Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “atomic force microscopy”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,189 records · Page 66
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

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↗
DOE OSTI2011

Synthesis,Structure and Electrical Properties of(SnO{sub 2}){sub x}(In{sub 2}O{sub 3}){sub 1-x}(x=0.5-1) Nanocomposites

The experimental results of synthesizing thin films (<1 {mu}m thick) of (SnO{sub 2}){sub x}(In{sub 2}O{sub 3}){sub 1-x} (x = 0.5-1 wt) nanocomposites fabricated by high-frequency magnetron sputtering of metal-oxide targets in a controlled Ar + O{sub 2} atmosphere are presented. The films, deposited on hot substrates (400 Degree-Sign C), are studied by the X-ray diffraction analysis, atomic-force microscopy, and optical and electrical methods. The effect of the synthesis conditions and film composition on the size of crystalline grains, band gap, and the concentration and mobility of free charge carriers was determined. It is shown that films of the composition (SnO{sub 2}){sub x}(In{sub 2}O{sub 3}){sub 1-x} with x = 0.9 are the most promising for applications in gas sensorics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Silicidation of Niobium Deposited on Silicon by Physical Vapor Deposition

Niobium was deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) using e-beam evaporation on bare (100) silicon substrates and SiO2 surfaces. The formation of niobium silicide was investigated by annealing PVD Nb films in the temperatures range 400–1000°C. At all elevated annealing temperatures the resistivity of Nb silicide is substantially higher than that of Nb. The Nb silicidation as a function of temperature has been investigated and different NbXSiy compounds have been characterized. It has been observed that the annealing of the Nb film on Si is accompanied by a strong volume expansion of about 2.5 of the resulting reacted film. The films' structural properties were studied using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), which was not previously presented in the context of the extant NbSi literature. The X-Ray diffraction characterization of the Nb on Si sample annealed at 1000°C, showed the presence of hexagonal Nb5Si3 phases, with a dominant peak at the (200) plane, and NbSi2 phases. Fractal dimension calculations indicate a distinct transition from Stranski-Krastanov to Volmer-Weber film growth for NbSi formation at the annealing temperature of 600°C and above.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effect of sputtered titanium interlayers on the properties of nanocrystalline diamond films

Ti interlayers with different thicknesses were sputtered on Si substrates and then ultrasonically seeded in a diamond powder suspension. Nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films were deposited using a dc arc plasma jet chemical vapor deposition system on the seeded Ti/Si substrates. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy tests showed that the roughness of the prepared Ti interlayer increased with increasing thickness. The effects of Ti interlayers with various thicknesses on the properties of NCD films were investigated. The results show nucleation, growth, and microstructure of the NCD films are strongly influenced by the Ti interlayers. The addition of a Ti interlayer between the Si substrate and the NCD films can significantly enhance the nucleation rate and reduce the surface roughness of the NCD. The NCD film on a 120 nm Ti interlayer possesses the fastest nucleation rate and the smoothest surface. Raman spectra of the NCD films show trans-polyacetylene relevant peaks reduce with increasing Ti interlayer thickness, which can owe to the improvement of crystalline at grain boundaries. Furthermore, nanoindentation measurement results show that the NCD film on a 120 nm Ti interlayer displays a higher hardness and elastic modulus. High resolution transmission electron microscopy images of a cross-section show that C atoms diffuse into the Ti layer and Si substrate and form TiC and SiC hard phases, which can explain the enhancement of mechanical properties of NCD.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2018

Tuning the morphology of chevron-type graphene nanoribbons by choice of annealing temperature

Bottom-up synthesis of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) by surface-assisted polymerization and cyclodehydrogenation of specifically designed precursor monomers has been shown to yield precise edges and doping. Here we use a precursor monomer containing sulfur atoms to fabricate nanostructures on a Au(111) surface at different annealing temperatures. The nanostructures have distinct configurations, varying from sulfur-doped polymers to sulfur-doped chevron-type GNRs (CGNRs) and, finally, pristine graphene nanoribbons with specific edges of periodic five-member carbon rings. Non-contact atomic force microscopy provides clear evidence for the cleavage of C–S bonds and formation of pristine CGNRs at elevated annealing temperatures. Further, first-principles calculations show that the CGNRs exhibit negative differential resistance.

chevron-type graphene↗
DOE OSTI2012

Highly ordered self-assembled nanoscale periodic faceting in GaAs(631) homoepitaxial growth

We report on the self-assembly of large-order-correlated nanoscale faceting on GaAs(631)A substrates grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The surface morphology of the grown samples as a function of the growth temperature and the As-beam equivalent pressure was studied using atomic force microscopy. A two-dimensional autocorrelation function analysis was performed in order to quantitatively determine the uniformity of the surface corrugation. By optimizing the growth conditions, correlated faceted areas as large as 1.7 Multiplication-Sign 1.7 {mu}m{sup 2} are obtained. The highly ordered surface corrugation discussed here provides useful insights to prepare highly ordered facet planes for the self organized growth of quantum wires.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Composition, morphology and mechanical properties of sputtered TiAlN coating

TiAlN coating was deposited on the tungsten carbide cutting tool by using DC magnetron sputtering system to study the influence of substrate bias and nitrogen flow rate on the composition, morphology and mechanical properties. The negatively substrate bias and nitrogen flow rate was varied from about −79 to −221 V and 30 sccm to 72 sccm, respectively. The coating composition and roughness were characterized by using SEM/EDX and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), respectively. The dynamic ultra micro hardness tester was used to measure the mechanical properties. The coating hardness increases to about 10-12 GPa with an increase of the negatively substrate bias up to − 200 V and it tend to decrease with an increase in nitrogen flow rate up to 70 sccm. The increase of hardness follows the increase of Ti and N content and rms coating roughness.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Dependence of the surface morphology of ultrathin bismuth films on mica substrates on the film thickness

The results of studying the surface of 15- to 100-nm-thick bismuth films by atomic-force microscopy are reported. The near-linear character of the dependences of the average surface roughness and the average height of growth patterns on the film thickness is established. It is found that the average crystallite size increases, as the film thickness is increased. A slight dependence of the crystallite size on the film thickness is observed at thicknesses in the range of 27–70 nm.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2010

Enhanced stress durability of nano resonators with scandium doped electrodes

To explore mechanical stress durability of thin aluminum-scandium (AlSc) films, 0.86 GHz nano resonators with AlSc electrodes have been manufactured. Four different samples have been prepared altering the Sc content in the alloy between 0.0% and 2.5%. A final lift-off step accomplished manufacture procedure of the devices. The resonators have been operated with heavy load to determine power durability. The resonators with AlSc electrodes show increased power durability compared to conventional Al metallized devices. Texture and grain structure of all films have been investigated by means of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Material fatigue of electrodes has been visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The refined grain structure of these alloys can explain the enhanced mechanical stress durability of AlSc electrodes. - Research Highlights: {yields}Enhanced power durability of SAW devices with Sc doped electrodes. {yields}Refined grain structure of Sc doped Al films. {yields}Sudden device breakdown of highly Sc doped devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Origin of deactivation of aqueous Na–CO 2 battery and mitigation for long-duration energy storage

Here, the development of long-duration energy storage technology is crucial to facilitate the efficient utilization of renewable energy sources while mitigating carbon dioxide production. In this study, we investigate the deactivation and reactivation mechanisms of the aqueous Na–CO 2 battery during extended cycling. We have designed the cathode to include non-precious intermetallic catalysts. As the cell undergoes repeated cycles, the voltage polarization during discharge progressively rises, eventually leading to the cell's deactivation and formation of decomposition products clogging the electrode surface. Results obtained from comprehensive characterization techniques, including conductive atomic force microscopy (cAFM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry provide insight into the decomposition products. We also showcase an electrochemical approach for regeneration of these aqueous cells. Our findings, along with the insights we have gained, provide a path toward creating long-duration systems with self-healing properties.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Silver film on nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} support: Photocatalytic and antimicrobial ability

Highlights: • Simple photocatalytic rout for deposition of Ag on nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} films. • High antibactericidal efficiency of deposited Ag on TiO{sub 2} support. • Improved photocatalytic performance of TiO{sub 2} films in the presence of deposited Ag. - Abstract: Nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} films were prepared on glass slides by the dip coating technique using colloidal solutions consisting of 4.5 nm particles as a precursor. Photoirradiation of nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} film modified with alanine that covalently binds to the surface of TiO{sub 2} and at the same time chelate silver ions induced formation of metallic silver film. Optical and morphological properties of thin silver films on nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} support were studied by absorption spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Improvement of photocatalytic performance of nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} films after deposition of silver was observed in degradation reaction of crystal violet. Antimicrobial ability of deposited silver films on nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} support was tested in dark as a function of time against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The silver films ensured maximum cells reduction of both bacteria, while the fungi reduction reached satisfactory 98.45% after 24 h of contact.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Nanoscale Electrochemical Phenomena of Polarization Switching in Ferroelectrics

Polarization switching is a fundamental feature of ferroelectric materials, enabling a plethora of applications and captivating the attention of the scientific community for over half a century. Many previous studies considered ferroelectric switching as a purely physical process, whereas polarization is fully controlled by the superposition of electric fields. However, screening charge is required for thermodynamic stability of the single domain state that is of interest in many technological applications. The screening process has always been assumed to be fast; thus, the rate-limiting phenomena were believed to be domain nucleation and domain wall dynamics. In this manuscript, we demonstrate that polarization switching under an atomic force microscopy tip leads to reversible ionic motion in the top 3 nm of PbZr 0.2 Ti 0.8 O 3 surface layer. Furthermore, this evidence points to a strong chemical component to a process believed to be purely physical and has major implications for understanding ferroelectric materials, making ferroelectric devices, and interpreting local ferroelectric switching.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Effect of deposition pressure on the structural and magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite thin films

We present the influence of deposition pressure on the structural and magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite thin films. Thin films of Co ferrite were deposited by rf sputtering on Si (100) substrate and characterized by X - Ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The XRD patterns showed the formation of crystalline single phase of the films. The particle size and surface roughness of the films were strongly influence by gas pressure. Hysteresis loops measured at room temperature showed the enhancement of magnetic properties with the increase of gas pressure which is attributed to the decrease of particle size.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Metastability and relaxation in tensile SiGe on Ge(001) virtual substrates

We systematically study the heteroepitaxy of SiGe alloys on Ge virtual substrates in order to understand strain relaxation processes and maximize the tensile strain in the SiGe layer. The degree of relaxation is measured by high-resolution x-ray diffraction, and surface morphology is characterized by atomic force microscopy. The results are analyzed in terms of a numerical model, which considers dislocation nucleation, multiplication, thermally activated glide, and strain-dependent blocking. Relaxation is found to be sensitive to growth rate and substrate temperature as well as epilayer misfit and thickness, and growth parameters are found which allow a SiGe film with over 4 GPa of tensile stress to be obtained.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Study of cobalt mononitride thin films prepared using DC and high power impulse magnetron sputtering

In this work we studied cobalt mononitride (CoN) thin films deposited using dc magnetron sputtering (dcMS) and high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS). A Co target was sputtered using pure N{sub 2} gas alone as the sputtering medium. Obtained long-range structural ordering was studies using x-ray diffraction (XRD), short-range structure using Co L{sub 2,3} and N K absorption edges using soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and the surface morphology using atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was found that HiPIMS deposited films have better long-range ordering, better stoichiometric ratio for mononitride composition and smoother texture as compared to dcMS deposited films. In addition, the thermal stability of HiPIMS deposited CoN film seems to be better. On the basis of different type of plasma conditions generated in HiPIMS and dcMS process, obtained results are presented and discussed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Thermodynamics of a phase transition of silicon nanoparticles at the annealing and carbonization of porous silicon

The formation of SiC nanocrystals of the cubic modification in the process of high-temperature carbonization of porous silicon has been analyzed. A thermodynamic model has been proposed to describe the experimental data obtained by atomic-force microscopy, Raman scattering, spectral analysis, Auger spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. It has been shown that the surface energy of silicon nanoparticles and quantum filaments is released in the process of annealing and carbonization. The Monte Carlo simulation has shown that the released energy makes it possible to overcome the nucleation barrier and to form SiC nanocrystals. The processes of laser annealing and electron irradiation of carbonized porous silicon have been analyzed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2017

Effect of H{sup +} implantation on the optical properties of semi-insulating GaAs crystals in the IR spectral region

The optical properties of semi-insulating GaAs crystals subjected to multienergy hydrogen-ion implantation and treatment in a high-frequency electromagnetic field are studied in the infrared spectral region. It is established that such combined treatment provides a means for substantially increasing the transmittance of GaAs crystals to values characteristic of crystals of high optical quality. On the basis of analysis of the infrared transmittance and reflectance data, Raman spectroscopy data, and atomic-force microscopy data on the surface morphology of the crystals, a physical model is proposed to interpret the effects experimentally observed in the crystals. The model takes into account the interaction of radiation defects with the initial structural defects in the crystals as well as the effect of compensation of defect centers by hydrogen during high-frequency treatment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗