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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 739 records · Page 41
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

UV-Enabled Defect Engineering in Multilayer GaSe and InSe and UV Writing of the Grating Pattern

III–VI post-transition-metal chalcogenides are layered semiconductor materials that exhibit direct band gaps in multilayers. Defect engineering is essential in 2D layered semiconductors for functional devices. Here, in this work, we report defect engineering in multilayer gallium selenide (GaSe) and indium selenide (InSe), where defects generated by ultraviolet (UV, 325 nm) laser irradiation result in an additional photoluminescence (PL) line. The additional PL line is due to defect-bound excitons. Characteristics of the defect emission are similar in GaSe and InSe samples subjected to UV irradiation, air annealing, and hydrostatic pressure. Two-beam UV interference was applied to create grating patterns with a periodic array of low and high densities of defects in GaSe. Density functional theory has identified the defect type in GaSe. The results provide valuable insights into defect generation and UV scribing of photonic circuits in 2D Se-based multilayers for optical integration in a 2D platform.

2D multilayered materials↗
NASA NTRS2002

Measured and Simulated Dark J-V Characteristics of a-Si:H Single Junction p-i-n Solar Cells Irradiated with 40 keV Electrons

The effect of 40 keV electron irradiation on a-Si:H p-i-n single-junction solar cells was investigated using measured and simulated dark J-V characteristics. EPRI-AMPS and PC-1D simulators were explored for use in the studies. The EPRI-AMPS simulator was employed and simulator parameters selected to produce agreement with measured J-V characteristics. Three current mechanisms were evident in the measured dark J-V characteristics after electron irradiation, namely, injection, shunting and a term of the form CV(sup m). Using a single discrete defect state level at the center of the band gap, good agreement was achieved between measured and simulated J-V characteristics in the forward-bias voltage region where the dark current density was dominated by injection. The current mechanism of the form CV(sup m) was removed by annealing for two hours at 140 C. Subsequent irradiation restored the CV(sup m) current mechanism and it was removed by a second anneal. Some evidence of the CV(sup m) term is present in device simulations with a higher level of discrete density of states located at the center of the bandgap.

Lord, Kenneth↗
DOE OSTI2017

Correlation between Cr 3+ Luminescence and Oxygen Vacancy Disorder in Strontium Titanate under MeV Ion Irradiation

Strontium titanate (SrTiO 3 ), a model system with a strongly correlated electronic structure, has attracted much attention recently because of its outstanding physicochemical properties and considerable potentials for technological applications. The capability to control oxygen vacancy profiles and their effect on valence states of cations will increase significantly the functionality of devices based on transition metal oxides. This work presents new insights into the near-infrared luminescence emission of Cr 3+ centers in stoichiometric SrTiO 3 induced using 3 MeV protons at temperatures of 100 K, 170 K, and room temperature. The study covers a wide spectral range, including near-infrared, visible, and near-UV regions. Our main purpose is to investigate the role of the oxygen vacancies introduced by energetic charged particles on the shape and yield of induced luminescence spectra, in particular to explore the interplay between the Cr 3+ luminescence at 1.55 eV and oxygen disorder. A clear correlation is found between the decay of the Cr luminescence yield during irradiation and the growth of a band at 2.0 eV, well-resolved below 170 K, which has been very recently attributed to d–d transitions of electrons self-trapped as Ti 3+ in the close vicinity of oxygen vacancies. This correlation suggests irradiation-induced oxidation of the Cr 3+ (Cr 3+ → Cr n+ , n > 3) via trapping of irradiation-induced holes, while the partner electrons are self-trapped as Ti 3+ . Here, these new results provide effective guidelines for further understanding the electronic and photocatalytic behavior of STO:Cr 3+ .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Monte Carlo simulation analysis for radiation damage on Glidcop Al-15 caused by 17-20 MeV/u heavy ions

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) SRF linear heavy-ion accelerator is designed to accelerate all ions up to uranium to a maximum beam power of 400 kW. Several beam intercepting devices (BIDs) are essential to the successful operation of the accelerator, including a low power charge selector (LPCS) made of copper containing 0.15% precipitated aluminum oxide by weight called Glidcop Al-15. As FRIB ramps up the primary beam power beyond the current 20 kW level, the charge selector must withstand higher radiation damage rates, typically measured in displacements per atom (dpa). Significant beam induced radiation damage including significant deformation, like swelling, blistering, and cracking has been observed on a recently removed LPCS. We also observed physical features up to about 5.5 mm wide and appear to be deeper than the projected range of any ions. This paper presents the results of Monte Carlo simulations carried out using the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS), quantifying the total damage dose and ion concentration, etc. Simulating an accurate irradiation history is essential to determining the scope of post irradiation examination (PIE) work.

Fletcher, Ethan [Michigan State U.]↗
DOE OSTI2018

Energy Yield Analysis of Multiterminal Si-Based Tandem Solar Cells

Here, we present a model for a yield analysis of tandem devices consisting of Si bottom cells with III-V top cells. It accounts for the spectral properties of the subcells as well as their reduced operating temperature due to increased efficiency and luminescent coupling. Inputs are the experimental I-V and QE data of the subcells (e.g., available from laboratory prototypes) and the irradiance-dependent module temperature of the bottom cell. We apply the model to compare two types of tandem cells, GaInP and GaAs top cells on Si bottom cells. The impact of the temperature model, compared to a constant temperature, shows a relative change in energy yield of up to 2.7% rel . Including luminescent coupling for GaAs/Si devices with two terminals, increases the energy yield by 34.0% rel . This is still 34.2% rel less energy yielded than for GaInP/Si two-terminal devices. The performance of the GaInP/Si devices can be improved by 5.8% rel using three-terminal devices with back-contacted bottom cells instead of a two-terminal configuration under the assumption of a cell string with voltage matching of one top cell with two bottom cells. For GaInP/Si, the three-terminal device performs similarly to the four-terminal device, enabling the integration of monolithic tandem cells into modules at comparably high efficiencies.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Diamond Beam Monitor for Medical Dosimetry (Final Report)

In this technical report we will discuss the efforts to develop diamond radiation detectors as dosimeters for therapeutic proton beam diagnostics, measuring the proton fluence as well as the beam profiles in high energy proton beams. The detector performance was recorded as the ion beam induced current (IBIC) from the 800MeV proton beam using different beam conditions. The lifetime of the detectors was also measured by monitoring the real-time detector response changes during the extensive proton irradiation. All irradiated diamond detectors were then characterized using synchrotron X-rays, by measuring the detector performance including I-V curves, response maps, flux scan and timing. The device performance decay was further studied with several simulation packages (SRIM\TRIM and FLUKA), and radiation damage mechanism was investigated by using experimental data and simulation models. Several impact factors (fluence rate, total dose, contact materials and cooling time) were discussed and the radiation effect on carrier transport was studied.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1989

Trends In Susceptibility To Single-Event Upset

Report provides nearly comprehensive body of data on single-event upsets due to irradiation by heavy ions. Combines new test data and previously published data from governmental and industrial laboratories. Clear trends emerge from data useful in predicting future performances of devices.

Nichols, Donald K.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Dark Current Degradation of Near Infrared Avalanche Photodiodes from Proton Irradiation

InGaAs and Ge avalanche photodiodes (APDs) are examined for the effects of 63-MeV protons on dark current. Dark current increases were large and similar to prior results for silicon APDs, despite the smaller size of InGaAs and Ge devices. Bulk dark current increases from displacement damage in the depletion regions appeared to be the dominant contributor to overall dark current degradation. Differences in displacement damage factors are discussed as they relate to structural and material differences between devices.

indium compounds↗
DOE OSTI2014

Femtosecond laser direct writing of monocrystalline hexagonal silver prisms

Bottom-up growth methods and top-down patterning techniques are both used to fabricate metal nanostructures, each with a distinct advantage: One creates crystalline structures and the other offers precise positioning. Here, we present a technique that localizes the growth of metal crystals to the focal volume of a laser beam, combining advantages from both approaches. We report the fabrication of silver nanoprisms—hexagonal nanoscale silver crystals—through irradiation with focused femtosecond laser pulses. The growth of these nanoprisms is due to a nonlinear optical interaction between femtosecond laser pulses and a polyvinylpyrrolidone film doped with silver nitrate. The hexagonal nanoprisms have bases hundreds of nanometers in size and the crystal growth occurs over exposure times of less than 1 ms (8 orders of magnitude faster than traditional chemical techniques). Electron backscatter diffraction analysis shows that the hexagonal nanoprisms are monocrystalline. The fabrication method combines advantages from both wet chemistry and femtosecond laser direct-writing to grow silver crystals in targeted locations. The results presented in this letter offer an approach to directly positioning and growing silver crystals on a substrate, which can be used for plasmonic devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

U.S. Fusion D-Li Neutron Irradiation Facility: Fusion Prototypic Neutron Source (FPNS) Technology Study

A primary engineering challenge for the realization of fusion energy involves the development of high-performance structural and plasma-facing materials with dimensional stability and resistance to neutron degradation of mechanical properties. The harsh fusion environment, including high levels of helium production and other transmutation products along with high operating temperatures, poses an extreme challenge for materials. Identifying materials that can withstand these conditions is a high priority for fusion energy research. Critical to resolving this gap in scientific understanding is developing a neutron source facility with the ability to mimic the extreme conditions in a fusion reactor. Working with the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Virtual Laboratory for Technology (VLT) organized a workshop to discuss the need for a Fusion Prototypic Neutron Source (FPNS). [1] While there are a variety of uses for FPNS neutrons, the main driver of US interest is expanding the scientific understanding of materials degradation in the deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion environment. FPNS will help build the scientific foundation required to enable design of a next step fusion device. Using specifications from previous projects as a guide, key parameters were agreed upon for a near term, moderate cost US facility that would be complementary to the more extensive plans of the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF). Types of facilities that could potentially meet those criteria were identified. A scoping study for three technologies was initiated to answer three critical questions: 1) Can the concept meet the key parameters, 2) What is the estimated cost, and 3) What is the estimated schedule. One approach selected for the scoping study is a D-Li stripping source similar to the design of the IFMIF but at a lower beam power and atomic displacement rate for cost and schedule reasons. The purpose of this report is to document the results of the D-Li stripping source option study, providing answers to the three questions. The approach to generating a fusion prototypic neutron source using a deuteron beam incident on a flowing lithium target has been studied for more than 40 years. As a result of the research and development recently executed primarily in Europe and Japan, the ability of this approach to meet key parameters (damage parameters, irradiation volume) outlined in the US workshop for a near-term, moderate cost fusion prototypic neutron source facility is not in doubt. The main question that must be answered is the cost of such a facility. As a result, a strong focus was placed on understanding alternatives for developing the facility and their relative costs. The project was broken into four components for the cost estimate: the ion source, accelerator, lithium target system, and conventional facilities. The cost of the accelerator is an important cost driver for the D-Li stripping concept. To fully understand the range of the accelerator cost, multiple alternatives were considered including normal conducting and superconducting linacs and the frequency of the radiofrequency quadrupole. Multiple previous design studies dating from 1989 through 2017 were examined (costs were escalated to 2019 dollars) and compared. After analysis, two options were selected for costing, one superconducting and one room temperature. We found similar project costs for the two accelerator options, on the order of $100M including design and project management but excluding contingency. Including everything except the conventional facilities, the estimate for the neutron source facility is estimated to be $220M without contingency. Additional significant costs for the facility are the conventional costs arising from the need to construct buildings for the accelerator and target facilities, bringing electrical power to the site including a new substation, and removing the heat from the facility using heat exchangers. While ORNL would oversee this work, much of the effort would be executed by contractors. Estimates for this effort was based on similar projects that are currently being executed at ORNL or were executed at ORNL in the recent past. The estimate for conventional facilities for the neutron facility is $173M without contingency, bringing the total project cost to $393M without contingency. With a 50% contingency, the estimated cost is $589M. The estimate range was established using guidance from the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE). Specifically, guidance from recommended practice 17R-97 provides insight on the expected accuracy range of estimates based on the degree of project definition and the position of the project in the stage-gate process or maturity timeline. An AACE Class 5 type estimate is appropriate for concept screening. The expected accuracy range includes a low end of -50% to -20% and a high end of +30% to +100% around the estimated cost. For the D-Li stripping neutron source, a -20% to +100% cost range was applied for a recommended cost range of $471M to $1,179M. Less emphasis was placed on determining the project schedule due to the fact that the project costs were large and may eliminate this option from consideration. The development of the accelerator facility may require on the order of five years without contingency. A more realistic schedule with contingency may be seven years. However, this estimate should be scrutinized in a preconceptual design activity if a more realistic estimate is needed. Finally, one lesson learned in this process is that the requirements for a near-term, moderate cost facility drives the alternative selection toward existing facilities and infrastructure. The D-Li stripping neutron source option requires a green field site due to the lack of existing buildings and infrastructure that can be reused for this effort. As a result, the conventional facilities costs are a significant fraction of the total facility cost. Other neutron source options where buildings, electrical power, and cooling infrastructure already exist may be able to meet the requirements for a near term, moderate cost facility.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Role of atomic-level defects and electronic energy loss on amorphization in LiNbO 3 single crystals

Understanding complex non-equilibrium defect processes, where multiple irradiation mechanisms may take place simultaneously, is a long standing subject in material science. The separate and combined effects of elastic and inelastic energy loss are a very complicated and challenging topic. In this work, LiNbO 3 has been irradiated with 0.9 MeV Si + and 8 MeV O 3+ , which are representative of regimes where nuclear (S n ) and electronic (S e ) energy loss are dominant, respectively. The evolution of damage has been investigated by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) in channeling configuration. Pristine samples were irradiated with 0.9 MeV Si + ions to create different pre-existing damage states. Below the threshold (S e,th = 5–6 keV nm –1 ) for amorphous track formation in this material, irradiation of the pristine samples with a highly ionizing beam of 8 MeV O 3+ ions, with nearly constant S e of about 3 keV nm –1 , induces a crystalline to amorphous phase transition at high ion fluences. In the pre-damaged samples, the electronic energy loss from the 8 MeV O 3+ ions interacts synergistically with the pre-existing damage, resulting in a rapid, non-linear increase in damage production. There is a significant reduction in the incubation fluence for rapid amorphization with the increasing amount of pre-existing damage. Here, these results highlight the important role of atomic-level defects on increasing the sensitivity of some oxides to amorphization induced by electronic energy loss. Controlling the nature and amount of pre-damage may provide a new approach to tuning optical properties for photonic device applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Cherenkov Video Imaging Allows for the First Visualization of Radiation Therapy in Real Time

Purpose: To determine whether Cherenkov light imaging can visualize radiation therapy in real time during breast radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: An intensified charge-coupled device (CCD) camera was synchronized to the 3.25-μs radiation pulses of the clinical linear accelerator with the intensifier set × 100. Cherenkov images were acquired continuously (2.8 frames/s) during fractionated whole breast irradiation with each frame an accumulation of 100 radiation pulses (approximately 5 monitor units). Results: The first patient images ever created are used to illustrate that Cherenkov emission can be visualized as a video during conditions typical for breast radiation therapy, even with complex treatment plans, mixed energies, and modulated treatment fields. Images were generated correlating to the superficial dose received by the patient and potentially the location of the resulting skin reactions. Major blood vessels are visible in the image, providing the potential to use these as biological landmarks for improved geometric accuracy. The potential for this system to detect radiation therapy misadministrations, which can result from hardware malfunction or patient positioning setup errors during individual fractions, is shown. Conclusions: Cherenkoscopy is a unique method for visualizing surface dose resulting in real-time quality control. We propose that this system could detect radiation therapy errors in everyday clinical practice at a time when these errors can be corrected to result in improved safety and quality of radiation therapy.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2014

High-T{sub c} superconducting Josephson mixers for terahertz heterodyne detection

We report on an experimental and theoretical study of the high-frequency mixing properties of ion-irradiated YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} Josephson junctions embedded in THz antennas. We investigated the influence of the local oscillator power and frequency on the device performances. The experimental data are compared with theoretical predictions of the general three-port model for mixers in which the junction is described by the resistively shunted junction model. A good agreement is obtained for the conversion efficiency in different frequency ranges, spanning above and below the characteristic frequencies f{sub c} of the junctions.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2023

Radiometric Standards and Best Practices: Recent Progress

International standards and best practices for solar resource assessments provide assurance for traceable measurements associated with a low uncertainty. This benefits the solar energy industry by reducing the investment risks through heightened confidence in the solar resource information. NREL, in collaboration with international organizations, such as subcommittees G03 of ASTM (Radiometry) and TC180/SC1 of ISO (Climate measurement and data), recently revised some standards that are widely used by the solar industry. These include radiometric standards that assist in (i) maintaining calibration traceability; (ii) uncertainty analysis; (iii) measurement quality assurance, and (iv) establishing reference spectral irradiance distributions. The latter are widely used by the solar community to evaluate the actual absorptance, reflectance, and transmittance of solar energy materials, or the performance of solar energy devices and systems, relative to standard conditions. This paper provides a summary of the recent changes brought to these standards as a way to better support the solar energy industry.

industries↗
DOE OSTI2014

TH-C-19A-03: Characterization of the Dose Per Pulse Dependence of Various Detectors Used in Quality Assurance of FFF Treatment Plans

Purpose: To present the dose per pulse dependence of various QA devices under Flattening Filter Free (FFF) conditions. Methods: Air and liquid filled ion chamber arrays, diode arrays, radiochromic film and optically stimulated luminescence detectors were investigated. All detectors were irradiated under similar conditions of varying dose per pulse on a TrueBeam linac. Dose per pulse was controlled by varying SSD from 70 to 160 cm providing a range from ~0.5 to ~3 mGy per pulse. MU rates of up to 2400 MU/min for 10X FFF and 1400 MU/min for the 6X FFF beam were used. Beam pulses were counted using the Profiler™ diode array and pulse timing was confirmed by examining linac node files. Delivered doses were calculated with the Eclipse™ treatment planning system. Results: The detectors show a range of behaviors depending on the detector type, as expected. Diode arrays show up to 4% change in sensitivity (sensitivity increases with increasing dose per pulse) over the range tested. Air and liquid ion chambers arrays show a change in sensitivity of up to 3% (air) and 6% (liquid) (sensitivity decreases with increasing dose per pulse) while film and OSLD do not demonstrate a dependence on dose per pulse. Conclusion: Dependence of detector response on dose per pulse varies considerably depending on detector design. Interplay between dose per pulse and MU rate also exists for some detectors. Due diligence is required to characterize detector response prior to implementation of a QA protocol for FFF treatment delivery. During VMAT delivery, the MU rate may also vary dramatically within a treatment fraction. We intend to further investigate the implications of this for VMAT FFF patient specific quality assurance. T Karan and F Viel have received partial funding through the Varian Research program.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-T-485: In Vivo Dosimetry with EBT3 Radiochromic Films for TBI Treatments

Purpose: Total body irradiation (TBI) is a technique that requires special equipment to control “in vivo” the dose to the patient because it is a complex technique performed in extraordinary conditions. There are several devices to perform this task (diodes, TLDs, ionization chambers, MOSFET). In this paper we study the possibility of performing these measurements with radiochromic films EBT3 properly calibrated. This method has been compared to the PTW diodes system for TBI. Methods: Once made the TC to the patients, we measured different thicknesses of the relevant areas of the body (head, neck, chest with or without arms, umbilicus area, knees and ankles); for each of these thicknesses we measured dose rate (cGy / UM) in RW3 phantom, in TBI conditions, with ionization chamber in the center; in turn, the input diode and the output of each configuration is placed to assign dose to each set of diodes. Movie calibration is performed according to manufacturer’s recommendations but TBI conditions. The dose at the center of each thickness compared to a linear interpolation of the dose at the entrance and exit, resulting in an adequate approximation. Finally in each session for each patient put a piece of film (2×2 cm2) at the entrance and another at the exit in each area, obtaining these readings and interpolating the estimated center dose, as with the diodes. Results: These results show a greater homogeneity in the distribution for use with film and validate the use of the same for this task and, if necessary, to avoid purchasing diode group if they have not. Conclusion: By using radiochromic films for this technique gives us a proper calculation of the dose received by the patient in the absence of other methods, or gives us a second additional track that already used normally.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗