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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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Driving plasmas to extreme magnetizations using strong laser compression and high initial magnetic field
The goal of the project is to develop a platform for the OMEGA-60 laser facility to study MHD effects in cylindrical implosions at regimes of large magnetic pressure and magnetization.
Development of Turbulent Magnetic Reconnection in a Magnetic Island
In this paper, with two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, we report that the electron Kelvin–Helmholtz instability is unstable in the current layer associated with a large-scale magnetic island, which is formed in multiple X-line guide field reconnections. The current sheet is fragmented into many small current sheets with widths down to the order of the electron inertial length. Secondary magnetic reconnection then occurs in these fragmented current sheets, which leads to a turbulent state. The electrons are highly energized in such a process.
Current and Future Constraints on Primordial Magnetic Fields
We present new limits on the amplitude of potential primordial magnetic fields (PMFs) using temperature and polarization measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) from Planck, the BICEP2/Keck Array, Polarbear, and SPTpol. We reduce twofold the 95% confidence upper limit on the CMB anisotropy power due to a nearly scale-invariant PMF, with an allowed B-mode power at ℓ = 1500 of D{sub ℓ=1500}{sup BB}<0.071 μK{sup 2} for Planck versus D{sub ℓ=1500}{sup BB}<0.034 μK{sup 2} for the combined data set. We also forecast the expected limits from soon-to-deploy CMB experiments (like SPT-3G, Adv. ACTpol, or the Simons Array) and the proposed CMB-S4 experiment. Future CMB experiments should dramatically reduce the current uncertainties by one order of magnitude for the near-term experiments and two orders of magnitude for the CMB-S4 experiment. The constraints from CMB-S4 have the potential to rule out much of the parameter space for PMFs.
Some techniques for sensitive magnetic measurements using superconducting circuits and magnetic shields.
Sensitive magnetic susceptibility measurements using superconducting circuits and magnetic shields
H-Mediated Magnetic Interactions between Layers in a 2D Mn II -Dicyanamide Polymer: Neutron Diffraction, DFT, and Quantum Monte Carlo Calculations: H-Mediated Magnetic Interactions between Layers in a 2D Mn II -Dicyanamide Polymer: Neutron Diffraction, DFT, and Quantum Monte Carlo Calculations
We report neutron-diffraction investigations of the quasi-2D Mn-II(dca)(2)(pym)(H2O) (pym = N2C4H4) compound, where high-spin Mn-II ions are bridged by dicyanamide anions, [N(CN)(2)](-) (herein abbreviated dca). Inside the layers, Mn2+ ions are connected by single or double dca bridges. The magnetic phase diagram was established by neutron diffraction on a single crystal. In the low-field phase, the Mn-II ions are antiferro-magnetically ordered in the layers, with moments nearly parallel to the c axis, and the layers are antiferromagnetically coupled. The spin-flop phase corresponds to ferromagnetic coupling between the antiferromagnetic layers, in which the Mn-II moments are nearly perpendicular to the c axis. The induced spin-density distribution in the paramagnetic phase, determined by polarized neutron diffraction, visualizes the super-exchange pathways through the dca ligands within the layers and through H bonding between neighboring layers. The theoretical spin density obtained by bidimensional periodic DFT calculations is compared with the experimental results. Furthermore, quantum Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to compare the DFT results with experimental susceptibility measurements.
Integrated SQUID/Sensor Metallic Magnetic Microcalorimeter for Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy
Metallic magnetic microcalorimeters (MMCs) achieve energy resolution comparable to transition-edge sensors (TESs) but rely on different measurement physics that may allow MMCs to surpass TESs in some future applications. We have recently completed fabrication of new MMC γ-ray detector arrays using several exploratory sensor designs. All designs integrate the SQUID and sensor on the same chip and use a superconducting cap layer on the paramagnet, but explore different combinations of combined/separate sensing and magnetization coils and direct/flux transformer coupling to the input SQUIDs. This report describes the design and initial testing of one of these devices, which has so far demonstrated an energy resolution of 38 eV at 60 keV near 10 mK using natural-abundance silver–erbium paramagnet.
Effect of Thermoelectric Magnetic Convection on Shrinkage Porosity at the Final Stage of Solidification of GCr18Mo Steel Under Axial Static Magnetic Field
Adopting effective strategies to eliminate the shrinkage porosity at the final stage of steel solidification is one of the most attractive research subjects for metallurgists. Despite the progress in understanding the thermoelectric magnetic convection (TEMC) in the solidification process, utilization of TEMC for modifying the solidification feeding of steel has been ignored. The effects of TEMC on the shrinkage porosity at the final stage of solidification of GCr18Mo steel were investigated under an axial static magnetic field (ASMF). The morphology and porosity of GCr18Mo steel were investigated quantitatively by X-ray microtomography. We found that the amount of porosity first decreases and then increases with increasing intensity of the ASMF. Meanwhile, the shape of the porosity changed from tortuous to elliptic under the ASMF. On the basis of both the experimental and simulated results, the decrease in porosity is attributed to an adequate development of the TEMC leading to sufficient feeding. This study sheds light on an alternative technique for eliminating the shrinkage porosity at the final stage of steel solidification in industrial applications.
Measurements of the chiral magnetic effect with background isolation in 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at STAR
Using two novel methods, pair invariant mass (m inv ) and comparative measurements with respect to reaction plane (Ψ RP ) and participant plane (Ψ PP ), we isolate the possible chiral magnetic effect (CME) from backgrounds in 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at STAR. The invariant mass method identifies the resonance background contributions, coupled with the elliptic flow (ν 2 ), to the charge correlator CME observable (Δγ). At high mass (m inv > 1.5 GeV/c 2 ) where resonance contribution is small, we obtain the average Δγ magnitude. In the low mass region (m inv > 1.5 GeV/c 2 ), resonance peaks are observed in Δγ(m inv ). An event shape engineering (ESE) method is used to model the background shape in m inv to extract the potential CME signal at low m inv . In the comparative method, the Ψ RP is assessed by spectator neutrons measured by the ZDCs, and the Ψ PP by the 2 nd -harmonic event plane measured by the TPC. The ν 2 is stronger along Ψ PP and weaker along Ψ RP ; in contrast, the magnetic field, mainly from spectator protons, is weaker along Ψ PP and stronger along Ψ RP . As a result, the Δγ measured with respect to Ψ RP and Ψ PP contain different amounts of CME and background, and can thus determine these two contributions. It is found that the possible CME signals with background isolation by these two novel methods are small, on the order of a few percent of the inclusive Δγ measurements.
Single-Layer Magnet Phase in Intrinsic Magnetic Topological Insulators, [MnTe][Bi 2 Te 3 ] n , Far beyond the Thermodynamic Limit
The intrinsic magnetic topological insulator (IMTI) family [MnTe][Bi 2 Te 3 ]n has demonstrated magneto-topological properties dependent on n, making it a promising platform for advanced electronics and spintronics. However, due to technical barriers in sample synthesis, their properties in the large n limit remain unknown. To overcome this, we utilized the atomic layer-by-layer molecular beam epitaxy (ALL-MBE) technique and achieved IMTIs with n as large as 15, far beyond that previously reported in bulk crystals or thin films. Then, we discover that the “single-layer magnet (SLM)” phase, primarily determined by intralayer ferromagnetic coupling, emerges for n > ∼4 and remains little affected up to n = 15. Nonetheless, still, nonzero, interlayer ferromagnetic coupling is necessary to stabilize the SLM phase, suggesting that the SLM phase eventually disappears in the n → ∞ limit. This study uncovers the secrets of IMTIs beyond the thermodynamic limit and opens a door to diverse magneto-topological applications.
Structure and Magnetism Evolution from FeCo Nanoparticles to Hollow Nanostructure Conversion for Magnetic Applications
Hollow nanostructures have witnessed an increasing interest in emerging fields, including energy storage electrodes, nanocatalysis, photonics, and biomedical carriers, etc. The fundamental mechanisms for hollowing conversion chemistry of complex nanoalloys is indispensable to grow such nanostructures with controlled compositions and functionalities. In this contribution, the Kirkendall effect on magnetic Fe-Co bimetallic alloys with the formation of hollow nanostructures for exchange interactions was studied. The rich diffusion kinetics of binary Fe-Co alloys accompanied with its conversion from solid, core-shell to hollow nanostructures were been captured through X-ray spectroscopy and electron microscopy. We further report the cation exchange improved magnetic performance of hollow nanostructures with increasing the crystallinity.
A Simple Analytical Model for Magnetization and Coercivity of Hard/Soft Nanocomposite Magnets
Here, we present a simple analytical model to estimate the magnetization (σ s ) and intrinsic coercivity (Hci) of a hard/soft nanocomposite magnet using the mass fraction. Previously proposed models are based on the volume fraction of the hard phase of the composite. But, it is difficult to measure the volume of the hard or soft phase material of a composite. We synthesized Sm 2 Co 7 /Fe-Co, MnAl/Fe-Co, MnBi/Fe-Co, and BaFe 12 O 19 /Fe-Co composites for characterization of their σs and Hci. The experimental results are in good agreement with the present model. Therefore, this analytical model can be extended to predict the maximum energy product (BH) max of hard/soft composite.
Static magnetic order with strong quantum fluctuations in spin-1/2 honeycomb magnet Na 2 Co 2 TeO 6
Kitaev interactions, arising from the interplay of frustration and bond anisotropy, can lead to strong quantum fluctuations and, in an ideal case, to a quantum-spin-liquid state. However, in many nonideal materials, spurious non-Kitaev interactions typically promote a zigzag antiferromagnetic order in the d-orbital transition-metal compounds. Here, by combining neutron scattering with muon-spin rotation and relaxation techniques, we provide mechanism insights into the exotic properties of Na 2 Co 2 TeO 6 , a candidate material of the Kitaev model. Below T N , the zero-field muon-spin relaxation rate becomes almost constant (~0.45 μs –1 ). We attribute this temperature-independent relaxation rate to the strong quantum fluctuations, as well as to the frustrated Kitaev interactions. As the magnetic field increases, neutron scattering data indicate a broader spin-wave excitation at the K-point. Therefore, quantum fluctuations seem not only robust but are even enhanced by the applied magnetic field. Our findings provide valuable hints for understanding the onset of the quantum-spin-liquid state in Kitaev materials.
Magnetic transitions and isotropic versus anisotropic magnetic behaviour of [CH 3 NH 3 ][M(HCOO) 3 ] M = Mn 2+ , Co 2+ , Ni 2+ , Cu 2+ metal–organic perovskites
We show unconventional magnetic features of the [CH 3 NH 3 ][M(HCOO) 3 ] perovskite-like family such as the isotropic/anisotropic response unmasked by high magnetic fields.
Improved inertial control for permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbine generators
With increasing integrations of large‐scale systems based on permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbine generators (PMSG‐WTGs), the overall inertial response of a power system will tend to deteriorate as a result of the decoupling of rotor speed and grid frequency through the power converter as well as the scheduled retirement of conventional synchronous generators. Thus, PMSG‐WTGs can provide value to an electric grid by contributing to the system's inertial response through the inherent kinetic energy stored in their rotating masses and fast power converter control. In this study, an improved inertial control method based on the maximum power point tracking operation curve is introduced to enhance the overall frequency support capability of PMSG‐WTGs in the case of large supply–demand imbalances. Moreover, this method is implemented in the CART2‐PMSG integrated model in MATLAB/Simulink to investigate its impact on the wind turbine's structural loads during the inertial response process. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method can effectively reduce the frequency nadir, arrest the rate of change of frequency, and alleviate the secondary frequency dip while imposing no negative impact on the major mechanical components of the wind turbine.
Multi-scale structures of turbulent magnetic reconnection
We have analyzed data from a series of 3D fully kinetic simulations of turbulent magnetic reconnection with a guide field. A new concept of the guide filed reconnection process has recently been proposed, in which the secondary tearing instability and the resulting formation of oblique, small scale flux ropes largely disturb the structure of the primary reconnection layer and lead to 3D turbulent features [W. Daughton et al., Nat. Phys. 7, 539 (2011)]. In this paper, we further investigate the multi-scale physics in this turbulent, guide field reconnection process by introducing a wave number band-pass filter (k-BPF) technique in which modes for the small scale (less than ion scale) fluctuations and the background large scale (more than ion scale) variations are separately reconstructed from the wave number domain to the spatial domain in the inverse Fourier transform process. Combining with the Fourier based analyses in the wave number domain, we successfully identify spatial and temporal development of the multi-scale structures in the turbulent reconnection process. When considering a strong guide field, the small scale tearing mode and the resulting flux ropes develop over a specific range of oblique angles mainly along the edge of the primary ion scale flux ropes and reconnection separatrix. The rapid merging of these small scale modes leads to a smooth energy spectrum connecting ion and electron scales. When the guide field is sufficiently weak, the background current sheet is strongly kinked and oblique angles for the small scale modes are widely scattered at the kinked regions. Similar approaches handling both the wave number and spatial domains will be applicable to the data from multipoint, high-resolution spacecraft observations such as the NASA magnetospheric multiscale (MMS) mission.
Vacuum arcing behavior between transverse magnetic field contacts subjected to variable axial magnetic field
The objective of this work is to reveal the effects of an axial magnetic field (AMF) on the vacuum arc characteristics between transverse magnetic field (TMF) contacts. These vacuum arc characteristics include the vacuum arcing behavior and the arc voltage waveform. In the experiments, an external AMF was applied to a pair of TMF contacts. The external AMF flux density B{sub AMF} can be adjusted from 0 to 110 mT. The arc current in the tests varied over a range from 0 to 20 kA rms at 45 Hz. The contact material was CuCr25 (25% Cr). A high-speed charge-coupled device video camera was used to record the vacuum arc evolution. The experimental results show that the application of the AMF effectively reduces the TMF arc voltage noise component and reduces the formation of liquid metal drops between the contacts. The diffuse arc duration increases linearly with increasing AMF flux density, but it also decreases linearly with increasing arc current under application of the external AMF. The results also indicate that the diffuse arc duration before the current zero is usually more than 1 ms under the condition that the value of the AMF per kiloampere is more than 2.0 mT/kA. Finally, under application of the AMF, the arc column of the TMF contacts may constrict and remain in the center region without transverse rotation. Therefore, the combined TMF–AMF contacts should be designed such that they guarantee that the AMF is not so strong as to oppose transverse rotation of the arc column.
Tailoring Magnetic Skyrmions by Geometric Confinement of Magnetic Structures
Nanoscale magnetic skyrmions have interesting static and transport properties that make them candidates for future spintronic devices. Control and manipulation of the size and behavior of skyrmions is thus of crucial importance. Here, using a Ginzburg-Landau approach, we show theoretically that skyrmions and skyrmion lattices can be stabilized by a spatial modulation of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in a thin film of a centro-symmetric ferromagnet. Remarkably, the skyrmion size is determined by the ratio of the exchange length and the period of the spatial modulation of the anisotropy, at variance with conventional skyrmions stabilized by dipolar and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions.