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At least 1,513 records · Page 84

Amorphous silicon carbide coatings for extreme ultraviolet optics

Amorphous silicon carbide films formed by sputtering techniques are shown to have high reflectance in the extreme ultraviolet spectral region. X-ray scattering verifies that the atomic arrangements in these films are amorphous, while Auger electron spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy show that the films have composition close to stoichiometric SiC, although slightly C-rich, with low impurity levels. Reflectance vs incidence angle measurements from 24 to 1216 A were used to derive optical constants of this material, which are presented here. Additionally, the measured extreme ultraviolet efficiency of a diffraction grating overcoated with sputtered amorphous silicon carbide is presented, demonstrating the feasibility of using these films as coatings for EUV optics.

Kortright, J. B.↗

Photoluminescence studies of polycrystalline Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2}: Lateral inhomogeneities beyond Abbe's diffraction limit

We analyze Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} absorbers with a scanning near-field optical microscope (SNOM) by photoluminescence (PL). Such measurements allow one to extract local fluctuations of the integral PL yield, the quasi-Fermi level splitting, and the material composition in the submicron range. However, the experimental findings depend strongly on the surface roughness of the absorber: If the surface is rough, artifact-prone correlations between surface contour and PL features measured by SNOM can be found that complicate the study of recombination effects. For smooth surfaces, such correlations no longer exist and the influence of grain boundaries on the integral PL yield and the quasi-Fermi level splitting is revealed. The method also allows a detailed determination of the local band gaps in neighboring grains and their spatial variation inside, and thus of possibly local changes in chemical composition of different grains.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Structural, optical and transport properties of transition metals doped (A: Co, Ni and Cu) BiFe{sub 0.9}A{sub 0.1}O{sub 3}

Nanoparticles of pure and Transition metals doped (Co, Ni and Cu) BiFeO{sub 3} of the composition BiFe{sub 0.9}A{sub 0.1}O{sub 3} (A = Co, Ni and Cu) have been successfully synthesized by sol gel auto combustion method using citric acid as a chelating agent and calcinated at 300°C. Microstructural analyses were done by XRD, TEM and SEM techniques. The crystallite size was resolute by powder X-ray diffraction technique whereas, UV-VIS technique was used to study the optical properties and band gap (Eg) of all samples. The variation of a. c. conductivity has been studied as function of frequency. It was observed that doping causes decreases in the ac conductivity of the nanoparticles as compared with the pure nanoparticles. It was also observed that doping of Transition Metals affects the optical properties effectively and band gaps were also increased.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Influence of annealing temperature on structural and optical properties of Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+}, Tb{sup 3+} transparent films

Highlights: • Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+}, Tb{sup 3+} films were synthesized by sol–gel and by dip-coating technique. • Effects of annealing treatment on structural and optical properties were studied. • Optogeometrical characteristics of synthesized films were analyzed. • X-ray diffraction results showed that Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+}, Tb{sup 3+} crystallizes at 700 °C. • High reddish emission on transparent films with at least 1 μm thick was observed. - Abstract: High-optical quality Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} 5 mol%, X Tb{sup 3+} (X = 0–0.04 mol%) thin films were prepared by the sol–gel process and dip-coating technique. The procedure was as follows: lutetium, europium and terbium nitrates were used as precursors, and ethanol as a solvent. Etylenglycol (EG) was added as a sol stabilizer, and the pH was adjusted by acetic acid. After 10 dipping-cycles, followed by an annealing process (600–900 °C) for 1 h, transparent, smooth and crack-free films (ra = 8–9 nm) were formed. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed crystallized films into the cubic structure at 800 °C. The ellipsometry results showed that the thickness of the films varied from 1 to 1.4 μm at 1000 and 600 °C, respectively. Finally, the films presented a typical Eu{sup 3+} red emission at 611 nm ({sup 5}D{sub 0} → {sup 7}F{sub 2}); furthermore, the effect of the Tb{sup 3+} content showed that the highest emission intensity corresponded to the lower Tb{sup 3+} content.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Anisotropic Transient Disordering of Colloidal, Two-Dimensional CdSe Nanoplatelets upon Optical Excitation

Nanoplatelets (NPLs)-colloidally synthesized, spatially anisotropic, two-dimensional semiconductor quantum wells-are of intense interest owing to exceptionally narrow transition line widths, coupled with solution processability and bandgap tunability. However, given large surface areas and undercoordinated bonding at facet corners and edges, excitation under sufficient intensities may induce anisotropic structural instabilities that impact desired properties. We employ time-resolved X-ray diffraction to study the crystal structure of CdSe NPLs in response to optical excitation. Photoexcitation induces greater out-of-plane than in-plane disordering in 4 and 5 monolayer (ML) NPLs, while 3 ML NPLs display the opposite behavior. Recovery dynamics suggest that out-of-plane cooling slightly outpaces in-plane cooling in 5 ML NPLs with recrystallization occurring on indistinguishable time scales. In comparison, for zero-dimensional CdSe nanocrystals, disordering is isotropic and recovery is faster. These results favor the use of NPLs in optoelectronic applications, where they are likely to exhibit superior performance over traditional, zero-dimensional nanocrystals.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Optical and electrical properties study of sol-gel derived Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} thin films for solar cells

The fabrication of environmental-friendly Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} (CZTS) thin films with pure kesterite phase is always a challenge to researchers in the field of solar cells. We introduce a simple non-vacuum sol-gel method to fabricate kesterite CZTS films. Ethylenediamine is used as the chelating agent and stabilizer and plays an important role in preparing stable precursor. X-ray diffraction, Raman and scanning electron microscopy studies suggest that the microstructure and optical properties of CZTS films depend strongly on annealing temperatures. The temperature dependence of conductivity of 500 °C annealed CZTS film shows that the Mott law dominates in the low temperature region and thermionic emission is predominant at high temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Method of optical coherence tomography with parallel depth-resolved signal reception and fibre-optic phase modulators

The method of optical coherence tomography with the scheme of parallel reception of the interference signal (P-OCT) is developed on the basis of spatial paralleling of the reference wave by means of a phase diffraction grating producing the appropriate time delay in the Mach–Zehnder interferometer. The absence of mechanical variation of the optical path difference in the interferometer essentially reduces the time required for 2D imaging of the object internal structure, as compared to the classical OCT that uses the time-domain method of the image construction, the sensitivity and the dynamic range being comparable in both approaches. For the resulting field of the interfering object and reference waves an analytical expression is derived that allows the calculation of the autocorrelation function in the plane of photodetectors. For the first time a method of linear phase modulation by 2π is proposed for P-OCT systems, which allows the use of compact high-frequency (a few hundred kHz) piezoelectric cell-based modulators. For the demonstration of the P-OCT method an experimental setup was created, using which the images of the inner structure of biological objects at the depth up to 1 mm with the axial spatial resolution of 12 μm were obtained. (optical coherence tomography)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Diamond channel-cut crystals for high-heat-load beam-multiplexing narrow-band X-ray monochromators

Next-generation high-brilliance X-ray photon sources call for new X-ray optics. Here we demonstrate the possibility of using monolithic diamond channel-cut crystals as high-heat-load beam-multiplexing narrow-band mechanically stable X-ray monochromators with high-power X-ray beams at cutting-edge high-repetition-rate X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facilities. The diamond channel-cut crystals fabricated and characterized in these studies are designed as two-bounce Bragg reflection monochromators directing 14.4 or 12.4 keV X-rays within a 15 meV bandwidth to 57 Fe or 45 Sc nuclear resonant scattering experiments, respectively. The crystal design allows out-of-band X-rays transmitted with minimal losses to alternative simultaneous experiments. Only ≲2% of the incident ∼100 W X-ray beam is absorbed in the 50 µm-thick first diamond crystal reflector, ensuring that the monochromator crystal is highly stable. Other X-ray optics applications of diamond channel-cut crystals are anticipated.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

SU-D-213-03: Towards An Optimized 3D Scintillation Dosimetry Tool for Quality Assurance of Dynamic Radiotherapy Techniques

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to simulate a multi-focus plenoptic camera used as the measuring device in a real-time three-dimensional scintillation dosimeter. Simulating and optimizing this realistic optical system will bridge the technological gap between concept validation and a clinically viable tool that can provide highly efficient, accurate and precise measurements for dynamic radiotherapy techniques. Methods: The experimental prototype, previously developed for proof of concept purposes, uses an off-the-shelf multi-focus plenoptic camera. With an array of interleaved microlenses of different focal lengths, this camera records spatial and angular information of light emitted by a plastic scintillator volume. The three distinct microlens focal lengths were determined experimentally for use as baseline parameters by measuring image-to-object magnification for different distances in object space. A simulated plenoptic system was implemented using the non-sequential ray tracing software Zemax: this tool allows complete simulation of multiple optical paths by modeling interactions at interfaces such as scatter, diffraction, reflection and refraction. The active sensor was modeled based on the camera manufacturer specifications by a 2048×2048, 5 µm-pixel pitch sensor. Planar light sources, simulating the plastic scintillator volume, were employed for ray tracing simulations. Results: The microlens focal lengths were determined to be 384, 327 and 290 µm. A realistic multi-focus plenoptic system, with independently defined and optimizable specifications, was fully simulated. A f/2.9 and 54 mm-focal length Double Gauss objective was modeled as the system’s main lens. A three-focal length hexagonal microlens array of 250-µm thickness was designed, acting as an image-relay system between the main lens and sensor. Conclusion: Simulation of a fully modeled multi-focus plenoptic camera enables the decoupled optimization of the main lens and microlens specifications. This work leads the way to improving the 3D dosimeter’s achievable resolution, efficiency and build for providing a quality assurance tool fully meeting clinical needs. M.R. is financially supported by a Master’s Canada Graduate Scholarship from the NSERC. This research is also supported by the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Optical Design.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Construction of Prototype Lightweight Mirrors

This contract and the work described was in support of a Seven Segment Demonstrator (SSD) and demonstration of a different technology for construction of lightweight mirrors. The objectives of the SSD were to demonstrate functionality and performance of a seven segment prototype array of hexagonal mirrors and supporting electromechanical components which address design issues critical to space optics deployed in large space based telescopes for astronomy and for optics used in spaced based optical communications systems. The SSD was intended to demonstrate technologies which can support the following capabilities; Transportation in dense packaging to existing launcher payload envelopes, then deployable on orbit to form space telescope with large aperture. Provide very large (less than 10 meters) primary reflectors of low mass and cost. Demonstrate the capability to form a segmented primary or quaternary mirror into a quasi-continuous surface with individual subapertures phased so that near diffraction limited imaging in the visible wavelength region is achieved. Continuous compensation of optical wavefront due to perturbations caused by imperfections, natural disturbances, and equipment induced vibrations/deflections to provide near diffraction limited imaging performance in the visible wavelength region. Demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating such systems with reduced mass and cost compared to past approaches. While the SSD could not be expected to satisfy all of the above capabilities, the intent was to start identifying and understanding new technologies that might be applicable to these goals.

Robinson, William G.↗

To what extent can space be compressed? Bandwidth limits of spaceplates

Spaceplates are novel flat-optic devices that implement the optical response of a free-space volume over a smaller length, effectively “compressing space” for light propagation. Together with flat lenses such as metalenses or diffractive lenses, spaceplates have the potential to enable the miniaturization of any free-space optical system. While the fundamental and practical bounds on the performance metrics of flat lenses have been well studied in recent years, a similar understanding of the ultimate limits of spaceplates is lacking, especially regarding the issue of bandwidth, which remains as a crucial roadblock for the adoption of this platform. In this work, we derive fundamental bounds on the bandwidth of spaceplates as a function of their numerical aperture and compression ratio (ratio by which the free-space pathway is compressed). The general form of these bounds is universal and can be applied and specialized for different broad classes of space-compression devices, regardless of their particular implementation. Our findings also offer relevant insights into the physical mechanism at the origin of generic space-compression effects and may guide the design of higher performance spaceplates, opening new opportunities for ultra-compact, monolithic, planar optical systems for a variety of applications.

Shastri, Kunal (ORCID:0000000169282753)↗

The study and characteristics of ZnO/CdS nanocomposite and its application on nanoantibacterial activities

We have studied the structural and optical properties of ZnO/CdS nanocomposite and its application on nanoantibacterial activities. In this paper, we have used X-ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques in order to know about the structural and optical properties of synthesized ZnO/CdS nanocomposite. After TEM and EDX analysis it has been confirmed that the shape of this nanocomposite is hexagonal and it has no impurity. The optical absorption spectra of pure ZnO and ZnO/CdS nanocomposite have been presented by UV-Visible Spectrometer and the estimated band gap from absorption peak has been found to be 3.36 and 3.74 eV respectively. Antibacterial activity of ZnO/CdS nanocomposite was evaluated by using standard zone of inhibition (ZOI) microbiology assay. The synthesized ZnO/CdS showed promising antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in dose dependent manner.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Adaptive Full Aperture Wavefront Sensor Study

This grant and the work described was in support of a Seven Segment Demonstrator (SSD) and review of wavefront sensing techniques proposed by the Government and Contractors for the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) Program. A team developed the SSD concept. For completeness, some of the information included in this report has also been included in the final report of a follow-on contract (H-27657D) entitled "Construction of Prototype Lightweight Mirrors". The original purpose of this GTRI study was to investigate how various wavefront sensing techniques might be most effectively employed with large (greater than 10 meter) aperture space based telescopes used for commercial and scientific purposes. However, due to changes in the scope of the work performed on this grant and in light of the initial studies completed for the NGST program, only a portion of this report addresses wavefront sensing techniques. The wavefront sensing techniques proposed by the Government and Contractors for the NGST were summarized in proposals and briefing materials developed by three study teams including NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, TRW, and Lockheed-Martin. In this report, GTRI reviews these approaches and makes recommendations concerning the approaches. The objectives of the SSD were to demonstrate functionality and performance of a seven segment prototype array of hexagonal mirrors and supporting electromechanical components which address design issues critical to space optics deployed in large space based telescopes for astronomy and for optics used in spaced based optical communications systems. The SSD was intended to demonstrate technologies which can support the following capabilities: Transportation in dense packaging to existing launcher payload envelopes, then deployable on orbit to form a space telescope with large aperture. Provide very large (greater than 10 meters) primary reflectors of low mass and cost. Demonstrate the capability to form a segmented primary or quaternary mirror into a quasi-continuous surface with individual subapertures phased so that near diffraction limited imaging in the visible wavelength region is achieved. Continuous compensation of optical wavefront due to perturbations caused by imperfections, natural disturbances, and equipment induced vibrations/deflections to provide near diffraction limited imaging performance in the visible wavelength region. Demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating such systems with reduced mass and cost compared to past approaches.

Robinson, William G.↗

Impact of strain on electronic defects in (Mg,Zn)O thin films

We have investigated the impact of strain on the incorporation and the properties of extended and point defects in (Mg,Zn)O thin films by means of photoluminescence, X-ray diffraction, deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS), and deep-level optical spectroscopy. The recombination line Y₂, previously detected in ZnO thin films grown on an Al-doped ZnO buffer layer and attributed to tensile strain, was exclusively found in (Mg,Zn)O samples being under tensile strain and is absent in relaxed or compressively strained thin films. Furthermore a structural defect E3´ can be detected via DLTS measurements and is only incorporated in tensile strained samples. Finally it is shown that the omnipresent deep-level E3 in ZnO can only be optically recharged in relaxed ZnO samples.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Novel Y doped Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} photocatalyst: Hydrothermal fabrication, characterization and enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity for Rhodamine B degradation and photocurrent generation

Visible-light-driven (VLD) Yttrium (Y) ion doped Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} photocatalyst has been synthesized via a facile hydrothermal route. Incorporation of Y{sup 3} {sup +} into Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} lattice was successfully confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ICP analysis. The microstructure and optical property of the as-prepared samples have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The photocatalytic experiments indicated that the Y-Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} showed a much higher photocatalytic activity than the pristine Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and photocurrent (PC) generation. This enhancement should be ascribed to the slightly increased band gap and the generated defects by Y{sup 3} {sup +} doping, thus resulting in a much lower recombination rate of the photoinduced electrons and holes. Such a process was verified by the photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. In addition, the active species trapping experiments indicated that holes (h{sup +}) and superoxide radicals (·O{sub 2}{sup −}) play important roles in the photocatalytic reaction. - Highlights: • Novel Y-Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} photocatalyst has been synthesized by a facile hydrothermal route. • Y-Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} exhibits a much higher photocatalytic activity than pristine Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}. • Holes (h{sup +}) and superoxide radicals (·O{sub 2}{sup −}) are the two main active species. • Y{sup 3} {sup +} ion can result in a low recombination of photogenerated electron and hole.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The Harper–Hofstadter Hamiltonian and conical diffraction in photonic lattices with grating assisted tunneling

Here we propose the realization of a grating assisted tunneling scheme for tunable synthetic magnetic fields in optically induced one- and two-dimensional dielectric photonic lattices. As a signature of the synthetic magnetic fields, we demonstrate conical diffraction patterns in particular realization of these lattices, which possess Dirac points in k-space. Lastly, we compare the light propagation in these realistic (continuous) systems with the evolution in discrete models representing the Harper-Hofstadter Hamiltonian, and obtain excellent agreement.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Investigation of intrinsic and extrinsic defects effective role on producing intense red emission in ZnO:Eu nanostructures

Highlights: • Effective role of defects on producing red emission at indirect excitation. • V{sub Zn} and V{sub O} defects have important role on energy transfer. • Mg related defects and Zn{sub i} defects were responsible for blue emission. • Extrinsic and intrinsic defects mediated energy transfer to sensitize Eu{sup 3+} ions. • Decrease of red emission because of diminishing in oxygen vacancy. - Abstract: Europium doped ZnO nanorads and nanosheets were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Effects of Mg doping, morphology and annealing in oxygen ambient on structural and optical properties of ZnO nanostructures were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size analysis (PSA), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), differential thermo gravimetry (DTG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). This study recommends that both of intrinsic and extrinsic defects facilitate energy transfer (ET) from the ZnO host to Eu{sup 3+} ions and consequently have efficient role on producing intense red emission at indirect excitation. The results also showed that annealing process improved the crystal structure of ZnO nanosheets due to decrease of surface defects; however decreased ET and red emission because of diminishing in oxygen vacancy. In addition in ZnO nanorods sample with more surface area in comparison with ZnO nanosheets sample deep level emissions are enhanced.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗