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At least 1,693 records · Page 94

Atomic-Level Understanding of Surface Reconstruction Based on Li[Ni x Mn y Co 1–x–y ]O 2 Single-Crystal Studies

The stability of cathode particle surfaces that are directly exposed to the electrolyte is one of the most crucial and determining factors for cathode performance at high operating voltages. Theory has predicted a strong dependence of surface stability on chemical compositions as well as surface facets of layered oxides, yet conflicting results on the correlations exist as most experimental studies focus on cycled secondary particles recovered from composite electrodes. Here, we synthesize well-formed Li[Ni x Mn y Co 1–x–y ]O 2 (NMC) single-crystal samples, carefully define pristine surface properties, and then monitor their evolution with cycling. Atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) analysis show the formation of a surface reconstruction layer (SRL) as well as an extended surface reduction layer on pristine, Li-permeable non-(001) surfaces, even before cycling. We reveal a transition region with chemical gradient, in which the layered structure gradually densifies and eventually transforms into the SRL on the top surface. Contrary to these observations, no SRL is observed on pristine, Li-impermeable (001) surfaces, revealing the facet-dependent nature of surface reconstructions during particle synthesis. Upon electrochemical cycling, significant composition-and facet-dependent SRL growth is observed. The driving force and mechanism for surface reconstruction are further discussed. The present study provides insights into the origin as well as the nature of SRLs, highlighting the significance of surface engineering in cathode material optimization.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Direct imaging of ultrafast lattice dynamics

Under rapid high-temperature, high-pressure loading, lattices exhibit complex elastic-inelastic responses. The dynamics of these responses are challenging to measure experimentally because of high sample density and extremely small relevant spatial and temporal scales. In this work, we use an x-ray free-electron laser providing simultaneous in situ direct imaging and x-ray diffraction to spatially resolve lattice dynamics of silicon under high–strain rate conditions. We present the first imaging of a new intermediate elastic feature modulating compression along the axis of applied stress, and we identify the structure, compression, and density behind each observed wave. The ultrafast probe x-rays enabled time-resolved characterization of the intermediate elastic feature, which is leveraged to constrain kinetic inhibition of the phase transformation between 2 and 4 ns. These results not only address long-standing questions about the response of silicon under extreme environments but also demonstrate the potential for ultrafast direct measurements to illuminate new lattice dynamics.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Formation of Fourier phase shifts in the solar Ni I 6768 A line

A formalism is developed to understand better how Doppler shifts of spectrum lines as inferred from phase shifts in the Fourier transforms of line profiles are related to the underlying velocity structures which they are intended to measure. With a standard model atmosphere and a simplified, quasi-LTE treatment of line formation, the formalism is applied to the Ni I 6768 A line, which has been selected for use with a network of imaging interferometers under development by the Global Oscillations Network Group for research in helioseismology. Fourier phase shifts are found to be a remarkably linear measure of velocity even in the presence of gradients and unresolved lateral variations in the assumed velocity field. An assumed outward increase in amplitude of a model oscillatory velocity is noticeably reflected in the center-to-limb behavior of the simulated velocity measure, and a sample model of solar granulation is found to have a strong influence on the formation of the Fourier phase.

Jones, Harrison P.↗

Transmission Electron Microscopy of Iron Metal in Almahata Sitta Ureilite

Almahata Sitta (AS) is a polymict breccia mainly composed of variable ureilite lithologies with small amounts of chondritic lithologies [1]. Fe metal is a common accessory phase in ureilites, but our earlier study on Fe metals in one of AS fragments (#44) revealed a unique mineralogy never seen in other ureilites [2,3]. In this abstract we report detailed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on these metal grains to better understand the thermal history of ureilites. We prepared FIB sections of AS#44 by JEOL JIB-4000 from the PTS that was well characterized by SEM-EBSD in our earlier study [2]. The sections were then observed by STEM (JEOL JEM- 2100F). One of the FIB sections shows a submicron-sized symplectic intergrown texture composed of Fe metal (kamacite), Fe carbide (cohenite), Fe phosphide (schreibersite), and Fe sulfide (troilite). Each phase has an identical SAED pattern in spite of its complex texture, suggesting co-crystallization of all phases. This is probably caused by shock re-melting of pre-existing metal + graphite to form a eutectic-looking texture. The other FIB section is mostly composed of homogeneous Fe metal (93 wt% Fe, 5 wt% Ni, and 2 wt% Si), but BF-STEM images exhibited the presence of elongated lathy grains (approx. 2 microns long) embedded in the interstitial matrix. The SAED patterns from these lath grains could be indexed by alpha-Fe (bcc) while interstitial areas are gamma-Fe (fcc). The elongated alpha-Fe grains show tweed-like structures suggesting martensite transformation. Such a texture can be formed by rapid cooling from high temperature where gamma-Fe was stable. Subsequently alpha-Fe crystallized, but gamma-Fe remained in the interstitial matrix due to quenching from high temperature. This scenario is consistent with very rapid cooling history of ureilites suggested by silicate mineralogy.

Mikouchi, T.↗

A generalized machine learning workflow to visualize mechanical discontinuity

Accurate detection and mapping of mechanical discontinuity in materials has widespread industrial and research applications. Herein, we developed a generalized machine-learning framework for visualizing single mechanical discontinuity embedded in material of any composition, velocity, density, porosity, and size with limited data. The proposed visualization of discontinuity requires accurate estimations of the length, location, and orientation of the embedded discontinuity by processing multipoint wave-transmission measurements. k-Wave simulator is used to create a large dataset of elastic waveforms recorded during multi-point wave-transmission measurements through materials containing single mechanical discontinuity. k-Wave simulator considers the wave attenuation, dispersion, and mode conversion in wave motion. Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and statistical feature extraction are essential for data preprocessing prior to the data-driven model development. DWT also minimizes the effect of noise. Using hyper-parameter tuning and cross validation, gradient boosting regression can visualize the mechanical discontinuity with an accuracy of 0.85, in terms of coefficient of determination. A double-layered neural network-based regression has better performance with an accuracy of 0.95. Use of convolutional neural network converts the predictive task from a waveform processing to an image processing problem. Convolutional neural network achieved a generalization performance of 0.91. The proposed generalized workflow requires robust simulation of wave propagation, signal processing, feature engineering, and model evaluation. Sensors closest to the source and those located opposite the source are the most significant for the desired visualization. Notably, the sensors closest to the source capture the non-linear associations, whereas the sensor on the border opposite to the source capture the linear associations between the measured waveforms and the properties of the mechanical discontinuity.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Digital technique for generating synthetic aperture radar images

This paper describes a digital processing method applicable to a synthetic aperture radar, to be carried by the space shuttle or by satellites. The method uses an earth-fixed coordinate system in which corrective procedures are invoked to compensate for errors introduced by the satellite motion, earth curvature, and wavefront curvature. Among the compensations discussed are those of the coordinate system, skewness, roll, pitch, yaw, earth rotation, and others. The application of a Fast Fourier Transform in the numerical processing of the two-dimensional convolution is discussed in detail.

Van De Lindt, W. J.↗

Coronary vascular age: An alternate means for predicting stress-induced myocardial ischemia in patients with suspected coronary artery disease

Background: Coronary artery calcium (CAC) can be used to estimate vascular age in adults, providing a convenient transformation of CAC from Agatston units into a year’s scale. We investigated the role of coronary vascular age in predicting stress-induced myocardial ischemia in subjects with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: A total of 717 subjects referred to CAC scoring and {sup 82}Rb PET/CT stress-rest myocardial perfusion imaging for suspected CAD were studied. CAC score was measured according to the Agatston method and coronary vascular age by equating estimated CAD risk for chronological age and CAC using the formula 39.1 + 7.25 × ln(CAC + 1). Results: Stress-induced ischemia was present in 105 (15%) patients. Mean chronological age, CAC score, and coronary vascular age were higher (all P < .001) in patients with ischemia compared to those without. At incremental analysis, the global Chi square increased from 41.26 to 68.77 (P < .001) when chronological age was added to clinical variables. Including vascular age in the model, the global Chi square further increased from 68.77 to 106.38 (P < .001). Adding chronological age to clinical data, continuous net reclassification improvement (cNRI) was 0.57, while adding vascular age to clinical data and chronological age cNRI was 0.62. At decision curve analysis, the model including vascular age was associated with the highest net benefit compared to the model including only clinical data, to the model including chronological age and clinical data, and to a strategy considering that all patients had ischemia. The model including vascular age also showed the largest reduction in false-positive rate without missing any ischemic patients. Conclusions: In subjects with suspected CAD, coronary vascular age is strongly associated with stress-induced ischemia. The communication of a given vascular age would have a superior emotive impact improving observance of therapies and healthier lifestyles.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Spontaneous Formation of 1D Pattern in Monolayer VSe 2 with Dispersive Adsorption of Pt Atoms for HER Catalysis

Creation of functional patterns in two-dimensional (2D) materials provides opportunities to extend their potential for applications. Transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are suitable 2D materials for pattern generation because of properties including alterable polymorphic phases, easy chalcogen-vacancy formation, metal-atom insertion, and alloying. Such patterning can be used for selective functionalization. Here we report the spontaneous formation of long-range, well-ordered 1D patterns in monolayer vanadium diselenide (VSe 2 ) by a single annealing stage during growth. Atomic-resolution images in real space combined with density-functional-theory (DFT) calculations reveal the 1D features of patterned VSe 2 . Further experimental characterization of the intermediate states in the growth process confirm the spontaneous formation of the 1D pattern by annealing-induced Se-deficient linear defects. The 1D pattern can be reversibly transformed to homogenous VSe 2 monolayer by reintroducing Se atoms. Moreover, additional experiments demonstrate that a dispersive deposition of Pt atoms along the 1D structures of patterned VSe 2 is achieved, while DFT calculations find that their catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is as good as that of Pt surfaces. Further, the formation of long-range, well-ordered 1D patterns not only demonstrates an effective way of dimension modulation in 2D materials but also enriches the potential of intrinsically patterned 2D materials for promising catalytic activities.

Chemical structure↗

Crystallization kinetics and thermodynamics of an Ag–In–Sb–Te phase change material using complementary in situ microscopic techniques

The crystallization of an amorphous Ag–In–Sb–Te (AIST) phase change material (PCM) is studied using multiple in situ imaging techniques to directly quantify crystal growth rates over a broad range of temperatures. The measurable growth rates span from ≈ 10 –9 to ≈ 20 m/s. Recent results using dynamic transmission electron microscopy (TEM), a photoemission TEM technique, and TEM with sub-framed imaging are reported here and placed into the context of previous growth rate measurements on AIST. Dynamic TEM experiments show a maximum observed crystal growth rate for as-deposited films to be > 20 m/s. It is shown that crystal growth above the glass transition can be imaged in a TEM through use of subframing and a high-frame-rate direct electron detection camera. Challenges associated with the determination of temperature during in situ TEM experiments are described. Finally, preliminary nanocalorimetry results demonstrate the feasibility of collecting thermodynamic data for crystallization of PCMs with simultaneous TEM imaging.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Scanning thermal plumes

Over a three-year period 800 thermal line scans of power plant plumes were made by an airborne scanner, with ground truth measured concurrently at the plants. Computations using centered finite differences in the thermal scanning imagery show a lower bound in the horizontal temperature gradient in excess of 1.6 C/m. Gradients persist to 3 m below the surface. Vector plots of the velocity of thermal fronts are constructed by tracing the front motion in successive thermal images. A procedure is outlined for the two-point ground calibration of a thermal scanner from an equation describing the scanner signal and the voltage for two known temperatures. The modulation transfer function is then calculated by input of a thermal step function and application of digital time analysis techniques using Fast Fourier Transforms to the voltage output. Field calibration tests are discussed. Data accuracy is limited by the level of ground truth effort chosen.

Scarpace, F. L.↗

Geology and image processing

Digital image processing for geological applications will be integrated with geographic information systems and data base management systems. While multiband data sets from radar and multispectral scanners will make extreme demands on memory, bus and processor architectures, it is expected that array processors and VLSI/VHSIC dedicated function chips will allow the use of fast Fourier transform and classification algorithms. It is anticipted that, as processor power increases, the weakest link of a processing system will become the analyst who uses it. Human engineering of systems is therefore recommended for the most effective utilization of remotely sensed geologic data.

Daily, M.↗

Destriping AIS data using Fourier filtering techniques

Airborne Imaging Spectrometers (AIS) data collected in 1984 and 1985 showed pronounced striping in the vertical and horizontal directions. This striping reduced the signal to noise ratio so that features of the spectra of forest canopies were obscured or altered by noise. This noise was removed by application of a notch filter to the Fourier transform of the imagery in each waveband.

Hlavka, C.↗

Geologic mapping using integrated AIRSAR, AVIRIS, and TIMS data

The multi-sensor aircraft campaign called the 'Geologic Remote Sensing Field Experiment' (GRSFE), conducted during 1989 in the southwestern United States, collected multiple airborne remote sensing data sets and associated field and laboratory measurements. The GRSFE airborne data sets used in this study include the airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR), the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS), and the Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS). Each sensor's unique characteristics were used for this study in a combined analysis scheme for geologic mapping. AIRSAR was used to map structures and landforms, AVIRIS was used to map mineralogy, and TIMS was used to map lithology. Visual data integration using IHS transforms and combined numerical analysis using derived geophysical and geologic parameters with 'multispectral' techniques resulted in improved geologic mapping over that possible using each data set individually.

Kruse, Fred A.↗

Database Integrity Monitoring for Synthetic Vision Systems Using Machine Vision and SHADE

In an effort to increase situational awareness, the aviation industry is investigating technologies that allow pilots to visualize what is outside of the aircraft during periods of low-visibility. One of these technologies, referred to as Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS), provides the pilot with real-time computer-generated images of obstacles, terrain features, runways, and other aircraft regardless of weather conditions. To help ensure the integrity of such systems, methods of verifying the accuracy of synthetically-derived display elements using onboard remote sensing technologies are under investigation. One such method is based on a shadow detection and extraction (SHADE) algorithm that transforms computer-generated digital elevation data into a reference domain that enables direct comparison with radar measurements. This paper describes machine vision techniques for making this comparison and discusses preliminary results from application to actual flight data.

Cooper, Eric G.↗

Distributed Computing Architecture for Image-Based Wavefront Sensing and 2 D FFTs

Image-based wavefront sensing (WFS) provides significant advantages over interferometric-based wavefi-ont sensors such as optical design simplicity and stability. However, the image-based approach is computational intensive, and therefore, specialized high-performance computing architectures are required in applications utilizing the image-based approach. The development and testing of these high-performance computing architectures are essential to such missions as James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Terrestial Planet Finder-Coronagraph (TPF-C and CorSpec), and Spherical Primary Optical Telescope (SPOT). The development of these specialized computing architectures require numerous two-dimensional Fourier Transforms, which necessitate an all-to-all communication when applied on a distributed computational architecture. Several solutions for distributed computing are presented with an emphasis on a 64 Node cluster of DSPs, multiple DSP FPGAs, and an application of low-diameter graph theory. Timing results and performance analysis will be presented. The solutions offered could be applied to other all-to-all communication and scientifically computationally complex problems.

Smith, Jeffrey S.↗

Method and system for progressive mesh storage and reconstruction using wavelet-encoded height fields

Systems and methods are provided for progressive mesh storage and reconstruction using wavelet-encoded height fields. A method for progressive mesh storage includes reading raster height field data, and processing the raster height field data with a discrete wavelet transform to generate wavelet-encoded height fields. In another embodiment, a method for progressive mesh storage includes reading texture map data, and processing the texture map data with a discrete wavelet transform to generate wavelet-encoded texture map fields. A method for reconstructing a progressive mesh from wavelet-encoded height field data includes determining terrain blocks, and a level of detail required for each terrain block, based upon a viewpoint. Triangle strip constructs are generated from vertices of the terrain blocks, and an image is rendered utilizing the triangle strip constructs. Software products that implement these methods are provided.

Baxes, Gregory A.↗

Preliminary LISA Telescope Spacer Design

The Laser Interferometric Space Antenna (LISA) mission observes gravitational waves by measuring the separations between freely floating proof masses located 5 million kilometers apart with an accuracy of approximately 10 picometers. The separations are measured interferometrically. The telescope is an afocal Cassegrain style design with a magnification of 80x. The entrance pupil has a 40 cm diameter and will either be centered on-axis or de-centered off-axis to avoid obscurations. Its two main purposes are to transform the small diameter beam used on the optical bench to a diffraction limited collimated beam to efficiently transfer the metrology laser between spacecraft, and to receive the incoming light from the far spacecraft. It transmits and receives simultaneously. The basic optical design and requirements are well understood for a conventional telescope design for imaging applications, but the LISA design is complicated by the additional requirement that the total optical path through the telescope must remain stable at the picometer level over the measurement band during the mission to meet the measurement accuracy. This poster describes the requirements for the telescope and the preliminary work that has been done to understand the materials and mechanical issues associated with the design of a passive metering structure to support the telescope and to maintain the spacing between the primary and secondary mirrors in the LISA on-orbit environment. This includes the requirements flowdown from the science goals, thermal modeling of the spacecraft and telescope to determine the expected temperature distribution,layout options for the telescope including an on- and off-axis design, and plans for fabrication and testing.

Livas, J.↗

LISA Telescope Spacer Design Issues

The LISA mission observes gravitational waves by measuring the separations between freely floating proof masses located 5 million kilometers apart with an accuracy of - 10 picometers. The separations are measured interferometrically. The telescope is an afocal Cassegrain style design with a magnification of 80x. The entrance pupil has a 40 cm diameter and will either be centered on-axis or de-centered off-axis to avoid obscurations. Its two main purposes are to transform the small diameter beam used on the optical bench to a diffraction limited collimated beam to efficiently transfer the metrology laser between spacecraft, and to receive the incoming light from the far spacecraft. It transmits and receives simultaneously. The basic optical design and requirements are well understood for a conventional telescope design for imaging applications, but the LISA design is complicated by the additional requirement that the total optical path through the telescope must remain stable at the picometer level over the measurement band during the mission to meet the measurement accuracy. We describe the mechanical requirements for the telescope and the preliminary work that has been done to understand the materials and mechanical issues associated with the design of a passive metering structure to support the telescope and to maintain the spacing between the primary and secondary mirrors in the LISA on-orbit environment. This includes the requirements flowdown from the science goals, thermal modeling of the spacecraft and telescope to determine the expected temperature distribution, layout options for the telescope including an on- and off-axis design. Plans for fabrication and testing will be outlined.

Livas, Jeff↗