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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,711 records · Page 95
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Direct observation of cross-polarized excitons in aligned single-chirality single-wall carbon nanotubes

Optical properties of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) for light polarized parallel to the nanotube axis have been studied extensively, whereas their response to light polarized perpendicular to the nanotube axis has not been well explored. Here, by using a macroscopic film of highly aligned single-chirality (6,5) SWCNTs, we performed a systematic polarization-dependent optical absorption spectroscopy study. In addition to the commonly observed angular-momentum-conserving interband absorption of parallel-polarized light, which generates E 11 and E 22 excitons, we observed a small but unambiguous absorption peak whose intensity is maximum for perpendicular-polarized light. We attribute this feature to the lowest-energy cross-polarized interband absorption processes that change the angular momentum along the nanotube axis by ±1, generating E 12 and E 21 excitons. Unlike previous observations of cross-polarized excitons in polarization-dependent photoluminescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy experiments, our direct observation using absorption spectroscopy allowed us to quantitatively analyze this resonance. Specifically, we determined the energy and oscillator strength of this resonance to be 1.54 and 0.05, respectively, compared with the values for the E 11 exciton peak. Furthermore, these values, in combination with a comparison with theoretical calculations, in turn led to an assessment of the environmental effect on the strength of Coulomb interactions in this aligned single-chirality SWCNT film.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Injection of electron beams into two laser wakefields and generation of electron rings

Throughout this work, mutual injection of electron beams into two laser plasma wakefields was observed experimentally when driving laser pulses interfered in plasma at a small crossing angle and were slightly relatively delayed, approximately by one pulse duration. Particle-in-cell simulations revealed that the mutual injection was sensitive to the spatial overlap of the laser pulses, which therefore could be used to control the mutual injection. The dual synchronized, femtosecond electron beams are potentially useful for pump-probe experiments in ultrafast science. In addition, out-of-axis ring-shaped electron beams were detected in both experiments and simulations.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Three-dimensional modeling of a plasma in a strong azimuthal magnetic field

Three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations are able to model the generation of disc-shaped plasma, driven by laser ablation from a current carrying rod in a pulsed-power machine producing azimuthal magnetic fields of 2–3 MG. The plasma at such extreme conditions is unique in that the parameter space for the plasma β and Hall parameter χ transition from below unity to greater than unity at different stages of the plasma generation. In simulations, the formation of the plasma disc in the azimuthal direction, is driven by heat flux from the laser spot and depends on the set of transport coefficients used in simulations. The most recent set of transport coefficients leads to the formation of plasma ejecta at the back end of the rod, that qualitatively matches experiments. Specifically, the cross-gradient Nernst effect, which twists magnetic field, is shown to have a large effect on the shape of the back end ejecta. In the direction along the axis of the rod there is propagation of perturbations from the disc as observed in experiments. In simulations the period of temperature perturbations is in good agreement with experimental results. Furthermore, an instability due to coupling of heat flux and the magnetic field advection provides a possible explanation for perturbation growth along the axis of the rod, and the instability growth rate is consistent with experimental results.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Heterogeneous Activation, Local Structure, and Softness in Supercooled Colloidal Liquids

We experimentally characterize heterogeneous nonexponential relaxation in bidisperse supercooled colloidal liquids utilizing a recent concept called “softness”. Particle trajectory and structure data enable classification of particles into subgroups with different local environments and propensities to hop. We determine residence times t R between particle hops and show that t R derived from particles in the same softness subgroup are exponentially distributed. Using the mean residence time t¯ R for each softness subgroup, and a Kramers’ reaction rate model, we estimate the activation energy barriers E b for particle hops, and show that both t¯ R and E b are monotonic functions of softness. Lastly, we derive information about the combinations of large and small particle neighbors that determine particle softness, and we explicitly show that multiple exponential relaxation channels in the supercooled liquid give rise to its nonexponential behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Evidence of Extreme Ultraviolet Superfluorescence in Xenon

We present a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study on superfluorescence in the extreme ultraviolet wavelength regime. Focusing a free-electron laser pulse in a cell filled with Xe gas, the medium is quasi-instantaneously population inverted by 4d-shell ionization on the giant resonance followed by Auger decay. On the timescale of ~10 ps to ~100 ps (depending on parameters) a macroscopic polarization builds up in the medium, resulting in superfluorescent emission of several Xe lines in the forward direction. As the number of emitters in the system is increased by either raising the pressure or the pump-pulse energy, the emission yield grows exponentially over four orders of magnitude and reaches saturation. With increasing yield, we observe line broadening, a manifestation of superfluorescence in the spectral domain. Here, our novel theoretical approach, based on a full quantum treatment of the atomic system and the irradiated field, shows quantitative agreement with the experiment and supports our interpretation.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Controlling Interactions between Quantum Emitters Using Atom Arrays

We investigate the potential for two-dimensional atom arrays to modify the radiation and interaction of individual quantum emitters. Specifically, we demonstrate that control over the emission linewidths, resonant frequency shifts, and local driving field enhancement in impurity atoms is possible due to strong dipole-dipole interactions within ordered, subwavelength atom array configurations. We demonstrate that these effects can be used to dramatically enhance coherent dipole-dipole interactions between distant impurity atoms within an atom array. Possible experimental realizations and potential applications are discussed.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Interaction Effects on the Dynamical Anderson Metal-Insulator Transition Using Kicked Quantum Gases

Understanding the interplay of interaction and disorder in quantum transport poses long-standing scientific challenges for theory and experiment. While highly controlled ultracold atomic platforms combining atomic interactions with spatially disordered lattices have led to remarkable advances, the extension of such controlled studies to phenomena in high-dimensional disordered systems, such as the three-dimensional Anderson metal-insulator transition has been limited. Kicked quantum gases provide an alternate experimental platform that captures the Anderson model in momentum space and features dynamical localization as the analog of Anderson localization. Here, we utilize a momentum space lattice platform using quasiperiodically kicked ultracold atomic gases to experimentally investigate interaction effects on the three-dimensional dynamical Anderson metal-insulator transition. Here, we observe interaction-driven subdiffusion and a divergence of delocalization onset time on approaching the phase boundary. Mean-field numerical simulations show qualitative agreement with experimental observations, but with significant quantitative deviations.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Entropy-mode-driven gas optics

We propose a class of gaseous diffractive optical elements created by imprinting an entropy mode in a gas. Previous approaches to gaseous diffractive optics have relied on the simultaneous excitation of a standing acoustic wave and an entropy mode to produce one-dimensional periodic structures. However, the presence of acoustic oscillations in the gas imposes stringent constraints on some of the operational parameters of these optical elements, such as their lifetime and diffraction angle. Here, in this work, we introduce an approach that eliminates the acoustic mode, relying solely on the entropy mode. This enables control of the lifetime and temporal profile of gaseous optical elements, and also allows the creation of arbitrary structures with greater contrast, including nonperiodic patterns such as chirped gratings or lenses. This approach should allow operation over a wider parameter space, including larger diffraction angles and compatibility with laser pulse durations ranging from femtoseconds to microseconds.

Optics and optical instruments↗
DOE OSTI2019

The Importance of p-Doping for Quantum Dot Laser on Silicon Performance

p-type modulation doping of the quantum dot active region is known to improve high temperature and dynamic performance of quantum dot lasers. These improvements are critical to realizing commercially relevant quantum dot devices on silicon and are shown to enable continuous wave operation over 100°C, nearly complete insensitivity to optical feedback, and orders of magnitude improvement in device reliability relative to unintentionally doped active regions. We also describe a spectrally resolved analysis of the effect of p-modulation doping on the optical gain revealing anomalous behavior that explains the high characteristic temperatures commonly observed in literature for similar devices on native substrate.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Control-Affine Schrödinger Bridge and Generalized Bohm Potential

From a stochastic control perspective, the Schrödinger bridge is a density-valued continuous curve parameterized by time that connects a given pair of initial and terminal probability densities via minimum effort controlled Brownian motion. The control-affine Schrödinger bridge extends this idea to a generic control-affine Itô diffusion, possibly with an additive state cost. Here, in this letter, we recast the necessary conditions of optimality for the control-affine Schrödinger bridge problem as a two point boundary value problem for a quantum mechanical Schrödinger PDE with complex potential. This complex-valued potential is a generalization of the real-valued Bohm potential in quantum mechanics. Our derived potential is akin to the optical potential in nuclear physics where the real part of the potential encodes elastic scattering (transmission of wave function), and the imaginary part encodes inelastic scattering (absorption of wave function). The key takeaway is that the process noise that drives the evolution of probability densities induces an absorbing medium in the evolution of wave function. These results make new connections between control theory and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics through the lens of quantum mechanics.

Markov processes↗
DOE OSTI2020

Impact of interface materials on side permeation in indirect encapsulation of organic electronics

This work demonstrates the impact of the contact interface between barrier films and adhesives on the side permeation of moisture into packaged devices. When barrier films are brought into contact with the adhesive layer during indirect encapsulation, permeation along defects at this interface can occur due to the imperfect nature of contact, resulting in the formation of pores. The connected network of pores can act as capillaries and be an alternative pathway for water permeation as opposed to the bulk of the adhesive or edge seal materials used for barrier attachment to the package. The rate of water permeation through the capillaries is governed by surface energies of the materials at the interfaces. Experimental results demonstrate that the rate of water permeation is significantly lowered by using materials with higher contact angles at the interface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Challenges in atomic layer etching of gallium nitride using surface oxidation and ligand-exchange

Two atomic layer etching (ALE) methods were studied for crystalline GaN, based on oxidation, fluorination, and ligand exchange. Etching was performed on unintentionally doped GaN grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy. For the first step, the GaN surfaces were oxidized using either water vapor or remote O 2 -plasma exposure to produce a thin oxide layer. Removal of the surface oxide was addressed using alternating exposures of hydrogen fluoride (HF) and trimethylgallium (TMG) via fluorination and ligand exchange, respectively. Several HF and TMG super cycles were implemented to remove the surface oxide. Each ALE process was monitored in situ using multiwavelength ellipsometry. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was employed for the characterization of surface composition and impurity states. Additionally, the thermal and plasma-enhanced ALE methods were performed on patterned wafers and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to measure the surface change. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements indicated that F and O impurities remained on etched surfaces for both ALE processes. Ellipsometry indicated a slight reduction in thickness. TEM indicated a removal rate that was less than predicted. In conclusion, we suggest that the etch rates were reduced due to the ordered structure of the oxide formed on crystalline GaN surfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Long-lived Ar-Hg plasma in the afterglow of a high-current pulsed discharge

High-density (n > 10{sup 12} cm{sup -3}) argon-mercury plasma produced by a short (t {approx} 20 {mu}s) high-power pulsed discharge in argon with an admixture of mercury vapor at a discharge current of {approx}50 A, an argon pressure of {approx}4 mm Hg, and a mercury vapor pressure of {approx}10{sup -3} mm Hg was studied using optical spectroscopy and radio physics methods. It is found that the lifetime of this plasma after the end of the discharge pulse is up to 10{sup -2} s. It is shown that such an abnormally long lifetime of such an afterglow plasma, as compared to the plasma of an argon discharge without an admixture of mercury vapor, is related to the long residence time of atoms and ions of both argon and mercury in highly excited states due to chemi-ionization processes involving long-lived metastable argon ions. It is suggested that dissociative recombination of highly excited molecular ions of argon play an important role in the transfer of excitation to argon atoms and ions that are close to autoionization states.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Occupation probabilities as variables in electronic structure theory: cooper pairing, OP-NSOFT-Cs,t, and the homogeneous electron liquid

The energy functional of a novel electronic structure theory, OP-NSOFT, has as variables the natural spin orbitals (NSO) of the trial function and their joint occupation probabilities in the search for the ground state energy. When occupancy is restricted to the spin-paired NSOs of DOCI, the resulting theory, OP-NSOFT-0, scales as M 3 , with M the size of the one-electron basis set. Accurate results were obtained for small molecules, particularly near dissociation where single reference theories like DFT are inaccurate. The homogeneous electron liquid (HEL) could serve as a test bed of OP-NSOFT for condensed systems, but OP-NSOFT-0 reduces to the Hartree–Fock approximation for the HEL. Cooper pairing is introduced instead, both singlet pairing, OP-NOFT-Cs, and fully polarized triplet pairing, OP-NSOFT-Ct. The former yields 1/3 of the diffusion-Monte-Carlo correlation energy, the latter 1/2 to 1/3 with decreasing electron density for r s values between 1 and 10. Both yield the discontinuity in the single-particle occupation number required by the Luttinger theorem. Furthermore, two-state joint occupation probabilities illustrate the importance of electron–electron small-angle scattering in establishing electron correlation in the unpolarized HEL.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2013

Toward real-time quantum imaging with a single pixel camera

In this paper, we present a workbench for the study of real-time quantum imaging by measuring the frame-by-frame quantum noise reduction of multi-spatial-mode twin beams generated by four wave mixing in Rb vapor. Exploiting the multiple spatial modes of this squeezed light source, we utilize spatial light modulators to selectively pass macropixels of quantum correlated modes from each of the twin beams to a high quantum efficiency balanced detector. Finally, in low-light-level imaging applications, the ability to measure the quantum correlations between individual spatial modes and macropixels of spatial modes with a single pixel camera will facilitate compressive quantum imaging with sensitivity below the photon shot noise limit.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2015

Resonant radiation from oscillating higher order solitons

We present radiation mechanism exhibited by a higher order soliton. In a course of its evolution the higher-order soliton emits polychromatic radiation resulting in formation of multipeak frequency comb-like spectral band. The shape and spectral position of this band can be effectively controlled by the relative strength of the third order dispersion. An analytical description is corroborated by numerical simulations. Research showed that for longer pulses the described effect persists also under the action of higher order perturbations such as Raman and self-steepening.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Polarized 3 He Neutron Spin Filters

The goal of this grant to Indiana University and subcontractors at Hamilton College and Wisconsin and the associated Interagency Agreement with NIST was to extend the technique of polarized neutron scattering by the development and application of polarized 3 He-based neutron spin filters. This effort was blessed with long-term support from the DOE Office of Science, which started in 2003 and continued until the end of a final no-cost extension of the last 3-year period of support in 2013. The steady support from the DOE Office of Science for this long-term development project was essential to its eventual success. Further 3 He neutron spin filter development is now sited at NIST and ORNL.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗