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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 883 records · Page 49

Dynamic control of spin wave spectra using spin-polarized currents

We describe a method of controlling the spin wave spectra dynamically in a uniform nanostripe waveguide through spin-polarized currents. A stable periodic magnetization structure is observed when the current flows vertically through the center of nanostripe waveguide. After being excited, the spin wave is transmitted at the sides of the waveguide. Numerical simulations of spin-wave transmission and dispersion curves reveal a single, pronounced band gap. Moreover, the periodic magnetization structure can be turned on and off by the spin-polarized current. The switching process from full rejection to full transmission takes place within less than 3 ns. Thus, this type magnonic waveguide can be utilized for low-dissipation spin wave based filters.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Nanoscale magnetic Josephson junctions and superconductor/ferromagnet proximity effects for low-power spintronics

Competition between superconducting and ferromagnetic ordering at interfaces between ferromagnets (F) and superconductors (S) gives rise to several proximity effects such as odd-triplet superconductivity and spin-polarized supercurrents. A prominent example of an S/F proximity effect is the spin switch effect observed in S/F/N/F superconducting spin valve multilayers, in which the superconducting transition temperature T c is controlled by the angle Φ between the magnetic moments of the F layers separated by a nonmagnetic metallic spacer N. We carried out an experimental study of spin switch effect in Nb/Co/Cu/Co/CoO x nanowires measured as a function of bias current flowing in the plane of the layers. These measurements reveal an unexpected dependence of T c (Φ) on the bias current: T c (Φ) – T c (0) changes sign with increasing current bias. We attribute the origin of this bias dependence of the spin switch effect to a spin Hall current originating in Nb and flowing perpendicular to the plane of the multilayer, which suppresses T c of the multilayer. The bias dependence of spin switch effect can be important for hybrid F/S devices such as cryogenic memory for superconducting computers when device dimensions are scaled down to the nanometer length scale.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Element- and momentum-resolved electronic structure of the dilute magnetic semiconductor manganese doped gallium arsenide

The dilute magnetic semiconductors have promise in spin-based electronics applications due to their potential for ferromagnetic order at room temperature, and various unique switching and spin-dependent conductivity properties. However, the precise mechanism by which the transition-metal doping produces ferromagnetism has been controversial. Here we have studied a dilute magnetic semiconductor (5% manganese-doped gallium arsenide) with Bragg-reflection standing-wave hard X-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, and resolved its electronic structure into element- and momentum- resolved components. The measured valence band intensities have been projected into element-resolved components using analogous energy scans of Ga 3d, Mn 2p, and As 3d core levels, with results in excellent agreement with element-projected Bloch spectral functions and clarification of the electronic structure of this prototypical material. This technique should be broadly applicable to other multi-element materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Soft Switching Over the Entire Line Cycle for a Quadruple Active Bridge DCX in a DC to Three-Phase AC Module

This paper is focused on a transformer-isolated quadruple active bridge (QAB) dc-dc converter loaded by three full-bridge dc-ac inverters. The QAB functions as a "DC trans-former" (DCX) in the dc-to-three-phase ac module. The QAB outputs provide time-varying power at twice the line frequency, which presents challenges in maintaining zero voltage switching (ZVS) on the secondary sides during low-power portions of the line cycle. It is shown how ZVS can be achieved in a phase, even at zero-power transfer, using a relatively small circulating current provided by the magnetizing inductance of the high-frequency transformer. The approach is particularly effective in high-voltage applications using SiC MOSFETs, where reductions in switching loss outweigh additional conduction losses due to the circulating currents. A detailed analysis of ZVS switching waveforms at the zero power transfer is presented, including effects of nonlinear device capacitances. Analytical expressions are given for the optimal values of the magnetizing inductance and dead times of the QAB primary and secondary bridges. The approach is verified by experimental results on a 600 V, 4 kW prototype, demonstrating greater than 98.5% efficiency from 1 kW to 4 kW, with a peak efficiency of 99.0%. Compared to conventionally operated prototype, a 54% reduction in total loss is achieved at rated power.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗

Electrically controlled emission from singlet and triplet exciton species in atomically thin light-emitting diodes

We report electrically tunable spin singlet and triplet exciton emission from atomically aligned transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) heterostructures. Furthermore, the observation of these states in both 0° and 60° heterostructures provides the stacking orientation degree of freedom for polarization switching in interlayer excitons. We confirm the spin configurations of the light-emitting excitons employing magnetic fields to measure effective exciton g factors. The interlayer tunneling current across the TMD heterostructure enables the electrical generation of singlet and triplet exciton emission in this atomically thin p-n junction. We demonstrate tunability between the singlet and triplet exciton photoluminescence via electrostatic gates and excitation power. By tuning the gates and interlayer bias voltage, the electroluminescence of the singlet and triplet can be switched with ratios of 10:1. Atomically thin TMD heterostructure light-emitting diodes thus enable a route for optoelectronic devices that can configure spin and valley quantum states independently.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

High power density dc/dc converter: Selection of converter topology

The work involved in the identification and selection of a suitable converter topology is described. Three new dc/dc converter topologies are proposed: Phase-Shifted Single Active Bridge DC/DC Converter; Single Phase Dual Active Bridges DC/DC Converter; and Three Phase Dual Active Bridges DC/DC Converter (Topology C). The salient features of these topologies are: (1) All are minimal in structure, i.e., each consists of an input and output bridge, input and output filter and a transformer, all components essential for a high power dc/dc conversion process; (2) All devices of both the bridges can operate under near zero-voltage conditions, making possible a reduction of device switching losses and hence, an increase in switching frequency; (3) All circuits operate at a constant frequency, thus simplifying the task of the magnetic and filter elements; (4) Since, the leakage inductance of the transformer is used as the main current transfer element, problems associated with the diode reverse recovery are eliminated. Also, this mode of operation allows easy paralleling of multiple modules for extending the power capacity of the system; (5) All circuits are least sensitive to parasitic impedances, infact the parasitics are efficently utilized; and (6) The soft switching transitions, result in low electromagnetic interference. A detailed analysis of each topology was carried out. Based on the analysis, the various device and component ratings for each topology operating at an optimum point, and under the given specifications, are tabulated and discussed.

Divan, Deepakraj M.↗

Coupled-inductor DC-DC power converter

A DC-to-DC power converter device has a common magnetic core structure that serves the functions of both transformer device and output inductor by integrating each into the common core. The transformer device has primary and secondary windings integrated into a first leg structure of the magnetic core, and the output inductor device has an output inductor winding integrated into a second leg structure of the magnetic core, the inductor winding structure for delivering output current to a load when a periodically switched input voltage is applied across the primary winding structure. The winding polarities of the transformer secondary winding structure and of the output inductor winding structure provide oppositely oriented polarities of electromotive force (EMF) to substantially reduce an output current ripple to an output load when delivering power through the transformer, through the output inductor and into the output load. A third leg structure of the common magnetic core allows magnetic flux passing through the transformer leg structure to partially magnetically couple to flux passing through the inductor leg structure, thereby allowing adjustment of the output voltage at which output current ripple is minimized.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

The effect of output-input isolation on the scaling and energy consumption of all-spin logic devices

All-spin logic (ASL) is a novel approach for digital logic applications wherein spin is used as the state variable instead of charge. One of the challenges in realizing a practical ASL system is the need to ensure non-reciprocity, meaning the information flows from input to output, not vice versa. One approach described previously, is to introduce an asymmetric ground contact, and while this approach was shown to be effective, it remains unclear as to the optimal approach for achieving non-reciprocity in ASL. In this study, we quantitatively analyze techniques to achieve non-reciprocity in ASL devices, and we specifically compare the effect of using asymmetric ground position and dipole-coupled output/input isolation. For this analysis, we simulate the switching dynamics of multiple-stage logic devices with FePt and FePd perpendicular magnetic anisotropy materials using a combination of a matrix-based spin circuit model coupled to the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation. The dipole field is included in this model and can act as both a desirable means of coupling magnets and a source of noise. The dynamic energy consumption has been calculated for these schemes, as a function of input/output magnet separation, and the results show that using a scheme that electrically isolates logic stages produces superior non-reciprocity, thus allowing both improved scaling and reduced energy consumption.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Enhancement of the anti-damping spin torque efficacy of platinum by interface modification

We report a strong enhancement of the efficacy of the spin Hall effect (SHE) of Pt for exerting anti-damping spin torque on an adjacent ferromagnetic layer by the insertion of ≈0.5 nm layer of Hf between a Pt film and a thin, ≤2 nm, Fe{sub 60}Co{sub 20}B{sub 20} ferromagnetic layer. This enhancement is quantified by measurement of the switching current density when the ferromagnetic layer is the free electrode in a magnetic tunnel junction. The results are explained as the suppression of spin pumping through a substantial decrease in the effective spin-mixing conductance of the interface, but without a concomitant reduction of the ferromagnet's absorption of the SHE generated spin current.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Multiple superconducting ring ratchets for ultrasensitive detection of non-equilibrium noises

Magnetic quantum periodicity in the dc voltage is observed when asymmetric rings are switched between superconducting and normal state by a noise or ac current. This quantum effect is used for the detection of a non-equilibrium noise using a system of 667 asymmetric aluminum rings of 1 μm diameter connected in series. Any noise down to the equilibrium one can be detected with large number of asymmetric rings. The equilibrium noise can induce the dc voltage close to the superconducting transition. In our sample we observe the dc voltage oscillation only below the superconducting transition.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Applications of a new mass-driver concept

A description of the operating principles and requirements of a novel mass-driver concept is presented. The design obtains acceleration of payload bucket coils by means of transverse focussing from strong, off-axis restoring forces that are produced by drive coils operating in a 'pull-only' mode. The concept offers the unprecedented possibility of operating high-performance mass-drivers entirely within the limitations of existing commercial switching devices, such as silicon-controlled rectifiers, spark gaps, vacuum-triggered arcs or vacuum mechanical switches. Representative applications of the concept described are: (1) a large-diameter magnetic lunar launcher for payloads having autonomous maneuvering; (2) an intermediate-diameter launcher with long operational life; and (3) a reaction engine for orbit transfer of large, massive objects.

Oneill, G. K.↗

The HAWC and SAFIRE Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerators

The High-Resolution Airborne Wide-band Camera (HAWC) and Submillimeter and Far Infrared Experiment (SAFIRE) are far-infrared experiments which will fly on the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) aircraft. HAWC's detectors will operate at 0.2 Kelvin, while those of SAFIRE will be at 0.1 Kelvin. Each instrument will include an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR) to cool its detector stage from the liquid helium bath temperature (HAWC's at 4.2 Kelvin and SAFIRE's pumped to about 1.3 Kelvin) to its operating temperature. Except for the magnets used to achieve the cooling and a slight difference in the heat switch design, the two ADRs are nearly identical. We describe the ADR design and present the results of performance testing.

Tuttle, Jim↗

Superconducting coil system and methods of assembling the same

A superconducting magnet apparatus is provided. The superconducting magnet apparatus includes a power source configured to generate a current; a first switch coupled in parallel to the power source; a second switch coupled in series to the power source; a coil coupled in parallel to the first switch and the second switch; and a passive quench protection device coupled to the coil and configured to by-pass the current around the coil and to decouple the coil from the power source when the coil experiences a quench.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Phase Switch Driven by the Hidden Half-Ice, Half-Fire State in a Ferrimagnet

The notion of “half fire, half ice” was recently introduced to describe an exotic macroscopic ground-state degeneracy emerging in a ferrimagnet under the critical magnetic field, in which the “hot” spins are fully disordered on the sublattice with smaller magnetic moments and the “cold” spins are fully ordered on the sublattice with larger magnetic moments. Here, we further point out that this state has a twin named “half ice, half fire” in which the hot and cold spins switch positions. The new state is an excited state—thus hidden in the ground-state phase diagram—and is robust with respect to the interactions that destroy the half-fire, half-ice state. We demonstrate with exact results how this hidden state can drive phase switching at desirable finite temperature, even for the one-dimensional Ising model where phase transition at finite temperature is forbidden. Finally, we suggest that our findings may open a new door to the understanding and controlling of phase competition and transition in unconventional frustrated systems.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Microscopic model for all optical switching in ferromagnets

The microscopic mechanism behind the all optical switching (AOS) in ferromagnets has triggered intense scientific debate. Here, the microscopic three-temperature model is utilized to describe AOS in a perpendicularly magnetized ferromagnetic Co/Pt system. We demonstrate that AOS in such a ferromagnet can be explained with the Inverse Faraday Effect (IFE). The influence of the strength and lifetime of the IFE induced field pulse on the switching process are investigated. We found that because of strong spin-orbit coupling, the minimal lifetime of the IFE needed to obtain switching is of the order of 0.1 ps, which is shorter than previously assumed. Moreover, spatial images of the domain pattern after AOS in Co/Pt, as well as their dependence on applying an opposite magnetic field, are qualitatively reproduced.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Tunneling current-controlled spin states in few-layer van der Waals magnets

Abstract Effective control of magnetic phases in two-dimensional magnets would constitute crucial progress in spintronics, holding great potential for future computing technologies. Here, we report a new approach of leveraging tunneling current as a tool for controlling spin states in CrI 3 . We reveal that a tunneling current can deterministically switch between spin-parallel and spin-antiparallel states in few-layer CrI 3 , depending on the polarity and amplitude of the current. We propose a mechanism involving nonequilibrium spin accumulation in the graphene electrodes in contact with the CrI 3 layers. We further demonstrate tunneling current-tunable stochastic switching between multiple spin states of the CrI 3 tunnel devices, which goes beyond conventional bi-stable stochastic magnetic tunnel junctions and has not been documented in two-dimensional magnets. Our findings not only address the existing knowledge gap concerning the influence of tunneling currents in controlling the magnetism in two-dimensional magnets, but also unlock possibilities for energy-efficient probabilistic and neuromorphic computing.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Effects of filling, strain, and electric field on the Néel vector in antiferromagnetic CrSb

CrSb is a layered antiferromagnet (AFM) with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, a high Néel temperature, and large spin-orbit coupling (SOC), which makes it interesting for AFM spintronic applications. To elucidate the various mechanisms of Néel vector control, the effects of strain, band filling, and electric field on the magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) of bulk and thin-film CrSb are determined and analyzed using density functional theory. The MAE of the bulk crystal is large (1.2 meV per unit cell). Due to the significant ionic nature of the Cr-Sb bond, finite slabs are strongly affected by end termination. Truncation of the bulk crystal to a thin film with one surface terminated with Cr and the other surface terminated with Sb breaks inversion symmetry, creates a large charge dipole and average electric field across the film, and breaks spin degeneracy, such that the thin film becomes a ferrimagnet. The MAE is reduced such that its sign can be switched with realistic strain, and the large SOC gives rise to an intrinsic voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy. A slab terminated on both faces with Cr remains a compensated AFM, but with the compensation occurring nonlocally between mirror-symmetric Cr pairs. In-plane alignment of the moments is preferred, the magnitude of the MAE remains large, similar to that of the bulk, and it is relatively insensitive to filling.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Kinetic effects on double hysteresis in spin crossover molecular magnets analyzed with first order reversal curve diagram technique

In this paper, we analyze two types of hysteresis in spin crossover molecular magnets compounds in the framework of the First Order Reversal Curve (FORC) method. The switching between the two stable states in these compounds is accompanied by hysteresis phenomena if the intermolecular interactions are higher than a threshold. We have measured the static thermal hysteresis (TH) and the kinetic light induced thermal hysteresis (LITH) major loops and FORCs for the polycrystalline Fe(II) spin crossover compound [Fe{sub 1−x}Zn{sub x}(bbtr){sub 3}](ClO{sub 4}){sub 2} (bbtr = 1,4-di(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)butane), either in a pure state (x = 0) or doped with Zn ions (x = 0.33) considering different sweeping rates. Here, we use this method not only to infer the domains distribution but also to disentangle between kinetic and static components of the LITH and to estimate the changes in the intermolecular interactions introduced by dopants. We also determined the qualitative relationship between FORC distributions measured for TH and LITH.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗