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At least 91 records · Page 5

Updated Parameters and a New Transmission Spectrum of HD 97658b

Recent years have seen increasing interest in the characterization of sub-Neptune-sized planets because of their prevalence in the Galaxy, contrasted with their absence in our solar system. HD 97658 is one of the brightest stars hosting a planet of this kind, and we present the transmission spectrum of this planet by combining four Hubble Space Telescope transits, 12 Spitzer/IRAC transits, and eight MOST transits of this system. Our transmission spectrum has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than those from previous works, and the result suggests that the slight increase in transit depth from wavelength 1.1–1.7 μm reported in previous works on the transmission spectrum of this planet is likely systematic. Nonetheless, our atmospheric modeling results are inconclusive, as no model provides an excellent match to our data. Nonetheless, we find that atmospheres with high C/O ratios (C/O ≳ 0.8) and metallicities of ≳100× solar metallicity are favored. We combine the mid-transit times from all of the new Spitzer and MOST observations and obtain an updated orbital period of P = 9.489295 ± 0.000005, with a best-fit transit time center at T {sub 0} = 2456361.80690 ± 0.00038 (BJD). No transit timing variations are found in this system. We also present new measurements of the stellar rotation period (34 ± 2 days) and stellar activity cycle (9.6 yr) of the host star HD 97658. Finally, we calculate and rank the Transmission Spectroscopy Metric of all confirmed planets cooler than 1000 K and with sizes between 1 R {sub ⊕} and 4 R {sub ⊕}. We find that at least a third of small planets cooler than 1000 K can be well characterized using James Webb Space Telescope, and of those, HD 97658b is ranked fifth, meaning that it remains a high-priority target for atmospheric characterization.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

L 98-59: A Benchmark System of Small Planets for Future Atmospheric Characterization

The M3V dwarf star L 98-59 hosts three small (R < 1.6 R {sub ⊕}) planets. The host star is bright (K = 7.1) and nearby (10.6 pc), making the system a prime target for follow-up characterization with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Herein, we use simulated transmission spectroscopy to evaluate the detectability of spectral features with HST and JWST assuming diverse atmospheric scenarios (e.g., atmospheres dominated by H{sub 2}, H{sub 2}O, CO{sub 2}, or O{sub 2}). We find that H{sub 2}O and CH{sub 4} present in a low mean molecular weight atmosphere could be detected with HST in one transit for the two outermost planets, while H{sub 2}O in a clear steam atmosphere could be detected in six transits or fewer with HST for all three planets. We predict that observations using JWST/NIRISS would be capable of detecting a clear steam atmosphere in one transit for each planet and H{sub 2}O absorption in a hazy steam atmosphere in two transits or less. In a clear, desiccated atmosphere, O{sub 2} absorption may be detectable for all three planets with NIRISS. If the L 98-59 planets possess a clear, Venus-like atmosphere, NIRSpec could detect CO{sub 2} within 26 transits for each planet, but the presence of H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} clouds would significantly suppress CO{sub 2} absorption. The L 98-59 system is an excellent laboratory for comparative planetary studies of transiting multiplanet systems, and observations of the system via HST and JWST would present a unique opportunity to test the accuracy of the models presented in this study.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Metal Phosphide Nanoparticles Generated via a Molecular Precursor Route for Hydrotreatment of Methyl Laurate

Transition metal phosphide nanoparticles supported on silica were used as catalysts to investigate the hydrodeoxygenation of methyl laurate (used as a model compound for vegetable oils). Ni 2 P, Ni 1 Mo 1 P, and Ni 1.6 Mo 0.4 P were synthesized using a molecular precursor route. The nanoparticles were added to the silica support without any changes in their structure or particle size. As a reference and for comparison, MoP/SiO 2 was also prepared by the phosphite method. The prepared catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and chemical analysis. A higher conversion is reached with the MoP/SiO 2 monometallic catalyst, close to that with Ni 1 Mo 1 P/SiO 2 . However, this observation is misleading because the differences in dispersion obscure the result that the intrinsic activity (turnover frequency) of the bimetallic catalyst, prepared by a molecular precursor route, is significantly higher than that of the monometallic catalyst, prepared by the phosphite route, revealing a synergistic effect on the catalytic activity due to the formation of the bimetallic phosphide.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Influence of interrupted cooling on the development of bimodal γ' precipitate distributions in ATI 718Plus

The influence of aging treatments on the evolution of the γ' precipitates in ATI 718Plus was studied using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic probe tomography. A set of aging treatments was performed on solution-treated samples to obtain various γ' size distributions. The aging temperatures ranged from 720 to 900°C with holding times of either two hours (for the 900°C aging temperature) or 10 h (for the 720°C and 750°C aging temperatures) followed by either air cooling, furnace cooling, or water quenching. The cooling method and aging temperature influenced the distribution of the solute elements. This work discussed the evolution of the γ' precipitation during single-step aging and two-step aging involving continuous cooling or interrupted cooling. Finally, a bimodal size distribution of the γ' precipitates was obtained through interrupted cooling two-step aging treatments, while single-step aging resulted in unimodal γ' precipitate distributions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Block copolymer-mediated synthesis of TiO2/RuO2 nanocomposite for efficient oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract An amphiphilic block copolymer, poly (styrene-2-polyvinyl pyridine-ethylene oxide), was used as a structure-directing and stabilizing agent to synthesize TiO 2 /RuO 2 nanocomposite. The strong interaction of polymers with metal precursors led to formation of a porous heterointerface of TiO 2 /RuO 2 . It acted as a bridge for electron transport, which can accelerate the water splitting reaction. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X -ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X -ray diffraction analysis of TiO 2 /RuO 2 samples revealed successful fabrication of TiO 2 /RuO 2 nanocomposites. The TiO 2 /RuO 2 nanocomposites were used to measure electrochemical water splitting in three-electrode systems in 0.1-M KOH. Electrochemical activities unveil that TiO 2 /RuO 2 -150 nanocomposites displayed superior oxygen evolution reaction activity, having a low overpotential of 260 mV with a Tafel slope of 80 mVdec −1 . Graphical abstract

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Magnetic and Optical Properties of Au–Co Solid Solution and Phase-Separated Thin Films and Nanoparticles

The chemical composition and morphology of Au x Co 1–x thin films and nanoparticles are controlled via a combination of cosputtering, pulsed laser-induced dewetting (PLiD), and annealing, leading to tunable magnetic and optical properties. Regardless of chemical composition, the as-deposited thin films and as-PLiD nanoparticles are found to possess a face-centered cubic (FCC) Au x Co 1–x solid-solution crystal structure. Annealing results in large phase-separated grains of Au and Co in both the thin films and nanostructures for all chemical compositions. The magnetic and optical properties are characterized via vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), ellipsometry, optical transmission spectroscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Despite the exceptionally high magnetic anisotropy inherent to Co, the presence of sufficient Au (72 atom %) in the Au x Co 1–x solid solution results in superparamagnetic thin films. Among the as-PLiD nanoparticle samples, an increased Co composition leads to a departure from traditional ferromagnetism in favor of wasp-waisted hysteresis caused by magnetic vortices. Phase separation resulting from annealing leads to ferromagnetism for all compositions in both the thin films and nanoparticles. The optical properties of Au x Co 1–x nanostructures are also largely influenced by the chemical morphology, where the Au x Co 1–x intermixed solid solution has significantly damped plasmonic performance relative to pure Au and comparable to pure Co. Phase separation greatly enhances the quality factor, optical absorption, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) signatures. The enhancement of the localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) scales with the reduction in Co composition, despite EELS evidence that excitation of the Co portions of a nanoparticle can provide a similar, and in some instances enhanced, LSPR resonance compared to Au. This behavior, however, is seemingly limited to the LSPR dipole mode, while higher-order modes are greatly damped by a Co aloof position. As a result, this observed magneto-plasmonic functionality and tunability could be applicable in biomedicine, namely, cancer therapeutics.

annealing (metallurgy)↗

Unveiling the Degradation Mechanism of High-Temperature Superconductor Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ in Water-Bearing Environments

We report the physical properties of copper oxide high-temperature superconductors have been studied extensively, such as its band structure, and doping effects of Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ (Bi-2212). However, some chemical-related properties of these superconductors are rarely reported, such as their stability in air. Here, we report experiments combined with ab initio calculations that address the effects of water in contact with Bi-2212. The evolution of Bi-2212 flake with exposure to water for different time intervals were tested and characterized by optical microscopy (OM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrical measurements. The thickness of Bi-2212 flakes is gradually decreased in water, and some thin flakes can be completely etched away after a few days. The stability of Bi-2212 in other solvents is also evaluated, including alcohol, acetone, HCl and KOH. The morphology of Bi-2212 flakes is relatively stable in organic solvents. However, the flakes are etched relatively quick in HCl and KOH, especially in acidic environment. Our results imply that hydrogen ion is primarily responsible for the deterioration of their properties. Both TEM and calculation results demonstrate that the atoms in Bi-O plane is relatively stable when compared to the inner atoms in Sr-O, Ca-O and Cu-O planes. This work contributes towards understanding the chemical stability of Bi-2212 superconducting device in environmental medium, which is important for both fundamental studies and practical applications of copper oxide high-temperature superconductors.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Directing Charge Carriers and Ferroelectric Domains at Lateral Interfaces in van der Waals Heterostructures

Emergent phenomena in traditional ferroelectrics are frequently observed at heterointerfaces. Accessing such functionalities in van der Waals ferroelectrics requires the formation of layered heterostructures, either vertically stacked (similar to oxide ferroelectrics) or laterally stitched (without equivalent in 3D-crystals). Here, we investigate lateral heterostructures of the ferroelectric van der Waals semiconductors SnSe and SnS. A two-step process produces ultrathin crystals comprising an SnSe core laterally joined to an SnS edge-band, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging, and electron diffraction. TEM shows a moiré pattern across the SnSe core due to coverage by an ultrathin SnS layer. The ability of the lateral interface (IF) to direct excited carriers, probed by cathodoluminescence, shows electron transfer over 560 nm diffusion length from the SnS edge-band. Large, thin flakes supporting ferroelectricity allow investigating domains and domain wall interactions in uniform crystals and lateral heterostructures. Polarized optical microscopy of sub-20 nm flakes consistently shows ⟨110⟩ oriented stripe domains with mirror-twin domain walls. Heterostructures adopt two domain configurations, with domains either constrained to the SnSe core or propagating across the entire SnSe–SnS flakes. Furthermore, the combined results demonstrate multifunctional van der Waals heterostructures with high-quality IFs presenting extraordinary opportunities for manipulating carrier flows and ferroelectric domain patterns.

2D ferroelectrics↗

Iodine capture with mechanically robust heat-treated Ag-Al-Si-O xerogel sorbents

Silver-loaded heat-treated aluminosilicate xerogels (Ag-HTX) were evaluated as sorbents for iodine [I2(g)] capture. The heat treatment step was performed to help increase the mechanical integrity of the gels. The synthesized xerogels were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, gravimetric iodine loading, nanoindentation, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The structural and chemical analyses of Ag-HTX showed uniform distribution of Ag throughout the gel network after Ag-exchange. After I2(g) capture, the AgI crystallites were observed in the sorbent verifying chemisorption as the iodine capture mechanism. Iodine loading of this xerogel was 0.43 g g-1 at 150°C over 1 d and 0.52 g g-1 at 22°C over 33 d. The specific surface area of Ag-HTX was 202 m2 g-1 and decreased to 87 m2 g-1 after iodine loading. The hardness of the heat-treated xerogel was 160 times higher than heat-treated aerogel of the same composition. The heat-treatment process increased the modulus value to 40.77 MPa from 6.99 MPa of as-made xerogel, demonstrating the need for this added step in the synthesis process. These results show that Ag-HTX is a promising sorbent for I2(g) capture with good loading capacity and mechanical stability.

xerogels, aerogels, iodine capture, hardness testi↗

Gate-Tunable Single Terahertz Meta-Atom Ultrastrong Light-Matter Coupling

We study the electrical tunability of ultrastrong light-matter interactions between a single terahertz circuit-based complementary split ring resonator (cSRR) and a two-dimensional electron gas. For this purpose, transmission spectroscopy measurements are performed under the influence of a strong magnetic field at different set points for the electric gate bias. The resulting Landau polariton dispersion depends on the applied electric bias, as the gating technique confines the electrons in-plane down to extremely subwavelength dimensions as small as d = 410 nm. This confinement allows for the excitation of standing plasma waves at zero magnetic field and an effective tunability of the electron number coupled to the THz resonator. This allows the normalized coupling strength to be tuned in situ from η = 0.46 down to η = 0.18. This is the first demonstration of terahertz far-field spectroscopy of an electrically tunable interaction between a single terahertz resonator and electrons in a GaAs quantum well heterostructure.

Landau levels↗

Ab Initio Polariton Spectra of ZnTPP Molecules Collectively Coupled Inside an Optical Cavity

Exciton-polaritons are quasi-particles formed by the quantum mechanical hybridization of electronic and photonic excitations. Despite extensive investigations, a fundamental understanding of molecular polariton spectra and the polariton delocalization from an ab initio theoretical perspective remains elusive. We simulate experimentally measured linear transmission spectroscopy of many Zinc(II) tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) molecules collectively coupled to a cavity from first principles. Our theoretical approach incorporates many low-lying electronic excitations in ZnTPP molecules, as well as collective light-matter couplings between ZnTPP and the quantized radiation modes, both of which are shown to be the key to accurately recovering the experimental spectra. We further analyzed to what extent the polariton and dark states are delocalized over many molecules, for the first time, using fully ab initio descriptions of the molecules. We finally investigate the line width as a function of detuning, providing new theoretical insights into the experimentally observed motional narrowing behavior. Our work presents first-ofits- kind theoretical studies on molecular polariton spectra, offering a new perspective on molecular polariton formation in realistic ab initio molecular systems whose rich, many-state nature provides spectral features enabled by the high density of electronic states beyond simple quantum optics models.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A warm super-Neptune around the G-dwarf star TOI-1710 revealed with TESS, SOPHIE, and HARPS-N

We report the discovery and characterization of the transiting extrasolar planet TOI-1710 b. It was first identified as a promising candidate by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. Its planetary nature was then established with SOPHIE and HARPS-N spectroscopic observations via the radial-velocity method. The stellar parameters for the host star are derived from the spectra and a joint Markov chain Monte-Carlo adjustment of the spectral energy distribution and evolutionary tracks of TOI-1710. A joint MCMC analysis of the TESS light curve and the radial-velocity evolution allows us to determine the planetary system properties. From our analysis, TOI 1710 b is found to be a massive warm super-Neptune (M p = 28.3 ± 4.7 M ⊕ and R p = 5.34 ± 0.11 R ⊕ ) orbiting a G5V dwarf star (T eff = 5665 ± 55 K) on a nearly circular 24.3-day orbit (e = 0.16 ± 0.08). The orbital period of this planet is close to the estimated rotation period of its host star P rot = 22.5 ± 2.0 days and it has a low Keplerian semi-amplitude K = 6.4 ± 1.0 m s -1 ; we thus performed additional analyses to show the robustness of the retrieved planetary parameters. With a low bulk density of 1.03 ± 0.23 g cm -3 and orbiting a bright host star (J = 8.3, V = 9.6), TOI-1710 b is one of the best targets in this mass-radius range (near the Neptunian desert) for atmospheric characterization via transmission spectroscopy, a key measurement in constraining planet formation and evolutionary models of sub-Jovian planets.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

X-ray heating and electron temperature of laboratory photoionized plasmas

We discuss experimental and modeling results for the x-ray heating and temperature of laboratory photoionized plasmas. A method is used to extract electron temperature based on the analysis of transmission spectroscopy data that is independent of atomic kinetics modeling. Boltzmann kinetic and radiation-hydrodynamics simulations emphasized the critical interplay between atomic physics and heating in photoionized plasmas. They also demonstrated the dramatic impact of photoexcitation on excited state populations, line emissivity, and radiation cooling. Temperature calculations performed with astrophysical codes significantly overestimated the measurement.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Data for "Understanding multiscale disorder in superconducting nanowire single photon detectors"

This dataset addresses DC transport, dark-count measurements, and bias-dependent microwave transmission spectroscopy of superconducting nanowire. This publication includes the raw and processed data to produce figures in the paper "Understanding multiscale disorder in superconducting nanowire single photon detectors" (Sarkar et al., 2026).

Sarkar, Nirjhar [Oak Ridge National Laboratory] (O↗

Improving the laser performance of ion beam sputtered dielectric thin films through the suppression of nanoscale defects by employing a xenon sputtering gas

Laser damage-prone precursors in high index materials such as hafnia are believed to be the primary limiter in the performance of dielectric multilayer films to advance ultra-high power and energy laser applications. Removing or suppressing these precursors is the key to fabricating laser damage resistant thin films for the enabling technologies. Early work has revealed that nanobubbles formed by entrapped argon (Ar) working gas in ion beam sputtering (IBS) produced hafnia films are primarily responsible for the onset of laser damage upon exposure to UV, ns-laser pulses. In this study, we demonstrate that the UV ns-laser damage onset of IBS produced hafnia films can be improved to 3.1 +/- 0.2 J/cm 2 by substituting the conventional Ar working gas with xenon (Xe), a nearly 1 J/cm 2 increase from that of the Ar produced hafnia films. In addition to the suppression of the overall point-defect density of the hafnia films, the reduction of the Xe entrapment eliminates the nanobubbles and the generation of plasmas that initiates the laser damage. The defect suppression and its correlation to the increase in laser damage threshold is revealed by the combined analysis of Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and laser damage testing. Monte Carlo simulations suggest a much smaller entrapment of Xe gas by comparison to Ar, which is attributed to the significant difference in the energy of the reflected neutrals (3X) which are likely to be implanted. These results provide an effective process route with a fundamental understanding for producing high laser damage resistant dielectric films for high power and high energy laser applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Pandora Thermal Subsystem Systems Engineering Class Project

Thousands of planets orbiting stars outside our solar system have been discovered, revealing an incredible diversity of planetary systems. One of the key questions in astrophysics is whether any of these distant worlds have atmospheres that could potentially support life. The presence of life can significantly alter the makeup of our atmosphere (as on Earth), leaving unique spectral fingerprints that can be detected via remote sensing. Life outside of our solar system may leave detectable traces in the atmospheres of distant exoplanets. Exoplanet transmission spectroscopy is a proven technique to probe the atmospheres of exoplanets that cross in front of—or transit—their star. During a transit, starlight filters through the planet’s atmosphere and that spectrum can reveal the atmosphere’s chemical makeup.

42 ENGINEERING↗

TESS Reveals a Short-period Sub-Neptune Sibling (HD 86226c) to a Known Long-period Giant Planet

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission was designed to find transiting planets around bright, nearby stars. Here, we present the detection and mass measurement of a small, short-period (≈4 days) transiting planet around the bright (V = 7.9), solar-type star HD 86226 (TOI-652, TIC 22221375), previously known to host a long-period (∼1600 days) giant planet. HD 86226c (TOI-652.01) has a radius of 2.16 ± 0.08 R {sub ⊕} and a mass of 7.25{sub −1.12}{sup +1.19} M {sub ⊕}, based on archival and new radial velocity data. We also update the parameters of the longer-period, not-known-to-transit planet, and find it to be less eccentric and less massive than previously reported. The density of the transiting planet is 3.97 g cm{sup −3}, which is low enough to suggest that the planet has at least a small volatile envelope, but the mass fractions of rock, iron, and water are not well-constrained. Given the host star brightness, planet period, and location of the planet near both the “radius gap” and the “hot Neptune desert,” HD 86226c is an interesting candidate for transmission spectroscopy to further refine its composition.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗