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At least 19 records

Quantum mechanical model of crossing and anti-crossing points in 3D full-band Monte Carlo simulations

This work presents a 3D quantum mechanics based model to address the physics at band structure crossing/anti-crossing points in full band Monte Carlo (FBMC) simulations. The model solves the Krieger and Iafrate (KI) equations in real time using pre-computed coefficients at k-points spatially sampled within the first Brillouin zone. Solving the KI equations in real time makes this model applicable for all electric fields, which enables its use in FBMC device simulations. In this work, a two-level refinement scheme is used to aggressively sample regions in proximity to band crossings for accurate solutions to the KI equations and coarsely sample everywhere else to limit the number of k-points used. The presented sampling method is demonstrated on the band structure of silicon but is effective for the band structure of any semiconductor material. Next, the adaptation of the fully quantum KI model into the semi-classical FBMC method is discussed. Finally, FBMC simulations of hole transport in 4H silicon carbide with and without the KI model are performed. Results along different crystallographic directions for a wide range of electric fields are compared to previously published simulation and experimental values.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Ka-Band Scanning ARM Cloud Radar (KASACR), 2nd Generation CF-Radial Spectral Data, Vertically-Pointing Scan, Cross Mode (a1-level)

The Ka-Band Scanning ARM Cloud Radar (KASACR) records cloud properties. ARM's scanning cloud radars are dual-frequency, dual-polarization Doppler radars mounted on a common scanning pedestal. Each pedestal includes a Ka-band radar (2kW peak power) and the deployment location determines whether the second radar is a W-band (1.7 kW peak power) or an X-band (20 kW peak power). Beamwidths for Ka-bands paired with W-bands are roughly matched at 0.3 degrees. The X-band beamwidth is approximately 1 degree. Due to the narrow antenna beamwidth, ARM’s scanning cloud radars use scanning strategies unlike typical weather radars. Rather than focusing on plan position indicator, or PPI, scans, the KASACR uses range height indicator, or RHI, scans at numerous azimuths to obtain cloud volume data. Measurements collected with the KASACR are copolar and cross-polar radar reflectivity, Doppler velocity, spectra width and spectra when not scanning, and linear depolarization ratio. KASACR data from the 2018–2019 Cloud, Aerosol, and Complex Terrain Interactions (CACTI) field campaign in Argentina are now available as b1-level products. Building on the original CACTI operational data, the b1-level products feature improved data quality resulting from extensive analyses and corrections. The data are cross-calibrated to a common point, datastreams are corrected for operational issues that occurred during the campaign, and several data quality masks and basic derived products are incorporated. For more information, read the CACTI radar b1-level processing report.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Topological Exact Flat Bands in Two-Dimensional Materials under Periodic Strain

Here we study flat bands and their topology in 2D materials with quadratic band crossing points under periodic strain. In contrast to Dirac points in graphene, where strain acts as a vector potential, strain for quadratic band crossing points serves as a director potential with angular momentum . We prove that when the strengths of the strain fields hit certain “magic” values, exact flat bands with emerge at charge neutrality point in the chiral limit, in strong analogy to magic angle twisted-bilayer graphene. These flat bands have ideal quantum geometry for the realization of fractional Chern insulators, and they are always fragile topological. The number of flat bands can be doubled for certain point group, and the interacting Hamiltonian is exactly solvable at integer fillings. We further demonstrate the stability of these flat bands against deviations from the chiral limit, and discuss possible realization in 2D materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Molecular weaving of chicken-wire covalent organic frameworks

Molecular weaving is the interlacing of covalently linked threads to make extended structures. Although weaving based on 3D networks has been reported, the 2D forms remain largely unexplored. Reticular chemistry uses mutually embracing tetrahedral metal complexes as crossing points, which, when linked, typically lead to 3D woven structures. Realizing 2D weaving patterns requires crossing points with an overall planar geometry. We show that polynuclear helicates composed of multiple metal-complex units, and therefore multiple turns, are well suited in this regard. By reticulating helicate units, we successfully obtained 2D weaving structures based on the familiar chicken-wire pattern.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Differentiable vertex fitting for jet flavor tagging

This work explores the use of differentiable programming to integrate domain knowledge, in the form of domain specific software, into neural networks to develop scientific machine learning systems. We propose a differentiable vertex fitting algorithm that estimates the crossing point of multiple curves. In the high energy physics setting, these curves are defined by particle equations of motion and the crossing point represents the origin of particle production. This differentiable vertex fitting algorithm can be seamlessly integrated into neural networks, and we show its utility and efficacy in the high energy physics application of the classification of jets, i.e., collimated streams of particles in particle detectors whose originating parent particle we aim to classify. We demonstrate how differentiable vertex fitting can be integrated into larger transformer-based models for jet flavor tagging and show improvements in heavy flavor jet classification when compared to baseline models. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Smith, Rachel E. C. (ORCID:0000000335851262)↗

Spectral properties of three-dimensional Anderson model

The three-dimensional Anderson model represents a paradigmatic model to understand the Anderson localization transition. In this work we first review some key results obtained for this model in the past 50 years, and then study its properties from the perspective of modern numerical approaches. Our main focus is on the quantitative comparison between the level sensitivity statistics and the level statistics. While the former studies the sensitivity of Hamiltonian eigenlevels upon inserting a magnetic flux, the latter studies the properties of unperturbed eigenlevels. We define two versions of dimensionless conductance, the first corresponding to the width of the level curvature distribution relative to the mean level spacing, and the second corresponding to the ratio of the Heisenberg time and the Thouless time obtained from the spectral form factor. We show that both conductances look remarkably similar around the localization transition, in particular, they predict a nearly identical critical point consistent with other well-established measures of the transition. We then study some further properties of those quantities: for level curvatures, we discuss particular similarities and differences between the width of the level curvature distribution and the characteristic energy studied by Edwards and Thouless (1972) in their pioneering work, in which the hopping at one lattice edge is changed from periodic to antiperiodic boundary conditions. In the context of the spectral form factor, we show that at the critical point it enters a broad time-independent regime, in which its value is consistent with the level compressibility obtained from the level variance. Finally, we test the scaling solution of the average level spacing ratio in the crossover regime using the cost function minimization approach introduced recently in Šuntajs et al. (2020). The latter approach seeks for the optimal scaling solution in the vicinity of the crossing point, while at the same time it allows for the crossing point to drift due to finite-size corrections. We find that the extracted transition point and the scaling coefficient agree with those from the literature to high numerical accuracy.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Public Safety: Fighting Crime and Terrorism; Border Security

This chapter discusses risks from unintentional or illicit movement of nuclear and radioactive material out of regulatory control through international border crossing points, summarizes international efforts to build capacity and support border security, and discusses how detection equipment can be used to screen for penetrating radiation at traditional border crossing points.

border security↗

Gaps in topological magnon spectra: Intrinsic versus extrinsic effects

Determining and explaining the presence of a gap at a magnon crossing point is a critical step to characterize the topological properties of a material. An inelastic neutron scattering study of a single crystal is a powerful experimental technique to probe the magnetic excitation spectra of topological materials. Here, we show that when the scattering intensity rapidly disperses in the vicinity of a crossing point, such as a Dirac point, the apparent topological gap size is extremely sensitive to experimental conditions including sample mosaic, resolution, and momentum integration range. In this work, we demonstrate these effects using comprehensive neutron scattering measurements of CrCl 3 . Our measurements confirm the gapless nature of the Dirac magnon in CrCl 3 , but also reveal an artificial, i.e., extrinsic, magnon gap unless the momentum integration range is carefully controlled. Our study provides an explanation of the discrepancies between spectroscopic and first-principles estimates of Dirac magnon gap sizes and provides guidelines for accurate measurement of topological magnon gaps.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

W-Band ARM Scanning Cloud Radar (WSACR) 2nd Generation CF-Radial Spectral Data, Vertically-Pointing Scan, Cross Mode (a1)

ARM's scanning cloud radars are fully coherent dual-frequency, dual-polarization Doppler radars mounted on a common scanning pedestal. Each pedestal includes a Ka-band radar (2kW peak power) and the deployment location determines whether the second radar is a W-band (WSACR; 1.7 kW peak power) or X-band (XSACR; 20 kW peak power). Beamwidths at Ka and W bands are roughly matched at 0.3 degrees. Due to the narrow antenna beamwidth, ARM’s scanning cloud radars use scanning strategies that are unlike typical weather radars. Rather than focusing on plan position indicator, or PPI, scans, the Ka-SACR uses range height indicator, or RHI, scans at numerous azimuths to obtain cloud volume data. Measurements collected with the W-SACR are copolar and cross-polar radar reflectivity, Doppler velocity, spectra width and spectra when not scanning, and linear depolarization ration.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Topological field theory with Haagerup symmetry

Here, we construct a (1 + 1)d topological field theory (TFT) whose topological defect lines (TDLs) realize the transparent Haagerup $\mathscr{H}$ 3 fusion category. This TFT has six vacua, and each of the three non-invertible simple TDLs hosts three defect operators, giving rise to a total of 15 point-like operators. The TFT data, including the three-point coefficients and lasso diagrams, are determined by solving all the sphere four-point crossing equations and torus one-point modular invariance equations. We further verify that the Cardy states furnish a non-negative integer matrix representation under TDL fusion. While many of the constraints we derive are not limited to this particular TFT with six vacua, we leave open the construction of TFTs with two or four vacua. Finally, TFTs realizing the Haagerup $\mathscr{H}$ 1 and $\mathscr{H}$ 2 fusion categories can be obtained by gauging algebra objects. This article makes a modest offering in our pursuit of exotica and the quest for their eventual conformity.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Experimental investigation of turbulent wake flows in a helically wrapped rod bundle in presence of localized blockages

In nuclear sodium fast reactors, bundles of rods are tightly packed into a triangular lattice, enclosed in a hexagonal duct, and each pin is spirally wrapped with a thin wire. Flow blockages can potentially impact the local flow characteristics and heat transfer mechanisms in the bundle due to its small subchannel size. The effects of the blockage on the flow structures and heat transfer mechanisms are important aspects that require an accurate investigation. In this study, the flow-field characteristics in the vicinity of a blockage located in the exterior subchannel of rod bundles with helically wrapped wires were experimentally investigated. The velocity fields in the exterior subchannel were acquired by applying matched-index-of-refraction and time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) techniques for Reynolds numbers of Re 1 = 4000 and Re 2 = 17 000, i.e., equivalent to Rew 1 = 19 600 and Rew 2 = 83 200, respectively, based on the blockage width. The results from the TR-PIV measurements revealed an arch-shaped vortex with a large flow recirculation and a pair of counter-rotating vortices in the wake region downstream of the blockage, which is commonly observed in the wake flow of bluff bodies. The relative lateral distance and angle between the two vortices decreased when the Reynolds numbers increased. Profiles of maximum turbulence intensity along the shear layers illustrated the transition process including the growth, peak, and decay along the flow direction. From the spectral analysis of the turbulent velocities extracted at points along the shear layer, the Strouhal numbers ( St ) representing the vortex shedding frequency were found to be St = 0.25 and St = 0.56 for the left and right shear layers, respectively. Characteristics of shear layers generated by the blockage in the exterior subchannel were investigated via the two-point cross correlation of fluctuating velocities. The patiotemporal cross correlations of turbulent velocities, computed at points in the region where the left shear layer exhibited rolling effects and vortex breakdowns, were considerably wider and longer. The convection velocity U c was estimated to be ~0.82 U m to 0.93 U m . Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis was applied to the instantaneous velocity fields to extract the statistically dominant flow structures. It was found that POD modes 2–3 and 4–5 formed the pair modes when the corresponding POD temporal coefficients depicted sinusoidal shapes and exhibited nearly circular orbits in the phase space. Spectral analysis of the POD temporal coefficients confirmed the vortex shedding frequencies detected in the analysis of turbulent velocities.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Calculation of ion–ion mutual neutralization rate constants using Landau–Zener theory coupled with trajectory simulations for Ar + –Cl − , Br − , I −

In this computational study, we self-consistently calculate the rate constants of mutual neutralization reactions by incorporating the electron transfer probability, using Landau–Zener state transition theory with inputs derived from ab initio quantum chemistry calculations, into classical trajectory simulations. Electronic structure calculations are done using correlation consistent basis sets with multi-reference configuration interaction to map all the molecular electronic states below the ion-dissociation limit as a function of the distance between the reacting species. Our electronic structure calculations have been significantly improved from our previous work through improved selection of molecular electronic configurations maintaining a fine grid of 1a 0 over a wide range of bond lengths and accurate treatment of spin–orbit couplings. Non-adiabatic coupling matrix elements are calculated with the three-point central difference method near each avoided crossing to estimate the exact crossing point R x and coupling parameter H if , which are inputs to the multi-channel Landau–Zener theory to calculate the electron transition probability. Our approach is applied to estimate the mutual neutralization rate constants for the following ion pairs: Ar + –Cl − , Ar + –Br − , Ar + –I − at ∼133 Pa. Furthermore, our predictions are compared against the experimental data reported. It is seen that the improvement in the electronic structure calculation results in excellent agreement between the simulation results and the available experimental data to within a factor of ∼2 or ∼±50%.

Complete-active space self-consistent field↗

IGA-MPM: The Isogeometric Material Point Method

In this work, we propose the use of Isogeometric Analysis (IGA) within the context of the Material Point Method (MPM), and refer to the approach as IGA-MPM. We use the idea of IGA, and its instantiation based on Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS), to build higher-order accurate and smooth approximation for MPM. Higher-order smoothness yields a continuous representation of the strain rate, and, as a result, prevents jumps in the stress and other history variables as the material points cross the element boundaries. Furthermore, NURBS can exactly represent all conic sections and the corresponding symmetries in the solution, which may be important in some applications. Several numerical examples of increasing complexity are presented, and show the ability of IGA-MPM to eliminate the well known cell-crossing instability of the conventional MPM. In addition, the examples presented demonstrate improved accuracy, convergence, and symmetry preservation of IGA-MPM compared to the conventional MPM, both for rectilinear and curved geometries.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Semi-Dirac Fermions in a Topological Metal

Topological semimetals with massless Dirac and Weyl fermions represent the forefront of quantum materials research. In two dimensions, a peculiar class of fermions that are massless in one direction and massive in the perpendicular direction was predicted 16 years ago. These highly exotic quasiparticles—the semi-Dirac fermions—ignited intense theoretical and experimental interest but remain undetected. Using magneto-optical spectroscopy, we demonstrate the defining feature of semi-Dirac fermions— B 2 / 3 scaling of Landau levels—in a prototypical nodal-line metal ZrSiS. In topological metals, including ZrSiS, nodal lines extend the band degeneracies from isolated points to lines, loops, or even chains in the momentum space. With calculations and theoretical modeling, we pinpoint the observed semi-Dirac spectrum to the crossing points of nodal lines in ZrSiS. Crossing nodal lines exhibit a continuum absorption spectrum but with singularities that scale as B 2 / 3 at the crossing. Our work sheds light on the hidden quasiparticles emerging from the intricate topology of crossing nodal lines and highlights the potential to explore quantum geometry with linear optical responses. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Shao, Yinming (ORCID:0000000228910028)↗

Infrared fixed points of higher-spin fermions in topological semimetals

We determine the fate of interacting fermions described by the Hamiltonian H = p ∙ J in three-dimensional topological semimetals with linear band crossing, where p is momentum and J are the spin- j matrices for half-integer pseudospin j ≥ 3/2. While weak short-range interactions are irrelevant at the crossing point due to the vanishing density of states, weak long-range Coulomb interactions lead to a renormalization of the band structure. Using a self-consistent perturbative renormalization group approach, we show that band crossings of the type p ∙ J are unstable for j ≤ 7/2. Instead, through an intriguing interplay between cubic crystal symmetry, band topology, and interaction effects, the system is attracted to a variety of infrared fixed points. We also unravel several other properties of higher-spin fermions for general j , such as the relation between fermion self-energy and free energy, or the vanishing of the renormalized charge. An O(3) symmetric fixed point composed of equal chirality Weyl fermions is stable for j ≤ 7/2 and very likely so for all j. We then explore the rich fixed point structure for j = 5/2 in detail. We find additional attractive fixed points with enhanced O ( 3 ) symmetry that host both emergent Weyl or massless Dirac fermions, and identify a puzzling, infrared stable, anisotropic fixed point without enhanced symmetry in close analogy to the known case of j = 3/2.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Ka-Band Scanning ARM Cloud Radar (KASACR), 2nd Generation CF-Radial Spectral Data, Vertically-Pointing Scan, Cross-Polarization Mode (a1-level)

The Ka-Band Scanning ARM Cloud Radar (KASACR) records cloud properties. ARM's scanning cloud radars are dual-frequency, dual-polarization Doppler radars mounted on a common scanning pedestal. Each pedestal includes a Ka-band radar (2kW peak power) and the deployment location determines whether the second radar is a W-band (1.7 kW peak power) or an X-band (20 kW peak power). Beamwidths for Ka-bands paired with W-bands are roughly matched at 0.3 degrees. The X-band beamwidth is approximately 1 degree. Due to the narrow antenna beamwidth, ARM’s scanning cloud radars use scanning strategies unlike typical weather radars. Rather than focusing on plan position indicator, or PPI, scans, the KASACR uses range height indicator, or RHI, scans at numerous azimuths to obtain cloud volume data. Measurements collected with the KASACR are copolar and cross-polar radar reflectivity, Doppler velocity, spectra width and spectra when not scanning, and linear depolarization ratio. KASACR data from the 2018–2019 Cloud, Aerosol, and Complex Terrain Interactions (CACTI) field campaign in Argentina are now available as b1-level products. Building on the original CACTI operational data, the b1-level products feature improved data quality resulting from extensive analyses and corrections. The data are cross-calibrated to a common point, datastreams are corrected for operational issues that occurred during the campaign, and several data quality masks and basic derived products are incorporated. For more information, read the CACTI radar b1-level processing report.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

An Ultra-Fast Inrush-Current-Free Startup Method for Grid-tie Inverter without Voltage Sensors

This paper proposes an ultra-fast inrush-currentfree startup method for grid-tie inverters without voltage sensors and phase-locked loop (PLL). Traditionally, the grid-tie inverter needs the voltage measured from points of common couplings (PCC) to generate the phase angle via PLL for inverter pulsewidth- modulation (PWM) signals. The startup procedure is slow and inrush current occurs if the initial PWM does not match the unknown grid voltage well. This paper proposes a startup method that only uses measured inverter ac currents to generate the initial PWM by controlling the current to zero. The generated PWM pattern can be used to reproduce the real grid voltage regardless of the grid impedance. The zero-crossing points of the grid voltage are detected and then used for grid synchronization. The proposed startup procedure only needs a few cycles (16.67 ms/cycle) to reliably synchronize the inverter to the grid without any inrush current. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of this control strategy.

He, Yuchen↗

Switching Modes for Reduction of Peak Voltage Transients in GaN-Based Three Level ANPC Inverter

The switching pole voltage can transition between P,0, and N states in a three-level active neutral point clamped (ANPC) inverter. State transitions between 0-P and 0-N can be realized with different switching modes. Three switching modes- Short 1 , Short 2 , and Full are studied considering the effect of capacitive current paths. The role of clamping and inner switch on/off conditions is determined using simplified equivalent circuit models. Short 2 with clamping switch off is beneficial for turn-on overvoltage suppression but results in high turn-off overvoltage. Full mode with a parallel current sharing path is effective for turn-off overvoltage suppression but leads to high turn-on overvoltage. Hence, a Modified Full mode is proposed to achieve the simultaneous objective of overvoltage suppression at both turn-on and turn-off transient during high load currents. This benefits 3L ANPC operation at a low power factor with a high load current at fundamental voltage zero crossing points. Here, a 650V GaN-based three-level ANPC inverter prototype is designed and used to evaluate the switching modes and overvoltage suppression strategies through double pulse tests and continuous operation.

42 ENGINEERING↗