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At least 1,729 records · Page 96

Solid consistency

We argue that isotropic scalar fluctuations in solid inflation are adiabatic in the super-horizon limit. During the solid phase this adiabatic mode has peculiar features: constant energy-density slices and comoving slices do not coincide, and their curvatures, parameterized respectively by ζ and R, both evolve in time. The existence of this adiabatic mode implies that Maldacena's squeezed limit consistency relation holds after angular average over the long mode. The correlation functions of a long-wavelength spherical scalar mode with several short scalar or tensor modes is fixed by the scaling behavior of the correlators of short modes, independently of the solid inflation action or dynamics of reheating.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Performance of a coarsely pixelated LAPPD photosensor for the SoLID gas Cherenkov detectors

The SoLID spectrometer's gas Cherenkov counters require photosensors that operate in a high luminosity and high background environment. The reference design features arrays of 9 or 16 tiled multi-anode photomultipliers (MaPMTs), distributed across 32 sectors, to serve the light-gas and heavy-gas Cherenkov counters, respectively. To assess the viability of a pixelated INCOM Large Area Picosecond Photodetector (LAPPD TM ) as an alternative photosensor to replace MaPMT arrays in either detector, we evaluated its performance under realistic SoLID running conditions in Hall C at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). The results of this test confirmed that the coarse-pixelated (2.5 × 2.5 cm 2 pixel size) LAPPD is capable of handling the total projected signal and background rates of the three pillar SoLID experiments. The tested photosensor detected Cherenkov signals with the capability of separating single-electron events from pair production events while rejecting background. Although the design was not aimed at ring-imaging Cherenkov detectors, Cherenkov disk images were captured in two different gas radiators. Through a direct comparison with a GEANT4 simulation, we confirmed the experimental performance of the LAPPD.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Development of a scalar-based geometric parameterization approach for the crystal structure landscape of dithienylethene-based crystalline solids

Dithienylethenes (DTEs) are a promising class of organic photoswitches that can be used to create crystalline solids with properties controlled by light. However, the ability of DTEs to adopt multiple conformations, only one of which is photoactive, complicates the rational design of these materials. Herein, the synthesis and structural characterization of 19 crystalline solids containing a single DTE molecule are described. A novel D – D analysis of the molecular geometries obtained from rotational potential energy surface calculations and the ensemble of experimental structures were used to construct a crystal landscape for DTE. Of the 19 crystal structures, 17 contained photoinactive DTE rotamers and only 2 were photoactive. These results highlight the challenges associated with the design of these materials. Overall, the D – D analysis described herein provides rapid, effective and intuitive means of linking the molecular structure to photoactivity that could be applied more broadly to afford a general strategy for producing photoactive diarylethene-based crystalline solids.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synthesis, X-ray Diffraction Characterization, Mössbauer Spectroscopy, and Dielectric Properties of Solid Solutions in the PbFe{sub 2/3}W{sub 1/3}O{sub 3}–PbSc{sub 2/3}W{sub 1/3}O{sub 3} System

Ceramic Pb(Fe{sub 1–x}Sc{sub x}){sub 2/3}W{sub 1/3}O{sub 3} samples with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 have been prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and dielectric and pyroelectric measurements. The stoichiometry ranges of the perovskite solid solutions in this system have been identified, their structural parameters have been determined, and their dielectric permittivity, dielectric loss tangent, resistivity, and thermally stimulated depolarization current have been measured as functions of temperature. The composition dependences of the dielectric properties for the solid solutions have been obtained. The solid solutions have been shown to exhibit ferroelectric relaxor properties, with a well-defined maximum in their permittivity in the range 180–250 K.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Sol–Gel Synthesis and Distinctive Structural Features of Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1–x}O{sub 2} Solid Solutions

We have synthesized Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1–x}O{sub 2} solid solutions via the thermal decomposition of xerogels of different compositions prepared by drying appropriate hydrosols. The synthesized materials have been characterized by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the solid solutions are formed at relatively low temperatures (450–600°C). The Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1–x}O{sub 2} samples with x = 0.5–0.9 consist of a cubic solid solution. At a lower CeO{sub 2} content (x = 0.2), the material consists of a mixture of cubic and tetragonal phases.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

On the role of the porous shell of the solid core of the earth in the anomalous heat and mass flow to the mantle

The model of the pressure-induced first-order phase transition of a metal melt to the metallicglass state considers a thermodynamically nonequilibrium porous near-surface shell of the solid core of the Earth, which contacts cyclonic vortices in the liquid core. Anomalous flows of heat and light-material mass to the mantle from the solid core at these contact points are calculated. These anomalous flows are shown to be comparable with the observed ones under the assumption of a rapid increase in the melt viscosity at pressures of 1-10 Mbar, which is characteristic of a solid core. In this case, the porous layer permeability may be very low.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Investigation into the structure of ceramic Li{sub x}Na{sub 1-x}Ta{sub 0.1}Nb{sub 0.9}O{sub 3} solid solutions by X-ray analysis and Raman spectroscopy

The structure of ceramic solid solutions Li{sub x}Na{sub 1-x}Ta{sub 0.1}Nb{sub 0.9}O{sub 3} has been investigated by full-profile X-ray diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy. It is shown that their structure for all x values is similar to the NaNbO{sub 3} structure. The structure of NaTa{sub 0.1}Nb{sub 0.9}O{sub 3} solid solutions (x = 0) is characterized by the sp. gr. Pbcm, and the structure of Li{sub x}Na{sub 1-x}Ta{sub 0.1}Nb{sub 0.9}O{sub 3} solid solutions with x = 0.05, 0.1, and 0.16 is characterized by the sp. gr. P2{sub 1}ma. The unit-cell parameters decrease with an increase in x. At x = 0, doubled values of the parameter c and, correspondingly, the unit-cell volume are observed in the antiferroelectric phase. This fact is confirmed by the form of the vibrational spectrum in the region of stretching modes of oxygen atoms along the polar axis.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Transport characteristics of phonons and the specific heat of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:ZrO{sub 2} solid solution single crystals

The temperature dependences of the specific heat and transport characteristics of phonons in single crystals of yttrium-stabilized zirconium dioxide Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:ZrO{sub 2} solid solutions have been studied. It has been shown that the temperature dependences of the specific heat at T > 5 K are almost identical at the degree of stabilization of a solid solution with an Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} content of 5–20 mol %. Differences in the temperature dependences of the specific heat of samples from different sources at T < 5 K are due to the presence of low-energy two-level systems. The features of the transport characteristics of thermal phonons at liquid helium temperatures reflect not only the presence of two-level systems but also the scattering of phonons on low-dimensional domains of another phase coherently conjugate to the main phase of the Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:ZrO{sub 2} solid solution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Dynamic Strength of a Eutectic Bismuth–Lead Alloy in the Solid and Liquid States

The dynamic tensile strength (spall strength) of a eutectic bismuth–lead alloy is measured in the solid and liquid states in the temperature range from room temperature to 102°C for the solid phase and in the range 130–150°C for the melt. Melting is found to be accompanied by a decrease in the dynamic tensile strength by almost an order of magnitude. The Hugoniot elastic limit and the spall strength of the alloy in the solid state decrease with increasing test temperature.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Molecular beam epitaxy of III-P{sub x}As{sub 1−x} solid solutions: Mechanism of composition formation in the sublattice of a group V element

The effect of substrate temperature, As{sub 2} and P{sub 2} molecular flux densities, and growth rate on the composition of III-P{sub x}As{sub 1−x} solid solution layers prepared by molecular beam epitaxy is experimentally investigated. Experimental data in a wide range of growth conditions are analyzed. The results obtained are presented in the form of a kinetic model for describing the process of formation of the composition in the Group V sublattice of the III-P{sub x}As{sub 1−x} solid solution upon molecular beam epitaxy. The model can be used for choosing the growth conditions of the III-P{sub x}As{sub 1−x} (001) solid-solution layers of a specified composition.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Specific Heat of the Er{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}O{sub 7}–Er{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} Solid Solutions in the Temperature Range of 350–1000 K

Er{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}O{sub 7}–Er{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} solid solutions have been obtained using solid-state synthesis by burning the stoichiometric mixtures of the initial oxides in air in the temperature range of 1273–1473 K. The effects of temperature and solid solution composition on the specific heat have been examined by differential scanning calorimetry. The Er{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}O{sub 7} thermodynamic functions have been calculated.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Status and Targets for Polymer-Based Solid-State Batteries for Electric Vehicle Applications

There is growing interest in the development of Li-metal-based solid state batteries, driven by their promise in improving the energy density to satisfy electric vehicle requirements. In this work, we examine the status of Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based solid state batteries for electric vehicle applications using a continuum scale mathematical model. We examine LiFePO4(LFP) cathode/lithium metal anode batteries containing three different electrolytes, namely (1) a liquid electrolyte, (2) the polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (SEO) block copolymer electrolyte, and (3) a single-ion conducting (SIC) block copolymer electrolyte, with the liquid electrolyte serving as the baseline for the comparison. By using an optimization procedure, we assemble "virtual" batteries to identify the optimal design that maximizes energy density while allowing the power requirements of electric vehicles (EVs) to be satisfied. Results show the present status of different SPEs are still below what is considered acceptable and further improvements are needed to achieve electric vehicle targets. The optimization studies conducted here show that for low transference number electrolytes (similar to 0.2) the conductivity target is 5 x 10(-3)S cm(-1), while for a unity transference number electrolyte this target decreases to 4 x 10(-4)S cm(-1). These targets provide guidance for polymer synthesis researchers to develop better polymers for use in EVs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

A Three-Dimensional, Thermodynamically and Variationally Consistent, Fully Coupled, Electro-Chemo-Thermo-Mechanical Model of Solid-State Batteries

Here we present a theoretical framework for high fidelity modeling of three-dimensional electro-chemo-thermo-mechanical coupled systems such as solid-state batteries. The framework provides a useful means of utilizing molecular level information to predict the overall performance of the system at the continuum level. The central statement of the theoretical framework is a thermodynamically consistent inf-sup problem. The total potential of the coupled system consists of the Helmholtz free energy, the electrical kinetic potential, the chemical potential, the Fourier potential, the chemical reaction potential, and the external power expenditure. All governing equations derive from variational principles. We also show that the resulting initial-boundary-value problem (IBVP) is consistent with existing, widely adopted equations for modeling batteries. Moreover, the IBVP can be naturally discretized using the (variational) finite element method to simulate practical solid-state batteries with arbitrary geometries. Several examples illustrate multiphysics coupling between pairs of the physical field equations, culminating in a comprehensive three-dimensional model of charge-discharge in a solid state battery.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Data and scripts associated with a manuscript investigating impacts of solid phase extraction on freshwater organic matter optical signatures and mass spectrometry pairing

This data package is associated with the publication “Investigating the impacts of solid phase extraction on dissolved organic matter optical signatures and the pairing with high-resolution mass spectrometry data in a freshwater system” submitted to “Limnology and Oceanography: Methods.” This data is an extension of the River Corridor and Watershed Biogeochemistry SFA’s Spatial Study 2021 (https://doi.org/10.15485/1898914). Other associated data and field metadata can be found at the link provided. The goal of this manuscript is to assess the impact of solid phase extraction (SPE) on the ability to pair ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry data collected from SPE extracts with optical properties collected on ambient stream samples. Forty-seven samples collected from within the Yakima River Basin, Washington were analyzed dissolved organic carbon (DOC, measured as non-purgeable organic carbon, NPOC), absorbance, and fluorescence. Samples were subsequently concentrated with SPE and reanalyzed for each measurement. The extraction efficiency for the DOC and common optical indices were calculated. In addition, SPE samples were subject to ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry and compared with the ambient and SPE generated optical data. Finally, in addition to this cross-platform inter-comparison, we further performed and intra-comparison among the high-resolution mass spectrometry data to determine the impact of sample preparation on the interpretability of results. Here, the SPE samples were prepared at 40 milligrams per liter (mg/L) based on the known DOC extraction efficiency of the samples (ranging from ~30 to ~75%) compared to the common practice of assuming the DOC extraction efficiency of freshwater samples at 60%. This data package folder consists of one main data folder with one subfolder (Data_Input). The main data folder contains (1) readme; (2) data dictionary (dd); (3) file-level metadata (flmd); (4) final data summary output from processing script; and (5) the processing script. The R-markdown processing script (SPE_Manuscript_Rmarkdown_Data_Package.rmd) contains all code needed to reproduce manuscript statistics and figures (with the exception of that stated below). The Data_Input folder has two subfolders: (1) FTICR and (2) Optics. Additionally, the Data_Input folder contains dissolved organic carbon (DOC, measured as non-purgeable organic carbon, NPOC) data (SPS_NPOC_Summary.csv) and relevant supporting Solid Phase Extraction Volume information (SPS_SPE_Volumes.csv). Methods information for the optical and FTICR data is embedded in the header rows of SPS_EEMs_Methods.csv and SPS_FTICR_Methods.csv, respectively. In addition, the data dictionary (SPS_SPE_dd.csv), file level metadata (SPS_SPE_flmd.csv), and methods codes (SPS_SPE_Methods_codes.csv) are provided. The FTICR subfolder contains all raw FTICR data as well as instructions for processing. In addition, post processed FTICR molecular information (Processed_FTICRMS_Mol.csv) and sample data (Processed_FTICRMS_Data.csv) is provided that can be directly read into R with the associated R-markdown file. The Optics subfolder contains all Absorbance and Fluorescence Spectra. Fluorescence spectra have been blank corrected, inner filter corrected, and undergone scatter removal. In addition, this folder contains Matlab code used to make a portion of Figure 1 within the manuscript, derive various spectral parameters used within the manuscript, and used for parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) modeling. Spectral indices (SPS_SpectralIndices.csv) and PARAFAC outputs (SPS_PARAFAC_Model_Loadings.csv and SPS_PARAFAC_Sample_Scores.csv) are directly read into the associated R-markdown file. We acknowledge the Yakama Nation as owners and caretakers of the lands where we collected some of these data. We thank the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation Tribal Council and Yakama Nation Fisheries for working with us to facilitate sample collection and optimization of data usage according to their values and worldview.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Advances in solid-state batteries: Materials, interfaces, characterizations, and devices

Solid-state batteries with features of high potential for high energy density and improved safety have gained considerable attention and witnessed fast growing interests in the past decade. Significant progress and numerous efforts have been made on materials discovery, interface characterizations, and device fabrication. Further, this issue of MRS Bulletin focuses on the current state of the art of solid-state batteries with the most important topics related to the interface issues, advanced characterizations, and electrode chemistries, aiming to provide a comprehensive perspective for the interface and characterization challenges for high-performance solid-state battery devices.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Molecular Solid EOS based on Quasi-Harmonic Oscillator approximation for phonons

A complete equation of state (EOS) for a molecular solid is derived utilizing a Helmholtz free energy. Assuming that the solid is nonconducting, phonon excitations dominate the specific heat. Phonons are approximated as independent quasi-harmonic oscillators with vibrational frequencies depending on the specific volume. The model is suitable for calibrating an EOS based on isothermal compression data and infrared/Raman spectroscopy data from high pressure measurements utilizing a diamond anvil cell. In contrast to a Mie-Gruneisen EOS developed for an atomic solid, the specific heat and Gruneisen coefficient depend on both density and temperature.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Solid-State Thyratron Replacement. Final Report

Under this SBIR, DTI developed a solid-state switch as an alternative to legacy thyratron equipment. Our Phase II objective was to make a solid-state thyratron replacement that would provide equivalent or better performance, much higher reliability (at least a 20 year lifetime, compared to a thyratron’s two-year lifetime) and would sell for ~3x the cost of a thyratron, or less than $40k. We were successful in building a solid-state switch which could reliably function as a thyratron replacement. The unit was designed to directly replace the thyratrons currently being used at SLAC’s Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), and was built in a tank that was small enough to fit into the existing thyratron cabinet, providing a true form-fit-function replacement path. We tested the switch at the full operating specifications: 48 kV, 6.3 kA, and 1 µs risetime. We also demonstrated a peak-to-peak pulse jitter of 1.5 ns, which is five times shorter than is typical for thyratrons. This lower jitter would improve the performance of the LCLS beam. The predicted reliability is more than 80 years, which is 40 times greater than a thyratron.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Solid-State Ultra-High Power Amplifier Modules Based on 100 V RF GaN Technology for LINACS Operating at 325 and 650 MHz

Purpose / objectives. This research project explores the groundwork for developing a new high efficiency, high reliability and cost effective radio frequency technology to be used in power sources for future linear accelerators. The frequencies of operation are 650 and 325 MHz, in use at Fermi National Laboratory. The technology can be extended to other frequencies. Brief Description. In this research work ultra-high power solid-state radio frequency sources are proposed operating at the stated frequencies of interest. The approach employs high voltage Gallium Nitride radio frequency transistors, operating at 100 V or higher, to achieve 5-kilowatts continuous-wave and 10 kilowatts pulse power level in a small form factor. The 5 kilowatts building block reduces the required number of combiners and related losses to achieve megawatts power levels. The design employs harmonic tuning techniques as used in class E, F and inverse F power amplifiers to achieve >70% efficiency and assembly techniques that overcome heat dissipation in such high power density systems. Solid-state technology achieves million hour operating lifetime compared to 10 – 100 thousand hours for incumbent technology based on vacuum tubes. Additionally, the modular approach afforded by a solid-state solution avoids complete system shutdown when one module fails. Overall, the approach reduces capital and operating cost. Research Results. During Phase I radio frequency Gallium Nitride building block transistors with 50 mm gate periphery were designed and built which achieve ~600 W continuous-wave when operating at 100 V bias and 1-kW pulsed when operating at 150V. This level of performance has been demonstrated with operation at 325 and 650 MHz, and in both cases measured efficiency exceeded 70%. Potential Applications. The technology identified as suitable for high efficiency power sources in particle accelerators can also be applied in megawatt class radars and several industrial, scientific and medical applications such as microwave sintering, radio frequency and microwave ablation, oil percolation, MRI scanners and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometers, etc… The high efficiency of these devices also translates into reduced electrical power consumption and lower cost of operation.

100 VDC↗