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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Development of Analytical Method for Measuring U and Pu Particles by Laser Ablation MC-ICP-MS for the NWAL

This project will develop methodology to identify and analyze U and Pu containing particles using laser ablation MC-ICP-MS. The proposed work will involve: i) setup and optimization of the LA-MC-ICP-MS system, ii) testing and validation by analysis of QC standards, iii) designing analytical protocols for single particles, and iv) developing a data processing system. Ultimately, this project will output a detailed operating procedure documenting the experimental techniques and data processing routines required to perform particle identification and analysis by laser ablation MC-ICP-MS.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Method Development for Measuring U Isotope Ratios by Laser Ablation MC-ICP-MS. Task 1: Hardware Setup

The aim of this project is to develop methodology to identify and analyze U and Pu containing particles using laser ablation MC-ICP-MS. The final methodology will ultimately be described in a detailed procedural document that will be shared with IAEA-NWAL laboratories. In this report, we describe the Task-1 deliverable; the setup and optimization of hardware required to perform U isotopic analyses by laser ablation MC-ICP-MS.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Laser ablation of high-loading Li-ion battery electrodes improves accessible capacity and cycle life for Behind-the-Meter Storage

Adoption of Behind-the-Meter Storage (BTMS) requires design of batteries that enable high safety, long cycle life, and low cost at the system level. Pairing Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 (LTO) with LiMn 2 O 4 (LMO) achieves targets related to safety and cycle life, but these materials' low energy densities contribute to higher cost at the system scale. Increasing electrode loading is a simple approach to improve energy density, but comes with a trade-off in electrode utilization due to long, tortuous Li + diffusion pathways. Here, laser ablation is used to microstructure (pattern) high-loading electrodes to enhance electrode performance through improved Li + diffusion pathways. Four cell types, comprising combinations of standard or patterned anode and cathode, were prepared to evaluate the effects of laser ablation at each electrode. A rate test shows that patterning electrodes enhances active material utilization at ≳1C rates. Patterning the cathode yields the most benefit, as cells with a patterned cathode demonstrate a ~20% higher accessible capacity than those without at 1.4C. Additionally, 1C capacity retention of cells with patterned cathode (91% through 3000 cycles) is significantly improved over cells with only the anode patterned (64%) and non-patterned electrodes (50%). Characterization of post-mortem cells before and after refreshing their electrolyte suggests that 1C capacity retention is improved by mitigation of electrode "dry-out". We hypothesize that the microstructure acts as a reservoir of additional electrolyte, or a path for gas to escape, so that active material remains wetted throughout long-term cycling, and/or the microstructure may reduce localized, gas-forming overpotentials in the high-loading electrode.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Ambient Single-Cell Analysis and Native Tissue Imaging Using Laser-Ablation Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry with Increased Spatial Resolution

Laser ablation electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LAESI-MS) is an emerging method that has the potential to transform the field of metabolomics. This is in part due to LAESI-MS being an ambient ionization method that requires minimal sample preparation and uses (endogenous) water for in situ analysis. This application note details the employment of the ‘LAESI microscope’ source to perform spatially resolved MS analysis of cells and MS imaging (MSI) of tissues at high spatial resolution. This source configuration utilizes a long-working distance reflective objective that permits both visualization of the sample and a smaller LAESI laser beam profile than conventional LAESI setups. In this work, we analyzed 200 single cells of Allium cepa (red onion) and imaged Fittonia argyroneura (nerve plant) in high spatial resolution using this source coupled to a Fourier transform mass spectrometer for high mass resolution and high mass accuracy metabolomics.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Modelling and Experimental Validation of Improved Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries Having Thick Electrodes with Laser-Ablated Micro-Structures

For widespread adoption of electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) need to achieve energy densities of >275 Wh/kg, cost less than $100/Wh, and charge to more than 80% capacity within 15 minutes. Increasing the battery electrode thicknesses is one way to increase cell energy densities while also saving on cell manufacturing cost by increasing the ratio of electrode active material to inactive material within each cell. However, increased electrode loading is often accompanied by decreased Li+-ion diffusion across the full thick electrodes. This leads to significant cell polarization that prevents full capacity utilization and accelerates cell degradation, especially at fast charging/discharging rates. The introduction of secondary pore networks in thick battery electrodes alleviates some of the trade-offs between energy and power performance. These microstructures provide low tortuosity pathways for facile Li+-ion diffusion deep into the thick electrodes, diminishing detrimental concentration gradients within the cell. Ultrafast-pulsed laser ablation is a promising method to introduce micro pores or channels in thick battery electrodes as it allows for precise control of pattern geometries, results in minimal damage to the electrode and can be introduced into existing roll-to-roll electrode manufacturing lines. Herein, the limitations of thick planer electrodes and the advanced predictive models to identify optimal electrode patterns for improved cycling performance will be presented. The impact of electrode laser patterning to create secondary pore networks also will be discussed. Materials characterization techniques (SEM-EDS, XRD) were used to explore the affect ultrafast laser ablation had on the electrode materials’ morphology and structure. The improvements in the patterned electrodes’ electrochemical cycling performances and degrees of wetting will be compared to a pristine baseline case. Finally, the discrepancies between experimentally obtained data and model predictions will be explained.

DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION,ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Investigating laser ablated plume dynamics of carbon and aluminum targets

Recently acquired high-resolution images of nanosecond laser ablation plumes suggest a strong correlation between the internal plume structure and the type of material being ablated. However, the details of this relation are currently not well understood. In this work, we attempt to explore this correlation using a 2D radiation hydrodynamics model to study the dependence of internal plume structure formation on the ablation material. Here spatio-temporal emission maps and plume expansion velocities from experimental measurements are compared with the model predictions, including synthetic emission maps. The shape and expansion rate of an outer air plume region are found to be in good agreement for both carbon and aluminum, as are the inner material plume dynamics for carbon ablation. The largest disagreement is observed in the case of a polished aluminum target, where the chaotic inner plume features seen in the experimental images are not observed in the model. The possible physical mechanisms responsible for this discrepancy are discussed. This effort constitutes a continued development toward a predictive model of ablation plume dynamics and chemistry for various materials in extreme environments.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Direct reuse of graphite and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) recovered from ultrafast-laser ablation debris in Li-ion battery electrodes

Here we demonstrate that debris collected from the ultrafast-laser ablation of graphite anodes can be directly reused in a lithium-ion battery with little to no negative effects on electrochemical performance. Further, we show that while post-ablation NMC (LiNi 0.33 Mn 0.33 Co 0.33 O) cathode debris will require additional processing before being incorporated into an electrode, its critical materials (nickel, manganese, and cobalt) are not lost during ablation and can be recovered for recycling. Pre- and post-ablation materials are characterized with a suite of diagnostics, including SEM, TEM, X-ray CT, EDS, and XRD, to study changes in material morphology, composition and crystal structure. Graphite exhibited little to no morphological or compositional changes and a slight annealing of its crystal structure. NMC underwent profound morphological and crystallographic changes, but retained its elemental composition. Finally, post-ablation materials were re-manufactured into electrodes and cycled vs lithium metal. Graphite showed equal or better capacity and Coulombic efficiency compared to pre-ablation electrodes, while the post-ablation NMC exhibited severely reduced electrochemical performance. Furthermore, we discuss the outlook for application of this work to advanced manufacturing lines that produce next-generation, laser-patterned electrodes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Laser ablation spectrometry system

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to laser ablation spectrometry systems. In one aspect, a system comprises a microscope, a laser, a continuous flow probe, and a gas confinement device. The laser is positioned to emit light through an objective lens of the microscope. The continuous flow probe is coupled to a spectrometer. An end of the continuous flow probe is positioned proximate a sample and between the sample and the objective lens. The gas confinement device defines a gas inlet, a chamber, a platform, a wall surrounding the platform, a plurality of vents, and a plurality of channels. Each of the plurality of vents is positioned to direct a gas substantially parallel to the platform, and each of the plurality of vents is defined in the wall. The plurality of channels is operable to provide fluid communication between the chamber and the plurality of vents.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Demonstration of and future perspective on scaling ultrafast-laser-ablation microstructuring of Li-ion battery electrodes to roll-to-roll production and large-format cells

This work demonstrates integration of an ultrafast laser onto a roll-to-roll machine, the laser structuring of a double-sided, 700 m long roll of graphite battery anode and its subsequent manufacture into 27 Ah prismatic cells. The electrode was ablated with a novel hybrid-microstructure composed of both hexagonally arranged pores for enhanced rate performance and channels for fast electrolyte wetting. Subsequently, this anode and a non-ablated baseline anode are paired with an NMC111 cathode for cell building and electrochemical characterization. Compared to the baseline, laser ablated cells demonstrated a reduction in soaking time of at least 60%, an improvement in fast charge capability with >30% more capacity accepted during 6C charging, and an extension of cycle life of >40% during 0.5C cycling. Further, a perspective is provided on scaling ultrafast laser ablation of battery electrodes to industrial throughputs. Additionally, lessons learned from this pilot-scale demonstration are provided in regards to optical architecture, debris removal, and system control. A techno-economic analysis is used to demonstrate that laser ablation can be integrated into existing electrode manufacturing facilities with only ≈$\$$1.3 per kWh increase (≈2%) in manufacturing cost. Preemptive electrode design for laser ablation is discussed as a further method for enhancing performance. Finally, an analysis of available laser systems and beam-scanning architectures is used to determine design requirements to scale process throughput to a state-of-the-art speed of 50 m min −1 . This analysis demonstrates that laser ablating Li-ion battery electrodes has multiple benefits to manufacturing and battery performance, that the technology already exists to achieve high laser-ablation throughputs, and that integrating ultrafast laser ablation to electrode manufacturing will not create a cost or processing bottleneck.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Considerations for the modeling of the laser ablation region of ICF targets with Lagrangian simulations

Recently, much effort has been dedicated to the improvement of models and modeling choices utilized in radiation hydrodynamic simulations of direct drive inertial confinement fusion experiments in an effort to improve their predictive capability. In this paper, we consider the choice in mesh for the simulation of the laser ablation of a direct-drive-like target and compare Lagrangian simulations with various mesh zoning choices with Eulerian simulations with fixed resolution in the laser energy deposition region. Using these simulations, we demonstrate how errors in ablation pressure, laser deposition rate, shock speed, and density profile arise from insufficient zoning following from the conservation of mass of Lagrangian zones. These considerations place stringent requirements on the initial t = 0 zoning in the solid density shell for simulations aiming at resolving the ablation and laser absorption region. However, with sufficiently fine zoning in the t = 0 shell, agreement with Eulerian simulations and analytic scaling laws can be recovered.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

The use of a digital micromirror array as a temporal gate and spatial-filtering device for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and laser ablation molecular isotopic spectrometry

A digital micromirror array (DMMA) is used in a simple and inexpensive approach for spatially resolved temporal gating of atomic emission detection in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Selected mirrors in the array are actuated at a time delayed from the primary laser pulse, permitting optical gating with a response time of 160 ns while using a conventional CCD detector. Detector gating is shown to decrease noise from short-lived spectroscopic background (both continuum and N II from air), improving signal-to-background ratios by 22-times for selected samples and emission lines. The utility of rapid temporal gating is also demonstrated for the optical detection of isotopes using the laser-ablation molecular isotope spectrometry (LAMIS) experiment. Additionally, optical temporal gating and spatial filtering are used to isolate regions of the laser-induced plasma, enhancing signal from molecular emission. The potential of the simple technique for use in field-portable LIBS and LAMIS experiments is explored.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2022

Fast imaging of laser ablation of cerium: Dependence of plasma plume dynamics and structure on native oxide growth

We have imaged the evolution of plasma following nanosecond pulsed laser ablation of cerium in air with sub-10 ns resolution. We find the ablated plasma plume expansion and shape to be strongly dependent on the time after mechanical polishing of the sample surface. After an initial shock front common to both new and aged samples (velocities up to 16 km s ₋1 ), we observe a second front that is relatively localized to the surface vicinity of newly polished samples, but in the case of older samples it moves outward at velocities of up to 4 km s ₋1 . We attribute this behavior to the formation and growth of a native oxide layer on the order of hours after polishing. These results demonstrate that plasma imaging can be used to diagnose the presence of, and evaluate the extent of, thin surface oxides or other compounds that form soon after exposure to some atmosphere. These findings also highlight the need to explicitly consider the presence of such overlayers when modeling laser/metal interaction, when making measurements of vapor phase chemistry, and when analyzing the composition, phase, and morphology of solid particulates formed after the ablation of reactive metals.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Fast-charging lithium-ion batteries: Synergy of carbon nanotubes and laser ablation

Advancing lithium-ion battery (LiB) technology to achieve 10–15-min extreme fast charging (XFC) while maintaining high energy density and longevity poses a significant challenge. Addressing Li-plating is crucial, as it depletes useable Li, causing deterioration and safety issues. Here, this study explores a holistic approach incorporating Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) and Laser Ablation (LA) to mitigate Li-plating while maintaining high charge acceptance under 10–15-min XFC. SWCNTs enhance the electrical conductivity and mechanical integrity of the positive electrode (PE), reducing overall cell overpotential at high charging rates. Concurrently, LA is applied to negative electrodes (NE) to reduce tortuosity of ion-diffusion pathways and increase surface wettability, improving Li-ion transport. Combining SWCNTs in the PE and LA on the NE, our experimental findings demonstrate a significant reduction in Li-plating and maintained high charge acceptance of ~84.33 % after 800 5C (12 min) charge cycles for cells having PE with ~3.3 mAh cm –2 and NE with 3.9 mAh cm –2 loadings. This study highlights the potential of combining SWCNTs and LA to address Li-plating in LiBs and opens new avenues for designing battery systems capable of achieving 10–15-min XFC.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

A diagnostic to measure time-resolved atom column density and Doppler temperature in atomic vapors produced by laser ablation

We report on the development of a diagnostic to measure the time-resolved column density and Doppler temperature of atomic vapors produced by laser ablation. The diagnostic is based on the strong frequency dependence of the atomic susceptibility near an electronic transition in the interrogated atomic species. Interference on the face of a fast photodetector between the several frequency components present in a sinusoidally phase-modulated probe beam will produce a time signature uniquely determined by the column density of atoms in the probed atomic state and the Doppler temperature of the atomic vapor. With the extensive, high precision atomic spectroscopy data available in the literature, it is possible to model the vapor and extract the desired parameters through comparison of the model result with the experimental data.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Isotopic Heterogeneity Imaged in a Uranium Fuel Pellet with Extreme Ultraviolet Laser Ablation and Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

We use extreme ultraviolet laser ablation and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (EUV TOF) to map uranium isotopic heterogeneity at the nanoscale (=100 nm). Using low-enriched uranium fuel pellets that were made by blending two isotopically distinct feedstocks, we show that EUV TOF can map the 235U/238U content in 100 nm-sized pixels. The two-dimensional (2D) isotope maps reveal U ratio variations in sub-microscale to =1 µm areas of the pellet that had not been fully exposed by microscale or bulk mass spectrometry analyses. Compared to the ratio distribution measured in a homogeneous U reference material, the ratios in the enriched pellet follow a ~3× wider distribution. These results indicate U heterogeneity in the fuel pellet from incomplete blending of the different source materials. EUV TOF results agree well with those obtained on the same enriched pellets by nanoscale secondary ionization mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), which reveals a comparable U isotope ratio distribution at the same spatial scale. EUV TOF’s ability to assess and map isotopic heterogeneity at the nanoscale makes it a promising tool in fields such as nuclear forensics, geochemistry, and biology that could benefit from uncovering sub-microscale sources of chemical modifications.

Rush, Lydia A.↗
DOE OSTI2025

U-Pu and Ba-Cs isotopic measurements on Trinitite by laser ablation sampling on the Neoma MC-ICP-MS

In this study we present the results of combined U-Pu and Ba-Cs isotope measurements obtained by laser ablation (LA) sampling of two glassy debris fragments (‘Trinitite’) from the world's first atomic bomb detonation conducted in New Mexico on July 16, 1945. Our primary goal in conducting these measurements was to understand whether examination of the U-Pu and Ba-Cs systematics by direct sampling (e.g. without any chemical separation or purification prior to isotope ratio measurement) could yield meaningful information that would differentiate the Trinitite fragments from glassy material lacking a nuclear fission signature. These measurements were conducted on a ThermoFisher Scientific Neoma multi collector – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS), which is a relatively new MC-ICP-MS platform, so we also examine the behavior of these isotope systems in standards sampled in solution and via LA. Unsurprisingly, the measurements made on purified solutions of the U, Pu, and Ba isotopic standards produce high precision isotope ratios. Furthermore, this extends to the U-Pu measurements made by LA sampling, with the expected degradation in precision and accuracy related to matrix effects and signal intensity fluctuation. However, the Ba-Cs data acquired by LA is of low precision across all of the matrices examined and bears evidence of complex mass fractionation that will require further investigation to resolve. In total, our results indicate that the observed U-Pu isotope data are of sufficient quality to accurately constrain the U and Pu isotopic composition of glass containing sub-ppm levels of these elements which in turn could be used to differentiate glass containing anthropogenic fission products from natural glass whereas the Ba-Cs LA data cannot be used for this purpose until further methodological refinement is performed.

Ba-Cs↗
DOE OSTI2020

Selectively accessing the hotspots of optical nanoantennas by self-aligned dry laser ablation

Plasmonic nanostructures serve as optical antennas for concentrating the energy of incoming light in localized hotspots close to their surface. By positioning nanoemitters in the antenna hotspots, energy transfer is enabled, leading to novel hybrid antenna-emitter-systems, where the antenna can be used to manipulate the optical properties of the nano-objects. The challenge remains how to precisely position emitters within the hotspots. We report a self-aligned process based on dry laser ablation of a calixarene that enables the attachment of molecules within the electromagnetic hotspots at the tips of gold nanocones. Within the laser focus, the ablation threshold is exceeded in nanoscale volumes, leading to selective access of the hotspot areas. A first indication of the site-selective functionalization process is given by attaching fluorescently labelled proteins to the nanocones. In a second example, Raman-active molecules are selectively attached only to nanocones that were previously exposed in the laser focus, which is verified by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Enabling selective functionalization is an important prerequisite e.g. for preparing single photon sources for quantum optical technologies, or multiplexed Raman sensing platforms.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗