anderson, Richard↗
NASA NTRS1979

Landsat test of diffuse reflectance models for aquatic suspended solids measurement

Landsat radiance data were used to test mathematical models relating diffuse reflectance to aquatic suspended solids concentration. Digital CCT data for Landsat passes over the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia were analyzed on a General Electric Co. Image 100 multispectral analysis system. Three data sets were studied separately and together in all combinations with and without solar angle correction. Statistical analysis and chromaticity analysis show that a nonlinear relationship between Landsat radiance and suspended solids concentration is better at curve-fitting than a linear relationship. In particular, the quasi-single-scattering diffuse reflectance model developed by Gordon and coworkers is corroborated. The Gordon model applied to 33 points of MSS 5 data combined from three dates produced r = 0.98.

Munday, J. C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Effect of Scattering on Instabilities in Line-driven Stellar Winds

Line driven O-B stellar winds are unstable to perturbations of short spatial wavelength and the growth rates for such instabilities are very rapid. The nature of the nonlinear development of this instability is unknown, but might possibly be one of blobs of gas driven through ambient gas or a quasiregular train of outward moving shocks. In either case the resulting dissipation of mechanical energy might explain the observed anomalous heating n O-B stars as evidenced by their X-ray emission and high ionization state. It also might explain the observed fine structure of the absorption lines and their time variability. The driving due to the absorption of the stellar continuum flux was considered and the effects of the diffuse, scattered radiation field were neglected. It was shown that under certain special conditions the effect of scattering could reduce the instability growth rate to zero. A stability analysis that includes scattering, but that uses the more physically realistic assumption of complete redistribution instead of coherent scattering, and that includes the effects of transverse velocity gradients, which become important as the flow moves away from the stellar surface is presented. It is found that the instability is eliminated right at the base of the wind, but that as the flow moves outward the instability rate rapidly becomes equal to a substantial fraction of the calculated value, the fraction asymptotically reaching 80% at large radii. Since this still implies many e folds in a characteristic outflow time, the primary conclusion that these winds are highly unstable is unchanged.

Owocki, S. P.↗