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At least 451 records · Page 25

Airborne imaging of tropospheric emission at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths

In September 1993, the NASA Millimeter-wave Imaging Radiometer (MIR) flew on board the NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft during CAMEX, and obtained the first wideband millimeter- and submillimeter-wavelength images of tropospheric emission. The MIR is a cross-track radiometer with channels at 89, 150, 183 +/- 1, 3, 7, 220, and 325 +/- 1, 3, 8 GHz. This set provides upwelling brightness information at the two strong rotational water vapor lines at 183.310 and 325.153 GHz and three nearby atmospheric transmission windows. The wideband MIR images of convective raincells reveal unique cloud and precipitation mapping capabilities that are not available from lower frequency microwave channels. Comparisons between the 183 and 325 GHz spectra also reveal differential brightness temperature modes that are related to cloud water.

Wang, J. R.↗

Multislice Electron Tomography Using Four-Dimensional Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy

Electron tomography offers useful three-dimensional (3D) structural information, which cannot be observed by two-dimensional imaging. By combining annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF STEM) with aberration correction, the resolution of electron tomography has reached atomic resolution. However, tomography based on ADF STEM inherently suffers from several issues, including a high electron-dose requirement, poor contrast for light elements, and artifacts from image-contrast nonlinearity. Here, we develop an alternative method called multislice electron tomography (MSET) based on four-dimensional STEM tilt series. In this study, our simulations show that multislice-based 3D reconstruction can effectively reduce undesirable reconstruction artifacts from the nonlinear contrast, allowing precise determination of atomic structures with improved sensitivity for low-Z elements, at considerably low electron-dose conditions. We expect that the MSET method can be applied to a wide variety of materials, including radiation-sensitive samples and materials containing light elements whose 3D atomic structures have never been fully elucidated due to electron-dose limitations or nonlinear imaging contrast.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Mechanisms and Consequences of Intra-Crystalline Enrichment of Ancient Radiogenic Pb in Detrital Hadean Zircons from the Jack Hills, Western Australia

The recent discovery of Pb* (radiogenic lead) -enriched domains (PEDs) in zircon using high-resolution scanning ion imaging, atom probe tomography and transmission electron microscopy indicates that the U-Pb isotopic system in zircon can be affected not only by Pb* loss but also by intra-crystalline Pb* enrichment. However, the formation mechanism of PEDs and the consequences for in-situ U-Pb dating remain elusive. To further understand these issues, scanning ion imaging and U-Pb dating were carried out on 51 Hadean detrital zircon grains from the Jack Hills, Western Australia. Of these, 8 grains were found to contain micrometer-scale PEDs with elevated Pb-207 and Pb-206 in the ion images. Isotope profiles across these PEDs confirm that they represent unsupported Pb* resulting from intra-grain mobilization and local enrichment of Pb* during ancient overprinting events. The PEDs are rare in most grains, with only 1 – 3 Pb* hotspots present in any ~70 μm × 70 μm imaged area, and are located either in dark-CL, high-U growth zones, or associated with bright-CL, low-Th recrystallized domains, suggesting that they were likely formed by local-scale processes. The PEDs located in dark-CL, high-U growth zones likely resulted from Pb* trapped in local, interconnected pathways produced by radiation damage during thermal overprinting events. Those associated with bright-CL, low-Th domains are interpreted as Pb* concentrated in nanoscale pores formed during fluid-present recrystallization of non-metamict zircon. Our interpretations therefore imply that intra-crystalline enrichment of Pb* in zircon can occur at various scales and through diverse mechanisms. Age calculations based on the ion images demonstrate that incorporation of PEDs in conventional in-situ SIMS spots produces spuriously old ages that are either reversely discordant or concordant, depending on the time of Pb* mobilization and the analytical precision. The implication is that careful investigation of intra-grain distribution of U-Th-Pb isotopes is required in order to better understand the U-Pb isotopic system and to obtain reliable crystallization ages for ancient zircons affected by complex Pb* mobilization and redistribution.

Unsupported radiogenic lead↗

Mapping Conductance and Switching Behavior of Graphene Devices In Situ

Graphene is proposed for use in various nanodevice designs, many of which harness emergent quantum properties for device functionality. However, visualization, measurement, and manipulation become nontrivial at nanometer and atomic scales, representing a significant challenge for device fabrication, characterization, and optimization at length scales where quantum effects emerge. Herein, proof of principle results at the crossroads between 2D nanoelectronic devices, e-beam-induced modulation, and imaging with secondary electron e-beam induced currents (SEEBIC) is presented. A device platform compatible with scanning transmission electron microscopy investigations is introduced. Then how the SEEBIC imaging technique can be used to visualize conductance and connectivity in single layer graphene nanodevices, even while supported on a thicker substrate (conditions under which conventional imaging fails) is shown. Finally, it is shown that the SEEBIC imaging technique can detect subtle differences in charge transport through time in nonohmic graphene nanoconstrictions indicating the potential to reveal dynamic electronic processes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A Novel 24 Ghz One-Shot Rapid and Portable Microwave Imaging System (Camera)

A novel 2D microwave imaging system at 24 GHz based on MST techniques. Enhanced sensitivity and SNR by utilizing PIN diode-loaded resonant slots. Specific slot and array design to increase transmission and reduce cross -coupling. Real-time imaging at a rate in excess of 30 images per second. Reflection as well transmission mode capabilities. Utility and application for electric field distribution mapping related to: Nondestructive Testing (NDT), imaging applications (SAR, Holography), and antenna pattern measurements.

Ghasr, M.T.↗

Digital image centering. II

Digital image centering algorithms were compared in a test involving microdensitometer raster scans of a refractor parallax series consisting of 22 stars on 26 plates. The highest accuracy in determining stellar image positions was provided by an algorithm which involved fitting of a symmetric Gaussian curve and a flat background to the image marginal density distributions. Algorithms involving transmission marginals instead of density marginals were found to be less accurate. The repeatability and computational efficiency of the digital image centering technique were also studied.

Auer, L. H.↗

Simplified data compressor

Image data are compressed for transmission by simple, economical circuitry. Compressor handles data in blocks of 64 samples. Mean from previous line is subtracted, and pseudo-random sequence of positive and negative 1's multiplies samples of each block. Hadamard transform applied to blocks yields 64 transform coefficients. Each coefficient is compared with approximation to corresponding coefficient of previous line, and difference is quantized. Values are transmitted or stored. Procedure is reversed to reproduce image.

Rice, R. F.↗

Imaging nanoscale carrier, thermal, and structural dynamics with time-resolved and ultrafast electron energy-loss spectroscopy

Time-resolved and ultrafast electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) is an emerging technique for measuring photoexcited carriers, lattice dynamics, and near-fields across femtosecond to microsecond timescales. When performed in either a specialized scanning transmission electron microscope or ultrafast electron microscope (UEM), time-resolved and ultrafast EELS can directly image charge carriers, lattice vibrations, and heat dissipation following photoexcitation or applied bias. Yet, recent advances in theoretical calculations and electron optics are often required to realize the full potential of ultrafast EEL spectrum imaging. Here, in this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the recent progress in the theory and instrumentation of time-resolved and ultrafast EELS. We begin with an introduction to the technique, followed by a physical description of the loss function. We outline approaches for calculating and interpreting ground-state and transient EEL spectra spanning low-loss plasmons to core-level excitations analogous to x-ray absorption. We then survey the current state of time-resolved and ultrafast EELS techniques beyond photon-induced near-field electron microscopy, highlighting abilities to image carrier and thermal dynamics. Finally, we examine future directions enabled by emerging technologies, including electron beam monochromation, in situ and operando cells, laser-free UEM, and high-speed direct electron detectors. These advances position time-resolved and ultrafast EELS as a critical tool for uncovering nanoscale dynamic processes in quantum materials and solar energy conversion devices.

Computational methods↗

Development of techniques for gantryless associated-particle imaging

To move fast-neutron radiography using the associated-particle imaging technique from the laboratory to the field, the development of new analysis techniques is required. In particular, the relative positions of the source and detectors need to be determined when they have been placed by hand, the normalization for a particular source–detector geometry needs to be determined without a measurement in the same geometry with no object present, and accurate image stitching is required when multiple detector positions are necessary to image an object. The present work describes methods that employ transmission neutron data to localize a fast-neutron imaging panel with respect to the neutron source, calculate a normalization for a given source–detector geometry, stitch images together, and describes the required system calibrations. The reported techniques enable in-field neutron radiography for cases in which the source–detector geometry is not well known a priori and where operational constraints preclude a normalization measurement.

Heath, Matthew↗

Spectral features of colloidal solutions of elongated gold nanoparticles produced by laser ablation in aqueous solutions

The extinction spectra of colloidal solutions of gold nanoparticles produced by laser ablation in water and aqueous solutions of salts using two near-IR lasers with pulse durations of 200 ns and 1 ps are experimentally investigated. The extinction spectrum of the particles formed by ablation in aqueous solutions is characterised by enhanced optical density in the red and IR regions. This feature is due to the formation of elongated gold nanoparticles, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The surface images of a gold target subjected to multipulse laser ablation exhibit micron and submicron structures. (nanophotonics)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Space-Charge Aberrations in Single-Shot Time-Resolved Transmission Electron Microscopy

In this paper, we discuss effects of space-charge fields on imaging performance in a single-shot time-resolved transmission electron microscope. Using a Green’s function perturbation method, we derive analytical estimates for the effects of space-charge nonlinearity on the image formation process and the associated aberration coefficients. The dependence of these coefficients on the initial beam phase space distribution is elucidated. The results are validated by particle tracking simulations and provide fundamental scaling laws for the trade-off between temporal and spatial resolutions in single-shot time-resolved transmission electron microscopy.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

A Three-Year Program of Micro- and Nano-System Technology Development for X-Ray Astronomy

For many years the work at MIT aimed at the development of new concepts and technologies for space experiments in high-energy astrophysics, but not explicitly supported by flight programs, has been supported. This work has yielded new devices and techniques for X-ray astronomy, primarily low-noise, deep-depletion charge-coupled devices (CCDS) for spectrally-resolved X-ray imaging, and high-performance transmission gratings for high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy. Among the most significant recent achievements have been the development by G. Ricker and associates of the X-ray CCD camera flying on ASCA, and currently in development for AXAF and Astro-E, and the development by C. Canizares and associates of thick, 200 nm-period transmission gratings employing the phenomenon of phase shifting for high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy up to energies of 8- 1 0 keV that is essential for the operation of the AXAF High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (HETGS). Through the current SR&T grant, the latter technology is now being extended successfully to the fabrication of 100 nm-period transmission gratings, which have twice the dispersion of the AXAF gratings. We note that, among other outcomes, the modest investments of past SR&T Grants at MIT resulted in the development of the key technologies for fully one-half of the scientific instrumentation on AXAF. In addition, NASA flight programs that have benefited from previous SR&T support at MIT include the SAS 3 X-ray Observatory, which carried the first rotation modulation collimator, the Focal Plane Crystal Spectrometer (FPCS) on the Einstein Observatory, the CCD cameras on ASCA and planned for Astro-E, the High Energy Transient Experiment (HETE), the Solar EUV Monitor on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), the Medium Energy Neutral Atom imager (MENA) on the Image for Magnetopause-to-aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) mission, and the recently-approved Two Wide-Angle Imaging Neutral-atom Spectrometers (TWINS) Mission of Opportunity.

Canizares, Claude R.↗

Mathematical morphology for automated analysis of remotely sensed objects in radar images

A symbiosis of pyramidal segmentation and morphological transmission is described. The pyramidal segmentation portion of the symbiosis has resulted in low (2.6 percent) misclassification error rate for a one-look simulation. Other simulations indicate lower error rates (1.8 percent for a four-look image). The morphological transformation portion has resulted in meaningful partitions with a minimal loss of fractal boundary information. An unpublished version of Thicken, suitable for watersheds transformations of fractal objects, is also presented. It is demonstrated that the proposed symbiosis works with SAR (synthetic aperture radar) images: in this case, a four-look Seasat image of sea ice. It is concluded that the symbiotic forms of both segmentation and morphological transformation seem well suited for unsupervised geophysical analysis.

Daida, Jason M.↗

The role of Ca-bridged organic matter in an alkaline soil, as revealed by multimodal chemical imaging

Mineral–organic matter (OM) studies have predominantly focused on acidic soils that are abundant in iron (Fe) oxides and aluminum (Al) oxides. We have probed mineral–OM interactions in an alkaline or calcareous soil of the Aridisols class. Unlike the role of Fe and Al, the role of Ca-minerals (particularly calcite), which are ubiquitous in alkaline soils, in OM sequestration is not well understood. Multiple recent model studies with aqueous Ca2+ or synthetic calcite and a suite of OM compounds have shown Ca-OM assemblages to be spatially correlated with calcite at the microscale. To study the chemical state of both Ca and Fe and their competing role in soil organic matter (SOM) stabilization, we performed laboratory characterization using x-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy, alongside synchrotron-based microscale chemical imaging using scanning transmission x-ray microscopy combined with near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure. Ca mineral–organic associations were found to be ubiquitous in this system and are likely critical for understanding SOM stabilization/degradation in alkaline soils. From our findings on mineralogy, speciation, and the nature of Ca-OM bridging, we identified differences in C and Ca chemistry based on the relative location of OM to Ca minerals. The OM near the calcite crystal was enriched in lipid and protein moieties, Ca-OM next to Fe minerals displayed a strong contribution from aromatic compounds, while on the surface of microbes, the carbonate was believed to be of microbial in origin, as also suggested by preliminary works reporting on the formation of amorphous calcite or nano-calcite. In Ca-OM admixed with carbonate, it was difficult to distinguish Ca-associated OM from amorphous calcite or nano-calcite.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Considerations on data compression of synthetic aperture radar images

This paper describes some analytical results relative to the effectiveness of applying data compression techniques for efficient transmission of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) signals and images. A Rayleigh target model is assumed in the analysis. It is also assumed that all surface reflectivity information is of interest and needs to be transmitted. Spectral characteristics of radar echo signals and processed images are analyzed. Analytical results generally indicate that due to the lack of high spatial correlation in the Rayleigh distributed radar surface reflectivity, application of data compression to SAR signals and images under the square difference fidelity criterion may be less effective than its application to images obtained using incoherent illumination. On the other hand, if certain random variations in radar images are considered as undesirable, substantial compression ratio may be achieved by removing such variations.

Wu, C.↗

Machine learning for automated experimentation in scanning transmission electron microscopy

Abstract Machine learning (ML) has become critical for post-acquisition data analysis in (scanning) transmission electron microscopy, (S)TEM, imaging and spectroscopy. An emerging trend is the transition to real-time analysis and closed-loop microscope operation. The effective use of ML in electron microscopy now requires the development of strategies for microscopy-centric experiment workflow design and optimization. Here, we discuss the associated challenges with the transition to active ML, including sequential data analysis and out-of-distribution drift effects, the requirements for edge operation, local and cloud data storage, and theory in the loop operations. Specifically, we discuss the relative contributions of human scientists and ML agents in the ideation, orchestration, and execution of experimental workflows, as well as the need to develop universal hyper languages that can apply across multiple platforms. These considerations will collectively inform the operationalization of ML in next-generation experimentation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Measurement of G-phase volume fraction and number density in duplex stainless steels using transmission electron microscopy

Duplex stainless steels (DSS) have a high toughness and strength due the presence of both austenitic and ferritic phases. These alloys have had limited use in power production applications due to thermal embrittlement caused by spinodal decomposition and development of G-phase precipitates in the ferrite. Lean grade DSS alloys (e.g., 2101, 2003) may offer improved thermal stability due to the reduction of Cr- and Ni-equivalent elements when compared to standard grade compositions (e.g., 2205, 2209). The abundance of the G-phase was measured in five duplex stainless steels, three wrought alloys (2101, 2003, 2205) and their matching filler metals (2101-w, 2209-w), after aging at 427 °C for 1000 h and 10,000 h. The G-phase volume fraction, number density, size, and precipitate spacing were found using quantitative analysis of transmission electron microscopy dark field images and the composition of G-phase precipitates on other clusters were characterized with atom probe tomography (APT). In the welded alloys, the G-phase was found to develop rapidly, relative to the wrought material. A positive correlation was found between the nickel equivalent composition of the alloy and the G-phase volume fraction. The alloys 2205, 2209, and 2101-w, which are higher in Cr and Ni, all showed significant G-phase precipitation, further strengthening the hypothesis that lean grade DSS alloys are more thermally stable against precipitation in the ferrite. Electron diffraction showed a secondary phase present in the 2101 wrought alloy at 10,000 h, but it was not crystallographically consistent with the G-phase; APT showed the presence of nanoclusters rich in both nickel and copper for this alloy. In conclusion, no secondary phases or clusters were found in 2003 after 10,000 h of aging, so it may be a candidate alloy for applications that require long-life times at high operating temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) instrumentation

The instrumentation planned for the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF), a space-based observation platform for the 1990s, is described. The AXAF will feature a grazing incidence telescope at the end of the observatory and four independently selected instruments at the other end, including: a CCD imaging spectrometer; a Bragg crystal spectrometer; and two transmission grating spectrometers located directly behind the telescope to detect first order spectral images. The instruments are currently in the definition phase to be followed by design and development starting in the late 1980s. A detailed schematic diagram of the Bragg crystal imaging spectrometer is provided.

Winkler, C. E.↗