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Bansil, A.

Publications and source records attributed to Bansil, A..

6 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

On ultrafast x-ray scattering methods for magnetism

With the introduction of x-ray free electron laser sources around the world, new scientific approaches for visualizing matter at fundamental length and time-scales have become possible. As it relates to magnetism and ‘magnetic-type’ systems, advanced methods are being developed for studying ultrafast magnetic responses on the time-scales at which they occur. We describe three capabilities which have the potential to seed new directions in this area and present original results from each: pump-probe x-ray scattering with low energy excitation, x-ray photon fluctuation spectroscopy, and ultrafast diffuse x-ray scattering. By combining these experimental techniques with advanced modeling together with machine learning, we describe how the combination of these domains allows for a new understanding in the field of magnetism. Finally, we give an outlook for future areas of investigation and the newly developed instruments which will take us there.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Atomic structure of an FeCrMoCBY metallic glass revealed by high energy x-ray diffraction

Amorphous bulk metallic glasses with the composition Fe 48 Cr 15 Mo 14 C 15 B 6 Y 2 have been of interest due to their special mechanical and electronic properties, including corrosion resistance, high yield-strength, large elasticity, catalytic performance, and soft ferromagnetism. Here, we apply a reverse Monte Carlo technique to unravel the atomic structure of these glasses. The pair-distribution functions for various atomic pairs are computed based on the high-energy x-ray diffraction data we have taken from an amorphous sample. Monte Carlo cycles are used to move the atomic positions until the model reproduces the experimental pair-distribution function. The resulting fitted model is consistent with our ab initio simulations of the metallic glass. Our study contributes to the understanding of functional properties of Fe-based bulk metallic glasses driven by disorder effects.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2021

Atomic arrangements in an amorphous CoFeB ribbon extracted via an analysis of radial distribution functions

Here we discuss the atomic structure of amorphous ferromagnetic FeCoB alloys, which are used widely in spintronics applications. Specifically, we obtain the pair-distribution functions for various atomic pairs based on high-energy x-ray diffraction data taken from an amorphous Co 20 Fe 61 B 19 specimen. We start our reverse Monte Carlo cycles to determine the disordered structure with a two-phase model in which a small amount of cobalt is mixed with Fe 23 B 6 as a second phase. The structure of the alloy is found to be heterogeneous, where the boron atoms drive disorder through the random occupation of the atomic network. Our analysis also indicates the presence of small cobalt clusters that are embedded in the iron matrix and percolating the latter throughout the structure. This morphology can explain the enhanced spin polarization observed in amorphous magnetic materials.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2020

Superconducting pairing mechanism in CeCoIn 5 revisited

Spectroscopic-imaging scanning-tunneling microscopy (SI-STM) measurements have previously been applied to the study of the heavy-fermion system CeCoIn 5 to examine the superconducting gap structure and band dispersions via quasiparticle intereference. Here we directly measure the dispersing electron bands with angle-resolved-photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES) and compare with first principles electronic structure calculations. By auto-correllating the ARPES-resolved bands with themselves we can measure the potential q-vectors and discern exactly which bands the STM is measuring. We find that the STM results are dominated by scattering associated with a cloverleaf shaped band centered at the zone corners. This same band is also a viable candidate to host the superconducting gap. Overall, the electronic structure calculations indicate that this region of the Fermi surface involves significant contributions from the Co d-electrons, an indication that the superconductivity in these materials is more 3-dimensional than that found in the related unconventional superconductors, the cuprates and the pnictides.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Structural properties of PbTe quantum dots revealed by high-energy x-ray diffraction

High-energy x-ray diffraction (HE-XRD) experiments combined with an analysis based on atomic-pair-distribution functions can be an effective tool for probing low-dimensional materials. Here, we show how such an analysis can be used to gain insight into structural properties of PbTe nanoparticles (NPs). Here we interpret our HE-XRD data using an orthorhombic Pnma phase of PbTe, which is an orthorhombic distortion of the rocksalt phase. Although local crystal geometry can vary substantially with particle size at scales below 10 nm, and for very small NPs the particle size itself influences x-ray diffraction patterns, our study shows that HE-XRD can provide a unique nano-characterization tool for unraveling structural properties of nanoscale systems.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗