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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 163 records · Page 9

In situ investigation of conducting interface formation in $\mathrm{LaAlO_3}$/$\mathrm{SrTiO_3}$ heterostructure

The high-mobility conducting interface (CI) between LaAlO 3 (LAO) and SrTiO 3 (STO) has revealed many fascinating phenomena, including exotic magnetism and superconductivity. But, the formation mechanism of the CI has not been conclusively explained. Here, using in situ angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we elucidated the mechanisms for the CI formation. In as-grown samples, we observed a built-in potential (V bi ) proportional to the polar LAO thickness starting from the first unit cell (UC) with CI formation appearing above 3 UCs. However, we found that the V bi is removed by synchrotron ultraviolet (UV)-irradiation; The built-in potential is recovered by oxygen gas (O 2 (g))-exposure. Furthermore, after UV-irradiation, the CI appears even below 3UC of LAO. Here, our results demonstrate not only the V bi -driven CI formation in as-grown LAO/STO, but also a new route to control of the interface state by UV lithographic patterning or other surface modification.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Photothermal alternative to device fabrication using atomic precision advanced manufacturing techniques

The attachment of dopant precursor molecules to depassivated areas of hydrogen-terminated silicon templated with a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) has been used to create electronic devices with sub-nanometer precision, typically for quantum physics demonstrations, and to dope silicon past the solid-solubility limit, with potential applications in microelectronics and plasmonics. However, this process, which we call atomic precision advanced manufacturing (APAM), currently lacks the throughput required to develop sophisticated applications because there is no proven scalable hydrogen lithography pathway. Here, we demonstrate and characterize an APAM device workflow where STM lithography has been replaced with photolithography. An ultraviolet laser is shown to locally heat silicon controllably above the temperature required for hydrogen depassivation. STM images indicate a narrow range of laser energy density where hydrogen has been depassivated, and the surface remains well-ordered. A model for photothermal heating of silicon predicts a local temperature which is consistent with atomic-scale STM images of the photo-patterned regions. Finally, a simple device made by exposing photo-depassivated silicon to phosphine is found to have a carrier density and mobility similar to that produced by similar devices patterned by STM.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Spatial variations in tropical ozone - The influence of meridional transport and planetary waves in the stratosphere

The backscatter ultraviolet instrument on the Atmosphere Explorer-E satellite has acquired a large body of stratospheric and total ozone data in the tropical region. The latitudinal variation of the ozone mixing ratio on constant pressure surfaces shows the transition from chemical domination to transport control between 5 and 10 mb. Spectral analysis of the longitudinal O3 structure reveals large wavenumber 1 and 2 patterns, although considerable activity in wavenumbers 5 through 7 sometimes appears. Longitudinal structure increases with decreasing pressure between 30 and 5 mb. The spatial variability near 5 mb must reflect similar structure in the odd nitrogen distribution which provides the major loss mechanism for ozone at this level.

Frederick, J. E.↗

The R -process Alliance: A Nearly Complete R -process Abundance Template Derived from Ultraviolet Spectroscopy of the R -process-enhanced Metal-poor Star HD 222925 *

We present a nearly complete rapid neutron-capture process (r-process) chemical inventory of the metal-poor ([Fe/H] = -1.46 ± 0.10) r-process-enhanced ([Eu/Fe] = +1.32 ± 0.08) halo star HD 222925. This abundance set is the most complete for any object beyond the solar system, with a total of 63 metals detected and seven with upper limits. It comprises 42 elements from 31 ≤ Z ≤ 90, including elements rarely detected in r-process-enhanced stars, such as Ga, Ge, As, Se, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Te, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, and Au. We derive these abundances from an analysis of 404 absorption lines in ultraviolet spectra collected using the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope and previously analyzed optical spectra. A series of appendices discusses the atomic data and quality of fits for these lines. The r-process elements from Ba to Pb, including all elements at the third r-process peak, exhibit remarkable agreement with the solar r-process residuals, with a standard deviation of the differences of only 0.08 dex (17%). In contrast, deviations among the lighter elements from Ga to Te span nearly 1.4 dex, and they show distinct trends from Ga to Se, Nb through Cd, and In through Te. The r-process contribution to Ga, Ge, and As is small, and Se is the lightest element whose production is dominated by the r-process. The lanthanide fraction, log X La = -1.39 ± 0.09, is typical for r-process-enhanced stars and higher than that of the kilonova from the GW170817 neutron-star merger event. We advocate adopting this pattern as an alternative to the solar r-process-element residuals when confronting future theoretical models of heavy-element nucleosynthesis with observations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Global Characteristics of the Correlation and Time Lag Between Solar and Ionospheric Parameters in the 27-day Period

The 27-day variations of topside ionosphere are investigated using the in-situ electron density measurements from the CHAMP planar Langmuir probe and GRACE K-band ranging system. As the two satellite systems orbit at the altitudes of approx. 370 km and approx. 480 km, respectively, the satellite data sets are greatly valuable for examining the electron density variations in the vicinity of F2-peak. In a 27-day period, the electron density measurements from the satellites are in good agreements with the solar flux, except during the solar minimum period. The time delays are mostly 1-2 day and represent the hemispherical asymmetry. The globally-estimated spatial patterns of the correlation between solar flux and in-situ satellite measurements show poor correlations in the (magnetic) equatorial region, which are not found from the ground measurements of vertically-integrated electron content. We suggest that the most plausible cause for the poor correlation is the vertical movement of ionization due to atmospheric dynamic processes that is not controlled by the solar extreme ultraviolet radiation.

Global Characteristics↗

Ultraviolet absorption by interstellar gas near 30 Doradus

The IUE was used to obtain high-resolution far-UV spectra (1150-2070 A) of two stars in the 30 Dor H II region in the LMC. Interstellar absorption components are distinguished at +20, +220, +250, and +290 km/s. The +20 km/s component is produced by matter in the Galaxy; the high-velocity components are produced by absorbing gas near or in the LMC. A model of the line-of-sight distribution of the absorbing clouds is developed from the velocity pattern of the observed LMC features. The presence of Si IV, Al III, and C IV ions is discussed.

De Boer, K. S.↗

Ultraviolet and visual variability of Theta CrB during a normal B-phase following a shell phase (1980-1985)

Based on far-UV and visual observations made between 1980 and 1985, the phenomena characterizing the end of a shell phase of Theta-CrB, and the normal B-phase following it, are described as part of a long-term study of Be stars. The strength, shape, and velocity of the C IV, Si IV, and Al III resonance lines, and the Fe III lines of low excitation, show associated variability patterns over the whole range of ionization observable in the IUE and visual spectra. The observed variability pattern consists of a one-year narrow-line stage where the lines show narrow absorption cores close to rest wavelength, a two-year series of abrupt changes between a weak and a strong line, and a damping out of these variations leaving the observed spectrum in a lower ionization state. The existence of a phase-lag between similar phenomena occurring in the superionized and subionized/normally ionized regions, is noted.

Doazan, V.↗

Ultraviolet Photooxidation of Smectite-Bound Fe(II) and Implications for the Origin of Martian Nontronites

Clay minerals detected with orbital and in situ instruments in ancient Martian terrains constrain Mars' climate and aqueous alteration history. Early in its history, Mars experienced an atmospheric redox change and iron-bearing clay minerals may preserve the effects of that transition. Ferrous smectites, the thermodynamically predicted product of chemical weathering of basalts under anoxic conditions, may have undergone oxidation by exposure to chemical oxidants in the atmosphere or regolith, or by direct photooxidation at the surface. To assess these potential oxidation pathways, ferrous trioctahedral smectites of varying initial iron content were synthesized and subjected to oxidation by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Experimental UV irradiation under an anoxic atmosphere equivalent to approximately 7 years of flux on the Martian surface caused partial oxidation of smectite-bound Fe (Fe 3+ /ΣFe = 16–18%) and octahedral sheet contraction. Metal-OH vibrational bands in visible/near infrared (VNIR) reflectance spectra of oxidized smectites changed in band depth and asymmetry with higher iron content. X-ray diffraction patterns of UV irradiated samples indicate the formation of a mixed di- and trioctahedral smectite or a secondary nontronite phase, possibly on the surfaces of higher iron content smectites. Furthermore, these experiments suggest that UV irradiation is able to oxidize structurally bound iron in smectites without the presence of other chemical oxidants. Photooxidation may have influenced the mineralogy, both syndepositionally and postdepositionally, of Martian alteration assemblages formed near the surface and this process needs not be limited to one part of their formation history.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Photothermal alternative to device fabrication using atomic precision advanced manufacturing techniques

The attachment of dopant precursor molecules to depassivated areas of hydrogen-terminated silicon templated with a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) has been used to create electronic devices with subnanometer precision, typically for quantum physics experiments. This process, which we call atomic precision advanced manufacturing (APAM), dopes silicon beyond the solid-solubility limit and produces electrical and optical characteristics that may also be useful for microelectronic and plasmonic applications. However, scanned probe lithography lacks the throughput required to develop more sophisticated applications. In this work, we demonstrate and characterize an APAM device workflow where scanned probe lithography of the atomic layer resist has been replaced by photolithography. An ultraviolet laser is shown to locally and controllably heat silicon above the temperature required for hydrogen depassivation on a nanosecond timescale, a process resistant to under- and overexposure. STM images indicate a narrow range of energy density where the surface is both depassivated and undamaged. Modeling that accounts for photothermal heating and the subsequent hydrogen desorption kinetics suggests that the silicon surface temperatures reached in our patterning process exceed those required for hydrogen removal in temperature-programmed desorption experiments. A phosphorus-doped van der Pauw structure made by sequentially photodepassivating a predefined area and then exposing it to phosphine is found to have a similar mobility and higher carrier density compared with devices patterned by STM. Lastly, it is also demonstrated that photodepassivation and precursor exposure steps may be performed concomitantly, a potential route to enabling APAM outside of ultrahigh vacuum.

nanoscale devices↗

The R-Process Alliance: Abundance Universality among Some Elements at and between the First and Second R-Process Peaks*

Abstract We present new observational benchmarks of rapid neutron-capture process ( r -process) nucleosynthesis for elements at and between the first ( A ∼ 80) and second ( A ∼ 130) peaks. Our analysis is based on archival ultraviolet and optical spectroscopy of eight metal-poor stars with Se ( Z = 34) or Te ( Z = 52) detections, whose r -process enhancement varies by more than a factor of 30 (−0.22 ≤ [Eu/Fe] ≤ +1.32). We calculate ratios among the abundances of Se, Sr through Mo (38 ≤ Z ≤ 42), and Te. These benchmarks may offer a new empirical alternative to the predicted solar system r -process residual pattern. The Te abundances in these stars correlate more closely with the lighter r -process elements than the heavier ones, contradicting and superseding previous findings. The small star-to-star dispersion among the abundances of Se, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, and Te (≤0.13 dex, or 26%) matches that observed among the abundances of the lanthanides and third r -process-peak elements. The concept of r -process universality that is recognized among the lanthanide and third-peak elements in r -process-enhanced stars may also apply to Se, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, and Te, provided the overall abundances of the lighter r -process elements are scaled independently of the heavier ones. The abundance behavior of the elements Ru through Sn (44 ≤ Z ≤ 50) requires further study. Our results suggest that at least one relatively common source in the early Universe produced a consistent abundance pattern among some elements spanning the first and second r -process peaks.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

An accurate registration technique for distorted images

Accurate registration of International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) images is crucial because the variability of the geometrical distortions that are introduced by the SEC-Vidicon cameras ensures that raw science images are never perfectly aligned with the Intensity Transfer Functions (ITFs) (i.e., graded floodlamp exposures that are used to linearize and normalize the camera response). A technique for precisely registering IUE images which uses a cross correlation of the fixed pattern that exists in all raw IUE images is described.

Delapena, Michele↗

A Polymer Canvas with the Stiffness of the Bone Matrix to Study and Control Mesenchymal Stem Cell Response

Reproducing in vitro the complex multiscale physical features of human tissues creates novel biomedical opportunities and fundamental understanding of cell–environment interfaces and interactions. While stiffness has been recognized as a key driver of cell behavior, systematic studies on the role of stiffness have been limited to values in the KPa–MPa range, significantly below the stiffness of bone. Here, in this work, a platform enabling the tuning of the stiffness of a biocompatible polymeric interface up to values characteristic of human bone is reported, which are in the GPa range, by using extremely thin polymer films on glass and cross-linking the films using ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. It is shown that a higher stiffness is related to better adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation, and that it is possible to switch on/off cell attachment and growth by solely tuning the stiffness of the interface, without any surface chemistry or topography modification. Since the stiffness is tuned directly by UV irradiation, this platform is ideal for rapid and simple fabrication of stiffness patterns and gradients, thus representing an innovative tool for combinatorial studies of the synergistic effect of tissue environmental cues on cell behavior, and creates new opportunities for next-generation biosensors, single-cell patterning, and lab-on-a-chip devices.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Detection of rotational modulation in the coronal extreme-ultraviolet emission from V711 Tauri?

The RS CVn binary V711 Tauri was observed by the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer satellite (EUVE) twice during the latter half of 1992, for periods lasting several days. Light curves for the waveband 60-180 A derived from the all-sky survey scanning in August and from a pointed calibration observation made in October both exhibit a modulation of about 40%. The modulation in both data sets is very similar, with minimum flux occurring near orbital phase phi = 0.5. Analysis using a two-temperature optically thin plasma emission model reveals that most of the detected extreme ultraviolet (EUV) flux emanates from hot (approximately 10(exp 7) K) coronal plasma. The modulation is probably mostly due to either flare-like activity or to rotational occultation of a long-lived, compact, and especially bright coronal structure on the more active star of the system. The phased data support the latter hypothesis. This coronal structure is then likely to be associated with the presistent spot patterns seen on V711 Tau when using Doppler and photometric surface imaging techniques. Comparison with contemporaneous Stroemgren b-band photometry indicates that the optical minimum light leads the EUV maximum light by 90 deg in phase.

Drake, Jeremy J.↗

Planetary wave coupling between the troposphere and the middle atmosphere as a possible sun-weather mechanism

The possibility of planetary wave coupling between the troposphere and solar-induced alterations in the upper atmosphere providing a viable mechanism for giving rise to sun-weather relationships is investigated. Some of the observational evidence for solar-activity-induced effects on levels of the upper atmosphere ranging from the thermosphere down to the lower stratosphere are reviewed. It is concluded that there is evidence for such effects extending down to the middle stratosphere and below. Evidence is also reviewed that these effects are due to changes in solar ultraviolet emission during disturbed solar conditions. A theoretical planetary wave model is then used to see at what levels in the upper atmosphere moderate changes in the mean zonal wind state would result in tropospheric changes. It is concluded that changes in the mean zonal flow of about 20% at levels in the vicinity of 35 km or below would give rise to changes in the tropospheric planetary wave pattern that are less than but on the same order as the observed interannual variability in the tropospheric wave pattern at middle and high latitudes.

Geller, M. A.↗

Observations of the Bright Star in the Globular Cluster 47 Tucanae (NGC 104)

The Bright Star in the globular cluster 47 Tucanae (NGC 104) is a post-asymptotic giant branch (post-AGB) star of spectral type B8 III. The ultraviolet spectra of late-B stars exhibit myriad absorption features, many due to species unobservable from the ground. The Bright Star thus represents a unique window into the chemistry of 47 Tuc. We have analyzed observations obtained with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer, the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph aboard the Hubble Space Telescope, and the Magellan Inamori Kyocera Echelle Spectrograph on the Magellan Telescope. By fitting these data with synthetic spectra, we determine various stellar parameters (T {sub eff} = 10,850 ± 250 K, logg=2.20±0.13) and the photospheric abundances of 26 elements, including Ne, P, Cl, Ga, Pd, In, Sn, Hg, and Pb, which have not previously been published for this cluster. Abundances of intermediate-mass elements (Mg through Ga) generally scale with Fe, while the heaviest elements (Pd through Pb) have roughly solar abundances. Its low C/O ratio indicates that the star did not undergo third dredge-up and suggests that its heavy elements were made by a previous generation of stars. If so, this pattern should be present throughout the cluster, not just in this star. Stellar-evolution models suggest that the Bright Star is powered by a He-burning shell, having left the AGB during or immediately after a thermal pulse. Its mass (0.54 ± 0.16M {sub ⊙}) implies that single stars in 47 Tuc lose 0.1–0.2 M {sub ⊙} on the AGB, only slightly less than they lose on the red giant branch.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A Novel Fiber-Bragg-Grating-Based Unique Identifier for Use in Tags and Seals

Tags and seals are important tools used in safeguards regimes for the control of nuclear materials. Vital to a successful tag or seal is the ability to securely, uniquely, and positively distinguish it from others of the same kind. This allows one to validate that items entered into an inspection regime to which the tag or seal is affixed are as claimed. We are developing a new type of unique identifier (UID) for such applications that is based on fiber-Bragg grating (FBG) technology. The index of refraction of the core glass of a fiber optic can be locally and permanently altered if sensitized fibers are exposed to intense ultraviolet light. This can be used to create index modulations with a regular periodicity comparable to the wavelengths of light with which the fiber is used. If broadband illumination is sent down the fiber, any light that is in resonance with the modulations will be reflected back to the input end of the fiber where it can be detected. The shape of the returned spectrum can be set by the modulation pattern written into the fiber’s core. We take advantage of these properties to create a compact UID that contains several FBGs potted into a monolithic body. By connecting the UID to an optical interrogator, the complex spectral return can be uniquely identified with a short measurement, providing a robust identification. As a device based on narrowband spectral returns, FBGs are inherently radiation tolerant, making them ideal for use with nuclear materials. Further, they can be read out remotely via a long fiber optic or locally via brief connection to a portable optical interrogator. Because the spectral signature of FBGs is sensitive to external mechanical perturbations, we are exploring the ability to reversibly alter the signature obtained from the UID by applying controlled mechanical forces with a simple device. Such a “key” will allow different stakeholders to obtain their own unique signature from the device, providing a new level of surety to safeguards inspections.

Ziock, Klaus-Peter↗

Behavior of atmospheric ozone determined from Nimbus satellite backscatter ultraviolet data

A substantial global data base on the spatial and temporal variations of high level atmospheric ozone distribution and total ozone amount for the time period 1970 through 1973 was obtained by the Backscatter Ultraviolet (BUV) instrument onboard the Nimbus 4 satellite. BUV total ozone data from all available orbits on each day of the period were processed to obtain zonal mean ozone amounts. Northern Hemisphere ozone and Southern Hemisphere ozone values are given, and the interhemispheric relationships identified. Vertical ozone profile information is interpreted to furnish data on seasonal total ozone changes. Selected ozone mixing ratio cross sections were analyzed, and the resulting zonally-symmetric patterns are presented.

Krueger, A. J.↗

Evidence for systematic flows in the transition region around prominences

The solar transition region in the neighborhood of prominences has been studied from observations with the Ultraviolet Spectrometer and Polarimeter of NASA's Solar Maximum Mission satellite. Dopplergrams from observations of the transition-region lines C IV 1548 A and Si IV 1393 A, which are formed at about 100,000 K, give velocity amplitudes typically in the range + or - 15 km/s. Prominences are found to be located very close to dividing lines between areas of up- and down-drafts in the transition-region. The observed pattern suggests that the 100,000 K gas flows take place within arcades of magnetic loops, which most likely are part of the supporting magnetic structure for the prominence matter. An additional band of blue-ward Doppler shifts is frequently seen close to quiescent prominences. This may be the source of outward flowing matter along the helmet streamers above filament channels.

Engvold, O.↗