Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “SOLID STATE DEVICE”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 685 records · Page 38
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

All-Solid-State Batteries Using Rationally Designed Garnet Electrolyte Frameworks

Functioning bulk-type all-solid-state batteries in a practical form factor with composite positive electrodes, using Al-substituted Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (LLZO) as the solid electrolyte, have been demonstrated for the first time. The devices incorporate bilayers composed of dense LLZO membranes and porous LLZO scaffolds infiltrated with LiNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 and other components as positive electrodes, combined with lithium anodes. The porous scaffolds are prepared using an easily scaled freeze-tape-casting method. The unidirectional pores of the scaffold facilitate infiltration of cathode components and shorten lithium ion diffusion path lengths, while the addition of a soft ionically conductive solid to the scaffold ensures good contact among the components.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Focused Ion Beam Fabrication of LiPON-based Solid-state Lithium-ion Nanobatteries for In Situ Testing

Solid-state electrolytes are a promising replacement for current organic liquid electrolytes, enabling higher energy densities and improved safety of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. However, a number of setbacks prevent their integration into commercial devices. The main limiting factor is due to nanoscale phenomena occurring at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces, ultimately leading to degradation of battery operation. These key problems are highly challenging to observe and characterize as these batteries contain multiple buried interfaces. One approach for direct observation of interfacial phenomena in thin film batteries is through the fabrication of electrochemically active nanobatteries by a focused ion beam (FIB). As such, a reliable technique to fabricate nanobatteries was developed and demonstrated in recent work. Herein, a detailed protocol with a step-by-step process is presented to enable the reproduction of this nanobattery fabrication process. In particular, this technique was applied to a thin film battery consisting of LiCoO 2 /LiPON/a-Si, and has further been previously demonstrated by in situ cycling within a transmission electron microscope.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Multiferroic oxide thin films and heterostructures

Multiferroic materials promise a tantalizing perspective of novel applications in next-generation electronic, memory, and energy harvesting technologies, and at the same time they also represent a grand scientific challenge on understanding complex solid state systems with strong correlations between multiple degrees of freedom. In this review, we highlight the opportunities and obstacles in growing multiferroic thin films with chemical and structural integrity and integrating them in functional devices. Besides the magnetoelectric effect, multiferroics exhibit excellent resistant switching and photovoltaic properties, and there are plenty opportunities for them to integrate with other ferromagnetic and superconducting materials. The challenges include, but not limited, defect-related leakage in thin films, weak magnetism, and poor control on interface coupling. Although our focuses are Bi-based perovskites and rare earth manganites, the insights are also applicable to other multiferroic materials. We will also review some examples of multiferroic applications in spintronics, memory, and photovoltaic devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2017

Are continuum predictions of clustering chaotic?

Gas-solid multiphase flows are prone to develop an instability known as clustering. Two-fluid models, which treat the particulate phase as a continuum, are known to reproduce the qualitative features of this instability, producing highly-dynamic, spatiotemporal patterns. However, it is unknown whether such simulations are truly aperiodic or a type of complex periodic behavior. By showing that the system possesses a sensitive dependence on initial conditions and a positive largest Lyapunov exponent, λ 1 ≈1/τ, we provide a tentative answer: continuum predictions of clustering are chaotic. We further demonstrate that the chaotic behavior is dimensionally dependent, a conclusion which unifies previous results and strongly suggests that the chaotic behavior is not a direct consequence of the fundamental kinematic instability, but requires a secondary (inherently multidimensional) instability. Granular matter is a collection of discrete, interacting solid particles which, like classic (molecular) matter, can be generally classified into one of three states:1 (i) under static conditions granular heaps or piles can sustain gravity-induced stress and behave like a solid; (ii) dense granular flows characterized by enduring and multi-particle contacts behave similarly to a fluid; and (iii) rapid granular flows characterized by instantaneous contacts described as a granular gas. However, it is worth noting that all three granular states are only superficially similar to their molecular counterparts due to the dissipative nature of particle-particle contacts (inelasticity, friction, etc.). In industrial operations, rapid (collision-dominated) granular flows are often encountered in devices in which the particles are fluidized by a gas; such gas-solid flows are the focus of this work. Rapid gas-solid flows are prone to an instability termed clustering in which particles tend to form spatially inhomogeneous patterns of high and low concentrations. Continuum or two-fluid models (TFM) have long been known to be able to predict the qualitative nature of the clustering instability and more recent quantitative assessments have also shown promising results. However, it is yet unknown whether or not such predictions are chaotic. We take a first step in answering this question by simulating fluidization in an unbounded domain and calculating a positive largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE), thereby indicating that continuum predictions of clustering are in fact chaotic. Further, we show that chaotic behavior may be reduced to periodic behavior by constraining the dimensionality of the system.

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

In situ control of synchronous germanide/silicide reactions with Ge/Si core/shell nanowires to monitor formation and strain evolution in abrupt 2.7 nm channel length

The metal-semiconductor interface in self-aligned contact formation can determine the overall performance of nanoscale devices. This interfacial morphology is predicted and well researched in homogenous semiconductor nanowires (NWs) but was not pursued in heterostructured core/shell nanowires. Here, we found here that the solid-state reactions between Ni and Ge/Si core/shell nanowires resulted in a protruded and a leading NiSiy segment into the channel. A single Ni 2 Ge/NiSi y to Ge/Si core/shell interface was achieved by the selective shell removal near the Ni source/drain contact areas. In using in situ transmission electron microscopy, we measured the growth rate and anisotropic strain evolution in ultra-short channels. We also found elevated compressive strains near the interface between the compound contact and the NW and relatively lower strains near the center of the channel which increased exponentially below the 10 nm channel length to exceed 10% strain at ~3 nm lengths. These compressive strains are expected to result in a non-homogeneous energy band structure in Ge/Si core/shell NWs below 10 nm and potentially benefit their transistor performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Multiple parameter dynamic photoresponse microscopy for data-intensive optoelectronic measurements of van der Waals heterostructures

Quantum devices made from van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures of two dimensional (2D) materials may herald a new frontier in designer materials that exhibit novel electronic properties and unusual electronic phases. However, due to the complexity of layered atomic structures and the physics that emerges, experimental realization of devices with tailored physical properties will require comprehensive measurements across a large domain of material and device parameters. Such multi-parameter measurements require new strategies that combine data-intensive techniques—often applied in astronomy and high energy physics—with the experimental tools of solid state physics and materials science. We discuss the challenges of comprehensive experimental science and present a technique, called Multi-Parameter Dynamic Photoresponse Microscopy (MPDPM), which utilizes ultrafast lasers, diffraction limited scanning beam optics, and hardware automation to characterize the photoresponse of 2D heterostructures in a time efficient manner. Using comprehensive methods on vdW heterostructures results in large and complicated data sets; in the case of MPDPM, we measure a large set of images requiring advanced image analysis to extract the underlying physics. We discuss how to approach such data sets in general and in the specific case of a graphene–boron nitride–graphite heterostructure photocell.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Center for Excitonics

In this Center, we worked to supersede traditional electronics with devices that use ‘excitons’ to mediate the flow of energy. Excitons are nanoscale packets of energy that are characteristic of low-cost materials for solar cells and solid-state lighting. Mastering the properties of excitons offers the ability to guide energy at the nanoscale, and transform it with a flexibility that is impossible in conventional systems. Major outcomes included the first coupling of exciton fission to silicon solar cells – this is a way to double the amount of current that a solar cell can generate from blue and green light. In doing so, we increased the potential maximum efficiency of a silicon solar cell from 29% to 35%.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Optical devices featuring nonpolar textured semiconductor layers

A semiconductor emitter, or precursor therefor, has a substrate and one or more textured semiconductor layers deposited onto the substrate in a nonpolar orientation. The textured layers enhance light extraction, and the use of nonpolar orientation greatly enhances internal quantum efficiency compared to conventional devices. Both the internal and external quantum efficiencies of emitters of the invention can be 70-80% or higher. The invention provides highly efficient light emitting diodes suitable for solid state lighting.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

In-Field Alpha Spectrometry to Assess Uranium Enrichment In Uranium Hexafluoride

A new In-Field Alpha Spectrometry (IFAS) system is being developed to allow quick turnaround measurements of uranium enrichment in uranium hexafluoride (UF6) samples. Samples are collected using specially-designed Single-Use Destructive Assay (SUDA) wafers which have an absorptive film of zeolite deposited onto a quartz or metal substrate. The SUDA samples, along with a special holder, are designed to be attached directly to a sampling tap at a gas centrifuge enrichment plant or a uranium conversion facility, allowing gaseous UF6 to come into direct contact with the zeolite. The zeolite absorbs this material and converts it into stable, safe UO2F2 within a few minutes. Once the sample has been collected it is transferred to the IFAS system where a solid-state, silicon alpha spectrometer is used to quantitatively measure the alpha emissions from 234U, 235U, and 238U in the sample. The IFAS system is a small, light-weight device that can be quickly turned on and put into use. The SUDA samples and IFAS hardware are designed so that thin-film spectra are produced, allowing a complete measurement with a final 235U:Utotal determination having a precision <±2% to be made in less than eight hours. This short time frame will allow an inspector to get results on-site within one working shift; further innovations may reduce this to even shorter times.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

High Performance Green LEDs for Solid State Lighting

The development of white LEDs for solid state lighting (SSL) has been driven in recent years by phosphor converted LEDs (pc-LEDs). However, losses (known as Stokes’ losses) between the blue pump LED and phosphor impose a fundamental efficiency limit of ~300 lm/W on pc-LEDs. White light can also be generated from color mixed LEDs (cm-LEDs), which employ red, green, blue, and amber LEDs and have a fundamental efficiency limit of ~400 lm/W. Efficient group III-nitride materials are used for the blue LED, while efficient group III-phosphide materials are used for the red LED component. Currently, the poor efficiency of green and amber LEDs (i.e. the “green gap”) is the primary limitation for cm-LEDs. Relative to nitride-based blue LEDs, green and amber nitride LEDs suffer from lower radiative recombination rates and higher nonradiative recombination rates, which ultimately lead to reduced internal quantum efficiency (IQE). The IQE represents the portion of all electron-hole recombination events that result in a photon. In addition, long-wavelength LEDs have lower electrical efficiency (EE) compared to their blue counterparts. Addressing the green gap, would ultimately enable cm-LEDs that rival or exceed the performance of pc-LEDs. Our project focused on III-nitride materials growth and characterization, device fabrication and testing, and semiconductor physics to understand efficiency limitations of green LEDs and develop solutions to these challenges. Insights gained during our research has led to novel long-wavelength LED designs which will enable efficient solid-state lighting.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2011

MATERIALS DEGRADATION ANALYSIS AND DEVELOPMENT TO ENABLE ULTRA LOW COST, WEB-PROCESSED WHITE P-OLED FOR SSL

Progress over Phase II of DE-FG02-07ER86293 'Materials Degradation Analysis and Development to Enable Ultra Low Cost, Web-Processed White P-OLED for SSL' was initially rapid in terms of device performance improvements. We exceeded our device luminance lifetime goals for printed flexible white OLEDs as laid out in our project proposal. Our Phase II performance target was to demonstrate >1500 hours luminance lifetime at 100 Cd/m2 from a printed flexible device. We now have R&D devices well in excess of 8000 hrs lifetime at 100 Cd/m2, tested in air. We also were able to produce devices which met the voltage target of >1500 hours below 15V operation. After completing the initial performance milestones, we went on to focus on color-related degradation issues which were cited as important to commercialization of the technology by our manufacturing partners. We also put additional focus on cathode work as the active material development that occurred over the STTR time period required an adaptation of the cathode from the original cathode formulations which were developed based on previous generation active layer materials. We were able to improve compatibility of the cathode with some of the newer generation active layer materials and improve device yield and voltage behavior. An additional objective of the initial Phase II was to further develop the underlying manufacturing technology and real-life product specifications. This is a key requirement that must be met to ensure eventual commercialization of this DOE-funded technology. The link between commercial investment for full commercialization and R&D efforts in OLED solid State Lighting is often a large one. Add-Vision's lower cost, printed OLED manufacturing approach is an attraction, but close engagement with manufacturing partners and addressing customer specifications is a very important link. Manufacturing technology encompasses development of moisture reduction encapsulation technology, improved cost performance, and reductions in operating voltage through thinner and higher uniformity active device layers. We have now installed a pilot encapsulation system at AVI for controlled, high throughput lamination encapsulation of flexible OLEDs in a novel process. Along with this, we have developed, with our materials supply partners, adhesives, barrier films and other encapsulation materials and we are showing total air product lifetimes in the 2-4 years range from a process consistent with our throughput goals of {approx}1M device per month ({approx}30,000 sq. ft. of processed OLEDs). Within the last year of the project, we have been working to introduce the manufacturing improvements made in our LEP deposition and annealing process to our commercial partners. Based on the success of this, a pilot scale-up program was begun. During this process, Add-Vision was acquired by a strategic partner, in no small part, because of the promise of future success of the technology as evidenced by our commercial partners pilot scale-up plans. Overall, the performance, manufacturing and product work in this project has been successful. Additional analysis and device work at LBL has also shown a unique adhesion change with device bias stressing which may result from active layer polymer cross-linking during bias stressing of device. It was shown that even small bias stresses, as a fraction of a full device lifetime stress period, result in measurable chemical change in the device. Further work needs to be conducted to fully understand the chemical nature of this interaction. Elucidation of this effect would enable doped OLED formulation to be engineered to suppress this effect and further extend lifetimes and reduce voltage climb.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Spin-Photon Entanglement of a Single Er 3 + Ion in the Telecom Band

Entanglement between photons and a quantum memory is a key component of quantum repeaters, which allow long-distance quantum entanglement distribution in the presence of fiber losses. Spin-photon entanglement has been implemented with a number of different atomic and solid-state qubits with long spin coherence times, but none directly emit photons into the 1.5 − μ m telecom band where losses in optical fibers are minimized. Here, we demonstrate spin-photon entanglement using a single rare earth ion in the solid-state Er 3 + coupled to a silicon nanophotonic cavity, which directly emits photons at 1532.6 nm. We infer an entanglement fidelity of 73(3)% after propagating through 15.6 km of optical fiber. This work opens the door to large-scale quantum networks based Er 3 + ions, leveraging scalable silicon device fabrication and spectral multiplexing. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2016

Highly tunable elastic dielectric metasurface lenses

Abstract Dielectric metasurfaces are two‐dimensional structures composed of nano‐scatterers that manipulate the phase and polarization of optical waves with subwavelength spatial resolution, thus enabling ultra‐thin components for free‐space optics. While high performance devices with various functionalities, including some that are difficult to achieve using conventional optical setups have been shown, most demonstrated components have fixed parameters. Here, we demonstrate highly tunable dielectric metasurface devices based on subwavelength thick silicon nano‐posts encapsulated in a thin transparent elastic polymer. As proof of concept, we demonstrate a metasurface microlens operating at 915 nm, with focal distance tuning from 600 μm to 1400 μm (over 952 diopters change in optical power) through radial strain, while maintaining a diffraction limited focus and a focusing efficiency above 50%. The demonstrated tunable metasurface concept is highly versatile for developing ultra‐slim, multi‐functional and tunable optical devices with widespread applications ranging from consumer electronics to medical devices and optical communications. image

Kamali, Seyedeh Mahsa↗
DOE OSTI2013

Pyroelectric energy harvesting using liquid-based switchable thermal interfaces

The pyroelectric effect offers an intriguing solid-state approach for harvesting ambient thermal energy to power distributed networks of sensors and actuators that are remotely located or otherwise difficult to access. There have been, however, few device-level demonstrations due to challenges in converting spatial temperature gradients into temporal temperature oscillations necessary for pyroelectric energy harvesting. We demonstrate the feasibility of a device concept that uses liquid-based thermal interfaces for rapid switching of the thermal conductance between a pyroelectric material and a heat source/sink and can thereby deliver high output power density. Using a thin film of a pyroelectric co-polymer together with a macroscale mechanical actuator, we operate pyroelectric thermal energy harvesting cycles at frequencies close to 1 Hz. Film-level power densities as high as 110 mW/cm(3) were achieved, limited by slow heat diffusion across a glass substrate. When combined with a laterally interdigitated electrode array and a MEMS actuator, the present design offers an attractive option for compact high-power density thermal energy harvesters. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cha, G↗
DOE OSTI2025

Design and Fabrication of a Thyristor Using Ion Implantation of Anode and Cathode

A thyristor is a solid-state semiconductor switch made up of four alternating p and n type layers. When the switch is turned on by a small pulse, current can flow as long as the device stays on. When the voltage drops below the turn on level or the current reverses, the switch will turn off. Thyristors only allow current to flow in one direction. One of the benefits of a thyristor device is in its capacity to conduct large voltages with a small device and a small turn-on pulse requirement. Another distinguishing feature of thyristors compared to other semiconductor devices is that it can only be in the on or off state, there’s no in-between state for the device to exist within. These properties make thyristors very useful as switch devices, especially in applications where current flow is only needed in one direction and could potentially be damaging in the opposite direction. Currently, thyristors are most commonly used to control very high power loads and they are available commercially in many designs to control different amounts of current.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2015

Low-temperature capacitive sensor based on perovskite oxides

Energy, environmental and social issues drive towards the green political economy and the development of advanced technologies, promoting renewable energy sources, improving energy conversion efficiency and reducing exhaust gas emissions. The development of sustainable technologies requires strategic research in the area of gas sensors for monitoring air quality, controlling gas emissions and optimizing combustion processes. Solid state sensors are the most attractive one because of their simplicity in function, small size and low cost. The aim of this work is to synthetize and characterize strontium titanate and test its sensing performance. The prepared sensor device shows significant sensitivity and response rate at room-temperature. However, because of the low recovery rate, the regeneration of the sensor has to be made at high temperature for promoting the decomposition of the carbonates formed on the perovkite surface.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Mitigating Interfacial Mismatch between Lithium Metal and Garnet-Type Solid Electrolyte by Depositing Metal Nitride Lithiophilic Interlayer

Solid-state lithium batteries are generally considered as the next-generation battery technology that benefits from inherent nonflammable solid electrolytes and safe harnessing of high-capacity lithium metal. Among various solid-electrolyte candidates, cubic garnet-type Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 ceramics hold superiority due to their high ionic conductivity (10 –3 to 10 –4 S cm -1 ) and good chemical stability against lithium metal. However, practical deployment of solid-state batteries based on such garnet-type materials has been constrained by poor interfacing between lithium and garnet that displays high impedance and uneven current distribution. Herein, we propose a facile and effective strategy to significantly reduce this interfacial mismatch by modifying the surface of such garnet-type solid electrolyte with a thin layer of silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ). This interfacial layer ensures an intimate contact with lithium due to its lithiophilic nature and formation of an intermediate lithium–metal alloy. The interfacial resistance experiences an exponential drop from 1197 to 84.5 Ω cm 2 . Lithium symmetrical cells with Si 3 N 4 -modified garnet exhibited low overpotential and long-term stable plating/stripping cycles at room temperature compared to bare garnet. Furthermore, a hybrid solid-state battery with Si 3 N 4 -modified garnet sandwiched between lithium metal anode and LiFePO 4 cathode was demonstrated to operate with high cycling efficiency, excellent rate capability, and good electrochemical stability. This work represents a significant advancement toward use of garnet solid electrolytes in lithium metal batteries for the next-generation energy storage devices.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗