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At least 739 records · Page 41

Enhanced method to reconstruct mode shapes of continuous scanning measurements using the Hilbert Huang transform and the modal analysis method

Generally, it is time consuming to experimentally identify the operating deflection shape or mode shape of a structure. To overcome this problem, the Hilbert Huang transform (HHT) technique has been recently proposed. This technique is used to extract the mode shape from measurements that continuously measure the vibration of a region of interest within a structure using a non-contact laser sensor. In previous research regarding the HHT, two technical processes were needed to obtain the mode shape for each mode. The purpose of this study is to improve and complement our previous research, and for this purpose, a modal analysis approach is adapted without using the two technical processes to obtain an accurate un-damped impulse response of each mode for continuous scanning measurements. In addition, frequency response functions for each type of beam are derived, making it possible to make continuously scanned measurements along a straight profile. In this paper, the technical limitations and drawbacks of the damping compensation technique used in previous research are identified. In addition, the separation of resonant frequency (the Doppler effect) that occurs in continuous scanning measurements and the separation of damping phenomenon are also observed. The proposed method is quantitatively verified by comparing it with the results obtained from a conventional approach to estimate the mode shape with an impulse response.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Graphitization of polymer surfaces by scanning ion irradiation

Graphitization of polymer surfaces was performed by low-energy Ar{sup +} and He{sup +} ion irradiation. A method of scanning irradiation was implemented. It was found that by scanning ion irradiation, a significantly higher electrical conductivity in the graphitized layers can be achieved in comparison with a conventional broad-beam irradiation. The enhancement of the conductance becomes more pronounced for narrower and better collimated ion beams. In order to analyze these results in more detail, the temperature dependence of conductance of the irradiated samples was investigated. The results of measurements are discussed in terms of weak localization corrections to conductance in disordered metals. The observed effects can be explained by enlargement of graphitic patches, which was achieved with the scanning ion irradiation method.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

White light Z-scan measurements of ultrafast optical nonlinearity in reduced graphene oxide nanosheets in the 400–700 nm region

Wavelength dispersion of optical power limiting is an important factor to be considered while designing potential optical limiters for laser safety applications. We report the observation of broadband, ultrafast optical limiting in reduced graphene oxide (rGO), measured by a single open aperture Z-scan using a white light continuum (WLC) source. WLC Z-scan is fast when the nonlinearity is to be measured over broad wavelength ranges, and it obviates the need for an ultrafast tunable laser making it cost-economic compared to conventional Z-scan. The nonlinearity arises from nondegenerate two-photon absorption, owing mostly to the crystallinity and extended π conjugation of rGO.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Development of a detachable high speed miniature scanning probe microscope for large area substrates inspection

We have developed a high speed, miniature scanning probe microscope (MSPM) integrated with a Positioning Unit (PU) for accurately positioning the MSPM on a large substrate. This combination enables simultaneous, parallel operation of many units on a large sample for high throughput measurements. The size of the MSPM is 19 × 45 × 70 mm{sup 3}. It contains a one-dimensional flexure stage with counter-balanced actuation for vertical scanning with a bandwidth of 50 kHz and a z-travel range of more than 2 μm. This stage is mechanically decoupled from the rest of the MSPM by suspending it on specific dynamically determined points. The motion of the probe, which is mounted on top of the flexure stage is measured by a very compact optical beam deflection (OBD). Thermal noise spectrum measurements of short cantilevers show a bandwidth of 2 MHz and a noise of less than 15 fm/Hz{sup 1/2}. A fast approach and engagement of the probe to the substrate surface have been achieved by integrating a small stepper actuator and direct monitoring of the cantilever response to the approaching surface. The PU has the same width as the MSPM, 45 mm and can position the MSPM to a pre-chosen position within an area of 275×30 mm{sup 2} to within 100 nm accuracy within a few seconds. During scanning, the MSPM is detached from the PU which is essential to eliminate mechanical vibration and drift from the relatively low-resonance frequency and low-stiffness structure of the PU. Although the specific implementation of the MSPM we describe here has been developed as an atomic force microscope, the general architecture is applicable to any form of SPM. This high speed MSPM is now being used in a parallel SPM architecture for inspection and metrology of large samples such as semiconductor wafers and masks.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Imaging ballistic carrier trajectories in graphene using scanning gate microscopy

We use scanning gate microscopy to map out the trajectories of ballistic carriers in high-mobility graphene encapsulated by hexagonal boron nitride and subject to a weak magnetic field. We employ a magnetic focusing geometry to image carriers that emerge ballistically from an injector, follow a cyclotron path due to the Lorentz force from an applied magnetic field, and land on an adjacent collector probe. The local electric field generated by the scanning tip in the vicinity of the carriers deflects their trajectories, modifying the proportion of carriers focused into the collector. By measuring the voltage at the collector while scanning the tip, we are able to obtain images with arcs that are consistent with the expected cyclotron motion. We also demonstrate that the tip can be used to redirect misaligned carriers back to the collector.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Nonlinear optical characterization of graphite oxide thin film by open aperture Z-scan technique

In this paper we explore the structural characterization of graphite oxide powder prepared from graphite powder by oxidation via modified Hummers method. The nonlinear optical properties of the spin coated graphite oxide thin film is also explored by open aperture Z-Scan technique. Structural and physiochemical properties of the samples were investigated with the help of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy (Raman).The results of FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy showed that the graphite is oxidized by strong oxidants and the oxygen atoms are introduced into the graphite layers forming C=C, O-H and –C-H groups. The synthesized sample has good crystalline nature with lesser defects. The nonlinear optical property of GO thin film was studied by open aperture Z-Scan technique using Q-switched Nd-Yag Laser at 532 nm. The Z-scan plot showed that the investigated GO thin film has saturable absorption behavior. The nonlinear absorption coefficient and saturation intensity were also estimated to explore its applications in Q switched mode locking laser systems.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Composition analysis of coaxially grown InGaN multi quantum wells using scanning transmission electron microscopy

GaN nanotubes with coaxial InGaN quantum wells were analyzed by scanning transmission electron microscopy in order to determine their structural properties as well as the indium distribution across the InGaN quantum wells. For the latter, two process steps are necessary. First, a technique to prepare cross-sectional slices out of the nanotubes has been developed. Second, an existing scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis technique has been extended with respect to the special crystallographic orientation of this type of specimen. In particular, the shape of the nanotubes, their defect structure, and the incorporation of indium on different facets were investigated. The quantum wells preferentially grow on m-planes of the dodecagonally shaped nanotubes and on semipolar top facets while no significant indium signal was found on a-planes. An averaged indium concentration of 6% to 7% was found by scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis and could be confirmed by cathodoluminescence measurements.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Scanning SQUID susceptometers with sub-micron spatial resolution

Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) microscopy has excellent magnetic field sensitivity, but suffers from modest spatial resolution when compared with other scanning probes. This spatial resolution is determined by both the size of the field sensitive area and the spacing between this area and the sample surface. In this paper we describe scanning SQUID susceptometers that achieve sub-micron spatial resolution while retaining a white noise floor flux sensitivity of ≈2μΦ{sub 0}/Hz{sup 1/2}. This high spatial resolution is accomplished by deep sub-micron feature sizes, well shielded pickup loops fabricated using a planarized process, and a deep etch step that minimizes the spacing between the sample surface and the SQUID pickup loop. We describe the design, modeling, fabrication, and testing of these sensors. Although sub-micron spatial resolution has been achieved previously in scanning SQUID sensors, our sensors not only achieve high spatial resolution but also have integrated modulation coils for flux feedback, integrated field coils for susceptibility measurements, and batch processing. They are therefore a generally applicable tool for imaging sample magnetization, currents, and susceptibilities with higher spatial resolution than previous susceptometers.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Simplified feedback control system for scanning tunneling microscopy

A Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) is one of the most important scanning probe tools available to study and manipulate matter at the nanoscale. In a STM, a tip is scanned on top of a surface with a separation of a few Å. Often, the tunneling current between the tip and the sample is maintained constant by modifying the distance between the tip apex and the surface through a feedback mechanism acting on a piezoelectric transducer. This produces very detailed images of the electronic properties of the surface. The feedback mechanism is nearly always made using a digital processing circuit separate from the user computer. Here, we discuss another approach using a computer and data acquisition through the universal serial bus port. We find that it allows successful ultralow noise studies of surfaces at cryogenic temperatures. We show results on different compounds including a type II Weyl semimetal (WTe2), a quasi-two-dimensional dichalcogenide superconductor (2H–NbSe2), a magnetic Weyl semimetal (Co3Sn2S2), and an iron pnictide superconductor (FeSe).

Martín-Vega, Francisco (ORCID:0000000333177833)↗

Heat capacity of microgram oxide samples by fast scanning calorimetry

Quantitative scanning calorimetry on microgram-sized samples opens a broad, new range of opportunities for studying the thermodynamic properties of quantity-limited materials, including those produced under extreme conditions or found as rare accessory minerals in nature. We calibrated the Mettler Toledo Flash DSC 2+ calorimeter to obtain quantitative heat capacities in the range 200–350 °C, using samples weighing between 2 and 11.5 μg. Our technique is applied to a new set of oxide materials to which it has never been used before, without the need for melting, glass transitions, or phase transformations. Heat capacity data were obtained for silica in the high pressure stishovite (rutile) structure, dense post-stishovite glass, standard fused quartz, and for TiO2 rutile. These heat capacities agree within 5%–15% with the literature values reported for rutile, stishovite, and fused SiO2 glass. The heat capacity of post-stishovite glass, made by heating stishovite to 1000 °C, is a newly reported value. After accurate calibrations, measured heat capacities were then used to calculate masses for samples in the microgram range, a substantial improvement over measurement in conventional microbalances, which have uncertainties approaching 50%–100% for such small samples. Since the typical uncertainty of heat capacities measured on 10–100 mg samples in conventional differential scanning calorimetry is typically 7% (1%–5% with careful work), flash differential scanning calorimetry, using samples a factor of 1000 smaller, increases the uncertainty of heat capacity measurements by a factor of <3, opening the door for meaningful measurements on ultra-small, high-pressure samples and other quantity-limited materials.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗

Image plate multi-scan response to fusion protons in the range of 1–14 MeV

Image plates (IPs) are a quickly recoverable and reusable radiation detector often used to measure proton and x-ray fluence in laser-driven experiments. Recently, IPs have been used in a proton radiography detector stack on the OMEGA laser, a diagnostic historically implemented with CR-39, or radiochromic film. The IPs used in this and other diagnostics detect charged particles, neutrons, and x-rays indiscriminately. IPs detect radiation using a photo-stimulated luminescence (PSL) material, often phosphor, in which electrons are excited to metastable states by ionizing radiation. Protons at MeV energies deposit energy deeper into the IP compared with x rays below ∼20 keV due to the Bragg peak present for protons. This property is exploited to discriminate between radiation types. Doses of mono-energetic protons between 1.7 and 14 MeV are applied to IPs using the MIT linear electrostatic ion accelerator. This paper presents the results from consecutive scans of IPs irradiated with different proton energies. The PSL ratios between subsequent scans are shown to depend on proton energy, with higher energy protons having lower PSL ratios for each scan. This finding is separate from the known energy dependence in the absolute sensitivity of IPs. The results can be compared to complimentary work on x rays, showing a difference between protons and x rays, forging a path to discriminate between proton and x-ray fluence in mixed radiation environments.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗

Density functional methods for the magnetism of transition metals: SCAN in relation to other functionals

We report tests of various density functionals for ferromagnetic Fe, Co, and Ni with a focus on characterizing the behavior of the so-called strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN) functional. It is found that SCAN is closer in behavior to functionals that yield localized behavior, such as hybrid functionals, than other semilocal functionals that are tested. The results are understood in terms of a tendency to differentiate orbitals, favoring integer occupation, which is necessary for a correct description of atomic systems, but inappropriate for the open shell metallic ferromagnetic metals studied here. Not only is the exchange splitting for open shells enhanced with SCAN, but also as seen in Ni, there is much more band dependence with significantly more overestimation for bands corresponding to the partially filled orbitals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Three Photon Excited Image Scanning Microscopy for in-Depth Super-Resolution Studies of Biological Samples

Multiphoton laser scanning microscopy is a powerful tool for deep imaging of thick biological samples. Image scanning microscopy (ISM) has demonstrated significant improvements in the signal-to-noise ratio in confocal laser scanning microscopy, while at the same time improving upon the effectively attainable resolution. Two-photon excitation (2PE), combined with ISM, has been shown to allow for deep tissue imaging with enhanced resolution compared to 2PE microscopy. Three-photon excitation (3PE) has enabled record imaging depth and contrast for multiphoton imaging, due to the superior suppression of out-of-focus signal generation. In this paper, we demonstrate super-resolution 3PE ISM. This is achieved using a single-photon avalanche detector array, and 1040-nm pulses for 3PE of blue fluorescence. This method enables subdiffraction limited resolution imaging of biological samples stained with blue fluorescent markers, such as mouse myocardial and spinal cord tissues stained with 4 ′ , 6 -diamidino-2-phenylindole. Deconvolution improves the resolving power further and allows for imaging with better than λ / 8 resolution with respect to the 3PE wavelength λ . With the ISM pixel reassignment procedure, we demonstrate a resolution enhancement of ∼ 1.6 laterally, compared to the resolution attained using a photomultiplier tube in a non-descanned detection arrangement, and a factor of ∼ 1.8 enhancement in axial resolution. The experimentally measured three-dimensional point spread function volume is shrunk ∼ 4.4 -fold, which is close to the theoretically expected enhancement. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

A new synchrotron rapid-scanning X-ray fluorescence (SRS-XRF) imaging station at SSRL beamline 6-2

This paper describes a new large-range rapid-scan X-ray fluorescence (XRF) imaging station at beamline 6-2 at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. This station uses a continuous rapid-scan system with a scan range of 1000 × 600 mm and a load capacity of up to 25 kg, capable of 25–100 µm resolution elemental XRF mapping and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) of a wide range of objects. XRF is measured using a four-element Hitachi Vortex ME4 silicon drift detector coupled to a Quantum Detectors Xspress3 multi-channel analyzer system. A custom system allows the X-ray spot size to be changed quickly and easily via pinholes ranging from 25 to 100 µm, and the use of a poly-capillary or axially symmetric achromatic optic may achieve a <10 µm resolution in the future. The instrument is located at wiggler beamline 6-2 which has an energy range of 2.1–17 keV, creating K emission for elements up to strontium, and L or M emission for all other elements. XAS can also be performed at selected sample positions within the same experiment, allowing for a more detailed chemical characterization of the elements of interest. Furthermore, sparse excitation energy XRF imaging can be performed over a wide range of incident X-ray energies. User friendliness has been emphasized in all stages of the experiment, including versatile sample mounts, He purged chambers for low- Z analyses, and intuitive visualization hardware and software. The station provides analysis capabilities for a wide range of materials and research fields including biological, chemical, environmental and materials science, paleontology, geology and cultural heritage.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Spot pattern welding scanning strategy for sensor embedding and residual stress reduction in laser-foil-printing additive manufacturing

Here, this paper aims to present spot pattern welding (SPW) as a scanning strategy for laser-foil-printing (LFP) additive manufacturing (AM) in place of the previously used continuous pattern welding (CPW) (line-raster scanning). The SPW strategy involves generating a sequence of overlapping spot welds on the metal foil, allowing the laser to form dense and uniform weld beads. This in turn reduces thermal gradients, promotes material consolidation and helps mitigate process-related risks such as thermal cracking, porosity, keyholing and Marangoni effects. 304L stainless steel (SS) feedstock is used to fabricate test specimens using the LFP system. Imaging techniques are used to examine the melt pool dimensions and layer bonding. In addition, the parts are evaluated for residual stresses, mechanical strength and grain size. Compared to CPW, SPW provides a more reliable heating/cooling relationship that is less dependent on part geometry. The overlapping spot welds distribute heat more evenly, minimizing the risk of elevated temperatures during the AM process. In addition, the resulting dense and uniform weld beads contribute to lower residual stresses in the printed part. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to thoroughly investigate SPW as a scanning strategy using the LFP process. In general, SPW presents a promising strategy for securing embedded sensors into LFP parts while minimizing residual stresses.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A new gamma-ray detector, 3-dimension, fast scanning table for pulse-shape analysis

The state-of-the art gamma-ray spectrometers such as AGATA and GRETA are using position sensitive multi-segmented HPGe crystals. Pulse-shape analysis (PSA) allows to retrieve the localisation of the gamma interactions and to perform gamma-ray tracking within germanium. The precision of the localisation depends on the quality of the pulse-shape database used for comparison. The IPHC laboratory developed a new fast scanning table allowing to measure experimental pulse shapes in the whole volume of any crystal. The results of the scan of an AGATA 36-fold segmented tapered coaxial detector are shown here, 48580 experimental pulse shapes are extracted within 2 weeks of scanning. These data will contribute to AGATA PSA performances, but have also applications for gamma cameras or Compton-suppressed detectors. (authors)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Divide and conquer: using RhizoVision Explorer to aggregate data from multiple root scans using image concatenation and statistical methods

Roots are important in agricultural and natural systems for determining plant productivity and soil carbon inputs. Sometimes, the amount of roots in a sample is too much to fit into a single scanned image, so the sample is divided among several scans, and there is no standard method to aggregate the data. Here, we describe and validate two methods for standardizing measurements across multiple scans: image concatenation and statistical aggregation. We developed a Python script that identifies which images belong to the same sample and returns a single, larger concatenated image. These concatenated images and the original images were processed with RhizoVision Explorer, a free and open-source software. An R script was developed, which identifies rows of data belonging to the same sample and applies correct statistical methods to return a single data row for each sample. These two methods were compared using example images from switchgrass, poplar, and various tree and ericaceous shrub species from a northern peatland and the Arctic. Most root measurements were nearly identical between the two methods except median diameter, which cannot be accurately computed by statistical aggregation. We believe the availability of these methods will be useful to the root biology community.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Ultrafast method for scanning tunneling spectroscopy

A scanning tunneling microscope (STM) combines unique capabilities in imaging and spectroscopy with atomic precision, and it can obtain energy-resolved spectroscopic data with atomic resolution. In this paper, we utilize a recently proposed modification to the STM feedback control loop to acquire high quality d 2 I/dV 2 images. We have developed a constant differential conductance imaging method by closing the STM feedback loop with a high precision dI/dV measurement. In this mode, the tip’s vertical position is adjusted so as to keep the differential conductance constant during raster scanning of the surface. Based on this imaging mode, we propose a new technique to acquire fast and reliable scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) data simultaneously with the imaging.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗