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At least 1,261 records · Page 70
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Machine learning assisted quantum super-resolution microscopy

One of the main characteristics of optical imaging systems is spatial resolution, which is restricted by the diffraction limit to approximately half the wavelength of the incident light. Along with the recently developed classical super-resolution techniques, which aim at breaking the diffraction limit in classical systems, there is a class of quantum super-resolution techniques which leverage the non-classical nature of the optical signals radiated by quantum emitters, the so-called antibunching super-resolution microscopy. This approach can ensure a factor of $\sqrt{n}$ improvement in the spatial resolution by measuring the n -th order autocorrelation function. The main bottleneck of the antibunching super-resolution microscopy is the time-consuming acquisition of multi-photon event histograms. We present a machine learning-assisted approach for the realization of rapid antibunching super-resolution imaging and demonstrate 12 times speed-up compared to conventional, fitting-based autocorrelation measurements. The developed framework paves the way to the practical realization of scalable quantum super-resolution imaging devices that can be compatible with various types of quantum emitters.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1983

LDR segmented mirror technology assessment study

In the mid-1990s, NASA plans to orbit a giant telescope, whose aperture may be as great as 30 meters, for infrared and sub-millimeter astronomy. Its primary mirror will be deployed or assembled in orbit from a mosaic of possibly hundreds of mirror segments. Each segment must be shaped to precise curvature tolerances so that diffraction-limited performance will be achieved at 30 micron (nominal operating wavelength). All panels must lie within 1 micron on a theoretical surface described by the optical precipitation of the telescope's primary mirror. To attain diffraction-limited performance, the issues of alignment and/or position sensing, position control of micron tolerances, and structural, thermal, and mechanical considerations for stowing, deploying, and erecting the reflector must be resolved. Radius of curvature precision influences panel size, shape, material, and type of construction. Two superior material choices emerged: fused quartz (sufficiently homogeneous with respect to thermal expansivity to permit a thin shell substrate to be drape molded between graphite dies to a precise enough off-axis asphere for optical finishing on the as-received a segment) and a Pyrex or Duran (less expensive than quartz and formable at lower temperatures). The optimal reflector panel size is between 1-1/2 and 2 meters. Making one, two-meter mirror every two weeks requires new approaches to manufacturing off-axis parabolic or aspheric segments (drape molding on precision dies and subsequent finishing on a nonrotationally symmetric dependent machine). Proof-of-concept developmental programs were identified to prove the feasibility of the materials and manufacturing ideas.

Krim, M.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Studies on Bio-acceptability of Thermo-Mechanically Processed Mg-4Li-0.5Ca Alloy and Its Microstructural Correlation

In this study, in vitro corrosion behavior of rolled Mg-4Li-0.5Ca (wt.%) alloy at three temperatures (250, 300 and 350 °C) with 75% reduction and subsequent short annealing at 200 °C for 10 min was systematically investigated. Microstructural evaluation, Mg{sub 2}Ca precipitation and defects like twins were characterized by an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction. Micrographs reveal an increase in grain size and comparatively reduction in twins density population with an increase in hot rolling temperature and subsequent short annealing. In vitro corrosion tests like dynamic bio-corrosion immersion test, hydrogen evolution test and electrochemical linear polarization test were carried out in simulated body fluid. From in vitro corrosion tests, it is observed that the alloy rolled at 350 °C and subsequently short-annealed shows better bio-corrosion resistance than other hot-rolled and short-annealed alloys. This is due to low twins density and uniformly dispersed Mg{sub 2}Ca compound throughout the matrix.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

WASP-12b AND HAT-P-8b are members of triple star systems

We present high spatial resolution images that demonstrate that WASP-12b and HAT-P-8b orbit the primary stars of hierarchical triple star systems. In each case, two distant companions with colors and brightnesses consistent with M dwarfs co-orbit the hot Jupiter planet host as well as one another. Our adaptive optics images spatially resolve the secondary around WASP-12, previously identified by Bergfors et al. and Crossfield et al. into two distinct sources separated by 84.3 ± 0.6 mas (21 ± 3 AU). We find that the secondary to HAT-P-8, also identified by Bergfors et al., is in fact composed of two stars separated by 65.3 ± 0.5 mas (15 ± 1 AU). Our follow-up observations demonstrate physical association through common proper motion. HAT-P-8 C has a particularly low mass, which we estimate to be 0.18 ± 0.02 M {sub ☉} using photometry. Due to their hierarchy, WASP-12 BC and HAT-P-8 BC will enable the first dynamical mass determination for hot Jupiter stellar companions. These previously well studied planet hosts now represent higher-order multi-star systems with potentially complex dynamics, underscoring the importance of diffraction-limited imaging and providing additional context for understanding the migrant population of transiting hot Jupiters.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Improved transmittance in metal-dielectric metamaterials using diffraction grating

In this Letter, we experimentally demonstrate the possibility to obtain an improved transmittance from metal-dielectric multilayer metamaterials at optical frequencies. In order to achieve this goal, a properly designed one-dimensional silver diffraction grating has been fabricated on top of two different multilayer structures such as Au/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Au/SiO{sub 2}. It has been observed that the improved transmittance at various resonant wavelength bands is possible from the metal-dielectric metamaterials when it is coupled with a properly designed metallic diffraction grating. The obtained results can be expected to find variety of potential applications including high-efficiency solar cells.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Direct laser writing of polymeric nanostructures via optically induced local thermal effect

We demonstrate the fabrication of desired structures with feature size below the diffraction limit by use of a positive photoresist. The direct laser writing technique employing a continuous-wave laser was used to optically induce a local thermal effect in a positive photoresist, which then allowed the formation of solid nanostructures. This technique enabled us to realize multi-dimensional sub-microstructures by use of a positive photoresist, with a feature size down to 57 nm. This mechanism acting on positive photoresists opens a simple and low-cost way for nanofabrication.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

Distinct optical properties of relativistically degenerate matter

In this paper, we use the collisional quantum magnetohydrodynamic (CQMHD) model to derive the transverse dielectric function of a relativistically degenerate electron fluid and investigate various optical parameters, such as the complex refractive index, the reflection and absorption coefficients, the skin-depth and optical conductivity. In this model we take into accounts effects of many parameters such as the atomic-number of the constituent ions, the electron exchange, electron diffraction effect and the electron-ion collisions. Study of the optical parameters in the solid-density, the warm-dense-matter, the big-planetary core, and the compact star number-density regimes reveals that there are distinct differences between optical characteristics of the latter and the former cases due to the fundamental effects of the relativistic degeneracy and other quantum mechanisms. It is found that in the relativistic degeneracy plasma regime, such as found in white-dwarfs and neutron star crusts, matter possess a much sharper and well-defined step-like reflection edge beyond the x-ray electromagnetic spectrum, including some part of gamma-ray frequencies. It is also remarked that the magnetic field intensity only significantly affects the plasma reflectivity in the lower number-density regime, rather than the high density limit. Current investigation confirms the profound effect of relativistic degeneracy on optical characteristics of matter and can provide an important plasma diagnostic tool for studying the physical processes within the wide scope of quantum plasma regimes be it the solid-density, inertial-confined, or astrophysical compact stars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Effects of CeO{sub 2} on the Microstructure and Properties of Laser Cladding 316L Coating

Laser cladding was used to distribute a CeO{sub 2}-modified 316L powder coating onto a 316L stainless steel surface. The cladding layer phase composition was evaluated through x-ray diffraction. An analysis of the microstructure was conducted using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope, while the micro-hardness was measured using a tester. The coating corrosion behavior in response to 3.5% NaCl solution was analyzed by polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Finally, the overall performance of coatings with different CeO{sub 2} concentrations, 1, 2, and 3%, was compared. Results showed that adding CeO{sub 2} significantly refined the grains, reduced the coating porosity, and effectively limited the appearance of local corrosion. Also, additive CeO{sub 2} shifted the coating’s electrode potential in a positive direction, minimizing the current density of corrosion, creating a stable passivation film, and improving the coating’s corrosion resistance. The coating performance (hardness and corrosion behavior) was optimal when 2% CeO{sub 2} was employed as the powder mass.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1986

Optical efficiency of far-infrared photoconductors

The present optimization of the geometry of far-IR photoconductive detectors with diffraction-limited throughput, on the basis of experimental and theoretical results, gives attention to the internal optical path relative to measured absorption length, photoconductive gain, uniformity of illumination, cosmic ray cross section, and design compatibility with the requirements of one- and two-dimensional arrays. It is demonstrated that a rod-shaped, square cross section detector geometry, having lateral face electrodes and a beveled backface with which to trap the radiation by total internal reflection, exhibits responsivity commensurate with that of the best available detectors in integrating cavities.

Wang, J.-Q.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Microstructure development and texture evolution of aluminum multi-port extrusion tube during the porthole die extrusion

Aluminum multi-port extrusion tube is processed by the porthole die extrusion and the internal tube walls are welded through the solid state metallurgical bonding. In order to observe the development of grains and their orientations under severe plastic deformation and solid state welding, the extrusion butt together with the die is quenched immediately after extrusion to preserve the grain structure in the processing. The forming histories of selected material points are obtained by analyzing the optical microscopy graph. The evolution of the microstructure along the forming path is characterized by electro backscattered diffraction. It is found that geometrical dynamic recrystallization happens in the process. Grains are elongated, scattered at the transition zone and shear intensive zone, and then pinched off when they are pushed out from the die orifice. The shear-type orientations are predominant at the surface layer on the longitudinal section of the tube web and have penetrated into the intermediate layer. The rolling-type orientations are formed at the central layer. Texture gradient through the thickness of the tube web is observed. And cube orientated grains are found at the seam weld region. - Highlights: •Microstructure of extrusion butt is preserved after the micro scale porthole die extrusion. •Grain morphology history along forming path is investigated. •Texture evolutions on three material flows are present. •Texture gradient exists on the longitudinal section of the internal wall of profile. •Rolling-type and cube textures are found at the solid state welding region.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Structural, optical, and electrical properties of NiO-In composite films deposited by radio frequency cosputtering

In-doped NiO films with indium concentrations ranging from 0 to 30.3 at. % were deposited on glass substrates to investigate corresponding structural, optical, and electrical property variations. The x-ray diffraction patterns show that all films display only NiO peaks. When In atoms were added to NiO films, the NiO peaks shifted to lower angles, indicating that the lattice parameters of the films increased due to the larger In ions substituting for the smaller Ni ions. An electrical resistivity (ρ) too high to be measured occurred when the indium concentration in the NiO film was less than 15.6 at. %. The ρ value dropped significantly to 0.06 Ω·cm as the indium concentration increased to 26.9 at. %. Upon further raising the In to 30.3 at. %, the ρ value decreased further to 0.01 Ω·cm. All the In-doped NiO films showed n-type conduction. The transmittance of undoped NiO film is as high as 96%. On raising the indium concentration to 15.6, 19.9, 26.9, and 30.3 at. %, the transmittances decreased further to 68%, 62%, 57%, and 47%, respectively. Introducing higher In concentrations improved the films’ thermal stability of electrical resistivity.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Effect of Te addition into As{sub 2}Se{sub 3} thin film: Optical property study by FTIR and XPS

In the present work, we report the effect of Te deposition onto As{sub 2}Se{sub 3} film which affects the optical properties. The Te/As{sub 2}Se{sub 3} film was illuminated with 532 nm laser to study the photo induced diffusion. The prepared As{sub 2}Se{sub 3}, Te/As{sub 2}Se{sub 3} films were characterized by X-ray diffraction which show a completely amorphous nature. On the basis of optical transmission data carried out by Fourier Transform infrared Spectroscopy, a non direct transition was found for these films. The optical bandgap is found to be decreased with Te deposition and photo darkening phenomena is observed for the diffused film. The change in the optical constants are also supported by the corresponding change in different types of bonds which are being analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Fabrication and characterization of metal–semiconductor–metal ultraviolet photodetector based on rutile TiO{sub 2} nanorod

The fabrication and characterization of a metal–semiconductor–metal ultraviolet photodetector are studied. The photodetector is based on TiO{sub 2} nanorods (NRs) grown on p-type (1 1 1)-oriented silicon substrate seeded with a TiO{sub 2} layer is synthesized by radio frequency reactive magnetron sputtering. A chemical bath deposition is used to grow TiO{sub 2} NRs on Si substrate. The structural and optical properties of the obtained sample are analyzed by using X-ray diffraction and field emission-scanning electron microscopy. Results show a tetragonal rutile structure of the synthesized TiO{sub 2} NRs. Optical properties are further examined using photoluminescence spectroscopy. A sharp and high-intensity UV peak at 367 nm is observed in comparison with visible defect peaks centered at 432 and 718 nm. Upon exposure to 365 nm light (2.3 mW/cm) at 5 V bias, the device displays 76.06 × 10{sup 2} sensitivity, internal photodetector gain of 77.06, photocurrent of the device is 2.62 × 10{sup −5} A and photoresponse peak of 69.7 mA/W. The response and recovery times are calculated as 18.5 and 19.1 ms upon illumination to a pulse UV light (365 nm, 2.3 mW/cm{sup 2}) at 5 V applied bias. These results demonstrate that the fabricated high-quality photodiode is a promising candidate as a low-cost UV photodetector for commercially-integrated photoelectronic applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Effect of CaF{sub 2} addition on optical properties of barium phosphate glasses

Ternary barium phosphate glasses, (50−X)BaO−XCaF{sub 2}−50P{sub 2}O{sub 5} have been prepared by adding 0-10 mol% of CaF{sub 2} to binary barium phosphate glasses. The amorphous nature of the prepared glasses was confirmed by X-ray diffraction technique. The UV-Visible absorption spectra have been recorded, optical band gap energy Eopt and Urbach energy Etail were determined. Shift in Eopt and Etail with increase in concentration of CaF{sub 2} is noted. FTIR analysis was carried out to investigate the short and intermediate-range orders in glasses. Shift of (P-O-P) band to higher wave number with the substitution of BaO with CaF{sub 2} shows the shortening of the phosphate chains. Hardness and density of glass samples were measured and correlated with the composition of glasses.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

Hybrid achromatic microlenses with high numerical apertures and focusing efficiencies across the visible

Abstract Compact visible wavelength achromats are essential for miniaturized and lightweight optics. However, fabrication of such achromats has proved to be exceptionally challenging. Here, using subsurface 3D printing inside mesoporous hosts we densely integrate aligned refractive and diffractive elements, forming thin high performance hybrid achromatic imaging micro-optics. Focusing efficiencies of 51–70% are achieved for 15μm thick, 90μm diameter, 0.3 numerical aperture microlenses. Chromatic focal length errors of less than 3% allow these microlenses to form high-quality images under broadband illumination (400–700 nm). Numerical apertures upwards of 0.47 are also achieved at the cost of some focusing efficiency, demonstrating the flexibility of this approach. Furthermore, larger area images are reconstructed from an array of hybrid achromatic microlenses, laying the groundwork for achromatic light-field imagers and displays. The presented approach precisely combines optical components within 3D space to achieve thin lens systems with high focusing efficiencies, high numerical apertures, and low chromatic focusing errors, providing a pathway towards achromatic micro-optical systems.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Light-Induced Transient Lattice Dynamics and Metastable Phase Transition in CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 Nanocrystals

In this study, methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI 3 ) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) offer desirable optoelectronic properties with prospective utility in photovoltaics, lasers, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Structural rearrange-ments of MAPbI 3 in response to photoexcitation, such as lattice distortions and phase transitions, are of particular interest, as these engender long carrier lifetime and bolster carrier diffusion. Here, we use variable temperature X-ray diffraction (XRD) and synchrotron-based transient X-ray diffraction (TRXRD) to investigate lattice response following ultrafast optical excitation. MAPbI 3 NCs are found to slowly undergo a phase transition from the tetragonal to a pseudocubic phase over the course of 1 ns under 0.02-4.18 mJ/cm 2 fluence photoexcitation, with apparent nonthermal lattice distortions attributed to polaron formation. Lattice recovery exceeds time scales expected for both carrier recombination and thermal dissipation, indicating meta-stability likely due to the proximal phase transition, with symmetry-breaking along equatorial and axial directions. These findings are relevant for fundamental understanding and applications of structure-function properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Heat treatment effect on the physical properties of cobalt doped TiO{sub 2} sol–gel materials

Cobalt doped and undoped TiO{sub 2} powders have been prepared by sol–gel technique and annealed at temperatures ranging from 400 °C to 1000 °C. The effects of annealing temperature on the structural, morphological and optical properties have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, electron energy-loss spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. For all doped samples there is a general reduction of the band gap energy, in comparison with undoped samples prepared in the same conditions. More specifically, experimental results indicate that cobalt doping, occurring as Co{sup 2+} ion insertion into the TiO{sub 2} (Ti{sup 4+}) host lattice, inhibits the growth of the crystallites and delays the phase transformation from anatase to rutile. Moreover, at high temperature, a secondary phase (CoTiO{sub 3}) is found to coexist with highly crystalline rutile. These structural characteristics are discussed in relation with the observed general trends for the optical properties. - Highlights: • Cobalt doped and undoped TiO{sub 2} powders have been prepared by sol–gel route. • Doping makes the band gap narrower. • Doping delays the phase transformation from anatase to rutile. • Doping inhibits the growth of the crystallites. • At high annealing temperature a CoTiO{sub 3} phase coexists with highly crystalline rutile.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗