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At least 1,333 records · Page 74
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Exploring transport mechanisms in atomic precision advanced manufacturing enabled pn junctions

We investigate the different transport mechanisms that can occur in pn junction devices made using atomic precision advanced manufacturing at temperatures ranging from cryogenic to room temperature. We first elucidate the potential cause of the anomalous behavior observed in the forward-bias response of these devices in recent cryogenic temperature measurements, which deviates from the theoretical response of a silicon Esaki diode. These anomalous behaviors include current suppression at low voltages in the forward-bias response and a much lower valley voltage at cryogenic temperatures than theoretically expected for a silicon diode. To investigate the potential causes of these anomalies, we studied the effects of a few possible transport mechanisms, including band-to-band tunneling, bandgap narrowing, potential impact of non-Ohmic contacts, band quantization, impact of leakage, and inelastic trap-assisted tunneling, through semi-classical simulations. We find that a combination of two sets of band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) parameters can qualitatively approximate the shape of the tunneling current at low bias. This can arise from band quantization and realignment due to the strong potential confinement in δ-layers. We also find that the lower-than-theoretically-expected valley voltage can be attributed to modifications in the electronic band structure within the δ-layer regions, leading to a significant bandgap narrowing induced by the high density of dopants. Finally, we extend our analyses to room temperature operation and predict that trap-assisted tunneling (TAT) facilitated by phonon interactions may become significant, leading to a complex superposition of BTBT and TAT transport mechanisms in the electrical measurements.

band gap↗
DOE OSTI2026

Precision ultranarrow-linewidth resonance excitation (PURE) preparation of a molecular beam of nitric oxide molecules for inelastic scattering with argon

We recently reported a novel technique that utilizes narrow-linewidth lasers to selectively excite molecules into a pure quantum state with a well-resolved, tunable distribution of velocities [O. A. Krohn and D. W. Chandler, J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 15(50), 12455–12463 (2024)]. We refer to the preparation of molecules by this technique as precision ultranarrow-linewidth resonant excitation (PURE) preparation. Here, in this study, we pair this PURE preparation methodology with active frequency stabilization of the quantum cascade laser that drives the excitation. In doing so, highly velocity-resolved packets of molecules are possible, with the limitations of this velocity resolution set by the stability of the laser locking and the spectral linewidth of the transition. We show that side-of-fringe locking to a Doppler-broadened absorption spectrum of our target molecule is sufficiently stable for PURE preparation of molecules for long timescales (several hours) with highly resolved velocity spreads (σ < 3 m/s). To demonstrate the scientific utility of this new capability, we present differential cross sections from scattering between a neat molecular beam of argon and a velocity-selected beam of nitric oxide (NO) in a pure quantum state. We observe well-resolved quantum diffraction oscillations in the forward-scattered collisions as well as general trends consistent with prior characterized collisions of NO + Ar.

Krohn, Olivia A. [Sandia National Laboratories (SN↗
DOE OSTI2013

Development of precision laser goniometer systems

The concept of constructing precision laser goniometer systems, based on integrating a ring laser and an optical angle sensor with the holographic principle of angular scale recording is considered. The concept implies the application of the cross-calibration procedure, aimed at determination of systematic components of the errors of angle sensors, used in the system. The results of the presented system studies demonstrate the error of angular measurements amounting to {approx}0.01''. The results of implementing the proposed concept in the creation of a standard system of the plane angle unit of rigid rotation and the measuring and computing complex for automated control of digital angle transducers with high digit capacity are briefly presented. (laser optics 2012)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2014

A highly efficient, compact Yb:KYW laser for mobile precision systems

We have developed a promising scheme of a multimodediode-pumped ytterbium laser. The Yb:KYW laser in the cw regime demonstrates record-high differential (40%) and total optical (35%) efficiencies. Mode locking is realised, which allows the scheme to be used for the development of compact laser systems, such as mobile femtosecond precision synthesisers. The peculiarities of the laser operation and ways of further improving its efficiency are discussed. (lasers)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2016

Precise modulation of laser radiation by an acousto-optic modulator for stabilisation of the Nd : YAG laser on optical resonances in molecular iodine

A system of precise frequency modulation of laser radiation by an acousto-optic modulator, which makes it possible to stabilise the radiation power and simultaneously suppress the residual amplitude modulation to a level of 10{sup -8} of the total laser power at the third harmonic of modulation frequency (∼500 Hz), is presented. The use of this system for the Nd : YAG/I{sub 2} optical frequency standard and application of digital signal synthesis and processing methods provided a level of frequency standard instability as small as ∼10{sup -15} for ∼6 × 10{sup 4} s. (frequency standards)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2019

Diode laser spectrometer for high-precision measurements

The issues of the development, calibration and putting into operation of a diode laser spectrometer for high-precision measurements are considered. The tests rely on the use of an isolated P20 line of the 00031 – 00001 band of the {sup 12}C{sup 16}O{sub 2} molecule. The spectrometer error budget is analysed. A software programme for the approximation of a spectral line contour is designed and the procedure is analysed. It is shown that, for a baseline with a relative level of 2.3 × 10{sup −5}, it is optimal to use no more than six fitting parameters in the line contour approximation. The measured integral intensity of the analytical line constitutes 5.3865(85) × 10{sup −23} cm per molecule. (laser spectroscopy)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2019

Magic wavelengths near 800 nm for precision spectroscopy of an inner-shell transition in thulium atoms

Differential dynamic polarisability of the inner-shell clock transition at a wavelength of 1.14 μm in the thulium atom is measured by the method of precision laser spectroscopy in the spectral range of 800 – 860 nm. Experimental data approximated by a theoretical model yield the probability of the transition at λ = 809.5 nm: A{sub 809.5} = 460(70) s{sup −1}. The values of two magic wavelengths are obtained experimentally, namely, λ{sub m1} = 807.727(18) nm and λ{sub m2} = 813.3(2) nm, the wavelength of λ{sub m1} being determined for the first time. Main parameters of an optical lattice at these wavelengths are compared and a conclusion is made that trapping thulium atoms in an optical lattice at λ{sub m2} is preferable for optical clock operation. (laser frequency standards)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2020

457-nm radiation source based on a diode laser for precision spectroscopy of magnesium atoms

We report on the development of a highly stable source of 457-nm radiation based on a diode laser and a tapered amplifier operating in a double-pass scheme. The diode laser frequency was stabilised by a high-Q reference Fabry – Perot interferometer and doubled in a PPSLT nonlinear crystal placed in an enhancement cavity. At a maximum output power of 200 mW at a wavelength of 457 nm, the laser linewidth was less than 5 kHz. The radiation source operation was demonstrated in experiments on precision spectroscopy of cold magnesium atoms in a magneto-optical trap. (lasers)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2022

Precise stellarator quasi-symmetry can be achieved with electromagnetic coils

Magnetic fields with quasi-symmetry are known to provide good confinement of charged particles and plasmas, but the extent to which quasi-symmetry can be achieved in practice has remained an open question. Recent work [M. Landreman and E. Paul, Phys. Rev. Lett. 128, 035001, 2022] reports the discovery of toroidal magnetic fields that are quasi-symmetric to orders-of-magnitude higher precision than previously known fields. We show that these fields can be accurately produced using electromagnetic coils of only moderate engineering complexity, that is, coils that have low curvature and that are sufficiently separated from each other. Our results demonstrate that these new quasi-symmetric fields are relevant for applications requiring the confinement of energetic charged particles for long time scales, such as nuclear fusion. The coils’ length plays an important role for how well the quasi-symmetric fields can be approximated. For the longest coil set considered and a mean field strength of 1 T, the departure from quasi-symmetry is of the order of Earth’s magnetic field. Additionally, we find that magnetic surfaces extend far outside the plasma boundary used by Landreman and Paul, providing confinement far from the core. Simulations confirm that the magnetic fields generated by the new coils confine particles with high kinetic energy substantially longer than previously known coil configurations. In particular, when scaled to a reactor, the best found configuration loses only 0.04% of energetic particles born at midradius when following guiding center trajectories for 200 ms.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2020

An Improved Boosting to Amplify Signal with Isobaric Labeling (iBASIL) Strategy for Precise Quantitative Single-cell Proteomics

Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics has great potential for overcoming the limitations of antibody-based immunoassays for antibody-independent, comprehensive, and quantitative proteomic analysis of single cells. Indeed, recent advances in nanoscale sample preparation have enabled effective processing of single cells. In particular, the concept of using boosting/carrier channels in isobaric labeling to increase the sensitivity in MS detection has also been increasingly used for quantitative proteomic analysis of small-sized samples including single cells. However, the full potential of such boosting/carrier approaches has not been significantly explored, nor has the resulting quantitation quality been carefully evaluated. Herein, we have further evaluated and optimized our recent boosting to amplify signal with isobaric labeling (BASIL) approach, originally developed for quantifying phosphorylation in small number of cells, for highly effective analysis of proteins in single cells. This improved BASIL (iBASIL) approach enables reliable quantitative single-cell proteomics analysis with greater proteome coverage by carefully controlling the boosting-to-sample ratio (e.g. in general <100×) and optimizing MS automatic gain control (AGC) and ion injection time settings in MS/MS analysis (e.g. 5E5 and 300 ms, respectively, which is significantly higher than that used in typical bulk analysis). By coupling with a nanodroplet-based single cell preparation (nanoPOTS) platform, iBASIL enabled identification of ~2500 proteins and precise quantification of ~1500 proteins in the analysis of 104 FACS-isolated single cells, with the resulting protein profiles robustly clustering the cells from three different acute myeloid leukemia cell lines. This study highlights the importance of carefully evaluating and optimizing the boosting ratios and MS data acquisition conditions for achieving robust, comprehensive proteomic analysis of single cells.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Precision Polishing of Ablator Capsules via in situ Process Monitoring and Machine Learning–Based Optimization

In inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments seeking output gains of unity and beyond, the quality of the ablator capsule is paramount for minimizing the hydrodynamic mix that quenches the central hot spot. Defects in the form of foreign particles or missing mass on the surface and within the wall of the capsule are primary offenders. High-density carbon capsules made for ICF experiments at the National Ignition Facility are precision polished to achieve surface smoothness on the order of a few nanometers as well as to minimize isolated defects in the form of pits. Given the critical role of this process, we are developing smart manufacturing techniques with the goal of elevating the efficiency of this process. Our approach is to use MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems)–based sensors to capture the fine vibration signals generated during the polishing process and combine them with synchronized visual feedback as needed. Beyond using these sensors for process monitoring, we use specific deep learning methods to analyze the data and extract correlations with both the process parameters and the final performance of the polishing run. Here, in this work, we describe the multiple fronts we have explored in this regard and the results we have gotten so far. This approach promises to have the potential to ultimately provide real-time feedback that can be used to ensure the progress of the run as well as a means for faster optimization.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

CLOSE TO THE DREDGE: PRECISE X-RAY C AND N ABUNDANCES IN {lambda} ANDROMEDA AND ITS PRECOCIOUS RED GIANT BRANCH MIXING PROBLEM

Chandra LETG+HRC-S and XMM-Newton RGS spectra of H-like C and N lines formed in the corona of the primary star of the RS CVn-type binary {lambda} And, a mildly metal-poor G8 III-IV first ascent giant that completed dredge-up {approx}50 Myr ago, have been used to make a precise measurement of its surface C/N ratio. We obtain the formal result [C/N] = 0.03 {+-} 0.07, which is typical of old disk giants and in agreement with standard dredge-up theory for stars {approx}< 1 M{sub sun}. In contrast, these stars as a group, including {lambda} And, have {sup 12}C/{sup 13}C {approx}< 20, which is much lower than standard model predictions. We show that the abundances of the old disk giants are consistent with models including thermohaline mixing that begins at the red giant branch luminosity function 'bump'. Instead, {lambda} And indicates that the {sup 12}C/{sup 13}C anomaly can be present immediately following dredge-up, contrary to current models of extra mixing on the red giant branch. In the context of other recent C and N abundance results for RS CVn-type binaries it seems likely that the anomaly is associated with either strong magnetic activity, fast rotation, or both, rather than close binarity itself.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

PRECISE HIGH-CADENCE TIME SERIES OBSERVATIONS OF FIVE VARIABLE YOUNG STARS IN AURIGA WITH MOST

To explore young star variability on a large range of timescales, we have used the MOST satellite to obtain 24 days of continuous, sub-minute cadence, high-precision optical photometry on a field of classical and weak-lined T Tauri stars (TTSs) in the Taurus-Auriga star formation complex. Observations of AB Aurigae, SU Aurigae, V396 Aurigae, V397 Aurigae, and HD 31305 reveal brightness fluctuations at the 1%-10% level on timescales of hours to weeks. We have further assessed the variability properties with Fourier, wavelet, and autocorrelation techniques, identifying one significant period per star. We present spot models in an attempt to fit the periodicities, but find that we cannot fully account for the observed variability. Rather, all stars exhibit a mixture of periodic and aperiodic behavior, with the latter dominating stochastically on timescales less than several days. After removal of the main periodicity, periodograms for each light curve display power-law trends consistent with those seen for other young accreting stars. Several of our targets exhibited unusual variability patterns not anticipated by prior studies, and we propose that this behavior originates with the circumstellar disks. The MOST observations underscore the need for investigation of TTS light variations on a wide range of timescales in order to elucidate the physical processes responsible; we provide guidelines for future time series observations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

THE APPLICATION OF MULTIVIEW METHODS FOR HIGH-PRECISION ASTROMETRIC SPACE VLBI AT LOW FREQUENCIES

High-precision astrometric space very long baseline interferometry (S-VLBI) at the low end of the conventional frequency range, i.e., 20 cm, is a requirement for a number of high-priority science goals. These are headlined by obtaining trigonometric parallax distances to pulsars in pulsar-black hole pairs and OH masers anywhere in the Milky Way and the Magellanic Clouds. We propose a solution for the most difficult technical problems in S-VLBI by the MultiView approach where multiple sources, separated by several degrees on the sky, are observed simultaneously. We simulated a number of challenging S-VLBI configurations, with orbit errors up to 8 m in size and with ionospheric atmospheres consistent with poor conditions. In these simulations we performed MultiView analysis to achieve the required science goals. This approach removes the need for beam switching requiring a Control Moment Gyro, and the space and ground infrastructure required for high-quality orbit reconstruction of a space-based radio telescope. This will dramatically reduce the complexity of S-VLBI missions which implement the phase-referencing technique.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Precise rotation rates for five slowly rotating A stars

Projected rotation rates of five early A-type slowly rotating stars are measured spectroscopically to a precision of 0.2 km s{sup –1}. A detailed Fourier analysis is done, as well as a comparison of profiles directly. Macroturbulence is needed in addition to rotation to reproduce the profile shapes. An upper limit of ≲2 km s{sup –1} is placed on the microturbulence dispersion. Small unexplained differences between the models and the observations are seen in the sidelobe structure of the transforms. The v sin i results are: α Dra, 26.2; θ Leo, 22.5; α CMa A, 16.7; γ Gem A, 10.7; o Peg, 6.0 km s{sup –1}. These stars are suitable as standards for measuring rotation using less fundamental methods.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

FIRST PRECISION LIGHT CURVE ANALYSIS OF THE NEGLECTED EXTREME MASS RATIO SOLAR-TYPE BINARY HR BOOTIS

HR Bootis is a neglected binary that is found to be a solar-type (G2V) extreme mass ratio binary (EMRB). It was discovered by Hanley and Shapley in 1940. Surprisingly, little has been published in the intervening years. In 1999 it was characterized by a 0.31587 day orbital period. Since that time it has been observed by various observers who have determined ∼20 timings of minimum light over the past ∼15,000 orbits. Our observations in 2012 represent the first precision curves in the BVR{sub c}I{sub c} Johnson–Cousins wavelength bands. The light curves have rather low amplitudes, averaging some 0.5 magnitudes, yet they exhibit total eclipses, which is typical of the rare group of solar-type EMRBs. An improved linear ephemeris was computed along with a quadratic ephemeris showing a decaying orbit, which indicates magnetic breaking may be occurring. The light curve solution reveals that HR Boo is a contact system with a somewhat low 21% Roche-lobe fill-out but a mass ratio of q = 4.09 (0.2444), which defines it as an EMRB. Two spots, both hot, were allowed to iterate to fit the light curve asymmetries. Their radii are 32° and 16°. Both are high-latitude polar spots indicative of strong magnetic activity. The shallow contact yet nearly equal component temperatures makes it an unusual addition to this group.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

A PRECISE CLUSTER MASS PROFILE AVERAGED FROM THE HIGHEST-QUALITY LENSING DATA

We outline our methods for obtaining high-precision mass profiles, combining independent weak-lensing distortion, magnification, and strong-lensing measurements. For massive clusters, the strong- and weak-lensing regimes contribute equal logarithmic coverage of the radial profile. The utility of high-quality data is limited by the cosmic noise from large-scale structure along the line of sight. This noise is overcome when stacking clusters, as too are the effects of cluster asphericity and substructure, permitting a stringent test of theoretical models. We derive a mean radial mass profile of four similar mass clusters of high-quality Hubble Space Telescope and Subaru images, in the range R = 40-2800 kpc h {sup -1}, where the inner radial boundary is sufficiently large to avoid smoothing from miscentering effects. The stacked mass profile is detected at 58{sigma} significance over the entire radial range, with the contribution from the cosmic noise included. We show that the projected mass profile has a continuously steepening gradient out to beyond the virial radius, in remarkably good agreement with the standard Navarro-Frenk-White form predicted for the family of cold dark matter (CDM) dominated halos in gravitational equilibrium. The central slope is constrained to lie in the range, -dln {rho}/dln r = 0.89{sup +0.27}{sub -0.39}. The mean concentration is c{sub vir} = 7.68{sup +0.42}{sub -0.40} (at M{sub vir} = 1.54{sup +0.11}{sub -0.10} x 10{sup 15} M{sub sun} h {sup -1}), which is high for relaxed, high-mass clusters, but consistent with {Lambda}CDM when a sizable projection bias estimated from N-body simulations is considered. This possible tension will be more definitively explored with new cluster surveys, such as CLASH, LoCuSS, Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam, and XXM-XXL, to construct the c{sub vir}-M{sub vir} relation over a wider mass range.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

HIGH-PRECISION TIMING OF FIVE MILLISECOND PULSARS: SPACE VELOCITIES, BINARY EVOLUTION, AND EQUIVALENCE PRINCIPLES

We present high-precision timing of five millisecond pulsars (MSPs) carried out for more than seven years; four pulsars are in binary systems and one is isolated. We are able to measure the pulsars' proper motions and derive an estimate for their space velocities. The measured two-dimensional velocities are in the range 70-210 km s{sup -1}, consistent with those measured for other MSPs. We also use all the available proper motion information for isolated and binary MSPs to update the known velocity distribution for these populations. As found by earlier works, we find that the velocity distribution of binary and isolated MSPs are indistinguishable with the current data. Four of the pulsars in our observing program are highly recycled with low-mass white dwarf companions and we are able to derive accurate binary parameters for these systems. For three of these binary systems, we are able to place initial constraints on the pulsar masses with best-fit values in the range 1.0-1.6 M{sub Sun }. The implications of the results presented here to our understanding of binary pulsar evolution are discussed. The updated parameters for the binary systems studied here, together with recently discovered similar systems, allowed us to update previous limits on the violation of the strong equivalence principle through the parameter |{Delta}| to 4.6 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -3} (95% confidence) and the violation of Lorentz invariance/momentum conservation through the parameter |{alpha}-hat3| to 5.5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -20} (95% confidence).

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗