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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 721 records · Page 40
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Strain wave pathway to semiconductor-to-metal transition revealed by time-resolved X-ray powder diffraction

One of the main challenges in ultrafast material science is to trigger phase transitions with short pulses of light. Here we show how strain waves, launched by electronic and structural precursor phenomena, determine a coherent macroscopic transformation pathway for the semiconducting-to-metal transition in bistable Ti 3 O 5 nanocrystals. Employing femtosecond powder X-ray diffraction, we measure the lattice deformation in the phase transition as a function of time. We monitor the early intra-cell distortion around the light absorbing metal dimer and the long range deformations governed by acoustic waves propagating from the laser-exposed Ti 3 O 5 surface. We developed a simplified elastic model demonstrating that picosecond switching in nanocrystals happens concomitantly with the propagating acoustic wavefront, several decades faster than thermal processes governed by heat diffusion.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

In vivo volumetric imaging of calcium and glutamate activity at synapses with high spatiotemporal resolution

Studying neuronal activity at synapses requires high spatiotemporal resolution. For high spatial resolution in vivo imaging at depth, adaptive optics (AO) is required to correct sample-induced aberrations. To improve temporal resolution, Bessel focus has been combined with two-photon fluorescence microscopy (2PFM) for fast volumetric imaging at subcellular lateral resolution. To achieve both high-spatial and high-temporal resolution at depth, we develop an efficient AO method that corrects the distorted wavefront of Bessel focus at the objective focal plane and recovers diffraction-limited imaging performance. Applying AO Bessel focus scanning 2PFM to volumetric imaging of zebrafish larval and mouse brains down to 500 µm depth, we demonstrate substantial improvements in the sensitivity and resolution of structural and functional measurements of synapses in vivo. This enables volumetric measurements of synaptic calcium and glutamate activity at high accuracy, including the simultaneous recording of glutamate activity of apical and basal dendritic spines in the mouse cortex.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Beam steering at the nanosecond time scale with an atomically thin reflector

Techniques to mold the flow of light on subwavelength scales enable fundamentally new optical systems and device applications. The realization of programmable, active optical systems with fast, tunable components is among the outstanding challenges in the field. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a few-pixel beam steering device based on electrostatic gate control of excitons in an atomically thin semiconductor with strong light-matter interactions. By combining the high reflectivity of a MoSe 2 monolayer with a graphene split-gate geometry, we shape the wavefront phase profile to achieve continuously tunable beam deflection with a range of 10°, two-dimensional beam steering, and switching times down to 1.6 nanoseconds. Our approach opens the door for a new class of atomically thin optical systems, such as rapidly switchable beam arrays and quantum metasurfaces operating at their fundamental thickness limit.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2026

Nanoscale strain wave generation by a piezoelectric grating from polar vortices

Nanostructures formed by spontaneously broken symmetry have provided new ways to manipulate quantum states. Specifically, topological structures with periodic spatial ordering, such as polar vortices and skyrmions, can be ideal hosts for creating engineered responses in both spatial and frequency domains. So far, however, only a few examples of such hierarchical engineering have been reported in the literature. Here we demonstrate that the spatially modulated piezoelectric response of a polar vortex structure can create strain waves with a characteristic nanoscale wavefront. Using time-resolved pump–probe resonant X-ray scattering and diffraction measurements, coupled with dynamical phase-field simulations, we show that the piezoelectric modulation of the spontaneously formed polar vortex crystal functions as an acoustic diffraction grating. This system converts incoming laterally uniform strain waves into outgoing waves with a characteristic sub-terahertz frequency, driven by an intrinsic excitation of the polar vortex crystal. Moreover, our phase-field simulations suggest that the dynamic mechanical displacements exhibiting vortex textures are generated from both space- and time-varying piezoelectric responses. Our findings illustrate a new method for generating nanoscale strain waves with unique spatial textures by tuning the hierarchical order of polar topologies to engineer new collective modes, allowing for a wide range of control through the topological lattice.

ferroelectrics↗
DOE OSTI2020

Extreme ultraviolet microscope characterization using photomask surface roughness

We demonstrate a method for characterizing the field-dependent aberrations of a full-field synchrotron-based extreme ultraviolet microscope. The statistical uniformity of the inherent, atomic-scale roughness of readily-available photomask blanks enables a self-calibrating computational procedure using images acquired under standard operation. We characterize the aberrations across a 30-um field-of-view, demonstrating a minimum aberration magnitude of smaller than λ/21 rms averaged over the center 5-um area, with a measurement accuracy better than λ/180 rms. The measured field variation of aberrations is consistent with system geometry and agrees with prior characterizations of the same system. In certain cases, it may be possible to additionally recover the illumination wavefront from the same images. Our method is general and is easily applied to coherent imaging systems with steerable illumination without requiring invasive hardware or custom test objects; hence, it provides substantial benefits when characterizing microscopes and high-resolution imaging systems in situ.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Quantitative phase imaging by gradient retardance optical microscopy

Abstract Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) has become a vital tool in bioimaging, offering precise measurements of wavefront distortion and, thus, of key cellular metabolism metrics, such as dry mass and density. However, only a few QPI applications have been demonstrated in optically thick specimens, where scattering increases background and reduces contrast. Building upon the concept of structured illumination interferometry, we introduce Gradient Retardance Optical Microscopy (GROM) for QPI of both thin and thick samples. GROM transforms any standard Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscope into a QPI platform by incorporating a liquid crystal retarder into the illumination path, enabling independent phase-shifting of the DIC microscope's sheared beams. GROM greatly simplifies related configurations, reduces costs, and eradicates energy losses in parallel imaging modalities, such as fluorescence. We successfully tested GROM on a diverse range of specimens, from microbes and red blood cells to optically thick (~ 300 μm) plant roots without fixation or clearing.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2022

3D magnetic imaging using electron vortex beam microscopy

Abstract Electron vortex beams are free-electron waves that carry orbital angular momentum. There has been growing theoretical and experimental interest in the use of electron vortex beams as a tool for the investigation of magnetic materials. However, due to the complex wavefront of the propagating waves, a deeper understanding of the interaction of electron vortex beams and the magnetic sample is needed. Here we calculate the magnetic phase shift that an electron vortex beam obtains upon transmitting through a magnetic sample. We show that this magnetic phase shift is influenced by the out-of-plane magnetization, which is a unique characteristic of incident electron vortex beams and is proportional to their orbital angular momentum. Finally, we develop a phase retrieval methodology to retrieve the out-of-plane component of magnetization. Based on our theory, we discuss suitable experimental conditions that would enable this imaging capability for magnetic materials and further extend to non-magnetic chiral materials.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2011

High speed two-dimensional optical beam position detector

Disclosed is the design of a high speed two-dimensional optical beam position detector which outputs the X and Y displacement and total intensity linearly. The experimental detector measures the displacement from DC to 123 MHz and the intensity of an optical spot in a similar way as a conventional quadrant photodiode detector. The design uses four discrete photodiodes and simple dedicated optics for the position decomposition which enables higher spatial accuracy and faster electronic processing than conventional detectors. Measurements of the frequency response and the spatial sensitivity demonstrate high suitability for atomic force microscopy, scanning probe data storage applications, and wideband wavefront sensing. The operation principle allows for position measurements up to 20 GHz and more in bandwidth.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2011

Phase Contrast Imaging with Coded Apertures Using Laboratory-Based X-ray Sources

X-ray phase contrast imaging is a powerful technique that allows detection of changes in the phase of x-ray wavefronts as they pass through a sample. As a result, details not visible in conventional x-ray absorption imaging can be detected. Until recently the majority of applications of phase contrast imaging were at synchrotron facilities due to the availability of their high flux and coherence; however, a number of techniques have appeared recently that allow phase contrast imaging to be performed using laboratory sources. Here we describe a phase contrast imaging technique, developed at University College London, that uses two coded apertures. The x-ray beam is shaped by the pre-sample aperture, and small deviations in the x-ray propagation direction are detected with the help of the detector aperture. In contrast with other methods, it has a much more relaxed requirement for the source size (it works with source sizes up to 100 {mu}m). A working prototype coded-aperture system has been built. An x-ray detector with directly deposited columnar CsI has been used to minimize signal spill-over into neighboring pixels. Phase contrast images obtained with the system have demonstrated its effectiveness for imaging low-absorption materials.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

Optimization of the Coherent Intensity from Multi-Segment Undulators by Phase Matching

The use of inline insertion devices at third-generation synchrotron radiation sources can result in destructive interference effects if the relative phase between the devices is not properly adjusted. The destructive interference can strongly affect the emission spectrum and coherent wavefront of a compound insertion device. We simulate the photon source generated by a dual-inline elliptically polarizing undulator (EPU) situated in a low-{beta} straight section of the planned NSLS-II storage ring and show that a magnetic chicane with adjustable field integral can be used to phase-match the devices. Furthermore, we show that the maximum coherent intensity is delivered by a focusing x-ray beamline if the chicane is adjusted to phase-match the off-axis and red-shifted radiation. Such a system will be installed at the coherent soft x-ray (CSX) beamline of the NSLS-II in order to provide the highest possible coherent flux for coherent soft x-ray scattering experiments.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

At-wavelength characterization of refractive x-ray lenses using a two-dimensional grating interferometer

We report on the application of a two-dimensional hard x-ray grating interferometer to x-ray optics metrology. The interferometer is sensitive to refraction angles in two perpendicular directions with a precision of 10 nrad. It is used to observe the wavefront changes induced by a single parabolic beryllium focusing lens of large radius of curvature. The lens shape is reconstructed and its residual aberrations are analyzed. Its profile differs from an ideal parabolic shape by less than 2 {mu}m or {lambda}/50 at {lambda} = 0.54 A wavelength.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2012

Characterization of a one dimensional focusing compound refractive lens using the rotating shearing interferometer technique

A one dimensional (1D) compound refractive lens (CRL) has been characterized using the grating based rotating shearing interferometer technique. The method is based on the calculation of moire fringes orientation to sense wavefront information. The phase shift and the optical aberration introduced by the 1D CRL on an X-ray beam were retrieved from a single moire fringe image. The radius of curvature of the lens at the apex was derived. This physical radius of the CRL, which is also closely related to the focal length of the 1D CRL, was shown to vary with the incident angle of the incoming X-ray beam onto the CRL. The experimental measurement agreed very well with the theoretical expectations.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2012

Development of grating-based x-ray Talbot interferometry at the advanced photon source

We report on the ongoing effort to develop hard x-ray Talbot interferometry at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), Argonne National Laboratory, USA. We describe the design of the interferometer and preliminary results obtained at 25 keV using a feather and a phantom sample lithographically fabricated of gold. We mention the future developmental goals and applications of this technique as a metrology tool for x-ray optics and beam wavefront characterization.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2013

Spatiotemporal evolution of dielectric driven cogenerated dust density waves

An experimental observation of spatiotemporal evolution of dust density waves (DDWs) in cogenerated dusty plasma in the presence of modified field induced by glass plate is reported. Various DDWs, such as vertical, oblique, and stationary, were detected simultaneously for the first time. Evolution of spatiotemporal complexity like bifurcation in propagating wavefronts is also observed. As dust concentration reaches extremely high value, the DDW collapses. Also, the oblique and nonpropagating mode vanishes when we increase the number of glass plates, while dust particles were trapped above each glass plates showing only vertical DDWs.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Damage threshold and focusability of mid-infrared free-electron laser pulses gated by a plasma mirror with nanosecond switching pulses

The presence of a pulse train structure of an oscillator-type free-electron laser (FEL) results in the immediate damage of a solid target upon focusing. We demonstrate that the laser-induced damage threshold can be significantly improved by gating the mid-infrared FEL pulses with a plasma mirror. Although the switching pulses we employ have a nanosecond duration which does not guarantee the clean wavefront of the gated FEL pulses, the high focusability is experimentally confirmed through the observation of spectral broadening by a factor of 2.1 when we tightly focus the gated FEL pulses onto the Ge plate.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Virtual ultrasound sources for inspecting nuclear components of coarse-grained structure

This work describes an ultrasonic inspection procedure designed for verifying coarse-grained structure materials, which are commonly used on nuclear reactors. In this case, conventional phased array techniques cannot be used due to attenuating characteristics and backscattered noise from microstructures inside the material. Thus, synthetic aperture ultrasonic imaging (SAFT) is used for this approach in contact conditions. In order to increase energy transferred to the medium, synthetic transmit aperture is formed by several elements which generate a diverging wavefront equivalent to a virtual ultrasound source behind the transducer. On the other hand, the phase coherence technique has been applied to reduce more structural noise and improve the image quality. The beamforming process has been implemented over a GPU platform to reduce computing time.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2014

On-chip focusing in the mid-infrared: Demonstrated with ring quantum cascade lasers

We report on collimated emission beams from substrate emitting ring quantum cascade lasers with an on-chip focusing element fabricated into the bottom side of the device. It is formed by a gradient index metamaterial layer, realized by etching subwavelength holes into the substrate. The generated optical path length difference for rays emitted under different angles from the ring waveguide flattens the wavefront and focuses the light. Our far field measurements show an increased peak intensity corresponding to 617% of the initial value without the focusing element. Far field calculations, based on a Fourier transformation of the metamaterial area, are in good agreement with our experimental data.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2014

The link between shocks, turbulence, and magnetic reconnection in collisionless plasmas

Global hybrid (electron fluid, kinetic ions) and fully kinetic simulations of the magnetosphere have been used to show surprising interconnection between shocks, turbulence, and magnetic reconnection. In particular, collisionless shocks with their reflected ions that can get upstream before retransmission can generate previously unforeseen phenomena in the post shocked flows: (i) formation of reconnecting current sheets and magnetic islands with sizes up to tens of ion inertial length. (ii) Generation of large scale low frequency electromagnetic waves that are compressed and amplified as they cross the shock. These “wavefronts” maintain their integrity for tens of ion cyclotron times but eventually disrupt and dissipate their energy. (iii) Rippling of the shock front, which can in turn lead to formation of fast collimated jets extending to hundreds of ion inertial lengths downstream of the shock. The jets, which have high dynamical pressure, “stir” the downstream region, creating large scale disturbances such as vortices, sunward flows, and can trigger flux ropes along the magnetopause. This phenomenology closes the loop between shocks, turbulence, and magnetic reconnection in ways previously unrealized. These interconnections appear generic for the collisionless plasmas typical of space and are expected even at planar shocks, although they will also occur at curved shocks as occur at planets or around ejecta.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗