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At least 1,171 records · Page 65

Supercapacitance and superinductance of TiN and NbTiN films in the vicinity of superconductor-to-insulator transition

We investigate the low-temperature complex impedance of disordered insulating thin TiN and NbTiN films in the frequency region 400 Hz–1 MHz in close proximity to the superconductor–insulator transition (SIT). The frequency, temperature, and magnetic field dependencies of the real and imaginary parts of the impedance indicate that in full accord with the theoretical predictions and earlier observations, the films acquire self-induced electronic granularity and become effectively random arrays of superconducting granules coupled via Josephson links. Accordingly, the inductive component of the response is due to superconducting droplets, while the capacitive component results from the effective Josephson junctions capacitances. The impedance crosses over from capacitive to inductive behavior as films go across the transition.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

High-temperature superconducting undulator magnets

Here, this paper presents test results on a prototype superconducting undulator magnet fabricated using 15% Zr-doped rare-earth barium copper oxide high temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes. On an 11-pole magnet we demonstrate an engineering current density, J e , of more than 2.1 kA mm -2 at 4.2 K, a value that is 40% higher than reached in comparable devices wound with NbTi-wire, which is used in all currently operating superconducting undulators. A novel winding scheme enabling the continuous winding of tape-shaped conductors into the intricate undulator magnets as well as a partial interlayer insulation procedure were essential in reaching this advance in performance. Currently, there are rapid advances in the performance of HTS; therefore, achieving even higher current densities in an undulator structure or/and operating it at temperatures higher than 4.2 K will be possible, which would substantially simplify the cryogenic design and reduce overall costs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Thin Film Approaches to the SRF Cavity Problem Fabrication and Characterization of Superconducting Thin Films

Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) cavities are responsible for the acceleration of charged particles to relativistic velocities in most modern linear accelerators, such as those employed at high-energy research facilities like Thomas Jefferson National Laboratory’s CEBAF and the LHC at CERN. Recognizing SRF as primarily a surface phenomenon enables the possibility of applying thin films to the interior surface of SRF cavities, opening a formidable tool chest of opportunities by combining and designing materials that offer greater performance benefit. Thus, while improvements in radio frequency cavity design and refinements in cavity processing techniques have improved accelerator performance and efficiency – 1.5 GHz bulk niobium SRF cavities have achieved accelerating gradients in excess of 35 MV/m – there exist fundamental material bounds in bulk superconductors limiting the maximally sustained accelerating field gradient (≈ 45 MV/m for Nb) where inevitable thermodynamic breakdown occurs. With state of the art Nb based cavity design fast approaching these theoretical limits, novel material innovations must be sought in order to realize next generation SRF cavities. One proposed method to improve SRF performance is to utilize thin film superconducting-insulating-superconducting (SIS) multilayer structures to effectively magnetically screen a bulk superconducting layer such that it can operate at higher field gradients before suffering critically detrimental SRF losses. This dissertation focuses on the production and characterization of thin film superconductors for such SIS layers for radio frequency applications. Correlated studies on structure, surface morphology and superconducting properties of epitaxial Nb and MgB2 thin films are presented.

Beringer, Douglas↗

Quantum Transport in 2D Semiconductors

Leveraging progress in synthesis of ultra-pure transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) crystals, our team has made key breakthroughs in the study of quantum states in two-dimensional (2D) TMD semiconductors. Using a capacitance spectroscopy technique, we have observed the first signatures of fractional quantum Hall states in monolayer WSe 2 and clear signatures of interlayer exciton condensates in bilayer WSe 2 . In a transport study of bilayer WSe 2 , we report observation of spin-selective magneto-conductivity in WSe 2 . To improve electrical transport studies, we have focused on metal-TMD contacts by studying the behavior of metal-TMD contacts in the clean limit, and developing a new contact doping technique that achieves Ohmic contact down to low temperature and low carrier density. Using this new technique, we study electrical transport in monolayer WSe 2 down to low temperature and low carrier density, finding record-high hole mobility and evidence of a metal-insulator transition at low density. Under high magnetic fields, we observe clear signatures of fractional quantum Hall effect in transport for the first time in a TMD.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Pressure-Induced Insulator–Metal Transition in Two-Dimensional Mott Insulator NiPS 3

The pressure-induced insulator to metal transition (IMT) of layered magnetic nickel phosphorous tri-sulfide NiPS 3 was studied in-situ under quasi-uniaxial conditions by means of electrical resistance (R) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. This sluggish transition is shown to occur at 35 GPa. Transport measurements show no evidence of superconductivity to the lowest measured temperature (~2 K). The structure results presented here differ from earlier in-situ work that subjected the sample to a different pressure state, suggesting that in NiPS 3 the phase stability fields are highly dependent on strain. Furthermore, it is suggested that careful control of the strain is essential when studying the electronic and magnetic properties of layered van der Waals solids.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Advances in cryogenic engineering. Vols. 35A & 35B - Proceedings of the 1989 Cryogenic Engineering Conference, University of California, Los Angeles, July 24-28, 1989

The book presents a review of literature on superfluid helium, together with papers under the topics on heat and mass transfer in He II; applications of He II for cooling superconducting devices in space; heat transfer to liquid helium and liquid nitrogen; multilayer insulation; applications of superconductivity, including topics on magnets and other devices, magnet stability and coil protection, and cryogenic techniques; and refrigeration for electronics. Other topics discussed include refrigeration of superconducting systems; the expanders, cold compressors, and pumps for liquid helium; dilution refrigerators; magnetic refrigerators; pulse tube refrigerators; cryocoolers for space applications; properties of cryogenic fluids; cryogenic instrumentation; hyperconducting devices (cryogenic magnets); cryogenic applications in space science and technology and in transportation; and miscellaneous cryogenic techniques and applications.

Fast, R. W.↗

Electrodynamic Tethers for Spacecraft Propulsion

Electrodynamic (Drag) Tether Thrust Principles: a) Uses both solar energy and consumes no propellant. b) Tether's orbital velocity v (approx. 7500 m/s) through North-pointing geomagnetic field B(sub north) (0.18 - 0.32 Gauss) induces voltage (35 - 160 V/km) in tether. c) Return current is through surrounding plasma. d) Current I produces a drag thrust force F on the tether. e) Magnetic force F from current I through insulated tether of length l: F = lI x B(sub north).

Johnson, Les↗

2012 CORRELATED ELECTRON SYSTEMS GRC AND GRS, JUNE 23-29, 2012

The 2012 Gordon Conference on Correlated Electron Systems will present cutting-edge research on emergent properties arising from strong electronic correlations. While we expect the discussion at the meeting to be wide-ranging, given the breadth of the title subject matter, we have chosen several topics to be the particular focus of the talks. These are New Developments in Single and Bilayer Graphene, Topological States of Matter, including Topological Insulators and Spin Liquids, the Interplay Between Magnetism and Unconventional Superconductivity, and Quantum Critical Phenomena in Metallic Systems. We also plan to have shorter sessions on Systems Far From Equilibrium, Low Dimensional Electron Fluids, and New Directions (which will primarily focus on new experimental methodologies and their interpretation).

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Thermonuclear dynamo inside ultracentrifuge with supersonic plasma flow stabilization

Einstein's general theory of relativity implies the existence of virtual negative masses in the rotational reference frame of an ultracentrifuge with the negative mass density of the same order of magnitude as the positive mass density of a neutron star. In an ultracentrifuge, the repulsive gravitational field of this negative mass can simulate the attractive positive mass of a mini-neutron star, and for this reason can radially confine a dense thermonuclear plasma placed inside the centrifuge, very much as the positive mass of a star confines its plasma by its own attractive gravitational field. If the centrifuge is placed in an externally magnetic field to act as the seed field of a magnetohydrodynamic generator, the configuration resembles a magnetar driven by the release of energy through nuclear fusion, accelerating the plasma to supersonic velocities, with the magnetic field produced by the thermomagnetic Nernst effect insulating the hot plasma from the cold wall of the centrifuge. Because of the supersonic flow and the high plasma density the configuration is stable.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The unexpected properties of alkali metal iron selenide superconductors

The iron-based superconductors that contain FeAs layers as the fundamental building block in the crystal structures have been rationalized in the past using ideas based on the Fermi surface nesting of hole and electron pockets when in the presence of weak Hubbard U interactions. This approach seemed appropriate considering the small values of the magnetic moments in the parent compounds and the clear evidence based on photoemission experiments of the required electron and hole pockets. However, recent results in the context of alkali metal iron selenides, with generic chemical composition AxFe2ySe2 (A alkali metal element), have challenged those previous ideas since at particular compositions y the low-temperature ground states are insulating and display antiferromagnetic order with large iron magnetic moments. Moreover, angle-resolved photoemission studies have revealed the absence of hole pockets at the Fermi level in these materials. The present status of this exciting area of research, with the potential to alter conceptually our understanding of the ironbased superconductors, is here reviewed, covering both experimental and theoretical investigations. Other recent related developments are also briefly reviewed, such as the study of selenide two-leg ladders and the discovery of superconductivity in a single layer of FeSe. The conceptual issues considered established for the alkali metal iron selenides, as well as several issues that still require further work, are discussed.

Dagotto, Elbio R↗

Ferromagnetic MnBi 4 Te 7 obtained with low-concentration Sb doping: A promising platform for exploring topological quantum states

The tuning of the magnetic phase, chemical potential, and structure is crucial to observe diverse exotic topological quantum states in Mn Bi 2 Te 4 (Bi 2 Te 3 ) m (m = 0–3). Here we show a ferromagnetic (FM) phase with a chiral crystal structure in Mn (Bi 1–x Sb x ) 4 Te 7 , obtained via tuning the growth conditions and Sb concentration. Unlike previously reported Mn (Bi 1–x Sb x ) 4 Te 7 , which exhibits FM transitions only at high Sb doping levels, our samples show FM transitions (T C = 13.5 K) at 15%–27% doping levels. Furthermore, our single-crystal x-ray-diffraction structure refinements find Sb doping leads to a chiral structure with the space group of P3, contrasted with the centrosymmetric $P\bar{3}m1$ crystal structure of the parent compound MnBi 4 Te 7 . Through angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements, we also demonstrated that the nontrivial band topology is preserved in the Sb-doped FM samples. Given that the nontrivial band topology of this system remains robust for low Sb doping levels, our success in making FM Mn(Bi 1–x Sb x ) 4 Te 7 with x = 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, and 0.27 paves the way for realizing the predicted topological quantum states, such as the axion insulator and Weyl semimetals. Additionally, we also observed magnetic glassy behavior in both antiferromagnetic MnBi 4 Te 7 and FM Mn (Bi 1–x Sb x )4 Te 7 samples, which we believe originates from cluster spin-glass phases coexisting with long-range antiferromagnetic/FM orders. Further, we have also discussed how the antisite Mn ions impact the interlayer magnetic coupling and how FM interlayer coupling is stabilized in this system.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Magnetism of perovskite cobaltites with Kramers rare-earth ions

The band-gap insulators RECoO{sub 3} (RE = Nd{sup 3+}, Sm{sup 3+}, and Dy{sup 3+}) with Co{sup 3+} ions stabilized in the non-magnetic low-spin state have been investigated by specific heat measurements. The experiments evidence an antiferromagnetic ordering of the rare earths with Néel temperature of T{sub N} = 1.25, 1.50, and 3.60 K for NdCoO{sub 3}, SmCoO{sub 3}, and DyCoO{sub 3}, respectively. With increasing external field, the lambda peak in specific heat, indicative of the transition, shifts to lower temperatures and vanishes for field of about 3 T. Starting from this point, a broader Schottky peak is formed, centered in 1 K range, and its position is moved to higher temperatures proportionally to applied field. The origin of the peak is in Zeeman splitting of the ground Kramers doublet, and the gradual shift with field defines effective g-factors for the rare-earth pseudospins in studied compounds. The results obtained are confronted with the calculations of crystal field splitting of the rare-earth multiplets.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Numerical investigation of magneto-inertial fusion targets magnetized by dynamic enforcement of helical current flow

Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) targets require premagnetization to reduce thermal conduction losses from the laser-heated fuel to the liner material during implosion. MagLIF targets are typically magnetized by external magnetic field coils which are technologically limited to providing <20 T axial magnetic fields in the fusion fuel. We present a novel target design, AutoMag-D, which employs dynamic enforcement of helical current in the liner, resulting in >20 T axial magnetic field in the fuel region prior to implosion without the need of external magnetic field coils. These self-magnetizing liners are made of helically oriented alternating electrically conductive material and electrically insulating material surrounded by a thin, conductive outer radial layer. As the liner is pulsed with a ∼ 20 MA, ∼ 100 ns rise time drive current from Z, the outer layer of conductive material is shocked and intensely Joule heated, causing it to melt, vaporize, and turn to plasma. This allows the magnetic drive field to diffuse radially inward which dynamically enforces current flow in the helical conduction paths in the liner and produces axial magnetic field in the fuel region prior to implosion of the inner liner surface. AutoMag-D liner designs do not require dielectric breakdown of electrically insulating material (as in traditional auto-magnetizing helical liners) and do not require helical return current geometries (as in dynamic screw pinches). We present results from three-dimensional radiation-magnetohydrodynamic simulations of MagLIF implosions employing AutoMag-D liner designs. Simulated AutoMag-D targets demonstrate improved fuel conditions and thermonuclear yield compared to traditional MagLIF.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Megagauss-level magnetic field production in cm-scale auto-magnetizing helical liners pulsed to 500 kA in 125 ns

We present Auto-magnetizing (AutoMag) liners [Slutz et al., Phys. Plasmas 24, 012704 (2017)] are designed to generate up to 100 T of axial magnetic field in the fuel for Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion [Slutz et al., Phys. Plasmas 17, 056303 (2010)] without the need for external field coils. AutoMag liners (cylindrical tubes) are composed of discrete metallic helical conduction paths separated by electrically insulating material. Initially, helical current in the AutoMag liner produces internal axial magnetic field during a long (100 to 300 ns) current prepulse with an average current rise rate dI/dt=5 kA/ns. After the cold fuel is magnetized, a rapidly rising current (200 kA/ns) generates a calculated electric field of 64 MV/m between the helices. Such field is sufficient to force dielectric breakdown of the insulating material after which liner current is reoriented from helical to predominantly axial which ceases the AutoMag axial magnetic field production mechanism and the z-pinch liner implodes. Proof of concept experiments have been executed on the Mykonos linear transformer driver to measure the axial field produced by a variety of AutoMag liners and to evaluate what physical processes drive dielectric breakdown. Lastly, a range of field strengths have been generated in various cm-scale liners in agreement with magnetic transient simulations including a measured field above 90 T at I = 350 kA. By varying the helical pitch angle, insulator material, and insulator geometry, favorable liner designs have been identified for which breakdown occurs under predictable and reproducible field conditions.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Magnetic and electronic properties unveil polaron formation in Eu$$_5$$In$$_2$$Sb$$_6$$

Abstract The intermetallic compound Eu $$_5$$ 5 In $$_2$$ 2 Sb $$_6$$ 6 , an antiferromagnetic material with nonsymmorphic crystalline structure, is investigated by magnetic, electronic transport and specific heat measurements. Being a Zintl phase, insulating behavior is expected. Our thermodynamic and magnetotransport measurements along different crystallographic directions strongly indicate polaron formation well above the magnetic ordering temperatures. Pronounced anisotropies of the magnetic and transport properties even above the magnetic ordering temperature are observed despite the Eu $$^{2+}$$ 2 + configuration which testify to complex and competing magnetic interactions between these ions and give rise to intricate phase diagrams discussed in detail. Our results provide a comprehensive framework for further detailed study of this multifaceted compound with possible nontrivial topology.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Interlaminar Fracture Toughness Testing of Nb3Sn Insulation Systems

Epoxy cracking has been the main suspected contributor to training in Nb3Sn magnets for some time, as it leads to energy release and magnet quenching. Cracking in a superconducting composite can occur from several modes, and the likelihood of these modes is not well understood. Failure has been observed between insulation systems and the superconducting cable itself rather than within the cable or insulation. To target the behavior at the interface, samples have been fabricated and tested for mode I fracture toughness in an adapted version of ASTM D5528. This work seeks to better characterize the fracture toughness of this interface to better understand how to model and design insulation systems.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Study of Polycrystalline Bulk Sr 3 OsO 6 Double-Perovskite Insulator: Comparison with 1000 K Ferromagnetic Epitaxial Films

Polycrystalline Sr 3 OsO 6 , which is an ordered double-perovskite insulator, is synthesized via solid-state reaction under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions of 1200 ° C and 6 GPa. The synthesis enables us to conduct a comparative study of the bulk form of Sr3OsO6 toward revealing the driving mechanism of 1000 K ferromagnetism, which has recently been discovered for epitaxially grown Sr 3 OsO 6 films. Unlike the film, the bulk is dominated by antiferromagnetism rather than ferromagnetism. Thus, robust ferromagnetic order appears only when Sr 3 OsO 6 is under the influence of interfaces. A specific heat capacity of 39.6(9) X 10 -3 J mol -1 K -2 is found at low temperatures (<17 K). This value is remarkably high, suggesting the presence of possible Fermionic-like excitations at the magnetic ground state. While the bulk and film forms of Sr 3 OsO 6 share the same lattice basis and electrically insulating state, the magnetism is entirely different between them.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Evolution of magnetic interactions in Sb-substituted MnBi 2 Te 4

The Mn(Bi 1–x Sb x ) 2 Te 4 series is purported to span from an antiferromagnetic (AF) topological insulator at x = 0 to a trivial AF insulator at x = 1. Here we report on neutron diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering studies of the magnetic interactions across this series. All compounds measured possess ferromagnetic (FM) triangular layers and we find a crossover from AF to FM interlayer coupling near x = 1 for our samples. The large spin gap at x = 0 closes rapidly and the average FM exchange interactions within the triangular layer increase with Sb substitution. Similar to a previous study of MnBi 2 Te 4 , we find severe spectral broadening which increases dramatically across the compositional series. In addition to broadening, we observe an additional sharp magnetic excitation in MnSb 2 Te 4 that may indicate the development of local magnetic modes originating from antisite disorder between Mn and Sb sublattices. Here, the results suggest that both substitutional and antisite disorder contribute substantially to the magnetism in Mn(Bi 1–x Sb x ) 2 Te 4 .

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗