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At least 1,495 records · Page 83

Non-radiative recombination in Ge{sub 1−y}Sn{sub y} light emitting diodes: The role of strain relaxation in tuned heterostructure designs

This paper describes the properties of Ge{sub 1−y}Sn{sub y} light emitting diodes with a broad range of Sn concentrations (y = 0.0–0.11). The devices are grown upon Si(100) platforms using ultra-low temperature deposition of highly reactive Ge and Sn hydrides. The device fabrication adopts two new photodiode designs which lead to optimized performance and enables a systematic study of the effects of strain relaxation on emission efficiency. In contrast with n-Ge/i-Ge{sub 1−y}Sn{sub y}/p-Ge analogs, which in most cases contain two defected interfaces, our designs include a p-layer with composition Ge{sub 1−z}Sn{sub z} chosen to be z < y to facilitate light extraction, but with z close enough to y to guarantee no strain relaxation at the i/p interface. In addition, a Ge{sub 1−x}Sn{sub x} alloy is also used for the n layer, with compositions in the 0 ≤ x ≤ y range, so that defected and non-defected n/i interfaces can be studied. The electroluminescence spectra vs the Sn content y in the intrinsic layer of the diodes exhibit a monotonic shift in the emission wavelength from 1550 nm to 2500 nm. On the other hand, the emission intensities show a complex dependence that cannot be explained solely on the basis of Sn concentrations. Detailed theoretical modeling of these intensities makes it possible to extract recombination lifetimes that are found to be more than three times longer in samples in which strain relaxation has not occurred at the n-i interface, demonstrating the existence of a large non-radiative contribution from the relaxation defects. This finding is particularly significant for direct gap diodes with y > 0.09, for which it is practically impossible to avoid strain relaxation in n-Ge/i-Ge{sub 1−y}Sn{sub y}/p-Ge analogs. The new designs introduced here open the door to the fabrication of highly efficient electrically pumped systems for applications in future generations of integrated photonics.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Holocene paleoclimate change in the western US: The importance of chronology in discerning patterns and drivers

We report sediment in lakes and meadows forms a powerful archive that can be used to reconstruct environmental change through time. Reconstructions of lake level, of chemical, biological, and hydrological conditions, and of surrounding vegetation provide detailed information about past climate conditions, both locally and regionally. Indeed, most of our current knowledge of centennial- to millennial-scale climate variability in the arid western United States, where information about past hydroclimate is particularly important, comes from such sediment-based reconstructions. The pressing need for robust, precise predictions of future conditions is a significant motivation for paleoclimate science, and current research questions frequently require Holocene reconstructions to be resolved at sub-centennial timescales. Increasingly, regional syntheses seek to identify synoptic-scale patterns similar to those defined from modern observations (seasonal, interannual, multi-decadal, etc.) or to compare with the output of climate model simulations. However, the age control on existing records, especially those more than about 20 years old, is often sufficient only for millennial-scale interpretation. Here we assess the age control for 84 published and unpublished records from lakes and meadows in the Great Basin, California, and desert southwest, and use Bayesian modeling to evaluate the 95% uncertainty ranges for the 42 best-dated records. In the Late Holocene, about half of the 42 records have <400-year mean uncertainty ranges; however, high-precision age control is especially critical for young records, used to develop an accurate understanding of a proxy’s response to known climate variations. In the Middle Holocene, records vary from 400 to >800-year mean uncertainty and records of the Early Holocene have 600- to >1400-year mean uncertainty ranges. We find that the largest control on modeled uncertainties is dating density, with at least 2 dates/kyr being optimal and suggest obtaining “range-finder” dates at the onset of a study to better predict the total number of dates needed for an adequate age model. Such a density avoids a commonly observed phenomenon of significant peaks in uncertainty arising in gaps between age control points. Analysis of the uncertainties associated with proxy shifts reveal that more than half are >400 years. Although such large uncertainties currently prevent sub-centennial interpretations in most cases, increased dating density, strategic use of limited funds (including budgeting for a 2 date/kyr minimum at the proposal stage), construction of age-depth models with Bayesian methods, and critical evaluation of chronological uncertainty will shed light on past climate variability at finer timescales, enhancing our understanding of global and regional drivers of western U.S. climate.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Colossal mid-infrared bulk photovoltaic effect in a type-I Weyl semimetal

Broadband, efficient and fast conversion of light to electricity is crucial for sensing and clean energy. The bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) is a second-order nonlinear optical effect that intrinsically converts light into electrical current. We demonstrate a large mid-infrared BPVE in microscopic devices of the Weyl semimetal TaAs. This discovery results from combining recent developments in Weyl semimetals, focused-ion beam fabrication and theoretical works suggesting a connection between BPVE and topology. We also present a detailed symmetry analysis that allows us to separate the shift current response from photothermal effects. The magnitude and wavelength range of the assigned shift current may impact optical detectors, clean energy and topology, and demonstrate the utility of Weyl semimetals for practical applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Use of Shared Automated Vehicles for First-Mile Last-Mile Service: Micro-Simulation of Rail-Transit Connections in Austin, Texas

Shared fleets of fully automated vehicles (SAVs) coupled with real-time ride-sharing to and from transit stations are of interest to cities and nations in delivering more sustainable transportation systems. By providing first-mile last-mile (FMLM) connections to key transit stations, SAVs can replace walk-to-transit, drive-to-transit, and drive-only trips. Using the SUMO (Simulation of Urban MObility) toolkit, this paper examines mode splits, wait times, and other system features by micro-simulating two fleets of SAVs providing an FMLM ride-sharing service to 10% of central Austin’s trip-makers near five light-rail transit stations. These trips either start or end within two geofenced areas (called automated mobility districts [AMDs]), and travel time and wait time feedbacks affect mode choices. With rail service headways of 15?min, and 15 SAVs serving FMLM connections to and from each AMD, simulations predict that 3.7% of the person-trip-making will shift from driving alone to transit use in a 3?mi?×?6?mi central Austin area. During a 3-h morning peak, 30 SAVs serve about 10 person-trips each (to or from the stations), with 3.4?min average wait time for SAVs, and an average vehicle occupancy of 0.74 persons (per SAV mile-traveled), as a result of empty SAV driving between riders. Sensitivity analysis of transit headways (from 5 to 20?min) and fleet sizes (from 5 to 20 vehicles in each AMD) shows an increase in FMLM mode share with more frequent transit service and larger fleet size, but total travel time served as the biggest determinant in trip-makers’ mode share.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Wake loss and energy spread factor of the LEReC Booster cavity caused by short range wake field

LEReC project uses a DC photoemission gun with multi-alkali (CsK 2 Sb or NaK 2 Sb) cathode [1]. To get 24 mm “flat-top” distribution, 32 Gaussian laser bunches with 0.6 mm rms length are stacked together with 0.75 mm distance [2]. In this case one cannot simply use a 1 cm rms length Gaussian/step/delta bunch for short range wake field simulation since a 0.6 mm bunch contains frequency much higher than the 1 cm bunch. A short range wake field simulation was done using CST Particle Studio™ with 0.6 mm rms Gaussian bunch at the speed of light, and this result was compared with the result for 1 cm rms Gaussian bunch in Figure 1, from where one notice that the wake potential for the 0.6 mm bunch is ~10 times higher than that of the 1 cm bunch. The wake potential of the 0.6 mm bunch, as well as the charge distribution, was then “shift and stack” every 0.75 mm, the normalized results are shown in Figure 2. The wake loss factor (WLF) is the integration of the product of wake potential and normalized bunch charge, and the energy spread factor (ESF) is the rms deviation from the average energy loss. It is calculated by summing the weighted squares of the differences and taking the square root of the sum. These two factors were then divided by β 2 for 1.6 MV beam energy. The wake loss factor is at 0.86 V/pC and energy spread factor is at 0.54 V/pC rms. With 100 pC electron bunch, the energy spread inter-bunch is 54 V rms.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

High-energy heavy-ion scattering and the optical phase shift function

Within the framework of the Glauber approximation, an exact expression for the optical phase shift function is derived which takes into account the center-of-mass correlation function. We calculate total and differential cross sections using the first-order term for the shift function and compare them with the usual (first-order) optical limit results and, for the lighter nuclei, with the exact Glauber results. The nucleus-nucleus elastic scattering amplitude does not exhibit the large-q divergence which characterizes the usual optical limit. The obtained results improve the calculated total and differential cross sections dramatically for light nuclei, and significantly for medium and heavy nuclei.

Franco, V.↗

Correlated photometric and polarimetric phenomena in AM Herculis

Via simultaneous multicolor photometry and polarimetry of AM Herculis, we find correlations among polarization, flux, and color in the V and I bands in periodic and nonperiodic (i.e., flickering) activity. The primary minimum observed in both bands is accompanied by a blueward shift of the (B - R) color and a decrease in the absolute value of the percent circular polarization in the V band. Outside primary minimum, peaks of flickering activity tend to be associated with an increase in the absolute value of the circular polarization and the concurrent reddening of the (B - R) and (R - I) colors. The visual light curve of AM Her can be explained by a flickering, circularly polarized light source which is obscured at primary minimum, and is redder than the total system color in the URVRI bands.

Priedhorsky, W. C.↗

The radial velocity search for extrasolar planets

Researchers are measuring small changes in the line-of-sight velocities of stars to detect the oscillating reflex acceleration induced by large planets. The intention is to observe enough stars for a long enough time to be able to make a statement of the probability of planets in a certain range of masses even if no planetary perturbations are detected. To make these measurements of Doppler shift with the required sensitivity, a new instrument was specifically designed, built and tested for this campaign of ground-based planet detection. The instrument is an optical spectrometer for which wavelengths are first calibrated by transmission through a tunable Fabry-Perot etalon interferometer. The intrinsic stability of the etalon and an image-scrambling fiber optic light feed provide great sensitivity to line-of-sight accelerations and immunity to systematic errors.

Mcmillen, Robert S.↗

Exploring Molecular Mechanisms of Cosolvent Enhanced Biomass Deconstruction: An Overview of Recent Progress

In this chapter, we explore the mechanisms driving efficient thermochemical deconstruction and fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass in cosolvent mixtures for the production of biofuels and bioproducts. New approaches that combine molecular dynamics simulations with experimental characterization highlight the important role of cosolvents and their influence on molecular processes relevant to overcoming the natural recalcitrance of lignocellulose. From localized phase behavior on cellulose fibers to changes in lignin conformation, insights into cosolvent effects on biomass deconstruction involve understanding complex interactions between the solvent–solvent, solvent–substrate, and solvent–catalyst. Recently coordinated research efforts at multiple scales using computational tools, nano-scale imaging, and kinetic models have significantly advanced identification of high-performance cosolvents, shedding light on the mechanisms behind solvent-biomass interactions. Specifically, multifunctional cosolvents have been employed in leading biomass “solvolysis” technologies that favorably coordinate with dilute acids to solubilize and depolymerize all three primary biomass fractions of biomass: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. As a result, recent work in studying solvent effects of multifunctional cosolvents has led to a paradigm shift toward the use of first principles to design biomass deconstruction techniques with the aim of maximizing total carbon utilization in biomass. The synergistic pairing of cosolvents with biomass deconstruction will lead scientists and engineers to overcome key technical and economic barriers of biomass processing, enabling a successful transition of the current energy landscape toward a future bioeconomy based on biomass as an alternative to petroleum.

Mostofian, Barmak↗

Comment on Comment on “Anomalous structural recovery in the near glass transition range in a polymer glass: Data revisited in light of temperature variability in vacuum oven‐based experiments”*

Abstract Cangialosi, Alegría, and Colmenero have made a comment on a paper of ours [Polym. Eng. Sci. 2022:1–13], in which we discussed the concern that the enthalpy recovery data reported by Cangialosi and co‐workers [Phys. Rev. Lett. 2013;111(9):095701] for polystyrene aged up to 15 K below glass transition temperature was anomalous and contradicted existing experimental results from the literature over a similar range of aging conditions. Their response shifts the focus away from the raised questions about their experimental results and attempts to invalidate the data that we cited in support of our argument. Here we respond to the comment and add additional analysis that suggests the structural recovery response of glassy materials exhibits smooth behavior over the full range of measurements, up to 7 or 8 logarithmic decades. We do this by referring to the work on the intrinsic isotherm down‐jump and memory responses of poly(vinyl acetate) between 40°C and 15°C over six logarithmic decades by Kovacs [Fortsch. Hochpolym. Fo. 1963;3(1/2):394–508], the small‐strain tensile creep of poly(vinyl chloride) quenched from 90°C to 40°C (approximately 40°C below T g ) over seven logarithmic decades from Struik [Polym Eng. Sci., 1977;17:165–173], and the volume recovery behavior for aging times up to 3 months in a temperature range between 95°C and −50°C by Greiner and Schwarzl [Rheol. Acta. 1984;23(4):378–395]. We also add discussion that an isothermal aging procedure using a vacuum oven is highly vulnerable to temperature errors due to the problem of good temperature control when the heat transfer mechanism is primarily radiative.

Jin, Shuang↗

Compare low-gain 1D and 3D models toward a storage ring-based X-ray free-electron-laser oscillator

Fourth-generation diffraction-limited synchrotron light sources (DL-SLS) present a compelling platform for advanced light source applications due to their ultra-low emittance (around tens of picometers), sub-micrometer beam stability, and high repetition rates (greater than 1 MHz). Despite these advantages, fundamental limitations, such as long bunch durations (tens of picoseconds), large relative energy spread (~10⁻³), and low peak current (<300 A), have hindered their effectiveness in free-electron laser (FEL) applications. Using a low-gain three-dimensional (3D) model based on NSLS-II upgrade lattice parameters, we demonstrate that a 6% single-pass gain is achievable with an optimized transverse gradient undulator (TGU). Concurrently, recent advances in X-ray optics—specifically, a four-mirror bow-tie resonator utilizing diamond mirrors and beryllium compound refractive lenses (CRLs)—enable total round-trip losses below 4% and an output coupling efficiency near 1%, rendering a Storage Ring based X-ray FEL oscillator (XFELO) a realistic possibility. In the 3D framework, the TGU effectively mitigates the detrimental effects of large energy spread by spatially dispersing the beam, leading to enhanced gain relative to conventional one-dimensional (1D) models. We establish both analytical and numerical connections between the 1D and 3D descriptions, leveraging GENESIS simulations to map equivalent gain conditions. While 1D resonance is defined in the energy domain, the 3D TGU system shifts the resonance dependence to transverse gradient and dispersion parameters. Once optimized, this framework allows predictive modeling using 1D formulas, which can then be validated through full 3D simulations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Induction time of a polymorphic transformation

When a solution is supersaturated with respect to multiple polymorphs, the polymorph with the lowest nucleation barrier will form first. If this is a metastable polymorph, it will persist until the induction of nuclei of a lower free-energy phase, marking the onset of a polymorphic transformation. Induction of a more stable polymorph can occur under two conditions: a.) during steady-state nucleation, or b.) after complete crystal growth of the metastable phase. Using the theory of competing stochastic processes, we derive the rare probability of forming a higher-barrier, more-stable polymorph during steady-state nucleation, and use this to explain variations in crystallization products between repeat experiments, which may underlie the phenomenon of "Disappearing Polymorphs". We also derive the induction time of a stable phase from a solution equilibrated with a metastable phase, and show that once the stable phase nucleates, bulk metastable crystals will spontaneously ripen onto nanoscale nuclei or seeds of a more stable phase, thermodynamically driving dissolution-reprecipitation processes. Existing strategies to prolong or shorten the lifetimes of transient metastable phases are reviewed and interpreted within the context of polymorphic induction. Finally, the analyses in this work are conducted from classical nucleation and crystal growth theories, suggesting that paradigms shifts to 'non-classical' nucleation theories may not be necessary to rationalize multistage crystallization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Alteration of phycobilisome excitation energy transfer properties in response to attenuations in peripheral electron flow

In Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 ( S . 6803), two types of phycobilisome (PBS) complexes, CpcG-PBS and CpcL-PBS, function to harvest light energy for photosynthetic reaction centers (RCs), photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII). The compositional differences between these two forms of PBS and their specificity for RCs have led to suggestions that they may differ in function. To address this question, we examined how PBS-RC interactions, and the transfer of excitation energy from PBS to RCs, might be adjusted under conditions where electron demand and photon availability are modulated. The CpcG-PBS, CpcL-PBS, and RC complexes were isolated from a S . 6803 strain defective in expression of flavodiiron 1 (oxygen reduction reaction 1, ORR1) grown under varied light regimes. The energy transfer preference from CpcL-PBS to either PSI or PSII was investigated by in vitro crosslinking and 77 K fluorescence emission spectroscopy to assess energy transfer efficiency under photoexcitation. While the results demonstrate that the transfer of excitation energy from CpcL-PBS favors PSI over PSII in WT strains as previously shown, the preference of CpcL-PBS switches from PSI to PSII in ORR1 strains. Surprisingly, this change in preference was reproduced when ORR1 CpcL-PBS was crosslinked with WT RCs, or when WT CpcL-PBS was cross-crosslinked with ORR1 RCs, indicating there are physical modifications to both PBS and RCs that mediate the preference switch. In contrast, the analysis with ORR1 CpcG-PBS shows similar preferences to WT. Additionally, PBS populations in ORR1 shifted to a greater proportion of CpcL-PBS relative to CpcG-PBS. These results demonstrate that under conditions where electron utilization changes, there is a tuning of the excitation energy allocation from CpcL-PBS to RCs to manage the energy distribution for photosynthesis under dynamic flux conditions.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Superatomic molecules with internal electric fields for light harvesting

Traditional p–n junctions used for photovoltaics require an interface where a light induced electron–hole pair is separated by an electric field. Developing alternative strategies for forming strong internal electric fields for electron–hole pair separation offers the possibility for better performance. We demonstrate that fusing two superatomic clusters with donor/acceptor ligands on opposite sides of the cluster leads to such a strong internal electric field. In two fused metal–chalcogenide Re6S8Cl2(L)4 clusters with donor PMe3 ligands and acceptor CO ligands on the opposite sides of the fused clusters, the electronic levels undergo shifts analogous to band bending in traditional p–n junctions. The fused cluster has a large dipole moment, and an optical spectrum that strongly absorbs excitation above the HOMO–LUMO gap of the fused clusters, but is optically very weak for the lowest energy excitation that can lead to electron–hole pair recombination. This is because the electron is localized on the CO portion of the fused cluster, while the electron–hole pair is localized on the PMe3 side of the cluster. It is shown that the electronic states localized on each side of the cluster can be aligned/misaligned by applying a voltage in different directions, offering diode like characteristics.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

X-ray Emission Spectroscopy at X-ray Free Electron Lasers: Limits to Observation of the Classical Spectroscopic Response for Electronic Structure Analysis

X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) provide ultrashort intense X-ray pulses suitable to probe electron dynamics but can also induce a multitude of nonlinear excitation processes. These affect spectroscopic measurements and interpretation, particularly for upcoming brighter XFELs. Here we identify and discuss the limits to observing classical spectroscopy, where only one photon is absorbed per atom for a Mn 2+ in a light element (O, C, H) environment. X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) with different incident photon energies, pulse intensities, and pulse durations is presented. A rate equation model based on sequential ionization and relaxation events is used to calculate populations of multiply ionized states during a single pulse and to explain the observed X-ray induced spectral lines shifts. Furthermore this model provides easy estimation of spectral shifts, which is essential for experimental designs at XFELs and illustrates that shorter X-ray pulses will not overcome sequential ionization but can reduce electron cascade effects.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Tuning Photovoltaic Performance of Perovskite Nickelates Heterostructures by Changing the A-Site Rare-Earth Element

Perovskite rare-earth nickelates (RNiO3) have attracted much attention because of their exotic physical properties and rich potential applications. Here, we report systematic tuning of the electronic structures of RNiO3 (R=Nd, Sm, Gd, and Lu) by isovalent A-site substitution. By integrating RNiO3 thin films with Nb-doped SrTiO3 (NSTO), p-n heterojunction photovoltaic cells have been prepared and their performance has been investigated. The open-circuit voltage increases monotonically with decreasing A-site cation radius of RNiO3. This change results in a downward shift of the Fermi level and induces the increase in the built-in potential at the RNiO3/NSTO heterojunction, with LuNiO3/NSTO showing the largest open-circuit voltage. At the same time, the short-circuit current initially increases upon changing the A-site element from Nd to Sm. However, the larger bandgaps of GdNiO3 and LuNiO3 reduces light absorption which in turn induces a decrease in the short-circuit current. A power conversion efficiency of 1.13% has been achieved by inserting an ultrathin insulating SrTiO3 layer at the SmNiO3/NSTO interface. Our study illustrates how changing the A-site cation is an effective strategy for tuning photovoltaic performance and increasing the applicability of nickelates in optoelectric devices.

Nickelates, Oxygen vacancy, photovoltaics, p-n het↗

Two-Factor Phase Separations in Mixed-Halide Quasi-2D Perovskite LEDs: Dimensionality and Halide Segregations

Quasi-2D halide perovskites have attracted much interest as a promising material for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) due to their tunability in quantum confinement and halide alloy formation to modulate the energy bandgap and emission color. However, two-factor phase separations with respect to heterogeneous quantum-well thicknesses and halide segregation are still crucial issues in quasi-2D perovskite LEDs, leading to low external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) and color shifts. In this work, we compare quasi-2D perovskite films using different cations to unveil the key contributions from the chemical design of organic cations. While mixing halide ions in conventional quasi-2D perovskite films induces micrometer-scale heterogeneity, new extended and twisted conjugated cations suppress the two-factor phase separations, leading to high EQEs of over 25% and controllable emission wavelengths across red and near-infrared regions. The fundamental insights in this work will provide guidance for advancing materials design and device performance in the future.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

HIGH-DENSITY CIRCUMSTELLAR INTERACTION IN THE LUMINOUS TYPE IIn SN 2010jl: THE FIRST 1100 DAYS

Hubble Space Telescope and ground-based observations of the Type IIn supernova (SN) 2010jl are analyzed, including photometry and spectroscopy in the ultraviolet, optical, and near-IR bands, 26-1128 days after first detection. At maximum, the bolometric luminosity was ∼3 × 10{sup 43} erg s{sup –1} and even at 850 days exceeds 10{sup 42} erg s{sup –1}. A near-IR excess, dominating after 400 days, probably originates in dust in the circumstellar medium (CSM). The total radiated energy is ≳ 6.5 × 10{sup 50} erg, excluding the dust component. The spectral lines can be separated into one broad component that is due to electron scattering and one narrow with expansion velocity ∼100 km s{sup –1} from the CSM. The broad component is initially symmetric around zero velocity but becomes blueshifted after ∼50 days, while remaining symmetric about a shifted centroid velocity. Dust absorption in the ejecta is unlikely to explain the line shifts, and we attribute the shift instead to acceleration by the SN radiation. From the optical lines and the X-ray and dust properties, there is strong evidence for large-scale asymmetries in the CSM. The ultraviolet lines indicate CNO processing in the progenitor, while the optical shows a number of narrow coronal lines excited by the X-rays. The bolometric light curve is consistent with a radiative shock in an r {sup –2} CSM with a mass-loss rate of M-dot ∼0.1 M{sub ⊙} yr{sup −1}. The total mass lost is ≳ 3 M {sub ☉}. These properties are consistent with the SN expanding into a CSM characteristic of a luminous blue variable progenitor with a bipolar geometry. The apparent absence of nuclear processing is attributed to a CSM that is still opaque to electron scattering.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗