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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 451 records · Page 25
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

TH-CD-209-07: Preliminary Experimental Comparison of Spot- and Continuous Line Scanning with Or Without Rescanning for Gated Proton Therapy

Purpose: We aim to compare the performance of discrete spot- or continuous line scanning combined with rescanning in mitigating residual organ motion during gated proton therapy treatments. Methods: The Quasar respiratory phantom was used to move a 2D scintillation detector on a linear trajectory with sinusoidal motion pattern (sin{sup 4}), 20 mm peak-to-peak amplitude and 5 sec period. Its motion was monitored using a customized solution based on optical tracking technology. We compared spot and line scanning plans for a monoenergetic 150 MeV circular field, 50.4 mm radius at isocenter. Transverse dose distributions at 13 cm depth in PMMA (15.47 mm water equivalent) were measured to compare three options for motion mitigation: rescanning (10× factor), gating and their combination. The gating window was centered in the trajectory plateau to simulate end-exhale gated treatment in presence of 2 mm and 4 mm residual motion, parallel or perpendicular to the primary scanning direction. Results: When the target moves perpendicular to the primary scanning direction, large dose deviations are measured (γ3%/3mm=47%) without mitigation techniques. Beam gating combined with rescanning restores target coverage (γ3%/3mm=91%). For parallel target motion, observed dose distortions in the non-compensated irradiation are smaller (γ3%/3mm=77%). Beam gating alone recovers the 100% gamma pass-rate at 3%/3mm. Continuous line scanning reduces delivery time by up to 60% with respect to discrete spot scanning in presence of motion mitigation, and improves homogeneity when rescanning is applied (up to 20%, perpendicular motion, 4 mm residual motion). Conclusion: The direction of motion has a large impact on the target dose coverage. Nevertheless, even in the worst case scenario, gating combined with rescanning could mitigate the impact of motion on dose deposition. Moreover, continuous line rescanning improves the robustness against residual motion in the gating window. This study has received funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–2013) under grant agreement n.290605 (PSI-FELLOW/COFUND) and ‘Giuliana and Giorgio Stefanini Foundation’.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Solution phase synthesis of Na{sub 0.28}V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanobelts into nanorings and the electrochemical performance in Li battery

Graphical abstract: Hydrothermal method has been adopted first time to prepare Na{sub 0.28}V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanorings/nanobelts without using any organic surfactant/solvents at 130–160 °C for 1–2 days. TEM analyses reveal that the products consist of nanorings of width about 500 nm and thickness of about 100 nm with inner diameter of 5–7 m. Nanobelts of width 70–100 nm and several tens of micrometers in length are observed. The electrochemical results show that Na{sub 0.28}V{sub 2}O{sub 5} exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 320 mAh g{sup −1} and its capacity still retained 175 mAh g{sup −1} even after 69 cycles. Highlights: ► We are the first to report Na{sub 0.28}V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanorings/nanobelts by solution method. ► Synthesis via hydrothermal method at 130–160 °C/1–2d in acidic medium. ► We have carried out without using any surfactant/templates/organic solvents. ► Shows discharge capacity of 320 mAh g{sup −1} and reach 175 mAh g{sup −1} after 69 cycles. ► A probable reaction mechanism for Na{sub 0.28}V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanorings formation is also proposed. -- Abstract: In this paper, we are the first to report a simple one step hydrothermal method to synthesize Na{sub 0.28}V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanorings/nanobelts without using any organic surfactant/solvents at 130–160 °C for 1–2 days. The obtained products have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrochemical discharge–charge test for lithium battery. XRD pattern exhibit a monoclinic Na{sub 0.28}V{sub 2}O{sub 5} structure. FTIR spectrum shows band at 958 cm{sup −1} is assigned to V=O stretching vibration, which is sensitive to intercalation and suggests that Na{sup +} ions are inserted between the vanadium oxide layers. TEM analyses reveal that the products consist of nanorings of width about 500 nm and thickness of about 100 nm with inner diameter of 5–7 μm. Nanobelts of width 70–100 nm and several tens of micrometers in length are observed. The electrochemical results show that nanorings/nanobelts exhibit an initial discharge capacity of 320 mAh g{sup −1} and its capacity still retained 175 mAh g{sup −1} even after 69 cycles. We have discussed the possible growth mechanism for the formation of nanorings/nanobelts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Improved solar-driven photocatalytic performance of Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} prepared in-situ

Highlights: • Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} photocatalysts were prepared in-situ. • The photo-induced charge separation rate has been greatly increased. • The photocatalytic activity has been greatly promoted. - Abstract: Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} composites have been fabricated in-situ via a facile parallel flaw co-precipitation method. The specific surface area, structure, morphology, and the separation rate of photo-induced charge pairs of the photocatalysts were characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy(DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy, respectively. XRD patterns and DRS demonstrated that Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3} has no effect on the crystal phase and bandgap of (BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3}. The existence of Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3} in the composites enhances the separation rate of photo-induced charge pairs of the photocatalysts. The photocatalytic performance of Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} was evaluated by the decolorization of methyl orange (MO) aqueous solution under simulated solar irradiation. It was found that the simulated solar-induced photocatalytic activity of Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} copmposites was significantly improved, which was mainly attributed to the enhanced surface area and the separation rate of photo-induced charge pairs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Correlated 4D-STEM and EDS for the classification of fine Beta-precipitates in aluminum alloy AA 6063-T6

Tuning the properties of aluminum alloys AA 6063-T6 involves artificial aging to induce precipitate formation, particularly β’’ and β’ phases. Previous characterization challenges due to their similar appearance are addressed here by correlating 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (4DSTEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping. This approach allows us to analyze the structure and composition of precipitates individually, overcoming limitations of conventional imaging and structural analysis techniques when the precipitates appear simultaneously, as is often the case. We present detailed characterizations of needle-shaped Beta precipitates, revealing distinct diffraction patterns (DPs) and compositional differences. The method's applicability extends beyond aluminum alloys, offering a promising strategy for complex composite material characterization with multimodal scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) techniques.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Effect of electron irradiation exposure on phase formation, microstructure and mechanical strength of Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}CaCu{sub 2}O{sub 8} superconductor prepared via co-precipitation method

In this work the effect of electron irradiation on the mechanical properties of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 (Bi-2212) superconductor was studied by exposing the Bi-2212 superconductor with different doses of electron irradiation. Bi-2212 samples were prepared by using co-precipitation method. Irradiation was performed with irradiation dose of 100 kGray and 200 kGray, respectively. Characterization of the samples was performed by using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Instron Universal Testing machine was used to measure the strength of the samples. The XRD patterns for the non-irradiated and irradiated samples show well-defined peaks of which could be indexed on the basis of a Bi-2212 phase structure. XRD patterns also indicate that electron irradiation did not affect the Bi-2212 superconducting phase. SEM micrographs show disorientation in the texture of the microstructure for irradiated samples. Sample exposed to 200 kGray electron irradiation dose shows enhancement of grain size. Their grain growth and texture improved slightly compared to other sample. The results also show that enlargement of grain size resulted in higher mechanical strength.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Birefringence imaging and orientation of laser patterned β-BaB{sub 2}O{sub 4} crystals with bending and curved shapes in glass

Nonlinear optical β-BaB{sub 2}O{sub 4} crystals (β-BBO) with bending and curved shapes were patterned at the surface of 8Sm{sub 2}O{sub 3}–42BaO–50B{sub 2}O{sub 3} glass by laser irradiations (Yb:YVO{sub 4} laser with a wavelength of 1080 nm, power of 0.8 W, and scanning speed of 4 μm/s), and the orientation state of β-BBO crystals was examined from the birefringence imaging obtained by polarization optical microscope (POM) observations. The formation (crystallization) of β-BBO crystals follows along laser scanning direction even if the laser scanning direction changes at a certain point within the bending angle of 60°. The birefringence images indicate that the formation of highly c-axis oriented β-BBO crystals follows along laser scanning direction even if the laser scanning direction changes, and in particular the direction of the c-axis of β-BBO crystals changes gradually at the bending point. The model for the orientation of the c-axis of β-BBO near the bending point is proposed. The present study proposes that the laser-induced crystallization opens a new door for the science and technology in crystal growth engineering. - Graphical abstract: This figure shows the birefringence images obtained by the Abrio IM imaging system (λ=546 nm) for the laser-patterned β-BaB{sub 2}O{sub 4} crystal line with the bending angle of 45° in the glass. The relation between the direction of slow axis and color is also shown. It is demonstrated that the formation (crystallization) of highly c-axis oriented β-BaB{sub 2}O{sub 4} crystals follows along laser scanning direction even if the laser scanning direction changes. Display Omitted - Highlights: • β-BaB{sub 2}O{sub 4} crystals with bending and curved shapes were patterned by laser irradiations. • The orientation was examined from the birefringence imaging. • Highly c-axis oriented crystals follows along laser scanning direction. • The c-axis direction changes gradually at the bending point. • The laser-induced crystallization opens a new door in crystal growth engineering.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Effect of Chromium Substitution on Structural and Magnetic Properties of Nickel-Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles Synthesized by Co-precipitation Method

Ni{sub 0.3}Co{sub 0.7}Cr{sub x}Fe{sub 2−x}O{sub 4} (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6) nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method followed by annealing treatment. The structural and magnetic properties of the samples were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) analysis, and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) at room temperature. The XRD patterns revealed a single-phase cubic spinel structure for all the annealed products. The average crystallite size is in the range of 45–60 nm. Cation distribution by XRD analysis indicated that Cr{sup 3+} ions preferentially replace Fe{sup 3+} ions from the octahedral sites due to their favorable crystal field effects; with increasing Cr content, it was observed that Co{sup 2+} migrated from octahedral sites to tetrahedral sites. The decrease in saturation magnetization with the increase in Cr concentration could be attributed to reduction in the super-exchange interaction between the A and B sublattices. The observed decrease in coercivity can be explained by reduction in magneto-crystalline anisotropy that resulted from migration of Co{sup 2+} ions from B sites to A sites with the increase in Cr content.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2012

Fabrication and luminescence properties of one-dimensional ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} and ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}: A{sup 3+} (A = Cr, Eu, Tb) microfibers by electrospinning method

Graphical abstract: Different color emission can be realized in one-dimensional ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}: A{sup 3+} (A = Cr, Eu, Tb) microfibers fabricated by electronspinning method by changing the doping ions. Highlights: ► ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}: A{sup 3+} (A = Cr, Eu, Tb) microfibers were obtained by electronspinning method. ► Luminescence properties were due to the transitions of Cr{sup 3+}, Eu{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+} ions. ► A new band was observed around 600 nm in CL spectra of ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}: Cr{sup 3+} microfibers. -- Abstract: One-dimensional ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} and ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}: A{sup 3+} (A = Cr, Eu, Tb) microfibers were fabricated by electrospinning method. X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed that the fibers were composed of the cubic ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} phase. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results indicated that the ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} microfibers annealed at 1000 °C were composed of some smaller nanoparticles and the diameters of the microfibers were in the range of 140–230 nm. Under the excitation of ultraviolet and low-voltage electron beams (3–5 kV), the ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}: A{sup 3+} (A = Cr, Eu, Tb) samples showed the emission of the host and the doping ions. The evolution of the optical properties of microfibers with increasing the doping concentration was investigated in detail. Green and red emissions can be realized in ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} microfibers by changing the doping ions. The ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}: A{sup 3+} (A = Cr, Eu, Tb) microfibers have potential applications in full-color field emission displays.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis and in situ high pressure Raman spectroscopy study of AlN dendritic crystal

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • The sample is the typical dendritic crystal structure. • The phase transition of AlN dendritic crystal is researched. • The Raman signal of rock salt AlN is observed under high pressure. • Grüneisen parameters and phase transition criterion are discussed. - Abstract: AlN dendritic crystal was synthesized by the direct current arc discharge apparatus. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated that the sample is hexagonal AlN and preferentially grown along the a-axis direction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images reveal that the product mainly consists of micron AlN dendritic crystal. In situ high pressure Raman spectra of AlN dendritic crystal has been measured in the pressure ranged from ambient pressure to 32.97 GPa at room temperature by using diamond anvil cell. According to the Raman scattering results, the phase transition from the wurtzite to rock salt was found at about 20.73 GPa by the appearance of a new Raman signal. Above 20.73 GPa, a new Raman signal due to disorder-activated Raman scattering in the rock salt phase was observed. In addition, the pressure coefficients, phase transition criterion, and mode Grüneisen parameters of AlN dendritic crystal, which could be different from that of other AlN, are carefully discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Microwave synthesis and photocatalytic activities of ZnO bipods with different aspect ratios

Highlights: • We synthesized linked ZnO nanorods by a facile microwave method. • The effect of reaction parameters on ZnO was investigated. • ZnO bipods with different aspect ratios were prepared. • The photocatalytic performance of ZnO bipods was evaluated. - Abstract: Linked ZnO nanorods have been successfully prepared via a facile microwave method without any post-synthesis treatment. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated the precursor had completely transformed into the pure ZnO crystal. The images of field emitting scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed that linked ZnO nanorods consisted predominantly of ZnO bipods. The formation process of the ZnO bipods was clearly discussed. ZnO bipods with different aspect ratios have been obtained by tuning the concentrations of reagents and microwave power. Moreover, the photocatalytic performance of ZnO bipods with different aspect ratios for degradation of methylene blue was systematically evaluated. The results of photocatalytic experiments showed that the photocatalytic activity increased with the aspect ratios of ZnO bipods increased. The reason is that ZnO bipods with larger aspect ratio have higher surface area, which can absorb more MB molecules to react with ·OH radicals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Multibeam Electron Diffraction

One of the primary uses for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is to measure diffraction pattern images in order to determine a crystal structure and orientation. In nanobeam electron diffraction (NBED), we scan a moderately converged electron probe over the sample to acquire thousands or even millions of sequential diffraction images, a technique that is especially appropriate for polycrystalline samples. However, due to the large Ewald sphere of TEM, excitation of Bragg peaks can be extremely sensitive to sample tilt, varying strongly for even a few degrees of sample tilt for crystalline samples. In this paper, we present multibeam electron diffraction (MBED), where multiple probe-forming apertures are used to create multiple scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) probes, all of which interact with the sample simultaneously. We detail designs for MBED experiments, and a method for using a focused ion beam to produce MBED apertures. We show the efficacy of the MBED technique for crystalline orientation mapping using both simulations and proof-of-principle experiments. We also show how the angular information in MBED can be used to perform 3D tomographic reconstruction of samples without needing to tilt or scan the sample multiple times. Finally, we also discuss future opportunities for the MBED method.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2018

Measuring Three-Dimensional Strain and Structural Defects in a Single InGaAs Nanowire Using Coherent X-ray Multiangle Bragg Projection Ptychography

III - As nanowires are candidates for near-infrared light emitters and detectors that can be directly integrated onto silicon. However, nanoscale to microscale variations in structure, composition, and strain within a given nanowire, as well as variations between nanowires, pose challenges to correlating microstructure with device performance. In this work, we utilize coherent nanofocused X-rays to characterize stacking defects and strain in a single InGaAs nanowire supported on Si. By reconstructing diffraction patterns from the 2110 Bragg peak, we show that the lattice orientation varies along the length of the wire, while the strain field along the cross-section is largely unaffected, leaving the band structure unperturbed. Diffraction patterns from the 0110 Bragg peak are reproducibly reconstructed to create three-dimensional images of stacking defects and associated lattice strains, revealing sharp planar boundaries between different crystal phases of wurtzite (WZ) structure that contribute to charge carrier scattering. Phase retrieval is made possible by developing multiangle Bragg projection ptychography (maBPP) to accommodate coherent nanodiffraction patterns measured at arbitrary overlapping positions at multiple angles about a Bragg peak, eliminating the need for scan registration at different angles. The penetrating nature of X-ray radiation, together with the relaxed constraints of maBPP, will enable the in operando imaging of nanowire devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Electron tomography of (In,Ga)N insertions in GaN nanocolumns grown on semi-polar (112{sup -}2) GaN templates

We present results of scanning transmission electron tomography on GaN/(In,Ga)N/GaN nanocolumns (NCs) that grew uniformly inclined towards the patterned, semi-polar GaN(112{sup -}2) substrate surface by molecular beam epitaxy. For the practical realization of the tomographic experiment, the nanocolumn axis has been aligned parallel to the rotation axis of the electron microscope goniometer. The tomographic reconstruction allows for the determination of the three-dimensional indium distribution inside the nanocolumns. This distribution is strongly interrelated with the nanocolumn morphology and faceting. The (In,Ga)N layer thickness and the indium concentration differ between crystallographically equivalent and non-equivalent facets. The largest thickness and the highest indium concentration are found at the nanocolumn apex parallel to the basal planes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Topotaxial growth of α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanowires on iron substrate

α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} (hematite) nanowires have been grown by simple thermal oxidation of iron foil at 700°C in a moist oxygen flow. It was observed that the growth of nanowires highly depends on the texture of the iron substrate, in particular the presence of [110] oriented iron grains. Cross-sectional Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) investigation of as-grown sample revealed that the growth of nanowires has definite orientation relation with the underlying oxide grains Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} (magnetite) and FeO (wustite), which can be interpreted by the primary orientation relationships of topotaxial growth of iron oxides. The observation can pave the way for patterning of the nanowire growth by controlling the texture of original substrate. Samples were also characterized with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Stroboscopic x-ray diffraction microscopy of dynamic strain in diamond thin-film bulk acoustic resonators for quantum control of nitrogen-vacancy centers

Bulk-mode acoustic waves in a crystalline material exert lattice strain through the thickness of the sample, which couples to the spin Hamiltonian of defect-based qubits such as the nitrogen-vacancy (N-V) center defect in diamond. This mechanism has previously been harnessed for unconventional quantum spin control, spin decoherence protection, and quantum sensing. Bulk-mode acoustic wave devices are also important in the microelectronics industry as microwave filters. A key challenge in both applications is a lack of appropriate operando microscopy tools for quantifying and visualizing gigahertz-frequency dynamic strain. Here, in this work, we directly image acoustic strain within N-V center-coupled diamond thin-film bulk acoustic wave resonators using stroboscopic scanning hard x-ray diffraction microscopy at the Advanced Photon Source. The far-field scattering patterns of the nanofocused x-ray diffraction encode strain information entirely through the illuminated thickness of the resonator. These patterns have a real-space spatial variation that is consistent with the bulk strain’s expected modal distribution and a momentum-space angular variation from which the strain amplitude can be quantitatively deduced. We also perform optical measurements of strain-driven Rabi precession of of the N-V center spin ensemble, providing an additional quantitative measurement of the strain amplitude. As a result, we directly measure one of the six N-V spin-stress coupling parameters, 𝑏 =2.73⁢(2) MHz/GPa, by correlating these measurements at the same spatial position and applied microwave power. Our results demonstrate a unique technique for directly imaging ac lattice strain in micromechanical structures and provide a direct measurement of a fundamental constant for the N-V center defect spin Hamiltonian.

acoustic techniques↗
DOE OSTI2023

Superconducting gap symmetry from Bogoliubov quasiparticle interference analysis on Sr 2 RuO 4

Here, the nature of the superconducting order parameter in Sr 2 RuO 4 has generated intense interest in recent years. Since the superconducting gap is very small, high-resolution methods such as scanning tunneling spectroscopy might be the best chance to directly resolve the gap symmetry. Recently, a Bogoliubov quasiparticle interference imaging (BQPI) experiment has suggested that the d x 2 –y 2 gap symmetry is appropriate for Sr 2 RuO 4 . In this work, we use a material-specific theoretical approach based onWannier functions of the surface of Sr 2 RuO 4 to calculate the continuum density of states as detected in scanning tunneling microscopy experiments. We examine several different proposed gap order parameters and calculate the expected BQPI pattern for each case. Comparing to the available experimental data, our results suggest that a s' + id xy gap order parameter is the most probable state, but the measured BQPI patterns still display features unaccounted for by the theory for any of the states currently under discussion.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Neutron sub-micrometre tomography from scattering data

Neutrons are valuable probes for various material samples across many areas of research. Neutron imaging typically has a spatial resolution of larger than 20 µm, whereas neutron scattering is sensitive to smaller features but does not provide a real-space image of the sample. A computed-tomography technique is demonstrated that uses neutron-scattering data to generate an image of a periodic sample with a spatial resolution of ∼300 nm. The achieved resolution is over an order of magnitude smaller than the resolution of other forms of neutron tomography. This method consists of measuring neutron diffraction using a double-crystal diffractometer as a function of sample rotation and then using a phase-retrieval algorithm followed by tomographic reconstruction to generate a map of the sample's scattering-length density. Topological features found in the reconstructions are confirmed with scanning electron micrographs. This technique should be applicable to any sample that generates clear neutron-diffraction patterns, including nanofabricated samples, biological membranes and magnetic materials, such as skyrmion lattices.

nanoscience↗
DOE OSTI2014

Parallel ptychographic reconstruction

Ptychography is an imaging method whereby a coherent beam is scanned across an object, and an image is obtained by iterative phasing of the set of diffraction patterns. It is able to be used to image extended objects at a resolution limited by scattering strength of the object and detector geometry, rather than at an optics-imposed limit. As technical advances allow larger fields to be imaged, computational challenges arise for reconstructing the correspondingly larger data volumes, yet at the same time there is also a need to deliver reconstructed images immediately so that one can evaluate the next steps to take in an experiment. Here we present a parallel method for real-time ptychographic phase retrieval. It uses a hybrid parallel strategy to divide the computation between multiple graphics processing units (GPUs) and then employs novel techniques to merge sub-datasets into a single complex phase and amplitude image. Results are shown on a simulated specimen and a real dataset from an X-ray experiment conducted at a synchrotron light source.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗