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At least 721 records · Page 40
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Nanotesla Magnetometry with the Silicon Vacancy in Silicon Carbide

Silicon carbide is a promising host material for spin-defect-based quantum sensors owing to its commercial availability and established techniques for electrical and optical microfabricated device integration. The negatively charged silicon vacancy is one of the leading spin defects studied in silicon carbide owing to its near-telecom photoemission, high spin number, and nearly temperature-independent ground-state zero-field splitting. We report the realization of nanotesla shot-noise-limited ensemble magnetometry based on optically detected magnetic resonance with the silicon vacancy in 4H silicon carbide. By coarsely optimizing the anneal parameters and minimizing power broadening, we achieve a sensitivity of 50 nT/√Hz and a theoretical shot-noise-limited sensitivity of 3.5 nT/√Hz. This is accomplished without utilizing complex photonic engineering, control protocols, or applying excitation powers greater than a watt. This work demonstrates that the silicon vacancy in silicon carbide provides a low-cost and simple approach to quantum sensing of magnetic fields.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1990

Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors (QWIP)

There has been a lot of interest in III-V long wavelength detectors in the lambda = 8 to 12 micron spectral range as alternatives to HgCdTe. Recently high performance quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIP) have been demonstrated. They have a responsivity of R = 1.2 A/W, and a detectivity D(exp asterisk) sub lambda = 2 times 10(exp 10) cm Hz(exp 1/2)/W at 68 K for a QWIP with a cutoff wavelength of lambda sub c = 10.7 micron and a R = 1.0 A/W, and D(exp asterisk) sub lambda = 2 times 10(exp 10) cm Hz(exp 1/2)/W at T = 77 K for lambda sub c = 8.4 micron. These detectors consist of 50 periods of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) grown layers doped n = 1 times 10(exp 18)cm(exp -3) having GaAs quantum well widths of 40 A and barrier widths of 500 A of Al sub x Ga sub 1-x As. Due to the well-established GaAs growth and processing techniques, these detectors have the potential for large, highly uniform, low cost, high performance arrays as well as monolithic integration with GaAs electronics, high speed and radiation hardness. Latest results on the transport physics, device performance and arrays are discussed.

Levine, B. F.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Anomalous Spin‐Optical Helical Effect in Ti‐Based Kagome Metal

The kagome lattice stands as a rich platform for hosting a wide array of correlated quantum phenomena, ranging from charge density waves and superconductivity to electron nematicity and loop current states. Direct detection of loop currents in kagome systems has remained a formidable challenge due to their intricate spatial arrangements and the weak magnetic field signatures they produce, and this has made their identification experimentally subtle. This has left their existence and underlying mechanisms a topic of intense debate. In this work, we uncover signatures compatible with loop currents: spin handedness-selective signals that surpass conventional dichroic, spin, and spin-dichroic responses. We observe this phenomenon in the kagome metal CsTi 3 ⁢Bi 5 and we call it the anomalous spin-optical helical effect. This effect arises from the coupling of light's helicity with spin-orbital electron correlations, thereby providing an indirect yet sensitive approach to probe loop-current–related electronic correlations in quantum materials. Our discovery not only enriches the debate surrounding loop currents but also offers new experimental strategies to exploit the electronic phases of quantum materials via light–matter interaction.

anomalous spin-optical helical effect↗
DOE OSTI2024

Interplay between Catalyst Corrosion and Homogeneous Reactive Oxygen Species in Electrochemical Ozone Production

In this study, electrochemical ozone production (EOP), a six-electron water oxidation reaction, offers promising avenues for creating value-added oxidants and disinfectants. However, progress in this field is slowed by a dearth of understanding of fundamental reaction mechanisms. In this work, we combine experimental electrochemistry, spectroscopic detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxygen-anion chemical ionization mass spectrometry, and computational quantum chemistry calculations to determine a plausible reaction mechanism on nickel- and antimony-doped tin oxide (Ni/Sb–SnO 2 , NATO), one of the most selective EOP catalysts. Antimony doping is shown to increase the conductivity of the catalyst, leading to improved electrochemical performance. Spectroscopic analysis and electrochemical experiments combined with quantum chemistry predictions reveal that hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is a critical reaction intermediate. We propose that leached Ni 4+ cations catalyze hydrogen peroxide into solution phase hydroperoxyl radicals ( • OOH); these radicals are subsequently oxidized to ozone. Isotopic product analysis shows that ozone is generated catalytically from water and corrosively from the catalyst oxide lattice without regeneration of lattice oxygens. Further quantum chemistry calculations and thermodynamic analysis suggest that the electrochemical corrosion of tin oxide itself might generate hydrogen peroxide, which is then catalyzed to ozone. The proposed pathways explain both the roles of dopants in NATO and its lack of stability. Our study interrogates the possibility that instability and electrochemical activity are intrinsically linked through the formation of ROS. In doing so, we provide the first mechanism for EOP that is consistent with computational and experimental results and highlight the central challenge of instability as a target for future research efforts.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Characterization of just one atom using synchrotron X-rays

Since the discovery of X-rays by Roentgen in 1895, its use has been ubiquitous, from medical and environmental applications to materials sciences. X-ray characterization requires a large number of atoms and reducing the material quantity is a long-standing goal. Here we show that X-rays can be used to characterize the elemental and chemical state of just one atom. Using a specialized tip as a detector, X-ray-excited currents generated from an iron and a terbium atom coordinated to organic ligands are detected. The fingerprints of a single atom, the L 2,3 and M 4,5 absorption edge signals for iron and terbium, respectively, are clearly observed in the X-ray absorption spectra. The chemical states of these atoms are characterized by means of near-edge X-ray absorption signals, in which X-ray-excited resonance tunnelling (X-ERT) is dominant for the iron atom. The X-ray signal can be sensed only when the tip is located directly above the atom in extreme proximity, which confirms atomically localized detection in the tunnelling regime. Finally, our work connects synchrotron X-rays with a quantum tunnelling process and opens future X-rays experiments for simultaneous characterizations of elemental and chemical properties of materials at the ultimate single-atom limit.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Fast data-driven spectrometer with direct measurement of time and frequency for multiple single photons

We present a single-photon-sensitive spectrometer based on a linear array of 512 single-photon avalanche diode detectors with 0.04 nm spectral and 40 ps temporal resolutions. We employ a fast data-driven operation that allows direct measurement of time and frequency for simultaneous single photons, time- and frequency-stamping each single-photon detection. Our results combine excellent temporal and spectral resolution. This work opens numerous applications in quantum photonics, especially when both spectral and temporal properties of single photons can be exploited.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Redefining precision interferometry and spectroscopy with high-performance optical interference coatings

High-performance optical interference coatings have transformed precision interferometry and spectroscopy by enabling unparalleled control over light–matter interactions. This review explores recent innovations in ion-beam sputtered amorphous dielectric, as well as substrate-transferred crystalline coatings, and their impact on systems at the forefront of precision metrology. These state-of-the-art coating techniques generate multilayers with ultralow optical losses, yielding mirrors with exceptional reflectivity. Refinements in their noise performance push the ultimate limits of sensitivity, resolution, and stability in demanding laser-based metrology applications. These technologies underpin the most advanced timekeeping and spatial measurement tools, enabling high-finesse reference cavities for the world’s most precise optical atomic clocks and low-noise reflective test masses for km-baseline gravitational-wave detectors. Emerging hybrid designs combining these techniques expand access to the mid-infrared spectral region, enabling the first ultralow-optical-loss coatings in the 3000–5000 nm wavelength range for enhanced spectroscopy and trace-gas detection. We highlight how these technologies redefine coating performance metrics and set new benchmarks in quantum science, fundamental physics, and precision optical sensing.

Cole, Garrett D. [University of Arizona, Tucson, A↗
DOE OSTI2025

Harnessing Quantum Information Science for Enhancing Sensors in Harsh Fossil Energy Environments

The main goals of this project are to utilize real-time quantum dynamics simulations and quantum optimal control algorithms to (1) harness near-surface nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers to detect chemical analytes in harsh fossil energy environments, and (2) design optimally constructed electromagnetic fields for initializing these near-surface NV center spins for efficient sensor performance and detectivity.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS1987

Oxygen interaction with space-power materials

Data from the space shuttle flights have established that many materials experience relatively rapid degradation when exposed to the low Earth orbit ambient atmosphere, which is predominately atomic oxygen. While much was learned from samples flown on the shuttle, laboratory simulations of the shuttle environment are necessary for a detailed understanding of the various interactions which contribute to the observed degradations. These laboratory experiments are particularly important for predicting the deterioration to be expected for materials aboard orbiting power systems, which will be exposed for long periods of time and could have components operating at very high temperatures. By using a mass spectrometer to synchronously detect molecules emitted from the surface as a result of amplitude modulated oxygen ion bombardment, quantum yields were obtained as a function of ion energy. A technique was developed to obtain preliminary yield data by slowly scanning the mass setting of the mass spectrometer; measurements were extended down to zero modulation frequency; yield data was obtained for the insulating materials (Nomex, Kevlar, and Teflon) used in the construction of electrodynamic tethers; a heated sample holder was constructed to investigate the effect of sample temperature on quantum yields; and the instrumentation was developed to observe the mass spectrometer signal as a function of time during and following bombardment of the sample by a brief (approximately 1 millisecond) pulse of ions.

Eck, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS1994

DDC Systems for Searching for Near-Earth Asteroids

Large format CCD systems are superior to photographic systems in terms of quantum efficiency and that they yield digital output directly, which can be computer analyzed to detect moving objects and to obtain astrometric measurements.

telescopes↗
DOE OSTI2021

Compositions for use in diagnosing and treating melanoma, including metastatic melanoma and methods related to same

The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools/compounds comprising a cyclic peptide wherein the compound binds to a MSH receptor to image and treat cancers, especially, melanoma, including metastatic melanoma in vivo. The present invention represents a clear advance in the art which presently relies on tissue biopsy for diagnoses of these cancers. The novel imaging probes are capable of detecting cancerous melanoma cells, as well as their metastatic spread in tissues. This represents a quantum step forward in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including metastatic melanoma using non-invasive molecular imaging techniques. The novel probes of the present invention will also be useful to initiate therapy for melanoma as well as monitor patients response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of melanoma/metastatic melanoma. Compounds according to the present invention may be used as diagnostic tools for a number of conditions and diseases states as well as therapeutic agents for treating such conditions and disease states.

Miao, Yubin↗
NASA NTRS2012

NASA Tech Briefs, May 2012

Topics covered include: An "Inefficient Fin" Non-Dimensional Parameter to Measure Gas Temperatures Efficiently; On-Wafer Measurement of a Multi-Stage MMIC Amplifier with 10 dB of Gain at 475 GHz; Software to Control and Monitor Gas Streams; Miniaturized Laser Heterodyne Radiometer (LHR) for Measurements of Greenhouse Gases in the Atmospheric Column; Anomaly Detection in Test Equipment via Sliding Mode Observers; Absolute Position of Targets Measured Through a Chamber Window Using Lidar Metrology Systems; Goldstone Solar System Radar Waveform Generator; Fast and Adaptive Lossless Onboard Hyperspectral Data Compression System; Iridium Interfacial Stack - IrIS; Downsampling Photodetector Array with Windowing; Optical Phase Recovery and Locking in a PPM Laser Communication Link; High-Speed Edge-Detecting Line Scan Smart Camera; Optical Communications Channel Combiner; Development of Thermal Infrared Sensor to Supplement Operational Land Imager; Amplitude-Stabilized Oscillator for a Capacitance-Probe Electrometer; Automated Performance Characterization of DSN System Frequency Stability Using Spacecraft Tracking Data; Histogrammatic Method for Determining Relative Abundance of Input Gas Pulse; Predictive Sea State Estimation for Automated Ride Control and Handling - PSSEARCH; LEGION: Lightweight Expandable Group of Independently Operating Nodes; Real-Time Projection to Verify Plan Success During Execution; Automated Performance Characterization of DSN System Frequency Stability Using Spacecraft Tracking Data; Web-Based Customizable Viewer for Mars Network Overflight Opportunities; Fabrication of a Cryogenic Terahertz Emitter for Bolometer Focal Plane Calibrations; Fabrication of an Absorber-Coupled MKID Detector; Graphene Transparent Conductive Electrodes for Next- Generation Microshutter Arrays; Method of Bonding Optical Elements with Near-Zero Displacement; Free-Mass and Interface Configurations of Hammering Mechanisms; Wavefront Compensation Segmented Mirror Sensing and Control; Long-Life, Lightweight, Multi-Roller Traction Drives for Planetary Vehicle Surface Exploration; Reliable Optical Pump Architecture for Highly Coherent Lasers Used in Space Metrology Applications; Electrochemical Ultracapacitors Using Graphitic Nanostacks; Improved Whole-Blood-Staining Device; Monitoring Location and Angular Orientation of a Pill; Molecular Technique to Reduce PCR Bias for Deeper Understanding of Microbial Diversity; Laser Ablation Electrodynamic Ion Funnel for In Situ Mass Spectrometry on Mars; High-Altitude MMIC Sounding Radiometer for the Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle; PRTs and Their Bonding for Long-Duration, Extreme-Temperature Environments; Mid- and Long-IR Broadband Quantum Well Photodetector; 3D Display Using Conjugated Multiband Bandpass Filters; Real-Time, Non-Intrusive Detection of Liquid Nitrogen in Liquid Oxygen at High Pressure and High Flow; Method to Enhance the Operation of an Optical Inspection Instrument Using Spatial Light Modulators; Dual-Compartment Inflatable Suitlock; Large-Strain Transparent Magnetoactive Polymer Nanocomposites; Thermodynamic Vent System for an On-Orbit Cryogenic Reaction Control Engine; Time Distribution Using SpaceWire in the SCaN Testbed on ISS; and Techniques for Solution- Assisted Optical Contacting.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2020

Near-field probing of strong light-matter coupling in single IR antennae

Quantum well intersubband polaritons are traditionally studied in large scale ensembles, over many wavelengths in size.In this presentation, we demonstrate that it is possible to detect and investigate intersubband polaritons in a single sub-wavelength nanoantenna in the IR frequency range. We observe polariton formation using a scattering-type near-fieldmicroscope and nano-FTIR spectroscopy. In this work, we will discuss near-field spectroscopic signatures of plasmonic antennae withand without coupling to the intersubband transition in quantum wells located underneath the antenna. Evanescent fieldamplitude spectra recorded on the antenna surface show a mode anti-crossing behavior in the strong coupling case. Wealso observe a corresponding strong-coupling signature in the phase of the detected field. We anticipate that this near-fieldapproach will enable explorations of strong and ultrastrong light-matter coupling in the single nanoantenna regime,including investigations of the elusive effect of ISB polariton condensation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Microscopic study of the coupled-wire construction and plausible realization in spin-dependent optical lattices

Coupled-wire constructions offer particularly simple and powerful models to capture the essence of strongly correlated topological phases of matter. They often rely on effective theories valid in the low-energy and strong-coupling limits, which impose severe constraints on the physical systems where they could be realized. In this work, we investigate the microscopic relevance of a class of coupled-wire models and their possible experimental realization in cold-atom experiments. We connect with earlier results and prove the emergence of fractional quantum Hall states in the limit of strong interwire tunneling. Contrary to previous studies relying on renormalization group arguments, our microscopic approach exposes the connection between coupled-wire constructions and model wave functions in continuum Landau levels. Then, we use exact-diagonalization methods to investigate the appearance of these fractional quantum Hall states in more realistic settings. We examine the parameter regimes where these strongly correlated phases arise, and provide a way to detect their appearance in cold-atom experiments through standard time-of-flight measurements. Motivated by this experimental probe, we finally propose a realization of our model with cold atoms in spin-dependent optical lattices. Our estimates show that the previous fractional quantum Hall phases lie within experimentally accessible parameter regimes, giving a viable route toward their experimental study.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

CP2 skyrmions and skyrmion crystals in realistic quantum magnets

Abstract Magnetic skyrmions are nanoscale topological textures that have been recently observed in different families of quantum magnets. These objects are called CP 1 skyrmions because they are built from dipoles—the target manifold is the 1D complex projective space, CP 1 ≅ S 2 . Here we report the emergence of magnetic CP 2 skyrmions in a realistic spin-1 model, which includes both dipole and quadrupole moments. Unlike CP 1 skyrmions, CP 2 skyrmions can also arise as metastable textures of quantum paramagnets, opening a new road to discover emergent topological solitons in non-magnetic materials. The quantum phase diagram of the spin-1 model also includes magnetic field-induced CP 2 skyrmion crystals that can be detected with regular momentum- (diffraction) and real-space (Lorentz transmission electron microscopy) experimental techniques.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Bosenovae with quadratically-coupled scalars in quantum sensing experiments

Abstract Ultralight dark matter (ULDM) particles of massm ϕ ≲ 1 eV can form boson stars in DM halos. Collapse of boson stars leads to explosive bosenova emission of copious relativistic ULDM particles. In this work, we analyze the sensitivity of terrestrial and space-based experiments to detect such relativistic scalar ULDM particles interacting through quadratic couplings with Standard Model constituents, including electrons, photons, and gluons. We highlight key differences with searches for linear ULDM couplings. Screening of ULDM with quadratic couplings near the surface of the Earth can significantly impact observations in terrestrial experiments, motivating future space-based experiments. We demonstrate excellent ULDM discovery prospects, especially for quantum sensors, which can probe quadratic couplings orders below existing constraints by detecting bosenova events in the ULDM mass range 10 −23 eV ≲m ϕ ≲ 10 −5 eV. We also report updated constraints on quadratic couplings of ULDM in case it comprises cold DM.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Topological quantum computation on a chiral Kondo chain

We describe the chiral Kondo chain model based on the symplectic Kondo effect and demonstrate that it has a quantum critical ground state populated by non-Abelian anyons. We show that the fusion channel of two arbitrary anyons can be detected by locally coupling the two anyons to an extra single channel of chiral current and measuring the corresponding conductance at a finite frequency. Based on such measurements, we propose that the chiral Kondo chain model with symplectic symmetry can be used for the implementation of measurement-only topological quantum computations, and it possesses several distinct features favorable for such applications. Furthermore, the sources and effects of errors in the proposed system are analyzed and possible material realizations are discussed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗