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At least 19 records

Dynamic diffraction artefacts in Bragg coherent diffractive imaging

This article reports a theoretical study on the reconstruction artefacts in Bragg coherent diffractive imaging caused by dynamical diffraction effects. It is shown that, unlike the absorption and refraction effects that can be corrected after reconstruction, dynamical diffraction effects have profound impacts on both the amplitude and the phase of the reconstructed complex object, causing strong artefacts. At the dynamical diffraction limit, the reconstructed shape is no longer correct, as a result of the strong extinction effect. Simulations for hemispherical particles of different sizes show the type, magnitude and extent of the dynamical diffraction artefacts, as well as the conditions under which they are negligible.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Unveiling nano-scale crystal deformation using coherent X-ray dynamical diffraction

Visualization of internal deformation fields in crystalline materials helps bridge the gap between theoretical models and practical applications. Applying Bragg coherent diffraction imaging under X-ray dynamical diffraction conditions provides a promising approach to the longstanding challenge of investigating the deformation fields in micron-sized crystals. Here, we present an automatic differentiation-based reconstruction method that integrates dynamical scattering theory to accurately reconstruct deformation fields in large crystals. Using this forward model, our simulated and experimental results demonstrate that three-dimensional local strain information inside a large crystal can be accurately reconstructed under coherent X-ray dynamical diffraction conditions with Bragg coherent X-ray diffraction imaging. These findings open an avenue for extending the investigation of local deformation fields to microscale crystals while maintaining nanoscale resolution, leveraging the enhanced coherence and brightness of advanced X-ray sources.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Dynamical diffraction imaging (topography) with X-ray synchrotron radiation

By contrast to electron microscopy, which yields information on the location of features in small regions of materials, X-ray diffraction imaging can portray minute deviations from perfect crystalline order over larger areas. Synchrotron radiation-based X-ray optics technology uses a highly parallel incident beam to eliminate ambiguities in the interpretation of image details; scattering phenomena previously unobserved are now readily detected. Synchrotron diffraction imaging renders high-resolution, real-time, in situ observations of materials under pertinent environmental conditions possible.

Kuriyama, M.↗

New developments including X-ray standing waves in the dynamical Bragg diffraction program of X-ray Server

X-ray Server (https://x-server.gmca.aps.anl.gov) is a collection of programs for online modelling of X-ray diffraction and scattering. Additionally, the dynamical diffraction program is the second most popular Server program, contributing 34% of total Server usage. It models dynamical X-ray diffraction from strained crystals and multilayers for any Bragg-case geometry including grazing incidence and exit. This paper reports on a revision of equations used by the program, which yields ten times faster calculations in most use cases, on implementing calculations of X-ray standing waves and on adding new options for modelling diffraction from monolayers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Time-dependent dynamical Bragg diffraction in deformed crystals by the beam propagation method

Herein, this paper describes how to efficiently solve time-dependent X-ray dynamic diffraction problems in distorted crystals with a fast Fourier transform based beam propagation method. Examples are given of using the technique to simulate the propagation of X-ray beams in deformed crystals in space and time domains relevant to the cavity-based X-ray free-electron lasers and X-ray free-electron laser self-seeding systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Femtosecond diffraction and dynamic high pressure science

Solid-state material at high pressure is prevalent throughout the Universe, and an understanding of the structure of matter under such extreme conditions, gleaned from x-ray diffraction, has been pursued for the best part of a century. The highest pressures that can be reached to date (2 TPa) in combination with x-ray diffraction diagnosis have been achieved by dynamic compression via laser ablation. The past decade has witnessed remarkable advances in x-ray technologies, with novel x-ray Free-Electron-Lasers (FELs) affording the capacity to produce high quality single-shot diffraction data on timescales below 100 fs. We provide a brief history of the field of dynamic compression, spanning from when the x-ray sources were almost always laser-plasma based, to the current state-of-the art diffraction capabilities provided by FELs. We give an overview of the physics of dynamic compression, diagnostic techniques, and the importance of understanding how the rate of compression influences the final temperatures reached. We provide illustrative examples of experiments performed on FEL facilities that are starting to give insight into how materials deform at ultrahigh strain rates, their phase diagrams, and the types of states that can be reached. We emphasize that there often appear to be differences in the crystalline phases observed between the use of static and dynamic compression techniques. We give our perspective on both the current state of this rapidly evolving field and some glimpses of how we see it developing in the near-to-medium term.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Resolving pseudosymmetry in γ-TiAl using cross-correlation electron backscatter diffraction with dynamically simulated reference patterns

Pseudosymmetry is a phenomenon that occurs when grains with different lattice parameters produce nearly identical diffraction patterns such that conventional electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) techniques are unable to unambiguously differentiate the lattice orientations. This commonly occurs in materials with near-unity tetragonality, such as γ-TiAl. The current study uses cross-correlation EBSD to resolve pseudosymmetry in γ-TiAl. Three dynamically simulated reference patterns are generated for each point in the scan, one for each of the three potential pseudosymmetric orientations, which are subsequently correlated with the original pattern using six different methods in order to identify the correct orientation. The methods are first applied to a scan of dynamically simulated patterns, which is used to evaluate the sensitivity of the method to pattern resolution, pattern noise and pattern center error. It was determined that all six methods were 100% successful up to about 13 µm of pattern center error and pattern resolutions of about 80 × 80 pixels, and hence the methods were applied to an experimental sample of lamellar γ-TiAl. A hybrid combination of two of the methods was shown to successfully select the correct pseudosymmetry for about 96% of the points in the scan, improving upon the 70% accuracy of the Hough-based methods for the current study and 90% accuracy for previous studies resolving pseudosymmetry in lamellar γ-TiAl.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Quantum information approach to the implementation of a neutron cavity

Abstract Using the quantum information model of dynamical diffraction we consider a neutron cavity composed of two perfect crystal silicon blades capable of containing the neutron wavefunction. We show that the internal confinement of the neutrons through Bragg diffraction can be modelled by a quantum random walk. Furthermore, we introduce a toolbox for modelling crystal imperfections such as surface roughness and defects. Good agreement is found between the simulation and the experimental implementation, where leakage beams are present, modelling of which is impractical with the conventional theory of dynamical diffraction. Analysis of the standing neutron waves is presented in regards to the crystal geometry and parameters; and the conditions required for well-defined bounces are derived. The presented results enable new approaches to studying the setups utilizing neutron confinement, such as the experiments to measure neutron magnetic and electric dipole moments.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Exploring the High-Pressure Phases of Carbon through X-ray Diffraction of Dynamic Compression Experiments on Sandia’s Z Pulsed Power Facility

The carbon phase diagram is rich with polymorphs which possess very different physical and optical properties ideal for different scientific and engineering applications. An understanding of the dynamically driven phase transitions in carbon is particularly important for applications in inertial confinement fusion, as well as planetary and meteorite impact histories. Experiments on the Z Pulsed Power Facility at Sandia National Laboratories generate dynamically compressed high-pressure states of matter with exceptional uniformity, duration, and size that are ideal for investigations of fundamental material properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is an important material physics measurement because it enables direct observation of the strain and compression of the crystal lattice, and it enables the detection and identification of phase transitions. Several unique challenges of dynamic compression experiments on Z prevent using XRD systems typically utilized at other dynamic compression facilities, so novel XRD diagnostics have been designed and implemented. We performed experiments on Z to shock compress carbon (pyrolytic graphite) samples to pressures of 150–320 GPa. The Z-Beamlet Laser generated Mn-Heα (6.2 keV) X-rays to probe the shock-compressed carbon sample, and the new XRD diagnostics measured changes in the diffraction pattern as the carbon transformed into its high-pressure phases. Quantitative analysis of the dynamic XRD patterns in combination with continuum velocimetry information constrained the stability fields and melting of high-pressure carbon polymorphs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Simulation and Emulation of X-Ray Diffraction from Dynamic Compression Experiments

Many important aspects of the dynamic thermo-mechanical response of materials occur at the mesoscale, i.e. a physical scale of interactions smaller than what can be adequately described by homogenous behaviors, yet larger than the scale of the atomic lattice. Concurrent advancements in computational power, continuum theory, and experimental diagnostics are enabling unprecedented understanding of such interactions. However, we cannot develop a sufficient level of confidence in such mesoscale capability until the constitutive description of the underlying constituents is reliably representative of their actual physical behavior. Therefore, there is a strong need to combine experimental, modeling, and data-science techniques to validate models of the thermomechanical response of individual single crystals. One experimental diagnostic with high potential impact to shock physics and materials science is in-situ x-ray diffraction. This paper is primarily focused on simulation of x-ray diffraction in shock physics, but with an aim toward quantifying parametric uncertainty of simulation models. Here, we develop and demonstrate a data-science and model-driven approach to constrain the parameterization of continuum models of crystal lattice deformation associated with the shock response of crystalline materials. The framework is built around the connection between continuum hydrodynamic simulations of lattice deformation and a new Bragg diffraction simulation code, BarberShop. The dynamic deformation of a crystal lattice is modeled using the DiscoFlux model within an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian hydrodynamic code, FLAG. These detailed continuum simulations of lattice deformation can be computationally slow, thus a statistical model is used to emulate the evolution of lattice deformation fields in time and across the considered model parameter space. Emulated lattice deformation fields can then be generated rapidly for any combination of physics model parameters. In turn, these fields can be fed into BarberShop to realize a rapid prediction of Bragg diffraction patterns associated with particular values of physics model parameters. The framework enables parameterization of the single crystal model to obtain Bragg diffraction patterns that most closely resemble a corresponding measurement. Furthermore, the framework naturally provides sensitivities of the lattice deformation to the physics parameters. We highlight the utility of this framework through the application to a synthetic closed-loop inverse problem leading to the parameterization of a single crystal material model. As a model problem, we consider the dynamic response of the energetic molecular crystal, cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (or RDX), under dynamic compression induced by simulated flyer plate impact experiments.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

X-ray diffraction of dynamically compressed matter on Sandia's Z Pulsed Power Facility

Sandia's Z Pulsed Power Facility is able to dynamically compress matter to extreme states with exceptional uniformity, duration, and size, which are ideal for investigations of fundamental material properties of high energy density conditions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a key atomic scale probe since it provides direct observation of the compression and strain of the crystal lattice, and is used to detect, identify, and quantify phase transitions. Because of the destructive nature of Z-Dynamic Materials Properties (DMP) experiments and low signal vs background emission levels of XRD, it is very challenging to detect the XRD pattern close to the Z-DMP load and to recover the data. We developed a new Spherical Crystal Diffraction Imager (SCDI) diagnostic to relay and image the diffracted x-ray pattern away from the load debris field. The SCDI diagnostic utilizes the Z-Beamlet laser to generate 6.2-keV Mn-He c , x-rays to probe a shock-compressed sample on the Z-DMP load. A spherically bent crystal composed of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite is used to collect and focus the diffracted x-rays into a 1-inch thick tungsten housing, where an image plate is used to record the data. We performed experiments to implement the SCDI diagnostic on Z to measure the XRD pattern of shock compressed beryllium samples at pressures of 1.8-2.2 Mbar.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ultrafast electron diffraction: Visualizing dynamic states of matter

Since the discovery of electron-wave duality, electron scattering instrumentation has developed into a powerful array of techniques for revealing the atomic structure of matter. Beyond detecting local lattice variations in equilibrium structures with the highest possible spatial resolution, recent research efforts have been directed toward the long-sought-after dream of visualizing the dynamic evolution of matter in real time. The atomic behavior at ultrafast timescales carries critical information on phase transition and chemical reaction dynamics, the coupling of electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom in materials and molecules, and the correlation among structure, function, and previously hidden metastable or nonequilibrium states of matter. Ultrafast electron pulses play an essential role in this scientific endeavor, and their generation has been facilitated by rapid technical advances in both ultrafast laser and particle accelerator technologies. Here this review presents a summary of the noteworthy developments in this field in the last few decades. The physics and technology of ultrafast electron beams is presented with an emphasis on the figures of merit most relevant for ultrafast electron diffraction experiments. Recent developments in the generation, manipulation, and characterization of ultrashort electron beams aimed at improving the combined spatiotemporal resolution of these measurements are discussed. The fundamentals of electron scattering from atomic matter and the theoretical frameworks for retrieving dynamic structural information from solid-state and gas-phase samples is described. Essential experimental techniques and several landmark works that have applied these approaches are also highlighted to demonstrate the widening applicability of these methods. Ultrafast electron probes with ever-improving capabilities, combined with other complementary photon-based or spectroscopic approaches, hold tremendous potential for revolutionizing our ability to observe and understand energy and matter at atomic scales.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

3d Particle Geometry Characterization of Apollo Regolith Samples Via Laser Diffraction and Dynamic Image Analysis

Establishing a fundamental understanding of regolith mechanics hinges on the characterization of the foundational physical parameters that dictate granular particle interactions both on micro- and macro-scales. Specifically, particle size distribution, particle geometry and grain density govern the geotechnical properties, including compressibility, shear strength, hydraulic conductivity (i.e., permeability), void ratio (i.e., porosity), and thermal conductivity of the lunar regolith. The absence of terrestrial geologic processes on the lunar surface, a lack of water, clay minerals, and organic material in lunar soils, and the narrow compositional range in terms of mineral diversity of the regolith produces a unique problem when attempting to project terrestrial soil mechanics concepts to the lunar surface. Additionally, the occurrence of agglutinates, exclusive to the lunar surface, further disassociates the physical behavior (e.g., particle crushability, flowability, etc.) of regolith from that observed in terrestrial soils.

R. Kovtun↗