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At least 955 records · Page 53

Charge Separation in Monolayer WSe 2 by Strain Engineering: Implications for Strain-Induced Diode Action

Strain-engineering band structure in transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) is a promising avenue toward capabilities in optoelectronics. For example, controlling the flow of optically generated quasiparticles can be achieved by a localized strain field which reduces the bandgap and generates an energy-band gradient that funnels neutral excitons to the strain apex. It would be even more advantageous to mimic a diode’s internal field, where both conduction and valence bands bend in the same direction, to separate electrons and holes. This can be achieved if the strain in the TMDC layer lowers both the conduction band minimum as well as the valence band maximum during strain-induced band narrowing. Here, we have used density functional theory (DFT) calculations of monolayer WSe 2 electronic structure under biaxial strain to show that WSe 2 has this property. In this work, to test the band bending experimentally, we combined localized strain with electrostatic doping to follow photoluminescence from excitons and positive or negative trions. In unstrained WSe 2 , both positive and negative trion emissions dominate over excitons away from charge neutrality. In contrast, for strained areas, negative trions accumulate, while positive trion emission is near zero away from charge neutrality, indicating a lack of holes. Hence, strain bends both conduction and valence bands down, similarly to the band bending in a PN-diode depletion region, providing an opportunity to separate electrons and holes via localized strain.

2D materials↗

Molecular structure retrieval directly from laboratory-frame photoelectron spectra in laser-induced electron diffraction

Ubiquitous to most molecular scattering methods is the challenge to retrieve bond distance and angle from the scattering signals since this requires convergence of pattern matching algorithms or fitting methods. This problem is typically exacerbated when imaging larger molecules or for dynamic systems with little a priori knowledge. Here, we employ laser-induced electron diffraction (LIED) which is a powerful means to determine the precise atomic configuration of an isolated gas-phase molecule with picometre spatial and attosecond temporal precision. We introduce a simple molecular retrieval method, which is based only on the identification of critical points in the oscillating molecular interference scattering signal that is extracted directly from the laboratory-frame photoelectron spectrum. The method is compared with a Fourier-based retrieval method, and we show that both methods correctly retrieve the asymmetrically stretched and bent field-dressed configuration of the asymmetric top molecule carbonyl sulfide (OCS), which is confirmed by our quantum-classical calculations.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Local electric field measurement in GaN diodes by exciton Franz–Keldysh photocurrent spectroscopy

The eXciton Franz–Keldysh (XFK) effect is observed in GaN p–n junction diodes via the spectral variation of photocurrent responsivity data that redshift and broaden with increasing reverse bias. Photocurrent spectra are quantitatively fit over a broad photon energy range to an XFK model using only a single fit parameter that determines the line shape and the local bias (V l ), uniquely determining the local electric field maximum and depletion widths. As expected, the spectrally determined values of V l vary linearly with the applied bias (V) and reveal a large reduction in the local electric field due to electrostatic non-uniformity. The built-in bias (V bi ) is estimated by extrapolating V l at V=0, which, when compared with independent C-V measurements, indicates an overall ±0.31 V accuracy of V l . This demonstrates sub-bandgap photocurrent spectroscopy as a local probe of electric field in wide bandgap diodes that can be used to map out regions of device breakdown (hot spots) for improving electrostatic design of high-voltage devices.

42 ENGINEERING↗

X-ray self-emission imaging with spherically bent Bragg crystals on the Z-machine

Here, an x-ray imaging scheme using spherically bent crystals was implemented on the Z-machine to image x rays emitted by the hot, dense plasma generated by a Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) target. This diagnostic relies on a spherically bent crystal to capture x-ray emission over a narrow spectral range (<15 eV), which is established by a limiting aperture placed on the Rowland circle. The spherical crystal optic provides the necessary high-throughput and large field-of-view required to produce a bright image over the entire, one-cm length of the emitting column of a plasma. The average spatial resolution was measured and determined to be 18 µm for the highest resolution configuration. With this resolution, the radial size of the stagnation column can be accurately determined and radial structures, such as bifurcations in the column, are clearly resolved. The success of the spherical-crystal imager has motivated the implementation of a new, two-crystal configuration for identifying sources of spectral line emission using a differential imaging technique.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Enhanced light confinement in nonlocal resonant metasurfaces with weak multipolar scatterers

Stronger light confinement can be enabled by nanoantennas in the nanostructure and result in efficient control of the directionality of the scattering. We report on an observation of the well-pronounced multipolar resonances from nickel nanoantennas originating from collective effects. We show that the collective coupling of multipolar modes from weak scatterers can substantially enhance the electric dipole and quadrupole resonances. We also demonstrate the generalized lattice Kerker effect in this nanoantenna array. Resonant multipolar excitations within nickel nanoantenna arrays can significantly enhance phenomena such as magneto-optical effects, indicating promising potential for advanced applications in the field of nanophotonics and sensing.

Physics↗

Unipolar light: existence, generation, propagation, and impact on microobjects

A review is presented of recent works on optical unipolar pulses, whose electric area (integral of the electric field strength over time) is nonzero, which determines the predominant direction of the electric field strength. It is shown that the existence of unipolar pulses does not contradict Maxwell’s equations, and that unipolar pulses can propagate in waveguides. It is emphasised that, along with the spectral, energy, and polarisation parameters, the electric area of short light pulses is also an important characteristic. The unidirectional action of these pulses on microobjects indicates that it is promising to develop methods for generating radiation with such properties. We disciuss methods for the generation, propagation, and interaction of unipolar light with classical and quantum systems, as well as methods for recording the electric area of light pulses. (invited paper)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DFT simulation of conductivity of the p-type doped and charge-injected cis-polyacetylene

Semiconducting conjugated polymers (CPs) have shown great potential in organic solar cells and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), due to their tunable electronic and optical properties. In this study, we compare computational predictions of electronic and optical properties of ensembles of cis-polyacetylene (cis-PA) multiple oligomers in two different forms (a) undoped cis-PA and (b) cis-PA doped by phosphorous fluoride (PF¯ 6 ) via density functional theory (DFT) with hybrid functionals. The comparison of undoped cis-PA under the constraint of injected charge carrier and cis-PA doped by PF¯ 6 shows that either doping or injection provides very similar features in electronic structure and optical properties. Doped and injected are similar to each other and different from the pristine, undoped PA. Computed results also indicate that the injection of charge carriers and adding p-type doping into the semiconducting CP model both greatly affect the conductivity. Furthermore, these observations provide a better understanding and practical use of the properties of polyacetylene films for flexible electronic applications.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

The Octopus processor for the CMS L1 muon trigger for High Luminosity LHC

The upgraded L1 muon trigger system of the CMS experiment in the High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider is based on custom processors featuring large Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) connected by large numbers of optical links. These provide the I/O bandwidth and power necessary to process the complex algorithms used during the collection of physics data. The design and performance requirements of these processors creates significant challenges in signal integrity, power delivery, and thermal management. In this paper we describe the Octopus processor, featuring a large Xilinx Virtex Ultrascale+ FPGA and up to 128 links interfaced to optics through high quality twin-ax copper cables. Results on signal integrity at 25 Gb/s and the first demonstration of 50+ Gb/s links with pluggable optics in CMS are also shown, demonstrating bit error rates below 10 –15 at a 95% confidence level. The thermal performance is measured inside an Advanced-TCA crate with acceptable thermal margins up to 200 W of chip power. Future improvements are mentioned, potentially allowing operation at up to 300 W.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗

Signal processing to reduce dark noise impact in precision timing

We introduce a technique to mitigate the effects of low frequency noise on precision timing. The example of Dark Count Noise Rate (DCR) in Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) is emphasized. This technique exploits the correlation between time shifts on the leading edge of a signal and the residual slope of the baseline (due to noise) which remains after baseline subtraction. In fast timing applications (such as for Time-of-flight particle ID) the signal arrival time is typically captured on the signal leading edge. The signal risetime is often fixed by the physics of the sensor and input circuit. Then accurate pulse timing can be achieved by correcting a leading edge threshold time (depending on a slope proportional to both the Amplitude and the risetime) to a “constant fraction” time. This compensation for time walk due to amplitude fluctuations breaks down once we introduce interference from low frequency noise on the leading edge. In this paper we demonstrate that an additional measurement of the slope at threshold can be used to correct for this noise jitter.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Comparison of stellar populations in simulated and real post-starburst galaxies in MaNGA

ABSTRACT Recent integral field spectroscopic (IFS) surveys have revealed radial gradients in the optical spectral indices of post-starburst (PSB) galaxies, which can be used to constrain their formation histories. We study the spectral indices of post-processed mock IFS datacubes of binary merger simulations, carefully matched to the properties of the MaNGA IFS survey, with a variety of black hole (BH) feedback models, progenitor galaxies, orbits, and mass ratios. Based on our simulation sample, we find that only major mergers on prograde–prograde or retrograde–prograde orbits in combination with a mechanical BH feedback model can form galaxies with weak enough ongoing star formation, and therefore absent H α emission, to be selected by traditional PSB selection methods. We find strong fluctuations in nebular emission line strengths, even within the PSB phase, suggesting that H α selected PSBs are only a subsample of the underlying population. The global PSB population can be more robustly identified using stellar continuum-based approaches. The difficulty in reproducing the very young PSBs in simulations potentially indicates that new sub-resolution star formation recipes are required to properly model the process of star formation quenching. In our simulations, we find that the starburst peaks at the same time at all radii, but is stronger and more prolonged in the inner regions. This results in a strong time evolution in the radial gradients of the spectral indices that can be used to estimate the age of the starburst without reliance on detailed star formation histories from spectral synthesis models.

Zheng, Yirui↗

Boosting H I -Galaxy Cross-Clustering Signal through Higher-Order Cross-Correlations

After reionization, neutral hydrogen (${\rm H\, \small {I}}$) traces the large-scale structure (LSS) of the Universe, enabling ${\rm H\, \small {I}}$ intensity mapping (IM) to capture the LSS in 3D and constrain key cosmological parameters. We present a new framework utilizing higher-order cross-correlations to study ${\rm H\, \small {I}}$ clustering around galaxies, tested using real-space data from the IllustrisTNG300 simulation. This approach computes the joint distributions of k-nearest neighbor (kNN) optical galaxies and the ${\rm H\, \small {I}}$ brightness temperature field smoothed at relevant scales (the kNN-field framework), providing sensitivity to all higher-order cross-correlations, unlike two-point statistics. To simulate ${\rm H\, \small {I}}$ data from actual surveys, we add random thermal noise and apply a simple foreground cleaning model, filtering out Fourier modes of the brightness temperature field with k ∥ < k min,∥ . Under current levels of thermal noise and foreground cleaning, typical of a Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME)-like survey, the ${\rm H\, \small {I}}$-galaxy cross-correlation signal in our simulations, using the kNN-field framework, is detectable at >30σ across r = [3, 12] h –1 Mpc. In contrast, the detectability of the standard two-point correlation function (2PCF) over the same scales depends strongly on the foreground filter: a sharp k ∥ filter can spuriously boost detection to 8σ due to position-space ringing, whereas a less sharp filter yields no detection. Nonetheless, we conclude that kNN-field cross-correlations are robustly detectable across a broad range of foreground filtering and thermal noise conditions, suggesting their potential for enhanced constraining power over 2PCFs.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Tunable Plasma Linearizer for Compensation of Nonlinear Energy Chirp

The removal of undesired nonlinear time-energy correlation (energy chirp) present in relativistic electron beams is crucial for many accelerator-based scientific applications, such as free-electron lasers, high-energy electron radiography, and MeV ultrafast electron microscopy. Here, we propose and demonstrate that a low-density plasma section can be used as a passive “linearizer” to significantly compensate for the nonlinear energy chirp imprinted on a beam by the curvature of the radio-frequency field in a conventional accelerator. Physically, the passage of the beam through the plasma excites a strong quasi-cosinoidal longitudinal decelerating wakefield that acts to mitigate the beam’s nonlinear energy chirp by superimposing a reverse chirp on the beam. Time-resolved phase-space measurements, combined with high-fidelity three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations show that the longitudinal phase space of the beam core is almost completely linearized, leading to a fourfold reduction of the beam overall energy spread from 0.148% to 0.036% (FWHM).

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Alignment Thresholds of Molecules

Molecules have long been known to align in moderately intense, far off-resonance laser fields with a large variety of applications in physics and optics. Here, we illustrate and describe the physical origin of a previously unexplored phenomenon in the adiabatic alignment dynamics of molecules, which is fundamentally interesting and also has an important practical implication. Specifically, the intensity dependence of the degree of adiabatic alignment exhibits a threshold behavior, below which molecules are isotropically distributed rotationally and above which the alignment rapidly reaches a plateau. Furthermore, we show that both the intensity and the temperature dependencies of the alignment of all linear molecules exhibit universal curves and derive analytical forms to describe these dependencies. Finally, we illustrate that the alignment threshold occurs very generally at a lower intensity than the off-resonance ionization threshold, a numerical observation that is readily illustrated analytically. The threshold behavior is attributed to a tunneling mechanism that rapidly switches off at the threshold intensity, where tunneling between the potential wells corresponding to the two orientations of the aligned molecules becomes impossible. The universal threshold behavior of molecular alignment is a simple phenomenon, but one that was not realized before and can be readily tested experimentally.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Magnetic Shield Design for the Double-D Coil-Based Wireless Charging System

In this work, magnetic field emission (MFE) of the high-power double-D (DD) coil-based wireless charging system is investigated and a shielding technique is proposed. The MFE pattern produced by the DD coils is significantly different from the MFE of the unipolar (e.g., circular, square, or rectangular) coils, and the traditional aluminum shield does not suppress the MFE from the DD coils. This study shows that a conventional aluminum shield increases the MFE, and a magnetic shield effectively suppresses the MFE of the DD coils. Therefore, a magnetic shield consisting of high-permeability magnetic material, such as ferrites, nanocrystalline, etc., is proposed for the DD pads. The shielding effectiveness of the proposed shield is evaluated through finite element analysis and verified through experiments. An 11 kW DD coil-based wireless charging system was used to test the proposed shielding technique. The experimental results show that a traditional aluminum shield increased the MFE by 29.8%, and the proposed magnetic shield suppressed the MFE by 50.5%.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Disentangling x-ray dichroism and birefringence via high-purity polarimetry

High-brilliance synchrotron radiation sources have opened new avenues for x-ray polarization analysis that go far beyond conventional polarimetry in the optical domain. With linear x-ray polarizers in a crossed setting, polarization extinction ratios down to 10 -10 can be achieved. This renders the method sensitive to probe the tiniest optical anisotropies that would occur, for example, in strong-field quantum electrodynamics due to vacuum birefringence and dichroism. Here we show that high-purity polarimetry can be employed to reveal electronic anisotropies in condensed matter systems with utmost sensitivity and spectral resolution. Taking CuO and La 2 CuO 4 as benchmark systems, we present a full characterization of the polarization changes across the Cu K-absorption edge and their separation into dichroic and birefringent contributions. At diffraction-limited synchrotron radiation sources and x-ray lasers, where polarization extinction ratios of 10 -12 can be achieved, our method has the potential to assess birefringence and dichroism of the quantum vacuum in extreme electromagnetic fields.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Simultaneous Brillouin and piezoelectric coupling to a high-frequency bulk acoustic resonator

Bulk acoustic resonators support robust, long-lived mechanical modes, capable of coupling to various quantum systems. In separate works, such devices have achieved strong coupling to both superconducting qubits, via piezoelectricity, and optical cavities, via Brillouin interactions. In this work, we present a hybrid microwave–optical platform capable of coupling to bulk acoustic waves through cavity-enhanced piezoelectric and photoelastic interactions. The modular, tunable system achieves fully resonant and well-mode-matched interactions among a 3D microwave cavity, a high-frequency bulk acoustic resonator, and a Fabry–Perot cavity. We realize this piezo–Brillouin interaction in x-cut quartz, demonstrating the potential for strong optomechanical interactions and high cooperativity using optical cavity enhancement. We further show how this device functions as a bidirectional electro–opto–mechanical transducer, with transduction efficiency exceeding 10 − <#comment/> 8 , and a feasible path towards unity conversion efficiency. The high optical sensitivity and ability to apply a large resonant microwave field in this system also offers a tool for probing anomalous electromechanical couplings, which we demonstrate by investigating (nominally centrosymmetric) C a F 2 and revealing a parasitic piezoelectricity of 83 am/V. Such studies are an important topic for emerging quantum technologies, and highlight the versatility of this hybrid platform.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗