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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 19 records

Scanning transmission electron microscopy strain measurement from millisecond frames of a direct electron charge coupled device

A high-speed direct electron detection system is introduced to the field of transmission electron microscopy and applied to strain measurements in semiconductor nanostructures. In particular, a focused electron probe with a diameter of 0.5 nm was scanned over a fourfold quantum layer stack with alternating compressive and tensile strain and diffracted discs have been recorded on a scintillator-free direct electron detector with a frame time of 1 ms. We show that the applied algorithms can accurately detect Bragg beam positions despite a significant point spread each 300 kV electron causes during detection on the scintillator-free camera. For millisecond exposures, we find that strain can be measured with a precision of 1.3 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -3}, enabling, e.g., strain mapping in a 100 Multiplication-Sign 100 nm{sup 2} region with 0.5 nm resolution in 40 s.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Bi-directional magnetic resonance based wireless power transfer for electronic devices

In order to power or charge electronic devices wirelessly, a bi-directional wireless power transfer method has been proposed and experimentally investigated. In the proposed design, two receiving coils are used on both sides of a transmitting coil along its central axis to receive the power wirelessly from the generated magnetic fields through strongly coupled magnetic resonance. It has been observed experimentally that the maximum power transfer occurs at the operating resonant frequency for optimum electric load connected across the receiving coils on both side. The optimum wireless power transfer efficiency is 88% for the bi-directional power transfer technique compared 84% in the one side receiver system. By adopting the developed bi-directional power transfer method, two electronic devices can be powered up or charged simultaneously instead of a single device through usual one side receiver system without affecting the optimum power transfer efficiency.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Electron Charged Graphite-Based Hydrogen Storage Material (Final Report)

The electron-charge effects have been demonstrated to enhance hydrogen storage capacity using materials which have inherent hydrogen storage capacities. A charge control agent (CCA) or a charge transfer agent (CTA) was applied to the hydrogen storage material to reduce internal discharge between particles in a Sievert volumetric test device. GTI has tested the device under (1) electrostatic charge mode; (2) ultra-capacitor mode; and (3) metal-hydride mode. GTI has also analyzed the charge distribution on storage materials. The charge control agent and charge transfer agent are needed to prevent internal charge leaks so that the hydrogen atoms can stay on the storage material. GTI has analyzed the hydrogen fueling tank structure, which contains an air or liquid heat exchange framework. The cooling structure is needed for hydrogen fueling/releasing. We found that the cooling structure could be used as electron-charged electrodes, which will exhibit a very uniform charge distribution (because the cooling system needs to remove heat uniformly). Therefore, the electron-charge concept does not have any burden of cost and weight for the hydrogen storage tank system. The energy consumption for the electron-charge enhancement method is quite low or omitted for electrostatic mode and ultra-capacitor mode in comparison of other hydrogen storage methods; however, it could be high for the battery mode.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Piezoelectric-triboelectric heel charger to generate electricity from locomotion using level mechanism and mechanical SSHI boosting circuit

The disclosure provides an electricity generating insert for a piece of footwear, the insert can be removably placed in the heel portion, e.g. under the insole. The insert comprises a multilayer piezoelectric stack that alternatively flexes under the compression-decompression that occurs during locomotion, which flexing causes friction in the stack to generate electricity capable of charging electronic devices and the like, e.g. via a port on the footwear.

Wang, Ya↗

Two-terminal electronic charge resistance switching device

A two-terminal memory device and methods for its use are provided. In the device, a bottom electrode is electrically continuous with a first operating terminal, and a control gate electrode is electrically continuous with a second operating terminal. A stack of insulator layers comprising a hopping conduction layer and a tunnel layer is contactingly interposed between the bottom electrode and the control gate electrode. The tunnel layer is thinner than the hopping conduction layer, and it has a wider bandgap than the hopping conduction layer. The hopping conduction layer consists of a material that supports electron hopping transport.

Marinella, Matthew↗

TH-EF-207A-03: Photon Counting Implementation Challenges Using An Electron Multiplying Charged-Coupled Device Based Micro-CT System

Purpose: To successfully implement and operate a photon counting scheme on an electron multiplying charged-coupled device (EMCCD) based micro-CT system. Methods: We built an EMCCD based micro-CT system and implemented a photon counting scheme. EMCCD detectors use avalanche transfer registries to multiply the input signal far above the readout noise floor. Due to intrinsic differences in the pixel array, using a global threshold for photon counting is not optimal. To address this shortcoming, we generated a threshold array based on sixty dark fields (no x-ray exposure). We calculated an average matrix and a variance matrix of the dark field sequence. The average matrix was used for the offset correction while the variance matrix was used to set individual pixel thresholds for the photon counting scheme. Three hundred photon counting frames were added for each projection and 360 projections were acquired for each object. The system was used to scan various objects followed by reconstruction using an FDK algorithm. Results: Examination of the projection images and reconstructed slices of the objects indicated clear interior detail free of beam hardening artifacts. This suggests successful implementation of the photon counting scheme on our EMCCD based micro-CT system. Conclusion: This work indicates that it is possible to implement and operate a photon counting scheme on an EMCCD based micro-CT system, suggesting that these devices might be able to operate at very low x-ray exposures in a photon counting mode. Such devices could have future implications in clinical CT protocols. NIH Grant R01EB002873; Toshiba Medical Systems Corp.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Double Image Polarimeter—Ultra Fast: Simultaneous Three-color (BVR) Polarimeter with Electron-multiplying Charge-coupled Devices

We describe a new instrument capable of high-precision (10{sup −5}) polarimetric observations simultaneously in three passbands (BVR). The instrument utilizes electron-multiplying charge-coupled device (EM CCD) cameras for high efficiency and fast image readout. The key features of the Double Image Polarimeter—Ultra Fast (DIPol-UF) are: (i) the optical design with high throughput and inherent stability; (ii) great versatility, which makes the instrument optimally suitable for observations of bright and faint targets; and (iii) a control system, which allows the use of the polarimeter remotely. Examples are given of the first results obtained from high signal-to-noise observations of bright nearby stars and of fainter sources such as X-ray binaries in their quiescent states.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Fast broad-band photon detector based on quantum well devices and charge-integrating electronics for non-invasive FEL monitoring

The recent evolution of free-electron lasers has not been matched by the development of adequate beam-monitoring instrumentation. However, for both experimental and diagnostics purposes, it is crucial to keep such photon beams under control, avoiding at the same time the absorption of the beam and the possible destruction of the detector. These requirements can be fulfilled by utilizing fast and non-invasive photon detectors operated in situ, upstream from the experimental station. From this perspective, sensors based on Quantum Well (QW) devices can be the key to detecting ultra-short light pulses. In fact, owing to their high electron mobility, InGaAs/InAlAs QW devices operated at room temperature exhibit sub-nanosecond response times. Their direct, low-energy band gap renders them capable of detecting photons ranging from visible to X-ray. Furthermore, the 2D electron gas forming inside the QW is responsible for a charge amplification mechanism, which increases the charge collection efficiency of these devices. In order to acquire the signals produced by these QW sensors, a novel readout electronics has been developed. It is based on a high-speed charge integrator, which allows short, low-intensity current pulses to be read within a 50-ns window. The integrated signal is acquired through an ADC and the entire process can be performed at a 10-MHz repetition rate. This work provides a detailed description of the development of the QW detectors and the acquisition electronics, as well as reporting the main experimental results, which show how these tools are well suited for the realization of fast, broad-band beam monitors.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Supercapacitor with metal cyanometallate anode and carbonaceous cathode

A method is provided for charging a supercapacitor. The method initially provides a supercapacitor with a metal cyanometallate (MCM) particle anode, an electrolyte including a salt (DB) made up of cations (D.sup.+) anions (B.sup.-), and a cathode including carbonaceous materials (.quadrature.). The method connects an external charging device between the anode and cathode, and the charging device supplies electrons to the anode and accepting electrons from the cathode. In response to the charging device, cations are inserted into the anode while anions are absorbed on the surface of the cathode. A supercapacitor device is also presented.

Lu, Yuhao↗

Camera selection for real-time in vivo radiation treatment verification systems using Cherenkov imaging

Purpose: To identify achievable camera performance and hardware needs in a clinical Cherenkov imaging system for real-time, in vivo monitoring of the surface beam profile on patients, as novel visual information, documentation, and possible treatment verification for clinicians. Methods: Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), charge-coupled device (CCD), intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD), and electron multiplying-intensified charge coupled device (EM-ICCD) cameras were investigated to determine Cherenkov imaging performance in a clinical radiotherapy setting, with one emphasis on the maximum supportable frame rate. Where possible, the image intensifier was synchronized using a pulse signal from the Linac in order to image with room lighting conditions comparable to patient treatment scenarios. A solid water phantom irradiated with a 6 MV photon beam was imaged by the cameras to evaluate the maximum frame rate for adequate Cherenkov detection. Adequate detection was defined as an average electron count in the background-subtracted Cherenkov image region of interest in excess of 0.5% (327 counts) of the 16-bit maximum electron count value. Additionally, an ICCD and an EM-ICCD were each used clinically to image two patients undergoing whole-breast radiotherapy to compare clinical advantages and limitations of each system. Results: Intensifier-coupled cameras were required for imaging Cherenkov emission on the phantom surface with ambient room lighting; standalone CMOS and CCD cameras were not viable. The EM-ICCD was able to collect images from a single Linac pulse delivering less than 0.05 cGy of dose at 30 frames/s (fps) and pixel resolution of 512 × 512, compared to an ICCD which was limited to 4.7 fps at 1024 × 1024 resolution. An intensifier with higher quantum efficiency at the entrance photocathode in the red wavelengths [30% quantum efficiency (QE) vs previous 19%] promises at least 8.6 fps at a resolution of 1024 × 1024 and lower monetary cost than the EM-ICCD. Conclusions: The ICCD with an intensifier better optimized for red wavelengths was found to provide the best potential for real-time display (at least 8.6 fps) of radiation dose on the skin during treatment at a resolution of 1024 × 1024.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Tailoring coherent charge transport in graphene by deterministic defect generation

Harnessing the wave-nature of charge carriers in solid state devices, electron optics investigates and exploits coherent phenomena, in analogy with optics and photonics. Typically, this requires complex electronic devices leveraging macroscopically coherent charge transport in two-dimensional electron gases and superconductors. Here, collective coherent effects are induced in a simple counterintuitive architecture by defect engineering. Deterministically introduced lattice defects in graphene enable the phase coherent charge transport by playing the role of potential barriers, instead of scattering centres as conventionally considered. Thus, graphene preserves its quasi-ballistic quantum transport and can support phase-matched charge carrier waves. Based on this approach, multiple electronic Fabry-Pèrot cavities are formed by creating periodically alternating defective and pristine nano-stripes through low energy electron-beam irradiation. Indeed, defective stripes behave as partially reflecting mirrors and resonantly confine the charge carrier waves within the pristine areas, giving rise to Fabry-Pèrot resonant modes. These modes experimentally manifest as sheet resistance oscillations, as also confirmed by Landauer-Büttiker simulations. Moreover, these coherent phenomena survive up to 30 K for both polarities of charge carriers, contrarily to traditional monopolar electrostatically created Fabry-Pèrot interferometers. Our study positions defective graphene as an innovative platform for coherent electronic devices, with potential applications in nano and quantum technologies.

Melchioni, Nicola↗

Robustness of n-GaAs carrier spin properties to 5 MeV proton irradiation

Modern electronic devices utilize charge to transmit and store information. This leaves the information susceptible to external influences, such as radiation, that can introduce short timescale charge fluctuations and, long term, degrade electronic properties. Encoding information as spin polarizations offers an attractive alternative to electronic logic that should be robust to randomly polarized transient radiation effects. As a preliminary step towards radiation-resistant spintronic devices, we measure the spin properties of n-GaAs as a function of radiation fluence using time-resolved Kerr rotation and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Our results show a modest to negligible change in the long-term electron spin properties up to a fluence of 1 × 10{sup 14} (5 MeV protons)/cm{sup 2}, even as the luminescence decreases by two orders of magnitude.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Spin-current diode with a ferromagnetic semiconductor

Diode is a key device in electronics: the charge current can flow through the device under a forward bias, while almost no current flows under a reverse bias. Here, we propose a corresponding device in spintronics: the spin-current diode, in which the forward spin current is large but the reversed one is negligible. We show that the lead/ferromagnetic quantum dot/lead system and the lead/ferromagnetic semiconductor/lead junction can work as spin-current diodes. The spin-current diode, a low dissipation device, may have important applications in spintronics, as the conventional charge-current diode does in electronics.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

SISGR: Physical Chemistry of Reaction Dynamics in Ionic Liquids

Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are liquids made up of atomic and molecular ions. This is in contrast with more common liquids, such as water, that are made up of neutral molecules. The additional charges on the atoms and molecules can alter the properties of these liquids, for example they tend to have a very high vapor pressure and the ability to shield charge in electronic devices. For these and other reasons RTILs have recently been deployed in a number of applications that involve production of free electrons in the liquid, such as batteries, capacitors, nuclear power plants, and solar cells. Electrons tend to be very reactive, and understanding their behaviour in these liquids is important for the future design of ionic liquids to be employed in these environments. This study investigated the behavior of electrons generated in RTILs by pulses of ultraviolet light, including how long they survive, and how reactive they are with the both the surrounding liquid and impurities in the liquid. The ionic liquid studied was one of the most commonly used, called N-alkyl-N-methyl-pyrrolidinium bistriflimide. What the study revealed was that the majority of the electrons initially created, about 96%, had a very short lifetime of less than one picosecond (10-12 second) due to a process called geminate recombination. The study also demonstrated that the electrons are very reactive at the moment they are detached from the molecules in the liquid by light, but that they relax very quickly and lose almost all of their reactivity in much less than one picosecond. The short lifetime and rapid loss of reactivity both serve as important mechanisms that protect the liquid from radiolytic damage.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Development of an X-ray pixel detector with multi-port charge-coupled device for X-ray free-electron laser experiments

This paper presents development of an X-ray pixel detector with a multi-port charge-coupled device (MPCCD) for X-ray Free-Electron laser experiments. The fabrication process of the CCD was selected based on the X-ray radiation hardness against the estimated annual dose of 1.6 × 10{sup 14} photon/mm{sup 2}. The sensor device was optimized by maximizing the full well capacity as high as 5 Me- within 50 μm square pixels while keeping the single photon detection capability for X-ray photons higher than 6 keV and a readout speed of 60 frames/s. The system development also included a detector system for the MPCCD sensor. This paper summarizes the performance, calibration methods, and operation status.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Molecular self ordering and charge transport in layer by layer deposited poly (3,3‴-dialkylquarterthiophene) films formed by Langmuir-Schaefer technique

The performance of π-conjugated polymer based electronic devices is directly governed by the molecular morphology of polymer aggregation, the extent to which a molecule is electronically coupled (self ordered and interacted) to neighboring molecules, and orientation. The well electronic coupled and crystalline/ordered polymer films have the potential to enhance the charge transport properties up to a benchmark. However, there is insufficient knowledge about the direct formation of large area, oriented, crystalline, and smooth films. In this study, we have presented Langmuir Schaefer technique to obtain the large area, oriented, crystalline, and smooth film of Poly (3,3‴-dialkylquarterthiophene) (PQT-12) polymer. The effect of self ordering and orientation of PQT-12 polymer on optical, morphological, and charge transport properties has been investigated. The prepared films have been characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area diffractions pattern (SAED), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. UV-vis spectra, TEM, SAED, and AFM images of monolayer films reveal the formation of well ordered and electronically coupled polymer domains. Layer by layer deposited films reveal the change in the orientation, which is confirmed by Raman spectra. Electronic properties and layer dependent charge transport properties are investigated using sandwiched structure Al/PQT-12/ITO Schottky configuration with perpendicular to the deposited films. It is observed that the charge transport properties and device electronic parameters (ideality factor and turn on voltage) are significantly changing with increasing the number of PQT-12 layers. Our study also demonstrates the charge transport between polymer crystallites and cause of deviation of ideal behavior of organic Schottky diodes. It may be further explored for improving the performance of other organic and optoelectronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High resolution Cerenkov light imaging of induced positron distribution in proton therapy

Purpose: In proton therapy, imaging of the positron distribution produced by fragmentation during or soon after proton irradiation is a useful method to monitor the proton range. Although positron emission tomography (PET) is typically used for this imaging, its spatial resolution is limited. Cerenkov light imaging is a new molecular imaging technology that detects the visible photons that are produced from high-speed electrons using a high sensitivity optical camera. Because its inherent spatial resolution is much higher than PET, the authors can measure more precise information of the proton-induced positron distribution with Cerenkov light imaging technology. For this purpose, they conducted Cerenkov light imaging of induced positron distribution in proton therapy. Methods: First, the authors evaluated the spatial resolution of our Cerenkov light imaging system with a {sup 22}Na point source for the actual imaging setup. Then the transparent acrylic phantoms (100 × 100 × 100 mm{sup 3}) were irradiated with two different proton energies using a spot scanning proton therapy system. Cerenkov light imaging of each phantom was conducted using a high sensitivity electron multiplied charge coupled device (EM-CCD) camera. Results: The Cerenkov light’s spatial resolution for the setup was 0.76 ± 0.6 mm FWHM. They obtained high resolution Cerenkov light images of the positron distributions in the phantoms for two different proton energies and made fused images of the reference images and the Cerenkov light images. The depths of the positron distribution in the phantoms from the Cerenkov light images were almost identical to the simulation results. The decay curves derived from the region-of-interests (ROIs) set on the Cerenkov light images revealed that Cerenkov light images can be used for estimating the half-life of the radionuclide components of positrons. Conclusions: High resolution Cerenkov light imaging of proton-induced positron distribution was possible. The authors conclude that Cerenkov light imaging of proton-induced positron is promising for proton therapy.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Atomistic study on dithiolated oligo-phenylenevinylene gated device

Thanks to their semiconducting behavior, conjugated molecules are considered as an attractive candidate for future electronic devices. Understanding the charge transport characteristics through such molecules for different device applications would accelerate the progress in the field of molecular electronics. In addition, it would become more feasible to introduce/enhance specific properties of molecular devices. This theoretical paper focuses on atomistic simulation and characterization of novel molecular FET employing dithiolated oligo-phenylenevinylene molecules. The simulation is validated by its agreement with the experimental measurements conducted on the same molecules. The employed molecule has oxygen linkers, which are responsible for the strongly nonlinear current characteristics on the molecular device. We perform a thorough atomistic device analysis to illustrate the principles behind the nonlinear current characteristics and the gating effect.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗