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At least 937 records · Page 52

Enhanced superconductivity and ferroelectric quantum criticality in plastically deformed strontium titanate

The properties of quantum materials are commonly tuned using experimental variables such as pressure, magnetic field and doping. Here we explore a different approach using irreversible, plastic deformation of single crystals. We show that compressive plastic deformation induces low-dimensional superconductivity well above the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of undeformed SrTiO3, with evidence of possible superconducting correlations at temperatures two orders of magnitude above the bulk Tc. The enhanced superconductivity is correlated with the appearance of self-organized dislocation structures, as revealed by diffuse neutron and X-ray scattering. We also observe deformation-induced signatures of quantum-critical ferroelectric fluctuations and inhomogeneous ferroelectric order using Raman scattering. Our results suggest that strain surrounding the self-organized dislocation structures induces local ferroelectricity and quantum-critical dynamics that strongly influence Tc, consistent with a theory of superconductivity enhanced by soft polar fluctuations. Our results demonstrate the potential of plastic deformation and dislocation engineering for the manipulation of electronic properties of quantum materials.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Tunable spin and valley excitations of correlated insulators in Γ-valley moiré bands

Moiré superlattices formed from transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have been shown to support a variety of quantum electronic phases that are highly tunable using applied electromagnetic fields. While the valley character of the low-energy states dramatically affects optoelectronic properties in the constituent TMDs, this degree of freedom has yet to be fully explored in moiré systems. Here, we establish twisted double bilayer WSe 2 as an experimental platform to study electronic correlations within Γ-valley moiré bands. Through a combination of local and global electronic compressibility measurements, we identify charge-ordered phases at multiple integer and fractional moiré band fillings ν. By measuring the magnetic field dependence of their energy gaps and the chemical potential upon doping, we reveal spin-polarized ground states with novel spin polaron quasiparticle excitations. In addition, an applied displacement field allows us to realize a new mechanism of metal-insulator transition at ν=–1 driven by tuning between Γ- and K-valley moiré bands. Together, our results demonstrate control over both the spin and valley character of the correlated ground and excited states in this system.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Data-driven assessment of magnetic charged particle confinement parameter scaling in magnetized liner inertial fusion experiments on Z

In magneto-inertial fusion, the ratio of the characteristic fuel length perpendicular to the applied magnetic field R to the α-particle Larmor radius $ϱ_α$ is a critical parameter setting the scale of electron thermal-conduction loss and charged burn-product confinement. Here, using a previously developed deep-learning-based Bayesian inference tool, we obtain the magnetic-field fuel-radius product BR ∝ R / $ϱ_α$ from an ensemble of 16 magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) experiments. Observations of the trends in BR are consistent with relative trade-offs between compression and flux loss as well as the impact of mix from 1D resistive radiation magneto-hydrodynamics simulations in all but two experiments, for which 3D effects are hypothesized to play a significant role. Finally, we explain the relationship between BR and the generalized Lawson parameter χ. Our results indicate the ability to improve performance in MagLIF through careful tuning of experimental inputs, while also highlighting key risks from mix and 3D effects that must be mitigated in scaling MagLIF to higher currents with a next-generation driver.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Dynamical response of the dayside ionosphere of Venus to the solar wind

Dayside ion composition measurements made by the orbiter ion mass spectrometer and the orbiter electron temperature probe on the Pioneer Venus orbiter are used to infer the dominant processes involved in the dynamic response of the Venus ionosphere to the solar wind. The analysis is confined to the topside ionosphere in the vicinity of the subsolar point, where the ionosphere-solar wind interaction is expected to be maximized. Height profiles of the ion composition and plasma temperatures in the main body of the topside ionosphere, lying between the ionopause and chemical equilibrium regions, reveal that the ionosphere is in a compressed state. This region of the ionosphere is interpreted in terms of a stationary equilibrium where the compression is derived from the ponderomotive force j x B. The estimated magnitude of this force is confirmed by the magnetic field measurements made by the orbiter magnetometer.

Hartle, R. E.↗

Large-scale features of the sun at 20 centimeter wavelength

Results are reported from an experimental study of the characteristics of large-scale coronal structures such as active regions, plages, filaments, and coronal holes using data obtained with the VLA at 1.5 GHz during the period September 11-17, 1988. The radio data were supplemented with He 10830- A, H-alpha, and Calcium-K spectroheliograms. A statistical analysis of some of the characteristics of the active regions is performed. Most of the active region sources were found to be about 100 arcsec in size, with bridges between regions common; lower brightness temperature regions showed a higher degree of polarization in general. The maximum polarization was found at the edge of active regions but well within the associated plages. The degree of polarization from bright active regions was small (not more than 20 percent), in agreement with previous results. Evidence was found for compression of preexisting flux by the emerging flux from a new region, which took place in the apparent absence of magnetic reconnection.

Gopalswamy, N.↗

Solar cycle effects on the structure of the electron density profiles in the dayside ionosphere of Venus

Results are presented of observations from the changes in the electron density structure of the dayside ionosphere of Venus that were brought about by changing solar activity. The ionopause height is generally low for values of the solar zenith angle below about 50 deg regardless of the phase in the solar cycle. At solar maximum, and at times of intermediate solar activity, the ionopause height for solar zenith angles greater than about 50 deg is highly variable, ranging from a minimum of about 200 km to a maximum of more than 1000 km. At times of solar minimum the great majority of all ionopause heights for all solar zenith angles are uniformly low, lying between 200 and 300 km. It is argued that the compressed nature of the Venus atmosphere at solar minimum is produced by permeation of the ionosphere by the solar wind magnetic field, which occurs when the solar wind dynamic pressure exceeds the ionospheric plasma pressure.

Kliore, Arvydas J.↗

Dynamo action in stratified convection with overshoot

Results are presented from direct simulations of turbulent compressible hydromagnetic convection above a stable overshoot layer. Spontaneous dynamo action occurs followed by saturation, with most of the generated magnetic field appearing as coherent flux tubes in the vicinity of strong downdrafts, where both the generation and destruction of magnetic field is most vigorous. Whether or not this field is amplified depends on the sizes of the magnetic Reynolds and magnetic Prandtl numbers. Joule dissipation is balanced mainly by the work done against the magnetic curvature force. It is this curvature force which is also responsible for the saturation of the dynamo.

Nordlund, Ake↗

Magnetohydrodynamic MACH Code Used to Simulate Magnetoplasmadynamic Thrusters

The On-Board Propulsion program at the NASA Glenn Research Center is utilizing a state of-the-art numerical simulation to model the performance of high-power electromagnetic plasma thrusters. Such thrusters are envisioned for use in lunar and Mars cargo transport, piloted interplanetary expeditions, and deep-space robotic exploration of the solar system. The experimental portion of this program is described in reference 1. This article describes the numerical modeling program used to guide the experimental research. The synergistic use of numerical simulations and experimental research has spurred the rapid advancement of high-power thruster technologies for a variety of bold new NASA missions. From its inception as a U.S. Department of Defense code in the mid-1980's, the Multiblock Arbitrary Coordinate Hydromagnetic (MACH) simulation tool has been used by the plasma physics community to model a diverse range of plasma problems--including plasma opening switches, inertial confinement fusion concepts, compact toroid formation and acceleration, z-pinch implosion physics, laser-target interactions, and a variety of plasma thrusters. The MACH2 code used at Glenn is a time-dependent, two-dimensional, axisymmetric, multimaterial code with a multiblock structure. MACH3, a more recent three-dimensional version of the code, is currently undergoing beta tests. The MACH computational mesh moves in an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) fashion that allows the simulation of diffusive-dominated and dispersive-dominated problems, and the mesh can be refined via a variety of adaptive schemes to capture regions of varying characteristic scale. The mass continuity and momentum equations model a compressible viscous fluid, and three energy equations are used to simulate nonthermal equilibrium between electrons, ions, and the radiation field. Magnetic fields are modeled by an induction equation that includes resistive diffusion, the Hall effect, and a thermal source for magnetic fields. Various models of plasma resistivity are included, along with ablation models and multiport circuit solvers. The set of equations is closed using either an ideal gas or real equation of state.

Mikellides, Pavlos G.↗

NASAs Evolvable Mars Campaign: Mars Moons Robotic Precursor

Human exploration missions to the moons of Mars are being considered within NASA's Evolvable Mars Campaign (EMC) as an intermediate step for eventual human exploration and pioneering of the surface of Mars. A range of mission architectures is being evaluated in which human crews would explore one or both moons for as little as 14 days or for as long as 500 days with a variety of orbital and surface habitation and mobility options being considered. Relatively little is known about the orbital, surface, or subsurface characteristics of either moon. This makes them interesting but challenging destinations for human exploration missions during which crewmembers must be able to effectively conduct scientific exploration without being exposed to undue risks due to radiation, dust, micrometeoroids, or other hazards. A robotic precursor mission to one or both moons will be required to provide data necessary for the design and operation of subsequent human systems and for the identification and prioritization of scientific exploration objectives. This paper identifies and discusses considerations for the design of such a precursor mission based on current human mission architectures. Objectives of a Mars' moon precursor in support of human missions are expected to include: 1) identifying hazards on the surface and the orbital environment at up to 50-km distant retrograde orbits; 2) collecting data on physical characteristics for planning of detailed human proximity and surface operations; 3) performing remote sensing and in situ science investigations to refine and focus future human scientific activities; and 4) prospecting for in situ resource utilization. These precursor objectives can be met through a combination or remote sensing (orbital) and in-situ (surface) measurements. Analysis of spacecraft downlink signals using radio science techniques would measure the moon's mass, mass distribution, and gravity field, which will be necessary to enable trajectory planning. Laser altimetry would precisely measure the moon's shape and improve the accuracy of radio science measurements. A telescopic imaging camera would map the moon at submeter resolution and photograph selected areas of interest at subcentimeter resolution and a visible and near-infrared (0.4-3.0 mm) imaging spectrograph would produce a global map of mineral composition variations at a resolution of tens of meters and maps of selected areas of interest at meter resolution. Additional remote sensing capabilities could include a thermal infrared imager (heat flow, thermal inertia, and grain size distributions), a gamma-ray and neutron detector (atomic composition), a ground-penetrating radar (internal structure), and a magnetometer and Langmuir probe (magnetic properties and plasma field). Once on the surface of Phobos or Deimos, necessary instrumentation would include a penetrometer (regolith compressive strength), a motion-imagery camera (to observe the penetrometer tests before, during, and after contact), a dust-adhesion witness plate and camera (dust levitation), a microimager (dust particle sizes and shapes), and an alpha-proton-X-ray, X-ray fluorescence, Mossbauer, or Raman spectrometer (atomic and mineral composition of surface materials) and an optional temperature probe (regolith thermal properties). A variety of robotic mission design options to enable both orbital and surface measurements are being considered that include fully integrated and modular approaches. In-situ measurements from at least one surface location would be required, with additional measurement locations possible through use of multiple landers, through propulsive relocation of a single lander, or through electromechanical surface translation by a walking or hopping lander vehicle, which could also serve to evaluate such mobility capabilities for subsequent human missions. Preliminary orbital analysis suggests that remote sensing would likely be performed while in a distant retrograde orbit around the target moon. Mission design options to enable characterization of both Mars’ moons in a single mission are also being studied.

Gernhardt, Michael L.↗

A nonlinear structural subgrid-scale closure for compressible MHD. I. Derivation and energy dissipation properties

Compressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence is ubiquitous in astrophysical phenomena ranging from the intergalactic to the stellar scales. In studying them, numerical simulations are nearly inescapable, due to the large degree of nonlinearity involved. However, the dynamical ranges of these phenomena are much larger than what is computationally accessible. In large eddy simulations (LESs), the resulting limited resolution effects are addressed explicitly by introducing to the equations of motion additional terms associated with the unresolved, subgrid-scale dynamics. This renders the system unclosed. We derive a set of nonlinear structural closures for the ideal MHD LES equations with particular emphasis on the effects of compressibility. The closures are based on a gradient expansion of the finite-resolution operator [W. K. Yeo (CUP, 1993)] and require no assumptions about the nature of the flow or magnetic field. Thus, the scope of their applicability ranges from the sub- to the hyper-sonic and -Alfvénic regimes. The closures support spectral energy cascades both up and down-scale, as well as direct transfer between kinetic and magnetic resolved and unresolved energy budgets. They implicitly take into account the local geometry, and in particular, the anisotropy of the flow. Their properties are a priori validated in Paper II [P. Grete et al., Phys. Plasmas 23, 062317 (2016)] against alternative closures available in the literature with respect to a wide range of simulation data of homogeneous and isotropic turbulence.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Coupled hydromagnetic wave excitation and ion acceleration upstream of the earth's bow shock

A self-consistent theory is set forth for the excitation of hydromagnetic waves and the acceleration of 'diffuse' ions upstream of the earth's bow shock in the quasi-equilibrium that results when the solar wind velocity and the interplanetary magnetic field are nearly parallel. For the waves, the quasi-equilibrium derives from a balance between excitation by the ions, which stream relative to the solar wind plasma, and convective loss to the magnetosheath. For the diffuse ions, the quasi-equilibrium derives from a balance between injection at the shock front, confinement to the foreshock by pitch angle scattering on the waves, and acceleration by compression at the shock front. It also results from loss to the magnetosheath, loss due to escape upstream of the foreshock, and loss via diffusion perpendicular to the average magnetic field onto field lines that do not connect to the shock front. Diffusion equations describing the ion transport and wave kinetic equations describing the hydromagnetic wave transport are solved self-consistently to give analytical expressions. These describe (1) the differential wave intensity spectrum as a function of frequency and distance from the bow shock and (2) the ion omnidirectional distribution functions and anisotropies as functions of energy and distance from the bow shock.

Lee, M. A.↗

Whistler Waves Associated with Weak Interplanetary Shocks

We analyze the properties of 98 weak interplanetary shocks measured by the dual STEREO spacecraft over approximately 3 years during the past solar minimum. We study the occurrence of whistler waves associated with these shocks, which on average are high beta shocks (0.2 < Beta < 10). We have compared the waves properties upstream and downstream of the shocks. In the upstream region the waves are mainly circularly polarized, and in most of the cases (approx. 75%) they propagate almost parallel to the ambient magnetic field (<30 deg.). In contrast, the propagation angle with respect to the shock normal varies in a broad range of values (20 deg. to 90 deg.), suggesting that they are not phase standing. We find that the whistler waves can extend up to 100,000 km in the upstream region but in most cases (88%) are contained in a distance within 30,000 km from the shock. This corresponds to a larger region with upstream whistlers associated with IP shocks than previously reported in the literature. The maximum amplitudes of the waves are observed next to the shock interface, and they decrease as the distance to the shock increases. In most cases the wave propagation direction becomes more aligned with the magnetic field as the distance to the shock increases. These two facts suggest that most of the waves in the upstream region are Landau damping as they move away from the shock. From the analysis we also conclude that it is likely that the generation mechanism of the upstream whistler waves is taking place at the shock interface. In the downstream region, the waves are irregularly polarized, and the fluctuations are very compressive; that is, the compressive component of the wave clearly dominates over the transverse one. The majority of waves in the downstream region (95%) propagate at oblique angles with respect to the ambient magnetic field (>60 deg.). The wave propagation with respect to the shock-normal direction has no preferred direction and varies similarly to the upstream case. It is possible that downstream fluctuations are generated by ion relaxation as suggested in previous hybrid simulation shocks.

Whistler waves↗

From Interstellar Cloud to Star to Laboratory: Frontier HEDP Studies of Magnetized Colliding Plasma Flows with Strong Radiative Cooling (Final Report)

High-speed flows of gas are the norm in astrophysics where exploding stars, winds from the regions around black holes and streams of galactic material create “supersonic flows”. As the flows collide, strong shock waves are formed where gas is compressed and heated. The regions behind these shock waves are of great interest to scientists. New stars can form in these shock regions in the context of galaxies. In the context of planets like our Earth, the shocks waves come from the interaction of the solar wind with our planets’ magnetic field causing Aurora and placing astronauts and satellites in jeopardy. Thus, understanding supersonic flows of magnetized plasmas is essential for progress in many fields of astronomy and space physics (relevant to planets and the Earth). Remarkably, we can also create these kinds of flows in the laboratory using Z-pinches and laser driven experiments that include magnetic fields. The exploration of these forms of “High Energy Density Physics” (HEDP) flows is also critical in order to achieve Inertial Confinement Fusion, which is a step towards developing a sustainable source of Fusion energy.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Design of a High Toughness Epoxy for Superconducting Magnets and Its Key Properties

Nb 3 Sn accelerator magnets are poised to enable the luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, improving its potential for exploring physics beyond the standard model of particle physics. The prototype Nb 3 Sn magnets consistently need 10–25 quenches to achieve their best performance. A hypothesis is that the long training of these magnets may at least be partially induced by epoxy cracking and bonding failures. In 2018, we showed that several existing epoxies have a higher toughness and less tendency to crack at low temperatures than CTD-101K, the epoxy resin with which almost all Nb 3 Sn accelerator magnets have been impregnated. Here we explore a new high toughness formulation for reducing quench training of Nb 3 Sn accelerator magnets, through combining two amine curing agents to achieve a good glass transition temperature (T g ), adding a viscosity reducer to achieve low viscosity, and experimenting a coupling agent for improved bonding strengths. In this work, we report results of comprehensive materials tests, including thermal shock, tensile, compressive, shear tests, viscosity and T g tests.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Approach to Integrate Global-Sun Models of Magnetic Flux Emergence and Transport for Space Weather Studies

The Sun lies at the center of space weather and is the source of its variability. The primary input to coronal and solar wind models is the activity of the magnetic field in the solar photosphere. Recent advancements in solar observations and numerical simulations provide a basis for developing physics-based models for the dynamics of the magnetic field from the deep convection zone of the Sun to the corona with the goal of providing robust near real-time boundary conditions at the base of space weather forecast models. The goal is to develop new strategic capabilities that enable characterization and prediction of the magnetic field structure and flow dynamics of the Sun by assimilating data from helioseismology and magnetic field observations into physics-based realistic magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulations. The integration of first-principle modeling of solar magnetism and flow dynamics with real-time observational data via advanced data assimilation methods is a new, transformative step in space weather research and prediction. This approach will substantially enhance an existing model of magnetic flux distribution and transport developed by the Air Force Research Lab. The development plan is to use the Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF) to develop Coupled Models for Emerging flux Simulations (CMES) that couples three existing models: (1) an MHD formulation with the anelastic approximation to simulate the deep convection zone (FSAM code), (2) an MHD formulation with full compressible Navier-Stokes equations and a detailed description of radiative transfer and thermodynamics to simulate near-surface convection and the photosphere (Stagger code), and (3) an MHD formulation with full, compressible Navier-Stokes equations and an approximate description of radiative transfer and heating to simulate the corona (Module in BATS-R-US). CMES will enable simulations of the emergence of magnetic structures from the deep convection zone to the corona. Finally, a plan will be summarized on the development of a Flux Emergence Prediction Tool (FEPT) in which helioseismology-derived data and vector magnetic maps are assimilated into CMES that couples the dynamics of magnetic flux from the deep interior to the corona.

Mansour, Nagi N.↗

Properties of Magnetic Reconnection and FTEs on the Dayside Magnetopause With and Without Positive IMF Bx Component During Southward IMF

This paper describes properties and behavior of magnetic reconnection and flux transfer events (FTEs) on the dayside magnetopause using the global hybrid-Vlasov code Vlasiator. We investigate two simulation runs with and without a sunward (positive) B(sub x) component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) when the IMF is southward. The runs are two-dimensional in real space in the noon-midnight meridional (polar) plane and three-dimensional in velocity space. Solar wind input parameters are identical in the two simulations with the exception that the IMF is purely southward in one but tilted 45° toward the Sun in the other. In the purely southward case (i.e., without B(sub x) the magnitude of the magnetosheath magnetic field component tangential to the magnetopause is larger than in the run with a sunward tilt. This is because the shock normal is perpendicular to the IMF at the equatorial plane, whereas in the other run the shock configuration is oblique and a smaller fraction of the total IMF strength is compressed at the shock crossing. Hence, the measured average and maximum reconnection rate are larger in the purely southward run. The run with tilted IMF also exhibits a north-south asymmetry in the tangential magnetic field caused by the different angle between the IMF and the bow shock normal north and south of the equator. Greater north-south asymmetries are seen in the FTE occurrence rate, size, and velocity as well; FTEs moving toward the Southern Hemisphere are larger in size and observed less frequently than FTEs in the Northern Hemisphere.

Hoilijoki, S.↗

Pressure-induced charge orders and their postulated coupling to magnetism in hexagonal multiferroic LuFe 2 O 4

Hexagonal LuFe 2 O 4 is a promising charge order (CO) driven multiferroic material with high charge and spin-ordering temperatures. The coexisting charge and spin orders on Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ sites result in magnetoelectric behaviors, but the coupling mechanism between the charge and spin orders remains elusive. Here, by tuning external pressure, we reveal three charge-ordered phases with suggested correlation to magnetic orders in LuFe 2 O 4 : (i) a centrosymmetric incommensurate three-dimensional CO with ferrimagnetism, (ii) a non-centrosymmetric incommensurate quasi-two-dimensional CO with ferrimagnetism, and (iii) a centrosymmetric commensurate CO with antiferromagnetism. Experimental in situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements combined with density functional theory calculations suggest that the charge density redistribution caused by pressure-induced compression in the frustrated double-layer [Fe 2 O 4 ] cluster is responsible for the correlated spin-charge phase transitions. The pressure-enhanced effective Coulomb interactions among Fe-Fe bonds drive the frustrated (1/3, 1/3) CO to a less frustrated (1/4, 1/4) CO, which induces the ferrimagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition. Our results not only elucidate the coupling mechanism among charge, spin, and lattice degrees of freedom in LuFe 2 O 4 , but also provide a new way to tune the spin-charge orders in a highly controlled manner.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Controlling symmetry of spin-orbit entangled pseudo spin state through uniaxial strain

In layer-structured Sr 2 IrO 4 , strong crystal electric field and spin-orbit coupling result in an intriguing spin-orbit entangled J eff =1/2 state, resembling the spin S=1/2 state of high-temperature superconducting cuprates. Our study unravels the intricate relationship between the lattice and the pseudospin interactions using uniaxial strain. Applied along the [1 1 0] direction, a compressive strain does not induce any effect. In contrast, the strain along [1 0 0] triggers a dramatic detwinning of the magnetic domains bringing the system to a single domain at around 0.04% strain. The strain driven detwinning rate is temperature independent showing that it does not exhibit a spontaneous orthorhombic lattice distortion driven by the pseudo-Jahn-Teller effect.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗