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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 919 records · Page 51
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Symmetry-protected electronic metastability in an optically driven cuprate ladder

Optically excited quantum materials exhibit non-equilibrium states with remarkable emergent properties, but these phenomena are usually transient, decaying on picosecond timescales and limiting practical applications. Advancing the design and control of non-equilibrium phases requires the development of targeted strategies to achieve long-lived, metastable phases. Here, in this study, we report the discovery of symmetry-protected electronic metastability in the model cuprate ladder Sr 14 Cu 24 O 41 . Using femtosecond resonant X-ray scattering and spectroscopy, we show that this metastability is driven by a transfer of holes from chain-like charge reservoirs into the ladders. This ultrafast charge redistribution arises from the optical dressing and activation of a hopping pathway that is forbidden by symmetry at equilibrium. Relaxation back to the ground state is, hence, suppressed after the pump coherence dissipates. Our findings highlight how dressing materials with electromagnetic fields can dynamically activate terms in the electronic Hamiltonian, and provide a rational design strategy for non-equilibrium phases of matter.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electrically writing a magnetic heliknoton in a chiral magnet

A magnetic heliknoton is the three-dimensional counterpart to the two-dimensional magnetic skyrmion, and serves as a pivotal topological soliton for extending topological magnetism into three dimensions. However, its experimental realization remains elusive. Here we report the controlled nucleation of a magnetic heliknoton in the chiral magnet FeGe at zero magnetic field, achieved through nanoscale current-pulse excitation. By combining angle-dependent quantitative electron holography with micromagnetic simulations, we resolve the three-dimensional spin texture of the heliknoton. In particular, the heliknoton exhibits current-driven collinear motion without the Hall effect. Furthermore, our findings establish a readily accessible experimental platform for further exploration of three-dimensional topological solitons and highlight their potential for practical applications.

Magnetic properties and materials↗
DOE OSTI2026

Magnon confinement in epitaxial antiferromagnetic oxide heterostructures.

Magnons, the quanta of spin waves, have been extensively studied in a range of materials for spintronics, particularly for non-volatile logic-in-memory devices. Controlling magnons in conventional antiferromagnets and harnessing them in practical applications, however, remains a challenge. Here, we demonstrate highly efficient magnon transport in a LaFeO3/ BiFeO3/ LaFeO3 all-antiferromagnetic system, which can be controlled electrically, making it highly desirable for energy-efficient computation. Leveraging spin-orbit-driven spin-charge transduction, we demonstrate that this material architecture permits magnon confinement in ultrathin antiferromagnets, enhancing the output voltage generated by magnon transport by several orders of magnitude, which provides a pathway to enable magnetoelectric memory and logic functionalities. Additionally, the non-volatility of output voltage enables ultralowpower logic-in-memory processing, where magnonic devices can be efficiently reconfigured via electrically controlled magnon spin currents within magnetoelectric channels.

Husain, Sajid↗
DOE OSTI2023

DeepPatent2: A Large-Scale Benchmarking Corpus for Technical Drawing Understanding

Abstract Recent advances in computer vision (CV) and natural language processing have been driven by exploiting big data on practical applications. However, these research fields are still limited by the sheer volume, versatility, and diversity of the available datasets. CV tasks, such as image captioning, which has primarily been carried out on natural images, still struggle to produce accurate and meaningful captions on sketched images often included in scientific and technical documents. The advancement of other tasks such as 3D reconstruction from 2D images requires larger datasets with multiple viewpoints. We introduce DeepPatent2, a large-scale dataset, providing more than 2.7 million technical drawings with 132,890 object names and 22,394 viewpoints extracted from 14 years of US design patent documents. We demonstrate the usefulness of DeepPatent2 with conceptual captioning. We further provide the potential usefulness of our dataset to facilitate other research areas such as 3D image reconstruction and image retrieval.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Toward an effective use of laser-driven very high energy electrons for radiotherapy: Feasibility assessment of multi-field and intensity modulation irradiation schemes

Radiotherapy with very high energy electrons has been investigated for a couple of decades as an effective approach to improve dose distribution compared to conventional photon-based radiotherapy, with the recent intriguing potential of high dose-rate irradiation. Its practical application to treatment has been hindered by the lack of hospital-scale accelerators. High-gradient laser-plasma accelerators (LPA) have been proposed as a possible platform, but no experiments so far have explored the feasibility of a clinical use of this concept. We show the results of an experimental study aimed at assessing dose deposition for deep seated tumours using advanced irradiation schemes with an existing LPA source. Measurements show control of localized dose deposition and modulation, suitable to target a volume at depths in the range from 5 to 10 cm with mm resolution. The dose delivered to the target was up to 1.6 Gy, delivered with few hundreds of shots, limited by secondary components of the LPA accelerator. Measurements suggest that therapeutic doses within localized volumes can already be obtained with existing LPA technology, calling for dedicated pre-clinical studies.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

A negative piezo-conductive effect from doped semiconducting polymer thin films

In the past years, piezo-conductive sensors have drawn great attention in both academic and industrial sectors. The piezo-conductive sensors made by inorganic semiconductors exhibited poor mechanical flexibility, restricting their further practical applications. In this study, we report the piezo-conductive sensors by a semiconducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with tosylate ions (PEDOT:Tos) thin films. Systemically studies indicate that the piezo-conductive response of the PEDOT:Tos thin films is originated from the deformation of the PEDOT crystal cells and the stretched π–π distances induced by Tos. Moreover, the negative piezo-conductive effect, for the first time, is observed from PEDOT:Tos thin film under the pressure. A working mechanism is further proposed to interpret the transient from a positive to a negative piezo-conductive response within the PEDOT:Tos thin films. Our studies offer a facile route to approach effective piezo-conductive sensors based on conjugated polymers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Demonstration of an intense lithium beam for forward-directed pulsed neutron generation

Abstract As an alternative to research nuclear reactors, a compact accelerator-driven neutron generator that uses a lithium beam driver could be a promising candidate since it produces almost no undesired radiation. However, providing an intense lithium-ion beam has been difficult, and it has been thought that the practical application of such a device would be impossible. The most critical problem of insufficient ion fluxes has been solved by applying a direct plasma injection scheme. In this scheme, a pulsed high-density plasma from a metallic lithium foil generated by laser ablation is efficiently injected and accelerated by a radio-frequency quadrupole linear accelerator (RFQ linac). We have obtained a peak beam current of 35 mA accelerated to 1.43 MeV, which is two orders of magnitude higher than a conventional injector and accelerator system can deliver.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Advanced antireflection for back-illuminated silicon photomultipliers to detect faint light

Silicon photomultipliers have attracted increasing attention for detecting low-density light in both scientific research and practical applications in recent years; yet the photon losses due to reflection on the light-sensitive planar silicon surface considerably limit its photon detection efficiency. Here we demonstrate an advanced light trapping feature by developing the multi-layer antireflection coatings and the textured silicon surface with upright random nano-micro pyramids, which significantly reduces the reflection of faint light in a wide spectrum, from ultraviolet to infrared. Integrating this advanced photon confinement feature into next-generation back-illuminated silicon photomultiplier would increase the photon detection efficiency with significantly lower reflection and much more active areas. This advanced design feature offers the back-illuminated silicon photomultiplier broader application opportunities exemplified in the emerging scenarios such as nuclear medical imaging, light detection and ranging for autonomous driving, detection of scintillation light in ionizing radiation, as well as high energy physics.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Quantum algorithms for geologic fracture networks

Abstract Solving large systems of equations is a challenge for modeling natural phenomena, such as simulating subsurface flow. To avoid systems that are intractable on current computers, it is often necessary to neglect information at small scales, an approach known as coarse-graining. For many practical applications, such as flow in porous, homogenous materials, coarse-graining offers a sufficiently-accurate approximation of the solution. Unfortunately, fractured systems cannot be accurately coarse-grained, as critical network topology exists at the smallest scales, including topology that can push the network across a percolation threshold. Therefore, new techniques are necessary to accurately model important fracture systems. Quantum algorithms for solving linear systems offer a theoretically-exponential improvement over their classical counterparts, and in this work we introduce two quantum algorithms for fractured flow. The first algorithm, designed for future quantum computers which operate without error, has enormous potential, but we demonstrate that current hardware is too noisy for adequate performance. The second algorithm, designed to be noise resilient, already performs well for problems of small to medium size (order 10–1000 nodes), which we demonstrate experimentally and explain theoretically. We expect further improvements by leveraging quantum error mitigation and preconditioning.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

LandScan mosaic enables high-resolution gridded population estimates with explicit uncertainty

Gridded population datasets represent high-resolution distributions of human occupancy, enabling informed decision-making across a broad range of fields. These data products are valuable for assessing environmental risk, urban development, disaster preparedness and resource allocation—areas where accurate population estimates directly enhance policy effectiveness and optimize resource distribution. Despite the importance of gridded population datasets, traditional population modeling approaches often overlook inherent uncertainties in the estimation process. This limitation can create a false sense of certainty in population estimates, potentially leading to flawed decisions by those who rely on the data. To address this methodological gap, we introduce a probabilistic machine learning modeling framework, LandScan Mosaic, that explicitly incorporates uncertainty into the population modeling process. Our approach systematically quantifies uncertainty in three key modeling parameters of the LandScan HD gridded population dataset: building use types, floor counts, and occupancy rates. By employing Monte Carlo simulations, we propagate these uncertainties through the modeling process, yielding probability distributions of population counts in place of deterministic point estimates. We demonstrate the practical application of this framework in Iloilo City, Philippines, using structured decision-making techniques and our probabilistic estimates to identify and prioritize areas most affected by projected flooding, supporting targeted interventions that address both economic and social risks. In doing so, we propose a population-specific approach for incorporating confidence into structured decision making processes. Through a comparative analysis with conventional deterministic approaches and point estimate approaches, including LandScan HD and WorldPop, we evaluate how the incorporation of machine learning and uncertainty influences decision rankings. This research advances population distribution modeling by offering a robust, quantitative approach that explicitly accounts for uncertainty in the underlying data, along with guidance for how users can apply uncertainty in their decision-making.

Environmental sciences↗
DOE OSTI2025

Leveraging prior mean models for faster Bayesian optimization of particle accelerators

Tuning particle accelerators is a challenging and time-consuming task that can be automated and carried out efficiently using suitable optimization algorithms, such as model-based Bayesian optimization techniques. One of the major advantages of Bayesian algorithms is the ability to incorporate prior information about beam physics and historical behavior into the model used to make control decisions. In this work, we examine incorporating prior accelerator physics information into Bayesian optimization algorithms by utilizing fast executing, neural network models trained on simulated or historical datasets as prior mean functions in Gaussian process models. We show that in ideal cases, this technique substantially increases convergence speed to optimal solutions in high-dimensional tuning parameter spaces. Additionally, we demonstrate that even in non-ideal cases, where prior models of beam dynamics do not exactly match experimental conditions, the use of this technique can still enhance convergence speed. Finally, we demonstrate how these methods can be used to improve optimization in practical applications, such as transferring information gained from beam dynamics simulations to online control of the LCLS injector, and transferring knowledge gained from experimental measurements across different operating modes, such as accelerating different ion species at the ATLAS heavy ion accelerator.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Magnetic properties of intercalated quasi-2D Fe 3-x GeTe 2 van der Waals magnet

Among several well-known transition metal-based compounds, cleavable van der Waals (vdW) Fe 3-x GeTe 2 (FGT) magnet is a strong candidate for use in two-dimensional (2D) magnetic devices due to its strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, sizeable Curie temperature (T C ~154 K), and versatile magnetic character that is retained in the low-dimensional limit. While the T C remains far too low for practical applications, there has been a successful push toward improving it via external driving forces such as pressure, irradiation, and doping. Here we present experimental evidence of a room temperature (RT) ferromagnetic phase induced by the electrochemical intercalation of common tetrabutylammonium cations (TBA+) into quasi-2D FGT. We obtained Curie temperatures as high as 350 K with chemical and physical stability of the intercalated compound. The temperature-dependent Raman measurements, in combination with vdW-corrected ab initio calculations, suggest that charge transfer (electron doping) upon intercalation could lead to the observation of RT ferromagnetism. This work demonstrates that molecular intercalation is a viable route in realizing high-temperature vdW magnets in an inexpensive and reliable manner and has the potential to be extended to bilayer and few-layer vdW magnets.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Stacking polymorphism of PtSe 2 : its implication to layer-dependent metal-insulator transitions

Using diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we examine the structural stability and interlayer binding properties of PtSe 2 . Our DMC study reveals that AA and AB-r bilayer stacking modes are nearly degenerate, highlighting the significant role of interlayer hybridization in offsetting the energy cost due to larger interlayer separations in the AB-r mode. Additionally, our DMC-benchmarked DFT calculations with the r 2 SCAN+rVV10 functional uncover pronounced stacking polymorphism in few-layer PtSe 2 , driven by degenerate AA and AB-r interfaces, which leads to substantial band gap variations across different stacking configurations. This polymorphism, along with selenium vacancies, influences a layer-dependent metal-insulator transition observed in few-layer PtSe 2 . Our findings emphasize the importance of both van der Waals interactions and interlayer hybridization in determining the phase stability and electronic properties of PtSe 2 , advancing our understanding of its fundamental properties and refining theoretical models for practical applications in nanoelectronic devices.

Electronic materials↗
DOE OSTI2020

Organic wastewater treatment by a single-atom catalyst and electrolytically produced H2O2

The presence of organic contaminants in wastewater poses considerable risks to the health of both humans and ecosystems. Although advanced oxidation processes that rely on highly reactive radicals to destroy organic contaminants are appealing treatment options, substantial energy and chemical inputs limit their practical applications. Here we demonstrate that Cu single atoms incorporated in graphitic carbon nitride can catalytically activate H 2 O 2 to generate hydroxyl radicals at pH 7.0 without energy input, and show robust stability within a filtration device. We further design an electrolysis reactor for the on-site generation of H 2 O 2 from air, water and renewable energy. Coupling the single-atom catalytic filter and the H 2 O 2 electrolytic generator in tandem delivers a wastewater treatment system. These findings provide a promising path toward reducing the energy and chemical demands of advanced oxidation processes, as well as enabling their implementation in remote areas and isolated communities.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Microscopic relaxation channels in materials for superconducting qubits

Despite mounting evidence that materials imperfections are a major obstacle to practical applications of superconducting qubits, connections between microscopic material properties and qubit coherence are poorly understood. Here, we combine measurements of transmon qubit relaxation times ( T 1 ) with spectroscopy and microscopy of the polycrystalline niobium films used in qubit fabrication. By comparing films deposited using three different techniques, we reveal correlations between T 1 and intrinsic film properties such as grain size, enhanced oxygen diffusion along grain boundaries, and the concentration of suboxides near the surface. Qubit and resonator measurements show signatures of two-level system defects, which we propose to be hosted in the grain boundaries and surface oxides. We also show that the residual resistance ratio of the polycrystalline niobium films can be used as a figure of merit for qubit lifetime. This comprehensive approach to understanding qubit decoherence charts a pathway for materials-driven improvements of superconducting qubit performance.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

Hybrid microstructure of smectite clay gels revealed using neutron and synchrotron X-ray scattering

Aqueous suspensions of swelling clays display a nematic sol-gel transition at very low solid concentrations. The underlying microstructure of the gel has remained a point of contention since the time of Irving Langmuir and has been a major obstacle to fully realizing the potential of clays for practical applications. Here, we comprehensively probe the microstructure of a smectite clay suspension using ultra-small angle neutron/X-ray scattering and find that the nematic gel is structurally ordered and contains entities that are at least an order of magnitude larger than the individual particles. Complementary cryo-electron microscopy shows the presence of domains having particle-particle ordering responsible for nematic texture and regions of particle-particle aggregation responsible for gel-like behavior. We find that the smectic clay gels have a hybrid microstructure with co-existing repulsive nematic domains and attractive disordered domains.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tracking the dynamics of catalytic Pt/CeO2 active sites during water-gas-shift reaction

Abstract Understanding the atomistic structure of the active site during catalytic reactions is of paramount importance in both fundamental studies and practical applications, but such studies are challenging due to the complexity of heterogeneous systems. Here, we use Pt/CeO 2 as an example to study the dynamic nature of active sites during the water-gas-shift reaction (WGSR) by combining multiple in situ characterization tools. We show that the different concentrations of interfacial Pt δ+ – O – Ce 4+ moieties at Pt/CeO 2 interfaces are responsible for the rank of catalytic performance of Pt/CeO 2 catalysts: Pt/CeO 2 -rod > Pt/CeO 2 -cube > Pt/CeO 2 -oct. For all the catalysts, metallic Pt is formed during the WGSR, leading to the transformation of the active sites to Pt 0 – O v – Ce 3+ and interface reconstruction. These findings shed light on the nature of the active site for the WGSR on Pt/CeO 2 and highlight the importance of combining complementary in situ techniques for establishing structure-performance relationships.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗