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At least 1,261 records · Page 70
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Superconductivity and normal-state transport in compressively strained La 2 PrNi 2 O 7 thin films

The discovery of superconductivity under high pressure in Ruddlesden-Popper phases of bulk nickelates has sparked great interest in stabilizing ambient pressure superconductivity in thin-film form using epitaxial strain. Recently, signs of superconductivity have been observed in compressively strained bilayer nickelate thin films with an onset temperature exceeding 40 K, albeit with broad and two-step-like transitions. Here, in this study, we report intrinsic superconductivity and normal-state transport properties in compressively strained La 2 PrNi 2 O 7 thin films, achieved through a combination of isovalent Pr substitution, growth optimization, and precision ozone annealing. The superconducting onset occurs above 48 K, with zero resistance reached above 30 K, and the critical current density at 1.4 K is 100-fold larger than previous reports. The normal-state resistivity exhibits quadratic temperature dependence indicative of Fermi liquid behaviour, and other phenomenological similarities to transport in overdoped cuprates suggest parallels in their emergent properties.

Liu, Yidi [SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (S↗
DOE OSTI2018

Experimental evidence for superionic water ice using shock compression

In stark contrast to common ice, Ih, water ice at planetary interior conditions has been predicted to become superionic with fast- diffusing (that is, liquid-like) hydrogen ions moving within a solid lattice of oxygen. Likely to constitute a large fraction of icy giant planets, this extraordinary phase has not been observed in the laboratory. Here, we report laser-driven shock-compression experiments on water ice VII. Using time-resolved optical pyrometry and laser velocimetry measurements as well as sup- porting density functional theory–molecular dynamics (DFT-MD) simulations, we document the shock equation of state of H 2 O to unprecedented extreme conditions and unravel thermodynamic signatures showing that ice melts near 5,000 K at 190 GPa. Furthermore, optical reflectivity and absorption measurements also demonstrate the low electronic conductivity of ice, which, combined with previous measurements of the total electrical conductivity under reverberating shock compression, provides experimental evidence for superionic conduction in water ice at planetary interior conditions, verifying a 30-year-old prediction.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2020

Evidence of shock-compressed stishovite above 300 GPa

SiO 2 is one of the most fundamental constituents in planetary bodies, being an essential building block of major mineral phases in the crust and mantle of terrestrial planets (1–10 M E ). Silica at depths greater than 300 km may be present in the form of the rutile-type, high pressure polymorph stishovite (P4 2 /mnm) and its thermodynamic stability is of great interest for understanding the seismic and dynamic structure of planetary interiors. Previous studies on stishovite via static and dynamic (shock) compression techniques are contradictory and the observed differences in the lattice-level response is still not clearly understood. Here, laser-induced shock compression experiments at the LCLS- and SACLA XFEL light-sources elucidate the high-pressure behavior of stishovite on the lattice-level under in situ conditions on the Hugoniot to pressures above 300 GPa. We find stishovite is still (meta-)stable at these conditions, and does not undergo any phase transitions. This contradicts static experiments showing structural transformations to the CaCl 2 , α-PbO 2 and pyrite-type structures. However, rate-limited kinetic hindrance may explain our observations. These results are important to our understanding into the validity of EOS data from nanosecond experiments for geophysical applications.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Phase transformation path in Aluminum under ramp compression; simulation and experimental study

Abstract We present a framework based on non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) to reproduce the phase transformation event of Aluminum under ramp compression loading. The simulated stress-density response, virtual x-ray diffraction patterns, and structure analysis are compared against the previously observed experimental laser-driven ramp compression in-situ x-ray diffraction data. The NEMD simulations show the solid–solid phase transitions are consistent to experimental observations with a close-packed face-centered cubic (fcc) (111), hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure (002), and body-centered cubic bcc (110) planes remaining parallel. The atomic-level analysis of NEMD simulations identifiy the exact phase transformation pathway happening via Bain transformation while the previous in situ x-ray diffraction data did not provide sufficient information for deducing the exact phase transformation path.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Direct observation of diamond formation in a shock-compressed high explosive

Understanding the formation timescale and structure of carbonaceous reaction products is critical for modeling the high-pressure equation-of-state of organic materials. We use the National Ignition Facility to shock-compress polycrystalline TATB (C 6 H 6 N 6 O 6 ) samples to ~70–130 GPa and ~4000–5500 K, employing in situ nanosecond X-ray diffraction to probe reaction products and velocimetry to measure transmitted compression wave profiles. Our diffraction data is consistent with the formation of diamond over timescales less than ~60 ns. This represents carbon condensation from a molecular explosive on timescales three times faster than previously reported and the earliest observation of diamond produced from reacting TATB. Reactive flow simulations with explicit chemistry reproduce the observed temporal structure within wave profiles to inform the distribution of P-T states. These findings provide direct evidence of ultrafast diamond formation in a reactive system at extreme conditions and provide new constraints for models of shock and detonation chemistry.

Clarke, Samantha M. [Lawrence Livermore National L↗
DOE OSTI2016

Magnetic moment collapse induced axial alternative compressibility of Cr 2 TiAlC 2 at 420 GPa from first principle

The electronic structure and thermo-dynamical properties of Cr 2 TiAlC 2 are studied by first principles under pressure. The obtained results observed that the ferromagnetic order is the most stable ground state and the magnetic moment will collapse at about 50GPa. As a result, the lattice a axis becomes stiffer above about 420GPa, ultimately presenting the same axial compressibility trends with those of nonmagnetic compounds Mo2TiAlC2 and hypothetical Cr2TiAlC2. The elastic constants and phonon dispersion curves demonstrate the structural stability during the disappearance of magnetic moment and occurrence of axial alternative compressibility. The density of states and energy band calculations confirmed the existence of magnetic moment of Cr2TiAlC2 at 0GPa and disappearance at high pressures above 50GPa. Evolutions of magnetic moment collapse with pressure are confirmed by a variety of properties. The obtained grüneisen parameter and thermal expansion coefficients show the maximum value among the known MAX phases, to date and to the author’s knowledge.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2020

In situ X-ray spatial profiling reveals uneven compression of electrode assemblies and steep lateral gradients in lithium-ion coin cells

Coin cells are used extensively as test devices in battery research for evaluation of new materials and optimization of cycling protocols. Here, in situ X-ray diffraction profilometry is used to characterize spatial distribution of the active materials, lithiation, and phase distribution in electrodes of NCM523/graphite coin cells. The X-ray data indicate uneven areal compression of the electrode assembly in such cells, which we trace to a specific design feature that leads to elastic deformation of a metal spacer. Steep lithiation gradients observed in the electrodes imply radially-dependent resistivity, for which uneven compression of the separator is a likely cause. Electrochemical model calculations suggest that variable porosity of the polymer separator would account for the salient features of spatial profiles observed in these coin cells.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Reconnection in compressible plasmas: Extended conversion region

The classical Sweet-Parker approach to steady-state magnetic reconnection is extended into the regime of large resistivity (small magnetic Reynolds or Lundquist number) when the aspect ratio between the outflow and inflow scale, {delta} = d/L, approaches unity. In a previous paper [Paper I, Hesse et al., Phys. Plasmas 18, 042104 (2011)], the vicinity of the dissipation site (''diffusion region'') was investigated. In this paper, the approach is extended to cover larger sites, in which the energy transfer and conversion is not confined to the diffusion region. Consistent with the results of Paper I, we find that increasing aspect ratio {delta} is associated with increasing compression, increasing reconnection rate for low {beta}, but slightly decreasing rate for higher {beta}, decreasing outflow speed, and increasing outflow magnetic field. These trends are stronger for lower {beta}. Deviations from the traditional Sweet-Parker limit {delta}{yields} 0 become significant for R{sub m}<{approx}10, where R{sub m} is the magnetic Reynolds number (Lundquist number) based on the half-thickness of the current layer responsible for the Ohmic dissipation. They are also more significant for small {gamma}, that is, for increasing compressibility. In contrast to the results of Paper I, but consistent with earlier results for {delta}<<1, we find that in this limit the outflow speed is given by the Alfven speed {nu}{sub A} in the inflow region and the energy conversion is given by an even split of Poynting flux into enthalpy flux and bulk kinetic energy flux. However, with increasing {delta} the conversion to enthalpy flux becomes more and more dominant.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Influences of sub-Alfvenic shear flows on nonlinear evolution of magnetic reconnection in compressible plasmas

Influences of sub-Alfvenic shear flows on the nonlinear evolution of the magnetic reconnection are studied in the framework of compressible resistive MHD and compressible Hall MHD. It is found for the first time that the sub-Alfvenic shear flow can either stabilize or destabilize magnetic reconnection, which is mainly determined by the plasma beta and the half thickness of the shear flow ({lambda}{sub v}). The shear flow exhibits a suppressing effect on magnetic reconnection and the boosting effect nearly disappears for the beta plasma {beta} < or approx. 1, which is associated with the presence of a pair of discontinuities in the upper and lower inflow region. The shear flow has the boosting effect on magnetic reconnection when the half thickness of the shear flow exceeds a critical value in the high beta plasma which is in a good agreement with the results from incompressible simulation. With the inclusion of the Hall effect, shear flow can still either stabilize or destabilize magnetic reconnection, but the boosting effect becomes weaker as the ion inertial length d{sub i} increases.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Inertial confinement fusion implosions with imposed magnetic field compression using the OMEGA Laser

Experiments applying laser-driven magnetic-flux compression to inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets to enhance the implosion performance are described. Spherical plastic (CH) targets filled with 10 atm of deuterium gas were imploded by the OMEGA Laser, compare Phys. Plasmas 18, 056703 or Phys. Plasmas 18, 056309. Before being imploded, the targets were immersed in an 80-kG magnetic seed field. Upon laser irradiation, the high implosion velocities and ionization of the target fill trapped the magnetic field inside the capsule, and it was amplified to tens of megagauss through flux compression. At such strong magnetic fields, the hot spot inside the spherical target was strongly magnetized, reducing the heat losses through electron confinement. The experimentally observed ion temperature was enhanced by 15%, and the neutron yield was increased by 30%, compared to nonmagnetized implosions [P. Y. Chang et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 035006 (2011)]. This represents the first experimental verification of performance enhancement resulting from embedding a strong magnetic field into an ICF capsule. Experimental data for the fuel-assembly performance and magnetic field are compared to numerical results from combining the 1-D hydrodynamics code LILAC with a 2-D magnetohydrodynamics postprocessor.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Compression of a spherically symmetric deuterium-tritium plasma liner onto a magnetized deuterium-tritium target

Converging plasma jets may be able to reach the regime of high energy density plasmas (HEDP). The successful application of plasma jets to magneto-inertial fusion (MIF) would heat the plasma by fusion products and should increase the plasma energy density. This paper reports the results of using the University of Wisconsin's 1-D Lagrangian, radiation-hydrodynamics, fusion code BUCKY to investigate two MIF converging plasma jet test cases originally analyzed by Samulyak et al.[Physics of Plasmas 17, 092702 (2010)]. In these cases, 15 cm or 5 cm radially thick deuterium-tritium (DT) plasma jets merge at 60 cm from the origin and converge radially onto a DT target magnetized to 2 T and of radius 5 cm. The BUCKY calculations reported here model these cases, starting from the time of initial contact of the jets and target. Compared to the one-temperature Samulyak et al. calculations, the one-temperature BUCKY results show similar behavior, except that the plasma radius remains about twice as long near maximum compression. One-temperature and two-temperature BUCKY results differ, reflecting the sensitivity of the calculations to timing and plasma parameter details, with the two-temperature case giving a more sustained compression.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Realization of compressively strained GaN films grown on Si(110) substrates by inserting a thin AlN/GaN superlattice interlayer

We investigate the strain properties of GaN films grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on Si(110) substrates. It is found that the strain of the GaN film can be converted from a tensile to a compressive state simply by inserting a thin AlN/GaN superlattice structure (SLs) within the GaN film. The GaN layers seperated by the SLs can have different strain states, which indicates that the SLs plays a key role in the strain modulation during the growth and the cooling down processes. Using this simple technique, we grow a crack-free GaN film exceeding 2-{mu}m-thick. The realization of the compressively strained GaN film makes it possible to grow thick GaN films without crack generation on Si substrates for optic and electronic device applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

The interaction of quasi-monoenergetic protons with pre-compressed inertial fusion fuels

The interaction of a quasi-monoenergetic proton beam with a pre-compressed plasma is studied in the context of inertial fusion fast ignition (FI). Based on fundamental principles, a kinetic model is developed by considering hard collisions, nuclear scattering, and the contribution due to collective processes. The penetration depth, longitudinal straggling, and the transverse blooming are evaluated by solving the Boltzmann transport equation using the multiple scattering theory. The stopping power, transport scattering cross sections, and convenient expressions for the angular moments of the proton distribution function have been used in modeling the collisional proton transport in a three-dimensional (3D) Monte Carlo code. The transport of a proton beam with a quasi-monoenergetic energy =10 MeV is studied for pre-compressed deuterium-tritium plasma with an average density of {rho}=400 g cm{sup -3} and temperatures T=1 keV, 5 keV, and 10 keV. The net effects of multiple scattering are to reduce the penetration from 1.028 to 0.828 g cm{sup -2} with range straggling {rho}{Sigma}{sub R}=0.044 g cm{sup -2} and beam blooming {rho}{Sigma}{sub B}=0.272 g cm{sup -2}, for 10 MeV protons in a {rho}=400 g cm{sup -3} plasma at T = 5 keV. This model can be used for quantitatively assessing ignition requirements for proton fast ignition.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Geometrical constraints on plasma couplers for Raman compression

Backward Raman compression in plasma is based on a 3-wave resonant interaction, which includes two counter-propagating laser pulses (pump and seed pulses) and an electron plasma wave (Langmuir wave). The resonant interaction can be ensured in nearly homogeneous plasmas. However, for high-power, large-aperture experiments, the homogeneous region becomes pancake-shaped and would likely be surrounded by thicker regions of inhomogeneous plasma. When these inhomogeneous plasma regions are extensive, significant inverse bremsstrahlung and seed dispersion may impede the compression effect. These deleterious effects may, however, be mitigated by chirping the seed and pump pulses.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Direct band gap optical emission from compressively strained Ge films grown on relaxed Si{sub 0.5}Ge{sub 0.5} substrate

Compressively strained Ge films have been grown on relaxed Si{sub 0.5}Ge{sub 0.5} virtual substrate in ultra high vacuum using molecular beam epitaxy. Structural characterization has shown that the Ge films are compressively strained with partial strain relaxation in a film thicker than 3.0 nm, due to onset of island nucleation. Photoluminescence spectra exhibit the splitting of degenerate Ge valence band into heavy hole and light hole bands with a broad direct band gap emission peak around 0.81 eV. Temperature and excitation power dependent emission characteristics have been studied to investigate the mechanism of luminescence quenching at high temperatures and the role of non-radiative recombination centers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Effect of cooler electrons on a compressive ion acoustic solitary wave in a warm ion plasma — Forbidden regions, double layers, and supersolitons

It is observed that the presence of a minority component of cooler electrons in a three component plasma plays a deterministic role in the evolution of solitary waves, double layers, or the newly discovered structures called supersolitons. The inclusion of the cooler component of electrons in a single electron plasma produces sharp increase in nonlinearity in spite of a decrease in the overall energy of the system. The effect maximizes at certain critical value of the number density of the cooler component (typically 15%–20%) giving rise to a hump in the amplitude variation profile. For larger amplitudes, the hump leads to a forbidden region in the ambient cooler electron concentration which dissociates the overall existence domain of solitary wave solutions in two distinct parameter regime. It is observed that an inclusion of the cooler component of electrons as low as < 1% affects the plasma system significantly resulting in compressive double layers. The solution is further affected by the cold to hot electron temperature ratio. In an adequately hotter bulk plasma (i.e., moderately low cold to hot electron temperature ratio), the parameter domain of compressive double layers is bounded by a sharp discontinuity in the corresponding amplitude variation profile which may lead to supersolitons.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Lone-pair interactions and photodissociation of compressed nitrogen trifluoride

High-pressure behavior of nitrogen trifluoride (NF{sub 3}) was investigated by Raman and IR spectroscopy at pressures up to 55 GPa and room temperature, as well as by periodic calculations up to 100 GPa. Experimentally, we find three solid-solid phase transitions at 9, 18, and 39.5 GPa. Vibrational spectroscopy indicates that in all observed phases NF{sub 3} remains in the molecular form, in contrast to the behavior of compressed ammonia. This finding is confirmed by density functional theory calculations, which also indicate that the phase transitions of compressed NF{sub 3} are governed by the interplay between lone‑pair interactions and efficient molecule packing. Although nitrogen trifluoride is molecular in the whole pressure range studied, we show that it can be photodissociated by mid-IR laser radiation. This finding paves the way for the use of NF{sub 3} as an oxidizing and fluorinating agent in high-pressure reactions.

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

Compressively strained SiGe band-to-band tunneling model calibration based on p-i-n diodes and prospect of strained SiGe tunneling field-effect transistors

Band-to-band tunneling parameters of strained indirect bandgap materials are not well-known, hampering the reliability of performance predictions of tunneling devices based on these materials. The nonlocal band-to-band tunneling model for compressively strained SiGe is calibrated based on a comparison of strained SiGe p-i-n tunneling diode measurements and doping-profile-based diode simulations. Dopant and Ge profiles of the diodes are determined by secondary ion mass spectrometry and capacitance-voltage measurements. Theoretical parameters of the band-to-band tunneling model are calculated based on strain-dependent properties such as bandgap, phonon energy, deformation-potential-based electron-phonon coupling, and hole effective masses of strained SiGe. The latter is determined with a 6-band k·p model. The calibration indicates an underestimation of the theoretical electron-phonon coupling with nearly an order of magnitude. Prospects of compressively strained SiGe tunneling transistors are made by simulations with the calibrated model.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗