surface area x-ray: Topics by Science.gov

Sample records for surface area x-ray

Direct detection of x-rays for protein crystallography employing a thick, large area CCD

DOEpatents

Atac, Muzaffer; McKay, Timothy

1999-01-01

An apparatus and method for directly determining the crystalline structure of a protein crystal. The crystal is irradiated by a finely collimated x-ray beam. The interaction of the x-ray beam with the crystal produces scattered x-rays. These scattered x-rays are detected by means of a large area, thick CCD which is capable of measuring a significant number of scattered x-rays which impact its surface. The CCD is capable of detecting the position of impact of the scattered x-ray on the surface of the CCD and the quantity of scattered x-rays which impact the same cell or pixel. This data is then processed in real-time and the processed data is outputted to produce a image of the structure of the crystal. If this crystal is a protein the molecular structure of the protein can be determined from the data received.
Toward Adaptive X-Ray Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Dell, Stephen L.; Atkins, Carolyn; Button, Tim W.; Cotroneo, Vincenzo; Davis, William N.; Doel, Peer; Feldman, Charlotte H.; Freeman, Mark D.; Gubarev, Mikhail V.; Kolodziejczak, Jeffrey J.;

2011-01-01

Future x-ray observatories will require high-resolution (less than 1 inch) optics with very-large-aperture (greater than 25 square meter) areas. Even with the next generation of heavy-lift launch vehicles, launch-mass constraints and aperture-area requirements will limit the surface areal density of the grazing-incidence mirrors to about 1 kilogram per square meter or less. Achieving sub-arcsecond x-ray imaging with such lightweight mirrors will require excellent mirror surfaces, precise and stable alignment, and exceptional stiffness or deformation compensation. Attaining and maintaining alignment and figure control will likely involve adaptive (in-space adjustable) x-ray optics. In contrast with infrared and visible astronomy, adaptive optics for x-ray astronomy is in its infancy. In the middle of the past decade, two efforts began to advance technologies for adaptive x-ray telescopes: The Generation-X (Gen-X) concept studies in the United States, and the Smart X-ray Optics (SXO) Basic Technology project in the United Kingdom. This paper discusses relevant technological issues and summarizes progress toward adaptive x-ray telescopes.

Soft x ray properties of the Geminga pulsar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halpern, J. P.; Ruderman, M.

1993-01-01

The ROSAT soft x ray spectrum and pulse profile of the Geminga pulsar are analyzed and interpreted in terms of thermal emission from the surface of the neutron star. The x ray spectrum appears to consist of two blackbody components with T(sub 1) = (5.2 +/- 1.0) x 10 (exp 5) K and T(sub 2) approximately 3 x 10(exp 6) K, respectively. The inferred ratio of surface areas, A(sub 2)/A(sub 1), is approximately 3 x 10(exp -5). Both components are highly modulated at the pulsar rotation period, but the harder x ray pulse is narrower, and leads the main (soft) x ray pulse by about 105 deg of phase. The soft x ray component is interpreted as photospheric cooling of much of the neutron star's surface area, while the small, hot region could be part of the much smaller polar cap heated by energetic particles flowing inward from the magnetospheric accelerator which is responsible for the production of Geminga's gamma rays. Geminga's gamma ray emission is consistent with outer-magnetosphere accelerator models for highly inclined dipoles. These predict the beaming of energetic gamma rays close enough to the star to give copious e(+/-) production in the stellar magnetic field and a large circumstellar pair density from pair inflow toward the surface. These pairs may quench radio emission, and also reflect most of the hard polar cap x rays back to the stellar surface by cyclotron resonance scattering. They are then reemitted from that much larger area at the lower temperature T(sub 1). The single-peaked nature of the x ray pulse and its energy-dependent phase suggest an off-center dipole geometry for the surface magnetic field. Under the assumption that the soft x ray emission comes from the full surface of a neutron star of radius R = 10 km, a distance estimate of (150-400) pc is derived. This range is consistent with the fit interstellar column density of (1.5 +/- 0.5) x 10(exp 20) cm(exp -2). Distances less than 150 pc are probably ruled out both by the lower limit on the column density, and also by the requirement that the Rayleigh-Jeans extrapolation of the soft x ray spectrum not exceed the observed blue flux of the faint optical counterpart. This distance estimate implies that Geminga's efficiency for converting spindown power into gamma-rays is near unity, and that there may be significant beaming of the gamma rays as well. These results tend to bolster the prospect that most of the unidentified high-energy gamma ray sources in the Galactic plane are pulsars, some of which may be radio quiet.
Method for improve x-ray diffraction determinations of residual stress in nickel-base alloys

DOEpatents

Berman, Robert M.; Cohen, Isadore

1990-01-01

A process for improving the technique of measuring residual stress by x-ray diffraction in pieces of nickel-base alloys which comprises covering part of a predetermined area of the surface of a nickel-base alloy with a dispersion, exposing the covered and uncovered portions of the surface of the alloy to x-rays by way of an x-ray diffractometry apparatus, making x-ray diffraction determinations of the exposed surface, and measuring the residual stress in the alloy based on these determinations. The dispersion is opaque to x-rays and serves a dual purpose since it masks off unsatisfactory signals such that only a small portion of the surface is measured, and it supplies an internal standard by providing diffractogram peaks comparable to the peaks of the nickel alloy so that the alloy peaks can be very accurately located regardless of any sources of error external to the sample.
Method for improving x-ray diffraction determinations of residual stress in nickel-base alloys

DOEpatents

Berman, R.M.; Cohen, I.

1988-04-26

A process for improving the technique of measuring residual stress by x-ray diffraction in pieces of nickel-base alloys is discussed. Part of a predetermined area of the surface of a nickel-base alloy is covered with a dispersion. This exposes the covered and uncovered portions of the surface of the alloy to x-rays by way of an x-ray diffractometry apparatus, making x-ray diffraction determinations of the exposed surface, and measuring the residual stress in the alloy based on these determinations. The dispersion is opaque to x-rays and serves a dual purpose, since it masks off unsatisfactory signals such that only a small portion of the surface is measured, and it supplies an internal standard by providing diffractogram peaks comparable to the peaks of the nickel alloy so that the alloy peaks can be very accurately located regardless of any sources of error external to the sample. 2 figs.
Toward active x-ray telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Dell, Stephen L.; Atkins, Carolyn; Button, Timothy W.; Cotroneo, Vincenzo; Davis, William N.; Doel, Peter; Feldman, Charlotte H.; Freeman, Mark D.; Gubarev, Mikhail V.; Kolodziejczak, Jeffery J.; Michette, Alan G.; Ramsey, Brian D.; Reid, Paul B.; Rodriguez Sanmartin, Daniel; Saha, Timo T.; Schwartz, Daniel A.; Trolier-McKinstry, Susan; Wilke, Rudeger H. T.; Willingale, Richard; Zhang, William W.

2011-09-01

Future x-ray observatories will require high-resolution (< 1") optics with very-large-aperture (> 25 m2) areas. Even with the next generation of heavy-lift launch vehicles, launch-mass constraints and aperture-area requirements will limit the areal density of the grazing-incidence mirrors to about 1 kg/m2 or less. Achieving sub-arcsecond x-ray imaging with such lightweight mirrors will require excellent mirror surfaces, precise and stable alignment, and exceptional stiffness or deformation compensation. Attaining and maintaining alignment and figure control will likely involve active (in-space adjustable) x-ray optics. In contrast with infrared and visible astronomy, active optics for x-ray astronomy is in its infancy. In the middle of the past decade, two efforts began to advance technologies for adaptive x-ray telescopes: The Smart X-ray Optics (SXO) Basic Technology project in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Generation-X (Gen-X) concept studies in the United States (US). This paper discusses relevant technological issues and summarizes progress toward active x-ray telescopes.
Large-surface-area diamond (111) crystal plates for applications in high-heat-load wavefront-preserving X-ray crystal optics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stoupin, Stanislav; Antipov, Sergey; Butler, James E.

Fabrication and results of high-resolution X-ray topography characterization of diamond single-crystal plates with large surface area (10 mm × 10 mm) and (111) crystal surface orientation for applications in high-heat-load X-ray crystal optics are reported. The plates were fabricated by laser-cutting of the (111) facets of diamond crystals grown using high-pressure high-temperature methods. The intrinsic crystal quality of a selected 3 mm × 7 mm crystal region of one of the studied samples was found to be suitable for applications in wavefront-preserving high-heat-load crystal optics. Wavefront characterization was performed using sequential X-ray diffraction topography in the pseudo plane wave configurationmore » and data analysis using rocking-curve topography. In conclusion, the variations of the rocking-curve width and peak position measured with a spatial resolution of 13 µm × 13 µm over the selected region were found to be less than 1 µrad.« less
Large-surface-area diamond (111) crystal plates for applications in high-heat-load wavefront-preserving X-ray crystal optics.

PubMed

Stoupin, Stanislav; Antipov, Sergey; Butler, James E; Kolyadin, Alexander V; Katrusha, Andrey

2016-09-01

Fabrication and results of high-resolution X-ray topography characterization of diamond single-crystal plates with large surface area (10 mm × 10 mm) and (111) crystal surface orientation for applications in high-heat-load X-ray crystal optics are reported. The plates were fabricated by laser-cutting of the (111) facets of diamond crystals grown using high-pressure high-temperature methods. The intrinsic crystal quality of a selected 3 mm × 7 mm crystal region of one of the studied samples was found to be suitable for applications in wavefront-preserving high-heat-load crystal optics. Wavefront characterization was performed using sequential X-ray diffraction topography in the pseudo plane wave configuration and data analysis using rocking-curve topography. The variations of the rocking-curve width and peak position measured with a spatial resolution of 13 µm × 13 µm over the selected region were found to be less than 1 µrad.
Large-surface-area diamond (111) crystal plates for applications in high-heat-load wavefront-preserving X-ray crystal optics

DOE PAGES

Stoupin, Stanislav; Antipov, Sergey; Butler, James E.; ...

2016-08-10

Fabrication and results of high-resolution X-ray topography characterization of diamond single-crystal plates with large surface area (10 mm × 10 mm) and (111) crystal surface orientation for applications in high-heat-load X-ray crystal optics are reported. The plates were fabricated by laser-cutting of the (111) facets of diamond crystals grown using high-pressure high-temperature methods. The intrinsic crystal quality of a selected 3 mm × 7 mm crystal region of one of the studied samples was found to be suitable for applications in wavefront-preserving high-heat-load crystal optics. Wavefront characterization was performed using sequential X-ray diffraction topography in the pseudo plane wave configurationmore » and data analysis using rocking-curve topography. In conclusion, the variations of the rocking-curve width and peak position measured with a spatial resolution of 13 µm × 13 µm over the selected region were found to be less than 1 µrad.« less
Full Field X-Ray Fluorescence Imaging Using Micro Pore Optics for Planetary Surface Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarrazin, P.; Blake, D. F.; Gailhanou, M.; Walter, P.; Schyns, E.; Marchis, F.; Thompson, K.; Bristow, T.

2016-01-01

Many planetary surface processes leave evidence as small features in the sub-millimetre scale. Current planetary X-ray fluorescence spectrometers lack the spatial resolution to analyse such small features as they only provide global analyses of areas greater than 100 mm(exp 2). A micro-XRF spectrometer will be deployed on the NASA Mars 2020 rover to analyse spots as small as 120m. When using its line-scanning capacity combined to perpendicular scanning by the rover arm, elemental maps can be generated. We present a new instrument that provides full-field XRF imaging, alleviating the need for precise positioning and scanning mechanisms. The Mapping X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer - "Map-X" - will allow elemental imaging with approximately 100µm spatial resolution and simultaneously provide elemental chemistry at the scale where many relict physical, chemical and biological features can be imaged in ancient rocks. The arm-mounted Map-X instrument is placed directly on the surface of an object and held in a fixed position during measurements. A 25x25 mm(exp 2) surface area is uniformly illuminated with X-rays or alpha-particles and gamma-rays. A novel Micro Pore Optic focusses a fraction of the emitted X-ray fluorescence onto a CCD operated at a few frames per second. On board processing allows measuring the energy and coordinates of each X-ray photon collected. Large sets of frames are reduced into 2d histograms used to compute higher level data products such as elemental maps and XRF spectra from selected regions of interest. XRF spectra are processed on the ground to further determine quantitative elemental compositions. The instrument development will be presented with an emphasis on the characterization and modelling of the X-ray focussing Micro Pore Optic. An outlook on possible alternative XRF imaging applications will be discussed.
Ray tracing method for the evaluation of grazing incidence x-ray telescopes described by spatially sampled surfaces.

PubMed

Yu, Jun; Shen, Zhengxiang; Sheng, Pengfeng; Wang, Xiaoqiang; Hailey, Charles J; Wang, Zhanshan

2018-03-01

The nested grazing incidence telescope can achieve a large collecting area in x-ray astronomy, with a large number of closely packed, thin conical mirrors. Exploiting the surface metrological data, the ray tracing method used to reconstruct the shell surface topography and evaluate the imaging performance is a powerful tool to assist iterative improvement in the fabrication process. However, current two-dimensional (2D) ray tracing codes, especially when utilized with densely sampled surface shape data, may not provide sufficient accuracy of reconstruction and are computationally cumbersome. In particular, 2D ray tracing currently employed considers coplanar rays and thus simulates only these rays along the meridional plane. This captures axial figure errors but leaves other important errors, such as roundness errors, unaccounted for. We introduce a semianalytic, three-dimensional (3D) ray tracing approach for x-ray optics that overcomes these shortcomings. And the present method is both computationally fast and accurate. We first introduce the principles and the computational details of this 3D ray tracing method. Then the computer simulations of this approach compared to 2D ray tracing are demonstrated, using an ideal conic Wolter-I telescope for benchmarking. Finally, the present 3D ray tracing is used to evaluate the performance of a prototype x-ray telescope fabricated for the enhanced x-ray timing and polarization mission.
Surface speciation and interactions between adsorbed chloride and water on cerium dioxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutherland-Harper, Sophie; Taylor, Robin; Hobbs, Jeff; Pimblott, Simon; Pattrick, Richard; Sarsfield, Mark; Denecke, Melissa; Livens, Francis; Kaltsoyannis, Nikolas; Arey, Bruce; Kovarik, Libor; Engelhard, Mark; Waters, John; Pearce, Carolyn

2018-06-01

Ceria particles with different specific surface areas (SSA) were contaminated with chloride and water, then heat treated at 500 and 900 °C to investigate sorption behaviour of these species on metal oxides. Results from x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy showed chloride and water adsorption onto particles increased with surface area and that these species were mostly removed on heat treatment (from 6.3 to 0.8 at% Cl- on high SSA and from 1.4 to 0.4 at% on low SSA particles). X-ray diffraction revealed that chloride was not incorporated into the bulk ceria structure, but crystal size increased upon contamination. Ce LIII-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy confirmed that chloride was not present in the first co-ordination sphere around Ce(IV) ions, so was not bonded to Ce as chloride in the bulk structure. Sintering of contaminated high SSA particles occurred with heat treatment at 900 °C, and they resembled low SSA particles synthesised at this temperature. Physical chloride-particle interactions were investigated using electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis, showing that chloride was homogeneously distributed on ceria and that reduction of porosity did not trap surface-sorbed chloride inside the particles as surface area was reduced during sintering. This has implications for stabilisation of chloride-contaminated PuO2 for long term storage.
Surface slope metrology of highly curved x-ray optics with an interferometric microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gevorkyan, Gevork S.; Centers, Gary; Polonska, Kateryna S.; Nikitin, Sergey M.; Lacey, Ian; Yashchuk, Valeriy V.

2017-09-01

The development of deterministic polishing techniques has given rise to vendors that manufacture high quality threedimensional x-ray optics. The surface metrology on these optics remains a difficult task. For the fabrication, vendors usually use unique surface metrology tools, generally developed on site, that are not available in the optical metrology labs at x-ray facilities. At the Advanced Light Source X-Ray Optics Laboratory, we have developed a rather straightforward interferometric-microscopy-based procedure capable of sub microradian characterization of sagittal slope variation of x-ray optics for two-dimensionally focusing and collimating (such as ellipsoids, paraboloids, etc.). In the paper, we provide the mathematical foundation of the procedure and describe the related instrument calibration. We also present analytical expression describing the ideal surface shape in the sagittal direction of a spheroid specified by the conjugate parameters of the optic's beamline application. The expression is useful when analyzing data obtained with such optics. The high efficiency of the developed measurement and data analysis procedures is demonstrated in results of measurements with a number of x-ray optics with sagittal radius of curvature between 56 mm and 480 mm. We also discuss potential areas of further improvement.
XRF Experiment for Elementary Surface Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köhler, E.; Dreißigacker, A.; Fabel, O.; van Gasselt, S.; Meyer, M.

2014-04-01

The proposed X-Ray Fluorescence Instrument Package (XRF-X and XRF-E) is being designed to quantitatively measure the composition and map the distribution of rock-surface materials in order to support the target area selection process for exploration, sampling, and mining. While energydispersive X-Ray fluorescence (EDX) makes use of Solar X-Rays for excitation to probe materials over arbitrary distances (by XRF-X), electron-beam excitation can be used for proximity measurements (by XRF-E) over short-distance of up to about 10 - 20m. This design is targeted at observing and analyzing surface compositions from orbital platforms and it is in particular applicable to all atmosphereless solidsurface bodies. While the instrument design for observing objects in the outer solar system is challenging due to low count rates, the Moon and objects of the asteroid belt usually receive solar X-ray radiation that allows to integrate a statistically reliable data basis. Asteroids are attractive targets and have been visited using X-ray fluorescence instruments by orbiting spacecraft in the past (Itokawa, Eros). They are wellaccessible objects for determining elemental compositions and assessing potential mineral resources.
Toward Large-Area Sub-Arcsecond X-Ray Telescopes II

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Dell, Stephen L.; Allured, Ryan; Ames, Andrew O.; Biskach, Michael P.; Broadway David M.; Bruni, Ricardo J.; Burrows, David; Cao, Jian; Chalifoux, Brandon D.; Chan, Kai-Wing;

2016-01-01

In order to advance significantly scientific objectives, future x-ray astronomy missions will likely call for x-ray telescopes with large aperture areas (approx. = 3 sq m) and fine angular resolution (approx. = 1"). Achieving such performance is programmatically and technologically challenging due to the mass and envelope constraints of space-borne telescopes and to the need for densely nested grazing-incidence optics. Such an x-ray telescope will require precision fabrication, alignment, mounting, and assembly of large areas (approx. = 600 sq m) of lightweight (approx. = 2 kg/sq m areal density) high-quality mirrors, at an acceptable cost (approx. = 1 M$/sq m of mirror surface area). This paper reviews relevant programmatic and technological issues, as well as possible approaches for addressing these issues-including direct fabrication of monocrystalline silicon mirrors, active (in-space adjustable) figure correction of replicated mirrors, static post-fabrication correction using ion implantation, differential erosion or deposition, and coating-stress manipulation of thin substrates.

Differentiation of dental restorative materials combining energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and post-mortem CT.

PubMed

Merriam, Tim; Kaufmann, Rolf; Ebert, Lars; Figi, Renato; Erni, Rolf; Pauer, Robin; Sieberth, Till

2018-06-01

Today, post-mortem computed tomography (CT) is routinely used for forensic identification. Mobile energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy of a dentition is a method of identification that has the potential to be easier and cheaper than CT, although it cannot be used with every dentition. In challenging cases, combining both techniques could facilitate the process of identification and prove to be advantageous over chemical analyses. Nine dental restorative material brands were analyzed using EDXRF spectroscopy. Their differentiability was assessed by comparing each material's x-ray fluorescence spectrum and then comparing the spectra to previous research investigating differentiability in CT. To verify EDXRF's precision and accuracy, select dental specimens underwent comparative electron beam excited x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) scans, while the impact of the restorative surface area was studied by scanning a row of dental specimens with varying restorative surface areas (n = 10). EDXRF was able to differentiate all 36 possible pairs of dental filling materials; however, dual-energy CT was only able to differentiate 33 out of 36. The EDS scans showed correlating x-ray fluorescence peaks on the x-ray spectra compared to our EDXRF. In addition, the surface area showed no influence on the differentiability of the dental filling materials. EDXRF has the potential to facilitate corpse identification by differentiating and comparing restorative materials, providing more information compared to post-mortem CT alone. Despite not being able to explicitly identify a brand without a control sample or database, its fast and mobile use could accelerate daily routines or mass victim identification processes. To achieve this goal, further development of EDXRF scanners for this application and further studies evaluating the method within a specific routine need to be performed.
Synthesis of rose-like boron nitride particles with a high specific surface area

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu, Hongming; Huang, Xiaoxiao; Wen, Guangwu, E-mail: wgw@hitwh.edu.cn

2010-08-15

Novel rose-like BN nanostructures were synthesized on a large scale via a two-step procedure. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer and nitrogen porosimetry. The results show that the obtained rose-like nanostructures are composed of a large amount of h-BN crystalline flakes and have a surface area of 90.31 m{sup 2}/g. A mechanism was proposed to explain the formation process of the rose-like BN nanostructures.
Toward Large-Area Sub-Arcsecond X-Ray Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

ODell, Stephen L.; Aldcroft, Thomas L.; Allured, Ryan; Atkins, Carolyn; Burrows, David N.; Cao, Jian; Chalifoux, Brandon D.; Chan, Kai-Wing; Cotroneo, Vincenzo; Elsner, Ronald F.;

2014-01-01

The future of x-ray astronomy depends upon development of x-ray telescopes with larger aperture areas (approx. = 3 square meters) and fine angular resolution (approx. = 1 inch). Combined with the special requirements of nested grazing-incidence optics, the mass and envelope constraints of space-borne telescopes render such advances technologically and programmatically challenging. Achieving this goal will require precision fabrication, alignment, mounting, and assembly of large areas (approx. = 600 square meters) of lightweight (approx. = 1 kilogram/square meter areal density) high-quality mirrors at an acceptable cost (approx. = 1 million dollars/square meter of mirror surface area). This paper reviews relevant technological and programmatic issues, as well as possible approaches for addressing these issues-including active (in-space adjustable) alignment and figure correction.

Sub-Optical Lithography With Nanometer Definition Masks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartley, Frank T.; Malek, Chantal Khan; Neogi, Jayant

2000-01-01

Nanometer feature size lithography represents a major paradigm shift for the electronics and micro-electro-mechanical industries. In this paper, we discuss the capacity of dynamic focused reactive ion beam (FIB) etching systems to undertake direct and highly anisotropic erosion of thick evaporated gold coatings on boron-doped silicon X-ray mask membranes. FIB offers a new level of flexibility in micro fabrication, allowing for fast fabrication of X-ray masks, where pattern definition and surface alteration are combined in the same step which eliminates the whole lithographic process, in particular resist, resist development, electro-deposition and resist removal. Focused ion beam diameters as small as 7 nm can be obtained enabling fabrication well into the sub-20 nm regime. In preliminary demonstrations of this X-ray mask fabrication technique 22 nm width lines were milled directly through 0.9 microns of gold and a miniature mass spectrometer pattern was milled through over 0.5 microns of gold. Also presented are the results of the shadow printing, using the large depth of field of synchrotron high energy parallel X-ray beam, of these and other sub-optical defined patterns in photoresist conformally coated over surfaces of extreme topographical variation. Assuming that electronic circuits and/or micro devices scale proportionally, the surface area of devices processed with X-ray lithography and 20 nm critical dimension X-ray masks would be 0.5% that of contemporary devices (350 nm CD). The 20 CD mask fabrication represents an initial effort - a further factor of three reduction is anticipated which represents a further order-of-magnitude reduction in die area.
Simulation and modeling of silicon pore optics for the ATHENA x-ray telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spiga, D.; Christensen, F. E.; Bavdaz, M.; Civitani, M. M.; Conconi, P.; Della Monica Ferreira, D.; Knudsen, E. B.; Massahi, S.; Pareschi, G.; Salmaso, B.; Shortt, B.; Tayabaly, K.; Westergaard, N. J.; Wille, E.

2016-07-01

The ATHENA X-ray observatory is a large-class ESA approved mission, with launch scheduled in 2028. The technology of silicon pore optics (SPO) was selected as baseline to assemble ATHENA's optic with more than 1000 mirror modules, obtained by stacking wedged and ribbed silicon wafer plates onto silicon mandrels to form the Wolter-I configuration. Even if the current baseline design fulfills the required effective area of 2 m2 at 1 keV on-axis, alternative design solutions, e.g., privileging the field of view or the off-axis angular resolution, are also possible. Moreover, the stringent requirement of a 5 arcsec HEW angular resolution at 1 keV entails very small profile errors and excellent surface smoothness, as well as a precise alignment of the 1000 mirror modules to avoid imaging degradation and effective area loss. Finally, the stray light issue has to be kept under control. In this paper we show the preliminary results of simulations of optical systems based on SPO for the ATHENA X-ray telescope, from pore to telescope level, carried out at INAF/OAB and DTU Space under ESA contract. We show ray-tracing results, including assessment of the misalignments of mirror modules and the impact of stray light. We also deal with a detailed description of diffractive effects expected in an SPO module from UV light, where the aperture diffraction prevails, to X-rays where the surface diffraction plays a major role. Finally, we analyze the results of X-ray tests performed at the BESSY synchrotron, we compare them with surface finishing measurements, and we estimate the expected HEW degradation caused by the X-ray scattering.

Davisson-Germer Prize in Atomic or Surface Physics Talk: Soft X-Ray Studies of Surfaces, Interfaces and Thin Films: From Spectroscopy to Ultrafast Nanoscale Movies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stöhr, Joachim

2011-03-01

My talk will review the development of soft x-ray spectroscopy and microscopy and its impact on our understanding of chemical bonding, magnetism and dynamics at surfaces and interfaces. I will first outline important soft x-ray spectroscopy and microscopy techniques that have been developed over the last 30 years and their key strengths such as elemental and chemical specificity, sensitivity to small atomic concentrations, separation of charge and spin properties, spatial resolution down to the nanometer scale, and temporal resolution down to the intrinsic femtosecond timescale of atomic and electronic motions. I will then present scientific breakthroughs based on soft x-ray studies in three selected areas: the nature of molecular bonding and reactivity on metal surfaces, the molecular origin of liquid crystal alignment on surfaces, and the microscopic origin of interface-mediated spin alignments in modern magnetic devices. My talk will also cover the use of soft x-rays for revealing the temporal evolution of electronic structure, addressing the key problem of ``function,'' down to the intrinsic femtosecond time scale of charge and spin configuration changes. As examples I will present the formation and breaking of chemical bonds in surface complexes and the motion of the magnetization in magnetic devices. Work supported by the Office of Basic Energy Science of the US Department of Energy.
New Possibilities for Understanding Complex Metal Hydrides via Synchrotron X-ray Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobbins, Tabbetha

2008-03-01

Ultrasmall-angle x-ray scattering (USAXS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) are used for the study of chemical and morphological changes in metal hydride powder (e.g. NaAlH4) both before and after transition metal salt catalytic dopant additions by high energy ball milling. The variation in surface fractal dimension and particle size with milling time and dopant content were tracked. These studies show that dopant content level (e.g. 2 mol % and 4 mol %) and dopant type (i.e. TiCl2, TiCl3, VCl3, and ZrCl4) markedly affects NaAlH4 powder particle surface area (determined using USAXS surface fractal dimension). As well, the chemical reaction between the catalyst and hydride powder was further elucidated using XAS. Ti-metal reacts with the Al desorption product (from NaAlH4) to form TiAlx product phases. These studies were able to link powder particle surface area to catalytic doping and were able to link dopant chemical state with dehydrogenation reactant and product phases.
Slumped glass optics with interfacing ribs for high angular resolution x-ray astronomy: a progress report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Civitani, M.; Basso, S.; Brizzolari, C.; Ghigo, M.; Pareschi, G.; Salmaso, B.; Spiga, D.; Vecchi, G.; Breunig, E.; Burwitz, V.; Hartner, G. D.; Menz, B.

2015-09-01

The Slumped Glass Optics technology, developed at INAF/OAB since a few years, is becoming a competitive solution for the realization of the future X-ray telescopes with a very large collecting area, as e.g. the proposed Athena, with more than 2 m2 effective area at 1 keV and with a high angular resolution (5'' HEW). The developed technique is based on modular elements, named X-ray Optical Units (XOUs), made of several layers of thin foils of glass, previously formed by direct hot slumping in cylindrical configuration, and then stacked in a Wolter-I configuration, through interfacing ribs. The achievable global angular resolution of the optics relies on the surface shape accuracy of the slumped foils, on the smoothness of the mirror surfaces and on the correct integration and co-alignment of the mirror segments achieved with a dedicated Integration Machine (IMA). In this paper we provide an update of the project development, reporting on the last results achieved. In particular, we will present the results obtained with full illumination X-ray tests for the last developed prototypes.
SMART-X: Square Meter, Arcsecond Resolution Telescope for X-rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vikhlinin, Alexey; SMART-X Collaboration

2013-04-01

SMART-X is a concept for a next-generation X-ray observatory with large-area, 0.5" angular resolution grazing incidence adjustable X-ray mirrors, high-throughput critical angle transmission gratings, and X-ray microcalorimeter and CMOS-based imager in the focal plane. High angular resolution is enabled by new technology based on controlling the shape of mirror segments using thin film piezo actuators deposited on the back surface. Science applications include observations of growth of supermassive black holes since redshifts of ~10, ultra-deep surveys over 10's of square degrees, galaxy assembly at z=2-3, as well as new opportunities in the high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy and time domains. We also review the progress in technology development, tests, and mission design over the past year.
Hard X-ray mirrors for Nuclear Security

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Descalle, M. A.; Brejnholt, N.; Hill, R.

Research performed under this LDRD aimed to demonstrate the ability to detect and measure hard X-ray emissions using multilayer X-ray reflective optics above 400 keV, to enable the development of inexpensive and high-accuracy mirror substrates, and to investigate applications of hard X-ray mirrors of interest to the nuclear security community. Experiments conducted at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility demonstrated hard X-ray mirror reflectivity up to 650 keV for the first time. Hard X-ray optics substrates must have surface roughness under 3 to 4 Angstrom rms, and three materials were evaluated as potential substrates: polycarbonates, thin Schott glass and a newmore » type of flexible glass called Willow Glass®. Chemical smoothing and thermal heating of the surface of polycarbonate samples, which are inexpensive but have poor intrinsic surface characteristics, did not yield acceptable surface roughness. D263 Schott glass was used for the focusing optics of the NASA NuSTAR telescope. The required specialized hardware and process were costly and motivated experiments with a modified non-contact slumping technique. The surface roughness of the glass was preserved and the process yielded cylindrical shells with good net shape pointing to the potential advantage of this technique. Finally, measured surface roughness of 200 and 130 μm thick Willow Glass sheets was between 2 and 2.5 A rms. Additional results of flexibility tests and multilayer deposition campaigns indicated it is a promising substrate for hard X-ray optics. The detection of U and Pu characteristics X-ray lines and gamma emission lines in a high background environment was identified as an area for which X-ray mirrors could have an impact and where focusing optics could help reduce signal to noise ratio by focusing signal onto a smaller detector. Hence the first one twelvetant of a Wolter I focusing optics for the 90 to 140 keV energy range based on aperiodic multilayer coating was designed. Finally, we conducted the first demonstration that reflective multilayer mirrors could be used as diagnostic for HED experiment with an order of magnitude improvement in signal-to-noise ratio for the multilayer optic compared a transmission crystal spectrometer.« less
Compound refractive X-ray lens

DOEpatents

Nygren, David R.; Cahn, Robert; Cederstrom, Bjorn; Danielsson, Mats; Vestlund, Jonas

2000-01-01

An apparatus and method for focusing X-rays. In one embodiment, his invention is a commercial-grade compound refractive X-ray lens. The commercial-grade compound refractive X-ray lens includes a volume of low-Z material. The volume of low-Z material has a first surface which is adapted to receive X-rays of commercially-applicable power emitted from a commercial-grade X-ray source. The volume of low-Z material also has a second surface from which emerge the X-rays of commercially-applicable power which were received at the first surface. Additionally, the commercial-grade compound refractive X-ray lens includes a plurality of openings which are disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The plurality of openings are oriented such that the X-rays of commercially-applicable power which are received at the first surface, pass through the volume of low-Z material and through the plurality openings. In so doing, the X-rays which emerge from the second surface are refracted to a focal point.
Phase quantification by X-ray photoemission valence band analysis applied to mixed phase TiO2 powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breeson, Andrew C.; Sankar, Gopinathan; Goh, Gregory K. L.; Palgrave, Robert G.

2017-11-01

A method of quantitative phase analysis using valence band X-ray photoelectron spectra is presented and applied to the analysis of TiO2 anatase-rutile mixtures. The valence band spectra of pure TiO2 polymorphs were measured, and these spectral shapes used to fit valence band spectra from mixed phase samples. Given the surface sensitive nature of the technique, this yields a surface phase fraction. Mixed phase samples were prepared from high and low surface area anatase and rutile powders. In the samples studied here, the surface phase fraction of anatase was found to be linearly correlated with photocatalytic activity of the mixed phase samples, even for samples with very different anatase and rutile surface areas. We apply this method to determine the surface phase fraction of P25 powder. This method may be applied to other systems where a surface phase fraction is an important characteristic.
Quantitative X-ray computed tomography peritoneography in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma patients receiving intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

PubMed

Leinwand, Joshua C; Zhao, Binsheng; Guo, Xiaotao; Krishnamoorthy, Saravanan; Qi, Jing; Graziano, Joseph H; Slavkovic, Vesna N; Bates, Gleneara E; Lewin, Sharyn N; Allendorf, John D; Chabot, John A; Schwartz, Lawrence H; Taub, Robert N

2013-12-01

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is used to treat peritoneal surface-spreading malignancies. We sought to determine whether volume and surface area of the intraperitoneal chemotherapy compartments are associated with overall survival and posttreatment glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) patients. Thirty-eight MPM patients underwent X-ray computed tomography peritoneograms during outpatient intraperitoneal chemotherapy. We calculated volume and surface area of contrast-filled compartments by semiautomated computer algorithm. We tested whether these were associated with overall survival and posttreatment GFR. Decreased likelihood of mortality was associated with larger surface areas (p = 0.0201) and smaller contrast-filled compartment volumes (p = 0.0341), controlling for age, sex, histologic subtype, and presence of residual disease >0.5 cm postoperatively. Larger volumes were associated with higher posttreatment GFR, controlling for pretreatment GFR, body surface area, surface area, and the interaction between body surface area and volume (p = 0.0167). Computed tomography peritoneography is an appropriate modality to assess for maldistribution of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. In addition to identifying catheter failure and frank loculation, quantitative analysis of the contrast-filled compartment's surface area and volume may predict overall survival and cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Prospective studies should be undertaken to confirm and extend these findings to other diseases, including advanced ovarian carcinoma.
Surface areas of fractally rough particles studied by scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurd, Alan J.; Schaefer, Dale W.; Smith, Douglas M.; Ross, Steven B.; Le Méhauté, Alain; Spooner, Steven

1989-05-01

The small-angle scattering from fractally rough surfaces has the potential to give information on the surface area at a given resolution. By use of quantitative neutron and x-ray scattering, a direct comparison of surface areas of fractally rough powders was made between scattering and adsorption techniques. This study supports a recently proposed correction to the theory for scattering from fractal surfaces. In addition, the scattering data provide an independent calibration of molecular adsorbate areas.
A two-stage series diode for intense large-area moderate pulsed X rays production.

PubMed

Lai, Dingguo; Qiu, Mengtong; Xu, Qifu; Su, Zhaofeng; Li, Mo; Ren, Shuqing; Huang, Zhongliang

2017-01-01

This paper presents a method for moderate pulsed X rays produced by a series diode, which can be driven by high voltage pulse to generate intense large-area uniform sub-100-keV X rays. A two stage series diode was designed for Flash-II accelerator and experimentally investigated. A compact support system of floating converter/cathode was invented, the extra cathode is floating electrically and mechanically, by withdrawing three support pins several milliseconds before a diode electrical pulse. A double ring cathode was developed to improve the surface electric field and emission stability. The cathode radii and diode separation gap were optimized to enhance the uniformity of X rays and coincidence of the two diode voltages based on the simulation and theoretical calculation. The experimental results show that the two stage series diode can work stably under 700 kV and 300 kA, the average energy of X rays is 86 keV, and the dose is about 296 rad(Si) over 615 cm 2 area with uniformity 2:1 at 5 cm from the last converter. Compared with the single diode, the average X rays' energy reduces from 132 keV to 88 keV, and the proportion of sub-100-keV photons increases from 39% to 69%.
Solvent free tin oxide nanoparticle for gas sensing application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ranjan, Pranay, E-mail: pranjan@iitp.ac.in; Thakur, Ajay D.; Centre for Energy and Environment, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Patliputra, Patna 800013 India

2016-05-06

A new modified technique of synthesizing tin oxide nanoparticles with crystallite size of 2 nm to 6 nm has been developed. Surface area of the nanoparticle has been increased as we approached towards the Debye length. Such a techniques for approaching the Debye length is expected to bring remarkable changes in the properties of resistive based gas sensors. The technique used here is less toxic, economical and has high yield. Phase purity, size, shape and composition has been investigated using x-ray diffraction, micro Raman, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x ray spectroscopy. While surface area has been calculated through Brunaur-Emmett-Teller (BET).
The application of phase contrast X-ray techniques for imaging Li-ion battery electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eastwood, D. S.; Bradley, R. S.; Tariq, F.; Cooper, S. J.; Taiwo, O. O.; Gelb, J.; Merkle, A.; Brett, D. J. L.; Brandon, N. P.; Withers, P. J.; Lee, P. D.; Shearing, P. R.

2014-04-01

In order to accelerate the commercialization of fuel cells and batteries across a range of applications, an understanding of the mechanisms by which they age and degrade at the microstructural level is required. Here, the most widely commercialized Li-ion batteries based on porous graphite based electrodes which de/intercalate Li+ ions during charge/discharge are studied by two phase contrast enhanced X-ray imaging modes, namely in-line phase contrast and Zernike phase contrast at the micro (synchrotron) and nano (laboratory X-ray microscope) level, respectively. The rate of charge cycling is directly dependent on the nature of the electrode microstructure, which are typically complex multi-scale 3D geometries with significant microstructural heterogeneities. We have been able to characterise the porosity and the tortuosity by micro-CT as well as the morphology of 5 individual graphite particles by nano-tomography finding that while their volume varied significantly their sphericity was surprisingly similar. The volume specific surface areas of the individual grains measured by nano-CT are significantly larger than the total volume specific surface area of the electrode from the micro-CT imaging, which can be attributed to the greater particle surface area visible at higher resolution.
Capability of insulator study by photoemission electron microscopy at SPring-8.

PubMed

Ohkochi, Takuo; Kotsugi, Masato; Yamada, Keisuke; Kawano, Kenji; Horiba, Koji; Kitajima, Fumio; Oura, Masaki; Shiraki, Susumu; Hitosugi, Taro; Oshima, Masaharu; Ono, Teruo; Kinoshita, Toyohiko; Muro, Takayuki; Watanabe, Yoshio

2013-07-01

The observation method of photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) on insulating samples has been established in an extremely simple way. Surface conductivity is induced locally on an insulating surface by continuous radiation of soft X-rays, and Au films close to the area of interest allow the accumulated charges on the insulated area to be released to ground level. Magnetic domain observations of a NiZn ferrite, local X-ray absorption spectroscopy of sapphire, high-resolution imaging of a poorly conducting Li0.9CoO2 film surface, and Au pattern evaporation on a fine rock particle are demonstrated. Using this technique, all users' experiments on poorly conducting samples have been performed successfully at the PEEM experimental station of SPring-8.
Reflection soft X-ray microscope and method

DOEpatents

Suckewer, Szymon; Skinner, Charles H.; Rosser, Roy

1993-01-01

A reflection soft X-ray microscope is provided by generating soft X-ray beams, condensing the X-ray beams to strike a surface of an object at a predetermined angle, and focusing the X-ray beams reflected from the surface onto a detector, for recording an image of the surface or near surface features of the object under observation.
Reflection soft X-ray microscope and method

DOEpatents

Suckewer, S.; Skinner, C.H.; Rosser, R.

1993-01-05

A reflection soft X-ray microscope is provided by generating soft X-ray beams, condensing the X-ray beams to strike a surface of an object at a predetermined angle, and focusing the X-ray beams reflected from the surface onto a detector, for recording an image of the surface or near surface features of the object under observation.
Future Probes of the Neutron Star Equation of State Using X-ray Bursts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strohmayer, Tod E.

2004-01-01

Observations with NASA s Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) have resulted in the discovery of fast (200 - 600 Hz), coherent X-ray intensity oscillations (hereafter, %urstoscillations ) during thermonuclear X-ray bursts from 12 low mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs). Although many of their detailed properties remain to be fully understood, it is now beyond doubt that these oscillations result from spin modulation of the thermonuclear burst flux from the neutron star surface. Among the new timing phenomena revealed by RXTE the burst oscillations are perhaps the best understood, in the sense that many of their properties can be explained in the framework of this relatively simple model. Because of this, detailed modelling of burst oscillations can be an extremely powerful probe of neutron star structure, and thus the equation of state (EOS) of supra-nuclear density matter. Both the compactness parameter beta = GM/c(sup 2)R, and the surface velocity, nu(sub rot) = Omega(sub spin)R, are encoded in the energy-dependent amplitude and shape of the modulation pulses. The new discoveries have spurred much new theoretical work on thermonuclear burning and propagation on neutron stars, so that in the near future it is not unreasonable to think that detailed physical models of the time dependent flux from burning neutron stars will be available for comparison with the observed pulse profiles from a future, large collecting area X-ray timing observatory. In addition, recent high resolution burst spectroscopy with XMM/Newton suggests the presence of redshifted absorption lines from the neutron star surface during bursts. This leads to the possibility of using large area, high spectral resolution measurements of X-ray bursts as a precise probe of neutron star structure. In this work I will explore the precision with which constraints on neutron star structure, and hence the dense matter EOS, can be made with the implementation of such programs.
Compact x-ray source and panel

DOEpatents

Sampayon, Stephen E [Manteca, CA

2008-02-12

A compact, self-contained x-ray source, and a compact x-ray source panel having a plurality of such x-ray sources arranged in a preferably broad-area pixelized array. Each x-ray source includes an electron source for producing an electron beam, an x-ray conversion target, and a multilayer insulator separating the electron source and the x-ray conversion target from each other. The multi-layer insulator preferably has a cylindrical configuration with a plurality of alternating insulator and conductor layers surrounding an acceleration channel leading from the electron source to the x-ray conversion target. A power source is connected to each x-ray source of the array to produce an accelerating gradient between the electron source and x-ray conversion target in any one or more of the x-ray sources independent of other x-ray sources in the array, so as to accelerate an electron beam towards the x-ray conversion target. The multilayer insulator enables relatively short separation distances between the electron source and the x-ray conversion target so that a thin panel is possible for compactness. This is due to the ability of the plurality of alternating insulator and conductor layers of the multilayer insulators to resist surface flashover when sufficiently high acceleration energies necessary for x-ray generation are supplied by the power source to the x-ray sources.
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy study of CaV1-xMoxO3-δ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belyakov, S. A.; Kuznetsov, M. V.; Shkerin, S. N.

2018-06-01

An investigation was carried out on perovskite-based derivatives of CaV1-xMoxO3-δ using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). According to the XRD pattern, the area of homogeneity covers the region from x = 0 to x = 0.6. Wide XPS-peaks of Ca, V, Mo and O are observed, signalling that elements are presented in multiple states. A model for explaining the large chemical shifts of XPS peaks due to different charging effects on different parts of the sample surface is proposed.
AXTAR: Mission Design Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Paul S.; Chakrabarty, Deepto; Wilson-Hodge, Colleen A.; Philips, Bernard F.; Remillard, Ronald A.; Levine, Alan M.; Wood, Kent S.; Wolff, Michael T.; Gwon, Chul S.; Strohmayer, Tod E.;

2010-01-01

The Advanced X-ray Timing Array (AXTAR) is a mission concept for X-ray timing of compact objects that combines very large collecting area, broadband spectral coverage, high time resolution, highly flexible scheduling, and an ability to respond promptly to time-critical targets of opportunity. It is optimized for sub-millisecond timing of bright Galactic X-ray sources in order to study phenomena at the natural time scales of neutron star surfaces and black hole event horizons, thus probing the physics of ultra-dense matter, strongly curved spacetimes, and intense magnetic fields. AXTAR s main instrument, the Large Area Timing Array (LATA) is a collimated instrument with 2 50 keV coverage and over 3 square meters effective area. The LATA is made up of an array of super-modules that house 2-mm thick silicon pixel detectors. AXTAR will provide a significant improvement in effective area (a factor of 7 at 4 keV and a factor of 36 at 30 keV) over the RXTE PCA. AXTAR will also carry a sensitive Sky Monitor (SM) that acts as a trigger for pointed observations of X-ray transients in addition to providing high duty cycle monitoring of the X-ray sky. We review the science goals and technical concept for AXTAR and present results from a preliminary mission design study

Fabrication of 200 nanometer period centimeter area hard x-ray absorption gratings by multilayer deposition

PubMed Central

Lynch, S K; Liu, C; Morgan, N Y; Xiao, X; Gomella, A A; Mazilu, D; Bennett, E E; Assoufid, L; de Carlo, F; Wen, H

2012-01-01

We describe the design and fabrication trials of x-ray absorption gratings of 200 nm period and up to 100:1 depth-to-period ratios for full-field hard x-ray imaging applications. Hard x-ray phase-contrast imaging relies on gratings of ultra-small periods and sufficient depth to achieve high sensitivity. Current grating designs utilize lithographic processes to produce periodic vertical structures, where grating periods below 2.0 μm are difficult due to the extreme aspect ratios of the structures. In our design, multiple bilayers of x-ray transparent and opaque materials are deposited on a staircase substrate, and mostly on the floor surfaces of the steps only. When illuminated by an x-ray beam horizontally, the multilayer stack on each step functions as a micro-grating whose grating period is the thickness of a bilayer. The array of micro-gratings over the length of the staircase works as a single grating over a large area when continuity conditions are met. Since the layers can be nanometers thick and many microns wide, this design allows sub-micron grating periods and sufficient grating depth to modulate hard x-rays. We present the details of the fabrication process and diffraction profiles and contact radiography images showing successful intensity modulation of a 25 keV x-ray beam. PMID:23066175

X-ray optical units made of glass: achievements and perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Civitani, M.; Basso, S.; Ghigo, M.; Pareschi, G.; Salmaso, B.; Spiga, D.; Tagliaferri, G.; Vecchi, G.; Burwitz, V.; Hartner, G. D.; Menz, B.

2014-07-01

Future X-ray telescopes with very large collecting area, like the proposed Athena with more than 2 m2 effective area at 1 keV, need to be realized as assemblies of a large number of X-ray optical units, named X-ray Optical Units (XOUs). The Brera Astronomical Observatory (INAF-OAB) is developing a new technology to manufacture these modular elements, compatible with an angular resolution of 5 arcsec HEW (Half-Energy-Width). This technique consists in stacking in a Wolter-I configuration several layers of thin foils of glass, previously formed by direct hot slumping. The achievable global angular resolution of the optics relies on the required surface shape accuracy of slumped foils, on the smoothness of the mirror surfaces and on the correct integration and co-alignment of the mirror segments operated trough a dedicated Integration Machine (IMA). In this paper we provide an overview of the project development, reporting on the very promising results achieved so far, including in-focus full illumination X-ray tests of the prototype (Proof of Concept, POC#2, integrated at the beginning of 2013) for which an HEW of 22.1'' has been measured at Panter/MPE. Moreover we report on the on-going activities, with a new integrated prototype (PoC#3). X-ray test in pencil beam revealed that at least a segment between two external ribs is characterized by an HEW well below 10''. Lastly, the overall process up-grade to go from 20 m to 12m focal length (to be compatible with Athena+ configuration) is presented.
Observation of the strain field near the Si(111) 7 x 7 surface with a new X-ray diffraction technique.

PubMed

Emoto, T; Akimoto, K; Ichimiya, A

1998-05-01

A new X-ray diffraction technique has been developed in order to measure the strain field near a solid surface under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. The X-ray optics use an extremely asymmetric Bragg-case bulk reflection. The glancing angle of the X-rays can be set near the critical angle of total reflection by tuning the X-ray energy. Using this technique, rocking curves for Si surfaces with different surface structures, i.e. a native oxide surface, a slightly oxide surface and an Si(111) 7 x 7 surface, were measured. It was found that the widths of the rocking curves depend on the surface structures. This technique is efficient in distinguishing the strain field corresponding to each surface structure.
Nanoconfinement platform for nanostructure quantification via grazing-transmission X-ray scattering

DOEpatents

Black, Charles T.; Yager, Kevin G.

2017-01-31

A nano-confinement platform that may allow improved quantification of the structural order of nanometer-scale systems. Sample-holder `chips` are designed for the GTSAXS experimental geometry. The platform involves fabricated nanostructured sample holders on and in one or more corners of a substrate support where the sample material of interest is positioned at the corner of the substrate support. In an embodiment, the substrate material making up the substrate support beneath the sample-holding area is removed. A scattering x-ray sample platform includes a substrate support arranged in a parallelepiped form, having a substantially flat base and a substantially flat top surface, the top surface being substantially parallel with the base, the parallelepiped having a plurality of corners. At least one corner of the substrate support has a sample holding area formed in the top surface of the substrate support and within a predetermined distance from the corner. The sample holding area includes a regular array of nano-wells formed in the top surface of the substrate support.
Composite structure of helicopter rotor blades studied by neutron- and X-ray radiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balaskó, M.; Veres, I.; Molnár, Gy.; Balaskó, Zs.; Sváb, E.

2004-07-01

In order to inspect the possible defects in the composite structure of helicopter rotor blades combined neutron- and X-ray radiography investigations were performed at the Budapest Research Reactor. Imperfections in the honeycomb structure, resin rich or starved areas at the core-honeycomb surfaces, inhomogeneities at the adhesive filling and water percolation at the sealing interfaces of the honeycomb sections were discovered.
Quantitative analysis of trace levels of surface contamination by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy Part I: statistical uncertainty near the detection limit.

PubMed

Hill, Shannon B; Faradzhev, Nadir S; Powell, Cedric J

2017-12-01

We discuss the problem of quantifying common sources of statistical uncertainties for analyses of trace levels of surface contamination using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We examine the propagation of error for peak-area measurements using common forms of linear and polynomial background subtraction including the correlation of points used to determine both background and peak areas. This correlation has been neglected in previous analyses, but we show that it contributes significantly to the peak-area uncertainty near the detection limit. We introduce the concept of relative background subtraction variance (RBSV) which quantifies the uncertainty introduced by the method of background determination relative to the uncertainty of the background area itself. The uncertainties of the peak area and atomic concentration and of the detection limit are expressed using the RBSV, which separates the contributions from the acquisition parameters, the background-determination method, and the properties of the measured spectrum. These results are then combined to find acquisition strategies that minimize the total measurement time needed to achieve a desired detection limit or atomic-percentage uncertainty for a particular trace element. Minimization of data-acquisition time is important for samples that are sensitive to x-ray dose and also for laboratories that need to optimize throughput.
Advanced flow-polishing and surface metrology of the SO56 X Ray Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The surface finishing of X ray grazing incidence optics is a most demanding area of optical processing, both in terms of metrology and application of optical finishing techniques. An existing optical mirror was processed using a new removal technique that uses a jet of finely dispersed and extremely small particles that impact a surface, which under the correct conditions, produces an ultrasmooth surface, especially on aspheric curvatures. The surfaces of the SO56 mirror are tapered conical shapes that have a continuously changing radius with the primary mirror having a parabolic shape and the secondary mirror a hyperbolic shape. An optical ray trace that was conducted of a telescope used the measured parameters from the existing substrates to set up the prescription for the optical layout. The optimization indicated a wavefront performance of 0.10 A at 0.633 micron.
The x ray reflectivity of the AXAF VETA-I optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kellogg, Edwin M.; Chartas, G.; Graessle, D.; Hughes, John P.; Vanspeybroeck, Leon; Zhao, Ping; Weisskopf, M. C.; Elsner, R. F.; Odell, S. L.

1992-01-01

The x-ray reflectivity of the VETA-I optic, the outermost shell of the AXAF x-ray telescope, with a bare Zerodur surface, is measured and compared with theoretical predictions. Measurements made at energies of 0.28, 0.9, 1.5, 2.1, and 2.3 keV are compared with predictions based on ray trace calculations. The data were obtained at the x-ray calibrations facility at Marshall Space Flight Center with an electron impact x-ray source located 528 m from the grazing incidence mirror. The source used photoelectric absorption filters to eliminate bremsstrahlung continuum. The mirror has a diameter of 1.2 m and a focal length of 10 m. The incident and reflected x-ray flux are detected using two proportional counters, one located in the incident beam of x-rays at the entrance aperture of the VETA-I, and the other in the focal plane behind an aperture of variable size. Results on the variation of the reflectivity with energy as well as the absolute value of the reflectivity are presented. We also present a synchrotron reflectivity measurement with high energy resolution over the range 0.26 to 1.8 keV on a flat Zerodur sample, done at NSLS. We present evidence for contamination of the flat by a thin layer of carbon on the surface, and the possibility of alteration of the surface composition of the VETA-I mirror perhaps by the polishing technique. The overall agreement between the measured and calculated effective area of VETA-I is between 2.6 percent and 10 percent, depending on which model for the surface composition is adopted. Measurements at individual energies deviate from the best-fitting calculation to 0.3 to 0.8 percent, averaging 0.6 percent at energies below the high energy cutoff of the mirror reflectivity, and are as high as 20.7 percent at the cutoff. We also discuss the approach to the final preflight calibration of the full AXAF flight mirror.
Lunar Prospecting With Chandra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2003-09-01

Observations of the bright side of the Moon with NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory have detected oxygen, magnesium, aluminum and silicon over a large area of the lunar surface. The abundance and distribution of those elements will help to determine how the Moon was formed. "We see X-rays from these elements directly, independent of assumptions about the mineralogy and other complications," said Jeremy Drake of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Mass., at a press conference at the "Four Years with Chandra" symposium in Huntsville, Alabama. "We have Moon samples from the six widely-space Apollo landing sites, but remote sensing with Chandra can cover a much wider area," continued Drake. "It's the next best thing to being there, and it's very fast and cost-effective." The lunar X-rays are caused by fluorescence, a process similar to the way that light is produced in fluorescent lamps. Solar X-rays bombard the surface of the Moon, knock electrons out of the inner parts of the atoms, putting them in a highly unstable state. Almost immediately, other electrons rush to fill the gaps, and in the process convert their energy into the fluorescent X-rays seen by Chandra. According to the currently popular "giant impact" theory for the formation of the Moon, a body about the size of Mars collided with the Earth about 4.5 billion years ago. This impact flung molten debris from the mantle of both the Earth and the impactor into orbit around the Earth. Over the course of tens of millions of years, the debris stuck together to form the Moon. By measuring the amounts of aluminum and other elements over a wide area of the Moon and comparing them to the Earth's mantle, Drake and his colleagues plan to help test the giant impact hypothesis. "One early result," quipped Drake, "is that there is no evidence for large amounts of calcium, so cheese is not a major constituent of the Moon." Illustration of Earth's Geocorona Illustration of Earth's Geocorona The same Chandra data have also solved a long-running mystery about X-rays from the dark side of the Moon, as reported by Brad Wargelin of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Wargelin discussed how data from the German Roentgen satellite (ROSAT) obtained in 1990 showed a clear X-ray signal from the dark side. These puzzling "dark-Moon X-rays" were tentatively ascribed to energetic electrons streaming away from the Sun and striking the lunar surface. However, Chandra's observations of the energies of individual X-rays, combined with simultaneous measurements of the number of particles flowing away from the Sun in the solar wind, indicate that the X-rays only appear to come from the Moon. In reality they come from much closer to home. "Our results strongly indicate that the so-called dark Moon X-rays do not come from the dark side of the Moon," said Wargelin. "The observed X-ray spectrum, the intensity of the X-rays, and the variation of the X-ray intensity with time, can all be explained by emission from Earth's extended outer atmosphere, through which Chandra is moving." In the model cited by Wargelin and colleagues, collisions of heavy ions of carbon, oxygen and neon in the solar wind with atmospheric hydrogen atoms located tens of thousands of miles above the surface of the Earth give rise to these X-rays. In the collisions, the solar ions capture electrons from hydrogen atoms. The solar ions then kick out X-rays as the captured electrons drop to lower energy states. "This idea has been kicking around among a small circle of believers for several years supported by theory and a few pieces of evidence," said Wargelin. "These new results should really clinch it." NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., manages the Chandra program for the Office of Space Science, NASA Headquarters, Washington. Northrop Grumman of Redondo Beach, Calif., formerly TRW, Inc., was the prime development contractor for the observatory. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory controls science and flight operations from the Chandra X-ray Center in Cambridge, Mass.
Development of a Direct Fabrication Technique for Full-Shell X-Ray Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gubarev, M.; Kolodziejczak, J. K.; Griffith, C.; Roche, J.; Smith, W. S.; Kester, T.; Atkins, C.; Arnold, W.; Ramsey, B.

2016-01-01

Future astrophysical missions will require fabrication technology capable of producing high angular resolution x-ray optics. A full-shell direct fabrication approach using modern robotic polishing machines has the potential for producing high resolution, light-weight and affordable x-ray mirrors that can be nested to produce large collecting area. This approach to mirror fabrication, based on the use of the metal substrates coated with nickel phosphorous alloy, is being pursued at MSFC. The design of the polishing fixtures for the direct fabrication, the surface figure metrology techniques used and the results of the polishing experiments are presented.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McCormac, Kathleen; Byrd, Ian; Brannen, Rodney

We prepared highly porous Si/TiO 2 composite nanofibres using a unique sulphur-templating method combined with electrospinning. The structure, morphology, surface area, phase and composition of these nanofibres were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, surface area analyser and thermogravimetric analyser. The specific surface area of Si/TiO 2 porous NFs is as large as 387m 2g -1, whose silicon capacity can be maintained above 1580mAhg -1 in 180 cycles.
X-ray surface dose measurements using TLD extrapolation.

PubMed

Kron, T; Elliot, A; Wong, T; Showell, G; Clubb, B; Metcalfe, P

1993-01-01

Surface dose measurements in therapeutic x-ray beams are of importance in determining the dose to the skin of patients undergoing radiotherapy. Measurements were performed in the 6-MV beam of a medical linear accelerator with LiF thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD) using a solid water phantom. TLD chips (surface area 3.17 x 3.17 cm2) of three different thicknesses (0.230, 0.099, and 0.038 g/cm2) were used to extrapolate dose readings to an infinitesimally thin layer of LiF. This surface dose was measured for field sizes ranging from 1 x 1 cm2 to 40 x 40 cm2. The surface dose relative to maximum dose was found to be 10.0% for a field size of 5 x 5 cm2, 16.3% for 10 x 10 cm2, and 26.9% for 20 x 20 cm2. Using a 6-mm Perspex block tray in the beam increased the surface dose in these fields to 10.7%, 17.7%, and 34.2% respectively. Due to the small size of the TLD chips, TLD extrapolation is applicable also for intracavity and exit dose determinations. The technique used for in vivo dosimetry could provide clinicians information about the build up of dose up to 1-mm depth in addition to an extrapolated surface dose measurement.
Surface layering and melting in an ionic liquid studied by resonant soft X-ray reflectivity

PubMed Central

Mezger, Markus; Ocko, Benjamin M.; Reichert, Harald; Deutsch, Moshe

2013-01-01

The molecular-scale structure of the ionic liquid [C18mim]+[FAP]− near its free surface was studied by complementary methods. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and resonant soft X-ray reflectivity revealed a depth-decaying near-surface layering. Element-specific interfacial profiles were extracted with submolecular resolution from energy-dependent soft X-ray reflectivity data. Temperature-dependent hard X-ray reflectivity, small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, and infrared spectroscopy uncovered an intriguing melting mechanism for the layered region, where alkyl chain melting drove a negative thermal expansion of the surface layer spacing. PMID:23431181
Assessment of geometrical characteristics of dental endodontic micro-instruments utilizing X-ray micro computed tomography

PubMed Central

Al JABBARI, Youssef S.; TSAKIRIDIS, Peter; ELIADES, George; AL-HADLAQ, Solaiman M.; ZINELIS, Spiros

2012-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to quantify the surface area, volume and specific surface area of endodontic files employing quantitative X-ray micro computed tomography (mXCT). Material and Methods Three sets (six files each) of the Flex-Master Ni-Ti system (Nº 20, 25 and 30, taper .04) were utilized in this study. The files were scanned by mXCT. The surface area and volume of all files were determined from the cutting tip up to 16 mm. The data from the surface area, volume and specific area were statistically evaluated using the one-way ANOVA and SNK multiple comparison tests at α=0.05, employing the file size as a discriminating variable. The correlation between the surface area and volume with nominal ISO sizes were tested employing linear regression analysis. Results The surface area and volume of Nº 30 files showed the highest value followed by Nº 25 and Nº 20 and the differences were statistically significant. The Nº 20 files showed a significantly higher specific surface area compared to Nº 25 and Nº 30. The increase in surface and volume towards higher file sizes follows a linear relationship with the nominal ISO sizes (r2=0.930 for surface area and r2=0.974 for volume respectively). Results indicated that the surface area and volume demonstrated an almost linear increase while the specific surface area exhibited an abrupt decrease towards higher sizes. Conclusions This study demonstrates that mXCT can be effectively applied to discriminate very small differences in the geometrical features of endodontic micro-instruments, while providing quantitative information for their geometrical properties. PMID:23329248
Bone structure studies with holographic interferometric nondestructive testing and x-ray methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silvennoinen, Raimo; Nygren, Kaarlo; Rouvinen, Juha; Petrova, Valentina V.

1994-02-01

Changes in the biomechanics and in the molecular texture and structure of isolated radioulnar bones of subadult European moose (Alces alces L.) collected in various environmentally polluted areas of Finland were investigated by means of holographic interferometric non- destructive testing (HNDT), radiological, morphometrical, and x-ray diffraction methods. By means of small caudal-cranial bending forces, the surface movements of the lower end (distal epiphysis) of the radial bone were recorded with the HNDT method. To study bone molecular texture and structure changes under external compressing forces, the samples for x-ray diffraction analysis were taken from the upper end of the ulnar bone (olecranon tip). Results showed that the bones obtained from the Harjavalta area and those of North Karelian moose showing malnutrition and healing femoral fractures produced different HNDT pictures compared with the four normally developed North Karelian moose. In the x-ray diffraction, the Harjavalta samples showed changes in molecular texture and structure compared with the samples from the apparently normal North Karelian animals.
Surface studies on superhydrophobic and oleophobic polydimethylsiloxane-silica nanocomposite coating system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Bharathibai J.; Dinesh Kumar, V.; Anandan, C.

2012-11-01

Superhydrophobic and oleophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-silica nanocomposite double layer coating was fabricated by applying a thin layer of low surface energy fluoroalkyl silane (FAS) as topcoat. The coatings exhibited WCA of 158-160° and stable oleophobic property with oil CA of 79°. The surface morphology was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and surface chemical composition was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometery (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). FESEM images of the coatings showed micro-nano binary structure. The improved oleophobicity was attributed to the combined effect of low surface energy of FAS and roughness created by the random distribution of silica aggregates. This is a facile, cost-effective method to obtain superhydrophobic and oleophobic surfaces on larger area of various substrates.
X-ray rocking curve measurements of bent crystals. [used in High Resolution Spectrometer in Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hakim, M. B.; Muney, W. S.; Fowler, W. B.; Woodgate, B. E.

1988-01-01

A three-crystal laboratory X-ray spectrometer is used to measure the Bragg reflection from concave cylindrically curved crystals to be used in the high-resolution X-ray spectrometer of the NASA Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF). The first two crystals, in the dispersive (1.1) arrangement, select a narrow collimated monochromatic beam in the Cu K-alpha(1) line at 1.5 A (8.1 keV), which illuminates the test crystal. The angular centroids of rocking curves measured along the surface provide a measure of the conformity of the crystal to the desired radius of curvature. Individual and combined rocking-curve widths and areas provide a measure of the resolution and efficiency at 1.54 A. The crystals analyzed included LiF(200), PET, and acid phthalates such as TAP.
X-ray versus infrared selection of distant galaxy clusters: a case study using the XMM-LSS and SpARCS cluster samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Willis, J. P.; Ramos-Ceja, M. E.; Muzzin, A.; Pacaud, F.; Yee, H. K. C.; Wilson, G.

2018-07-01

We present a comparison of two samples of z> 0.8 galaxy clusters selected using different wavelength-dependent techniques and examine the physical differences between them. We consider 18 clusters from the X-ray-selected XMM Large Scale Structure (LSS) distant cluster survey and 92 clusters from the optical-mid-infrared (MIR)-selected Spitzer Adaptation of the Red Sequence Cluster survey (SpARCS) cluster survey. Both samples are selected from the same approximately 9 sq deg sky area and we examine them using common XMM-Newton, Spitizer Wide-Area Infrared Extra-galactic (SWIRE) survey, and Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey data. Clusters from each sample are compared employing aperture measures of X-ray and MIR emission. We divide the SpARCS distant cluster sample into three sub-samples: (i) X-ray bright, (ii) X-ray faint, MIR bright, and (iii) X-ray faint, MIR faint clusters. We determine that X-ray- and MIR-selected clusters display very similar surface brightness distributions of galaxy MIR light. In addition, the average location and amplitude of the galaxy red sequence as measured from stacked colour histograms is very similar in the X-ray- and MIR-selected samples. The sub-sample of X-ray faint, MIR bright clusters displays a distribution of brightest cluster galaxy-barycentre position offsets which extends to higher values than all other samples. This observation indicates that such clusters may exist in a more disturbed state compared to the majority of the distant cluster population sampled by XMM-LSS and SpARCS. This conclusion is supported by stacked X-ray images for the X-ray faint, MIR bright cluster sub-sample that display weak, centrally concentrated X-ray emission, consistent with a population of growing clusters accreting from an extended envelope of material.
X-MIME: An Imaging X-ray Spectrometer for Detailed Study of Jupiter's Icy Moons and the Planet's X-ray Aurora

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elsner, R. F.; Ramsey, B. D.; Waite, J. H.; Rehak, P.; Johnson, R. E.; Cooper, J. F.; Swartz, D. A.

2004-01-01

Remote observations with the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the XMM-Newton Observatory have shown that the Jovian system is a source of x-rays with a rich and complicated structure. The planet's polar auroral zones and its disk are powerful sources of x-ray emission. Chandra observations revealed x-ray emission from the Io Plasma Torus and from the Galilean moons Io, Europa, and possibly Ganymede. The emission from these moons is certainly due to bombardment of their surfaces of highly energetic protons, oxygen and sulfur ions from the region near the Torus exciting atoms in their surfaces and leading to fluorescent x-ray emission lines. Although the x-ray emission from the Galilean moons is faint when observed from Earth orbit, an imaging x-ray spectrometer in orbit around these moons, operating at 200 eV and above with 150 eV energy resolution, would provide a detailed mapping (down to 40 m spatial resolution) of the elemental composition in their surfaces. Such maps would provide important constraints on formation and evolution scenarios for the surfaces of these moons. Here we describe the characteristics of X-MIME, an imaging x-ray spectrometer under going a feasibility study for the JIMO mission, with the ultimate goal of providing unprecedented x-ray studies of the elemental composition of the surfaces of Jupiter's icy moons and Io, as well as of Jupiter's auroral x-ray emission.
In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction study on epitaxial-growth dynamics of III–V semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahasi, Masamitu

2018-05-01

The application of in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) to the molecular-beam epitaxial (MBE) growth of III–V semiconductors is overviewed along with backgrounds of the diffraction theory and instrumentation. X-rays are sensitive not only to the surface of growing films but also to buried interfacial structures because of their large penetration depth. Moreover, a spatial coherence length up to µm order makes X-rays widely applicable to the characterization of low-dimensional structures, such as quantum dots and wires. In situ XRD studies during growth were performed using an X-ray diffractometer, which was combined with an MBE chamber. X-ray reciprocal space mapping at a speed matching a typical growth rate was achieved using intense X-rays available from a synchrotron light source and an area detector. The importance of measuring the three-dimensional distribution of XRD intensity in a reciprocal space map is demonstrated for the MBE growth of two-, one-, and zero-dimensional structures. A large amount of information about the growth process of two-dimensional InGaAs/GaAs(001) epitaxial films has been provided by three-dimensional X-ray reciprocal mappings, including the anisotropic strain relaxation, the compositional inhomogeneity, and the evolution of surface and interfacial roughness. For one-dimensional GaAs nanowires grown in a Au-catalyzed vapor-liquid–solid mode, the relationship between the diameter of the nanowires and the formation of polytypes has been suggested on the basis of in situ XRD measurements. In situ three-dimensional X-ray reciprocal space mapping is also shown to be useful for determining the lateral and vertical sizes of self-assembled InAs/GaAs(001) quantum dots as well as their internal strain distributions during growth.
Spatially resolved quantification of agrochemicals on plant surfaces using energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis.

PubMed

Hunsche, Mauricio; Noga, Georg

2009-12-01

In the present study the principle of energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), i.e. the detection of elements based on their characteristic X-rays, was used to localise and quantify organic and inorganic pesticides on enzymatically isolated fruit cuticles. Pesticides could be discriminated from the plant surface because of their distinctive elemental composition. Findings confirm the close relation between net intensity (NI) and area covered by the active ingredient (AI area). Using wide and narrow concentration ranges of glyphosate and glufosinate, respectively, results showed that quantification of AI requires the selection of appropriate regression equations while considering NI, peak-to-background (P/B) ratio, and AI area. The use of selected internal standards (ISs) such as Ca(NO(3))(2) improved the accuracy of the quantification slightly but led to the formation of particular, non-typical microstructured deposits. The suitability of SEM-EDX as a general technique to quantify pesticides was evaluated additionally on 14 agrochemicals applied at diluted or regular concentration. Among the pesticides tested, spatial localisation and quantification of AI amount could be done for inorganic copper and sulfur as well for the organic agrochemicals glyphosate, glufosinate, bromoxynil and mancozeb. (c) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry.

Apollo 15 X-ray fluorescence experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adler, I.; Trombka, J.; Gerard, J.; Schmadebeck, R.; Lowman, P.; Blodgett, H.; Yin, L.; Eller, E.; Lamothe, R.; Gorenstein, P.

1971-01-01

The X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, carried in the SIM bay of the command service module was employed principally for compositional mapping of the lunar surface while in lunar orbit, and secondarily, for X-ray astronomical observations during the trans-earth coast. The lunar surface measurements involved observations of the intensity and characteristics energy distribution of the secondary or fluorescent X-rays produced by the interaction of solar X-rays with the lunar surface. The astronomical observations consisted of relatively long periods of measurements of X-rays from pre-selected galactic sources such as Cyg-X-1 and Sco X-1 as well as from the galactic poles.
Feasibility of an integrated X-ray instrument for Mars exobiology and geology. [Abstract only

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fonda, M. L.; Schwartz, D. E.; Koppel, L. N.; Franco, E. D.; Kerner, J. A.

1994-01-01

By employing an integrated X-ray instrument on a future Mars mission, data obtained will greatly augment those returned by Viking; details relevant to the possibility of the origin and evolution of life on Mars will be acquired. An integrated combined X Ray Fluorescence/X Ray Detection (XRF/XRD) instrument has been breadboarded and demonstrated to accommodate important exobiology and geology experiment objectives outlined for Mars Environmental Survey (MESUR) and future Mars missions. Among others, primary objectives for the exploration of Mars include: the intense study of local areas on Mars to 'establish the chemical, mineralogical, and petrological character of different components of the surface material; to determine the distribution, abundance and sources and sinks of volatile materials, including an assessment of the biologic potential, now and during past epochs; and to establish the global chemical and physical characteristics of the Martian surface'. The XRF/XRD breadboard instrument identifies and quantifies soil surface elemental, mineralogical, and petrological characteristics and acquires data necessary to address questions on volatile abundance and distribution. Additionally, the breadboard is able to characterize the biogenic element constituents of soil samples providing information on the biologic potential of the Mars environment.
La and Al co-doped CaMnO3 perovskite oxides: From interplay of surface properties to anion exchange membrane fuel cell performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dzara, Michael J.; Christ, Jason M.; Joghee, Prabhuram; Ngo, Chilan; Cadigan, Christopher A.; Bender, Guido; Richards, Ryan M.; O'Hayre, Ryan; Pylypenko, Svitlana

2018-01-01

This work reports the first account of perovskite oxide and carbon composite oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts integrated into anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Perovskite oxides with a theoretical stoichiometry of Ca0.9La0.1Al0.1Mn0.9O3-δ are synthesized by an aerogel method and calcined at various temperatures, resulting in a set of materials with varied surface chemistry and surface area. Material composition is evaluated by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The perovskite oxide calcined at 800 °C shows the importance of balance between surface area, purity of the perovskite phase, and surface composition, resulting in the highest ORR mass activity when evaluated in rotating disk electrodes. Integration of this catalyst into AEMFCs reveals that the best AEMFC performance is obtained when using composites with 30:70 perovskite oxide:carbon composition. Doubling the loading leads to an increase in the power density from 30 to 76 mW cm-2. The AEMFC prepared with a composite based on perovskite oxide and N-carbon achieves a power density of 44 mW cm-2, demonstrating an ∼50% increase when compared to the highest performing composite with undoped carbon at the same loading.
X-ray fractography on fatigue fractured surface of austenitic stainless steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yajima, Zenjiro; Tokuyama, Hideki; Kibayashi, Yasuo

1995-12-31

X-ray diffraction observation of the material internal structure beneath fracture surfaces provide fracture analysis with useful information to investigate the conditions and mechanisms of fracture. X-ray fractography is a generic name given to this technique. In the present study, X-ray fractography was applied to fatigue fracture surfaces of austenitic stainless steel (AISI 304) which consisted of solution treatment. The fatigue tests were carried out on compact tension (CT) specimens. The plastic strain on the fracture surface was estimated from measuring the line broadening of X-ray diffraction profiles. The line broadening of X-ray diffraction profiles was measured on and beneath fatiguemore » fracture surfaces. The depth of the plastic zone left on fracture surfaces was evaluated from the line broadening. The results are discussed on the basis of fracture mechanics.« less
Venus Measurements by the MESSENGER Gamma-Ray and X-Ray Spectrometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhodes, E. A.; Starr, R. D.; Goldsten, J. O.; Schlemm, C. E.; Boynton, W. V.

2007-12-01

The Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS), which is a part of the Gamma-Ray and Neutron Spectrometer Instrument, and the X-Ray Spectrometer (XRS) on the MESSENGER spacecraft made calibration measurements during the Venus flyby on June 5, 2007. The purpose of these instruments is to determine elemental abundances on the surface of Mercury. The GRS measures gamma-rays emitted from element interactions with cosmic rays impinging on the surface, while the XRS measures X-ray emissions induced on the surface by the incident solar flux. The GRS sensor is a high-resolution high-purity Ge detector cooled by a Stirling cryocooler, surrounded by a borated-plastic anticoincidence shield. The GRS is sensitive to gamma-rays up to ~10 MeV and can identify most major elements, sampling down to depths of about ten centimeters. Only the shield was powered on for this flyby in order to conserve cooler lifetime. Gamma-rays were observed coming from Venus as well as from the spacecraft. Although the Venus gamma-rays originate from its thick atmosphere rather than its surface, the GRS data from this encounter will provide useful calibration data from a source of known composition. In particular, the data will be useful for determining GRS sensitivity and pointing options for the Mercury flybys, the first of which will be in January 2008. The X-ray spectrum of a planetary surface is dominated by a combination of the fluorescence and scattered solar X-rays. The most prominent fluorescent lines are the Kα lines from the major elements Mg, Al, Si, S, Ca, Ti, and Fe (1-10 keV). The sampling depth is less than 100 u m. The XRS is similar in design to experiments flown on Apollo 15 and 16 and the NEAR-Shoemaker mission. Three large-area gas-proportional counters view the planet, and a small Si-PIN detector mounted on the spacecraft sunshade monitors the Sun. The energy resolution of the gas proportional counters (~850 eV at 5.9 keV) is sufficient to resolve the X-ray lines above 2 keV, but Al and Mg filters on two of the three gas counters are required to differentially separate the lower energy X-ray lines from Al, Mg, and Si. A Be-Cu honeycomb collimator provides a 12° field of view, which is smaller than the planet at apoapsis and reduces the X-ray sky background. The Venus atmosphere is almost entirely composed of carbon and oxygen that fluoresce below the energy range of the XRS, but the flyby still provided valuable experience in planning for the upcoming Mercury flybys.
Studies of electrode structures and dynamics using coherent X-ray scattering and imaging

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

You, H.; Liu, Y.; Ulvestad, A.

2017-08-01

Electrochemical systems studied in situ with advanced surface X-ray scattering techniques are reviewed. The electrochemical systems covered include interfaces of single-crystals and nanocrystals with respect to surface modification, aqueous dissolution, surface reconstruction, and electrochemical double layers. An emphasis will be given on recent results by coherent X-ray techniques such as X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy, Bragg coherent diffraction imaging, and surface ptychography.
National Synchrotron Light Source annual report 1991

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hulbert, S.L.; Lazarz, N.M.

1992-04-01

This report discusses the following research conducted at NSLS: atomic and molecular science; energy dispersive diffraction; lithography, microscopy and tomography; nuclear physics; UV photoemission and surface science; x-ray absorption spectroscopy; x-ray scattering and crystallography; x-ray topography; workshop on surface structure; workshop on electronic and chemical phenomena at surfaces; workshop on imaging; UV FEL machine reviews; VUV machine operations; VUV beamline operations; VUV storage ring parameters; x-ray machine operations; x-ray beamline operations; x-ray storage ring parameters; superconducting x-ray lithography source; SXLS storage ring parameters; the accelerator test facility; proposed UV-FEL user facility at the NSLS; global orbit feedback systems; and NSLSmore » computer system.« less
Measurement of strain in Al-Cu interconnect lines with x-ray microdiffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solak, H. H.; Vladimirsky, Y.; Cerrina, F.; Lai, B.; Yun, W.; Cai, Z.; Ilinski, P.; Legnini, D.; Rodrigues, W.

1999-07-01

We report measurement of strain in patterned Al-Cu interconnect lines with x-ray microdiffraction technique with a ˜1 μm spatial resolution. Monochromatized x rays from an undulator were focused on the sample using a phase fresnel zone plate and diffracted light was collected by an area detector in a symmetric, angle dispersive x-ray diffraction geometry. Measurements were made before and after the line sample was stressed for electromigration. Results show an increase in inter- and intra-grain strain variation after the testing. Differences in strain behavior of grains with (111) and (200) crystallographic planes parallel to the substrate surface were observed. A position dependent variation of strain after the testing was measured whereas no such dependence was found before the testing.
Models for X-Ray Emission from Isolated Pulsars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, F. Y.-H.; Ruderman, M.; Halpern, Jules P.; Zhu, T.; Oliversen, Ronald (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

A model is proposed for the observed combination of power-law and thermal X-rays from rotationally powered pulsars. For gamma-ray pulsars with accelerators very many stellar radii above the neutron star surface, 100 MeV curvature gamma-rays from e(-) or e(+) flowing starward out of such accelerators are converted to e1 pairs on closed field lines all around the star. These pairs strongly affect X-ray emission from near the star in two ways. (1) The pairs are a source of synchrotron emission immediately following their creation in regions where B approx. 10(exp 10) G. This emission, in the photon energy range 0.1 keV less than E(sub X) less than 5 MeV, has a power-law spectrum with energy index 0.5 and X-ray luminosity that depends on the back-flow current, and is typically approx. 10(exp 33) ergs/ s. (2) The pairs ultimately a cyclotron resonance "blanket" surrounding the star except for two holes along the open field line bundles which pass through it. In such a blanket the gravitational pull on e(+,-) pairs toward the star is balanced by the hugely amplified push of outflowing surface emitted X-rays wherever cyclotron resonance occurs. Because of it the neutron star is surrounded by a leaky "hohlraum" of hot blackbody radiation with two small holes, which prevents direct X-ray observation of a heated polar cap of a gamma-ray pulsar. Weakly spin modulated radiation from the blanket together with more strongly spin-modulated radiation from the holes through it would then dominate observed low energy (0.1-10 keV) emission. For non-y-ray pulsars, in which no such accelerators with their accompanying extreme relativistic back-flow toward the star are expected, optically thick e1 resonance blankets should not form (except in special cases very close to the open field line bundle). From such pulsars blackbody radiation from both the warm stellar surface and the heated polar caps should be directly observable. In these pulsars, details of the surface magnetic field evolution, especially of polar cap areas, become relevant to observations. The models are compared to X-ray data from Geminga, PSR 1055-52, PSR 0656+14, PSR 1929+10, and PSR 0950+08.
Imaging connected porosity of crystalline rock by contrast agent-aided X-ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Kuva, J; Sammaljärvi, J; Parkkonen, J; Siitari-Kauppi, M; Lehtonen, M; Turpeinen, T; Timonen, J; Voutilainen, M

2018-04-01

We set out to study connected porosity of crystalline rock using X-ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) with caesium chloride as a contrast agent. Caesium is an important radionuclide regarding the final deposition of nuclear waste and also forms dense phases that can be readily distinguished by X-ray microtomography and SEM-EDS. Six samples from two sites, Olkiluoto (Finland) and Grimsel (Switzerland), where transport properties of crystalline rock are being studied in situ, were investigated using X-ray microtomography and SEM-EDS. The samples were imaged with X-ray microtomography, immersed in a saturated caesium chloride (CsCl) solution for 141, 249 and 365 days and imaged again with X-ray microtomography. CsCl inside the samples was successfully detected with X-ray microtomography and it had completely penetrated all six samples. SEM-EDS elemental mapping was used to study the location of caesium in the samples in detail with quantitative mineral information. Precipitated CsCl was found in the connected pore space in Olkiluoto veined gneiss and in lesser amounts in Grimsel granodiorite. Only a very small amount of precipitated CsCl was observed in the Grimsel granodiorite samples. In Olkiluoto veined gneiss caesium was found in pinitised areas of cordierite grains. In the pinitised areas caesium was found in notable excess compared to chloride, possibly due to the combination of small pore size and negatively charged surfaces. In addition, elevated concentrations of caesium were found in kaolinite and sphalerite phases. The findings concerning the location of CsCl were congruent with X-ray microtomography. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2017 Royal Microscopical Society.
Target surface area effects on hot electron dynamics from high intensity laser–plasma interactions

DOE PAGES

Zulick, C.; Raymond, A.; McKelvey, A.; ...

2016-06-15

Reduced surface area targets were studied using an ultra-high intensity femtosecond laser in order to determine the effect of electron sheath field confinement on electron dynamics. X-ray emission due to energetic electrons was imaged using a K α imaging crystal. Electrons were observed to travel along the surface of wire targets, and were slowed mainly by the induced fields. Targets with reduced surface areas were correlated with increased hot electron densities and proton energies. Furthermore, Hybrid Vlasov–Fokker–Planck simulations demonstrated increased electric sheath field strength in reduced surface area targets.
Micro X-ray diffraction analysis of thin films using grazing-exit conditions.

PubMed

Noma, T; Iida, A

1998-05-01

An X-ray diffraction technique using a hard X-ray microbeam for thin-film analysis has been developed. To optimize the spatial resolution and the surface sensitivity, the X-ray microbeam strikes the sample surface at a large glancing angle while the diffracted X-ray signal is detected with a small (grazing) exit angle. Kirkpatrick-Baez optics developed at the Photon Factory were used, in combination with a multilayer monochromator, for focusing X-rays. The focused beam size was about 10 x 10 micro m. X-ray diffraction patterns of Pd, Pt and their layered structure were measured. Using a small exit angle, the signal-to-background ratio was improved due to a shallow escape depth. Under the grazing-exit condition, the refraction effect of diffracted X-rays was observed, indicating the possibility of surface sensitivity.
Processing system of jaws tomograms for pathology identification and surgical guide modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putrik, M. B.; Lavrentyeva, Yu. E.; Ivanov, V. Yu.

2015-11-01

The aim of the study is to create an image processing system, which allows dentists to find pathological resorption and to build surgical guide surface automatically. X-rays images of jaws from cone beam tomography or spiral computed tomography are the initial data for processing. One patient's examination always includes up to 600 images (or tomograms), that's why the development of processing system for fast automation search of pathologies is necessary. X-rays images can be useful not for only illness diagnostic but for treatment planning too. We have studied the case of dental implantation - for successful surgical manipulations surgical guides are used. We have created a processing system that automatically builds jaw and teeth boundaries on the x-ray image. After this step, obtained teeth boundaries used for surgical guide surface modeling and jaw boundaries limit the area for further pathologies search. Criterion for the presence of pathological resorption zones inside the limited area is based on statistical investigation. After described actions, it is possible to manufacture surgical guide using 3D printer and apply it in surgical operation.
Growth of carbon nanotubes in arc plasma treated graphite disc: microstructural characterization and electrical conductivity study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nayak, B. B.; Sahu, R. K.; Dash, T.; Pradhan, S.

2018-03-01

Circular graphite discs were treated in arc plasma by varying arcing time. Analysis of the plasma treated discs by field emission scanning electron microscope revealed globular grain morphologies on the surfaces, but when the same were observed at higher magnification and higher resolution under transmission electron microscope, growth of multiwall carbon nanotubes of around 2 nm diameter was clearly seen. In situ growth of carbon nanotube bundles/bunches consisting of around 0.7 nm tube diameter was marked in the case of 6 min treated disc surface. Both the untreated and the plasma treated graphite discs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectra of X-ray, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, micro Raman spectroscopy and BET surface area measurement. From Raman spectra, BET surface area and microstructure observed in transmission electron microscope, growth of several layers of graphene was identified. Four-point probe measurements for electrical resistivity/conductivity of the graphite discs treated under different plasma conditions showed significant increase in conductivity values over that of untreated graphite conductivity value and the best result, i.e., around eightfold increase in conductivity, was observed in the case of 6 min plasma treated sample exhibiting carbon nanotube bundles/bunches grown on disc surface. By comparing the microstructures of the untreated and plasma treated graphite discs, the electrical conductivity increase in graphite disc is attributed to carbon nanotubes (including bundles/bunches) growth on disc surface by plasma treatment.
Large-area soft x-ray projection lithography using multilayer mirrors structured by RIE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahn, Steffen; Kloidt, Andreas; Kleineberg, Ulf; Schmiedeskamp, Bernt; Kadel, Klaus; Schomburg, Werner K.; Hormes, F. J.; Heinzmann, Ulrich

1993-01-01

SXPL (soft X-ray projection lithography) is one of the most promising applications of X-ray reflecting optics using multilayer mirrors. Within our collaboration, such multilayer mirrors were fabricated, characterized, laterally structured and then used as reflection masks in a projecting lithography procedure. Mo/Si-multilayer mirrors were produced by electron beam evaporation in UHV under thermal treatment with an in-situ X-ray controlled thickness in the region of 2d equals 14 nm. The reflectivities measured at normal incidence reached up to 54%. Various surface analysis techniques have been applied in order to characterize and optimize the X-ray mirrors. The multilayers were patterned by reactive ion etching (RIE) with CF(subscript 4), using a photoresist as the etch mask, thus producing X-ray reflection masks. The masks were tested in the synchrotron radiation laboratory of the electron accelerator ELSA at the Physikalisches Institut of Bonn University. A double crystal X-ray monochromator was modified so as to allow about 0.5 cm(superscript 2) of the reflection mask to be illuminated by white synchrotron radiation. The reflected patterns were projected (with an energy of 100 eV) onto the resist (Hoechst AZ PF 514), which was mounted at an average distance of about 7 mm. In the first test-experiments, structure sizes down to 8 micrometers were nicely reproduced over the whole of the exposed area. Smaller structures were distorted by Fresnel-diffraction. The theoretically calculated diffraction images agree very well with the observed images.
Outburst of the 2 s Anomalous X-ray Pulsar 1E 1547.0-5408

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halpern, J. P.; Gotthelf, E. V.; Camilo, F.; Reynolds, J.; Ransom, S. M.

2008-01-01

Following our discovery of radio pulsations from the newly recognized anomalous X-ray pulsar (AXP) 1E 1547.0-5408, we initiated X-ray monitoring with the Swift X-ray telescope and obtained a single target-of-opportunity observation with the Newton X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton). In comparison with its historic minimum flux of 3 x 10(exp -l3)ergs/sq cm/s, the source was found to be in a record high state, f(sub x)(1-8 keV) = 5 x 10(exp -12)ergs/sq cm/s, or L(sub x) = 1.7 x 10(exp 35)(d/9 kpc )(sup 2)ergs/s, and declining by 25% in 1 month. Extrapolating the decay, we bound the total energy in this outburst to 1042 ergs < E < ergs. The spectra (fitted with a Comptonized blackbody) show that an increase in the temperature and area of a hot region, to 0.5 keV and -16% of the surface area of the neutron star, respectively, are primarily responsible for its increase in luminosity. The energy, spectrum, and timescale of decay are consistent with a deep crustal heating event, similar to an interpretation of the X-ray turn-on of the transient AXP XTE J18 10- 197. Simultaneous with the 4.6 hr ATdA4-Newton observation, we observed at 6.4 GHz with the Parkes telescope, measuring the phase relationship of the radio and X-ray pulse. The X-ray pulsed fraction of 1E 1547.0-5408 is only approx. 7 %, while its radio pulse is relatively broad for such a slow pulsar, which may indicate a nearly aligned rotator. As also inferred from the transient behavior of XTE J18 10-197, the only other AXP known to emit in the radio, the magnetic field rearrangement responsible for this X-ray outburst of 1E 1547.0-5408 is probably the cause of its radio turn-on.
X-ray Probes of Magnetospheric Interactions with Jupiter's Auroral zones, the Galilean Satellites, and the Io Plasma Torus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elsner, R. F.; Ramsey, B. D.; Waite, J. H., Jr.; Rehak, P.; Johnson, R. E.; Cooper, J. F.; Swartz, D. A.

2004-01-01

Remote observations with the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the XMM-Newton Observatory have shown that the Jovian system is a source of x-rays with a rich and complicated structure. The planet's polar auroral zones and its disk are powerful sources of x-ray emission. Chandra observations revealed x-ray emission from the Io Plasma Torus and from the Galilean moons Io, Europa, and possibly Ganymede. The emission from these moons is certainly due to bombardment of their surfaces of highly energetic protons, oxygen and sulfur ions from the region near the Torus exciting atoms in their surfaces and leading to fluorescent x-ray emission lines. Although the x-ray emission from the Galilean moons is faint when observed fiom Earth orbit, an imaging x-ray spectrometer in orbit around these moons, operating at 200 eV and above with 150 eV energy resolution, would provide a detailed mapping (down to 40 m spatial resolution) of the elemental composition in their surfaces. Here we describe the physical processes leading to x-ray emission fiom the surfaces of Jupiter's moons and the instrumental properties, as well as energetic ion flux models or measurements, required to map the elemental composition of their surfaces. We discuss the proposed scenarios leading to possible surface compositions. For Europa, the two most extreme are (1) a patina produced by exogenic processes such as meteoroid bombardment and ion implantation, and (2) upwelling of material fiom the subsurface ocean. We also describe the characteristics of X - m , an imaging x-ray spectrometer under going a feasibility study for the JIM0 mission, with the ultimate goal of providing unprecedented x-ray studies of the elemental composition of the surfaces of Jupiter's icy moons and Io, as well as of Jupiter's auroral x-ray emission.
Design and modeling of an additive manufactured thin shell for x-ray astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feldman, Charlotte; Atkins, Carolyn; Brooks, David; Watson, Stephen; Cochrane, William; Roulet, Melanie; Willingale, Richard; Doel, Peter

2017-09-01

Future X-ray astronomy missions require light-weight thin shells to provide large collecting areas within the weight limits of launch vehicles, whilst still delivering angular resolutions close to that of Chandra (0.5 arc seconds). Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is a well-established technology with the ability to construct or `print' intricate support structures, which can be both integral and light-weight, and is therefore a candidate technique for producing shells for space-based X-ray telescopes. The work described here is a feasibility study into this technology for precision X-ray optics for astronomy and has been sponsored by the UK Space Agency's National Space Technology Programme. The goal of the project is to use a series of test samples to trial different materials and processes with the aim of developing a viable path for the production of an X-ray reflecting prototype for astronomical applications. The initial design of an AM prototype X-ray shell is presented with ray-trace modelling and analysis of the X-ray performance. The polishing process may cause print-through from the light-weight support structure on to the reflecting surface. Investigations in to the effect of the print-through on the X-ray performance of the shell are also presented.
High surface area bio-waste based carbon as a superior electrode for vanadium redox flow battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maharjan, Makhan; Bhattarai, Arjun; Ulaganathan, Mani; Wai, Nyunt; Oo, Moe Ohnmar; Wang, Jing-Yuan; Lim, Tuti Mariana

2017-09-01

Activated carbon (AC) with high surface area (1901 m2 g-1) is synthesized from low cost bio-waste orange (Citrus sinensis) peel for vanadium redox flow battery (VRB). The composition, structure and electrochemical properties of orange peel derived AC (OP-AC) are characterized by elemental analyzer, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. CV results show that OP-AC coated bipolar plate demonstrates improved electro-catalytic activity in both positive and negative side redox couples than the pristine bipolar plate electrode and this is ascribed to the high surface area of OP-AC which provides effective electrode area and better contact between the porous electrode and bipolar plate. Consequently, the performance of VRB in a static cell shows higher energy efficiency for OP-AC electrode than the pristine electrode at all current densities tested. The results suggest the OP-AC to be a promising electrode for VRB applications and can be incorporated into making conducting plastics electrode to lower the VRB cell stack weight and cost.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Hongfen, E-mail: wanghongfen11@163.com; Wang, Zhiqi; Chen, Shougang

Molybdenum carbides with surfactants as carbon sources were prepared using the carbothermal reduction of the appropriate precursors (molybdenum oxides deposited on surfactant micelles) at 1023 K under hydrogen gas. The carburized products were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and BET surface area measurements. From the SEM images, hollow microspherical and rod-like molybdenum carbides were observed. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the annealing time of carburization had a large effect on the conversion of molybdenum oxides to molybdenum carbides. And BET surface area measurements indicated that the difference of carbon sources brought a big difference in specific surfacemore » areas of molybdenum carbides. - Graphical abstract: Molybdenum carbides having hollow microspherical and hollow rod-like morphologies that are different from the conventional monodipersed platelet-like morphologies. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Molybdenum carbides were prepared using surfactants as carbon sources. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The kinds of surfactants affected the morphologies of molybdenum carbides. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The time of heat preservation at 1023 K affected the carburization process. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Molybdenum carbides with hollow structures had larger specific surface areas.« less

National Synchrotron Light Source annual report 1991. Volume 1, October 1, 1990--September 30, 1991

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hulbert, S.L.; Lazarz, N.M.

1992-04-01

This report discusses the following research conducted at NSLS: atomic and molecular science; energy dispersive diffraction; lithography, microscopy and tomography; nuclear physics; UV photoemission and surface science; x-ray absorption spectroscopy; x-ray scattering and crystallography; x-ray topography; workshop on surface structure; workshop on electronic and chemical phenomena at surfaces; workshop on imaging; UV FEL machine reviews; VUV machine operations; VUV beamline operations; VUV storage ring parameters; x-ray machine operations; x-ray beamline operations; x-ray storage ring parameters; superconducting x-ray lithography source; SXLS storage ring parameters; the accelerator test facility; proposed UV-FEL user facility at the NSLS; global orbit feedback systems; and NSLSmore » computer system.« less
Optical simulations for design, alignment, and performance prediction of silicon pore optics for the ATHENA x-ray telescope (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spiga, D.; Della Monica Ferreira, D.; Shortt, B.; Bavdaz, M.; Bergback Knudsen, E.; Bianucci, G.; Christensen, F.; Civitani, M.; Collon, M.; Conconi, P.; Fransen, S.; Marioni, F.; Massahi, S.; Pareschi, G.; Salmaso, B.; Jegers, A. S.; Tayabaly, K.; Valsecchi, G.; Westergaard, N.; Wille, E.

2017-09-01

The ATHENA X-ray observatory is a large-class ESA approved mission, with launch scheduled in 2028. The technology of silicon pore optics (SPO) was selected as baseline to assemble ATHENA's optic with hundreds of mirror modules, obtained by stacking wedged and ribbed silicon wafer plates onto silicon mandrels to form the Wolter-I configuration. In the current configuration, the optical assembly has a 3 m diameter and a 2 m2 effective area at 1 keV, with a required angular resolution of 5 arcsec. The angular resolution that can be achieved is chiefly the combination of 1) the focal spot size determined by the pore diffraction, 2) the focus degradation caused by surface and profile errors, 3) the aberrations introduced by the misalignments between primary and secondary segments, 4) imperfections in the co-focality of the mirror modules in the optical assembly. A detailed simulation of these aspects is required in order to assess the fabrication and alignment tolerances; moreover, the achievable effective area and angular resolution depend on the mirror module design. Therefore, guaranteeing these optical performances requires: a fast design tool to find the most performing solution in terms of mirror module geometry and population, and an accurate point spread function simulation from local metrology and positioning information. In this paper, we present the results of simulations in the framework of ESA-financed projects (SIMPOSiuM, ASPHEA, SPIRIT), in preparation of the ATHENA X-ray telescope, analyzing the mentioned points: 1) we deal with a detailed description of diffractive effects in an SPO mirror module, 2) we show ray-tracing results including surface and profile defects of the reflective surfaces, 3) we assess the effective area and angular resolution degradation caused by alignment errors between SPO mirror module's segments, and 4) we simulate the effects of co-focality errors in X-rays and in the UV optical bench used to study the mirror module alignment and integration.
Resolution dependence of petrophysical parameters derived from X-ray tomography of chalk

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Müter, D.; Sørensen, H. O.; Jha, D.

2014-07-28

X-ray computed tomography data from chalk drill cuttings were taken over a series of voxel dimensions, ranging from 320 to 25 nm. From these data sets, standard petrophysical parameters (porosity, surface area, and permeability) were derived and we examined the effect of the voxel dimension (i.e., image resolution) on these properties. We found that for the higher voxel dimensions, they are severely over or underestimated, whereas for 50 and 25 nm voxel dimension, the resulting values (5%–30% porosity, 0.2–2 m{sup 2}/g specific surface area, and 0.06–0.34 mD permeability) are within the expected range for this type of rock. We compared our resultsmore » to macroscopic measurements and in the case of surface area, also to measurements using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method and found that independent of the degree of compaction, the results from tomography amount to about 30% of the BET method. Finally, we concluded that at 25 nm voxel dimension, the essential features of the nanoscopic pore network in chalk are captured but better resolution is still needed to derive surface area.« less
Development of Standard Samples for on-board Calibration of a New Planetary X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dreißigacker, Anne; Köhler, Eberhard; Fabel, Oliver; van Gasselt, Stephan

2014-05-01

At the Planetary Sciences and Remote Sensing research group at Freie Universität Berlin an SCD-based X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer is being developed to be employed on planetary orbiters to conduct direct, passive energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence measurements of planetary surfaces through measuring the emitted X-Ray fluorescence induced by solar x-rays and high energy particles. Because the Sun is a highly variable radiation source, the intensity of solar X-Ray radiation has to be monitored constantly to allow for comparison and signal calibration of X-Ray radiation from lunar surface materials. Measurements are obtained by indirectly monitoring incident solar x-rays emitted from a calibration sample. This has the additional advantage of minimizing the risk of detector overload and damage during extreme solar events such as high-energy solar flares and particle storms as only the sample targets receive the higher radiation load directly (while the monitor is never directly pointing towards the Sun). Quantitative data are being obtained and can be subsequently analysed through synchronous measurement of fluorescence of the Moon's surface by the XRF-S main instrument and the emitted x-ray fluorescence of calibration samples by the XRF-S-ISM (Indirect Solar Monitor). We are currently developing requirements for 3 sample tiles for onboard correction and calibration of XRF-S, each with an area of 3-9 cm2 and a maximum weight of 45 g. This includes development of design concepts, determination of techniques for sample manufacturing, manufacturing and testing of prototypes and statistical analysis of measurement characteristics and quantification of error sources for the advanced prototypes and final samples. Apart from using natural rock samples as calibration sample, we are currently investigating techniques for sample manufacturing including laser sintering of rock-glass on metals, SiO2-stabilized mineral-powders, or artificial volcanic glass. High precision measurements of the chemical composition of the final samples (EPMA, various energy-dispersive XRF) will serve as calibration standard for XRF-S. Development is funded by the German Aerospace Agency under grant 50 JR 1303.
PREFACE: Exploring surfaces and buried interfaces of functional materials by advanced x-ray and neutron techniques Exploring surfaces and buried interfaces of functional materials by advanced x-ray and neutron techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakurai, Kenji

2010-12-01

This special issue is devoted to describing recent applications of x-ray and neutron scattering techniques to the exploration of surfaces and buried interfaces of various functional materials. Unlike many other surface-sensitive methods, these techniques do not require ultra high vacuum, and therefore, a variety of real and complicated surfaces fall within the scope of analysis. It must be particularly emphasized that the techniques are capable of seeing even buried function interfaces as well as the surface. Furthermore, the information, which ranges from the atomic to mesoscopic scale, is highly quantitative and reproducible. The non-destructive nature of the techniques is another important advantage of using x-rays and neutrons, when compared with other atomic-scale analyses. This ensures that the same specimen can be measured by other techniques. Such features are fairly attractive when exploring multilayered materials with nanostructures (dots, tubes, wires, etc), which are finding applications in electronic, magnetic, optical and other devices. The Japan Applied Physics Society has established a group to develop the research field of studying buried function interfaces with x-rays and neutrons. As the methods can be applied to almost all types of materials, from semiconductor and electronic devices to soft materials, participants have fairly different backgrounds but share a common interest in state-of-the-art x-ray and neutron techniques and sophisticated applications. A series of workshops has been organized almost every year since 2001. Some international interactions have been continued intensively, although the community is part of a Japanese society. This special issue does not report the proceedings of the recent workshop, although all the authors are in some way involved in the activities of the above society. Initially, we intended to collect quite long overview papers, including the authors' latest and most important original results, as well as updates on recent progress and global trends in the field. We planned to cover quite a wide area of surface and buried interface science with x-rays and neutrons. Following a great deal of discussion during the editing process, we have decided to change direction. As we intend to publish similar special issues on a frequent basis, we will not insist on editing this issue as systematic and complete collections of research. Many authors decided to write an ordinary research paper rather than an article including systematic accounts. Due to this change in policy, some authors declined to contribute, and the number of papers is now just 12. However, readers will find that the special issue gives an interesting collection of new original research in surface and buried interface studies with x-rays and neutrons. The 12 papers cover the following research topics: (1) polymer analysis by diffuse scattering; (2) discussion of the electrochemical solid--liquid interface by synchrotron x-ray diffraction; (3) analysis of capped nanodots by grazing incidence small-angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS); (4) discussion of the strain distribution in silicon by high-resolution x-ray diffraction; (5) study of mesoporous structures by a combination of x-ray reflectivity and GISAXS; (6) discussion of energy-dispersive x-ray reflectometry and its applications; (7) neutron reflectivity studies on hydrogen terminated silicon interface; (8) the fabrication and performance of a special mirror for water windows; (9) depth selective analysis by total-reflection x-ray diffraction; (10) nanoparticle thin films prepared by a gas deposition technique; (11) discussion of crystal truncation rod (CTR) scattering of semiconductor nanostructures; (12) magnetic structure analysis of thin films by polarized neutron reflectivity. While not discussed in the present special issue, x-ray and neutron techniques have made great progress. The most important steps forward have been in 2D/3D real-space imaging, and realtime measurement. Advances in such technologies are bringing with them new opportunities in surface and buried interface science. In the not too distant future, we will publish a special issue or a book detailing such progress. Exploring surfaces and buried interfaces of functional materials by advanced x-ray and neutron techniques contents Lateral uniformity in chemical composition along a buried reaction front in polymers using off-specular reflectivity Kristopher A Lavery, Vivek M Prabhu, Sushil Satija and Wen-li Wu Orientation dependence of Pd growth on Au electrode surfaces M Takahasi, K Tamura, J Mizuki, T Kondo and K Uosaki A grazing incidence small-angle x-ray scattering analysis on capped Ge nanodots in layer structures Hiroshi Okuda, Masayuki Kato, Keiji Kuno, Shojiro Ochiai, Noritaka Usami, Kazuo Nakajima and Osami Sakata High resolution grazing-incidence in-plane x-ray diffraction for measuring the strain of a Si thin layer Kazuhiko Omote X-ray analysis of mesoporous silica thin films templated by Brij58 surfactant S Fall, M Kulij and A Gibaud Review of the applications of x-ray refraction and the x-ray waveguide phenomenon to estimation of film structures Kouichi Hayashi Epitaxial growth of largely mismatched crystals on H-terminated Si(111) surfaces Hidehito Asaoka Novel TiO2/ZnO multilayer mirrors at 'water-window' wavelengths fabricated by atomic layer epitaxy H Kumagai, Y Tanaka, M Murata, Y Masuda and T Shinagawa Depth-selective structural analysis of thin films using total-external-reflection x-ray diffraction Tomoaki Kawamura and Hiroo Omi Structures of Yb nanoparticle thin films grown by deposition in He and N2 gas atmospheres: AFM and x-ray reflectivity studies Martin Jerab and Kenji Sakurai Ga and As composition profiles in InP/GaInAs/InP heterostructures—x-ray CTR scattering and cross-sectional STM measurements Yoshikazu Takeda, Masao Tabuchi and Arao Nakamura Polarized neutron reflectivity study of a thermally treated MnIr/CoFe exchange bias system Naoki Awaji, Toyoo Miyajima, Shuuichi Doi and Kenji Nomura
Synchrotron X-ray studies of model SOFC cathodes, part II: Porous powder cathodes

DOE PAGES

Chang, Kee-Chul; Ingram, Brian; Ilavsky, Jan; ...

2017-10-28

Infiltrated La 0.6Sr 0.4Co 0.2Fe 0.8O 3-δ (LSCF) sintered porous powder cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells have been investigated by synchrotron ultra-small angle x-ray scattering (USAXS). Here, we demonstrated that atomic layer deposition (ALD) is the method for a uniform coating and liquid-phase infiltration for growing nanoscale particles on the porous LSCF surfaces. The MnO infiltrate, grown by ALD, forms a conformal layer with a uniform thickness throughout the pores evidenced by USAXS thickness fringes. The La 0.6Sr 0.4CoO 3 (LSC) and La 2Zr 2O 7 (LZO) infiltrates, grown by liquid-phase infiltration, were found to form nanoscale particles onmore » the surfaces of LSCF particles resulting in increased surface areas. In conclusion, impedance measurements suggest that the catalytic property of LSC infiltrate, not the increased surface area of LZO, is important for increasing oxygen reduction activities.« less
Synchrotron X-ray studies of model SOFC cathodes, part II: Porous powder cathodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chang, Kee-Chul; Ingram, Brian; Ilavsky, Jan

Infiltrated La 0.6Sr 0.4Co 0.2Fe 0.8O 3-δ (LSCF) sintered porous powder cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells have been investigated by synchrotron ultra-small angle x-ray scattering (USAXS). Here, we demonstrated that atomic layer deposition (ALD) is the method for a uniform coating and liquid-phase infiltration for growing nanoscale particles on the porous LSCF surfaces. The MnO infiltrate, grown by ALD, forms a conformal layer with a uniform thickness throughout the pores evidenced by USAXS thickness fringes. The La 0.6Sr 0.4CoO 3 (LSC) and La 2Zr 2O 7 (LZO) infiltrates, grown by liquid-phase infiltration, were found to form nanoscale particles onmore » the surfaces of LSCF particles resulting in increased surface areas. In conclusion, impedance measurements suggest that the catalytic property of LSC infiltrate, not the increased surface area of LZO, is important for increasing oxygen reduction activities.« less
Near-surface density profiling of Fe ion irradiated Si (100) using extremely asymmetric x-ray diffraction by variation of the wavelength

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Khanbabaee, B., E-mail: khanbabaee@physik.uni-siegen.de; Pietsch, U.; Facsko, S.

2014-10-20

In this work, we report on correlations between surface density variations and ion parameters during ion beam-induced surface patterning process. The near-surface density variations of irradiated Si(100) surfaces were investigated after off-normal irradiation with 5 keV Fe ions at different fluences. In order to reduce the x-ray probing depth to a thickness below 5 nm, the extremely asymmetrical x-ray diffraction by variation of wavelength was applied, exploiting x-ray refraction at the air-sample interface. Depth profiling was achieved by measuring x-ray rocking curves as function of varying wavelengths providing incidence angles down to 0°. The density variation was extracted from the deviationsmore » from kinematical Bragg angle at grazing incidence angles due to refraction of the x-ray beam at the air-sample interface. The simulations based on the dynamical theory of x-ray diffraction revealed that while a net near-surface density decreases with increasing ion fluence which is accompanied by surface patterning, there is a certain threshold of ion fluence to surface density modulation. Our finding suggests that the surface density variation can be relevant with the mechanism of pattern formation.« less
On the Compliance of Simbol-X Mirror Roughness with its Effective Area Requirements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spiga, D.; Basso, S.; Cotroneo, V.; Pareschi, G.; Tagliaferri, G.

2009-05-01

Surface microroughness of X-ray mirrors is a key issue for the angular resolution of Simbol-X to comply with the required one (<20 arcsec at 30 keV). The maximum tolerable microroughness for Simbol-X mirrors, in order to satisfy the required imaging capability, has already been derived in terms of its PSD (Power Spectral Density). However, also the Effective Area of the telescope is affected by the mirror roughness. In this work we will show how the expected effective area of the Simbol-X mirror module can be computed from the roughness PSD tolerance, checking its compliance with the requirements.
Large Area Atomically Flat Surfaces via Exfoliation of Bulk Bi 2Se 3 Single Crystals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Melamed, Celeste L.; Ortiz, Brenden R.; Gorai, Prashun

In this paper, we present an exfoliation method that produces cm 2-area atomically flat surfaces from bulk layered single crystals, with broad applications such as for the formation of lateral heterostructures and for use as substrates for van der Waals epitaxy. Single crystals of Bi 2Se 3 were grown using the Bridgman method and examined with X-ray reciprocal space maps, Auger spectroscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. An indium-bonding exfoliation technique was developed that produces multiple ~100 um thick atomically flat, macroscopic (>1 cm 2) slabs from each Bi 2Se 3 source crystal. Two-dimensional X-ray diffraction and reciprocalmore » space maps confirm the high crystalline quality of the exfoliated surfaces. Atomic force microscopy reveals that the exfoliated surfaces have an average root-mean-square (RMS) roughness of ~0.04 nm across 400 μm 2 scans and an average terrace width of 70 um between step edges. First-principles calculations reveal exfoliation energies of Bi 2Se 3 and a number of other layered compounds, which demonstrate relevance of our method across the field of 2D materials. While many potential applications exist, excellent lattice matching with the III-V alloy space suggests immediate potential for the use of these exfoliated layered materials as epitaxial substrates for photovoltaic development.« less
La and Al co-doped CaMnO 3 perovskite oxides: From interplay of surface properties to anion exchange membrane fuel cell performance

DOE PAGES

Dzara, Michael J.; Christ, Jason M.; Joghee, Prabhuram; ...

2017-09-01

This work reports the first account of perovskite oxide and carbon composite oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts integrated into anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Perovskite oxides with a theoretical stoichiometry of Ca 0.9La 0.1Al 0.1Mn 0.9O 3-δ are synthesized by an aerogel method and calcined at various temperatures, resulting in a set of materials with varied surface chemistry and surface area. Material composition is evaluated by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The perovskite oxide calcined at 800 degrees C shows the importance of balance between surface area, purity of the perovskite phase, and surfacemore » composition, resulting in the highest ORR mass activity when evaluated in rotating disk electrodes. Integration of this catalyst into AEMFCs reveals that the best AEMFC performance is obtained when using composites with 30:70 perovskite oxide:carbon composition. Doubling the loading leads to an increase in the power density from 30 to 76 mW cm -2. The AEMFC prepared with a composite based on perovskite oxide and N-carbon achieves a power density of 44 mW cm -2, demonstrating an ~50% increase when compared to the highest performing composite with undoped carbon at the same loading.« less
Large Area Atomically Flat Surfaces via Exfoliation of Bulk Bi 2Se 3 Single Crystals

DOE PAGES

Melamed, Celeste L.; Ortiz, Brenden R.; Gorai, Prashun; ...

2017-09-12

In this paper, we present an exfoliation method that produces cm 2-area atomically flat surfaces from bulk layered single crystals, with broad applications such as for the formation of lateral heterostructures and for use as substrates for van der Waals epitaxy. Single crystals of Bi 2Se 3 were grown using the Bridgman method and examined with X-ray reciprocal space maps, Auger spectroscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. An indium-bonding exfoliation technique was developed that produces multiple ~100 um thick atomically flat, macroscopic (>1 cm 2) slabs from each Bi 2Se 3 source crystal. Two-dimensional X-ray diffraction and reciprocalmore » space maps confirm the high crystalline quality of the exfoliated surfaces. Atomic force microscopy reveals that the exfoliated surfaces have an average root-mean-square (RMS) roughness of ~0.04 nm across 400 μm 2 scans and an average terrace width of 70 um between step edges. First-principles calculations reveal exfoliation energies of Bi 2Se 3 and a number of other layered compounds, which demonstrate relevance of our method across the field of 2D materials. While many potential applications exist, excellent lattice matching with the III-V alloy space suggests immediate potential for the use of these exfoliated layered materials as epitaxial substrates for photovoltaic development.« less
Surface modification of layered perovskite Sr2TiO4 for improved CO2 photoreduction with H2O to CH4.

PubMed

Kwak, Byeong Sub; Do, Jeong Yeon; Park, No-Kuk; Kang, Misook

2017-11-27

Layered perovskite Sr 2 TiO 4 photocatalyst was synthesized by using sol-gel method with citric acid. In order to increase the surface area of layered perovskite Sr 2 TiO 4 , and thus to improve its photocatalytic activity for CO 2 reduction, its surface was modified via hydrogen treatment or exfoliation. The physical and chemical properties of the prepared catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, elemental mapping analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, N 2 adsorption-desorption, UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and electrophoretic light scattering. CO 2 photoreduction was performed in a closed reactor under 6 W/cm 2 UV irradiation. The gaseous products were analyzed using a gas chromatograph equipped with flame ionization and thermal conductivity detectors. The exfoliated Sr 2 TiO 4 catalyst (E-Sr 2 TiO 4 ) exhibited a narrow band gap, a large surface area, and high dispersion. Owing to these advantageous properties, E-Sr 2 TiO 4 photocatalyst showed an excellent catalytic performance for CO 2 photoreduction reaction. The rate of CH 4 production from the photoreduction of CO 2 with H 2 O using E-Sr 2 TiO 4 was about 3431.77 μmol/g cat after 8 h.
Assessment of natural enamel lesions with optical coherence tomography in comparison with microfocus x-ray computed tomography.

PubMed

Espigares, Jorge; Sadr, Alireza; Hamba, Hidenori; Shimada, Yasushi; Otsuki, Masayuki; Tagami, Junji; Sumi, Yasunori

2015-01-01

A technology to characterize early enamel lesions is needed in dentistry. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive method that provides high-resolution cross-sectional images. The aim of this study is to compare OCT with microfocus x-ray computed tomography ([Formula: see text]) for assessment of natural enamel lesions in vitro. Ten human teeth with visible white spot-like changes on the enamel smooth surface and no cavitation (ICDAS code 2) were subjected to imaging by μCT (SMX-100CT, Shimadzu) and 1300-nm swept-source OCT (Dental SS-OCT, Panasonic Health Care). In [Formula: see text], the lesions appeared as radiolucent dark areas, while in SS-OCT, they appeared as areas of increased signal intensity beneath the surface. An SS-OCT attenuation coefficient based on Beer-Lambert law could discriminate lesions from sound enamel. Lesion depth ranged from 175 to [Formula: see text] in SS-OCT. A correlation between [Formula: see text] and SS-OCT was found regarding lesion depth ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and also surface layer thickness ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). The images obtained clinically in real time using the dental SS-OCT system are suitable for the assessment of natural subsurface lesions and their surface layer, providing comparable images to a laboratory high-resolution [Formula: see text] without the use of x-ray.
Assessment of natural enamel lesions with optical coherence tomography in comparison with microfocus x-ray computed tomography

PubMed Central

Espigares, Jorge; Sadr, Alireza; Hamba, Hidenori; Shimada, Yasushi; Otsuki, Masayuki; Tagami, Junji; Sumi, Yasunori

2015-01-01

Abstract. A technology to characterize early enamel lesions is needed in dentistry. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive method that provides high-resolution cross-sectional images. The aim of this study is to compare OCT with microfocus x-ray computed tomography (μCT) for assessment of natural enamel lesions in vitro. Ten human teeth with visible white spot-like changes on the enamel smooth surface and no cavitation (ICDAS code 2) were subjected to imaging by μCT (SMX-100CT, Shimadzu) and 1300-nm swept-source OCT (Dental SS-OCT, Panasonic Health Care). In μCT, the lesions appeared as radiolucent dark areas, while in SS-OCT, they appeared as areas of increased signal intensity beneath the surface. An SS-OCT attenuation coefficient based on Beer–Lambert law could discriminate lesions from sound enamel. Lesion depth ranged from 175 to 606 μm in SS-OCT. A correlation between μCT and SS-OCT was found regarding lesion depth (R=0.81, p<0.001) and also surface layer thickness (R=0.76, p<0.005). The images obtained clinically in real time using the dental SS-OCT system are suitable for the assessment of natural subsurface lesions and their surface layer, providing comparable images to a laboratory high-resolution μCT without the use of x-ray. PMID:26158079
Performance of ASTRO-H Hard X-Ray Telescope (HXT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Awaki, Hisamitsu; Kunieda, Hideyo; Ishida, Manabu; Matsumoto, Hironori; Furuzawa, Akihiro; Haba, Yohsito; Hayashi, Takayuki; Iizuka, Ryo; Ishibashi, Kazunori; Itoh, Masayuki;

2016-01-01

The Japanese X-ray Astronomy Satellite, Hitomi (ASTRO-H) carries hard X-ray imaging system, covering the energy band from 5 keV to 80 keV. The hard X-ray imaging system consists of two hard X-ray telescopes (HXT) and two hard X-ray imagers (HXI). The HXT employs tightly-nested, conically-approximated thin foil Wolter-I optics. The mirror surfaces of HXT were coated with PtC depth-graded multilayers. We carried out ground calibrations of HXTs at the synchrotron radiation facility SPring-8 BL20B2 in Japan, and found that total effective area of two HXTs was about 350 sq cm at 30 keV, and the half power diameter of HXT was about 1.9. After the launch of Hitomi, Hitomi observed several targets during the initial functional verification of the onboard instruments. The Hitomi software and calibration team (SCT) provided the Hitomis data of G21.5-0.9, a pulsar wind nebula, to the hardware team for the purpose of the instrument calibration. Through the analysis of the in-flight data, we have confirmed that the X-ray performance of HXTs in orbit was consistent with that estimated by the ground calibrations.

Sub-arcsec X-Ray Telescope for Imaging The Solar Corona In the 0.25 - 1.2 keV Band

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gallagher, Dennis; Cash, Webster; Jelsma, Schuyler; Farmer, Jason

1996-01-01

We have developed an X-ray telescope that uses a new technique for focusing X-rays with grazing incidence optics. The telescope was built with spherical optics for all of its components, utilizing the high quality surfaces obtainable when polishing spherical (as opposed to aspherical) optics. We tested the prototype X-ray telescope in the 300 meter vacuum pipe at White Sands Missile Range, NM. The telescope features 2 degee graze angles with tungsten coatings, yielding a bandpass of 0.25-1.5 keV with a peak effective area of 0.8 sq cm at 0.83 keV. Results from X-ray testing at energies of 0.25 keV and 0.93 keV (C-K and Cu-L) verify 0.5 arcsecond performance at 0.93 keV. Results from modeling the X-ray telescope's response to the Sun show that the current design would be capable of recording 10 half arcsecond images of a solar active region during a 300 second NASA sounding rocket flight.
Microscale X-ray tomographic investigation of the interfacial morphology between the catalyst and micro porous layers in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prass, Sebastian; Hasanpour, Sadegh; Sow, Pradeep Kumar; Phillion, André B.; Mérida, Walter

2016-07-01

The interfacial morphology between the catalyst layer (CL) and micro porous layer (MPL) influences the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Here we report a direct method to investigate the CL-MPL interfacial morphology of stacked and compressed gas diffusion layer (GDL with MPL)-catalyst coated membrane (CCM) assemblies. The area, origin and dimensions of interfacial gaps are studied with high-resolution X-ray micro computed tomography (X-μCT). The projected gap area (fraction of the CL-MPL interface separated by gaps) is higher for GDL-CCM assemblies with large differences in the surface roughness between CL and MPL but reduces with increasing compression and similarity in roughness. Relatively large continuous gaps are found in proximity to cracks in the MPL. These are hypothesized to form due to the presence of large pores on the surface of the GDL. Smaller gaps are induced by the surface roughness features throughout the CL-MPL interface. By modification of the pore sizes on the GDL surface serving as substrate for the MPL, the number and dimension of MPL crack induced gaps can be manipulated. Moreover, adjusting the CL and MPL surface roughness parameters to achieve similar orders of roughness can improve the surface mating characteristics of these two components.
Surface applicator of a miniature X-ray tube for superficial electronic brachytherapy of skin cancer.

PubMed

Kim, Hyun Nam; Lee, Ju Hyuk; Park, Han Beom; Kim, Hyun Jin; Cho, Sung Oh

2018-01-01

We designed and fabricated a surface applicator of a novel carbon nanotube (CNT)-based miniature X-ray tube for the use in superficial electronic brachytherapy of skin cancer. To investigate the effectiveness of the surface applicator, the performance of the applicator was numerically and experimentally analyzed. The surface applicator consists of a graphite flattening filter and an X-ray shield. A Monte Carlo radiation transport code, MCNP6, was used to optimize the geometries of both the flattening filter and the shield so that X-rays are generated uniformly over the desired region. The performance of the graphite filter was compared with that of conventional aluminum (Al) filters of different geometries using the numerical simulations. After fabricating a surface applicator, the X-ray spatial distribution was measured to evaluate the performance of the applicator. The graphite filter shows better spatial dose uniformity and less dose distortion than Al filters. Moreover, graphite allows easy fabrication of the flattening filter due to its low X-ray attenuation property, which is particularly important for low-energy electronic brachytherapy. The applicator also shows that no further X-ray shielding is required for the application because unwanted X-rays are completely protected. As a result, highly uniform X-ray dose distribution was achieved from the miniature X-ray tube mounted with the surface applicators. The measured values of both flatness and symmetry were less than 5% and the measured penumbra values were less than 1 mm. All these values satisfy the currently accepted tolerance criteria for radiation therapy. The surface applicator exhibits sufficient performance capability for their application in electronic brachytherapy of skin cancers. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.
One-Pot synthesis of phosphorylated mesoporous carbon heterogeneous catalysts with tailored surface acidity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fulvio, Pasquale F; Mahurin, Shannon Mark; Mayes, Richard T

2012-01-01

Soft-templated phosphorylated mesoporous carbons with homogeneous distributions of phosphate groups were prepared by a 'one-pot' synthesis method using mixtures of phosphoric acid with hydrochloric, or nitric acids in the presence of Pluronic F127 triblock copolymer. Adjusting the various ratios of phosphoric acid used in these mixtures resulted in carbons with distinct adsorption, structural and surface acidity properties. The pore size distributions (PSDs) from nitrogen adsorption at -196 C showed that mesoporous carbons exhibit specific surface areas as high as 551 m{sup 2}/g and mesopores as large as 13 nm. Both structural ordering of the mesopores and the final phosphate contentsmore » were strongly dependent on the ratios of H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} in the synthesis gels, as shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The number of surface acid sites determined from temperature programmed desorption of ammonia (NH{sub 3}-TPD) were in the range of 0.3-1.5 mmol/g while the active surface areas are estimated to comprise 5-54% of the total surface areas. Finally, the conversion temperatures for the isopropanol dehydration were lowered by as much as 100 C by transitioning from the least acidic to the most acidic catalysts surface.« less

Development of the surface-sensitive soft x-ray absorption fine structure measurement technique for the bulk insulator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yonemura, Takumi, E-mail: yonemura-takumi@sei.co.jp; Iihara, Junji; Uemura, Shigeaki

We have succeeded in measuring X-ray absorption fine structure (TEY-XAFS) spectra of insulating plate samples by total electron yield. The biggest problem is how to suppress the charge-up. We have attempted to deposit a gold stripe electrode on the surface and obtained a TEY-XAFS spectrum. This indicates that the metal stripe electrode is very useful in the TEY-XAFS measurement of the insulating plate samples. In the detailed analysis, we have found that the effective area for suppressing charge-up was approximately 120 μm from the edge of the electrode.
Dosimetric properties of high energy current (HEC) detector in keV x-ray beams.

PubMed

Zygmanski, Piotr; Shrestha, Suman; Elshahat, Bassem; Karellas, Andrew; Sajo, Erno

2015-04-07

We introduce a new x-ray radiation detector. The detector employs high-energy current (HEC) formed by secondary electrons consisting predominantly of photoelectrons and Auger electrons, to directly convert x-ray energy to detector signal without externally applied power and without amplification. The HEC detector is a multilayer structure composed of thin conducting layers separated by dielectric layers with an overall thickness of less than a millimeter. It can be cut to any size and shape, formed into curvilinear surfaces, and thus can be designed for a variety of QA applications. We present basic dosimetric properties of the detector as function of x-ray energy, depth in the medium, area and aspect ratio of the detector, as well as other parameters. The prototype detectors show similar dosimetric properties to those of a thimble ionization chamber, which operates at high voltage. The initial results obtained for kilovoltage x-rays merit further research and development towards specific medical applications.
X-ray lithography masking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Henry I. (Inventor); Lim, Michael (Inventor); Carter, James (Inventor); Schattenburg, Mark (Inventor)

1998-01-01

X-ray masking apparatus includes a frame having a supporting rim surrounding an x-ray transparent region, a thin membrane of hard inorganic x-ray transparent material attached at its periphery to the supporting rim covering the x-ray transparent region and a layer of x-ray opaque material on the thin membrane inside the x-ray transparent region arranged in a pattern to selectively transmit x-ray energy entering the x-ray transparent region through the membrane to a predetermined image plane separated from the layer by the thin membrane. A method of making the masking apparatus includes depositing back and front layers of hard inorganic x-ray transparent material on front and back surfaces of a substrate, depositing back and front layers of reinforcing material on the back and front layers, respectively, of the hard inorganic x-ray transparent material, removing the material including at least a portion of the substrate and the back layers of an inside region adjacent to the front layer of hard inorganic x-ray transparent material, removing a portion of the front layer of reinforcing material opposite the inside region to expose the surface of the front layer of hard inorganic x-ray transparent material separated from the inside region by the latter front layer, and depositing a layer of x-ray opaque material on the surface of the latter front layer adjacent to the inside region.
Effects of Al(3+) doping on the structure and properties of goethite and its adsorption behavior towards phosphate.

PubMed

Li, Wei; Wang, Longjun; Liu, Fan; Liang, Xiaoliang; Feng, Xionghan; Tan, Wenfeng; Zheng, Lirong; Yin, Hui

2016-07-01

Al substitution in goethite is common in soils, and has strong influence on the structure and physicochemical properties of goethite. In this research, a series of Al-doped goethites were synthesized, and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The adsorption behavior of these samples towards PO4(3-) was also investigated. Characterization results demonstrated that increasing Al content in goethite led to a reduction in crystallinity, increase in specific surface area (SSA), and morphology change from needle-like to granular. Rietveld structure refinement revealed that the lattice parameter a remained almost constant and b slightly decreased, but c was significantly reduced, and the calculated crystal density increased. EXAFS analysis demonstrated that the Fe(Al)-O distance in the structure of the doped goethites was almost the same, but the Fe-Fe(Al) distance decreased with increasing Al content. Surface analysis showed that, with increasing Al content, the content of OH groups on the mineral surface increased. The adsorption of phosphate per unit mass of Al-doped goethite increased, while adsorption per unit area decreased owing to the decrease of the relative proportion of (110) facets in the total surface area of the minerals. The results of this research facilitate better understanding of the effect of Al substitution on the structure and properties of goethite and the cycling of phosphate in the environment. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Optical design for ATHENA X-ray telescope based on slumped mirror segments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Proserpio, Laura; Breunig, Elias; Friedrich, Peter; Winter, Anita

2014-07-01

The Hot and Energetic Universe will be the focus of future ESA missions: in late 2013 the theme was selected for the second large-class mission in the Cosmic Vision science program. Fundamental questions on how and why ordinary matter assemble into galaxies and clusters, and how black holes grow and influence their surroundings can be addressed with an advanced X-ray observatory. The currently proposed ATHENA mission presents all the potentiality to answer the outstanding questions. It is based on the heritage of XMM-Newton and on the previous studies for IXO mission. The scientific payload will require state of the art instrumentations. In particular, the baseline for the X-ray optical system, delivering a combination of large area, high angular resolution, and large field of view, is the Silicon Pore Optics technology (SPO) developed by ESA in conjunction with the Cosine Measurement Systems. The slumping technology is also under development for the manufacturing of future X-ray telescopes: for several years the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial physics (MPE) has been involved in the analysis of the indirect slumping approach, which foresees the manufacturing of segmented X-ray shells by shaping thin glass foils at high temperatures over concave moulds so to avoid any contact of the optical surface with other materials during the process, preserving in this way the original X-ray quality of the glass surface. The paper presents an alternative optical design for ATHENA based on the use of thin glass mirror segments obtained through slumping.
Synthesis of porous nanocrystalline NiO with hexagonal sheet-like morphology by homogeneous precipitation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Ravi Kant; Ghose, Ranjana

2015-04-01

Porous nanocrystalline NiO has been synthesized by a simple homogeneous precipitation method in short time at low calcination temperature without using any surfactant, chelating or gelating agents. The porous nanocrystalline NiO with a hexagonal sheet-like morphology were obtained by calcination of Ni(OH)2 nanoflakes at 500 °C. The calcination temperature strongly influences the morphology, crystallite size, specific surface area, pore volume and optical band gap of the samples. The samples were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, surface area measurements, field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The chemical activity of the samples was tested by catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol with NaBH4.
Physicochemical characterizations of nano-palm oil fuel ash

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajak, Mohd Azrul Abdul; Majid, Zaiton Abdul; Ismail, Mohammad

2015-07-01

Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) is known as a good supplementary cementing material due to its siliceous-rich content. The application of nanotechnology in the pozzolanic materials could invent new functions in the efficiency of physical and chemical properties of materials. Thus, the present study aims to generate nano-sized POFA and characterize the physicochemical properties of nano-palm oil fuel ash (nPOFA). The nPOFA was prepared by mechanically grinding micro POFA using a high intensity ball milling for 6 hours. The physicochemical properties of nPOFA were characterized via X-Ray Fluoresence (XRF), Scanning Emission microscopy- Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The particle size of nPOFA acquired from TEM analysis was in the range of 20 nm to 90 nm, while the average crystallite size calculated from XRD diffractogram was 61.5 nm. The resulting nPOFA has a BET surface area of 145.35 m2/g, which is more than 85% increment in surface area compared to micro-sized POFA. The morphology and elemental studies showed the presence of spherical as well as irregularly shaped and fine nPOFA particles contains with high silicon content. The presence of α-quartz as the major phase of the nPOFA was identified through XRD analysis. The study concludes that nPOFA has the potential as a supplementary cementing material due to the high silica content, high surface area and the unique behaviors of nano-structured particles.
Space optics with silicon wafers and slumped glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hudec, R.; Semencova, V.; Inneman, A.; Skulinova, M.; Sveda, L.; Míka, M.; Sik, J.; Lorenc, M.

2017-11-01

The future space X-ray astronomy imaging missions require very large collecting areas at still fine angular resolution and reasonable weight. The novel substrates for X-ray mirrors such as Silicon wafers and thin thermally formed glass enable wide applications of precise and very light weight (volume densities 2.3 to 2.5 gcm-3) optics. The recent status of novel technologies as well as developed test samples with emphasis on precise optical surfaces based on novel materials and their space applications is presented and discussed.
High-energy x-ray diffraction from surfaces and nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hejral, U.; Müller, P.; Shipilin, M.; Gustafson, J.; Franz, D.; Shayduk, R.; Rütt, U.; Zhang, C.; Merte, L. R.; Lundgren, E.; Vonk, V.; Stierle, A.

2017-11-01

High-energy surface-sensitive x-ray diffraction (HESXRD) is a powerful high-energy photon technique (E > 70 keV) that has in recent years proven to allow a fast data acquisition for the 3D structure determination of surfaces and nanoparticles under in situ and operando conditions. The use of a large-area detector facilitates the direct collection of nearly distortion-free diffraction patterns over a wide q range, including crystal truncation rods perpendicular to the surface and large-area reciprocal space maps from epitaxial nanoparticles, which is not possible in the conventional low-photon energy approach (E =10 -20 keV ). Here, we present a comprehensive mathematical approach, explaining the working principle of HESXRD for both single-crystal surfaces and epitaxial nanostructures on single-crystal supports. The angular calculations used in conventional crystal truncation rod measurements at low-photon energies are adopted for the high-photon-energy regime, illustrating why and to which extent large reciprocal-space areas can be probed in stationary geometry with fixed sample rotation. We discuss how imperfections such as mosaicity and finite domain size aid in sampling a substantial part of reciprocal space without the need of rotating the sample. An exact account is given of the area probed in reciprocal space using such a stationary mode, which is essential for in situ or operando time-resolved experiments on surfaces and nanostructures.
Use of simulation to optimize the pinhole diameter and mask thickness for an x-ray backscatter imaging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vella, A.; Munoz, Andre; Healy, Matthew J. F.; Lane, David; Lockley, D.

2017-08-01

The PENELOPE Monte Carlo simulation code was used to determine the optimum thickness and aperture diameter of a pinhole mask for X-ray backscatter imaging in a security application. The mask material needs to be thick enough to absorb most X-rays, and the pinhole must be wide enough for sufficient field of view whilst narrow enough for sufficient image spatial resolution. The model consisted of a fixed geometry test object, various masks with and without pinholes, and a 1040 x 1340 pixels' area detector inside a lead lined camera housing. The photon energy distribution incident upon masks was flat up to selected energy limits. This artificial source was used to avoid the optimisation being specific to any particular X-ray source technology. The pixelated detector was modelled by digitising the surface area represented by the PENELOPE phase space file and integrating the energies of the photons impacting within each pixel; a MATLAB code was written for this. The image contrast, signal to background ratio, spatial resolution, and collimation effect were calculated at the simulated detector as a function of pinhole diameter and various thicknesses of mask made of tungsten, tungsten/epoxy composite or bismuth alloy. A process of elimination was applied to identify suitable masks for a viable X-ray backscattering security application.
Development Roadmap for an Adjustable X-Ray Optics Observatory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwartz, Dan; Brissenden, R.; Bookbinder, J.; Davis, W.; Forman, W.; Freeman, M.; O'Dell, S.; Ramsey, B.; Reid, P.; Romaine, S.;

2011-01-01

We are developing adjustable X-ray optics to use on a mission such as SMART-X (see posters 38.02, 38.03 and Presentation 30.03). To satisfy the science problems expected to be posed by the next decadal survey, we anticipate requiring effective area greater than 1 square meter and Chandra-like angular resolution: approximately equal to 0.5 inches. To achieve such precise resolution we are developing adjustable mirror technology for X-ray astronomy application. This uses a thin film of piezoelectric material deposited on the back surface of the mirror to correct for figure distortions, including manufacturing errors and deflections due to gravity and thermal effects. We present here a plan to raise this technology from its current Level 2, to Level 6, by 2018.

Structural and morphological study of Fe-doped Bi-based superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Yadunath; Kumar, Rohitash

2018-05-01

In the present work, we report the study of iron-doped Bi-based superconductor sample with stoichiometric composition of Bi2Sr2Can-1(Cu1-x Fex)3O2n+4 where n=3 and x = 0.7. This sample was prepared by grinding the precursor oxides in the Ball mill for 6 hours continuous at the rate of 400 rpm for a proper mixing and to obtain the required grain size. Then the solid-state reaction method was used to prepare the sample. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in combination with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (EDX) were performed for determination of the crystal structure, surface morphology and trace the material elements of samples, respectively. The surface microscopy data were collected over a selected area of the surface of the material and a two-dimensional image generated that displays spatial variations in properties including chemical characterization and orientation of materials.
Processing system of jaws tomograms for pathology identification and surgical guide modeling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Putrik, M. B., E-mail: pmb-88@mail.ru; Ivanov, V. Yu.; Lavrentyeva, Yu. E.

The aim of the study is to create an image processing system, which allows dentists to find pathological resorption and to build surgical guide surface automatically. X-rays images of jaws from cone beam tomography or spiral computed tomography are the initial data for processing. One patient’s examination always includes up to 600 images (or tomograms), that’s why the development of processing system for fast automation search of pathologies is necessary. X-rays images can be useful not for only illness diagnostic but for treatment planning too. We have studied the case of dental implantation – for successful surgical manipulations surgical guidesmore » are used. We have created a processing system that automatically builds jaw and teeth boundaries on the x-ray image. After this step, obtained teeth boundaries used for surgical guide surface modeling and jaw boundaries limit the area for further pathologies search. Criterion for the presence of pathological resorption zones inside the limited area is based on statistical investigation. After described actions, it is possible to manufacture surgical guide using 3D printer and apply it in surgical operation.« less
X-Ray Probes of Jupiter's Auroral Zones, Galilean Moons, and the Io Plasma Torus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elsner, R. F.; Ramsey, B. D.; Swartz, D. A.; Rehak, P.; Waite, J. H., Jr.; Cooper, J. F.; Johnson, R. E.

2005-01-01

Remote observations from the Earth orbiting Chandra X-ray Observatory and the XMM-Newton Observatory have shown the the Jovian system is a rich and complex source of x-ray emission. The planet's auroral zones and its disk are powerful sources of x-ray emission, though with different origins. Chandra observations discovered x-ray emission from the Io plasma torus and from the Galilean moons Io, Europa, and possibly Ganymede. The emission from the moons is due to bombardment of their surfaces by highly energetic magnetospheric protons, and oxygen and sulfur ions, producing fluorescent x-ray emission lines from the elements in their surfaces against an intense background continuum. Although very faint when observed from Earth orbit, an imaging x-ray spectrometer in orbit around the icy Galilean moons would provide a detail mapping of the elemental composition in their surfaces. Here we review the results of Chandra and XMM-Newton observations of the Jovian system and describe the characteristics of X-MIME, an imaging x-ray spectrometer undergoing study for possible application to future missions to Jupiter such as JIMO. X-MIME has the ultimate goal of providing detailed high-resolution maps of the elemental abundances of the surfaces of Jupiter's icy moons and Io, as well as detailed study of the x-ray mission from the Io plasma torus, Jupiter's auroral zones, and the planetary disk.
Preparation of porous Si and TiO 2 nanofibres using a sulphur-templating method for lithium storage

DOE PAGES

McCormac, Kathleen; Byrd, Ian; Brannen, Rodney; ...

2015-02-03

We prepared highly porous Si/TiO 2 composite nanofibres using a unique sulphur-templating method combined with electrospinning. The structure, morphology, surface area, phase and composition of these nanofibres were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, surface area analyser and thermogravimetric analyser. The specific surface area of Si/TiO 2 porous NFs is as large as 387m 2g -1, whose silicon capacity can be maintained above 1580mAhg -1 in 180 cycles.
X-ray versus infrared selection of distant galaxy clusters: A case study using the XMM-LSS and SpARCS cluster samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Willis, J. P.; Ramos-Ceja, M. E.; Muzzin, A.; Pacaud, F.; Yee, H. K. C.; Wilson, G.

2018-04-01

We present a comparison of two samples of z > 0.8 galaxy clusters selected using different wavelength-dependent techniques and examine the physical differences between them. We consider 18 clusters from the X-ray selected XMM-LSS distant cluster survey and 92 clusters from the optical-MIR selected SpARCS cluster survey. Both samples are selected from the same approximately 9 square degree sky area and we examine them using common XMM-Newton, Spitzer-SWIRE and CFHT Legacy Survey data. Clusters from each sample are compared employing aperture measures of X-ray and MIR emission. We divide the SpARCS distant cluster sample into three sub-samples: a) X-ray bright, b) X-ray faint, MIR bright, and c) X-ray faint, MIR faint clusters. We determine that X-ray and MIR selected clusters display very similar surface brightness distributions of galaxy MIR light. In addition, the average location and amplitude of the galaxy red sequence as measured from stacked colour histograms is very similar in the X-ray and MIR-selected samples. The sub-sample of X-ray faint, MIR bright clusters displays a distribution of BCG-barycentre position offsets which extends to higher values than all other samples. This observation indicates that such clusters may exist in a more disturbed state compared to the majority of the distant cluster population sampled by XMM-LSS and SpARCS. This conclusion is supported by stacked X-ray images for the X-ray faint, MIR bright cluster sub-sample that display weak, centrally-concentrated X-ray emission, consistent with a population of growing clusters accreting from an extended envelope of material.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Checco, A.; Hofmann, T.; DiMasi, E.

The details of air nanobubble trapping at the interface between water and a nanostructured hydrophobic silicon surface are investigated using X-ray scattering and contact angle measurements. Large-area silicon surfaces containing hexagonally packed, 20 nm wide hydrophobic cavities provide ideal model surfaces for studying the morphology of air nanobubbles trapped inside cavities and its dependence on the cavity depth. Transmission small-angle X-ray scattering measurements show stable trapping of air inside the cavities with a partial water penetration of 5-10 nm into the pores, independent of their large depth variation. This behavior is explained by consideration of capillary effects and the cavitymore » geometry. For parabolic cavities, the liquid can reach a thermodynamically stable configuration - a nearly planar nanobubble meniscus - by partially penetrating into the pores. This microscopic information correlates very well with the macroscopic surface wetting behavior.« less
The Mapping X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (MAPX)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blake, David; Sarrazin, Philippe; Bristow, Thomas; Downs, Robert; Gailhanou, Marc; Marchis, Franck; Ming, Douglas; Morris, Richard; Sole, Vincente Armando; Thompson, Kathleen;

2016-01-01

MapX will provide elemental imaging at =100 micron spatial resolution over 2.5 X 2.5 centimeter areas, yielding elemental chemistry at or below the scale length where many relict physical, chemical, and biological features can be imaged and interpreted in ancient rocks. MapX is a full-frame spectroscopic imager positioned on soil or regolith with touch sensors. During an analysis, an X-ray source (tube or radioisotope) bombards the sample surface with X-rays or alpha-particles / gamma rays, resulting in sample X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). Fluoresced X-rays pass through an X-ray lens (X-ray µ-Pore Optic, "MPO") that projects a spatially resolved image of the X-rays onto a CCD. The CCD is operated in single photon counting mode so that the positions and energies of individual photons are retained. In a single analysis, several thousand frames are stored and processed. A MapX experiment provides elemental maps having a spatial resolution of =100 micron and quantitative XRF spectra from Regions of Interest (ROI) 2 centimers = x = 100 micron. ROI are compared with known rock and mineral compositions to extrapolate the data to rock types and putative mineralogies. The MapX geometry is being refined with ray-tracing simulations and with synchrotron experiments at SLAC. Source requirements are being determined through Monte Carlo modeling and experiment using XMIMSIM [1], GEANT4 [2] and PyMca [3] and a dedicated XRF test fixture. A flow-down of requirements for both tube and radioisotope sources is being developed from these experiments. In addition to Mars lander and rover missions, MapX could be used for landed science on other airless bodies (Phobos/Deimos, Comet nucleus, asteroids, the Earth's moon, and the icy satellites of the outer planets, including Europa.

Two-dimensional ultrahigh-density X-ray optical memory.

PubMed

Bezirganyan, Hakob P; Bezirganyan, Siranush E; Bezirganyan, Hayk H; Bezirganyan, Petros H

2007-01-01

Most important aspect of nanotechnology applications in the information ultrahigh storage is the miniaturization of data carrier elements of the storage media with emphasis on the long-term stability. Proposed two-dimensional ultrahigh-density X-ray optical memory, named X-ROM, with long-term stability is an information carrier basically destined for digital data archiving. X-ROM is a semiconductor wafer, in which the high-reflectivity nanosized X-ray mirrors are embedded. Data are encoded due to certain positions of the mirrors. Ultrahigh-density data recording procedure can e.g., be performed via mask-less zone-plate-array lithography (ZPAL), spatial-phase-locked electron-beam lithography (SPLEBL), or focused ion-beam lithography (FIB). X-ROM manufactured by nanolithography technique is a write-once memory useful for terabit-scale memory applications, if the surface area of the smallest recording pits is less than 100 nm2. In this case the X-ROM surface-storage capacity of a square centimetre becomes by two orders of magnitude higher than the volumetric data density really achieved for three-dimensional optical data storage medium. Digital data read-out procedure from proposed X-ROM can e.g., be performed via glancing-angle incident X-ray micro beam (GIX) using the well-developed X-ray reflectometry technique. In presented theoretical paper the crystal-analyser operating like an image magnifier is added to the set-up of X-ROM data handling system for the purpose analogous to case of application the higher numerical aperture objective in optical data read-out system. We also propose the set-up of the X-ROM readout system based on more the one incident X-ray micro beam. Presented scheme of two-beam data handling system, which operates on two mutually perpendicular well-collimated monochromatic incident X-ray micro beams, essentially increases the reliability of the digital information read-out procedure. According the graphs of characteristic functions presented in paper, one may choose optimally the incident radiation wavelength, as well as the angle of incidence of X-ray micro beams, appropriate for proposed digital data read-out procedure.
Atmospheric electron x-ray spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feldman, Jason E. (Inventor); George, Thomas (Inventor); Wilcox, Jaroslava Z. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

The present invention comprises an apparatus for performing in-situ elemental analyses of surfaces. The invention comprises an atmospheric electron x-ray spectrometer with an electron column which generates, accelerates, and focuses electrons in a column which is isolated from ambient pressure by a:thin, electron transparent membrane. After passing through the membrane, the electrons impinge on the sample in atmosphere to generate characteristic x-rays. An x-ray detector, shaping amplifier, and multi-channel analyzer are used for x-ray detection and signal analysis. By comparing the resultant data to known x-ray spectral signatures, the elemental composition of the surface can be determined.

Measured reflectance of graded multilayer mirrors designed for astronomical hard X-ray telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christensen, F. E.; Craig, W. W.; Windt, D. L.; Jimenez-Garate, M. A.; Hailey, C. J.; Harrison, F. A.; Mao, P. H.; Chakan, J. M.; Ziegler, E.; Honkimaki, V.

2000-09-01

Future astronomical X-ray telescopes, including the balloon-borne High-Energy Focusing Telescope (HEFT) and the Constellation-X Hard X-ray Telescope (Con-X HXT) plan to incorporate depth-graded multilayer coatings in order to extend sensitivity into the hard X-ray (10<~E<~80keV) band. In this paper, we present measurements of the reflectance in the 18-170 keV energy range of a cylindrical prototype nested optic taken at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). The mirror segments, mounted in a single bounce stack, are coated with depth-graded W/Si multilayers optimized for broadband performance up to 69.5 keV (WK-edge). These designs are ideal for both the HEFT and Con-X HXT applications. We compare the measurements to model calculations to demonstrate that the reflectivity can be well described by the intended power law distribution of the bilayer thicknesses, and that the coatings are uniform at the 5% level over the mirror surface. Finally, we apply the measurements to predict effective areas achievable for HEFT and Con-X HXT using these W/Si designs.
High surface area calcite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, L. N.; Andersson, M. P.; Dalby, K. N.; Müter, D.; Okhrimenko, D. V.; Fordsmand, H.; Stipp, S. L. S.

2013-05-01

Calcite (CaCO3) is important in many fields—in nature, because it is a component of aquifers, oil reservoirs and prospective CO2 storage sites, and in industry, where it is used in products as diverse as paper, toothpaste, paint, plastic and aspirin. It is difficult to obtain high purity calcite with a high surface area but such material is necessary for industrial applications and for fundamental calcite research. Commercial powder is nearly always contaminated with growth inhibitors such as sugars, citrate or pectin and most laboratory synthesis methods deliver large precipitates, often containing vaterite or aragonite. To address this problem, we (i) adapted the method of carbonating a Ca(OH)2 slurry with CO2 gas to develop the first simple, cheap, safe and reproducible procedure using common laboratory equipment, to obtain calcite that reproducibly had a surface area of 14-17 m2/g and (ii) conducted a thorough characterization of the product. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed nanometer scale, rhombohedral crystals. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) confirmed highly crystalline, pure calcite that more closely resembles the dimensions of the biogenic calcite produced by algae in coccoliths than other methods for synthesizing calcite. We suggest that this calcite is useful when purity and high surface area are important.
Wide-area phase-contrast X-ray imaging using large X-ray interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Momose, Atsushi; Takeda, Tohoru; Yoneyama, Akio; Koyama, Ichiro; Itai, Yuji

2001-07-01

Large X-ray interferometers are developed for phase-contrast X-ray imaging aiming at medical applications. A monolithic X-ray interferometer and a separate one are studied, and currently a 25 mm×20 mm view area can be generated. This paper describes the strategy of our research program and some recent developments.
Cross-correlation of the X-ray background with nearby galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jahoda, Keith; Mushotzky, Richard F.; Boldt, Elihu; Lahav, Ofer

1991-01-01

The detection of a signal in the cross-correlation of the diffuse 2-10 keV HEAO 1 A-2 X-ray surface brightness with the galaxy surface density derived from diameter-limited samples from the Uppsala General Catalogue is reported. An ad hoc relationship between the X-ray flux and the galaxy counts is used to estimate the local X-ray volume emissivity at 2.8 + or - 1.0 x 10 to the 38th ergs/s/cu Mpc. This result implies that unevolved populations of X-ray sources correlated with present-epoch galaxies can contribute only 13 + or - 5 percent of the cosmic X-ray background.
Obtaining high resolution XUV coronal images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Golub, L.; Spiller, E.

1992-01-01

Photographs obtained during three flights of an 11 inch diameter normal incident soft X-ray (wavelength 63.5 A) telescope are analyzed and the data are compared to the results expected from tests of the mirror surfaces. Multilayer coated X ray telescopes have the potential for 0.01 arcsec resolution, and there is optimism that such high quality mirrors can be built. Some of the factors which enter into the performance actually achieved in practice are as follows: quality of the mirror substrate, quality of the multilayer coating, and number of photons collected. Measurements of multilayer mirrors show that the actual performance achieved in the solar X-ray images demonstrates a reduction in the scattering compared to that calculated from the topography of the top surface of the multilayer. In the brief duration of a rocket flight, the resolution is also limited by counting statistics from the number of photons collected. At X-ray Ultraviolet (XUV) wavelengths from 171 to 335 A the photon flux should be greater than 10(exp 10) ph/sec, so that a resolution better than 0.1 arcsec might be achieved, if mirror quality does not provide a limit first. In a satellite, a large collecting area will be needed for the highest resolution.
Geant4 simulations of a wide-angle x-ray focusing telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Donghua; Zhang, Chen; Yuan, Weimin; Zhang, Shuangnan; Willingale, Richard; Ling, Zhixing

2017-06-01

The rapid development of X-ray astronomy has been made possible by widely deploying X-ray focusing telescopes on board many X-ray satellites. Geant4 is a very powerful toolkit for Monte Carlo simulations and has remarkable abilities to model complex geometrical configurations. However, the library of physical processes available in Geant4 lacks a description of the reflection of X-ray photons at a grazing incident angle which is the core physical process in the simulation of X-ray focusing telescopes. The scattering of low-energy charged particles from the mirror surfaces is another noteworthy process which is not yet incorporated into Geant4. Here we describe a Monte Carlo model of a simplified wide-angle X-ray focusing telescope adopting lobster-eye optics and a silicon detector using the Geant4 toolkit. With this model, we simulate the X-ray tracing, proton scattering and background detection. We find that: (1) the effective area obtained using Geant4 is in agreement with that obtained using Q software with an average difference of less than 3%; (2) X-rays are the dominant background source below 10 keV; (3) the sensitivity of the telescope is better by at least one order of magnitude than that of a coded mask telescope with the same physical dimensions; (4) the number of protons passing through the optics and reaching the detector by Firsov scattering is about 2.5 times that of multiple scattering for the lobster-eye telescope.
X-ray lithography using holographic images

DOEpatents

Howells, Malcolm R.; Jacobsen, Chris

1995-01-01

A non-contact X-ray projection lithography method for producing a desired X-ray image on a selected surface of an X-ray-sensitive material, such as photoresist material on a wafer, the desired X-ray image having image minimum linewidths as small as 0.063 .mu.m, or even smaller. A hologram and its position are determined that will produce the desired image on the selected surface when the hologram is irradiated with X-rays from a suitably monochromatic X-ray source of a selected wavelength .lambda.. On-axis X-ray transmission through, or off-axis X-ray reflection from, a hologram may be used here, with very different requirements for monochromaticity, flux and brightness of the X-ray source. For reasonable penetration of photoresist materials by X-rays produced by the X-ray source, the wavelength X, is preferably chosen to be no more than 13.5 nm in one embodiment and more preferably is chosen in the range 1-5 nm in the other embodiment. A lower limit on linewidth is set by the linewidth of available microstructure writing devices, such as an electron beam.
Palus Somni - Anomalies in the correlation of Al/Si X-ray fluorescence intensity ratios and broad-spectrum visible albedos. [lunar surface mineralogy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, P. E.; Andre, C. G.; Adler, I.; Weidner, J.; Podwysocki, M.

1976-01-01

The positive correlation between Al/Si X-ray fluorescence intensity ratios determined during the Apollo 15 lunar mission and a broad-spectrum visible albedo of the moon is quantitatively established. Linear regression analysis performed on 246 1 degree geographic cells of X-ray fluorescence intensity and visible albedo data points produced a statistically significant correlation coefficient of .78. Three distinct distributions of data were identified as (1) within one standard deviation of the regression line, (2) greater than one standard deviation below the line, and (3) greater than one standard deviation above the line. The latter two distributions of data were found to occupy distinct geographic areas in the Palus Somni region.
A NON-PRE DOUBLE-PEAKED BURST FROM 4U 1636-536: EVIDENCE FOR BURNING FRONT PROPAGATION

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhattacharyya, Sudip; Strohmayer, Tod E.

2005-01-01

We analyse Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) Proportional Counter Array (PCA) data of a double-peaked burst from the low mass X-ray binary (LMXB) 4U 1636-536 that shows no evidence for photospheric radius expansion (PRE). We find that the X-ray emitting area on the star increases with time as the burst progresses, even though the photosphere does not expand. We argue that this is a strong indication of thermonuclear flame spreading on the stellar surface during such bursts. We propose a model for such double-peaked bursts, based on thermonuclear flame spreading, that can qualitatively explain their essential features, as well as the rarity of these bursts.
Influence of Cu-Ti thin film surface properties on antimicrobial activity and viability of living cells.

PubMed

Wojcieszak, Damian; Kaczmarek, Danuta; Antosiak, Aleksandra; Mazur, Michal; Rybak, Zbigniew; Rusak, Agnieszka; Osekowska, Malgorzata; Poniedzialek, Agata; Gamian, Andrzej; Szponar, Bogumila

2015-11-01

The paper describes properties of thin-film coatings based on copper and titanium. Thin films were prepared by co-sputtering of Cu and Ti targets in argon plasma. Deposited coatings consist of 90at.% of Cu and 10at.% of Ti. Characterization of the film was made on the basis of investigations of microstructure and physicochemical properties of the surface. Methods such as scanning electron microscopy, x-ray microanalysis, x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, optical profilometry and wettability measurements were used to assess the properties of deposited thin films. An impact of Cu-Ti coating on the growth of selected bacteria and viability of the living cells (line L929, NCTC clone 929) was described in relation to the structure, surface state and wettability of the film. It was found that as-deposited films were amorphous. However, in such surroundings the nanocrystalline grains of 10-15nm and 25-35nm size were present. High surface active area with a roughness of 8.9nm, had an effect on receiving relatively high water contact angle value (74.1°). Such wettability may promote cell adhesion and result in an increase of the probability of copper ion transfer from the film surface into the cell. Thin films revealed bactericidal and fungicidal effects even in short term-contact. High activity of prepared films was directly related to high amount (ca. 51 %) of copper ions at 1+ state as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results have shown. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Stress-induced microcrack density evolution in β-eucryptite ceramics: Experimental observations and possible route to strain hardening

DOE PAGES

Müller, B. R.; Cooper, R. C.; Lange, A.; ...

2017-11-01

In order to investigate their microcracking behaviour, the microstructures of several β-eucryptite ceramics, obtained from glass precursor and cerammed to yield different grain sizes and microcrack densities, were characterized by laboratory and synchrotron x-ray refraction and tomography. Here, results were compared with those obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In SEM images, the characterized materials appeared fully dense but computed tomography showed the presence of pore clusters. Uniaxial tensile testing was performed on specimens while strain maps were recorded and analyzed by Digital Image Correlation (DIC). X-ray refraction techniques were applied on specimens before and after tensile testing to measuremore » the amount of the internal specific surface (i.e., area per unit volume). X-ray refraction revealed that (a) the small grain size (SGS) material contained a large specific surface, originating from the grain boundaries and the interfaces of TiO 2 precipitates; (b) the medium (MGS) and large grain size (LGS) materials possessed higher amounts of specific surface compared to SGS material due to microcracks, which decreased after tensile loading; (c) the precursor glass had negligible internal surface. The unexpected decrease in the internal surface of MGS and LGS after tensile testing is explained by the presence of compressive regions in the DIC strain maps and further by theoretical arguments. It is suggested that while some microcracks merge via propagation, more close mechanically, thereby explaining the observed X-ray refraction results. Lastly, the mechanisms proposed would allow the development of a strain hardening route in ceramics.« less
Stress-induced microcrack density evolution in β-eucryptite ceramics: Experimental observations and possible route to strain hardening

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Müller, B. R.; Cooper, R. C.; Lange, A.

In order to investigate their microcracking behaviour, the microstructures of several β-eucryptite ceramics, obtained from glass precursor and cerammed to yield different grain sizes and microcrack densities, were characterized by laboratory and synchrotron x-ray refraction and tomography. Here, results were compared with those obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In SEM images, the characterized materials appeared fully dense but computed tomography showed the presence of pore clusters. Uniaxial tensile testing was performed on specimens while strain maps were recorded and analyzed by Digital Image Correlation (DIC). X-ray refraction techniques were applied on specimens before and after tensile testing to measuremore » the amount of the internal specific surface (i.e., area per unit volume). X-ray refraction revealed that (a) the small grain size (SGS) material contained a large specific surface, originating from the grain boundaries and the interfaces of TiO 2 precipitates; (b) the medium (MGS) and large grain size (LGS) materials possessed higher amounts of specific surface compared to SGS material due to microcracks, which decreased after tensile loading; (c) the precursor glass had negligible internal surface. The unexpected decrease in the internal surface of MGS and LGS after tensile testing is explained by the presence of compressive regions in the DIC strain maps and further by theoretical arguments. It is suggested that while some microcracks merge via propagation, more close mechanically, thereby explaining the observed X-ray refraction results. Lastly, the mechanisms proposed would allow the development of a strain hardening route in ceramics.« less
Note: application of a pixel-array area detector to simultaneous single crystal X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements.

PubMed

Sun, Cheng-Jun; Zhang, Bangmin; Brewe, Dale L; Chen, Jing-Sheng; Chow, G M; Venkatesan, T; Heald, Steve M

2014-04-01

X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) are two main x-ray techniques in synchrotron radiation facilities. In this Note, we present an experimental setup capable of performing simultaneous XRD and XAS measurements by the application of a pixel-array area detector. For XRD, the momentum transfer in specular diffraction was measured by scanning the X-ray energy with fixed incoming and outgoing x-ray angles. By selecting a small fixed region of the detector to collect the XRD signal, the rest of the area was available for collecting the x-ray fluorescence for XAS measurements. The simultaneous measurement of XRD and X-ray absorption near edge structure for Pr0.67Sr0.33MnO3 film was demonstrated as a proof of principle for future time-resolved pump-probe measurements. A static sample makes it easy to maintain an accurate overlap of the X-ray spot and laser pump beam.
Direct measurement of the propagation velocity of defects using coherent X-rays

DOE PAGES

Ulbrandt, Jeffrey G.; Rainville, Meliha G.; Wagenbach, Christa; ...

2016-03-28

The properties of artificially grown thin films are often strongly affected by the dynamic relationships between surface growth processes and subsurface structure. Coherent mixing of X-ray signals promises to provide an approach to better understand such processes. Here, we demonstrate the continuously variable mixing of surface and bulk scattering signals during realtime studies of sputter deposition of a-Si and a-WSi2 films by controlling the X-ray penetration and escape depths in coherent grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering. Under conditions where the X-ray signal comes from both the growth surface and the thin film bulk, oscillations in temporal correlations arise from coherent interferencemore » between scattering from stationary bulk features and from the advancing surface. We also observe evidence that elongated bulk features propagate upwards at the same velocity as the surface. Moreover, a highly surface-sensitive mode is demonstrated that can access the surface dynamics independently of the subsurface structure.« less
Degradation of Li/S Battery Electrodes On 3D Current Collectors Studied Using X-ray Phase Contrast Tomography

PubMed Central

Zielke, L.; Barchasz, C.; Waluś, S.; Alloin, F.; Leprêtre, J.-C.; Spettl, A.; Schmidt, V.; Hilger, A.; Manke, I.; Banhart, J.; Zengerle, R.; Thiele, S.

2015-01-01

Lithium/sulphur batteries are promising candidates for future energy storage systems, mainly due to their high potential capacity. However low sulphur utilization and capacity fading hinder practical realizations. In order to improve understanding of the system, we investigate Li/S electrode morphology changes for different ageing steps, using X-ray phase contrast tomography. Thereby we find a strong decrease of sulphur loading after the first cycle, and a constant loading of about 15% of the initial loading afterwards. While cycling, the mean sulphur particle diameters decrease in a qualitatively similar fashion as the discharge capacity fades. The particles spread, migrate into the current collector and accumulate in the upper part again. Simultaneously sulphur particles lose contact area with the conducting network but regain it after ten cycles because their decreasing size results in higher surface areas. Since the capacity still decreases, this regain could be associated with effects such as surface area passivation and increasing charge transfer resistance. PMID:26043280
Degradation of Li/S Battery Electrodes On 3D Current Collectors Studied Using X-ray Phase Contrast Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zielke, L.; Barchasz, C.; Waluś, S.; Alloin, F.; Leprêtre, J.-C.; Spettl, A.; Schmidt, V.; Hilger, A.; Manke, I.; Banhart, J.; Zengerle, R.; Thiele, S.

2015-06-01

Lithium/sulphur batteries are promising candidates for future energy storage systems, mainly due to their high potential capacity. However low sulphur utilization and capacity fading hinder practical realizations. In order to improve understanding of the system, we investigate Li/S electrode morphology changes for different ageing steps, using X-ray phase contrast tomography. Thereby we find a strong decrease of sulphur loading after the first cycle, and a constant loading of about 15% of the initial loading afterwards. While cycling, the mean sulphur particle diameters decrease in a qualitatively similar fashion as the discharge capacity fades. The particles spread, migrate into the current collector and accumulate in the upper part again. Simultaneously sulphur particles lose contact area with the conducting network but regain it after ten cycles because their decreasing size results in higher surface areas. Since the capacity still decreases, this regain could be associated with effects such as surface area passivation and increasing charge transfer resistance.
Coherent X-ray Scattering from Liquid-Air Interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shpyrko, Oleg

Advances in synchrotron x-ray scattering techniques allow studies of structure and dynamics of liquid surfaces with unprecedented resolution. I will review x-ray scattering measurements of thermally excited capillary fluctuations in liquids, thin polymer liquid films and polymer surfaces in confined geometry. X-ray Diffuse scattering profile due to Debye-Waller like roughening of the surface allows to probe the distribution of capillary fluctuations over a wide range of length scales, while using X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS) one is able to directly couple to nanoscale dynamics of these surface fluctuations, over a wide range of temporal and spacial scales. I will also discuss recent XPCS measurements of lateral diffusion dynamics in Langmuir monolayers assembled at the liquid-air interface. This research was supported by NSF CAREER Grant 0956131.
Surface modification of a natural zeolite by treatment with cold oxygen plasma: Characterization and application in water treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Velasco-Maldonado, Paola S.; Hernández-Montoya, Virginia; Montes-Morán, Miguel A.; Vázquez, Norma Aurea-Rangel; Pérez-Cruz, Ma. Ana

2018-03-01

In the present work the possible surface modification of natural zeolite using cold oxygen plasma was studied. The sample with and without treatment was characterized using nitrogen adsorption isotherms at -196 °C, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM/EDX analysis and X-Ray Diffraction. Additionally, the two samples were used for the removal of lead and acid, basic, reactive and food dyes in batch systems. The natural zeolite was found to be a mesoporous material with a low specific surface area (23 m2/g). X-ray patterns confirmed that clinoptilolite was the main crystal structure present in the natural zeolite. The molecular properties of dyes and the zeolitic structure were studied using molecular simulation, with the purpose to understand the adsorption mechanism. The results pointed out that only the roughness of the clinoptilolite was affected by the plasma treatment, whereas the specific surface area, chemical functionality and crystal structure remained constant. Finally, adsorption results confirmed that the plasma treatment had no significant effects on the dyes and lead retention capacities of the natural zeolite.
Replicated Wolter-I X-ray Optics for Lightweight, High Angular Resolution, Large Collecting Area X-Ray Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Joy, M.; Bilbro, J.; Elsner, R.; Jones, W.; Kolodziejczak, J.; Petruzzo, J.; ODell, S.; Weisskopf, M.

1997-01-01

The next generation of orbiting x-ray observatories will require high angular resolution telescopes that have an order of magnitude greater collecting area in the 0.1-10 keV spectral region than those currently under construction, but with a much lower weight and cost per unit area. Replicated Wolter-I x-ray optics have the potential to meet this requirement. The currently demonstrated capabilities of replicated Wolter-I optics will be described, and a development plan for creating lightweight, high angular resolution, large effective area x-ray telescopes will be presented.
Macrostructure-dependent photocatalytic property of high-surface-area porous titania films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimura, T.

2014-11-01

Porous titania films with different macrostructures were prepared with precise control of condensation degree and density of the oxide frameworks in the presence of spherical aggregates of polystyrene-block-poly(oxyethylene) (PS-b-PEO) diblock copolymer. Following detailed explanation of the formation mechanisms of three (reticular, spherical, and large spherical) macrostructures by the colloidal PS-b-PEO templating, structural variation of the titania frameworks during calcination were investigated by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Then, photocatalytic performance of the macroporous titania films was evaluated through simple degradation experiments of methylene blue under an UV irradiation. Consequently, absolute surface area of the film and crystallinity of the titania frameworks were important for understanding the photocatalytic performance, but the catalytic performance can be improved further by the macrostructural design that controls diffusivity of the targeted molecules inside the film and their accessibility to active sites.

Toward Large-Area Sub-Arcsecond X-Ray Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Dell, Stephen L.; Aldcroft, Thomas L.; Allured, Ryan; Atkins, Carolyn; Burrows, David N.; Cao, Jian; Chalifoux, Brandon D.; Chan, Kai-Wing; Cotroneo, Vincenzo; Elsner, Ronald F.;

2014-01-01

The future of x-ray astronomy depends upon development of x-ray telescopes with larger aperture areas (>1 sq m) and finer angular resolution(<1).Combined with the special requirements of nested grazing incidence optics, the mass and envelope constraints of spaceborne telescopes render such advances technologically challenging. Achieving this goal will require precision fabrication, alignment, mounting, and assembly of large areas (>100 sq m) of lightweight (1 kg/sq m areal density) high quality mirrors-possibly entailing active (in-space adjustable) alignment and figure correction. This paper discusses relevant programmatic and technological issues and summarizes progress toward large area sub-arcsecond x-ray telescopes. Key words: X-ray telescopes, x-ray optics, active optics, electroactive devices, silicon mirrors, differential deposition, ion implantation.

Computational and Experimental Investigation of Interfacial Area in Near-Field Diesel Spray Simulation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pandal, Adrian; Pastor, Jose M.; Payri, Raul

The dense spray region in the near-field of diesel fuel injection remains an enigma. This region is difficult to interrogate with light in the visible range and difficult to model due to the rapid interaction between liquid and gas. In particular, modeling strategies that rely on Lagrangian particle tracking of droplets have struggled in this area. To better represent the strong interaction between phases, Eulerian modeling has proven particularly useful. Models built on the concept of surface area density are advantageous where primary and secondary atomization have not yet produced droplets, but rather form more complicated liquid structures. Surface areamore » density, a more general concept than Lagrangian droplets, naturally represents liquid structures, no matter how complex. These surface area density models, however, have not been directly experimentally validated in the past due to the inability of optical methods to elucidate such a quantity. Optical diagnostics traditionally measure near-spherical droplet size far downstream, where the spray is optically thin. Using ultra-small-angle x-ray scattering (USAXS) measurements to measure the surface area and x-ray radiography to measure the density, we have been able to test one of the more speculative parts of Eulerian spray modeling. In conclusion, the modeling and experimental results have been combined to provide insight into near-field spray dynamics.« less
Computational and Experimental Investigation of Interfacial Area in Near-Field Diesel Spray Simulation

DOE PAGES

Pandal, Adrian; Pastor, Jose M.; Payri, Raul; ...

2017-03-28

The dense spray region in the near-field of diesel fuel injection remains an enigma. This region is difficult to interrogate with light in the visible range and difficult to model due to the rapid interaction between liquid and gas. In particular, modeling strategies that rely on Lagrangian particle tracking of droplets have struggled in this area. To better represent the strong interaction between phases, Eulerian modeling has proven particularly useful. Models built on the concept of surface area density are advantageous where primary and secondary atomization have not yet produced droplets, but rather form more complicated liquid structures. Surface areamore » density, a more general concept than Lagrangian droplets, naturally represents liquid structures, no matter how complex. These surface area density models, however, have not been directly experimentally validated in the past due to the inability of optical methods to elucidate such a quantity. Optical diagnostics traditionally measure near-spherical droplet size far downstream, where the spray is optically thin. Using ultra-small-angle x-ray scattering (USAXS) measurements to measure the surface area and x-ray radiography to measure the density, we have been able to test one of the more speculative parts of Eulerian spray modeling. In conclusion, the modeling and experimental results have been combined to provide insight into near-field spray dynamics.« less
Surface modification of platinum by laser-produced X-rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latif, Hamid; Shahid Rafique, M.; Khaleeq-ur-Rahaman, M.; Sattar, Abdul; Anjum, S.; Usman, A.; Zaheer, S.; Rawat, R. S.

2014-11-01

Laser-induced plasma is used as an X-ray source for the growth of hillocks like nanostructures on platinum surface. To generate X-rays, plasma is produced by Nd:YAG laser, which is operated at second harmonics (λ = 532 nm, E = 400 mJ). Analytical grade 5 N pure Al, Cu and W are used as laser targets for X-rays production. X-rays produced from Al, Cu and W plasmas are used to irradiate three analytical grade (5 N pure) platinum substrates, respectively, under the vacuum ∼10-4 torr. XRD analysis shows considerable structural changes in the exposed platinum. The decrement in reflection intensities, increment in dislocation line density, change in d-spacing and disturbance in the periodicity of planes evidently prove these structural changes. Atomic force microscope AFM topographic analysis of the platinum exposed to X-rays emitted from Al, Cu and W targets showed that nanometer-size hillocks are produced on the platinum surface irrespective of the source. It has also been observed that due to these hillocks, the roughness of the surface has increased. Conductivity of hillocks produced from X-rays produced by Al, Cu and W targets is compared and it is shown that the hillocks produced by Al target X-rays have better conductivity compared to the hillocks produced by X-rays from Cu and W targets.
X-ray emission from high temperature plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harries, W. L.

1974-01-01

X-rays from a 25-hJ plasma focus apparatus were observed with pinhole cameras. The cameras consist of 0.4 mm diameter pinholes in 2 cm thick lead housing enclosing an X-ray intensifying screen at the image plane. Pictures recorded through thin aluminum foils or plastic sheets for X-ray energies sub gamma smaller than 15 keV show distributed X-ray emissions from the focussed plasma and from the anode surface. However, when thick absorbers are used, radial filamentary structure in the X-ray emission from the anode surface is revealed. Occasionally larger structures are observed in addition to the filaments. Possible mechanisms for the filamentary structure are discussed.
Manganese-calcium intermixing facilitates heteroepitaxial growth at the (1014) calcite-water interface

DOE PAGES

Xu, Man; Riechers, Shawn L.; Ilton, Eugene S.; ...

2017-09-05

For this research, in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements were performed to probe surface precipitates that formed on the (10more » $$\\bar{1}$$4) surface of calcite (CaCO 3) single crystals following reaction with Mn2 +-bearing aqueous solutions. Three-dimensional epitaxial islands were observed to precipitate and grow on the surfaces. In situ time-sequenced measurements demonstrated that the growth rates were commensurate with those obtained for epitaxial islands formed on calcite crystals reacted with Cd2 +-bearing aqueous solutions of the same range in supersaturation with respect to the pure metal carbonate phase. This finding was unexpected as rhodochrosite (MnCO 3) and calcite display a 10% lattice mismatch, based on the area of their (10$$\\bar{1}$$4) surface unit cells, whereas the lattice mismatch is only 4% for otavite (CdCO 3) and calcite. Coatings of varying thicknesses were therefore synthesized by reacting calcite single crystals in calcite-equilibrated aqueous solutions with up to 250 μM MnCl 2. Ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray reflectivity (XRR), and AFM measurements of the reacted crystals demonstrated the formation of an epitaxial (Mn,Ca)CO 3 solid solution. The epitaxial solid solution had a spatially complex composition, whereby the first few nanometers were rich in Ca and the Mn content increased with distance from the original calcite surface, culminating in a topmost region of almost pure MnCO 3 for the thickest coatings. The effective lattice mismatch was therefore much smaller than the nominal mismatch thus explaining the measured growth rates. Lastly, these findings highlight the strong influence played by the substrate on the composition of surface precipitates in aqueous conditions.« less
Effects of radiation pressure on the equipotential surfaces in X-ray binaries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kondo, Y.; Mccluskey, G. E., Jr.; Gulden, S. L.

1976-01-01

Equipotential surfaces incorporating the effect of radiation pressure were computed for the X-ray binaries Cen X-3, Cyg X-1 = HDE 226868, Vela XR-1 = 3U 0900-40 = HD 77581, and 3U 1700-37 = HD 153919. The topology of the equipotential surfaces is significantly affected by radiation pressure. In particular, the so-called critical Roche (Jacobian) lobes, the traditional figure 8's, do not exist. The effects of these results on modeling X-ray binaries are discussed.
X-Ray-induced Deuterium Enrichment of N-rich Organics in Protoplanetary Disks: An Experimental Investigation Using Synchrotron Light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gavilan, Lisseth; Remusat, Laurent; Roskosz, Mathieu; Popescu, Horia; Jaouen, Nicolas; Sandt, Christophe; Jäger, Cornelia; Henning, Thomas; Simionovici, Alexandre; Lemaire, Jean Louis; Mangin, Denis; Carrasco, Nathalie

2017-05-01

The deuterium enrichment of organics in the interstellar medium, protoplanetary disks, and meteorites has been proposed to be the result of ionizing radiation. The goal of this study is to simulate and quantify the effects of soft X-rays (0.1-2 keV), an important component of stellar radiation fields illuminating protoplanetary disks, on the refractory organics present in the disks. We prepared tholins, nitrogen-rich organic analogs to solids found in several astrophysical environments, e.g., Titan’s atmosphere, cometary surfaces, and protoplanetary disks, via plasma deposition. Controlled irradiation experiments with soft X-rays at 0.5 and 1.3 keV were performed at the SEXTANTS beamline of the SOLEIL synchrotron, and were immediately followed by ex-situ infrared, Raman, and isotopic diagnostics. Infrared spectroscopy revealed the preferential loss of singly bonded groups (N-H, C-H, and R-N≡C) and the formation of sp3 carbon defects with signatures at ˜1250-1300 cm-1. Raman analysis revealed that, while the length of polyaromatic units is only slightly modified, the introduction of defects leads to structural amorphization. Finally, tholins were measured via secondary ion mass spectrometry to quantify the D, H, and C elemental abundances in the irradiated versus non-irradiated areas. Isotopic analysis revealed that significant D-enrichment is induced by X-ray irradiation. Our results are compared to previous experimental studies involving the thermal degradation and electron irradiation of organics. The penetration depth of soft X-rays in μm-sized tholins leads to volume rather than surface modifications: lower-energy X-rays (0.5 keV) induce a larger D-enrichment than 1.3 keV X-rays, reaching a plateau for doses larger than 5 × 1027 eV cm-3. Synchrotron fluences fall within the expected soft X-ray fluences in protoplanetary disks, and thus provide evidence of a new non-thermal pathway to deuterium fractionation of organic matter.
Fabricating Blazed Diffraction Gratings by X-Ray Lithography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mouroulis, Pantazis; Hartley, Frank; Wilson, Daniel

2004-01-01

Gray-scale x-ray lithography is undergoing development as a technique for fabricating blazed diffraction gratings. As such, gray-scale x-ray lithography now complements such other grating-fabrication techniques as mechanical ruling, holography, ion etching, laser ablation, laser writing, and electron-beam lithography. Each of these techniques offers advantages and disadvantages for implementing specific grating designs; no single one of these techniques can satisfy the design requirements for all applications. Gray-scale x-ray lithography is expected to be advantageous for making gratings on steeper substrates than those that can be made by electron-beam lithography. This technique is not limited to sawtooth groove profiles and flat substrates: various groove profiles can be generated on arbitrarily shaped (including highly curved) substrates with the same ease as sawtooth profiles can be generated on flat substrates. Moreover, the gratings fabricated by this technique can be made free of ghosts (spurious diffraction components attributable to small spurious periodicities in the locations of grooves). The first step in gray-scale x-ray lithography is to conformally coat a substrate with a suitable photoresist. An x-ray mask (see Figure 1) is generated, placed between the substrate and a source of collimated x-rays, and scanned over the substrate so as to create a spatial modulation in the exposure of the photoresist. Development of the exposed photoresist results in a surface corrugation that corresponds to the spatial modulation and that defines the grating surface. The grating pattern is generated by scanning an appropriately shaped x-ray area mask along the substrate. The mask example of Figure 1 would generate a blazed grating profile when scanned in the perpendicular direction at constant speed, assuming the photoresist responds linearly to incident radiation. If the resist response is nonlinear, then the mask shape can be modified to account for the nonlinearity and produce a desired groove profile. An example of grating grooves generated by this technique is shown in Figure 2. A maximum relative efficiency of 88 percent has been demonstrated.
Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy/Monte Carlo simulation approach for the non-destructive analysis of corrosion patina-bearing alloys in archaeological bronzes: The case of the bowl from the Fareleira 3 site (Vidigueira, South Portugal)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bottaini, C.; Mirão, J.; Figuereido, M.; Candeias, A.; Brunetti, A.; Schiavon, N.

2015-01-01

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) is a well-known technique for non-destructive and in situ analysis of archaeological artifacts both in terms of the qualitative and quantitative elemental composition because of its rapidity and non-destructiveness. In this study EDXRF and realistic Monte Carlo simulation using the X-ray Monte Carlo (XRMC) code package have been combined to characterize a Cu-based bowl from the Iron Age burial from Fareleira 3 (Southern Portugal). The artifact displays a multilayered structure made up of three distinct layers: a) alloy substrate; b) green oxidized corrosion patina; and c) brownish carbonate soil-derived crust. To assess the reliability of Monte Carlo simulation in reproducing the composition of the bulk metal of the objects without recurring to potentially damaging patina's and crust's removal, portable EDXRF analysis was performed on cleaned and patina/crust coated areas of the artifact. Patina has been characterized by micro X-ray Diffractometry (μXRD) and Back-Scattered Scanning Electron Microscopy + Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (BSEM + EDS). Results indicate that the EDXRF/Monte Carlo protocol is well suited when a two-layered model is considered, whereas in areas where the patina + crust surface coating is too thick, X-rays from the alloy substrate are not able to exit the sample.
Surface topography of 1€ coin measured by stereo-PIXE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gholami-Hatam, E.; Lamehi-Rachti, M.; Vavpetič, P.; Grlj, N.; Pelicon, P.

2013-07-01

We demonstrate the stereo-PIXE method by measurement of surface topography of the relief details on 1€ coin. Two X-ray elemental maps were simultaneously recorded by two X-ray detectors positioned at the left and the right side of the proton microbeam. The asymmetry of the yields in the pixels of the two X-ray maps occurs due to different photon attenuation on the exit travel path of the characteristic X-rays from the point of emission through the sample into the X-ray detectors. In order to calibrate the inclination angle with respect to the X-ray asymmetry, a flat inclined surface model was at first applied for the sample in which the matrix composition and the depth elemental concentration profile is known. After that, the yield asymmetry in each image pixel was transferred into corresponding local inclination angle using calculated dependence of the asymmetry on the surface inclination. Finally, the quantitative topography profile was revealed by integrating the local inclination angle over the lateral displacement of the probing beam.
The study of X-ray scattering to determine surface topography of smooth surfaces. [X-ray telescope mirrors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, A. C.

1982-01-01

The scattering of X-rays from state-of-the-art polished mirrors is discussed with reference to the requirements of the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility telescope. An experimental set-up is described which allows information to be obtained with subarcsecond resolution. A sample of the data obtained is presented along with a possible theoretical model for its interpretation.
Adaptive CT scanning system

DOEpatents

Sampayan, Stephen E.

2016-11-22

Apparatus, systems, and methods that provide an X-ray interrogation system having a plurality of stationary X-ray point sources arranged to substantially encircle an area or space to be interrogated. A plurality of stationary detectors are arranged to substantially encircle the area or space to be interrogated, A controller is adapted to control the stationary X-ray point sources to emit X-rays one at a time, and to control the stationary detectors to detect the X-rays emitted by the stationary X-ray point sources.
Soft x-ray properties of the binary millisecond pulsar J0437-4715

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halpern, Jules P.; Martin, Christopher; Marshall, Herman L.

1995-01-01

We obtained a light curve for the 5.75 ms pulsar J0437-4715 in the 65-120 A range with 0.5 ms time resolution using the Deep Survey instrument on the EUVE satellite. The single-peaked profile has a pulsed fraction of 0. 27 +/- 0.05, similar to the ROSAT data in the overlapping energy band. A combined analysis of the EUVE and ROSAT data is consistent with a power-law spectrum of energy index alpha = 1.2-1.5, intervening column density NH = (5-8) x 10(exp 19)/sq cm, and luminosity 5.0 x 10(exp 30) ergs/s in the 0.1-2. 4 keV band. We also use a bright EUVE/ROSAT source only 4.3 deg from the pulsar, the Seyfert galaxy RX J0437.4-4711 (= EUVE J0437-471 = lES 0435-472), to obtain an independent upper limit on the intervening absorption to the pulsar, NH less than 1.2 x 10(exp 20)/sq cm. Although a blackbody spectrum fails to fit the ROSAT data, two-component spectral fits to the combined EUVE/ROSAT data are used to limit the temperatures and surface areas of thermal emission that might make partial contributions to the flux. A hot polar cap of radius 50-600 m and temperature (1.0-3.3) x 10(exp 6) K could be present. Alternatively, a larger region with T = (4-12) x 10(exp 5) K and area less than 200 sq km, might contribute most of the EUVE and soft X-ray flux, but only if a hotter component were present as well. Any of these temperatures would require some mechanism(s) of surface reheating to be operating in this old pulsar, the most plausible being the impact of accelerated electrons and positrons onto the polar caps. The kinematically corrected spin-down power of PSR J0437-4715 is only 4 x 10(exp 33) ergs/s, which is an order of magnitude less than that of the lowest-luminosity gamma-ray pulsars Geminga and PSR B1055-52. The absence of high-energy gamma-rays from PSR J0437-4715 might signify an inefficient or dead outer gap accelerator, which in turn accounts for the lack of a more luminous reheated surface such as those intermediate-age gamma-ray pulsars may have.
Soft X-Ray Properties of the Binary Millisecond Pulsar J0437-4715

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halpern, Jules P.; Martin, Christopher; Marshall, Herman, L.; Oliversen, Ronald (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

We obtained a light curve for the 5.75 ms pulsar J0437-4715 in the 65-120 A range with 0.5 ms time resolution using the Deep Survey instrument on the EUVE satellite. The single-peaked profile has a pulsed fraction of 0.27 +/- 0.05, similar to the ROSAT data in the overlapping energy band. A combined analysis of the EUVE and ROSAT data is consistent with a power-law spectrum of energy index alpha = 1.2 - 1.5, intervening column density N(sub H) = (5 - 8) x 10(exp 19)/sq cm, and luminosity 5.0 x 10(exp 30) ergs/s in the 0.1 - 2.4 keV band. We also use a bright EUVE/ROSAT source only 4.2 min. from the pulsar, the Seyfert galaxy RX J0437.4-4711 (= EUVE J0437-471 = IES 0435-472), to obtain an independent upper limit on the intervening absorption to the pulsar, N(sub H) less than 1.2 x 10(exp 20)/sq cm. Although a blackbody spectrum fails to fit the ROSAT data, two-component spectral fits to the combined EUVE/ROSAT data are used to limit the temperatures and surface areas of thermal emission that might make partial contributions to the flux. A hot polar cap of radius 50 - 600 m and temperature (1.0 - 3.3) x 10(exp 6) K could be present. Alternatively, a larger region with T = (4 - 12) x 10(exp 5) K and area less than 200 sq km, might contribute most of the EUVE and soft X-ray flux, but only if a hotter component were present as well. Any of these temperatures would require some mechanism(s) of surface reheating to be operating in this old pulsar, the most plausible being the impact of accelerated electrons and positrons onto the polar caps. The kinematically corrected spin-down power of PSR J0437-4715 is only 4 x 10(exp 33) ergs/s, which is an order of magnitude less than that of the lowest-luminosity gamma-ray pulsars Geminga and PSR B1055-52. The absence of high-energy gamma-rays from PSR J0437-4715 might signify an inefficient or dead outer gap accelerator, which in turn accounts for the lack of a more luminous reheated surface such as those intermediate-age gamma-ray pulsars may have.
XAFS imaging of Tsukuba gabbroic rocks: area analysis of chemical composition and local structure.

PubMed

Mizusawa, Mari; Sakurai, Kenji

2004-03-01

Gabbroic rocks were collected at Mount Tsukuba in Japan, and their XAFS images were studied using a projection-type X-ray fluorescence (XRF) microscope, which is a powerful new tool recently developed for extremely rapid imaging. The instrument employs a grazing-incidence arrangement in order that primary X-rays illuminate the whole sample surface, as well as parallel-beam optics and an extremely close geometry in order to detect XRF by a high-performance X-ray CCD system with 1024 x 1024 pixels. The XRF image indicated that black amphibole and white feldspar, both of which are typical mineral textures of the rock, contain iron. The origin has been suggested to be several small yellowish-brown minerals contained there. The XAFS imaging has been carried out by repeating the exposure of XRF images during the energy scan of the primary X-rays. It has been found that the structure is qualitatively close to that of olivine, and the main differences found in both areas can be explained as a difference in iron and magnesium concentration, i.e. the mixed ratio of forsterite (Mg(2)SiO(4)) and fayalite (Fe(2)SiO(4)). The feasibility of the present XAFS imaging method has been demonstrated for realistic inhomogeneous minerals.
Physicochemical characterizations of nano-palm oil fuel ash

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rajak, Mohd Azrul Abdul, E-mail: azrulrajak88@gmail.com; Preparatory Centre of Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah; Majid, Zaiton Abdul, E-mail: zaiton@kimia.fs.utm.my

2015-07-22

Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) is known as a good supplementary cementing material due to its siliceous-rich content. The application of nanotechnology in the pozzolanic materials could invent new functions in the efficiency of physical and chemical properties of materials. Thus, the present study aims to generate nano-sized POFA and characterize the physicochemical properties of nano-palm oil fuel ash (nPOFA). The nPOFA was prepared by mechanically grinding micro POFA using a high intensity ball milling for 6 hours. The physicochemical properties of nPOFA were characterized via X-Ray Fluoresence (XRF), Scanning Emission microscopy- Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)more » and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The particle size of nPOFA acquired from TEM analysis was in the range of 20 nm to 90 nm, while the average crystallite size calculated from XRD diffractogram was 61.5 nm. The resulting nPOFA has a BET surface area of 145.35 m{sup 2}/g, which is more than 85% increment in surface area compared to micro-sized POFA. The morphology and elemental studies showed the presence of spherical as well as irregularly shaped and fine nPOFA particles contains with high silicon content. The presence of α-quartz as the major phase of the nPOFA was identified through XRD analysis. The study concludes that nPOFA has the potential as a supplementary cementing material due to the high silica content, high surface area and the unique behaviors of nano-structured particles.« less
REgolith X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) Aboard NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, JaeSub; Allen, Branden; Grindlay, Jonathan E.; Binzel, Richard P.; Masterson, Rebecca; Inamdar, Niraj K; Chodas, Mark; Smith, Matthew W; Bautz, Mark W.; Kissel, Steven E; Villasenor, Jesus Noel; Oprescu, Antonia

2014-06-01

The REgolith X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) is a student-led instrument being designed, built, and operated as a collaborative effort involving MIT and Harvard. It is a part of NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, which is scheduled for launch in September of 2016 for a rendezvous with, and collection of a sample from the surface of the primitive carbonaceous chondrite-like asteroid 101955 Bennu in 2019. REXIS will determine spatial variations in elemental composition of Bennu's surface through solar-induced X-ray fluorescence. REXIS consists of four X-ray CCDs in the detector plane and an X-ray mask. It is the first coded-aperture X-ray telescope in a planetary mission, which combines the benefit of high X-ray throughput of wide-field collimation with imaging capability of a coded-mask, enabling detection of elemental surface distributions at approximately 50-200 m scales. We present an overview of the REXIS instrument and the expected performance.
Properties that influence the specific surface areas of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers.

PubMed

Birch, M Eileen; Ruda-Eberenz, Toni A; Chai, Ming; Andrews, Ronnee; Hatfield, Randal L

2013-11-01

Commercially available carbon nanotubes and nanofibers were analyzed to examine possible relationships between their Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface areas (SSAs) and their physical and chemical properties. Properties found to influence surface area were number of walls/diameter, impurities, and surface functionalization with hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. Characterization by electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis indicates that SSA can provide insight on carbon nanomaterials properties, which can differ vastly depending on synthesis parameters and post-production treatments. In this study, how different properties may influence surface area is discussed. The materials examined have a wide range of surface areas. The measured surface areas differed from product specifications, to varying degrees, and between similar products. Findings emphasize the multiple factors that influence surface area and mark its utility in carbon nanomaterial characterization, a prerequisite to understanding their potential applications and toxicities. Implications for occupational monitoring are discussed.
Optics Requirements For The Generation-X X-Ray Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Dell, S. .; Elsner, R. F.; Kolodziejczak, J. J.; Ramsey, B. D.; Weisskopf, M. C.; Zhang, W. W.; Content, D. A.; Petre, R.; Saha, T. T.; Reid, P. B.;

2008-01-01

US, European, and Japanese space agencies each now operate successful X-ray missions -- NASA s Chandra, ESA s XMM-Newton, and JAXA s Suzaku observatories. Recently these agencies began a collaboration to develop the next major X-ray astrophysics facility -- the International X-ray Observatory (IXO) -- for launch around 2020. IXO will provide an order-of-magnitude increase in effective area, while maintaining good (but not sub-arcsecond) angular resolution. X-ray astronomy beyond IXO will require optics with even larger aperture areas and much better angular resolution. We are currently conducting a NASA strategic mission concept study to identify technology issues and to formulate a technology roadmap for a mission -- Generation-X (Gen-X) -- to provide these capabilities. Achieving large X-ray collecting areas in a space observatory requires extremely lightweight mirrors.

FABRICATION AND OPTOELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF MgxZn1-xO ULTRATHIN FILMS BY LANGMUIR-BLODGETT TECHNOLOGY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Dongyan; Feng, Qian; Jiang, Enying; He, Baozhu

2012-08-01

By transferring MgxZn1-xO sol and stearic acid onto a hydrophilic silicon wafer or glass plate, the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) multilayers of MgxZn1-xO (x:0, 0.2, 0.4) were deposited. After calcinations at 350°C for 0.5 h and at 500°C for 3 h, MgxZn1-xO ultrathin films were fabricated. The optimized parameters for monolayer formation and multilayer deposition were determined by the surface pressure-surface (Π-A) area and the transfer coefficient, respectively. The expended areas of stearic acid with MgxZn1-xO sols under Π-A isotherms inferred the interaction of stearic acid with MgxZn1-xO sols during the formation of monolayer at air-water interface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the crystal structures of MgxZn1-xO nanoparticles and ultrathin films. The surface morphologies of MgxZn1-xO ultrathin films were observed by scanning probe microscopy (AFM). And the optoelectronic properties of MgxZn1-xO were detected and discussed based on photoluminescence (PL) spectra.
Quantitative disentanglement of coherent and incoherent laser-induced surface deformations by time-resolved x-ray reflectivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sander, M.; Pudell, J.-E.; Herzog, M.; Bargheer, M.; Bauer, R.; Besse, V.; Temnov, V.; Gaal, P.

2017-12-01

We present time-resolved x-ray reflectivity measurements on laser excited coherent and incoherent surface deformations of thin metallic films. Based on a kinematical diffraction model, we derive the surface amplitude from the diffracted x-ray intensity and resolve transient surface excursions with sub-Å spatial precision and 70 ps temporal resolution. The analysis allows for decomposition of the surface amplitude into multiple coherent acoustic modes and a substantial contribution from incoherent phonons which constitute the sample heating.
Synergic Effect between Adsorption and Photocatalysis of Metal-Free g-C3N4 Derived from Different Precursors

PubMed Central

Xu, Huan-Yan; Wu, Li-Cheng; Zhao, Hang; Jin, Li-Guo; Qi, Shu-Yan

2015-01-01

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) used in this work was obtained by heating dicyandiamide and melamine, respectively, at different temperatures. The differences of g-C3N4 derived from different precursors in phase composition, functional group, surface morphology, microstructure, surface property, band gap and specific surface area were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy and BET surface area analyzer, respectively. The photocatalytic discoloration of an active cationic dye, Methylene Blue (MB) under visible-light irradiation indicated that g-C3N4 derived from melamine at 500°C (CN-M500) had higher adsorption capacity and better photocatalytic activity than that from dicyandiamide at 500°C (CN-D500), which was attributed to the larger surface area of CN-M500. MB discoloration ratio over CN-M500 was affected by initial MB concentration and photocatalyst dosage. After 120 min reaction time, the blue color of MB solution disappeared completely. Subsequently, based on the measurement of the surface Zeta potentials of CN-M500 at different pHs, an active anionic dye, Methyl Orange (MO) was selected as the contrastive target pollutant with MB to reveal the synergic effect between adsorption and photocatalysis. Finally, the photocatalytic mechanism was discussed. PMID:26565712
DynAMITe: a prototype large area CMOS APS for breast cancer diagnosis using x-ray diffraction measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konstantinidis, A.; Anaxagoras, T.; Esposito, M.; Allinson, N.; Speller, R.

2012-03-01

X-ray diffraction studies are used to identify specific materials. Several laboratory-based x-ray diffraction studies were made for breast cancer diagnosis. Ideally a large area, low noise, linear and wide dynamic range digital x-ray detector is required to perform x-ray diffraction measurements. Recently, digital detectors based on Complementary Metal-Oxide- Semiconductor (CMOS) Active Pixel Sensor (APS) technology have been used in x-ray diffraction studies. Two APS detectors, namely Vanilla and Large Area Sensor (LAS), were developed by the Multidimensional Integrated Intelligent Imaging (MI-3) consortium to cover a range of scientific applications including x-ray diffraction. The MI-3 Plus consortium developed a novel large area APS, named as Dynamically Adjustable Medical Imaging Technology (DynAMITe), to combine the key characteristics of Vanilla and LAS with a number of extra features. The active area (12.8 × 13.1 cm2) of DynaMITe offers the ability of angle dispersive x-ray diffraction (ADXRD). The current study demonstrates the feasibility of using DynaMITe for breast cancer diagnosis by identifying six breast-equivalent plastics. Further work will be done to optimize the system in order to perform ADXRD for identification of suspicious areas of breast tissue following a conventional mammogram taken with the same sensor.
X-ray shearing interferometer

DOEpatents

Koch, Jeffrey A [Livermore, CA

2003-07-08

An x-ray interferometer for analyzing high density plasmas and optically opaque materials includes a point-like x-ray source for providing a broadband x-ray source. The x-rays are directed through a target material and then are reflected by a high-quality ellipsoidally-bent imaging crystal to a diffraction grating disposed at 1.times. magnification. A spherically-bent imaging crystal is employed when the x-rays that are incident on the crystal surface are normal to that surface. The diffraction grating produces multiple beams which interfere with one another to produce an interference pattern which contains information about the target. A detector is disposed at the position of the image of the target produced by the interfering beams.
Dual-detector X-ray fluorescence imaging of ancient artifacts with surface relief

PubMed Central

Smilgies, Detlef-M.; Powers, Judson A.; Bilderback, Donald H.; Thorne, Robert E.

2012-01-01

Interpretation of X-ray fluorescence images of archeological artifacts is complicated by the presence of surface relief and roughness. Using two symmetrically arranged fluorescence detectors in a back-reflection geometry, the proper X-ray fluorescence yield can be distinguished from intensity variations caused by surface topography. This technique has been applied to the study of Roman inscriptions on marble. PMID:22713888
Ultrahigh vacuum/high pressure chamber for surface x-ray diffraction experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernard, P.; Peters, K.; Alvarez, J.; Ferrer, S.

1999-02-01

We describe an ultrahigh vacuum chamber that can be internally pressurized to several bars and that is designed to perform surface x-ray diffraction experiments on solid-gas interfaces. The chamber has a cylindrical beryllium window that serves as the entrance and exit for the x rays. The sample surface can be ion bombarded with an ancillary ion gun and annealed to 1200 K.
X-Ray Absorption Microspectroscopy with Electrostatic Force Microscopy and its Application to Chemical States Mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishii, M.; Rigopoulos, N.; Poolton, N. R. J.; Hamilton, B.

2007-02-01

A new technique named X-EFM that measures the x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) of nanometer objects was developed. In X-EFM, electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) is used as an x-ray absorption detector, and photoionization induced by x-ray absorption of surface electron trapping sites is detected by EFM. An EFM signal with respect to x-ray photon energy provides the XAFS spectra of the trapping sites. We adopted X-EFM to observe Si oxide thin films. An edge jump shift intrinsic to the X-EFM spectrum was found, and it was explained with a model where an electric field between the trapping site and probe deepens the energy level of the inner-shell. A scanning probe under x-rays with fixed photon energy provided the chemical state mapping on the surface.
Assessment of surface roughness by use of soft x-ray scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Yan-li; Wang, Yong-gang; Chen, Shu-yan; Chen, Bo

2009-08-01

A soft x-ray reflectometer with laser produced plasma source has been designed, which can work from wavelength 8nm to 30 nm and has high performance. Using the soft x-ray reflectometer above, the scattering light distribution of silicon and zerodur mirrors which have super-smooth surfaces could be measured at different incidence angle and different wavelength. The measurement when the incidence angle is 2 degree and the wavelength is 11nm has been given in this paper. A surface scattering theory of soft x-ray grazing incidence optics based on linear system theory and an inverse scattering mathematical model is introduced. The vector scattering theory of soft x-ray scattering also is stated in detail. The scattering data are analyzed by both the methods above respectively to give information about the surface profiles. On the other hand, both the two samples are measured by WYKO surface profiler, and the surface roughness of the silicon and zerodur mirror is 1.3 nm and 1.5nm respectively. The calculated results are in quantitative agreement with those measured by WYKO surface profiler, which indicates that soft x-ray scattering is a very useful tool for the evaluation of highly polished surfaces. But there still some difference among the results of different theory and WYKO, and the possible reasons of such difference have been discussed in detail.
Non-Quiescent X-ray Emission from Neutron Stars and Black Holes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tournear, Derek M

X-ray astronomy began with the detection of the persistent source Scorpius X-1. Shortly afterwards, sources were detected that were variable. Centaurus X-2, was determined to be an X-ray transient, having a quiescent state, and a state that was much brighter. As X-ray astronomy progressed, classifications of transient sources developed. One class of sources, believed to be neutron stars, undergo extreme luminosity transitions lasting a few seconds. These outbursts are believed to be thermonuclear explosions occurring on the surface of neutron stars (type I X-ray bursts). Other sources undergo luminosity changes that cannot be explained by thermonuclear burning and last formore » days to months. These sources are soft X-ray transients (SXTs) and are believed to be the result of instabilities in the accretion of matter onto either a neutron star or black hole. Type I X-ray bursts provide a tool for probing the surfaces of neutron stars. Requiring a surface for the burning has led authors to use the presence of X-ray bursts to rule out the existence of a black hole (where an event horizon exists not a surface) for systems which exhibit type I X-ray bursts. Distinguishing between neutron stars and black holes has been a problem for decades. Narayan and Heyl have developed a theoretical framework to convert suitable upper limits on type I X-ray bursts from accreting black hole candidates (BHCs) into evidence for an event horizon. We survey 2101.2 ks of data from the USA X-ray timing experiment and 5142 ks of data from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) experiment to obtain the first formal constraint of this type. 1122 ks of neutron star data yield a population averaged mean burst rate of 1.7 {+-} 0.4 x 10{sup -5} bursts s{sup -1}, while 6081 ks of BHC data yield a 95% confidence level upper limit of 4.9 x 10{sup -7} bursts s{sup -1}. Applying the framework of Narayan and Heyl we calculate regions of luminosity where the neutron stars are expected to burst and the BHCs would be expected to burst if they had a similar surface. In this luminosity region 464 ks of neutron star data yield an averaged mean burst rate of 4.1 {+-} 0.9 x 10{sup -5} bursts s{sup -1}, and 1512 ks of BHC data yield a 95% confidence level upper limit of 2.0 x 10{sup -6} bursts s{sup -1} and a strong limit that BHCs do not burst with a rate similar to the rate of neutron stars in these regions. This gives evidence that BHCs do not have surfaces. In addition to studying type I X-ray bursts, we analyzed the SXT behavior. In particular, 4U 1630-47, was analyzed throughout its 1999 outburst. This source is one of the oldest known SXTs. This source is assumed to be a BHC in a low-mass X-ray binary system. Despite the length of time devoted to studying this source, there is still little known about it. We report the results of timing and spectral analysis on the 1999 outburst, and compare these results to other outbursts of 4U 1630-47. We found this source progressed from a low-hard state to a high-soft state and then rapidly transitioned back into the low-hard state before returning to quiescence. Timing analysis detected a low frequency quasi-periodic oscillation (LFQPO) during the initial rise of the outburst, which disappeared and did not return. The variability in the X-ray flux in the 0.1-2000 Hz frequency range is low during the high state, but increases as the source progresses into the low-hard state. The next generation Gamma Ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST), will measure astrophysical phenomena in the 20 MeV--a few TeV energy range. We describe preliminary design and testing of GLAST. The detector is based on a silicon tracker with similar design characteristics of vertex detectors used in high-energy physics experiments at accelerator based facilities. A beam test engineering model was designed, constructed, and tested at SLAC in 1999-2000. We describe this test, and discuss how the results from this test can improve and demonstrate the viability of the GLAST technology.« less
Large Observatory for x-ray Timing (LOFT-P): a Probe-class mission concept study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson-Hodge, Colleen A.; Ray, Paul S.; Chakrabarty, Deepto; Feroci, Marco; Alvarez, Laura; Baysinger, Michael; Becker, Chris; Bozzo, Enrico; Brandt, Soren; Carson, Billy; Chapman, Jack; Dominguez, Alexandra; Fabisinski, Leo; Gangl, Bert; Garcia, Jay; Griffith, Christopher; Hernanz, Margarita; Hickman, Robert; Hopkins, Randall; Hui, Michelle; Ingram, Luster; Jenke, Peter; Korpela, Seppo; Maccarone, Tom; Michalska, Malgorzata; Pohl, Martin; Santangelo, Andrea; Schanne, Stephane; Schnell, Andrew; Stella, Luigi; van der Klis, Michiel; Watts, Anna; Winter, Berend; Zane, Silvia

2016-07-01

LOFT-P is a mission concept for a NASA Astrophysics Probe-Class (<$1B) X-ray timing mission, based on the LOFT M-class concept originally proposed to ESAs M3 and M4 calls. LOFT-P requires very large collecting area, high time resolution, good spectral resolution, broad-band spectral coverage (2-30 keV), highly flexible scheduling, and an ability to detect and respond promptly to time-critical targets of opportunity. It addresses science questions such as: What is the equation of state of ultra dense matter? What are the effects of strong gravity on matter spiraling into black holes? It would be optimized for sub-millisecond timing of bright Galactic X-ray sources including X-ray bursters, black hole binaries, and magnetars to study phenomena at the natural timescales of neutron star surfaces and black hole event horizons and to measure mass and spin of black holes. These measurements are synergistic to imaging and high-resolution spectroscopy instruments, addressing much smaller distance scales than are possible without very long baseline X-ray interferometry, and using complementary techniques to address the geometry and dynamics of emission regions. LOFT-P would have an effective area of >6 m2, > 10x that of the highly successful Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). A sky monitor (2-50 keV) acts as a trigger for pointed observations, providing high duty cycle, high time resolution monitoring of the X-ray sky with 20 times the sensitivity of the RXTE All-Sky Monitor, enabling multi-wavelength and multimessenger studies. A probe-class mission concept would employ lightweight collimator technology and large-area solid-state detectors, segmented into pixels or strips, technologies which have been recently greatly advanced during the ESA M3 Phase A study of LOFT. Given the large community interested in LOFT (>800 supporters*, the scientific productivity of this mission is expected to be very high, similar to or greater than RXTE ( 2000 refereed publications). We describe the results of a study, recently completed by the MSFC Advanced Concepts Office, that demonstrates that such a mission is feasible within a NASA probe-class mission budget.
Remote X-ray fluorescence experiments for future missions to Mercury

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, P. E.; Trombka, J. I.

1997-01-01

To date, the only deep space mission to Mercury, Mariner 10, as well as ground-based observations have failed to provide direct measurements of that planet's composition. Such measurements are fundamental for the understanding of Mercury's origin and the inner solar system's history. The spin-stabilized Mercury Orbiter proposed for launch in the first or second decade of the twenty-first century as part of the ESA's Horizon 2000-plus plan could address this problem by including the X-ray spectrometer proposed here. X-ray spectrometers act as detectors for the X-ray emission induced by the solar flux incident on planetary surfaces. This emission is strongly dependent on the chemical composition of the surface as well as on the solar spectrum. Characteristic fluorescent lines, the most prominent being the K-alpha lines, are of sufficient intensity for major elements (Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Fe) to allow orbital measurement by remote X-ray detectors. The X-ray spectrometers described here will all have established heritage for space missions by 2000. These instruments have previously flown, are being flown as part of the NASA NEAR (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) or Clark SSTI (Small Science and Technology Initiative) missions, or are now under development as part of NASA Facility Instrument Development Program. The instrument package would probably consist of an array of solid state detectors for surface measurements, as well as one which would act as a solar monitor. Calculations of anticipated results have been done for a variety of orbital and instrument configurations, and a variety of lunar soil compositions which could be analogous: anorthositie gabbro bearing soils from lunar highlands (Apollo 16), high-Mg basalt-rich soils from a KREEP-bearing area (Apollo 15), and mare basalt bearing soils (Apollo 12). The mission being considered here should result in maps of abundances of major elements, including Mg, Al, Si, Ca, and Fe, for much of Mercury's surface, with resolutions ranging from tens to hundreds of kilometers depending on the element, the orbital eccentricity and altitude of the spacecraft.
Preparation of Pd-loaded La-doped TiO2 nanotubes and investigation of their photocatalytic activity under visible light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zong, Lanlan; Li, Qiuye; Zhang, Jiwei; Wang, Xiaodong; Yang, Jianjun

2013-11-01

Orthorhombic titanic acid nanotubes (TAN) have large BET surface area and small-diameter one-dimensional nanotubular morphology, so they can work as a good supporter and a precursor of TiO2. However, in our former research, we found that calcination of TAN to anatase TiO2 would destroy the nanotubular structure and decrease the BET surface area sharply. In this work, we utilized the pillar effect of the foreign nanoparticles (La2O3) to keep the nanotubular morphology of TiO2, and obtained the anatase TiO2 nanotubes with large BET surface area. For improving the photocatalytic activity, Pd nanoparticles were loaded as the electron traps on the surface of La-doped TiO2 by photo-deposition method. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectra, and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms measurement. Their photocatalytic activities were evaluated by the removal of propylene under visible light irradiation ( λ ≥ 420 nm). The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of Pd-loaded La-doped TiO2 nanotubes improved effectively compared with that of La-doped TiO2 and pure TiO2.
X-ray Reflectivity Characterization of Ion Distribution at Biomimetic Membrane Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krüger, Peter; Pittler, Jens; Vaknin, David; Lösche, Mathias

2003-03-01

Ions at cell membrane surfaces may control the function and conformation of nearby biomolecules, thus playing an important role in inter- and intracellular transport as well as in biorecognition processes. Moreover, charge patterns at membrane surfaces may direct the growth of inorganic crystals in biomineralization. Langmuir monolayers are widely employed as model systems for studying charge distribution and growth processes at the organic/inorganic interface. We present a novel x-ray reflectivity technique that provides detailed information on ion distribution at biomembrane surfaces by using monochromatic x-rays at various energies at and away from the ion x-ray absorption edges. As a model, the interaction of Ba^2+ with DMPA^- (dimyristoyl phosphatidic acid) monolayers at the aqueous surface was studied. We find an unexpectedly large concentration of the cations near the interface where they form a Stern layer of bound ions. These studies have been complemented with conventional x-ray reflectivity measurements and extended to other anionic lipid species (DMPS, DMPG) and cations (Ca^2+).
Nondestructive method and apparatus for imaging grains in curved surfaces of polycrystalline articles

DOEpatents

Carpenter, Donald A.

1995-01-01

A nondestructive method, and associated apparatus, are provided for determining the grain flow of the grains in a convex curved, textured polycrystalline surface. The convex, curved surface of a polycrystalline article is aligned in a horizontal x-ray diffractometer and a monochromatic, converging x-ray beam is directed onto the curved surface of the polycrystalline article so that the converging x-ray beam is diffracted by crystallographic planes of the grains in the polycrystalline article. The diffracted x-ray beam is caused to pass through a set of horizontal, parallel slits to limit the height of the beam and thereafter. The linear intensity of the diffracted x-ray is measured, using a linear position sensitive proportional counter, as a function of position in a direction orthogonal to the counter so as to generate two dimensional data. An image of the grains in the curved surface of the polycrystalline article is provided based on the two-dimensional data.
Nondestructive method and apparatus for imaging grains in curved surfaces of polycrystalline articles

DOEpatents

Carpenter, D.A.

1995-05-23

A nondestructive method, and associated apparatus, are provided for determining the grain flow of the grains in a convex curved, textured polycrystalline surface. The convex, curved surface of a polycrystalline article is aligned in a horizontal x-ray diffractometer and a monochromatic, converging x-ray beam is directed onto the curved surface of the polycrystalline article so that the converging x-ray beam is diffracted by crystallographic planes of the grains in the polycrystalline article. The diffracted x-ray beam is caused to pass through a set of horizontal, parallel slits to limit the height of the beam and thereafter. The linear intensity of the diffracted x-ray is measured, using a linear position sensitive proportional counter, as a function of position in a direction orthogonal to the counter so as to generate two dimensional data. An image of the grains in the curved surface of the polycrystalline article is provided based on the two-dimensional data. 7 Figs.
The Chandra M10l Megasecond: Diffuse Emission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuntz, K. D.; Snowden, S. L.

2009-01-01

Because MIOl is nearly face-on, it provides an excellent laboratory in which to study the distribution of X-ray emitting gas in a typical late-type spiral galaxy. We obtained a Chandra observation with a cumulative exposure of roughly 1 Ms to study the diffuse X-ray emission in MlOl. The bulk of the X-ray emission is correlated with the star formation traced by the FUV emission. The global FUV/Xray correlation is non-linear (the X-ray surface brightness is roughly proportional to the square root of the FUV surface brightness) and the small-scale correlation is poor, probably due to the delay between the FUV emission and the X-ray production ill star-forming regions. The X-ray emission contains only minor contributions from unresolved stars (approximates less than 3%), unresolved X-ray point sources (approximates less than 4%), and individual supernova remnants (approximates 3%). The global spectrum of the diffuse emission can be reasonably well fitted with a three component thermal model, but the fitted temperatures are not unique; many distributions of emission measure can produce the same temperatures when observed with the current CCD energy resolution. The spectrum of the diffuse emission depends on the environment; regions with higher X-ray surface brightnesses have relatively stronger hard components, but there is no significant evidence that the temperatures of the emitting components increase with surface brightness.
Manganese-calcium intermixing facilitates heteroepitaxial growth at the 10 1 ¯ 4 calcite-water interface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, Man; Riechers, Shawn L.; Ilton, Eugene S.

2017-10-01

In situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements were performed to probe surface precipitates that formed on the (10-14) surface of calcite (CaCO3) single crystals following reaction with Mn2+-bearing aqueous solutions with a range of initial concentrations. Three-dimensional epitaxial islands were observed to precipitate and grow on the surfaces and in situ time-sequenced measurements demonstrated that their growth rates were commensurate with those obtained for epitaxial islands formed on calcite crystals reacted with Cd2+-bearing aqueous solutions of the same range in supersaturation with respect to the pure metal carbonate phase. This finding was unexpected as rhodochrosite (MnCO3) and calcite display amore » 10% lattice mismatch, based on the area of their (10-14) surface unit cells, whereas the lattice mismatch is only 4% for otavite (CdCO3) and calcite. Coatings of varying thicknesses were therefore synthesized by reacting calcite single crystals with calcite-equilibrated aqueous solutions with concentrations of up to 250 µM MnCl2 and analyzed to determine the composition of the surface precipitates. Ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray reflectivity (XRR), and AFM measurements of the reacted crystals demonstrated the formation of an epitaxial (Mn,Ca)CO3 solid solution with a spatially complex composition atop the calcite surface, whereby the first few nanometers were rich in Ca and the Mn content increased with distance from the original calcite surface, culminating in a topmost region of almost pure MnCO3 for the thickest coatings. These findings explain the measured growth rates (the effective lattice mismatch was much smaller than nominal mismatch) and highlight the strong influence played by the substrate on the composition of surface precipitates in aqueous conditions.« less
Development Status of Adjustable Grazing Incidence Optics for 0.5 Arcsecond X-Ray Imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reid, Paul B.; Aldcroft, Thomas L.; Allured, Ryan; Cotroneo, Vincenzo; Johnson-Wilke, Raegan L.; Marquez, Vanessa; McMuldroch, Stuart; O'Dell, Stephen L.; Ramsey, Brian D.; Schwartz, Daniel A.;

2014-01-01

We describe progress in the development of adjustable grazing incidence X-ray optics for 0.5 arcsec resolution cosmic X-ray imaging. To date, no optics technology is available to blend high resolution imaging like the Chandra X-ray Observatory, with square meter collecting area. Our approach to achieve these goals simultaneously is to directly deposit thin film piezoelectric actuators on the back surface of thin, lightweight Wolter-I or Wolter- Schwarschild mirror segments. The actuators are used to correct mirror figure errors due to fabrication, mounting and alignment, using calibration and a one-time figure adjustment on the ground. If necessary, it will also be possible to correct for residual gravity release and thermal effects on-orbit. In this paper we discuss our most recent results measuring influence functions of the piezoelectric actuators using a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor. We describe accelerated and real-time lifetime testing of the piezoelectric material, and we also discuss changes to, and recent results of, our simulations of mirror correction.

Epitaxial graphene-encapsulated surface reconstruction of Ge(110)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, Gavin P.; Kiraly, Brian; Jacobberger, Robert M.; Mannix, Andrew J.; Arnold, Michael S.; Hersam, Mark C.; Guisinger, Nathan P.; Bedzyk, Michael J.

2018-04-01

Understanding and engineering the properties of crystalline surfaces has been critical in achieving functional electronics at the nanoscale. Employing scanning tunneling microscopy, surface x-ray diffraction, and high-resolution x-ray reflectivity experiments, we present a thorough study of epitaxial graphene (EG)/Ge(110) and report a Ge(110) "6 × 2" reconstruction stabilized by the presence of epitaxial graphene unseen in group-IV semiconductor surfaces. X-ray studies reveal that graphene resides atop the surface reconstruction with a 0.34 nm van der Waals (vdW) gap and provides protection from ambient degradation.

APXS on board Chandrayaan-2 Rover

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shanmugam, M.; Sripada, V. S. Murty; Acharya, Y. B.; Goyal, S. K.

2012-07-01

Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) is a well proven instrument for quantitative in situ elemental analysis of the planetary surfaces and has been successfully employed for Mars surface exploration. Chandrayaan-2, ISRO's second lunar mission having an Orbiter, Lander and Rover has provided an opportunity to explore the lunar surface with superior detectors such as Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) with energy resolution of about 150eV @ 5.9keV. The objective of the APXS instrument is to analyse several soil/rock samples along the rover traverse for the major elements with characteristic X-rays in 1 to 25keV range. The working principle of APXS involves measuring the intensity of characteristic X-rays emitted from the sample due to Alpha Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and X-ray florescence (XRF) processes using suitable radioactive sources, allowing the determination of elements from Na to Br, spanning the energy range of 0.9 to 16keV. For this experiment ^{244}Cm radioactive source has been chosen which emits both Alpha particles (5.8MeV) and X-rays (14.1keV, 18keV). APXS uses six Alpha sources, each about 5mCi activity. Unlike Mars, lunar environment poses additional challenges due to the regolith and extreme surface temperature changes, to operate the APXS. Our APXS instrument consists of two packages namely APXS sensor head and APXS signal electronics. The sensor head assembly contains SDD, six alpha sources and front end electronic circuits such as preamplifier and shaper circuits and will be mounted on a robotic arm which on command brings the sensor head close to the lunar surface at a height of 35±10mm. SDD module to be used in the experiment has 30mm ^{2} active detector area with in-built peltier cooler and heat sink to maintain the detector at about -35°C. The detector is covered with 8 micron thick Be window which results in the low energy threshold of about 1keV. The size of the APXS sensor head is 70x70x70mm ^{3} (approx). APXS signal electronics consists of a PCB having digital, power and rover interface electronics circuits, which are housed inside the Warm Electronics Box (WEB) mounted under the rover chassis where the temperature is maintained between -50°C to +70°C. Presently, we have completed the design verification model of the APXS payload and engineering model of the payload is in progress. The developed system has been tested using laboratory X-ray sources and observed an energy resolution of about 150eV at 5.9keV when the detector is cooled to -35°C. We also carried out the detection of X-ray fluorescence for some of the USGS standards for a fixed geometry of detector, source and sample, using ^{55}Fe and ^{241}Am X-ray sources. It is shown that the count rate of a given peak varies linearly with the concentration of the corresponding element. The detailed developments and results will be discussed at the conference.
The Laser-Driven X-ray Big Area Backlighter (BABL): Design, Optimization, and Evolution

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Flippo, Kirk Adler; DeVolder, Barbara Gloria; Doss, Forrest William

The Big Area BackLigher (BABL) has been developed for large area laser-driven x-ray backlighting on the National Ignition Facility (NIF), which can be used for general High Energy Density (HED) experiments. The BABL has been optimized via hydrodynamic simulations to produce laser-to-x-ray conversion efficiencies of up to nearly 5%. Lastly, four BABL foil materials, Zn, Fe, V, and Cu, have been used for He-α x ray production.
The origin of high electrolyte-electrode interfacial resistances in lithium cells containing garnet type solid electrolytes.

PubMed

Cheng, Lei; Crumlin, Ethan J; Chen, Wei; Qiao, Ruimin; Hou, Huaming; Franz Lux, Simon; Zorba, Vassilia; Russo, Richard; Kostecki, Robert; Liu, Zhi; Persson, Kristin; Yang, Wanli; Cabana, Jordi; Richardson, Thomas; Chen, Guoying; Doeff, Marca

2014-09-14

Dense LLZO (Al-substituted Li7La3Zr2O12) pellets were processed in controlled atmospheres to investigate the relationships between the surface chemistry and interfacial behavior in lithium cells. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, synchrotron X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) studies revealed that Li2CO3 was formed on the surface when LLZO pellets were exposed to air. The distribution and thickness of the Li2CO3 layer were estimated by a combination of bulk and surface sensitive techniques with various probing depths. First-principles thermodynamic calculations confirmed that LLZO has an energetic preference to form Li2CO3 in air. Exposure to air and the subsequent formation of Li2CO3 at the LLZO surface is the source of the high interfacial impedances observed in cells with lithium electrodes. Surface polishing can effectively remove Li2CO3 and dramatically improve the interfacial properties. Polished samples in lithium cells had an area specific resistance (ASR) of only 109 Ω cm(2) for the LLZO/Li interface, the lowest reported value for Al-substituted LLZO. Galvanostatic cycling results obtained from lithium symmetrical cells also suggest that the quality of the LLZO/lithium interface has a significant impact on the device lifetime.
Direct observation of X-ray induced atomic motion using scanning tunneling microscope combined with synchrotron radiation.

PubMed

Saito, Akira; Tanaka, Takehiro; Takagi, Yasumasa; Hosokawa, Hiromasa; Notsu, Hiroshi; Ohzeki, Gozo; Tanaka, Yoshihito; Kohmura, Yoshiki; Akai-Kasaya, Megumi; Ishikawa, Tetsuya; Kuwahara, Yuji; Kikuta, Seishi; Aono, Masakazu

2011-04-01

X-ray induced atomic motion on a Ge(111)-c(2 x 8) clean surface at room temperature was directly observed with atomic resolution using a synchrotron radiation (SR)-based scanning tunneling microscope (STM) system under ultra high vacuum condition. The atomic motion was visualized as a tracking image by developing a method to merge the STM images before and after X-ray irradiation. Using the tracking image, the atomic mobility was found to be strongly affected by defects on the surface, but was not dependent on the incident X-ray energy, although it was clearly dependent on the photon density. The atomic motion can be attributed to surface diffusion, which might not be due to core-excitation accompanied with electronic transition, but a thermal effect by X-ray irradiation. The crystal surface structure was possible to break even at a lower photon density than the conventionally known barrier. These results can alert X-ray studies in the near future about sample damage during measurements, while suggesting the possibility of new applications. Also the obtained results show a new availability of the in-situ SR-STM system.
Effect of calcination temperatures on microstructures and photocatalytic activity of tungsten trioxide hollow microspheres.

PubMed

Yu, Jiaguo; Qi, Lifang; Cheng, Bei; Zhao, Xiufeng

2008-12-30

Tungsten trioxide hollow microspheres were prepared by immersing SrWO4 microspheres in a concentrated HNO3 solution, and then calcined at different temperatures. The prepared tungsten oxide samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, differential thermal analysis-thermogravimetry, UV-visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption measurements. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization of rhodamine B aqueous solution under visible-light irradiation. It was found that with increasing calcination temperatures, the average crystallite size and average pore size increased, on the contrary, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller-specific surface areas decreased. However, pore volume and porosity increased firstly, and then decreased. Increasing calcination temperatures resulted in the changes of surface morphology of hollow microspheres. The un-calcined and 300 degrees C-calcined samples showed higher photocatalytic activity than other samples. At 400 degrees C, the photocatalytic activity decreased greatly due to the decrease of specific surface areas. At 500 degrees C, the photocatalytic activity of the samples increased again due to the junction effect of two phases.
Study on growth of large area mercuric iodide polycrystalline film and its x-ray imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Gang; Guo, Yanfei; Xi, Zengzhe; Gu, Zhi; Zhang, Lan; Yu, Wentao; Ma, Xuming; Li, Bo

2014-11-01

Tetragonal mercuric iodide, as a group of wide band gap semiconductors, has been widely investigation during most of the last half-century, applied on room-temperature X-ray and gamma-ray spectrometers. Up to the present, Mercuric iodide (HgI2) is still thought to be one of the most outstanding vitality semiconductor materials because of its wide band gap, for which the device was required to be high resistivity, high atomic number, adequate mechanical strength, long carrier lifetimes and high mobility-lifetime produces. Now, HgI2 polycrystalline films are being developed as a new detector technology for digital x-ray imaging. In this research, HgI2 polycrystalline films with different surface areas of 1 and 36 cm2 were grown by vapor sublimation method within a self-design growth furnace. XRD, SEM and J-V analysis were used to characterize the properties of these as-grown films. The results of XRD show that the ratio of (001) / (hkl) on all as-grown films is amount to be 90% for the area of 1 cm2 films. Grain size of 1 cm2 films was measured to be 120-150 μm. Their electrical resistivity were also determined to be about 1011 Ω·cm operated at the bias voltage of ~100 V by I-V characteristic measurement. Utilizing the polycrystalline film with the area of 36 cm2 deposited on TFT, we then prepared the direct image detector after capsulation for non-corrosive steel screw imaging. The results indicated that profile of screw was distinctly exhibited in digital x-ray imaging systems.
Enhanced light extraction of scintillator using large-area photonic crystal structures fabricated by soft-X-ray interference lithography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, Zhichao; Wu, Shuang; Liu, Bo, E-mail: lbo@tongji.edu.cn

2015-06-15

Soft-X-ray interference lithography is utilized in combination with atomic layer deposition to prepare photonic crystal structures on the surface of Bi{sub 4}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} (BGO) scintillator in order to extract the light otherwise trapped in the internal of scintillator due to total internal reflection. An enhancement with wavelength- and emergence angle-integration by 95.1% has been achieved. This method is advantageous to fabricate photonic crystal structures with large-area and high-index-contrast which enable a high-efficient coupling of evanescent field and the photonic crystal structures. Generally, the method demonstrated in this work is also suitable for many other light emitting devices where amore » large-area is required in the practical applications.« less
Adjustable Grazing-Incidence X-Ray Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Dell, Stephen L.; Reid, Paul B.

2015-01-01

With its unique subarcsecond imaging performance, NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory illustrates the importance of fine angular resolution for x-ray astronomy. Indeed, the future of x-ray astronomy relies upon x-ray telescopes with comparable angular resolution but larger aperture areas. Combined with the special requirements of nested grazing-incidence optics, mass, and envelope constraints of space-borne telescopes render such advances technologically and programmatically challenging. The goal of this technology research is to enable the cost-effective fabrication of large-area, lightweight grazing-incidence x-ray optics with subarcsecond resolution. Toward this end, the project is developing active x-ray optics using slumped-glass mirrors with thin-film piezoelectric arrays for correction of intrinsic or mount-induced distortions.
Taking the measure of neutron stars with NICER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmoodifar, Simin

2018-01-01

The Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) is NASA's new X-ray timing instrument onboard the ISS that was launched in June 2017. With a large effective area, low background, very precise absolute timing and great low energy response, NICER has been doing a fantastic job in observing many interesting phenomena related to neutron stars and black holes. One of the main goals of the NICER mission is to constrain the equation of state of ultra-dense matter by measuring the masses and radii of several rotation-powered millisecond pulsars. This is being done by fitting pulse waveform models that incorporate all relevant relativistic effects and atmospheric radiation transfer processes to the periodic soft X-ray modulations produced by the rotation of hot spots located near the magnetic polar caps of these pulsars. Some of the other interesting topics that are being studied with NICER includes phenomena related to Type I X-ray bursts, which are thermonuclear flashes observed from the surfaces of accreting neutron stars in Low Mass X-ray Binaries, such as photospheric radius expansion and burst oscillations. NICER's large effective area and excellent low energy response enable new, detailed studies of these bursts in the soft X-ray band. In this talk I will present some of the early results from the first seven months of the NICERmission and will report on the progress being made by the NICER team in measuring the masses and radii of pulsars.
Halide Ions Effects on Surface Excess of Long Chain Ionic Liquids Water Solutions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Wenjie; Sung, Woongmo; Ao, Mingqi

2013-10-07

The interfacial structure and composition of water solutions with alkylimidazolium ionic liquids varying in their halide anions ([C12mim][X], X = Cl and I) were investigated by X-ray near-total-reflection fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray reflectivity measurements. We demonstrate that X-ray fluorescence and reflectivity techniques provide a more direct measurement of surface adsorption. Furthermore, we show that for [C12mim][Cl] and [C12mim][I] solutions with mixed inorganic salts (NaI, NaCl), I– ions replace Cl– above the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of [C12mim][Cl] at much lower concentrations of NaI, whereas NaCl concentrations a hundred times higher than the CMC of [C12mim][I] only partially replace the I–more » at the interface. Our surface-sensitive X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy provide two independent tools to directly determine the surface adsorption of ionic surfactants and the interfacial composition of the surface films.« less
Observation of Structure of Surfaces and Interfaces by Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction: Atomic-Scale Imaging and Time-Resolved Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wakabayashi, Yusuke; Shirasawa, Tetsuroh; Voegeli, Wolfgang; Takahashi, Toshio

2018-06-01

The recent developments in synchrotron optics, X-ray detectors, and data analysis algorithms have enhanced the capability of the surface X-ray diffraction technique. This technique has been used to clarify the atomic arrangement around surfaces in a non-contact and nondestructive manner. An overview of surface X-ray diffraction, from the historical development to recent topics, is presented. In the early stage of this technique, surface reconstructions of simple semiconductors or metals were studied. Currently, the surface or interface structures of complicated functional materials are examined with sub-Å resolution. As examples, the surface structure determination of organic semiconductors and of a one-dimensional structure on silicon are presented. A new frontier is time-resolved interfacial structure analysis. A recent observation of the structure and dynamics of the electric double layer of ionic liquids, and an investigation of the structural evolution in the wettability transition on a TiO2 surface that utilizes a newly designed time-resolved surface diffractometer, are presented.
Advances toward submicron resolution optics for x-ray instrumentation and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cordier, Mark; Stripe, Benjamin; Yun, Wenbing; Lau, S. H.; Lyon, Alan; Reynolds, David; Lewis, Sylvia J. Y.; Chen, Sharon; Semenov, Vladimir A.; Spink, Richard I.; Seshadri, Srivatsan

2017-08-01

Sigray's axially symmetric x-ray optics enable advanced microanalytical capabilities for focusing x-rays to microns-scale to submicron spot sizes, which can potentially unlock many avenues for laboratory micro-analysis. The design of these optics allows submicron spot sizes even at low x-ray energies, enabling research into low atomic number elements and allows increased sensitivity of grazing incidence measurements and surface analysis. We will discuss advances made in the fabrication of these double paraboloidal mirror lenses designed for use in laboratory x-ray applications. We will additionally present results from as-built paraboloids, including surface figure error and focal spot size achieved to-date.
Surface degradation of uranium tetrafluoride

DOE PAGES

Tobin, J. G.; Duffin, A. M.; Yu, S. -W.; ...

2017-05-01

A detailed analysis of a single crystal of uranium tetrafluoride has been carried out. The techniques include x-ray absorption spectroscopy, as well as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray emission spectroscopy. Evidence will be presented for the presence of a uranyl species, possibly UO 2F 2, as a product of, or participant in the surface degradation.
Anodized Steel Electrodes for Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Sagu, Jagdeep S; Wijayantha, K G Upul; Bohm, Mallika; Bohm, Siva; Kumar Rout, Tapan

2016-03-09

Steel was anodized in 10 M NaOH to enhance its surface texture and internal surface area for application as an electrode in supercapacitors. A mechanism was proposed for the anodization process. Field-emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEGSEM) studies of anodized steel revealed that it contains a highly porous sponge like structure ideal for supercapacitor electrodes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements showed that the surface of the anodized steel was Fe2O3, whereas X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements indicated that the bulk remained as metallic Fe. The supercapacitor performance of the anodized steel was tested in 1 M NaOH and a capacitance of 18 mF cm(-2) was obtained. Cyclic voltammetry measurements showed that there was a large psueudocapacitive contribution which was due to oxidation of Fe to Fe(OH)2 and then further oxidation to FeOOH, and the respective reduction of these species back to metallic Fe. These redox processes were found to be remarkably reversible as the electrode showed no loss in capacitance after 10000 cycles. The results demonstrate that anodization of steel is a suitable method to produce high-surface-area electrodes for supercapacitors with excellent cycling lifetime.
Loop models of low coronal structures observed by the Normal Incidence X-Ray Telescope (NIXT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peres, G.; Reale, F.; Golub, L.

1994-01-01

The X-ray pictures obtained with the Normal Incidence X-Ray Telescope (NIXT), apart from the ubiquitous coronal loops well known from previous X-ray observations, show a new and peculiar morphology: in many active regions there are wide and apparently low-lying areas of intense emission which resemble H alpha plages. By means of hydrostatic models of coronal arches, we analyze the distribution of temperature, density, emission measure, and plasma emissivity in the spectral band to which NIXT is sensitive, and we show that the above morphology can be explained by the characteristics of high pressure loops having a thin region of high surface brightness at the base. We therefore propose that this finding might help to identify high-pressure X-ray emitting coronal regions in NIXT images, and it is in principle applicable to any imaging instrument which has high sensitivity to 10(exp 4) - 10(exp 6) K plasma within a narrow coronal-temperature passband. As a more general result of this study, we propose that the comparison of NIXT observations with models of stationary loops might provide a new diagnostic: the determination of the loop plasma pressure from measurements of brightness distribution along the loop.
X-ray standing wave analysis of nanostructures using partially coherent radiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tiwari, M. K., E-mail: mktiwari@rrcat.gov.in; Das, Gangadhar; Bedzyk, M. J.

2015-09-07

The effect of longitudinal (or temporal) coherence on total reflection assisted x-ray standing wave (TR-XSW) analysis of nanoscale materials is quantitatively demonstrated by showing how the XSW fringe visibility can be strongly damped by decreasing the spectral resolution of the incident x-ray beam. The correction for nonzero wavelength dispersion (δλ ≠ 0) of the incident x-ray wave field is accounted for in the model computations of TR-XSW assisted angle dependent fluorescence yields of the nanostructure coatings on x-ray mirror surfaces. Given examples include 90 nm diameter Au nanospheres deposited on a Si(100) surface and a 3 nm thick Zn layer trapped on top amore » 100 nm Langmuir-Blodgett film coating on a Au mirror surface. Present method opens up important applications, such as enabling XSW studies of large dimensioned nanostructures using conventional laboratory based partially coherent x-ray sources.« less
History of Chandra X-Ray Observatory

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-07-04

Giving scientists their first look, Chandra observed x-rays produced by fluorescent radiation from oxygen atoms of the Sun in the sparse upper atmosphere of Mars, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) above its surface. The x-ray power detected from the Martian atmosphere is very small, amounting to only 4 megawatts, comparable to the x-ray power of about ten thousand medical x-ray machines. At the time of the Chandra observation, a huge dust storm developed on Mars that covered about one hemisphere, later to cover the entire planet. This hemisphere rotated out of view over the 9-hour observation, but no change was observed in the x-ray intensity indicating that the dust storm did not affect the upper atmosphere. Scientists also observed a halo of x-rays extending out to 7,000 kilometers above the surface of Mars believed to be produced by collisions of ions racing away from the Sun (the solar wind).
Chandra Image Gives First Look at Mars Emitted X-Rays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

Giving scientists their first look, Chandra observed x-rays produced by fluorescent radiation from oxygen atoms of the Sun in the sparse upper atmosphere of Mars, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) above its surface. The x-ray power detected from the Martian atmosphere is very small, amounting to only 4 megawatts, comparable to the x-ray power of about ten thousand medical x-ray machines. At the time of the Chandra observation, a huge dust storm developed on Mars that covered about one hemisphere, later to cover the entire planet. This hemisphere rotated out of view over the 9-hour observation, but no change was observed in the x-ray intensity indicating that the dust storm did not affect the upper atmosphere. Scientists also observed a halo of x-rays extending out to 7,000 kilometers above the surface of Mars believed to be produced by collisions of ions racing away from the Sun (the solar wind).
On the surface density of X-ray selected BL Lacertae objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maccacaro, T.; Gioia, I. M.; Maccagni, D.; Stocke, J. T.

1984-01-01

Only a handful of BL Lac objects have been found as a result of systematic optical identification of serendipitous Einstein X-ray sources. By combining the data from two flux-limited complete X-ray surveys (the HEAO 1 A-2 and the Einstein Observatory Medium Sensitivity Survey) the surface density of X-ray emitting BL Lac objects is evaluated as a function of their X-ray flux. It is found that a single power law is not an acceptable representation of the BL Lac objects' X-ray log N-log S. The number-flux relationship is consistent with the Euclidean slope at 'high' flux levels but shows a drastic flattnring below fluxes of the order of 10 to the -12th ergs per sq cm/s. The implications of this result are briefly discussed with respect to the luminosity function, the cosmological evolution, and the X-ray to optical flux ratio in BL Lac objects.
Modeling the spectral response for the soft X-ray imager onboard the ASTRO-H satellite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, Shota; Hayashida, Kiyoshi; Katada, Shuhei; Nakajima, Hiroshi; Nagino, Ryo; Anabuki, Naohisa; Tsunemi, Hiroshi; Tsuru, Takeshi Go; Tanaka, Takaaki; Uchida, Hiroyuki; Nobukawa, Masayoshi; Nobukawa, Kumiko Kawabata; Washino, Ryosaku; Mori, Koji; Isoda, Eri; Sakata, Miho; Kohmura, Takayoshi; Tamasawa, Koki; Tanno, Shoma; Yoshino, Yuma; Konno, Takahiro; Ueda, Shutaro; ASTRO-H/SXI Team

2016-09-01

The ASTRO-H satellite is the 6th Japanese X-ray astronomical observatory to be launched in early 2016. The satellite carries four kinds of detectors, and one of them is an X-ray CCD camera, the soft X-ray imager (SXI), installed on the focal plane of an X-ray telescope. The SXI contains four CCD chips, each with an imaging area of 31 mm × 31 mm , arrayed in mosaic, covering the field-of-view of 38‧ ×38‧ , the widest ever flown in orbit. The CCDs are a P-channel back-illuminated (BI) type with a depletion layer thickness of 200 μ m . We operate the CCDs in a photon counting mode in which the position and energy of each photon are measured in the energy band of 0.4-12 keV. To evaluate the X-ray spectra obtained with the SXI, an accurate calibration of its response function is essential. For this purpose, we performed calibration experiments at Kyoto and Photon Factory of KEK, each with different X-ray sources with various X-ray energies. We fit the obtained spectra with 5 components; primary peak, secondary peak, constant tail, Si escape and Si fluorescence, and then model their energy dependence using physics-based or empirical formulae. Since this is the first adoption of P-channel BI-type CCDs on an X-ray astronomical satellite, we need to take special care on the constant tail component which is originated in partial charge collection. It is found that we need to assume a trapping layer at the incident surface of the CCD and implement it in the response model. In addition, the Si fluorescence component of the SXI response is significantly weak, compared with those of front-illuminated type CCDs.

Feasibility of spectro-photometry in X-rays (SPHINX) from the moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkar, Ritabrata; Chakrabarti, Sandip Kumar

2010-08-01

Doing space Astronomy on lunar surface has several advantages. We present here feasibility of an All Sky Monitoring Payload for Spectro-photometry in X-rays (SPHINX) which can be placed on a lander on the moon or in a space craft orbiting around the moon. The Si-PIN photo-diodes and CdTe crystals are used to detect solar flares, bright gamma bursts, soft gamma-ray repeaters from space and also X-ray fluorescence (XRF) from lunar surface. We present the complete Geant4 simulation to study the feasibility of such an instrument in presence of Cosmic Diffused X-Ray Background (CDXRB). We find that the signal to noise ratio is sufficient for moderate to bright GRBs (above 5 keV), for the quiet sun (up to 100 keV), solar flares, soft gamma-ray repeaters, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) of lunar surface etc. This is a low-cost system which is capable of performing multiple tasks while stationed at the natural satellite of our planet.
Carbon nanotubes decorated with Pt nanoparticles via electrostatic self-assembly: a highly active oxygen reduction electrocatalyst

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Sheng; Shao, Yuyan; Yin, Geping

2010-03-20

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are noncovalently functionalized with poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and then employed as the support of Pt nanoparticles. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the successful functionalization of CNTs with PAH. The negatively charged Pt precursors are adsorbed on positively charged PAH-wrapping CNTs surface via electrostatic self-assembly and then in situ reduced in ethylene glycol. X-Ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope images reveal that Pt nanoparticles with an average size of 2.6 nm are uniformly dispersed on CNT surface. Pt/PAH-CNTs exhibit unexpectedly high activity towards oxygen reduction reaction, which can be attributed to the large electrochemical surface area of Pt nanoparticles.more » It also shows enhanced electrochemical stability due to the structural integrity of PAH-CNTs. This provides a facile approach to synthesize CNTs-based nanoelectrocatalysts.« less
Quantitative 3D comparison of biofilm imaged by X-ray micro-tomography and two-photon laser scanning microscopy.

PubMed

Larue, A E; Swider, P; Duru, P; Daviaud, D; Quintard, M; Davit, Y

2018-06-21

Optical imaging techniques for biofilm observation, like laser scanning microscopy, are not applicable when investigating biofilm formation in opaque porous media. X-ray micro-tomography (X-ray CMT) might be an alternative but it finds limitations in similarity of X-ray absorption coefficients for the biofilm and aqueous phases. To overcome this difficulty, barium sulphate was used in Davit et al. (2011) to enable high-resolution 3D imaging of biofilm via X-ray CMT. However, this approach lacks comparison with well-established imaging methods, which are known to capture the fine structures of biofilms, as well as uncertainty quantification. Here, we compare two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) images of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa biofilm grown in glass capillaries against X-ray CMT using an improved protocol where barium sulphate is combined with low-gelling temperature agarose to avoid sedimentation. Calibrated phantoms consisting of mono-dispersed fluorescent and X-ray absorbent beads were used to evaluate the uncertainty associated with our protocol along with three different segmentation techniques, namely hysteresis, watershed and region growing, to determine the bias relative to image binarization. Metrics such as volume, 3D surface area and thickness were measured and comparison of both imaging modalities shows that X-ray CMT of biofilm using our protocol yields an accuracy that is comparable and even better in certain respects than TPLSM, even in a nonporous system that is largely favourable to TPLSM. © 2018 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2018 Royal Microscopical Society.
Photocatalytic reduction of NO with NH3 using Si-doped TiO2 prepared by hydrothermal method.

PubMed

Jin, Ruiben; Wu, Zhongbiao; Liu, Yue; Jiang, Boqiong; Wang, Haiqiang

2009-01-15

A series of Si-doped TiO2 (Si/TiO2) photocatalysts supported on woven glass fabric were prepared by hydrothermal method for photocatalytic reduction of NO with NH3. The photocatalytic activity tests were carried out in a continuous Pyrex reactor with the flow rate of 2000mL/min under UV irradiation (luminous flux: 1.1x10(4)lm, irradiated catalyst area: 160cm2). The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). The experiment results showed that NO conversion on Si/TiO2 at 323K could exceed 60%, which was about 50% higher than that on Degussa P25 and pure TiO2. With the doping of Si, photocatalysts with smaller crystal size, larger surface area and larger pore volume were obtained. It was also found that Ti-O-Si bands were formed on the surface of Si/TiO2 and that the surface hydroxyl concentration was greatly increased. As a result, total acidity and NH3 chemisorption amount were enhanced for Si/TiO2 leading to its photocatalytic activity improvement.
Perovskite-Type Oxides. I. Structural, Magnetic, and Morphological Properties of LaMn 1- xCu xO 3 and LaCo 1- xCu xO 3 Solid Solutions with Large Surface Area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porta, Piero; De Rossi, Sergio; Faticanti, Marco; Minelli, Giuliano; Pettiti, Ida; Lisi, Luciana; Turco, Maria

1999-09-01

Perovskite-type compounds of general formula LaMn1-xCuxO3 and LaCo1-xCuxO3 (x=0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) were prepared by calcining the citrate gel precursors at 823, 923, and 1073 K. The decomposition of the precursors was followed by thermal analysis and the oxides were investigated by means of elemental analysis (atomic absorption and redox titration), X-ray powder diffraction, BET surface area, X-ray absorption (EXAFS and XANES), electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and magnetic susceptibility. LaMn1-xCuxO3 samples are perovskite-like single phases up to x=0.6. At x=0.8 CuO and La2CuO4 phases are present in addition to perovskite. For x=1.0 the material is formed by CuO and La2CuO4. Mn(IV) was found by redox titration in all Mn-based perovskite samples, its fraction increasing with the increase in copper content. EXAFS and XANES analyses confirmed the presence of Mn(IV). Cation vacancies in equal amounts in the 12-coordinated A and octahedral B sites are suggested in the samples with x=0.0 and x=0.2, while for x=0.6 anionic vacancies are present. Materials with sufficiently high surface area (22-36 m2 g-1 for samples fired at 923 K and 14-22 m2 g-1 for those fired at 1073 K) were obtained. Crystallite sizes in the ranges 390-500 and 590-940 Å for samples calcined at 923 and 1073 K, respectively, were determined from the FWHM of the (102) X-ray diffraction peak. TEM patterns of LaMnO3 showed almost regular hexagonal prismatic crystals with sizes of the same order of magnitude (800 Å) of those drawn from X-ray diffraction, while no evidence of defect clustering was drawn out from TEM and electron diffraction images. For the sample with x=0.6, TEM and electron diffraction patterns revealed perturbation of the structure. Magnetic susceptibility studies show a ferromagnetic behavior that decreases with increase in x. LaCo1-xCuxO3 samples are perovskite-like single phases up to x=0.2. For x=0.4 a small amount of La2CuO4, in addition to perovskite, is detected. For x≥0.6 massive formation of La2CuO4 and CuO is observed. Only trivalent cobalt is found by redox titration. Magnetic susceptibility studies have shown that trivalent cobalt is present in all samples as a mixture of paramagnetic Co3+ and diamagnetic CoIII ions, the Co3+ fraction being, at least up to x=0.4, equal to ≈0.34. Antiferromagnetic behavior, which increases with increase in x, is observed in all LaCo1-xCuxO3 samples. LaCoO3 is a stoichiometric perovskite. The substitution of cobalt by Cu2+ leads to a positive charge defectivity which is compensated by oxygen vacancies. EXAFS and XANES analyses confirmed the presence of trivalent cobalt. Materials with fairly high surface area (in the ranges 19-27 and 13-21 m2 g-1 for samples calcined at 923 and 1073 K, respectively) were obtained. Crystallite sizes of ≈400 and ≈1000 Å for samples calcined at 923 and 1073 K, respectively, were determined from the FWHM of the (102) X-ray diffraction peak. Materials with not very clear morphology and crystals with definite structure are distinguishable by SEM for samples calcined at 1073 and at 1273 K, respectively. TEM patterns, for samples calcined at 1073 K, evidence almost regular hexagonal prismatic crystals connected to form "linked structures" and some "spotty crystals," suggesting short-range ordered local defects. For copper-containing samples, calcined at 1273 K, a higher degree of defectivity (probably associated with the interaction of anion vacancies) and the occurrence of "planar faults" are shown by TEM.
Simultaneous measurements of X-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence fluorescence at BL-16 beamline of Indus-2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Das, Gangadhar; Kane, S. R.; Khooha, Ajay

2015-05-15

A new multipurpose x-ray reflectometer station has been developed and augmented at the microfocus beamline (BL-16) of Indus-2 synchrotron radiation source to facilitate synchronous measurements of specular x-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence x-ray fluorescence emission from thin layered structures. The design and various salient features of the x-ray reflectometer are discussed. The performance of the reflectometer has been evaluated by analyzing several thin layered structures having different surface interface properties. The results reveal in-depth information for precise determination of surface and interface properties of thin layered materials demonstrating the immense potential of the combined measurements of x-ray reflectivity and grazingmore » incidence fluorescence on a single reflectometer.« less
Soft X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy of High-Abrasion-Furnace Carbon Black

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muramatsu, Yasuji; Harada, Ryusuke; Gullikson, Eric M.

2007-02-02

The soft x-ray absorption spectra of high-abrasion-furnace carbon black were measured to obtain local-structure/chemical-states information of the primary particles and/or crystallites. The soft x-ray absorption spectral features of carbon black represent broader {pi}* and {sigma}* peak structures compared to highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). The subtracted spectra between the carbon black and HOPG, (carbon black) - (HOPG), show double-peak structures on both sides of the {pi}* peak. The lower-energy peak, denoted as the 'pre-peak', in the subtracted spectra and the {pi}*/{sigma}* peak intensity ratio in the absorption spectra clearly depend on the specific surface area by nitrogen adsorption (NSA). Therefore,more » it is concluded that the pre-peak intensity and the {pi}*/{sigma}* ratio reflect the local graphitic structure of carbon black.« less
Ballistic Deposition of Nanoclusters.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulbrandt, Jeffrey; Li, Yang; Headrick, Randall

Nanoporous thin-films are an important class of materials, possessing a large surface area to volume ratio, with applications ranging from thermoelectric and photovoltaic materials to supercapacitors. In-Situ X-ray Reflectivity and Grazing Incidence Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (GISAXS) were used to monitor thin-films grown from Tungsten Silicide (WSi2) and Copper (Cu) nanoclusters. The nanoclusters ranged in size from 2 nm to 6 nm diameter and were made by high-pressure magnetron sputtering via plasma gas condensation (PGC). X-Ray Reflectivity (XRR) measurements of the films at various stages of growth reveal that the resulting films exhibit very low density, approaching 15% of bulk density. This is consistent with a simple off-lattice ballistic deposition model where particles stick at the point of first contact without further restructuring. DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences under contract DE-FG02-07ER46380.
Sonochemical fabrication of fluorinated mesoporous titanium dioxide microspheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Changlin; Yu, Jimmy C.; Chan, Mui

2009-05-01

A sonochemical-hydrothermal method for preparing fluorinated mesoporous TiO 2 microspheres was developed. Formation of mesoporous TiO 2 and doping of fluorine was achieved by sonication and then hydrothermal treatment of a solution containing titanium isopropoxide, template, and sodium fluoride. The as-synthesized TiO 2 microspheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier translation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and BET surface areas. The P123 template was removed completely during the hydrothermal and washing steps, which was different from the conventional calcination treatment. The as- synthesized TiO 2 microspheres had good crystallinity and high stability. Results from the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) showed that fluorination could remarkably improve the photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide.
New two-dimensional space-resolving flux detection technique for measurement of hohlraum inner radiation in Shenguang-III prototype.

PubMed

Ren, Kuan; Liu, Shenye; Du, Huabing; Hou, Lifei; Jing, Longfei; Zhao, Yang; Yang, Zhiwen; Wei, Minxi; Deng, Keli; Yao, Li; Yang, Guohong; Li, Sanwei; Lan, Ke; Liu, Jie; Zhu, Xiaoli; Ding, Yongkun; Yi, Lin

2015-10-01

The space-resolving measurement of X-ray flux from a specific area (laser spot, re-emitting wall, or capsule) inside the hohlraum is an ongoing and critical problem in indirectly driven inertial-confinement fusion experiments. In this work, we developed a new two-dimensional space-resolving flux detection technique to measure the X-ray flux from specific areas inside the hohlraum by using the time- and space-resolving flux detector (SRFD). In two typical hohlraum experiments conducted at the Shenguang-III prototype laser facility, the X-ray flux and radiation temperature from an area 0.2 mm in diameter inside the hohlraum were measured through the laser entrance hole (LEH). The different flux intensities and radiation temperatures detected using the SRFD from the inner area of the LEH were compared with the result measured using the flat-response X-ray detector from the entire LEH. This comparison was also analyzed theoretically. The inner area detected using the SRFD was found to be the re-emitting wall area alone. This important improvement in space-resolving X-ray flux measurement will enhance the current X-ray flux space characterization techniques, thereby furthering the quantitative understanding of X-ray flux space behavior in the hohlraum.
New two-dimensional space-resolving flux detection technique for measurement of hohlraum inner radiation in Shenguang-III prototype

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ren, Kuan; Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics, P.O. Box 919-986, Mianyang 621900; Liu, Shenye, E-mail: lsye1029@163.com

2015-10-15

The space-resolving measurement of X-ray flux from a specific area (laser spot, re-emitting wall, or capsule) inside the hohlraum is an ongoing and critical problem in indirectly driven inertial-confinement fusion experiments. In this work, we developed a new two-dimensional space-resolving flux detection technique to measure the X-ray flux from specific areas inside the hohlraum by using the time- and space-resolving flux detector (SRFD). In two typical hohlraum experiments conducted at the Shenguang-III prototype laser facility, the X-ray flux and radiation temperature from an area 0.2 mm in diameter inside the hohlraum were measured through the laser entrance hole (LEH). Themore » different flux intensities and radiation temperatures detected using the SRFD from the inner area of the LEH were compared with the result measured using the flat-response X-ray detector from the entire LEH. This comparison was also analyzed theoretically. The inner area detected using the SRFD was found to be the re-emitting wall area alone. This important improvement in space-resolving X-ray flux measurement will enhance the current X-ray flux space characterization techniques, thereby furthering the quantitative understanding of X-ray flux space behavior in the hohlraum.« less
Lunar elemental analysis obtained from the Apollo gamma-ray and X-ray remote sensing experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trombka, J. I.; Arnold, J. R.; Adler, I.; Metzger, A. E.; Reedy, R. C.

1974-01-01

Gamma ray and X-ray spectrometers carried in the service module of the Apollo 15 and 16 spacecraft were employed for compositional mapping of the lunar surface. The measurements involved the observation of the intensity and characteristics energy distribution of gamma rays and X-rays emitted from the lunar surface. A large scale compositional map of over 10 percent of the lunar surface was obtained from an analysis of the observed spectra. The objective of the X-ray experiment was to measure the K spectral lines from Mg, Al, and Si. Spectra were obtained and the data were reduced to Al/Si and Mg/Si intensity ratios and ultimately to chemical ratios. The objective of the gamma-ray experiment was to measure the natural and cosmic ray induced activity emission spectrum. At this time, the elemental abundances for Th, U, K, Fe, Ti, Si, and O have been determined over a number of major lunar regions.
Asphalt-Aggregate Interactions in Hot Recycling.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-07-01

Mexico Powders and Granular Materials Laboratory for surface area/porosity measurements and discussion of results John Husler and Les Mcfadden at the...Alamos National Laboratory by X-Ray Fluorescence," LA-96630Ms, May, 1983. 29. Husler , J., "Standard Laboratory Methods for the Chemical Analysis of
Synthesis and Characterization of Highly Crystalline Graphene Aerogels

DOE PAGES

Worsley, Marcus A.; Pham, Thang T.; Yan, Aiming; ...

2014-10-06

Aerogels are used in a broad range of scientific and industrial applications due to their large surface areas, ultrafine pore sizes, and extremely low densities. Recently, a large number of reports have described graphene aerogels based on the reduction of graphene oxide (GO). Though these GO-based aerogels represent a considerable advance relative to traditional carbon aerogels, they remain significantly inferior to individual graphene sheets due to their poor crystallinity. Here, we report a straightforward method to synthesize highly crystalline GO-based graphene aerogels via high-temperature processing common in commercial graphite production. The crystallization of the graphene aerogels versus annealing temperature ismore » characterized using Raman and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy. Nitrogen porosimetry shows that the highly crystalline graphene macrostructure maintains a high surface area and ultrafine pore size. Because of their enhanced crystallinity, these graphene aerogels exhibit a ~200 °C improvement in oxidation temperature and an order of magnitude increase in electrical conductivity.« less
Studies on the sensing behaviour of nanocrystalline CuGa(2)O(4) towards hydrogen, liquefied petroleum gas and ammonia.

PubMed

Biswas, Soumya Kanti; Sarkar, Arpita; Pathak, Amita; Pramanik, Panchanan

2010-06-15

In the present article, the gas sensing behaviour of nanocrystalline CuGa(2)O(4) towards H(2), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and NH(3) has been reported for the first time. Nanocrystalline powders of CuGa(2)O(4) having average particle sizes in the range of 30-60nm have been prepared through thermal decomposition of an aqueous precursor solution comprising copper nitrate, gallium nitrate and triethanol amine (TEA), followed by calcination at 750 degrees C for 2h. The synthesized nanocrystalline CuGa(2)O(4) powders have been characterised through X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) study, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) surface area measurement. The synthesized CuGa(2)O(4) having spinel structure with specific surface area of 40m(2)/g exhibits maximum sensitivity towards H(2), LPG, and NH(3) at 350 degrees C.
Novel ultra-lightweight and high-resolution MEMS x-ray optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitsuishi, Ikuyuki; Ezoe, Yuichiro; Takagi, Utako; Mita, Makoto; Riveros, Raul; Yamaguchi, Hitomi; Kato, Fumiki; Sugiyama, Susumu; Fujiwara, Kouzou; Morishita, Kohei; Nakajima, Kazuo; Fujihira, Shinya; Kanamori, Yoshiaki; Yamasaki, Noriko Y.; Mitsuda, Kazuhisa; Maeda, Ryutaro

2009-05-01

We have been developing ultra light-weight X-ray optics using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technologies.We utilized crystal planes after anisotropic wet etching of silicon (110) wafers as X-ray mirrors and succeeded in X-ray reflection and imaging. Since we can etch tiny pores in thin wafers, this type of optics can be the lightest X-ray telescope. However, because the crystal planes are alinged in certain directions, we must approximate ideal optical surfaces with flat planes, which limits angular resolution of the optics on the order of arcmin. In order to overcome this issue, we propose novel X-ray optics based on a combination of five recently developed MEMS technologies, namely silicon dry etching, X-ray LIGA, silicon hydrogen anneal, magnetic fluid assisted polishing and hot plastic deformation of silicon. In this paper, we describe this new method and report on our development of X-ray mirrors fabricated by these technologies and X-ray reflection experiments of two types of MEMS X-ray mirrors made of silicon and nickel. For the first time, X-ray reflections on these mirrors were detected in the angular response measurements. Compared to model calculations, surface roughness of the silicon and nickel mirrors were estimated to be 5 nm and 3 nm, respectively.
X-ray verification of an optically aligned off-plane grating module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donovan, Benjamin D.; McEntaffer, Randall L.; Tutt, James H.; DeRoo, Casey T.; Allured, Ryan; Gaskin, Jessica A.; Kolodziejczak, Jeffery J.

2018-01-01

Off-plane x-ray reflection gratings are theoretically capable of achieving high resolution and high diffraction efficiencies over the soft x-ray bandpass, making them an ideal technology to implement on upcoming x-ray spectroscopy missions. To achieve high effective area, these gratings must be aligned into grating modules. X-ray testing was performed on an aligned grating module to assess the current optical alignment methods. Results indicate that the grating module achieved the desired alignment for an upcoming x-ray spectroscopy suborbital rocket payload with modest effective area and resolving power. These tests have also outlined a pathway towards achieving the stricter alignment tolerances of future x-ray spectrometer payloads, which require improvements in alignment metrology, grating fabrication, and testing techniques.
Bismuth Passivation Technique for High-Resolution X-Ray Detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chervenak, James; Hess, Larry

2013-01-01

The Athena-plus team requires X-ray sensors with energy resolution of better than one part in 3,000 at 6 keV X-rays. While bismuth is an excellent material for high X-ray stopping power and low heat capacity (for large signal when an X-ray is stopped by the absorber), oxidation of the bismuth surface can lead to electron traps and other effects that degrade the energy resolution. Bismuth oxide reduction and nitride passivation techniques analogous to those used in indium passivation are being applied in a new technique. The technique will enable improved energy resolution and resistance to aging in bismuth-absorber-coupled X-ray sensors. Elemental bismuth is lithographically integrated into X-ray detector circuits. It encounters several steps where the Bi oxidizes. The technology discussed here will remove oxide from the surface of the Bi and replace it with nitridized surface. Removal of the native oxide and passivating to prevent the growth of the oxide will improve detector performance and insulate the detector against future degradation from oxide growth. Placing the Bi coated sensor in a vacuum system, a reduction chemistry in a plasma (nitrogen/hydrogen (N2/H2) + argon) is used to remove the oxide and promote nitridization of the cleaned Bi surface. Once passivated, the Bi will perform as a better X-ray thermalizer since energy will not be trapped in the bismuth oxides on the surface. A simple additional step, which can be added at various stages of the current fabrication process, can then be applied to encapsulate the Bi film. After plasma passivation, the Bi can be capped with a non-diffusive layer of metal or dielectric. A non-superconducting layer is required such as tungsten or tungsten nitride (WNx).
Characterization of Beryllium Windows Using Coherent X-rays at 1-km Beamline

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goto, Shunji; Yabashi, Makina; Takahashi, Sunao

2004-05-12

Beryllium windows were characterized using coherent x-rays at the one-kilometer beamline of SPring-8. Non-uniformity of transmission x-ray images is largely due to Fresnel diffraction from deficiencies such as surface pits with diameter of order of one micron to ten microns, having no correlation with averaged surface roughness measured with an optical profilometer.
Remote X-Ray Diffraction and X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis on Planetary Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blake, David F.; DeVincenzi, D. (Technical Monitor)

1999-01-01

The legacy of planetary X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) began in 1960 when W. Parish proposed an XRD instrument for deployment on the moon. The instrument was built and flight qualified, but the Lunar XRD program was cancelled shortly before the first human landing in 1969. XRF chemical data have been collected in situ by surface landers on Mars (Viking 1 & 2, Pathfinder) and Venus (Venera 13 & 14). These highly successful experiments provide critical constraints on our current understanding of surface processes and planetary evolution. However, the mineralogy, which is more critical to planetary surface science than simple chemical analysis, will remain unknown or will at best be imprecisely constrained until X-ray diffraction (XRD) data are collected. Recent progress in X-ray detector technology allows the consideration of simultaneous XRD (mineralogic analysis) and high-precision XRF (elemental analysis) in systems miniaturized to the point where they can be mounted on fixed landers or small robotic rovers. There is a variety of potential targets for XRD/XRF equipped landers within the solar system, the most compelling of which are the poles of the moon, the southern highlands of Mars and Europa.

X-Ray-induced Deuterium Enrichment of N-rich Organics in Protoplanetary Disks: An Experimental Investigation Using Synchrotron Light

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gavilan, Lisseth; Carrasco, Nathalie; Remusat, Laurent

The deuterium enrichment of organics in the interstellar medium, protoplanetary disks, and meteorites has been proposed to be the result of ionizing radiation. The goal of this study is to simulate and quantify the effects of soft X-rays (0.1–2 keV), an important component of stellar radiation fields illuminating protoplanetary disks, on the refractory organics present in the disks. We prepared tholins, nitrogen-rich organic analogs to solids found in several astrophysical environments, e.g., Titan’s atmosphere, cometary surfaces, and protoplanetary disks, via plasma deposition. Controlled irradiation experiments with soft X-rays at 0.5 and 1.3 keV were performed at the SEXTANTS beamline ofmore » the SOLEIL synchrotron, and were immediately followed by ex-situ infrared, Raman, and isotopic diagnostics. Infrared spectroscopy revealed the preferential loss of singly bonded groups (N–H, C–H, and R–N≡C) and the formation of sp{sup 3} carbon defects with signatures at ∼1250–1300 cm{sup −1}. Raman analysis revealed that, while the length of polyaromatic units is only slightly modified, the introduction of defects leads to structural amorphization. Finally, tholins were measured via secondary ion mass spectrometry to quantify the D, H, and C elemental abundances in the irradiated versus non-irradiated areas. Isotopic analysis revealed that significant D-enrichment is induced by X-ray irradiation. Our results are compared to previous experimental studies involving the thermal degradation and electron irradiation of organics. The penetration depth of soft X-rays in μ m-sized tholins leads to volume rather than surface modifications: lower-energy X-rays (0.5 keV) induce a larger D-enrichment than 1.3 keV X-rays, reaching a plateau for doses larger than 5 × 10{sup 27} eV cm{sup −3}. Synchrotron fluences fall within the expected soft X-ray fluences in protoplanetary disks, and thus provide evidence of a new non-thermal pathway to deuterium fractionation of organic matter.« less
Focusing X-Ray Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Dell, Stephen; Brissenden, Roger; Davis, William; Elsner, Ronald; Elvis, Martin; Freeman, Mark; Gaetz, Terrance; Gorenstein, Paul; Gubarev, Mikhall; Jerlus, Diab;

2010-01-01

During the half-century history of x-ray astronomy, focusing x-ray telescopes, through increased effective area and finer angular resolution, have improved sensitivity by 8 orders of magnitude. Here, we review previous and current x-ray-telescope missions. Next, we describe the planned next-generation x-ray-astronomy facility, the International X-ray Observatory (IXO). We conclude with an overview of a concept for the next next-generation facility, Generation X. Its scientific objectives will require very large areas (about 10,000 sq m) of highly-nested, lightweight grazing-incidence mirrors, with exceptional (about 0.1-arcsec) resolution. Achieving this angular resolution with lightweight mirrors will likely require on-orbit adjustment of alignment and figure.

Development of Multilayer Coatings for Hard X-Ray Optics at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gurgew, Danielle N.; Broadway, David M.; Ramsey, Brian; Gregory, Don

2017-01-01

Broadband X-ray multilayer coatings are under development at NASA MSFC for use on future astronomical X-ray telescopes. Multilayer coatings deposited onto the reflecting surfaces of X-ray optics can provide a large bandpass enabling observations of higher energy astrophysical objects and phenomena.
Preparation of MoO2/g-C3N4 composites with a high surface area and its application in deep desulfurization from model oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Liang-pei; Zhao, Rong-xiang; Li, Xiu-ping; Gao, Xiao-han

2018-03-01

A series of catalysts of composition X-MoO2/g-C3N4 (X = 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 5 wt.%) were successfully synthesized by calcination of a mixture of (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O and g-C3N4. Oxidative desulfurization experiments were conducted using X-MoO2/g-C3N4 as a catalyst, H2O2 as an oxidant, and ionic liquids (ILs) as extraction agents. Catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis (BET). Characterization results suggested that MoO2 was present in the catalyst and its crystallinity improved with increased Mo-loading. The catalysts had a larger specific surface area due to the presence of MoO2 dispersed on g-C3N4. Experimental results showed that 3%-MoO2/g-C3N4 had the highest catalytic activity among all the catalysts tested. A desulfurization rate of 96.0% was achieved under optimal conditions. Through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, it was shown that dibenzothoiphene sulfone was the sole product of the oxidation desulfurization reaction. An apparent activation energy of 61.1 kJ/mol was estimated based on Arrhenius equation. The activity of 3%-MoO2/g-C3N4 slightly decreased after six runs. A possible mechanism for the reaction has been proposed.
X-Ray Excited Luminescence Chemical Imaging of Bacterial Growth on Surfaces Implanted in Tissue.

PubMed

Wang, Fenglin; Raval, Yash; Tzeng, Tzuen-Rong J; Anker, Jeffrey N

2015-04-22

A pH sensor film is developed that can be coated on an implant surface and imaged using a combination of X-ray excitation and visible spectroscopy to monitor bacterial infection and treatment of implanted medical devices (IMDs) through tissue. X-ray scintillators in the pH sensor film generate light when an X-ray beam irradiates them. This light first passes through a layer containing pH indicator that alters the spectrum according to pH, then passes through and out of the tissue where it is detected by a spectrometer. A reference region on the film is used to account for spectral distortion from wavelength-dependent absorption and scattering in the tissue. pH images are acquired by moving the sample relative to the X-ray beam and collecting a spectrum at each location, with a spatial resolution limited by the X-ray beam width. Using this X-ray excited luminescence chemical imaging (XELCI) to map pH through ex vivo porcine tissue, a pH drop is detected during normal bacterial growth on the sensor surface, and a restoration of the pH to the bulk value during antibiotic treatment over the course of hours with milli-meter resolution. Overall, XELCI provides a novel approach to noninvasively image surface pH for studying implant infections and treatments. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Unconventional Synthesis of γ-Fe2O3: Excellent Low-Concentration Ethanol Sensing Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naskar, Atanu; Narjinary, Mousumi; Kundu, Susmita

2017-01-01

This study reports on a simple unconventional procedure for synthesis of γ-Fe2O3 nanopowder and its fabrication as a resistive ethanol sensor. γ-Fe2O3 powder having an average particle size of ˜15 nm was prepared by thermal decomposition of iron(III) acetylacetonate. Platinum incorporation (0.5-1.5 wt.%) was also carried out for enhancing sensing performance. The powders were characterized using an x-ray diffractometer, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, field area scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy along with energy dispersion x-ray analyses. Sensor fabricated from pure γ-Fe2O3 exhibited excellent ethanol sensing performance at concentrations down to 1 ppm, having a great demand in medical diagnosis and food-processing industries. The response observed for pure γ-Fe2O3 (˜75% for 1 ppm ethanol) was enhanced ˜10% after 1 wt.% Pt impregnation. Sensors were quite stable and selective towards ethanol vapour detection. A possible mechanism for high sensing performance has been discussed.
Extracting Metrics for Three-dimensional Root Systems: Volume and Surface Analysis from In-soil X-ray Computed Tomography Data.

PubMed

Suresh, Niraj; Stephens, Sean A; Adams, Lexor; Beck, Anthon N; McKinney, Adriana L; Varga, Tamas

2016-04-26

Plant roots play a critical role in plant-soil-microbe interactions that occur in the rhizosphere, as well as processes with important implications to climate change and crop management. Quantitative size information on roots in their native environment is invaluable for studying root growth and environmental processes involving plants. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) has been demonstrated to be an effective tool for in situ root scanning and analysis. We aimed to develop a costless and efficient tool that approximates the surface and volume of the root regardless of its shape from three-dimensional (3D) tomography data. The root structure of a Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) specimen was imaged using XCT. The root was reconstructed, and the primary root structure was extracted from the data using a combination of licensed and open-source software. An isosurface polygonal mesh was then created for ease of analysis. We have developed the standalone application imeshJ, generated in MATLAB(1), to calculate root volume and surface area from the mesh. The outputs of imeshJ are surface area (in mm(2)) and the volume (in mm(3)). The process, utilizing a unique combination of tools from imaging to quantitative root analysis, is described. A combination of XCT and open-source software proved to be a powerful combination to noninvasively image plant root samples, segment root data, and extract quantitative information from the 3D data. This methodology of processing 3D data should be applicable to other material/sample systems where there is connectivity between components of similar X-ray attenuation and difficulties arise with segmentation.
SUZAKU X-RAY FOLLOW-UP OBSERVATIONS OF SEVEN UNASSOCIATED FERMI-LAT GAMMA-RAY SOURCES AT HIGH GALACTIC LATITUDES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Takahashi, Y.; Kataoka, J.; Nakamori, T.

2012-03-01

We report on our second-year campaign of X-ray follow-up observations of unidentified Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) {gamma}-ray sources at high Galactic latitudes (|b| > 10 Degree-Sign ) using the X-ray Imaging Spectrometer on board the Suzaku X-ray Observatory. In this second year of the project, seven new targets were selected from the First Fermi-LAT Catalog, and studied with 20-40 ks effective Suzaku exposures. We detected an X-ray point source coincident with the position of the recently discovered millisecond pulsar (MSP) PSR J2302+4442 within the 95% confidence error circle of 1FGL J2302.8+4443. The X-ray spectrum of the detected counterpart wasmore » well fit by a blackbody model with temperature of kT {approx_equal} 0.3 keV, consistent with an origin of the observed X-ray photons from the surface of a rotating magnetized neutron star. For four other targets that were also recently identified with a normal pulsar (1FGL J0106.7+4853) and MSPs (1FGL J1312.6+0048, J1902.0-5110, and J2043.2+1709), only upper limits in the 0.5-10 keV band were obtained at the flux levels of {approx_equal} 10{sup -14} erg cm{sup -2} s{sup -1}. A weak X-ray source was found in the field of 1FGL J1739.4+8717, but its association with the variable {gamma}-ray emitter could not be confirmed with the available Suzaku data alone. For the remaining Fermi-LAT object 1FGL J1743.8-7620 no X-ray source was detected within the LAT 95% error ellipse. We briefly discuss the general properties of the observed high Galactic-latitude Fermi-LAT objects by comparing their multiwavelength properties with those of known blazars and MSPs.« less
Mayenite Synthesized Using the Citrate Sol-Gel Method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ude, Sabina N; Rawn, Claudia J; Meisner, Roberta A

2014-01-01

A citrate sol-gel method has been used to synthesize mayenite (Ca12Al14O33). X-ray powder diffraction data show that the samples synthesized using the citrate sol-gel method contained CaAl2O4 and CaCO3 along with mayenite when fired ex-situ in air at 800 C but were single phase when fired at 900 C and above. Using high temperature x-ray diffraction, data collected in-situ in air at temperatures of 600 C and below showed only amorphous content; however, data collected at higher temperatures indicated the first phase to crystallize is CaCO3. High temperature x-ray diffraction data collected in 4% H2/96% N2 does not show themore » presence of CaCO3, and Ca12Al14O33 starts to form around 850 C. In comparison, x-ray powder diffraction data collected ex-situ on samples synthesized using traditional solid-state synthesis shows that single phase was not reached until samples were fired at 1350 C. DTA/TGA data collected either in a nitrogen environment or air on samples synthesized using the citrate gel method suggest the complete decomposition of metastable phases and the formation of mayenite at 900 C, although the phase evolution is very different depending on the environment. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) measurements showed a slightly higher surface area of 7.4 0.1 m2/g in the citrate gel synthesized samples compared to solid-state synthesized sample with a surface area of 1.61 0.02 m2/g. SEM images show a larger particle size for samples synthesized using the solid-state method compared to those synthesized using the citrate gel method.« less
One-Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of Zeolite X Powder from Natural Low-Grade Diatomite.

PubMed

Yao, Guangyuan; Lei, Jingjing; Zhang, Xiaoyu; Sun, Zhiming; Zheng, Shuilin

2018-05-28

Zeolite X powder was synthesized using natural low-grade diatomite as the main source of Si but only as a partial source of Al via a simple and green hydrothermal method. The microstructure and surface properties of the obtained samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF), calcium ion exchange capacity (CEC), thermogravimetric-differential thermal (TG-DTA) analysis, and N₂ adsorption-desorption technique. The influence of various synthesis factors, including aging time and temperature, crystallization time and temperature, Na₂O/SiO₂ and H₂O/Na₂O ratio on the CEC of zeolite, were systematically investigated. The as-synthesized zeolite X with binary meso-microporous structure possessed remarkable thermal stability, high calcium ion exchange capacity of 248 mg/g and large surface area of 453 m²/g. In addition, the calcium ion exchange capacity of zeolite X was found to be mainly determined by the crystallization degree. In conclusion, the synthesized zeolite X using diatomite as a cost-effective raw material in this study has great potential for industrial application such as catalyst support and adsorbent.
Impact of Plasma Surface Treatment on Bamboo Charcoal/silver Nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vignesh, K.; Vijayalakshmi, K. A.; Karthikeyan, N.

2016-10-01

Bamboo charcoal (BC) accompanied silver (Ag) nanocomposite is synthesized through sol-gel method. The produced BC/Ag nanocomposite was surface modified by air and oxygen plasma treatments. Silver ions (Ag+) will serve to improve the antibacterial activity as well as the surface area of BC. Plasma treatment has improved the surface functional groups, crystalline intensity and antibacterial activity of the prepared nanocomposite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies show that Ag nanoparticles have good agreement with BC and the particle size has a mean diameter of 20-40nm. We observe the carboxyl functional groups in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) after the oxygen plasma treatment. Moreover surface area and adsorption were analyzed by using the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) surface area (SBET) and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
Neutrally Charged Gas/Liquid Interface by a Catanionic Langmuir Monolayer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vaknin, David; Bu, Wei

Surface-sensitive synchrotron X-ray scattering and spectroscopic experiments were performed to explore the characteristics of Langmuir monolayers of oppositely charged mixed amphiphiles. A premixed (molar 1:1 stearic acid/stearylamine) solution was spread as a monolayer at the gas/liquid interface on pure water and on mono- and divalent salt solutions, revealing that the negatively charged carboxyl groups and positively charged amine groups are miscible into one another and tend to bond together to form a nearly neutral surface. Similar control experiments on pure stearic acid (SA) and stearylamine (ST) were also conducted for comparison. Due to the strong bonding, hexagonal structures in smallmore » domains with acyl-chains normal to the liquid surface are formed at zero surface pressures, that is, at molecular areas much larger than those of the densely packed acyl chains. In-plane X-ray diffraction indicates that the catanionic surface is highly ordered and modifies the structure of the water surface and thus can serve as a model system for interactions of an amino acid template with solutes.« less
Thermally exfoliated graphite oxide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prud'Homme, Robert K. (Inventor); Aksay, Ilhan A. (Inventor); Abdala, Ahmed (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A modified graphite oxide material contains a thermally exfoliated graphite oxide with a surface area of from about 300 sq m/g to 2600 sq m/g, wherein the thermally exfoliated graphite oxide displays no signature of the original graphite and/or graphite oxide, as determined by X-ray diffraction.
Thermal Properties of Soils

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-01

plagio - clase feldspar and pyroxene. The tine fraction may Surface area and its effects contain the clay "sheet" minerals (i.e. kaolinite. illite...Pyroxene, Kaoliniwe Unified By By Ortho. Plagio . amphibole, Basic clay min. Hematite Soil Soil soil petrogr. X.ray clase clase and Igneous and clay and no
Utilization of porous carbons derived from coconut shell and wood in natural rubber

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The porous carbons derived from cellulose are renewable and environmentally friendly. Coconut shell and wood derived porous carbons were characterized with elemental analysis, ash content, x-ray diffraction, infrared absorbance, particle size, surface area, and pore volume. The results were compared...
A Low-Noise X-ray Astronomical Silicon-On-Insulator Pixel Detector Using a Pinned Depleted Diode Structure

PubMed Central

Kamehama, Hiroki; Kawahito, Shoji; Shrestha, Sumeet; Nakanishi, Syunta; Yasutomi, Keita; Takeda, Ayaki; Tsuru, Takeshi Go

2017-01-01

This paper presents a novel full-depletion Si X-ray detector based on silicon-on-insulator pixel (SOIPIX) technology using a pinned depleted diode structure, named the SOIPIX-PDD. The SOIPIX-PDD greatly reduces stray capacitance at the charge sensing node, the dark current of the detector, and capacitive coupling between the sensing node and SOI circuits. These features of the SOIPIX-PDD lead to low read noise, resulting high X-ray energy resolution and stable operation of the pixel. The back-gate surface pinning structure using neutralized p-well at the back-gate surface and depleted n-well underneath the p-well for all the pixel area other than the charge sensing node is also essential for preventing hole injection from the p-well by making the potential barrier to hole, reducing dark current from the Si-SiO2 interface and creating lateral drift field to gather signal electrons in the pixel area into the small charge sensing node. A prototype chip using 0.2 μm SOI technology shows very low readout noise of 11.0 e−rms, low dark current density of 56 pA/cm2 at −35 °C and the energy resolution of 200 eV(FWHM) at 5.9 keV and 280 eV (FWHM) at 13.95 keV. PMID:29295523
A Low-Noise X-ray Astronomical Silicon-On-Insulator Pixel Detector Using a Pinned Depleted Diode Structure.

PubMed

Kamehama, Hiroki; Kawahito, Shoji; Shrestha, Sumeet; Nakanishi, Syunta; Yasutomi, Keita; Takeda, Ayaki; Tsuru, Takeshi Go; Arai, Yasuo

2017-12-23

This paper presents a novel full-depletion Si X-ray detector based on silicon-on-insulator pixel (SOIPIX) technology using a pinned depleted diode structure, named the SOIPIX-PDD. The SOIPIX-PDD greatly reduces stray capacitance at the charge sensing node, the dark current of the detector, and capacitive coupling between the sensing node and SOI circuits. These features of the SOIPIX-PDD lead to low read noise, resulting high X-ray energy resolution and stable operation of the pixel. The back-gate surface pinning structure using neutralized p-well at the back-gate surface and depleted n-well underneath the p-well for all the pixel area other than the charge sensing node is also essential for preventing hole injection from the p-well by making the potential barrier to hole, reducing dark current from the Si-SiO₂ interface and creating lateral drift field to gather signal electrons in the pixel area into the small charge sensing node. A prototype chip using 0.2 μm SOI technology shows very low readout noise of 11.0 e - rms , low dark current density of 56 pA/cm² at -35 °C and the energy resolution of 200 eV(FWHM) at 5.9 keV and 280 eV (FWHM) at 13.95 keV.
Microanalytical X-ray imaging of depleted uranium speciation in environmentally aged munitions residues.

PubMed

Crean, Daniel E; Livens, Francis R; Stennett, Martin C; Grolimund, Daniel; Borca, Camelia N; Hyatt, Neil C

2014-01-01

Use of depleted uranium (DU) munitions has resulted in contamination of the near-surface environment with penetrator residues. Uncertainty in the long-term environmental fate of particles produced by impact of DU penetrators with hard targets is a specific concern. In this study DU particles produced in this way and exposed to the surface terrestrial environment for longer than 30 years at a U.K. firing range were characterized using synchrotron X-ray chemical imaging. Two sites were sampled: a surface soil and a disposal area for DU-contaminated wood, and the U speciation was different between the two areas. Surface soil particles showed little extent of alteration, with U speciated as oxides U3O7 and U3O8. Uranium oxidation state and crystalline phase mapping revealed these oxides occur as separate particles, reflecting heterogeneous formation conditions. Particles recovered from the disposal area were substantially weathered, and U(VI) phosphate phases such as meta-ankoleite (K(UO2)(PO4) · 3H2O) were dominant. Chemical imaging revealed domains of contrasting U oxidation state linked to the presence of both U3O7 and meta-ankoleite, indicating growth of a particle alteration layer. This study demonstrates that substantial alteration of DU residues can occur, which directly influences the health and environmental hazards posed by this contamination.
Production of thick uniform-coating films containing rectorite on nanofibers through the use of an automated coating machine.

PubMed

Wu, Yang; Li, Xueyong; Shi, Xiaowen; Zhan, Yingfei; Tu, Hu; Du, Yumin; Deng, Hongbing; Jiang, Linbin

2017-01-01

When an efficient automated coating machine is used to process layer-by-layer (LBL) deposited nanofibrous mats, it causes an obvious planar effect on the surface of the mats, which can be eliminated through ultimate immersion. During this process, chitosan (CS) - rectorite (REC) intercalated composite films are built on the surface of cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibrous mats by a coating machine. Then, the immersion process is utilized to allow positively charged CS or CS-REC intercalated composites to uniformly assemble on the surface of negatively charged CA nanofibers. An investigation into the morphology of the resultant scaffolds confirms that the uniquely small pore size, high specific surface area and typically three-dimensional (3D) structure of nanofibrous mats remain present. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicate that it is feasible to assemble nanofibrous mats using a coating machine. The intercalated structure of CS-REC is confirmed by the results of small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXRD) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD). The results of the cell experiment and antibacterial test demonstrate that the addition of REC not only has little impact on the cytocompatibility of the mats but also enhances their ability to inhibit bacteria. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Generation of ionizing radiation from lithium niobate crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orlikov, L. N.; Orlikov, N. L.; Arestov, S. I.; Mambetova, K. M.; Shandarov, S. M.

2017-01-01

The work done experimentally explores generation of electron and x-ray radiation in the process of heating and cooling monolithic and iron-doped crystals of lithium niobate. Iron doping to the concentrations in the range of 1023 m3 was carried out by adding ferric oxide into the melt during the process of crystal growth. The research into radiation generation was performed at 1-10 Pa. The speed of heating from -10 to 1070 C was 10-20 degrees a minute. Current pulses appeared at 17, 38, 56, 94, 98, 100, 105, 106, 1070 C with the interval of 1-3 minutes. The obtained electron current increased in direct proportion to the crystal surface area. The maximum current was 3mA at the design voltage 11 kV on the crystal with 14,5x10,5x10 mm3 surface area. The article describes the possibility to control the start of generation by introducing priming pulse. The results achieved are explained by the domain repolarization while heating the crystal and the appearance of electric field local strength. Bias and overcharge currents contribute to the appearance of electric strength, which stimulates breakdown and plasma formation. X-ray radiation appears both at the stage of discharge formation and during electron deceleration on gas and target material.

Toward Active X-ray Telescopes II

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Dell, Stephen L.; Aldroft, Thomas L.; Atkins, Carolyn; Button, Timothy W.; Cotroneo, Vincenzo; Davis, William N.; Doel, Peter; Feldman, Charlotte H.; Freeman, Mark D.; Gubarev, Mikhail V.;

2012-01-01

In the half century since the initial discovery of an astronomical (non-solar) x-ray source, the sensitivity for detection of cosmic x-ray sources has improved by ten orders of magnitude. Largely responsible for this dramatic progress has been the refinement of the (grazing-incidence) focusing x-ray telescope. The future of x-ray astronomy relies upon the development of x-ray telescopes with larger aperture areas (greater than 1 m2) and finer angular resolution (less than 1.). Combined with the special requirements of grazing-incidence optics, the mass and envelope constraints of space-borne telescopes render such advances technologically challenging.requiring precision fabrication, alignment, and assembly of large areas (greater than 100 m2) of lightweight (approximately 1 kg m2 areal density) mirrors. Achieving precise and stable alignment and figure control may entail active (in-space adjustable) x-ray optics. This paper discusses relevant programmatic and technological issues and summarizes progress toward active x-ray telescopes.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Cheng-Jun, E-mail: cjsun@aps.anl.gov; Brewe, Dale L.; Heald, Steve M.

X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) are two main x-ray techniques in synchrotron radiation facilities. In this Note, we present an experimental setup capable of performing simultaneous XRD and XAS measurements by the application of a pixel-array area detector. For XRD, the momentum transfer in specular diffraction was measured by scanning the X-ray energy with fixed incoming and outgoing x-ray angles. By selecting a small fixed region of the detector to collect the XRD signal, the rest of the area was available for collecting the x-ray fluorescence for XAS measurements. The simultaneous measurement of XRD and X-ray absorptionmore » near edge structure for Pr{sub 0.67}Sr{sub 0.33}MnO{sub 3} film was demonstrated as a proof of principle for future time-resolved pump-probe measurements. A static sample makes it easy to maintain an accurate overlap of the X-ray spot and laser pump beam.« less
Rapid Determination of Mineral Abundance by X-ray Microfluorescence Mapping and Multispectral Image Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moscati, R. J.; Marshall, B. D.

2005-12-01

X-ray microfluorescence (XRMF) spectrometry is a rapid, accurate technique to map element abundances of rock surfaces (such as thin-section billets, the block remaining when a thin section is prepared). Scanning a specimen with a collimated primary X-ray beam (100 μm diameter) generates characteristic secondary X-rays that yield the relative chemical abundances for the major rock-/mineral-forming analytes (such as Si, Al, K, Ca, and Fe). When Cu-rich epoxy is used to impregnate billets, XRMF also can determine porosity from the Cu abundance. Common billet scan size is 30 x 15 mm and the typical mapping time rarely exceeds 2.5 hrs (much faster than traditional point-counting). No polishing or coating is required for the billets, although removing coarse striations or gross irregularities on billet surfaces should improve the spatial accuracy of the maps. Background counts, spectral artifacts, and diffraction peaks typically are inconsequential for maps of major elements. An operational check is performed after every 10 analyses on a standard that contains precisely measured areas of Mn and Mo. Reproducibility of the calculated area ratio of Mn:Mo is consistently within 5% of the known value. For each billet, the single element maps (TIFF files) generated by XRMF are imported into MultiSpec© (a program developed at Purdue University for analysis of multispectral image data, available from http://dynamo.ecn.purdue.edu/~biehl/MultiSpec/) where mineral phases can be spectrally identified and their relative abundances quantified. The element maps for each billet are layered to produce a multi-element file for mineral classification and statistical processing, including modal estimates of mineral abundance. Although mineral identification is possible even if the mineralogy is unknown, prior petrographic examination of the corresponding thin section yields more accurate maps because the software can be set to identify all similar pixels. Caution is needed when using MultiSpec© to distinguish mineral phases with similar chemistry (for example, opal and quartz) and minerals that occupy very small surface areas (<10 pixels). In either case, careful petrography and informed use of the software will allow rapid use of MultiSpec© to create accurate mineral maps of rock and thin-section billet surfaces. This technique, for example, has allowed quantitative estimates of calcite and silica abundances to be determined on about 200 samples of secondary mineral coatings from the unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain, Nevada.
Cryo-Milling and the Hydrogen Storage Properties of NaAlH4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feller, Kevin; Dobbins, Tabbetha

2013-03-01

High energy ball milling of metal hydrides is a common way to both introduce catalysts (e.g. TiCl3) and to simultaneously increase the surface area. Both catalysis and increased surface area improve hydrogen storage capacity of the material. Nanostructuring of hydrides by depositing them into mesoporous templates (such as anodized alumina, MOFs, and SBA-15) has become a common way to increase surface area. However, the mesoporous template does not add hydrogen storage capacity--and thus, tends to decreased overall storage weight percent for the nanostructured hydride material. As with most materials, hydrides become brittle at low temperatures and will tend to fracture more readily. We will process Sodium Aluminum Hydride (NaAlH4) using cryogenic high energy ball milling using an in-house modified chamber SPEX Certiprep M8000 mixer/mill in order to gain a nanostructured hydride without mesoporous template material. Details of the modified mixer mill design will be presented. Ultimately, our planned future work is to study the resultant material using x-ray diffraction (Scherrer method for crystallite size), absorption/desorption temperature programmed desorption (TPD), and ultrasmall-angle x-ray scattering (USAXS) microstructural quantification to understand the role of cryomilling on enhancing the material's ability to store (and release) hydrogen.
Extracting Galaxy Cluster Gas Inhomogeneity from X-Ray Surface Brightness: A Statistical Approach and Application to Abell 3667

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawahara, Hajime; Reese, Erik D.; Kitayama, Tetsu; Sasaki, Shin; Suto, Yasushi

2008-11-01

Our previous analysis indicates that small-scale fluctuations in the intracluster medium (ICM) from cosmological hydrodynamic simulations follow the lognormal probability density function. In order to test the lognormal nature of the ICM directly against X-ray observations of galaxy clusters, we develop a method of extracting statistical information about the three-dimensional properties of the fluctuations from the two-dimensional X-ray surface brightness. We first create a set of synthetic clusters with lognormal fluctuations around their mean profile given by spherical isothermal β-models, later considering polytropic temperature profiles as well. Performing mock observations of these synthetic clusters, we find that the resulting X-ray surface brightness fluctuations also follow the lognormal distribution fairly well. Systematic analysis of the synthetic clusters provides an empirical relation between the three-dimensional density fluctuations and the two-dimensional X-ray surface brightness. We analyze Chandra observations of the galaxy cluster Abell 3667, and find that its X-ray surface brightness fluctuations follow the lognormal distribution. While the lognormal model was originally motivated by cosmological hydrodynamic simulations, this is the first observational confirmation of the lognormal signature in a real cluster. Finally we check the synthetic cluster results against clusters from cosmological hydrodynamic simulations. As a result of the complex structure exhibited by simulated clusters, the empirical relation between the two- and three-dimensional fluctuation properties calibrated with synthetic clusters when applied to simulated clusters shows large scatter. Nevertheless we are able to reproduce the true value of the fluctuation amplitude of simulated clusters within a factor of 2 from their two-dimensional X-ray surface brightness alone. Our current methodology combined with existing observational data is useful in describing and inferring the statistical properties of the three-dimensional inhomogeneity in galaxy clusters.
Photocatalytic performance of Ag doped SnO2 nanoparticles modified with curcumin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vignesh, K.; Hariharan, R.; Rajarajan, M.; Suganthi, A.

2013-07-01

Visible light active Ag doped SnO2 nanoparticles modified with curcumin (Cur-Ag-SnO2) have been prepared by a combined precipitation and chemical impregnation route. The optical properties, phase structures and morphologies of the as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis-DRS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface area was measured by Brunauer. Emmett. Teller (B.E.T) analysis. Compared to bare SnO2, the surface modified photocatalysts (Ag-SnO2 and Cur-Ag-SnO2) showed a red shift in the visible region. The photocatalytic activity was monitored via the degradation of rose bengal (RB) dye and the results revealed that Cur-Ag-SnO2 shows better photocatalytic activity than that of Ag-SnO2 and SnO2. The superior photocatalytic activity of Cur-Ag-SnO2 could be attributed to the effective electron-hole separation by surface modification. The effect of photocatalyst concentration, initial dye concentration and electron scavenger on the photocatalytic activity was examined in detail. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of the photocatalysts and the reusability of Cur-Ag-SnO2 were tested.
An Integrated XRF/XRD Instrument for Mars Exobiology and Geology Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koppel, L. N.; Franco, E. D.; Kerner, J. A.; Fonda, M. L.; Schwartz, D. E.; Marshall, J. R.

1993-01-01

By employing an integrated x-ray instrument on a future Mars mission, data obtained will greatly augment those returned by Viking; details characterizing the past and present environment on Mars and those relevant to the possibility of the origin and evolution of life will be acquired. A combined x-ray fluorescence/x-ray diffraction (XRF/XRD) instrument was breadboarded and demonstrated to accommodate important exobiology and geology experiment objectives outlined for MESUR and future Mars missions. Among others, primary objectives for the exploration of Mars include the intense study of local areas on Mars to establish the chemical, mineralogical, and petrological character of different components of the surface material; to determine the distribution, abundance, and sources and sinks of volatile materials, including an assessment of the biologic potential, now and during past epoches; and to establish the global chemical and physical characteristics of the Martian surface. The XRF/XRD breadboard instrument identifies and quantifies soil surface elemental, mineralogical, and petrological characteristics and acquires data necessary to address questions on volatile abundance and distribution. Additionally, the breadboard is able to characterize the biogenic element constituents of soil samples providing information on the biologic potential of the Mars environment. Preliminary breadboard experiments confirmed the fundamental instrument design approach and measurement performance.
Element Specific Imaging Using Muonic X-rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hillier, Adrian; Ishida, Katsu; Seller, Paul; Veale, Matthew C.; Wilson, Matthew D.

The RIKEN-RAL facility provides a source of negative muons that can be used to non-destructively determine the elemental composition of bulk samples. A negative muon can replace an electron in an atom and subsequently transition to lower orbital positions. As with conventional X-ray fluorescence, an X-ray photon is emitted with a characteristic energy to enable the transition between orbitals of an atom. As the mass of a negative muon is much greater than that of an electron, a higher energy X-ray photon is emitted when the negative muon transitions between orbitals compared to conventional X-ray fluorescence. The higher energy muonic X-rays are able to escape large samples even when they are emitted from lower Z atoms, making muonic X-rays fluorescence a unique method to characterize the elemental content of a sample. In a typical experiment a section of a sample will be probed with negative muons with the muon momentum tuned to interact at a desired depth in the sample. A small number of single element high purity Ge detectors are positioned to capture up to one photon each from each of the forty muon pulses per second at the RIKEN-RAL facility. This can provide a high resolution and high dynamic range X-ray energy spectrum when collected for several hours but can only provide a spatial average or single point elemental distribution per collection. Here, an STFC developed CdTe detector with 80 × 80 energy resolving channels has been used to demonstrate the ability to image the elemental distribution of a test sample. A test sample of C, Al, and Fe2O3 was positioned close to the detector surface and each of the 250 µm pitch pixels recorded a muonic X-ray energy spectrum. Results are presented to show the principal of this new technique and potential improvements to provide higher resolution and larger area elemental imaging using muonic X-rays are discussed.
X-ray study of the structure of phospholipid monolayers on the water surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asadchikov, V. E.; Tikhonov, A. M.; Volkov, Yu. O.; Roshchin, B. S.; Ermakov, Yu. A.; Rudakova, E. B.; D'yachkova, I. G.; Nuzhdin, A. D.

2017-10-01

The possibility of laboratory X-ray reflectometry study of the structure of dimyristoyl phosphatidylserine (DMPS) phospholipid monolayers on the water surface in various phase states has been demonstrated.
Visible light scatter measurements of the Advanced X-ray Astronomical Facility /AXAF/ mirror samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Griner, D. B.

1981-01-01

NASA is studying the properties of mirror surfaces for X-ray telescopes, the data of which will be used to develop the telescope system for the Advanced X-ray Astronomical Facility. Visible light scatter measurements, using a computer controlled scanner, are made of various mirror samples to determine surface roughness. Total diffuse scatter is calculated using numerical integration techniques and used to estimate the rms surface roughness. The data measurements are then compared with X-ray scatter measurements of the same samples. A summary of the data generated is presented, along with graphs showing changes in scatter on samples before and after cleaning. Results show that very smooth surfaces can be polished on the common substrate materials (from 2 to 10 Angstroms), and nickel appears to give the lowest visible light scatter.
Study of lobster eye optics with iridium coated x-ray mirrors for a rocket experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stehlikova, Veronika; Urban, Martin; Nentvich, Ondrej; Inneman, Adolf; Döhring, Thorsten; Probst, Anne-Catherine

2017-05-01

In the field of astronomical X-ray telescopes, different types of optics based on grazing incidence mirrors can be used. This contribution describes the special design of a lobster-eye optics in Schmidt's arrangement, which uses dual reflection to increase the collecting area. The individual mirrors of this wide-field telescope are made of at silicon wafers coated with reflecting iridium layers. This iridium coatings have some advantages compared to more common gold layers as is shown in corresponding simulations. The iridium coating process for the X-ray mirrors was developed within a cooperation of the Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences and the Czech Technical University in Prague. Different mirror parameters essential for a proper function of the X-ray optics, like the surface microroughness and the problematic of a good adhesion quality of the coatings were studied. After integration of the individual mirrors into the final lobster-eye optics and the corresponding space qualification testing it is planned to fly the telescope in a recently proposed NASA rocket experiment.
Shielding of medical imaging X-ray facilities: a simple and practical method.

PubMed

Bibbo, Giovanni

2017-12-01

The most widely accepted method for shielding design of X-ray facilities is that contained in the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report 147 whereby the computation of the barrier thickness for primary, secondary and leakage radiations is based on the knowledge of the distances from the radiation sources, the assumptions of the clinical workload, and usage and occupancy of adjacent areas. The shielding methodology used in this report is complex. With this methodology, the shielding designers need to make assumptions regarding the use of the X-ray room and the adjoining areas. Different shielding designers may make different assumptions resulting in different shielding requirements for a particular X-ray room. A more simple and practical method is to base the shielding design on the shielding principle used to shield X-ray tube housing to limit the leakage radiation from the X-ray tube. In this case, the shielding requirements of the X-ray room would depend only on the maximum radiation output of the X-ray equipment regardless of workload, usage or occupancy of the adjacent areas of the room. This shielding methodology, which has been used in South Australia since 1985, has proven to be practical and, to my knowledge, has not led to excess shielding of X-ray installations.
Dynamics of barite growth in porous media quantified by in situ synchrotron X-ray tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godinho, jose; Gerke, kirill

2016-04-01

Current models used to formulate mineral sequestration strategies of dissolved contaminants in the bedrock often neglect the effect of confinement and the variation of reactive surface area with time. In this work, in situ synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography is used to quantify barite growth rates in a micro-porous structure as a function of time during 13.5 hours with a resolution of 1 μm. Additionally, the 3D porous network at different time frames are used to simulate the flow velocities and calculate the permeability evolution during the experiment. The kinetics of barite growth under porous confinement is compared with the kinetics of barite growth on free surfaces in the same fluid composition. Results are discussed in terms of surface area normalization and the evolution of flow velocities as crystals fill the porous structure. During the initial hours the growth rate measured in porous media is similar to the growth rate on free surfaces. However, as the thinner flow paths clog the growth rate progressively decreases, which is correlated to a decrease of local flow velocity. The largest pores remain open, enabling growth to continue throughout the structure. Quantifying the dynamics of mineral precipitation kinetics in situ in 4D, has revealed the importance of using a time dependent reactive surface area and accounting for the local properties of the porous network, when formulating predictive models of mineral precipitation in porous media.
Development of an X-ray surface analyzer for planetary exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, B. C.

1972-01-01

An ultraminiature X-ray fluorescence spectrometer was developed which can obtain data on element composition not provided by present spacecraft instrumentation. The apparatus employs two radioisotope sources (Fe-55 and Cd-109) which irradiate adjacent areas on a soil sample. Fluorescent X-rays emitted by the sample are detected by four thin-window proportional counters. Using pulse-height discrimination, the energy spectra are determined. Virtually all elements above sodium in the periodic table are detected if present at sufficient levels. Minimum detection limits range from 30 ppm to several percent, depending upon the element and the matrix. For most elements, they are below 0.5 percent. Accuracies likewise depend upon the matrix, but are generally better than plus or minus 0.5 percent for all elements of atomic number greater than 14. Elements below sodium are also detected, but as a single group.
Reductive transformation of V(iii) precursors into vanadium(ii) oxide nanowires.

PubMed

Ojelere, Olusola; Graf, David; Ludwig, Tim; Vogt, Nicholas; Klein, Axel; Mathur, Sanjay

2018-05-15

Vanadium(ii) oxide nanostructures are promising materials for supercapacitors and electrocatalysis because of their excellent electrochemical properties and high surface area. In this study, new homoleptic vanadium(iii) complexes with bi-dentate O,N-chelating heteroarylalkenol ligands (DmoxCH[double bond, length as m-dash]COCF3, PyCH[double bond, length as m-dash]COCF3 and PyN[double bond, length as m-dash]COCF3) were synthesized and successfully transformed by reductive conversion into VO nanowires. The chemical identity of V(iii) complexes and their redox behaviour were unambiguously established by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies, cyclic voltammetry, spectrometric studies and DFT calculations. Transformation into the metastable VO phase was verified by powder X-ray diffraction and thermo-gravimetry. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data confirmed the morphology and chemical composition of VO nanostructures, respectively.
Method to fabricate a tilted logpile photonic crystal

DOEpatents

Williams, John D.; Sweatt, William C.

2010-10-26

A method to fabricate a tilted logpile photonic crystal requires only two lithographic exposures and does not require mask repositioning between exposures. The mask and photoresist-coated substrate are spaced a fixed and constant distance apart using a spacer and the stack is clamped together. The stack is then tilted at a crystallographic symmetry angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the X-ray beam and rotated about the surface normal until the mask is aligned with the X-ray beam. The stack is then rotated in plane by a small stitching angle and exposed to the X-ray beam to pattern the first half of the structure. The stack is then rotated by 180.degree. about the normal and a second exposure patterns the remaining half of the structure. The method can use commercially available DXRL scanner technology and LIGA processes to fabricate large-area, high-quality tilted logpile photonic crystals.
Long life electrodes for large-area x-ray generators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rothe, Dietmar E. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

This invention is directed to rugged, reliable, and long-life electrodes for use in large-area, high-current-density electron gun and x-ray generators which are employed as contamination-free preionizers for high-energy pulsed gas lasers. The electron source at the cathode is a corona plasma formed at the interface between a conductor, or semiconductor, and a high-permittivity dielectric. Detailed descriptions are provided of a reliable cold plasma cathode, as well as an efficient liquid-cooled electron beam target (anode) and x-ray generator which concentrates the x-ray flux in the direction of an x-ray window.
The Mapping X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (mapx)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blake, D. F.; Sarrazin, P.; Bristow, T.; Downs, R. T.; Gailhanou, M.; Marchis, F.; Ming, D. W.; Morris, R. V.; Sole, V. A.; Thompson, K.; Walter, P.; Wilson, M.; Yen, A. S.; Webb, S.

2016-12-01

MapX will provide elemental imaging at ≤100 µm spatial resolution over 2.5 X 2.5 cm areas, yielding elemental chemistry at or below the scale length where many relict physical, chemical, and biological features can be imaged and interpreted in ancient rocks. MapX is a full-frame spectroscopic imager positioned on soil or regolith with touch sensors. During an analysis, an X-ray source (tube or radioisotope) bombards the sample surface with X-rays or α-particles / γ-rays, resulting in sample X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). Fluoresced X-rays pass through an X-ray lens (X-ray µ-Pore Optic, "MPO") that projects a spatially resolved image of the X-rays onto a CCD. The CCD is operated in single photon counting mode so that the positions and energies of individual photons are retained. In a single analysis, several thousand frames are stored and processed. A MapX experiment provides elemental maps having a spatial resolution of ≤100 µm and quantitative XRF spectra from Regions of Interest (ROI) 2 cm ≤ x ≤ 100 µm. ROI are compared with known rock and mineral compositions to extrapolate the data to rock types and putative mineralogies. The MapX geometry is being refined with ray-tracing simulations and with synchrotron experiments at SLAC. Source requirements are being determined through Monte Carlo modeling and experiment using XMIMSIM [1], GEANT4 [2] and PyMca [3] and a dedicated XRF test fixture. A flow-down of requirements for both tube and radioisotope sources is being developed from these experiments. In addition to Mars lander and rover missions, MapX could be used for landed science on other airless bodies (Phobos/Deimos, Comet nucleus, asteroids, the Earth's moon, and the icy satellites of the outer planets, including Europa. [1] Schoonjans, T. et al.(2012). Spectrachim. Acta Part B, 70, 10-23. [2] Agostinelli, S. et al. (2003). Nucl. Instr. and Methods in Phys. Research A, 506, 250-303. [3] V.A. Solé et al. (2007). Spectrochim. Acta Part B, 62, 63-68.
Estimation of reactive surface area using a combined method of laboratory analyses and digital image processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Jin; Kong, Xiang-Zhao; Saar, Martin O.

2017-04-01

Fluid-rock interactions play an important role in the engineering processes such as chemical stimulation of enhanced geothermal systems and carbon capture, utilization, and storage. However, these interactions highly depend on the accessible reactive surface area of the minerals that are generally poorly constrained for natural geologic samples. In particular, quantifying surface area of each reacting mineral within whole rock samples is challenging due to the heterogeneous distribution of minerals and pore space. In this study, detailed laboratory analyses were performed on sandstone samples from deep geothermal sites in Lithuania. We measure specific surface area of whole rock samples using a gas adsorption method (so-called B.E.T.) with N2 at a temperature of 77.3K. We also quantify their porosity and pore size distribution by a Helium gas pycnometer and a Hg porosimetry, respectively. Rock compositions are determined by a combination of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and quantitative scanning electron microscopy (SEM) - Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), which are later geometrically mapped on images of two-dimensional SEM- Backscattered electrons (BSE) with a resolution of 1.2 μm and three-dimensional micro-CT with a resolution of 10.3 μm to produce a digital mineral map for further constraining the accessibility of reactive minerals. Moreover, we attempt to link the whole rock porosity, pore size distribution, and B.E.T. specific surface area with the digital mineral maps. We anticipate these necessary analyses to provide in-depth understanding of fluid sample chemistry from later hydrothermal reactive flow-through experiments on whole rock samples at elevated pressure and temperature.
Directly-deposited blocking filters for high-performance silicon x-ray detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bautz, M.; Kissel, S.; Masterson, R.; Ryu, K.; Suntharalingam, V.

2016-07-01

Silicon X-ray detectors often require blocking filters to mitigate noise and out-of-band signal from UV and visible backgrounds. Such filters must be thin to minimize X-ray absorption, so direct deposition of filter material on the detector entrance surface is an attractive approach to fabrication of robust filters. On the other hand, the soft (E < 1 keV) X-ray spectral resolution of the detector is sensitive to the charge collection efficiency in the immediate vicinity of its entrance surface, so it is important that any filter layer is deposited without disturbing the electric field distribution there. We have successfully deposited aluminum blocking filters, ranging in thickness from 70 to 220nm, on back-illuminated CCD X-ray detectors passivated by means of molecular beam epitaxy. Here we report measurements showing that directly deposited filters have little or no effect on soft X-ray spectral resolution. We also find that in applications requiring very large optical density (> OD 6) care must be taken to prevent light from entering the sides and mounting surfaces of the detector. Our methods have been used to deposit filters on the detectors of the REXIS instrument scheduled to fly on OSIRIS-ReX later this year.

Heats of immersion of titania powders in primer solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siriwardane, R.; Wightman, J. P.

1983-01-01

The oxide layer present on titanium alloys can play an important role in determining the strength and durability of adhesive bonds. Here, three titania powders in different crystalline phases, rutile-R1, anatase-A1, and anatase-A2, are characterized by several techniques. These include microelectrophoresis, X-ray diffractometry, surface area pore volume analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and measurements of the heats of immersion. Of the three powders, R1 has the highest heat of immersion in water, while the interaction between water and A1 powder is low. Experimental data also suggest a specific preferential interaction of polyphenylquinoxaline with anatase.
Near Edge X-Ray Absorption and X-Ray Photoelectron Diffraction Studies of the Structural Environment of Ge-Si Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castrucci, P.; Gunnella, R.; Pinto, N.; Bernardini, R.; de Crescenzi, M.; Sacchi, M.

Near edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD) and Auger electron diffraction (AED) are powerful techniques for the qualitative study of the structural and electronic properties of several systems. The recent development of a multiple scattering approach to simulating experimental spectra opened a friendly way to the study of structural environments of solids and surfaces. This article reviews recent X-ray absorption experiments using synchrotron radiation which were performed at Ge L edges and core level electron diffraction measurements obtained using a traditional X-ray source from Ge core levels for ultrathin Ge films deposited on silicon substrates. Thermodynamics and surface reconstruction have been found to play a crucial role in the first stages of Ge growth on Si(001) and Si(111) surfaces. Both techniques show the occurrence of intermixing processes even for room-temperature-grown Ge/Si(001) samples and give a straightforward measurement of the overlayer tetragonal distortion. The effects of Sb as a surfactant on the Ge/Si(001) interface have also been investigated. In this case, evidence of layer-by-layer growth of the fully strained Ge overlayer with a reduced intermixing is obtained when one monolayer of Sb is predeposited on the surface.
X-ray microfocusing with off-axis ellipsoidal mirror

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yumoto, Hirokatsu, E-mail: yumoto@spring8.or.jp; Koyama, Takahisa; Matsuyama, Satoshi

2016-07-27

High-precision ellipsoidal mirrors for two-dimensionally focusing X-rays to nanometer sizes have not been realized because of technical problems in their fabrication processes. The objective of the present study is to develop fabrication techniques for ellipsoidal focusing mirrors in the hard-X-ray region. We design an off-axis ellipsoidal mirror for use under total reflection conditions up to the X-ray energy of 8 keV. We fabricate an ellipsoidal mirror with a surface roughness of 0.3 nm RMS (root-mean-square) and a surface figure error height of 3.0 nm RMS by utilizing a surface profiler and surface finishing method developed by us. The focusing propertiesmore » of the mirror are evaluated at the BL29XUL beamline in SPring-8. A focusing beam size of 270 nm × 360 nm FWHM (full width at half maximum) at an X-ray energy of 7 keV is observed with the use of the knife-edge scanning method. We expect to apply the developed fabrication techniques to construct ellipsoidal nanofocusing mirrors.« less
Ultra-short wavelength x-ray system

DOEpatents

Umstadter, Donald [Ann Arbor, MI; He, Fei [Ann Arbor, MI; Lau, Yue-Ying [Potomac, MD

2008-01-22

A method and apparatus to generate a beam of coherent light including x-rays or XUV by colliding a high-intensity laser pulse with an electron beam that is accelerated by a synchronized laser pulse. Applications include x-ray and EUV lithography, protein structural analysis, plasma diagnostics, x-ray diffraction, crack analysis, non-destructive testing, surface science and ultrafast science.
Mapping the structural order of laser-induced periodic surface structures in thin polymer films by microfocus beam grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering.

PubMed

Martín-Fabiani, Ignacio; Rebollar, Esther; García-Gutiérrez, Mari Cruz; Rueda, Daniel R; Castillejo, Marta; Ezquerra, Tiberio A

2015-02-11

In this work we present an accurate mapping of the structural order of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) in spin-coated thin polymer films, via a microfocus beam grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (μGISAXS) scan, GISAXS modeling, and atomic force microscopy imaging all along the scanned area. This combined study has allowed the evaluation of the effects on LIPSS formation due to nonhomogeneous spatial distribution of the laser pulse energy, mapping with micrometric resolution the evolution of the period and degree of structural order of LIPSS across the laser beam diameter in a direction perpendicular to the polarization vector. The experiments presented go one step further toward controlling nanostructure formation in LIPSS through a deep understanding of the parameters that influence this process.
Development of a guinea pig cutaneous radiation injury model using low penetrating X-rays.

PubMed

Rodgers, Kathleen E; Tan, Alick; Kim, Lila; Espinoza, Theresa; Meeks, Christopher; Johnston, William; Maulhardt, Holly; Donald, Melissa; Hill, Colin; diZerega, Gere S

2016-08-01

A guinea pig skin model was developed to determine the dose-dependent response to soft X-ray radiation into the dermis. X-ray exposure (50 kVp) was defined to a 4.0 × 4.0 cm area on the lateral surface of a guinea pig using lead shielding. Guinea pigs were exposed to a single fraction of X-ray irradiation ranging from 25-79 Gy via an XRAD320ix Biological Irradiator with the collimator removed. Gross skin changes were measured using clinical assessments defined by the Kumar scale. Skin contracture was assessed, as well as histological evaluations. Loss of dermal integrity was shown after a single dose of soft X-ray radiation at or above 32 Gy with the central 2.0 × 2.0 cm of the exposed site being the most affected. Hallmarks of the skin injury included moist desquamation, ulceration and wound contracture, as well as alterations in epithelium, dermis, muscle and adipose. Changes in the skin were time- and radiation dose-dependent. Full-thickness injury occurred without animal mortality or gross changes in the underlying organs. The guinea pig is an appropriate small animal model for the short-term screening of countermeasures for cutaneous radiation injury (CRI).
Large area soft x-ray collimator to facilitate x-ray optics testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Espy, Samuel L.

1994-01-01

The first objective of this program is to design a nested conical foil x-ray optic which will collimate x-rays diverging from a point source. The collimator could then be employed in a small, inexpensive x-ray test stand which would be used to test various x-ray optics and detector systems. The second objective is to demonstrate the fabrication of the x-ray reflectors for this optic using lacquer-smoothing and zero-stress electroforming techniques.
Quantitative determination of the lateral density and intermolecular correlation between proteins anchored on the membrane surfaces using grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering and grazing incidence X-ray fluorescence.

PubMed

Abuillan, Wasim; Vorobiev, Alexei; Hartel, Andreas; Jones, Nicola G; Engstler, Markus; Tanaka, Motomu

2012-11-28

As a physical model of the surface of cells coated with densely packed, non-crystalline proteins coupled to lipid anchors, we functionalized the surface of phospholipid membranes by coupling of neutravidin to biotinylated lipid anchors. After the characterization of fine structures perpendicular to the plane of membrane using specular X-ray reflectivity, the same membrane was characterized by grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS). Within the framework of distorted wave Born approximation and two-dimensional Percus-Yevick function, we can analyze the form and structure factors of the non-crystalline, membrane-anchored proteins for the first time. As a new experimental technique to quantify the surface density of proteins on the membrane surface, we utilized grazing incidence X-ray fluorescence (GIXF). Here, the mean intermolecular distance between proteins from the sulfur peak intensities can be calculated by applying Abelé's matrix formalism. The characteristic correlation distance between non-crystalline neutravidin obtained by the GISAXS analysis agrees well with the intermolecular distance calculated by GIXF, suggesting a large potential of the combination of GISAXS and GIXF in probing the lateral density and correlation of non-crystalline proteins displayed on the membrane surface.
Anomalous X-Ray yields under surface wave resonance during reflection high energy electron diffraction and adatom site determination

PubMed

Yamanaka; Ino

2000-05-08

In L x-ray emissions from a Si(111)-sqrt[3]xsqrt[3]-In surface induced by electron beam irradiation were measured as functions of the incident glancing angle. Under surface wave resonance conditions, anomalous x-ray intensities were clearly observed. Using dynamical calculations, these intensities are well explained as changes in density of the electron wave field at adatom positions. From these intensities, the adatom site was analyzed, and it was found that the T4 model is better than the H3 model.
Real-Time Grazing Incidence Small Angle X-Ray Scattering Studies of the Growth Kinetics of Sputter-Deposited Silicon Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demasi, Alexander; Erdem, Gozde; Chinta, Priya; Headrick, Randall; Ludwig, Karl

2012-02-01

The fundamental kinetics of thin film growth remains an active area of investigation. In this study, silicon thin films were grown at room temperature on silicon substrates via both on-axis and off-axis plasma sputter deposition, while the evolution of surface morphology was measured in real time with in-situ grazing incidence small angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS) at the National Synchrotron Light Source. GISAXS is a surface-sensitive, non-destructive technique, and is therefore ideally suited to a study of this nature. In addition to investigating the effect of on-axis versus off-axis bombardment, the effect of sputter gas partial pressure was examined. Post-facto, ex-situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure the final surface morphology of the films, which could subsequently be compared with the surface morphology determined by GISAXS. Comparisons are made between the observed surface evolution during growth and theoretical predictions. This work was supported by the Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences.
Nanoparticle Treated Stainless Steel Filters for Metal Vapor Sequestration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murph, Simona E. Hunyadi; Larsen, George K.; Korinko, Paul; Coopersmith, Kaitlin J.; Summer, Ansley J.; Lewis, Rebecca

2017-02-01

The ability to sequester vapor phase radioactive compounds during industrial processes reduces the exposure of workers and the environment to dangerous radioactive materials. Nanomaterials have a lot of potential in this area because they typically demonstrate size- and shape-dependent properties with higher reactivity than bulk. This is due to the increased surface area-to-volume ratio and quantum size effects. In this report, we developed a gold nanomaterial-treated stainless steel filter, namely wools and coupons, that can be efficiently used for zinc vapor sequestration. Without nanoparticle modification, stainless steel coupons do not react or alloy with Zn. Gold nanomaterials were grown onto various stainless steel filters using solution chemistry that is amenable to scaling up. Materials were characterized by electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering before and after exposure to zinc vapors. X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy mapping and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy confirm the formation of gold-zinc alloys after Zn vapor exposure. The effect of surface topography on nanoparticle morphology, size and loading density were also investigated, and stainless steel surface defects were found to have an impact on the Au NP growth and subsequently Zn sequestration.
Microstructure and corrosion resistance of sputter-deposited titanium-chromium alloy coatings

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Landolt, D.; Robyr, C.; Mettraux, P.

1998-10-01

Titanium, chromium, and titanium-chromium alloy coatings were sputter-deposited to study their corrosion behaviors in relation to microstructure and composition. Silicon substrates were used to study the effect of alloying on intrinsic corrosion resistance of the coating materials, and brass substrates were used to study the effect of alloying on the penetrating porosity of the coatings. Corrosion behavior was characterized using linear sweep voltammetry. The crystal structure of the coatings was examined by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and the microstructure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to estimate the real surface area of the coatings. Results showedmore » alloying of titanium with chromium greatly influenced microstructure of the coatings. Alloying led to deposits of higher apparent density and, in some cases, to an x-ray amorphous structure. Alloy coatings showed significantly lower corrosion currents than the constituting metals. The effect was attributed to a smoother surface topography. When corrected of differences in real surface area, the intrinsic corrosion rate of the alloy coatings did not differ significantly from that of the constituting metals. Alloy coatings deposited on brass exhibited a lower porosity than titanium or chromium metal coatings produced under identical conditions.« less
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy characterization of the effects of etching Zn xCd 1- xTe surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, M. A.; Azoulay, M.; Jayatirtha, H. N.; Burger, A.; Collins, W. E.; Silberman, E.

1993-10-01

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used for the first time to characterize the chemical composition of modified surfaces of Zn xCd 1- xTe single crystals. These surface treatments were selected for their relevance to device preparation procedures. The XPS peaks indicated an increase of the tellurium and a depletion of the cadmium concentrations upon etching in bromine methanol solution. AFM revealed the formation of pronounced Te inclusions. Higher x values correlated with a decrease in residual bromine left on the surface, while cut and polished samples had higher oxide concentrations and increased bromination of the surface than cleaved samples.
In-situ growth of ZIF-8 on layered double hydroxide: Effect of Zn/Al molar ratios on their structural, morphological and adsorption properties.

PubMed

Yang, Yingli; Yan, Xinlong; Hu, Xiaoyan; Feng, Rui; Zhou, Min

2017-11-01

In-situ growth of Zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) on layered double hydroxides (LDHs) to form porous composites is a promising and challenging strategy to develop materials for separation application. Herein, the Zn-Al LDH with different Zn/Al molar ratios was prepared and used as matrix for the growth of ZIF-8 on its surface. The resulting composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N 2 physisorption, thermogravimetric (TG), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and elemental analysis followed by testing for As V removal from aqueous solution. Results showed that ZIF-8 could form on the surface of LDH with different Zn/Al molar ratios. At low Zn/Al molar ratios, the morphology and surface area of the ZIF/LDH composites and the content of ZIF-8 in the composites were little affected by the Zn/Al molar ratio. With increasing Zn/Al molar ratio, ZIF-8/LDH exhibited a lower surface area, which resulted from reduced content of ZIF-8 caused by impurities generated in the LDH matrix. All ZIF-8/LDH samples showed high As V adsorption capacity, which was significantly higher than that of pure LDH or ZIF-8. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Technology Requirements for a Square Meter, Arcsecond Resolution Telescope for X-Rays: The SMART-X Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwartz, Daniel A.; Allured, Ryan; Bookbinder, Jay A.; Cotroneo, Vincenzo; Forman, William R.; Freeman, Mark D.; McMuldroch, Stuart; Reid, Paul B.; Tananbaum, Harvey; Vikhlinin, Alexey A.;

2014-01-01

Addressing the astrophysical problems of the 2020's requires sub-arcsecond x-ray imaging with square meter effective area. Such requirements can be derived, for example, by considering deep x-ray surveys to find the young black holes in the early universe (large redshifts) which will grow into the first super-massive black holes. We have envisioned a mission, the Square Meter Arcsecond Resolution Telescope for X-rays (SMART-X), based on adjustable x-ray optics technology, incorporating mirrors with the required small ratio of mass to collecting area. We are pursuing technology which achieves sub-arcsecond resolution by on-orbit adjustment via thin film piezoelectric "cells" deposited directly on the non-reflecting sides of thin, slumped glass. While SMART-X will also incorporate state-of-the-art x-ray cameras, the remaining spacecraft systems have no requirements more stringent than those which are well understood and proven on the current Chandra X-ray Observatory.

The X-ray surface brightness distribution and spectral properties of six early-type galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trinchieri, G.; Fabbiano, G.; Canizares, C. R.

1986-01-01

Detailed analysis is presented of the Einstein X-ray observations of six early-type galaxies. The results show that effective cooling is probably present in these systems, at least in the innermost regions. Interaction with the surrounding medium has a major effect on the X-ray surface brightness distribution at large radii, at least for galaxies in clusters. The data do not warrant the general assumptions of isothermality and gravitational hydrostatic equilibrium at large radii. Comparison of the X-ray surface brightness profiles with model predictions indicate that 1/r-squared halos with masses of the order of 10 times the stellar masses are required to match the data. The physical model of White and Chevalier (1984) for steady cooling flows in a King law potential with no heavy halo gives a surface brightness distribution that resembles the data if supernovae heating is present.
Initial Testing of the Mark-0 X-Band RF Gun at SLAC

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vlieks, Arnold; Adolphsen, C.; Dolgashev, V.

A new X-band RF gun (Mark-0) has been assembled, tuned and was tested in the ASTA facility at SLAC. This gun has been improved from an earlier gun used in Compton-scattering experiments at SLAC by the introduction of a racetrack dual-input coupler to reduce quadrupole fields. Waveguide-to-coupler irises were also redesigned to reduce surface magnetic fields and therefore peak pulse surface heating. Tests of this photocathode gun will allow us to gain early operational experience for beam tests of a new gun with further improvements (Mark-1) being prepared for SLAC's X-Band Test Area (XTA) program and the LLNL MEGa-ray program.more » Results of current testing up to {approx} 200 MV/m peak surface Electric fields are presented.« less
Low- to Middle-Latitude X-Ray Emission from Jupiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhardwaj, Anil; Elsner, Ronald F.; Gladstone, G. Randall; Waite, J. Hunter, Jr.; Branduardi-Raymont, Graziella; Cravens, Thomas E.; Ford, Peter G.

2006-01-01

The Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO) observed Jupiter during the period 24-26 February 2003 for approx. 40 hours (4 Jupiter rotations), using both the spectroscopy array of the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS-S) and the imaging array of the High-Resolution Camera (HRC-I). Two ACIS-S exposures, each -8.5 hours long, were separated by an HRC-I exposure of approx. 20 hours. The low- to middle-latitude nonauroral disk X-ray emission is much more spatially uniform than the auroral emission. However, the low- to middle-latitude X-ray count rate shows a small but statistically significant hour angle dependence and depends on surface magnetic field strength. In addition, the X-ray spectra from regions corresponding to 3-5 gauss and 5-7 gauss surface fields show significant differences in the energy band 1.26-1.38 keV, perhaps partly due to line emission occurring in the 3-5 gauss region but not the 5-7 gauss region. A similar correlation of surface magnetic field strength with count rate is found for the 18 December 2000 HRC-I data, at a time when solar activity was high. The low- to middle-latitude disk X-ray count rate observed by the HRC-I in the February 2003 observation is about 50% of that observed in December 2000, roughly consistent with a decrease in the solar activity index (F10.7 cm flux) by a similar amount over the same time period. The low- to middle-latitude X-ray emission does not show any oscillations similar to the approx. 45 min oscillations sometimes seen from the northern auroral zone. The temporal variation in Jupiter's nonauroral X-ray emission exhibits similarities to variations in solar X-ray flux observed by GOES and TIMED/SEE. The two ACIS-S 0.3-2.0 keV low- to middle-latitude X-ray spectra are harder than the auroral spectrum and are different from each other at energies above 0.7 keV, showing variability in Jupiter's nonauroral X-ray emission on a timescale of a day. The 0.3-2.0 keV X-ray power emitted at low to middle latitudes is 0.21 GW and 0.39 GW for the first and second ACIS-S exposures, respectively. We suggest that X-ray emission from Jupiter's disk may be largely generated by the scattering and fluorescence of solar X rays in its upper atmosphere, especially at times of high incident solar X-ray flux. However, the dependence of count rate on surface magnetic-field strength may indicate the presence of some secondary component, possibly ion precipitation from radiation belts close to the planet.
Correcting and coating thin walled X-ray Optics via a combination of controlled film deposition and magnetic smart materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulmer, Melville

The project goal is to demonstrate that thin walled (<400 micron thick) X-ray optics can be controllably shaped to produce high quality (~1" or better) X-ray optics at an affordable price. Since the desired surface area for the next generation X-ray telescope is >10x that of Chandra, the >10x requirement is then for >200 m^2 of surface area with a surface finish of better than 0.5 nm. Therefore, replication of some sort is called for. Because no replication technology has been shown to achieve ≤1" angular resolution, post fabrication figure corrections are likely going to be necessary. Some have proposed to do this in orbit and others prelaunch including us. Our prelaunch approach is to apply in-plane stresses to the thin walled mirror shells via a magnetic field. The field will be held in by some magnetically hard material such as NiCo. By use of a so called magnetic smart material (MSM) such as Terfenol-D, we already shown that strong enough stresses can be generated. Preliminary work has also shown that the magnetic field can be held in well enough to apply the figure correcting stresses pre-launch. What we call "set-it and forget-it." However, what is unique about our approach is that at the cost of complexity and some areal coverage, our concept will also accommodate in-orbit adjustments. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge ours is one of two known stress modification processes that are bi-axial. Our plan is first to validate set-it and forget-it first on cantilevers and then to expand this to working on 5 cm x 5 cm pieces. We will work both with NiCo and glass or Si coated with Terfenol-D. Except for the NiCo, substrates we will also coat the samples with NiCo in order to have a film that will hold in the magnetic field. As part of the coating process, we will control the stress of the film by varying the voltage bias while coating. The bias stress control can be used to apply films with minimal stress such as Terfenol-D and X-ray reflecting coatings such as Ir. Ir is a highly desirable coating for soft X-ray astronomy mirrors that can have significant built in stress unless some technique like our is used to apply the coating. An alternative use for the bias stress control coating process is to improve the initially fabricated mirror by applying spatially dependent stresses with a Cr film. We will also expand upon the work we have done that shows this method has promise to reduce the amount of corrections needed by the MSM plus the magnetic field process.
History of Chandra X-Ray Observatory

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-01-10

This Chandra image, the first x-ray image ever made of Venus, shows a half crescent due to the relative orientation of the Sun, Earth, and Venus. The x-rays are produced by fluorescent radiation from oxygen and other atoms in the atmosphere between 120 and 140 kilometers above the surface of the planet. In contrast, the optical light from Venus is caused by the reflection from clouds 50 to 70 kilometers above the surface.

X-Ray Standing Waves on Surfaces

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

dependent distributional changes of iodine on Pt 6.3 X-ray standing wave study of a Langmuir - Blodgett multilayer film 7. Conclusions 8. Acknowledgments...4B. 6.3 X-ray standing wave study of a Langmuir - Blodgett multilayer film As mentioned previously the total external reflection condition occurs...for a Zn atom layer embedded in the top arachidate bilayer of a Langmuir - Blodgett (LB) multilayer film which was deposited on the surface of a gold
IPC two-color analysis of x ray galaxy clusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, Raymond E., III

1990-01-01

The mass distributions were determined of several clusters of galaxies by using X ray surface brightness data from the Einstein Observatory Imaging Proportional Counter (IPC). Determining cluster mass distributions is important for constraining the nature of the dark matter which dominates the mass of galaxies, galaxy clusters, and the Universe. Galaxy clusters are permeated with hot gas in hydrostatic equilibrium with the gravitational potentials of the clusters. Cluster mass distributions can be determined from x ray observations of cluster gas by using the equation of hydrostatic equilibrium and knowledge of the density and temperature structure of the gas. The x ray surface brightness at some distance from the cluster is the result of the volume x ray emissivity being integrated along the line of sight in the cluster.
An instrument for in situ coherent x-ray studies of metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy of III-nitrides.

PubMed

Ju, Guangxu; Highland, Matthew J; Yanguas-Gil, Angel; Thompson, Carol; Eastman, Jeffrey A; Zhou, Hua; Brennan, Sean M; Stephenson, G Brian; Fuoss, Paul H

2017-03-01

We describe an instrument that exploits the ongoing revolution in synchrotron sources, optics, and detectors to enable in situ studies of metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) growth of III-nitride materials using coherent x-ray methods. The system includes high-resolution positioning of the sample and detector including full rotations, an x-ray transparent chamber wall for incident and diffracted beam access over a wide angular range, and minimal thermal sample motion, giving the sub-micron positional stability and reproducibility needed for coherent x-ray studies. The instrument enables surface x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy, microbeam diffraction, and coherent diffraction imaging of atomic-scale surface and film structure and dynamics during growth, to provide fundamental understanding of MOVPE processes.
An instrument for in situ coherent x-ray studies of metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy of III-nitrides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ju, Guangxu; Highland, Matthew J.; Yanguas-Gil, Angel; Thompson, Carol; Eastman, Jeffrey A.; Zhou, Hua; Brennan, Sean M.; Stephenson, G. Brian; Fuoss, Paul H.

2017-03-01

We describe an instrument that exploits the ongoing revolution in synchrotron sources, optics, and detectors to enable in situ studies of metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) growth of III-nitride materials using coherent x-ray methods. The system includes high-resolution positioning of the sample and detector including full rotations, an x-ray transparent chamber wall for incident and diffracted beam access over a wide angular range, and minimal thermal sample motion, giving the sub-micron positional stability and reproducibility needed for coherent x-ray studies. The instrument enables surface x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy, microbeam diffraction, and coherent diffraction imaging of atomic-scale surface and film structure and dynamics during growth, to provide fundamental understanding of MOVPE processes.
NuSTAR Stares at the Sun

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-07-08

Flaring, active regions of our sun are highlighted in this image combining observations from several telescopes. High-energy X-rays from NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) are shown in blue; low-energy X-rays from Japan's Hinode spacecraft are green; and extreme ultraviolet light from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is yellow and red. All three telescopes captured their solar images around the same time on April 29, 2015. The NuSTAR image is a mosaic made from combining smaller images. The active regions across the sun's surface contain material heated to several millions of degrees. The blue-white areas showing the NuSTAR data pinpoint the most energetic spots. During the observations, microflares went off, which are smaller versions of the larger flares that also erupt from the sun's surface. The microflares rapidly release energy and heat the material in the active regions. NuSTAR typically stares deeper into the cosmos to observe X-rays from supernovas, black holes and other extreme objects. But it can also look safely at the sun and capture images of its high-energy X-rays with more sensitivity than before. Scientists plan to continue to study the sun with NuSTAR to learn more about microflares, as well as hypothesized nanoflares, which are even smaller. In this image, the NuSTAR data shows X-rays with energies between 2 and 6 kiloelectron volts; the Hinode data, which is from the X-ray Telescope instrument, has energies of 0.2 to 2.4 kiloelectron volts; and the Solar Dynamics Observatory data, taken using the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly instrument, shows extreme ultraviolet light with wavelengths of 171 and 193 Angstroms. Note the green Hinode image frame edge does not extend as far as the SDO ultraviolet image, resulting in the green portion of the image being truncated on the right and left sides. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA19821
Ionic depletion at the crystalline Gibbs layer of PEG-capped gold nanoparticle brushes at aqueous surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wenjie; Zhang, Honghu; Mallapragada, Surya; Travesset, Alex; Vaknin, David

2017-12-01

In situ surface-sensitive x-ray diffraction and grazing incidence x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (GIXFS) methods are combined to determine the ionic distributions across the liquid/vapor interfaces of thiolated-polyethylene-glycol-capped gold nanoparticle (PEG-AuNP) solutions. Induced by the addition of salts (i.e., Cs2SO4 ) to PEG-AuNPs solutions, two-dimensional hexagonal lattices of PEG-AuNPs form spontaneously at the aqueous surfaces, as is demonstrated by x-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence small-angle x-ray scattering. By taking advantage of element specificity with the GIXFS method, we find that the cation Cs+ concentration at the crystalline film is significantly reduced in parts of the PEG-AuNP film compared with that in the bulk.
Active Neutron and Gamma Ray Instrumentation for In Situ Planetary Science Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parsons, A.; Bodnarik, J.; Evans, L.; Floyd, S.; Lim, L.; McClanahan, T.; Namkung, M.; Schweitzer, J.; Starr, R.; Trombka, J.

2010-01-01

The Pulsed Neutron Generator-Gamma Ray And Neutron Detectors (PNG-GRAND) experiment is an innovative application of the active neutron-gamma ray technology so successfully used in oil field well logging and mineral exploration on Earth. The objective of our active neutron-gamma ray technology program at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA-GSFC) is to bring the PNG-GRAND instrument to the point where it can be flown on a variety of surface lander or rover missions to the Moon, Mars, Menus, asteroids, comets and the satellites of the outer planets. Gamma-Ray Spectrometers (GRS) have been incorporated into numerous orbital planetary science missions and, especially its the case of the Mars Odyssey GRS, have contributed detailed maps of the elemental composition over the entire surface of Mars. However, orbital gamma ray measurements have low spatial sensitivity (100's of km) due to their low surface emission rates from cosmic rays and subsequent need to be averaged over large surface areas. PNG-GRAND overcomes this impediment by incorporating a powerful neutron excitation source that permits high sensitivity surface and subsurface measurements of bulk elemental compositions. PNG-GRAND combines a pulsed neutron generator (PNG) with gamma ray and neutron detectors to produce a landed instrument to determine subsurface elemental composition without needing to drill into a planet's surface a great advantage in mission design. We are currently testing PNG-GRAND prototypes at a unique outdoor neutron instrumentation test facility recently constructed at NASA/GSFC that consists of a 2 m x 2 in x 1 m granite structure placed outdoors in an empty field. Because an independent trace elemental analysis has been performed on the material, this granite sample is a known standard with which to compare both Monte Carlo simulations and our experimentally measured elemental composition data. We will present data from operating PNG-GRAND in various experimental configurations on a known sample in a geometry that is identical to that on a planetary surface. We will also illustrate the use of gamma ray timing techniques to improve sensitivity and will compare the material composition results from our experiments to both an independent laboratory elemental composition analysis and MCNPX computer modeling results.
[Study on Intelligent Automatic Tracking Radiation Protection Curtain].

PubMed

Zhao, Longyang; Han, Jindong; Ou, Minjian; Chen, Jinlong

2015-09-01

In order to overcome the shortcomings of traditional X-ray inspection taking passive protection mode, this paper combines the automatic control technology, puts forward a kind of active protection X-ray equipment. The device of automatic detection of patients receiving X-ray irradiation part, intelligent adjustment in patients and shooting device between automatic tracking radiation protection device height. The device has the advantages of automatic adjustment, anti-radiation device, reduce the height of non-irradiated area X-ray radiation and improve the work efficiency. Testing by the professional organization, the device can decrease more than 90% of X-ray dose for patients with non-irradiated area.
Results from the X-ray polychromator on SMM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Culhane, J. L.; Acton, L. W.; Gabriel, A. H.

Observations of the soft X-ray emitting plasma by means of the X-Ray Polychromator (XRP) on the Solar Maximum Mission satellite are described. The scientific advances achieved by use of the XRP are in the areas of: (1) flare morphology, (2) spectroscopy and plasma diagnostics, (3) chromospheric evaporation and the physics of flare loops, (4) studies of the microwave emission mechanisms of active regions, (5) the fluorescent excitation of Fe II K-alpha radiation, (6) measurement of variations of calcium abundance for X-ray plasmas, and (7) soft X-ray observations of spray transients. The findings in each of these areas are discussed.
Results from the X-ray polychromator on SMM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Culhane, J. L.; Acton, L. W.; Gabriel, A. H.

1984-01-01

Observations of the soft X-ray emitting plasma by means of the X-Ray Polychromator (XRP) on the Solar Maximum Mission satellite are described. The scientific advances achieved by use of the XRP are in the areas of: (1) flare morphology, (2) spectroscopy and plasma diagnostics, (3) chromospheric evaporation and the physics of flare loops, (4) studies of the microwave emission mechanisms of active regions, (5) the fluorescent excitation of Fe II K-alpha radiation, (6) measurement of variations of calcium abundance for X-ray plasmas, and (7) soft X-ray observations of spray transients. The findings in each of these areas are discussed.
Gold nanoparticle flow sensors designed for dynamic X-ray imaging in biofluids.

PubMed

Ahn, Sungsook; Jung, Sung Yong; Lee, Jin Pyung; Kim, Hae Koo; Lee, Sang Joon

2010-07-27

X-ray-based imaging is one of the most powerful and convenient methods in terms of versatility in applicable energy and high performance in use. Different from conventional nuclear medicine imaging, contrast agents are required in X-ray imaging especially for effectively targeted and molecularly specific functions. Here, in contrast to much reported static accumulation of the contrast agents in targeted organs, dynamic visualization in a living organism is successfully accomplished by the particle-traced X-ray imaging for the first time. Flow phenomena across perforated end walls of xylem vessels in rice are monitored by a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) (approximately 20 nm in diameter) as a flow tracing sensor working in nontransparent biofluids. AuNPs are surface-modified to control the hydrodynamic properties such as hydrodynamic size (DH), zeta-potential, and surface plasmonic properties in aqueous conditions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray nanoscopy (XN), and X-ray microscopy (XM) are used to correlate the interparticle interactions with X-ray absorption ability. Cluster formation and X-ray contrast ability of the AuNPs are successfully modulated by controlling the interparticle interactions evaluated as flow-tracing sensors.
High Resolution Adjustable Mirror Control for X-ray Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trolier-McKinstry, Susan

We propose to build and test thin film transistor control circuitry for a new highresolution adjustable X-ray mirror technology. This control circuitry will greatly simplify the wiring scheme to address individual actuator cells. The result will be a transformative improvement for the X-ray Surveyor mission concept: mathematical models, which fit the experimental data quite well, indicate that 0.5 arcsecond imaging is feasible through this technique utilizing thin slumped glass substrates with uncorrected angular resolution of order 5-10 arcseconds. In order to correct for figures errors in a telescope with several square meters of collecting area, millions of actuator cells must be set and held at specific voltages. It is clearly not feasible to do this via millions of wires, each one connected to an actuator. Instead, we propose to develop and test thin-film technology that operates on the same principle as megapixel computer screens. We will develop the technologies needed to build thin film piezoelectric actuators, controlled by thin film ZnO transistors, on flexible polyimide films, and to connect those films to the back surfaces of X-ray mirrors on thin glass substrates without deforming the surface. These technologies represent a promising avenue of the development of mirrors for the X-Ray Surveyor mission concept. Such a telescope will make possible detailed studies of a wide variety of astrophysical sources. One example is the Warm-Hot Intergalactic Medium (WHIM), which is thought to account for a large fraction of the normal matter in the universe but which has not been detected unambiguously to date. Another is the growth of supermassive black holes in the early universe. This proposal supports NASA's goals of technical advancement of technologies suitable for future missions, and training of graduate students.
Analysis of field of view limited by a multi-line X-ray source and its improvement for grating interferometry.

PubMed

Du, Yang; Huang, Jianheng; Lin, Danying; Niu, Hanben

2012-08-01

X-ray phase-contrast imaging based on grating interferometry is a technique with the potential to provide absorption, differential phase contrast, and dark-field signals simultaneously. The multi-line X-ray source used recently in grating interferometry has the advantage of high-energy X-rays for imaging of thick samples for most clinical and industrial investigations. However, it has a drawback of limited field of view (FOV), because of the axial extension of the X-ray emission area. In this paper, we analyze the effects of axial extension of the multi-line X-ray source on the FOV and its improvement in terms of Fresnel diffraction theory. Computer simulation results show that the FOV limitation can be overcome by use of an alternative X-ray tube with a specially designed multi-step anode. The FOV of this newly designed X-ray source can be approximately four times larger than that of the multi-line X-ray source in the same emission area. This might be beneficial for the applications of X-ray phase contrast imaging in materials science, biology, medicine, and industry.
Porous structure and fluid partitioning in polyethylene cores from 3D X-ray microtomographic imaging.

PubMed

Prodanović, M; Lindquist, W B; Seright, R S

2006-06-01

Using oil-wet polyethylene core models, we present the development of robust throat finding techniques for the extraction, from X-ray microtomographic images, of a pore network description of porous media having porosity up to 50%. Measurements of volume, surface area, shape factor, and principal diameters are extracted for pores and area, shape factor and principal diameters for throats. We also present results on the partitioning of wetting and non-wetting phases in the pore space at fixed volume increments of the injected fluid during a complete cycle of drainage and imbibition. We compare these results with fixed fractional flow injection, where wetting and non-wetting phase are simultaneously injected at fixed volume ratio. Finally we demonstrate the ability to differentiate three fluid phases (oil, water, air) in the pore space.
The Mineralogy of Martian Dust: Design and Analysis Considerations for an X-Ray Diffraction/X-Ray Fluorescence (XRD/XRF) Instrument for Exobiological Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blake, David; Vaniman, David; Bish, David; Morrison, David (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

A principal objective of Mars exploration is the search for evidence of past life which may have existed during an earlier clement period of Mars history. We would like to investigate the history of surface water activity (which is a requirement for all known forms of life) by identifying and documenting the distribution of minerals which require water for their formation or distribution. A knowledge of the mineralogy of the present Martian surface would help to identify areas which, due to the early activity of water, might have harbored ancient life. It would be desirable to establish the presence and characterize the distribution of hydrated minerals such as clays, and of minerals which are primarily of sedimentary origin such as carbonates, silica and evaporites. Mineralogy, which is more critical to exobiological exploration than is simple chemical analysis (absent the detection of organics), will remain unknown or will at best be imprecisely constrained unless a technique sensitive to mineral structure such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) is employed. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Copper and platinum doped titania for photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambrožová, Nela; Reli, Martin; Šihor, Marcel; Kuśtrowski, Piotr; Wu, Jeffrey C. S.; Kočí, Kamila

2018-02-01

The parent TiO2, platinum and copper doped TiO2 photocatalysts with 0.5-2 wt. % of Pt, 0.5-2 wt. % Cu and 1 wt. % Pt combined with 1 wt. % Cu were prepared by the sol-gel method. All the prepared photocatalysts were tested for the CO2 photocatalytic reduction in a stirred batch reactor. The main reaction product was methane, however, hydrogen and carbon monoxide were also detected. The textural, (micro)structural, optical and electronic properties of photocatalysts were characterized in detail by low-temperature nitrogen physisorption, X-ray powder diffraction, EDX, HRTEM, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray photon spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy. The photoelectrochemical characteristics of the photocatalysts were determined using photoelectric spectrometry. The highest yields of CH4, H2 and CO were achieved in the presence of 2 wt. % Cu/TiO2, 0.5 wt. % Cu/TiO2 and pure, amorphous TiO2. Based on the conducted experiments it was suggested that both the amount of chemisorbed oxygen or/and hydroxyl species on the TiO2 surface and specific surface area of photocatalyst highly influence its photocatalytic activity.
Aberration-free aspherical lens shape for shortening the focal distance of an already convergent beam

PubMed Central

Sutter, John P.; Alianelli, Lucia

2017-01-01

The shapes of single lens surfaces capable of focusing divergent and collimated beams without aberration have already been calculated. However, nanofocusing compound refractive lenses (CRLs) require many consecutive lens surfaces. Here a theoretical example of an X-ray nanofocusing CRL with 48 consecutive surfaces is studied. The surfaces on the downstream end of this CRL accept X-rays that are already converging toward a focus, and refract them toward a new focal point that is closer to the surface. This case, so far missing from the literature, is treated here. The ideal surface for aberration-free focusing of a convergent incident beam is found by analytical computation and by ray tracing to be one sheet of a Cartesian oval. An ‘X-ray approximation’ of the Cartesian oval is worked out for the case of small change in index of refraction across the lens surface. The paraxial approximation of this surface is described. These results will assist the development of large-aperture CRLs for nanofocusing. PMID:29091055
Chromatic X-ray magnifying method and apparatus by Bragg reflective planes on the surface of Abbe sphere

DOEpatents

Thoe, Robert S.

1991-01-01

Method and apparatus for producing sharp, chromatic, magnified images of X-ray emitting objects, are provided. The apparatus, which constitutes an X-ray microscope or telescope, comprises a connected collection of Bragg reflecting planes, comprised of either a bent crystal or a synthetic multilayer structure, disposed on and adjacent to a locus determined by a spherical surface. The individual Bragg planes are spatially oriented to Bragg reflect radiation from the object location toward the image location. This is accomplished by making the Bragg planes spatially coincident with the surfaces of either a nested series of prolate ellipsoids of revolution, or a nested series of spheres. The spacing between the Bragg reflecting planes can be tailored to control the wavelengths and the amount of the X-radiation that is Bragg reflected to form the X-ray image.
Trajectories of high energy electrons in a plasma focus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harries, W. L.; Lee, J. H.; Mcfarland, D. R.

1978-01-01

Measurements are made of high-energy electron trajectories in a plasma focus as functions of position, time, energy, and angle of emission. The spatial resolution of the X-ray emission shows that low-energy X-rays are emitted from the anode surface. It is also suggested that the highest energy X-rays originate from a small region on the axis. The so-called shadow technique shows that the electron beam is perpendicular to the anode surface. Polar diagrams of medium and high-energy X-rays agree with the bremsstrahlung emission from a relativistic electron beam, the current of which is several 100 A.
Apparatus for use in examining the lattice of a semiconductor wafer by X-ray diffraction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, D. L.; Porter, W. A. (Inventor)

1978-01-01

An improved apparatus for examining the crystal lattice of a semiconductor wafer utilizing X-ray diffraction techniques was presented. The apparatus is employed in a method which includes the step of recording the image of a wafer supported in a bent configuration conforming to a compound curve, produced through the use of a vacuum chuck provided for an X-ray camera. The entire surface thereof is illuminated simultaneously by a beam of incident X-rays which are projected from a distant point-source and satisfy conditions of the Bragg Law for all points on the surface of the water.

The x-ray light valve: a potentially low-cost, digital radiographic imaging system-concept and implementation considerations.

PubMed

Webster, Christie Ann; Koprinarov, Ivaylo; Germann, Stephen; Rowlands, J A

2008-03-01

New x-ray radiographic systems based on large-area flat-panel technology have revolutionized our capability to produce digital x-ray images. However, these imagers are extraordinarily expensive compared to the systems they are replacing. Hence, there is a need for a low-cost digital imaging system for general applications in radiology. A novel potentially low-cost radiographic imaging system based on established technologies is proposed-the X-Ray Light Valve (XLV). This is a potentially high-quality digital x-ray detector made of a photoconducting layer and a liquid-crystal cell, physically coupled in a sandwich structure. Upon exposure to x rays, charge is collected on the surface of the photoconductor. This causes a change in the optical properties of the liquid-crystal cell and a visible image is generated. Subsequently, it is digitized by a scanned optical imager. The image formation is based on controlled modulation of light from an external source. The operation and practical implementation of the XLV system are described. The potential performance of the complete system and issues related to sensitivity, spatial resolution, noise, and speed are discussed. The feasibility of clinical use of an XLV device based on amorphous selenium (a-Se) as the photoconductor and a reflective electrically controlled birefringence cell is analyzed. The results of our analysis indicate that the XLV can potentially be adapted to a wide variety of radiographic tasks.
CubeX: The CubeSAT X-ray Telescope for Elemental Abundance Mapping of Airless Bodies and X-ray Pulsar Navigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nittler, L. R.; Hong, J.; Kenter, A.; Romaine, S.; Allen, B.; Kraft, R.; Masterson, R.; Elvis, M.; Gendreau, K.; Crawford, I.; Binzel, R.; Boynton, W. V.; Grindlay, J.; Ramsey, B.

2017-12-01

The surface elemental composition of a planetary body provides crucial information about its origin, geological evolution, and surface processing, all of which can in turn provide information about solar system evolution as a whole. Remote sensing X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy has been used successfully to probe the major-element compositions of airless bodies in the inner solar system, including the Moon, near-Earth asteroids, and Mercury. The CubeSAT X-ray Telescope (CubeX) is a concept for a 6U planetary X-ray telescope (36U with S/C), which utilizes Miniature Wolter-I X-ray optics (MiXO), monolithic CMOS and SDD X-ray sensors for the focal plane, and a Solar X-ray Monitor (heritage from the REXIS XRF instrument on NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission). CubeX will map the surface elemental composition of diverse airless bodies by spectral measurement of XRF excited by solar X-rays. The lightweight ( 1 kg) MiXO optics provide sub-arcminute resolution with low background, while the inherently rad-hard CMOS detectors provide improved spectral resolution ( 150 eV) at 0 °C. CubeX will also demonstrate X-ray pulsar timing based deep space navigation (XNAV). Successful XNAV will enable autonomous deep navigation with little to no support from the Deep Space Network, hence lowering the operation cost for many more planetary missions. Recently selected by NASA Planetary Science Deep Space SmallSat Studies, the first CubeX concept, designed to rideshare to the Moon as a secondary spacecraft on a primary mission, is under study in collaboration with the Mission Design Center at NASA Ames Research Center. From high altitude ( 6,000 km) frozen polar circular orbits, CubeX will study > 8 regions ( 110 km) of geological interest on the Moon over one year to produce a high resolution ( 2-3 km) elemental abundance map of each region. The novel focal plane design of CubeX also allows us to evaluate the performance of absolute navigation by sequential observations of several millisecond pulsars without moving parts.
Contamination of X-ray Cassettes with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus in a Radiology Department

PubMed Central

Kim, Han-Sung; Park, Ji-Young; Koo, Hyun-Sook; Choi, Chul-Sun; Song, Wonkeun; Cho, Hyoun Chan; Lee, Kyu Man

2012-01-01

Background We performed surveillance cultures of the surfaces of X-ray cassettes to assess contamination with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods The surfaces of 37 X-ray cassettes stored in a radiology department were cultured using mannitol salt agar containing 6 µg/mL oxacillin. Suspected methicillin-resistant staphylococcal colonies were isolated and identified by biochemical testing. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis was performed to determine the clonal relationships of the contaminants. Results Six X-ray cassettes (16.2%) were contaminated with MRSA. During the isolation procedure, we also detected 19 X-ray cassettes (51.4%) contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus (MRSH), identified as yellow colonies resembling MRSA on mannitol salt agar. PFGE analysis of the MRSA and MRSH isolates revealed that most isolates of each organism were identical or closely related to each other, suggesting a common source of contamination. Conclusions X-ray cassettes, which are commonly in direct contact with patients, were contaminated with MRSA and MRSH. In hospital environments, contaminated X-ray cassettes may serve as fomites for methicillin-resistant staphylococci. PMID:22563556
Contamination of X-ray cassettes with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus in a radiology department.

PubMed

Kim, Jae-Seok; Kim, Han-Sung; Park, Ji-Young; Koo, Hyun-Sook; Choi, Chul-Sun; Song, Wonkeun; Cho, Hyoun Chan; Lee, Kyu Man

2012-05-01

We performed surveillance cultures of the surfaces of X-ray cassettes to assess contamination with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The surfaces of 37 X-ray cassettes stored in a radiology department were cultured using mannitol salt agar containing 6 µg/mL oxacillin. Suspected methicillin-resistant staphylococcal colonies were isolated and identified by biochemical testing. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis was performed to determine the clonal relationships of the contaminants. Six X-ray cassettes (16.2%) were contaminated with MRSA. During the isolation procedure, we also detected 19 X-ray cassettes (51.4%) contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus (MRSH), identified as yellow colonies resembling MRSA on mannitol salt agar. PFGE analysis of the MRSA and MRSH isolates revealed that most isolates of each organism were identical or closely related to each other, suggesting a common source of contamination. X-ray cassettes, which are commonly in direct contact with patients, were contaminated with MRSA and MRSH. In hospital environments, contaminated X-ray cassettes may serve as fomites for methicillin-resistant staphylococci.
Small area silicon diffused junction X-ray detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walton, J. T.; Pehl, R. H.; Larsh, A. E.

1982-01-01

The low-temperature performance of silicon diffused junction detectors in the measurement of low energy X-rays is reported. The detectors have an area of 0.04 sq cm and a thickness of 100 microns. The spectral resolutions of these detectors were found to be in close agreement with expected values, indicating that the defects introduced by the high-temperature processing required in the device fabrication were not deleteriously affecting the detection of low-energy X-rays. Device performance over a temperature range of 77 K to 150 K is given. These detectors were designed to detect low-energy X-rays in the presence of minimum ionizing electrons. The successful application of silicon-diffused junction technology to X-ray detector fabrication may facilitate the development of other novel silicon X-ray detector designs.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic study of the interaction of xanthate with coal pyrite and mineral pyrite surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, S. U. M.; Baltrus, J. P.; Lai, R. W.; Richardson, A. G.

1991-06-01

Coal pyrite and mineral pyrite surfaces were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) before and after treatment in acidic and basic solutions of sodium ethyl xanthate (NaEtX). XPS showed that the degree of oxidation of coal and mineral pyrite surfaces increased when these pyrites were conditioned in basic solutions. However, conditioning in acidic solutions led to partial removal of surface oxidation from the pyrites. Addition of NaEtX to the acidic and basic solutions enhanced the removal of oxidation from pyrite surfaces. Pretreatment with sulfur dioxide further enhanced the removal of surface oxidation in the presence of NaEtX. Surface oxidation was typically less on mineral pyrite than coal pyrite surfaces following identical treatments. The flotation recoveries of the pyrites in the presence of NaEtX are greatest for the pyrites with the least amount of surface oxidation.
Grazing Incidence Optics for X-rays Interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shipley, Ann; Zissa, David; Cash, Webster; Joy, Marshall

1999-01-01

Grazing incidence mirror parameters and constraints for x-ray interferometry are described. We present interferometer system tolerances and ray trace results used to define mirror surface accuracy requirements. Mirror material, surface figure, roughness, and geometry are evaluated based on analysis results. We also discuss mirror mount design constraints, finite element analysis, environmental issues, and solutions. Challenges associated with quantifying high accuracy mirror surface quality are addressed and test results are compared with theoretical predictions.
Scanning electron microscopy as an analytical tool for the study of calcified intrauterine contraceptive devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Khan, S.R.; Wilkinson, E.J.

Within the endometrial cavity intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) become encrusted with cellular, acellular, and fibrillar substances. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the crust. Cellular material consisted mainly of blood cells and various types of bacteria. The fibrillar material appeared to be fibrin which was omnipresent in the crust and formed a thin layer immediately over the IUD surface. X-ray microanalysis of the acellular component of the crust revealed the presence of calcium. No other major peaks were identified. Near the IUD surface characteristic calcium phosphate crystals were present. Their microanalysis showed peaks for calcium and phosphorus. X-ray diffractionmore » of the crust however, showed it to contain only calcite. It is through the use of scanning electron microscopy that calcium phosphate has been detected in the IUD crust and a fibrillar layer has been visualized on the IUD surface. This study further demonstrates the effectiveness of SEM analytical techniques in the area of biomedical research.« less
Co-Pt core-shell nanostructured catalyst prepared by selective chemical vapor pulse deposition of Pt on Co as a cathode in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Seo, Sang-Joon; Chung, Ho-Kyoon; Yoo, Ji-Beom

2014-01-15

A new type of PtCo/C catalyst for use as a cathode in polymer electrolyte fuel cells was prepared by selective chemical vapor pulse deposition (CVPD) of Pt on the surface of Co. The activity of the prepared catalyst for oxygen reduction was higher than that of a catalyst prepared by sequential impregnation (IMP) with the two metallic components. This catalytic activity difference occurs because the former catalyst has smaller Pt crystallites that produce stronger Pt-Co interactions and have a larger Pt surface area. Consequently, the CVPD catalyst has a great number of Co particles that are in close contact withmore » the added Pt. The Pt surface was also electronically modified by interactions with Co, which were stronger in the CVPD catalyst than in the IMP catalyst, as indicated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry measurements of the catalysts.« less
Soft X-Ray Emissions from Planets and Moons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhardwaj, A.; Gladstone, G. R.; Elsner, R. F.; Waite, J. H., Jr.; Grodent, D.; Lewis, W. S.; Crary, F. J.; Weisskopf, M. C.; Howell, R. R.; Johnson, R. E.;

2002-01-01

The soft x-ray energy band (less than 4 keV) is an important spectral regime for planetary remote sensing, as a wide variety of solar system objects are now known to shine at these wavelengths. These include Earth, Jupiter, comets, moons, Venus, and the Sun. Earth and Jupiter, as magnetic planets, are observed to emanate strong x-ray emissions from their auroral (polar) regions, thus providing vital information on the nature of precipitating particles and their energization processes in planetary magnetospheres. X rays from low latitudes have also been observed on these planets, resulting largely from atmospheric scattering and fluorescence of solar x-rays. Cometary x-rays are now a well established phenomena, more than a dozen comets have been observed at soft x-ray energies, with the accepted production mechanism being charge-exchange between heavy solar wind ions and cometary neutrals. Also, Lunar x-rays have been observed and are thought to be produced by scattering and fluorescence of solar x-rays from the Moon's surface. With the advent of sophisticated x-ray observatories, e.g., Chandra and XMM-Newton, the field of planetary x-ray astronomy is advancing at a much faster pace. The Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO) has recently captured soft x-rays from Venus. Venusian x-rays are most likely produced through fluorescence of solar x-rays by C and O atoms in the upper atmosphere. Very recently, using CXO we have discovered soft x-rays from the moons of Jupiter-Io, Europa, and probably Ganymede. The plausible source of the x-rays from the Galilean satellites is bombardment of their surfaces by energetic (greater than 10 KeV) ions from the inner magnetosphere of Jupiter. The Io plasma Torus (IPT) is also discovered by CXO to be a source of soft x-rays by CXO have revealed a mysterious pulsating (period approx. 45 minutes) x-ray hot spot is fixed in magnetic latitude and longitude and is magnetically connected to a region in the outer magnetosphere of Jupiter. These surprising results have called into question our understanding of Jovian auroral x-rays. In this paper, we will present a comparative view of the x-ray observations on planets, comets, and moons, with emphasis on recent results from CXO, and discuss the proposed source mechanisms.

PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND ACTIVITY OF AL2O3-SUPPORTED V2O5 CATALYSTS

EPA Science Inventory

A series of activated alumina supported vanadium oxide catalysts with various V2O5 loadings ranging from 5 to 25 wt% has been prepared by wet impregnation technique. A combination of various physico-chemical techniques such as BET surface areas, oxygen chemisorption, X-ray diffra...
Removal of trichloroethylene by zerovalent iron/activated carbon derived from agricultural wastes.

PubMed

Su, Yuh-fan; Cheng, Yu-ling; Shih, Yang-hsin

2013-11-15

Activated carbon (AC) and zerovalent iron (ZVI) have been widely used in the adsorption and dehalogenation process, respectively, for the removal of organic compounds in environmental treatments. This study aims to prepare ZVI/AC derived from an agricultural waste, coir pith, through simple one-step pyrolysis. The effect of activation temperature and time on the surface area, iron content, and zerovalent iron ratio of ZVI/AC was systemically investigated. The results indicated that the activation of AC by FeSO4 significantly increased surface area of AC and distributed elemental iron over the AC. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra of ZVI/AC revealed that zerovalent iron was present. As compared to AC without FeSO4 activation, ZVI/AC increased the trichloroethylene removal rate constant by 7 times. The dechlorination ability of ZVI/AC was dominated by the zerovalent iron content. We have shown that lab-made ZVI/AC from coir pith can effectively adsorb and dehalogenate the chlorinated compounds in water. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Transition metal ions effect on the properties and photocatalytic activity of nanocrystalline TiO2 prepared in an ionic liquid.

PubMed

Ghasemi, S; Rahimnejad, S; Setayesh, S Rahman; Rohani, S; Gholami, M R

2009-12-30

TiO(2) and transition metal (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) doped TiO(2) nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol-gel method using 2-hydroxylethylammonium formate as an ionic liquid. All the prepared samples were calcined at 500 degrees C and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET surface area determination, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) techniques. The studies revealed that transition metal (TM) doped nanoparticles have smaller crystalline size and higher surface area than pure TiO(2). Dopant ions in the TiO(2) structure caused significant absorption shift into the visible region. The results of photodegradation of Acid Blue92 (AB92) in aqueous medium under UV light showed that photocatalytic activity of TiO(2) nanoparticles was significantly enhanced by the presence of some transition metal ions. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of dye solutions were done at regular intervals gave a good idea about mineralization of dye.
Facile synthesis high nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanosheet from pomelo peel and as catalyst support for nitrobenzene hydrogenation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuo, Pingping; Duan, Jiaqi; Fan, Huailin; Qu, Shijie; Shen, Wenzhong

2018-03-01

Nitrogen-doping porous carbon-based nanosheets were fabricated from pemole peel and melamine through hydrothermal route and carbonization. The pomelo peel with sponge-like natural structure was employed as carbon source, and melamine was used both as nitrogen precursors and as nanosheet structure directing. The morphology and chemical composition of the obtained porous carbon nanosheet carbon materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analyzer, Fourier transform infrared spectra, transmission electron microscopy, BET surface area measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. The result indicated that the nanosheet thickness, nitrogen-doped amount and surface area were determined by the ratio of pomelo peel to melamine and carbonization temperature. The catalytic nitrobenzene hydrogenation was evaluated after Pd was loaded on nitrogen-doping porous carbon-based nanosheet. The results showed Pd@PCN had almost 100% conversion and good cycling performance towards the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene due to the developed pore structure, high nitrogen-doping and well dispersed less Pd particle; it was superior to other nanomaterial supports and demonstrated great potential application.
Fabrication of magnetic biochar as a treatment medium for As(V) via pyrolysis of FeCl3-pretreated spent coffee ground.

PubMed

Cho, Dong-Wan; Yoon, Kwangsuk; Kwon, Eilhann E; Biswas, Jayanta Kumar; Song, Hocheol

2017-10-01

This study investigated the preparation of magnetic biochar from N 2 - and CO 2 -assisted pyrolysis of spent coffee ground (SCG) for use as an adsorption medium for As(V), and the effects of FeCl 3 pretreatment of SCG on the material properties and adsorption capability of the produced biochar. Pyrolysis of FeCl 3 -pretreated SCG in CO 2 atmosphere produced highly porous biochar with its surface area ∼70 times greater than that produced in N 2 condition. However, despite the small surface area, biochar produced in N 2 showed greater As(V) adsorption capability. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer analyses identified Fe 3 C and Fe 3 O 4 as dominant mineral phases in N 2 and CO 2 conditions, with the former being much more adsorptive toward As(V). The overall results suggest functional biochar can be facilely fabricated by necessary pretreatment to expand the applicability of biochar for specific purposes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Physical and Chemical Characterization of Therapeutic Iron Containing Materials: A Study of Several Superparamagnetic Drug Formulations with the β-FeOOH or Ferrihydrite Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Funk, Felix; Long, Gary J.; Hautot, Dimitri; Büchi, Ruth; Christl, Iso; Weidler, Peter G.

2001-03-01

The effectiveness of therapeutically used iron compounds is related to their physical and chemical properties. Four different iron compounds used in oral, intravenous, and intramuscular therapy have been examined by X-ray powder diffraction, iron-57 Mössbauer spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, BET surface area measurement, potentiometric titration and studied through dissolution kinetics determinations using acid, reducing and chelating agents. All compounds are nanosized with particle diameters, as determined by X-ray diffraction, ranging from 1 to 4.1 nm. The superparamagnetic blocking temperatures, as determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy, indicate that the relative diameters of the aggregates range from 2.5 to 4.1 nm. Three of the iron compounds have an akaganeite-like structure, whereas one has a ferrihydrite-like structure. As powders the particles form large and dense aggregates which have a very low surface area on the order of 1 m2 g-1. There is evidence, however, that in a colloidal solution the surface area is increased by two to three orders of magnitude, presumably as a result of the break up of the aggregates. Iron release kinetics by acid, chelating and reducing agents reflect the high surface area, the size and crystallinity of the particles, and the presence of the protective carbohydrate layer coating the iron compound. Within a physiologically relevant time period, the iron release produced by acid or large chelating ligands is small. In contrast, iron is rapidly mobilized by small organic chelating agents, such as oxalate, or by chelate-forming reductants, such as thioglycolate.
Applications of synchrotron x-ray diffraction topography to fractography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bilello, J.C.

1983-01-01

Fractographs have been taken using a variety of probes each of which produces different types of information. Methods which have been used to examine fracture surfaces include: (a) optical microscopy, particularly interference contrast methods, (b) scanning electron microscopy (SEM), (c) SEM with electron channelling, (d) SEM with selected-area electron channelling, (e) Berg-Barrett (B-B) topography, and now (f) synchrotron x-radiation fractography (SXRF). This review concentrated on the role that x-ray methods can play in such studies. In particular, the ability to nondestructively assess the subsurface microstructure associated with the fracture to depths of the order of 5 to 10 ..mu..m becomesmore » an important attribute for observations of a large class of semi-brittle metals, semiconductors and ceramics.« less
The AXAF technology program: The optical flats tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, A. C.; Harper, J. D.; Reily, J. C.; Weisskopf, M. C.; Wyman, C. L.; Zombeck, M.

1984-01-01

The results of a technology program aimed at determining the limits of surface polishing for reflecting X-ray telescopes is presented. This program is part of the major task of developing the Advanced X-ray Astrophysical Facility (AXAF). By studying the optical properties of state-of-the-art polished flat surfaces, conclusions were drawn as to the potential capability of AXAF. Surface microtopography of the flats as well as their figure are studied by X-ray, visual, and mechanical techniques. These techniques and their results are described. The employed polishing techniques are more than adequate for the specifications of the AXAF mirrors.
Enhanced Imaging of Corrosion in Aircraft Structures with Reverse Geometry X-ray(registered tm)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winfree, William P.; Cmar-Mascis, Noreen A.; Parker, F. Raymond

2000-01-01

The application of Reverse Geometry X-ray to the detection and characterization of corrosion in aircraft structures is presented. Reverse Geometry X-ray is a unique system that utilizes an electronically scanned x-ray source and a discrete detector for real time radiographic imaging of a structure. The scanned source system has several advantages when compared to conventional radiography. First, the discrete x-ray detector can be miniaturized and easily positioned inside a complex structure (such as an aircraft wing) enabling images of each surface of the structure to be obtained separately. Second, using a measurement configuration with multiple detectors enables the simultaneous acquisition of data from several different perspectives without moving the structure or the measurement system. This provides a means for locating the position of flaws and enhances separation of features at the surface from features inside the structure. Data is presented on aircraft specimens with corrosion in the lap joint. Advanced laminographic imaging techniques utilizing data from multiple detectors are demonstrated to be capable of separating surface features from corrosion in the lap joint and locating the corrosion in multilayer structures. Results of this technique are compared to computed tomography cross sections obtained from a microfocus x-ray tomography system. A method is presented for calibration of the detectors of the Reverse Geometry X-ray system to enable quantification of the corrosion to within 2%.
Stitching interferometry for ellipsoidal x-ray mirrors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yumoto, Hirokatsu, E-mail: yumoto@spring8.or.jp; Koyama, Takahisa; Matsuyama, Satoshi

2016-05-15

Ellipsoidal mirrors, which can efficiently produce a two-dimensional focusing beam with a single mirror, are superior x-ray focusing optics, especially when compared to elliptical-cylinder mirrors in the Kirkpatrick–Baez geometry. However, nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors are not commonly used for x-ray optics because achieving the accuracy required for the surface metrology of nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors is difficult due to their small radius of curvature along the short ellipsoidal axis. Here, we developed a surface metrology system for nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors using stitching interferometric techniques. The developed system simultaneously measures sub-aperture shapes with a microscopic interferometer and the tilt angles of the sub-aperturemore » shapes with a large Fizeau interferometer. After correcting the systematic errors included in the sub-aperture shapes, the entire mirror shape is calculated by stitching the sub-aperture shapes based on the obtained relative angles between partially overlapped sub-apertures. In this study, we developed correction methods for systematic errors in sub-aperture shapes that originated from off-axis aberrations produced in the optics of the microscopic interferometer. The systematic errors on an ellipsoidal mirror were estimated by measuring a series of tilted plane substrates and the ellipsoidal substrate. From measurements of an ellipsoidal mirror with a 3.6-mm radius of curvature at the mirror center, we obtained a measurement repeatability of 0.51 nm (root-mean-square) in an assessment area of 0.5 mm × 99.18 mm. This value satisfies the requirements for surface metrology of nano-focusing x-ray mirrors. Thus, the developed metrology system should be applicable for fabricating nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors.« less

Synthesis and catalytic activity of electrospun NiO/NiCo2O4 nanotubes for CO and acetaldehyde oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Il Hee; Lee, Hyerim; Yu, Areum; Jeong, Jae Hwan; Lee, Youngmi; Kim, Myung Hwa; Lee, Chongmok; Dok Kim, Young

2018-04-01

NiO/NiCo2O4 nanotubes with a diameter of approximately 100 nm are synthesized using Ni and Co precursors via electro-spinning and subsequent calcination processes. The tubular structure is confirmed via transmission electron microscopy imaging, whereas the structures and elemental compositions of the nanotubes are determined using x-ray diffraction, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. N2 adsorption isotherm data reveal that the surface of the nanotubes consists of micropores, thereby resulting in a significantly higher surface area (˜20 m2 g-1) than expected for a flat-surface structure (<15 m2 g-1). Herein, we present a study of the catalytic activity of our novel NiO/NiCo2O4 nanotubes for CO and acetaldehyde oxidation. The catalytic activity of NiO/NiCo2O4 is superior to Pt below 100 °C for CO oxidation. For acetaldehyde oxidation, the total oxidation activity of NiO/NiCo2O4 for acetaldehyde is comparable with that of Pt. Coexistence of many under-coordinated Co and Ni active sites in our structure is suggested be related to the high catalytic activity. It is suggested that our novel NiO/NiCo2O4 tubular structures with surface microporosity can be of interest for a variety of applications, including the catalytic oxidation of harmful gases.
Synthesis and catalytic activity of electrospun NiO/NiCo2O4 nanotubes for CO and acetaldehyde oxidation.

PubMed

Kim, Il Hee; Lee, Hyerim; Yu, Areum; Jeong, Jae Hwan; Lee, Youngmi; Kim, Myung Hwa; Lee, Chongmok; Kim, Young Dok

2018-04-27

NiO/NiCo 2 O 4 nanotubes with a diameter of approximately 100 nm are synthesized using Ni and Co precursors via electro-spinning and subsequent calcination processes. The tubular structure is confirmed via transmission electron microscopy imaging, whereas the structures and elemental compositions of the nanotubes are determined using x-ray diffraction, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. N 2 adsorption isotherm data reveal that the surface of the nanotubes consists of micropores, thereby resulting in a significantly higher surface area (∼20 m 2 g -1 ) than expected for a flat-surface structure (<15 m 2 g -1 ). Herein, we present a study of the catalytic activity of our novel NiO/NiCo 2 O 4 nanotubes for CO and acetaldehyde oxidation. The catalytic activity of NiO/NiCo 2 O 4 is superior to Pt below 100 °C for CO oxidation. For acetaldehyde oxidation, the total oxidation activity of NiO/NiCo 2 O 4 for acetaldehyde is comparable with that of Pt. Coexistence of many under-coordinated Co and Ni active sites in our structure is suggested be related to the high catalytic activity. It is suggested that our novel NiO/NiCo 2 O 4 tubular structures with surface microporosity can be of interest for a variety of applications, including the catalytic oxidation of harmful gases.
Dual-energy X-ray micro-CT imaging of hybrid Ni/Al open-cell foam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fíla, T.; Kumpová, I.; Koudelka, P.; Zlámal, P.; Vavřík, D.; Jiroušek, O.; Jung, A.

2016-01-01

In this paper, we employ dual-energy X-ray microfocus tomography (DECT) measurement to develop high-resolution finite element (FE) models that can be used for the numerical assessment of the deformation behaviour of hybrid Ni/Al foam subjected to both quasi-static and dynamic compressive loading. Cubic samples of hybrid Ni/Al open-cell foam with an edge length of [15]mm were investigated by the DECT measurement. The material was prepared using AlSi7Mg0.3 aluminium foam with a mean pore size of [0.85]mm, coated with nanocrystalline nickel (crystallite size of approx. [50]nm) to form a surface layer with a theoretical thickness of [0.075]mm. CT imaging was carried out using state-of-the-art DSCT/DECT X-ray scanner developed at Centre of Excellence Telč. The device consists of a modular orthogonal assembly of two tube-detector imaging pairs, with an independent geometry setting and shared rotational stage mounted on a complex 16-axis CNC positioning system to enable unprecedented measurement variability for highly-detailed tomographical measurements. A sample of the metal foam was simultaneously irradiated using an XWT-240-SE reflection type X-ray tube and an XWT-160-TCHR transmission type X-ray tube. An enhanced dual-source sampling strategy was used for data acquisition. X-ray images were taken using XRD1622 large area GOS scintillator flat panel detectors with an active area of [410 × 410]mm and resolution [2048 × 2048]pixels. Tomographic scanning was performed in 1,200 projections with a 0.3 degree angular step to improve the accuracy of the generated models due to the very complex microstructure and high attenuation of the investigated material. Reconstructed data was processed using a dual-energy algorithm, and was used for the development of a 3D model and voxel model of the foam. The selected parameters of the models were compared with nominal parameters of the actual foam and showed good correlation.
Low- to Mid-Latitude X-Ray Emission from Jupiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhardwaj, Anil; Elsner, Ronald F.; Gladstone, G. Randall; Waite, J. Hunter, Jr.; Branduardi-Raymont, Graziella; Cravens, Thomas E.; Ford, Peter

2006-01-01

The Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO) observed Jupiter during the period 2003 February 24-26 for approx.40 hours (4 Jupiter rotations), using both the spectroscopy array of the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS-S) and the imaging array of the High-Resolution Camera (HRC-I). Two ACIS-S exposures, each approx.8.5 hr long, were separated by an HRC-I exposure of approx.20 hr. The low- to mid-latitude non-auroral disk X-ray emission is much more spatially uniform than the auroral emission. However, the low- to mid-latitude X-ray count rate shows a small but statistically significant hour angle dependence, and is higher in regions of relatively low surface magnetic field strength, confirming ROSAT results. In addition, the spectrum from the low surface field region shows an enhancement in the energy band 1.14- 1.38 keV, perhaps partly due to line emission from that region. Correlation of surface magnetic field strength with count rate is not found for the 2000 December HRC-I data, at a time when solar activity was high. The low- to mid-latitude disk X-ray count rate observed by the HRC-I in the 2003 February observation is about 50% of that observed in 2000 December, roughly consistent with a decrease in the solar activity index (F10.7 cm flux) by a similar amount over the same time period. The low- to mid-latitude X-ray emission does not show any oscillations similar to the -45 minute oscillations sometimes seen from the northern auroral zone. The temporal variation in Jupiter's non-auroral X-ray emission exhibits similarities to variations in solar X-ray flux observed by GOES and TIMED/SEE. The two ACIS-S 0.3-2 keV low- to mid-latitude X-ray spectra are harder than the auroral spectrum, and are different from each other at energies above 0.7 keV, showing variability in Jupiter s non-auroral X-ray emission on a time scale of a day. The 0.3-2.0 keV X-ray power emitted at low- to mid-latitudes is 0.21 GW and 0.39 GW for the first and second ACIS-S exposures, respectively. We suggest that X-ray emission from Jupiter's disk may be largely generated by solar X-rays resonantly and fluorescently scattered in its upper atmosphere, especially at times of high incident solar X-ray flux. However, the correlation of higher count rate with low surface magnetic-field strength indicates the presence of some secondary component, possibly ion precipitation from radiation belts closer to the planet than elsewhere at low- to mid-latitudes.
Observation of sagittal X-ray diffraction by surface acoustic waves in Bragg geometry.

PubMed

Vadilonga, Simone; Zizak, Ivo; Roshchupkin, Dmitry; Evgenii, Emelin; Petsiuk, Andrei; Leitenberger, Wolfram; Erko, Alexei

2017-04-01

X-ray Bragg diffraction in sagittal geometry on a Y-cut langasite crystal (La 3 Ga 5 SiO 14 ) modulated by Λ = 3 µm Rayleigh surface acoustic waves was studied at the BESSY II synchrotron radiation facility. Owing to the crystal lattice modulation by the surface acoustic wave diffraction, satellites appear. Their intensity and angular separation depend on the amplitude and wavelength of the ultrasonic superlattice. Experimental results are compared with the corresponding theoretical model that exploits the kinematical diffraction theory. This experiment shows that the propagation of the surface acoustic waves creates a dynamical diffraction grating on the crystal surface, and this can be used for space-time modulation of an X-ray beam.
Observation of sagittal X-ray diffraction by surface acoustic waves in Bragg geometry1

PubMed Central

Vadilonga, Simone; Zizak, Ivo; Roshchupkin, Dmitry; Evgenii, Emelin; Petsiuk, Andrei; Leitenberger, Wolfram; Erko, Alexei

2017-01-01

X-ray Bragg diffraction in sagittal geometry on a Y-cut langasite crystal (La3Ga5SiO14) modulated by Λ = 3 µm Rayleigh surface acoustic waves was studied at the BESSY II synchrotron radiation facility. Owing to the crystal lattice modulation by the surface acoustic wave diffraction, satellites appear. Their intensity and angular separation depend on the amplitude and wavelength of the ultrasonic superlattice. Experimental results are compared with the corresponding theoretical model that exploits the kinematical diffraction theory. This experiment shows that the propagation of the surface acoustic waves creates a dynamical diffraction grating on the crystal surface, and this can be used for space–time modulation of an X-ray beam. PMID:28381976
X-Ray Lasers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chapline, George; Wood, Lowell

1975-01-01

Outlines the prospects of generating coherent x rays using high-power lasers and indentifies problem areas in their development. Indicates possible applications for coherent x rays in the fields of chemistry, biology, and crystallography. (GS)
Element sensitive reconstruction of nanostructured surfaces with finite elements and grazing incidence soft X-ray fluorescence.

PubMed

Soltwisch, Victor; Hönicke, Philipp; Kayser, Yves; Eilbracht, Janis; Probst, Jürgen; Scholze, Frank; Beckhoff, Burkhard

2018-03-29

The geometry of a Si3N4 lamellar grating was investigated experimentally with reference-free grazing-incidence X-ray fluorescence analysis. While simple layered systems are usually treated with the matrix formalism to determine the X-ray standing-wave field, this approach fails for laterally structured surfaces. Maxwell solvers based on finite elements are often used to model electrical field strengths for any 2D or 3D structures in the optical spectral range. We show that this approach can also be applied in the field of X-rays. The electrical field distribution obtained with the Maxwell solver can subsequently be used to calculate the fluorescence intensities in full analogy to the X-ray standing-wave field obtained by the matrix formalism. Only the effective 1D integration for the layer system has to be replaced by a 2D integration of the finite elements, taking into account the local excitation conditions. We will show that this approach is capable of reconstructing the geometric line shape of a structured surface with high elemental sensitivity. This combination of GIXRF and finite-element simulations paves the way for a versatile characterization of nanoscale-structured surfaces.
Method and apparatus for micromachining using hard X-rays

DOEpatents

Siddons, D.P.; Johnson, E.D.; Guckel, H.; Klein, J.L.

1997-10-21

An X-ray source such as a synchrotron which provides a significant spectral content of hard X-rays is used to expose relatively thick photoresist such that the portions of the photoresist at an exit surface receive at least a threshold dose sufficient to render the photoresist susceptible to a developer, while the entrance surface of the photoresist receives an exposure which does not exceed a power limit at which destructive disruption of the photoresist would occur. The X-ray beam is spectrally shaped to substantially eliminate lower energy photons while allowing a substantial flux of higher energy photons to pass through to the photoresist target. Filters and the substrate of the X-ray mask may be used to spectrally shape the X-ray beam. Machining of photoresists such as polymethylmethacrylate to micron tolerances may be obtained to depths of several centimeters, and multiple targets may be exposed simultaneously. The photoresist target may be rotated and/or translated in the beam to form solids of rotation and other complex three-dimensional structures. 21 figs.
Method and apparatus for micromachining using hard X-rays

DOEpatents

Siddons, David Peter; Johnson, Erik D.; Guckel, Henry; Klein, Jonathan L.

1997-10-21

An X-ray source such as a synchrotron which provides a significant spectral content of hard X-rays is used to expose relatively thick photoresist such that the portions of the photoresist at an exit surface receive at least a threshold dose sufficient to render the photoresist susceptible to a developer, while the entrance surface of the photoresist receives an exposure which does not exceed a power limit at which destructive disruption of the photoresist would occur. The X-ray beam is spectrally shaped to substantially eliminate lower energy photons while allowing a substantial flux of higher energy photons to pass through to the photoresist target. Filters and the substrate of the X-ray mask may be used to spectrally shape the X-ray beam. Machining of photoresists such as polymethylmethacrylate to micron tolerances may be obtained to depths of several centimeters, and multiple targets may be exposed simultaneously. The photoresist target may be rotated and/or translated in the beam to form solids of rotation and other complex three-dimensional structures.
X-ray lithography using holographic images

DOEpatents

Howells, M.S.; Jacobsen, C.

1997-03-18

Methods for forming X-ray images having 0.25 {micro}m minimum line widths on X-ray sensitive material are presented. A holographic image of a desired circuit pattern is projected onto a wafer or other image-receiving substrate to allow recording of the desired image in photoresist material. In one embodiment, the method uses on-axis transmission and provides a high flux X-ray source having modest monochromaticity and coherence requirements. A layer of light-sensitive photoresist material on a wafer with a selected surface is provided to receive the image(s). The hologram has variable optical thickness and variable associated optical phase angle and amplitude attenuation for transmission of the X-rays. A second embodiment uses off-axis holography. The wafer receives the holographic image by grazing incidence reflection from a hologram printed on a flat metal or other highly reflecting surface or substrate. In this second embodiment, an X-ray beam with a high degree of monochromaticity and spatial coherence is required. 15 figs.
X-ray lithography using holographic images

DOEpatents

Howells, Malcolm S.; Jacobsen, Chris

1997-01-01

Methods for forming X-ray images having 0.25 .mu.m minimum line widths on X-ray sensitive material are presented. A holgraphic image of a desired circuit pattern is projected onto a wafer or other image-receiving substrate to allow recording of the desired image in photoresist material. In one embodiment, the method uses on-axis transmission and provides a high flux X-ray source having modest monochromaticity and coherence requirements. A layer of light-sensitive photoresist material on a wafer with a selected surface is provided to receive the image(s). The hologram has variable optical thickness and variable associated optical phase angle and amplitude attenuation for transmission of the X-rays. A second embodiment uses off-axis holography. The wafer receives the holographic image by grazing incidence reflection from a hologram printed on a flat metal or other highly reflecting surface or substrate. In this second embodiment, an X-ray beam with a high degree of monochromaticity and spatial coherence is required.
An instrument for in situ coherent x-ray studies of metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy of III-nitrides

DOE PAGES

Ju, Guangxu; Highland, Matthew J.; Yanguas-Gil, Angel; ...

2017-03-21

Here, we describe an instrument that exploits the ongoing revolution in synchrotron sources, optics, and detectors to enable in situ studies of metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) growth of III-nitride materials using coherent x-ray methods. The system includes high-resolution positioning of the sample and detector including full rotations, an x-ray transparent chamber wall for incident and diffracted beam access over a wide angular range, and minimal thermal sample motion, giving the sub-micron positional stability and reproducibility needed for coherent x-ray studies. The instrument enables surface x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy, microbeam diffraction, and coherent diffraction imaging of atomic-scale surface and filmmore » structure and dynamics during growth, to provide fundamental understanding of MOVPE processes.« less
Adaptive grazing incidence optics for the next generation of x-ray observatories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lillie, C.; Pearson, D.; Plinta, A.; Metro, B.; Lintz, E.; Shropshire, D.; Danner, R.

2010-09-01

Advances in X-ray astronomy require high spatial resolution and large collecting area. Unfortunately, X-ray telescopes with grazing incidence mirrors require hundreds of concentric mirror pairs to obtain the necessary collecting area, and these mirrors must be thin shells packed tightly together... They must also be light enough to be placed in orbit with existing launch vehicles, and able to be fabricated by the thousands for an affordable cost. The current state of the art in X-ray observatories is represented by NASA's Chandra X-ray observatory with 0.5 arc-second resolution, but only 400 cm2 of collecting area, and by ESA's XMM-Newton observatory with 4,300 cm2 of collecting area but only 15 arc-second resolution. The joint NASA/ESA/JAXA International X-ray Observatory (IXO), with {15,000 cm2 of collecting area and 5 arc-second resolution which is currently in the early study phase, is pushing the limits of passive mirror technology. The Generation-X mission is one of the Advanced Strategic Mission Concepts that NASA is considering for development in the post-2020 period. As currently conceived, Gen-X would be a follow-on to IXO with a collecting area >= 50 m2, a 60-m focal length and 0.1 arc-second spatial resolution. Gen-X would be launched in {2030 with a heavy lift Launch Vehicle to an L2 orbit. Active figure control will be necessary to meet the challenging requirements of the Gen-X optics. In this paper we present our adaptive grazing incidence mirror design and the results from laboratory tests of a prototype mirror.
The Very Local Universe in X-Rays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ptak, A.

2011-01-01

There are many open questions in X-ray observations of the Galactic neighborhood and nearby galaxies, such as the properties of the hot ISM and accreting sources, the X-ray/star-formation rate correlation and how the X-ray luminosity function of starburst galaxies. We discuss how these would be addressed by very wide-area (> 100 sq. deg.) X-ray surveys and upcoming X-ray missions. In particular planned NuStar observations of the Galaxy and nearby galaxies will be highlighted.
Inorganic chemical investigation by X-ray fluorescence analysis - The Viking Mars Lander

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toulmin, P., III; Rose, H. J., Jr.; Baird, A. K.; Clark, B. C.; Keil, K.

1973-01-01

The inorganic chemical investigation experiment added in August 1972 to the Viking Lander scientific package uses an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer in which four sealed, gas-filled proportional counters detect X-rays emitted from samples of the Martian surface materials irradiated by X-rays from radioisotope sources (Fe-55 and Cd-109). The instrument is inside the Lander body, and samples are to be delivered to it by the Viking Lander Surface Sampler. Instrument design is described along with details of the data processing and analysis procedures. The results of the investigation will characterize the surface materials of Mars as to elemental composition with accuracies ranging from a few tens of parts per million (at the trace-element level) to a few per cent (for major elements) depending on the element in question.
Ionic depletion at the crystalline Gibbs layer of PEG-capped gold nanoparticle brushes at aqueous surfaces

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Wenjie; Zhang, Honghu; Mallapragada, Surya

In situ surface-sensitive x-ray diffraction and grazing incidence x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (GIXFS) methods are combined to determine the ionic distributions across the liquid/vapor interfaces of thiolated-polyethylene-glycol–capped gold nanoparticle (PEG-AuNP) solutions. Induced by the addition of salts (i.e., Cs 2SO 4) to PEG-AuNPs solutions, two-dimensional hexagonal lattices of PEG-AuNPs form spontaneously at the aqueous surfaces, as is demonstrated by x-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence small-angle x-ray scattering. In conclusion, by taking advantage of element specificity with the GIXFS method, we find that the cation Cs + concentration at the crystalline film is significantly reduced in parts of the PEG-AuNP film comparedmore » with that in the bulk.« less
Effect of X-ray flux on polytetrafluoroethylene in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wheeler, D. R.; Pepper, S. V.

1982-01-01

The effect of the X-ray flux in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (STAT) on the constitution of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surface has been examined. The radiation dose rate for our specimen was about 10 to the 7th rad/s. The structure, magnitude and binding energy of the C(1s) and F(1s) features of the XPS spectrum and the mass spectrum of gaseous species evolved during irradiation are observed. The strong time dependence of these signals over a period of several hours indicated that the surface constitution of PTFE is greatly affected by this level of radiation dose. The results are consistent with the development of a heavily cross-linked or branched structure in the PTFE surface region and the evolution of short chain fragments into the gas phase.
Ionic depletion at the crystalline Gibbs layer of PEG-capped gold nanoparticle brushes at aqueous surfaces

DOE PAGES

Wang, Wenjie; Zhang, Honghu; Mallapragada, Surya; ...

2017-12-14

In situ surface-sensitive x-ray diffraction and grazing incidence x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (GIXFS) methods are combined to determine the ionic distributions across the liquid/vapor interfaces of thiolated-polyethylene-glycol–capped gold nanoparticle (PEG-AuNP) solutions. Induced by the addition of salts (i.e., Cs 2SO 4) to PEG-AuNPs solutions, two-dimensional hexagonal lattices of PEG-AuNPs form spontaneously at the aqueous surfaces, as is demonstrated by x-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence small-angle x-ray scattering. In conclusion, by taking advantage of element specificity with the GIXFS method, we find that the cation Cs + concentration at the crystalline film is significantly reduced in parts of the PEG-AuNP film comparedmore » with that in the bulk.« less
X-ray diffraction and reflectivity validation of the depletion attraction in the competitive adsorption of lung surfactant and albumin.

PubMed

Stenger, Patrick C; Wu, Guohui; Miller, Chad E; Chi, Eva Y; Frey, Shelli L; Lee, Ka Yee C; Majewski, Jaroslaw; Kjaer, Kristian; Zasadzinski, Joseph A

2009-08-05

Lung surfactant (LS) and albumin compete for the air-water interface when both are present in solution. Equilibrium favors LS because it has a lower equilibrium surface pressure, but the smaller albumin is kinetically favored by faster diffusion. Albumin at the interface creates an energy barrier to subsequent LS adsorption that can be overcome by the depletion attraction induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) in solution. A combination of grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXD), x-ray reflectivity (XR), and pressure-area isotherms provides molecular-resolution information on the location and configuration of LS, albumin, and polymer. XR shows an average electron density similar to that of albumin at low surface pressures, whereas GIXD shows a heterogeneous interface with coexisting LS and albumin domains at higher surface pressures. Albumin induces a slightly larger lattice spacing and greater molecular tilt, similar in effect to a small decrease in the surface pressure. XR shows that adding PEG to the LS-albumin subphase restores the characteristic LS electron density profile at the interface, and confirms that PEG is depleted near the interface. GIXD shows the same LS Bragg peaks and Bragg rods as on a pristine interface, but with a more compact lattice corresponding to a small increase in the surface pressure. These results confirm that albumin adsorption creates a physical barrier that inhibits LS adsorption, and that PEG in the subphase generates a depletion attraction between the LS aggregates and the interface that enhances LS adsorption without substantially altering the structure or properties of the LS monolayer.

Multi-applicative tetragonal TiO2/SnO2 nanocomposites for photocatalysis and gas sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patil, S. M.; Dhodamani, A. G.; Vanalakar, S. A.; Deshmukh, S. P.; Delekar, S. D.

2018-04-01

TiO2-based mixed metal oxide heteronanostructures have multiple applications in photocatalysis and gas sensing because of their charge transport properties. In this study, we prepared tetragonal TiO2/SnO2 nanocomposites (NCs) with different weight percentages using a simple wet impregnation method. The physicochemical properties of the NCs were investigated using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis. The results showed that the surface area of the NCs increased significantly and the anatase TiO2 was sensitized after the addition of a small amount of cassiterite SnO2 NPs. We systematically studied the as-prepared NCs during the photocatalytic degradation of Congo Red dye under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) and NH3 gas sensing, which demonstrated the efficient photocatalytic performance and the superior sensing response of the catalyst with a weight composition of 25% SnO2 in TiO2 (4:1) compared with the other NCs or the bare individual nanoparticles. The improved photocatalytic and gas sensing performance of the TiO2/SnO2 (4:1) NCs may be attributed to the increased active surface area, the increased adsorption of the dye and target gas molecules, as well as efficient electron-hole charge separation and transfer.
Novel mesoporous FeAl bimetal oxides for As(III) removal: Performance and mechanism.

PubMed

Ding, Zecong; Fu, Fenglian; Cheng, Zihang; Lu, Jianwei; Tang, Bing

2017-02-01

In this study, novel mesoporous FeAl bimetal oxides were successfully synthesized, characterized, and employed for As(III) removal. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of Fe/Al molar ratio, dosage, and initial solution pH values on As(III) removal. The results showed that the FeAl bimetal oxide with Fe/Al molar ratio 4:1 (shorten as FeAl-4) can quickly remove As(III) from aqueous solution in a wide pH range. The FeAl-4 before and after reaction with As(III) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurement, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The BET results showed that the original FeAl-4 with a high surface area of 223.9 m 2 /g was a mesoporous material. XPS analysis indicated that the surface of FeAl-4 possessed a high concentration of M-OH (where M represents Fe and Al), which was beneficial to the immobility of As(III). The excellent performance of FeAl-4 makes it a potentially attractive material for As(III) removal from aqueous solution. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Pyrolytic synthesis and characterization of N-doped carbon nanoflakes for electrochemical applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Savilov, S.V., E-mail: savilov@chem.msu.ru; N.S. Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry Of Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky avenue, 31, Moscow 119991; Arkhipova, E.A.

2015-09-15

Highlights: • Carbon nanoflakes doped with nitrogen were produced by a pyrolytic technique. • Quarternary, pyrrolic and pyridinic types of nitrogen are confirmed by XPS. • Nitrogen content depends on precursor used and temperature processed. • Specific surface area values decrease with increasing of synthesis duration. • N-doped carbon nanoflakes may be suitable for electrochemical applications. - Abstract: Nitrogen doped carbon nanoflakes, which are very important for many electrochemical applications, were synthesized by pyrolysis of nitrogen containing organic compounds over metal oxide template. Acetonitrile, pyridine and butylamine, which are of different volatility were tested as N-containing precursors. Morphology, structure andmore » chemical composition of the as-synthesized materials were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that materials are highly defective and consist of a few malformed graphene layers. X-ray photoelectron spectra reflect the dominant graphitic and pyridinic N-bonding configuration. It was also noted that specific surface area depends on the duration and temperature of the reaction. Increase in duration and temperature led to decrease of the specific surface area from 1000 to 160 m{sup 2}/g, 1170 to 210 m{sup 2}/g and 1180 to 480 m{sup 2}/g for acetonitrile, butylamine and pyridine precursors, respectively.« less
Finely Tuned SnO2 Nanoparticles for Efficient Detection of Reducing and Oxidizing Gases: The Influence of Alkali Metal Cation on Gas-Sensing Properties.

PubMed

Lee, Szu-Hsuan; Galstyan, Vardan; Ponzoni, Andrea; Gonzalo-Juan, Isabel; Riedel, Ralf; Dourges, Marie-Anne; Nicolas, Yohann; Toupance, Thierry

2018-03-28

Tin dioxide (SnO 2 ) nanoparticles were straightforwardly synthesized using an easily scaled-up liquid route that involves the hydrothermal treatment, either under acidic or basic conditions, of a commercial tin dioxide particle suspension including potassium counterions. After further thermal post-treatment, the nanomaterials have been thoroughly characterized by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nitrogen sorption porosimetry. Varying pH conditions and temperature of the thermal treatment provided cassiterite SnO 2 nanoparticles with crystallite sizes ranging from 7.3 to 9.7 nm and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface areas ranging from 61 to 106 m 2 ·g -1 , acidic conditions favoring potassium cation removal. Upon exposure to a reducing gas (H 2 , CO, and volatile organic compounds such as ethanol and acetone) or oxidizing gas (NO 2 ), layers of these SnO 2 nanoparticles led to highly sensitive, reversible, and reproducible responses. The sensing results were discussed in regard to the crystallite size, specific area, valence band energy, Debye length, and chemical composition. Results highlight the impact of the counterion residuals, which affect the gas-sensing performance to an extent much higher than that of size and surface area effects. Tin dioxide nanoparticles prepared under acidic conditions and calcined in air showed the best sensing performances because of lower amount of potassium cations and higher crystallinity, despite the lower surface area.
Synthesis and electrochemical sodium-storage of few-layered MoS2/nitrogen, phosphorus-codoped graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Limei; Ma, Lin; Li, Wenyan; Yang, Xinxin; Ling, Yan

2018-07-01

Few-layered molybdenum disulfide/nitrogen, phosphorus co-doped graphene composites are synthesized by a quaternary phosphonium salt-assisted hydrothermal and annealing procedure. The prepared composites are analyzed by x-ray powder diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectra, scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, Raman spectra and nitrogen adsorption and desorption. Experimental results indicate that the MoS2 nanosheets are of few-layered and defective structures and are well anchored on flexible conductive nitrogen, phosphorus co-doped graphene to constitute mesoporous composites with increased surface areas. Benefiting from the structural merits as well as surface-dominated pseudocapacitive contribution, the composite electrode presents a high electrochemical sodium storage capacity that arrives at 542 mAh g‑1 at a current density of 100 mA g‑1 with an excellent cyclability. Moreover, a superior high-rate capability can also be achieved.
Observations of magnetic fields on solar-type stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marcy, G. W.

1982-01-01

Magnetic-field observations were carried out for 29 G and K main-sequence stars. The area covering-factors of magnetic regions tends to be greater in the K dwarfs than in the G dwarfs. However, no spectral-type dependence is found for the field strengths, contrary to predictions that pressure equilibrium with the ambient photospheric gas pressure would determine the surface field strengths. Coronal soft X-ray fluxes from the G and K dwarfs correlate well with the fraction of the stellar surface covered by magnetic regions. The dependence of coronal soft X-ray fluxes on photospheric field strengths is consistent with Stein's predicted generation-rates for Alfven waves. These dependences are inconsistent with the one dynamo model for which a specific prediction is offered. Finally, time variability of magnetic fields is seen on the two active stars that have been extensively monitored. Significant changes in magnetic fields are seen to occur on timescales as short as one day.
Surface Evaluation by X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy of High Performance Polyimide Foams After Exposure to Oxygen Plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Melendez, Orlando; Hampton, Michael D.; Williams, Martha K.; Brown, Sylvia F.; Nelson, Gordon L.; Weiser, Erik S.

2002-01-01

Aromatic polyimides have been attractive in the aerospace and electronics industries for applications such as cryogenic insulation, flame retardant panels and structural subcomponents. Newer to the arena of polyimides is the synthesis of polyimide foams and their applications. In the present work, three different, closely related, polyimide foams developed by NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) are studied by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) after exposure to radio frequency generated Oxygen Plasma. Although polyimide films exposure to atomic oxygen and plasma have been studied previously and reported, the data relate to films and not foams. Foams have much more surface area and thus present new information to be explored. Understanding degradation mechanisms and properties versus structure, foam versus solid is of interest and fundamental to the application and protection of foams exposed to atomic oxygen in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Synthesis and electrochemical sodium-storage of few-layered MoS2/nitrogen, phosphorus-codoped graphene.

PubMed

Xu, Limei; Ma, Lin; Li, Wenyan; Yang, Xinxin; Ling, Yan

2018-07-27

Few-layered molybdenum disulfide/nitrogen, phosphorus co-doped graphene composites are synthesized by a quaternary phosphonium salt-assisted hydrothermal and annealing procedure. The prepared composites are analyzed by x-ray powder diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectra, scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, Raman spectra and nitrogen adsorption and desorption. Experimental results indicate that the MoS 2 nanosheets are of few-layered and defective structures and are well anchored on flexible conductive nitrogen, phosphorus co-doped graphene to constitute mesoporous composites with increased surface areas. Benefiting from the structural merits as well as surface-dominated pseudocapacitive contribution, the composite electrode presents a high electrochemical sodium storage capacity that arrives at 542 mAh g -1 at a current density of 100 mA g -1 with an excellent cyclability. Moreover, a superior high-rate capability can also be achieved.
Facile chemical routes to mesoporous silver substrates for SERS analysis

PubMed Central

Tastekova, Elina A; Polyakov, Alexander Yu; Goldt, Anastasia E; Sidorov, Alexander V; Oshmyanskaya, Alexandra A; Sukhorukova, Irina V; Shtansky, Dmitry V; Grünert, Wolgang

2018-01-01

Mesoporous silver nanoparticles were easily synthesized through the bulk reduction of crystalline silver(I) oxide and used for the preparation of highly porous surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active substrates. An analogous procedure was successfully performed for the production of mesoporous silver films by chemical reduction of oxidized silver films. The sponge-like silver blocks with high surface area and the in-situ-prepared mesoporous silver films are efficient as both analyte adsorbents and Raman signal enhancement mediators. The efficiency of silver reduction was characterized by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The developed substrates were applied for SERS detection of rhodamine 6G (enhancement factor of about 1–5 × 105) and an anti-ischemic mildronate drug (meldonium; enhancement factor of ≈102) that is known for its ability to increase the endurance performance of athletes. PMID:29600149
Enhancement in surface area and magnetization of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kale, Swati B.; Somvanshi, Sandeep B.; Sarnaik, M. N.; More, S. D.; Shukla, S. J.; Jadhav, K. M.

2018-05-01

This paper reports facile synthesis, characterizations by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy and magnetic behaviour of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel auto combustion technique using glycine as a fuel. Phase purity and nanocrystalline nature of the prepared sample was confirmed through X-ray diffraction technique. No extra peak other than cubic spinel structure was observed in the XRD pattern. The crystallite size calculated by using Scherrer's formula is of the order of 21.6 nm indicating the nanocrystalline nature of the prepared cobalt ferrite sample. The surface morphological studies were carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM image shows homogeneous, agglomerated particles with sponge-like form. The saturation magnetization, coercivity and remenance magnetization obtained by hysteresis curve clearly gives the evidence of excellent and enhanced magnetic behaviour.
The Evolution of Silica Nanoparticle-polyester Coatings on Surfaces Exposed to Sunlight.

PubMed

Truong, Vi Khanh; Stefanovic, Miljan; Maclaughlin, Shane; Tobin, Mark; Vongsvivut, Jitraporn; Al Kobaisi, Mohammad; Crawford, Russell J; Ivanova, Elena P

2016-10-11

Corrosion of metallic surfaces is prevalent in the environment and is of great concern in many areas, including the military, transport, aviation, building and food industries, amongst others. Polyester and coatings containing both polyester and silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) have been widely used to protect steel substrata from corrosion. In this study, we utilized X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection infrared micro-spectroscopy, water contact angle measurements, optical profiling and atomic force microscopy to provide an insight into how exposure to sunlight can cause changes in the micro- and nanoscale integrity of the coatings. No significant change in surface micro-topography was detected using optical profilometry, however, statistically significant nanoscale changes to the surface were detected using atomic force microscopy. Analysis of the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection infrared micro-spectroscopy data revealed that degradation of the ester groups had occurred through exposure to ultraviolet light to form COO·, -H2C·, -O·, -CO· radicals. During the degradation process, CO and CO2 were also produced.
Absolute Effective Area of the Chandra High-Resolution Mirror Assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwartz, D. A.; David, L. P.; Donnelly, R. H.; Edgar, R. J.; Gaetz, T. J.; Jerius, D.; Juda, M.; Kellogg, E. M.; McNamara, B. R.; Dewey, D.

2000-01-01

The Chandra X-ray Observatory was launched in July 1999, and is returning exquisite sub-arcsecond x-ray images of star groups, supernova remnants, galaxies, quasars, and clusters of galaxies. In addition to being the premier X-ray observatory in terms of angular and spectral resolution, Chandra is the best calibrated X-ray facility ever flown. We discuss here the calibration of the effective area of the High Resolution Mirror Assembly. Because we do not know the absolute X-ray flux density of any celestial source, this must be based primarily on ground measurements and on modeling. In particular, we must remove the calibrated modeled responses of the detectors and gratings to obtain the mirror area. For celestial sources which may be assumed to have smoothly varying spectra, such as the Crab Nebula, we may verify the continuity of the area calibration as a function of energy. This is of significance in energy regions such as the Ir M-edges, or near the critical grazing angle cutoff of the various mirror shells.
Large Area X-Ray Spectroscopy Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tananbaum, H.

1997-01-01

The Large Area X-ray Spectroscopy (LAXS) mission concept study continues to evolve strongly following the merging of the LAXS mission with the Next Generation X-ray Observatory (NGXO, PI: Nick White) into the re-named High Throughput X-ray Spectroscopy (HTXS) Mission. HTXS retains key elements of the LAXS proposal, including the use of multiple satellites for risk-reduction and cost savings. A key achievement of the program has been the recommendation by the Structure and Evolution of the Universe (SEUS) (April 1997) for a new start for the HTXS mission in the 2000-2004 timeframe.
Investigation of surface properties of pristine and γ-irradiated PAN-based carbon fibers: Effects of fiber instinct structure and radiation medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Liangsen; Wu, Fan; Yao, Hongwei; Shi, Jie; Chen, Lei; Xu, Zhiwei; Deng, Hui

2015-05-01

The different rules for γ-ray modifications of carbon fiber (CF) surface were found in previous literature, and the contributing factors were not clear. To investigate the effects of fiber instinct structure and radiation medium on surface modification of CFs in γ-ray irradiation, argon atmosphere (Ar) and epoxy chloropropane (ECP) were chosen as the irradiation media for T300, T400, T700, T800 and T1000, respectively. Based on the Raman spectroscopy and specific surface area results, changes of surface graphitization and roughness depended on the fiber instinct structure after irradiation. The graphitization of T300, T400 and T800 with low graphitization and rough surface was increased after irradiation, while that of T700 and T1000 with high graphite degree and smooth surface was decreased. Specific surface areas of low-graphitization CFs (T300, T400 and T800) were changed clearly, while those of high-graphitization CFs (T700 and T1000) remained almost unchanged after irradiation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy provided the evidence that the surface chemistry change after irradiation was determined by the type of the irradiation medium. The oxygen ratio of CFs irradiated in Ar was decreased while that of CFs irradiated in ECP was increased with Cl element detected. Surface free energy of all CFs was improved obviously after irradiation, and CFs irradiated in ECP had higher surface free energy compared with CFs irradiated in Ar.
21 CFR 1000.50 - Recommendation for the use of specific area gonad shielding on patients during medical diagnostic...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... shielding on patients during medical diagnostic x-ray procedures. 1000.50 Section 1000.50 Food and Drugs... shielding on patients during medical diagnostic x-ray procedures. Specific area gonad shielding covers an... that may cause genetic mutations during many medical x-ray procedures in which the gonads lie within or...
21 CFR 1000.50 - Recommendation for the use of specific area gonad shielding on patients during medical diagnostic...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... shielding on patients during medical diagnostic x-ray procedures. 1000.50 Section 1000.50 Food and Drugs... shielding on patients during medical diagnostic x-ray procedures. Specific area gonad shielding covers an... that may cause genetic mutations during many medical x-ray procedures in which the gonads lie within or...
21 CFR 1000.50 - Recommendation for the use of specific area gonad shielding on patients during medical diagnostic...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... shielding on patients during medical diagnostic x-ray procedures. 1000.50 Section 1000.50 Food and Drugs... shielding on patients during medical diagnostic x-ray procedures. Specific area gonad shielding covers an... that may cause genetic mutations during many medical x-ray procedures in which the gonads lie within or...
21 CFR 1000.50 - Recommendation for the use of specific area gonad shielding on patients during medical diagnostic...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... shielding on patients during medical diagnostic x-ray procedures. 1000.50 Section 1000.50 Food and Drugs... shielding on patients during medical diagnostic x-ray procedures. Specific area gonad shielding covers an... that may cause genetic mutations during many medical x-ray procedures in which the gonads lie within or...
21 CFR 1000.50 - Recommendation for the use of specific area gonad shielding on patients during medical diagnostic...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... shielding on patients during medical diagnostic x-ray procedures. 1000.50 Section 1000.50 Food and Drugs... shielding on patients during medical diagnostic x-ray procedures. Specific area gonad shielding covers an... that may cause genetic mutations during many medical x-ray procedures in which the gonads lie within or...
Corrosion phenomena in electron, proton and synchrotron X-ray microprobe analysis of Roman glass from Qumran, Jordan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janssens, K.; Aerts, A.; Vincze, L.; Adams, F.; Yang, C.; Utui, R.; Malmqvist, K.; Jones, K. W.; Radtke, M.; Garbe, S.; Lechtenberg, F.; Knöchel, A.; Wouters, H.

1996-04-01

A series of 89 glass fragments of Roman glass are studied using electron, proton and synchrotron radiation induced X-ray emission from microscopic areas on the sample surface. The glass originates from Qumran, Jordan and was buried for 1900 years. The weathering layers that result from the extended contact with ground water have been studied, next to the trace composition of the original glass of these pieces. The latter information indicates that at Qumran, large quantities of glass objects were being used in Ancient times. Cross-sectional profiles of the glass show a complex migration behaviour of various groups of major and trace elements.

Effective adsorption and collection of cesium from aqueous solution using graphene oxide grown on porous alumina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Entani, Shiro; Honda, Mitsunori; Shimoyama, Iwao; Li, Songtian; Naramoto, Hiroshi; Yaita, Tsuyoshi; Sakai, Seiji

2018-04-01

Graphene oxide (GO) with a large surface area was synthesized by the direct growth of GO on porous alumina using chemical vapor deposition to study the Cs adsorption mechanism in aqueous solutions. Electronic structure analysis employing in situ near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements clarifies the Cs atoms bond via oxygen functional groups on GO in the aqueous solution. The Cs adsorption capacity was found to be as high as 650-850 mg g-1, which indicates that the GO/porous alumina acts as an effective adsorbent with high adsorption efficiency for radioactive nuclides in aqueous solutions.
Plasma-assisted reduction of silver ions impregnated into a natural zeolite framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osonio, Airah P.; Vasquez, Magdaleno R.

2018-02-01

A green, dry, and energy-efficient method for the fabrication of silver-zeolite (AgZ) composite via 13.56 MHz radio-frequency plasma reduction is demonstrated. Impregnation by soaking and ion-exchange deposition were performed to load the silver ions (Ag+) into the sodium-zeolite samples. Characterization was performed by optical emission spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analyses. Results indicate the successful reduction of Ag+ to its metallic state on the surface of the zeolite with a mean diameter of 165 nm. This plasma-induced reduction technique opens possibilities in several areas including catalysis, adsorption, water treatment, and medicine.
Grazing-incidence small angle x-ray scattering studies of nanoscale polymer gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doxastakis, Manolis; Suh, Hyo Seon; Chen, Xuanxuan; Rincon Delgadillo, Paulina A.; Wan, Lingshu; Williamson, Lance; Jiang, Zhang; Strzalka, Joseph; Wang, Jin; Chen, Wei; Ferrier, Nicola; Ramirez-Hernandez, Abelardo; de Pablo, Juan J.; Gronheid, Roel; Nealey, Paul

2015-03-01

Grazing-Incidence Small Angle X-ray Scattering (GISAXS) offers the ability to probe large sample areas, providing three-dimensional structural information at high detail in a thin film geometry. In this study we exploit the application of GISAXS to structures formed at one step of the LiNe (Liu-Nealey) flow using chemical patterns for directed self-assembly of block copolymer films. Experiments conducted at the Argonne National Laboratory provided scattering patterns probing film characteristics at both parallel and normal directions to the surface. We demonstrate the application of new computational methods to construct models based on scattering measured. Such analysis allows for extraction of structural characteristics at unprecedented detail.
Elevated gamma-rays shielding property in lead-free bismuth tungstate by nanofabricating structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jun-Hua; Zhang, Quan-Ping; Sun, Nan; Zhao, Yang; Shi, Rui; Zhou, Yuan-Lin; Zheng, Jian

2018-01-01

Radiation shielding materials have attracted much attention across academia and industry because of the increasing of nuclear activities. To achieve the materials with low toxicity but good protective capability is one of the most significant goals for personal protective articles. Here, bismuth tungstate nanostructures are controllably fabricated by a versatile hydrothermal treatment under various temperatures. The crystals structure and morphology of products are detailedly characterized with X-ray diffraction, electron microscope and specific surface area. It is noteworthy that desired Bi2WO6 nanosheets treated with 190 °C show the higher specific surface area (19.5 m2g-1) than that of the other two products. Importantly, it has a close attenuating property to lead based counterpart for low energy gamma-rays. Due to the less toxicity, Bi2WO6 nanosheets are more suitable than lead based materials to fabricate personal protective articles for shielding low energy radiations and have great application prospect as well as market potential.
Technology Requirements For a Square-Meter, Arcsecond-Resolution Telescope for X-Rays: The SMART-X Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwartz, Daniel A.; Allured, Ryan; Bookbinder, Jay; Cotroneo, Vincenzo; Forman, William; Freeman, Mark; McMuldroch, Stuart; Reid, Paul; Tananbaum, Harvey; Vikhlinin, Alexey;

2014-01-01

Addressing the astrophysical problems of the 2020's requires sub-arcsecond x-ray imaging with square meter effective area. Such requirements can be derived, for example, by considering deep x-ray surveys to find the young black holes in the early universe (large redshifts) which will grow into the first supermassive black holes. We have envisioned a mission based on adjustable x-ray optics technology, in order to achieve the required reduction of mass to collecting area for the mirrors. We are pursuing technology which effects this adjustment via thin film piezoelectric "cells" deposited directly on the non-reflecting sides of thin, slumped glass. While SMARTX will also incorporate state-of-the-art x-ray cameras, the remaining spacecraft systems have no more stringent requirements than those which are well understood and proven on the current Chandra X-ray Observatory.

STUDIES ON DECREASING THE REACTION OF NORMAL SKIN TO DESTRUCTIVE DOSES OF X-RAYS BY PHARMACOLOGICAL MEANS AND ON THE MECHANISM INVOLVED

PubMed Central

Auer, John; Witherbee, William D.

1921-01-01

When a fixed area of the ears of rabbits is subjected to the action of a standard destructive dose of x-rays (30 skin units) the type of reaction resulting depends upon the previous treatment of the rabbit. (1) In normal rabbits a mild acute inflammation develops in the x-rayed area which leads at once to a perforating gangrene within an average of 15 days. (2) If rabbits are x-rayed and about 2 weeks later injected with horse serum for the first time, a mild acute inflammation appears which heals for a time; then a second, subacute inflammation sets in which leads to a perforating gangrene. The average time of the process from the first inflammation to gangrene is 32 days. (3) If rabbits are sensitized with horse serum and 10 days later are exposed locally to the standard dose of x-rays, the ensuing ear reaction is either similar to the second reaction described above, except that it may last up to 110 days, or the first inflammation leads to a healing which may be apparently permanent (340 + days). (4) If rabbits are first sensitized with horse serum, exposed locally to the standard dose of x-rays 10 days later, and 13 days after the x-ray treatment reinjected with horse serum, the reaction of the x-rayed area of the ears is in general similar to the second reaction described above (inflammation—healing—inflammation—gangrene). The average time of the whole process is about 42 days. On the basis of the general hypothesis that an anaphylactic reaction is initiated in the body when the specific antibody meets its antigen, and that both antibody and antigen are rendered more or less functionally inert by their interaction, the following inferences may be drawn from our experimental results. (1) The protection from the effects of a standard destructive dose of x-rays which a previous sensitization confers, is referable to the presence of anaphylactic antibodies in the x-rayed area. (2) This protection is largely due to the anaphylactic antibodies which are anchored in the x-rayed area, and not to those which are free in the circulation. (3) An anaphylactic reaction renders the anchored anaphylactic antibodies largely impotent as protective factors against the standard destructive x-ray dose, even though sensitization preceded exposure to the x-rays. (4) An area treated with the standard destructive dose of x-rays is unable to produce or to anchor a sufficient amount of anaphylactic antibodies for protection from necrosis, when the x-ray treatment precedes the sensitization, or when the locally anchored anaphylactic antibodies are rendered functionally inactive by a general anaphylactic reaction. It is possible that the procedure of increasing the resistance of the skin to a destructive dose of x-rays by means of a previous sensitization with protein may be applicable in the treatment of certain types of inoperable disease, when it is important to use massive doses of x-rays. Animals which have been sensitized, or sensitized and reinjected with any undenatured alien protein, should not be reemployed as normal controls in any investigation unless trial has shown that these proteinized animals react quantitatively and qualitatively like normal animals. The presence of an abnormal reactor in a group of supposedly normal animals may be an indication of a previous proteinization. PMID:19868536
Generation-X: An X-ray observatory designed to observe first light objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Windhorst, Rogier A.; Cameron, R. A.; Brissenden, R. J.; Elvis, M. S.; Fabbiano, G.; Gorenstein, P.; Reid, P. B.; Schwartz, D. A.; Bautz, M. W.; Figueroa-Feliciano, E.; Petre, R.; White, N. E.; Zhang, W. W.

2006-03-01

The new cosmological frontier will be the study of the very first stars, galaxies and black holes in the early Universe. These objects are invisible to the current generation of X-ray telescopes, such as Chandra. In response, the Generation-X ("Gen-X") Vision Mission has been proposed as a future X-ray observatory which will be capable of detecting the earliest objects. X-ray imaging and spectroscopy of such faint objects demands a large collecting area and high angular resolution. The Gen-X mission plans 100 m 2 collecting area at 1 keV (1000× that of Chandra), and with an angular resolution of 0.1″. The Gen-X mission will operate at Sun-Earth L2, and might involve four 8 m diameter telescopes or even a single 20 m diameter telescope. To achieve the required effective area with reasonable mass, very lightweight grazing incidence X-ray optics must be developed, having an areal density 100× lower than in Chandra, with mirrors as thin as 0.1 mm requiring active on-orbit figure control. The suite of available detectors for Gen-X should include a large-area high resolution imager, a cryogenic imaging spectrometer, and a grating spectrometer. We discuss use of Gen-X to observe the birth of the first black holes, stars and galaxies, and trace their cosmic evolution.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy investigations on oxidized Ni/Au contacts to p-GaN.

PubMed

Jan, J C; Asokan, K; Chiou, J W; Pong, W F; Tseng, P K; Chen, L C; Chen, F R; Lee, J F; Wu, J S; Lin, H J; Chen, C T

2001-03-01

X-ray absorption spectroscopy was used to investigate the electronic structure of as-deposited and oxidized Ni/Au contacts to p-GaN and to elucidate the mechanism responsible for low impedance. X-ray absorption near edge spectra of Ni K- and L3,2-edges clearly indicate formation of NiO on the sample surface after annealing. The reason for low impedance may be attributed to increase in hole concentration and existence of p-NiO layer on the surface.
X-Ray Astronomy Research at the Marshall Space Flight Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Austin, Robert A.

1999-01-01

For at least twenty years, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has played a major role in the development of X-ray astronomy in the United States. MSFC scientists and engineers are currently involved in a wide range of programs which will contribute to the growth of X-ray astronomy well into the next century. Areas of activity include calibration of X-ray astronomy instrumentation using Marshall's world-class X-ray Calibration Facility (XRCF), development of high-throughput, replicated X-ray optics, X-ray detector development, balloon-based X-ray astronomy, and analysis of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) and clusters of galaxies. Recent milestones include the successful calibration of NASA's premier X-ray Astronomy Satellite - AXAF (recently renamed Chandra), a balloon flight of a large area (1000 sq cm) micro-strip proportional counter, and work on a hard X-ray (30-100 keV) telescope called HERO, capable of high quality spectroscopy and imaging through the use of grazing incidence optics and an Imaging Gas Scintillation Proportional Counter (IGSPC). In my presentation, I will provide a general overview of our research and facilities. I will conclude with a more detailed discussion of our High Energy Replicated Optics (HERO) program and plans for long duration (>100 days) balloon flights which will take place in the near future.
Structural analysis of polymer thin films using GISAXS in the tender X-ray region: Concept and design of GISAXS experiments using the tender X-ray energy at BL-15A2 at the Photon Factory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Takagi, H., E-mail: takagih@post.kek.jp; Igarashi, N.; Mori, T.

If small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) utilizing the soft X-ray region is available, advanced and unique experiments, which differ from traditional SAXS methods, can be realized. For example, grazing-incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) using hard X-ray is a powerful tool for understanding the nanostructure in both vertical and lateral directions of thin films, while GISAXS utilizing the tender X-ray region (SX-GISAXS) enables depth-resolved analysis as well as a standard GISAXS analysis in thin films. Thus, at BL-15A2 at the Photon Factory, a dedicated diffractometer for SX-GISAXS (above 2.1 keV) was constructed. This diffractometer is composed of four vacuum chambers andmore » can be converted into the vacuum state from the sample chamber in front of the detector surface. Diffractions are clearly observed until 12th peak when measuring collagen by SAXS with an X-ray energy of 2.40 keV and a camera length of 825 mm. Additionally, we conducted the model experiment using SX-GISAXS with an X-ray energy of 2.40 keV to confirm that a poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(n-butyl acrylate) block copolymer thin film has a microphase-separated structure in the thin film, which is composed of lamellae aligned both parallel and perpendicular to the substrate surface. Similarly, in a polystyrene-poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymer thin film, SX-GISAXS with 3.60 keV and 5.73 keV revealed that hexagonally packed cylinders are aligned parallel to the substrate surface. The incident angle dependence of the first order peak position of the q{sub z} direction obtained from experiments at various incident X-ray energies agrees very well with the theoretical one calculated from the distorted wave Born approximation.« less
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Lidong; Zhou, Lu; Ould-Chikh, Samy

Surface composition and structure are of vital importance for heterogeneous catalysts, especially for bimetallic catalysts, which often vary as a function of reaction conditions (known as surface segregation). The preparation of bimetallic catalysts with controlled metal surface composition and structure is very challenging. In this study, we synthesize a series of Ni/Pt bimetallic catalysts with controlled metal surface composition and structure using a method derived from surface organometallic chemistry. The evolution of the surface composition and structure of the obtained bimetallic catalysts under simulated reaction conditions is investigated by various techniques, which include CO-probe IR spectroscopy, high-angle annular dark-field scanningmore » transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis, X-ray absorption near-edge structure analysis, XRD, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is demonstrated that the structure of the bimetallic catalyst is evolved from Pt monolayer island-modified Ni nanoparticles to core–shell bimetallic nanoparticles composed of a Ni-rich core and a Ni/Pt alloy shell upon thermal treatment. As a result, these catalysts are active for the dry reforming of methane, and their catalytic activities, stabilities, and carbon formation vary with their surface composition and structure.« less
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Lidong; Zhou, Lu; Ould-Chikh, Samy

The surface composition and structure are of vital importance for heterogeneous catalysts, especially for bimetallic catalysts, which often vary as a function of reaction conditions (known as surface segregation). The preparation of bimetallic catalysts with controlled metal surface composition and structure is very challenging. In this study, we synthesize a series of Ni/Pt bimetallic catalysts with controlled metal surface composition and structure using a method derived from surface organometallic chemistry. Moreover, the evolution of the surface composition and structure of the obtained bimetallic catalysts under simulated reaction conditions is investigated by various techniques, which include CO-probe IR spectroscopy, high-angle annularmore » dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis, X-ray absorption near-edge structure analysis, XRD, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is demonstrated that the structure of the bimetallic catalyst is evolved from Pt monolayer island-modified Ni nanoparticles to core–shell bimetallic nanoparticles composed of a Ni-rich core and a Ni/Pt alloy shell upon thermal treatment. The catalysts are active for the dry reforming of methane, and their catalytic activities, stabilities, and carbon formation vary with their surface composition and structure.« less
Observing the Magnetosphere in Soft X-Rays: The Lunar X-Ray Observatory (LXO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sibeck, D. G.; Collier, M. R.; Porter, F. S.

2018-02-01

Wide field-of-view soft X-ray imagers in lunar orbit or on the lunar surface can be used to address many heliophysics objectives, including the nature of the solar wind magnetosphere-interaction, the lunar exosphere, and the helium focusing cone.
Measurement of the point spread function and effective area of the Solar-A Soft X-ray Telescope mirror

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lemen, J. R.; Claflin, E. S.; Brown, W. A.; Bruner, M. E.; Catura, R. C.

1989-01-01

A grazing incidence solar X-ray telescope, Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT), will be flown on the Solar-A satellite in 1991. Measurements have been conducted to determine the focal length, Point Spread Function (PSF), and effective area of the SXT mirror. The measurements were made with pinholes, knife edges, a CCD, and a proportional counter. The results show the 1/r character of the PSF, and indicate a half power diameter of 4.9 arcsec and an effective area of 1.33 sq cm at 13.3 A (0.93 keV). The mirror was found to provide a high contrast image with very little X-ray scattering.
Development of speckle-free channel-cut crystal optics using plasma chemical vaporization machining for coherent x-ray applications.

PubMed

Hirano, Takashi; Osaka, Taito; Sano, Yasuhisa; Inubushi, Yuichi; Matsuyama, Satoshi; Tono, Kensuke; Ishikawa, Tetsuya; Yabashi, Makina; Yamauchi, Kazuto

2016-06-01

We have developed a method of fabricating speckle-free channel-cut crystal optics with plasma chemical vaporization machining, an etching method using atmospheric-pressure plasma, for coherent X-ray applications. We investigated the etching characteristics to silicon crystals and achieved a small surface roughness of less than 1 nm rms at a removal depth of >10 μm, which satisfies the requirements for eliminating subsurface damage while suppressing diffuse scattering from rough surfaces. We applied this method for fabricating channel-cut Si(220) crystals for a hard X-ray split-and-delay optical system and confirmed that the crystals provided speckle-free reflection profiles under coherent X-ray illumination.
Combined operando X-ray diffraction–electrochemical impedance spectroscopy detecting solid solution reactions of LiFePO4 in batteries

PubMed Central

Hess, Michael; Sasaki, Tsuyoshi; Villevieille, Claire; Novák, Petr

2015-01-01

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used for portable applications today; however, often suffer from limited recharge rates. One reason for such limitation can be a reduced active surface area during phase separation. Here we report a technique combining high-resolution operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction coupled with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to directly track non-equilibrium intermediate phases in lithium-ion battery materials. LiFePO4, for example, is known to undergo phase separation when cycled under low-current-density conditions. However, operando X-ray diffraction under ultra-high-rate alternating current and direct current excitation reveal a continuous but current-dependent, solid solution reaction between LiFePO4 and FePO4 which is consistent with previous experiments and calculations. In addition, the formation of a preferred phase with a composition similar to the eutectoid composition, Li0.625FePO4, is evident. Even at a low rate of 0.1C, ∼20% of the X-ray diffractogram can be attributed to non-equilibrium phases, which changes our understanding of the intercalation dynamics in LiFePO4. PMID:26345306
Combined operando X-ray diffraction-electrochemical impedance spectroscopy detecting solid solution reactions of LiFePO4 in batteries.

PubMed

Hess, Michael; Sasaki, Tsuyoshi; Villevieille, Claire; Novák, Petr

2015-09-08

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used for portable applications today; however, often suffer from limited recharge rates. One reason for such limitation can be a reduced active surface area during phase separation. Here we report a technique combining high-resolution operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction coupled with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to directly track non-equilibrium intermediate phases in lithium-ion battery materials. LiFePO4, for example, is known to undergo phase separation when cycled under low-current-density conditions. However, operando X-ray diffraction under ultra-high-rate alternating current and direct current excitation reveal a continuous but current-dependent, solid solution reaction between LiFePO4 and FePO4 which is consistent with previous experiments and calculations. In addition, the formation of a preferred phase with a composition similar to the eutectoid composition, Li0.625FePO4, is evident. Even at a low rate of 0.1C, ∼20% of the X-ray diffractogram can be attributed to non-equilibrium phases, which changes our understanding of the intercalation dynamics in LiFePO4.
Highly surface-roughened quasi-spherical silver powders in back electrode paste for silicon solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Peng; Liu, Shouchao; Li, Qiuying; Chen, Xiaolei; Guo, Weihong; Wu, Chifei

2017-08-01

In our work, highly surface-roughened quasi-spherical silver powders with controllable size and superior dispersibility, which have narrow size distribution and relatively high tap density, were successfully prepared by reducing silver nitrate with ascorbic acid in aqueous solutions. Gum arabic (AG) was selected as dispersant to prevent the agglomeration of silver particles. Furthermore, the effects of preparation conditions on the characteristics of the powders were systematically investigated. By varying the concentration of the reactants, dosage of dispersant, the feeding modes, synthesis temperature and the pH value of the mixture solution of silver nitrate and AG, the resulted silver particles displayed controllable size, different morphologies and surface roughness. The spherical silver powder with mean particle size of 1.20 µm, tap density of 4.1 g cm-3 and specific area value of 0.46 m2 g-1 was prepared by adjusting preparation conditions. The AG absorbed on the surface preventing the silver particles from diffusion and aggregation was proved by the ultraviolet spectra. Observations of SEM images showed that the as-prepared silver powders were relatively monodisperse silver spheres with highly roughened surface and the particle size was controllable from 1 µm to 5 µm, specific surface area value from approximately 0.2 m2 g-1 to 0.8 m2 g-1. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and thermal gravity analysis (TGA) demonstrated high crystallinity and purity of the obtained silver powders.
Radiolytic hydrogen generation at silicon carbide-water interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schofield, Jennifer; Reiff, Sarah C.; Pimblott, Simon M.; LaVerne, Jay A.

2016-02-01

While many of the proposed uses of SiC in the nuclear industry involve systems that are assumed to be dry, almost all materials have dissociated chemisorbed water associated with their surface, which can undergo chemistry in radiation fields. Silicon carbide α-phase and β-phase nanoparticles with water were irradiated with γ-rays and 5 MeV 4He ions followed by the determination of the production of molecular hydrogen, H2, and characterization of changes in the particle surface. The yields of H2 from SiC-water slurries were always greater than expected from a simple mixture rule indicating that the presence of SiC was influencing the production of H2 from water, probably through an energy transfer from the solid to liquid phase. Although the increase in H2 yields was modest, a decrease in the water mass percentage led to an increase in H2 yields, especially for very low amounts of water. Surface analysis techniques included diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT), nitrogen absorption with the Brunauer - Emmett - Teller (BET) methodology for surface area determination, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Little change in the SiC surface was observed following radiolysis except for some conversion of β-phase SiC to the α-phase and the formation of SiO2 with He ion radiolysis.
A first determination of the surface density of galaxy clusters at very low x-ray fluxes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosati, Piero; Della Ceca, Roberta; Burg, Richard; Norman, Colin; Giacconi, Riccardo

1995-01-01

We present the first results of a serendipitous search for clusters of galaxies in deep ROSAT position sensitive proportional counter (PSPC) pointed observations at high Galactic latitude. The survey is being carried out using a wavelet-based detection algorithm which is not biased against extended, low surface brightness sources. A new flux-diameter limited sample of 10 cluster candidates has been created from approximately 3 deg(exp 2) surveyed area. Preliminary CCD observations have revealed that a large fraction of these candidates correspond to a visible enhancement in the galaxy surface density, and several others have been identified from other surveys. We believe these sources to be either low- to moderate-redshift groups or intermediate- to high-redshift clusters. We show X-ray and optical images of some of the clusters identified to date. We present, for the first time, the derived number density of the galaxy clusters to a flux limit of 1 x 10(exp -14) ergs cm(exp -2) s(exp -1) (0.5-2.0 keV). This extends the log N-log S of previous cluster surveys by more than one decade in flux. Results are compared to theoretical predictions for cluster number counts.

XIPE: the x-ray imaging polarimetry explorer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soffitta, P.; Bellazzini, R.; Bozzo, E.; Burwitz, V.; Castro-Tirado, A.; Costa, E.; Courvoisier, T.; Feng, H.; Gburek, S.; Goosmann, R.; Karas, V.; Matt, G.; Muleri, F.; Nandra, K.; Pearce, M.; Poutanen, J.; Reglero, V.; Sabau Maria, D.; Santangelo, A.; Tagliaferri, G.; Tenzer, C.; Vink, J.; Weisskopf, M. C.; Zane, S.; Agudo, I.; Antonelli, A.; Attina, P.; Baldini, L.; Bykov, A.; Carpentiero, R.; Cavazzuti, E.; Churazov, E.; Del Monte, E.; De Martino, D.; Donnarumma, I.; Doroshenko, V.; Evangelista, Y.; Ferreira, I.; Gallo, E.; Grosso, N.; Kaaret, P.; Kuulkers, E.; Laranaga, J.; Latronico, L.; Lumb, D. H.; Macian, J.; Malzac, J.; Marin, F.; Massaro, E.; Minuti, M.; Mundell, C.; Ness, J. U.; Oosterbroek, T.; Paltani, S.; Pareschi, G.; Perna, R.; Petrucci, P.-O.; Pinazo, H. B.; Pinchera, M.; Rodriguez, J. P.; Roncadelli, M.; Santovincenzo, A.; Sazonov, S.; Sgro, C.; Spiga, D.; Svoboda, J.; Theobald, C.; Theodorou, T.; Turolla, R.; Wilhelmi de Ona, E.; Winter, B.; Akbar, A. M.; Allan, H.; Aloisio, R.; Altamirano, D.; Amati, L.; Amato, E.; Angelakis, E.; Arezu, J.; Atteia, J.-L.; Axelsson, M.; Bachetti, M.; Ballo, L.; Balman, S.; Bandiera, R.; Barcons, X.; Basso, S.; Baykal, A.; Becker, W.; Behar, E.; Beheshtipour, B.; Belmont, R.; Berger, E.; Bernardini, F.; Bianchi, S.; Bisnovatyi-Kogan, G.; Blasi, P.; Blay, P.; Bodaghee, A.; Boer, M.; Boettcher, M.; Bogdanov, S.; Bombaci, I.; Bonino, R.; Braga, J.; Brandt, W.; Brez, A.; Bucciantini, N.; Burderi, L.; Caiazzo, I.; Campana, R.; Campana, S.; Capitanio, F.; Cappi, M.; Cardillo, M.; Casella, P.; Catmabacak, O.; Cenko, B.; Cerda-Duran, P.; Cerruti, C.; Chaty, S.; Chauvin, M.; Chen, Y.; Chenevez, J.; Chernyakova, M.; Cheung, C. C. Teddy; Christodoulou, D.; Connell, P.; Corbet, R.; Coti Zelati, F.; Covino, S.; Cui, W.; Cusumano, G.; D'Ai, A.; D'Ammando, F.; Dadina, M.; Dai, Z.; De Rosa, A.; de Ruvo, L.; Degenaar, N.; Del Santo, M.; Del Zanna, L.; Dewangan, G.; Di Cosimo, S.; Di Lalla, N.; Di Persio, G.; Di Salvo, T.; Dias, T.; Done, C.; Dovciak, M.; Doyle, G.; Ducci, L.; Elsner, R.; Enoto, T.; Escada, J.; Esposito, P.; Eyles, C.; Fabiani, S.; Falanga, M.; Falocco, S.; Fan, Y.; Fender, R.; Feroci, M.; Ferrigno, C.; Forman, W.; Foschini, L.; Fragile, C.; Fuerst, F.; Fujita, Y.; Gasent-Blesa, J. L.; Gelfand, J.; Gendre, B.; Ghirlanda, G.; Ghisellini, G.; Giroletti, M.; Goetz, D.; Gogus, E.; Gomez, J.-L.; Gonzalez, D.; Gonzalez-Riestra, R.; Gotthelf, E.; Gou, L.; Grandi, P.; Grinberg, V.; Grise, F.; Guidorzi, C.; Gurlebeck, N.; Guver, T.; Haggard, D.; Hardcastle, M.; Hartmann, D.; Haswell, C.; Heger, A.; Hernanz, M.; Heyl, J.; Ho, L.; Hoormann, J.; Horak, J.; Huovelin, J.; Huppenkothen, D.; Iaria, R.; Inam Sitki, C.; Ingram, A.; Israel, G.; Izzo, L.; Burgess, M.; Jackson, M.; Ji, L.; Jiang, J.; Johannsen, T.; Jones, C.; Jorstad, S.; Kajava, J. J. E.; Kalamkar, M.; Kalemci, E.; Kallman, T.; Kamble, A.; Kislat, F.; Kiss, M.; Klochkov, D.; Koerding, E.; Kolehmainen, M.; Koljonen, K.; Komossa, S.; Kong, A.; Korpela, S.; Kowalinski, M.; Krawczynski, H.; Kreykenbohm, I.; Kuss, M.; Lai, D.; Lan, M.; Larsson, J.; Laycock, S.; Lazzati, D.; Leahy, D.; Li, H.; Li, J.; Li, L.-X.; Li, T.; Li, Z.; Linares, M.; Lister, M.; Liu, H.; Lodato, G.; Lohfink, A.; Longo, F.; Luna, G.; Lutovinov, A.; Mahmoodifar, S.; Maia, J.; Mainieri, V.; Maitra, C.; Maitra, D.; Majczyna, A.; Maldera, S.; Malyshev, D.; Manfreda, A.; Manousakis, A.; Manuel, R.; Margutti, R.; Marinucci, A.; Markoff, S.; Marscher, A.; Marshall, H.; Massaro, F.; McLaughlin, M.; Medina-Tanco, G.; Mehdipour, M.; Middleton, M.; Mignani, R.; Mimica, P.; Mineo, T.; Mingo, B.; Miniutti, G.; Mirac, S. M.; Morlino, G.; Motlagh, A. V.; Motta, S.; Mushtukov, A.; Nagataki, S.; Nardini, F.; Nattila, J.; Navarro, G. J.; Negri, B.; Negro, Matteo; Nenonen, S.; Neustroev, V.; Nicastro, F.; Norton, A.; Nucita, A.; O'Brien, P.; O'Dell, S.

2016-07-01

XIPE, the X-ray Imaging Polarimetry Explorer, is a mission dedicated to X-ray Astronomy. At the time of writing XIPE is in a competitive phase A as fourth medium size mission of ESA (M4). It promises to reopen the polarimetry window in high energy Astrophysics after more than 4 decades thanks to a detector that efficiently exploits the photoelectric effect and to X-ray optics with large effective area. XIPE uniqueness is time-spectrally-spatially- resolved X-ray polarimetry as a breakthrough in high energy astrophysics and fundamental physics. Indeed the payload consists of three Gas Pixel Detectors at the focus of three X-ray optics with a total effective area larger than one XMM mirror but with a low weight. The payload is compatible with the fairing of the Vega launcher. XIPE is designed as an observatory for X-ray astronomers with 75 % of the time dedicated to a Guest Observer competitive program and it is organized as a consortium across Europe with main contributions from Italy, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Poland, Sweden.
The ASTRO-H SXT Performance to the Large Off-Set Angles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sato, Toshiki; Iizuka, Ryo; Mori, Hideyuki; Hayashi, Takayuki; Maeda, Yoshitomo; Ishida, Manabu; Kikuchi, Naomichi; Kurashima, Sho; Nakaniwa, Nozomi; Okajima, Takashi;

2016-01-01

The X-ray astronomy satellite ASTRO-H, which is the 6th Japanese X-ray astronomy satellite and is renamed Hitomi after launch, is designed to observe celestial X-ray objects in a wide energy band from a few hundred eV to 600 keV. The Soft X-ray Telescopes (SXTs) onboard ASTRO-H play a role of collecting and imaging X-rays up to approximately 12 keV. Although the field of view of the SXT is approximately 15' (FWHM), due to the thin-foil-nested Wolter-I type optics adopted in the SXTs, X-rays out of the field of view can reach the focal plane without experiencing a normal double reflection. This component is referred to as 'stray light'. Owing to investigation of the stray light so far, 'secondary reflection' is now identified as the main component of the stray light, which is composed of X-rays reflected only by secondary reflectors. In order to cut the secondary reflections, a 'pre-collimator' is equipped on top of the SXTs. However, we cannot cut all the stray lights with the pre-collimator in some off-axis angle domain. In this study, we measure the brightness of the stray light of the SXTs at some representative off-axis angles by using the ISAS X-ray beam line. ASTRO-H is equipped with two modules of the SXT; one is for the Soft X-ray Spectrometer (SXS), an X-ray calorimeter, and the other is for the Soft X-ray Imager (SXI), an X-ray CCD camera. These SXT modules are called SXT-S and SXT-I, respectively. Of the two detector systems, the SXI has a large field of view, a square with 38' on a side. To cope with this, we have made a mosaic mapping of the stray light at a representative off-axis angle of 30' in the X-ray beam line at the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science. The effective area of the brightest secondary reflection is found of order approximately 0.1% of the on-axis effective area at the energy of 1.49 keV. The other components are not so bright (less than 5 x 10(exp -4) times smaller than the on-axis effective area). On the other hand, we have found that the effective area of the stray light in the SXS field of view (approximately 3' x 3') at large off-axis angles (greater than 15') are approximately 1(exp -4) times smaller than the on-axis effective area (approximately 590 sq cm at 1.49 keV).

Number of holes contained within the Fermi surface volume in underdoped high-temperature superconductors

DOE PAGES

Harrison, Neil

2016-08-16

Here, we provide a potential solution to the longstanding problem relating Fermi surface reconstruction to the number of holes contained within the Fermi surface volume in underdoped high T c superconductors. On considering uniaxial and biaxial charge-density wave order, we show that there exists a relationship between the ordering wave vector, the hole doping, and the cross-sectional area of the reconstructed Fermi surface whose precise form depends on the volume of the starting Fermi surface. We consider a “large” starting Fermi surface comprising 1+p hole carriers, as predicted by band structure calculations, and a “small” starting Fermi surface comprising pmore » hole carriers, as proposed in models in which the Coulomb repulsion remains the dominant energy. Using the reconstructed Fermi surface cross-sectional area obtained in quantum oscillation experiments in YBa 2Cu 3O 6+x and HgBa 2CuO 4+x and the established methods for estimating the chemical hole doping, we find the ordering vectors obtained from x-ray scattering measurements to show a close correspondence with those expected for the small starting Fermi surface. We therefore show the quantum oscillation frequency and charge-density wave vectors provide accurate estimates for the number of holes contributing to the Fermi surface volume in the pseudogap regime.« less
Number of holes contained within the Fermi surface volume in underdoped high-temperature superconductors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harrison, Neil

Here, we provide a potential solution to the longstanding problem relating Fermi surface reconstruction to the number of holes contained within the Fermi surface volume in underdoped high T c superconductors. On considering uniaxial and biaxial charge-density wave order, we show that there exists a relationship between the ordering wave vector, the hole doping, and the cross-sectional area of the reconstructed Fermi surface whose precise form depends on the volume of the starting Fermi surface. We consider a “large” starting Fermi surface comprising 1+p hole carriers, as predicted by band structure calculations, and a “small” starting Fermi surface comprising pmore » hole carriers, as proposed in models in which the Coulomb repulsion remains the dominant energy. Using the reconstructed Fermi surface cross-sectional area obtained in quantum oscillation experiments in YBa 2Cu 3O 6+x and HgBa 2CuO 4+x and the established methods for estimating the chemical hole doping, we find the ordering vectors obtained from x-ray scattering measurements to show a close correspondence with those expected for the small starting Fermi surface. We therefore show the quantum oscillation frequency and charge-density wave vectors provide accurate estimates for the number of holes contributing to the Fermi surface volume in the pseudogap regime.« less
The effect of vacuum birefringence on the polarization of X-ray binaries and pulsars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Novick, R.; Weisskopf, M. C.; Angel, J. R. P.; Sutherland, P. G.

1977-01-01

In a strong magnetic field the vacuum becomes birefringent. This effect is especially important for pulsars at X-ray wavelengths. Any polarized X-ray emission from the surface of a magnetic neutron star becomes depolarized as it propagates through the magnetic field. The soft X-ray emission from AM Her, believed to be a magnetic white dwarf, may show about one radian of phase retardation. In this case, circular polarization of the X-ray flux would be a characteristic signature of vacuum birefringence.
Benchmarking the x-ray phase contrast imaging for ICF DT ice characterization using roughened surrogates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dewald, E; Kozioziemski, B; Moody, J

2008-06-26

We use x-ray phase contrast imaging to characterize the inner surface roughness of DT ice layers in capsules planned for future ignition experiments. It is therefore important to quantify how well the x-ray data correlates with the actual ice roughness. We benchmarked the accuracy of our system using surrogates with fabricated roughness characterized with high precision standard techniques. Cylindrical artifacts with azimuthally uniform sinusoidal perturbations with 100 um period and 1 um amplitude demonstrated 0.02 um accuracy limited by the resolution of the imager and the source size of our phase contrast system. Spherical surrogates with random roughness close tomore » that required for the DT ice for a successful ignition experiment were used to correlate the actual surface roughness to that obtained from the x-ray measurements. When comparing average power spectra of individual measurements, the accuracy mode number limits of the x-ray phase contrast system benchmarked against surface characterization performed by Atomic Force Microscopy are 60 and 90 for surrogates smoother and rougher than the required roughness for the ice. These agreement mode number limits are >100 when comparing matching individual measurements. We will discuss the implications for interpreting DT ice roughness data derived from phase-contrast x-ray imaging.« less
Emerging surface characterization techniques for carbon steel corrosion: a critical brief review.

PubMed

Dwivedi, D; Lepkova, K; Becker, T

2017-03-01

Carbon steel is a preferred construction material in many industrial and domestic applications, including oil and gas pipelines, where corrosion mitigation using film-forming corrosion inhibitor formulations is a widely accepted method. This review identifies surface analytical techniques that are considered suitable for analysis of thin films at metallic substrates, but are yet to be applied to analysis of carbon steel surfaces in corrosive media or treated with corrosion inhibitors. The reviewed methods include time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry, X-ray absorption spectroscopy methods, particle-induced X-ray emission, Rutherford backscatter spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, X-ray photoemission electron microscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, small-angle neutron scattering and neutron reflectometry, and conversion electron Moessbauer spectrometry. Advantages and limitations of the analytical methods in thin-film surface investigations are discussed. Technical parameters of nominated analytical methods are provided to assist in the selection of suitable methods for analysis of metallic substrates deposited with surface films. The challenges associated with the applications of the emerging analytical methods in corrosion science are also addressed.
Emerging surface characterization techniques for carbon steel corrosion: a critical brief review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dwivedi, D.; Lepkova, K.; Becker, T.

2017-03-01

Carbon steel is a preferred construction material in many industrial and domestic applications, including oil and gas pipelines, where corrosion mitigation using film-forming corrosion inhibitor formulations is a widely accepted method. This review identifies surface analytical techniques that are considered suitable for analysis of thin films at metallic substrates, but are yet to be applied to analysis of carbon steel surfaces in corrosive media or treated with corrosion inhibitors. The reviewed methods include time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry, X-ray absorption spectroscopy methods, particle-induced X-ray emission, Rutherford backscatter spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, X-ray photoemission electron microscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, small-angle neutron scattering and neutron reflectometry, and conversion electron Moessbauer spectrometry. Advantages and limitations of the analytical methods in thin-film surface investigations are discussed. Technical parameters of nominated analytical methods are provided to assist in the selection of suitable methods for analysis of metallic substrates deposited with surface films. The challenges associated with the applications of the emerging analytical methods in corrosion science are also addressed.
Emerging surface characterization techniques for carbon steel corrosion: a critical brief review

PubMed Central

Dwivedi, D.; Becker, T.

2017-01-01

Carbon steel is a preferred construction material in many industrial and domestic applications, including oil and gas pipelines, where corrosion mitigation using film-forming corrosion inhibitor formulations is a widely accepted method. This review identifies surface analytical techniques that are considered suitable for analysis of thin films at metallic substrates, but are yet to be applied to analysis of carbon steel surfaces in corrosive media or treated with corrosion inhibitors. The reviewed methods include time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry, X-ray absorption spectroscopy methods, particle-induced X-ray emission, Rutherford backscatter spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, X-ray photoemission electron microscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, small-angle neutron scattering and neutron reflectometry, and conversion electron Moessbauer spectrometry. Advantages and limitations of the analytical methods in thin-film surface investigations are discussed. Technical parameters of nominated analytical methods are provided to assist in the selection of suitable methods for analysis of metallic substrates deposited with surface films. The challenges associated with the applications of the emerging analytical methods in corrosion science are also addressed. PMID:28413351
Browning phenomenon of medieval stained glass windows.

PubMed

Ferrand, Jessica; Rossano, Stéphanie; Loisel, Claudine; Trcera, Nicolas; van Hullebusch, Eric D; Bousta, Faisl; Pallot-Frossard, Isabelle

2015-04-07

In this work, three pieces of historical on-site glass windows dated from the 13th to 16th century and one archeological sample (8th century) showing Mn-rich brown spots at their surface or subsurface have been characterized by optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The oxidation state of Mn as well as the Mn environment in the alteration phase have been characterized by X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Mn K-edge. Results show that the oxidation state of Mn and therefore the nature of the alteration phase varies according to the sample considered and is correlated with the extent of the brown alteration. The larger the brown areas the more oxidized the Mn. However, by contrast with literature, the samples presenting the more extended brown areas are not similar to pyrolusite and contain Mn mainly under a (+III) oxidation state.
High throughput fabrication of large-area plasmonic color filters by soft-X-ray interference lithography.

PubMed

Sun, Libin; Hu, Xiaolin; Wu, Qingjun; Wang, Liansheng; Zhao, Jun; Yang, Shumin; Tai, Renzhong; Fecht, Hans-Jorg; Zhang, Dong-Xian; Wang, Li-Qiang; Jiang, Jian-Zhong

2016-08-22

Plasmonic color filters in mass production have been restricted from current fabrication technology, which impede their applications. Soft-X-ray interference lithography (XIL) has recently generated considerable interest as a newly developed technique for the production of periodic nano-structures with resolution theoretically below 4 nm. Here we ameliorate XIL by adding an order sorting aperture and designing the light path properly to achieve perfect-stitching nano-patterns and fast fabrication of large-area color filters. The fill factor of nanostructures prepared on ultrathin Ag films can largely affect the transmission minimum of plasmonic color filters. By changing the fill factor, the color can be controlled flexibly, improving the utilization efficiency of the mask in XIL simultaneously. The calculated data agree well with the experimental results. Finally, an underlying mechanism has been uncovered after systematically analyzing the localized surface plasmon polaritons (LSPPs) coupling in electric field distribution.
Spherical V-Fe-MCM-48: The Synthesis, Characterization and Hydrothermal Stability.

PubMed

Qian, Wang; Wang, Haiqing; Chen, Jin; Kong, Yan

2015-04-14

Spherical MCM-48 mesoporous sieve co-doped with vanadium and iron was successfully synthesized via one-step hydrothermal method. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) techniques. Results indicated that the V-Fe-MCM-48 showed an ordered 3D cubic mesostructure with spherical morphology, narrow pore size distribution and high specific surface area. Most of vanadium and iron atoms existing as tetrahedral V 4+ and Fe 3+ species were co-doped into the silicate framework. The particle sizes of V-Fe-MCM-48 were smaller and the specific area was much higher than those of of V-MCM-48. Additionally, the synthesized V-Fe-MCM-48 exhibited improved hydrothermal stability compared with the pure MCM-48.
Spherical V-Fe-MCM-48: The Synthesis, Characterization and Hydrothermal Stability

PubMed Central

Qian, Wang; Wang, Haiqing; Chen, Jin; Kong, Yan

2015-01-01

Spherical MCM-48 mesoporous sieve co-doped with vanadium and iron was successfully synthesized via one-step hydrothermal method. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) techniques. Results indicated that the V-Fe-MCM-48 showed an ordered 3D cubic mesostructure with spherical morphology, narrow pore size distribution and high specific surface area. Most of vanadium and iron atoms existing as tetrahedral V4+ and Fe3+ species were co-doped into the silicate framework. The particle sizes of V-Fe-MCM-48 were smaller and the specific area was much higher than those of of V-MCM-48. Additionally, the synthesized V-Fe-MCM-48 exhibited improved hydrothermal stability compared with the pure MCM-48. PMID:28788030
Fabrication process for a gradient index x-ray lens

DOEpatents

Bionta, R.M.; Makowiecki, D.M.; Skulina, K.M.

1995-01-17

A process is disclosed for fabricating high efficiency x-ray lenses that operate in the 0.5-4.0 keV region suitable for use in biological imaging, surface science, and x-ray lithography of integrated circuits. The gradient index x-ray optics fabrication process broadly involves co-sputtering multi-layers of film on a wire, followed by slicing and mounting on block, and then ion beam thinning to a thickness determined by periodic testing for efficiency. The process enables the fabrication of transmissive gradient index x-ray optics for the 0.5-4.0 keV energy range. This process allows the fabrication of optical elements for the next generation of imaging and x-ray lithography instruments in the soft x-ray region. 13 figures.
Fabrication process for a gradient index x-ray lens

DOEpatents

Bionta, Richard M.; Makowiecki, Daniel M.; Skulina, Kenneth M.

1995-01-01

A process for fabricating high efficiency x-ray lenses that operate in the 0.5-4.0 keV region suitable for use in biological imaging, surface science, and x-ray lithography of integrated circuits. The gradient index x-ray optics fabrication process broadly involves co-sputtering multi-layers of film on a wire, followed by slicing and mounting on block, and then ion beam thinning to a thickness determined by periodic testing for efficiency. The process enables the fabrication of transmissive gradient index x-ray optics for the 0.5-4.0 keV energy range. This process allows the fabrication of optical elements for the next generation of imaging and x-ray lithography instruments m the soft x-ray region.
Analyzing the Spectra of Accreting X-Ray Pulsars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolff, Michael

This proposal seeks funding for the analysis of accretion-powered X-ray pulsar spectra from NASA/ HEASARC archived X-ray data. Spectral modeling of accreting X-ray pulsars can tell us a great deal about the physical conditions in and near high mass X-ray binary systems. Such systems have accretion flows where plasma is initially channeled from an accretion disk by the strong neutron star magnetic field, eventually falling onto the magnetic polar cap of the neutron star compact object. Many of these accreting X-ray pulsars have X-ray spectra that consist of broad power-law continua with superposed cyclotron resonant scattering features indicating magnetic field strengths above 10^12 G. The energies of these cyclotron line features have recently been shown to vary with X-ray luminosity in a number of sources such as Her X-1 and V 0332+53, a phenomenon not well understood. Another recent development is the relatively new analytic model for the spectral continuum formation in accretion-powered pulsar systems developed by Becker & Wolff. In their formalism the accretion flows are assumed to go through radiation- dominated radiative shocks and settle onto the neutron star surface. The radiation field consists of strongly Comptonized bremsstrahlung emission from the entire plasma, Comptonized cyclotron emission from the de-excitations of Landau-excited electrons in the neutron star magnetic field, and Comptonized black-body emission from a thermal mound near the neutron star surface. We seek to develop the data analysis tools to apply this model framework to the X-ray data from a wide set of sources to make progress characterizing the basic accretion properties (e.g., magnetic field strength, plasma temperatures, polar cap size, accretion rate per unit area, dominance of bulk vs. thermal Comptonization) as well as understanding the variations of the cyclotron line energies with X-ray luminosity. The three major goals of our proposed work are as follows: In the first year, we will develop the new software module (essentially a computer code representing the theoretical model) necessary to perform the analysis of accretion-powered pulsar X-ray spectra in the XSPEC spectral analysis environment. Also in this first year we will analyze new Suzaku Cycle 6 Target of Opportunity observations of GX 304-1 and 4U 0115+63, two known cyclotron line sources, that we have recently carried out. In the second year of this study we will apply our new XSPEC spectral continuum module to the archival X-ray observational data from a number of accreting X-ray pulsars from the RXTE/PCA/HEXTE and Suzaku/XIS/HXD instruments to extract basic accretion parameters. Our source list contains eight pulsars, seven of which have observed cyclotron scattering lines. These pulsars span a range in magnetic field strength, luminosity, expected accretion rate, expected polar cap size, and Comptonizing temperature. In the second year of this work we also plan to make our new fully tested XSPEC continuum analysis module available to the Goddard Space Flight Center HEASARC for distribution to the astrophysical research community. The development and analysis tasks proposed here will provide for the first time a physical basis for the analysis and interpretation of data on accreting X-ray pulsar spectra.
X-ray diffraction and X-ray standing-wave study of the lead stearate film structure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blagov, A. E.; Dyakova, Yu. A.; Kovalchuk, M. V.

2016-05-15

A new approach to the study of the structural quality of crystals is proposed. It is based on the use of X-ray standing-wave method without measuring secondary processes and considers the multiwave interaction of diffraction reflections corresponding to different harmonics of the same crystallographic reflection. A theory of multiwave X-ray diffraction is developed to calculate the rocking curves in the X-ray diffraction scheme under consideration for a long-period quasi-one-dimensional crystal. This phase-sensitive method is used to study the structure of a multilayer lead stearate film on a silicon substrate. Some specific structural features are revealed for the surface layer ofmore » the thin film, which are most likely due to the tilt of the upper layer molecules with respect to the external normal to the film surface.« less
Pulsar Polar Cap Heating and Surface Thermal X-ray Emission. 1; Curvature Radiation Pair Fronts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harding, Alice K.; Muslimov, Alexander G.; White, Nicholas E. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We investigate the effect of pulsar polar cap (PC) heating produced by positrons returning from the upper pair formation front. Our calculations are based on a self-consistent treatment of the pair dynamics and the effect of electric field screening by the returning positrons. We calculate the resultant X-ray luminosities and discuss the dependence of the PC heating efficiencies on pulsar parameters, such as characteristic spin-down age, spin period, and surface magnetic field strength. In this study we concentrate on the regime where the pairs are produced in a magnetic field by curvature photons emitted by accelerating electrons. Our theoretical results are not in conflict with the available observational x-ray data and suggest that the effect of PC heating should significantly contribute to the thermal x-ray fluxes from middle-aged and old pulsars. The implications for current and future x-ray observations of pulsars are briefly outlined.
Surface studies of solids using integral x-ray-induced photoemission yield

DOE PAGES

Stoupin, Stanislav; Zhernenkov, Mikhail; Shi, Bing

2016-11-22

X-ray induced photoemission yield contains structural information complementary to that provided by X-ray Fresnel reflectivity, which presents an advantage to a wide variety of surface studies if this information is made easily accessible. Photoemission in materials research is commonly acknowledged as a method with a probing depth limited by the escape depth of the photoelectrons. Here we show that the integral hard-X-ray-induced photoemission yield is modulated by the Fresnel reflectivity of a multilayer structure and carries structural information that extends well beyond the photoelectron escape depth. A simple electric self-detection of the integral photoemission yield and Fourier data analysis permitmore » extraction of thicknesses of individual layers. The approach does not require detection of the reflected radiation and can be considered as a framework for non-invasive evaluation of buried layers with hard X-rays under grazing incidence.« less
Surface studies of solids using integral X-ray-induced photoemission yield

PubMed Central

Stoupin, Stanislav; Zhernenkov, Mikhail; Shi, Bing

2016-01-01

X-ray induced photoemission yield contains structural information complementary to that provided by X-ray Fresnel reflectivity, which presents an advantage to a wide variety of surface studies if this information is made easily accessible. Photoemission in materials research is commonly acknowledged as a method with a probing depth limited by the escape depth of the photoelectrons. Here we show that the integral hard-X-ray-induced photoemission yield is modulated by the Fresnel reflectivity of a multilayer structure and carries structural information that extends well beyond the photoelectron escape depth. A simple electric self-detection of the integral photoemission yield and Fourier data analysis permit extraction of thicknesses of individual layers. The approach does not require detection of the reflected radiation and can be considered as a framework for non-invasive evaluation of buried layers with hard X-rays under grazing incidence. PMID:27874041

Vitreous carbon mask substrate for X-ray lithography

DOEpatents

Aigeldinger, Georg [Livermore, CA; Skala, Dawn M [Fremont, CA; Griffiths, Stewart K [Livermore, CA; Talin, Albert Alec [Livermore, CA; Losey, Matthew W [Livermore, CA; Yang, Chu-Yeu Peter [Dublin, CA

2009-10-27

The present invention is directed to the use of vitreous carbon as a substrate material for providing masks for X-ray lithography. The new substrate also enables a small thickness of the mask absorber used to pattern the resist, and this enables improved mask accuracy. An alternative embodiment comprised the use of vitreous carbon as a LIGA substrate wherein the VC wafer blank is etched in a reactive ion plasma after which an X-ray resist is bonded. This surface treatment provides a surface enabling good adhesion of the X-ray photoresist and subsequent nucleation and adhesion of the electrodeposited metal for LIGA mold-making while the VC substrate practically eliminates secondary radiation effects that lead to delamination of the X-ray resist form the substrate, the loss of isolated resist features, and the formation of a resist layer adjacent to the substrate that is insoluble in the developer.
Chandra Observations of Magnetic White Dwarfs and Their Theoretical Implications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Musielak, Z. E.; Noble, M.; Porter, J. G.; Winget, D. E.; Six, N. Frank (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Observations of cool DA and DB white dwarfs have not yet been successful in detecting coronal X-ray emission but observations of late-type dwarfs and giants show that coronae are common for these stars. To produce coronal X-rays, a star must have dynamo-generated surface magnetic fields and a well-developed convection zone. There is strong observational evidence that the DA star LHS 1038 and the DB star GD 358 have weak and variable surface magnetic fields. Since these fields are likely to be generated by dynamo action and since both stars have well-developed convection zones, theory predicts detectable levels of coronal X-rays from these white dwarfs. However, we present analysis of Chandra observations of both stars showing no detectable X-ray emission. The derived upper limits for the X-ray fluxes provide strong constraints on theories of formation of coronae around magnetic white dwarfs.
Enhanced high-energy gamma-ray emission from the microquasar Cygnus X-3 detected by Fermi/LAT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loh, Alan; Corbel, Stephane

2017-02-01

Following the recent decrease of the hard X-ray emission from the high-mass X-ray binary Cygnus X-3 as seen by the Swift/Burst Alert Telescope (https://swift.gsfc.nasa.gov/results/transients/CygX-3/), the Large Area Telescope (LAT), one of the two instruments on the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, has observed significant gamma-ray emission originating from the microquasar.
NASA's Future X-ray Missions: From Constellation-X to Generation-X

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hornschemeier, A.

2006-01-01

Among the most important topics in modern astrophysics are the formation and evolution of supermassive black holes in concert with galaxy bulges, the nature of the dark energy equation of state, and the self-regulating symmetry imposed by both stellar and AGN feedback. All of these topics are readily addressed with observations at X-ray wavelengths. NASA's next major X-ray observatory is Constellation-X, which is being developed to perform spatially resolved high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy. Con-X will directly measure the physical properties of material near black holes' last stable orbits and the absolute element abundances and velocities of hot gas in clusters of galaxies. The Con-X mission will be described, as well as its successor, Generation-X (anticipated to fly approx.1 decade after Con-X). After describing these missions and their driving science areas, the talk will focus on areas in which Chandra observing programs may enable science with future X-ray observatories. These areas include a possible ultra-deep Chandra imaging survey as an early Universe pathfinder, a large program to spatially resolve the hot intracluster medium of massive clusters to aid dark energy measurements, and possible deep spectroscopic observations to aid in preparatory theoretical atomic physics work needed for interpreting Con-X spectra.
Anomalous X-Ray Reflectivity Characterization of Ion Distribution at Biomimetic Membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaknin, David; Krüger, Peter; Lösche, Mathias

2003-05-01

Anomalous x-ray reflectivity measurements provides detailed information on ion binding to biomembrane surfaces. Using a monochromatic beam tuned to various x-ray energies at the Argonne National Laboratory Advanced Photon Source and utilizing a newly commissioned x-ray liquid surfaces reflectometer, measurements at and away from ion absorption edges allow determination of the distribution of these ions as they accumulate near lipid membranes. As a model, the interaction of Ba2+ ions with DMPA- (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidic acid) monolayers at the aqueous surface is studied. We find an unexpectedly large concentration of barium at the interface, ≈1.5 per DMPA-, forming a Stern layer of bound ions and a cloud of less densely bound ions near the lipid headgroups. This result can be understood only if one assumes that bound cations are partially speciated, e.g., as BaOH+.
Monitoring the recrystallisation of amorphous xylitol using Raman spectroscopy and wide-angle X-ray scattering.

PubMed

Palomäki, Emmi; Ahvenainen, Patrik; Ehlers, Henrik; Svedström, Kirsi; Huotari, Simo; Yliruusi, Jouko

2016-07-11

In this paper we present a fast model system for monitoring the recrystallization of quench-cooled amorphous xylitol using Raman spectroscopy and wide-angle X-ray scattering. The use of these two methods enables comparison between surface and bulk crystallization. Non-ordered mesoporous silica micro-particles were added to the system in order to alter the rate of crystallization of the amorphous xylitol. Raman measurements showed that adding silica to the system increased the rate of surface crystallization, while X-ray measurements showed that the rate of bulk crystallization decreased. Using this model system it is possible to measure fast changes, which occur in minutes or within a few hours. Raman-spectroscopy and wide-angle X-ray scattering were found to be complementary techniques when assessing surface and bulk crystallization of amorphous xylitol. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Determination of the Effective Detector Area of an Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometer at the Scanning Electron Microscope Using Experimental and Theoretical X-Ray Emission Yields.

PubMed

Procop, Mathias; Hodoroaba, Vasile-Dan; Terborg, Ralf; Berger, Dirk

2016-12-01

A method is proposed to determine the effective detector area for energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometers (EDS). Nowadays, detectors are available for a wide range of nominal areas ranging from 10 up to 150 mm2. However, it remains in most cases unknown whether this nominal area coincides with the "net active sensor area" that should be given according to the related standard ISO 15632, or with any other area of the detector device. Moreover, the specific geometry of EDS installation may further reduce a given detector area. The proposed method can be applied to most scanning electron microscope/EDS configurations. The basic idea consists in a comparison of the measured count rate with the count rate resulting from known X-ray yields of copper, titanium, or silicon. The method was successfully tested on three detectors with known effective area and applied further to seven spectrometers from different manufacturers. In most cases the method gave an effective area smaller than the area given in the detector description.
Modulated high-energy gamma-ray emission from the microquasar Cygnus X-3.

PubMed

Abdo, A A; Ackermann, M; Ajello, M; Axelsson, M; Baldini, L; Ballet, J; Barbiellini, G; Bastieri, D; Baughman, B M; Bechtol, K; Bellazzini, R; Berenji, B; Blandford, R D; Bloom, E D; Bonamente, E; Borgland, A W; Brez, A; Brigida, M; Bruel, P; Burnett, T H; Buson, S; Caliandro, G A; Cameron, R A; Caraveo, P A; Casandjian, J M; Cecchi, C; Celik, O; Chaty, S; Cheung, C C; Chiang, J; Ciprini, S; Claus, R; Cohen-Tanugi, J; Cominsky, L R; Conrad, J; Corbel, S; Corbet, R; Dermer, C D; de Palma, F; Digel, S W; do Couto e Silva, E; Drell, P S; Dubois, R; Dubus, G; Dumora, D; Farnier, C; Favuzzi, C; Fegan, S J; Focke, W B; Fortin, P; Frailis, M; Fusco, P; Gargano, F; Gehrels, N; Germani, S; Giavitto, G; Giebels, B; Giglietto, N; Giordano, F; Glanzman, T; Godfrey, G; Grenier, I A; Grondin, M-H; Grove, J E; Guillemot, L; Guiriec, S; Hanabata, Y; Harding, A K; Hayashida, M; Hays, E; Hill, A B; Hjalmarsdotter, L; Horan, D; Hughes, R E; Jackson, M S; Jóhannesson, G; Johnson, A S; Johnson, T J; Johnson, W N; Kamae, T; Katagiri, H; Kawai, N; Kerr, M; Knödlseder, J; Kocian, M L; Koerding, E; Kuss, M; Lande, J; Latronico, L; Lemoine-Goumard, M; Longo, F; Loparco, F; Lott, B; Lovellette, M N; Lubrano, P; Madejski, G M; Makeev, A; Marchand, L; Marelli, M; Max-Moerbeck, W; Mazziotta, M N; McColl, N; McEnery, J E; Meurer, C; Michelson, P F; Migliari, S; Mitthumsiri, W; Mizuno, T; Monte, C; Monzani, M E; Morselli, A; Moskalenko, I V; Murgia, S; Nolan, P L; Norris, J P; Nuss, E; Ohsugi, T; Omodei, N; Ong, R A; Ormes, J F; Paneque, D; Parent, D; Pelassa, V; Pepe, M; Pesce-Rollins, M; Piron, F; Pooley, G; Porter, T A; Pottschmidt, K; Rainò, S; Rando, R; Ray, P S; Razzano, M; Rea, N; Readhead, A; Reimer, A; Reimer, O; Richards, J L; Rochester, L S; Rodriguez, J; Rodriguez, A Y; Romani, R W; Ryde, F; Sadrozinski, H F-W; Sander, A; Saz Parkinson, P M; Sgrò, C; Siskind, E J; Smith, D A; Smith, P D; Spinelli, P; Starck, J-L; Stevenson, M; Strickman, M S; Suson, D J; Takahashi, H; Tanaka, T; Thayer, J B; Thompson, D J; Tibaldo, L; Tomsick, J A; Torres, D F; Tosti, G; Tramacere, A; Uchiyama, Y; Usher, T L; Vasileiou, V; Vilchez, N; Vitale, V; Waite, A P; Wang, P; Wilms, J; Winer, B L; Wood, K S; Ylinen, T; Ziegler, M

2009-12-11

Microquasars are accreting black holes or neutron stars in binary systems with associated relativistic jets. Despite their frequent outburst activity, they have never been unambiguously detected emitting high-energy gamma rays. The Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) has detected a variable high-energy source coinciding with the position of the x-ray binary and microquasar Cygnus X-3. Its identification with Cygnus X-3 is secured by the detection of its orbital period in gamma rays, as well as the correlation of the LAT flux with radio emission from the relativistic jets of Cygnus X-3. The gamma-ray emission probably originates from within the binary system, opening new areas in which to study the formation of relativistic jets.
A comparison of Kodak Ultraspeed and Ektaspeed plus dental X-ray films for the detection of dental caries.

PubMed

Wong, A; Monsour, P A; Moule, A J; Basford, K E

2002-03-01

Using the fastest dental X-ray film available is an easy way of reducing exposure to ionizing radiation. However, the diagnostic ability of fast films for the detection of proximal surface caries must be demonstrated before these films will become universally accepted. Extracted premolar and molar teeth were arranged to simulate a bitewing examination and radiographed using Ultraspeed and Ektaspeed Plus dental X-ray films. Three different exposure times were used for each film type. Six general dentists were used to determine the presence and depth of the decay in the proximal surfaces of the teeth radiographed. The actual extent of the decay in the teeth was determined by sectioning the teeth and examining them under a microscope. There was no significant difference between the two films for the mean correct diagnosis. However, there was a significant difference between the means for the three exposure times used for Ultraspeed film. The practitioners used were not consistent in their ability to make a correct diagnosis, or for the film for which they got the highest correct diagnosis. Ektaspeed Plus dental X-ray film is just as reliable as Ultraspeed dental X-ray film for the detection of proximal surface decay. The effect of underexposure was significant for Ultraspeed, but not for Ektaspeed Plus. Patient exposure can be reduced significantly with no loss of diagnostic ability by changing from Ultraspeed X-ray film to Ektaspeed Plus X-ray film.
The small-animal radiation research platform (SARRP): dosimetry of a focused lens system.

PubMed

Deng, Hua; Kennedy, Christopher W; Armour, Elwood; Tryggestad, Erik; Ford, Eric; McNutt, Todd; Jiang, Licai; Wong, John

2007-05-21

A small animal radiation platform equipped with on-board cone-beam CT and conformal irradiation capabilities is being constructed for translational research. To achieve highly localized dose delivery, an x-ray lens is used to focus the broad beam from a 225 kVp x-ray tube down to a beam with a full width half maximum (FWHM) of approximately 1.5 mm in the energy range 40-80 keV. Here, we report on the dosimetric characteristics of the focused beam from the x-ray lens subsystem for high-resolution dose delivery. Using the metric of the average dose within a 1.5 mm diameter area, the dose rates at a source-to-surface distance (SSD) of 34 cm are 259 and 172 cGy min(-1) at 6 mm and 2 cm depths, respectively, with an estimated uncertainty of +/-5%. The per cent depth dose is approximately 56% at 2 cm depth for a beam at 34 cm SSD.
28 CFR 552.13 - X-ray, major instrument, fluoroscope, or surgical intrusion.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false X-ray, major instrument, fluoroscope, or... INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT CUSTODY Searches of Housing Units, Inmates, and Inmate Work Areas § 552.13 X-ray, major... reasons only, with the inmate's consent. (b) The institution physician may authorize use of an X-ray for...
28 CFR 552.13 - X-ray, major instrument, fluoroscope, or surgical intrusion.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false X-ray, major instrument, fluoroscope, or... INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT CUSTODY Searches of Housing Units, Inmates, and Inmate Work Areas § 552.13 X-ray, major... reasons only, with the inmate's consent. (b) The institution physician may authorize use of an X-ray for...
28 CFR 552.13 - X-ray, major instrument, fluoroscope, or surgical intrusion.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false X-ray, major instrument, fluoroscope, or... INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT CUSTODY Searches of Housing Units, Inmates, and Inmate Work Areas § 552.13 X-ray, major... reasons only, with the inmate's consent. (b) The institution physician may authorize use of an X-ray for...
28 CFR 552.13 - X-ray, major instrument, fluoroscope, or surgical intrusion.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false X-ray, major instrument, fluoroscope, or... INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT CUSTODY Searches of Housing Units, Inmates, and Inmate Work Areas § 552.13 X-ray, major... reasons only, with the inmate's consent. (b) The institution physician may authorize use of an X-ray for...
28 CFR 552.13 - X-ray, major instrument, fluoroscope, or surgical intrusion.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false X-ray, major instrument, fluoroscope, or... INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT CUSTODY Searches of Housing Units, Inmates, and Inmate Work Areas § 552.13 X-ray, major... reasons only, with the inmate's consent. (b) The institution physician may authorize use of an X-ray for...
Microfabrication: LIGA-X and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kupka, R. K.; Bouamrane, F.; Cremers, C.; Megtert, S.

2000-09-01

X-ray LIGA (Lithography, Electrogrowth, Moulding) is one of today's key technologies in microfabrication and upcoming modern (meso)-(nano) fabrication, already used and anticipated for micromechanics (micromotors, microsensors, spinnerets, etc.), micro-optics, micro-hydrodynamics (fluidic devices), microbiology, in medicine, in biology, and in chemistry for microchemical reactors. It compares to micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, offering a larger, non-silicon choice of materials and better inherent precision. X-ray LIGA relies on synchrotron radiation to obtain necessary X-ray fluxes and uses X-ray proximity printing. Inherent advantages are its extreme precision, depth of field and very low intrinsic surface roughness. However, the quality of fabricated structures often depends on secondary effects during exposure and effects like resist adhesion. UV-LIGA, relying on thick UV resists is an alternative for projects requiring less precision. Modulating the spectral properties of synchrotron radiation, different regimes of X-ray lithography lead to (a) the mass-fabrication of classical nanostructures, (b) the fabrication of high aspect ratio nanostructures (HARNST), (c) the fabrication of high aspect ratio microstructures (HARMST), and (d) the fabrication of high aspect ratio centimeter structures (HARCST). Reviewing very recent activities around X-ray LIGA, we show the versatility of the method, obviously finding its region of application there, where it is best and other competing microtechnologies are less advantageous. An example of surface-based X-ray and particle lenses (orthogonal reflection optics (ORO)) made by X-ray LIGA is given.
Lunar elemental analysis obtained from the Apollo gamma-ray and X-ray remote sensing experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trombka, J. I.; Arnold, J. R.; Adler, I.; Metzger, A. E.; Reedy, R. C.

1977-01-01

Gamma-ray and X-ray spectrometers carried in the service modules of the Apollo 15 and Apollo 16 spacecraft were employed for compositional mapping of the lunar surface. The measurements involved the observation of the intensity and characteristic energy distribution of gamma rays and X-rays emitted from the lunar surface. A large-scale compositional map of over 10 percent of the lunar surface was obtained from an analysis of the observed spectra. The objective of the X-ray experiment was to measure the K spectral lines from Mg, Al, and Si. Spectra were obtained and the data were reduced to Al/Si and Mg/Si intensity ratios and ultimately to chemical ratios. Analyses of the results have indicated (1) that the Al/Si ratios are highest in the lunar highlands and considerably lower in the maria, and (2) that the Mg/Si concentrations generally show the opposite relationship. The objective of the gamma-ray experiment was to measure the natural and cosmic-ray-induced activity emission spectrum. At this time, the elemental abundances for Th, U, K, Fe, Ti, Si, and O have been determined over a number of major lunar regions. Regions of relatively high natural radioactivity were found in the Mare Imbrium and Oceanus Procellarum regions.
Development of scanning electron and x-ray microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Matsumura, Tomokazu, E-mail: tomokzau.matsumura@etd.hpk.co.jp; Hirano, Tomohiko, E-mail: tomohiko.hirano@etd.hpk.co.jp; Suyama, Motohiro, E-mail: suyama@etd.hpk.co.jp

We have developed a new type of microscope possessing a unique feature of observing both scanning electron and X-ray images under one unit. Unlike former X-ray microscopes using SEM [1, 2], this scanning electron and X-ray (SELX) microscope has a sample in vacuum, thus it enables one to observe a surface structure of a sample by SEM mode, to search the region of interest, and to observe an X-ray image which transmits the region. For the X-ray observation, we have been focusing on the soft X-ray region from 280 eV to 3 keV to observe some bio samples and softmore » materials. The resolutions of SEM and X-ray modes are 50 nm and 100 nm, respectively, at the electron energy of 7 keV.« less
Controlled surface segregation leads to efficient coke-resistant nickel/platinum bimetallic catalysts for the dry reforming of methane

DOE PAGES

Li, Lidong; Zhou, Lu; Ould-Chikh, Samy; ...

2015-02-03

Surface composition and structure are of vital importance for heterogeneous catalysts, especially for bimetallic catalysts, which often vary as a function of reaction conditions (known as surface segregation). The preparation of bimetallic catalysts with controlled metal surface composition and structure is very challenging. In this study, we synthesize a series of Ni/Pt bimetallic catalysts with controlled metal surface composition and structure using a method derived from surface organometallic chemistry. The evolution of the surface composition and structure of the obtained bimetallic catalysts under simulated reaction conditions is investigated by various techniques, which include CO-probe IR spectroscopy, high-angle annular dark-field scanningmore » transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis, X-ray absorption near-edge structure analysis, XRD, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is demonstrated that the structure of the bimetallic catalyst is evolved from Pt monolayer island-modified Ni nanoparticles to core–shell bimetallic nanoparticles composed of a Ni-rich core and a Ni/Pt alloy shell upon thermal treatment. As a result, these catalysts are active for the dry reforming of methane, and their catalytic activities, stabilities, and carbon formation vary with their surface composition and structure.« less
Development of a mercuric iodide solid state spectrometer for X-ray astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vallerga, J.

1983-01-01

Mercuric iodide detectors, experimental development for astronomical use, X ray observations of the 1980 Cygnus X-1 High State, astronomical had X ray detectors in current use, detector development, balloon flight of large area (1500 sq cm) Phoswich detectors, had X ray telescope design, shielded mercuric iodide background measurement, Monte Carlo analysis, measurements with a shielded mercuric iodide detector are discussed.

The XMM Cluster Survey: X-ray analysis methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lloyd-Davies, E. J.; Romer, A. Kathy; Mehrtens, Nicola; Hosmer, Mark; Davidson, Michael; Sabirli, Kivanc; Mann, Robert G.; Hilton, Matt; Liddle, Andrew R.; Viana, Pedro T. P.; Campbell, Heather C.; Collins, Chris A.; Dubois, E. Naomi; Freeman, Peter; Harrison, Craig D.; Hoyle, Ben; Kay, Scott T.; Kuwertz, Emma; Miller, Christopher J.; Nichol, Robert C.; Sahlén, Martin; Stanford, S. A.; Stott, John P.

2011-11-01

The XMM Cluster Survey (XCS) is a serendipitous search for galaxy clusters using all publicly available data in the XMM-Newton Science Archive. Its main aims are to measure cosmological parameters and trace the evolution of X-ray scaling relations. In this paper we describe the data processing methodology applied to the 5776 XMM observations used to construct the current XCS source catalogue. A total of 3675 > 4σ cluster candidates with >50 background-subtracted X-ray counts are extracted from a total non-overlapping area suitable for cluster searching of 410 deg2. Of these, 993 candidates are detected with >300 background-subtracted X-ray photon counts, and we demonstrate that robust temperature measurements can be obtained down to this count limit. We describe in detail the automated pipelines used to perform the spectral and surface brightness fitting for these candidates, as well as to estimate redshifts from the X-ray data alone. A total of 587 (122) X-ray temperatures to a typical accuracy of <40 (<10) per cent have been measured to date. We also present the methodology adopted for determining the selection function of the survey, and show that the extended source detection algorithm is robust to a range of cluster morphologies by inserting mock clusters derived from hydrodynamical simulations into real XMMimages. These tests show that the simple isothermal β-profiles is sufficient to capture the essential details of the cluster population detected in the archival XMM observations. The redshift follow-up of the XCS cluster sample is presented in a companion paper, together with a first data release of 503 optically confirmed clusters.
Nanoparticle treated stainless steel filters for metal vapor sequestration

DOE PAGES

Murph, Simona E. Hunyadi; Larsen, George K.; Korinko, Paul; ...

2016-12-07

The ability to sequester vapor phase radioactive compounds during industrial processes reduces the exposure of workers and the environment to dangerous radioactive materials. Nanomaterials have a lot of potential in this area because they typically demonstrate size- and shape-dependent properties with higher reactivity than bulk. This is due to the increased surface area-to-volume ratio and quantum size effects. In this report, we developed a gold nanomaterial-treated stainless steel filter, namely wools and coupons, that can be efficiently used for zinc vapor sequestration. Without nanoparticle modification, stainless steel coupons do not react or alloy with Zn. Gold nanomaterials were grown ontomore » various stainless steel filters using solution chemistry that is amenable to scaling up. Materials were characterized by electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering before and after exposure to zinc vapors. X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy mapping and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy confirm the formation of gold-zinc alloys after Zn vapor exposure. Furthermore, the effect of surface topography on nanoparticle morphology, size and loading density were also investigated, and stainless steel surface defects were found to have an impact on the Au NP growth and subsequently Zn sequestration.« less
The effects of fuel type in synthesis of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles by microwave assisted combustion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karcıoğlu Karakaş, Zeynep; Boncukçuoğlu, Recep; Karakaş, İbrahim H.

2016-04-01

In this study, it was investigated the effects of the used fuels on structural, morphological and magnetic properties of nanoparticles in nanoparticle synthesis with microwave assisted combustion method with an important method in quick, simple and low cost at synthesis of the nanoparticles. In this aim, glycine, urea and citric acid were used as fuel, respectively. The synthesised nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller surface area (BET), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) techniques. We observed that fuel type is quite effective on magnetic properties and surface properties of the nanoparticles. X-ray difractograms of the obtained nanoparticles were compared with standard powder diffraction cards of NiFe2O4 (JCPDS Card Number 54-0964). The results demonstrated that difractograms are fully compatible with standard reflection peaks. According to the results of the XRD analysis, the highest crystallinity was observed at nanoparticles synthesized with glycine. The results demonstrated that the nanoparticles prepared with urea has the highest surface area. The micrographs of SEM showed that all of the nanoparticles have nano-crystalline behaviour and particles indication cubic shape. VSM analysis demonstrated that the type of fuel used for synthesis is highly effective a parameter on magnetic properties of nanoparticles.
Nanoparticle treated stainless steel filters for metal vapor sequestration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murph, Simona E. Hunyadi; Larsen, George K.; Korinko, Paul

The ability to sequester vapor phase radioactive compounds during industrial processes reduces the exposure of workers and the environment to dangerous radioactive materials. Nanomaterials have a lot of potential in this area because they typically demonstrate size- and shape-dependent properties with higher reactivity than bulk. This is due to the increased surface area-to-volume ratio and quantum size effects. In this report, we developed a gold nanomaterial-treated stainless steel filter, namely wools and coupons, that can be efficiently used for zinc vapor sequestration. Without nanoparticle modification, stainless steel coupons do not react or alloy with Zn. Gold nanomaterials were grown ontomore » various stainless steel filters using solution chemistry that is amenable to scaling up. Materials were characterized by electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering before and after exposure to zinc vapors. X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy mapping and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy confirm the formation of gold-zinc alloys after Zn vapor exposure. Furthermore, the effect of surface topography on nanoparticle morphology, size and loading density were also investigated, and stainless steel surface defects were found to have an impact on the Au NP growth and subsequently Zn sequestration.« less
Catalytic activity of nanostructured Au: Scale effects versus bimetallic/bifunctional effects in low-temperature CO oxidation on nanoporous Au

PubMed Central

Wang, Lu-Cun; Zhong, Yi; Jin, Haijun; Widmann, Daniel; Weissmüller, Jörg

2013-01-01

Summary The catalytic properties of nanostructured Au and their physical origin were investigated by using the low-temperature CO oxidation as a test reaction. In order to distinguish between structural effects (structure–activity correlations) and bimetallic/bifunctional effects, unsupported nanoporous gold (NPG) samples prepared from different Au alloys (AuAg, AuCu) by selective leaching of a less noble metal (Ag, Cu) were employed, whose structure (surface area, ligament size) as well as their residual amount of the second metal were systematically varied by applying different potentials for dealloying. The structural and chemical properties before and after 1000 min reaction were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The catalytic behavior was evaluated by kinetic measurements in a conventional microreactor and by dynamic measurements in a temporal analysis of products (TAP) reactor. The data reveal a clear influence of the surface contents of residual Ag and Cu species on both O2 activation and catalytic activity, while correlations between activity and structural parameters such as surface area or ligament/crystallite size are less evident. Consequences for the mechanistic understanding and the role of the nanostructure in these NPG catalysts are discussed. PMID:23503603
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for characterization of wood surfaces in adhesion studies

Treesearch

James F. Beecher; Charles R. Frihart

2005-01-01

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is one of a set of tools that have been used to characterize wood surfaces. Among the advantages of XPS are surface sensitivity, identification of nearly all elements, and frequently, discrimination of bonding states. For these reasons, XPS seemed to be an appropriate tool to help explain the differences in bond strength under wet...
Research relative to high energy astrophysics. [large area modular array of reflectors, X-ray spectroscopy, and thermal control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gorenstein, P.

1984-01-01

Various parameters which affect the design of the proposed large area modular array of reflectors (LAMAR) are considered, including thermal control, high resolution X-ray spectroscopy, pointing control, and mirror performance. The LAMAR instrument is to be a shuttle-launched X-ray observatory to carry out cosmic X-ray investigations. The capabilities of LAMAR are enumerated. Angular resolution performance of the mirror module prototype was measured to be 30 sec of ARC for 50% of the power. The LAMAR thermal pre-collimator design concepts and test configurations are discussed in detail.
Finite element analyses of thin film active grazing incidence x-ray optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, William N.; Reid, Paul B.; Schwartz, Daniel A.

2010-09-01

The Chandra X-ray Observatory, with its sub-arc second resolution, has revolutionized X-ray astronomy by revealing an extremely complex X-ray sky and demonstrating the power of the X-ray window in exploring fundamental astrophysical problems. Larger area telescopes of still higher angular resolution promise further advances. We are engaged in the development of a mission concept, Generation-X, a 0.1 arc second resolution x-ray telescope with tens of square meters of collecting area, 500 times that of Chandra. To achieve these two requirements of imaging and area, we are developing a grazing incidence telescope comprised of many mirror segments. Each segment is an adjustable mirror that is a section of a paraboloid or hyperboloid, aligned and figure corrected in situ on-orbit. To that end, finite element analyses of thin glass mirrors are performed to determine influence functions for each actuator on the mirrors, in order to develop algorithms for correction of mirror deformations. The effects of several mirror mounting schemes are also studied. The finite element analysis results, combined with measurements made on prototype mirrors, will be used to further refine the correction algorithms.
Study of runaway electrons using dosimetry of hard x-ray radiations in Damavand tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasouli, C.; Pourshahab, B.; Hosseini Pooya, S. M.; Orouji, T.; Rasouli, H.

2014-05-01

In this work several studies have been conducted on hard x-ray emissions of Damavand tokamak based on radiation dosimetry using the Thermoluminescence method. The goal was to understand interactions of runaway electrons with plasma particles, vessel wall, and plasma facing components. Total of 354 GR-200 (LiF:Mg,Cu,P) thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) crystals have been placed on 118 points - three TLDs per point - to map hard x-ray radiation doses on the exterior of the vacuum vessel. Results show two distinctive levels of x-ray radiations doses on the exterior of the vessel. The low-dose area on which measured dose is about 0.5 mSv/shot. In the low-dose area there is no particular component inside the vessel. On the contrary, on high-dose area of the vessel, x-ray radiations dose exceeds 30 mSv/shot. The high-dose area coincides with the position of limiters, magnetic probe ducts, and vacuum vessel intersections. Among the high-dose areas, the highest level of dose is measured in the position of the limiter, which could be due to its direct contact with the plasma column and with runaway electrons. Direct collisions of runaway electrons with the vessel wall and plasma facing components make a major contribution for production of hard x-ray photons in Damavand tokamak.
Study of runaway electrons using dosimetry of hard x-ray radiations in Damavand tokamak.

PubMed

Rasouli, C; Pourshahab, B; Hosseini Pooya, S M; Orouji, T; Rasouli, H

2014-05-01

In this work several studies have been conducted on hard x-ray emissions of Damavand tokamak based on radiation dosimetry using the Thermoluminescence method. The goal was to understand interactions of runaway electrons with plasma particles, vessel wall, and plasma facing components. Total of 354 GR-200 (LiF:Mg,Cu,P) thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) crystals have been placed on 118 points--three TLDs per point--to map hard x-ray radiation doses on the exterior of the vacuum vessel. Results show two distinctive levels of x-ray radiations doses on the exterior of the vessel. The low-dose area on which measured dose is about 0.5 mSv/shot. In the low-dose area there is no particular component inside the vessel. On the contrary, on high-dose area of the vessel, x-ray radiations dose exceeds 30 mSv/shot. The high-dose area coincides with the position of limiters, magnetic probe ducts, and vacuum vessel intersections. Among the high-dose areas, the highest level of dose is measured in the position of the limiter, which could be due to its direct contact with the plasma column and with runaway electrons. Direct collisions of runaway electrons with the vessel wall and plasma facing components make a major contribution for production of hard x-ray photons in Damavand tokamak.
Neutron Stars and Black Holes Seen with the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swank, Jean

2008-01-01

Astrophysical X-rays bring information about location, energy, time, and polarization. X-rays from compact objects were seen in the first explorations to vary in time. Eclipses and pulsations have simple explanations that identified the importance of X-ray binaries and magnetic neutron stars in the first decade of X-ray astronomy. The dynamics of accretion onto stellar and supermassive black holes and onto neutron stars with relatively low magnetic fields shows up as more complex variations, quasi-periodic oscillations, noise with characteristic frequency spectra, broad-band changes in the energy spectra. To study these variations, RXTE instruments needed to have large area and operational flexibility to find transient activity and observe when it was present. Proportional counters and Phoswich scintillators provided it in a modest mission that has made textbook level contributions to understanding of compact objects. The first seen, and the brightest known, X-ray binary, Sco X-1 is one of a class of neutron stars with low mass companions. Before RXTE, none of these had been seen to show pulsations, though they were hypothesized to be the precursors of radio pulsars with millisecond periods and low magnetic fields. RXTE's large area led to identifying coherent millisecond pulsars in a subset which are relatively faint transients. It also led to identifying short episodes of pulsation during thermonuclear bursts, in sources where a steady signal is not seen. The X-ray stage verifies the evolution that produces millisecond radio pulsars.Masses and radii of neutron stars are being determined by various techniques, constraining the equation of state of matter at nuclear densities. Accretion should lead to a range of neutron star masses. An early stage of superstrong magnetic field neutron stars is now known to produce X-ray and gamma-ray bursts in crust quakes and magnetic field reconnection releases of energy. Soft Gamma Repeaters, Anomolous X-ray Pulsars, and high magnetic field rotation-powered pulsars are all now called magnetars, because they have pulse periods indicating they are slowing down as they would with magnetic dipole radiation for a surface field above 5x1013 gauss. The accretion disk has been connected to the launching of radio jets from black holes, and even from neutron stars. Estimates of the angular momenta of black holes are being made from different approaches, modelling a high frequency oscillation that may be related to how close the inner part of the accretion disk is to the black hole, modelling the continua spectra of the X-ray emission, and modeling the emission of red-shifted iron that may be emitted from the accretion disk. These investigations require early discovery of the black hole transient with the All Sky Monitor on RXTE or other monitoring information, frequent extended observations, and coordinated observations with missions that give higher energy resolution, or radio and infrared information.
X-ray biosignature of bacteria in terrestrial and extra-terrestrial rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemelle, L.; Simionovici, A.; Susini, J.; Oger, P.; Chukalina, M.; Rau, Ch.; Golosio, B.; Gillet, P.

2003-04-01

X-ray imaging techniques at the best spatial resolution and using synchrotron facilities are put forth as powerful techniques for the search of small life forms in extraterrestrial rocks under quarantine conditions (Lemelle et al. 2003). Samples, which may be collected in situ on the martian surface or on a cometary surface, will be brought back and finally stored in a container. We tested on the ID22 beamline, the possibilities of the X-ray absorption and fluorescence tomographies on sub-mm grains of NWA817 (Lemelle et al. submitted) and Tatahouine (Simionovici et al. 2001) meteorites stored in a 10 micrometer silica capillary, full of air, mimicking such containers. Studies of the X-ray microtomographies carried on reveal the positions, the 3D textures and mineralogies of the microenvironments where traces of life should be looked for in priority (with a submicrometer spatial resolution). Limitations with respect to bacterial detection are due to the difficulties to obtain information about light elements (Z <= 14), major constituents of biological and silicate samples. At this stage, traces of life were not detected, nor identified such as, on all the studied meteorites through the capillary. Theoretical developments of an internal elemental microanalysis combining X-ray fluorescence, Compton and Transmission tomographies will soon allow improvements of 3D detection of life by X-ray techniques (Golosio et al. submitted). We tested on the ID21 beamline, the possibilities of the X-ray imaging techniques on bacteria/silicate assemblages prepared in the laboratory and directly placed in the beam. The X-ray signature of a "present" bacteria on a silicate surface was defined by X-ray mapping, out of a container, as coincident micrometer and oval zones having strong P and S fluorescence lines (S-fluorescence being slightly lower than P-fluorescence) and an amino-linked sulfur redox speciation. The X-ray signature of a single bacteria can now be applied to test the bacterial origin of nanostructures observed on some meteorite surfaces. Lemelle et al. (2003a) accepted to Journal de Physique, b submitted to Am. Min., Simionovici et al. (2001) Proc. SPIE, vol 4503, ed. U. BONSE, San Diego, August. Golosio et al. submitted to Phys. Rev. B
Detailed ADM-based Modeling of Shock Retreat and X-ray Emission of τ Sco

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fletcher, C. L.; Petit, V.; Cohen, D. H.; Townsend, R. H.; Wade, G. A.

2018-01-01

Leveraging the improvement of spectropolarimeters over the past few decades, surveys have found that about 10% of OB-type stars host strong (˜ kG) and mostly dipolar surface magnetic fields. One B-type star, τ Sco, has a more complex surface magnetic field than the general population of OB stars. Interestingly, its X-ray luminosity is an order of magnitude higher than predicted from analytical models of magnetized winds. Previous studies of τ Sco's magnetosphere have predicted that the region of closed field loops should be located close to the stellar surface. However, the lack of X-ray variability and the location of the shock-heated plasma measured from forbidden-to-intercombination X-ray line ratios suggest that the hot plasma, and hence the closed magnetic loops, extend considerably farther from the stellar surface, implying a significantly lower mass loss rate than initially assumed. We present an adaptation of the Analytic Dynamical Magnetosphere model, describing the magnetic confinement of the stellar wind, for an arbitrary field loop configuration. This model is used to predict the shock-heated plasma temperatures for individual field loops, which are then compared to high resolution grating spectra from the Chandra X-ray Observatory. This comparison shows that larger closed magnetic loops are needed.
Field Evaluation Of Arsenic Speciation In Sediments At The Ground Water/Surface Water Interface

EPA Science Inventory

The speciation and mineralogy of sediments contaminated with arsenic at the ground water/surface water interface of the Ft. Devens Super Fund Site in Ft. Devens, MA were determined using X-ray absorption fine structure and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. Speciation and mineralog...
Study of Surface Cleaning Methods and Pyrolysis Temperature on Nano-Structured Carbon Films using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kerber, Pranita B.; Porter, Lisa M.; McCullough, L. A.

2012-10-12

Nanostructured carbon (ns-C) films fabricated by stabilization and pyrolysis of di-block copolymers are of interest for a variety of electrical/electronic applications due to their chemical inertness, high-temperature insensitivity, very high surface area, and tunable electrical resistivity over a wide range [Kulkarni et al., Synth. Met. 159, (2009) 177]. Because of their high porosity and associated high specific surface area, controlled surface cleaning studies are important for fabricating electronic devices from these films. In this study, quantification of surface composition and surface cleaning studies on ns-C films synthesized by carbonization of di-block copolymers of polyacrylonitrile-b-poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PAN-b-PBA) at two different temperaturesmore » were carried out. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used for elemental analysis and to determine the efficacy of various surface cleaning methods for ns-C films and to examine the polymer residues in the films. The in-situ surface cleaning methods included: HF vapor treatment, vacuum annealing, and exposure to UV-ozone. Quantitative analysis of high-resolution XPS scans showed 11 at. % of nitrogen present in the films pyrolyzed at 600 °C, suggesting incomplete denitrogenation of the copolymer films. The nitrogen atomic concentration reduced significantly for films pyrolyzed at 900 °C confirming extensive denitrogenation at that temperature. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of nitrogen sub-peaks indicated higher loss of nitrogen atoms residing at the edge of graphitic clusters relative to that of nitrogen atoms within the graphitic cluster, suggesting higher graphitization with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Of the surface cleaning methods investigated, in-situ annealing of the films at 300 °C for 40 min was found to be the most efficacious in removing adventitious carbon and oxygen impurities from the surface.« less
Study of surface cleaning methods and pyrolysis temperatures on nanostructured carbon films using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kerber, Pranita; Porter, Lisa M.; McCullough, Lynne A.

2012-11-15

Nanostructured carbon (ns-C) films fabricated by stabilization and pyrolysis of diblock copolymers are of interest for a variety of electrical/electronic applications due to their chemical inertness, high-temperature insensitivity, very high surface area, and tunable electrical resistivity over a wide range [Kulkarni et al., Synth. Met. 159, 177 (2009)]. Because of their high porosity and associated high specific surface area, controlled surface cleaning studies are important for fabricating electronic devices from these films. In this study, quantification of surface composition and surface cleaning studies on ns-C films synthesized by carbonization of diblock copolymers of polyacrylonitrile-b-poly(n-butyl acrylate) at two different temperatures weremore » carried out. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used for elemental analysis and to determine the efficacy of various surface cleaning methods for ns-C films and to examine the polymer residues in the films. The in-situ surface cleaning methods included HF vapor treatment, vacuum annealing, and exposure to UV-ozone. Quantitative analysis of high-resolution XPS scans showed 11 at. % nitrogen was present in the films pyrolyzed at 600 Degree-Sign C, suggesting incomplete denitrogenation of the copolymer films. The nitrogen atomic concentration decreased significantly for films pyrolyzed at 900 Degree-Sign C confirming extensive denitrogenation at that temperature. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of nitrogen subpeaks indicated higher loss of nitrogen atoms residing at the edge of graphitic clusters relative to that of nitrogen atoms within the graphitic clusters, suggesting higher graphitization with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Of the surface cleaning methods investigated, in-situ annealing of the films at 300 Degree-Sign C for 40 min was found to be the most efficacious in removing adventitious carbon and oxygen impurities from the surface.« less
Following the surface response of caffeine cocrystals to controlled humidity storage by atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Cassidy, A M C; Gardner, C E; Jones, W

2009-09-08

Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) stability in solid state tablet formulation is frequently a function of the relative humidity (RH) environment in which the drug is stored. Caffeine is one such problematic API. Previously reported caffeine cocrystals, however, were found to offer increased resistance to caffeine hydrate formation. Here we report on the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to image the surface of two caffeine cocrystal systems to look for differences between the surface and bulk response of the cocrystal to storage in controlled humidity environments. Bulk responses have previously been assessed by powder X-ray diffraction. With AFM, pinning sites were identified at step edges on caffeine/oxalic acid, with these sites leading to non-uniform step movement on going from ambient to 0% RH. At RH >75%, areas of fresh crystal growth were seen on the cocrystal surface. In the case of caffeine/malonic acid the cocrystals were observed to absorb water anisotropically after storage at 75% RH for 2 days, affecting the surface topography of the cocrystal. These results show that AFM expands on the data gathered by bulk analytical techniques, such as powder X-ray diffraction, by providing localised surface information. This surface information may be important for better predicting API stability in isolation and at a solid state API-excipient interface.
Arsenopyrite and pyrite bioleaching: evidence from XPS, XRD and ICP techniques.

PubMed

Fantauzzi, Marzia; Licheri, Cristina; Atzei, Davide; Loi, Giovanni; Elsener, Bernhard; Rossi, Giovanni; Rossi, Antonella

2011-10-01

In this work, a multi-technical bulk and surface analytical approach was used to investigate the bioleaching of a pyrite and arsenopyrite flotation concentrate with a mixed microflora mainly consisting of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray-induced Auger electron spectroscopy mineral surfaces investigations, along with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy and carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur determination (CHNS) analyses, were carried out prior and after bioleaching. The flotation concentrate was a mixture of pyrite (FeS(2)) and arsenopyrite (FeAsS); after bioleaching, 95% of the initial content of pyrite and 85% of arsenopyrite were dissolved. The chemical state of the main elements (Fe, As and S) at the surface of the bioreactor feed particles and of the residue after bioleaching was investigated by X-ray photoelectron and X-ray excited Auger electron spectroscopy. After bioleaching, no signals of iron, arsenic and sulphur originating from pyrite and arsenopyrite were detected, confirming a strong oxidation and the dissolution of the particles. On the surfaces of the mineral residue particles, elemental sulphur as reaction intermediate of the leaching process and precipitated secondary phases (Fe-OOH and jarosite), together with adsorbed arsenates, was detected. Evidence of microbial cells adhesion at mineral surfaces was also produced: carbon and nitrogen were revealed by CHNS, and nitrogen was also detected on the bioleached surfaces by XPS. This was attributed to the deposition, on the mineral surfaces, of the remnants of a bio-film consisting of an extra-cellular polymer layer that had favoured the bacterial action. © Springer-Verlag 2011
Micropore x-ray optics using anisotropic wet etching of (110) silicon wafers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ezoe, Yuichiro; Koshiishi, Masaki; Mita, Makoto

2006-12-10

To develop x-ray mirrors for micropore optics, smooth silicon (111)sidewalls obtained after anisotropic wet etching of a silicon (110) wafer were studied. A sample device with 19 {mu}m wide (111) sidewalls was fabricated using a 220 {mu}m thick silicon (110) wafer and potassium hydroxide solution. For what we believe to be the first time,x-ray reflection on the (111) sidewalls was detected in the angular response measurement. Compared to ray-tracing simulations, the surface roughness of the sidewalls was estimated to be 3-5 nm, which is consistent with the atomic force microscope and the surface profiler measurements.
Micropore x-ray optics using anisotropic wet etching of (110) silicon wafers.

PubMed

Ezoe, Yuichiro; Koshiishi, Masaki; Mita, Makoto; Mitsuda, Kazuhisa; Hoshino, Akio; Ishisaki, Yoshitaka; Yang, Zhen; Takano, Takayuki; Maeda, Ryutaro

2006-12-10

To develop x-ray mirrors for micropore optics, smooth silicon (111) sidewalls obtained after anisotropic wet etching of a silicon (110) wafer were studied. A sample device with 19 microm wide (111) sidewalls was fabricated using a 220 microm thick silicon (110) wafer and potassium hydroxide solution. For what we believe to be the first time, x-ray reflection on the (111) sidewalls was detected in the angular response measurement. Compared to ray-tracing simulations, the surface roughness of the sidewalls was estimated to be 3-5 nm, which is consistent with the atomic force microscope and the surface profiler measurements.

Evaluation of alignment error of micropore X-ray optics caused by hot plastic deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Numazawa, Masaki; Ishi, Daiki; Ezoe, Yuichiro; Takeuchi, Kazuma; Terada, Masaru; Fujitani, Maiko; Ishikawa, Kumi; Nakajima, Kazuo; Morishita, Kohei; Ohashi, Takaya; Mitsuda, Kazuhisa; Nakamura, Kasumi; Noda, Yusuke

2018-06-01

We report on the evaluation and characterization of micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) X-ray optics produced by silicon dry etching and hot plastic deformation. Sidewalls of micropores formed by etching through a silicon wafer are used as X-ray reflecting mirrors. The wafer is deformed into a spherical shape to focus parallel incidence X-rays. We quantitatively evaluated a mirror alignment error using an X-ray pencil beam (Al Kα line at 1.49 keV). The deviation angle caused only by the deformation was estimated from angular shifts of the X-ray focusing point before and after the deformation to be 2.7 ± 0.3 arcmin on average within the optics. This gives an angular resolution of 12.9 ± 1.4 arcmin in half-power diameter (HPD). The surface profile of the deformed optics measured using a NH-3Ns surface profiler (Mitaka Kohki) also indicated that the resolution was 11.4 ± 0.9 arcmin in HPD, suggesting that we can simply evaluate the alignment error caused by the hot plastic deformation.
Radiation of X-Rays Using Uniaxially Polarized LiNbO3 Single Crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukao, Shinji; Nakanishi, Yoshikazu; Mizoguchi, Tadahiro; Ito, Yoshiaki; Nakamura, Toru; Yoshikado, Shinzo

2009-03-01

X-rays are radiated due to the bremsstrahlung caused by the collision of electrons with a metal target placed opposite the negative electric surface of a crystal by changing the temperature of a LiNbO3 single crystal uniaxially polarized in the c-axis direction. It is suggested that both electric field intensity and electron density determine the intensity of X-ray radiation. Electrons are supplied by the ionization of residual gas in space, field emission from a case inside which a crystal is located, considered to be due to the high electric-field intensity formed by the surface charges on the crystal, and an external electron source, such as a thermionic source. In a high vacuum, it was found that the electrons supplied by electric-field emission mainly contribute to the radiation of X-rays. It was found that the integrated intensity of X-rays can be maximized by supplying electrons both external and by electric-field emission. Furthermore, the integrated intensity of the X-rays is stable for many repeated temperature changes.
p-Type dopant incorporation and surface charge properties of catalyst-free GaN nanowires revealed by micro-Raman scattering and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

PubMed

Wang, Q; Liu, X; Kibria, M G; Zhao, S; Nguyen, H P T; Li, K H; Mi, Z; Gonzalez, T; Andrews, M P

2014-09-07

Micro-Raman scattering and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to investigate Mg-doped GaN nanowires. With the increase of Mg doping level, pronounced Mg-induced local vibrational modes were observed. The evolution of longitudinal optical phonon-plasmon coupled mode, together with detailed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies, show that the near-surface region of nanowires can be transformed from weakly n-type to p-type with the increase of Mg doping.
Polarimeter for Low Energy X-ray Astrophysical Sources (PLEXAS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murray, Stephen S.; Pierce, David L. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The Polarimeter for Low Energy X-ray Astrophysical Sources (PLEXAS) is an astrophysics mission concept for measuring the polarization of X-ray sources at low energies below the C-K band (less than 277 eV). PLEXAS uses the concept of variations in the reflectivity of a multilayered X-ray telescope as a function of the orientation of an X-rays polarization vector with respect to the reflecting surface of the optic. By selecting an appropriate multilayer, and rotating the X-ray telescope while pointing to a source, there will be a modulation in the source intensity, as measured at the focus of the telescope, which is proportional to the degree of polarization in the source.
Effects of Small Oscillations on the Effective Area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cotroneo, V.; Conconi, P.; Cusumano, G.; Pareschi, G.; Spiga, D.; Tagliaferri, G.

2009-05-01

We analyze the effective area of the Simbol-X mirrors as a function of the off-axis angle for small oscillations. A reduction is expected due to: 1) geometrical effects, because some of the photons miss the secondary mirror surface; 2) reflectivity effects, caused by the variation of the coating reflectivity with the incidence angle. The former are related to the length of the two mirror surfaces, and can be reduced by making the secondary mirror longer. The second ones are energy-dependent, and strongly related to the characteristics of the reflecting coating. These effects are analyzed by means of ray-tracing simulations in order to optimize the mirror and coating design, aiming to improve the effective area stability.
Using iridium films to compensate for piezo-electric materials processing stresses in adjustable x-ray optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ames, A.; Bruni, R.; Cotroneo, V.; Johnson-Wilke, R.; Kester, T.; Reid, P.; Romaine, S.; Tolier-McKinstry, S.; Wilke, R. H. T.

2015-09-01

Adjustable X-ray optics represent a potential enabling technology for simultaneously achieving large effective area and high angular resolution for future X-ray Astronomy missions. The adjustable optics employ a bimorph mirror composed of a thin (1.5 μm) film of piezoelectric material deposited on the back of a 0.4 mm thick conical mirror segment. The application of localized electric fields in the piezoelectric material, normal to the mirror surface, result in localized deformations in mirror shape. Thus, mirror fabrication and mounting induced figure errors can be corrected, without the need for a massive reaction structure. With this approach, though, film stresses in the piezoelectric layer, resulting from deposition, crystallization, and differences in coefficient of thermal expansion, can distort the mirror. The large relative thickness of the piezoelectric material compared to the glass means that even 100MPa stresses can result in significant distortions. We have examined compensating for the piezoelectric processing related distortions by the deposition of controlled stress chromium/iridium films on the front surface of the mirror. We describe our experiments with tuning the product of the chromium/iridium film stress and film thickness to balance that resulting from the piezoelectric layer. We also evaluated the repeatability of this deposition process, and the robustness of the iridium coating.
TiO2 Nanorods Decorated with Pd Nanoparticles for Enhanced Liquefied Petroleum Gas Sensing Performance.

PubMed

Dhawale, Dattatray S; Gujar, Tanaji P; Lokhande, Chandrakant D

2017-08-15

Development of highly sensitive and selective semiconductor-based metal oxide sensor devices to detect toxic, explosive, flammable, and pollutant gases is still a challenging research topic. In the present work, we systematically enhanced the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sensing performance of chemical bath deposited TiO 2 nanorods by decorating Pd nanoparticle catalyst. Surface morphology with elemental mapping, crystal structure, composition and oxidation states, and surface area measurements of pristine TiO 2 and Pd:TiO 2 nanorods was examined by high resolution transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption characterization techniques. LPG sensing performance of pristine TiO 2 and Pd:TiO 2 nanorods was investigated in different LPG concentration and operating temperature ranges. The LPG response of 21% for pristine TiO 2 nanorods is enhanced to 49% after Pd catalyst decoration with reasonably fast response and recovery times. Further, the sensor exhibited long-term stability, which could be due to the strong metal support (Pd:TiO 2 ) interaction and catalytic properties offered by the Pd nanoparticle catalyst. The work described herein demonstrates a general and scalable approach that provides a promising route for rational design of variety of sensor devices for LPG detection.
Pt Catalyst Degradation in Aqueous and Fuel Cell Environments studied via In-Operando Anomalous Small-Angle X-ray Scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gilbert, James A.; Kariuki, Nancy N.; Wang, Xiaoping

2015-08-01

The evolution of Pt nanoparticle cathode electrocatalyst size distribution in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) was followed during accelerated stress tests using in-operando anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering (ASAXS). This evolution was compared to that observed in an aqueous electrolyte environment using stagnant electrolyte, flowing electrolyte, and flowing electrolyte at elevated temperature to reveal the different degradation trends in the PEMFC and aqueous environments and to determine the relevance of aqueous measurements to the stability of Pt nanoparticle catalyst in the fuel cell environment. The observed changes in the particle size distributions (PSDs) were analyzed to elucidate the extentmore » and mechanisms of particle growth and corresponding mass and active surface area losses in the different environments. These losses indicate a Pt nanoparticle surface area loss mechanism controlled by Pt dissolution, the particle size dependence of Pt dissolution, the loss of dissolved Pt into the membrane and electrolyte, and, to a lesser extent, the re-deposition of dissolved Pt onto larger particles. Based on the geometric surface area loss, mass loss, and mean particle size increase trends, the aqueous environment best reflecting the fuel cell environment was found to be one in which the electrolyte is flowing rather than stagnant. Pt nanoparticle surface area loss resulting from potential cycling can be inhibited by reducing the number of particles smaller than a critical particle diameter (CPD), which was found to be similar to 3.5 to similar to 4 nm, with the CPD dependent on both the cycling protocol (square wave vs triangle wave) and the catalyst environment (fuel cell, aqueous stagnant, aqueous flowing electrolyte, or elevated temperature flowing electrolyte)« less
Phosphor Scanner For Imaging X-Ray Diffraction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, Daniel C.; Hecht, Diana L.; Witherow, William K.

1992-01-01

Improved optoelectronic scanning apparatus generates digitized image of x-ray image recorded in phosphor. Scanning fiber-optic probe supplies laser light stimulating luminescence in areas of phosphor exposed to x rays. Luminescence passes through probe and fiber to integrating sphere and photomultiplier. Sensitivity and resolution exceed previously available scanners. Intended for use in x-ray crystallography, medical radiography, and molecular biology.
An efficient intensity-based ready-to-use X-ray image stitcher.

PubMed

Wang, Junchen; Zhang, Xiaohui; Sun, Zhen; Yuan, Fuzhen

2018-06-14

The limited field of view of the X-ray image intensifier makes it difficult to cover a large target area with a single X-ray image. X-ray image stitching techniques have been proposed to produce a panoramic X-ray image. This paper presents an efficient intensity-based X-ray image stitcher, which does not rely on accurate C-arm motion control or auxiliary devices and hence is ready to use in clinic. The stitcher consumes sequentially captured X-ray images with overlap areas and automatically produces a panoramic image. The gradient information for optimization of image alignment is obtained using a back-propagation scheme so that it is convenient to adopt various image warping models. The proposed stitcher has the following advantages over existing methods: (1) no additional hardware modification or auxiliary markers are needed; (2) it is robust against feature-based approaches; (3) arbitrary warping models and shapes of the region of interest are supported; (4) seamless stitching is achieved using multi-band blending. Experiments have been performed to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed X-ray image stitcher is efficient, accurate and ready to use in clinic. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of size, morphology, concentration, and surface effect of gold nanoparticles on X-ray attenuation in computed tomography.

PubMed

Khademi, Sara; Sarkar, Saeed; Kharrazi, Sharmin; Amini, Seyed Mohammad; Shakeri-Zadeh, Ali; Ay, Mohammad Reza; Ghadiri, Hossein

2018-01-01

Increasing attention has been focused on the use of nanostructures as contrast enhancement agents in medical imaging, especially in computed tomography (CT). To date, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been demonstrated to have great potential as contrast agents for CT imaging. This study was designed to evaluate any effect on X-ray attenuation that might result from employing GNPs with a variety of shapes, sizes, surface chemistries, and concentrations. Gold nanorods (GNRs) and spherical GNPs were synthesized for this application. X-ray attenuation was quantified by Hounsfield unit (HU) in CT. Our findings indicated that smaller spherical GNPs (13 nm) had higher X-ray attenuation than larger ones (60 nm) and GNRs with larger aspect ratio exhibited great effect on X-ray attenuation. Moreover, poly ethylene glycol (PEG) coating on GNRs declined X-ray attenuation as a result of limiting the aggregation of GNRs. We observed X-ray attenuation increased when mass concentration of GNPs was elevated. Overall, smaller spherical GNPs can be suggested as a better alternative to Omnipaque, a good contrast agent for CT imaging. This data can be also considered for the application of gold nanostructures in radiation dose enhancement where nanoparticles with high X-ray attenuation are applied. Copyright © 2017 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Reevaluation of the Apollo orbital X-ray fluorescence data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hubbard, N. J.; Keith, J. E.

1977-01-01

A combination of Al/Mg ratios and Al/Si ratios has provided high-quality geochemical and geological information from the Apollo orbital X-ray fluorescence data. The high sensitivity of the characteristic Si X-rays to alterations in the energy spectra of the solar X-ray flux limits the analytical usefulness of the ratios involving Si. A photometric study indicates that the Si concentration in lunar materials varies by less than about + or - 15% of the Si present. In addition, particle size and surface roughness are shown to have small effects on the characteristic fluorescent X-ray radiation of Si.
Normal incidence x-ray mirror for chemical microanalysis

DOEpatents

Carr, M.J.; Romig, A.D. Jr.

1987-08-05

An x-ray mirror for both electron column instruments and micro x-ray fluorescence instruments for making chemical, microanalysis comprises a non-planar mirror having, for example, a spherical reflecting surface for x-rays comprised of a predetermined number of alternating layers of high atomic number material and low atomic number material contiguously formed on a substrate and whose layers have a thickness which is a multiple of the wavelength being reflected. For electron column instruments, the wavelengths of interest lie above 1.5nm, while for x-ray fluorescence instruments, the range of interest is below 0.2nm. 4 figs.
4D Imaging of Salt Precipitation during Evaporation from Saline Porous Media Influenced by the Particle Size Distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norouzi Rad, M.; Shokri, N.

2014-12-01

Understanding the physics of water evaporation from saline porous media is important in many processes such as evaporation from porous media, vegetation, plant growth, biodiversity in soil, and durability of building materials. To investigate the effect of particle size distribution on the dynamics of salt precipitation in saline porous media during evaporation, we applied X-ray micro-tomography technique. Six samples of quartz sand with different grain size distributions were used in the present study enabling us to constrain the effects of particle and pore sizes on salt precipitation patterns and dynamics. The pore size distributions were computed using the pore-scale X-ray images. The packed beds were saturated with NaCl solution of 3 Molal and the X-ray imaging was continued for one day with temporal resolution of 30 min resulting in pore scale information about the evaporation and precipitation dynamics. Our results show more precipitation at the early stage of the evaporation in the case of sand with the larger particle size due to the presence of fewer evaporation sites at the surface. The presence of more preferential evaporation sites at the surface of finer sands significantly modified the patterns and thickness of the salt crust deposited on the surface such that a thinner salt crust was formed in the case of sand with smaller particle size covering larger area at the surface as opposed to the thicker patchy crusts in samples with larger particle sizes. Our results provide new insights regarding the physics of salt precipitation in porous media during evaporation.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wunderle, K; Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Godley, A

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation is to characterize and quantify X-ray beam profiles for fluoroscopic x-ray beam spectra incorporating spectral (copper) filtration. Methods: A PTW (Freiburg, Germany) type 60016 silicon diode detector and PTW MP3 water tank were used to measure X-ray beam profiles for 60, 80, 100 and 120 kVp x-ray beams at five different copper filtration thicknesses ranging from 0–0.9 mm at 22 and 42 cm fields of view and depths of 1, 5, and 10 cm in both the anode-cathode axis (inplane) and cross-plane directions. All measurements were acquired on a Siemens (Erlangen, Germany) Artis ZeeGomore » fluoroscope inverted from the typical orientation providing an x-ray beam originating from above the water surface with the water level set at 60 cm from the focal spot. Results: X-ray beam profiles for beam spectra without copper filtration compared well to previously published data by Fetterly et al. [Med Phys, 28, 205 (2001)]. Our data collection benefited from the geometric orientation of the fluoroscope, providing a beam perpendicular to the tank water surface, rather than through a thin side wall as did the previously mentioned study. Profiles for beams with copper filtration were obtained which have not been previously investigated and published. Beam profiles in the anode-cathode axis near the surface and at lower x-ray energy exhibited substantial heel effect, which became less pronounced at greater depth. At higher energy with copper filtration in the beam, the dose falloff out-of-field became less pronounced, as would be anticipated given higher scatter photon energy. Conclusion: The x-ray beam profile data for the fluoroscopic x-ray beams incorporating copper filtration are intended for use as reference data for estimating doses to organs or soft tissue, including fetal dose, involving similar beam qualities or for comparison with mathematical models.« less
Study of the grazing-incidence X-ray scattering of strongly disturbed fractal surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roshchin, B. S.; Chukhovsky, F. N.; Pavlyuk, M. D.; Opolchentsev, A. M.; Asadchikov, V. E.

2017-03-01

The applicability of different approaches to the description of hard X-ray scattering from rough surfaces is generally limited by a maximum surface roughness height of no more than 1 nm. Meanwhile, this value is several times larger for the surfaces of different materials subjected to treatment, especially in the initial treatment stages. To control the roughness parameters in all stages of surface treatment, a new approach has been developed, which is based on a series expansion of wavefield over the plane eigenstate-function waves describing the small-angle scattering of incident X-rays in terms of plane q-waves propagating through the interface between two media with a random function of relief heights. To determine the amplitudes of reflected and transmitted plane q-waves, a system of two linked integral equations was derived. The solutions to these equations correspond (in zero order) to the well-known Fresnel expressions for a smooth plane interface. Based on these solutions, a statistical fractal model of an isotropic rough interface is built in terms of root-mean-square roughness σ, two-point correlation length l, and fractal surface index h. The model is used to interpret X-ray scattering data for polished surfaces of single-crystal cadmium telluride samples.
Study of the grazing-incidence X-ray scattering of strongly disturbed fractal surfaces

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Roshchin, B. S., E-mail: ross@crys.ras.ru; Chukhovsky, F. N.; Pavlyuk, M. D.

2017-03-15

The applicability of different approaches to the description of hard X-ray scattering from rough surfaces is generally limited by a maximum surface roughness height of no more than 1 nm. Meanwhile, this value is several times larger for the surfaces of different materials subjected to treatment, especially in the initial treatment stages. To control the roughness parameters in all stages of surface treatment, a new approach has been developed, which is based on a series expansion of wavefield over the plane eigenstate-function waves describing the small-angle scattering of incident X-rays in terms of plane q-waves propagating through the interface betweenmore » two media with a random function of relief heights. To determine the amplitudes of reflected and transmitted plane q-waves, a system of two linked integral equations was derived. The solutions to these equations correspond (in zero order) to the well-known Fresnel expressions for a smooth plane interface. Based on these solutions, a statistical fractal model of an isotropic rough interface is built in terms of root-mean-square roughness σ, two-point correlation length l, and fractal surface index h. The model is used to interpret X-ray scattering data for polished surfaces of single-crystal cadmium telluride samples.« less
Interactions of gaseous molecules with X-ray photons and photoelectrons in AP-XPS study of solid surface in gas phase.

PubMed

Tao, Franklin Feng; Nguyen, Luan

2018-04-18

Studies of the surface of a catalyst in the gas phase via photoelectron spectroscopy is an important approach to establish a correlation between the surface of a catalyst under reaction conditions or during catalysis and its corresponding catalytic performance. Unlike the well understood interactions between photoelectrons and the atomic layers of a surface in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) and the well-developed method of quantitative analysis of a solid surface in UHV, a fundamental understanding of the interactions between X-ray photons and gaseous molecules and between photoelectrons and molecules of the gas phase in ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) is lacking. Through well designed experiments, here the impact of the interactions between photoelectrons and gaseous molecules and interactions between X-ray photons and gaseous molecules on the intensity of the collected photoelectrons have been explored. How the changes in photoelectron intensity resulting from these interactions influence measurement of the authentic atomic ratio of element M to A of a solid surface has been discussed herein, and methods to correct the measured nominal atomic ratio of two elements of a solid surface upon travelling through a gas phase to its authentic atomic ratio have been developed.
X-ray diffraction analysis of residual stress in zirconia dental composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allahkarami, Masoud

Dental restoration ceramic is a complex system to be characterized. Beside its essential biocompatibility, and pleasant appearance, it requires being mechanically strong in a catastrophic loading environment. Any design is restricted with geometry boundary and material property limits. Inspired by natural teeth, a multilayer ceramic is a smart way of achieving an enhanced restoration. Bi-layers of zirconia core covered by porcelain are known as one of the best multilayer restorations. Residual stresses may be introduced into a bi-layer dental ceramic restoration during its entire manufacturing process due to thermal expansion and elastic property mismatch. It is impossible to achieve a free of residual stresses bi-layer zirconia-porcelain restoration. The idea is to take the advantage of residual stress in design in such a way to prevent the crack initiation and progression. The hypothesis is a compressive residual stress at external contact surface would be enabling the restoration to endure a greater tensile stress. Optimizing the layers thickness, manufacturing process, and validating 3D simulations require development of new techniques of thickness, residual stresses and phase transformation measurement. In the present work, a combined mirco-tomography and finite element based method were adapted for thickness measurement. Two new 2D X-ray diffraction based techniques were adapted for phase transformation area mapping and combined phase transformation and residual stress measurement. Concerning the complex geometry of crown, an efficient method for X-ray diffraction data collection mapping on a given curved surface was developed. Finally a novel method for 3D dimensional x-ray diffraction data collection and visualization were introduced.
Surface roughness evaluation on mandrels and mirror shells for future X-ray telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sironi, Giorgia; Spiga, D.

2008-07-01

More X-ray missions that will be operating in near future, like particular SIMBOL-X, e-Rosita, Con-X/HXT, SVOM/XIAO and Polar-X, will be based on focusing optics manufactured by means of the Ni electroforming replication technique. This production method has already been successfully exploited for SAX, XMM and Swift-XRT. Optical surfaces for X-ray reflection have to be as smooth as possible also at high spatial frequencies. Hence it will be crucial to take under control microroughness in order to reduce the scattering effects. A high rms microroughness would cause the degradation of the angular resolution and loss of effective area. Stringent requirements have therefore to be fixed for mirror shells surface roughness depending on the specific energy range investigated, and roughness evolution has to be carefully monitored during the subsequent steps of the mirror-shells realization. This means to study the roughness evolution in the chain mandrel, mirror shells, multilayer deposition and also the degradation of mandrel roughness following iterated replicas. Such a study allows inferring which phases of production are the major responsible of the roughness growth and could help to find solutions optimizing the involved processes. The exposed study is carried out in the context of the technological consolidation related to SIMBOL-X, along with a systematic metrological study of mandrels and mirror shells. To monitor the roughness increase following each replica, a multiinstrumental approach was adopted: microprofiles were analysed by means of their Power Spectral Density (PSD) in the spatial frequency range 1000-0.01 μm. This enables the direct comparison of roughness data taken with instruments characterized by different operative ranges of frequencies, and in particular optical interferometers and Atomic Force Microscopes. The performed analysis allowed us to set realistic specifications on the mandrel roughness to be achieved, and to suggest a limit for the maximum number of a replica a mandrel can undergo before being refurbished.

Method and apparatus for molecular imaging using x-rays at resonance wavelengths

DOEpatents

Chapline, G.F. Jr.

Holographic x-ray images are produced representing the molecular structure of a microscopic object, such as a living cell, by directing a beam of coherent x-rays upon the object to produce scattering of the x-rays by the object, producing interference on a recording medium between the scattered x-rays from the object and unscattered coherent x-rays and thereby producing holograms on the recording surface, and establishing the wavelength of the coherent x-rays to correspond with a molecular resonance of a constituent of such object and thereby greatly improving the contrast, sensitivity and resolution of the holograms as representations of molecular structures involving such constituent. For example, the coherent x-rays may be adjusted to the molecular resonant absorption line of nitrogen at about 401.3 eV to produce holographic images featuring molecular structures involving nitrogen.
Method and apparatus for molecular imaging using X-rays at resonance wavelengths

DOEpatents

Chapline, Jr., George F.

1985-01-01

Holographic X-ray images are produced representing the molecular structure of a microscopic object, such as a living cell, by directing a beam of coherent X-rays upon the object to produce scattering of the X-rays by the object, producing interference on a recording medium between the scattered X-rays from the object and unscattered coherent X-rays and thereby producing holograms on the recording surface, and establishing the wavelength of the coherent X-rays to correspond with a molecular resonance of a constituent of such object and thereby greatly improving the contrast, sensitivity and resolution of the holograms as representations of molecular structures involving such constituent. For example, the coherent X-rays may be adjusted to the molecular resonant absorption line of nitrogen at about 401.3 eV to produce holographic images featuring molecular structures involving nitrogen.
Sensitive X-ray detectors made of methylammonium lead tribromide perovskite single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Haotong; Fang, Yanjun; Mulligan, Padhraic; Chuirazzi, William; Fang, Hong-Hua; Wang, Congcong; Ecker, Benjamin R.; Gao, Yongli; Loi, Maria Antonietta; Cao, Lei; Huang, Jinsong

2016-05-01

The large mobilities and carrier lifetimes of hybrid perovskite single crystals and the high atomic numbers of Pb, I and Br make them ideal for X-ray and gamma-ray detection. Here, we report a sensitive X-ray detector made of methylammonium lead bromide perovskite single crystals. A record-high mobility-lifetime product of 1.2 × 10-2 cm2 V-1 and an extremely small surface charge recombination velocity of 64 cm s-1 are realized by reducing the bulk defects and passivating surface traps. Single-crystal devices with a thickness of 2-3 mm show 16.4% detection efficiency at near zero bias under irradiation with continuum X-ray energy up to 50 keV. The lowest detectable X-ray dose rate is 0.5 μGyair s-1 with a sensitivity of 80 μC Gy-1air cm-2, which is four times higher than the sensitivity achieved with α-Se X-ray detectors. This allows the radiation dose applied to a human body to be reduced for many medical and security check applications.
Mathematical Design Optimization of Wide-Field X-ray Telescopes: Mirror Nodal Positions and Detector Tilts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elsner, R. F.; O'Dell, S. L.; Ramsey, B. D.; Weisskopf, M. C.

2011-01-01

We describe a mathematical formalism for determining the mirror shell nodal positions and detector tilts that optimize the spatial resolution averaged over a field-of-view for a nested x-ray telescope, assuming known mirror segment surface prescriptions and known detector focal surface. The results are expressed in terms of ensemble averages over variable combinations of the ray positions and wave vectors in the flat focal plane intersecting the optical axis at the nominal on-axis focus, which can be determined by Monte-Carlo ray traces of the individual mirror shells. This work is part of our continuing efforts to provide analytical tools to aid in the design process for wide-field survey x-ray astronomy missions.
Mathematical Design Optimization of Wide-Field X-ray Telescopes: Mirror Nodal Positions and Detector Tilts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elsner, Ronald; O'Dell, Stephen; Ramsey, Brian; Weisskopf, Martin

2011-01-01

We describe a mathematical formalism for determining the mirror shell nodal positions and detector tilts that optimize the spatial resolution averaged over a field-of-view for a nested x-ray telescope, assuming known mirror segment surface prescriptions and known detector focal surface. The results are expressed in terms of ensemble averages over variable combinations of the ray positions and wavevectors in the flat focal plane intersecting the optical axis at the nominal on-axis focus, which can be determined by Monte-Carlo ray traces of the individual mirror shells. This work is part of our continuing efforts to provide analytical tools to aid in the design process for wide-field survey x-ray astronomy missions.
A recommended procedure for the preparation of oriented clay-mineral specimens for X-ray diffraction analysis; modifications to Drever's filter-membrane peel technique

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pollastro, R.M.

1982-01-01

Extremely well-oriented clay mineral mounts for X-ray diffraction analysis can be prepared quickly and without introducing segregation using the filter-membrane peel technique. Mounting problems encountered with smectite-rich samples can be resolved by using minimal sample and partial air-drying of the clay film before transfer to a glass slide. Samples containing small quantities of clay can produce useful oriented specimens if Teflon masks having more restrictive areas are inserted above the membrane filter during clay deposition. War]page and thermal shock of glass slides can be controlled by using a flat, porous, ceramic plate as a holding surface during heat treatments.
Spinel lithium manganese oxide nanoparticles: unique molten salt synthesis strategy and excellent electrochemical performances.

PubMed

Wang, Xiong; Zhu, Juanjuan; Liu, Yingjie

2009-11-01

As a promising candidate cathode material, spinel lithium manganese oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized through a novel molten salt synthesis route at relatively low temperature, using manganese dioxide nanowires as precursor. A variety of techniques were applied to characterize the spinel nanomaterial, including X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The average particle size of the resulting spinel nanoparticles was about 80 nm with narrow distribution. As cathode material for rechargeable lithium ion battery, the electrochemical properties were investigated. All the results show that the electrochemical performances of the homogeneous spinel nanoparticles were improved, which might be ascribed to large specific surface area, fairly narrow size distribution, and the unique synthesis strategy.
Crystallization, optimization and preliminary X-ray characterization of a metal-dependent PI-PLC from Streptomyces antibioticus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jackson, Michael R.; Selby, Thomas L.

2012-10-30

A recombinant metal-dependent phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) fromStreptomyces antibioticushas been crystallized by the hanging-drop method with and without heavy metals. The native crystals belonged to the orthorhombic space groupP222, with unit-cell parametersa= 41.26,b= 51.86,c = 154.78 Å. The X-ray diffraction results showed significant differences in the crystal quality of samples soaked with heavy atoms. Additionally, drop pinning, which increases the surface area of the drops, was also used to improve crystal growth and quality. The combination of heavy-metal soaks and drop pinning was found to be critical for producing high-quality crystals that diffracted to 1.23 Å resolution.
Synthesis and structural characterization of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles supported mesoporous silica SBA-15

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Nahhal, Issa M.; Salem, Jamil K.; Selmane, Mohamed; Kodeh, Fawzi S.; Ebtihan, Heba A.

2017-01-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were loaded into mesoporous silica SBA-15 by post-synthesis and direct methods. The structural properties were characterized using wide and small angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD & SXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and N2-adsorption desorption (BET). The WXRD showed that, the loaded zinc and copper oxides were present in crystalline forms (impregnation). The mesoporosity properties of SBA-15 silica were well maintained even after the introduction of metal oxide nanoparticles. BET analysis indicate that the impregnated and condensed ZnO and CuO supported SBA-15 nanocomposites have a lower surface area than that of its parent SBA-15.
An update on X-ray reflection gratings developed for future missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miles, Drew

2018-01-01

X-ray reflection gratings are a key technology being studied for future X-ray spectroscopy missions, including the Lynx X-ray mission under consideration for the 2020 Decadal Survey. We present an update on the status of X-ray reflection gratings being developed at Penn State University, including current fabrication techniques and mass-replication processes and the latest diffraction efficiency results and resolving power measurements. Individual off-plane X-ray reflection gratings have exceeded the current Lynx requirements for both effective area and resolving power. Finally, we discuss internal projects that will advance the technology readiness level of these gratings.
Preparation and characterization of vanadia-titania mixed oxide for immobilization of Serratia rubidaea CCT 5732 and Klebsiella marcescens bacteria

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Saragiotto Colpini, Leda Maria; Correia Goncalves, Regina A.; Goncalves, Jose Eduardo

2008-08-04

Vanadia-titania mixed oxide was synthesized by sol-gel method and characterized by several techniques. Texturally, it is formed by mesopores and presents high-specific surface area and controlled porosity. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that vanadium is homogeneously distributed in the material. Structurally, it was possible to identify characteristic V=O stretching bands by IR. The analysis of X-ray diffraction showed that the material, particularly vanadium, is highly dispersed. Application experiments were carried out through the immobilization of Serratia rubidae CCT 5732 and Klebsiella marcescens bacteria by adsorption on the surface of mixed oxide. The micrographies revealed that the bacteria were adsorbed on themore » entire support, with average surface densities of 8.55 x 10{sup 11} cells/m{sup 2} (Serratia rubidae CCT 5732) and 3.40 x 10{sup 11} cells/m{sup 2} (K. marcescens)« less
Improved adhesion of Ni films on X-ray damaged polytetrafluoroethylene

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wheeler, D. R.; Pepper, S. V.

1981-01-01

The considered investigation shows that the adhesion of evaporated Ni on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is enhanced by irradiating the PTFE surface prior to evaporation. Evidence obtained with the aid of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is presented concerning the association of the enhanced adhesion with an interfacial chemical reaction. Evaporated Ni clearly adheres better to the X-ray damaged PTFE surface than to the undamaged surface. There is evidence that the improved adhesion is not related to the Ni-C bond, but rather to the NiF2. A possible mechanism which may be consistent with the data is the formation of a F-Ni-C complex, where C is a member of the polymer chain.
Scatter of X-rays on polished surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hasinger, G.

1981-01-01

In investigating the dispersion properties of telescope mirrors used in X-ray astronomy, the slight scattering characteristics of X-ray radiation by statistically rough surfaces were examined. The mathematics and geometry of scattering theory are described. The measurement test assembly is described and results of measurements on samples of plane mirrors are given. Measurement results are evaluated. The direct beam, the convolution of the direct beam and the scattering halo, curve fitting by the method of least squares, various autocorrelation functions, results of the fitting procedure for small scattering, and deviations in the kernel of the scattering distribution are presented. A procedure for quality testing of mirror systems through diagnosis of rough surfaces is described.
The MarsOrganiX experiment: Understanding the influence of the secondary X-Rays on the organic matter at Mars' near-surface.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buch, A.; Szopa, C.; Freissinet, C.; Stalport, F.; Coscia, D.; Pavlov, A.; Gilbert, P.; Bonnet, J. Y.; Guerrini, V.; Navarro-Gonzalez, R.

2017-12-01

Mars may have harbored a prebiotic chemistry that could have led to the emergence of life. If such, traces of these could be preserved in the oldest (3.5 billion years and more) rocks at the surface of the planet. Because of the thin atmosphere of Mars and the absence of an active magnetic field, the harsh radiative environment at the near-surface consists of UV and X-ray radiation, galactic and solar cosmic rays (GCRs and SCRs), as well as secondary particles produced by the interaction of GCRs and SCRs with the atmosphere and soil (secondary X-rays). The majority of the X-rays at the martian surface are generated in the rocks by the penetrating GCR and SCR particles. The GCRs' secondary X-rays' absorbed dose, at the top centimeters of the surface of Mars, has been estimated at about 0.05 Gy per year. All these radiation (direct and indirect) are prone to induce extended degradation or transformation of organic matter that would be present at Mars' near-surface, down to the 3 m depth of the GCRs/SCRs penetration. The SAM experiment onboard Curiosity rover led to the first in situ detection of organic molecules in martian rocks and soils. Chlorobenzene was detected in Cumberland at a concentration of up to 300 parts per billion in weight. However, chlorobenzene was thought to be formed in the SAM oven, during the pyrolysis of the sample. Nevertheless, Cumberland sample has been exposed to GCRs and SCRs for about 80 million years, and thus, the undergone X-rays radiation may have processed the organic matter and chlorinated the organic molecules in presence of perchlorate. Therefore, this study aims at evaluating the possible precursor(s), that would lead to the formation of chlorobenzene (detected with SAM) when irradiated in presence of perchlorate. Using the PSICHE beam line at SOLEIL, a synchrotron facility in France, we studied the extend of degradation and transformation of two organic molecules of interest, a carboxylic acid (benzoic acid) and an amino acid (L-alanine) in absence and presence of perchlorate, under the simulated X-rays radiative environments present at Mars' near-surface. The solid and gaseous phases of the samples were analyzed to evaluate the potential degradation of the molecules during irradiation (MS) and to characterize the residual organic content after irradiation in the retrieved samples (FTIR and GCMS).
Optics Developments for X-Ray Astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramsey, Brian

2014-01-01

X-ray optics has revolutionized x-ray astronomy. The degree of background suppression that these afford, have led to a tremendous increase in sensitivity. The current Chandra observatory has the same collecting area (approx. 10(exp 3)sq cm) as the non-imaging UHURU observatory, the first x-ray observatory which launched in 1970, but has 5 orders of magnitude more sensitivity due to its focusing optics. In addition, its 0.5 arcsec angular resolution has revealed a wealth of structure in many cosmic x-ray sources. The Chandra observatory achieved its resolution by using relatively thick pieces of Zerodur glass, which were meticulously figured and polished to form the four-shell nested array. The resulting optical assembly weighed around 1600 kg, and cost approximately $0.5B. The challenge for future x-ray astronomy missions is to greatly increase the collecting area (by one or more orders of magnitude) while maintaining high angular resolution, and all within realistic mass and budget constraints. A review of the current status of US optics for x-ray astronomy will be provided along with the challenges for future developments.
The Linac Coherent Light Source: Recent Developments and Future Plans

DOE PAGES

Schoenlein, R. W.; Boutet, S.; Minitti, M. P.; ...

2017-08-18

The development of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has launched a new era in X-ray science by providing ultrafast coherent X-ray pulses with a peak brightness that is approximately one billion times higher than previous X-ray sources. The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) facility at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, the world’s first hard X-ray FEL, has already demonstrated a tremendous scientific impact across broad areas of science. Here in this paper, a few of the more recent representative highlights from LCLS are presented in the areas of atomic, molecular, and optical science; chemistry; condensed matter physics; matter in extreme conditions;more » and biology. This paper also outlines the near term upgrade (LCLS-II) and motivating science opportunities for ultrafast X-rays in the 0.25–5 keV range at repetition rates up to 1 MHz. Future plans to extend the X-ray energy reach to beyond 13 keV (<1 Å) at high repetition rate (LCLS-II-HE) are envisioned, motivated by compelling new science of structural dynamics at the atomic scale.« less
High-resolution multi-MeV x-ray radiography using relativistic laser-solid interaction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Courtois, C.; Compant La Fontaine, A.; Barbotin, M.

2011-02-15

When high intensity ({>=}10{sup 19} W cm{sup -2}) laser light interacts with matter, multi-MeV electrons are produced. These electrons can be utilized to generate a MeV bremsstrahlung x-ray emission spectrum as they propagate into a high-Z solid target positioned behind the interaction area. The short duration (<10 ps) and the small diameter (<500 {mu}m) of the x-ray pulse combined with the MeV x-ray spectrum offers an interesting alternative to conventional bremsstrahlung x-ray sources based on an electron accelerator used to radiograph dense, rapidly moving objects. In experiments at the Omega EP laser, a multi-MeV x-ray source is characterized consistently withmore » number of independent diagnostics. An unfiltered x-ray dose of approximately 2 rad in air at 1 m and a source diameter of less than 350 {mu}m are inferred. Radiography of a complex and high area density (up to 61 g/cm{sup 2}) object is then performed with few hundred microns spatial resolution.« less
Regolith X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) Aboard the OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masterson, R. A.; Chodas, M.; Bayley, L.; Allen, B.; Hong, J.; Biswas, P.; McMenamin, C.; Stout, K.; Bokhour, E.; Bralower, H.; Carte, D.; Chen, S.; Jones, M.; Kissel, S.; Schmidt, F.; Smith, M.; Sondecker, G.; Lim, L. F.; Lauretta, D. S.; Grindlay, J. E.; Binzel, R. P.

2018-02-01

The Regolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) is the student collaboration experiment proposed and built by an MIT-Harvard team, launched aboard NASA's OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission. REXIS complements the scientific investigations of other OSIRIS-REx instruments by determining the relative abundances of key elements present on the asteroid's surface by measuring the X-ray fluorescence spectrum (stimulated by the natural solar X-ray flux) over the range of energies 0.5 to 7 keV. REXIS consists of two components: a main imaging spectrometer with a coded aperture mask and a separate solar X-ray monitor to account for the Sun's variability. In addition to element abundance ratios (relative to Si) pinpointing the asteroid's most likely meteorite association, REXIS also maps elemental abundance variability across the asteroid's surface using the asteroid's rotation as well as the spacecraft's orbital motion. Image reconstruction at the highest resolution is facilitated by the coded aperture mask. Through this operation, REXIS will be the first application of X-ray coded aperture imaging to planetary surface mapping, making this student-built instrument a pathfinder toward future planetary exploration. To date, 60 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels have been involved with the REXIS project, with the hands-on experience translating to a dozen Master's and Ph.D. theses and other student publications.
Radial Distribution of X-Ray Point Sources Near the Galactic Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Jae Sub; van den Berg, Maureen; Grindlay, Jonathan E.; Laycock, Silas

2009-11-01

We present the log N-log S and spatial distributions of X-ray point sources in seven Galactic bulge (GB) fields within 4° from the Galactic center (GC). We compare the properties of 1159 X-ray point sources discovered in our deep (100 ks) Chandra observations of three low extinction Window fields near the GC with the X-ray sources in the other GB fields centered around Sgr B2, Sgr C, the Arches Cluster, and Sgr A* using Chandra archival data. To reduce the systematic errors induced by the uncertain X-ray spectra of the sources coupled with field-and-distance-dependent extinction, we classify the X-ray sources using quantile analysis and estimate their fluxes accordingly. The result indicates that the GB X-ray population is highly concentrated at the center, more heavily than the stellar distribution models. It extends out to more than 1fdg4 from the GC, and the projected density follows an empirical radial relation inversely proportional to the offset from the GC. We also compare the total X-ray and infrared surface brightness using the Chandra and Spitzer observations of the regions. The radial distribution of the total infrared surface brightness from the 3.6 band μm images appears to resemble the radial distribution of the X-ray point sources better than that predicted by the stellar distribution models. Assuming a simple power-law model for the X-ray spectra, the closer to the GC the intrinsically harder the X-ray spectra appear, but adding an iron emission line at 6.7 keV in the model allows the spectra of the GB X-ray sources to be largely consistent across the region. This implies that the majority of these GB X-ray sources can be of the same or similar type. Their X-ray luminosity and spectral properties support the idea that the most likely candidate is magnetic cataclysmic variables (CVs), primarily intermediate polars (IPs). Their observed number density is also consistent with the majority being IPs, provided the relative CV to star density in the GB is not smaller than the value in the local solar neighborhood.
High resolution X- and gamma-ray spectroscopy of cosmic X-ray sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, R. P.

1983-01-01

A high resolution X-ray spectrometer and large area phoswich detector were designed and co-aligned in a common elevation mounting in order to measure solar and cosmic X-ray and gamma ray emission in the 13 to 600 KeV energy range from a balloon. The instrument is described and results obtained for the Crab Nebula, the supernova remnant Cas A, and the Sun are discussed and analyzed.

Detecting element specific electrons from a single cobalt nanocluster with synchrotron x-ray scanning tunneling microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kersell, Heath; Shirato, Nozomi; Cummings, Marvin

We use a nanofabricated scanning tunneling microscope tip as a detector to investigate local X-ray induced tunneling and electron emission from a single cobalt nanocluster on a Au(111) surface. The tip-detector is positioned a few angstroms above the nanocluster, and ramping the incident X-ray energy across the Co photoabsorption K-edge enables the detection of element specific electrons. Atomic-scale spatial dependent changes in the X-ray absorption cross section are directly measured by taking the X-ray induced current as a function of X-ray energy. From the measured sample and tip currents, element specific X-ray induced current components can be separated and therebymore » the corresponding yields for the X-ray induced processes of the single cobalt nanocluster can be determined. The detection of element specific synchrotron X-ray induced electrons of a single nanocluster opens a new avenue for materials characterization on a one particle at-a-time basis.« less
Detecting element specific electrons from a single cobalt nanocluster with synchrotron x-ray scanning tunneling microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kersell, Heath; Shirato, Nozomi; Cummings, Marvin

Here, we use a nanofabricated scanning tunneling microscope tip as a detector to investigate local X-ray induced tunneling and electron emission from a single cobalt nanocluster on a Au(111) surface. The tip-detector is positioned a few angstroms above the nanocluster, and ramping the incident X-ray energy across the Co photoabsorption K-edge enables the detection of element specific electrons. Atomic-scale spatial dependent changes in the X-ray absorption cross section are directly measured by taking the X-ray induced current as a function of X-ray energy. From the measured sample and tip currents, element specific X-ray induced current components can be separated andmore » thereby the corresponding yields for the X-ray induced processes of the single cobalt nanocluster can be determined. The detection of element specific synchrotron X-ray induced electrons of a single nanocluster opens a new avenue for materials characterization on a one particle at-a-time basis.« less
Detecting element specific electrons from a single cobalt nanocluster with synchrotron x-ray scanning tunneling microscopy

DOE PAGES

Kersell, Heath; Shirato, Nozomi; Cummings, Marvin; ...

2017-09-05

Here, we use a nanofabricated scanning tunneling microscope tip as a detector to investigate local X-ray induced tunneling and electron emission from a single cobalt nanocluster on a Au(111) surface. The tip-detector is positioned a few angstroms above the nanocluster, and ramping the incident X-ray energy across the Co photoabsorption K-edge enables the detection of element specific electrons. Atomic-scale spatial dependent changes in the X-ray absorption cross section are directly measured by taking the X-ray induced current as a function of X-ray energy. From the measured sample and tip currents, element specific X-ray induced current components can be separated andmore » thereby the corresponding yields for the X-ray induced processes of the single cobalt nanocluster can be determined. The detection of element specific synchrotron X-ray induced electrons of a single nanocluster opens a new avenue for materials characterization on a one particle at-a-time basis.« less
Flash X-ray with image enhancement applied to combustion events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, K. J.; McCoy, D. G.

1983-10-01

Flow visualization of interior ballistic processes by use of X-rays has placed more stringent requirements on flash X-ray techniques. The problem of improving radiographic contrast of propellants in X-ray transparent chambers was studied by devising techniques for evaluating, measuring and reducing the effects of scattering from both the test object and structures in the test area. X-ray film and processing is reviewed and techniques for evaluating and calibrating these are outlined. Finally, after X-ray techniques were optimized, the application of image enhancement processing which can improve image quality is described. This technique was applied to X-ray studies of the combustion of very high burning rate (VHBR) propellants and stick propellant charges.
Performance of large area x-ray proportional counters in a balloon experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, J.; Agrawal, P. C.; Dedhia, D. K.; Manchanda, R. K.; Shah, P. B.; Chitnis, V. R.; Gujar, V. M.; Parmar, J. V.; Pawar, D. M.; Kurhade, V. B.

2016-10-01

ASTROSAT is India's first satellite fully devoted to astronomical observations covering a wide spectral band from optical to hard X-rays by a complement of 4 co-aligned instruments and a Scanning Sky X-ray Monitor. One of the instruments is Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter with 3 identical detectors. In order to assess the performance of this instrument, a balloon experiment with two prototype Large Area X-ray Proportional Counters (LAXPC) was carried out on 2008 April 14. The design of these LAXPCs was similar to those on the ASTROSAT except that their field of view (FOV) was 3 ∘ × 3 ∘ versus FOV of 1 ∘ × 1 ∘ for the LAXPCs on the ASTROSAT. The LAXPCs are aimed at the timing and spectral studies of X-ray sources in 3-80 keV region. In the balloon experiment, the LAXPC, associated electronics and support systems were mounted on an oriented platform which could be pre-programmed to track any source in the sky. A brief description of the LAXPC design, laboratory tests, calibration and the detector characteristics is presented here. The details of the experiment and background counting rates of the 2 LAXPCs at the float altitude of about 41 km are presented in different energy bands. The bright black hole X-ray binary Cygnus X-1 (Cyg X-1) was observed in the experiment for ˜ 3 hours. Details of Cyg X-1 observations, count rates measured from it in different energy intervals and the intensity variations of Cyg X-1 detected during the observations are presented and briefly discussed.
Experiment and application of soft x-ray grazing incidence optical scattering phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Shuyan; Li, Cheng; Zhang, Yang; Su, Liping; Geng, Tao; Li, Kun

2017-08-01

For short wavelength imaging systems，surface scattering effects is one of important factors degrading imaging performance. Study of non-intuitive surface scatter effects resulting from practical optical fabrication tolerances is a necessary work for optical performance evaluation of high resolution short wavelength imaging systems. In this paper, Soft X-ray optical scattering distribution is measured by a soft X-ray reflectometer installed by my lab, for different sample mirrors、wavelength and grazing angle. Then aim at space solar telescope, combining these scattered light distributions, and surface scattering numerical model of grazing incidence imaging system, PSF and encircled energy of optical system of space solar telescope are computed. We can conclude that surface scattering severely degrade imaging performance of grazing incidence systems through analysis and computation.
Monomolecular Siloxane Film as a Model of Single Site Catalysts

DOE PAGES

Martynowycz, Michael W.; Hu, Bo; Kuzmenko, Ivan; ...

2016-09-06

Achieving structurally well-defined catalytic species requires a fundamental understanding of surface chemistry. Detailed structural characterization of the catalyst binding sites in situ, such as single site catalysts on silica supports, is technically challenging or even unattainable. Octadecyltrioxysilane (OTOS) monolayers formed from octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS) at the air-liquid interface after hydrolysis and condensation at low pH were chosen as a model system of surface binding sites in silica-supported Zn 2+ catalysts. We characterize the system by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity (XR), and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XFS). Previous X-ray and infrared surface studies of OTMS/OTOS films at the airliquid interface proposedmore » the formation of polymer OTOS structures. According to our analysis, polymer formation is inconsistent with the X-ray observations and structural properties of siloxanes; it is energetically unfavorable and thus highly unlikely. We suggest an alternative mechanism of hydrolysis/condensation in OTMS leading to the formation of structurally allowed cyclic trimers with the six-membered siloxane rings, which explain well both the X-ray and infrared results. XR and XFS consistently demonstrate that tetrahedral [Zn(NH 3) 4] 2+ ions bind to hydroxyl groups of the film at a stoichiometric ratio of OTOS:Zn ~ 2:1. The high binding affinity of zinc ions to OTOS trimers suggests that the six-membered siloxane rings are binding locations for single site Zn/SiO 2 catalysts. Finally, our results show that OTOS monolayers may serve as a platform for studying silica surface chemistry or hydroxyl-mediated reactions.« less
Spectral and timing properties of the accreting X-ray millisecond pulsar IGR J17498-2921

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falanga, M.; Kuiper, L.; Poutanen, J.; Galloway, D. K.; Bozzo, E.; Goldwurm, A.; Hermsen, W.; Stella, L.

2012-09-01

Context. IGR J17498-2921 is the third X-ray transient accreting millisecond pulsar discovered by INTEGRAL. It was in outburst for about 40 days beginning on August 08, 2011. Aims: We analyze the spectral and timing properties of the object and the characteristics of X-ray bursts to constrain the physical processes responsible for the X-ray production in this class of sources. Methods: We studied the broad-band spectrum of the persistent emission in the 0.6-300 keV energy band using simultaneous INTEGRAL, RXTE, and Swift data obtained in August-September 2011. We also describe the timing properties in the 2-100 keV energy range such as the outburst lightcurve, pulse profile, pulsed fraction, pulsed emission, time lags, and study the properties of X-ray bursts discovered by RXTE, Swift, and INTEGRAL and the recurrence time. Results: The broad-band average spectrum is well-described by thermal Comptonization with an electron temperature of kTe ~ 50 keV, soft seed photons of kTbb ~ 1 keV, and Thomson optical depth τT ~ 1 in a slab geometry. The slab area corresponds to a black body radius of Rbb ~ 9 km. During the outburst, the spectrum stays remarkably stable with plasma and soft seed photon temperatures and scattering optical depth that are constant within the errors. This behavior has been interpreted as indicating that the X-ray emission originates above the neutron star (NS) surface in a hot slab (either the heated NS surface or the accretion shock). The INTEGRAL, RXTE, and Swift data reveal the X-ray pulsation at a period of 2.5 ms up to ~65 keV. The pulsed fraction is consistent with being constant, i.e. energy independent and has a typical value of 6-7%. The nearly sinusoidal pulses show soft lags that seem to saturate near 10 keV at a rather small value of ~-60 μs with those observed in other accreting pulsars. The short burst profiles indicate that there is a hydrogen-poor material at ignition, which suggests either that the accreted material is hydrogen-deficient, or that the CNO metallicity is up to a factor of about two times solar. However, the variation in the burst recurrence time as a function of ṁ (inferred from the X-ray flux) is much smaller than predicted by helium-ignition models.
Hercules X-1: Spectral Variability of an X-Ray Pulsar in a Stellar Binary System. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pravdo, S. H.

1976-01-01

A cosmic X-ray spectroscopy experiment onboard the Orbiting Solar Observatory 8 (OSO-8), observed Her x-1 continuously for approximately 8 days. Spectral-temporal correlations of the X-ray emission were obtained. The major results concern observations of: (1) iron band emission, (2) spectral hardening (increase in effective x-ray temperature) within the X-ray pulse, and (3) a transition from an X-ray low state to a high state. The spectrum obtained prior to the high state can be interpreted as reflected emission from a hot coronal gas surrounding an accretion disk, which itself shields the primary X-ray source from the line of sight during the low state. The spectral hardening within the X-ray pulse was indicative of the beaming mechanism at the neutron star surface. The hardest spectrum by pulse phase was identified with the line of sight close to the Her x-1 magnetic dipole axis, and the X-ray pencil beam become harder with decreasing angle between the line of sight and the dipole axis.
Advanced X-Ray Timing Array Mission: Conceptual Spacecraft Design Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hopkins, R. C.; Johnson, L.; Thomas, H. D.; Wilson-Hodge, C. A.; Baysinger, M.; Maples, C. D.; Fabisinski, L.L.; Hornsby, L.; Thompson, K. S.; Miernik, J. H.

2011-01-01

The Advanced X-Ray Timing Array (AXTAR) is a mission concept for submillisecond timing of bright galactic x-ray sources. The two science instruments are the Large Area Timing Array (LATA) (a collimated instrument with 2-50-keV coverage and over 3 square meters of effective area) and a Sky Monitor (SM), which acts as a trigger for pointed observations of x-ray transients. The spacecraft conceptual design team developed two spacecraft concepts that will enable the AXTAR mission: A minimal configuration to be launched on a Taurus II and a larger configuration to be launched on a Falcon 9 or similar vehicle.
Catalytic Activity and Impedance Behavior of Screen-Printed Nickel Oxide as Efficient Water Oxidation Catalysts.

PubMed

Singh, Archana; Fekete, Monika; Gengenbach, Thomas; Simonov, Alexandr N; Hocking, Rosalie K; Chang, Shery L Y; Rothmann, Mathias; Powar, Satvasheel; Fu, Dongchuan; Hu, Zheng; Wu, Qiang; Cheng, Yi-Bing; Bach, Udo; Spiccia, Leone

2015-12-21

We report that films screen printed from nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles and microballs are efficient electrocatalysts for water oxidation under near-neutral and alkaline conditions. Investigations of the composition and structure of the screen-printed films by X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the material was present as the cubic NiO phase. Comparison of the catalytic activity of the microball films to that of films fabricated by using NiO nanoparticles, under similar experimental conditions, revealed that the microball films outperform nanoparticle films of similar thickness owing to a more porous structure and higher surface area. A thinner, less-resistive NiO nanoparticle film, however, was found to have higher activity per Ni atom. Anodization in borate buffer significantly improved the activity of all three films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that during anodization, a mixed nickel oxyhydroxide phase formed on the surface of all films, which could account for the improved activity. Impedance spectroscopy revealed that surface traps contribute significantly to the resistance of the NiO films. On anodization, the trap state resistance of all films was reduced, which led to significant improvements in activity. In 1.00 m NaOH, both the microball and nanoparticle films exhibit high long-term stability and produce a stable current density of approximately 30 mA cm(-2) at 600 mV overpotential. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Micro/nanostructured surface modification using femtosecond laser pulses on minimally invasive electrosurgical devices.

PubMed

Lin, Chia-Cheng; Lin, Hao-Jan; Lin, Yun-Ho; Sugiatno, Erwan; Ruslin, Muhammad; Su, Chen-Yao; Ou, Keng-Liang; Cheng, Han-Yi

2017-05-01

The purpose of the present study was to examine thermal damage and a sticking problem in the tissue after the use of a minimally invasive electrosurgical device with a nanostructured surface treatment that uses a femtosecond laser pulse (FLP) technique. To safely use an electrosurgical device in clinical surgery, it is important to decrease thermal damage to surrounding tissues. The surface characteristics and morphology of the FLP layer were evaluated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy; element analysis was performed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In the animal model, monopolar electrosurgical devices were used to create lesions in the legs of 30 adult rats. Animals were sacrificed for investigations at 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days postoperatively. Results indicated that the thermal damage and sticking situations were reduced significantly when a minimally invasive electrosurgical instrument with an FLP layer was used. Temperatures decreased while film thickness increased. Thermographic data revealed that surgical temperatures in an animal model were significantly lower in the FLP electrosurgical device compared with that in the untreated one. Furthermore, the FLP device created a relatively small area of thermal damage. As already mentioned, the biomedical nanostructured layer reduced thermal damage and promoted the antisticking property with the use of a minimally invasive electrosurgical device. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 865-873, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of organic/inorganic hybrid gel with acid activated clay after γ-ray radiation.

PubMed

Kim, Donghyun; Lee, Hoik; Sohn, Daewon

2014-08-01

A hybrid gel was prepared from acid activated clay (AA clay) and acrylic acid by gamma ray irradiation. Irradiated inorganic particles which have peroxide groups act as initiator because it generates oxide radicals by increasing temperature. Inorganic nanoparticles which are rigid part in hybrid gel also contribute to increase the mechanical property as a crosslinker. We prepared two hybrid gels to compare the effect of acid activated treatment of clay; one is synthesized with raw clay particles and another is synthesized with AA clay particles. The composition and structure of AA clay particles and raw clay particles were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence instrument and surface area analyzer. And chemical and physical property of hybrid gel with different ratios of acrylic acid and clay particle was tested by Raman spectroscope and universal testing machine (UTM). The synthesized hydrogel with 76% gel contents can elongated approximately 1000% of its original size.
Time Projection Chamber Polarimeters for X-ray Astrophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hill, Joanne; Black, Kevin; Jahoda, Keith

2015-04-01

Time Projection Chamber (TPC) based X-ray polarimeters achieve the sensitivity required for practical and scientifically significant astronomical observations, both galactic and extragalactic, with a combination of high analyzing power and good quantum efficiency. TPC polarimeters at the focus of an X-ray telescope have low background and large collecting areas providing the ability to measure the polarization properties of faint persistent sources. TPCs based on drifting negative ions rather than electrons permit large detector collecting areas with minimal readout electronics enabling wide field of view polarimeters for observing unpredictable, bright transient sources such as gamma-ray bursts. We described here the design and expected performance of two different TPC polarimeters proposed for small explorer missions: The PRAXyS (Polarimetry of Relativistic X-ray Sources) X-ray Polarimeter Instrument, optimized for observations of faint persistent sources and the POET (Polarimetry of Energetic Transients) Low Energy Polarimeter, designed to detect and measure bright transients. also NASA/GSFC.
Simultaneous measurement of X-ray specular reflection and off-specular diffuse scattering from liquid surfaces using a two-dimensional pixel array detector: the liquid-interface reflectometer of BL37XU at SPring-8.

PubMed

Yano, Yohko F; Uruga, Tomoya; Tanida, Hajime; Toyokawa, Hidenori; Terada, Yasuko; Yamada, Hironari

2010-07-01

An X-ray reflectometer for simultaneous measurement of specular and off-specular reflection of liquid surfaces is described. The reflectometer, equipped with a two-dimensional single X-ray photon-counting pixel array detector obtained the full range of X-ray specular and off-specular reflections in an extremely short time (1 s). Both the specular and off-specular reflection of water exhibited good agreement with the predicted capillary-wave theory within the appropriate instrumental resolution. The approach is also demonstrated on an aqueous solution of 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. The monolayer in which the dodecyl chain faces upwards and the Cl(-) anion locates next to the imidazolium ring formed on the water surface was found to be laterally homogeneous. The use of a pixel array detector will be particularly powerful for in situ measurements to investigate both out-of-plane and in-plane structures simultaneously, not only for liquid surfaces but also for other thin films.
Quantitative characterization of the atomic-scale structure of oxyhydroxides in rusts formed on steel surfaces

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Saito, M.; Suzuki, S.; Kimura, M.

Quantitative X-ray structural analysis coupled with anomalous X-ray scattering has been used for characterizing the atomic-scale structure of rust formed on steel surfaces. Samples were prepared from rust layers formed on the surfaces of two commercial steels. X-ray scattered intensity profiles of the two samples showed that the rusts consisted mainly of two types of ferric oxyhydroxide, {alpha}-FeOOH and {gamma}-FeOOH. The amounts of these rust components and the realistic atomic arrangements in the components were estimated by fitting both the ordinary and the environmental interference functions with a model structure calculated using the reverse Monte Carlo simulation technique. The twomore » rust components were found to be the network structure formed by FeO{sub 6} octahedral units, the network structure itself deviating from the ideal case. The present results also suggest that the structural analysis method using anomalous X-ray scattering and the reverse Monte Carlo technique is very successful in determining the atomic-scale structure of rusts formed on the steel surfaces.« less
Dynamical and Radiative Properties of X-Ray Pulsar Accretion Columns: Phase-averaged Spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

West, Brent F.; Wolfram, Kenneth D.; Becker, Peter A.

2017-02-01

The availability of the unprecedented spectral resolution provided by modern X-ray observatories is opening up new areas for study involving the coupled formation of the continuum emission and the cyclotron absorption features in accretion-powered X-ray pulsar spectra. Previous research focusing on the dynamics and the associated formation of the observed spectra has largely been confined to the single-fluid model, in which the super-Eddington luminosity inside the column decelerates the flow to rest at the stellar surface, while the dynamical effect of gas pressure is ignored. In a companion paper, we have presented a detailed analysis of the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic structure of the accretion column obtained using a new self-consistent model that includes the effects of both gas and radiation pressures. In this paper, we explore the formation of the associated X-ray spectra using a rigorous photon transport equation that is consistent with the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic structure of the column. We use the new model to obtain phase-averaged spectra and partially occulted spectra for Her X-1, Cen X-3, and LMC X-4. We also use the new model to constrain the emission geometry, and compare the resulting parameters with those obtained using previously published models. Our model sheds new light on the structure of the column, the relationship between the ionized gas and the photons, the competition between diffusive and advective transport, and the magnitude of the energy-averaged cyclotron scattering cross-section.
Dynamical and Radiative Properties of X-Ray Pulsar Accretion Columns: Phase-averaged Spectra

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

West, Brent F.; Wolfram, Kenneth D.; Becker, Peter A., E-mail: bwest@usna.edu, E-mail: kswolfram@gmail.com, E-mail: pbecker@gmu.edu

The availability of the unprecedented spectral resolution provided by modern X-ray observatories is opening up new areas for study involving the coupled formation of the continuum emission and the cyclotron absorption features in accretion-powered X-ray pulsar spectra. Previous research focusing on the dynamics and the associated formation of the observed spectra has largely been confined to the single-fluid model, in which the super-Eddington luminosity inside the column decelerates the flow to rest at the stellar surface, while the dynamical effect of gas pressure is ignored. In a companion paper, we have presented a detailed analysis of the hydrodynamic and thermodynamicmore » structure of the accretion column obtained using a new self-consistent model that includes the effects of both gas and radiation pressures. In this paper, we explore the formation of the associated X-ray spectra using a rigorous photon transport equation that is consistent with the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic structure of the column. We use the new model to obtain phase-averaged spectra and partially occulted spectra for Her X-1, Cen X-3, and LMC X-4. We also use the new model to constrain the emission geometry, and compare the resulting parameters with those obtained using previously published models. Our model sheds new light on the structure of the column, the relationship between the ionized gas and the photons, the competition between diffusive and advective transport, and the magnitude of the energy-averaged cyclotron scattering cross-section.« less
MTF measurements with high-resolution a-Si:H imaging arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yorkston, John; Antonuk, Larry E.; Seraji, N.; Huang, Weidong; Siewerdsen, Jeffrey H.; El-Mohri, Youcef

1995-05-01

Recent advances in a-Si:H fabrication technology have opened the way for the application of flat panel imaging arrays in a number of areas in medical imaging. Their large area (up to approximately 26 X 26 cm), thin profile (< 1 mm) and real time readout capability make them strong candidates for the replacement of more traditional x-ray imaging technologies such as film and image intensifier systems. As a first step towards a device suitable for clinical use we have created a 24.4 X 19.4 cm array with 127 micrometers pitch pixels. This device serves as a testbed for investigating the effects of design changes on array imaging performance. This paper reports on initial measurements of the spatial resolution of this device used in conjunction with an overlaying Lanex Regular screen and 90 kVp x rays. The measured pre-sampled modulation transfer function (p.s. MTF) is found to fall below the predicted value by up to approximately 8%. At least part of this reduction seems to be due to scattering of light photons between the array and the surface of the phosphor screen contacting the array.
Observations of Scorpius X-1 with IUE - Ultraviolet results from a multiwavelength campaign

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vrtilek, S. D.; Raymond, J. C.; Penninx, W.; Verbunt, F.; Hertz, P.

1991-01-01

IUE UV results are presented for the low-mass X-ray binary Sco X-1. Models that predict UV continuum emission from the X-ray-heated surface from the companion star and from an X-ray illuminated accretion disk are adjusted for parameters intrinsic to Sco X-1, and fitted to the data. X-ray heating is found to be the dominant source of UV emission; the mass-accretion rate increases monotonically along the 'Z-shaped' curve in an X-ray color-color diagram. UV emission lines from He, C, N, O, and Si were detected; they all increase in intensity from the HB to the FB state. A model in which emission lines are due to outer-disk photoionization by the X-ray source is noted to give good agreement with line fluxes observed in each state.

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