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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Building the case for forward muon detection at a muon collider

We survey the opportunities offered by the detection of the forward muons that accompany the creation of neutral effective vector bosons at a muon collider, in different kinematic regimes. Vectors with relatively low energy produce the Higgs boson and the extended muon angular coverage enables studies of the Higgs properties, such as the measurement of the inclusive production cross section and the branching ratio to invisible final states. New heavy particles could be produced by vectors of higher energy, through Higgs portal interactions. If the new particles are invisible, the detection of the forward muons is essential in order to search for this scenario. The angular correlations of the forward muons are sensitive to the quantum interference between the vector-boson helicity amplitudes and can be exploited for the characterization of vector-boson scattering and fusion processes. This is illustrated by analyzing the C P properties of the Higgs coupling to the Z boson. Our findings provide a physics case and a set of benchmarks for the design of a dedicated forward muon detector. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Ruhdorfer, Maximilian (ORCID:0000000288973223)↗
DOE OSTI2021

Nonclassical Spin Transfer Effects in an Antiferromagnet

We simulate scattering of electrons by a chain of antiferromagnetically coupled quantum Heisenberg spins, to analyze spin-transfer effects not described by the classical models of magnetism. Our simulations demonstrate efficient excitation of dynamical states that would be forbidden by the semiclassical symmetries, such as generation of multiple magnetic excitation quanta by a single electron. Furthermore, quantum interference of spin wave functions enables generation of magnetization dynamics with amplitudes exceeding the transferred magnetic moment. Here, the efficiency of excitation is almost independent of the electron spin polarization, and is governed mainly by the transfer of energy. Nonclassical spin transfer may thus enable efficient electronic control of antiferromagnets not limited by the classical constraints.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

New Structures in the J / ψ J / ψ Mass Spectrum in Proton-Proton Collisions at s = 13 TeV

A search is reported for near-threshold structures in the J / ψ J / ψ invariant mass spectrum produced in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV from data collected by the CMS experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 135 fb − 1 . Three structures are found, and a model with quantum interference among these structures provides a good description of the data. A new structure is observed with a local significance above 5 standard deviations at a mass of 6638 − 38 + 43 ( stat ) − 31 + 16 ( syst ) MeV . Another structure with even higher significance is found at a mass of 6847 − 28 + 44 ( stat ) − 20 + 48 ( syst ) MeV , which is consistent with the X ( 6900 ) resonance reported by the LHCb experiment and confirmed by the ATLAS experiment. Evidence for another new structure, with a local significance of 4.7 standard deviations, is found at a mass of 7134 − 25 + 48 ( stat ) − 15 + 41 ( syst ) MeV . Results are also reported for a model without interference, which does not fit the data as well and shows mass shifts up to 150 MeV relative to the model with interference. © 2024 CERN, for the CMS Collaboration 2024 CERN

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Spatially modulated magnetic structure of EuS due to the tetragonal domain structure of SrTiO 3

The combination of ferromagnets with topological superconductors or insulators allows for new phases of matter that support excitations such as chiral edge modes and Majorana fermions. EuS, a wide-bandgap ferromagnetic insulator with a Curie temperature around 16K, and SrTiO 3 (STO), an important substrate for engineering heterostructures, may support these phases. We present scanning superconducting quantum interference device measurements of EuS grown epitaxially on STO that reveal micron-scale variations in ferromagnetism and paramagnetism. These variations are oriented along the STO crystal axes and only change their configuration upon thermal cycling above the STO cubic-to-tetragonal structural transition temperature at 105 K, indicating that the observed magnetic features are due to coupling between EuS and the STO tetragonal structure. Here, we speculate that the STO tetragonal distortions may strain the EuS, altering the magnetic anisotropy on a micron scale. This result demonstrates that local variation in the induced magnetic order from EuS grown on STO needs to be considered when engineering new phases of matter that require spatially homogeneous exchange.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Exploring possible ferromagnetism of the LaAl O 3 / SrTi O 3 interface

We report on extensive investigations of magnetism at the n -type LaAl O 3 / SrTi O 3 interface performed by utilizing a spectrum of local and integrative analytical techniques: Scanning superconducting quantum interference device microscopy, polar Kerr magnetometry, ferromagnetic resonance, and magnetic torque magnetometry. The samples originated from the same wafers. For nominally fully oxidized samples, we find that the mere presence of the conducting interface does not induce magnetism to values exceeding already present magnetic signals originating from the substrates, irrespective of the measurement technique. With the controlled introduction of oxygen vacancies, however, the different analytical techniques with their inherently different sensitivities and potential interactions with possible magnetic moments in the samples yield different results concerning the existence of magnetism. These unexpected differences obtained with the various measurement techniques are a possible source of the disagreement in the literature about the existence of ferromagnetism at LaAl O 3 / SrTi O 3 interfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Local strain-dependent electronic structure and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of a MnGaN 2D magnetic monolayer

Local strain-dependent spin-polarized electronic structure of a two-dimensional (2D) magnetic layer is an exciting property for practical applications. For example, it holds the promise for advanced ultrathin spintronic nanodevices with customized electronic and magnetic properties by local strain engineering. Here, we demonstrate that the spin-polarized electronic structure of a 2D manganese gallium nitride (MnGaN-2D) magnetic monolayer is sensitive to intrinsic local lattice strain, as proven by first-principles calculations and indicated by scanning tunneling spectroscopy measurements. Atomic resolution images reveal a highly non-Gaussian lattice spacing/strain distribution, while the spectroscopy reveals variations in the electronic density of states. Simulations of the MnGaN-2D monolayer based on first-principles calculations, including both isotropic and anisotropic strains, confirm a highly strain-dependent manganese partial density of states. Spin-orbit coupling is included which indicates either out-of-plane perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) or in-plane magnetic anisotropy, dependent on the type of strain whether compressive or tensile, suggesting that MnGaN-2D is magnetoelastic. The MnGaN-2D PMA is further supported by superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry measurements which reveal a high spin polarization of ~ 79 % at room temperature.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

Scanning SQUID study of ferromagnetism and superconductivity in infinite-layer nickelates

Infinite-layer nickelates R 1-x Sr x NiO 2 (R = La, Pr, Nd) are a class of superconductors with structural similarities to cuprates. Although long-range antiferromagnetic order has not been observed for these materials, magnetic effects such as antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations and spin-glass behavior have been reported. Different experiments have drawn different conclusions about whether the pairing symmetry is s or d wave. In this paper, we applied a scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) to probe the magnetic behavior of film samples of three infinite-layer nickelates (La 0.85 Sr 0.15 NiO 2 , Pr 0.8 Sr 0.2 NiO 2 , and Nd 0.775 Sr 0.225 NiO 2 ) grown on SrTiO 3 (STO), each with a nominal thickness of 20 unit cells. In all three films, we observed a ferromagnetic background. We also measured the magnetic susceptibility above the superconducting critical temperature in Pr 0.8 Sr 0.2 NiO 2 and La 0.85 Sr 0.15 NiO 2 and identified a non-Curie-Weiss dynamic susceptibility. Both magnetic features are likely due to NiO x nanoparticles. We investigated superconductivity in Pr 0.8 Sr 0.2 NiO 2 and Nd 0.775 Sr 0.225 NiO 2 , which exhibited inhomogeneous diamagnetic screening. The superfluid density inferred from the diamagnetic susceptibility in relatively homogeneous regions shows T-linear behavior in both samples. Finally, we observed superconducting vortices in Nd 0.775 Sr 0.225 NiO 2 . We determined a Pearl length of 330 µm for Nd 0.775 Sr 0.225 NiO 2 at 300 mK, both from the strength of the diamagnetism and from the size and shape of the vortices. These results highlight the importance of considering NiO x particles when interpreting experimental results for these films.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2026

Weak localization and universal conductance fluctuations in large-area twisted bilayer graphene

We study diffusive magnetotransport in highly 𝑝-doped large-area twisted bilayer graphene in 1∘, 7∘, 9∘, and 20∘ samples. All samples exhibit weak localization, from which we extract the phase coherence length and intervalley scattering lengths, and from that determine that dephasing is caused by electron-electron scattering and intervalley scattering is caused by point defects. We observe signatures of universal conductance fluctuations in the 9∘ sample, which has high mobility and is near the van Hove singularity. Further improvements in sample quality and applications to large-area moiré materials will open new avenues to observe quantum interference effects.

Talkington, Spenser [University of Pennsylvania]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Revealing Fano resonance in the Dirac material ZrTe 5 through Raman scattering

Here, we explore the Fano resonance in ZrTe 5 , using terahertz Raman scattering measurements. We identified two closely spaced B 2⁢g phonon modes, B 2⁢g I and B 2⁢g II, around 9 meV and 11 meV, respectively. Interestingly, only B 2⁢g I exhibited the Fano resonance, an outcome of quantum interference between discrete phonon modes and continuous electronic excitations. This is consistent with the much stronger electron-phonon coupling of B 2⁢g I mode demonstrated by first-principles calculations. Additionally, temperature-dependent measurements highlight an enhanced Fano asymmetry at elevated temperatures, contributed by the thermal renormalization of the band structure and electron-phonon coupling. This study offers insights into the complex interrelation of electron-phonon coupling, thermal effects, and Fano resonances in topological materials.

Cheng, Di [Ames Laboratory (AMES), Ames, IA (Unite↗
DOE OSTI2019

Two-Level Switches for Advanced Time-Division Multiplexing

Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)-based time-division multiplexing (TDM) is a mature and widely implemented technology used to read out transition-edge sensor arrays. As the number of pixels in modern arrays continues to increase, a higher multiplexing factor is required to reduce the number of wires and amplifier channels. Yet, as the multiplexing factor is increased, the number of row-select wires (used to turn on a row of TDM SQUIDs in a two-dimensional configuration) also increases, limiting the reduction in array wires. We introduce a more advanced TDM architecture that enforces multi-level switching between subgroups of pixels. We show that this technique can dramatically reduce the number of required row-select lines. We also present the design, fabrication, and testing of a TDM multiplexer incorporating a two-level switch, which implements a second switch for each group of ten TDM pixels. In this application, a multiplexing factor of 100 can be addressed using ten group-select wiring pairs and ten row-select wiring pairs. We demonstrate multiplexer functionality and present measured operating margins of this new TDM multiplexer.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

Method to create cuprate tunnel junctions with atomically sharp interfaces

In this work, we present a method for producing tunnel junctions from cuprate thin films grown by atomic layer-by-layer molecular beam epitaxy (ALL-MBE). Our approach utilizes microfabrication processing and relies on the atomically precise interfaces provided by the ALL-MBE synthesis technique. The method is suitable for a wide range of junction dimensions and materials and allows for more complex designs such as superconducting quantum interference devices and junction arrays. Fully superconducting electrodes ensure that the contact resistances in the devices created by this method remain very low.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

Lynx x-ray microcalorimeter

Lynx is an x-ray telescope, one of four large satellite mission concepts currently being studied by NASA to be a flagship mission. One of Lynx’s three instruments is an imaging spectrometer called the Lynx x-ray microcalorimeter (LXM), an x-ray microcalorimeter behind an x-ray optic with an angular resolution of 0.5 arc sec and ~2 m 2 of area at 1 keV. The LXM will provide unparalleled diagnostics of distant extended structures and, in particular, will allow the detailed study of the role of cosmic feedback in the evolution of the Universe. We discuss the baseline design of LXM and some parallel approaches for some of the key technologies. The baseline sensor technology uses transition-edge sensors, but we also consider an alternative approach using metallic magnetic calorimeters. We discuss the requirements for the instrument, the pixel layout, and the baseline readout design, which uses microwave superconducting quantum interference devices and high-electron mobility transistor amplifiers and the cryogenic cooling requirements and strategy for meeting these requirements. For each of these technologies, we discuss the current technology readiness level and our strategy for advancing them to be ready for flight. We also describe the current system design, including the block diagram, and our estimate for the mass, power, and data rate of the instrument.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

First flight performance of the Micro-X microcalorimeter X-ray sounding rocket

The flight of the Micro-X sounding rocket on July 22, 2018, marked the first operation of transition-edge sensors and their superconducting quantum interference device readouts in space. Here, the instrument combines the microcalorimeter array with an imaging mirror to take high-resolution spectra from extended X-ray sources. The first flight target was the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant. Although a rocket pointing malfunction led to no time on-target, data from the flight were used to evaluate the performance of the instrument and demonstrate the flight viability of the payload. The instrument successfully achieved a stable cryogenic environment, executed all flight operations, and observed X-rays from the on-board calibration source. The flight environment did not significantly affect the performance of the detectors compared with ground operation. The flight provided an invaluable test of the impact of external magnetic fields and the instrument configuration on detector performance. This flight provides a milestone in the flight readiness of these detector and readout technologies, both of which have been selected for future X-ray observatories.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Magnetization curves of sintered heavy tungsten alloys for applications in MRI-guided radiotherapy

Purpose: Due to the current interest in MRI-guided radiotherapy, the magnetic properties of the materials commonly used in radiotherapy are becoming increasingly important. In this paper, measurement results for the magnetization (BH) curves of a range of sintered heavy tungsten alloys used in radiation shielding and collimation are presented. Methods: Sintered heavy tungsten alloys typically contain >90 % tungsten and <10 % of a combination of iron, nickel, and copper binders. Samples of eight different grades of sintered heavy tungsten alloys with varying binder content were investigated. Using a superconducting quantum interference detector magnetometer, the induced magnetic momentm was measured for each sample as a function of applied external field H{sub 0} and the BH curve derived. Results: The iron content of the alloys was found to play a dominant role, directly influencing the magnetizationM and thus the nonlinearity of the BH curve. Generally, the saturation magnetization increased with increasing iron content of the alloy. Furthermore, no measurable magnetization was found for all alloys without iron content, despite containing up to 6% of nickel. For two samples from different manufacturers but with identical quoted nominal elemental composition (95% W, 3.5% Ni, 1.5% Fe), a relative difference in the magnetization of 11%–16% was measured. Conclusions: The measured curves show that the magnetic properties of sintered heavy tungsten alloys strongly depend on the iron content, whereas the addition of nickel in the absence of iron led to no measurable effect. Since a difference in the BH curves for two samples with identical quoted nominal composition from different manufacturers was observed, measuring of the BH curve for each individual batch of heavy tungsten alloys is advisable whenever accurate knowledge of the magnetic properties is crucial. The obtained BH curves can be used in FEM simulations to predict the magnetic impact of sintered heavy tungsten alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Anomalous transport in high-mobility superconducting SrTiO 3 thin films

The study of subtle effects on transport in semiconductors requires high-quality epitaxial structures with low defect density. Using hybrid molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), SrTiO 3 films with a low-temperature mobility exceeding 42,000 cm 2 V -1 s -1 at a low carrier density of 3 × 10 17 cm -3 were achieved. A sudden and sharp decrease in residual resistivity accompanied by an enhancement in the superconducting transition temperature were observed across the second Lifshitz transition where the third band becomes occupied, revealing dominant intraband scattering. These films further revealed an anomalous behavior in the Hall carrier density as a consequence of the antiferrodistortive (AFD) transition and the temperature dependence of the Hall scattering factor. Using hybrid MBE growth, phenomenological modeling, temperature-dependent transport measurements, and scanning superconducting quantum interference device imaging, we provide critical insights into the important role of inter- versus intraband scattering and of AFD domain walls on normal-state and superconducting properties of SrTiO 3 .

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Detection of impurity diamagnetic susceptibility and its behavior in n-Ge:As in the region of the insulator–metal phase transition

The method of superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry is used to measure and study low-temperature (T ≤ 100K) susceptibility in a series of samples of heavily doped Ge:As samples on the insulator side of the insulator–metal phase transition. Subtracting the known values of the magnetic susceptibility of the lattice from the measurement results, the values of the impurity magnetic susceptibility of the system are obtained. Using the method of electron spin resonance, the paramagnetic component of the impurity susceptibility is determined. Subtraction of the paramagnetic component from the total impurity susceptibility is used to obtain, for the first time, the values of the impurity diamagnetic susceptibility (∼5 × 10{sup –8} cm{sup 3}/g). The obtained result is consistent with estimates obtained for the localization radius of an electron at an As donor. Lowering the temperature to T ≤ 4 K leads to an increase in the diamagnetic susceptibility, which is consistent with the observed increase in the paramagnetic susceptibility. The observed effect is accounted for by the transition of impurity electrons from the singlet state to the triplet one.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Neural simulation-based inference of the Higgs trilinear self-coupling via off-shell Higgs production

One of the forthcoming major challenges in particle physics is the experimental determination of the Higgs trilinear self-coupling. While efforts have largely focused on on-shell double- and single-Higgs production in proton-proton collisions, off-shell Higgs production has also been proposed as a valuable complementary probe. In this article, we design a hybrid neural simulation-based inference (NSBI) approach to construct a likelihood of the Higgs signal incorporating modifications from the Standard Model effective field theory (SMEFT), relevant background processes, and quantum interference effects. It leverages the training efficiency of matrix-element-enhanced techniques, which are vital for robust SMEFT applications, while also incorporating the practical advantages of classification-based methods for effective background estimates. We demonstrate that our NSBI approach achieves sensitivity close to the theoretical optimum and provide expected constraints for the high-luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider. While we primarily concentrate on the Higgs trilinear self-coupling, we also consider constraints on other SMEFT operators that affect off-shell Higgs production.

Ghosh, Aishik [Univ. of California, Irvine, CA (Un↗