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At least 397 records · Page 22

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DOE OSTI2024

InAs Terahertz Metalens Emitter for Focused Terahertz Beam Generation

Metasurfaces have opened doors to combining multiple photonic functionalities in a single compact device. In particular, the ability to generate short terahertz (THz) pulses with precise wavefront engineering in a single THz metasurface redefined the role metasurfaces can play in THz systems. Here, an InAs metalens emitter which generates and focuses a THz pulse beam is demonstrated using a 130 nm thick InAs metasurface designed as a binary‐phase Fresnel zone plate. The THz beam is focused to a spot of ≈430 μm at 1 THz with a short focal length of 5 mm and large numerical aperture of 0.5. Nanoscale InAs Mie resonators comprising the metasurface enable THz generation with an amplitude as high as 20 times compared to plasmonic THz emitters and several times compared to a 1 mm thick ZnTe crystal. This InAs metasurface emitter provides a new paradigm for designing THz imaging, spectroscopy, and communication systems, where THz beam generation and shaping are performed with a single device without compromising the generation efficiency, while eliminating losses and avoiding limitations of phase matching of conventional nonlinear optics approaches.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2022

Probing topological phase transitions using high-harmonic generation

We report the prediction and realization of topological insulators have sparked great interest in experimental approaches to the classification of materials. The phase transition between non-trivial and trivial topological states is important, not only for basic materials science but also for next-generation technology, such as dissipation-free electronics. It is therefore crucial to develop advanced probes that are suitable for a wide range of samples and environments. Here we demonstrate that circularly polarized laser-field-driven high-harmonic generation is distinctly sensitive to the non-trivial and trivial topological phases in the prototypical three-dimensional topological insulator bismuth selenide. The phase transition is chemically initiated by reducing the spin–orbit interaction strength through the substitution of bismuth with indium atoms. We find strikingly different high-harmonic responses of trivial and non-trivial topological surface states that manifest themselves as a conversion efficiency and elliptical dichroism that depend both on the driving laser ellipticity and the crystal orientation. The origins of the anomalous high-harmonic response are corroborated by calculations using the semiconductor optical Bloch equations with pairs of surface and bulk bands. As a purely optical approach, this method offers sensitivity to the electronic structure of the material, including its nonlinear response, and is compatible with a wide range of samples and sample environments.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

NASA NTRS1972

Bandwidth and threshold calculations for angle-tuned parametric oscillators.

The bandwidth of angle-tuned optical parametric oscillators, in some cases, is limited by the noncolinear interaction of the pump, signal, and idler beams, which results when the nonlinear material is rotated relative to the pump beam. To determine this bandwidth, a theoretical expression for the pump power threshold is derived in the near field limit taking into account double refraction for a noncolinear interaction. Angle tuning can be done by (1) rotating the crystal and mirrors as a unit, or by (2) rotating the crystal only. Expressions for determining the tuning rate and threshold increase for both tuning methods are derived.

Basu, R.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Fluid Flow in Crystal Growth: Analysis of the Verticle Bridgman and Floating Zone Process

Research is aimed at the fundamental understanding of the interactions of heat and mass transport and fluid mechanics in crystal growth from the melt, especially in how it pertains to experiments supported by the Microgravity Science and Applications program. Emphasis has been on studies of the vertical Bridgman system, on small-scale floating zone systems proposed for space flight, and on quantitative prediction of nonlinear transitions in melt/solid interface morphologies leading to the formation of dendrites in directional solidification. The analysis of vertical Bridgman growth has lead to the complete numerical analysis of transport phenomena in directional solidification and to a detailed comparison of calculations to the GaGe growth experiments of Wang and Witt. Calculations show the central role of the ampoule material in determining the radial temperature gradients in the melt and thus, the intensity of convection. Results indicate that diffusion-controlled growth can not be achieved on Earth with conventional growth systems, but are feasible in microgravity

Brown, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Molecular Modeling and Experimental Investigations of Nonlinear Optical Compounds Monosubstituted Derivatives of Dicyanovinylbenzene

A search for potential nonlinear optical compounds was performed using the Cambridge Structure Database and molecular modeling. We investigated a series of monosubstituted derivatives of dicyanovinylbenzene, since the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of such derivatives (o-methoxy-dicyanovinylbenzene, DIVA) were studied earlier. The molecular geometry of these compounds was investigated with x-ray analysis and discussed along with the results of molecular mechanics and ab initio quantum chemical calculations. The influence of crystal packing on the planarity of the molecules of this series has been revealed. Two new compounds from the series studied, ortho-F and para-Cl-dicyanovinylbenzene, according to powder measurements, were found to be NLO compounds in the crystal state about 10 times more active than urea. The peculiarities of crystal structure formation in the framework of balance between van der Waals and electrostatic interactions have been discussed. The crystal shape of DIVA and two new NLO compounds have been calculated on the basis of the known crystal structure.

Timofeeva, Tatiana V.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Nonlinear Elastic Effects on the Energy Flux Deviation of Ultrasonic Waves in GR/EP Composites

In isotropic materials, the direction of the energy flux (energy per unit time per unit area) of an ultrasonic plane wave is always along the same direction as the normal to the wave front. In anisotropic materials, however, this is true only along symmetry directions. Along other directions, the energy flux of the wave deviates from the intended direction of propagation. This phenomenon is known as energy flux deviation and is illustrated. The direction of the energy flux is dependent on the elastic coefficients of the material. This effect has been demonstrated in many anisotropic crystalline materials. In transparent quartz crystals, Schlieren photographs have been obtained which allow visualization of the ultrasonic waves and the energy flux deviation. The energy flux deviation in graphite/epoxy (gr/ep) composite materials can be quite large because of their high anisotropy. The flux deviation angle has been calculated for unidirectional gr/ep composites as a function of both fiber orientation and fiber volume content. Experimental measurements have also been made in unidirectional composites. It has been further demonstrated that changes in composite materials which alter the elastic properties such as moisture absorption by the matrix or fiber degradation, can be detected nondestructively by measurements of the energy flux shift. In this research, the effects of nonlinear elasticity on energy flux deviation in unidirectional gr/ep composites were studied. Because of elastic nonlinearity, the angle of the energy flux deviation was shown to be a function of applied stress. This shift in flux deviation was modeled using acoustoelastic theory and the previously measured second and third order elastic stiffness coefficients for T300/5208 gr/ep. Two conditions of applied uniaxial stress were considered. In the first case, the direction of applied uniaxial stress was along the fiber axis (x3) while in the second case it was perpendicular to the fiber axis along the laminate stacking direction (x1).

Prosser, William H.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Identification of mechanisms driving heterogeneous void growth in ductile aluminum

Void growth plays a central role in ductile fracture, yet the specific mechanisms that control this remain obscure. Classical models, such as those proposed by Rice and Tracey in 1969, are able to capture average rates of void growth, but cannot capture the heterogeneity of individual void growth. Building on recent work, the present study employs laboratory-based diffraction contrast tomography and in-situ x-ray computed tomography to investigate the effect of grain structure and other microstructural factors on void growth in an Al-2219 alloy. Crystal plasticity finite element (CP-FE) modeling is used alongside experimental data to evaluate the contributions of local mechanical states, grain orientation, grain size, and neighboring microstructural features. No strong linear relationships are found with any of the considered descriptors and void growth rate. Potential complex nonlinear relationships are explored with the use of a random forest regression model, which identifies initial void volume, void aspect ratio, local normal stress state, local shear stress state, and local equivalent plastic strain (EQPS) as features that most improve void growth rate predictions. The combination of these analyses suggests that these features should be prioritized to improve models of void growth.

Diffraction contrast tomography (DCT)↗

NASA NTRS1993

Spatiotemporal behavior and nonlinear dynamics in a phase conjugate resonator

The work described can be divided into two parts. The first part is an investigation of the transient behavior and stability property of a phase conjugate resonator (PCR) below threshold. The second part is an experimental and theoretical study of the PCR's spatiotemporal dynamics above threshold. The time-dependent coupled wave equations for four-wave mixing (FWM) in a photorefractive crystal, with two distinct interaction regions caused by feedback from an ordinary mirror, was used to model the transient dynamics of a PCR below threshold. The conditions for self-oscillation were determined and the solutions were used to define the PCR's transfer function and analyze its stability. Experimental results for the buildup and decay times confirmed qualitatively the predicted behavior. Experiments were carried out above threshold to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of the PCR as a function of Pragg detuning and the resonator's Fresnel number. The existence of optical vortices in the wavefront were identified by optical interferometry. It was possible to describe the transverse dynamics and the spatiotemporal instabilities by modeling the three-dimensional-coupled wave equations in photorefractive FWM using a truncated modal expansion approach.

Liu, Siuying Raymond↗

NASA NTRS1987

Electronic heterodyne moire deflectometry: A method for transient and three dimensional density fields measurements

Effects of diffraction and nonlinear photographic emulsion characteristics on the performance of deferred electronic heterodyne moire deflectometry are investigated. The deferred deflectometry is used for measurements of nonsteady phase objects where it is difficult to complete the analysis of the field in real time. The sensitivity, accuracy and resolution of the system are calculated and it is shown that they are weakly affected by diffraction and by nonlinear recording. The feactures of the system are significantly improved compared with the conventional deferred intensity moire technique, and are comparable with the online heterodyne moire. The system was evaluated experimentally by deferred measurements of the refractive index gradients of a weak phase object consisting of a large KD*P crystal. This was done by photographing the phase object through a Ronchi grating and analyzing the tranparency with the electronic heterodyne readout system. The results are compared with the measurements performed on the same phase object with online heterodyne moire deflectometry and with heterodyne holographic interferometry methods. Some practical considerations for system improvement are discussed.

Stricker, Josef↗

DOE OSTI2020

Thermal Properties of the Quaternary Chalcogenide BaCdSnSe 4

The fields of nonlinear optics, photovoltaics, and thermoelectrics have been strongly impacted by materials research, and quaternary chalcogenides are one general class of materials that has recently generated strong interest. An understanding of the thermal properties is paramount in these and other applications of interest. The thermal properties of BaCdSnSe 4 , a quaternary chalcogenide that is of interest for applications in nonlinear optics, are reported. Specifically, the thermal conductivity over a large temperature range and heat capacity are evaluated in light of the structural features of this material. Low thermal conductivity results from the complex unit cell as well as local dynamic disorder from Cd in the CdSe 4 tetrahedra in the crystal structure. Finally, the results and analyses reported herein are presented to enhance the fundamental understanding of the thermal properties of these materials, and can be related and applied to other quaternary chalcogenides that are of interest for energy-related applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Elastic properties of the W 0.75 R e 0.25 alloy at high pressure up to 183 GPa

The high pressure equation of state for the W 0.75 R e 0.25 alloy is experimentally determined up to 183 GPa with synchrotron angle-dispersive powder x-ray diffraction in the diamond-anvil cell and to ∼925 GPa with density-functional theory. W-Re alloys are used in many industrial high-temperature applications and as a confining gasket material in high-pressure diamond-anvil cell research. The inclusion of 25 wt. % Re achieves the highest performance in terms of strength and ductility while also maintaining the body-centered-cubic (bcc) crystal structure, yet to date there has been no investigation into its elastic behavior at high pressure. We present the experimentally and theoretically determined volumetric and elastic pressure response and systematically compare these results to other W-Re alloys, finding that the bulk modulus of W-Re alloys varies nonlinearly with Re content and W 0.75 Re 0.25 becomes less incompressible than W at 85 GPa. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Alloys↗

NASA NTRS1993

Growth of new materials for solid state laser applications. The growth of ZnGeP2 by the vertical Bridgman method

This is the final technical report on the cooperative NASA program 'Growth of New Materials for Solid State Laser Applications,' covering the period from 9-1-86 through 3-31-91. The first two and one half years of the program, from 9-1-86 through 3-31-89, was devoted to the development of new eye-safe laser sources. Single crystal fibers of rare earth doped and co-doped YAG were grown by the laser-heated pedestal growth method, characterized for their structural properties and supplied to NASA/Langley for spectroscopic evaluation. From 4-1-89 though 3-31-91, research focused on the growth of zinc germanium phosphide for nonlinear optical applications in the IR. The vertical Bridgman growth process was evaluated as a means to achieve better control over the short wavelength optical absorption in this material that adversely affects 2 micron-pumped optical parametric oscillators.

Feigelson, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Cumulative fatigue damage models

The problem of calculating expected component life under fatigue loading conditions is complicated by the fact that component loading histories contain, in many cases, cyclic loads of widely varying amplitudes. In such a case a cumulative damage model is required, in addition to a fatigue damage criterion, or life relationship, in order to compute the expected fatigue life. The traditional cumulative damage model used in design is the linear damage rule. This model, while being simple to use, can yield grossly unconservative results under certain loading conditions. Research at the NASA Lewis Research Center has led to the development of a nonlinear cumulative damage model, named the double damage curve approach (DDCA), that has greatly improved predictive capability. This model, which considers the life (or loading) level dependence of damage evolution, was applied successfully to two polycrystalline materials, 316 stainless steel and Haynes 188. The cumulative fatigue behavior of the PWA 1480 single-crystal material is currently being measured to determine the applicability of the DDCA for this material.

Mcgaw, Michael A.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Thermomagnetic properties of Bi 2 Te 3 single crystal in the temperature range from 55 K to 380 K

Magnetothermoelectric transport provides an understanding of coupled electron-hole-phonon current in topological materials and has applications in energy conversion and cooling. In this paper, we study the Nernst coefficient, the magneto-Seebeck coefficient, and the magnetoresistance of single-crystalline Bi 2 Te 3 under external magnetic field in the range of –3T to 3T and in the temperature range of 55 K to 380 K. Moreau's relation is employed to justify both the overall trend of the Nernst coefficient and the temperature at which this coefficient changes sign. We observe a nonlinear relationship between the Nernst coefficient and the applied magnetic field in the temperature range of 55 K to 255 K. An increase in both the Nernst coefficient and the magneto-Seebeck coefficient is observed as the temperature is reduced which can be attributed to the increased mobility of the carriers at lower temperatures. First-principles density functional theory calculations were carried out to physically model the experimental data including electronic and transport properties. Simulation findings agreed with the experiments and provide a theoretical insight to justify the measurements.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1985

Life prediction and constitutive models for engine hot section anisotropic materials program

The purpose is to develop life prediction models for coated anisotropic materials used in gas temperature airfoils. Two single crystal alloys and two coatings are now being tested. These include PWA 1480; Alloy 185; overlay coating, PWA 286; and aluminide coating, PWA 273. Constitutive models are also being developed for these materials to predict the plastic and creep strain histories of the materials in the lab tests and for actual design conditions. This nonlinear material behavior is particularily important for high temperature gas turbine applications and is basic to any life prediction system.

Swanson, G. A.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Frustrated Magnetism in FeGe 3 O 4 with a Chiral Trillium Network

The discovery of new magnetic ground states in geometrically frustrated lattices remains a central challenge in materials science. Here, we report the synthesis, structural characterization, and frustrated magnetic properties of FeGe 3 O 4 , a newly identified compound that crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric cubic space group P 2 1 3. In this structure, Fe atoms form an intricate double-trillium lattice with nearest-neighbor Fe−Fe distances of ∼4.2 Å, while Ge 2+ ions mediate magnetic interactions through Fe− Ge−Fe pathways. Field-dependent magnetization at 2 K shows a pronounced nonlinearity, reaching a maximum moment of 2.55(3) μ B /Fe 2+ at 70 kOe without evidence of saturation. Magnetic susceptibility, heat capacity, and neutron scattering collectively reveal the onset of short-range magnetic interactions near 5 K, with no longrange ordering detected down to 0.06 K. Specific heat measurements demonstrate strong frustration: only ∼34% of the expected magnetic entropy is recovered at 2.4 K. Taken together, these results establish FeGe 3 O 4 as a rare example of a geometrically frustrated trillium lattice magnet, offering a promising platform for exploring exotic quantum magnetic phenomena.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2022

Non-symmetric pinning of topological defects in living liquid crystals

Topological defects, such as vortices and disclinations, play a crucial role in spatiotemporal organization of equilibrium and non-equilibrium systems. The defect immobilization or pinning is a formidable challenge in the context of the out-of-equilibrium system, like a living liquid crystal, a suspension of swimming bacteria in lyotropic liquid crystal. Here we control the emerged topological defects in a living liquid crystal by arrays of 3D-printed microscopic obstacles (pillars). Our studies show that while –1/2 defects may be easily immobilized by the pillars, +1/2 defects remain motile. Due to attraction between oppositely charged defects, positive defects remain in the vicinity of pinned negative defects, and the diffusivity of positive defects is significantly reduced. Experimental findings are rationalized by computational modeling of living liquid crystals. Our results provide insight into the engineering of active systems via targeted immobilization of topological defects.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2023

Radiative pumping of exciton-polaritons in 2D hybrid perovskites

In addition to their attractive technological applications in photovoltaics and light emitters, the perovskite family of semiconductors has recently emerged as an excellent excitonic material for fundamental studies. Specifically, the 2D hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite (HOIP) offers the added advantage of room temperature investigations owing to their large exciton binding energy. In this work, we strongly couple excitons in 2D HOIP crystals to planar microcavity photons sustaining exciton-polaritons under ambient conditions resulting in a Rabi splitting of 290 meV. Dark excitons directly pump the polariton branch along its dispersion in resonance with the Stokes shifted emission state (radiative pumping), creating a high density of polaritons at higher in-plane momentum ( k || ). We further probe the nonlinear polariton dispersion dynamics at varying input laser fluence, which indicates efficient polariton-polariton scattering and decay to k || = 0 from higher k || . The observation of Stokes shift-assisted energy exchange of dark states with lower polaritons coupled with evidence of efficient polariton-polariton scattering makes 2D HOIPs an attractive platform to study exciton-polariton many-body physics and Bose-Einstein like condensation (BEC) at room temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗