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At least 1,009 records · Page 56

Chromatic annuli formation and sample oxidation on copper thin films by femtosecond laser

We report an experimental investigation on the irradiation of copper thin films with high repetition rate femtosecond laser pulses (1040 nm, 50 MHz), in ambient air and liquid water. We observe a novel, striking phenomenon of chromatic copper oxides (CuO and Cu{sub 2}O) annuli generation. The characteristic features of the chromatic copper oxide annuli are studied by exploiting micro-Raman spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscopies. In the case of irradiation in water, the seldom investigated effects of the immersion time, t{sub w}, after irradiation with a fixed number of pulses are analyzed, and an intriguing dependence of the color of the chromatic annuli on t{sub w} is observed. This remarkable behavior is explained by proposing an interpretation scenario addressing the various processes involved in the process. Our experimental findings show that Cu{sub 2}O nanoparticles (size of ≈20 nm) and Cu{sub 2}O nanocubes (nanocube edges of ≈30, ≈60 nm) can be effectively generated by exploiting high repetition rate laser-assisted oxidation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Optical detection of strain and doping inhomogeneities in single layer MoS{sub 2}

Van der Waals single-layer materials are characterized by an inherent extremely low bending rigidity and therefore are prone to nanoscale structural modifications due to substrate interactions. Such interactions can induce excess charge concentration, conformational ripples, and residual mechanical strain. In this work, we employed spatially resolved Raman and photoluminescence (PL) images to investigate strain and doping inhomogeneities in a single layer exfoliated molybdenum disulphide crystal. We have found that correlations between the spectral parameters of the most prominent Raman bands A{sub 1}′ and E′ enable us to decouple and quantify strain and charge doping effects. In comparison with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) topography, we show that the spatial distribution of the position of the A{sup −} -trion PL peak is strain sensitive and its linewidth can capture features smaller than the laser spot size. The presented optical analysis may have implications in the development of high-quality devices based on two-dimensional materials since structural and electronic modifications affect considerably their carrier mobility and conductivity.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

The anisotropic nature of singlet fission in single crystalline organic semiconductors

The escalating global energy predicament implores for a revolutionary resolution—one that converts sunlight into electricity—holding the key to supreme conversion efficiency. This comprehensive review embarks on the exploration of the principle of generating multiple excitons per absorbed photon, a captivating concept that possesses the potential to redefine the fundamental confines of conversion efficiency, albeit its application remains limited in photovoltaic devices. At the nucleus of this phenomenon are two principal processes: multiple exciton generation (MEG) within quantum-confined environments, and singlet fission (SF) inside molecular crystals. The process of SF, characterized by the cleavage of a single photogenerated singlet exciton into two triplet excitons, holds promise to potentially amplify photon-to-electron conversion efficiency twofold, thereby laying the groundwork to challenge the detailed balance limit of solar cell efficiency. Our discourse primarily dissects the complex nature of SF in crystalline organic semiconductors, laying special emphasis on the anisotropic behavior of SF and the diffusion of the subsequent triplet excitons in single-crystalline polyacene organic semiconductors. We initiate this journey of discovery by elucidating the principles of MEG and SF, tracing their historical genesis, and scrutinizing the anisotropy of SF and the impact of quantum decoherence within the purview of functional mode electron transfer theory. We present an overview of prominent techniques deployed in investigating anisotropic SF in organic semiconductors, including femtosecond transient absorption microscopy and imaging as well as stimulated Raman scattering microscopies, and highlight recent breakthroughs linked with the anisotropic dimensions of Davydov splitting, Herzberg–Teller effects, SF, and triplet transport operations in single-crystalline polyacenes. Through this comprehensive analysis, our objective is to interweave the fundamental principles of anisotropic SF and triplet transport with the current frontiers of scientific discovery, providing inspiration and facilitating future ventures to harness the anisotropic attributes of organic semiconductor crystals in the design of pioneering photovoltaic and photonic devices.

Chemistry↗

Enhancement of chiral edge currents in ($d$+1)-dimensional atomic Mott-band hybrid insulators

We consider the effect of a local interatomic repulsion on synthetic heterostructures where a discrete synthetic dimension is created by Raman processes on top of SU(N) S U ( N ) -symmetric two-dimensional lattice systems. At a filling of one fermion per site, increasing the interaction strength, the system is driven towards a Mott state which is adiabatically connected to a band insulator. The chiral currents associated with the synthetic magnetic field increase all the way to the Mott transition, where they reach the maximum value, and they remain finite in the whole insulating state. The transition towards the Mott-band insulator is associated with the opening of a gap within the low-energy quasiparticle peak, while a mean-field picture is recovered deep in the insulating state.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Investigation of Donor and Acceptor Ion Implantation in AlN

AlGaN alloys with high Al composition and AlN based electronic devices are attractive for high voltage, high temperature applications, including microwave power sources, power switches and communication systems. AlN is of particular interest because of its wide bandgap of ~6.1eV which is ideal for power electronic device applications in extreme environments which requires high dose ion implantation. One of the major challenges that need to be addressed to achieve full utilization of AlN for opto and microelectronic applications is the development of a doping strategy for both donors and acceptors. Ion implantation is a particularly attractive approach since it allows for selected-area doping of semiconductors due to its high spatial and dose control and its high throughput capability. Active layers in the semiconductor are created by implanting a dopant species followed by very high temperature annealing to reduce defects and thereby activate the dopants. Recovery of implant damage in AlN requires excessively high temperature. In this SBIR program we began the investigation by simulation of ion beam implantation profiles for Mg, Ge and Si in AlN over wide dose and energy ranges. Si and Ge are implanted to achieve the n-type doping, Mg is investigated as a p-type doping. The simulation of implantation profiles were performed in collaboration between NRL and Agnitron using a commercial software known as Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM). The simulation results were then used as the basis for ion implantation of AlN samples. The implanted samples were annealed by an innovative technique under different conditions and evaluated along the way. Raman spectroscopy and XRD were used to determine the crystal quality of the implanted samples, demonstrating the effectiveness of annealing in removing implant induced damage. Additionally, SIMS was used to verify that a nearly uniform doping profile was achieved near the sample surface. The electrical characteristics of the implanted samples were evaluated by TLM and Hall techniques. Generally, the implanted samples before and after annealing were found to be very resistive. Further work is required before the superior properties of AlN can be fully utilized.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Growth Orientation of Carbon Nanotubes by Thermal CVD

Carbon nanotubes with a few shells are synthesized using thermal chemical vapor depositions. The sizes of these carbon nanotubes (CNT) are quite uniform and the length is up to several tens of micrometers. With the particular substrate location for which the substrate surface is normal along or against the gravity vector, different growth orientations of CNT are observed by scanning electron microscopy, though the Raman spectra for samples at different locations are similar to each other. The results suggest the gravitation effects in growth of the long and small diameter CNT.

Zhu, S.↗

An Experimental and Theoretical Study of Nitrogen-Broadened Acetylene Lines

We present experimental nitrogen-broadening coefficients derived from Voigt profiles of isotropic Raman Q-lines measured in the 2 band of acetylene (C2H2) at 150 K and 298 K, and compare them to theoretical values obtained through calculations that were carried out specifically for this work. Namely, full classical calculations based on Gordon's approach, two kinds of semi-classical calculations based on Robert Bonamy method as well as full quantum dynamical calculations were performed. All the computations employed exactly the same ab initio potential energy surface for the C2H2N2 system which is, to our knowledge, the most realistic, accurate and up-to-date one. The resulting calculated collisional half-widths are in good agreement with the experimental ones only for the full classical and quantum dynamical methods. In addition, we have performed similar calculations for IR absorption lines and compared the results to bibliographic values. Results obtained with the full classical method are again in good agreement with the available room temperature experimental data. The quantum dynamical close-coupling calculations are too time consuming to provide a complete set of values and therefore have been performed only for the R(0) line of C2H2. The broadening coefficient obtained for this line at 173 K and 297 K also compares quite well with the available experimental data. The traditional Robert Bonamy semi-classical formalism, however, strongly overestimates the values of half-width for both Qand R-lines. The refined semi-classical Robert Bonamy method, first proposed for the calculations of pressure broadening coefficients of isotropic Raman lines, is also used for IR lines. By using this improved model that takes into account effects from line coupling, the calculated semi-classical widths are significantly reduced and closer to the measured ones.

coefficients↗

Spectroscopic studies of the physical origin of environmental aging effects on doped graphene

The environmental aging effect of doped graphene is investigated as a function of the organic doping species, humidity, and the number of graphene layers adjacent to the dopant by studies of the Raman spectroscopy, x-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and electrical transport measurements. It is found that higher humidity and structural defects induce faster degradation in doped graphene. Detailed analysis of the spectroscopic data suggest that the physical origin of the aging effect is associated with the continuing reaction of H{sub 2}O molecules with the hygroscopic organic dopants, which leads to formation of excess chemical bonds, reduction in the doped graphene carrier density, and proliferation of damages from the graphene grain boundaries. These environmental aging effects are further shown to be significantly mitigated by added graphene layers.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Anomalous junctions characterized by Raman spectroscopy in Si{sub x}Ge{sub 1−x} nanowires with axially degraded components

The characterization of junctions in nanowires by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with spherical aberration correction is tricky and tedious. Many disadvantages also exist, including rigorous sample preparation and structural damage inflicted by high-energy electrons. In this work, we present a simple, low-cost, and non-destructive Raman spectroscopy method of characterizing anomalous junctions in nanowires with axially degraded components. The Raman spectra of Si{sub x}Ge{sub 1−x} nanowires with axially degraded components are studied in detail using a confocal micro-Raman spectrometer. Three Raman peaks (ν{sub Si–Si} = 490 cm{sup −1}, ν{sub Si–Ge} = 400 cm{sup −1}, and ν{sub Ge–Ge} = 284 cm{sup −1}) up-shift with increased Si content. This up-shift originates in the bond compression induced by a confined effect on the radial direction of nanowire. The anomalous junctions in Si{sub x}Ge{sub 1−x} nanowires with axially degraded components are then observed by Raman spectroscopy and verified by transmission electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The anomalous junctions of Si{sub x}Ge{sub 1−x} nanowires with axially degraded components are due to the vortex flow of inlet SiH{sub 4} and GeH{sub 4} gas in their synthesis. The anomalous junctions can be used as raw materials for fabricating devices with special functions.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Graphene engineering by neon ion beams

Achieving the ultimate limits of materials and device performance necessitates the engineering of matter with atomic, molecular, and mesoscale fidelity. While common for organic and macromolecular chemistry, these capabilities are virtually absent for 2D materials. In contrast to the undesired effect of ion implantation from focused ion beam (FIB) lithography with gallium ions, and proximity effects in standard e-beam lithography techniques, the shorter mean free path and interaction volumes of helium and neon ions offer a new route for clean, resist free nanofabrication. Furthermore, with the advent of scanning helium ion microscopy, maskless He + and Ne + beam lithography of graphene based nanoelectronics is coming to the forefront. Here, we will discuss the use of energetic Ne ions in engineering graphene devices and explore the mechanical, electromechanical and chemical properties of the ion-milled devices using scanning probe microscopy (SPM). By using SPM-based techniques such as band excitation (BE) force modulation microscopy, Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and Raman spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the mechanical, electrical and optical properties of the exact same devices can be quantitatively extracted. Additionally, the effect of defects inherent in ion beam direct-write lithography, on the overall performance of the fabricated devices is elucidated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

New Synthesis Strategies to Improve Co-Free LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 Cathodes: Early Transition Metal d0 Dopants and Manganese Pyrophosphate Coating

In this work, we report solution-based doping and coating strategies to improve the electrochemical performance of the Co-free layered oxide cathode LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 (LNMO). Small amounts of d0 dopants (e.g., Mo6+and Ti4+, 0.5-1 at. %) increase the cathode’s specific capacity, cycling stability, and rate capability. More specifically, a Mo-doped cathode with the nominal composition LiNi0.495Mn0.495Mo0.01O2 achieves a high reversible capacity of 180 mAh/g at 20 mA/g with good retention at higher rates (e.g., 120 mAh/g at 100 mA/g). Effects of 1 at.% Mo dopant on the cathode structure were studied using a suite of characterization tools including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These measurements demonstrate that Mo6+ reduces Li+/Ni2+cation mixing and mitigates undesirable phase transformations near the cathode surface during cycling. This work also reports the use of an inorganic Mn2P2O7 coating which enhances cycling stability, presumably through formation of a stable cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layer. Overall, the synthesis approaches reported herein are quite general and can potentially be expanded to other high voltage LIB cathodes.

Co-free cathodes, d0 cation, pyrophosphate coating↗

Core-Shell Oxidative Aromatization Catalysts for Single Step Liquefaction of Distributed Shale Gas (Final Technical Report)

The objective of this project was to design and demonstrate a core-shell structured multifunctional catalyst to convert the light (dry) components of shale gas into liquid aromatic compounds (primarily benzene and toluene) in a single step. Operated in a modular oxidative aromatization system (OAS) under a cyclic redox scheme, the novel catalyst and process can significantly improve the value and transportability of distributed shale gas. Since the project started, each quarter addressed a different set of tasks related to the completion of the milestone detailed in the project award. The yearly summaries of these tasks are summarized below: Q1-Q4: • Conducted project planning and literature search. • Investigated a number of SHC redox catalysts using thermogravimetric analysis and fixed-bed reactor experiments. • Initiated process modeling towards generating two process models for the methane DHA base case and OAS process. • Developed DHA catalysts capable of producing >500 g/kg-cat-hr aromatics at 80% or greater aromatics selectivity at 700°C. Q5-Q8: • Developed alternative approaches with sequential bed configurations to enhance the aromatic yields based on OCM+DHA • Improved the zeolite synthesis efficiency by using the microwave-assisted technique and investigated the synthesis conditions on the zeolite yield, crystalline structure and morphology • Constructed a set of Aspen Plus process models with significant energy savings for OAS as compared to the base case non-oxidative DHA. • Adapted conventional hydrothermal method to be applicable to the microwave synthesizer unit for more efficient catalyst synthesis. • Studied the structure of the OCM catalyst and the dispersion of the carbonate in the redox reactions and in methane flow with Raman Spectroscopy. Q9-Q12: • Scaled up the catalyst synthesis with the microwave synthesis method. Based on its performance, procedural characterizations and catalytic performance testing were further conducted for the new microwave synthesized catalysts with the newly-developed product analysis procedure. • Developed the reaction system setup for the C2-DHA or OCM+DHA reaction product and achieved a better product collection-analysis method for the aromatic products with an improved carbon balance. The product from the OCM reaction exhibited complicated effects on the DHA catalyst. • Conducted additional OCM catalyst characterization using Near Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and in situ Raman characterization • Validated the significant energy savings for OAS as compared to the base case non-oxidative DHA. Successfully set up the simulation model for the OCM+DHA+SHC reaction system based on the updated experimental results from NCSU. Q13-End of project: • Synthesized new zeolite catalysts by the microwave method, conducted characterizations (XRD, SEM, and TEM) and catalytic behavior testing. • Explored the “wet” C 2 H 6 and C 2 H 4 DHA reactions with using steam co-feed. A subsequent reduction as the regeneration step can regenerate the DHA catalyst and recover 99% activity of the fresh performance. • Achieved a 15.3% single-pass aromatic yield from methane by rationally combining the OCM and DHA at different temperatures. • Conducted a 105-hour stability test with an improved regeneration procedure, with an average aromatic yield of 13.8%. • Developed new catalyst and achieved a record-high 23.2% yield.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

First-order crosstalk mitigation in parallel quantum gates driven with multi-photon transitions

Here, we demonstrate an order of magnitude reduction in the sensitivity to optical crosstalk for neighboring trapped-ion qubits during simultaneous single-qubit gates driven with individual addressing beams. Gates are implemented via two-photon Raman transitions, where crosstalk is mitigated by offsetting the drive frequencies for each qubit to avoid first-order crosstalk effects from inter-beam two-photon resonance. The technique is simple to implement, and we find that phase-dependent crosstalk due to optical interference is reduced on the most impacted neighbor from a maximal fractional rotation error of 0.185(4) without crosstalk mitigation to ≤0.006 with the mitigation strategy. Furthermore, we characterize first-order crosstalk in the two-qubit gate and avoid the resulting rotation errors for the arbitrary-axis Mølmer–Sørensen gate via a phase-agnostic composite gate. Finally, we demonstrate holistic system performance by constructing a composite CNOT gate using the improved single-qubit gates and phase-agnostic two-qubit gate. This work is done on the Quantum Scientific Computing Open User Testbed; however, our methods are widely applicable for individual addressing Raman gates and impose no significant overhead, enabling immediate improvement for quantum processors that incorporate this technique.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Unravelling fast-charging degradation in NMC/Gr pouch cells: Lithium plating and SEI properties

As fast-charging technology expands across the electric vehicle and emerging energy-storage applications, understanding its impact on battery performance and longevity is critical. In this study, 1.8 Ah LiNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 /graphite pouch cells were charged at various charging rates (0.5C, 2C, 4C, and 6C) to investigate the degradation mechanisms. Our results showed that well-designed NMC/Gr pouch cells could reach over 1000 cycles with a 2C charging rate, while only reaching around 500 cycles with 4C and 6C charging rates. Fast-charging effects on NMC and graphite electrodes were obtained through a series of post-mortem characterizations, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Although higher charging rates cause pulverization of NMC secondary particles, the dominant degradation mechanism driving the fading of fast-charging-related performance lies in the graphite anode, where lithium plating and LiF-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation result in Li inventory loss and impedance growth. The postmortem results suggest that the formation of a LiF-rich SEI, which exacerbates anode impedance and some irreversible Li + ion loss, is likely driven by the substantial decomposition of PF 6 − during fast charging, an effect often overlooked in smaller laboratory-scale studies.

Luo, Mei [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argon↗

Delineating the Effects of Counterions on the Structural and Vibrational Properties of U(IV) Lindqvist Polyoxometalate Complexes

Herein we conducted a full investigation into the fundamental structural and vibrational properties of uranium(IV) Peacock−Weakley-type lacunary Lindqvist (W 10 ) polyoxometalate (POM) complexes. We recently demonstrated the importance of the secondary lattice elements in tuning the distortion of the D 4d symmetry in W 10 POM complexes, and here, we synthesized eight UW 10 complexes with different alkali metal counterions and evaluated how the composition and packing of counterion species affected complex structural and vibrational properties. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis on complexes 1−8 revealed changes in structural distortion parameters as a function of differences in counterion configurations, while far-infrared and Raman spectra for 1−8 also demonstrated that vibrational mode frequencies were sensitive to changes in counterion composition and packing. To more effectively compare different counterion configurations, we developed counterion effective ionic radius (eIR) as a new structural parameter, and comparisons between structural distortion parameters and eIR values strongly suggested that modulation by the secondary lattice elements can affect structural and vibrational manifolds within POM complexes. Partial least squares (PLS) analysis was used to quantitatively evaluate correlations observed within this investigation, and PLS statistical models showed a strong correlation between counterion eIR and both structural distortion parameters and vibrational mode frequencies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Advancements of On-Line Monitoring and Real-Time Characterization of Actual Low-Level Hanford Tank-Waste Samples

Waste and process stream characterization is essential to the safe, efficient, and cost-effective processing of Hanford Site materials. The demand for materials characterization including chemical, radionuclide, and physical attributes during waste management, transfer, and staging operations in the Hanford tank farms is expected to significantly increase as the U.S. Department of Energy River Protection Project progresses toward Hanford waste treatment and immobilization. Our past work has applied Raman on-line monitoring and chemometric modeling to the supernate of Hanford tank 241-AP-105 and has demonstrated the quantitative measurement of nine analytes within this waste. To demonstrate broader applicability, this method has now been expanded to waste from two additional Hanford tanks, AW-102 and AP-107, and the offgas condensate from lab-scale melter runs of actual-tank waste feeds. To enhance the performance of the Raman method, instruments with various excitation wavelengths were compared, since it is known that the Raman response is enhanced by shorter wavelength excitation. The laser excitations for the three systems tested were 404 nm, 532 nm, and 671 nm. In addition to laser wavelength selection, the laser power, measurement integration times, and signal averaging techniques were also investigated to determine their effect on detection limits for oxy-anion analytes within tank wastes. These advancements in Raman capability are compared with past standards and will be presented.

Bryan, Samuel A.↗

Discrimination of Medicine Radix Astragali from Different Geographic Origins Using Multiple Spectroscopies Combined with Data Fusion Methods

Raman spectra and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra of four different geographic origins of Radix Astragali were collected. These data were analyzed using kernel principal component analysis combined with sparse representation classification. The results showed that the recognition rate reached 70.44% using Raman spectra for data input and 90.34% using ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra for data input. A new fusion method based on Raman combined with ultraviolet–visible data was investigated and the recognition rate was increased to 96.43%. The experimental results suggested that the proposed data fusion method effectively improved the utilization rate of the original data.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗