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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 1,081 records · Page 60
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Searching for Gravitational Waves from Cosmological Phase Transitions with the NANOGrav 12.5-Year Dataset

We search for a first-order phase transition gravitational wave signal in 45 pulsars from the NANOGrav 12.5-year dataset. We find that the data can be modeled in terms of a strong first order phase transition taking place at temperatures below the electroweak scale. However, we do not observe any strong preference for a phase-transition interpretation of the signal over the standard astrophysical interpretation in terms of supermassive black hole mergers; but we expect to gain additional discriminating power with future datasets, improving the signal to noise ratio and extending the sensitivity window to lower frequencies. An interesting open question is how well gravitational wave observatories could separate such signals.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2026

Pressure-Induced Chemical Bonding Effects on Lattice and Magnetic Instabilities in Antiferromagnetic Insulating CaMn 2 Sb 2

Exotic quantum phenomena often emerge near an electronic delocalization transition (EDT) from an antiferromagnetic insulating phase to a strongly correlated metallic state under pressure. We report the pressure-induced structural and magnetic evolution of the antiferromagnetic insulator CaMn 2 Sb 2 . Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals a first-order phase transition near 5.4 GPa from a trigonal P-3m1 structure to a monoclinic P2 1 /m phase accompanied by a ∼7% volume collapse. Residual electron density analysis at intermediate pressures reveals charge localization along Mn–Sb chains, signaling electronic instability preceding the structural transition. Bonding analysis indicates anisotropic Mn–Sb orbital reconfiguration under pressure, driving a distorted square-pyramidal geometry. Neutron scattering confirms the transition and identifies a pressure-induced incommensurate magnetic order, distinct from the ambient antiferromagnetic state. In the monoclinic phase, zigzag Mn chains exhibit antiferromagnetic coupling along the ac-plane, enabled by enhanced orbital overlap. These results establish CaMn 2 Sb 2 as a model system for studying the coupling of structural distortion, charge redistribution, and magnetic order in layered Mn pnictides under pressure.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Coupled skyrmion sublattices in Cu2OSeO3

We report the observation of a skyrmion lattice in the chiral multiferroic insulator Cu2OSeO3 using Cu L3-edge resonant soft x-ray diffraction. We observe the unexpected existence of two distinct skyrmion sub-lattices that arise from inequivalent Cu sites with chemically identical coordination numbers but different magnetically active orbitals . The skyrmion sublattices are rotated with respect to each other implying a long wavelength modulation of the lattice. The modulation vector is controlled with an applied magnetic field, associating this Moir'e-like phase with a continuous phase transition. Our findings will open a new class of science involving manipulation of quantum topological states.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

Q4Q: Quantum Computation for Quantum Prediction of Materials and Molecular Properties

We aim at exploring the potential of quantum computation to solve practical problems that are currently targeted by “traditional” high performance computing (HPC). Along the way, we will develop theoretical frameworks and algorithmic strategies. We propose computational research activities that will advance the application of quantum computers to selected materials/molecular properties: (1) Band structure of solids; (2) Molecular electronic/vibronic properties; (3) Free energies and phase transitions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Potts Model in One-Dimension on Directed Small-World Networks

The critical properties of the Potts model with q=3 and 8 states in one-dimension on directed small-world networks are investigated. This disordered system is simulated by updating it with the Monte Carlo heat bath algorithm. The Potts model on these directed small-world networks presents in fact a second-order phase transition with a new set of critical exponents for q=3 considering a rewiring probability p=0.1. For q=8 the system exhibits only a first-order phase transition independent of p.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2020

Anharmonic Eigenvectors and Acoustic Phonon Disappearance in Quantum Paraelectric SrTiO 3

Pronounced anomalies in the SrTiO 3 dynamical structure factor, S(Q,E), including the disappearance of acoustic phonon branches at low temperatures, were uncovered with inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and simulations. The striking effect reflects anharmonic couplings between acoustic and optic phonons and the incipient ferroelectric instability near the quantum critical point. It is rationalized using a first-principles renormalized anharmonic phonon approach, pointing to nonlinear Ti-O hybridization causing unusual changes in real-space phonon eigenvectors, frequencies, group velocities, and scattering phase space. Lastly, our method is general and establishes how T dependences beyond the harmonic regime, assessed by INS mapping of large reciprocal-space volumes, provide real-space insights into anharmonic atomic dynamics near phase transitions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Self-learning Monte Carlo method

Monte Carlo simulation is an unbiased numerical tool for studying classical and quantum many-body systems. One of its bottlenecks is the lack of a general and efficient update algorithm for large size systems close to the phase transition, for which local updates perform badly. In this Rapid Communication, we propose a general-purpose Monte Carlo method, dubbed self-learning Monte Carlo (SLMC), in which an efficient update algorithm is first learned from the training data generated in trial simulations and then used to speed up the actual simulation. Lastly, we demonstrate the efficiency of SLMC in a spin model at the phase transition point, achieving a 10–20 times speedup.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

High-electric-field behavior of the metal-insulator transition in TiS3 nanowire transistors

We investigate the behavior of the metal-insulator transition (MIT) in TiS 3 nanowire field-effect transistors, in the strongly nonequilibrium limit that has, thus far, largely been neglected. Under high electric fields within the TiS 3 channel (≤115 kV/cm), we observe the emergence of a critical fixed point, separating insulating and metallic regions in the transfer curves of the device. The critical gate voltage that defines this fixed point evolves systematically with the drain bias (field), allowing us to map out a phase diagram that identifies the conditions for metallicity or for insulating behavior. Dependent upon the choice of the gate voltage used to tune the carrier concentration in the nanowire, the existence of the field-induced MIT allows the TiS 3 to be either insulating or metallic over an extensive range of temperature. The possible connection of this strongly nonequilibrium state to some form of charge density wave is discussed.

2D materials↗
DOE OSTI2023

Equation of state within the EPOS3 model

Transitions between different states of matter and their thermodynamic properties are described by the Equation of State (EoS). A universal representation of the EoS of quantum chromodynamics for the wide range of phase diagrams has yet to be determined. The expectation of the systems to undergo various types of transitions depending on the temperature (T), the chemical potential (μ B ), and other thermodynamic features make solving that puzzle challenging. Furthermore, it needs to be apparent which experimentally measurable observables could provide helpful information for determining EoS. The application of different EoS for hydrodynamical evolution was introduced in the EPOS3 generator, which allows one to study its changing effect on the experimental observables. The family of EoS proposed by the BEST Collaboration was implemented. The critical point location and the strength of criticality variations were investigated with particle yield, transverse momentum spectra, flow, and moments of the net-proton distributions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Ultrafast infrared nano-imaging of far-from-equilibrium carrier and vibrational dynamics

Ultrafast infrared nano-imaging has demonstrated access to ultrafast carrier dynamics on the nanoscale in semiconductor, correlated-electron, or polaritonic materials. However, mostly limited to short-lived transient states, the contrast obtained has remained insufficient to probe important long-lived excitations, which arise from many-body interactions induced by strong perturbation among carriers, lattice phonons, or molecular vibrations. Here, we demonstrate ultrafast infrared nano-imaging based on excitation modulation and sideband detection to characterize electron and vibration dynamics with nano- to micro-second lifetimes. As an exemplary application to quantum materials, in phase-resolved ultrafast nano-imaging of the photoinduced insulator-to-metal transition in vanadium dioxide, a distinct transient nano-domain behavior is quantified. In another application to lead halide perovskites, transient vibrational nano-FTIR spatially resolves the excited-state polaron-cation coupling underlying the photovoltaic response. These examples show how heterodyne pump-probe nano-spectroscopy with low-repetition excitation extends ultrafast infrared nano-imaging to probe elementary processes in quantum and molecular materials in space and time.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

Gravitational waves from an inflation triggered first-order phase transition

Large excursion of the inflaton field can trigger interesting dynamics. One important example is a first-order phase transition in a spectator sector which couples to the inflaton. Gravitational waves (GWs) from such a first-order phase transition during inflation, an example of an instantaneous source, have an oscillatory feature. In this work, we show that this feature is generic for a source in an era of accelerated expansion. We also demonstrate that the shape of the GW signal contains information about the evolution of the early universe following the phase transition. In particular, the slope of the infrared part of the GW spectrum is sensitive to the evolution of the Hubble parameter when the GW modes reenter the horizon after inflation. The slope of the profile of the intermediate oscillatory part and the ultraviolet part of the GW spectrum depend on the evolution of the Hubble parameter when the modes exit horizon during the inflation and when they reenter the horizon during the reheating. The ultraviolet spectrum also depends on the details of the dynamics of the phase transition. We consider the GW signal in several models of evolution during and after inflation, and compare them with the minimal scenario of quasi- de Sitter inflation followed by radiation domination after a fast reheating, and demonstrate that the shape of the GW can be used to distinguish them. In this way, the GW signal considered in this paper offers a powerful probe to the dynamics of the early universe which is otherwise difficult to explore directly through CMB, large scale structure, big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN), and other well-studied cosmological observables.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2023

Borderline first-order phase transition and large cryogenic magnetocaloric effect in PrNdIn

We report a large cryogenic magnetocaloric effect stemming from an unconventional borderline first-order magnetic phase transition with negligibly small thermomagnetic hysteresis in a rare-earth-based intermetallic compound PrNdIn. The sample exhibits maximum magnetic field-induced entropy change as large as –10 J/Kg K (for 20 kOe magnetic field change) near the boiling point of oxygen. Magnetocaloric properties of PrNdIn are comparable to those of other known potential magnetocaloric materials with operating temperatures ranging between 50 and 125 K. Here, the magnetic properties of the present sample are qualitatively reminiscent of those of the binary Pr 2 In and Nd 2 In, including the emergence of a second low-temperature anomaly in the temperature dependence of magnetization.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

Phase transition and multicolor luminescence of Eu{sup 2+}/Mn{sup 2+}-activated Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphors

Graphical abstract: We have synthesized Eu{sup 2+} doped and Eu{sup 2+}/Mn{sup 2+} co-doped Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphors. The emitting color varies from blue to green with increasing of Eu{sup 2+} content for the Eu{sup 2+}-doped phosphor, and the quantum yield of the 0.05Eu{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 2.95}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} sample reaches 56.7%. Interestingly, Mn{sup 2+} co-doping into Eu{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} leads to its phase transition from orthorhombic to rhombohedral, and subsequently generates tunable multi-color luminescence from green to red via Eu{sup 2+} → Mn{sup 2+} energy transfer. - Highlights: • A series of novel Eu{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphors were successfully synthesized. • Phase transition of Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} from orthorhombic to rhombohedral occurred when Mn{sup 2+} ions were doped. • The phosphors exhibited tunable multi-color luminescence. • The quantum yield of 0.05Eu{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 2.95}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphor can reach 56.7%. • The analyses of phosphors were carried out by many measurements. - Abstract: Intense blue-green-emitting Eu{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} and tunable multicolor-emitting Eu{sup 2+}/Mn{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphors are prepared via a solid-state reaction route. Eu{sup 2+}-doped orthorhombic Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphor exhibits a broad emission band in the wavelength range of 400–700 nm with a maximum quantum yield of 56.7%, and the emission peak red-shifts gradually from 479 to 520 nm with increase of Eu{sup 2+} doping content. Broad excitation spectrum (250–420 nm) of Eu{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} matches well with the near-ultraviolet LED chip, indicating its potential applications as tri-color phosphors in white LEDs. Interestingly, Mn{sup 2+} co-doping into Eu{sup 2+}: Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} leads to its phase transition from orthorhombic to rhombohedral, and subsequently generates tunable multi-color luminescence from green to red via Eu{sup 2+} → Mn{sup 2+} energy transfer, under 365 nm UV lamp excitation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Ab Initio Phase Diagram of Chromium to 2.5 TPa

Chromium possesses remarkable physical properties such as hardness and corrosion resistance. Chromium is also a very important geophysical material as it is assumed that lighter Cr isotopes were dissolved in the Earth’s molten core during the planet’s formation, which makes Cr one of the main constituents of the Earth’s core. Unfortunately, Cr has remained one of the least studied 3d transition metals. In a very recent combined experimental and theoretical study (Anzellini et al., Scientific Reports, 2022), the equation of state and melting curve of chromium were studied to 150 GPa, and it was determined that the ambient body-centered cubic (bcc) phase of crystalline Cr remains stable in the whole pressure range considered. However, the importance of the knowledge of the physical properties of Cr, specifically its phase diagram, necessitates further study of Cr to higher pressure. In this work, using a suite of ab initio quantum molecular dynamics (QMD) simulations based on the Z methodology which combines both direct Z method for the simulation of melting curves and inverse Z method for the calculation of solid–solid phase transition boundaries, we obtain the theoretical phase diagram of Cr to 2.5 TPa. We calculate the melting curves of the two solid phases that are present on its phase diagram, namely, the lower-pressure bcc and the higher-pressure hexagonal close-packed (hcp) ones, and obtain the equation for the bcc-hcp solid–solid phase transition boundary. We also obtain the thermal equations of state of both bcc-Cr and hcp-Cr, which are in excellent agreement with both experimental data and QMD simulations. We argue that 2180 K as the value of the ambient melting point of Cr which is offered by several public web resources (“Wikipedia,” “WebElements,” “It’s Elemental,” etc.) is most likely incorrect and should be replaced with 2135 K, found in most experimental studies as well as in the present theoretical work.

equation of state↗
DOE OSTI2022

Light-induced dimension crossover dictated by excitonic correlations

In low-dimensional systems with strong electronic correlations, the application of an ultrashort laser pulse often yields novel phases that are otherwise inaccessible. The central challenge in understanding such phenomena is to determine how dimensionality and many-body correlations together govern the pathway of a non-adiabatic transition. To this end, we examine a layered compound, 1T-TiSe 2 , whose three-dimensional charge-density-wave (3D CDW) state also features exciton condensation due to strong electron-hole interactions. We find that photoexcitation suppresses the equilibrium 3D CDW while creating a nonequilibrium 2D CDW. Remarkably, the dimension reduction does not occur unless bound electron-hole pairs are broken. This relation suggests that excitonic correlations maintain the out-of-plane CDW coherence, settling a long-standing debate over their role in the CDW transition. Our findings demonstrate how optical manipulation of electronic interaction enables one to control the dimensionality of a broken-symmetry order, paving the way for realizing other emergent states in strongly correlated systems.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2016

Anisotropic physical properties and pressure dependent magnetic ordering of CrAuTe 4

Systematic measurements of temperature-dependent magnetization, resistivity, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) at ambient pressure as well as resistivity under pressures up to 5.25 GPa were conducted on single crystals of CrAuTe 4 . Magnetization data suggest that magnetic moments are aligned antiferromagnetically along the crystallographic c axis below T N = 255 K. ARPES measurements show band reconstruction due to the magnetic ordering. Magnetoresistance data show clear anisotropy, and, at high fields, quantum oscillations. The Néel temperature decreases monotonically under pressure, decreasing to T N = 236 K at 5.22 GPa. The pressure dependencies of (i) T N , (ii) the residual resistivity ratio, and (iii) the size and power-law behavior of the low-temperature magnetoresistance all show anomalies near 2 GPa suggesting that there may be a phase transition (structural, magnetic, and/or electronic) induced by pressure. Lastly, for pressures higher than 2 GPa a significantly different quantum oscillation frequency emerges, consistent with a pressure induced change in the electronic states.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Theoretical study of the thermodynamic properties, phase transition wave, and phase transition velocity for octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine

We develop a phonon-electron free energy model to study the thermodynamic properties and phase transitions of δ-octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine. The bulk modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, specific heat, Hugoniot curve, and phase transition curve are calculated in wide temperature and pressure ranges. The results are in agreement with the available experiments at zero pressure, and are reasonable predictions at high pressure for the lack of experiment. Two kinds of phase transition waves are investigated. We find the velocity of shock-induced phase transition wave is between 3400 m/s and 4700 m/s, and the velocity of self-sustaining phase transition wave is between 1300 m/s and 1900 m/s.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2023

Implementing microwave impedance microscopy in a dilution refrigerator

We report the implementation of a dilution refrigerator-based scanning microwave impedance microscope with a base temperature of ∼100 mK. The vibration noise of our apparatus with tuning-fork feedback control is as low as 1 nm. Using this setup, we have demonstrated the imaging of quantum anomalous Hall states in magnetically (Cr and V) doped (Bi, Sb)2Te3 thin films grown on mica substrates. Both the conductive edge modes and topological phase transitions near the coercive fields of Cr- and V-doped layers are visualized in the field-dependent results. Our study establishes the experimental platform for investigating nanoscale quantum phenomena at ultralow temperatures.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗