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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 1,333 records · Page 74
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Flash electropolishing for TEM: Reducing FIB‐induced defects in tungsten with protocols for new materials

Focused ion beam (FIB) milling has become the dominant approach for site-specific transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimen preparation; however, FIB damage remains a critical limitation for reliable microstructural characterisation, particularly in radiation effects studies. Tungsten is especially susceptible to FIB damage due to its high nuclear stopping power, which promotes the formation and strong diffraction contrast of FIB-induced ‘black spot’ defects that are indistinguishable from very fine irradiation-induced loops/defects resulting from low to intermediate temperature neutron irradiation. In this work, flash electropolishing is systematically evaluated as a post-FIB treatment for minimising preparation-induced artefacts for TEM analysis of tungsten-based alloys. Using a range of non-, ion-, and neutron-irradiated tungsten materials, the effectiveness of flash electropolishing has been assessed through direct comparison with conventional FIB and plasma-FIB preparation including low-energy Ga, Ar, Xe ion cleaning. The results demonstrate that flash electropolishing effectively removes FIB-damaged layers and ‘black spot’ defects, thereby enabling reliable observation of irradiation-induced dislocation structures. Key processing parameters governing flash electropolishing quality – including lamella thickness, applied voltage, polishing duration, electrolyte chemistry, and cathode geometry – have been systematically evaluated, and clear criteria were established for determining when flash electropolishing is required to ensure reliable microstructural analysis. This work also provides practical guidance for implementing flash electropolishing as an artefact-controlled specimen-preparation approach for TEM characterisation of FIB-produced specimens. The systematic protocol can be extended to other, non-tungsten materials.

TEM sample preparation↗
DOE OSTI2015

Effect of nonmagnetic defects on superconducting and transport properties of Ba(Fe{sub 1–x}Co{sub x}As){sub 2} high-T{sub c} superconductors

The effect of nonmagnetic defects on superconducting and transport properties of Ba(Fe{sub 0.94}Co{sub 0.06}As){sub 2} films is studied for obtaining information on the symmetry type of the order parameter for superconducting pnictides. Such defects are generated in the film by irradiation by He{sup +} ions with an energy of 200 keV. It is found that a decrease in superconducting transition temperature T{sub c} upon an increase in the concentration of nonmagnetic defects in this compound occurs much more slowly than predicted in the model assuming s{sup ±}-wave symmetry of the order parameter. Joint analysis of the influence of nonmagnetic defects on the superconducting and magnetotransport properties of such films leads to the conclusion that superconductivity is completely suppressed in them after critical disorder is attained, which assumes the s{sup ++}-wave symmetry.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Spectrometry of the Rutherford backscattering of ions and the Raman scattering of light in GaS single crystals irradiated with 140-keV H{sub 2}{sup +} ions

The methods of the Raman scattering of light and Rutherford backscattering are used to study the degree of structural disorder in layered GaS crystals before and after irradiation with 140-keV H{sub 2}{sup +} ions. It is shown that the distribution of the crystal’s components over depth is homogeneous; for doses as high as 5 × 10{sup 15} cm{sup −2}, the stoichiometric composition of the compound’s components is retained. The experimental value of the critical dose for the beginning of amorphization amounts to about 5 × 10{sup 15} cm{sup −2} and is in accordance with the calculated value. The results obtained by the method of the Raman scattering of light confirm conservation of crystalline structure and the start of the amorphization process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Metal Nanocomposite Materials

The scientific theme of this award stated in its title is “Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Metal Nanoparticle Composites.” The motivation for the proposal was based on prior work that highlighted unusual third-order nonlinear optical response of metal-nanoparticle composites created by Vanderbilt researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) by implanting metal ions into fused-silica and sapphire substrates and annealing them under appropriate conditions to produce a solid solution comprising noble-metal nanoparticles embedded in an insulating matrix. For example, the well-known localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of gold and silver nanoclusters and nanoparticles was known to yield enhanced effects on the nonlinear absorption and nonlinear refractive index of these materials. The project soon expanded to embrace a wider range of materials and nanostructures, including particularly vanadium dioxide with its insulator-to-metal transition, a wide variety of substrate hosts, and zinc oxide with its multi-faceted band-edge exciton that can be coupled to plasmonic degrees of freedom in silver and aluminum. We employed second- and third-order nonlinear optical spectroscopies and confocal microscopy to quantify the coupling between nanoparticles and adsorbates across interfaces. Because ORNL closed the ion-beam surface-modification facility in 2004, we then developed a nanofabrication technique combining focused ion-beam lithography and pulsed laser deposition to create ordered arrays of metal and oxide nanoparticles in various planar geometries and heterostructures. By 2008, aided by finite-difference time-domain and finite-element calculations, we began to design and fabricate plasmonic “workbenches” on which we could excite quasiparticles (e.g., excitons, phonons, plasmons) using optical signals and electrical impulses, and map the material response down to femtosecond time and nanometer length scales. We developed additional nanofabrication capabilities (e.g., dual-layer electron-beam lithography, quantum-well fabrication and multilayer magnetron sputtering and electron-beam deposition) to create a variety of novel heterostructures as model nanocomposite systems. This led to several new opportunities to study the optical properties of these composites informed by views of potential device configurations. Among the scientific themes that emerged in published papers based on new materials and nanostructures were the following: ultrafast electron dynamics in metamaterials, including ultrafast THz microscopy of the insulator-to-metal transition in VO 2 nanoparticles; plasmon-driven electron injection to promote phase transitions in VO 2 ; and second-harmonic generation in nanostructures without inversion symmetry, in particular, the Archimedean spiral with overall sub-wavelength dimensions. We also explored dimensional and structural effects in plasmonic coupling, including exciton-plasmon coupling in ZnO nanowires; exciton-plasmon coupling in structures incorporating two-dimensional dichalcogenides; and tunable plasmon-induced transparency in plasmonic heterostructures incorporating phase-changing VO 2 . Finally, it should be noted that the work on Archimedean nanospirals and plasmon-exciton coupling led directly into a current quantum-optics research project on photon correlations in diamond nanoparticles, exemplified by the first publication from that effort [Ref. [47] in the bibliography]. A more detailed account setting in the appropriate scientific context all forty-eight papers supported by this award follows.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

X-Ray Scattering and Electron Microscopy Characterization

This research added to the understanding of p-type activation in GaN vertical transistors for power applications by identifying key defects which inhibit p-type activation. We also developed an approach to eliminate such defects with the appropriate annealing treatments. Additionally we addressed the limitations of GaN substrates used in the production of these devices and exploited the non-uniform distribution of substrate defects to better understand the relationship between device performance and defect density. Through this work, we also established how irregularities – step bunching and haze formation – during epitaxial growth are related to defects in the underlying substrates. Our charter was to work with several other teams to determine connections between defects and performance of GaN-based vertical transistors and have several presentations and publications as well as manuscripts and follow-up collaborations. The research at UCLA supported two full graduate students, one of whom is graduating this summer as well as three undergraduate students.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Sample Preparation and Experimental Design for In Situ Multi-Beam Transmission Electron Microscopy Irradiation Experiments

We discuss the need to understand materials exposed to overlapping extreme environments such as high temperature, radiation, or mechanical stress. When these stressors are combined there may be synergistic effects that enable unique microstructural evolution mechanisms to activate. Understanding of these mechanisms is necessary for the input and refinement of predictive models and critical for engineering of next generation materials. The basic physics and underlying mechanisms require advanced tools to be investigated. The in situ ion irradiation transmission electron microscope (I 3 TEM) is designed to explore these principles. To quantitatively probe the complex dynamic interactions in materials, careful preparation of samples and consideration of experimental design is required. Particular handling or preparation of samples can easily introduce damage or features that obfuscate the measurements. There is no one correct way to prepare a sample; however, many mistakes can be made. The most common errors and things to consider are highlighted within. The I 3 TEM has many adjustable variables and a large potential experimental space, therefore it is best to design experiments with a specific scientific question or questions in mind. Experiments have been performed on large number of sample geometries, material classes, and with many irradiation conditions. The following are a subset of examples that demonstrate unique in situ capabilities utilizing the I 3 TEM. Au nanoparticles prepared by drop casting have been used to investigate the effects of single ion strikes. Au thin films have been used in studies on the effects of multibeam irradiation on microstructure evolution. Zr films have been exposed to irradiation and mechanical tension to examine creep. Ag nanopillars were subjected to simultaneous high temperature, mechanical compression, and ion irradiation to study irradiation induced creep as well. These results impact fields including: structural materials, nuclear energy, energy storage, catalysis, and microelectronics in space environments.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1979

Some effects of gas adsorption on the high temperature volatile release behavior of a terrestrial basalt, tektite and lunar soil

Mass pyrograms obtained from high-temperature, mass psectrometric pyrolysis of a glassy theoleiitic submarine basalt and a tektite, ground in air to less than 64 microns, have shown N2 and SO release patterns very similar to those from the pyrolysis of mature lunar soil fines. The N2 and CO release behavior from the terrestrial samples reproduces the biomodal, high-temperature (approximately 700 and 1050 C) features from the lunar samples. Unground portions of the basalt and tektite show no release of N2 and CO during pyrolysis. Grinding also alters the release behavior and absolute amounts of H2O and CO2. It is suggested that adsorption of atmospheric gases in addition to solar wind implantation of ions may account for the wide range of values in previously reported concentrations of carbon and nitrogen from lunar fines.

Graham, D. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Ion Engine With Solid-Electrolyte Ion Generator

Working fluid utilized efficiently. Working fluid positive ions conducted through solid electrolyte to outside, then accelerated in external electric field. While in solid-electrolyte material, ions do not recombine with electrons: transported to surface with high ionization efficiency. Provides new way to generate beam of ions for implantation in semiconductors or other applications.

Richter, R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Applications of ion beam technology

Wire adhesion in steel belted radial tires; carbon fibers and composite; cold welding, brazing, and fabrication; hydrogen production, separation, and storage; membrane use; catalysis; sputtering and texture; and ion beam implantation are discussed.

Gelerinter, E.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Combined first and second order Fermi acceleration at comets

Two-dimensional, time-dependent model calculations indicate that an interplay between velocity and spatial diffusion may be responsible for the acceleration of implanted heavy ions in the cometary preshock region. Velocity diffusion (second order Fermi acceleration) accelerates the pickup ions to moderate energies thus creating a seed population for the more efficient diffusive-compressive shock acceleration. Solar wind convection limits the time available for diffusive-compressive acceleration, therefore the resulting energy spectrum above 100 keV is a power law with a spectral index of 5 - 6, a value which is in reasonably good agreement with observations.

Gombosi, T. I.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Combined first- and second-order Fermi acceleration in cometary environments

Two-dimensional (one velocity space and one spatial dimension), time-dependent model calculations indicate that an interplay between velocity and spatial diffusion may be responsible for the acceleration of implanted heavy ions in the cometary preshock region. Velocity diffusion (second-order Fermi acceleration) accelerates the pickup ions to moderate energies, thus creating a seed population for the more efficient diffusive-compressive shock acceleration. Solar wind convection limits the time available for diffusive-compressive acceleration. Therefore, the resulting energy spectrum above the pickup energy is a combination of an exponential decrease at lower energies (up to about 100 keV) and a power law spectrum at higher energies. The calculated energy spectra constitute a surprisingly good fit to the published Vega and Giotto energy spectra above the pickup energy.

Gombosi, T. I.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Self-Lubricating, Wear-Resistant Diamond Films Developed for Use in Vacuum Environment

Diamond's outstanding properties--extreme hardness, chemical and thermal inertness, and high strength and rigidity--make it an ideal material for many tribological applications, such as the bearings, valves, and engine parts in the harsh environment found in internal-combustion engines, jet engines, and space propulsion systems. It has been demonstrated that chemical-vapor-deposited diamond films have low coefficients of friction (on the order of 0.01) and low wear rates (less than 10(sup -7) mm (sup 3/N-m)) both in humid air and dry nitrogen but that they have both high coefficients of friction (greater than 0.4) and high wear rates (on the order of 1(sup -4) mm sup 3/N-m)) in vacuum. It is clear that surface modifications that provide acceptable levels of friction and wear properties will be necessary before diamond films can be used for tribological applications in a space-like, vacuum environment. Previously, it was found that coatings of amorphous, non-diamond carbon can provide low friction in vacuum. Therefore, to reduce the friction and wear of diamond film in vacuum, carbon ions were implanted in an attempt to form a surface layer of amorphous carbon phases on the diamond films.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2012

Nuclear resonance scattering of synchrotron radiation as a unique electronic, structural and thermodynamic probe

Discovery of Moessbauer effect in a nuclear transition was a remarkable development. It revealed how long-lived nuclear states with relatively low energies in the kiloelectron volt (keV) region can be excited without recoil. This new effect had a unique feature involving a coupling between nuclear physics and solid-state physics, both in terms of physics and sociology. Physics coupling originates from the fact that recoilless emission and absorption or resonance is only possible if the requirement that nuclei have to be bound in a lattice with quantized vibrational states is fulfilled, and that the finite electron density on the nucleus couples to nuclear degrees of freedom leading to hyperfine interactions. thus, Moessbauer spectroscopy allows peering into solid-state effects using unique nuclear transitions. Sociological aspects of this coupling had been equally startling and fruitful. The interaction between diverse scientific communities, who learned to use Moessbauer spectroscopy proved to be very valuable. For example, biologists, geologists, chemists, physics, materials scientists, and archeologists, all sharing a common spectroscopic technique, also learned to appreciate the beauty and intricacies of each other's fields. As a laboratory-based technique, Moessbauer spectroscopy matured by the end of the 1970s. Further exciting developments took place when accelerator-based techniques were employed, like synchrotron radiation or 'in-beam'Moessbauer experiments with implanted radioactive ions. More recently, two Moessbauer spectrometers on the surface of the Mars kept the technique vibrant and viable up until present time. In this chapter, the authors look into some of the unique aspects of nuclear resonance excited with synchrotron radiation as a probe of condensed matter, including magnetism, valence, vibrations, and lattice dynamics, and review the development of nuclear resonance inelastic x-ray scattering (NRIXS) and synchrotron Moessbauer spectroscopy (SMS). However, to place these two techniques into some perspective with respect to other methods that yield related information, they display their version of a frequently used map of momentum and energy transfer diagram in figure 17.1. Here, various probes like electrons, neutrons, or light, i.e., Brillouin or Raman, and relatively newer forms of X-ray scattering are placed according to their range of energy and momentum transfer taking place during the measurements. Accordingly, NRIXS is a method that needs to be considered as a complementary probe to inelastic neutron and X-ray scattering, while SMS occupies a unique space due to its sensitivity to magnetism, structural deformations, valence, and spin states.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗