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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Phonon-mediated lipid raft formation in biological membranes

Short-wavelength collective molecular motions, also known as phonons, have recently attracted much interest in revealing dynamic properties of biological membranes through the use of neutron and x-ray scattering, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, and molecular dynamics simulations. Experimentally detecting unique vibrational patterns such as, shear phonon excitations, viscoelastic crossovers, transverse acoustic phonon gaps, and continuous and truncated optical phonon modes in cellular membranes, to name a few, has proven non-trivial. Here, we review recent advances in liquid thermodynamics that have resulted in the development of the phonon theory of 1 liquids. The theory has important predictions regarding the shear vibrational spectra of fluids, namely the emergence of viscoelastic crossovers and transverse acoustic phonon gaps. Furthermore, we show that these vibrational patterns are common in soft (non-crystalline) materials, including, but not limited to liquids, colloids, liquid crystals (mesogens), block copolymers, and biological membranes. The existence of viscoelastic crossovers and acoustic phonon gaps define the self-diffusion properties of cellular membranes and provide a molecular picture of the transient nature of lipid rafts.1 Importantly, the timescales (picoseconds) for the formation and dissolution of transient lipid rafts match the lifetime of the formation and breakdown of interfacial water hydrogen bonds. Apart from acoustic propagating phonon modes, biological membranes can also support more energetic non-propagating optical phonon excitations, also known as standing waves or breathing modes. Importantly, optical phonons can be truncated due to the existence of finite size nanodomains made up of strongly correlated lipid-cholesterol molecular pairs. These strongly coupled molecular pairs can serve as nucleation centers for the formation of stable rafts at larger length scales, due to correlations of spontaneous fluctuations (Onsager’s regression hypothesis). Finally and importantly, molecular level viscoelastic crossovers, acoustic phonon gaps, and continuous and truncated optical phonon modes may offer insights as to how lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions enable biological function.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Prospects for detecting UF6 hydrolysis intermediates by mass spectrometry, resonance Raman, and NQR spectroscopy

Simulations are performed to consider several spectrometric and spectroscopic candidates for elucidating the mechanism of the hydrolysis of uranium hexafluoride (UF6). This study is among the first to benchmark the def-mTZVP basis sets for actinide-containing molecules, and it is shown to be a suitable basis set for surveying geometrical structures and vibrational spectra when used in conjunction with density functional theory. An experiment is proposed coupling mass spectrometric ion selection with vibrational spectroscopy, and supporting infrared and Raman spectral simulations demonstrate that ionization blue-shifts bands and can change their qualitative features. Ultraviolet resonance Raman is shown to have good prospects for discriminating U–O–U bridged intermediates, evidence for which was observed recently [L. E. McNamara et al., J. Phys. Chem. A 130, 775–786 (2026)]. As a more speculative approach, we also consider the prospect of addressing 233U or 235U nuclei by quadrupole resonance (NQR) spectroscopy for assigning early stage intermediate complexes. In doing so, we provide a first order-of-magnitude estimate for the collision-induced NQR signal for the UF6 dimer, which is of interest for the interpretation of a fast decoherence time observed in liquid-phase nuclear magnetic resonance. Having provided critical insights into the formation and stability of UF6 hydrolysis intermediates in previous studies, this computational spectroscopy survey is expected to help guide and expedite future laboratory campaigns.

Lutz, Jesse J. [Center for Computing Research, San↗
DOE OSTI2024

First-principles investigation of elastic, vibrational, and thermodynamic properties of kagome metals CsM 3 Te 5 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf)

Kagome metals are a unique class of quantum materials characterized by their distinct atomic lattice arrangement, featuring interlocking triangles and expansive hexagonal voids. These lattice structures impart exotic properties, including superconductivity, interaction-driven topological many-body phenomena, and magnetism, among others. The kagome metal CsM 3 ⁢Te 5 (where M = Ti, Zr, or Hf) exhibits both superconductivity and nontrivial topological electronic properties, offering a promising platform for exploring topological superconductivity. This study employs first-principles density functional theory calculations to systematically analyze the elastic, mechanical, vibrational, thermodynamic, and electronic properties of CsM 3 ⁢Te 5 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf). Our calculations reveal that the studied compounds—CsTi 3 ⁢Te 5 , CsZr 3 ⁢Te 5 , and CsHf 3 ⁢Te 5 —are ductile metals with elastic properties akin to the hexagonal Bi and Sb, with average elastic constants, including a bulk modulus of 27 GPa, a shear modulus of 11 GPa, and Young's modulus of 29 GPa. We observe peculiar dispersionless, flat, phonon branches in the vibrational spectra of these metals. Additionally, we thoroughly analyze the symmetries of the zone-center phonon eigenvectors and predict vibrational fingerprints of the Raman- and infrared-active phonon modes. The analysis of thermodynamic properties reveals the Einstein temperature for CsTi 3 ⁢Te 5 , CsZr 3 ⁢Te 5 , and CsHf 3 ⁢Te 5 to be 66, 54, and 53 K, respectively. Our orbital-decomposed electronic structure calculations reveal significant in-plane steric interactions and multiple Dirac band crossings near the Fermi level. We further investigate the role of spin-orbit coupling effect on the studied properties. Furthermore, this theoretical investigation sheds light on the intriguing quantum behavior of kagome metals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1995

A Coupled-Cluster Study of the Molecular Structure, Vibrational Spectrum, and Heats of Formation of XONO2 (X=H, F, Cl)

The equilibrium structures, harmonic vibrational frequencies, dipole moments, and IR intensities of nitric acid, fluorine nitrate, and chlorine nitrate have been investigated by using the singles and doubles coupled cluster method that also includes a perturbational estimate of the effects of connected triple excitations, CCSD(T). A standard triple-zeta double-polarized basis set was utilized. The equilibrium geometries and vibrational spectra of HONO2 and ClONO2 are shown to be in excellent agreement with the available experimental data. The ab initio vibrational spectrum of FONO2 is also shown to be in excellent agreement with experiment. Unlike the FOOF and FON molecules, but similar to the cis- and trans-FONO molecules, FONO2 is shown to possess normal bond distances. The bonding in FONO2 is shown to be more similar to that in ClONO2 than that in HONO2, although there are still significant differences, especially in the partial atomic charges as deduced from Mulliken populations. This causes FONO2 to possess almost no dipole moment, which is very different to both HONO2 and ClONO2. By using large atomic natural orbital basis sets, CCSD(T) energies are computed for four isodesmic reactions in order to determine an accurate heat of formation for FONO2. Our best estimate for DELTA H(raised circle) (sub f,298) is 3.1 plus or minus 2.0 kcal/mol, indicating that the F-ONO2 bond energy is 31.3 kcal/mol.

Lee, Timothy J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Theory of collision-induced translation-rotation spectra: H2-He

An adiabatic quantal theory of spectral line shapes in collision-induced absorption and emission is presented which incorporates the induced translation-rotation and translation-vibration spectra. The generalization to account for the anisotropy of the scattering potential is given. Calculations are carried out of the collision-induced absorption spectra of He in collisions with H2 with ab initio electric dipole functions and realistic potentials. The anisotropy of the interaction potential is small and is not included in the calculations. The predicted spectra are in satisfactory agreement with experimental data though some deviations occur which may be significant. The rotational line shapes have exponential wings and are not Lorentzian. The connection between the quantal and classical theories is written out explicitly for the isotropic overlap induction.

Birnbaum, G.↗
DOE OSTI2020

The Activation of Hydrogen by First-Row Transition-Metal Complexes. Final Report

We have assigned the vibrational spectra of Os 1 and Os 2 complexes of propene, butene, and acetylene, and have used them for the assignment of the vibrational frequencies of surface alkenes and alkynes. We have measured the rates of H• transfer from (C 5 R 5 )Cr(CO) 3 H to olefins of many structural types, and have learned that even one substituent on the carbon to which the H• is transferred slows down the reaction considerably. We have shown that these Cr hydrides are useful catalysts for chain transfer during radical polymerization reactions. We have determined the strengths of several M–H bonds (in particular Cr–H ones), and have confirmed that the hydrides of first-row transition metals are particularly useful for generating radicals. We have used H• transfer to terminal methylenes to generate radicals that cyclize. We have shown that (C 5 R 5 )Cr(CO) 3 H can be regenerated under H 2 and is therefore catalytic, but that (P–P)V(CO) 4 H cannot be regenerated from H 2 and therefore can only be used stoichiometrically for radical generation. (The V-H bonds are weaker than the Cr–H ones, and the H• transfer to an olefin is therefore faster.) We have found that, under five atm of H 2 pressure, cobaloximes catalyze H• transfer; they efficiently remove an H• from cyclized radicals, and therefore can be used to catalyze the cycloisomerization of some olefins. We have explored the one- and two-electron oxidation of (Ph 3 P) 6 Cu 6 H 6 . One-electron oxidation (which is reversible) generates a cation radical, whereas two-electron oxidation generates loss of a hydride (i.e., two electrons and a proton). We have found that the hydricity of (Ph 3 P) 6 Cu 6 H 6 is between 36 and 50 kcal/mol. We have shown that uncongested organic radicals (i.e., TEMPO) can catalyze H• transfer from (C 5 R 5 )Cr(CO) 3 H to congested radicals like Ar 3 C•. We have examined the one-electron oxidation of [CpV(CO 3 H] – , and have inferred from the results that the reduction of alkyl iodides with [CpV(CO 3 H] – occurs by one-electron transfer. We have been able to use that reagent to catalyze radical cyclizations from H 2 and appropriate alkyl iodides.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Use of vibrational spectroscopy to identify the formation of neptunyl–neptunyl interactions: a paired density functional theory and Raman spectroscopy study

Actinyl–Actinyl interactions (AAIs) occur in pentavalent actinide systems, particularly for neptunium (Np), and lead to complex vibrational signals that are challenging to analyze and interpret. Previous studies have focused on neptunyl–neptunyl dimeric species, but trimers and tetramers have been identified as the primary motif for extended topologies observed in solid-state materials. Our hypothesis is that trimeric and tetrameric AAIs lead to the additional signals in the vibrational spectra, but this has yet to be explored systematically. Herein, we investigate three different neptunyl–neptunyl subunits (dimeric, trimeric, tetrameric) and determine the vibrational frequencies of the O=Np=O stretches using both computational and experimental approaches. Density Functional Theory (DFT) was used to identify distinct vibrational motions related to specific neptunyl oligomers and compared to previous literature precedent from Np(V) in HClO 4 and HCl systems. The vibrational behavior of Np(V) in HNO 3 was then evaluated via Raman spectroscopy. As the solution evaporated signals were linked to trimeric and tetrameric models. Solid phases produced in the evaporation include (NpO 2 ) 2 (NO 3 ) 2 (H 2 O) 5 and newly identified crystalline phase, Na(NpO 2 )(NO 3 ) 2 ·4H 2 O (NpNa). Furthermore, the combined computational studies and vibrational analysis provide evidence for unique observable vibrational bands for each polymerized subunit, allowing us to assign spectral features to trimeric and tetrameric models within three different simple anionic systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2003

Anharmonic Vibrational Spectroscopy of the F-(H20)n, complexes, n=1,2

We report anharmonic vibrational spectra (fundamentals, first overtones) for the F-(H(sub 2)O) and F-(H(sub 2)O)2 clusters computed at the MP2 and CCSD(T) levels of theory with basis sets of triple zeta quality. Anharmonic corrections were estimated via the correlation-corrected vibrational self-consistent field (CC-VSCF) method. The CC-VSCF anharmonic spectra obtained on the potential energy surfaces evaluated at the CCSD(T) level of theory are the first ones reported at a correlated level beyond MP2. We have found that the average basis set effect (TZP vs. aug-cc-pVTZ) is on the order of 30-40 cm(exp -1), whereas the effects of different levels of electron correlation [MP2 vs. CCSD(T)] are smaller, 20-30 cm(exp -1). However, the basis set effect is much larger in the case of the H-bonded O-H stretch of the F-(H(sub 2)O) cluster amounting to 100 cm(exp -1) for the fundamentals and 200 cm (exp -1) for the first overtones. Our calculations are in agreement with the limited available set of experimental data for the F-(H(sub 2)O) and F-(H(sub 2)O)2 systems and provide additional information that can guide further experimental studies.

Chaban, Galina M.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Computational insights into the structure of anhydrous Pu(III) oxalate

Despite the plutonium oxalate method's wide use in plutonium reprocessing, the method's mechanistic details remain unclear, particularly the identity of the plutonium oxidation state during conversion from an oxalate hydrate to the oxide. Recently, the optical vibrational spectra of Pu(III) oxalate during calcination were measured, providing an experimental reference for computational studies aimed at elucidating the oxalate structure. Here, in this work, we compare the vibrational and electronic properties of two candidate anhydrous Pu(III) oxalate structures calculated using density functional theory with recent experiments. We find that both structures are plausible and may coexist at experimental temperatures, providing insights into the broad features measured in the Raman and infrared spectra.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1990

High resolution spectroscopy in the microwave and far infrared

High resolution rotational spectroscopy has long been central to remote sensing techniques in atmospheric sciences and astronomy. As such, laboratory measurements must supply the required data to make direct interpretation of data for instruments which sense atmospheres using rotational spectra. Spectral measurements in the microwave and far infrared regions are also very powerful tools when combined with infrared measurements for characterizing the rotational structure of vibrational spectra. In the past decade new techniques were developed which have pushed high resolution spectroscopy into the wavelength region between 25 micrometers and 2 mm. Techniques to be described include: (1) harmonic generation of microwave sources, (2) infrared laser difference frequency generation, (3) laser sideband generation, and (4) ultrahigh resolution interferometers.

Pickett, Herbert M.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Laboratory Spectra of CO2 Vibrational Modes in Planetary Ice Analogs

Laboratory spectra have shown that CO2 is a powerful diagnostic tool for analyzing infrared data from remote observations, as it has been detected on icy moons in the outer Solar System as well as dust grain surfaces in the interstellar medium (ISM). IR absorption band profiles of CO2 within ice mixtures containing H2O and CH3OH change with respect to temperature and mixture ratios. In this particular study, the CO2 asymmetric stretching mode near 4.3 m (2350 cm (exp-1)), overtone mode near 1.97 m (5080 cm (exp-1)), and the combination bands near 2.7 m (3700 cm (exp-1)), 2.8 m (3600 cm (exp-1)), and 2.02 m (4960 cm (exp -1)), are systematically observed in different mixtures with H2O and CH3OH in temperature ranges from 15K to 150 K. Additionally, some high-temperature deposits (T greater than 50 K) of H2O, CH3OH, and CO2 ice mixtures were performed. These data may then be used to interpret infrared observational data obtained from icy surfaces in the outer Solar System and beyond.

White, Douglas↗
DOE OSTI2024

High-temperature Raman spectroscopy of K 2 Ca(CO 3 ) 2 bütschliite and Na 2 Ca 2 (CO 3 ) 3 shortite

Raman spectra of Na 2 Ca 2 (CO 3 ) 3 shortite and K 2 Ca(CO 3 ) 2 bütschliite were measured to 715°C and 740°C respectively, under vacuum. The vibrational spectra demonstrate that shortite converts to nyerereite (Na 2 Ca(CO 3 ) 2 ) and calcite at 535°C. This assemblage is stable to ~700°C, where nyerereite begins to decompose. Bütschliite converts to the isochemical phase fairchildite at 570°C, which is stable to 665°C, where it decomposes to an assemblage of K 2 CO 3 and CaO. The variation of anharmonicity between different vibrational modes of each of the low temperature phases is assessed, and these yield insights into inter-carbonate group couplings. In conclusion, both fairchildite and nyerereite exhibit spectral features consistent with extensive disordering.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1973

Development and application of vibroacoustic structural data banks in predicting vibration design and test criteria for rocket vehicle structures

A method of predicting broadband random vibration criteria for components on space vehicles is presented. Large amounts of vibration and acoustic data obtained from flights and static firing tests of space vehicle were formulated into vibroacoustic data banks for structural categories of ring frame, skin stringer, and honeycomb. The vibration spectra with their associated acoustic spectra are normalized to a reference acoustic spectrum. The individual normalized spectra are grouped according to definite structural characteristics and statistically analyzed to form the vibroacoustic data banks described in this report. These data banks represent the reference vibration criteria available for determining the new vehicle vibration criteria.

Bandgren, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Raman spectra of solid benzene under high pressure

Raman spectra of solid benzene have been measured at room temperature up to about 140 kbar, using the diamond anvil cell. Effort has been focused upon the lattice vibration spectra at pressures above that of phase II. It is found that a change in slopes occurs in the frequency-pressure curves at about 40 kbar. Furthermore, a new band appears above 90 kbar. These features probably correspond respectively to the II-III phase transition, which has been reported previously, and a III-IV phase transition, reported here for the first time.

Thiery, M.-M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Collisional narrowing effects in the Raman Q-branch spectral profiles of N2, CO, and NO

A description is presented of coherent Raman spectroscopic studies of N2, CO, and NO molecules. It is pointed out that the Q-branch Raman spectra of these simple diatomics are characterized by lines which overlap with increasing pressure as a result of collisional line broadening. Attention is given to Q-branch vibrational spectra and their determination, the spectral line shape of isolated lines, the line overlap regime, fitting laws, and the isotropic Raman spectrum of NO. It is found that the room temperature spectra of the considered molecules at low pressure (approximately 0.2 atm) may be treated as a sum of isolated lines. It is possible to extract J-dependent pressure-broadening coefficients. With increasing pressure, collisional narrowing occurs and the description of the spectrum must include the effects of interference among neighboring lines.

Hurst, W. S.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Localized Phonon Densities of States at Grain Boundaries in Silicon

Since it is now possible to record vibrational spectra at nanometer scales in the electron microscope, it is of interest to explore whether extended defects in crystals such as dislocations or grain boundaries will result in measurable changes of the phonon densities of states (dos) that are reflected in the spectra. Phonon densities of states were calculated for a set of high angle grain boundaries in silicon. The boundaries are modeled by supercells with up to 160 atoms, and the vibrational densities of states were calculated by taking the Fourier transform of the velocity–velocity autocorrelation function from molecular dynamics simulations with larger supercells doubled in all three directions. In selected cases, the results were checked on the original supercells by comparison with the densities of states obtained by diagonalizing the dynamical matrix calculated using density functional theory. Near the core of the grain boundary, the height of the optic phonon peak in the dos at 60 meV was suppressed relative to features due to acoustic phonons that are largely unchanged relative to their bulk values. This can be attributed to the variation in the strength of bonds in grain boundary core regions where there is a range of bond lengths.

Materials Science↗
DOE OSTI2022

Computational insights into the lattice dynamics of Pu(IV) oxalates

Despite its use in PuO 2 production, the structure of anhydrous Pu(C 2 O 4 ) 2 is still not completely understood. Recently, two candidate structures for Pu(C 2 O 4 ) 2 were proposed via density functional theory (DFT), after which the first experimental optical vibrational spectra were reported. Here, in this study, we calculated the lattice dynamics of the candidate structures using DFT and found that the primary difference between them is the presence of a vibrational mode near 1380 cm -1 in one structure. The frequency and optical activity of this mode agree well with the published experimental results, providing strong support for this calculated structure as that of anhydrous Pu(C 2 O 4 ) 2 .

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
NASA NTRS1992

Comparison of analysis and experiment for gearbox noise

Low contact ratio spur gears were tested in the NASA gear-noise rig to study the noise radiated from the top of the gearbox. Experimental results were compared with a NASA acoustics code to validate the code for predicting transmission noise. The analytical code is based on the boundary element method (BEM) which models the gearbox top as a plate in an infinite baffle. Narrow band vibration spectra measured at 63 nodes on the gearbox top were used to produce input data for the BEM model. The BEM code predicted the total sound power based on the measured vibration. The measured sound power was obtained from an acoustic intensity scan taken near the surface of the gearbox at the same 63 nodes used for vibration measurement. Analytical and experimental results were compared at four different speeds for sound power at each of the narrow band frequencies over the range of 400 to 3200 Hz. Results are also compared for the sound power level at meshing frequency plus three sideband pairs and at selected gearbox resonant frequencies. The difference between predicted and measure sound power is typically less than 3 dB with the predicted value generally less than the measured value.

Oswald, Fred B.↗