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At least 1,369 records · Page 76

Enhanced stimulated emission in ZnO thin films using microdisk top-down structuring

Microdisks were fabricated in zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films using a top-down approach combining electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching. These microdisk structured thin films exhibit a stimulated surface emission between 3 and 7 times higher than that from a reference film depending on the excitation power density. Emission peak narrowing, reduction in lasing threshold and blue-shifting of the emission wavelength were observed along with enhancement in the emitted intensity. Results indicate that this enhancement is due to an increase in the internal quantum efficiency combined with an amplification of the stimulated emission. An analysis in terms of waveguiding is presented in order to explain these effects. These results demonstrate that very significant gains in emission can be obtained through conventional microstructuration without the need for more onerous top-down nanostructuration techniques.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

The status of engineering knowledge concerning the damping of built-up structures.

The importance of the effects of structural joints on the damping of built-up structures is pointed out, and the energy dissipation mechanisms associated with squeezing, rocking, and shearing motions are discussed for simple joints that are dry, lubricated, or provided with viscoelastic inserts. The damping mechanisms and behaviors of built-up beams and of skin-stringer structures are discussed as far as they are currently understood, and available damping estimation methods are summarized. Difficulties in defining and measuring the damping of skin-stringer structures are indicated, and it is pointed out that particularly the high-frequency damping of built-up beams and the low-frequency damping of skin-stringer configurations require further investigation.

Ungar, E. E.↗

Pink-beam serial crystallography

Serial X-ray crystallography allows macromolecular structure determination at both X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) and, more recently, synchrotron sources. The time resolution for serial synchrotron crystallography experiments has been limited to millisecond timescales with monochromatic beams. The polychromatic, “pink”, beam provides a more than two orders of magnitude increased photon flux and hence allows accessing much shorter timescales in diffraction experiments at synchrotron sources. Here we report the structure determination of two different protein samples by merging pink-beam diffraction patterns from many crystals, each collected with a single 100 ps X-ray pulse exposure per crystal using a setup optimized for very low scattering background. In contrast to experiments with monochromatic radiation, data from only 50 crystals were required to obtain complete datasets. The high quality of the diffraction data highlights the potential of this method for studying irreversible reactions at sub-microsecond timescales using high-brightness X-ray facilities.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A high-voltage MR-ToF mass spectrometer and separator for the study of exotic isotopes at FRIB

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) delivers a wide variety of rare isotopes as fast, stopped, or reaccelerated beams to enable forefront research in nuclear structure, astrophysics, and fundamental interactions. To expand the scientific potential of FRIB’s stopped and reaccelerated beam programs, we are designing a Multi-Reflection Time-of-Flight mass spectrometer and separator (MR-ToF MS). It will enable high-precision mass measurements of short-lived isotopes, improve beam diagnostics, and deliver isobarically and isomerically purified beams to downstream experimental stations. It is designed to store ions at a kinetic energy of 30 keV, significantly enhancing ion throughput while maintaining high mass resolving power. In conclusion, we present the scientific motivation, technical design, and simulations demonstrating the expected performance of the system, which has the potential to significantly enhance FRIB’s mass measurement, diagnostic, and mass separation capabilities.

Electrostatic ion beam trap↗

A broadband gyrotron backward-wave oscillator with tapered interaction structure and magnetic field

The gyro-monotron and gyrotron backward-wave oscillator (gyro-BWO) are the two oscillator versions of gyrotrons. While serving different functions, they are also radically different in the RF field formation mechanisms. The gyro-monotron RF field profile is essentially fixed by the resonant interaction structure, while the gyro-BWO possesses an extra degree of freedom in that the axial RF field profile is self-determined by the beam-wave interaction in a waveguide structure. The present study examines ways to utilize the latter feature for bandwidth broadening with a tapered magnetic field, while also employing a tapered waveguide to enhance the interaction efficiency. We begin with a mode competition analysis, which suggests the theoretical feasibility of broadband frequency tuning in single-mode operation. It is then shown in theory that, by controlling the RF field profile with an up- or down-tapered magnetic field, the gyro-BWO is capable of efficient operation with a much improved tunable bandwidth.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Enhanced transmission and beaming via a zero-index photonic crystal

Certain types of photonic crystals with Dirac cones at the Γ point of their band structure have a zero effective index of refraction at Dirac cone frequency. Here, by an appropriate design of the photonic structure, we obtain a strong coupling between modes around the Dirac cone frequency of an all-dielectric zero-index photonic crystal and the guided ones supported by a photonic crystal waveguide. Consequently, we experimentally demonstrate that the presence of the zero-index photonic crystal at the inner side of the photonic crystal waveguide leads to an enhancement in the transmission of some of the guided waves passing through this hybrid system. Moreover, those electromagnetic waves extracted from the structure with enhanced transmission exhibit high directional beaming due to the presence of the zero-index photonic crystal at the outer side of the photonic crystal waveguide.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Three-dimensional nanoscale study of Al segregation and quantum dot formation in GaAs/AlGaAs core-shell nanowires

GaAs/Al-GaAs core-shell nanowires fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy contain quantum confining structures susceptible of producing narrow photoluminescence (PL) and single photons. The nanoscale chemical mapping of these structures is analyzed in 3D by atom probe tomography (APT). The study allows us to confirm that Al atoms tend to segregate within the AlGaAs shells towards the vertices of the hexagons defining the nanowire cross section. We also find strong alloy fluctuations remaining AlGaAs shell, leading occasionally to the formation of quantum dots (QDs). The PL emission energies predicted in the framework of a 3D effective mass model for a QD analyzed by APT and the PL spectra measured on other nanowires from the same growth batch are consistent within the experimental uncertainties.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Creep behavior of $\gamma$-TiAl fabricated via electron beam additive manufacturing

$\gamma$-TiAl is a desirable structural engineering alloy with excellent high temperature specific strength. This material system has been shown to be processable at industrial scales via additive manufacturing. In this work we investigate the microstructure and properties of Ti48Al2Cr2Nb fabricated via electron beam melting. No significant anisotropy was observed from during creep testing under the considered conditions. Creep deformation resistance and rupture strength are comparable to material synthesized via traditional routes.

Fernandez-Zelaia, Patxi↗

High-quality Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} thin films grown on mica substrates for potential optoelectronic applications

We report high-quality topological insulator Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} thin films grown on muscovite mica substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. The topographic and structural analysis revealed that the Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} thin films exhibited atomically smooth terraces over a large area and a high crystalline quality. Both weak antilocalization effect and quantum oscillations were observed in the magnetotransport of the relatively thin samples. A phase coherence length of 277 nm for a 6 nm thin film and a high surface mobility of 0.58 m{sup 2} V{sup -1} s{sup -1} for a 4 nm thin film were achieved. These results confirm that the thin films grown on mica are of high quality.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Surface modification of Ti alloy by electro-explosive alloying and electron-beam treatment

By methods of modern physical metallurgy the analysis of structure phase states of titanium alloy VT6 is carried out after electric explosion alloying with boron carbide and subsequent irradiation by pulsed electron beam. The formation of an electro-explosive alloying zone of a thickness up to 50 µm, having a gradient structure, characterized by decrease in the concentration of carbon and boron with increasing distance to the treatable surface has been revealed. Subsequent electron-beam treatment of alloying zone leads to smoothing of the alloying area surface and is accompanied by the multilayer structure formation at the depth of 30 µm with alternating layers with different alloying degrees having the structure of submicro - and nanoscale level.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The X-beam as a deployable boom for the space station

Extension of antennas and thrust modules from the primary structure of the space station will require deployable beams of high stiffness and strength, as well as low mass and package volume. A square boom cross section is desirable for interface reasons. These requirements and others are satisfied by the X-beam. The X-beam folds by simple geometry, using single-degree-of-freedom hinges at simple angles, with no strain during deployment. Strut members are of large diameter with unidirectional graphite fibers for maximum beam performance. Fittings are aluminum with phosphor bronze bushings so that compliance is low and joint lifetime is high. The several beam types required for different applications on the space station will use the same basic design, with changes in strut cross section where necessary. Deployment is by a BI-STEM which pushes the beam out; retraction is by cables which cause initial folding and pull the beam in.

Adams, Louis R.↗

Shear-band structure and chemistry in a Zr-based metallic glass probed with nano-beam x-ray fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy

An apparent local change in chemistry in shear-bands can be observed in a Zr-based metallic glass using correlative x-ray fluorescence and electron spectroscopy. Further analysis suggests that this finding is due to the local volumetric change of the shear-band structure. Here, these results emphasize the importance of correlated analytical methods to unambiguously reveal structural and chemical changes caused by strain localization in metallic glasses.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Integrated circuit package with lead structure and method of preparing the same

A beam-lead integrated circuit package assembly including a beam-lead integrated circuit chip, a lead frame array bonded to projecting fingers of the chip, a rubber potting compound disposed around the chip, and an encapsulating molded plastic is described. The lead frame array is prepared by photographically printing a lead pattern on a base metal sheet, selectively etching to remove metal between leads, and plating with gold. Joining of the chip to the lead frame array is carried out by thermocompression bonding of mating goldplated surfaces. A small amount of silicone rubber is then applied to cover the chip and bonded joints, and the package is encapsulated with epoxy resin, applied by molding.

Kennedy, B. W.↗

Dynamics and control of orbiting grid and the synchronously deployable beam

The dynamic analysis of a grid structure hung from the ceiling by two steel wires is described. The method of approach uses the discrete mass model system. The concept of the bifilar pendulum is used in writing the equation of motion. Assumptions are made with regard to the bar stiffnesses in the vertical and horizontal planes. The discrete mases are assumed to be connected by inextensible massless strings that do not provide any torsion or bending. The modal frequencies obtained by this method are compared with those obtained from the finite element model.

Abu-Saba, E. G.↗

Epitaxial ferromagnetic Fe{sub 3}Si on GaAs(111)A with atomically smooth surface and interface

Single crystal ferromagnetic Fe{sub 3}Si(111) films were grown epitaxially on GaAs(111)A by molecular beam epitaxy. These hetero-structures possess extremely low surface roughness of 1.3 Å and interfacial roughness of 1.9 Å, measured by in-situ scanning tunneling microscope and X-ray reflectivity analyses, respectively, showing superior film quality, comparing to those attained on GaAs(001) in previous publications. The atomically smooth interface was revealed by the atomic-resolution Z (atomic number)-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images using the correction of spherical aberration (Cs)-corrected electron probe. Excellent crystallinity and perfect lattice match were both confirmed by high resolution x-ray diffraction. Measurements of magnetic property for the Fe{sub 3}Si/GaAs(111) yielded a saturation moment of 990 emu/cm{sup 3} with a small coercive field ≤1 Oe at room temperature.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Zinc‐Imidazolate Films as an All‐Dry Resist Technology

Here, motivated by the drawbacks of solution phase processing, an all‐dry resist formation process is presented that utilizes amorphous zinc‐imidazolate (aZnMIm) films deposited by atomic/molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD), patterned with electron beam lithography (EBL), and developed by novel low temperature (120 °C) gas phase etching using 1,1,1,5,5,5‐hexafluoroacetylacetone (hfacH) to achieve well‐resolved 22 nm lines with a pitch of 30 nm. The effects of electron beam irradiation on the chemical structure and hfacH etch resistance of aZnMIm films are investigated, and it is found that electron irradiation degrades the 2‐methylimidazolate ligands and transforms aZnMIm into a more dense material that is resistant to etching by hfacH and has a C:N:Zn ratio effectively identical to that of unmodified aZnMIm. These findings showcase the potential for aZnMIm films to function in a dry resist technology. Sensitivity, contrast, and critical dimensions of the patterns are determined to be 37 mC cm −2 , 0.87, and 29 nm, respectively, for aZnMIm deposited on silicon substrates and patterned at 30 keV. This work introduces a new direction for solvent‐free resist processing, offering the prospect of scalable, high‐resolution patterning techniques for advanced semiconductor fabrication processes.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Interfacial intermixing and anti-phase boundaries in GaP/Si(0 0 1) heterostructures

Epitaxial GaP/Si heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and migration-enhanced epitaxy (MEE) have been studied, primarily using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-STEM). Atomically-resolved structure images, which are sensitive to atomic-column intensity revealed the detailed geometry of antiphase boundaries that were both parallel and also inclined to the growth direction. The polar/non-polar GaP/Si interfaces were neither atomically flat laterally nor abrupt vertically. Measurements of intensity profiles using both bright-field and dark-field AC-STEM images, as well as chemically-sensitive g 002 dark-field imaging, indicated substantial interfacial intermixing, which increased significantly from ~1.3 nm (MEE growth at 440 °C) to ~2.1 nm (MBE growth at 600 °C). The finite interface width will impact theoretical predictions of charge imbalance and strong electric fields across the heterointerface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗