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At least 127 records · Page 7

Microstrip reflectarray antenna for the SCANSCAT radar application

This publication presents an antenna system that has been proposed as one of the candidates for the SCANSCAT (Scanned Scatterometer) radar application. It is the mechanically steered planar microstrip reflectarray. Due to its thin, lightweight structure, the antenna's mechanical rotation will impose minimum angular momentum for the spacecraft. Since no power-dividing circuitry is needed for its many radiating microstrip patches, this electrically large array antenna demonstrates excellent power efficiency. In addition, this fairly new antenna concept can provide many significant advantages over a conventional parabolic reflector. The basic formulation for the radiation fields of the microstrip reflectarray is presented. This formulation is based on the array theory augmented by the Uniform Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (UTD). A computer code for analyzing the microstrip reflectarray's performances, such as far-field patterns, efficiency, etc., is also listed in this report. It is proposed here that a breadboard unit of this microstrip reflectarray should be constructed and tested in the future to validate the calculated performance. The antenna concept presented here can also be applied in many other types of radars where a large array antenna is needed.

Huang, John↗

Charge ordering and structural transition in the new organic conductor {delta}'-(BEDT-TTF){sub 2}CF{sub 3}CF{sub 2}SO{sub 3}.

We report structural, transport, and optical properties and electronic structure calculations of the delta'-(BEDT-TTF) 2CF3CF2SO3 (BEDT-TTF = bis(ethylenedithio)-tetrathiafulvalene) organic conductor that has been synthesized by electrocrystallization. Electronic structure calculations demonstrate the quasi-one-dimensional Fermi surfaces of the compound, while the optical spectra are characteristic for a dimer-Mott insulator. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements reveal the structural phase transition at 200 K from the ambient-temperature monoclinic P2(1)/m phase to the low-temperature orthorhombic Pca2(1) phase, while the resistivity measurements clearly show the first order semiconductor-semiconductor transition at the same temperature. This transition is accompanied by charge-ordering as it is confirmed by splitting of charge-sensitive vibrational modes observed in the Raman and infrared spectra. The horizontal stripe charge-order pattern is suggested based on the crystal structure, band structure calculations, and optical spectra.

Olejniczak, Iwona↗

Higher Dimensionality in the Mg–Co–B System: Synthesis and Structure of Incommensurate Composite Mg 1+ε Co 4 B 4

Guided by high-temperature in situ X-ray diffraction, the discovery and synthesis of Mg 1+ε Co 4 B 4 (ε ≈ 0.272) using a MgH 2 hydride precursor is reported, along with a detailed crystal structure description and measurement of magnetic properties. The mismatch in lattice periodicities between Mg and Co–B substructures places Mg 1+ε Co 4 B 4 in the family of incommensurate composite crystals and prompted structural refinement in a (3 + 1)-dimensional model. The structure of Mg 1+ε Co 4 B 4 (P4 2 /ncm(00γ)s00s, a = 6.75847(7) Å, c = 3.94007(8) Å, q = (0, 0, 1.2721(3))) was refined from neutron powder diffraction and high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction data and confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Mg 1+ε Co 4 B 4 is isostructural to Nd 1+ε Fe 4 B 4 and several related ternary borides with 0.07 ≤ ε ≤ 0.17, with Mg occupying the rare-earth site. Satellite reflections in the electron diffraction patterns hinted at positional modulation of the transition metal–boron substructure by Mg atoms, but this could not be refined from the neutron or X-ray diffraction data. Low-temperature magnetic measurements show no indications of long-range magnetic ordering or superconductivity down to 5 K. DFT calculations confirmed the absence of a magnetically ordered ground state and the stability of a 5:4 supercell (ε = 0.25) relative to the fully commensurate structure. Neutron diffraction and synthesis from elemental Mg demonstrated that Mg 1+ε Co 4 B 4 is not a hydrogen-stabilized phase. Mg 1+ε Co 4 B 4 represents the second compound reported in the Mg–Co–B system and the first superspace symmetry model of a Nd 1+ε Fe 4 B 4 -type incommensurate composite compound refined from powder diffraction data.

chemical structure↗

Ultrafast electron diffraction of photoexcited gas-phase cyclobutanone predicted by ab initio multiple cloning simulations

We present the result of our calculations of ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) for cyclobutanone excited into the S2 electronic state, which is based on the non-adiabatic dynamics simulations with the Ab Initio Multiple Cloning (AIMC) method with the electronic structure calculated at the SA(3)-CASSCF(12,12)/aug-cc-pVDZ level of theory. The key features in the UED pattern were identified, which can be used to distinguish between the reaction pathways observed in the AIMC dynamics, although there is a significant overlap between representative signals due to the structural similarity of the products. The calculated UED pattern can be compared with the experiment.

Chemistry↗

Patterned dielectric back contact design for GaAs thermophotovoltaic devices

-Patterned-dielectric back contact structures in optoelectronic devices are designed to boost the reflectance of light from the device back surface while retaining a low-resistance pathway for electrical conductance. Their reduced light absorption at near- and sub-bandgap photon energies leads to improved luminescence in light-emitting diodes, greater photon recycling, voltage, and efficiency in photovoltaic cells, and greater recuperation of unabsorbed sub-bandgap light in thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems. However, diffraction from the patterned features can deflect incident light in propagation directions that lead to light trapping and parasitic absorption in the cell. Here, in this article, we use rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) to study three-dimensional diffractive scattering of electromagnetic waves by periodic metal point-contact gratings on 1.42-eV GaAs TPV cells, to analyze their effect on unwanted sub-bandgap absorption in order to achieve higher TPV system efficiency. Solutions of Maxwell's equations calculated using RCWA are compared to measured sub-bandgap reflectance in experimental GaAs TPV devices with varying metal point-contact diameters and spacing. Modeling and experiments indicate decreased total reflectance due to these diffractive effects for a small point contact diameter of 1 μm, and this effect is much stronger at higher contact coverage fractions.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Modified microstructures in proton irradiated dual phase 308L weldment filler material

In this study, the effect of proton irradiation on the microstructure of δ ferrite—γ austenite mixed phase 308L filler material in a 508–304 dissimilar metal weldment was investigated over a depth of 0 to 10 µm. Ni–Si–Mn G-phase precipitates were observed with SEM and TEM in δ ferrite but not in γ austenite. Our density functional theory based calculations show that the G/Fe interface energy in δ-Fe is significantly lower than that in γ-Fe (0.35 versus 1.25 J/m 2 ), which provides a thermodynamics-based explanation for our experimental observations of preferential formation of G-phase in δ ferrite. STEM-EDS, TEM dark field imaging, and diffraction patterns confirmed the Ni–Si–Mn enriched precipitates were G-phase precipitates with a stoichiometry of Mn 6 Ni 16 Si 7 . Intragranular voids and Ni–Si enriched clusters were observed in irradiated γ austenite. Additionally, Ni and Si segregation was observed along the void interfaces. In both cases, Ni–Si clusters and segregation to voids, selected area diffraction patterns did not reveal the existence of a second phase. Proton irradiation induced Cr depletion and Si and Ni enrichment at γ-γ austenite grain boundaries that was characterized with STEM/EDS.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Simulation and analysis of antennas radiating in a complex environment

A numerical procedure for computing the high-frequency radiation patterns of antennas mounted on curved surfaces is described. The procedure utilizes the uniform geometrical theory of diffraction to examine the antenna system's performance, which is dependent on antenna radiation patterns. Composite ellipsoid models of fuselage shapes are developed and the formation of geodesic paths on the models is studied; the shape of the fuselage affects the radiation patterns. The actual field radiated by the source and scattered by the structure is calculated using the ray field technique. The numerical solution is applied to the analysis of the antenna radiation patterns of a military aircraft, private aircraft, and the Space Shuttle orbiter. Good correlation between the calculated and measured radiation patterns is noted verifying the usefulness and accuracy of the numerical procedure.

Kim, J. J.↗

Analog Phase Holograms by Electron Beam Lithography

Phase holograms have been created on the surface of a thin film of poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA, Plexiglas) by direct-write electron beam (E-Beam) lithography. The process involves delivering a patterned exposure dose followed by partial development with a strong developer. The patterned dose derives from arbitrary computer-calculated holograms, which must be corrected for the sensitivity characteristic of the PMMA and for the effective point-spread function of the E-Beam.

phase↗

Method of calculating retroreflector-array transfer functions

Techniques and equations used in calculating the transfer functions to relate the observed return laser pulses to the center of mass of the Lageos satellite retroflector array, and for most of the retroreflector-equipped satellites now in orbit are described. The methods derived include the effects of coherent interference, diffraction, polarization, and dihedral-angle offsets. Particular emphasis is given to deriving expressions for the diffraction pattern and active reflecting area of various cube-corner designs.

Arnold, D. A.↗

GTD analysis of airborne antennas radiating in the presence of lossy dielectric layers

The patterns of monopole or aperture antennas mounted on a perfectly conducting convex surface radiating in the presence of a dielectric or metal plate are computed. The geometrical theory of diffraction is used to analyze the radiating system and extended here to include diffraction by flat dielectric slabs. Modified edge diffraction coefficients valid for wedges whose walls are lossy or lossless thin dielectric or perfectly conducting plates are developed. The width of the dielectric plates cannot exceed a quarter of a wavelength in free space, and the interior angle of the wedge is assumed to be close to 0 deg or 180 deg. Systematic methods for computing the individual components of the total high frequency field are discussed. The accuracy of the solutions is demonstrated by comparisons with measured results, where a 2 lambda by 4 lambda prolate spheroid is used as the convex surface. A jump or kink appears in the calculated pattern when higher order terms that are important are not included in the final solution. The most immediate application of the results presented here is in the modelling of structures such as aircraft which are composed of nonmetallic parts that play a significant role in the pattern.

Rojas-Teran, R. G.↗

Electronic and magnetic structures of a mixed triple perovskite: Ba 3 NiRuIrO 9

In search of spin-orbit coupling driven nonmagnetic J = 0 ground state and excitonic magnetism, various pentavalent iridates have been studied in recent years. However, a finite moment was observed in most of the cases due to solid state effects. Here, in this work, we investigate the electronic and magnetic structure of 6H hexagonal compound Ba 3 NiRuIrO 9 , where Ir 5+ is present along with magnetic Ni 2+ and Ru 5+ ions. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and neutron powder diffraction (NPD) experiments demonstrate the appearance of short-range magnetic ordering below 170 K and a long-range antiferromagnetic ordering below 80 K. The refinement of the NPD pattern further shows that the Ru and Ir moments interact antiferromagnetically within the dimer and interact ferromagnetically with the Ni sublattice. These experimental findings have been complemented by first-principles density functional theory calculations incorporating spin-orbit coupling effects and electronic correlations for the transitional metal d states. The computed magnetocrystalline anisotropy is also found to be significant and the crystallographic c axis comes out to be the easy axis of magnetization, consistent with the spin alignment direction found from NPD. This study shows that the mixed ruthenate iridate triple perovskite series is a promising family to study the interplay among spin-orbit coupling, electron correlation, and electron filling as a variety of Ba 3 M RuIrO 9 with M as a transition metal ion, rare-earth ion, and alkali metal ions can be synthesized.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

3D Lead-Organoselenide-Halide Perovskites and their Mixed-Chalcogenide and Mixed-Halide Alloys

Here, we incorporate Se into the 3D halide perovskite framework using the zwitterionic ligand: SeCYS ( + NH 3 (CH 2 ) 2 Se - ), which occupies both the X - and A + sites in the prototypical ABX 3 perovskite. The new organoselenide-halide perovskites: (SeCYS)PbX 2 (X=Cl, Br) expand upon the recently discovered organosulfide-halide perovskites. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction and pair distribution function analysis reveal the average structures of the organoselenide-halide perovskites, whereas the local lead coordination environments and their distributions were probed through solid-state 77 Se and 207 Pb NMR, complemented by theoretical simulations. Density functional theory calculations illustrate that the band structures of (SeCYS)PbX 2 largely resemble those of their S analogs, with similar band dispersion patterns, yet with a considerable band gap decrease. Optical absorbance measurements indeed show band gaps of 2.07 and 1.86 eV for (SeCYS)PbX 2 with X=Cl and Br, respectively. We further demonstrate routes to alloying the halides (Cl, Br) and chalcogenides (S, Se) continuously tuning the band gap from 1.86 to 2.31 eV–straddling the ideal range for tandem solar cells or visible-light photocatalysis. The comprehensive description of the average and local structures, and how they can fine-tune the band gap and potential trap states, respectively, establishes the foundation for understanding this new perovskite family, which combines solid-state and organo-main-group chemistry.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Fleetite, Cu 2 RhIrSb 2 , a New Species of Platinum-Group Mineral from the Miass Placer Zone, Southern Urals, Russia

Fleetite, Cu 2 RhIrSb 2 , a new species of platinum-group mineral (PGM), was discovered intergrown with an Os–Ir–Ru alloy in the Miass Placer Zone (Au–PGE), southern Urals, Russia. A single grain 50 μm across was found. Osmium, ruthenium, and iridium are the main associated minerals; also present are Pt–Fe alloys, laurite, Sb-rich irarsite, Rh-rich tolovkite, kashinite, anduoite, ferronickelplatinum, heazlewoodite, PGE-bearing pentlandite and digenite, as well as micrometric inclusions of forsterite (Fo 93.7 ), chromite–magnesiochromite, and Mg-rich edenite. In reflected light, fleetite is light gray; it is opaque, isotropic, non-pleochroic, and non-bireflectant. We report reflectance values measured in air. A mean of seven point-analyses (wavelength-dispersive spectrometry) gave Cu 13.93, Ni 8.60, Fe 0.10, Ir 28.07, Rh 7.91, Ru 1.96, Sb 39.28, total 99.85 wt.%, corresponding to (Cu 1.41 Ni 0.58 Fe 0.01 ) Σ2.00 (Rh 0.49 Ni 0.36 Ru 0.12 ) Σ0.97 Ir 0.95 Sb 2.08 on the basis of six atoms per formula unit, taking into account the structural results. The calculated density is 10.83 g/cm 3 . Single-crystal X-ray studies show that fleetite is cubic, space group Fdm (#227), a = 11.6682(8) Å, V = 1588.59(19) Å 3 , and Z = 16. A least-squares refinement of X-ray powder-diffraction data gave a = 11.6575(5) Å and V = 1584.22(19) Å 3 . The strongest five reflections in the powder pattern [d in Å(I)(hkl)] are: 6.70(75)(111), 4.13(100)(220), 3.52(30)(311), 2.380(50)(422), 2.064(40)(440). Results of synchrotron micro-Laue diffraction experiments are consistent [a = 11.66(2) Å]. The crystal structure of fleetite was solved and refined to R = 0.0340 based upon 153 reflections with F o > 4σ(F o ). It is isotypic with Pd 11 Bi 2 Se 2 and best described as intermetallic, with all metal atoms in 12-fold coordination. Fleetite and other late exotic phases were formed by reaction of the associated alloy phases with a fluid phase enriched in Sb, As, and S in circulation in the cooling ophiolite source-rock. The mineral is named after Michael E. Fleet (1938–2017) in recognition of his significant contributions to the Earth Sciences.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A numerical study of shock wave diffraction by a circular cylinder

The nonstationary shock wave diffraction patterns generated by a blast wave impinging on a circular cylinder are numerically simulated using a second-order hybrid upwind method for solving the two-dimensional inviscid compressible Euler equations of gasdynamics. The complete diffraction patterns, including the transition from regular to Mach reflection, trajectory of the Mach triple point and the complex shock-on-shock interaction at the wake region resulting from the Mach shocks collision behind the cylinder are reported in detail. Pressure-time history and various contour plots are also included. Comparison between the work of Bryson and Gross (1961) which included both experimental schlieren pictures and theoretical calculations using Whitham's ray-shock theory and results of the present finite difference computation indicate good agreement in every aspect except for some nonideal gas and viscous effects which are not accounted for by the Euler equations.

Yang, J.-Y.↗

Far field beam pattern of one MW combined beam of laser diode array amplifiers for space power transmission

The far-field beam pattern and the power-collection efficiency are calculated for a multistage laser-diode-array amplifier consisting of about 200,000 5-W laser diode arrays with random distributions of phase and orientation errors and random diode failures. From the numerical calculation it is found that the far-field beam pattern is little affected by random failures of up to 20 percent of the laser diodes with reference of 80 percent receiving efficiency in the center spot. The random differences in phases among laser diodes due to probable manufacturing errors is allowed to about 0.2 times the wavelength. The maximum allowable orientation error is about 20 percent of the diffraction angle of a single laser diode aperture (about 1 cm). The preliminary results indicate that the amplifier could be used for space beam-power transmission with an efficiency of about 80 percent for a moderate-size (3-m-diameter) receiver placed at a distance of less than 50,000 km.

Kwon, Jin H.↗

Physical properties of intergrowth compound Eu 2 CuZn 2 P 3

Here, the physical properties of single-crystalline Eu 2 ⁢CuZn 2 ⁢P 3 were inspected via thermodynamic, transport, and neutron diffraction measurements. Eu 2 ⁢ CuZn 2⁢ P 3 is composed of EuCuP and EuZn 2 ⁢ P 2 motifs stacked in a one-to-one ratio. The magnetic response of Eu 2 ⁢ CuZn 2 ⁢ P 3 is similar to that of EuZn 2 ⁢ P 2 in its A-type antiferromagnetic (semiconducting) state. A Néel temperature of T N = 40.3K is obtained from the specific heat capacity. Single-crystal neutron diffraction reveals a (001) magnetic propagation vector, with primarily in-plane moments coupled along [001] in an up-up-down-down pattern. This spin structure retains the ferromagnetic EuCuP motifs and antiferromagnetic coupling across the EuZn 2 ⁢P 2 motifs. The electrical resistivity is characterized by metallic behavior above 100 K, an increase in ρ upon cooling below ≈ 75K, and a large negative magnetoresistance below T N . First principles calculations evidence a narrow band gap for antiferromagnetic ordering and semimetallic behavior for the ferromagnetic state. This is consistent with the observed effect of magnetic field on the electrical resistivity. Hall effect measurements reveal a field-induced, negative anomalous Hall effect that increases on cooling down to 2 K. Also, an unconventional contribution to the Hall effect dominates the low-field Hall signal, particularly near T N , and is similar in appearance to a topological Hall effect. However, further work is necessary to understand if any of the transport properties have topological origins or if magnetism-induced modifications to the Fermi surface induce these unusual Hall effect signals in this and related materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Megahertz pulse trains enable multi-hit serial femtosecond crystallography experiments at X-ray free electron lasers

The European X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) and Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) II are extremely intense sources of X-rays capable of generating Serial Femtosecond Crystallography (SFX) data at megahertz (MHz) repetition rates. Previous work has shown that it is possible to use consecutive X-ray pulses to collect diffraction patterns from individual crystals. Here, we exploit the MHz pulse structure of the European XFEL to obtain two complete datasets from the same lysozyme crystal, first hit and the second hit, before it exits the beam. The two datasets, separated by <1 µs, yield up to 2.1 Å resolution structures. Comparisons between the two structures reveal no indications of radiation damage or significant changes within the active site, consistent with the calculated dose estimates. This demonstrates MHz SFX can be used as a tool for tracking sub-microsecond structural changes in individual single crystals, a technique we refer to as multi-hit SFX.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Pattern-matching indexing of Laue and monochromatic serial crystallography data for applications in materials science

Serial crystallography data can be challenging to index, as each frame is processed individually, rather than being processed as a whole like in conventional X-ray single-crystal crystallography. An algorithm has been developed to index still diffraction patterns arising from small-unit-cell samples. The algorithm is based on the matching of reciprocal-lattice vector pairs, as developed for Laue microdiffraction data indexing, combined with three-dimensional pattern matching using a nearest-neighbors approach. As a result, large-bandpass data (e.g. 5–24 keV energy range) and monochromatic data can be processed, the main requirement being prior knowledge of the unit cell. Furthermore, angles calculated in the vicinity of a few theoretical and experimental reciprocal-lattice vectors are compared, and only vectors with the highest number of common angles are selected as candidates to obtain the orientation matrix. Global matching on the entire pattern is then checked. Four indexing options are available, two for the ranking of the theoretical reciprocal-lattice vectors and two for reducing the number of possible candidates. Furthermore, the algorithm has been used to index several data sets collected under different experimental conditions on a series of model samples. Additionally, knowing the crystallographic structure of the sample and using this information to rank the theoretical reflections based on the structure factors helps the indexing of large-bandpass data for the largest-unit-cell samples. For small-bandpass data, shortening the candidate list to determine the orientation matrix should be based on matching pairs of reciprocal-lattice vectors instead of triplet matching.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗