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At least 19 records

Near-surface seismic anisotropy in Antarctic glacial snow and ice revealed by high-frequency ambient noise

Ambient seismic recordings taken at broad locations across Ross Ice Shelf and a dense array near West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide, Antarctica, show pervasive temporally variable resonance peaks associated with trapped seismic waves in near-surface firn layers. These resonance peaks feature splitting on the horizontal components, here interpreted as frequency-dependent anisotropy in the firn and underlying ice due to several overlapping mechanisms driven by ice flow. Frequency peak splitting magnitudes and fast/slow axes were systematically estimated at single stations using a novel algorithm and compared with good agreement with active source anisotropy measurements at WAIS Divide determined via active sources recorded on a 1 km circular array. The approach was further applied to the broad Ross Ice Shelf (RIS) array, where anisotropy axes were directly compared with visible surface features and ice shelf flow lines. The near-surface firn, depicted by anisotropy above 30 Hz, was shown to exhibit a novel plastic stretching mechanism of anisotropy, whereby the fast direction in snow aligns with accelerating ice shelf flow.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Synthesis of Zwitterionic CsPbBr 3 Nanocrystals with Controlled Anisotropy using Surface‐Selective Ligand Pairs

Abstract Mechanistic studies of the morphology of lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (LHP‐NCs) are hampered by a lack of generalizable suitable synthetic strategies and ligand systems. Here, the synthesis of zwitterionic CsPbBr 3 NCs is presented with controlled anisotropy using a proposed “surface‐selective ligand pairs” strategy. Such a strategy provides a platform to systematically study the binding affinity of capping ligand pairs and the resulting LHP morphologies. By using zwitterionic ligands (ZwL) with varying structures, majority ZwL‐capped LHP NCs with controlled morphology are obtained, including anisotropic nanoplatelets and nanorods, for the first time. Combining experiments with density functional theory calculations, factors that govern the ligand binding on the different surface facets of LHP‐NCs are revealed, including the steric bulkiness of the ligand, the number of binding sites, and the charge distance between binding moieties. This study provides guidance for the further exploration of anisotropic LHP‐NCs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Surface magnetic anisotropy-mediated spin Hall magnetoresistance and spin Seebeck effects in a YIG/Pt heterostructure

The role of magnon-phonon coupling in the low-temperature behavior of the spin Seebeck effect (SSE) in YIG/Pt has been puzzling for more than a decade. Here, to elucidate the origin of the anomalous peak around 80 K, we investigate the temperature evolution of SSE, spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR), and magnetic anisotropy in the same YIG/Pt heterostructure. We find that these effects, along with magnetic damping, show the peaks at the same temperature (~80 K). This simultaneous occurrence, where no heat is applied in the case of SMR, rules out the phonon-magnon drag related origin of SSE in the YIG/Pt system. We further show that the intrinsic surface anisotropy behavior in YIG is responsible for controlling the SSE, SMR, and magnetic damping in the YIG/Pt structure. Our findings not only help to understand these effects fundamentally but also provide an effective way for improving them by manipulating the surface magnetic anisotropy for spin caloritronic applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of the Order Parameter Anisotropy on the Vortex Lattice in UPt3

We have used small-angle neutron scattering to determine the vortex lattice phase diagram in the topological superconductor UPt 3 for the applied magnetic field along the crystalline c -axis. A triangular vortex lattice is observed throughout the superconducting state, but with an orientation relative to the hexagonal basal plane that changes with field and temperature. At low temperature, in the chiral B phase, the vortex lattice undergoes a non-monotonic rotation with increasing magnetic field. The rotation amplitude decreases with increasing temperature and vanishes before reaching the A phase. Within the A phase an abrupt ±15° vortex lattice rotation was previously reported by Huxley et al. , Nature 406 , 160-164 (2000). The complex phase diagram may be understood from competing effects of the superconducting order parameter, the symmetry breaking field, and the Fermi surface anisotropy. The low-temperature rotated phase, centered around 0.8 T, reported by Avers et al. , Nature Physics 16 , 531-535 (2020), can be attributed directly to the symmetry breaking field.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

A mathematical model of solid-state dewetting of barium thin films on W (112)

Solid state dewetting occurs when a thin solid film is heated. The temperature of dewetting depends on the thickness of the film; dewetting can be observed in the range of 1/3 to 1/2 of the bulk melting temperature. While remaining solid, the film behaves in a manner similar to liquids dewetting and agglomerating to forming islands or droplets. One of the possible mechanisms is the conversion of a metastable thin film geometry into a more stable form. Heating the metastable film gives the film atoms higher mobility, and the films retract, dewetting the surface. This atomic motion can be restricted due to surface anisotropy. Herein we present in situ emission microscopy observations of barium thin films deposited onto W (112) by thermal evaporation. From the modeling viewpoint, the evolution of the film in this system could be divided in four stages: (i) the nucleation and growth of the thin film as a simply connected region; (ii) formation of droplets/islands/hillocks; (iii) nucleation of holes; (iv) evolution of the components of the disconnected film to their equilibrium state. We present a continuum model that is qualitatively consistent with the evolution of the film observed at the initial stage of the experiment and discuss the later stages of the evolution of surface structures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Enhanced coercivity in Fe5C2/SiO2 core/shell nanocrystals

Rod-shaped Fe5C2 and core/shell Fe5C2/SiO2 nanocrystals were synthesized via a solution-based chemical method. Structural analysis confirmed the monoclinic phase of Fe5C2 with space group C2/c. Zero-field-cooling (ZFC) and field-cooling (FC) magnetization curves revealed distinct magnetic behaviors: uncoated Fe5C2 exhibited a low-temperature FC plateau indicative of strong dipolar interactions, while Fe5C2/SiO2 showed a monotonic increase in FC magnetization, suggesting reduced dipolar interactions due to SiO2 surface passivation. Isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) and DC demagnetization (DCD) measurements supported this trend, with δM plots confirming weaker dipolar interactions in the coated sample. Bloch’s law fitting of temperature-dependent saturation magnetization showed a smaller Bloch’s constant for pure Fe5C2 and a larger value for Fe5C2/SiO2, reflecting enhanced surface disorder and reduced exchange coupling in the latter. Notably, Fe5C2/SiO2 demonstrated increased coercivity, attributed to decreased dipolar interaction and elevated surface anisotropy. Kneller’s law fitting yielded higher blocking temperatures for Fe5C2 (476 K) than Fe5C2/SiO2 (456 K), highlighting the impact of dipolar interactions on magnetic relaxation. These findings illustrate how SiO2 coatings effectively modulate dipolar interactions and enhance coercivity in Fe5C2 nanocrystals.

Joshi, Pramanand [Department of Physics, Universit↗

Tailoring the Spin Reorientation Transition of Co Films by Pd Monolayer Capping

We have characterized the magnetization easy-axis of ultra-thin Co films (2–5 atomic layers, AL) grown on Ru(0001) when they are capped with a monolayer of Pd. The addition of a Pd monolayer turns the magnetization of 3 and 4 AL-thick Co films from an in-plane to an out-of-plane alignment, but not that of a 5 AL-thick film. These observations are explained in terms of an enhancement of the surface anisotropy. The exposure of the sample to hydrogen, CO or a combination of both gases does not overcome this effect.

Chemistry↗

Migration energy barriers and diffusion anisotropy of point defects on tungsten surfaces

We report tungsten is one of the most promising candidates for plasma-facing materials in future fusion devices, owing to its high performance under extreme irradiation conditions. However, irradiation-induced surface morphology varies significantly, depending on the irradiation type, fluence, and flux. Therefore, it is critical to examine the dynamics of point defects on tungsten (W) surfaces to understand how irradiation affects surface morphology. In this study, we employ the Self-Evolving Atomistic Kinetic Monte Carlo (SEAKMC) method to search for potential migration paths of point defects on W (1 0 0), (1 1 0) and (1 1 1) surfaces. The first-principles calculations are then used to accurately determine the migration energy barriers. The obtained paths and barriers are incorporated into a kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) model to determine trajectories and diffusivities, which are described by diffusion tensors to demonstrate their anisotropic features. Multiple diffusion mechanisms have been identified on different surfaces, with various anisotropy factors. Particularly, point defects on the W (1 1 0) surface have the highest diffusivities, with anisotropy factors independent of temperatures. In comparison, the anisotropy of the W (1 0 0) surface decreases as temperature increases, while the W (1 1 1) surface is isotropic for point defects. This study provides insights into defect transport properties on different surfaces, which are essential for understanding the early stages of irradiation-induced microstructural evolutions and surface morphology of tungsten.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Self-Assembly of Anisotropic Particles on Curved Surfaces

The surface curvature of membranes, interfaces, and substrates plays a crucial role in shaping the self-assembly of particles adsorbed on these surfaces. However, little is known about the interplay between particle anisotropy and surface curvature and how they couple to alter the free energy landscape of particle assemblies. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the effect of prescribed curvatures on a quasi-2D assembly of anisotropic patchy particles. By varying curvature and surface coverage, we uncover a rich geometric phase diagram, with curvature inducing ordered structures entirely absent on planar surfaces. Large spatial domains of ordered structures can contain hidden microdomains of orientational textures imprinted by the surface on the assembly. The dynamical landscape is also reshaped by surface curvature, with a glass-like state emerging at modest densities and high curvature. Changes to the symmetry of the surface curvature are found to result in distinct structures, including phases with mesoscale ordering. In conclusion, our findings show that the coupling between surface curvature and particle geometry opens an unexplored space of morphologies and structures that can be exploited for material design.

Fluids↗

Anisotropic surface potentials induced by competitive ion adsorption enable the synthesis of branched cubic Pt mesocrystals

Creation of complex nanostructured materials through oriented attachment (OA) requires the manipulation of interparticle forces, including electrostatic repulsion, which depends strongly on surface potentials and can be modified through the effect of solution environment on interfacial chemistry. Here we show that time-dependent anisotropies in surface potential driven by competitive ion adsorption can alter facet-selectivity during OA. This phenomenon enables the synthesis of branched cubic Pt mesocrystals. Initially, Pt nanoparticles attach preferentially at their {100} facets to form a well-defined cubic core. Over time, changes in ion adsorption shift the attachment preference to the {111} facets, promoting branch formation. In both stages, anisotropic surface potentials generate electrostatic torques that align the particles prior to attachment. These findings demonstrate a generalizable strategy for directing the architecture of nanomaterials through time-resolved control of interfacial chemistry during OA, offering new pathways for the design of complex mesoscale structures.

Bae, Yuna [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (↗

Design of Chiral Domains by Surface Confinement of Liquid Crystals

Chirality, or absence of mirror symmetry, is a fascinating attribute of inanimate and living objects, which inspires artists and fascinates scientists in various disciplines, from physics to mathematics, biology to chemistry and crystallography. Producing and controlling the sense of handedness in systems formed by mirror-symmetric elements or containing an equal amount of left- and right-twisted elements is usually a nontrivial task. In this issue of ACS Central Science, Geonhyeong Park et al [1] demonstrate that a slab of a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal (LCLC), formed by achiral molecules dispersed in water, can produce a periodic array of domains with left- and right-handed twists of the orientation of molecular aggregates. The twist develops over macroscopic regions of tens of microns in size and is caused by a balance of two facets of the orientational order pertinent to liquid crystals: the elastic response to deformations of orientation and anisotropy of surface interactions at confining boundaries.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Integrating Experiments and Simulations to Reveal Anisotropic Growth Mechanisms and Interfaces of a One-Dimensional Zeolite

Zeolites are nanoporous crystalline materials critical for diverse industrial applications, yet their growth mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, this study presents a novel integrated framework combining experimental synthesis, high-resolution imaging, coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, and computer vision to uncover the mechanisms of growth of SSZ-24, a 1D channel zeolite. We demonstrate how synthesis conditions, such as temperature and reactant concentration, govern crystal anisotropy and surface roughness with growth dynamics differing markedly by crystallographic orientation. Along the channels, growth involves minimal energy barriers and rapid nucleation, resulting in rough surfaces. In contrast, growth perpendicular to the channels requires cooperative molecular organization and is highly sensitive to thermodynamic and kinetic conditions, yielding smooth anisotropic surfaces under low driving forces. By simulating transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, we bridge molecular-scale simulations with experimental observations, identifying distinct growth mechanisms along different crystal planes. This work offers molecular-level insights into zeolite crystallization, advancing the rational design of nanoporous materials. The integration of cross-disciplinary methodologies establishes a transformative framework for optimizing zeolite synthesis, with implications for broader classes of materials.

Bertolazzo, Andressa A. [Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake ↗

Temperature-driven changes in the Fermi surface of graphite

Here we report on temperature-dependent size and anisotropy of the Fermi pockets in graphite revealed by magnetotransport measurements. The magnetoresistances (MRs) obtained in fields along the c axis obey an extended Kohler's rule, with the carrier density following the prediction of a temperature-dependent Fermi energy, indicating a change in the Fermi pocket size with temperature. The angle-dependent magnetoresistivities at a given temperature exhibit a scaling behavior. The scaling factor that reflects the anisotropy of the Fermi surface is also found to vary with temperature. Our results demonstrate that temperature-driven changes in Fermi surface can be ubiquitous and need to be considered in understanding the temperature-dependent carrier density and MR anisotropy in semimetals.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Confined magnons

Magnetic structures are known to possess magnon excitations confined to their surfaces and interfaces, but these spatially localized modes are often not resolved in spectroscopy experiments. In this work, we develop a theory to calculate the confined magnon spectra and its associated spin scattering function, which is the physical observable in neutron and electron scattering, and a proxy for photon spectroscopy based on x-ray, Raman, and terahertz (THz) sources. We show that extra anisotropy at the surface or interface plays a key role in magnon confinement. We obtain analytical expressions for the confinement length scale and show that it is qualitatively similar for ferromagnets and antiferromagnets in dimension d≥2. For d=1, we find remarkable differences between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic models. The theory indicates the presence of several confined magnon resonances in addition to the usual magnons thought to explain the excitations of magnetic nanostructures. Detecting these modes may elucidate the impact of the interface on spin anisotropy and magnetic order.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Reversible writing/deleting of magnetic skyrmions through hydrogen adsorption/desorption

Abstract Magnetic skyrmions are topologically nontrivial spin textures with envisioned applications in energy-efficient magnetic information storage. Toggling the presence of magnetic skyrmions via writing/deleting processes is essential for spintronics applications, which usually require the application of a magnetic field, a gate voltage or an electric current. Here we demonstrate the reversible field-free writing/deleting of skyrmions at room temperature, via hydrogen chemisorption/desorption on the surface of Ni and Co films. Supported by Monte-Carlo simulations, the skyrmion creation/annihilation is attributed to the hydrogen-induced magnetic anisotropy change on ferromagnetic surfaces. We also demonstrate the role of hydrogen and oxygen on magnetic anisotropy and skyrmion deletion on other magnetic surfaces. Our results open up new possibilities for designing skyrmionic and magneto-ionic devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Estimating and Evaluating Roughness Length and Displacement Height in Heterogeneous Urban Environments

The roughness length (z 0 ) and displacement height (z d ) are essential surface-layer parameters in numerical models (e.g., weather, climate, wall-modeled LES, etc.). This work evaluates the consistency of z 0 and z d estimates from morphometric and anemometric methods using data from two eddy-covariance flux towers (AmeriFlux US-INg and US-INc) in Indianapolis, IN. Results show inconsistencies in estimated z 0 and z d values depending on the chosen method. The two evaluated anemometric methods estimate non-physical values of z d when compared to roughness elements surrounding both towers. Additionally, predictions of mean wind speed using surface-layer similarity theory with morphometric estimates exhibit a bias during near-neutral and stable conditions relative to observations. The overestimation of mean wind speed by surface layer similarity theory is consistent with previous observational and modeling studies in urban areas, suggesting that the application of similarity theories to urban environments may have limitations. Differentiation of vegetation from built structures appears to impact morphometric z 0 and z d estimates, particularly where vegetation is abundant; however, it has little impact on correcting biases in the similarity theory. Specifically, we find that existing similarity theories using morphometric estimates underestimate integral velocity and length scales, and the degree of underestimation depends on the stability conditions. Accounting for the degree of anisotropy in surface-layer turbulence helps reduce the biases between similarity theories and observations during unstable conditions, but not in near-neutral cases. Future work is needed to identify the cause of such biases for near-neutral conditions.

Aerodynamic roughness length↗