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At least 721 records · Page 40
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activity in visible-light-driven Ag/BiVO{sub 4} inverse opals

BiVO{sub 4} photonic crystal inverse opals (io-BiVO{sub 4}) with highly dispersed Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by the nanosphere lithography method combining the pulsed current deposition method. The incorporation of the Ag NPs can significantly improve the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activity of BiVO{sub 4} inverse opals in the visible light region. The photocurrent density of the Ag/io-BiVO{sub 4} sample is 4.7 times higher than that of the disordered sample without the Ag NPs, while the enhancement factor of the corresponding kinetic constant in photocatalytic experiment is approximately 3. The improved photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activity is benefited from two reasons: one is the enhanced light harvesting owing to the coupling between the slow light and localized surface plasmon resonance effect; the other is the efficient separation of charge carriers due to the Schottky barriers.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1979

Empirical relationships between interplanetary conditions, magnetospheric flux transfer, and the AL index

Holzer and Slavin (1978) have found that the transfer of magnetic flux to and from the dayside magnetosphere as inferred from observed displacements of the magnetopause surface is correlated with both the magnitude of the auroral zone magnetic index AL and the incident flux of southward IMF. Empirical expressions specifying the rate at which magnetic flux is eroded in terms of interplanetary parameters and the rate of magnetic flux return as a function of AL have been developed. These relations are then used to predict magnetotail magnetic field enhancements from interplanetary and ground based data during an interval of substorm activity. The total magnetic flux in the tail is increased during intervals when the amount of flux transferred into its volume by dayside erosion exceeds the flux lost to the dayside by magnetospheric convection. Using Ogo-5 tail observations it is found for the sample events considered that these magnetic field enhancements can be described by empirical expressions for the magnetic flux transfer rates.

Slavin, J. A.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Tip-Enhanced Raman Scattering from Nanopatterned Graphene and Graphene Oxide

Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is particularly sensitive to analytes residing at plasmonic tip-sample nanojunctions, where the incident and scattered optical fields may be localized and optimally enhanced. However, the enhanced local electric fields in this so-called gap-mode TERS configuration are nominally orthogonal to the sample plane. As such, any given Raman active vibrational Eigenstate needs to have projections (of its polarizability derivative tensor elements) along the sample normal to be detectable via TERS. The faint TERS signals observed from two prototypical systems, namely, pristine graphene and graphene oxide are a classical example of the aforementioned rather restrictive TERS selection rules in this context. In this study, we demonstrate that nano-indentation, herein achieved using pulsed-force lithography with a sharp single-crystal diamond atomic force microscope probe, may be used to locally enhance TERS signals from graphene and graphene oxide flakes on gold. Nano-indentation locally perturbs the otherwise flat graphene structure and introduces out-of-plane protrusions that generate enhanced TERS. Although our approach is nominally invasive, we illustrate that the introduced nano-defects are highly localized, as evidenced by TERS nanoscale chemical mapping. As such, the described protocol may be used to extend and generalize the applicability of TERS for the rapid identification of two-dimensional material systems on the nanoscale. KEYWORDS

Bhattarai, Ashish↗
DOE OSTI2014

Development of photocatalyst by combined nitrogen and yttrium doping

Graphical abstract: The simulated compensated YN{sub SUB} co-doped TiO{sub 2} model can reasonably explain the experimental observations. Calculation results show that substitutional Y at Ti sites and substitutional N at O sites with an oxygen vacancy give stable configuration, reduced band gap, better visible light absorption and enhance separations of photoexcited charge carriers. The experimental observations confirmed the theoretical findings. - Highlights: • (Y, N) codoped TiO{sub 2} was synthesized by mild one pot hydrothermal method. • The Y doping concentration was varied from 0.01 to 1.38 at%. • 0.05% (Y, N) codoped TiO{sub 2} shows enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity. • Compensated and noncompensated ab-initio calculations were performed. • Calculation results reasonably explained the experimental findings. - Abstract: Titanium dioxide co-doped with yttrium and nitrogen with different yttrium doping concentration has been synthesized by mild one pot hydrothermal method without any post calcination for crystallization. Irrespective of the yttrium doping concentration, all the synthesized samples were composed of pure anatase phase with good crystallinity. And the synthesized co-doped samples have spherical morphology with uniform particle size distribution. The absorption edge of the co-doped TiO{sub 2} was shifted toward visible light region depicting that the intrinsic band gap of TiO{sub 2} was affected by the co-doping. Among the different samples, the co-doped sample with 0.05% yttrium doping concentration exhibits enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity by degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution. Compensated and non-compensated yttrium–nitrogen co-doped TiO{sub 2} models were simulated using density functional theory to explain the experimental findings. The calculation results show that the compensated yttrium–nitrogen co-doped TiO{sub 2} model may reasonably explain the experimental observations due to its stable configuration, narrowed band gap and enhanced separation of photoexcited carriers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Influence of Sm{sup 3+} ions on structural, optical and solar light driven photocatalytic activity of spinel MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles

In this article, co-precipitation method was used to produce a series of samarium substituted manganese ferrite nanoparticles, MnFe{sub 2−x}Sm{sub x}O{sub 4} (x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0) with oleic acid as surfactant. The effect of Sm{sup 3+} substitution and calcination temperature on the MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} was explored. The MnFe{sub 2−x}Sm{sub x}O{sub 4} sample calcinated at 973 K induced an enhanced optical behaviour. The influence of Sm{sup 3+} ions on cationic distribution and optical properties of MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} were probed by various physicochemical techniques. The presence of secondary orthorhombic (SmFeO{sub 3}) phase with initial cubic phase was confirmed by doublet peak in the X-ray diffraction pattern. The particle size distribution of MnFe{sub 0.5}Sm{sub 1.5}O{sub 4} sample was about 40 nm from HRTEM. The visible light absorption ability extended as Sm content was increased up to x = 1.5 in MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}. At an optimum concentration of Sm as x = 1.5 in MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}, photocatalyst exhibited decrease in energy band gap (1.64 eV); as a result effective visible light driven photocatalytic activity was achieved than the pure MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}. The MnSm{sub 1.5}Fe{sub 0.5}O{sub 4} sample exhibits pronounced photodegradation towards Rose Bengal with in 50 min under direct sunlight illumination as energy input. The broad emission band is observed in the entire photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. Current study provides an excellent competency of rare earth substituted ferrite as a new class of photocatalyst and they found to be a beneficial in the field of environmental cleaning application. - Highlights: • MnSm{sub x}Fe{sub 2−x}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were synthesised by co-precipitation method. • The insertion of Sm{sup 3+} ion in the MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} spinel matrix shows an increase in lattice parameter. • The calcination temperature is sensitive knob for tuning the optical properties of the MnFe{sub 2−x}Sm{sub x}O{sub 4} photocatalyst. • The MnFe{sub 2−x}Sm{sub x}O{sub 4} calcinated at 973 K shows enhanced optical behaviour. • The composition MnFe{sub 0.5}Sm{sub 1.5}O{sub 4} showed substantial red shift in absorption edge with narrow band gap of 1.64 eV.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Morphology-controlled synthesis of grass-like GO-CdSe nanocomposites with excellent optical properties and field emission properties

Four different morphologies of the CdSe semiconductor nanograss have been successfully grown on graphene oxide (GO) sheets via hydrothermal method at 220 °C for 12 h. The morphologies, structures, chemical compositions and optical properties of the as-obtained GO-CdSe nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, XPS and Raman spectra. It was found that the EDTA/Cd{sup 2+} molar ratio is important for the formation of morphology of GO-CdSe nanocomposites. The results of XRD revealed that all the as-obtained GO-CdSe nanocomposites have zinc blend structure. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) showed that the sample emits red light under different excitation wavelengths. The results of Raman spectra, EDS and XPS showed that the CdSe nanograss is grown on GO sheets. The results showed that GO-CdSe nanocomposites composed of nanorods have best field emission (FE) properties with a low turn-on electric field of 4.14 V μm{sup −1} and a high field enhancement factor of 3315 among all the samples. - Graphical abstract: SEM images of as-synthesized CdSe nanograss grown on GO sheets. Room temperature PL emission spectra of the as-synthesized CdSe nanograss grown on GO sheets. Field emission J–E curve of the as-synthesized CdSe nanograss grown on GO sheets. - Highlights: • Novel CdSe nanograsses are grown on graphene oxide sheets by hydrothermal method. • The morphology of CdSe nanograsses is controlled by adjusting EDTA/Cd{sup 2+} molar ratio. • The FE performance of sample is investigated. • Optimum morphology for FE performance is CdSe nanograsses composed of nanorods on GO.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

2015 Groundwater Monitoring and Inspection Report Gnome-Coach, New Mexico, Site

The Gnome-Coach, New Mexico, Site was the location of a 3-kiloton-yield underground nuclear test in 1961 and a groundwater tracer test in 1963. The U.S. Geological Survey conducted the groundwater tracer test using four dissolved radionuclides--tritium, iodine-131, strontium-90, and cesium-137--as tracers. Site reclamation and remediation began after the underground testing, and was conducted in several phases at the site. The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) issued a Conditional Certificate of Completion in September 2014, which documents that surface remediation activities have been successfully completed in accordance with the Voluntary Remediation Program. Subsurface activities have included annual sampling and monitoring of wells at and near the site since 1972. These annual monitoring activities were enhanced in 2008 to include monitoring hydraulic head and collecting samples from the onsite wells USGS-4, USGS-8, and LRL-7 using the low-flow sampling method. In 2010, the annual monitoring was focused to the monitoring wells within the site boundary. A site inspection and annual sampling were conducted on January 27-28, 2015. A second site visit was conducted on April 21, 2015, to install warning/notification signs to fulfill a requirement of the Conditional Certificate of Completion that was issued by the NMED for the surface.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2013

Three-dimensional sea-urchin-like hierarchical TiO{sub 2} microspheres synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal method and their enhanced photocatalytic activity

Graphical abstract: SEM images of the samples synthesized at different hydrothermal temperatures for 8 h: (a) 75; (b) 100; (c) 120; and (d) 140°C, followed by calcination at 450 °C for 2 h. Highlights: ► Effects of calcination temperature on the phase transformation were studied. ► Effects of hydrothermal temperature and time on the morphology growth were studied. ► A two-stage reaction mechanism for the formation was presented. ► The photocatalytic activity was evaluated under sunlight irradiation. ► Effects of calcination temperature on the photocatalytic activity were studied. - Abstract: Novel three-dimensional sea-urchin-like hierarchical TiO{sub 2} superstructures were synthesized on a Ti plate in a mixture of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} and NaOH aqueous solution by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method at a low temperature, followed by protonation and calcination. The results of series of electron microscopy characterizations suggested that the hierarchical TiO{sub 2} superstructures consisted of numerous one-dimensional nanostructures. The microspheres were approximately 2–4 μm in diameter, and the one-dimensional TiO{sub 2} nanostructures were up to 600–700 nm long. A two-stage reaction mechanism, i.e., initial growth and then assembly, was proposed for the formation of these architectures. The three-dimensional sea-urchin-like hierarchical TiO{sub 2} microstructures showed excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B aqueous solution under sunlight irradiation, which was attributed to the special three-dimensional hierarchical superstructure, and increased number of surface active sites. This novel superstructure has promising use in practical aqueous purification.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1980

Tissue response to peritoneal implants

Peritoneal implants were fabricated from poly 2-OH, ethyl methacrylate (HEMA), polyetherurethane (polytetramethylene glycol 1000 MW, 1,4 methylene disocynate, and ethyl diamine), and untreated and sputter treated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The sputter treated PTFE implants were produced by an 8 cm diameter argon ion source. The treated samples consisted of ion beam sputter polished samples, sputter etched samples (to produce a microscopic surface cone texture) and surface pitted samples (produced by ion beam sputtering to result in 50 microns wide by 100 microns deep square pits). These materials were implanted in rats for periods ranging from 30 minutes to 14 days. The results were evaluated with regard to cell type and attachment kinetics onto the different materials. Scanning electron microscopy and histological sections were also evaluated. In general the smooth hydrophobic surfaces attracted less cells than the ion etched PTFE or the HEMA samples. The ion etching was observed to enhance cell attachment, multinucleated giant cell (MNGC) formation, cell to cell contact, and fibrous capsule formation. The cell responsed in the case of ion etched PTFE to an altered surface morphology. However, equally interesting was the similar attachment kinetics of HEMA verses the ion etched PTFE. However, HEMA resulted in a markedly different response with no MNGC's formation, minimal to no capsule formation, and sample coverage by a uniform cell layer.

Picha, G. J.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Structural phase transitions in SrTiO 3 nanoparticles

We present that pressure dependent structural measurements on monodispersed nanoscale SrTiO 3 samples with average diameters of 10 to ~80 nm were conducted to enhance the understanding of the structural phase diagram of nanoscale SrTiO 3 . A robust pressure independent polar structure was found in the 10 nm sample for pressures up to 13 GPa, while a size dependent cubic to tetragonal transition occurs (at P = P c ) for larger particle sizes. In conclusion, the results suggest that the growth of ~10 nm STO particles on substrates with significant lattice mismatch may maintain a polar state for a large range of strain values, possibly enabling device use.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development and Evaluation of a Cost-Effective Behind-the-Meter Synchronized Measurement Unit for Enhanced Grid Integration

This paper presents the development of the Inverter Based Resource Monitor (IBRM), an innovative behind-the-meter synchronized measurement unit (SMU) tailored for integration with inverter-based resources (IBRs). The IBRM distinguishes itself as a highly accurate and cost-effective SMU, offering facile deployment and connectivity to IBRs. It is equipped to conduct real-time voltage and current waveform analyses, serving as a phasor measurement unit (PMU) with exceptionally rapid synchrophasor transmission capabilities. The device incorporates a cutting-edge dual-core architecture designed to minimize sampling delays inherent to its microprocessor, thereby enhancing the precision of synchronized waveform measurements. Moreover, the IBRM is adept at recording high-fidelity waveform data, capturing nuances such as waveform distortions, high-order harmonics, and wide-band oscillations prevalent in power grids with substantial IBR presence. A prototype of the IBRM has been constructed and subjected to rigorous testing to assess its functional capabilities and measurement precision, utilizing both idealized signal generators and a real-world off-grid inverter setup as benchmarks.

Wu, Ori [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000326723410)↗
DOE OSTI2023

First Constraints on Growth Rate from Redshift-space Ellipticity Correlations of SDSS Galaxies at 0.16 < z < 0.70

We report the first constraints on the growth rate of the universe, f(z)σ 8 (z), with intrinsic alignments (IAs) of galaxies. We measure the galaxy density-intrinsic ellipticity cross-correlation and intrinsic ellipticity autocorrelation functions over 0.16 < z < 0.7 from luminous red galaxies (LRGs) and LOWZ and CMASS galaxy samples in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and SDSS-III BOSS survey. We detect clear anisotropic signals of IA due to redshift-space distortions. By combining measured IA statistics with the conventional galaxy clustering statistics, we obtain tighter constraints on the growth rate. The improvement is particularly prominent for the LRG, which is the brightest galaxy sample and known to be strongly aligned with underlying dark matter distribution; using the measurements on scales above 10 h -1 Mpc, we obtain $f{\sigma }_{8}={0.5196}_{-0.0354}^{+0.0352}$ (68% confidence level) from the clustering-only analysis and $f{\sigma }_{8}={0.5322}_{-0.0291}^{+0.0293}$ with clustering and IA, meaning 19% improvement. The constraint is in good agreement with the prediction of general relativity, f σ 8 = 0.4937 at z = 0.34. For LOWZ and CMASS samples, the improvement of constraints on f σ 8 is found to be 10% and 3.5%, respectively. Our results indicate that the contribution from IA statistics for cosmological constraints can be further enhanced by carefully selecting galaxies for a shape sample.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evidence for Evolved Stellar Binary Mergers in Observed B-type Blue Supergiants

Blue supergiants are the brightest stars in their host galaxies, and yet their evolutionary status has been a long-standing problem in stellar astrophysics. In this pioneering work, we present a large sample of 59 early B-type supergiants in the Large Magellanic Cloud with newly derived stellar parameters and identify the signatures of stars born from binary mergers among them. We simulate novel 1D merger models of binaries consisting of post main-sequence giants with helium-rich cores (primaries) and main-sequence companions (secondaries), and consider the effects of interaction of the secondary with the core of the primary along with the mixing induced by the merger in the envelope. Thereafter, the evolution of the newborn 17–43 M ⊙ stars is followed until core-carbon depletion, close to their final pre-explosion stage. Unlike stars born alone with comparable masses, stars born from mergers of evolved binaries are blue throughout their core helium-burning phase and replicate the surface gravities and Hertzsprung–Russell diagram positions of most of our sample, thus indicating that B-type supergiants structurally resemble stars born from such mergers. Moreover, the large nitrogen-to-carbon and nitrogen-to-oxygen number ratios, coupled with helium enhancements exhibited by at least half our data sample, is uniquely reproduced by our merger models. Collectively, these findings provide compelling evidence toward the important role of binary mergers in producing the currently observed population of blue supergiants in our Universe.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Origin of Life on Mars: Suitability and Opportunities

Although the habitability of early Mars is now well established, its suitability for conditions favorable to an independent origin of life (OoL) has been less certain. With continued exploration, evidence has mounted for a widespread diversity of physical and chemical conditions on Mars that mimic those variously hypothesized as settings in which life first arose on Earth. Mars has also provided water, energy sources, CHNOPS elements, critical catalytic transition metal elements, as well as B, Mg, Ca, Na and K, all of which are elements associated with life as we know it. With its highly favorable sulfur abundance and land/ocean ratio, early wet Mars remains a prime candidate for its own OoL, in many respects superior to Earth. The relatively well-preserved ancient surface of planet Mars helps inform the range of possible analogous conditions during the now-obliterated history of early Earth. Continued exploration of Mars also contributes to the understanding of the opportunities for settings enabling an OoL on exoplanets. Favoring geochemical sediment samples for eventual return to Earth will enhance assessments of the likelihood of a Martian OoL.

transition elements↗
DOE OSTI2015

Defined PEG smears as an alternative approach to enhance the search for crystallization conditions and crystal-quality improvement in reduced screens

An alternative strategy for PEG sampling is suggested through the use of four newly defined PEG smears to enhance chemical space in reduced screens with a benefit towards protein crystallization. The quest for an optimal limited set of effective crystallization conditions remains a challenge in macromolecular crystallography, an issue that is complicated by the large number of chemicals which have been deemed to be suitable for promoting crystal growth. The lack of rational approaches towards the selection of successful chemical space and representative combinations has led to significant overlapping conditions, which are currently present in a multitude of commercially available crystallization screens. Here, an alternative approach to the sampling of widely used PEG precipitants is suggested through the use of PEG smears, which are mixtures of different PEGs with a requirement of either neutral or cooperatively positive effects of each component on crystal growth. Four newly defined smears were classified by molecular-weight groups and enabled the preservation of specific properties related to different polymer sizes. These smears not only allowed a wide coverage of properties of these polymers, but also reduced PEG variables, enabling greater sampling of other parameters such as buffers and additives. The efficiency of the smear-based screens was evaluated on more than 220 diverse recombinant human proteins, which overall revealed a good initial crystallization success rate of nearly 50%. In addition, in several cases successful crystallizations were only obtained using PEG smears, while various commercial screens failed to yield crystals. The defined smears therefore offer an alternative approach towards PEG sampling, which will benefit the design of crystallization screens sampling a wide chemical space of this key precipitant.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS2010

Solar Wind Sputtering of Lunar Surface Materials: Role and Some Possible Implications of Potential Sputtering

Solar-wind induced sputtering of the lunar surface includes, in principle, both kinetic and potential sputtering. The role of the latter mechanism, however, in many focused studies has not been properly ascertained due partly to lack of data but can also be attributed to the assertion that the contribution of solar-wind heavy ions to the total sputtering is quite low due to their low number density compared to solar-wind protons. Limited laboratory measurements show marked enhancements in the sputter yields of slow-moving, highly-charged ions impacting oxides. Lunar surface sputtering yields are important as they affect, e.g., estimates of the compositional changes in the lunar surface, its erosion rate, as well as its contribution to the exosphere as well as estimates of hydrogen and water contents. Since the typical range of solar-wind ions at ~1 keV/amu is comparable to the thickness of the amorphous rim found on lunar soil grains, i.e. ~ few 10s nm, lunar simulant samples JSC-1A AGGL are specifically enhanced to have such rims in addition to the other known characteristics of the actual lunar soil particles. However, most, if not all laboratory studies of potential sputtering were carried out in single crystal targets, quite different from the rim s amorphous structure. The effect of this structural difference on the extent of potential sputtering has not, to our knowledge, been investigated to date.

Barghouty, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS2026

Adaptive Curation at NASA Johnson Space Center: Preparing for Artemis Samples by Leveraging Proven Practices and Innovative Solution

The proper curation of returned astromaterial samples is essential to ensure that high-quality scientific investigations can be conducted for decades, enabling future generations to address evolving research questions. The Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office at NASA Johnson Space Center (hereafter JSC Curation) is responsible for curating all of NASA’s extraterrestrial samples. Under the governing document, NASA Procedural Requirement (NPR) 7100.5 “Curation of Extraterrestrial Materials”, JSC Curation is charged with “The curation of all extraterrestrial material under NASA control, including future NASA missions.” The Directive goes on to define Curation as including “...documentation, preservation, preparation, and distribution of samples for research, education, and public outreach.” JSC Curation has a long-standing legacy of curating extraterrestrial materials, including but not limited to Apollo and Luna lunar samples, Genesis solar wind samples, Stardust comet samples, asteroid samples (Hayabusa1, Hayabusa2, and OSIRIS-REx), and Antarctic Meteorite samples from a variety of parent bodies. Building on this foundation, the Artemis program introduces new challenges and opportunities for sample curation, requiring both the application of proven practices and the development of innovative solutions. The Artemis Collection will be curated using established protocols refined through decades of experience with Apollo and subsequent sample collections, including but not limited to the utilization of cleanrooms, custom nitrogen gloveboxes, specialized storage containers and tools; all of which have strict material utilization and prohibition requirements. These practices provide a robust framework for contamination control, documentation, and long-term preservation. However, Artemis samples may present unique scientific and operational requirements, including enhanced contamination control measures (relative to Apollo) driven by evolving science objectives. To meet these needs, JSC Curation is actively developing new technologies and protocols that extend beyond traditional approaches, ensuring that the integrity of samples is maintained under increasingly stringent standards. One critical area of innovation is the development of cold sample curation capabilities. Certain Artemis samples, particularly those from Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) and cold environments, are expected to contain ices and volatile components that require preservation and handling at sub-zero or even cryogenic temperatures. JSC Curation is leveraging best practices from the cold and cryogenic sample industries, as well as other government agencies and academic experts, to design facilities and handling procedures that maintain sample integrity while enabling scientific access. The goal is to develop capabilities to allow researchers to investigate volatiles and other temperature-sensitive materials while minimizing chemical and physical alterations from their returned state. In summary, adaptive curation at JSC combines the reliability of proven methodologies with forward-looking innovations to meet the scientific and operational demands of Artemis. Through enhanced contamination control, advanced cold curation capabilities, and an understanding of known and evolving future science priorities, NASA is preparing to maximize the scientific return from Artemis samples and preserve their value for generations of researchers.

Andrea D Harrington↗
DOE OSTI2024

Isotope engineering for spin defects in van der Waals materials

Abstract Spin defects in van der Waals materials offer a promising platform for advancing quantum technologies. Here, we propose and demonstrate a powerful technique based on isotope engineering of host materials to significantly enhance the coherence properties of embedded spin defects. Focusing on the recently-discovered negatively charged boron vacancy center ($${{{{{{{{\rm{V}}}}}}}}}_{{{{{{{{\rm{B}}}}}}}}}^{-}$$ V B − ) in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), we grow isotopically purified h 10 B 15 N crystals. Compared to$${{{{{{{{\rm{V}}}}}}}}}_{{{{{{{{\rm{B}}}}}}}}}^{-}$$ V B − in hBN with the natural distribution of isotopes, we observe substantially narrower and less crowded$${{{{{{{{\rm{V}}}}}}}}}_{{{{{{{{\rm{B}}}}}}}}}^{-}$$ V B − spin transitions as well as extended coherence timeT 2 and relaxation timeT 1 . For quantum sensing,$${{{{{{{{\rm{V}}}}}}}}}_{{{{{{{{\rm{B}}}}}}}}}^{-}$$ V B − centers in our h 10 B 15 N samples exhibit a factor of 4 (2) enhancement in DC (AC) magnetic field sensitivity. For additional quantum resources, the individual addressability of the$${{{{{{{{\rm{V}}}}}}}}}_{{{{{{{{\rm{B}}}}}}}}}^{-}$$ V B − hyperfine levels enables the dynamical polarization and coherent control of the three nearest-neighbor 15 N nuclear spins. Our results demonstrate the power of isotope engineering for enhancing the properties of quantum spin defects in hBN, and can be readily extended to improving spin qubits in a broad family of van der Waals materials.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗