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Results for “HIGH RESOLUTION TRANSMISSION E”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Multimodal analysis and characterization of the boehmite layer formed on AA6061 before and after alkaline etching

Low-enriched uranium (LEU) alloyed with 10% Mo (U-10Mo) is being considered as a promising alternative to oxide-based dispersion fuel with high-enriched uranium for use in research reactors. The configuration of this proposed LEU monolithic LEU fuel plate consists of a U-10Mo plate-type fuel foil with a 25 µm zirconium interlayer barrier clad with an aluminum alloy (AA6061). In certain research reactors, the clad AA6061 is coated with a boehmite layer to prevent corrosion. The boehmite layer has a high-pH passivation range, which makes it resistant to oxidation. Boehmite is usually formed on the AA6061 surface by autoclave processing. Before the boehmite layer is added, the surface of the AA6061 is cleaned using techniques such as polishing and wet etching. In this study, we use multimodal analysis to examine how pretreatment of AA6061 using polishing followed by alkaline etching affects the chemical composition of the boehmite layer. X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to study the chemical changes in the boehmite layer caused by alkaline etching pretreatment. XPS provides quantitative analysis for the Al:O ratio as well as oxidation states present on the surface, which suggests slight oxidation of the boehmite surface after alkaline etching of the AA6061 surface. We further explored this suggested oxidation of the boehmite surface using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (GI-XRD), which suggested only a small amount of aluminum oxide at the surface. The multimodal analysis and imaging yielded new insights for optimizing boehmite growth on AA6061 for research reactors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Advanced techniques in automated high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy

Scanning transmission electron microscopy is a common tool used to study the atomic structure of materials. It is an inherently multimodal tool allowing for the simultaneous acquisition of multiple information channels. Despite its versatility, however, experimental workflows currently rely heavily on experienced human operators and can only acquire data from small regions of a sample at a time. Here, we demonstrate a flexible pipeline-based system for high-throughput acquisition of atomic-resolution structural data using an all-piezo sample stage applied to large-scale imaging of nanoparticles and multimodal data acquisition. As a result, the system is available as part of the user program of the Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

4D-STEM↗
DOE OSTI2021

State-of-the-Art Techniques for Large-Scale Stochastic Unit Commitment

Recent advances in deterministic unit commitment, both formulaic and algorithmic, along with modern algorithmic approaches for stochastic programming, have enabled the solution of stochastic unit commitment problems with hundreds of scenarios on large-scale transmission networks. In this presentation, we will give an overview of these methods, including lazy transmission constraint generation, lower-bounding techniques, and heuristics, all of which can be executed in concert with customized decomposition approaches for optimization under uncertainty. We demonstrate the effectiveness of these techniques on the TAMU Texas7K synthetic transmission network, leveraging realistic high-resolution forecasts based on NREL renewable resource availability data. The software leveraged for these demonstrations is available via the open-source software packages EGRET (for electrical grid optimization) and mpi-sppy (for optimization under uncertainty).

27 ARPA - Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy↗
DOE OSTI2024

Molecular-Resolution Electron Imaging of Defects and Dynamics at the Ice-Water Interface

Water crystallization into hexagonal ice (type I h ) is one of the most critical processes relevant to the Earth’s environment and human activities. However, despite recent breakthroughs in imaging non-equilibrium condensed ice structures, the ice-water interface has never been imaged at a molecular resolution. This is primarily due to the low stability of the hydrogen bonds in ice under high-resolution microscopy conditions and a lack of methods to prepare compatible samples. Here, this presentation describes the first molecular-resolution imaging of ice crystallized from liquid water and the ice-water interface using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). By encapsulating deionized (DI) water between two amorphous carbon (a-C) TEM grids and subsequently freezing it with liquid N 2 on a cryo sample stage, we generated two types of ice: non-equilibrium, condensed ice from the atmosphere and encapsulated ice from the DI water (Fig. 1A). Condensed ice usually shows irregular, spherulitic shapes (Fig. 1B). Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) shows that they are a mixture of cubic and hexagonal crystals (Fig. 1C). On the contrary, encapsulated ice forms thin films that contain large-area single-crystalline regions of hexagonal ice oriented along the [0001] zone axis (Fig. 1D). Differential electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) confirmed the high purity of the encapsulated ice free from organic contaminations that are common in other encapsulation methods for HRTEM such as graphene liquid cells. These single-crystalline areas are robust under the electron beam up to ~100 e/Å 2 s. Aberration-corrected HRTEM imaging in these areas achieved a line resolution of ~1.3 Å (Fig. 1E and F). This platform allows us to study near-equilibrium ice structures and dynamics at an unprecedented spatial resolution (Fig. 2). For example, we discovered subdomain-rich regions near the defective crystal edges despite the structure appearing single-crystalline according to diffraction criteria. These subdomains connect via low-angle grain boundaries with flat energy landscapes as a function of tilt angles (according to simulations), showing the high tolerance of ice to defect structures. When we tuned the sample temperature and electron flux rate, we observed radiolysis-controlled bubble generation and dissolution in ice single crystals near a steady state of bubble dynamics. Furthermore, rich beam-induced melting and recrystallization dynamics were observed at the ice-water interface with lattice resolution. These data represent the first observation of the ice-water phase transformation at the sub-nanometer level. In summary, the methods developed in this work enabled molecular-resolution observations of ice and the ice-water interface and shed light on the microstructures and phase transformation pathways. Finer control on the temperature, electron irradiation profile, and imaging detector could eventually lead to real-time observation of ice nucleation in water and address long-standing questions in the nucleation pathways.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Nanoscale mapping of point defect concentrations with $\mathrm{4D-STEM}$

Vacancies are missing atoms in a crystalline material, and occur both at equilibrium (varying with temperature) and out of equilibrium such as when crystalline materials are damaged with radiation or corrosion. While we know of their importance, particularly regarding diffusive mechanisms, it is not straightforward to experimentally measure their concentration or to visualize them directly. Traditionally, measurements such as positron annihilation spectroscopy and to some degree X-ray diffraction can measure average concentrations, but generally lack the ability to visualize or quantify a heterogenous concentration of vacancies that can occur at the level of individual defects and microstructural features. Here, we present a method to map vacancy concentrations and their distribution using local lattice parameter measurements with a high-resolution electron microscope. Our method utilizes a Au thin film as a model to demonstrate the method via four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) by correlating the differences between changes in lattice parameter and the volumetric thermal expansion during in situ heating experiments. The vacancy mapping methodology is also applied to non-equilibrium defects accumulated in pure Al via knock-on electron beam irradiation. Our method demonstrates the ability to map point defect concentrations in heterogeneous systems in situ with nanometer spatial resolution. The result is a technique that can provide direct measurements of vacancy concentrations at the level of individual defects in studies of materials in and out of equilibrium.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Influence of electrical field on the susceptibility of gallium nitride transistors to proton irradiation

Radiation susceptibility of electronic devices is commonly studied as a function of radiation energetics and device physics. Often overlooked is the presence or magnitude of the electrical field, which we hypothesize to play an influential role in low energy radiation. Accordingly, we present a comprehensive study of low-energy proton irradiation on gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), turning the transistor ON or OFF during irradiation. Commercially available GaN HEMTs were exposed to 300 keV proton irradiation at fluences varying from 3.76 × 10 12 to 3.76 × 10 14 cm 2 , and the electrical performance was evaluated in terms of forward saturation current, transconductance, and threshold voltage. The results demonstrate that the presence of an electrical field makes it more susceptible to proton irradiation. The decrease of 12.4% in forward saturation and 19% in transconductance at the lowest fluence in ON mode suggests that both carrier density and mobility are reduced after irradiation. Additionally, a positive shift in threshold voltage (0.32 V and 0.09 V in ON and OFF mode, respectively) indicates the generation of acceptor-like traps due to proton bombardment. high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis reveal significant defects introduction and atom intermixing near AlGaN/GaN interfaces and within the GaN layer after the highest irradiation dose employed in this study. According to in-situ Raman spectroscopy, defects caused by irradiation can lead to a rise in self-heating and a considerable increase in (∼750 times) thermoelastic stress in the GaN layer during device operation. The findings indicate device engineering or electrical biasing protocol must be employed to compensate for radiation-induced defects formed during proton irradiation to improve device durability and reliability.

gallium nitride↗
DOE OSTI2024

Uncovering the three-dimensional structure of upconverting core–shell nanoparticles with multislice electron ptychography

In photon upconverting core–shell nanoparticles, structure strongly dictates performance. Typical imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy has sufficient resolution to probe the atomic structure of these nanoparticles, but contrast, dose, and projection limitations make conventional methods insufficient for fully characterizing these structures. Phase retrieval techniques provide a promising alternative imaging mode, and, in particular, multislice electron ptychography can recover depth-dependent information. Here, we study beam-sensitive photon upconverting core–shell nanoparticles with a multislice ptychography approach using a low electron dose to avoid damage. Large strain fields arise in these heterostructures due to the mismatch in lattice parameter between the core and the shell. We reconstruct both a nanoparticle that appears defect-free and one that has a large break in the side and map the distribution of strain in 3D by computing distortion fields from high-resolution potential images of each slice. In the defect-free nanoparticle, we observe twisting of the shell, while in the broken nanoparticle, we measure the 3D position of the crack, the core, and dislocations. These results highlight the advantage of multislice electron ptychography to recover 3D information from a single scan, even under strict electron dose requirements from beam-sensitive samples.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Calibration of the sub-aperture backscatter system on OMEGA EP

The sub-aperture backscatter (SABS) diagnostic on the OMEGA EP Laser System is a diagnostic that is used to measure the backscattered and sidescattered light during laser–plasma interaction experiments that are relevant to high-energy-density physics and inertial confinement fusion. The diagnostic collects stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) UV light at around 351 nm and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in the visible-light regime in the 420–720-nm-wavelength range and provides spectrally and temporally resolved information. Five 1-in. light collectors, composed of a lens, ground glass diffuser, and coupling into a 300-μm fiber, are positioned behind the last steering mirror on one of the four beamlines to catch a portion of the beam cross section (~1.5%) of the emission that is scattered into the beamline. The SRS light is collected in two light collectors, combined, and transported via graded index fibers to a streaked spectrometer. The SABS-SRS streak spectrometer has a temporal and spectral resolution of 100 ps and 1 nm, respectively. Three other light collectors collect, combine, and transport the SBS signal to a Hamamatsu high-voltage photodiode, where an oscilloscope digitizes the data, providing a time resolution of better than 1 ns. To obtain an absolute energy calibration of SRS measurements, light signals of known energy and wavelength were injected into the light collectors one at a time. The resulting counts on the streak camera charge-coupled device for SRS are then correlated with the incident fluence of scattered light at the light collector in order to allow a quantitative assessment of streak camera sensitivity to determine the energy of the scattered light during experiments. The measurements were performed in situ from the light collectors to the detectors. Other offline measurements provided the transmission of the optics between the target chamber center and the light collectors.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Nanostructure and compositional segregation of soft magnetic FeNi-based nanocomposites with multiple nanocrystalline phases

Soft magnetic metal amorphous nanocomposite alloys are produced through rapid solidification and thermal annealing yielding nanocrystals embedded within an amorphous precursor. Similar free energies in Co-rich and FeNi-based alloy systems result in multiple nanocrystalline phases being formed during devitrification. Studies of multi-phase crystallization processes have been reported for Co-rich alloys but relatively few have investigated FeNi-based systems. A detailed characterization of compositional partitioning and microstructure of an optimally annealed FeNi-based MANC (Fe 70 Ni 30 ) 80 Nb 4 Si 2 B 14 alloy is presented through complementary high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and atom probe tomography (APT). HRTEM demonstrates orientation relationships between FCC and BCC nanocrystals, suggesting heterogeneous nucleation of nanocrystals in the amorphous matrix or a cooperative mechanism of nucleation between BCC and FCC nanocrystallites. APT results show evidence for (i) the segregation of Fe and Ni between nanocrystals of different phases, (ii) B partitioning to the amorphous phase, and (iii) an Nb-enriched shell surrounding nanocrystals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Design of Electrostatic Aberration Correctors for Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy

Abstract In a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), producing a high-resolution image generally requires an electron beam focused to the smallest point possible. However, the magnetic lenses used to focus the beam are unavoidably imperfect, introducing aberrations that limit resolution. Modern STEMs overcome this by using hardware aberration correctors comprised of many multipole elements, but these devices are complex, expensive, and can be difficult to tune. We demonstrate a design for an electrostatic phase plate that can act as an aberration corrector. The corrector is comprised of annular segments, each of which is an independent two-terminal device that can apply a constant or ramped phase shift to a portion of the electron beam. We show the improvement in image resolution using an electrostatic corrector. Engineering criteria impose that much of the beam within the probe-forming aperture be blocked by support bars, leading to large probe tails for the corrected probe that sample the specimen beyond the central lobe. We also show how this device can be used to create other STEM beam profiles such as vortex beams and probes with a high degree of phase diversity, which improve information transfer in ptychographic reconstructions.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2022

Geothermal Fault Zone and Fluid Imaging through Joint Airborne ZTEM and Ground MT Data Inversion Analysis

This project has aimed to achieve detailed electrical resistivity resolution at geothermal reservoir scales by combining airborne natural electromagnetic (EM) field surveying (ZTEM) with ground magnetotelluric (MT) measurements to approximate an airborne MT geophysical method. MT alone is relatively expensive and may have permitting challenges in sensitive areas. Airborne ZTEM field data contains only the magnetic field, requires a background assumption, and has been limited to relatively high frequencies, thus suffering uniqueness problems. Based on proto-type 2D simulations, ZTEM ambiguities may be reduced through formal incorporation with possibly sparse ground MT soundings, which we pursued in full 3D for this project. The methodology was tested at the high-temperature Roosevelt Hot Springs geothermal system, Utah, which was considered advantageous given the near total exposure of crystalline reservoir rocks across the project area. ZTEM and ground MT survey data were acquired in 2017, subcontracted to outside parties with which we have worked in the past. These included 80 remote-referenced tensor MT soundings over the Mineral Mountains and adjacent Roosevelt Hot Spring producing geothermal system. These MT stations abut later coverage of a similar number of MT stations taken for the Utah FORGE project providing excellent total data aperture to re-solve structure beneath both project areas better than either set alone. The airborne ZTEM survey covered 704 line kilometers in E-W flight lines with a 250 m line spacing. Although this survey was timed during a maintenance-related shutdown of power production at the Roosevelt Hot Springs, other noise sources difficult to identify but including two high-voltage state-scale transmission lines compromised the ZTEM survey badly leading to unusable responses. Thus, with DOE management concurrence, the project proceeded to emphasize inversion and interpretation of the joint SubTER-FORGE MT data sets with regard to the Roosevelt Hot Springs reservoir recharge and to deep heat sources for both it and the Utah FORGE EGS project area. We also investigated the joint ZTEM-MT sampling concept with data sets from the Eleven Mile Canyon prospect area donated by the U.S. Navy (A. Sabin, PoC). Inversion of the SubTER-FORGE MT data using the HexMT 3D finite element algorithm reveals a large, low-resistivity anomaly extending sub-vertically through the depth range of the crust beneath the western Mineral Mountains. The steep conductive zone connects in the lower crust to a more tabular conductor characteristic of much of the Great Basin that generally is ascribed to current mafic magmatic underplating, hybridization and fluid release. The location of the resolved anomaly relative to the recent (0.5-0.8 Ma) eruptive centers of the Mineral Mountains implicates it as remnants of the magma body which fed these centers. This structure appears to be currently feeding heat and fluids upward into the Roosevelt Hot Springs hydrothermal system, as well as heat laterally to the FORGE project area. Separate and joint inversion models were carried out for the donated Eleven Mile Canyon MT-ZTEM data set to demonstrate concept. ZTEM only inversion showed two main alteration zones in the western portion of the project area known from geological mapping. Joint inversion including an E-W profile of MT soundings sharpened these features considerably. It also resolved in much greater detail the graben related normal faulting structure of the central project area which lies at depths exceeding the sensitivity of ZTEM alone. The sparse number of MT da-ta relative to the ZTEM required upweighting the former by a factor of several, but an exact procedure awaits future research. Our final impression is that sparse MT data can improve resolution of the subsurface over that of ZTEM alone. However, well sampled MT data are to be preferred and offer the simplicity of interpreting just one data type, and possess the superior resolution capability coming with the electric field everywhere, and from their high bandwidth.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Optoelectronic and structural characterization of trapezoidal defects in 4H-SiC epilayers and the effect on MOSFET reliability

To this day, trapezoidal defects are found in clusters and high counts in wafers representing the industry standard in terms of material quality being produced. This study sheds light on the nature, origin, behavior, and impact of this defect on device yield and reliability. Trapezoidal defects in 4H-SiC epitaxial layers were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) imaging, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cathodoluminescence spectrum imaging (CLSI), SEM electron beam induced current (EBIC) imaging, and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. The bar-shaped stacking faults were identified by the PL and CL measurements with a peak emission wavelength of 420 and 450 nm. An optoelectronic behavioral study based on the recombination enhanced dislocation glide mechanism revealed how expanding dislocations and stacking faults interact with each other. Combining the luminescence and microscopy results, the nature of the stacking faults was identified as being a combination of Shockley-type and Frank-type stacking faults. The TEM analysis showed that these defects originate from the substrate and the stacking sequences of some of the faults were determined as (…2, 4, 2…) and (…2, 3, 2…) in the Zhdanov's notation by high-resolution TEM. The origin of this defect is speculated based on our results and previous reports. The EBIC imaging showed that the high density of SFs in these towers is a strong site of carrier recombination, which presumably has an impact on the transfer characteristics of SiC devices. Furthermore, these defects have shown to impact metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors electrical performance via an increase in the on-state resistance depending on the coverage percentage of the tower of defects in the active area of the device.

4H-SiC↗
DOE OSTI2021

Assembly of Close–Packed Ferroelectric Polymer Nanowires via Interface–Epitaxy with ReS 2

The flexible, transparent, and low-weight nature of ferroelectric polymers makes them promising for wearable electronic and optical applications. To reach the full potential of the polarization-enabled device functionalities, large-scale fabrication of polymer thin films with well-controlled polar directions is called for, which remains a central challenge. The widely exploited Langmuir–Blodgett, spin-coating, and electrospinning methods only yield polymorphous or polycrystalline films, where the net polarization is compromised. Here, an easily scalable approach is reported to achieve poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) P(VDF-TrFE) thin films composed of close-packed crystalline nanowires via interface-epitaxy with 1T'-ReS 2 . Upon controlled thermal treatment, uniform P(VDF-TrFE) films restructure into about 10 and 35 nm-wide (010)-oriented nanowires that are crystallographically aligned with the underlying ReS 2 , as revealed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Piezoresponse force microscopy studies confirm the out-of-plane polar axis of the nanowire films and reveal coercive voltages as low as 0.1 V. Reversing the polarization can induce a conductance switching ratio of >10 8 in bilayer ReS 2 , over six orders of magnitude higher than that achieved by an untreated polymer gate. Lastly, this study points to a cost-effective route to large-scale processing of high-performance ferroelectric polymer thin films for flexible energy-efficient nanoelectronics.

crystalline nanowires↗
DOE OSTI2023

Heavy ion irradiation induced failure of gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors: effects of in-situ biasing

Abstract While radiation is known to degrade AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs), the question remains on the extent of damage governed by the presence of an electrical field in the device. In this study, we induced displacement damage in HEMTs in both ON and OFF states by irradiating with 2.8 MeV Au 4+ ion to fluence levels ranging from 1.72 × 10 10 to 3.745 × 10 13 ions cm −2 , or 0.001–2 displacement per atom (dpa). Electrical measurement is done in situ , and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), geometrical phase analysis (GPA), and micro-Raman are performed on the highest fluence of Au 4+ irradiated devices. The selected heavy ion irradiation causes cascade damage in the passivation, AlGaN, and GaN layers and at all associated interfaces. After just 0.1 dpa, the current density in the ON-mode device deteriorates by two orders of magnitude, whereas the OFF-mode device totally ceases to operate. Moreover, six orders of magnitude increase in leakage current and loss of gate control over the 2-dimensional electron gas channel are observed. GPA and Raman analysis reveal strain relaxation after a 2 dpa damage level in devices. Significant defects and intermixing of atoms near AlGaN/GaN interfaces and GaN layer are found from HRTEM and EDX analyses, which can substantially alter device characteristics and result in complete failure.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Climate-Water Impacts on Interconnection-Scale Electricity System Planning

A growing literature emphasizes the importance of integrating climate change impacts into electricity system planning. Rising average temperatures can increase and shift electricity demand while reducing generator and transmission efficiency. Changes to water availability and quality can reduce the output of thermally cooled generators and hydropower. Electric power grids across the US and globally are undergoing transformational changes that present new opportunities and challenges to reliability assurance. However, electric utilities and system operators have limited internal capabilities to incorporate these effects into planning practices. This work addresses gaps in utility and system planner practices by integrating climate-water-electricity expertise from universities and U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories with electricity system planners and stakeholders in the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). Using a highly collaborative approach, global climate model data, high-resolution hydrology models, and long-term electric sector capacity expansion tools are employed to analyze a range of climate outcomes for future electricity scenarios aligned with recent WECC planning studies. Doing so allows WECC to expand its climate-agnostic planning assessments to consider how future temperature and precipitation patterns could influence generation and transmission planning. We explore how changes to climate-water conditions can affect power plant investment and operation, system economics, and environmental impacts, providing an expanded perspective on interconnection-wide decision making under climate uncertainty.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Mitigating Heavy Ion Irradiation‐Induced Degradation in p‐type SnO Thin‐Film Transistors at Room Temperature

The study investigates the mitigation of radiation damage on p‐type SnO thin‐film transistors (TFTs) with a fast, room‐temperature annealing process. Atomic layer deposition is utilized to fabricate bottom‐gate TFTs of high‐quality p‐type SnO layers. After 2.8 MeV Au 4+ irradiation at a fluence level of 5.2 × 10 12 ions cm −2 , the output drain current and on/off current ratio ( I on / I off ) decrease by more than one order of magnitude, field‐effect mobility ( μ FE ) reduces more than four times, and subthreshold swing (SS) increases more than four times along with a negative shift in threshold voltage. The observed degradation is attributed to increased surface roughness and defect density, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high‐resolution micro‐Raman, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with geometric phase analysis (GPA). A technique is demonstrated to recover the device performance at room temperature and in less than a minute, using the electron wind force (EWF) obtained from low‐duty‐cycle high‐density pulsed current. At a pulsed current density of 4.0 × 10 5 A cm −2 , approximately four times increase in I on / I off is observed, 41% increase in μ FE , and 20% decrease in the SS of the irradiated TFTs, suggesting effectiveness of the new annealing technique.

Al-Mamun, Nahid Sultan↗
DOE OSTI2024

Phase Composition and Phase Transformation of Additively Manufactured Nickel Alloy 718 AM Bench Artifacts

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies offer unprecedented design flexibility but are limited by a lack of understanding of the material microstructure formed under their extreme and transient processing conditions and its subsequent transformation during post-build processing. As part of the 2022 AM Bench Challenge, sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, this study focuses on the phase composition and phase evolution of AM nickel alloy 718, a nickel-based superalloy, to provide benchmark data essential for the validation of computational models for microstructural predictions. Here, we employed high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, in situ synchrotron X-ray scattering, as well as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy for our analyses. The study uncovers critical aspects of the microstructure in its as-built state, its transformation during homogenization, and its phase evolution during subsequent aging heat treatment. Specifically, we identified secondary phases, monitored the dissolution and coarsening of microstructural elements, and observed the formation and stability of γ ’ and γ ” phases. The results provide the rigorous benchmark data required to understand the atomic and microstructural transformations of AM nickel alloy 718, thereby enhancing the reliability and applicability of AM models for predicting phase evolution and mechanical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

How irradiation promotes intergranular stress corrosion crack initiation

Irradiation assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) is a form of intergranular stress corrosion cracking that occurs in irradiated austenitic alloys. It requires an irradiated microstructure along with high temperature water and stress. The process is ubiquitous in that it occurs in a wide range of austenitic alloys and water chemistries, but only when the alloy is irradiated. Despite evidence of this degradation mode that dates back to the 1960s, the mechanism by which it occurs has remained elusive. Here, using high resolution electron backscattering detection to analyze local stress-strain states, high resolution transmission electron microscopy to identify grain boundary phases at crack tips, and decoupling the roles of stress and grain boundary oxidation, we are able to unfold the complexities of the phenomenon to reveal the mechanism by which IASCC occurs. The significance of the findings impacts the mechanical integrity of core components of both current and advanced nuclear reactor designs worldwide.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗