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At least 775 records · Page 43

Static and dynamical Meissner force fields

The coupling between copper-based high temperature superconductors (HTS) and magnets is represented by a force field. Zero-field cooled experiments were performed with several forms of superconductors: 1) cold-pressed sintered cylindrical disks; 2) small particles fixed in epoxy polymers; and 3) small particles suspended in hydrocarbon waxes. Using magnets with axial field symmetries, direct spatial force measurements in the range of 0.1 to 10(exp 4) dynes were performed with an analytical balance and force constants were obtained from mechanical vibrational resonances. Force constants increase dramatically with decreasing spatial displacement. The force field displays a strong temperature dependence between 20 and 90 K and decreases exponentially with increasing distance of separation. Distinct slope changes suggest the presence of B-field and temperature-activated processes that define the forces. Hysteresis measurements indicated that the magnitude of force scales roughly with the volume fraction of HTS in composite structures. Thus, the net force resulting from the field interaction appears to arise from regions as small or smaller than the grain size and does not depend on contiguous electron transport over large areas. Results of these experiments are discussed.

Weinberger, B. R.↗

Assessment of Operation of EMK21 MEMS Silicon Oscillator Over Wide Temperature Range

Electronic control systems, data-acquisition instrumentation, and microprocessors require accurate timing signals for proper operation. Traditionally, ceramic resonators and crystal oscillators provided this clock function for the majority of these systems. Over the last few years, MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) resonator-based oscillators began to surface as commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts by a few companies. These quartz-free, miniature silicon devices could easily replace the traditional crystal oscillators in providing the timing/clock function for many digital and analog circuits. They are reported to provide stable output frequency, offer great tolerance to shock and vibration, and are immune to electro-static discharge [ 1-2]. In addition, they are encapsulated in compact lead-free packages and cover a wide frequency range (1 MHz to 125 MHz). The small size of the MEMS oscillators along with their thermal stability make them ideal candidates for use in space exploration missions. Limited data, however, exist on the performance and reliability of these devices under operation in applications where extreme temperatures or thermal cycling swings, which are typical of space missions, are encountered. This report presents the results of the work obtained on the evaluation of an Ecliptek Corporation MEMS silicon oscillator chip under extreme temperatures.

Patterson, Richard L.↗

Nafion Passivation of c-Si Surface and Edge for Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

Effective surface passivation of crystalline silicon (c-Si) surface by reducing the carrier recombination rate has led to modern c-Si solar cells with efficiencies > 25% in both laboratory and industrial settings. Typical mainstream surface passivation techniques include high-temperature silicon oxide (SiOx), amorphous silicon (a-Si:H), hydrogen-rich silicon nitride (SiNx), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) [1]. They have demonstrated excellent surface recombination velocity of < 1 cm/s owing to both chemical passivation (via the hydrogen saturation of Si dangling bonds at the c-Si surface), and field-effect passivation (via the band bending from the fixed charge of the dielectric layers). Recently, several groups have studied solution-based organic materials for c-Si passivation, including bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (TFSI), polystyrenesulfonate, and Nafion [2, 3] via spin or dip coating. All films were processed at ambient room temperature, and a high lifetime of 12 ms, as well as a low saturation current density (J0) of 16 fA/cm2, have been demonstrated using Nafion passivation [2]. However, despite the air instability, Nafion has several advantages when introduced to PV applications: (a) Wafer quality can be measured at high throughput after several process stages. (b) It is compatible with PL mapping, compared to HF liquid passivation which cannot be performed in room ambient. (c) Nafion process is fast and poses fewer constraints on process complexity, and cleanness, compared to Al2O3 and a-Si:H passivation. (d) Nafion is the ideal room temperature passivation, which can be applied onto a small fragment of a degraded module to investigate microscopic mechanisms when studying degradation mechanisms. Edge passivation is needed for advanced characterization tests such as Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), Electrically Detected Magnetic Resonance (EDMR), Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS), local cell current-voltage (J-V), and Suns-Voc. In such cases, the laser-damaged minicell edges will obscure the true degradation mechanisms, and Nafion can effectively passivate them without causing further degradation through elevated-temperature processes. In this contribution, we show the passivation results of Nafion on bare nCz and compare it with a Al2O3 witness. We highlight the importance of edge pre-treatment before Nafion to achieve good passivation. We show that Nafion can reach decent passivation without undergoing high-temperature processes. We also explore the temperature dependency of Nafion through photoluminescence (PL) study and demonstrate the application of Nafion under cryogenic temperature (~6 K) through EPR. Our results reveal that Nafion can reduce surface and edge Si dangling bonds at low temperatures. Thus, it can be used as an effective room temperature passivation technique for advanced characterization methods.

c-Si↗

Probing the Electronic Structure of Warm Dense Nickel via Resonant Inelastic X-Ray Scattering

The development of bright free-electron lasers (FEL) has revolutionized our ability to create and study matter in the high-energy-density (HED) regime. Current diagnostic techniques have been successful in yielding information on fundamental thermodynamic plasma properties, but provide only limited or indirect information on the detailed quantum structure of these systems, and on how it is affected by ionization dynamics. In this work we show how the valence electronic structure of solid-density nickel, heated to temperatures of around 10 of eV on femtosecond timescales, can be probed by single-shot resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) at the Linac Coherent Light Source FEL. The RIXS spectrum provides a wealth of information on the HED system that goes well beyond what can be extracted from x-ray absorption or emission spectroscopy alone, and is particularly well suited to time-resolved studies of electronic-structure dynamics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of activation temperature on quantum efficiency and lifetime of NEA truncated nanocone array GaAs photocathode

This study investigates the quantum efficiency (QE) and operational lifetime of a negative electron affinity GaAs truncated nanocone array (TNCA) photocathode benchmarked against a conventional flat GaAs photocathode under varying activation temperatures. The TNCA structure demonstrated a QE of up to 13.6% at 590 nm with room temperature (RT) activation—approximately 1.5 times higher than its flat counterpart. This enhancement is due to Mie resonance effects within the nanostructure, as confirmed by finite-difference time-domain simulations. Moreover, the TNCA photocathode exhibits significantly extended charge lifetime, with enhancement factors of ∼6.1 and ∼19.8 under RT and 50 °C activations, respectively. These gains are primarily attributed to increased effective surface area and optimized dipole layer formation at elevated temperatures. In addition, shorter excitation wavelengths further contribute to lifetime improvements. These findings underscore the TNCA GaAs photocathode’s potential as a high QE, long lifetime electron source for many large-scale electron accelerators.

Cs-NF3 activation↗

The formation of helioseismology lines. III - Partial redistribution effects in weak solar resonance lines

This paper investigates the formation of the Na I D2, K I 769.9 nm and Ba II 455.4 nm resonance lines in the solar atmosphere allowing for partial frequency redistribution (PRD). We show that the influence of PRD is negligible on the solar disk in all three lines for a model of the average quiet-Sun, and even for the more extreme case of a model with a steeper photospheric temperature decline. At the solar limb PRD does affect the intensity profile of the Na I and Ba II resonance lines, but not that of the K I line. Finally, we find that effects of PRD are more pronounced at the limb in the Na I D2 and Ba II 455.4 nm lines when the photospheric temperature gradient is steep.

Uitenbroek, H.↗

The reaction of atomic hydrogen with germane - Temperature dependence of the rate constant and implications for germane photochemistry in the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn

Studies of the formation and loss processes for GeH4 are required in order to provide data to help determine the major chemical form in which germanium exists in the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn. The reaction of hydrogen atoms with germane is one of the most important of these reactions. The absolute rate constant for this reaction as a function of temperature and pressure is studied. Flash photolysis of dilute mixtures of GeH4 in argon, combined with time-resolved detection of H atoms via Lyman alpha resonance fluorescence, is employed to measure the reaction rate. The reaction is shown to be moderately rapid, independent of total pressure, but possessing a positive temperature dependence.

Nava, David F.↗

Indications of flat bands driving the δ to α volume collapse of plutonium

On cooling from the melt, plutonium (Pu) undergoes a series of structural transformations accompanied by a ≈ 28% reduction in volume from its δ phase to its α phase at low temperatures. While Pu’s partially filled 5 f -electron shells are known to be involved, their precise role in the transformations has remained unclear. By using calorimetry measurements on α -Pu and gallium-stabilized δ -Pu combined with resonant ultrasound and X-ray scattering data to account for the anomalously large softening of the lattice with temperature, we show here that the difference in electronic entropy between the α and δ phases dominates over the difference in phonon entropy. Rather than finding an electronic specific heat characteristic of broad f -electron bands in α -Pu, as might be expected to occur within a Kondo collapsed phase in analogy with cerium, we find it to be indicative of flatter subbands. An important role played by Pu’s 5 f electrons in the formation of its larger unit cell α phase comprising inequivalent lattice sites and varying bond lengths is therefore suggested.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Observation of cyclotron resonance and measurement of the hole mass in optimally doped La 2–x Sr x CuO 4

Using time-domain terahertz spectroscopy in pulsed magnetic fields up to 31 T, we measure the terahertz optical conductivity in an optimally doped thin film of the high-temperature superconducting cuprate La 1.84 Sr 0.16 CuO 4 . We observe systematic changes in the circularly polarized complex optical conductivity that are consistent with cyclotron absorption of p-type charge carriers characterized by a cyclotron mass of 4.9m e ± 0.8m e and a scattering rate that increases with magnetic field. Furthermore, these results open the door to studies aimed at characterizing the degree to which electron-electron interactions influence carrier masses in cuprate superconductors.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Helium-Like Iron Line Temperature Diagnostics in Clusters of Galaxies

The emission complex around 6.7 keV, arising from He-like Fe lines and their dielectronic satellites, has been observed at low resolution in a number of clusters of galaxies. With sufficient spectral resolution as in, e.g., solar flare observations, the ratio, G = (x + y + z)/w, of the intercombination (x and y) and forbidden (z) to the resonance (w) lines arising from the n = 2 level of the He-like ion, is a sensitive temperature diagnostic. We examine this role for G in the context of spatially and spectrally resolved observations of clusters of galaxies. The temperature behavior of this ratio is strongly dependent on the spectral resolution. We introduce an alternative definition for G that includes the contribution of satellite lines and improves the temperature fidelity of this diagnostic. We find that deprojection of the observed value of G along a line of sight through the cluster can yield accurate temperature profiles for temperatures in the range 10(exp 7)-10(exp 8) K that do not suffer from the cluster model uncertainties inherent in deconvolution of broad-band X-ray surface brightness profiles.

Swartz, Douglas A.↗

Role of Intra-Domain Heterogeneity on Ion and Polymer Dynamics in Block Polymer Electrolytes: An Approach for Spatially Resolving Dynamics and Ion Transport

The design of safe and high-performance, nanostructured, block polymer (BP) electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries requires a thorough understanding of the key parameters that govern local structure and dynamics. Yet, the interfaces between microphase separated domains can introduce complexities in this local behavior that can be challenging to quantify. Herein, the local polymer, cation (Li + ), and anion dynamics were described in salt-doped polystyrene block poly(oligo-oxyethylene methyl ether methacrylate) (PS-b-POEM) through a quantitative framework that considered the effects of polymer architecture, segmental mixing, chain stretching, and confinement on polymer mobility and ion transport. This framework was validated through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measurements on solid (dry) polymer electrolyte samples. Notably, a mobility transition temperature (T mobility ) was identified through NMR spectroscopy that captured the local dynamics more accurately than the thermal glass transition temperature. Additionally, the approach quantitatively described the mobility gradient across a domain when segmental mixing effects were combined with chain stretching and confinement information, especially at higher segregation strengths – facilitating the assessment of local ion diffusion and conductivity. As a result, spatially averaged local ion diffusion predictions quantitatively matched NMR-measured ion diffusivities in the BP samples, while spatially summed ionic conductivity predictions across a domain qualitatively captured trends in the measured ionic conductivities.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

High temperature dynamic modulus and damping of aluminum and titanium matrix composites

Dynamic modulus and damping capacity property data were measured from 20 to over 500 C for unidirectional B/Al (1100), B/Al (6061), B/SiC/Al (6061), Al2O3/Al, SiC/Ti-6Al-4V, and SiC/Ti composites. The measurements were made under vacuum by the forced vibration of composite bars at free-free flexural resonance near 2000 Hz and at strain application below 0.000001. The damping of B/Al composites was found at all temperatures to be significantly greater than the damping of the Al2O3/Al and SiC/Ti composites, with little variation observed in the dynamic moduli of specimens having almost the same fiber content. It is concluded that on the practical level, the finding of a damping-strength correlation supports the use of composite damping measurements for the nondestructive evaluation of boron fiber strength in as-fabricated and heat-treated B/Al (6061) composites.

Dicarlo, J. A.↗

Indications of flat bands driving the δ to α volume collapse of plutonium

On cooling from the melt, plutonium (Pu) undergoes a series of structural transformations accompanied by a ≈ 28% reduction in volume from its δ phase to its α phase at low temperatures. While Pu’s partially filled 5f -electron shells are known to be involved, their precise role in the transformations has remained unclear. By using calorimetry measurements on α-Pu and gallium-stabilized δ-Pu combined with resonant ultrasound and X-ray scattering data to account for the anomalously large softening of the lattice with temperature, we show here that the difference in electronic entropy between the α and δ phases dominates over the difference in phonon entropy. Rather than finding an electronic specific heat characteristic of broad $f$-electron bands in α-Pu, as might be expected to occur within a Kondo collapsed phase in analogy with cerium, we find it to be indicative of flatter subbands. An important role played by Pu’s 5$f$ electrons in the formation of its larger unit cell α phase comprising inequivalent lattice sites and varying bond lengths is therefore suggested.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

First inverse kinematics measurement of resonances in Be 7 ( α , γ ) C 11 relevant to neutrino-driven wind nucleosynthesis using DRAGON

A possible mechanism to explain the origin of the light $\textit{p}$ nuclei in the Galaxy is the nucleosynthesis in the proton-rich neutrino-driven wind ejecta of core-collapse supernovas via the $\textit{νp}$ process. However, this production scenario is very sensitive to the underlying supernova dynamics and the nuclear physics input. As far as the nuclear uncertainties are concerned, the breakout from the $\textit{pp}$ chains via the 7 Be(α,γ) 11 C reaction has been identified as an important link which can influence the nuclear flow and, therefore, the efficiency of the $\textit{νp}$ process. However, its reaction rate is poorly known over the relevant temperature range, $\textit{T}$ = 1.5–3 GK. We report on the first direct measurement of two resonances of the 7 Be(α,γ) 11 C reaction with previously unknown strengths using an intense radioactive 7 Be beam from the Isotope Separator and Accelerator (ISAC-I) Center facility and the DRAGON recoil separator in inverse kinematics. In this work, we have decreased the 7 Be(α,γ) 11 C reaction rate uncertainty to ≈9.4–10.7% over the relevant temperature region.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

A two-fluid solar wind model with Alfven waves - Parameter study and application to observations

The effects of Alfven waves from the inner corona on the solar wind density profile, flow velocity and on the random motion of protons are studied. Different base densities, temperatures, and wave velocity amplitudes, as well as different flow geometries, are considered. The model calculations are compared to simultaneous observations of the electron density profile and the resonantly scattered Lyman alpha line. Present observations, out to 4 solar radii, can be used to place limits on the coronal base density and temperature, and put an upper limit on the wave amplitude. It is pointed out that future observations of the electron density and the Lyman alpha line, out to larger heliocentric distances, and of lines from heavier elements, should be used to place more stringent constraints on the amplitudes of MHD waves in the corona.

Esser, R.↗

First-order phase transition to a nonmagnetic ground state in nonsymmorphic NbCrP

Here, we report the discovery of a first-order phase transition at around 125 K in NbCrP, which is a nonsymmorphic crystal with the P n m a space group. From the resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements using crystals made by the Sn-flux method, the high-temperature (HT) phase is characterized to be metallic with a non-negligible magnetic anisotropy. The low-temperature (LT) phase is also found to be a nonmagnetic metallic state with a crystal of lower symmetry. In the LT phase, the spin susceptibility is reduced by ~30 % from that in the HT phase, suggesting that the phase transition is triggered by the electronic instability. The possible origin of the phase transition in NbCrP is discussed based on the electronic structure by comparing it with those in other nonsymmorphic compounds, RuP and RuAs.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

New state of matter between the hadronic phase and the quark-gluon plasma?

Lattice-quantum chromodynamics (QCD) simulations and theoretical arguments hint at the existence of an intermediate phase of strongly interacting matter between a confined hadron gas and a deconfined quark-gluon plasma (QGP). We qualitatively and semiquantitatively explore and differentiate the phase structures in the temperature window from the QCD pseudocritical temperature 𝑇 c ≃ 160 MeV to the pure gluonic deconfinement temperature 𝑇 d ≃ 285 MeV. We propose a three-regime picture using a hadron resonance gas description augmented with the exponential spectrum of strings, corresponding to highly excited mesons and glueballs, based on the analysis of a large number 𝑁 c of colors. We estimate the entropy density from our model to confirm that the lattice-QCD data are bracketed with three regimes, i.e., a hadron gas, a QGP, and a new phase for 𝑇 c ≲ 𝑇 ≲ 𝑇 d . In this new phase, which we name a spaghetti of quarks with glueballs (SQGBs), thermal degrees of freedom of quarks are liberated, yet gluons remain confined in glueballs. Since the Hagedorn temperature 𝑇 H ∼ 285 MeV is universal in the meson and the glueball sectors, in the infinite-𝑁 c limit, the phase diagram in the plane of the baryon chemical potential and the temperature is reduced to one with the confined and deconfined phases and quarkyonic matter at high density. At large but finite 𝑁 c , an SQGB window may open between these phases. We point out that the SQGB has interesting similarities with quarkyonic matter and that this matter in the large-𝑁 c limit is confined as measured by the interaction between heavy quarks, but behaves in other respects like a quasifree gas of quarks. As a result of the extrapolation to 𝑁 c = 3, we present a revised phase diagram with the SQGB phase bounded by thermal crossovers. Finally, we give a quantitative analysis of chiral-symmetry restoration in the SQGB phase.

Color confinement↗

Integrated Green Biorefinery for the Production of Anthocyanins, Fermentable Sugars, and High Pure Lignin from Miscanthus × giganteus

Miscanthus x giganteus (Mxg) is a promising perennial crop for producing natural colorants, renewable fuels, and bioproducts. However, natural recalcitrance and high pretreatment cost are major barriers to their complete conversion. In this study, a green processing method has been investigated for efficient recovery of natural pigments (anthocyanins), fermentable sugars, and pure lignin from Mxg genotypes using choline chloride-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) systems. Interestingly, choline chloride: lactic acid (ChCl: LA) NADES-processed biomass resulted in 67.8 ± 2.1 μg g –1 of anthocyanins from dry biomass. A maximum of 87.4%–94.1% glucose yield was achieved after enzymatic saccharification. The effective extraction of lignin with high purity with higher β-aryl ether (β—O—4) bonds from advanced crops is crucial for lignin valorization. Notably, highly pure lignin (≈93.4% ± 1.4%) is achieved after low-temperature NADES pretreatment while retaining lignin's native structure. 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance demonstrated that total phenolics for ChCl: LA-lignin resulted in 1.20 mmol g –1 hydroxyls. The relative monolignol composition of syringyl (S), guaiacyl (G), and p-hydroxyphenyl (H) is 19.0, 65.7, and 14.3%, respectively, as evidenced by heteronuclear single quantum coherence analysis. This study provides a novel approach for obtaining high-purity lignin for catalytic depolymerization for oligomers and bifunctional monoaromatics production and leverages current cellulosic biorefinery technologies.

Raj, Tirath [University of Illinois at Urbana-Cham↗