Engineering topics

Basov, Dimitri

Publications and source records attributed to Basov, Dimitri.

2 records

DOE OSTI2017

Basic Energy Sciences Roundtable: Opportunities for Basic Research at the Frontiers of XFEL Ultrafast Science

Advances in science and technology over the past century have been driven by an improved understanding of matter on ultrashort length scales, reaching down to atomic dimensions. In contrast, methods aimed at understanding dynamics on the ultrafast time scales of atomic motion are comparatively new. Ultrafast characterization has already yielded crucial insights not attainable from slower measurements. The interplay between atomic-scale structure and the associated ultrafast dynamics governs the macroscopic functionality observed in matter. Understanding and controlling materials and chemical processes at these length and time scales are key to discovery and innovation to advance energy and related national priorities. The recent availability of x-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) provides a probe that simultaneously reaches the required resolution in both space and time. X-ray wavelengths extend down to the atomic scale, while x-ray pulse durations now lie in the femtosecond (10 -15 seconds) range. This capability allows the evolution of materials and chemical processes to be followed on their natural time and length scales, providing fundamental scientific understanding of the complexity of the world around us. Because of the transformative potential of new ultrafast x-ray characterization tools provided by XFELs, it is imperative to lay out a roadmap for the exciting scientific opportunities that can be explored using these research tools. To identify the highest priority research opportunities, the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES) convened a roundtable of experts in chemistry, materials physics, and ultrafast and x-ray science. This group of experimentalists and theorists met on October 25–26, 2017 to explore research opportunities that will leverage current and imminent ultrafast XFEL capabilities and advance the broader BES science mission. This report summarizes major new scientific frontiers that can be addressed by emerging XFEL capabilities. The conclusions of the roundtable discussion are summarized in the following three Priority Research Opportunities (PROs).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2016

Basic Research Needs Workshop on Quantum Materials for Energy Relevant Technology

Imagine future computers that can perform calculations a million times faster than today’s most powerful supercomputers at only a tiny fraction of the energy cost. Imagine power being generated, stored, and then transported across the national grid with nearly no loss. Imagine ultrasensitive sensors that keep us in the loop on what is happening at home or work, warn us when something is going wrong around us, keep us safe from pathogens, and provide unprecedented control of manufacturing and chemical processes. And imagine smart windows, smart clothes, smart buildings, supersmart personal electronics, and many other items — all made from materials that can change their properties “on demand” to carry out the functions we want. The key to attaining these technological possibilities in the 21st century is a new class of materials largely unknown to the general public at this time but destined to become as familiar as silicon. Welcome to the world of quantum materials — materials in which the extraordinary effects of quantum mechanics give rise to exotic and often incredible properties. To realize the tantalizing potential of quantum materials, there is much basic scientific research to be done. Recognizing the high potential impact of quantum materials, nations around the world are already investing in this effort. We must learn how the astonishing properties of quantum materials can be tailored to address our most pressing technological needs, and we must dramatically improve our ability to synthesize, characterize, and control quantum materials. To accelerate the progress of quantum materials research, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES), sponsored a “Basic Research Needs Workshop on Quantum Materials for Energy-relevant Technology,” which was held near Washington, D.C. on February 8–10, 2016. Attended by more than 100 leading national and international scientific experts in the synthesis, characterization, and theory of quantum materials, the workshop identified four priority research directions (PRDs) that will lay the foundation to better understand quantum materials and harness their rich technological potential.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗