Search NASA⌕ Search
Home/Archive/DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI · 1821971

Thermal Infrared Detectors: expanding performance limits using ultrafast electron microscopy

Talin, Albert·Ellis, Scott·Bartelt, Norman·Leonard, Francois Leonard·Perez, Christopher·Celio, Km·Fuller, Elliot·Hughart, David·Garland, Diana·Marinella, Matthew·Michael, Joseph Richard·Chandler, David·Young, Steve·Smith, Sean·Kumar, Suhas
View original source ↗Read source document ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

This project aimed to identify the performance-limiting mechanisms in mid- to far infrared (IR) sensors by probing photogenerated free carrier dynamics in model detector materials using scanning ultrafast electron microscopy (SUEM). SUEM is a recently developed method based on using ultrafast electron pulses in combination with optical excitations in a pump- probe configuration to examine charge dynamics with high spatial and temporal resolution and without the need for microfabrication. Five material systems were examined using SUEM in this project: polycrystalline lead zirconium titanate (a pyroelectric), polycrystalline vanadium dioxide (a bolometric material), GaAs (near IR), InAs (mid IR), and Si/SiO 2 system as a prototypical system for interface charge dynamics. The report provides detailed results for the Si/SiO 2 and the lead zirconium titanate systems.

Explore related subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Talin, Albert, Ellis, Scott, Bartelt, Norman, Leonard, Francois Leonard, Perez, Christopher, Celio, Km, Fuller, Elliot, Hughart, David, Garland, Diana, Marinella, Matthew, Michael, Joseph Richard, Chandler, David, Young, Steve, Smith, Sean, Kumar, Suhas. 2021-09-01. Thermal Infrared Detectors: expanding performance limits using ultrafast electron microscopy. https://doi.org/10.2172/1821971

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related reports

DOE OSTI2026

Cyclic moisture reactivation of calcium sorbents for long duration thermochemical energy storage

The transition to a flexible and reliable energy infrastructure, using electro-thermal energy generation technologies such as geothermal, concentrated solar power, and nuclear, usually demands simultaneous advancement of thermal energy storage (TES) to support on-demand electricity generation and industrial applications while mitigating the inherent intermittency of renewable energy sources and power outages from direct energy generation. Among TES technologies, thermochemical energy storage (TCES) based on calcium looping emerges as a compelling high-power energy storage candidate due to its high reaction enthalpy, compatibility with elevated operating temperatures, and abundance of low-cost materials. However, the long-term durability of calcium-based sorbents for TCES is hindered by surface sintering and particle aggregation, leading to performance degradation over repeated thermal cycles. This study explores a moisture hydration-based strategy to regenerate a degraded calcium sorbent and mitigate performance degradation for long duration TCES. The addition of moisture transforms calcium oxide into calcium hydroxide and produces intercalation water layers, associated with a regenerated surface area and reduced calcium oxide crystallite size. Both these effects are beneficial in restoring the sorbents' reactivity for carbonization. Additionally, an optimized hydration-assisted reactivation protocol balances the recovered energy storage capacity with heating penalty required for moisture removal from hydrated samples, resulting in an enhanced energy storage capacity up to 176% compared to benchmark sorbents that undergo cycling without reactivation after 60 cycles. In conclusion, these results highlight the potential of hydration-assisted reactivation to enhance the long-term performance of TCES, providing an effective pathway to advancing electro-thermal storage technologies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗