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At least 343 records · Page 19

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DOE OSTI2011

Influence of annealing on the metal/semiconductor contacts deposited on sulfur-treated n-GaAs surface

Comparative analysis of the influence of thermal annealing on Ge/Au/Ni-, Ge/Au/Ti/Au-, and Ge/Au/Ni/Ti/Au-based ohmic contacts and Ti/Au-based Schottky contacts deposited on an n-GaAs (100) surface treated and nontreated in (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}S aqueous solution have been performed. Annealing conditions for ohmic contacts are found that lead to a decrease in the specific contact resistance of sulfur-treated samples by a factor of 2.5-15 in comparison with the nontreated samples. Optimal annealing conditions are also determined for sulfur-treated GaAs samples with Schottky contacts, which make it possible to reduce the ideality factor and increase the barrier height and the breakdown voltage with respect to the nontreated samples.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2010

Elemental analysis of slurry samples with laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Direct analysis of wet slurry samples with laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is challenging due to problems of sedimentation, splashing, and surface turbulence. Also, water can quench the laser plasma and suppress the LIBS signal, resulting in poor sensitivity. The effect of water on LIBS spectra from slurries was investigated. As the water content decreased, the LIBS signal was enhanced and the standard deviation was reduced. To improve LIBS slurry analysis, dried slurry samples prepared by applying slurry on PVC coated slides were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate calibration was performed on the LIBS spectra of the dried slurry samples for elemental analysis of Mg, Si, and Fe. Calibration results show that the dried slurry samples give a good correlation between spectral intensity and elemental concentration.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2016

Gas spark switches with increased operating life for Marx generator of lightning test complex

A new design of gas spark switches with an increased operating life and stable dynamic characteristics for the Marx generator of the lightning test complex has been developed. The switches are characterized by the following parameters in the mode of operation: voltage up to 80 kV, discharge current up to 50 kA, flowing charge up to 3.5 C/pulse. An increased operating life is achieved by using torus-shaped electrodes with increased working surface area and a trigger electrode in the form of a thick disk with a hole located between them. Low breakdown delay time and high stability of breakdown voltage under dynamic conditions are provided by gas preionization in the spark gap using UV radiation of an additional corona discharge in the axial region.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2020

Density Functional Theory Study of the Initial Stages of Cl-Induced Degradation of α -Cr 2 O 3 Passive Film

The ion exchange and point defect models are two prominent models describing the role of anions, such as chlorides, in the degradation of passive oxide films. Here the thermodynamic feasibility of critical steps of Cl-induced degradation of a hydroxylated α-Cr 2 O 3 (0001) surface, as proposed by these two models, are studied. Both models begin with Cl substitution of surface OH and H 2 O, which becomes less favorable with increasing Cl coverage. The initial stages of Cl-induced breakdown of the α-Cr 2 O 3 depend on Cl coverage and the presence of O vacancy near the surface as follows: (1) neither Cl insertion (supporting the ion exchange model) nor Cr vacancy formation (supporting the point defect model) is feasible at low Cl coverages except in the presence of O vacancies near the surface, where Cl insertion is thermodynamically feasible even at low coverages, (2) in the absence of O vacancies, Cr vacancy formation becomes feasible from 10/12 ML onwards whereas Cl insertion by exchange with subsurface OH only becomes feasible at full coverage. This implies that at higher coverages Cl-induced degradation first initiates through a vacancy formation mechanism, but both insertion and vacancy formation would be feasible at full coverage.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2012

Afterglow processes responsible for memory effect in nitrogen

The mechanisms responsible for memory effect in nitrogen at 6.6 mbars have been analysed based on experimental data of electrical breakdown time delay as a function of afterglow period. The analysis has shown that positive ions remaining from previous discharge, as well as metastable and highly vibrationally excited molecules, are responsible for memory effect in the early afterglow. These molecules lead to the formation of positive ions in mutual collisions in the afterglow. Positive ions initiate secondary electron emission from the cathode of a nitrogen-filled tube when voltage higher than static breakdown voltage is applied on the electrodes. On the other hand, N({sup 4}S) atoms have a large influence on memory effect in late afterglow. They recombine on the cathode surface forming metastable molecules, which release secondary electrons in collision with the cathode. The higher values of electrical breakdown time delay in the case of the tube with borosilicate glass walls than in the case of the tube with copper walls are a consequence of faster de-excitation of neutral active particles on the glass. Indirect confirmation of this assumption has been obtained when the tubes were irradiated with gamma radiation.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

NASA NTRS1973

Mechanics and thermodynamics in lubrication

The causes for breakdown in the lubricant film of mineral oils are discussed. It is stated that the critical point is caused by desorption of the naturally occurring surface active agent and can be described by thermodynamic analysis. The effect of different metals in lubrication is surveyed. The problem of breakdown in elastohydrodynamic lubrication is treated phenomenologically by studying traction. The topics considered are classical and non-Newtonian explanations, anomalous film thickness and viscosity effects, surface roughness contributions, and solidification of the lubricant. Reasons for the apparent granular traction characteristics are examined.

Cameron, A.↗

DOE OSTI2010

THE SCALE DEPENDENCE OF THE MOLECULAR GAS DEPLETION TIME IN M33

We study the Local Group spiral galaxy M33 to investigate how the observed scaling between the (kpc-averaged) surface density of molecular gas ({Sigma}{sub H2}) and recent star formation rate ({Sigma}{sub SFR}) relates to individual star-forming regions. To do this, we measure the ratio of CO emission to extinction-corrected H{alpha} emission in apertures of varying sizes centered both on peaks of CO and H{alpha} emission. We parameterize this ratio as the molecular gas (H{sub 2}) depletion time ({tau}{sub dep}). On large (kpc) scales, our results are consistent with a molecular star formation law ({Sigma}{sub SFR} {approx} {Sigma} {sup b}{sub H2}) with b {approx} 1.1-1.5 and a median {tau}{sub dep} {approx} 1 Gyr, with no dependence on type of region targeted. Below these scales, {tau}{sub dep} is a strong function of the adopted angular scale and the type of region that is targeted. Small ({approx}<300 pc) apertures centered on CO peaks have very long {tau}{sub dep} (i.e., high CO-to-H{alpha} flux ratio) and small apertures targeted toward H{alpha} peaks have very short {tau}{sub dep}. This implies that the star formation law observed on kpc scales breaks down once one reaches aperture sizes of {approx}<300 pc. For our smallest apertures (75 pc), the difference in {tau}{sub dep} between the two types of regions is more than one order of magnitude. This scale behavior emerges from averaging over star-forming regions with a wide range of CO-to-H{alpha} ratios with the natural consequence that the breakdown in the star formation law is a function of the surface density of the regions studied. We consider the evolution of individual regions the most likely driver for region-to-region differences in {tau}{sub dep} (and thus the CO-to-H{alpha} ratio).

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2016

de Haas–van Alphen study of role of 4 f electrons in antiferromagnetic CeZn 11 as compared to its nonmagnetic analog LaZn 11

Here we present a de Haas–van Alphen study of the Fermi surface of the low-temperature antiferromagnet CeZn 11 and its nonmagnetic analog LaZn 11 , measured by torque magnetometry up to fields of 33T and at temperatures down to 320 mK . Both systems possess similar de Haas–van Alphen frequencies, with three clear sets of features—ranging from 50 T to 4 kT —corresponding to three bands of a complex Fermi surface, with an expected fourth band also seen weakly in CeZn 11 . The effective masses of the charge carriers are very light (<1 m e ) in LaZn 11 but a factor of 2–4 larger in CeZn 11 , indicative of stronger electronic correlations. We perform detailed density functional theory (DFT) calculations for CeZn 11 and find that only DFT+ U calculations with U = 1.5 eV , which localize the 4 f states, provide a good match to the measured de Haas–van Alphen frequencies, once the presence of magnetic breakdown orbits is also considered. Finally, our study suggests that the Fermi surface of CeZn 11 is very close to that of LaZn 11 being dominated by Zn 3d , as the Ce 4 f states are localized and have little influence on its electronic structure, however, they are responsible for its magnetic order and contribute to enhance electronic correlations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2020

Evaluation of Hydrogen Generation in High Burnup Demonstration Dry Storage Cask

This report provides a best-estimate evaluation of residual water content (post-dry out) in the High Burnup (HBU) LWR Spent Fuel Demonstration project TN-32 cask, and evaluates the radiolysis of the residual free water, and the physisorbed and chemisorbed waters on the surfaces of the fuel and cask internal contents. The evaluation of radiolytic breakdown of those waters with gamma radiation causing the generation of hydrogen gas (H 2 ) is made using available literature data and models. This evaluation is part of the overall materials performance evaluation of the SNF-in-canister system, and is part of the technical bases for their continued safe dry storage. The TN-32 cask contents included 32 HBU LWR spent fuel assemblies each with 264 fuel rods clad in zirconium alloys, aluminum neutron absorber components, and aluminum and stainless steel structural components. The residual free and surface (physisorbed/chemisorbed) waters are ascribed to water vapor in the free volume and to components’ surfaces, respectively. The total potential radiolytic hydrogen inventory from the water vapor and from waters ascribed to surfaces has been calculated assuming all the water produced molecular H 2 . The residual water that is chemically incorporated into the bulk of a hydrated oxide, i.e., chemisorbed water, and its total potential hydrogen inventory has been calculated. These calculations are at the physical limit of material available and are used for a bounding assessment purpose only.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2011

Enhancement of RF Breakdown Threshold of Microwave Cavities by Magnetic Insulation

Limitations on the maximum achievable accelerating gradient of microwave cavities can influence the performance, length, and cost of particle accelerators. Gradient limitations are believed to be initiated by electron emission from the cavity surfaces. Here, we show that field emission is effectively suppressed by applying a tangential magnetic field to the cavity walls, so higher gradients can be achieved. Numerical simulations indicate that the magnetic field prevents electrons leaving these surfaces and subsequently picking up energy from the electric field. Our results agree with current experimental data. Two specific examples illustrate the implementation of magnetic insulation into prospective particle accelerator applications. The ultimate goal of several research efforts is to integrate high-gradient radio-frequency (rf) structures into next generation particle accelerators. For instance, the Muon Accelerator Program is looking at developing low-frequency cavities for muon cooling, and the International Linear Collider is optimizing the performance of 1.3 GHz rf structures aimed at designing a 1 TeV electron-positron collider. Furthermore, the High Gradient RF Collaboration is examining high frequency (f > 10 GHz) structures intended for an electron-positron collider operating at energies in the TeV range. In all this research, the accelerating gradient will be one of the crucial parameters affecting their design, construction, and cost. Limitations from rf breakdown strongly influence the development of accelerators since it limits the machine's maximum gradient. The emission of electrons from the cavity surfaces seemingly is a necessary stage in the breakdown process, acting either as a direct cause of breakdown or as precursor for other secondary effects. Typically, electron currents arise from sharp edges or cracks on the cavities surfaces, where the strength of the electric field is strongly enhanced compared to that of the nominal field when the surfaces of the cavity are perfect planes. Subsequently, a stream of emitted electrons can be accelerated by the rf electric field toward the opposing cavity walls. Upon impact, they heat a localized region, resulting in the eventual breakdown by a variety of secondary mechanisms. Therefore, it is advantageous to develop techniques that could suppress field emission within rf cavities. It has been proposed that high voltages up to about a gigavolt range may be sustained in voltage transformers, by adopting the principle of magnetic insulation in ultrahigh vacuum. The basic idea is to suppress field emission by applying a suitably directed magnetic field of sufficient strength to force the electrons orbits back on to the rf emitting surface. More recently, it was shown that magnetic insulation could be very effective in suppressing field emission and multipacting in rectangular coupler waveguides. Hence, the question arises whether the same principle is applicable to rf accelerating structures. In this Letter, we shall consider application of the concept to low-frequency (201-805 MHz) muon accelerator cavities.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2010

Particle simulation of femtosecond laser stimulation of electrical discharges in small gaps

A particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision simulation study of femtosecond laser stimulation of electrical discharges in submicron gaps between platinum scanning tunneling microscope cathode tips and gold film anodes in atmospheric pressure argon gas is described. The breakdown potential of gaps containing either preloaded electrons or preloaded neutral and ionized platinum atoms and electrons at various densities were compared to the breakdown potential of gaps with background argon gas alone. It was found that gaps preloaded with sufficient densities of either electrons or partially ionized electrode materials broke down at cathode potential of -80 V while gaps with background argon gas alone required applied cathode potentials between -200 to -250 V to cause a breakdown. Also, partially ionized material was much more effective at stimulating breakdown than electrons alone. The density of preloaded partially ionized platinum required to lower breakdown cathode potential to -80 V was approximately 12.5 times smaller than that required for the preloaded electrons alone in the same size gap. Analysis of the mechanism by which the preloaded partially ionized material promoted breakdown showed that laser ablated ions located near the cathode tip increased the local field at the cathode surface and the field-emitted electron flux from the cathode. This higher electron flux ionized background argon gas and preloaded platinum which resulted in gap breakdown. The threshold density of partially ionized platinum for gap breakdown varied approximately linearly with applied cathode potential.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2022

Review of the gas breakdown physics and nanomaterial-based ionization gas sensors and their applications

Ionization gas sensors are ubiquitous tools that can monitor desired gases or detect abnormalities in real time to protect the environment of living organisms or to maintain clean and/or safe environment in industries. The sensors’ working principle is based on the fingerprinting of the breakdown voltage of one or more target gases using nanostructured materials. Fundamentally, nanomaterial-based ionization-gas sensors operate within a large framework of gas breakdown physics; signifying that an overall understanding of the gas breakdown mechanism is a crucial factor in the technological development of ionization gas sensors. Moreover, many studies have revealed that physical properties of nanomaterials play decisive roles in the gas breakdown physics and the performance of plasma-based gas sensors. Based on this insight, this review provides a comprehensive description of the foundation of both the gas breakdown physics and the nanomaterial-based ionization-gas-sensor technology, as well as introduces research trends on nanomaterial-based ionization gas sensors. The gas breakdown is reviewed, including the classical Townsend discharge theory and modified Paschen curves; and nanomaterial-based-electrodes proposed to improve the performance of ionization gas sensors are introduced. The secondary electron emission at the electrode surface is the key plasma–surface process that affects the performance of ionization gas sensors. Finally, we present our perspectives on possible future directions.

nanomaterial-based gas breakdown characteristics↗

DOE OSTI2018

Experimental high gradient testing of a 17.1 GHz photonic band-gap accelerator structure

We report the design, fabrication and high gradient testing of a 17.1 GHz Photonic Band Gap accelerator structure. Photonic band-gap (PBG) structures are promising candidates for electron accelerators capable of high-gradient operation because they have the inherent damping of high order modes required to avoid beam breakup instabilities. The 17.1 GHz PBG structure tested was a single cell structure composed of a triangular array of round copper rods of radius 1.45 mm spaced by 8.05 mm. The test assembly consisted of the test PBG cell located between conventional (pillbox) input and output cells, with input power of up to 4 MW from a klystron supplied via a TM01 mode launcher. Breakdown at high gradient was observed by diagnostics including reflected power, downstream and upstream current monitors and visible light emission. The testing procedure was first benchmarked with a conventional disc-loaded waveguide structure, which reached a gradient of 87 MV/m at a breakdown probability of 1.19 × 10^-1 per pulse per meter. The PBG structure was tested with 100 ns pulses at power levels of less than 90 MV/m in order to limit the surface temperature rise to 120 K. The PBG structure reached up to 89 MV/m at a breakdown probability of 1.09×10^-1 per pulse per meter. These test results show that a PBG structure can simultaneously operate at high gradients and low breakdown probability, while also providing wakefield damping.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2012

Status of High Power Tests of Normal Conducting Single-Cell Standing Wave Structures

Our experiments are directed toward the understanding of the physics of rf breakdown in systems that can be used to accelerate electron beams at {approx}11.4 GHz. The structure geometries have apertures, stored energy per cell, and rf pulse duration close to that of the NLC or CLIC. The breakdown rate is the main parameter that we use to compare rf breakdown behavior for different structures at a given set of rf pulse parameters (pulse shape and peak power) at 60 Hz repetition rate. In our experiments, the typical range of the breakdown rate is from one per few hours to {approx}100 per hour. To date we have tested 29 structures. We consistently found that after the initial conditioning, the behavior of the breakdown rate is reproducible for structures of the same geometry and material, and the breakdown rate dependence on peak magnetic fields is stronger than on peak surface electric fields for structures of different geometries. Below we report the main results from tests of seven structures made from hard copper, soft copper alloys and hard-copper alloys. Additional details on these and other structures will be discussed in future publications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Bridging interfacial properties and cell performance: A multiscale model for proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells

Here, to elucidate the impact of local interfaces on mass-transport resistance and overall cell performance of low-loaded proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), we present a multiscale modeling framework incorporating a novel modified agglomerate model. The model considers three distinct Pt-electrolyte interfaces: Pt on the carbon surface covered by either ionomer or water film and Pt inside carbon nanopores. Detailed mass-transport voltage-loss breakdowns reveal that coupled agglomerate-interface-scale mass transport dominates the mass-transport loss. The ionomer poisons the exterior-Pt surface through suppressing O 2 adsorption and intrinsic ORR activity, leading to low current-density performance. Conversely, interior-Pt interface enhances the kinetic performance but limits high current-density performance due to its low interfacial permeability. The exterior-Pt/water interface demonstrates superior kinetic performance and mass transport, though its practical implementation requires ensuring proton transport. By coupling the multiscale CL properties with ink parameters, the model identifies an optimal I to C ratio of approximately 0.5, a moderate value where the ionomer content is sufficient to guarantee proton transport without fully covering the Pt surface and forming large agglomeration, thus allowing the utilization of the Pt-water interface and avoiding high mass-transport loss. Overall, the model helps unravel limiting phenomena across different operating regimes and provides routes for optimizing performance.

Cell diagnostic↗

NASA NTRS1985

Numerical simulation of boundary layer excitation by surface heating/cooling

The concept of active control of growing disturbances in an unstable compressible flow by using time periodic, localized surface heating is studied numerically. The simulations are calculated by a fourth-order accurate solution of the compressible, laminar Navier-Stokes equations. Fourth-order accuracy is particularly important for this problem because the solution must be computed over many wavelengths. The numerical results demonstrate the growth of an initially small fluctuation into the nonlinear regime where a local breakdown into smaller scale disturbances can be observed. It is shown that periodic surface heating over a small strip can reduce the level of the fluctuation provided that the phase of the heating current is properly chosen.

Bayliss, A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Numerical simulation of boundary-layer excitation by surface heating/cooling

Bayliss, A.↗

DOE OSTI2012

Formation of extended conducting channels in atmosphere

Some mechanisms of the formation of an extended ({approx}1 km) conducting channel in atmosphere using the laser engine technology (Impul'sar program) are considered. The electric conductivity of a channel formed by electric explosion of a 90-{mu}m copper wire up to {approx}1.6 m long (in electric breakdown) at a voltage not higher than 10 kV is studied. The requirements to the products of laser engine exhaust to atmosphere for producing a conducting channel, containing dispersion and condensation aerosols of hot particles of copper oxides (CuO, Cu{sub 2}O) and copper with an oxidised surface (from 50 nm to 300 {mu}m in diameter), are formulated. Possible mechanisms of electric breakdown at the field strength E {>=} 52 V cm{sup -1} in the discharge gap are discussed. The electric conductivity of the channel formed by the laser plasma upon focusing the solid-state laser radiation on targets made of different materials has also been studied.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗