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At least 847 records · Page 47

Superconducting Material Growth for Radio-Frequency (RF) Cavities

Superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities, usually manufactured from Niobium (Nb), are vital components of modern particle accelerators because of their ability to achieve high acceleration gradients with little power dissipation. Naturally forming Nb surface oxides significantly alter cavity performance by changing surface resistance. A nondestructive characterization of oxide thickness is helpful for relating surface processing treatments to cavity performance. This work develops a protocol to measure Nb oxide thickness using Angle-Resolved X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (ARXPS) while correcting instrumental errors. Using uniform bulk standard samples (Silver, Aluminum oxide, and Germanium), we determined a baseline correction factor to account for analyzer-related intensity evolution as the measurement angle increases. The correction factor was then applied to Nb 3d ARXPS data. Applying the Strohmeier equation to the corrected data yielded a Nb2O5 thickness of 6.04 nm, closely matching the 5.5 (±.05) nm value obtained from cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. Our approach will bring a method to incorporate inherent errors in the thickness measurements using ARXPS and can be broadly applied to improve the accuracy of thickness measurements in a wide range of heterostructures.

Lambert, Nathan [Fermilab]↗

Atomic-scale investigations of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene surfaces

The family of two-dimensional (2D) carbides and/or nitrides, also known as MXenes, has generated great excitement within the scientific community and has been proposed for a wide variety of applications since its discovery. Despite this attention, there have been only limited studies of the atomically resolved local electronic and physical structure of MXene surfaces strongly affecting the physicochemical properties of these materials. Here, in this study, we report local structural, spectroscopic, and chemical investigations of the surfaces of Ti 3 C 2 T x flakes using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, closely coupled to theoretical studies. Terminal groups are visualized and characterized, along with surface TiO 2 clusters formed upon exposure to air. Fundamental insight into the local electronic and chemical properties associated with different terminal groups on MXenes and their oxidation products is presented.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Wireless Channel Characterization in the 5 GHz Microwave Landing System Extension Band for Airport Surface Areas

In this project final report, entitled "Wireless Channel Characterization in the 5 GHz Microwave Landing System Extension Band for Airport Surface Areas," we provide a detailed description and model representation for the wireless channel in the airport surface environment in this band. In this executive summary, we review report contents, describe the achieved objectives and major findings, and highlight significant conclusions and recommendations.

Matolak, David W.↗

Catalysts for electrochemical generation of oxygen

Several aspects of the electrolytic evolution of oxygen for use in life support systems are analyzed including kinetic studies of various metal and nonmetal electrode materials, the formation of underpotential films on electrodes, and electrode surface morphology and the use of single crystal metals. In order to investigate the role of surface morphology to electrochemical reactions, a low energy electron diffraction and an Auger electron spectrometer are combined with an electrochemical thin-layer cell allowing initial characterization of the surface, reaction run, and then a comparative surface analysis.

Hagans, P.↗

Effects of Laser and Shot Peening on Fatigue Crack Growth in Friction Stir Welds

The effects of laser, and shot peening on the fatigue life of Friction Stir Welds (FSW) have been investigated. The surface roughness resulting from various peening techniques was assessed, and the fracture surfaces microstructure was characterized. Laser peening resulted in an increase in fatigue life approximately 60%, while shot peening resulted in 10% increase when compared to the unpeened material. The surface roughness of shot peening was significantly higher compared to the base material, while specimens processed with laser peening were relatively smooth.

Hatamleh, Omar↗

The ion-gas-neutral interactions with surfaces-2 (IGNIS-2) facility for the study of plasma–material interactions

The Ion-Gas-Neutral Interactions with Surfaces-2 (IGNIS-2) surface science facility has been designed at the Pennsylvania State University with the specific purpose of enabling experiments to study plasma–material interactions. This in situ surface modification and characterization facility consists of multiple reconfigurable substations that are connected through a central transfer chamber. This fully connected vacuum system ensures that the physical and chemical properties of samples are not altered between surface modification and analysis. The modification techniques in IGNIS-2 include a low-energy (<300 eV), high-flux (up to 1016 cm−2 s−1) broad-beam ion source, a liquid metal dropper, a lithium injection system, an RF sputter source, and an evaporator. Its characterization techniques include charged particle-based techniques, such as low-energy ion scattering (enabled by two <5 keV ion sources) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photon and light-based techniques, such as x-ray fluorescence, multi-beam optical stress sensors, and optical cameras. All of these techniques can be utilized up to mTorr pressures, allowing both in situ and in operando studies to be conducted. Results are presented on lithium wetting experiments of argon-irradiated tungsten-based composites, surface stress measurements of tungsten films during deuterium ion irradiation, and temperature-programmed desorption of deuterium-irradiated graphite to demonstrate the in situ capabilities of this new facility.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗

Resolving Chemical and Spatial Heterogeneities at Complex Electrochemical Interfaces in Li-Ion Batteries

The high specific capacities of Ni-rich transition metal oxides have garnered immense interest for improving the energy density of Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Despite the potential of these materials, Ni-rich cathodes suffer from interfacial instabilities that lead to crystallographic rearrangement of the active material surface as well as the formation of a cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layer on the composite during electrochemical cycling. While changes in crystallographic structure can be detected with diffraction-based methods, probing the chemistry of the disordered, heterogeneous CEI layer is challenging. In this work, we use a combination of ex situ solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (XPEEM) to provide chemical and spatial information, on the nanometer length scale, on the CEI deposited on LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 (NMC811) composite cathode films. XPEEM elemental maps offer insight into the lateral arrangement of the electrolyte decomposition products that comprise the CEI and paramagnetic interactions (assessed with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and relaxation measurements) in 13 C SSNMR provide information on the radial arrangement of the CEI from the NMC811 particles outward. Using this approach, here we find that LiF, Li 2 CO 3 , and carboxy-containing structures are directly appended to NMC811 active particles, whereas soluble species detected during in situ 1 H and 19 F solution NMR experiments (e.g., alkyl carbonates, HF, and vinyl compounds) are randomly deposited on the composite surface. We show that the combined approach of ex situ SSNMR and XPEEM, in conjunction with in situ solution NMR, allows spatially-resolved, molecular-level characterization of paramagnetic surfaces and new insights into electrolyte oxidation mechanisms in porous electrode films.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Next generation optical instruments and space experiments based on the LDEF thermal control surfaces experiment (S0069)

The Thermal Control Surfaces Experiment (TCSE) on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) was a very effective experiment to study the effects of the space environment on thermal control surfaces. Three current programs have benefitted from the TCSE experiment and are the: Optical Properties Monitor (OPM); Laboratory Portable Spectroreflectometer (LPSR); and Space Portable Spectroreflectometer. The OPM expands the TCSE optical measurement and environmental monitoring capability. The LPSR is a hand held instrument developed to measure the spectral total hemispherical reflectance of small and larger surfaces in the field. The SPSR is a space application of the LPSR and TCSE technologies with the same measurement capabilities. The SPSR will be able to characterize the external surfaces of operational spacecraft such as Space Station Freedom.

Wilkes, Donald R.↗

Novel and effective surface passivation for high efficiency n- and p-type Silicon solar cell

The project objective was to develop a novel Si surface passivation method using chalcogens, sulfur (S) and/or selenium (Se), as passivating elements, to withstand industry-standard high temperature contacting and metallization schemes for p-type Si based passivated emitter and rear contact (p-PERC) solar cells. The back surface passivation of PERC cells has been improved drastically with the invention and successful application of an Al 2 O 3 passivation layer. However, the front n + diffused junction surface is still poorly passivated by the standard amorphous silicon nitride (SiNx) anti-reflection coating (ARC) layer. This project sought to address the passivation challenges of both front n+ emitter and undiffused p-Si back surface. Improved p-PERC solar cell performance with open circuit voltage (V OC ) > 680 mV and efficiency of 22% were targeted to validate superior defect passivation properties as compared to standard SiO 2 / Al 2 O 3 passivation. During this project, we systematically investigated process-structure-properties-performance relationships of this novel advanced defect passivation approach. The S/Se passivation was carried out by reacting industrial Czochralski (Cz) Si wafers in H 2 S and H 2 Se gases in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor at temperatures up to 700°C. After an exhaustive optimization of the process parameters (temperature, time, and gas concentration), we established an optimized process and demonstrated extremely low surface recombination velocities (SRVs) of 1.5 cm/s and 8 cm/s on n-type and p-type Si, respectively, by S-passivation. In-depth surface and interface characterization were performed using soft x-ray and photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS, UPS, XES), combined with capacitance-voltage-frequency (C-V-f) measurements, to decipher the surface chemical/electronic structure and interface defect state densities. These measurements provided critical understanding of the defect passivation mechanism and elucidated the presence of surface S-Si bonds, a reduction of surface dipoles, and low interface state densities (D it ) < 10 11 cm -2 ev -1 . We also found that the Se-passivation is inferior to the S-passivation (by at least one order of magnitude in SRV). Application of the optimized S-passivation to the n+ diffused emitter surface led to a low surface recombination current density, J0 ≈ 40 fA/cm 2 (~ 1/4 of the industry-standard SiNx-passivation), and high implied V OC (686 mV) in p-PERC solar cell structures. The S-passivation process also was found to improve the bulk quality of the p-type Si, better than the SiO 2 or Al 2 O 3 passivation processes. After successful demonstration of efficient passivation of Si surface defects by S, we extensively studied the air, thermal, and illumination stability of the passivation structure. S-passivation itself degrades in air due to competing reactions with moisture and oxygen to form oxides, which can be eliminated by a SiNx capping layer (also acting as a anti-reflective coating). After SiNx process optimization, we demonstrated illumination and thermally stable S-passivation with SRV < 5 cm/s and J 0 < 80 fA/cm 2 . These enhancements in Si passivation, incorporated into p-PERC cells, achieved an efficiency of 19.93% with V OC = 649 mV, using manufacturing metallization and contacting schemes. The low cell performance (cell V OC is much less than the implied V OC = 686 mV, anticipated from surface passivation) was identified due to degradation of S-passivation during the metal firing step (out-diffusion of S from the Si interface to the SiNx surface). The S-passivation of Si surfaces shows significant promise with excellent passivation quality, essential for high performance (high V OC , high efficiency) solar cells. Integration of this innovative defect passivation into devices, however, demands further development of the capping layer, low temperature (<700°C) metallization process, and/or engineering of advanced device structures. Surface passivation-dominated advanced Si solar cells, such as tunnel oxide passivated contacts and Si heterojunctions, are increasingly of interest due to their high-performance potential and will have a growing photovoltaic market share in the near future.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Characterization of Aerosols over the Indochina Peninsula from Satellite-Surface Observations During Biomass Burning Pre-Monsoon Season

This paper presents characterization of aerosols over the Indochina peninsular regions of Southeast Asia during pre-monsoon season from satellite and ground-based radiometric observations. Our analysis focuses on the seasonal peak period in aerosol loading and biomass burning, prior to the onset of the Asian summer monsoon, as observed in the inter-annual variations of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and fire count data from MODIS. Multi-year (2007-2011) analysis of spaceborne lidar measurements, from CALIOP, indicates presence of aerosols mostly within boundary layer, however extending to elevated altitudes to approx. 4 km over northern regions of Indochina, encompassing Myanmar, northern Thailand and southern China. In addition, a strong gradient in aerosol loading and vertical distribution is observed from the relatively clean equatorial conditions to heavy smoke-laden northern regions (greater aerosol extinction and smaller depolarization ratio). Based on column-integrated ground-based measurements from four AERONET locations distributed over Thailand, the regional aerosol loading is found to be significantly absorbing with spectral single scattering albedo (SSA) below 0.91+/-0.02 in the 440-1020 nm range, with lowest seasonal mean SSA (most absorbing aerosol) over the northern location of Chiang Mai (SSA approx. 0.85) during pre-monsoon season. The smoke-laden aerosol loading is found to exhibit a significant diurnal pattern with higher AOD departures during early morning observations relative to late afternoon conditions (peak difference of more than 15% amplitude). Finally, satellite-based aerosol radiative impact is assessed using CERES shortwave Top-of-Atmosphere flux, in conjunction with MODIS AOD. Overall, a consistency in the aerosol-induced solar absorption characteristic is found among selected regions from ground-based sunphotometer-derived spectral SSA retrievals and satellite-based radiative forcing analysis.

Indochina↗

A simple vacuum suitcase for enabling plasma facing component characterization in fusion devices

We have demonstrated a vacuum suitcase to transport samples in vacuo to a surface analysis station for characterization of tokamak plasma facing components (PFCs). This technique enables surface analysis at powerful, dedicated stations that are not encumbered by design constraints imposed on them by a tokamak. The vacuum suitcase is an alternative solution to characterizing PFCs using diagnostics that are designed and built around a tokamak. The vacuum suitcase, called the Sample Exposure Probe (SEP), features mobile ultra-high vacuum pumping. Active pumping under high vacuum enables sample transfer between the Lithium Tokamak eXperiment-β (LTX-β) and a high resolution X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) system that is situated close by. A thermocouple inserted in the back of the sample head measures heat flux from the plasma during exposure, and together with a button heater, allows the sample to match the LTX-β PFCs in high temperature operations. As vacuum conditions are better during transfer and analysis than in the tokamak, less contamination is introduced to the samples. XPS scans on a dedicated analysis station enable peak identification due to higher resolution and signal to noise ratio. A similar probe could be implemented for other fusion devices. As a result, the SEP is the first vacuum suitcase implementation for fusion applications that incorporates active pumping.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Origin of northern lowland plains: Constraints from boundary morphology

The origin of the surface units of the northern lowland plains of Mars, about one third of the planet's surface, remains unclear after 20 years of analysis of spacecraft data. Hypotheses were put forward to explain the morphologies. The chief problem with constraining models of plains formation is that characterizing plains surface-forming processes is dependent upon the identification of distinctive landforms within the plains. The most commonly cited examples of distinctive morphologies found within the northern lowlands include: wrinkle ridges; small domes; giant polygons; and curvilinear ridges and ground undulations. To further constrain the processes involved, a careful analysis of boundary morphology is being conducted.

Parker, Timothy J.↗

Carbon Nanostructures in Biological Sensors for Space and Terrestrial Applications

Biosensing devices comprised of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers have been developed for astronaut crew point-of-care. Their inherent nanometer scale, high conductivity, wide potential window, good biocompatibility and well-defined surface chemistry make them ideal candidates as biosensor electrodes. Here, we report two studies using carbon nanotube and carbon nanofiber electrodes for biomedical applications. First, a 3x3 electrode device, with each electrode containing 40,000 carbon nanofiber nanoelectrodes was fabricated on silicon using traditional microfabrication processing. The device was demonstrated as a multiplexed immunosensor for simultaneous, label-free detection of cardiac troponin-I, C-reactive protein and myoglobin. Antibodies specific to cardiac troponin-I, C-reactive protein and myoglobin were covalently bound to the CNF surface and were characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and differential pulse voltammetry. Each step of the modification process resulted in changes in resistance to charge transfer due to the changes at the electrode surface upon antibody immobilization and binding to the specific cardiac protein. The real-time label free detection of the three cardiac markers from pure components and mixtures was demonstrated with high sensitivity, down to 0.2 ng/mL, and good selectivity. Detection in human blood serum did not present false positives from non-specific protein adsorption. More recently, this detection scheme has been applied to inkjet printed carbon nanotube electrodes on Kapton and paper. Printed devices have several unique advantages including simple and inexpensive fabrication. The results demonstrate that these sensors can serve a miniaturized, low cost device for detection of proteins in complex mixtures making this platform a good candidate for early stage diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Future inkjet printed devices can be fabricated have the added advantage in their suitability to be manufactured in an in-space, microgravity environment.

carbon nanotubes↗

Carbon Nanomaterials for Biosensing Applications

Biosensing devices comprised of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers have been developed for astronaut crew point-of-care. Their inherent nanometer scale, high conductivity, wide potential window, good biocompatibility and well-defined surface chemistry make them ideal candidates as biosensor electrodes. Here, we report two studies using carbon nanotube and carbon nanofiber electrodes for biomedical applications. First, a 3x3 electrode device, with each electrode containing 40,000 carbon nanofiber nanoelectrodes was fabricated on silicon using traditional microfabrication processing. The device was demonstrated as a multiplexed immunosensor for simultaneous, label-free detection of cardiac troponin-I, C-reactive protein and myoglobin. Antibodies specific to cardiac troponin-I, C-reactive protein and myoglobin were covalently bound to the CNF surface and were characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and differential pulse voltammetry. Each step of the modification process resulted in changes in resistance to charge transfer due to the changes at the electrode surface upon antibody immobilization and binding to the specific cardiac protein. The real-time label free detection of the three cardiac markers from pure components and mixtures was demonstrated with high sensitivity, down to 0.2 ng/mL, and good selectivity. Detection in human blood serum did not present false positives from non-specific protein adsorption. More recently, this detection scheme has been applied to inkjet printed carbon nanotube electrodes on Kapton and paper. Printed devices have several unique advantages including simple and inexpensive fabrication. The results demonstrate that these sensors can serve a miniaturized, low cost device for detection of proteins in complex mixtures making this platform a good candidate for early stage diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Future inkjet printed devices can be fabricated have the added advantage in their suitability to be manufactured in an in-space, microgravity environment.

carbon nanotubes↗

Mercury Conditions for the MESSENGER Mission Simulated in High- Solar-Radiation Vacuum Tests

The MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry, and Ranging) spacecraft, planned for launch in March 2004, will perform two flybys of Mercury before entering a year-long orbit of the planet in September 2009. The mission will provide opportunities for detailed characterization of the surface, interior, atmosphere, and magnetosphere of the closest planet to the Sun. The NASA Glenn Research Center and the MESSENGER spacecraft integrator, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, have partnered under a Space Act Agreement to characterize a variety of critical components and materials under simulated conditions expected near Mercury. Glenn's Vacuum Facility 6, which is equipped with a solar simulator, can simulate the vacuum and high solar radiation anticipated in Mercury orbit. The MESSENGER test hardware includes a variety of materials and components that are being characterized during the Tank 6 vacuum tests, where the hardware will be exposed to up to 11 suns insolation, simulating conditions expected in Mercury orbit. In 2002, ten solar vacuum tests were conducted, including beginning of life, end of life, backside exposure, and solar panel thermal shock cycling tests. Components tested include candidate solar array panels, sensors, thermal shielding materials, and communication devices. As an example, for the solar panel thermal shock cycling test, two candidate solar array panels were suspended on a lift mechanism that lowered the panels into a liquid-nitrogen-cooled box. After reaching -140 C, the panels were then lifted out of the box and exposed to the equivalent of 6 suns (8.1 kilowatts per square meters). After five cold soak/heating cycles were completed successfully, there was no apparent degradation in panel performance. An anticipated 100-hr thermal shield life test is planned for autumn, followed by solar panel flight qualification tests in winter. Glenn's ongoing support to the MESSENGER program has been instrumental in identifying design solutions and validating thermal performance models under a very aggressive development schedule. The test data have assisted Johns Hopkins engineers in selecting a flight solar array vendor and a thermal shield design. MESSENGER is one in a series of missions in NASA's Discovery Program. Infrared thermography provides data on the thermal gradients in the MESSENGER components during high solar insolation vacuum testing.

Wong, Wayne A.↗

Experimental characterization of the perceptron laser rangefinder

In this report, we characterize experimentally a scanning laser rangefinder that employs active sensing to acquire three-dimensional images. We present experimental techniques applicable to a wide variety of laser scanners, and document the results of applying them to a device manufactured by Perceptron. Nominally, the sensor acquires data over a 60 deg x 60 deg field of view in 256 x 256 pixel images at 2 Hz. It digitizes both range and reflectance pixels to 12 bits, providing a maximum range of 40 m and a depth resolution of 1 cm. We present methods and results from experiments to measure geometric parameters including the field of view, angular scanning increments, and minimum sensing distance. We characterize qualitatively problems caused by implementation flaws, including internal reflections and range drift over time, and problems caused by inherent limitations of the rangefinding technology, including sensitivity to ambient light and surface material. We characterize statistically the precision and accuracy of the range measurements. We conclude that the performance of the Perceptron scanner does not compare favorably with the nominal performance, that scanner modifications are required, and that further experimentation must be conducted.

Kweon, I. S.↗

Tailoring the Surface of Metal Halide Perovskites to Enable the Atomic Layer Deposition of Metal Oxide Contacts

Replacing organic contact layers with inorganic counterparts, such as metal oxides, is one strategy for improving long-term device stability in metal halide perovskite solar cells. Often, the methods used to deposit metal oxide thin films are incompatible with metal halide perovskites, creating challenges for the fabrication of contacts above the perovskite absorber layer. In this study, we utilize a one-step, solution treatment of the top surface of Cs 0.25 FA 0.75 Pb(Br 0.20 I 0.80 ) 3 to create a thin (~1 nm) overlayer of lead sulfide (PbS) to protect the underlying perovskite during subsequent deposition. X-ray characterization of the surface region shows that the PbS overlayer limits undesirable changes to the perovskite structure and stoichiometry during atomic layer deposition (ALD) of SnO 2 . This protection enables ALD growth of SnO 2 electron contacts on top of the perovskite without an organic transport layer (e.g., C 60 ), resulting in a solar cell with a power conversion efficiency of 5.8%. This result is a marked improvement over devices with ALD SnO 2 grown directly on the perovskite without a PbS overlayer, which produce no power output. Furthermore, the interface characterization and device results in this study highlight some of the key challenges associated with ALD metal oxide growth on perovskite materials and can help inform the future design of inorganic contact layer deposition in solar photovoltaic technologies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Spatial Downscaling of GOES-R Land Surface Temperature over Urban Regions: A Case Study for New York City

The surface urban heat island (SUHI) effect is among the major environmental issues encountered in urban regions. To better predict the dynamics of the SUHI and its impacts on extreme heat events, an accurate characterization of the surface energy balance in urban regions is needed. However, the ability to improve understanding of the surface energy balance is limited by the heterogeneity of surfaces in urban areas. This study aims to enhance the understanding of the urban surface energy budget through an innovation in the use of land surface temperature (LST) observations from remote sensing satellites. A LST database with 5–min temporal and 30–m spatial resolution is developed by spatial downscaling of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites—R (GOES–R) series LST product over New York City (NYC). The new downscaling method, known as the Spatial Downscaling Method (SDM), benefits from the fine spatial resolution of Landsat–8 and high temporal resolution of GOES–R, and considers the temporal variation in LST for each land cover type separately. Preliminary results show that the SDM can reproduce the temporal and spatial variability of LST over NYC reasonably well and the downscaled LST has a spatial root mean square error (RMSE) of the order of 2 K as compared to the independent Landsat–8 observations. The SDM shows smaller RMSE of 1.93 K over the tree canopy land cover, whereas RMSE is 2.19 K for built–up areas. The overall results indicate that the SDM has potential to estimate LST at finer spatial and temporal scales over urban regions.

land surface temperature↗