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At least 19 records

High temperature Ir segregation in Ir-B ceramics: Effect of oxygen presence on stability of IrB 2 and other Ir-B phases

The formation of IrB 2 , IrB 1.35 , IrB 1.1 and IrB monoboride phases in the Ir–B ceramic nanopowder was confirmed during mechanochemical reaction between metallic Ir and elemental B powders. The Ir–B phases were analysed after 90 h of high energy ball milling and after annealing of the powder for 72 h at 1050°C in vacuo . The iridium monoboride (IrB) orthorhombic phase was synthesised experimentally for the first time and identified by powder X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the ReB 2 type IrB 2 hexagonal phase was also produced for the first time and identified by high resolution transmission electron microscope. Ir segregation along disordered domains of the boron lattice was found to occur during high temperature annealing. Furthermore, these nanodomains may have useful catalytic properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Sr 2 Ir 1 - x Rh x O 4 ( x < 0.5 ) : An inhomogeneous j eff = 1 2 Hubbard system

In a combined experimental and theoretical study, we investigate the properties of Sr 2 Ir 1 - x Rh x O 4 . From the branching ratios of the L -edge isotropic x-ray absorption spectra, we determine that the spin-orbit coupling is remarkably independent of x for both iridium and rhodium sites. DFT + U calculations show that the doping is close to isoelectronic and introduces impurity bands of predominantly rhodium character close to the lower Hubbard band. Overlap of these two bands leads to metallic behavior. Since the low-energy states for x < 0.5 have predominantly j eff = 1 /2 character, we suggest that the electronic properties of this material can be described by an inhomogeneous Hubbard model, where the on-site energies change due to local variations in the spin-orbit interaction strength combined with additional changes in binding energy.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Simulations of the infrared, Raman, and 2D-IR photon echo spectra of water in nanoscale silica pores

Vibrational spectroscopy is frequently used to characterize nanoconfined liquids and probe the effect of the confining framework on the liquid structure and dynamics relative to the corresponding bulk fluid. However, it is still unclear what molecular-level information can be obtained from such measurements. In this paper, we address this question by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to reproduce the linear infrared (IR), Raman, and two-dimensional IR (2D-IR) photon echo spectra for water confined within hydrophilic (hydroxyl-terminated) silica mesopores. To simplify the spectra the OH stretching region of isotopically dilute HOD in D{sub 2}O is considered. An empirical mapping approach is used to obtain the OH vibrational frequencies, transition dipoles, and transition polarizabilities from the MD simulations. The simulated linear IR and Raman spectra are in good general agreement with measured spectra of water in mesoporous silica reported in the literature. The key effect of confinement on the water spectrum is a vibrational blueshift for OH groups that are closest to the pore interface. The blueshift can be attributed to the weaker hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) formed between the OH groups and silica oxygen acceptors. Non-Condon effects greatly diminish the contribution of these OH moieties to the linear IR spectrum, but these weaker H-bonds are readily apparent in the Raman spectrum. The 2D-IR spectra have not yet been measured and thus the present results represent a prediction. The simulated spectra indicates that it should be possible to probe the slower spectral diffusion of confined water compared to the bulk liquid by analysis of the 2D-IR spectra.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Using LiF:Mg,Cu,P TLDs to estimate the absorbed dose to water in liquid water around an {sup 192}Ir brachytherapy source

Purpose: The absorbed dose to water is the fundamental reference quantity for brachytherapy treatment planning systems and thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) have been recognized as the most validated detectors for measurement of such a dosimetric descriptor. The detector response in a wide energy spectrum as that of an{sup 192}Ir brachytherapy source as well as the specific measurement medium which surrounds the TLD need to be accounted for when estimating the absorbed dose. This paper develops a methodology based on highly sensitive LiF:Mg,Cu,P TLDs to directly estimate the absorbed dose to water in liquid water around a high dose rate {sup 192}Ir brachytherapy source. Methods: Different experimental designs in liquid water and air were constructed to study the response of LiF:Mg,Cu,P TLDs when irradiated in several standard photon beams of the LNE-LNHB (French national metrology laboratory for ionizing radiation). Measurement strategies and Monte Carlo techniques were developed to calibrate the LiF:Mg,Cu,P detectors in the energy interval characteristic of that found when TLDs are immersed in water around an{sup 192}Ir source. Finally, an experimental system was designed to irradiate TLDs at different angles between 1 and 11 cm away from an {sup 192}Ir source in liquid water. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to correct measured results to provide estimates of the absorbed dose to water in water around the {sup 192}Ir source. Results: The dose response dependence of LiF:Mg,Cu,P TLDs with the linear energy transfer of secondary electrons followed the same variations as those of published results. The calibration strategy which used TLDs in air exposed to a standard N-250 ISO x-ray beam and TLDs in water irradiated with a standard{sup 137}Cs beam provided an estimated mean uncertainty of 2.8% (k = 1) in the TLD calibration coefficient for irradiations by the {sup 192}Ir source in water. The 3D TLD measurements performed in liquid water were obtained with a maximum uncertainty of 11% (k = 1) found at 1 cm from the source. Radial dose values in water were compared against published results of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine and the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology and no significant differences (maximum value of 3.1%) were found within uncertainties except for one position at 9 cm (5.8%). At this location the background contribution relative to the TLD signal is relatively small and an unexpected experimental fluctuation in the background estimate may have caused such a large discrepancy. Conclusions: This paper shows that reliable measurements with TLDs in complex energy spectra require a study of the detector dose response with the radiation quality and specific calibration methodologies which model accurately the experimental conditions where the detectors will be used. The authors have developed and studied a method with highly sensitive TLDs and contributed to its validation by comparison with results from the literature. This methodology can be used to provide direct estimates of the absorbed dose rate in water for irradiations with HDR{sup 192}Ir brachytherapy sources.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

The Introduction of an Undergraduate Interventional Radiology (IR) Curriculum: Impact on Medical Student Knowledge and Interest in IR

IntroductionInterventional radiology (IR) plays a vital role in modern medicine, with increasing demand for services, but with a shortage of experienced interventionalists. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a recently introduced IR curriculum on perception, knowledge, and interest of medical students regarding various aspects of IR.MethodsIn 2014, an anonymous web-based questionnaire was sent to 309 4th year medical students in a single institution within an EU country, both before and after delivery of a 10-h IR teaching curriculum.ResultsSeventy-six percent (236/309) of the respondents participated in the pre-IR module survey, while 50 % (157/309) responded to the post-IR module survey. While 62 % (147/236) of the respondents reported poor or no knowledge of IR compared to other medical disciplines in the pre-IR module survey, this decreased to 17 % (27/157) in the post-IR module survey. The correct responses regarding knowledge of selected IR procedures improved from 70 to 94 % for venous access, 78 to 99 % for uterine fibroid embolization, 75 to 97 % for GI bleeding embolization, 60 to 92 % for trauma embolization, 71 to 92 % for tumor ablation, and 81 to 94 % for angioplasty and stenting in peripheral arterial disease. With regard to knowledge of IR clinical roles, responses improved from 42 to 59 % for outpatient clinic review of patients and having inpatient beds, 63–76 % for direct patient consultation, and 43–60 % for having regular ward rounds. The number of students who would consider a career in IR increased from 60 to 73 %.ConclusionDelivering an undergraduate IR curriculum increased the knowledge and understanding of various aspects of IR and also the general enthusiasm for pursuing this specialty as a future career choice.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Surface enrichment of Pt in stable Pt-Ir nano-alloy particles on MgAl 2 O 4 spinel in oxidizing atmosphere

With the capability of MgAl2O4 spinel {111} nano-facets in stabilizing small Rh, Ir and Pt particles, bimetallic Ir-Pt catalysts on the same support were investigated, aiming at further lowering the catalyst cost by substituting expensive Pt with cheaper Ir in the bulk. Small Pt-Ir nano-alloy particles (< 2nm) were successfully stabilized on the spinel {111} nano-facets as expected. Interestingly, methanol oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) rate on the surface Pt atoms increases with oxidizing aging but decreases upon reducing treatment, where Ir is almost inactive under the same reaction conditions. Up to three times enhancement in Pt exposure was achieved when the sample was oxidized at 800 °C in air for 1 week and subsequently reduced by H2 for 2 h, demonstrating successful surface enrichment of Pt on Pt-Ir nano-alloy particles. A dynamic stabilization mechanism involving wetting\nucleation seems to be responsible for the evolution of surface compositions upon cyclic oxidizing and reducing ther-mal treatments.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Stabilizing Ir(001) Epitaxy on Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Using a Thin Ir Seed Layer Grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition

In this paper, we demonstrate the reproducible epitaxial growth of 100 nm thick Ir(001) films on a heteroepitaxial stack consisting of 5 nm Ir and 100 nm yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) grown on Si(001) substrates. It is shown that a 5 nm thick Ir layer grown by pulsed laser deposition in the same chamber as the YSZ film without breaking the vacuum is the key to stabilizing Ir(001) epitaxial growth. Growth of the Ir seed layer with pure (001) orientation occurs only in a narrow growth temperature window from 550 to 750 °C, and the fraction of Ir(111) increases at substrate temperatures outside of this window. The Ir seed layer prevents exposure of the YSZ film to air during sample transfer and enables highly reproducible Ir(001) heteroepitaxy on YSZ buffered Si(001). In contrast, if Ir is grown directly on a bare YSZ layer that was exposed to ambient conditions, the films are prone to change orientation to (111). These results reveal that preserving the chemical and structural purity of the YSZ surface is imperative for achieving Ir(001) epitaxy. The narrow range of the mosaic spread values from eight experiments demonstrates the high yield and high reproducibility of Ir(001) heteroepitaxy by this approach. Lastly, the improved Ir(001) epitaxial growth method is of great significance for integrating a variety of technologically important materials such as diamond, graphene, and functional oxides on a Si platform.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Spin orientations of the spin-half Ir{sup 4+} ions in Sr{sub 3}NiIrO{sub 6}, Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4}, and Na{sub 2}IrO{sub 3}: Density functional, perturbation theory, and Madelung potential analyses

The spins of the low-spin Ir{sup 4+} (S = 1/2, d{sup 5}) ions at the octahedral sites of the oxides Sr{sub 3}NiIrO{sub 6}, Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4}, and Na{sub 2}IrO{sub 3} exhibit preferred orientations with respect to their IrO{sub 6} octahedra. We evaluated the magnetic anisotropies of these S = 1/2 ions on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations including spin-orbit coupling (SOC), and probed their origin by performing perturbation theory analyses with SOC as perturbation within the LS coupling scheme. The observed spin orientations of Sr{sub 3}NiIrO{sub 6} and Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4} are correctly predicted by DFT calculations, and are accounted for by the perturbation theory analysis. As for the spin orientation of Na{sub 2}IrO{sub 3}, both experimental studies and DFT calculations have not been unequivocal. Our analysis reveals that the Ir{sup 4+} spin orientation of Na{sub 2}IrO{sub 3} should have nonzero components along the c- and a-axis directions. The spin orientations determined by DFT calculations are sensitive to the accuracy of the crystal structures employed, which is explained by perturbation theory analyses when interactions between adjacent Ir{sup 4+} ions are taken into consideration. There are indications implying that the 5d electrons of Na{sub 2}IrO{sub 3} are less strongly localized compared with those of Sr{sub 3}NiIrO{sub 6} and Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4}. This implication was confirmed by showing that the Madelung potentials of the Ir{sup 4+} ions are less negative in Na{sub 2}IrO{sub 3} than in Sr{sub 3}NiIrO{sub 6} and Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4}. Most transition-metal S = 1/2 ions do have magnetic anisotropies because the SOC induces interactions among their crystal-field split d-states, and the associated mixing of the states modifies only the orbital parts of the states. This finding cannot be mimicked by a spin Hamiltonian because this model Hamiltonian lacks the orbital degree of freedom, thereby leading to the spin-half syndrome. The spin-orbital entanglement for the 5d spin-half ions Ir{sup 4+} is not as strong as has been assumed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Ground state in the novel dimer iridate Ba 13 Ir 6 O 30 with Ir 6+ (5$d^3$) ions

We have synthesized and studied an iridate, Ba 13 Ir 6 O 30 , with unusual Ir oxidation states: 2/3 Ir 6+ (5$d^3$) ions and 1/3 Ir 5+ (5$d^4$) ions. Its crystal structure features dimers of face-sharing IrO 6 octahedra, and IrO 6 monomers that are linked via long, zigzag Ir-O-Ba-O-Ir pathways. Nevertheless, Ba 13 Ir 6 O 30 exhibits two transitions at $T_{\text{N}1}$ = 4.7K and $T_{\text{N}2}$ = 1.6 K. This magnetic order is accompanied by a huge Sommerfeld coefficient 200 mJ/mole K 2 below $T_{\text{N}2}$, signaling a coexisting frustrated/disordered state persisting down to at least 0.05 K. This iridate hosts unusually large $J_{\text{eff}}$ = 3/2 degrees of freedom, which is enabled by strong spin-orbit interactions (SOI) in the monomers with Ir 6+ ions and a joint effect of molecular orbitals and SOI in the dimers occupied by Ir 5+ and Ir 6+ ions. Features displayed by the magnetization and heat capacity suggest that the combination of covalency, SOI, and large effective spins leads to highly frustrated ferrimagnetic ordering, an interesting feature of this high-spin iridate.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

The 2-loop matter power spectrum and the IR-safe integrand

Large scale structure surveys are likely the next leading probe of cosmological information. It is therefore crucial to reliably predict their observables. The Effective Field Theory of Large Scale Structures (EFTofLSS) provides a manifestly convergent perturbation theory for the weakly non-linear regime, where dark matter correlation functions are computed in an expansion of the wavenumber k over the wavenumber associated to the non-linear scale kNL. To push the predictions to higher wavenumbers, it is necessary to compute the 2-loop matter power spectrum. For equal-time correlators, exactly as with standard perturturbation theory, there are IR divergences present in each diagram that cancel completely in the final result. We develop a method by which all 2-loop diagrams are computed as one integral, with an integrand that is manifestly free of any IR divergences. This allows us to compute the 2-loop power spectra in a reliable way that is much less numerically challenging than standard techniques. We apply our method to scaling universes where the linear power spectrum is a single power law of k, and where IR divergences can particularly easily interfere with accurate evaluation of loop corrections if not handled carefully. In conclusion, we show that our results are independent of IR cutoff and, after renormalization, of the UV cutoff, and comment how the method presented here naturally generalizes to higher loops.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

IR-safe and UV-safe integrands in the EFTofLSS with exact time dependence

Because large-scale structure surveys may very well be the next leading sources of cosmological information, it is important to have a precise understanding of the cosmological observables; for this reason, the Effective Field Theory of Large-Scale Structure (EFTofLSS) was developed. So far, most results in the EFTofLSS have used the so-called Einstein-de Sitter approximation, an approximation of the time dependence which is known to be accurate to better than one percent. However, in order to reach even higher accuracy, the full time dependence must be used. The computation with exact time dependence is sensitive to both infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) effects in the loop integrands, and while these effects must cancel because of diffeomorphism invariance, they make numerical computation much less efficient. We provide a formulation of the one-loop, equal-time exact-time-dependence power spectrum of density perturbations which is manifestly free of these spurious IR and UV divergences at the level of the integrand. We extend our results to the total matter mode with clustering quintessence, show that IR and UV divergences cancel, and provide the associated IR- and UV-safe integrand. This also establishes that the consistency conditions are satisfied in this system. In conclusion, we then use our one-loop result to do an improved precision comparison of the two-loop dark-matter power spectrum with the Dark Sky N-body simulation.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Dosimetric characterization and output verification for conical brachytherapy surface applicators. Part II. High dose rate {sup 192}Ir sources

Purpose: Historically, treatment of malignant surface lesions has been achieved with linear accelerator based electron beams or superficial x-ray beams. Recent developments in the field of brachytherapy now allow for the treatment of surface lesions with specialized conical applicators placed directly on the lesion. Applicators are available for use with high dose rate (HDR){sup 192}Ir sources, as well as electronic brachytherapy sources. Part I of this paper discussed the applicators used with electronic brachytherapy sources. Part II will discuss those used with HDR {sup 192}Ir sources. Although the use of these applicators has gained in popularity, the dosimetric characteristics have not been independently verified. Additionally, there is no recognized method of output verification for quality assurance procedures with applicators like these. Methods: This work aims to create a cohesive method of output verification that can be used to determine the dose at the treatment surface as part of a quality assurance/commissioning process for surface applicators used with HDR electronic brachytherapy sources (Part I) and{sup 192}Ir sources (Part II). Air-kerma rate measurements for the {sup 192}Ir sources were completed with several models of small-volume ionization chambers to obtain an air-kerma rate at the treatment surface for each applicator. Correction factors were calculated using MCNP5 and EGSnrc Monte Carlo codes in order to determine an applicator-specific absorbed dose to water at the treatment surface from the measured air-kerma rate. Additionally, relative dose measurements of the surface dose distributions and characteristic depth dose curves were completed in-phantom. Results: Theoretical dose distributions and depth dose curves were generated for each applicator and agreed well with the measured values. A method of output verification was created that allows users to determine the applicator-specific dose to water at the treatment surface based on a measured air-kerma rate. Conclusions: The novel output verification methods described in this work will reduce uncertainties in dose delivery for treatments with these kinds of surface applicators, ultimately improving patient care.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Electronic properties of corundum-like Ir 2 O 3 and Ir 2 O 3 -Ga 2 O 3 alloys

In the hexagonal, corundum-like structure, α-Ga 2 O 3 has a bandgap of ~5.1 eV, which, combined with its relatively small electron effective mass, high Baliga's figure of merit, and high breakdown field, makes it a promising candidate for power electronics. Ga 2 O 3 is easy to dope n-type, but impossible to dope p-type, impeding the realization of some electronic device designs. Developing a lattice-matched p-type material that forms a high-quality heterojunction with n-type Ga 2 O 3 would open new opportunities in electronics and perhaps optoelectronic devices. In this work, we studied Ir 2 O 3 as a candidate for that purpose. Using hybrid density functional theory calculations we predict the electronic band structure of α-Ir 2 O 3 and compare that to α-Ga 2 O 3 , and study the stability and electronic properties of α-(Ir x Ga 1–x ) 2 O 3 alloys. We discuss the band offset between the two materials and compare it with recently available experimental data. We find that the Ir d bands that compose the top of the valence band in α-Ir 2 O 3 are much higher in energy than O p bands in α-Ga 2 O 3 , possibly enabling effective p-type doping. Finally, our results provide an insight into using the Ir 2 O 3 or Ir 2 O 3 -Ga 2 O 3 alloys as p-type material lattice-matched to α-Ga 2 O 3 for the realization of p–n heterojunctions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Resolution Limits of Near IR and IR Thermography Applied to Imaging Thermal Heterogeneities in Nuclear Fuel Surrogate Materials

ABSTRACT The main goal of the project is: To develop an IR thermographic method to monitor fuel pellet cracking inside the hostile environment of the nuclear core. This method will use a high temperature and radiation resistant fiber optic bundle to monitor the fuel pellet inside the core and transmit the information outside to an IR camera. This method will give a visual cue (using IR video) as to when the crack started to form and how it progresses. To achieve this goal, we identified the following as major milestones of the project: 1. Perform 1D modeling of temperature and blackbody radiation intensity across a crack. 2. Image a crack on a fuel cell surrogate using an IR camera with free-space optics and high power laser setup. 3. Simulate cracking in the surrogate sample through inductive heating method, and demonstrate imaging crack formation using the free-space optics setup. 4. Determine parameters for a suitable fiber optic bundle compatible with the IR camera based on the results from the free-space optics experiments. 5. Demonstrate imaging using fiber bundle and integrate viewing system with nuclear core at INL. This report focuses on Goals 1-3. We have successfully achieved Goals 1-3 and are making steady progress towards achieving Goals 4-9. Goals 2 and 4 are very similar and require 2 basic parts: the imaging system and the method to crack the fuel surrogate to replicate the fuel pellet cracking in the nuclear reactor core. The following sections describe the 1D modeling of temperature and blackbody radiation intensity across a crack (Goal 1), procedure to create crack on fuel surrogates and results (Goals 2 and 3), and the IR imaging system and results (Goal 2).

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗