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At least 973 records · Page 54

Multi-Probe 24A: Post shot Data and Analysis

The Multi-Probe 24A experiments took place on the Omega EP laser in November 2023. The experiments consisted of shots alternating between Omega EP’s two short-pulse laser beams to generate proton and deuteron ion beams from a range of film thicknesses, and x-ray sources from the established CPC+Ta wire targets. The backlighter was used for ion acceleration in the pitcher series, in which deuteron and proton beams characterized as a function of CD film thickness to develop a pitcher for a pitcher-catcher neutron radiographic source, while also characterizing electrons and x-rays emitted perpendicular to the target (i.e. Crosstalk for sidelighter-driven x-ray beams). The sidelighter was used for electron acceleration in the x-ray series, in which the electron acceleration and subsequent x-rays was characterized from the CPC+Ta wire targets and radiography was conducted with and without electro-magnetic electron defection. For the pitcher series, we found that at 500 J and 0.7 ps the 700-800 nm CD films yielded the greatest number and highest energy for both protons and deuterons. For the x-ray series, results demonstrated: a significant number of <100 keV x-rays are produced within the glue that fills the CPC cone, on-axis electron signal from the x-ray targets produce electrons resolvable up to ~10 MeV, and electron deflection (using MIFEDS) has a notable effect radiograph on noise reduction.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Excitonic structure and charge separation in the heliobacterial reaction center probed by multispectral multidimensional spectroscopy

Photochemical reaction centers are the engines that drive photosynthesis. The reaction center from heliobacteria (HbRC) has been proposed to most closely resemble the common ancestor of photosynthetic reaction centers, motivating a detailed understanding of its structure-function relationship. The recent elucidation of the HbRC crystal structure motivates advanced spectroscopic studies of its excitonic structure and charge separation mechanism. We perform multispectral two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy of the HbRC and corresponding numerical simulations, resolving the electronic structure and testing and refining recent excitonic models. Through extensive examination of the kinetic data by lifetime density analysis and global target analysis, we reveal that charge separation proceeds via a single pathway in which the distinct A 0 chlorophyll a pigment is the primary electron acceptor. In addition, we find strong delocalization of the charge separation intermediate. Our findings have general implications for the understanding of photosynthetic charge separation mechanisms, and how they might be tuned to achieve different functional goals.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Simultaneous bright- and dark-field X-ray microscopy at X-ray free electron lasers

Abstract The structures, strain fields, and defect distributions in solid materials underlie the mechanical and physical properties across numerous applications. Many modern microstructural microscopy tools characterize crystal grains, domains and defects required to map lattice distortions or deformation, but are limited to studies of the (near) surface. Generally speaking, such tools cannot probe the structural dynamics in a way that is representative of bulk behavior. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction based imaging has long mapped the deeply embedded structural elements, and with enhanced resolution, dark field X-ray microscopy (DFXM) can now map those features with the requisite nm-resolution. However, these techniques still suffer from the required integration times due to limitations from the source and optics. This work extends DFXM to X-ray free electron lasers, showing how the $$10^{12}$$ 10 12 photons per pulse available at these sources offer structural characterization down to 100 fs resolution (orders of magnitude faster than current synchrotron images). We introduce the XFEL DFXM setup with simultaneous bright field microscopy to probe density changes within the same volume. This work presents a comprehensive guide to the multi-modal ultrafast high-resolution X-ray microscope that we constructed and tested at two XFELs, and shows initial data demonstrating two timing strategies to study associated reversible or irreversible lattice dynamics.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Geometric resonance of four-flux composite fermions

Two-dimensional interacting electrons exposed to strong perpendicular magnetic fields generate emergent, exotic quasiparticles phenomenologically distinct from electrons. Specifically, electrons bind with an even number of flux quanta, and transform into composite fermions (CFs). Besides providing an intuitive explanation for the fractional quantum Hall states, CFs also possess Fermi-liquid-like properties, including a well-defined Fermi sea, at and near even-denominator Landau-level filling factors such as $ν = 1/2$ or $1/4$. Here, we directly probe the Fermi sea of the rarely studied four-flux CFs near $ν = 1/4$ via geometric resonance experiments. The data reveal some unique characteristics. Unlike in the case of two-flux CFs, the magnetic field positions of the geometric resonance resistance minima for $ν < 1/4$ and $ν > 1/4$ are symmetric with respect to the position of $ν = 1/4$. However, when an in-plane magnetic field is applied, the minima positions become asymmetric, implying a mysterious asymmetry in the CF Fermi sea anisotropy for $ν < 1/4$ and $ν > 1/4$. This asymmetry, which is in stark contrast to the two-flux CFs, suggests that the four-flux CFs on the two sides of $ν = 1/4$ have very different effective masses, possibly because of the proximity of the Wigner crystal formation at small $ν$.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Dehybridization of f and d states in the heavy-fermion system YbRh 2 Si 2

Here, we report an optically induced reduction of the f-d hybridization in the prototypical heavy-fermion compound YbRh 2 Si 2 . We use femtosecond time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to monitor changes of spectral weight and binding energies of the Yb 4f and Rh 4d states before the lattice temperature increases after pumping. Overall, the f-d hybridization decreases smoothly with increasing electronic temperature up to ~ 250 K but changes slope at ~ 100 K. This temperature scale coincides with the onset of coherent Kondo scattering and with thermally populating the first excited crystal electrical field level. Extending previous photoemission studies, we observe a persistent f-d hybridization up to at least ~ 250 K, which is far larger than the coherence temperature defined by transport but in agreement with the temperature dependence of the noninteger Yb valence. Our data underlines the distinction of probes accessing spin and charge degrees of freedom in strongly correlated systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Sounding rocket flight report: MUMP 9 and MUMP 10

The results of the launching of two Marshall-University of Michigan Probes (MUMP 9 and MUMP 10), Nike-Tomahawk sounding rocket payloads, are summarized. The MUMP 9 paylaod included an omegatron mass analyzer, a molecular fluorescence densitometer, a mini-tilty filter, and a lunar position sensor. This complement of instruments permitted the determination of the molecular nitrogen density and temperature in the altitude range from approximately 143 to 297 km over Wallops Island, Virginia, during January 1971. The MUMP 10 payload included an omegatron mass analyzer, an electron temperature probe (Spencer, Brace, and Carignan, 1962), a cryogenic densitometer, and a solar position sensor. This complement of instruments permitted the determination of the molecular nitrogen density and temperature and the charged particle density and temperature in the altitude range from approximately 145 to 290 km over Wallops Island, Virginia, during the afternoon preceding the MUMP 9 launch in January 1971. A general description of the payload kinematics, orientation analysis, and the technique for the reduction and analysis of the data is given.

Grassl, H. J.↗

Pioneer Venus Orbiter Electron Temperature Probe

The Orbiter Electron Temperature Probe (OETP) instrumentation and measurement technique has been designed to perform in-situ measurements of electron temperature and electron and ion density in the ionosphere of Venus. Adaptive sweep voltage circuitry continuously tracks the changing electron temperature and spacecraft potential while auto-ranging electrometers adjust their gain in response to the changing plasma density. Control signals used in the instrument to achieve this automatic tracking provide a continuous monitor of the ionospheric parameters without telemetering each volt-ampere curve. Internal data storage permits high data rate sampling of selected raw characteristic curves for low rate transmission to earth. These curves are used to verify or correct the inflight processed data. Sample in orbit measurements are presented to demonstrate instrument performance.

Krehbiel, J. P.↗

In Situ Mg/Ca Measurements on Foraminifera: Comparison Between Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Wavelength-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy by Electron Probe Microanalyzer

We present a comparison of two different techniques: Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and wavelength-dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy by electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) for obtaining Mg/Ca ratios in individual foraminifera shells. The goal is to assess the use of EPMA as an alternative technique for Mg/Ca analyses of single foraminiferal calcite shells. Foraminifera obtained from sediments (benthic, Uvigerina spp.) and from plankton tows (planktonic, Orbulina universa) were analyzed. All specimens were prepared in epoxy mounts and exposed in cross-section such that multiple high-resolution analyses could be completed on the shells using both techniques. We examined our data using statistical methods designed for the assessment and comparison of measurement techniques. In the case of Uvigerina, the mean difference for ratios obtained using EPMA and LA-ICP-MS is very small (−0.046 mmol mol−1) and scale independent. The Limits of Agreement (LoA, the standard deviation of the bias plus the mean bias) is [−0.315, 0.223] mmol mol−1. For samples with ratios lower than 13 mmol mol−1, we found a mean EPMA–LA-ICP-MS bias of −2.44 mmol mol−1 and a corresponding LoA of [−3.85, −1.04] mmol mol−1. For ratios higher than 13 mmol mol−1, there appears to be a scale dependent bias, meaning that the EPMA measured ratios become progressively larger than those of LA-ICP-MS as the Mg/Ca ratio increases, so the mean bias and LoA metrics are not meaningful. Results indicate that it is possible to use EPMA to collect Mg/Ca data, if the ratios are lower than ∼13 mmol mol−1.

EPMA↗

Atomic-Layer-Deposited Aluminum Oxide Thin Films Probed with X-ray Scattering and Compared to Molecular Dynamics and Density Functional Theory Models

A better understanding of amorphous aluminum oxide’s structure and electronic properties is obtained through combined experimental and computational approaches. Grazing incidence X-ray scattering measurements were carried out on aluminum oxide thin films grown using thermal atomic layer deposition. The corresponding pair distribution functions (PDFs) showed structures similar to previously reported PDFs of solid-state amorphous alumina and molten alumina. Structural models based on crystalline alumina polymorphs (PDFgui) and amorphous alumina (molecular dynamics, MD) were examined for structural comparisons to the experimental PDF data. Smaller MD models were optimized and verified against larger models to allow for quantum chemical electronic structure calculations. The electronic structure of the amorphous alumina models yields additional insight into the band structure and electronic defects present in amorphous alumina that are not present in crystalline samples.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Low-Temperature Ionic Conductivity Enhanced by Disrupted Ice Formation in Polyampholyte Hydrogels

Here, the phase behavior of water in hydrogels has a broad impact on many health and energy applications. Our previous study showed that polyampholyte hydrogel has the potential to be used as an aqueous gel electrolyte in electrochemical storage devices at -30 °C due to enhanced low-temperature conductivity. In this study, we detail the impact polymer structure has on this enhanced conductivity, explaining this finding with a model charge-balanced polyampholyte, poly(4-vinylbenzenesulfonate- co -[3-(methacryloylam ino)propyl] trimethylammonium chloride), a hydrogel whose polymer and water structures are probed by variable-temperature SAXS, WAXS, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. SAXS results at room temperature indicate a networked globule structure in the charge-balanced polyampholyte hydrogels. The globular radius of gyration is ~ 2.5 nm, whereas the globular size and its clustering structure are dependent on synthesis parameters. Variable-temperature SAXS data reveal a temperature-dependent structure evolution of the polyampholyte hydrogel. An interconnected globular network structure of polymer-rich phase at low temperature, observed by electron microscopy, is suggested to preserve ion-conducting channels of nonfrozen water molecules at low temperatures. This hypothesis is further supported by solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Together these findings provide macromolecular- and molecular-level insight that may be used to design gel electrolytes for enhanced low-temperature performance.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Mechanical Properties and Chemical Reactivity of Li x SiO y Thin Films

Silicon (Si) is a commonly studied candidate material for next-generation anodes in Li-ion batteries. A native oxide SiO 2 on Si is often inevitable. However, it is not clear if this layer has a positive or negative effect on the battery performance. This understanding is complicated by the lack of knowledge about the physical properties of the SiO 2 lithiation products and by the convolution of chemical and electrochemical effects during the anode lithiation process. In this study, Li x SiO y thin films as model materials for lithiated SiO 2 were deposited by magnetron sputtering at ambient temperature, with the goal of (1) decoupling chemical reactivity from electrochemical reactivity and (2) evaluating the physical and electrochemical properties of Li x SiO y . X-ray photoemission spectroscopy analysis of the deposited thin films demonstrate that a composition close to previous experimental reports of lithiated native SiO 2 can be achieved through sputtering. Our density functional theory calculations also confirm that the possible phases formed by lithiating SiO 2 are very close to the measured film compositions. Scanning probe microscopy measurements show that the mechanical properties of the film are strongly dependent on lithium concentration, with a ductile behavior at a higher Li content and a brittle behavior at a lower Li content. The chemical reactivity of the thin films was investigated by measuring the AC impedance evolution, suggesting that Li x SiO y continuously reacts with the electrolyte, in part because of the high electronic conductivity of the film determined from solid-state impedance measurements. The electrochemical cycling data of the sputter-deposited Li x SiO y /Si films also suggest that Li x SiO y is not beneficial in stabilizing the Si anode surface during battery operation, despite its favorable mechanical properties.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Boundary-layer electron profiles for entry of a blunts slender body at high altitude

New calculations of boundary-layer electron concentration profiles for entry of a blunt-nosed slender body into the earth's atmosphere are compared with previous calculations in which ambipolar diffusion was neglected. The old and new results agree in those flight regimes where ambipolar diffusion is unimportant, but large differences are noted in both peak electron concentration and profile shape at the higher altitudes, where diffusion effects are greatest. The new results are also compared with flight-measured profiles and with calculated profiles for a viscous-shock-layer theory which was recently reported in the literature. The boundary-layer results and the data agree in most respects. Differences which occur between predicted results and the data in the outer parts of the profile are discussed in terms of the effects of aerodynamic heating of the probes.

Evans, J. S.↗

Study plasma interactions in the auroral ionosphere

Analyzed data from rocket flight, 29.007UE is presented. In a discrete electron arc the measured upward moving electrons are well accounted for by secondaries produced in collisional scattering of the measured downcoming electrons. No collective mechanisms need to invoke. The low energy downcoming electrons are accounted for by thermal plasma accelerated through a potential drop of a few kV that specularly reflects upward-moving lower energy electrons. No low altitude collective effects need to invoke in the arc. Simultaneous measurements of electric field by double probes on 29.007 and the Chatanika Radar allow one to infer that there are upward drifting ions above the discrete electron arc, and there is a westward neutral wind in the discrete arc. Two rocket payloads were built to investigate plasma effects in the pulsating aurora.

Anderson, H. R.↗

Characterizing Surfaces of the Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Ilmenite with Scanning Probe Microcopies

Ilmenite (FeTiO3) is a wide bandgap semiconductor with an energy gap of about 2.5eV. Initial radiation studies indicate that ilmenite has properties suited for radiation tolerant applications, as well as a variety of other electronic applications. Two scanning probe microscopy methods have been used to characterize the surface of samples taken from Czochralski grown single crystals. The two methods, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), are based on different physical principles and therefore provide different information about the samples. AFM provides a direct, three-dimensional image of the surface of the samples, while STM give a convolution of topographic and electronic properties of the surface. We will discuss the differences between the methods and present preliminary data of each method for ilmenite samples.

Wilkins, R.↗

Water-Rock Interactions in Outer Solar System Bodies: Evidence from the Coordinated Analysis of Interplanetary Dust

NASA has an ongoing program of collecting interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) in the stratosphere using high altitude research aircraft. The collected IDPs are derived from asteroids and comets and here we report studies of a subset of hydrated IDPs rich in carbonaceous matter that are proposed to have a cometary origin. Our studies are aimed at understanding the evolution of oxygen reservoirs in the Solar System and their interaction with cometary minerals and organic matter. The small size (<20 μm) and fragility of these IDPs present a number of analytical challenges. We have pioneered techniques for performing chemical, mineralogical, isotopic, and spectroscopic measurements on the same sample in a carefully coordinated sequence. Coordinated analyses of nanogram-size samples is made possible by several delicate sample preparation techniques. To avoid organic contamination, we embed IDPs in elemental sulfur and use ultramicrotomy to partly section the particles (the first few micrometers). Multiple thin sections (50-70 nm thick) are placed on different substrates depending on the analysis technique. We use a JEOL 2500SE scanning, transmission electron microscope (STEM) to determine the mineralogy, microstructure, and elemental compositions of constituent minerals in the thin sections through a combination of high resolution imaging, electron diffraction, quantitative energy-dispersive x-ray mapping, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Following the STEM analyses, we use a NanoSIMS 50L for high spatial resolution isotopic measurements of H, C, N, and O to search for presolar grains and to understand the origin of the indigenous organic matter. The isotopic analyses are performed on the same sections analyzed in the STEM in order to correlate isotopic properties with the elemental and mineralogical data. We reserve other thin sections for non-destructive analyses utilizing synchrotron-based techniques including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) micro-spectroscopy and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analyses, especially for functional group analysis of organic matter in the particles. The remainder of the IDP is extracted from the sulfur bead that was used for microtomy and is pressed into Au foil for quantitative analysis (including light elements) using a JEOL 8530F field emission electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA). After the EPMA measurements, high precision oxygen isotopic analyses are obtained using Cameca IMS1270/1290 instruments at UCLA. The hydrated IDPs in this study are dominated by saponitic clays, with minor magnetite, carbonate and abundant organic matter. The remarkable oxygen isotopic compositions, high carbon contents, and the abundance of isotopically anomalous organic matter, together suggest that the high carbon, hydrated IDPs are derived from primitive sources not yet represented in meteorite collections such as outer main belt P- and D-type asteroids or comets.

Keller, Lindsay P.↗

Development of NDE/NDT Tools for High-Volume & High-Speed Inspection of CFRP Structures in Automotive Manufacturing

Main advantages of the air-coupled ultrasound testing (ACUT) and electromagnetic testing (EMT) techniques for NDE of CFRP composites were non-contact sensing, scalability for high-speed inspection, cost-effectiveness, and non-hazardous operation. Despite these advantages, no systems that would satisfy the project requirements were commercially available. Hence, one of the major efforts of the Michigan State University (MSU) team at the initial stage of the project was to close this technological gap by developing, optimizing, and validating array sensors that would provide sufficient sensitivity, spatial coverage, and resolution for robust defect detection. Optimization of the ACUT and EMT sensor designs was performed using experimentally validated finite element models. Initial experiments using array probes were conducted on relatively flat CFRP samples. In parallel, the MSU team designed and assembled a portable platform with two robotic arms. The robots were equipped with newly designed sensors that enabled high-speed NDE of curved CFRP parts. Presently, the developed robotic platform can be used as a demo/template NDE system, which is easily adaptable to manufacturing environments and in-line NDE. The ACUT NDE system developed by the MSU team used a high-power 4-channel pulser receiver for parallel data acquisition. The array probes were designed by stacking commercially available ACUT transducers, which operated in the frequency range between 100 kHz and 500 kHz. MSU optimized the excitation procedure and developed wave focusing cones so as to reduce the crosstalk between the transducers and to provide higher pulse repletion frequency (PRF). The through-transmission (TT) and single-side access (SSA) inspection modes were successfully implemented. In the TT-ACUT, structural defects in CFRP were detected by passing ultrasonic waves through the test part. Hence, the ACUT transmitters and receivers needed to be placed on the opposite sides of the test part. In the SSA-ACUT, guided waves (GW) were excited in the test part using the transmitters and were sensed by the receivers from the same side. Multi-channel TT-ACUT and SSA-ACUT provided high-speed NDE, and were successfully validated on CFRP test samples with interlaminar delaminations and other embedded defects The EM techniques developed by the MSU team included: 1) eddy current testing (ECT), 2) capacitive imaging (CI) and hybrid dual-mode imaging. In ECT, structural damage was detected in CFRP using coils sensor arrays. In ECT, the excitation magnetic field is generated by passing an alternating current through a coil, which is placed above the test sample. The excitation field penetrates the conductive sample and induces the eddy currents in its transect. In turn, the eddy currents generate the reaction field, which affects the total field sensed by a coil. Hence, the presence of structural flaws will alter the eddy current flow and the picked-up signal. ECT is mostly sensitive to local changes of the electric conductivity of the test sample, and CFRPs are mostly conductive in the direction of carbon fibers. Hence, ECT was well suited for the detection of fiber damage/fiber irregularities. The MSU team developed printed circuit boards (PCB) with coil sensor arrays optimized for NDE of CFRP. Unlike most commercial probes designed for ECT of metallic structures, the MSU array probes were designed for operation in [1-10] MHz frequency range, which was optimal for low-conductive CFRP. Multiple sensing topologies (coil groups excitation/sensing arrangements) were implemented and successfully validated. Capacitive Imaging (CI) technique developed by MSU was complementary to ECT. In contrast to ECT, which was sensitive to local changes of the electrical conductivity, the CI was sensitive to local changes of the dielectric constant. Therefore, CI could provide information about matrix damage/matrix irregularities in CFRP. The MSU CI sensor arrays were made of multiple circular or rectangular open-plate capacitors printed on PCB. Sensors of this type are not commercially available. In addition to ECT and CI, the MSU team developed a hybrid (dual-mode) inductive/capacitive measurement technique that synergistically combined the benefits of inductive and capacitive sensing for rapid NDE of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite structures. Fiber damage and fiber irregularities in FRPs were detected by configuring hybrid sensors as coil sensors. Similarly, matrix damage, matrix irregularities and interlaminar delaminations were detected by configuring hybrid sensors as capacitive sensors. ECT and CI were performed sequentially by means of electronic switching. Hence, eliminating the need for mounting two separate sensor arrays on the probe. Portable robotic platform was developed by MSU for multi-technique high-speed NDE of CFRP test parts. The platform had two 6-axis robots, which enabled inspection of curved parts in approximately a 6×6×6 ft 3 active scan area. On the software side, the MSU team integrated scripts for NDE hardware control with scripts for robot motion control. MSU also implemented automated path planning for the robots, reconstruction of part’s surfaces via stereovision, 3D rendering of inspection data, and image processing algorithms for enhanced defect detection. Automotive composite parts manufactured by Plasan Composites from Phase I were used to validate the ACUT and EMT techniques on representative testbeds. Among those parts were three X-braces for a Dodge Viper, one composite calibration plaque with known defects at known locations, and four other test sections, including sections from a front splitter, a corner section from a composite hood, and a high-pressure RTM panel made using non crimp fabric. Other test samples included CFRP and GFRP calibration plates with fiber/matrix defects fabricated at MSU/CVRC.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Opto-Electronic Characterization CdTe Solar Cells from TCO to Back Contact with Nano-Scale CL Probe

We used cathodoluminescence (CL) (spectrum-per-pixel) imaging on beveled CdTe solar cell sections to investigate the opto-electronic properties of these devices from the TCO to the back contact. We used a nano-scale CL probe to resolve luminescence from grain boundary (GB) and grain interior (GI) locations near the CdS/CdTe interface where the grains are very small. As-deposited, CdCl2-treated, Cu-treated, and (CdCl2+Cu)-treated cells were analyzed. Color-coded CL spectrum imaging maps on bevels illustrate the distribution of the T=6 K luminescence transitions through the depth of devices with unprecedented spatial resolution. The CL at the GBs and GIs is shown to vary significantly from the front to the back of devices and is a sensitive function of processing. Supporting D-SIMS depth profile, TRPL lifetime, and C-V measurements are used to link the CL data to the J-V performance of devices.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗