Metallic Contaminant Detection using a High-Temperature Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices Gradiometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saburo, Tanaka; Tomohiro, Akai; Makoto, Takemoto; Yoshimi, Hatsukade; Takeyoshi, Ohtani; Yoshio, Ikeda; Shuichi, Suzuki

2010-08-01

We develop magnetic metallic contaminant detectors using high-temperature superconducting quantum interference devices (HTS-SQUIDs) for industrial products. Finding ultra-small metallic contaminants is an important issue for manufacturers producing commercial products such as lithium ion batteries. If such contaminants cause damages, the manufacturer of the product suffers a big financial loss due to having to recall the faulty products. Previously, we described a system for finding such ultra-small particles in food. In this study, we describe further developments of the system, for the reduction of the effect of the remnant field of the products, and we test the parallel magnetization of the products to generate the remnant field only at both ends of the products. In addition, we use an SQUID gradiometer in place of the magnetometer to reduce the edge effect by measuring the magnetic field gradient. We test the performances of the system and find that tiny iron particles as small as 50 × 50 μm2 on the electrode of a lithium ion battery could be clearly detected. This detection level is difficult to achieve when using other methods.

Super earth interiors and validity of Birch's Law for ultra-high pressure metals and ionic solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ware, Lucas Andrew

2015-01-01

Super Earths, recently detected by the Kepler Mission, expand the ensemble of known terrestrial planets beyond our Solar System's limited group. Birch's Law and velocity-density systematics have been crucial in constraining our knowledge of the composition of Earth's mantle and core. Recently published static diamond anvil cell experimental measurements of sound velocities in iron, a key deep element in most super Earth models, are inconsistent with each other with regard to the validity of Birch's Law. We examine the range of validity of Birch's Law for several metallic elements, including iron, and ionic solids shocked with a two-stage light gas gun into the ultra-high pressure, temperature fluid state and make comparisons to the recent static data.

Ultra-Low Density Aerogel Mirror Substrates

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-04-01

Silica aerogel materials were fabricated by both the high temperature and low temperature methods at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in...evaporation techniques were used to planarize the silica aerogel with SiO 2 prior to metalization. The PECVD was performed at the Cornell University...incident hv. Defect Physics Silica aerogel is an amorphous SiO, matrix of high porosity (or a low density disordered material). The amorphous r~ature of

Creep and Oxidation of Hafnium Diboride Based Ultra High Temperature Ceramics at 1500C

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

through experimentation. Although the Literature Review showed that some theories and models have been developed based on extensive experimental results...of Some Refractory Metals & Ceramics [Fahrenholtz] ........... 14 Figure 4: Creep Strain vs Time Based on Burgers Model ...

Compact low temperature scanning tunneling microscope with in-situ sample preparation capability

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

Kim, Jungdae; Department of Physics and EHSRC, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 680-749; Nam, Hyoungdo

2015-09-15

We report on the design of a compact low temperature scanning tunneling microscope (STM) having in-situ sample preparation capability. The in-situ sample preparation chamber was designed to be compact allowing quick transfer of samples to the STM stage, which is ideal for preparing temperature sensitive samples such as ultra-thin metal films on semiconductor substrates. Conventional spring suspensions on the STM head often cause mechanical issues. To address this problem, we developed a simple vibration damper consisting of welded metal bellows and rubber pads. In addition, we developed a novel technique to ensure an ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) seal between the copper andmore » stainless steel, which provides excellent reliability for cryostats operating in UHV. The performance of the STM was tested from 2 K to 77 K by using epitaxial thin Pb films on Si. Very high mechanical stability was achieved with clear atomic resolution even when using cryostats operating at 77 K. At 2 K, a clean superconducting gap was observed, and the spectrum was easily fit using the BCS density of states with negligible broadening.« less

Compact low temperature scanning tunneling microscope with in-situ sample preparation capability.

PubMed

Kim, Jungdae; Nam, Hyoungdo; Qin, Shengyong; Kim, Sang-ui; Schroeder, Allan; Eom, Daejin; Shih, Chih-Kang

2015-09-01

We report on the design of a compact low temperature scanning tunneling microscope (STM) having in-situ sample preparation capability. The in-situ sample preparation chamber was designed to be compact allowing quick transfer of samples to the STM stage, which is ideal for preparing temperature sensitive samples such as ultra-thin metal films on semiconductor substrates. Conventional spring suspensions on the STM head often cause mechanical issues. To address this problem, we developed a simple vibration damper consisting of welded metal bellows and rubber pads. In addition, we developed a novel technique to ensure an ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) seal between the copper and stainless steel, which provides excellent reliability for cryostats operating in UHV. The performance of the STM was tested from 2 K to 77 K by using epitaxial thin Pb films on Si. Very high mechanical stability was achieved with clear atomic resolution even when using cryostats operating at 77 K. At 2 K, a clean superconducting gap was observed, and the spectrum was easily fit using the BCS density of states with negligible broadening.

Synthesis and Characterization of YB4 Ceramics

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-24

capa bility at temperatures above 2000°C1 with adequate mechani cal properties and oxidation resistance. Refractory metal borides based on HfB2 and ZrB2...increase in the oxidation resistance was accomplished by the addition of the Group IV VI transition metal borides , which was the result of phase...metal borides for use as materials for ultra high temper ature (UHT) applications. However, for instance, yttrium tet raboride, YB4, appears promising as

Advanced intermediate temperature sodium-nickel chloride batteries with ultra-high energy density.

PubMed

Li, Guosheng; Lu, Xiaochuan; Kim, Jin Y; Meinhardt, Kerry D; Chang, Hee Jung; Canfield, Nathan L; Sprenkle, Vincent L

2016-02-11

Sodium-metal halide batteries have been considered as one of the more attractive technologies for stationary electrical energy storage, however, they are not used for broader applications despite their relatively well-known redox system. One of the roadblocks hindering market penetration is the high-operating temperature. Here we demonstrate that planar sodium-nickel chloride batteries can be operated at an intermediate temperature of 190 °C with ultra-high energy density. A specific energy density of 350 Wh kg(-1), higher than that of conventional tubular sodium-nickel chloride batteries (280 °C), is obtained for planar sodium-nickel chloride batteries operated at 190 °C over a long-term cell test (1,000 cycles), and it attributed to the slower particle growth of the cathode materials at the lower operating temperature. Results reported here demonstrate that planar sodium-nickel chloride batteries operated at an intermediate temperature could greatly benefit this traditional energy storage technology by improving battery energy density, cycle life and reducing material costs.

Advanced intermediate temperature sodium-nickel chloride batteries with ultra-high energy density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Guosheng; Lu, Xiaochuan; Kim, Jin Y.; Meinhardt, Kerry D.; Chang, Hee Jung; Canfield, Nathan L.; Sprenkle, Vincent L.

2016-02-01

Sodium-metal halide batteries have been considered as one of the more attractive technologies for stationary electrical energy storage, however, they are not used for broader applications despite their relatively well-known redox system. One of the roadblocks hindering market penetration is the high-operating temperature. Here we demonstrate that planar sodium-nickel chloride batteries can be operated at an intermediate temperature of 190 °C with ultra-high energy density. A specific energy density of 350 Wh kg-1, higher than that of conventional tubular sodium-nickel chloride batteries (280 °C), is obtained for planar sodium-nickel chloride batteries operated at 190 °C over a long-term cell test (1,000 cycles), and it attributed to the slower particle growth of the cathode materials at the lower operating temperature. Results reported here demonstrate that planar sodium-nickel chloride batteries operated at an intermediate temperature could greatly benefit this traditional energy storage technology by improving battery energy density, cycle life and reducing material costs.

Non-Contact Tabletop Mechanical Testing of Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-01

class of refractory materials including transition metal borides , carbides and nitrides e.g. ZrB2l HfB2) ZrC, HfC, TaC, HfN and ZrN. They recently...ike oxidizing atmospheres, at very high temperatures Refractory borides like ZrB2 and HfB2 have extremely high melting temperatures (over 3000°C...But borides are very poor in oxidation resistance, due to the nature of thär oxides Non-protective ZrCfe or Hf02 and volatile liquid B203. Addition

Unusual plasticity and strength of metals at ultra-short load durations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanel, G. I.; Zaretsky, E. B.; Razorenov, S. V.; Ashitkov, S. I.; Fortov, V. E.

2017-08-01

This paper briefly reviews recent experimental results on the temperature-rate dependences of flow and fracture stresses in metals under high strain rate conditions for pulsed shock-wave loads with durations from tens of picoseconds up to microseconds. In the experiments, ultimate (‘ideal’) values of the shear and tensile strengths have been approached and anomalous growth of the yield stress with temperature at high strain rates has been confirmed for some metals. New evidence is obtained for the intense dislocation multiplication immediately originating in the elastic precursor of a compression shock wave. It is found that under these conditions inclusions and other strengthening factors may have a softening effect. Novel and unexpected features are observed in the evolution of elastoplastic compression shock waves.

Characterization of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics via Transmission Electron Microscopy. Part 2: UHTCs sintered with addition of TaSi2

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-21

substituted by Hf in the TaSi2 phase, indicating that this silicide has a great solubility for the group IV metals . At the triple point junctions Ta5Si3...Mathis Müller for his precious help in TEM specimens’ preparations . FA8655-09-M-4002 40 References 1. L. E. Toth: Transition Metal Carbides and...Transition Metal Disilicides,’ Acta Mater., 44, 3035 (1996). 21. H. Pastor and R. Meyer: An Investigation of the Effect of Additions of Metal Silicides

Non-plasmonic nanoantennas for surface enhanced spectroscopies with ultra-low heat conversion

PubMed Central

Caldarola, Martín; Albella, Pablo; Cortés, Emiliano; Rahmani, Mohsen; Roschuk, Tyler; Grinblat, Gustavo; Oulton, Rupert F.; Bragas, Andrea V.; Maier, Stefan A.

2015-01-01

Nanoplasmonics has recently revolutionized our ability to control light on the nanoscale. Using metallic nanostructures with tailored shapes, it is possible to efficiently focus light into nanoscale field ‘hot spots'. High field enhancement factors have been achieved in such optical nanoantennas, enabling transformative science in the areas of single molecule interactions, highly enhanced nonlinearities and nanoscale waveguiding. Unfortunately, these large enhancements come at the price of high optical losses due to absorption in the metal, severely limiting real-world applications. Via the realization of a novel nanophotonic platform based on dielectric nanostructures to form efficient nanoantennas with ultra-low light-into-heat conversion, here we demonstrate an approach that overcomes these limitations. We show that dimer-like silicon-based single nanoantennas produce both high surface enhanced fluorescence and surface enhanced Raman scattering, while at the same time generating a negligible temperature increase in their hot spots and surrounding environments. PMID:26238815

Non-plasmonic nanoantennas for surface enhanced spectroscopies with ultra-low heat conversion.

PubMed

Caldarola, Martín; Albella, Pablo; Cortés, Emiliano; Rahmani, Mohsen; Roschuk, Tyler; Grinblat, Gustavo; Oulton, Rupert F; Bragas, Andrea V; Maier, Stefan A

2015-08-04

Nanoplasmonics has recently revolutionized our ability to control light on the nanoscale. Using metallic nanostructures with tailored shapes, it is possible to efficiently focus light into nanoscale field 'hot spots'. High field enhancement factors have been achieved in such optical nanoantennas, enabling transformative science in the areas of single molecule interactions, highly enhanced nonlinearities and nanoscale waveguiding. Unfortunately, these large enhancements come at the price of high optical losses due to absorption in the metal, severely limiting real-world applications. Via the realization of a novel nanophotonic platform based on dielectric nanostructures to form efficient nanoantennas with ultra-low light-into-heat conversion, here we demonstrate an approach that overcomes these limitations. We show that dimer-like silicon-based single nanoantennas produce both high surface enhanced fluorescence and surface enhanced Raman scattering, while at the same time generating a negligible temperature increase in their hot spots and surrounding environments.

Dual-sensing porphyrin-containing copolymer nanosensor as full-spectrum colorimeter and ultra-sensitive thermometer.

PubMed

Yan, Qiang; Yuan, Jinying; Kang, Yan; Cai, Zhinan; Zhou, Lilin; Yin, Yingwu

2010-04-28

A porphyrin-containing copolymer has dual-sensing in response to metal ions and temperature as a novel nanosensor. Triggered by ions, the sensor exhibits full-color tunable behavior as a cationic detector and colorimeter. Responding to temperature, the sensor displays an "isothermal" thermochromic point as an ultra-sensitive thermometer.

Atomic Layer Deposition of Vanadium Dioxide and a Temperature-dependent Optical Model.

PubMed

Currie, Marc; Mastro, Michael A; Wheeler, Virginia D

2018-05-23

Vanadium dioxide is a material that has a reversible metal-insulator phase change near 68 °C. To grow VO2 on a wide variety of substrates, with wafer-scale uniformity and angstrom level control of thickness, the method of atomic-layer deposition was chosen. This ALD process enables high-quality, low-temperature (≤150 °C) growth of ultrathin films (100-1000 Å) of VO2. For this demonstration, the VO2 films were grown on sapphire substrates. This low temperature growth technique produces mostly amorphous VO2 films. A subsequent anneal in an ultra-high vacuum chamber with a pressure of 7x10 -4 Pa of ultra-high purity (99.999%) oxygen produced oriented, polycrystalline VO2 films. The crystallinity, phase, and strain of the VO2 were determined by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, while the stoichiometry and impurity levels were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and finally the morphology was determined by atomic force microscopy. These data demonstrate the high-quality of the films grown by this technique. A model was created to fit to the data for VO2 in its metallic and insulating phases in the near infrared spectral region. The permittivity and refractive index of the ALD VO2 agreed well with the other fabrication methods in its insulating phase, but showed a difference in its metallic state. Finally, the analysis of the films' optical properties enabled the creation of a wavelength- and temperature-dependent model of the complex optical refractive index for developing VO2 as a tunable refractive index material.

A 10 mK scanning tunneling microscope operating in ultra high vacuum and high magnetic fields.

PubMed

Assig, Maximilian; Etzkorn, Markus; Enders, Axel; Stiepany, Wolfgang; Ast, Christian R; Kern, Klaus

2013-03-01

We present design and performance of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) that operates at temperatures down to 10 mK providing ultimate energy resolution on the atomic scale. The STM is attached to a dilution refrigerator with direct access to an ultra high vacuum chamber allowing in situ sample preparation. High magnetic fields of up to 14 T perpendicular and up to 0.5 T parallel to the sample surface can be applied. Temperature sensors mounted directly at the tip and sample position verified the base temperature within a small error margin. Using a superconducting Al tip and a metallic Cu(111) sample, we determined an effective temperature of 38 ± 1 mK from the thermal broadening observed in the tunneling spectra. This results in an upper limit for the energy resolution of ΔE = 3.5 kBT = 11.4 ± 0.3 μeV. The stability between tip and sample is 4 pm at a temperature of 15 mK as demonstrated by topography measurements on a Cu(111) surface.

Ab initio Computations of the Electronic, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTC) ZrB2 and HfB2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawson, John W.; Bauschlicher, Charles W.; Daw, Murray

2011-01-01

Refractory materials such as metallic borides, often considered as ultra high temperature ceramics (UHTC), are characterized by high melting point, high hardness, and good chemical inertness. These materials have many applications which require high temperature materials that can operate with no or limited oxidation. Ab initio, first principles methods are the most accurate modeling approaches available and represent a parameter free description of the material based on the quantum mechanical equations. Using these methods, many of the intrinsic properties of these material can be obtained. We performed ab initio calculations based on density functional theory for the UHTC materials ZrB2 and HfB2. Computational results are presented for structural information (lattice constants, bond lengths, etc), electronic structure (bonding motifs, densities of states, band structure, etc), thermal quantities (phonon spectra, phonon densities of states, specific heat), as well as information about point defects such as vacancy and antisite formation energies.

Liquid metal heat sink for high-power laser diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vetrovec, John; Litt, Amardeep S.; Copeland, Drew A.; Junghans, Jeremy; Durkee, Roger

2013-02-01

We report on the development of a novel, ultra-low thermal resistance active heat sink (AHS) for thermal management of high-power laser diodes (HPLD) and other electronic and photonic components. AHS uses a liquid metal coolant flowing at high speed in a miniature closed and sealed loop. The liquid metal coolant receives waste heat from an HPLD at high flux and transfers it at much reduced flux to environment, primary coolant fluid, heat pipe, or structure. Liquid metal flow is maintained electromagnetically without any moving parts. Velocity of liquid metal flow can be controlled electronically, thus allowing for temperature control of HPLD wavelength. This feature also enables operation at a stable wavelength over a broad range of ambient conditions. Results from testing an HPLD cooled by AHS are presented.

Precision optical slit for high heat load or ultra high vacuum

DOEpatents

Andresen, N.C.; DiGennaro, R.S.; Swain, T.L.

1995-01-24

This invention relates generally to slits used in optics that must be precisely aligned and adjusted. The optical slits of the present invention are useful in x-ray optics, x-ray beam lines, optical systems in which the entrance slit is critical for high wavelength resolution. The invention is particularly useful in ultra high vacuum systems where lubricants are difficult to use and designs which avoid the movement of metal parts against one another are important, such as monochromators for high wavelength resolution with ultra high vacuum systems. The invention further relates to optical systems in which temperature characteristics of the slit materials is important. The present invention yet additionally relates to precision slits wherein the opposing edges of the slit must be precisely moved relative to a center line between the edges with each edge retaining its parallel orientation with respect to the other edge and/or the center line. 21 figures.

Precision optical slit for high heat load or ultra high vacuum

DOEpatents

Andresen, Nord C.; DiGennaro, Richard S.; Swain, Thomas L.

1995-01-01

This invention relates generally to slits used in optics that must be precisely aligned and adjusted. The optical slits of the present invention are useful in x-ray optics, x-ray beam lines, optical systems in which the entrance slit is critical for high wavelength resolution. The invention is particularly useful in ultra high vacuum systems where lubricants are difficult to use and designs which avoid the movement of metal parts against one another are important, such as monochrometers for high wavelength resolution with ultra high vacuum systems. The invention further relates to optical systems in which temperature characteristics of the slit materials is important. The present invention yet additionally relates to precision slits wherein the opposing edges of the slit must be precisely moved relative to a center line between the edges with each edge retaining its parallel orientation with respect to the other edge and/or the center line.

Far-ultraviolet absorption spectra of quasars: How to find missing hot gas and metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verner, D. A.; Tytler, David; Barthel, P. D.

1994-01-01

We show that some high-redshift QSO absorption systems that reveal only the H I Lyman series lines at wavelengths visible from the ground maybe a new class of ultra-high-ionization metal line systems, with metal lines in the far-UV region which is now being explored with satellites. At high temperatures or in intense radiation fields metal systems will not show the usual C IV absorption, and O VI will become the most prominent metal absorber. At still higher ionization, O IV also becomes weak and the strongest metal lines are from Ne VIII, Mg X and Si XII, which have doublets in the rangs 500-800 A. Hence very high ionization metal systems will not show metal lines in existing spectra. Recent X-ray observations show that galaxy halos contain hot gas, so we predict that far-UV spectra of QSOs will also show this gas.

Creep of Refractory Fibers and Modeling of Metal and Ceramic Matrix Composite Creep Behavior

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tewari, S.N.

1995-01-01

Our concentration during this research was on the following subprograms. (1) Ultra high vacuum creep tests on 218, ST300 and WHfC tungsten and MoHfC molybdenum alloy wires, temperature range from 1100 K to 1500 K, creep time of 1 to 500 hours. (2) High temperature vacuum tensile tests on 218, ST300 and WHfC tungsten and MoHfC molybdenum alloy wires. (3) Air and vacuum tensile creep tests on polycrystalline and single crystal alumina fibers, such as alumina-mullite Nextel fiber, yttrium aluminum ganet (YAG) and Saphikon, temperature range from 1150 K to 1470 K, creep time of 2 to 200 hours. (4) Microstructural evaluation of crept fibers, TEM study on the crept metal wires, SEM study on the fracture surface of ceramic fibers. (5) Metal Matrix Composite creep models, based on the fiber creep properties and fiber-matrix interface zone formation.

Low Temperature, Low Pressure Fabrication of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs)

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-01

preceramic polymers that convert by pyrolysis to SiC , SiOC or C. Potential polymeric precursors to ZrB2 and ZrC were not selected, because they were not...limited extent, C/ SiC composite substrates using preceramic and precarbon polymers combined with inert fillers and/or reactive metals. The evolved... SiC is an obvious example for powder mixed with a preceramic polymer binder to achieve the desired low-temperature processing. The polymeric

Ultra-High Surface Speed for Metal Removal, Artillery Shell

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

TECHNICAL LIBRARY "y/a^^cr^ AD-E400 660 CONTRACTOR REPORT ARLCD-CR- 81019 ULTRA-HIGH SURFACE SPEED FOR METAL REMOVAL, ARTILLERY SHELL RICHARD F...Report ARLCD-CR- 81019 2. GOVT ACCESSION NO. 3. RECIPIENT’S CATALOG NUMBER 4. TITLE (and Subtitle) ULTRA-HIGH SURFACE SPEED FOR METAL...UNIT* tuiPPtO 1 MIL -STD-43CA i, ASTM A-274-64 EF A1SI~1340 SEHI FIN FORGING STEEL 6 RC SQ ■ IP 120093* a LIFTS 38 PCS

High-precision Non-Contact Measurement of Creep of Ultra-High Temperature Materials for Aerospace

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, Jan R.; Hyers, Robert

2008-01-01

For high-temperature applications (greater than 2,000 C) such as solid rocket motors, hypersonic aircraft, nuclear electric/thermal propulsion for spacecraft, and more efficient jet engines, creep becomes one of the most important design factors to be considered. Conventional creep-testing methods, where the specimen and test apparatus are in contact with each other, are limited to temperatures approximately 1,700 C. Development of alloys for higher-temperature applications is limited by the availability of testing methods at temperatures above 2000 C. Development of alloys for applications requiring a long service life at temperatures as low as 1500 C, such as the next generation of jet turbine superalloys, is limited by the difficulty of accelerated testing at temperatures above 1700 C. For these reasons, a new, non-contact creep-measurement technique is needed for higher temperature applications. A new non-contact method for creep measurements of ultra-high-temperature metals and ceramics has been developed and validated. Using the electrostatic levitation (ESL) facility at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, a spherical sample is rotated quickly enough to cause creep deformation due to centrifugal acceleration. Very accurate measurement of the deformed shape through digital image analysis allows the stress exponent n to be determined very precisely from a single test, rather than from numerous conventional tests. Validation tests on single-crystal niobium spheres showed excellent agreement with conventional tests at 1985 C; however the non-contact method provides much greater precision while using only about 40 milligrams of material. This method is being applied to materials including metals and ceramics for non-eroding throats in solid rockets and next-generation superalloys for turbine engines. Recent advances in the method and the current state of these new measurements will be presented.

Advanced intermediate temperature sodium–nickel chloride batteries with ultra-high energy density

PubMed Central

Li, Guosheng; Lu, Xiaochuan; Kim, Jin Y.; Meinhardt, Kerry D.; Chang, Hee Jung; Canfield, Nathan L.; Sprenkle, Vincent L.

2016-01-01

Sodium-metal halide batteries have been considered as one of the more attractive technologies for stationary electrical energy storage, however, they are not used for broader applications despite their relatively well-known redox system. One of the roadblocks hindering market penetration is the high-operating temperature. Here we demonstrate that planar sodium–nickel chloride batteries can be operated at an intermediate temperature of 190 °C with ultra-high energy density. A specific energy density of 350 Wh kg−1, higher than that of conventional tubular sodium–nickel chloride batteries (280 °C), is obtained for planar sodium–nickel chloride batteries operated at 190 °C over a long-term cell test (1,000 cycles), and it attributed to the slower particle growth of the cathode materials at the lower operating temperature. Results reported here demonstrate that planar sodium–nickel chloride batteries operated at an intermediate temperature could greatly benefit this traditional energy storage technology by improving battery energy density, cycle life and reducing material costs. PMID:26864635

Metal abundances in hot white dwarfs with signatures of a superionized wind

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werner, K.; Rauch, T.; Kruk, J. W.

2018-01-01

About a dozen hot white dwarfs with effective temperatures Teff = 65 000-120 000 K exhibit unusual absorption features in their optical spectra. These objects were tentatively identified as Rydberg lines of ultra-high excited metals in ionization stages v-x, indicating line formation in a dense environment with temperatures near 106 K. Since some features show blueward extensions, it was argued that they stem from a superionized wind. A unique assignment of the lines to particular elements is not possible, although they probably stem from C, N, O, and Ne. To further investigate this phenomenon, we analyzed the ultraviolet spectra available from only three stars of this group; that is, two helium-rich white dwarfs, HE 0504-2408 and HS 0713+3958 with spectral type DO, and a hydrogen-rich white dwarf, HS 2115+1148 with spectral type DAO. We identified light metals (C, N, O, Si, P, and S) with generally subsolar abundances and heavy elements from the iron group (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) with solar or oversolar abundance. The abundance patterns are not unusual for hot WDs and can be interpreted as the result of gravitational settling and radiative levitation of elements. As to the origin of the ultra-high ionized metals lines, we discuss the possible presence of a multicomponent radiatively driven wind that is frictionally heated.

Single Electron Tunneling

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

Ruggiero, Steven T.

Financial support for this project has led to advances in the science of single-electron phenomena. Our group reported the first observation of the so-called ''Coulomb Staircase'', which was produced by tunneling into ultra-small metal particles. This work showed well-defined tunneling voltage steps of width e/C and height e/RC, demonstrating tunneling quantized on the single-electron level. This work was published in a now well-cited Physical Review Letter. Single-electron physics is now a major sub-field of condensed-matter physics, and fundamental work in the area continues to be conducted by tunneling in ultra-small metal particles. In addition, there are now single-electron transistors thatmore » add a controlling gate to modulate the charge on ultra-small photolithographically defined capacitive elements. Single-electron transistors are now at the heart of at least one experimental quantum-computer element, and single-electron transistor pumps may soon be used to define fundamental quantities such as the farad (capacitance) and the ampere (current). Novel computer technology based on single-electron quantum dots is also being developed. In related work, our group played the leading role in the explanation of experimental results observed during the initial phases of tunneling experiments with the high-temperature superconductors. When so-called ''multiple-gap'' tunneling was reported, the phenomenon was correctly identified by our group as single-electron tunneling in small grains in the material. The main focus throughout this project has been to explore single electron phenomena both in traditional tunneling formats of the type metal/insulator/particles/insulator/metal and using scanning tunneling microscopy to probe few-particle systems. This has been done under varying conditions of temperature, applied magnetic field, and with different materials systems. These have included metals, semi-metals, and superconductors. Amongst a number of results, we have verified that clusters of down to one, two, and three metal atoms can be identified with single-electron techniques. We have also, extended the regime of single-electron phenomenology through the observation of single-electron effects in metal droplets in the high-conductance regime.« less

Directional solidification at ultra-high thermal gradient

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flemings, M. C.; Lee, D. S.; Neff, M. A.

1980-01-01

A high gradient controlled solidification (HGC) furnace was designed and operated at gradients up to 1800 C/cm to continuously produce aluminum alloys. Rubber '0' rings for the water cooling chamber were eliminated, while still maintaining water cooling directly onto the solidified metal. An HGC unit for high temperature ferrous alloys was also designed. Successful runs were made with cast iron, at thermal gradients up to 500 C/cm.

Continuum model of tensile fracture of metal melts and its application to a problem of high-current electron irradiation of metals

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

Mayer, Alexander E., E-mail: mayer@csu.ru, E-mail: mayer.al.evg@gmail.com; Mayer, Polina N.

2015-07-21

A continuum model of the metal melt fracture is formulated on the basis of the continuum mechanics and theory of metastable liquid. A character of temperature and strain rate dependences of the tensile strength that is predicted by the continuum model is verified, and parameters of the model are fitted with the use of the results of the molecular dynamics simulations for ultra-high strain rates (≥1–10/ns). A comparison with experimental data from literature is also presented for Al and Ni melts. Using the continuum model, the dynamic tensile strength of initially uniform melts of Al, Cu, Ni, Fe, Ti, andmore » Pb within a wide range of strain rates (from 1–10/ms to 100/ns) and temperatures (from melting temperature up to 70–80% of critical temperature) is calculated. The model is applied to numerical investigation of a problem of the high-current electron irradiation of Al, Cu, and Fe targets.« less

Containerless automated processing of intermetallic compounds and composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, D. R.; Joslin, S. M.; Reviere, R. D.; Oliver, B. F.; Noebe, R. D.

1993-01-01

An automated containerless processing system has been developed to directionally solidify high temperature materials, intermetallic compounds, and intermetallic/metallic composites. The system incorporates a wide range of ultra-high purity chemical processing conditions. The utilization of image processing for automated control negates the need for temperature measurements for process control. The list of recent systems that have been processed includes Cr, Mo, Mn, Nb, Ni, Ti, V, and Zr containing aluminides. Possible uses of the system, process control approaches, and properties and structures of recently processed intermetallics are reviewed.

Ultra-fast switching of light by absorption saturation in vacuum ultra-violet region.

PubMed

Yoneda, Hitoki; Inubushi, Yuichi; Tanaka, Toshihiro; Yamaguchi, Yuta; Sato, Fumiya; Morimoto, Shunsuke; Kumagai, Taisuke; Nagasono, Mitsuru; Higashiya, Atsushi; Yabashi, Makina; Ishikawa, Tetsuya; Ohashi, Haruhiko; Kimura, Hiroaki; Kitamura, Hikaru; Kodama, Ryosuke

2009-12-21

Advances in free electron lasers producing high energy photons [Nat. Photonics 2(9), 555-559 (2008)] are expected to open up a new science of nonlinear optics of high energy photons. Specifically, lasers of photon energy higher than the plasma frequency of a metal can show new interaction features because they can penetrate deeply into metals without strong reflection. Here we show the observation of ultra-fast switching of vacuum ultra-violet (VUV) light caused by saturable absorption of a solid metal target. A strong gating is observed at energy fluences above 6J/cm2 at wavelength of 51 nm with tin metal thin layers. The ratio of the transmission at high intensity to low intensity is typically greater than 100:1. This means we can design new nonlinear photonic devices such as auto-correlator and pulse slicer for the VUV region.

High performance Si nanowire field-effect-transistors based on a CMOS inverter with tunable threshold voltage.

PubMed

Van, Ngoc Huynh; Lee, Jae-Hyun; Sohn, Jung Inn; Cha, Seung Nam; Whang, Dongmok; Kim, Jong Min; Kang, Dae Joon

2014-05-21

We successfully fabricated nanowire-based complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (NWCMOS) inverter devices by utilizing n- and p-type Si nanowire field-effect-transistors (NWFETs) via a low-temperature fabrication processing technique. We demonstrate that NWCMOS inverter devices can be operated at less than 1 V, a significantly lower voltage than that of typical thin-film based complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) inverter devices. This low-voltage operation was accomplished by controlling the threshold voltage of the n-type Si NWFETs through effective management of the nanowire (NW) doping concentration, while realizing high voltage gain (>10) and ultra-low static power dissipation (≤3 pW) for high-performance digital inverter devices. This result offers a viable means of fabricating high-performance, low-operation voltage, and high-density digital logic circuits using a low-temperature fabrication processing technique suitable for next-generation flexible electronics.

High-Temperature Polymer Composites Tested for Hypersonic Rocket Combustor Backup Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sutter, James K.; Shin, E. Eugene; Thesken, John C.; Fink, Jeffrey E.

2005-01-01

Significant component weight reductions are required to achieve the aggressive thrust-toweight goals for the Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) third-generation, reusable liquid propellant rocket engine, which is one possible engine for a future single-stage-toorbit vehicle. A collaboration between the NASA Glenn Research Center and Boeing Rocketdyne was formed under the Higher Operating Temperature Propulsion Components (HOTPC) program and, currently, the Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology (UEET) Project to develop carbon-fiber-reinforced high-temperature polymer matrix composites (HTPMCs). This program focused primarily on the combustor backup structure to replace all metallic support components with a much lighter polymer-matrixcomposite- (PMC-) titanium honeycomb sandwich structure.

Low RF Reflectivity Spacecraft Thermal Blanket by Using High-Impedance Surface Absorbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, F.; Monorchio, A.; Carrubba, E.; Zolesi, V.

2012-05-01

A technique for designing a low-RF reflectivity thermal blanket is presented. Multi-layer insulation (MLI) blankets are employed to stabilize the temperature on spacecraft unit but they can be responsible of passive intermodulation products and high-mutual coupling between antennas since they are realized with metallic materials. The possibility to replace the last inner layer of a MLI blanket with an ultra-thin absorbing layer made of high-impedance surface absorber is discussed.

Deposition of ultra thin CuInS₂ absorber layers by ALD for thin film solar cells at low temperature (down to 150 °C).

PubMed

Schneider, Nathanaelle; Bouttemy, Muriel; Genevée, Pascal; Lincot, Daniel; Donsanti, Frédérique

2015-02-06

Two new processes for the atomic layer deposition of copper indium sulfide (CuInS₂) based on the use of two different sets of precursors are reported. Metal chloride precursors (CuCl, InCl₃) in combination with H2S imply relatively high deposition temperature (Tdep = 380 °C), and due to exchange reactions, CuInS₂ stoechiometry was only achieved by depositing In₂S3 layers on a CuxS film. However, the use of acac- metal precursors (Cu(acac)₂, In(acac)₃) allows the direct deposition of CuInS₂ at temperature as low as 150 °C, involving in situ copper-reduction, exchange reaction and diffusion processes. The morphology, crystallographic structure, chemical composition and optical band gap of thin films were investigated using scanning electronic microscope, x-ray diffraction under grazing incidence conditions, x-ray fluorescence, energy dispersive spectrometry, secondary ion mass spectrometry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy. Films were implemented as ultra-thin absorbers in a typical CIS-solar cell architecture and allowed conversion efficiencies up to 2.8%.

Ultra-low specific contact resistivity (1.4 × 10-9 Ω.cm2) for metal contacts on in-situ Ga-doped Ge0.95Sn0.05 film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Ying; Luo, Sheng; Wang, Wei; Masudy-Panah, Saeid; Lei, Dian; Liang, Gengchiau; Gong, Xiao; Yeo, Yee-Chia

2017-12-01

A heavily Ga-doped Ge0.95Sn0.05 layer was grown on the Ge (100) substrate by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), achieving an active doping concentration of 1.6 × 1020 cm-3 without the use of ion implantation and high temperature annealing that could cause Sn precipitation or surface segregation. An advanced nano-scale transfer length method was used to extract the specific contact resistivity ρc between the metal and the heavily doped p-Ge0.95Sn0.05 layer. By incorporating Sn into Ge and in-situ Ga doping during the MBE growth, an ultra-low ρc of 1.4 × 10-9 Ω.cm2 was achieved, which is 50% lower than the ρc of p+-Ge control and is also the lowest value obtained for metal/p-type semiconductor contacts.

Simulation of high temperature thermal energy storage system based on coupled metal hydrides for solar driven steam power plants

DOE PAGES

d'Entremont, Anna; Corgnale, Claudio; Hardy, Bruce; ...

2018-01-11

Concentrating solar power plants can achieve low cost and efficient renewable electricity production if equipped with adequate thermal energy storage systems. Metal hydride based thermal energy storage systems are appealing candidates due to their demonstrated potential for very high volumetric energy densities, high exergetic efficiencies, and low costs. The feasibility and performance of a thermal energy storage system based on NaMgH 2F hydride paired with TiCr 1.6Mn 0.2 is examined, discussing its integration with a solar-driven ultra-supercritical steam power plant. The simulated storage system is based on a laboratory-scale experimental apparatus. It is analyzed using a detailed transport model accountingmore » for the thermochemical hydrogen absorption and desorption reactions, including kinetics expressions adequate for the current metal hydride system. The results show that the proposed metal hydride pair can suitably be integrated with a high temperature steam power plant. The thermal energy storage system achieves output energy densities of 226 kWh/m 3, 9 times the DOE SunShot target, with moderate temperature and pressure swings. Also, simulations indicate that there is significant scope for performance improvement via heat-transfer enhancement strategies.« less

Simulation of high temperature thermal energy storage system based on coupled metal hydrides for solar driven steam power plants

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

d'Entremont, Anna; Corgnale, Claudio; Hardy, Bruce

Concentrating solar power plants can achieve low cost and efficient renewable electricity production if equipped with adequate thermal energy storage systems. Metal hydride based thermal energy storage systems are appealing candidates due to their demonstrated potential for very high volumetric energy densities, high exergetic efficiencies, and low costs. The feasibility and performance of a thermal energy storage system based on NaMgH 2F hydride paired with TiCr 1.6Mn 0.2 is examined, discussing its integration with a solar-driven ultra-supercritical steam power plant. The simulated storage system is based on a laboratory-scale experimental apparatus. It is analyzed using a detailed transport model accountingmore » for the thermochemical hydrogen absorption and desorption reactions, including kinetics expressions adequate for the current metal hydride system. The results show that the proposed metal hydride pair can suitably be integrated with a high temperature steam power plant. The thermal energy storage system achieves output energy densities of 226 kWh/m 3, 9 times the DOE SunShot target, with moderate temperature and pressure swings. Also, simulations indicate that there is significant scope for performance improvement via heat-transfer enhancement strategies.« less

Optimized ultra-thin manganin alloy passivated fine-pitch damascene compatible bump-less Cu-Cu bonding at sub 200 °C for three-dimensional Integration applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panigrahi, Asisa Kumar; Hemanth Kumar, C.; Bonam, Satish; Ghosh, Tamal; Rama Krishna Vanjari, Siva; Govind Singh, Shiv

2018-02-01

Enhanced Cu diffusion, Cu surface passivation, and smooth surface at the bonding interface are the key essentials for high quality Cu-Cu bonding. Previously, we have demonstrated optimized 3 nm thin Manganin metal-alloy passivation from oxidation and also helps to reduce the surface roughness to about 0.8 nm which substantially led to high quality Cu-Cu bonding. In this paper, we demonstrated an ultra fine-pitch (<25 µm) Cu-Cu bonding using an optimized Manganin metal-alloy passivation. This engineered surface passivation approach led to high quality bonding at sub 200 °C temperature and 0.4 MPa. Very low specific contact resistance of 1.4 × 10-7 Ω cm2 and the defect free bonded interface is clear indication of high quality bonding for future multilayer integrations. Furthermore, electrical characterization of the bonded structure was performed under various robust conditions as per International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS Roadmap) in order to satisfy the stability of the bonded structure.

Highly hydrogenated graphene via active hydrogen reduction of graphene oxide in the aqueous phase at room temperature.

PubMed

Sofer, Zdeněk; Jankovský, Ondřej; Šimek, Petr; Soferová, Lýdie; Sedmidubský, David; Pumera, Martin

2014-02-21

Hydrogenated graphene and graphane are in the forefront of graphene research. Hydrogenated graphene is expected to exhibit ferromagnetism, tunable band gap, fluorescence, and high thermal and low electrical conductivity. Currently available techniques for fabrication of highly hydrogenated graphene use either a liquid ammonia (-33 °C) reduction pathway using alkali metals or plasma low pressure or ultra high pressure hydrogenation. These methods are either technically challenging or pose inherent risks. Here we wish to demonstrate that highly hydrogenated graphene can be prepared at room temperature in the aqueous phase by reduction of graphene oxide by nascent hydrogen generated by dissolution of metal in acid. Nascent hydrogen is known to be a strong reducing agent. We studied the influence of metal involved in nascent hydrogen generation and characterized the samples in detail. The resulting reduced graphenes and hydrogenated graphenes were characterized in detail. The resulting hydrogenated graphene had the chemical formula C1.16H1O0.66. Such simple hydrogenation of graphene is of high importance for large scale safe synthesis of hydrogenated graphene.

Ultra-stable, low phase noise dielectric resonator stabilized oscillators for military and commercial systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mizan, Muhammad; Higgins, Thomas; Sturzebecher, Dana

1993-01-01

EPSD has designed, fabricated and tested, ultra-stable, low phase noise microwave dielectric resonator oscillators (DRO's) at S, X, Ku, and K-bands, for potential application to high dynamic range and low radar cross section target detection radar systems. The phase noise and the temperature stability surpass commercially available DROs. Low phase noise signals are critical for CW Doppler radars, at both very close-in and large offset frequencies from the carrier. The oscillators were built without any temperature compensation techniques and exhibited a temperature stability of 25 parts per million (ppm) over an extended temperature range. The oscillators are lightweight, small and low cost compared to BAW & SAW oscillators, and can impact commercial systems such as telecommunications, built-in-test equipment, cellular phone and satellite communications systems. The key to obtaining this performance was a high Q factor resonant structure (RS) and careful circuit design techniques. The high Q RS consists of a dielectric resonator (DR) supported by a low loss spacer inside a metal cavity. The S and the X-band resonant structures demonstrated loaded Q values of 20,300 and 12,700, respectively.

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 surface treatment with Na and NaF: A combined photoelectron spectroscopy and surface photovoltage study in ultra-high vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parvan, V.; Mizrak, A.; Majumdar, I.; Ümsür, B.; Calvet, W.; Greiner, D.; Kaufmann, C. A.; Dittrich, T.; Avancini, E.; Lauermann, I.

2018-06-01

Either metallic Na or NaF were deposited onto Cu(In,Ga)Se2 surfaces and studied by photoelectron spectroscopy and surface photovoltage spectroscopy without breaking the ultra-high vacuum. The deposition of elemental Na at room temperature led to the formation of an intermediate Cu and Ga rich layer at the CIGSe surface, whereas for NaF the composition of the CIGSe surface remained unchanged. A metal like surface induced by an inverted near surface region with a reduced number of defect states was formed after the deposition of Na. Under the chosen experimental conditions, the near surface layer was independent on the amount of Na and stable in time. In contrast, the usage of NaF weakened the inversion and led to an increased band bending compared to the untreated CIGSe sample. The SPV signals decreased with proceeding time after the deposition of NaF.

Safe Life Propulsion Design Technologies (3rd Generation Propulsion Research and Technology)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ellis, Rod

2000-01-01

The tasks outlined in this viewgraph presentation on safe life propulsion design technologies (third generation propulsion research and technology) include the following: (1) Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) life prediction methods; (2) Life prediction methods for ultra high temperature polymer matrix composites for reusable launch vehicle (RLV) airframe and engine application; (3) Enabling design and life prediction technology for cost effective large-scale utilization of MMCs and innovative metallic material concepts; (4) Probabilistic analysis methods for brittle materials and structures; (5) Damage assessment in CMC propulsion components using nondestructive characterization techniques; and (6) High temperature structural seals for RLV applications.

A high-temperature, ambient-pressure ultra-dry operando reactor cell for Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köck, Eva-Maria; Kogler, Michaela; Pramsoler, Reinhold; Klötzer, Bernhard; Penner, Simon

2014-08-01

The construction of a newly designed high-temperature, high-pressure FT-IR reaction cell for ultra-dry in situ and operando operation is reported. The reaction cell itself as well as the sample holder is fully made of quartz glass, with no hot metal or ceramic parts in the vicinity of the high-temperature zone. Special emphasis was put on chemically absolute water-free and inert experimental conditions, which includes reaction cell and gas-feeding lines. Operation and spectroscopy up to 1273 K is possible, as well as pressures up to ambient conditions. The reaction cell exhibits a very easy and variable construction and can be adjusted to any available FT-IR spectrometer. Its particular strength lies in its possibility to access and study samples under very demanding experimental conditions. This includes studies at very high temperatures, e.g., for solid-oxide fuel cell research or studies where the water content of the reaction mixtures must be exactly adjusted. The latter includes all adsorption studies on oxide surfaces, where the hydroxylation degree is of paramount importance. The capability of the reaction cell will be demonstrated for two selected examples where information and in due course a correlation to other methods can only be achieved using the presented setup.

A high-temperature, ambient-pressure ultra-dry operando reactor cell for Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

PubMed

Köck, Eva-Maria; Kogler, Michaela; Pramsoler, Reinhold; Klötzer, Bernhard; Penner, Simon

2014-08-01

The construction of a newly designed high-temperature, high-pressure FT-IR reaction cell for ultra-dry in situ and operando operation is reported. The reaction cell itself as well as the sample holder is fully made of quartz glass, with no hot metal or ceramic parts in the vicinity of the high-temperature zone. Special emphasis was put on chemically absolute water-free and inert experimental conditions, which includes reaction cell and gas-feeding lines. Operation and spectroscopy up to 1273 K is possible, as well as pressures up to ambient conditions. The reaction cell exhibits a very easy and variable construction and can be adjusted to any available FT-IR spectrometer. Its particular strength lies in its possibility to access and study samples under very demanding experimental conditions. This includes studies at very high temperatures, e.g., for solid-oxide fuel cell research or studies where the water content of the reaction mixtures must be exactly adjusted. The latter includes all adsorption studies on oxide surfaces, where the hydroxylation degree is of paramount importance. The capability of the reaction cell will be demonstrated for two selected examples where information and in due course a correlation to other methods can only be achieved using the presented setup.

Development of Ultra-Low Noise, High Sensitivity Planar Metal Grating Coupled AlGaAs/GaAs Multiquantum Well IR Detectors for Focal Plane Array Staring IR Sensor Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-05-01

Development of Ultra-Low Noise , High Sensitivity Planar Metal Grating Coupled AlGaAs/GaAs Multiquantum Well IR Detectors for Focal Plane Array...February 1 - April 30, 1992 Project Title: Development of low- noise high-detectivity planar metal grating coupled III-V multiquantum-well/superlattice...low- noise and high-detectivity planar metal grating coupled bound-to- miniband (BTM) GaAs/AlGaAs and step-bound-to-miniband (SBTM) InGaAs/AlGaAs /GaAs

Assembly of [Cu2(COO)4] and [M3(μ3-O)(COO)6] (M = Sc, Fe, Ga, and In) building blocks into porous frameworks towards ultra-high C2H2/CO2 and C2H2/CH4 separation performance.

PubMed

Zhang, Jian-Wei; Hu, Man-Cheng; Li, Shu-Ni; Jiang, Yu-Cheng; Qu, Peng; Zhai, Quan-Guo

2018-02-20

A porous MOF platform (SNNU-65s) formed by creatively combining paddle-wheel-like [Cu 2 (COO) 4 ] and trigonal prismatic [M 3 (μ 3 -O)(COO) 6 ] building blocks was designed herein. The mixed and high-density open metal sites and the OH-functionalized pore surface promote SNNU-65s to exhibit ultra-high C 2 H 2 uptake and separation performance. Impressively, SNNU-65-Cu-Ga stands out for the highest C 2 H 2 /CO 2 (18.7) and C 2 H 2 /CH 4 (120.6) selectivity among all the reported MOFs at room temperature.

Ultra-high Temperature Emittance Measurements for Space and Missile Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, Jan; Crandall, David

2009-01-01

Advanced modeling and design efforts for many aerospace components require high temperature emittance data. Applications requiring emittance data include propulsion systems, radiators, aeroshells, heatshields/thermal protection systems, and leading edge surfaces. The objective of this work is to provide emittance data at ultra-high temperatures. MSFC has a new instrument for the measurement of emittance at ultra-high temperatures, the Ultra-High Temperature Emissometer System (Ultra-HITEMS). AZ Technology Inc. developed the instrument, designed to provide emittance measurements over the temperature range 700-3500K. The Ultra-HITEMS instrument measures the emittance of samples, heated by lasers, in vacuum, using a blackbody source and a Fourier Transform Spectrometer. Detectors in a Nicolet 6700 FT-IR spectrometer measure emittance over the spectral range of 0.4-25 microns. Emitted energy from the specimen and output from a Mikron M390S blackbody source at the same temperature with matched collection geometry are measured. Integrating emittance over the spectral range yields the total emittance. The ratio provides a direct measure of total hemispherical emittance. Samples are heated using lasers. Optical pyrometry provides temperature data. Optical filters prevent interference from the heating lasers. Data for Inconel 718 show excellent agreement with results from literature and ASTM 835. Measurements taken from levitated spherical specimens provide total hemispherical emittance data; measurements taken from flat specimens mounted in the chamber provide near-normal emittance data. Data from selected characterization studies will be presented. The Ultra-HITEMS technique could advance space and missile technologies by advancing the knowledge base and the technology readiness level for ultra-high temperature materials.

Magnetic-field sensing coil embedded in ceramic for measuring ambient magnetic field

DOEpatents

Takahashi, Hironori

2004-02-10

A magnetic pick-up coil for measuring magnetic field with high specific sensitivity, optionally with an electrostatic shield (24), having coupling elements (22) with high winding packing ratio, oriented in multiple directions, and embedded in ceramic material for structural support and electrical insulation. Elements of the coil are constructed from green ceramic sheets (200) and metallic ink deposited on surfaces and in via holes of the ceramic sheets. The ceramic sheets and the metallic ink are co-fired to create a monolithic hard ceramic body (20) with metallized traces embedded in, and placed on exterior surfaces of, the hard ceramic body. The compact and rugged coil can be used in a variety of environments, including hostile conditions involving ultra-high vacuum, high temperatures, nuclear and optical radiation, chemical reactions, and physically demanding surroundings, occurring either individually or in combinations.

Hexagonal-structured epsilon-NbN. Ultra-incompressibility, high shear rigidity, and a possible hard superconducting material

DOE PAGES

Zou, Y.; Wang, X.; Chen, T.; ...

2015-06-01

Exploring the structural stability and elasticity of hexagonal ε-NbN helps discover correlations among its physical properties for scientific and technological applications. Here, for the first time, we measured the ultra-incompressibility and high shear rigidity of polycrystalline hexagonal ε-NbN using ultrasonic interferometry and in situ X-ray diffraction, complemented with first-principles density-functional theory calculations up to 30 GPa in pressure. Using a finite strain equation of state approach, the elastic bulk and shear moduli, as well as their pressure dependences are derived from the measured velocities and densities, yielding BS0 = 373.3(15) GPa, G0 = 200.5(8) GPa, ∂B S/∂P = 3.81(3) andmore » ∂G/∂P = 1.67(1). The hexagonal ε-NbN possesses a very high bulk modulus, rivaling that of superhard material cBN (B0 = 381.1 GPa). The high shear rigidity is comparable to that for superhard γ-B (G 0 = 227.2 GPa). We found that the crystal structure of transition-metal nitrides and the outmost electrons of the corresponding metals may dominate their pressure dependences in bulk and shear moduli. In addition, the elastic moduli, Vickers hardness, Debye temperature, melting temperature and a possible superconductivity of hexagonal ε-NbN all increase with pressures, suggesting its exceptional suitability for applications under extreme conditions.« less

Hexagonal-structured epsilon-NbN. Ultra-incompressibility, high shear rigidity, and a possible hard superconducting material

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

Zou, Y.; Wang, X.; Chen, T.

Exploring the structural stability and elasticity of hexagonal ε-NbN helps discover correlations among its physical properties for scientific and technological applications. Here, for the first time, we measured the ultra-incompressibility and high shear rigidity of polycrystalline hexagonal ε-NbN using ultrasonic interferometry and in situ X-ray diffraction, complemented with first-principles density-functional theory calculations up to 30 GPa in pressure. Using a finite strain equation of state approach, the elastic bulk and shear moduli, as well as their pressure dependences are derived from the measured velocities and densities, yielding BS0 = 373.3(15) GPa, G0 = 200.5(8) GPa, ∂B S/∂P = 3.81(3) andmore » ∂G/∂P = 1.67(1). The hexagonal ε-NbN possesses a very high bulk modulus, rivaling that of superhard material cBN (B0 = 381.1 GPa). The high shear rigidity is comparable to that for superhard γ-B (G 0 = 227.2 GPa). We found that the crystal structure of transition-metal nitrides and the outmost electrons of the corresponding metals may dominate their pressure dependences in bulk and shear moduli. In addition, the elastic moduli, Vickers hardness, Debye temperature, melting temperature and a possible superconductivity of hexagonal ε-NbN all increase with pressures, suggesting its exceptional suitability for applications under extreme conditions.« less

Factors Affecting the Strength and Toughness of Ultra-Low Carbon Steel Weld Metal

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-12-01

ferrite or martensite due to its strength and toughness, respectively. Ferrite with non-aligned second phase is associated with ferrite completely...with interphase carbides and pearlite. It forms at high temperatures and slow cooling rates than ferrite with secondary phase or martensite . It is...therefore termed a diffusionless transformation . In low carbon steels, the transformation occurs from fccy (austenite) to beta’ ( martensite ),

Low Cost High Performance Nanostructured Spectrally Selective Coating

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

Jin, Sungho

2017-04-05

Sunlight absorbing coating is a key enabling technology to achieve high-temperature high-efficiency concentrating solar power operation. A high-performance solar absorbing material must simultaneously meet all the following three stringent requirements: high thermal efficiency (usually measured by figure of merit), high-temperature durability, and oxidation resistance. The objective of this research is to employ a highly scalable process to fabricate and coat black oxide nanoparticles onto solar absorber surface to achieve ultra-high thermal efficiency. Black oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized using a facile process and coated onto absorber metal surface. The material composition, size distribution and morphology of the nanoparticle are guidedmore » by numeric modeling. Optical and thermal properties have been both modeled and measured. High temperature durability has been achieved by using nanocomposites and high temperature annealing. Mechanical durability on thermal cycling have also been investigated and optimized. This technology is promising for commercial applications in next-generation high-temperature concentration solar power (CSP) plants.« less

X-Ray Spectroscopy of Ultra-Thin Oxide/Oxide Heteroepitaxial Films: A Case Study of Single-Nanometer VO2/TiO2.

PubMed

Quackenbush, Nicholas F; Paik, Hanjong; Woicik, Joseph C; Arena, Dario A; Schlom, Darrell G; Piper, Louis F J

2015-08-21

Epitaxial ultra-thin oxide films can support large percent level strains well beyond their bulk counterparts, thereby enabling strain-engineering in oxides that can tailor various phenomena. At these reduced dimensions (typically < 10 nm), contributions from the substrate can dwarf the signal from the epilayer, making it difficult to distinguish the properties of the epilayer from the bulk. This is especially true for oxide on oxide systems. Here, we have employed a combination of hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) and angular soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to study epitaxial VO2/TiO2 (100) films ranging from 7.5 to 1 nm. We observe a low-temperature (300 K) insulating phase with evidence of vanadium-vanadium (V-V) dimers and a high-temperature (400 K) metallic phase absent of V-V dimers irrespective of film thickness. Our results confirm that the metal insulator transition can exist at atomic dimensions and that biaxial strain can still be used to control the temperature of its transition when the interfaces are atomically sharp. More generally, our case study highlights the benefits of using non-destructive XAS and HAXPES to extract out information regarding the interfacial quality of the epilayers and spectroscopic signatures associated with exotic phenomena at these dimensions.

Cavity resonance absorption in ultra-high bandwidth CRT deflection structure by a resistive load

DOEpatents

Dunham, M.E.; Hudson, C.L.

1993-05-11

An improved ultra-high bandwidth helical coil deflection structure for a cathode ray tube is described comprising a first metal member having a bore therein, the metal walls of which form a first ground plane; a second metal member coaxially mounted in the bore of the first metal member and forming a second ground plane; a helical deflection coil coaxially mounted within the bore between the two ground planes; and a resistive load disposed in one end of the bore and electrically connected to the first and second ground planes, the resistive load having an impedance substantially equal to the characteristic impedance of the coaxial line formed by the two coaxial ground planes to inhibit cavity resonance in the structure within the ultra-high bandwidth of operation. Preferably, the resistive load comprises a carbon film on a surface of an end plug in one end of the bore.

Cavity resonance absorption in ultra-high bandwidth CRT deflection structure by a resistive load

DOEpatents

Dunham, Mark E.; Hudson, Charles L.

1993-01-01

An improved ultra-high bandwidth helical coil deflection structure for a hode ray tube is described comprising a first metal member having a bore therein, the metal walls of which form a first ground plane; a second metal member coaxially mounted in the bore of the first metal member and forming a second ground plane; a helical deflection coil coaxially mounted within the bore between the two ground planes; and a resistive load disposed in one end of the bore and electrically connected to the first and second ground planes, the resistive load having an impedance substantially equal to the characteristic impedance of the coaxial line formed by the two coaxial ground planes to inhibit cavity resonance in the structure within the ultra-high bandwidth of operation. Preferably, the resistive load comprises a carbon film on a surface of an end plug in one end of the bore.

Optimal fabrication processes for unidirectional metal-matrix composites: A computational simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saravanos, D. A.; Murthy, P. L. N.; Morel, M.

1990-01-01

A method is proposed for optimizing the fabrication process of unidirectional metal matrix composites. The temperature and pressure histories are optimized such that the residual microstresses of the composite at the end of the fabrication process are minimized and the material integrity throughout the process is ensured. The response of the composite during the fabrication is simulated based on a nonlinear micromechanics theory. The optimal fabrication problem is formulated and solved with non-linear programming. Application cases regarding the optimization of the fabrication cool-down phases of unidirectional ultra-high modulus graphite/copper and silicon carbide/titanium composites are presented.

Optimal fabrication processes for unidirectional metal-matrix composites - A computational simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saravanos, D. A.; Murthy, P. L. N.; Morel, M.

1990-01-01

A method is proposed for optimizing the fabrication process of unidirectional metal matrix composites. The temperature and pressure histories are optimized such that the residual microstresses of the composite at the end of the fabrication process are minimized and the material integrity throughout the process is ensured. The response of the composite during the fabrication is simulated based on a nonlinear micromechanics theory. The optimal fabrication problem is formulated and solved with nonlinear programming. Application cases regarding the optimization of the fabrication cool-down phases of unidirectional ultra-high modulus graphite/copper and silicon carbide/titanium composites are presented.

Ultra-low power high temperature and radiation hard complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) voltage reference.

PubMed

Boufouss, El Hafed; Francis, Laurent A; Kilchytska, Valeriya; Gérard, Pierre; Simon, Pascal; Flandre, Denis

2013-12-13

This paper presents an ultra-low power CMOS voltage reference circuit which is robust under biomedical extreme conditions, such as high temperature and high total ionized dose (TID) radiation. To achieve such performances, the voltage reference is designed in a suitable 130 nm Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) industrial technology and is optimized to work in the subthreshold regime of the transistors. The design simulations have been performed over the temperature range of -40-200 °C and for different process corners. Robustness to radiation was simulated using custom model parameters including TID effects, such as mobilities and threshold voltages degradation. The proposed circuit has been tested up to high total radiation dose, i.e., 1 Mrad (Si) performed at three different temperatures (room temperature, 100 °C and 200 °C). The maximum drift of the reference voltage V(REF) depends on the considered temperature and on radiation dose; however, it remains lower than 10% of the mean value of 1.5 V. The typical power dissipation at 2.5 V supply voltage is about 20 μW at room temperature and only 75 μW at a high temperature of 200 °C. To understand the effects caused by the combination of high total ionizing dose and temperature on such voltage reference, the threshold voltages of the used SOI MOSFETs were extracted under different conditions. The evolution of V(REF) and power consumption with temperature and radiation dose can then be explained in terms of the different balance between fixed oxide charge and interface states build-up. The total occupied area including pad-ring is less than 0.09 mm2.

Robust Joining and Integration Technologies for Advanced Metallic, Ceramic, and Composite Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, M.; Shpargel, Tarah; Morscher, Gregory N.; Halbig, Michael H.; Asthana, Rajiv

2006-01-01

Robust integration and assembly technologies are critical for the successful implementation of advanced metallic, ceramic, carbon-carbon, and ceramic matrix composite components in a wide variety of aerospace, space exploration, and ground based systems. Typically, the operating temperature of these components varies from few hundred to few thousand Kelvin with different working times (few minutes to years). The wide ranging system performance requirements necessitate the use of different integration technologies which includes adhesive bonding, low temperature soldering, active metal brazing, diffusion bonding, ARCJoinT, and ultra high temperature joining technologies. In this presentation, a number of joining examples and test results will be provided related to the adhesive bonding and active metal brazing of titanium to C/C composites, diffusion bonding of silicon carbide to silicon carbide using titanium interlayer, titanium and hastelloy brazing to silicon carbide matrix composites, and ARCJoinT joining of SiC ceramics and SiC matrix composites. Various issues in the joining of metal-ceramic systems including thermal expansion mismatch and resulting residual stresses generated during joining will be discussed. In addition, joint design and testing issues for a wide variety of joints will be presented.

Insulating Behavior in Graphene with Irradiation-induced Lattice Defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jian-Hao; Williams, Ellen; Fuhrer, Michael

2010-03-01

We irradiated cleaned graphene on silicon dioxide in ultra-high vacuum with low energy inert gas ions to produce lattice defects [1], and investigated in detail the transition from metallic to insulating temperature dependence of the conductivity as a function of defect density. We measured the low field magnetoresistance and temperature-dependent resistivity in situ and find that weak localization can only account for a small correction of the resistivity increase with decreasing temperature. We will discuss possible origins of the insulating temperature dependent resistivity in defected graphene in light of our recent experiments. [4pt] [1] Jian-Hao Chen, W. G. Cullen, C. Jang, M. S. Fuhrer, E. D. Williams, PRL 102, 236805 (2009)

High Kinetic Energy Penetrator Shielding and High Wear Resistance Materials Fabricated with Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTS) and BNNT Polymer Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kang, Jin Ho (Inventor); Sauti, Godfrey (Inventor); Smith, Michael W. (Inventor); Jordan, Kevin C. (Inventor); Park, Cheol (Inventor); Bryant, Robert George (Inventor); Lowther, Sharon E. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), boron nitride nanoparticles (BNNPs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphites, or combinations, are incorporated into matrices of polymer, ceramic or metals. Fibers, yarns, and woven or nonwoven mats of BNNTs are used as toughening layers in penetration resistant materials to maximize energy absorption and/or high hardness layers to rebound or deform penetrators. They can be also used as reinforcing inclusions combining with other polymer matrices to create composite layers like typical reinforcing fibers such as Kevlar.RTM., Spectra.RTM., ceramics and metals. Enhanced wear resistance and usage time are achieved by adding boron nitride nanomaterials, increasing hardness and toughness. Such materials can be used in high temperature environments since the oxidation temperature of BNNTs exceeds 800.degree. C. in air. Boron nitride based composites are useful as strong structural materials for anti-micrometeorite layers for spacecraft and space suits, ultra strong tethers, protective gear, vehicles, helmets, shields and safety suits/helmets for industry.

UV light induced insulator-metal transition in ultra-thin ZnO/TiOx stacked layer grown by atomic layer deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, D.; Misra, P.; Joshi, M. P.; Kukreja, L. M.

2016-08-01

In the present study, atomic layer deposition has been used to grow a series of Ti incorporated ZnO thin films by vertically stacking different numbers (n = 1-7) of ZnO/TiOx layers on (0001) sapphire substrates. The effects of defect states mediated chemisorption of O2 and/OH groups on the electrical properties of these films have been investigated by illuminating the samples under UV light inside a high vacuum optical cryostat. The ultra-thin film having one stacked layer (n = 1) did not show any change in its electrical resistance upon UV light exposure. On the contrary, marginal drop in the electrical resistivity was measured for the samples with n ≥ 3. Most surprisingly, the sample with n = 2 (thickness ˜ 12 nm) showed an insulator to metal transition upon UV light exposure. The temperature dependent electrical resistivity measurement on the as grown film (n = 2) showed insulating behaviour, i.e., diverging resistivity on extrapolation to T→ 0 K. However, upon UV light exposure, it transformed to a metallic state, i.e., finite resistivity at T → 0 K. Such an insulator-metal transition plausibly arises due to the de-trapping of conduction electrons from the surface defect sites which resulted in an upward shift of the Fermi level above the mobility edge. The low-temperature electron transport properties on the insulating film (n = 2) were investigated by a combined study of zero field electrical resistivity ρ(T) and magnetoresistance (MR) measurements. The observed negative MR was found to be in good agreement with the magnetic field induced suppression of quantum interference between forward-going paths of tunnelling electrons. Both ρ(T) and MR measurements provided strong evidence for the Efros-Shklovskii type variable range hopping conduction in the low-temperature (≤40 K) regime. Such studies on electron transport in ultra-thin n-type doped ZnO films are crucial to achieve optimum functionality with long term reliability of ZnO based transparent conducting oxides.

Ultra-wide bandgap beta-Ga2O3 for deep-UV solar blind photodetectors(Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rafique, Subrina; Han, Lu; Zhao, Hongping

2017-03-01

Deep-ultraviolet (DUV) photodetectors based on wide bandgap (WB) semiconductor materials have attracted strong interest because of their broad applications in military surveillance, fire detection and ozone hole monitoring. Monoclinic β-Ga2O3 with ultra-wide bandgap of 4.9 eV is a promising candidate for such application because of its high optical transparency in UV and visible wavelength region, and excellent thermal and chemical stability at elevated temperatures. Synthesis of high qualityβ-Ga2O3 thin films is still at its early stage and knowledge on the origins of defects in this material is lacking. The conventional epitaxy methods used to grow β-Ga2O3 thin films such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) still face great challenges such as limited growth rate and relatively high defects levels. In this work, we present the growth of β-Ga2O3 thin films on c-plane (0001) sapphire substrate by our recently developed low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) method. The β-Ga2O3 thin films synthesized using high purity metallic gallium and oxygen as the source precursors and argon as carrier gas show controllable N-type doping and high carrier mobility. Metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors (PDs) were fabricated on the as-grown β-Ga2O3 thin films. Au/Ti thin films deposited by e-beam evaporation served as the contact metals. Optimization of the thin film growth conditions and the effects of thermal annealing on the performance of the PDs were investigated. The responsivity of devices under 250 nm UV light irradiation as well as dark light will be characterized and compared.

Schottky Barrier Height Tuning via the Dopant Segregation Technique through Low-Temperature Microwave Annealing.

PubMed

Fu, Chaochao; Zhou, Xiangbiao; Wang, Yan; Xu, Peng; Xu, Ming; Wu, Dongping; Luo, Jun; Zhao, Chao; Zhang, Shi-Li

2016-04-27

The Schottky junction source/drain structure has great potential to replace the traditional p/n junction source/drain structure of the future ultra-scaled metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), as it can form ultimately shallow junctions. However, the effective Schottky barrier height (SBH) of the Schottky junction needs to be tuned to be lower than 100 meV in order to obtain a high driving current. In this paper, microwave annealing is employed to modify the effective SBH of NiSi on Si via boron or arsenic dopant segregation. The barrier height decreased from 0.4-0.7 eV to 0.2-0.1 eV for both conduction polarities by annealing below 400 °C. Compared with the required temperature in traditional rapid thermal annealing, the temperature demanded in microwave annealing is ~60 °C lower, and the mechanisms of this observation are briefly discussed. Microwave annealing is hence of high interest to future semiconductor processing owing to its unique capability of forming the metal/semiconductor contact at a remarkably lower temperature.

Schottky Barrier Height Tuning via the Dopant Segregation Technique through Low-Temperature Microwave Annealing

PubMed Central

Fu, Chaochao; Zhou, Xiangbiao; Wang, Yan; Xu, Peng; Xu, Ming; Wu, Dongping; Luo, Jun; Zhao, Chao; Zhang, Shi-Li

2016-01-01

The Schottky junction source/drain structure has great potential to replace the traditional p/n junction source/drain structure of the future ultra-scaled metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), as it can form ultimately shallow junctions. However, the effective Schottky barrier height (SBH) of the Schottky junction needs to be tuned to be lower than 100 meV in order to obtain a high driving current. In this paper, microwave annealing is employed to modify the effective SBH of NiSi on Si via boron or arsenic dopant segregation. The barrier height decreased from 0.4–0.7 eV to 0.2–0.1 eV for both conduction polarities by annealing below 400 °C. Compared with the required temperature in traditional rapid thermal annealing, the temperature demanded in microwave annealing is ~60 °C lower, and the mechanisms of this observation are briefly discussed. Microwave annealing is hence of high interest to future semiconductor processing owing to its unique capability of forming the metal/semiconductor contact at a remarkably lower temperature. PMID:28773440

Measurement of thermal diffusivity of depleted uranium metal microspheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Humrickhouse-Helmreich, Carissa J.; Corbin, Rob; McDeavitt, Sean M.

2014-03-01

The high void space of nuclear fuels composed of homogeneous uranium metal microspheres may allow them to achieve ultra-high burnup by accommodating fuel swelling and reducing fuel/cladding interactions; however, the relatively low thermal conductivity of microsphere nuclear fuels may limit their application. To support the development of microsphere nuclear fuels, an apparatus was designed in a glovebox and used to measure the apparent thermal diffusivity of a packed bed of depleted uranium (DU) microspheres with argon fill in the void spaces. The developed Crucible Heater Test Assembly (CHTA) recorded radial temperature changes due to an initial heat pulse from a central thin-diameter cartridge heater. Using thermocouple positions and time-temperature data, the apparent thermal diffusivity was calculated. The thermal conductivity of the DU microspheres was calculated based on the thermal diffusivity from the CHTA, known material densities and specific heat capacities, and an assumed 70% packing density based on prior measurements. Results indicate that DU metal microspheres have very low thermal conductivity, relative to solid uranium metal, and rapidly form an oxidation layer even in a low oxygen environment. At 500 °C, the thermal conductivity of the DU metal microsphere bed was 0.431 ± 0.0560 W/m-K compared to the literature value of approximately 32 W/m-K for solid uranium metal.

Demonstration of an ultra-wideband optical fiber inline polarizer with metal nano-grid on the fiber tip.

PubMed

Lin, Yongbin; Guo, Junpeng; Lindquist, Robert G

2009-09-28

Dramatic increase in the bandwidth of optical fiber inline polarizer can be achieved by using metal nano-grid on the fiber tip. However, high extinction ratio of such fiber polarizer requires high spatial frequency metal nano girds with high aspect ratio on the small area of optical fiber tip. We report the development of a nano-fabrication process on the optical fiber tip, and the design and realization of the first ultra-wideband fiber inline polarization device with Au nano gird fabricated on a single mode optical fiber end face.

Study of Ni Metallization in Macroporous Si Using Wet Chemistry for Radio Frequency Cross-Talk Isolation in Mixed Signal Integrated Circuits

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xi; Xu, Chengkun; Chong, Kyuchul; Tu, King-Ning; Xie, Ya-Hong

2011-01-01

A highly conductive moat or Faraday cage of through-the-wafer thickness in Si substrate was proposed to be effective in shielding electromagnetic interference thereby reducing radio frequency (RF) cross-talk in high performance mixed signal integrated circuits. Such a structure was realized by metallization of selected ultra-high-aspect-ratio macroporous regions that were electrochemically etched in p− Si substrates. The metallization process was conducted by means of wet chemistry in an alkaline aqueous solution containing Ni2+ without reducing agent. It is found that at elevated temperature during immersion, Ni2+ was rapidly reduced and deposited into macroporous Si and a conformal metallization of the macropore sidewalls was obtained in a way that the entire porous Si framework was converted to Ni. A conductive moat was as a result incorporated into p− Si substrate. The experimentally measured reduction of crosstalk in this structure is 5~18 dB at frequencies up to 35 GHz. PMID:28879960

Study of Ni Metallization in Macroporous Si Using Wet Chemistry for Radio Frequency Cross-Talk Isolation in Mixed Signal Integrated Circuits.

PubMed

Zhang, Xi; Xu, Chengkun; Chong, Kyuchul; Tu, King-Ning; Xie, Ya-Hong

2011-05-25

A highly conductive moat or Faraday cage of through-the-wafer thickness in Si substrate was proposed to be effective in shielding electromagnetic interference thereby reducing radio frequency (RF) cross-talk in high performance mixed signal integrated circuits. Such a structure was realized by metallization of selected ultra-high-aspect-ratio macroporous regions that were electrochemically etched in p - Si substrates. The metallization process was conducted by means of wet chemistry in an alkaline aqueous solution containing Ni 2+ without reducing agent. It is found that at elevated temperature during immersion, Ni 2+ was rapidly reduced and deposited into macroporous Si and a conformal metallization of the macropore sidewalls was obtained in a way that the entire porous Si framework was converted to Ni. A conductive moat was as a result incorporated into p - Si substrate. The experimentally measured reduction of crosstalk in this structure is 5~18 dB at frequencies up to 35 GHz.

FFT-impedance spectroscopy analysis of the growth of magnetic metal nanowires in ultra-high aspect ratio InP membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerngross, M.-D.; Carstensen, J.; Föll, H.; Adelung, R.

2016-01-01

This paper reports on the characterization of the electrochemical growth process of magnetic nanowires in ultra-high-aspect ratio InP membranes via in situ fast Fourier transform impedance spectroscopy in a typical frequency range from 75 Hz to 18.5 kHz. The measured impedance data from the Ni, Co, and FeCo can be very well fitted using the same electric equivalent circuit consisting of a series resistance in serial connection to an RC-element and a Maxwell element. The impedance data clearly indicate the similarities in the growth behavior of Ni, Co and FeCo nanowires in ultra-high aspect ratio InP membranes—the beneficial impact of boric acid on the metal deposition in ultra-high aspect ratio membranes and the diffusion limitation of boric acid, as well as differences such as passivation or side reactions.

Gas cluster ion beam assisted NiPt germano-silicide formation on SiGe

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

Ozcan, Ahmet S., E-mail: asozcan@us.ibm.com; Lavoie, Christian; Jordan-Sweet, Jean

We report the formation of very uniform and smooth Ni(Pt)Si on epitaxially grown SiGe using Si gas cluster ion beam treatment after metal-rich silicide formation. The gas cluster ion implantation process was optimized to infuse Si into the metal-rich silicide layer and lowered the NiSi nucleation temperature significantly according to in situ X-ray diffraction measurements. This novel method which leads to more uniform films can also be used to control silicide depth in ultra-shallow junctions, especially for high Ge containing devices, where silicidation is problematic as it leads to much rougher interfaces.

X-Ray Spectroscopy of Ultra-Thin Oxide/Oxide Heteroepitaxial Films: A Case Study of Single-Nanometer VO2/TiO2

PubMed Central

Quackenbush, Nicholas F.; Paik, Hanjong; Woicik, Joseph C.; Arena, Dario A.; Schlom, Darrell G.; Piper, Louis F. J.

2015-01-01

Epitaxial ultra-thin oxide films can support large percent level strains well beyond their bulk counterparts, thereby enabling strain-engineering in oxides that can tailor various phenomena. At these reduced dimensions (typically < 10 nm), contributions from the substrate can dwarf the signal from the epilayer, making it difficult to distinguish the properties of the epilayer from the bulk. This is especially true for oxide on oxide systems. Here, we have employed a combination of hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) and angular soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to study epitaxial VO2/TiO2 (100) films ranging from 7.5 to 1 nm. We observe a low-temperature (300 K) insulating phase with evidence of vanadium-vanadium (V-V) dimers and a high-temperature (400 K) metallic phase absent of V-V dimers irrespective of film thickness. Our results confirm that the metal insulator transition can exist at atomic dimensions and that biaxial strain can still be used to control the temperature of its transition when the interfaces are atomically sharp. More generally, our case study highlights the benefits of using non-destructive XAS and HAXPES to extract out information regarding the interfacial quality of the epilayers and spectroscopic signatures associated with exotic phenomena at these dimensions. PMID:28793516

X-ray Spectroscopy of Ultra-thin Oxide/oxide Heteroepitaxial Films: A Case Study of Single-nanometer VO2/TiO2

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

Quackenbush, Nicholas F.; Paik, Hanjong; Woicik, Joseph C.

2015-08-21

Epitaxial ultra-thin oxide films can support large percent level strains well beyond their bulk counterparts, thereby enabling strain-engineering in oxides that can tailor various phenomena. At these reduced dimensions (typically < 10 nm), contributions from the substrate can dwarf the signal from the epilayer, making it difficult to distinguish the properties of the epilayer from the bulk. This is especially true for oxide on oxide systems. Here, we have employed a combination of hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) and angular soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to study epitaxial VO2/TiO2 (100) films ranging from 7.5 to 1 nm. We observe amore » low-temperature (300 K) insulating phase with evidence of vanadium-vanadium (V-V) dimers and a high-temperature (400 K) metallic phase absent of V-V dimers irrespective of film thickness. Results confirm that the metal insulator transition can exist at atomic dimensions and that biaxial strain can still be used to control the temperature of its transition when the interfaces are atomically sharp. Generally, our case study highlights the benefits of using non-destructive XAS and HAXPES to extract out information regarding the interfacial quality of the epilayers and spectroscopic signatures associated with exotic phenomena at these dimensions.« less

Recent developments in novel freezing and thawing technologies applied to foods.

PubMed

Wu, Xiao-Fei; Zhang, Min; Adhikari, Benu; Sun, Jincai

2017-11-22

This article reviews the recent developments in novel freezing and thawing technologies applied to foods. These novel technologies improve the quality of frozen and thawed foods and are energy efficient. The novel technologies applied to freezing include pulsed electric field pre-treatment, ultra-low temperature, ultra-rapid freezing, ultra-high pressure and ultrasound. The novel technologies applied to thawing include ultra-high pressure, ultrasound, high voltage electrostatic field (HVEF), and radio frequency. Ultra-low temperature and ultra-rapid freezing promote the formation and uniform distribution of small ice crystals throughout frozen foods. Ultra-high pressure and ultrasound assisted freezing are non-thermal methods and shorten the freezing time and improve product quality. Ultra-high pressure and HVEF thawing generate high heat transfer rates and accelerate the thawing process. Ultrasound and radio frequency thawing can facilitate thawing process by volumetrically generating heat within frozen foods. It is anticipated that these novel technologies will be increasingly used in food industries in the future.

Small angle neutron and X-ray studies of carbon structures with metal atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebedev, V. T.; Szhogina, A. A.; Bairamukov, V. Yu

2017-05-01

Encapsulation of metal atoms inside carbon single-wall cages or within multi-layer cells has been realized using molecular precursors and high temperature processes transforming them into desirable structures. Endohedral fullerenols Fe@C60(OH)X with 3d-metal (iron) have been studied by SANS in aqueous solutions where they form stable globular clusters with radii R C ∼ 10-12 nm and aggregation numbers N C ∼ 104. This self-assembly is a crucial feature of paramagnetic fullerenols as perspective contrast agents for Magneto-Resonance Imaging in medicine. Cellular carbon-metal structures have been created by the pyrolysis of diphthalocyanines of lanthanides and actinides. It was established that these ultra porous matrices consist of globular cells of molecular precursor size (∼ 1 nm) which are aggregated into superstructures. This provides retain of metal atoms inside matrices which may serve for safety storage of spent fuel of nuclear power plants.

Ultra-high current density thin-film Si diode

DOEpatents

Wang; Qi

2008-04-22

A combination of a thin-film .mu.c-Si and a-Si:H containing diode structure characterized by an ultra-high current density that exceeds 1000 A/cm.sup.2, comprising: a substrate; a bottom metal layer disposed on the substrate; an n-layer of .mu.c-Si deposited the bottom metal layer; an i-layer of .mu.c-Si deposited on the n-layer; a buffer layer of a-Si:H deposited on the i-layer, a p-layer of .mu.c-Si deposited on the buffer layer; and a top metal layer deposited on the p-layer.

Optimized Spiral Metal-Gallium-Nitride Nanowire Cavity for Ultra-High Circular Dichroism Ultraviolet Lasing at Room Temperature.

PubMed

Liao, Wei-Chun; Liao, Shu-Wei; Chen, Kuo-Ju; Hsiao, Yu-Hao; Chang, Shu-Wei; Kuo, Hao-Chung; Shih, Min-Hsiung

2016-05-25

Circularly polarized laser sources with small footprints and high efficiencies can possess advanced functionalities in optical communication and biophotonic integrated systems. However, the conventional lasers with additional circular-polarization converters are bulky and hardly compatible with nanophotonic circuits, and most active chiral plasmonic nanostructures nowadays exhibit broadband emission and low circular dichroism. In this work, with spirals of gallium nitride (GaN) nanowires (NWRs) covered by a metal layer, we demonstrated an ultrasmall semiconductor laser capable of emitting circularly-polarized photons. The left- and right-hand spiral metal nanowire cavities with varied periods were designed at ultraviolet wavelengths to achieve the high quality factor circular dichroism metastructures. The dissymmetry factors characterizing the degrees of circular polarizations of the left- and right-hand chiral lasers were 1.4 and -1.6 (±2 if perfectly circular polarized), respectively. The results show that the chiral cavities with only 5 spiral periods can achieve lasing signals with the high degrees of circular polarizations.

Optical Method for Detecting Displacements and Strains at Ultra-High Temperatures During Thermo-Mechanical Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Mark C. (Inventor); Smith, Russell W. (Inventor); Sikora, Joseph G. (Inventor); Rivers, H. Kevin (Inventor); Johnston, William M. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

An ultra-high temperature optical method incorporates speckle optics for sensing displacement and strain measurements well above conventional measurement techniques. High temperature pattern materials are used which can endure experimental high temperature environments while simultaneously having a minimum optical aberration. A purge medium is used to reduce or eliminate optical distortions and to reduce, and/or eliminate oxidation of the target specimen.

Spectroscopic chemical analysis methods and apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hug, William F. (Inventor); Reid, Ray D. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

Spectroscopic chemical analysis methods and apparatus are disclosed which employ deep ultraviolet (e.g. in the 200 nm to 300 nm spectral range) electron beam pumped wide bandgap semiconductor lasers, incoherent wide bandgap semiconductor light emitting devices, and hollow cathode metal ion lasers to perform non-contact, non-invasive detection of unknown chemical analytes. These deep ultraviolet sources enable dramatic size, weight and power consumption reductions of chemical analysis instruments. Chemical analysis instruments employed in some embodiments include capillary and gel plane electrophoresis, capillary electrochromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, flow cytometry, flow cells for liquids and aerosols, and surface detection instruments. In some embodiments, Raman spectroscopic detection methods and apparatus use ultra-narrow-band angle tuning filters, acousto-optic tuning filters, and temperature tuned filters to enable ultra-miniature analyzers for chemical identification. In some embodiments Raman analysis is conducted simultaneously with native fluorescence spectroscopy to provide high levels of sensitivity and specificity in the same instrument.

Spectroscopic chemical analysis methods and apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reid, Ray D. (Inventor); Hug, William F. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

Spectroscopic chemical analysis methods and apparatus are disclosed which employ deep ultraviolet (e.g. in the 200 nm to 300 nm spectral range) electron beam pumped wide bandgap semiconductor lasers, incoherent wide bandgap semiconductor light emitting devices, and hollow cathode metal ion lasers to perform non-contact, non-invasive detection of unknown chemical analytes. These deep ultraviolet sources enable dramatic size, weight and power consumption reductions of chemical analysis instruments. Chemical analysis instruments employed in some embodiments include capillary and gel plane electrophoresis, capillary electrochromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, flow cytometry, flow cells for liquids and aerosols, and surface detection instruments. In some embodiments, Raman spectroscopic detection methods and apparatus use ultra-narrow-band angle tuning filters, acousto-optic tuning filters, and temperature tuned filters to enable ultra-miniature analyzers for chemical identification. In some embodiments Raman analysis is conducted simultaneously with native fluorescence spectroscopy to provide high levels of sensitivity and specificity in the same instrument.

Spectroscopic Chemical Analysis Methods and Apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hug, William F. (Inventor); Lane, Arthur L. (Inventor); Bhartia, Rohit (Inventor); Reid, Ray D. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

Spectroscopic chemical analysis methods and apparatus are disclosed which employ deep ultraviolet (e.g. in the 200 nm to 300 nm spectral range) electron beam pumped wide bandgap semiconductor lasers, incoherent wide bandgap semiconductor light emitting devices, and hollow cathode metal ion lasers to perform non-contact, non-invasive detection of unknown chemical analytes. These deep ultraviolet sources enable dramatic size, weight and power consumption reductions of chemical analysis instruments. In some embodiments, Raman spectroscopic detection methods and apparatus use ultra-narrow-band angle tuning filters, acousto-optic tuning filters, and temperature tuned filters to enable ultra-miniature analyzers for chemical identification. In some embodiments Raman analysis is conducted along with photoluminescence spectroscopy (i.e. fluorescence and/or phosphorescence spectroscopy) to provide high levels of sensitivity and specificity in the same instrument.

Spectroscopic Chemical Analysis Methods and Apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hug, William F. (Inventor); Lane, Arthur L. (Inventor); Reid, Ray D. (Inventor); Bhartia, Rohit (Inventor)

2018-01-01

Spectroscopic chemical analysis methods and apparatus are disclosed which employ deep ultraviolet (e.g. in the 200 nm to 300 nm spectral range) electron beam pumped wide bandgap semiconductor lasers, incoherent wide bandgap semiconductor light emitting devices, and hollow cathode metal ion lasers to perform non-contact, non-invasive detection of unknown chemical analytes. These deep ultraviolet sources enable dramatic size, weight and power consumption reductions of chemical analysis instruments. In some embodiments, Raman spectroscopic detection methods and apparatus use ultra-narrow-band angle tuning filters, acousto-optic tuning filters, and temperature tuned filters to enable ultra-miniature analyzers for chemical identification. In some embodiments Raman analysis is conducted along with photoluminescence spectroscopy (i.e. fluorescence and/or phosphorescence spectroscopy) to provide high levels of sensitivity and specificity in the same instrument.

Application of SQUIDs to low temperature and high magnetic field measurements—Ultra low noise torque magnetometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnold, F.; Naumann, M.; Lühmann, Th.; Mackenzie, A. P.; Hassinger, E.

2018-02-01

Torque magnetometry is a key method to measure the magnetic anisotropy and quantum oscillations in metals. In order to resolve quantum oscillations in sub-millimeter sized samples, piezo-electric micro-cantilevers were introduced. In the case of strongly correlated metals with large Fermi surfaces and high cyclotron masses, magnetic torque resolving powers in excess of 104 are required at temperatures well below 1 K and magnetic fields beyond 10 T. Here, we present a new broadband read-out scheme for piezo-electric micro-cantilevers via Wheatstone-type resistance measurements in magnetic fields up to 15 T and temperatures down to 200 mK. By using a two-stage superconducting-quantum interference device as a null detector of a cold Wheatstone bridge, we were able to achieve a magnetic moment resolution of Δm = 4 × 10-15 J/T at maximal field and 700 mK, outperforming conventional magnetometers by at least one order of magnitude in this temperature and magnetic field range. Exemplary de Haas-van Alphen measurement of a newly grown delafossite, PdRhO2, was used to show the superior performance of our setup.

Tuning the characteristics of surface plasmon polariton nanolasers by tailoring the dispersion relation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Tien-Chang; Chou, Yu-Hsun; Hong, Kuo-Bin; Chung, Yi-Cheng; Lin, Tzy-Rong; Arakelian, S. M.; Alodjants, A. P.

2017-08-01

Nanolasers with ultra-compact footprint are able to provide high intensity coherent light, which have various potential applications in high capacity signal processing, biosensing, and sub-wavelength imaging. Among various nanolasers, those lasers with cavities surrounded with metals have shown to have superior light emission properties due to the surface plasmon effect providing better field confinement capability and allowing exotic light-matter interaction. In this talk, we report robust ultraviolet ZnO nanolaser by using silver (Ag) [1] and aluminum (Al) [2] to strongly shrink the mode volume. The nanolasers operated at room temperature and even high temperature (353K) shows several distinct features including an extremely small mode volume, large Purcell factor and group index. Comparison of characteristics between Ag- and Al-based will also be made.

Polishability of thin electrolytic and electroless NiP layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kinast, Jan; Beier, Matthias; Gebhardt, Andreas; Risse, Stefan; Tünnermann, Andreas

2015-10-01

Ultra-precise metal optics are key components of sophisticated scientific instrumentation in astronomy and space applications, covering a wide spectral range. Especially for applications in the visible or ultra-violet spectral ranges, a low roughness of the optics is required. Therefore, a polishable surface is necessary. State of the art is an amorphous nickel-phosphorus (NiP) layer, which enables several polishing techniques achieving a roughness of <1 nm RMS. Typically, these layers are approximately 30 μm to 60 μm thick. Deposited on Al6061, the bimetallic effect leads to a restricted operational temperature, caused by different coefficients of thermal expansion of Al6061 and NiP. Thinner NiP layers reduce the bimetallic effect. Hence, the possible operating temperature range. A deterministic shape correction via Magnetorheological Finishing of the substrate Al6061 leads to low shape deviations prior to the NiP deposition. This allows for depositing thin NiP-layers, which are polishable via a chemical mechanical polishing technique aiming at ultra-precise metal optics. The present article shows deposition processes and polishability of electroless and electrolytic NiP layers with thicknesses between 1 μm and 10 μm.

Designable ultra-smooth ultra-thin solid-electrolyte interphases of three alkali metal anodes.

PubMed

Gu, Yu; Wang, Wei-Wei; Li, Yi-Juan; Wu, Qi-Hui; Tang, Shuai; Yan, Jia-Wei; Zheng, Ming-Sen; Wu, De-Yin; Fan, Chun-Hai; Hu, Wei-Qiang; Chen, Zhao-Bin; Fang, Yuan; Zhang, Qing-Hong; Dong, Quan-Feng; Mao, Bing-Wei

2018-04-09

Dendrite growth of alkali metal anodes limited their lifetime for charge/discharge cycling. Here, we report near-perfect anodes of lithium, sodium, and potassium metals achieved by electrochemical polishing, which removes microscopic defects and creates ultra-smooth ultra-thin solid-electrolyte interphase layers at metal surfaces for providing a homogeneous environment. Precise characterizations by AFM force probing with corroborative in-depth XPS profile analysis reveal that the ultra-smooth ultra-thin solid-electrolyte interphase can be designed to have alternating inorganic-rich and organic-rich/mixed multi-layered structure, which offers mechanical property of coupled rigidity and elasticity. The polished metal anodes exhibit significantly enhanced cycling stability, specifically the lithium anodes can cycle for over 200 times at a real current density of 2 mA cm -2 with 100% depth of discharge. Our work illustrates that an ultra-smooth ultra-thin solid-electrolyte interphase may be robust enough to suppress dendrite growth and thus serve as an initial layer for further improved protection of alkali metal anodes.

Ultra-high vacuum compatible induction-heated rod casting furnace

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, A.; Neubauer, A.; Münzer, W.; Regnat, A.; Benka, G.; Meven, M.; Pedersen, B.; Pfleiderer, C.

2016-06-01

We report the design of a radio-frequency induction-heated rod casting furnace that permits the preparation of polycrystalline ingots of intermetallic compounds under ultra-high vacuum compatible conditions. The central part of the system is a bespoke water-cooled Hukin crucible supporting a casting mold. Depending on the choice of the mold, typical rods have a diameter between 6 mm and 10 mm and a length up to 90 mm, suitable for single-crystal growth by means of float-zoning. The setup is all-metal sealed and may be baked out. We find that the resulting ultra-high vacuum represents an important precondition for processing compounds with high vapor pressures under a high-purity argon atmosphere up to 3 bars. Using the rod casting furnace, we succeeded to prepare large high-quality single crystals of two half-Heusler compounds, namely, the itinerant antiferromagnet CuMnSb and the half-metallic ferromagnet NiMnSb.

Ultra-high vacuum compatible induction-heated rod casting furnace.

PubMed

Bauer, A; Neubauer, A; Münzer, W; Regnat, A; Benka, G; Meven, M; Pedersen, B; Pfleiderer, C

2016-06-01

We report the design of a radio-frequency induction-heated rod casting furnace that permits the preparation of polycrystalline ingots of intermetallic compounds under ultra-high vacuum compatible conditions. The central part of the system is a bespoke water-cooled Hukin crucible supporting a casting mold. Depending on the choice of the mold, typical rods have a diameter between 6 mm and 10 mm and a length up to 90 mm, suitable for single-crystal growth by means of float-zoning. The setup is all-metal sealed and may be baked out. We find that the resulting ultra-high vacuum represents an important precondition for processing compounds with high vapor pressures under a high-purity argon atmosphere up to 3 bars. Using the rod casting furnace, we succeeded to prepare large high-quality single crystals of two half-Heusler compounds, namely, the itinerant antiferromagnet CuMnSb and the half-metallic ferromagnet NiMnSb.

The Scaled-Up Synthesis of Nanostructured Ultra-High-Temperature Ceramics and Resistance Sintering of Tantalum Carbide Nanopowders and Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, James P.

Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are a unique class of materials with the potential to withstand harsh environments due to covalent bonding, which gives these materials high melting temperatures, although decomposition temperatures should also be considered. For example, the melting temperature of TaC is near 4000 K, but may vaporize at lower temperatures. The high melting temperatures also make them difficult to process without high pressures and temperatures and to achieve dense ceramics with a nanostructure. Such materials however are appealing for aerospace technologies. The ability to generate high density compacts and maintain a nanostructure could allow for unprecedented control and improvement to the mechanical properties. The goal of this work is to develop processes for the synthesis and consolidation of nanostructured UHTCs. A self-propagating solvothermal synthesis technique for making UHTC nanopowders is presented. The technique is fast, scalable, and requires minimal external energy input. Synthesis of transition metal boride, carbide, and nitride powders is demonstrated. TaC is synthesized using a range of synthesis conditions and characterized to determine the fundamental mechanisms controlling the nanopowder characteristics. Discussion on purification of the powders is also presented. The sintering of TaC nanopowders produced by the solvothermal synthesis method is performed by resistance sintering. The effects of temperature, heating rate, and dwell time on densification and grain growth is presented. Adequate powder processing, carbon content, volatilization, and additives are found to be critical factors affecting the densification, microstructure, and grain growth. The optimal range of carbon addition for minimizing oxygen content is determined. WC and ZrC are evaluated as additives for reducing grain growth of TaC. Secondary phases and/or solid solutions are capable of suppressing grain growth. A unified approach to solid solution chemistries to control the densification, microstructure, and properties of UHTCs in general is presented. This work has important consequences on advancing the properties of UHTCs.

Superior Tensile Ductility in Bulk Metallic Glass with Gradient Amorphous Structure

PubMed Central

Wang, Q.; Yang, Y.; Jiang, H.; Liu, C. T.; Ruan, H. H.; Lu, J.

2014-01-01

Over centuries, structural glasses have been deemed as a strong yet inherently ‘brittle’ material due to their lack of tensile ductility. However, here we report bulk metallic glasses exhibiting both a high strength of ~2 GPa and an unprecedented tensile elongation of 2–4% at room temperature. Our experiments have demonstrated that intense structural evolution can be triggered in theses glasses by the carefully controlled surface mechanical attrition treatment, leading to the formation of gradient amorphous microstructures across the sample thickness. As a result, the engineered amorphous microstructures effectively promote multiple shear banding while delay cavitation in the bulk metallic glass, thus resulting in superior tensile ductility. The outcome of our research uncovers an unusual work-hardening mechanism in monolithic bulk metallic glasses and demonstrates a promising yet low-cost strategy suitable for producing large-sized, ultra-strong and stretchable structural glasses. PMID:24755683

Understanding Metal-Insulator transitions in ultra-thin films of LaNiO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravichandran, Jayakanth; King, Philip D. C.; Schlom, Darrell G.; Shen, Kyle M.; Kim, Philip

2014-03-01

LaNiO3 (LNO) is a bulk paramagnetic metal and a member of the family of RENiO3 Nickelates (RE = Rare Earth Metals), which is on the verge of the metal-insulator transition. Ultra-thin films of LNO has been studied extensively in the past and due to its sensitivity to disorder, the true nature of the metal-insulator transition in these films have been hard to decipher. We grow high quality ultra-thin films of LNO using reactive molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and use a combination of ionic liquid gating and magneto-transport measurements to understand the nature and tunability of metal-insulator transition as a function of thickness for LNO. The underlying mechanisms for the transition are discussed in the framework of standard transport models. These results are discussed in the light of other Mott insulators such as Sr2IrO4, where we have performed similar measurements around the insulating state.

Novel ultra-low temperature co-fired microwave dielectric ceramic at 400 degrees and its chemical compatibility with base metal

PubMed Central

Di, Zhou; Li-Xia, Pang; Ze-Ming, Qi; Biao-Bing, Jin; Xi, Yao

2014-01-01

A novel NaAgMoO4 material with spinel-like structure was synthesized by using the solid state reaction method and the ceramic sample was well densified at an extreme low sintering temperature about 400°C. Rietveld refinement of the crystal structure was performed using FULLPROF program and the cell parameters are a = b = c = 9.22039 Å with a space group F D −3 M (227). High performance microwave dielectric properties, with a permittivity ~7.9, a Qf value ~33,000 GHz and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency ~−120 ppm/°C, were obtained. From X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) analysis of the co-fired sample, it was found that the NaAgMoO4 ceramic is chemically compatible with both silver and aluminum at the sintering temperature and this makes it a promising candidate for the ultra-low temperature co-fired ceramics technology. Analysis of infrared and THz spectra indicated that dielectric polarizability at microwave region of the NaAgMoO4 ceramic was equally contributed by ionic displasive and electronic polarizations. Its small microwave dielectric permittivity can also be explained well by the Shannon's additive rule. PMID:25099530

Low-loss integrated electrical surface plasmon source with ultra-smooth metal film fabricated by polymethyl methacrylate 'bond and peel' method.

PubMed

Liu, Wenjie; Hu, Xiaolong; Zou, Qiushun; Wu, Shaoying; Jin, Chongjun

2018-06-15

External light sources are mostly employed to functionalize the plasmonic components, resulting in a bulky footprint. Electrically driven integrated plasmonic devices, combining ultra-compact critical feature sizes with extremely high transmission speeds and low power consumption, can link plasmonics with the present-day electronic world. In an effort to achieve this prospect, suppressing the losses in the plasmonic devices becomes a pressing issue. In this work, we developed a novel polymethyl methacrylate 'bond and peel' method to fabricate metal films with sub-nanometer smooth surfaces on semiconductor wafers. Based on this method, we further fabricated a compact plasmonic source containing a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide with an ultra-smooth metal surface on a GaAs-based light-emitting diode wafer. An increase in propagation length of the SPP mode by a factor of 2.95 was achieved as compared with the conventional device containing a relatively rough metal surface. Numerical calculations further confirmed that the propagation length is comparable to the theoretical prediction on the MIM waveguide with perfectly smooth metal surfaces. This method facilitates low-loss and high-integration of electrically driven plasmonic devices, thus provides an immediate opportunity for the practical application of on-chip integrated plasmonic circuits.

Low-loss integrated electrical surface plasmon source with ultra-smooth metal film fabricated by polymethyl methacrylate ‘bond and peel’ method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wenjie; Hu, Xiaolong; Zou, Qiushun; Wu, Shaoying; Jin, Chongjun

2018-06-01

External light sources are mostly employed to functionalize the plasmonic components, resulting in a bulky footprint. Electrically driven integrated plasmonic devices, combining ultra-compact critical feature sizes with extremely high transmission speeds and low power consumption, can link plasmonics with the present-day electronic world. In an effort to achieve this prospect, suppressing the losses in the plasmonic devices becomes a pressing issue. In this work, we developed a novel polymethyl methacrylate ‘bond and peel’ method to fabricate metal films with sub-nanometer smooth surfaces on semiconductor wafers. Based on this method, we further fabricated a compact plasmonic source containing a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide with an ultra-smooth metal surface on a GaAs-based light-emitting diode wafer. An increase in propagation length of the SPP mode by a factor of 2.95 was achieved as compared with the conventional device containing a relatively rough metal surface. Numerical calculations further confirmed that the propagation length is comparable to the theoretical prediction on the MIM waveguide with perfectly smooth metal surfaces. This method facilitates low-loss and high-integration of electrically driven plasmonic devices, thus provides an immediate opportunity for the practical application of on-chip integrated plasmonic circuits.

Cryogenic Research

DTIC Science & Technology

1952-05-01

needed work lies in the ultra low- temperature range available only through use of the demagnetization cycle. SUPERCONDUCTIVITY BELOW 10 ABSOLUTE In...In Figure 1 is plotted, as a function of temperature, the magnetic field required to change hafnium from the superconducting to the normal state. For...fields of crystal physics, properties of metals, and magnetism and magnetic resonance. This article discusses the work of one group, the Cryogenics

TiO2-Based Indium Phosphide Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Capacitor with High Capacitance Density.

PubMed

Cheng, Chun-Hu; Hsu, Hsiao-Hsuan; Chou, Kun-i

2015-04-01

We report a low-temperature InP p-MOS with a high capacitance density of 2.7 µF/cm2, low leakage current of 0.77 A/cm2 at 1 V and tight current distribution. The high-density and low-leakage InP MOS was achieved by using high-κ TiLaO dielectric and ultra-thin SiO2 buffer layer with a thickness of less than 0.5 nm. The obtained EOT can be aggressively scaled down to < 1 nm through the use of stacked TiLaO/SiO2 dielectric, which has the potential for the future application of high mobility III-V CMOS devices.

Perspectives of Using Ultra-Fine Metals as Universal Safe BioStimulators to Get Cattle Breeding Quality Products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polishchuk, S.

2015-11-01

We have conducted investigations of ultra-fine metals biological activity with lab non-pedigree white rats, rabbits breed “Soviet chinchilla” and cattle young stock of the black and white breed as the most widely spread in the central part of Russia. One can see the possibility of using microelements of ultra-fine iron, cobalt and copper as cheap, non-toxic and highly effective biological catalyst of biochemical processes in the organism that improve physiological state, morphological and biochemical blood parameters increasing activity of the experimental animals’ ferment systems and their productivity and meat biological value. We have proved the ultra-fine powders safety when adding them to the animals’ diet.

2003 NASA Seal/Secondary Air System Workshop. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinetz, Bruce M. (Editor); Hendricks, Robert C. (Editor)

2004-01-01

The following reports were included in the 2003 NASA Seal/Secondary Air System Workshop:Low Emissions Alternative Power (LEAP); Overview of NASA Glenn Seal Developments; NASA Ultra Efficient Engine Technology Project Overview; Development of Higher Temperature Abradable Seals for Industrial Gas Turbines; High Misalignment Carbon Seals for the Fan Drive Gear System Technologies; Compliant Foil Seal Investigations; Test Rig for Evaluating Active Turbine Blade Tip Clearance Control Concepts; Controls Considerations for Turbine Active Clearance Control; Non-Contacting Finger Seal Developments and Design Considerations; Effect of Flow-Induced Radial Load on Brush Seal/Rotor Contact Mechanics; Seal Developments at Flowserve Corporation; Investigations of High Pressure Acoustic Waves in Resonators With Seal-Like Features; Numerical Investigations of High Pressure Acoustic Waves in Resonators; Feltmetal Seal Material Through-Flow; "Bimodal" Nuclear Thermal Rocket (BNTR) Propulsion for Future Human Mars Exploration Missions; High Temperature Propulsion System Structural Seals for Future Space Launch Vehicles; Advanced Control Surface Seal Development for Future Space Vehicles; High Temperature Metallic Seal Development for Aero Propulsion and Gas Turbine Applications; and BrazeFoil Honeycomb.

New ultra metal-poor stars from SDSS: follow-up GTC medium-resolution spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguado, D. S.; Allende Prieto, C.; González Hernández, J. I.; Rebolo, R.; Caffau, E.

2017-07-01

Context. The first generation of stars formed in the Galaxy left behind the chemical signatures of their nucleosynthesis in the interstellar medium, visible today in the atmospheres of low-mass stars that formed afterwards. Sampling the chemistry of those low-mass provides insight into the first stars. Aims: We aim to increase the samples of stars with extremely low metal abundances, identifying ultra metal-poor stars from spectra with modest spectral resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). Achieving this goal involves deriving reliable metallicities and carbon abundances from such spectra. Methods: We carry out follow-up observations of faint, V > 19, metal-poor candidates selected from SDSS spectroscopy and observed with the Optical System for Imaging and low-Intermediate-Resolution Integrated Spectroscopy (OSIRIS) at GTC. The SDSS and follow-up OSIRIS spectra were analyzed using the FERRE code to derive effective temperatures, surface gravities, metallicities and carbon abundances. In addition, a well-known extremely metal-poor star has been included in our sample to calibrate the analysis methodology. Results: We observed and analyzed five metal-poor candidates from modest-quality SDSS spectra. All stars in our sample have been confirmed as extremely metal-poor stars, in the [Fe/H] < -3.3 regime. We report the recognition of J173403+644632, a carbon-enhanced ultra metal-poor dwarf star with [Fe/H] = -4.3 and [C/Fe] = + 3.1. Based on observations made with the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), installed in the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, on the island of La Palma. Programme ID GTC2E-16A and ID GTC65-16B.

OsB 2 and RuB 2, ultra-incompressible, hard materials: First-principles electronic structure calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiodo, S.; Gotsis, H. J.; Russo, N.; Sicilia, E.

2006-07-01

Recently it has been reported that osmium diboride has an unusually large bulk modulus combined with high hardness, and consequently is a most interesting candidate as an ultra-incompressible and hard material. The electronic and structural properties of the transition metal diborides OsB 2 and RuB 2 have been calculated within the local density approximation (LDA). It is shown that the high hardness is the result of covalent bonding between transition metal d states and boron p states in the orthorhombic structure.

Development of Ultra-Low Noise, High Sensitivity Planar Metal Grating Coupled AlGaAs/GaAs Multiquantum Well IR Detectors for Focal Plane Array Staring IR Sensor Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-02-01

Development of Ultra-Low Noise , High Sensitivity Planar Metal Grating Coupled AlGaAs/GaAs Multiquantum Well IR Detectors for Focal Plane Array Staring IR...dark current at 77 K was 10 times lower than the conventional QWIP reported in the literature. anid the BTM QWIP showed a largely enhanced intersubband...bias voltage in the BTM and SBTM1 QWIPs . The results reveal thiat therinionic emission is dominant current conduction mechianismn at higher temp

Non-contact Creep Resistance Measurement for Ultra-high temperature Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hyers, Robert W.; Lee, Jonghuyn; Bradshaw, Richard C.; Rogers, Jan; Rathz, Thomas J.; Wall, James J.; Choo, Hahn; Liaw, Peter K.

2005-01-01

Continuing pressures for higher performance and efficiency in propulsion are driving ever more demanding needs for high-temperature materials. Some immediate applications in spaceflight include combustion chambers for advanced chemical rockets and turbomachinery for jet engines and power conversion in nuclear-electric propulsion. In the case of rockets, the combination of high stresses and high temperatures make the characterization of creep properties very important. Creep is even more important in the turbomachinery, where a long service life is an additional constraint. Some very high-temperature materials are being developed, including platinum group metals, carbides, borides, and silicides. But the measurement of creep properties at very high temperatures is itself problematic, because the testing instrument must operate at such high temperatures. Conventional techniques are limited to about 1700 C. A new, containerless technique for measuring creep deformation has been developed. This technique is based on electrostatic levitation (ESL) of a spherical sample, which is heated to the measurement temperature and rotated at a rate such that the centrifugal acceleration causes creep deformation. Creep of samples has been demonstrated at up to 2300 C in the ESL facility at NASA MSFC, while ESL itself has been applied at over 3000 C, and has no theoretical maximum temperature. The preliminary results and future directions of this NASA-funded research collaboration will be presented.

Ultra low emittance electron beams from multi-alkali antimonide photocathode operated with infrared light

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

Cultrera, L.; Gulliford, C.; Bartnik, A.

2016-03-28

The intrinsic emittance of electron beams generated from a multi-alkali photocathode operated in a high voltage DC gun is reported. The photocathode showed sensitivity extending to the infrared part of the spectrum up to 830 nm. The measured intrinsic emittances of electron beams generated with light having wavelength longer than 800 nm are approaching the limit imposed by the thermal energy of electrons at room temperature with quantum efficiencies comparable to metallic photocathodes used in operation of modern photoinjectors.

Continuous Solvothermal Synthesis and Surface Treatment for Improved and Scalable Processing of Ultra High Temperature Ceramic (UHTC) Nanopowders

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-13

with homogeneous nonagglomerated nanoparticles,20 smudge- and stain -resistant coatings, antibody bonding to phosphor particles, and more. A series...2 BBn + 11.0 Na (in benzene) --- ZrB2 + 4 NaCl + 6 NaBr (1) (2) In a typical experiment, the reactor is charged with 5 grams of anhydrous ZrCl4...21.5 mmol), 0.471 grams of boron (43.5 mmol), 2.35 grams of sodium metal (102.3 mmol) and 100 ml of anhydrous benzene in a controlled atmosphere

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

Fakhri, M.; Theisen, M.; Behrendt, A.

Top gated metal-oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) provide two benefits compared to their conventional bottom-gate counterparts: (i) The gate dielectric may concomitantly serve as encapsulation layer for the TFT channel. (ii) Damage of the dielectric due to high-energetic particles during channel deposition can be avoided. In our work, the top-gate dielectric is prepared by ozone based atomic layer deposition at low temperatures. For ultra-low gas permeation rates, we introduce nano-laminates of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}/ZrO{sub 2} as dielectrics. The resulting TFTs show a superior environmental stability even at elevated temperatures. Their outstanding stability vs. bias stress is benchmarked against bottom-gate devices withmore » encapsulation.« less

Improvement of heavy dopant doped Ni-silicide using ytterbium interlayer for nano-scale MOSFETS with an ultra shallow junction.

PubMed

Shin, Hong-Sik; Oh, Se-Kyung; Kang, Min-Ho; Li, Shi-Guang; Lee, Ga-Won; Lee, Hi-Deok

2011-07-01

In this paper, a novel Ni silicide with Yb interlayer (Yb/Ni/TiN) on a boron cluster (B18H22) implanted source/drain junction is proposed for the first time, and its thermal stability characteristics are analyzed in depth. The proposed Ni-silicide exhibits a wider RTP temperature window for uniform sheet resistance, surface roughness and better thermal stability than the conventional structure (Ni/TiN). In addition, the cross-sectional profile of the proposed Ni-silicide showed less agglomeration despite the high temperature post-silicidation annealing, and it can be said that the proposed structure was little dependence on the temperature post-silicidation annealing. The improvement of Ni silicide properties is analyzed and found to be due to the formation of the rare earth metal--NiSi (YbNi2Si2), whose peaks were confirmed by XRD. The junction leakage current of the p + -n junction with Yb/Ni/TiN and B18H22 implantation is smaller than that with Ni/TiN by almost one order of magnitude as well as improving the thermal stability of ultra shallow junction.

Tunneling spin polarization in planar tunnel junctions: measurements using NbN superconducting electrodes and evidence for Kondo-assisted tunneling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Hyunsoo

2006-03-01

The fundamental origin of tunneling magnetoresistance in magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) is the spin-polarized tunneling current, which can be measured directly using superconducting tunneling spectroscopy (STS). The STS technique was first developed by Meservey and Tedrow using aluminum superconducting electrodes. Al has been widely used because of its low spin orbit scattering. However, measurements must be made at low temperatures (<0.4 K) because of the low superconducting transition temperature of Al. Here, we demonstrate that superconducting electrodes formed from NbN can be used to measure tunneling spin polarization (TSP) at higher temperatures up to ˜1.2K. The tunneling magnetoresistance and polarization of the tunneling current in MTJs is highly sensitive to the detailed structure of the tunneling barrier. Using MgO tunnel barriers we find TSP values as high as 90% at 0.25K. The TMR is, however, depressed by insertion of ultra thin layers of both non-magnetic and magnetic metals in the middle of the MgO barrier. For ultra-thin, discontinuous magnetic layers of CoFe, we find evidence of Kondo assisted tunneling, from increased conductance at low temperatures (<50K) and bias voltage (<20 mV). Over the same temperature and bias voltage regimes the tunneling magnetoresistance is strongly depressed. We present other evidence of Kondo resonance including the logarithmic temperature dependence of the zero bias conductance peak. We infer the Kondo temperature from both the spectra width of this conductance peak as well as the temperature dependence of the TMR depression. The Kondo temperature is sensitive to the thickness of the inserted CoFe layer and decreases with increased CoFe thickness. * performed in collaboration with S-H. Yang, C. Kaiser, and S. Parkin.

Thermal properties of zirconium diboride -- transition metal boride solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McClane, Devon Lee

This research focuses on the thermal properties of zirconium diboride (ZrB2) based ceramics. The overall goal was to improve the understanding of how different transition metal (TM) additives influence thermal transport in ZrB2. To achieve this, ZrB2 with 0.5 wt% carbon, and 3 mol% of individual transition metal borides, was densified by hot-press sintering. The transition metals that were investigated were: Y, Ti, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, and Re. The room temperature thermal diffusivities of the compositions ranged from 0.331 cm2/s for nominally pure ZrB2 to 0.105 cm2/s for (Zr,Cr)B2 and converged around 0.155cm2/s at higher temperatures for all compositions. Thermal conductivities were calculated from the diffusivities, using temperature-dependent values for density and heat capacity. The electron contribution to thermal conductivity was calculated from measured electrical resistivity according to the Wiedemann-Franz law. The phonon contribution to thermal conductivity was calculated by subtracting the electron contribution from the total thermal conductivity. Rietveld refinement of x-ray diffraction data was used to determine the lattice parameters of the compositions. The decrease in thermal conductivity for individual additives correlated directly to the metallic radius of the additive. Additional strain appeared to exist for additives when the stable TM boride for that metal had different crystal symmetries than ZrB2. This research provided insight into how additives and impurities affect thermal transport in ZrB2. The research potentially offers a basis for future modeling of thermal conductivity in ultra-high temperature ceramics based on the correlation between metallic radius and the decrease in thermal conductivity.

Ultra-thin enhanced-absorption long-wave infrared detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shaohua; Yoon, Narae; Kamboj, Abhilasha; Petluru, Priyanka; Zheng, Wanhua; Wasserman, Daniel

2018-02-01

We propose an architecture for enhanced absorption in ultra-thin strained layer superlattice detectors utilizing a hybrid optical cavity design. Our detector architecture utilizes a designer-metal doped semiconductor ground plane beneath the ultra-subwavelength thickness long-wavelength infrared absorber material, upon which we pattern metallic antenna structures. We demonstrate the potential for near 50% detector absorption in absorber layers with thicknesses of approximately λ0/50, using realistic material parameters. We investigate detector absorption as a function of wavelength and incidence angle, as well as detector geometry. The proposed device architecture offers the potential for high efficiency detectors with minimal growth costs and relaxed design parameters.

Ultra-high temperature tensile properties of ODS steel claddings under severe accident conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yano, Y.; Tanno, T.; Oka, H.; Ohtsuka, S.; Inoue, T.; Kato, S.; Furukawa, T.; Uwaba, T.; Kaito, T.; Ukai, S.; Oono, N.; Kimura, A.; Hayashi, S.; Torimaru, T.

2017-04-01

Ultra-high temperature ring tensile tests were performed to investigate the tensile behavior of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steel claddings and wrapper materials under severe accident conditions with temperatures ranging from room temperature to 1400 °C which is close to the melting point of core materials. The experimental results showed that the tensile strength of 9Cr-ODS steel claddings was highest in the core materials at ultra-high temperatures of 900-1200 °C, but there was significant degradation in the tensile strength of 9Cr-ODS steel claddings above 1200 °C. This degradation was attributed to grain boundary sliding deformation with γ/δ transformation, which is associated with reduced ductility. By contrast, the tensile strength of recrystallized 12Cr-ODS and FeCrAl-ODS steel claddings retained its high value above 1200 °C, unlike the other tested materials.

Imaging interactions of metal oxide nanoparticles with macrophage cells by ultra-high resolution scanning electron microscopy techniques.

PubMed

Plascencia-Villa, Germán; Starr, Clarise R; Armstrong, Linda S; Ponce, Arturo; José-Yacamán, Miguel

2012-11-01

Use of engineered metal oxide nanoparticles in a plethora of biological applications and custom products has warned about some possible dose-dependent cytotoxic effects. Macrophages are key components of the innate immune system used to study possible toxic effects and internalization of different nanoparticulate materials. In this work, ultra-high resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to offer new insights into the dynamical processes of interaction of nanomaterials with macrophage cells dosed with different concentrations of metal oxide nanoparticles (CeO(2), TiO(2) and ZnO). The versatility of FE-SEM has allowed obtaining a detailed characterization of processes of adsorption and endocytosis of nanoparticles, by using advanced analytical and imaging techniques on complete unstained uncoated cells, including secondary electron imaging, high-sensitive backscattered electron imaging, X-ray microanalysis and stereoimaging. Low voltage BF/DF-STEM confirmed nanoparticle adsorption and internalization into endosomes of CeO(2) and TiO(2), whereas ZnO develop apoptosis after 24 h of interaction caused by dissolution and invasion of cell nucleus. Ultra-high resolution scanning electron microscopy techniques provided new insights into interactions of inorganic nanoparticles with macrophage cells with high spatial resolution.

Ultra-stiff metallic glasses through bond energy density design.

PubMed

Schnabel, Volker; Köhler, Mathias; Music, Denis; Bednarcik, Jozef; Clegg, William J; Raabe, Dierk; Schneider, Jochen M

2017-07-05

The elastic properties of crystalline metals scale with their valence electron density. Similar observations have been made for metallic glasses. However, for metallic glasses where covalent bonding predominates, such as metalloid metallic glasses, this relationship appears to break down. At present, the reasons for this are not understood. Using high energy x-ray diffraction analysis of melt spun and thin film metallic glasses combined with density functional theory based molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the physical origin of the ultrahigh stiffness in both metalloid and non-metalloid metallic glasses is best understood in terms of the bond energy density. Using the bond energy density as novel materials design criterion for ultra-stiff metallic glasses, we are able to predict a Co 33.0 Ta 3.5 B 63.5 short range ordered material by density functional theory based molecular dynamics simulations with a high bond energy density of 0.94 eV Å -3 and a bulk modulus of 263 GPa, which is 17% greater than the stiffest Co-B based metallic glasses reported in literature.

Hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol at room temperature: Boosting palladium nanocrystals efficiency by coupling with copper via liquid phase pulsed laser ablation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Hanbit; Reddy, D. Amaranatha; Kim, Yujin; Lee, Seunghee; Ma, Rory; Lim, Manho; Kim, Tae Kyu

2017-04-01

Ultra-dispersed bimetallic nanomaterials have attracted much attention in the hydrogenation of highly toxic aromatic nitro compounds to aromatic amines owing to their high stability, superior activity, reusability, and unique optical and electronic properties, as compared to monometalic nanocrystals. However, the lack of facile and economically controllable strategies of producing highly pure ultra-dispersed bimetallic nanocatalysts limits their practical industrial applications. Considering the above obstacles, we present a simple and effective strategy for the formation of bimetallic (PdCu) nanocrystals by liquid phase pulsed laser ablation using a bulk Pd metal plate submerged in CuCl2 solutions with different concentrations, in contrast to the complex and costly experimental methods used previously. The microstructural and optical properties of the synthesized nanocrystals indicate that the obtained bimetallic nanostructures are highly pure and monodispersed. Moreover, bimetallic PdCu nanostructures show a higher catalytic activity than monometallic Pd nanocrystals for the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol at room temperature, also exhibiting high stability for up to four recycles. The mechanism of the enhanced catalytic activity and stability of bimetallic nanocrystals is discussed in detail. Finally, we believe that the presented design strategy and utilization of bimetallic nanocrystals for catalytic applications enables the development of novel bimetallic nanostructures by liquid phase pulsed laser ablation and their catalytic application for environmental remediation.

Nanoscale Reinforced, Polymer Derived Ceramic Matrix Coatings

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

Rajendra Bordia

The goal of this project was to explore and develop a novel class of nanoscale reinforced ceramic coatings for high temperature (600-1000 C) corrosion protection of metallic components in a coal-fired environment. It was focused on developing coatings that are easy to process and low cost. The approach was to use high-yield preceramic polymers loaded with nano-size fillers. The complex interplay of the particles in the polymer, their role in controlling shrinkage and phase evolution during thermal treatment, resulting densification and microstructural evolution, mechanical properties and effectiveness as corrosion protection coatings were investigated. Fe-and Ni-based alloys currently used in coal-firedmore » environments do not possess the requisite corrosion and oxidation resistance for next generation of advanced power systems. One example of this is the power plants that use ultra supercritical steam as the working fluid. The increase in thermal efficiency of the plant and decrease in pollutant emissions are only possible by changing the properties of steam from supercritical to ultra supercritical. However, the conditions, 650 C and 34.5 MPa, are too severe and result in higher rate of corrosion due to higher metal temperatures. Coating the metallic components with ceramics that are resistant to corrosion, oxidation and erosion, is an economical and immediate solution to this problem. Good high temperature corrosion protection ceramic coatings for metallic structures must have a set of properties that are difficult to achieve using established processing techniques. The required properties include ease of coating complex shapes, low processing temperatures, thermal expansion match with metallic structures and good mechanical and chemical properties. Nanoscale reinforced composite coatings in which the matrix is derived from preceramic polymers have the potential to meet these requirements. The research was focused on developing suitable material systems and processing techniques for these coatings. In addition, we investigated the effect of microstructure on the mechanical properties and oxidation protection ability of the coatings. Coatings were developed to provide oxidation protection to both ferritic and austentic alloys and Ni-based alloys. The coatings that we developed are based on low viscosity pre-ceramic polymers. Thus they can be easily applied to any shape by using a variety of techniques including dip-coating, spray-coating and painting. The polymers are loaded with a variety of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles have two primary roles: control of the final composition and phases (and hence the properties); and control of the shrinkage during thermal decomposition of the polymer. Thus the selection of the nanoparticles was the most critical aspect of this project. Based on the results of the processing studies, the performance of selected coatings in oxidizing conditions (both static and cyclic) was investigated.« less

Spectroscopic chemical analysis methods and apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hug, William F. (Inventor); Reid, Ray D. (Inventor); Bhartia, Rohit (Inventor)

2013-01-01

Spectroscopic chemical analysis methods and apparatus are disclosed which employ deep ultraviolet (e.g. in the 200 nm to 300 nm spectral range) electron beam pumped wide bandgap semiconductor lasers, incoherent wide bandgap semiconductor light emitting devices, and hollow cathode metal ion lasers to perform non-contact, non-invasive detection of unknown chemical analytes. These deep ultraviolet sources enable dramatic size, weight and power consumption reductions of chemical analysis instruments. Chemical analysis instruments employed in some embodiments include capillary and gel plane electrophoresis, capillary electrochromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, flow cytometry, flow cells for liquids and aerosols, and surface detection instruments. In some embodiments, Raman spectroscopic detection methods and apparatus use ultra-narrow-band angle tuning filters, acousto-optic tuning filters, and temperature tuned filters to enable ultra-miniature analyzers for chemical identification. In some embodiments Raman analysis is conducted along with photoluminescence spectroscopy (i.e. fluorescence and/or phosphorescence spectroscopy) to provide high levels of sensitivity and specificity in the same instrument.

High-performance radial AMTEC cell design for ultra-high-power solar AMTEC systems

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

Hendricks, T.J.; Huang, C.

1999-07-01

Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Conversion (AMTEC) technology is rapidly maturing for potential application in ultra-high-power solar AMTEC systems required by potential future US Air Force (USAF) spacecraft missions in medium-earth and geosynchronous orbits (MEO and GEO). Solar thermal AMTEC power systems potentially have several important advantages over current solar photovoltaic power systems in ultra-high-power spacecraft applications for USAF MEO and GEO missions. This work presents key aspects of radial AMTEC cell design to achieve high cell performance in solar AMTEC systems delivering larger than 50 kW(e) to support high power USAF missions. These missions typically require AMTEC cell conversionmore » efficiency larger than 25%. A sophisticated design parameter methodology is described and demonstrated which establishes optimum design parameters in any radial cell design to satisfy high-power mission requirements. Specific relationships, which are distinct functions of cell temperatures and pressures, define critical dependencies between key cell design parameters, particularly the impact of parasitic thermal losses on Beta Alumina Solid Electrolyte (BASE) area requirements, voltage, number of BASE tubes, and system power production for both maximum power-per-BASE-area and optimum efficiency conditions. Finally, some high-level system tradeoffs are demonstrated using the design parameter methodology to establish high-power radial cell design requirements and philosophy. The discussion highlights how to incorporate this methodology with sophisticated SINDA/FLUINT AMTEC cell modeling capabilities to determine optimum radial AMTEC cell designs.« less

Mixed material formation and erosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linsmeier, Ch.; Luthin, J.; Goldstraß, P.

2001-03-01

The formation of mixed phases on materials relevant for first wall components of fusion devices is studied under well-defined conditions in ultra-high vacuum (UHV). This is necessary in order to determine fundamental parameters governing the basic processes of chemical reaction, material mixing and erosion. We examined the binary systems comprising of the wall materials beryllium, silicon, tungsten and titanium and carbon, the latter being both a wall material and a plasma impurity. Experiments were carried out to study the interaction of carbon in the form of a vapor-deposited component on clean, well-defined elemental surfaces. The chemical composition and the binding state are measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) after annealing treatments. For all materials, a limited carbide formation is found at room temperature. Annealing carbon films on elemental substrate leads to a complete carbidization of the carbon layer. The carbide layers on Be and Si are stable even at very high temperatures, whereas the carbides of Ti and W dissolve. The erosion of these two metals by sputtering is then identical to the pure metals, whereas for Be and Si a protective carbide layer can reduce the sputtering yields.

Optical fiber evanescent absorption sensors for high-temperature gas sensing in advanced coal-fired power plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buric, Michael P.; Ohodnicky, Paul R.; Duy, Janice

2012-10-01

Modern advanced energy systems such as coal-fired power plants, gasifiers, or similar infrastructure present some of the most challenging harsh environments for sensors. The power industry would benefit from new, ultra-high temperature devices capable of surviving in hot and corrosive environments for embedded sensing at the highest value locations. For these applications, we are currently exploring optical fiber evanescent wave absorption spectroscopy (EWAS) based sensors consisting of high temperature core materials integrated with novel high temperature gas sensitive cladding materials. Mathematical simulations can be used to assist in sensor development efforts, and we describe a simulation code that assumes a single thick cladding layer with gas sensitive optical constants. Recent work has demonstrated that Au nanoparticle-incorporated metal oxides show a potentially useful response for high temperature optical gas sensing applications through the sensitivity of the localized surface plasmon resonance absorption peak to ambient atmospheric conditions. Hence, the simulation code has been applied to understand how such a response can be exploited in an optical fiber based EWAS sensor configuration. We demonstrate that interrogation can be used to optimize the sensing response in such materials.

Achieving Ohmic Contact for High-quality MoS2 Devices on Hexagonal Boron Nitride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Xu

MoS2, among many other transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), holds great promise for future applications in nano-electronics, opto-electronics and mechanical devices due to its ultra-thin nature, flexibility, sizable band-gap, and unique spin-valley coupled physics. However, there are two main challenges that hinder careful study of this material. Firstly, it is hard to achieve Ohmic contacts to mono-layer MoS2, particularly at low temperatures (T) and low carrier densities. Secondly, materials' low quality and impurities introduced during the fabrication significantly limit the electron mobility of mono- and few-layer MoS2 to be substantially below theoretically predicted limits, which has hampered efforts to observe its novel quantum transport behaviours. Traditional low work function metals doesn't necessary provide good electron injection to thin MoS2 due to metal oxidation, Fermi level pinning, etc. To address the first challenge, we tried multiple contact schemes and found that mono-layer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and cobalt (Co) provide robust Ohmic contact. The mono-layer spacer serves two advantageous purposes: it strongly interacts with the transition metal, reducing its work function by over 1 eV; and breaks the metal-TMDCs interaction to eliminate the interfacial states that cause Fermi level pinning. We measure a flat-band Schottky barrier of 16 meV, which makes thin tunnel barriers upon doping the channels, and thus achieve low-T contact resistance of 3 kohm.um at a carrier density of 5.3x10. 12/cm. 2. Similar to graphene, eliminating all potential sources of disorder and scattering is the key to achieving high performance in MoS2 devices. We developed a van der Waals heterostructure device platform where MoS2 layers are fully encapsulated within h-BN and electrically contacted in a multi-terminal geometry using gate-tunable graphene electrodes. The h-BN-encapsulation provides excellent protection from environmental factors, resulting in highly stable device performance, even at elevated temperatures. Both optical and electrical characterization confirms our high quality devices, including an ultra-clean interface, a record-high Hall mobility reaching 34,000 cm. 2/Vs, and first observation of Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations. The development of Ohmic contact and fabrication of high quality devices are critical to MoS2 application and studying its intrinsic properties. Therefore, the progress made in this work will facilitate efforts to study novel physical phenomena of MoS2 that were not accessible before.

Cu self-sputtering MD simulations for 0.1-5 keV ions at elevated temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Metspalu, Tarvo; Jansson, Ville; Zadin, Vahur; Avchaciov, Konstantin; Nordlund, Kai; Aabloo, Alvo; Djurabekova, Flyura

2018-01-01

Self-sputtering of copper under high electric fields is considered to contribute to plasma buildup during a vacuum breakdown event frequently observed near metal surfaces, even in ultra high vacuum condition in different electric devices. In this study, by means of molecular dynamics simulations, we analyze the effect of surface temperature and morphology on the yield of self-sputtering of copper with ion energies of 0.1-5 keV. We analyze all three low-index surfaces of Cu, {1 0 0}, {1 1 0} and {1 1 1}, held at different temperatures, 300 K, 500 K and 1200 K. The surface roughness relief is studied by either varying the angle of incidence on flat surfaces, or by using arbitrary roughened surfaces, which result in a more natural distribution of surface relief variations. Our simulations provide detailed characterization of copper self-sputtering with respect to different material temperatures, crystallographic orientations, surface roughness, energies, and angles of ion incidence.

Instability analysis of charges trapped in the oxide of metal-ultra thin oxide-semiconductor structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aziz, A.; Kassmi, K.; Maimouni, R.; Olivié, F.; Sarrabayrouse, G.; Martinez, A.

2005-09-01

In this paper, we present the theoretical and experimental results of the influence of a charge trapped in ultra-thin oxide of metal/ultra-thin oxide/semiconductor structures (MOS) on the I(Vg) current-voltage characteristics when the conduction is of the Fowler-Nordheim (FN) tunneling type. The charge, which is negative, is trapped near the cathode (metal/oxide interface) after constant current injection by the metal (Vg<0). Of particular interest is the influence on the Δ Vg(Vg) shift over the whole I(Vg) characteristic at high field (greater than the injection field (>12.5 MV/cm)). It is shown that the charge centroid varies linearly with respect to the voltage Vg. The behavior at low field (<12.5 MV/cm) is analyzed in référence A. Aziz, K. Kassmi, Ka. Kassmi, F. Olivié, Semicond. Sci. Technol. 19, 877 (2004) and considers that the trapped charge centroid is fixed. The results obtained make it possible to analyze the influence of the injected charge and the applied field on the centroid position of the trapped charge, and to highlight the charge instability in the ultra-thin oxide of MOS structures.

Ultra-low temperature curable nano-silver conductive adhesive for piezoelectric composite material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Chao; Liao, Qingwei; Zhou, Xingli; Wang, Likun; Zhong, Chao; Zhang, Di

2018-01-01

Limited by the low thermal resistance of composite material, ultra-low temperature curable conductive silver adhesive with curing temperature less than 100 °C needed urgently for the surface conduction treatment of piezoelectric composite material. An ultra-low temperature curable nano-silver conductive adhesive with high adhesion strength for the applications of piezoelectric composite material was investigated. The crystal structure of cured adhesive, SEM/EDS analysis, thermal analysis, adhesive properties and conductive properties of different content of nano-silver filler or micron-silver doping samples were studied. The results show that with 60 wt.% nano-silver filler the ultra-low temperature curable conductive silver adhesive had the relatively good conductivity as volume resistivity of 2.37 × 10-4 Ω cm, and good adhesion strength of 5.13 MPa. Minor micron-doping (below 15 wt.%) could improve conductivity, but would decrease other properties. The ultra-low temperature curable nano-silver conductive adhesive could successfully applied to piezoelectric composite material.

In situ assembly of well-dispersed Ni nanoparticles on silica nanotubes and excellent catalytic activity in 4-nitrophenol reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shenghuan; Gai, Shili; He, Fei; Ding, Shujiang; Li, Lei; Yang, Piaoping

2014-09-01

The easy aggregation nature of ferromagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) prepared by conventional routes usually leads to a large particle size and low loading, which greatly limits their applications to the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Herein, we developed a novel in situ thermal decomposition and reduction strategy to prepare Ni nanoparticles/silica nanotubes (Ni/SNTs), which can markedly prevent the aggregation and growth of Ni NPs, resulting in an ultra-small particle size (about 6 nm), good dispersion and especially high loading of Ni NPs. It was found that Ni/SNTs, which have a high specific surface area (416 m2 g-1), exhibit ultra-high catalytic activity in the 4-NP reduction (complete reduction of 4-NP within only 60 s at room temperature), which is superior to most noble metal (Au, Pt, and Pd) supported catalysts. Ni/SNTs still showed high activity even after re-use for several cycles, suggesting good stability. In particular, the magnetic property of Ni/SNTs makes it easy to recycle for reuse.The easy aggregation nature of ferromagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) prepared by conventional routes usually leads to a large particle size and low loading, which greatly limits their applications to the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Herein, we developed a novel in situ thermal decomposition and reduction strategy to prepare Ni nanoparticles/silica nanotubes (Ni/SNTs), which can markedly prevent the aggregation and growth of Ni NPs, resulting in an ultra-small particle size (about 6 nm), good dispersion and especially high loading of Ni NPs. It was found that Ni/SNTs, which have a high specific surface area (416 m2 g-1), exhibit ultra-high catalytic activity in the 4-NP reduction (complete reduction of 4-NP within only 60 s at room temperature), which is superior to most noble metal (Au, Pt, and Pd) supported catalysts. Ni/SNTs still showed high activity even after re-use for several cycles, suggesting good stability. In particular, the magnetic property of Ni/SNTs makes it easy to recycle for reuse. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: XRD pattern and TEM image of SNTs after calcination, XRD pattern and EDS of NiSNTs, SEM images of a single SNT, NiSNTs and Ni/SNTs, enlarged HRTEM of Ni/SNTs, XRD pattern of NiO/SNTs, UV-vis spectra of the catalytic reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP over Ni/SNTs with different loading amounts, Ni/SNTs synthesized by wet impregnation and Ni/CNTs, TEM images of Ni/SNTs synthesized by wet impregnation and Ni/CNTs. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr02096k

Fractal dendrite-based electrically conductive composites for laser-scribed flexible circuits

PubMed Central

Yang, Cheng; Cui, Xiaoya; Zhang, Zhexu; Chiang, Sum Wai; Lin, Wei; Duan, Huan; Li, Jia; Kang, Feiyu; Wong, Ching-Ping

2015-01-01

Fractal metallic dendrites have been drawing more attentions recently, yet they have rarely been explored in electronic printing or packaging applications because of the great challenges in large-scale synthesis and limited understanding in such applications. Here we demonstrate a controllable synthesis of fractal Ag micro-dendrites at the hundred-gram scale. When used as the fillers for isotropically electrically conductive composites (ECCs), the unique three-dimensional fractal geometrical configuration and low-temperature sintering characteristic render the Ag micro dendrites with an ultra-low electrical percolation threshold of 0.97 vol% (8 wt%). The ultra-low percolation threshold and self-limited fusing ability may address some critical challenges in current interconnect technology for microelectronics. For example, only half of the laser-scribe energy is needed to pattern fine circuit lines printed using the present ECCs, showing great potential for wiring ultrathin circuits for high performance flexible electronics. PMID:26333352

Reactive and non-reactive interactions of thiophene with WS2 fullerene-like nanoparticles: an ultra-high vacuum surface chemistry study

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

Goering, J.; Burghaus, Uwe; Arey, Bruce W.

The adsorption kinetics of thiophene on WS2 nanoparticles with fullerene-like (onion-like) structure has been studied at ultra-high vacuum conditions by sample temperature ramping techniques. At low temperatures, thiophene adsorbs molecularly. The formation of H2S and alkanes is evident at greater temperatures on fully sulfided as well as reduced and oxidized WS2 nanoparticles.

Research and preparation of ultra purity silicon tetrachloride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Ye; Zhao, Xiong; Yan, Dazhou; Yang, Dian; Li, Yunhao; Guo, Shuhu

2017-10-01

This article demonstrated a technology for producing ultra-purity silicon tetrachloride, which using the high purity SiCl4 as raw material through the method of combination ray reaction with purification. This technology could remove metal impurities and compounds impurities contained hydrogen effectively. The purity of product prepared by this technology can reach at 99.9999%, content of metal impurities can be low at 0.3PPb, meeting the requirement of industry easily. This technology has the advantages of simple process, continuous operation, and stable performance.

Processing and fabrication of mixed uranium/refractory metal carbide fuels with liquid-phase sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knight, Travis W.; Anghaie, Samim

2002-11-01

Optimization of powder processing techniques were sought for the fabrication of single-phase, solid-solution mixed uranium/refractory metal carbide nuclear fuels - namely (U, Zr, Nb)C. These advanced, ultra-high temperature nuclear fuels have great potential for improved performance over graphite matrix, dispersed fuels tested in the Rover/NERVA program of the 1960s and early 1970s. Hypostoichiometric fuel samples with carbon-to-metal ratios of 0.98, uranium metal mole fractions of 5% and 10%, and porosities less than 5% were fabricated. These qualities should provide for the longest life and highest performance capability for these fuels. Study and optimization of processing methods were necessary to provide the quality assurance of samples for meaningful testing and assessment of performance for nuclear thermal propulsion applications. The processing parameters and benefits of enhanced sintering by uranium carbide liquid-phase sintering were established for the rapid and effective consolidation and formation of a solid-solution mixed carbide nuclear fuel.

Preparation of uniform nanoparticles of ultra-high purity metal oxides, mixed metal oxides, metals, and metal alloys

DOEpatents

Woodfield, Brian F.; Liu, Shengfeng; Boerio-Goates, Juliana; Liu, Qingyuan; Smith, Stacey Janel

2012-07-03

In preferred embodiments, metal nanoparticles, mixed-metal (alloy) nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles and mixed-metal oxide nanoparticles are provided. According to embodiments, the nanoparticles may possess narrow size distributions and high purities. In certain preferred embodiments, methods of preparing metal nanoparticles, mixed-metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles and mixed-metal nanoparticles are provided. These methods may provide tight control of particle size, size distribution, and oxidation state. Other preferred embodiments relate to a precursor material that may be used to form nanoparticles. In addition, products prepared from such nanoparticles are disclosed.

Simulation study on AlGaN/GaN diode with Γ-shaped anode for ultra-low turn-on voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zeheng; Chen, Wanjun; Wang, Fangzhou; Cao, Jun; Sun, Ruize; Ren, Kailin; Luo, Yi; Guo, Songnan; Wang, Zirui; Jin, Xiaosheng; Yang, Lei; Zhang, Bo

2018-05-01

An ultra-low turn-on voltage (VT) Γ-shaped anode AlGaN/GaN Schottky barrier diode (GA-SBD) is proposed via modeling and simulation for the first time, in which a Γ-shaped anode consists of a metal-2DEG junction together with a metal-AlGaN junction beside a shallowly recessed MIS field plate (MFP). An analytic forward current-voltage model matching the simulation results well is presented where an ultra-low VT of 0.08 V is obtained. The turn-on and blocking mechanisms are investigated to reveal the GA-SBD's great potential for applications of highly efficient power ICs.

Remarkably high mobility ultra-thin-film metal-oxide transistor with strongly overlapped orbitals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei Shih, Chen; Chin, Albert; Fu Lu, Chun; Fang Su, Wei

2016-01-01

High mobility channel thin-film-transistor (TFT) is crucial for both display and future generation integrated circuit. We report a new metal-oxide TFT that has an ultra-thin 4.5 nm SnO2 thickness for both active channel and source-drain regions, very high 147 cm2/Vs field-effect mobility, high ION/IOFF of 2.3 × 107, small 110 mV/dec sub-threshold slope, and a low VD of 2.5 V for low power operation. This mobility is already better than chemical-vapor-deposition grown multi-layers MoS2 TFT. From first principle quantum-mechanical calculation, the high mobility TFT is due to strongly overlapped orbitals.

Remarkably high mobility ultra-thin-film metal-oxide transistor with strongly overlapped orbitals

PubMed Central

Wei Shih, Chen; Chin, Albert; Fu Lu, Chun; Fang Su, Wei

2016-01-01

High mobility channel thin-film-transistor (TFT) is crucial for both display and future generation integrated circuit. We report a new metal-oxide TFT that has an ultra-thin 4.5 nm SnO2 thickness for both active channel and source-drain regions, very high 147 cm2/Vs field-effect mobility, high ION/IOFF of 2.3 × 107, small 110 mV/dec sub-threshold slope, and a low VD of 2.5 V for low power operation. This mobility is already better than chemical-vapor-deposition grown multi-layers MoS2 TFT. From first principle quantum-mechanical calculation, the high mobility TFT is due to strongly overlapped orbitals. PMID:26744240

Tailoring graphene magnetism by zigzag triangular holes: A first-principles thermodynamics study

DOE PAGES

Khan, Muhammad Ejaz; Zhang, P.; Sun, Yi -Yang; ...

2016-03-30

In this study, we discuss the thermodynamic stability and magnetic property of zigzag triangular holes (ZTHs) in graphene based on the results of first-principles density functional theory calculations. We find that ZTHs with hydrogen-passivated edges in mixed sp 2/sp 3 configurations (z 211) could be readily available at experimental thermodynamic conditions, but ZTHs with 100% sp 2 hydrogen-passivation (z 1) could be limitedly available at high temperature and ultra-high vacuum conditions. Graphene magnetization near the ZTHs strongly depends on the type and the size of the triangles. While metallic z 1 ZTHs exhibit characteristic edge magnetism due to the same-sublatticemore » engineering, semiconducting z 211 ZTHs do show characteristic corner magnetism when the size is small < 2 nm. Our findings could be useful for experimentally tailoring metal-free carbon magnetism by simply fabricating triangular holes in graphene.« less

Tailoring graphene magnetism by zigzag triangular holes: A first-principles thermodynamics study

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

Khan, Muhammad Ejaz; Zhang, P.; Kim, Yong-Hyun, E-mail: yong.hyun.kim@kaist.ac.kr

We discuss the thermodynamic stability and magnetic property of zigzag triangular holes (ZTHs) in graphene based on the results of first-principles density functional theory calculations. We find that ZTHs with hydrogen-passivated edges in mixed sp{sup 2}/sp{sup 3} configurations (z{sub 211}) could be readily available at experimental thermodynamic conditions, but ZTHs with 100% sp{sup 2} hydrogen-passivation (z{sub 1}) could be limitedly available at high temperature and ultra-high vacuum conditions. Graphene magnetization near the ZTHs strongly depends on the type and the size of the triangles. While metallic z{sub 1} ZTHs exhibit characteristic edge magnetism due to the same-sublattice engineering, semiconducting z{submore » 211} ZTHs do show characteristic corner magnetism when the size is small <2 nm. Our findings could be useful for experimentally tailoring metal-free carbon magnetism by simply fabricating triangular holes in graphene.« less

Technology breakthroughs in high performance metal-oxide-semiconductor devices for ultra-high density, low power non-volatile memory applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Augustin Jinwoo

Non-volatile memory devices have attracted much attention because data can be retained without power consumption more than a decade. Therefore, non-volatile memory devices are essential to mobile electronic applications. Among state of the art non-volatile memory devices, NAND flash memory has earned the highest attention because of its ultra-high scalability and therefore its ultra-high storage capacity. However, human desire as well as market competition requires not only larger storage capacity but also lower power consumption for longer battery life time. One way to meet this human desire and extend the benefits of NAND flash memory is finding out new materials for storage layer inside the flash memory, which is called floating gate in the state of the art flash memory device. In this dissertation, we study new materials for the floating gate that can lower down the power consumption and increase the storage capacity at the same time. To this end, we employ various materials such as metal nanodot, metal thin film and graphene incorporating complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) compatible processes. Experimental results show excellent memory effects at relatively low operating voltages. Detailed physics and analysis on experimental results are discussed. These new materials for data storage can be promising candidates for future non-volatile memory application beyond the state of the art flash technologies.

RuO2 Thermometer for Ultra-Low Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hait, Thomas; Shirron, Peter J.; DiPirro, Michael

2009-01-01

A small, high-resolution, low-power thermometer has been developed for use in ultra-low temperatures that uses multiple RuO2 chip resistors. The use of commercially available thick-film RuO2 chip resistors for measuring cryogenic temperatures is well known due to their low cost, long-term stability, and large resistance change.

High-energy green supercapacitor driven by ionic liquid electrolytes as an ultra-high stable next-generation energy storage device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thangavel, Ranjith; Kannan, Aravindaraj G.; Ponraj, Rubha; Thangavel, Vigneysh; Kim, Dong-Won; Lee, Yun-Sung

2018-04-01

Development of supercapacitors with high energy density and long cycle life using sustainable materials for next-generation applications is of paramount importance. The ongoing challenge is to elevate the energy density of supercapacitors on par with batteries, while upholding the power and cyclability. In addition, attaining such superior performance with green and sustainable bio-mass derived compounds is very crucial to address the rising environmental concerns. Herein, we demonstrate the use of watermelon rind, a bio-waste from watermelons, towards high energy, and ultra-stable high temperature green supercapacitors with a high-voltage ionic liquid electrolyte. Supercapacitors assembled with ultra-high surface area, hierarchically porous carbon exhibits a remarkable performance both at room temperature and at high temperature (60 °C) with maximum energy densities of ∼174 Wh kg-1 (25 °C), and 177 Wh kg-1 (60 °C) - based on active mass of both electrodes. Furthermore, an ultra-high specific power of ∼20 kW kg-1 along with an ultra-stable cycling performance with 90% retention over 150,000 cycles has been achieved even at 60 °C, outperforming supercapacitors assembled with other carbon based materials. These results demonstrate the potential to develop high-performing, green energy storage devices using eco-friendly materials for next generation electric vehicles and other advanced energy storage systems.

Combined micromechanical and fabrication process optimization for metal-matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morel, M.; Saravanos, D. A.; Chamis, C. C.

1991-01-01

A method is presented to minimize the residual matrix stresses in metal matrix composites. Fabrication parameters such as temperature and consolidation pressure are optimized concurrently with the characteristics (i.e., modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion, strength, and interphase thickness) of a fiber-matrix interphase. By including the interphase properties in the fabrication process, lower residual stresses are achievable. Results for an ultra-high modulus graphite (P100)/copper composite show a reduction of 21 percent for the maximum matrix microstress when optimizing the fabrication process alone. Concurrent optimization of the fabrication process and interphase properties show a 41 percent decrease in the maximum microstress. Therefore, this optimization method demonstrates the capability of reducing residual microstresses by altering the temperature and consolidation pressure histories and tailoring the interphase properties for an improved composite material. In addition, the results indicate that the consolidation pressures are the most important fabrication parameters, and the coefficient of thermal expansion is the most critical interphase property.

Concurrent micromechanical tailoring and fabrication process optimization for metal-matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morel, M.; Saravanos, D. A.; Chamis, Christos C.

1990-01-01

A method is presented to minimize the residual matrix stresses in metal matrix composites. Fabrication parameters such as temperature and consolidation pressure are optimized concurrently with the characteristics (i.e., modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion, strength, and interphase thickness) of a fiber-matrix interphase. By including the interphase properties in the fabrication process, lower residual stresses are achievable. Results for an ultra-high modulus graphite (P100)/copper composite show a reduction of 21 percent for the maximum matrix microstress when optimizing the fabrication process alone. Concurrent optimization of the fabrication process and interphase properties show a 41 percent decrease in the maximum microstress. Therefore, this optimization method demonstrates the capability of reducing residual microstresses by altering the temperature and consolidation pressure histories and tailoring the interphase properties for an improved composite material. In addition, the results indicate that the consolidation pressures are the most important fabrication parameters, and the coefficient of thermal expansion is the most critical interphase property.

Self-limiting atomic layer deposition of conformal nanostructured silver films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golrokhi, Zahra; Chalker, Sophia; Sutcliffe, Christopher J.; Potter, Richard J.

2016-02-01

The controlled deposition of ultra-thin conformal silver nanoparticle films is of interest for applications including anti-microbial surfaces, plasmonics, catalysts and sensors. While numerous techniques can produce silver nanoparticles, few are able to produce highly conformal coatings on high aspect ratio surfaces, together with sub-nanometre control and scalability. Here we develop a self-limiting atomic layer deposition (ALD) process for the deposition of conformal metallic silver nanoparticle films. The films have been deposited using direct liquid injection ALD with ((hexafluoroacetylacetonato)silver(I)(1,5-cyclooctadiene)) and propan-1-ol. An ALD temperature window between 123 and 128 °C is identified and within this range self-limiting growth is confirmed with a mass deposition rate of ∼17.5 ng/cm2/cycle. The effects of temperature, precursor dose, co-reactant dose and cycle number on the deposition rate and on the properties of the films have been systematically investigated. Under self-limiting conditions, films are metallic silver with a nano-textured surface topography and nanoparticle size is dependent on the number of ALD cycles. The ALD reaction mechanisms have been elucidated using in-situ quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) measurements, showing chemisorption of the silver precursor, followed by heterogeneous catalytic dehydrogenation of the alcohol to form metallic silver and an aldehyde.

Growth and characterization of ultra thin vanadium oxide films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Fangfang

This dissertation focuses on the growth and characterization of ultra thin VO2 films on technologically relevant Si/SiO2 substrate. The samples were prepared by magnetron sputtering with varying deposition and post annealing conditions. VO2(M1) films prepared under optimal condition with thickness around 42nm shows a continuous micro-structure and a metal insulator transition with resistivity change of two orders of magnitude. The transition temperature is determined to be 345K with a hysteresis width of approximately 8°C. The activation energy of the low temperature semiconducting VO2 monoclinic phase is determined to be 0.16+/-0.03ev. These properties are found to be fairly stable over time under ambient atmosphere. Temperature dependent hall measurements suggest that the decrease of the resistivity with increasing temperature is mainly caused by the increase of the number density of charge carriers, the energy gap of VO2 film in the semiconducting phase is 0.4ev and phonon scattering is the dominant scattering mechanism in the temperature range from 195K to 340K. Analysis based on composite model suggested that the sample has some untransitional phases with a length that is 1/4 of the grain size. Stress measurements using X-ray diffraction indicate that the ultra thin VO2 film has a large tensile stress of 2.0+/-0.2GPa. This value agrees well with that calculated thermal stress assuming the stress is due to differential thermal expansion between VO2 film and substrate. The stress is expected to lead to a shift of the transition temperature in the film, as observed. Using magnetron sputtering, VO2(B) film was able to obtained on Si substrate. The temperature dependent current voltage measurement on VO2(B) film did not show any abrupt change in the electrical resistivity. W - VO2(B) thin film - W metal semiconductor-metal I-V properties were found to be determined by reverse biased Schottky barrier at the W/VO 2(b) interface. And the Schottky height between VO2(B) and W was determined to be about 0.15ev, which indicate the electron affinity of the VO2(B) is about 4.35ev.

Welding of HSLA-100 steel using ultra low carbon bainitic weld metal to eliminate preheating

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

Devletian, J.H.; Singh, D.; Wood, W.E.

1996-12-31

Advanced high strength steels such as the Navy`s HSLA-100 and HSLA-80 contain sufficiently low carbon levels to be weldable without preheating. Unfortunately, commercial filler metals specifically designed to weld these steels without costly preheating have not yet been developed. The objective of this paper is to show that the Navy`s advanced steels can be welded by gas metal-arc (GMAW) and gas tungsten-arc welding (GTAW) without preheating by using filler metal compositions that produce weld metal with an ultra-low carbon bainitic (ULCB) microstructure. Filler metals were fabricated from vacuum induction melted (VIM) ingots containing ultra-low levels of C, O and N.more » HSLA-100 plate and plate from the VIM ingots were welded by both GMAW and GTAW with Ar-5% CO{sub 2} shielding gas using welding conditions to achieve cooling times from 800 to 500 C (t{sub 8-5}) from 35 to 14 sec. Weld metal tensile, hardness and CVN impact toughness testing as well as microstructural studies using transmission electron microscopy were conducted. The ULCB weld metal was relatively insensitive to cooling rate, resulting in good strength and toughness values over a wide range of t{sub 8-5} cooling times. Filler metal compositions which met the mechanical property requirements for HSLA-100, HSLA-80 and HSLA-65 weld metal were developed.« less

Water co-catalyzed selective dehydrogenation of methanol to formaldehyde and hydrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Junjun; Lucci, Felicia R.; Liu, Jilei; El-Soda, Mostafa; Marcinkowski, Matthew D.; Allard, Lawrence F.; Sykes, E. Charles H.; Flytzani-Stephanopoulos, Maria

2016-08-01

The non-oxidative dehydrogenation of methanol to formaldehyde is considered a promising method to produce formaldehyde and clean hydrogen gas. Although Cu-based catalysts have an excellent catalytic activity in the oxidative dehydrogenation of methanol, metallic Cu is commonly believed to be unreactive for the dehydrogenation of methanol in the absence of oxygen adatoms or oxidized copper. Herein we show that metallic Cu can catalyze the dehydrogenation of methanol in the absence of oxygen adatoms by using water as a co-catalyst both under realistic reaction conditions using silica-supported PtCu nanoparticles in a flow reactor system at temperatures below 250 °C, and in ultra-high vacuum using model PtCu(111) catalysts. Adding small amounts of isolated Pt atoms into the Cu surface to form PtCu single atom alloys (SAAs) greatly enhances the dehydrogenation activity of Cu. Under the same reaction conditions, the yields of formaldehyde from PtCu SAA nanoparticles are more than one order of magnitude higher than on the Cu nanoparticles, indicating a significant promotional effect of individual, isolated Pt atoms. Moreover, this study also shows the unexpected role of water in the activation of methanol. Water, a catalyst for methanol dehydrogenation at low temperatures, becomes a reactant in the methanol steam reforming reactions only at higher temperatures over the same metal catalyst.

Can low-temperature thermoluminescence cast light on the nature of ultra-high dilutions?

PubMed

Rey, Louis

2007-07-01

Low-temperature thermoluminescence has been used in attempt to understand the particular structure of ultra high dilutions. Samples are activated by irradiation after freezing at the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77 degrees K). Experimental results show that, in the course of rewarming, the thermoluminescent glow is susbtantially different between dilutions of different substances. It is suggested that the dispersed gas phase might play a role in this process.

Imaging interactions of metal oxide nanoparticles with macrophage cells by ultra-high resolution scanning electron microscopy techniques†

PubMed Central

Plascencia-Villa, Germán; Starr, Clarise R.; Armstrong, Linda S.; Ponce, Arturo

2016-01-01

Use of engineered metal oxide nanoparticles in a plethora of biological applications and custom products has warned about some possible dose-dependent cytotoxic effects. Macrophages are key components of the innate immune system used to study possible toxic effects and internalization of different nanoparticulate materials. In this work, ultra-high resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to offer new insights into the dynamical processes of interaction of nanomaterials with macrophage cells dosed with different concentrations of metal oxide nanoparticles (CeO2, TiO2 and ZnO). The versatility of FE-SEM has allowed obtaining a detailed characterization of processes of adsorption and endocytosis of nanoparticles, by using advanced analytical and imaging techniques on complete unstained uncoated cells, including secondary electron imaging, high-sensitive backscattered electron imaging, X-ray microanalysis and stereoimaging. Low voltage BF/DF-STEM confirmed nanoparticle adsorption and internalization into endosomes of CeO2 and TiO2, whereas ZnO develop apoptosis after 24 h of interaction caused by dissolution and invasion of cell nucleus. Ultra-high resolution scanning electron microscopy techniques provided new insights into interactions of inorganic nanoparticles with macrophage cells with high spatial resolution. PMID:23023106

Transition Metal Compounds Towards Holography

PubMed Central

Dieckmann, Volker; Eicke, Sebastian; Springfeld, Kristin; Imlau, Mirco

2012-01-01

We have successfully proposed the application of transition metal compounds in holographic recording media. Such compounds feature an ultra-fast light-induced linkage isomerization of the transition-metal–ligand bond with switching times in the sub-picosecond regime and lifetimes from microseconds up to hours at room temperature. This article highlights the photofunctionality of two of the most promising transition metal compounds and the photophysical mechanisms that are underlying the hologram recording. We present the latest progress with respect to the key measures of holographic media assembled from transition metal compounds, the molecular embedding in a dielectric matrix and their impressive potential for modern holographic applications. PMID:28817028

Ultra-high Strength Nanostructured Mg

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-31

27709-2211 Nanostructured Mg and Mg alloys, Mg metallic glass, Cryomilling, Powder consolidation, Spark plasma sintering , Deformation mechanisms REPORT...mechanically milled powder and high pressure on spark plasma sintering of Mg-Cu-Gd metallic glasses; (9) microstructure and mechanical behavior of Mg-10Li-3Al...pressure on spark plasma sintering of Mg– Cu–Gd metallic glasses, Acta Materialia , (07 2013): 4414. doi: Baolong Zheng, Ying Li, Weizong Xu

Development of ultra-high temperature material characterization capabilities using digital image correlation analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cline, Julia Elaine

2011-12-01

Ultra-high temperature deformation measurements are required to characterize the thermo-mechanical response of material systems for thermal protection systems for aerospace applications. The use of conventional surface-contacting strain measurement techniques is not practical in elevated temperature conditions. Technological advancements in digital imaging provide impetus to measure full-field displacement and determine strain fields with sub-pixel accuracy by image processing. In this work, an Instron electromechanical axial testing machine with a custom-designed high temperature gripping mechanism is used to apply quasi-static tensile loads to graphite specimens heated to 2000°F (1093°C). Specimen heating via Joule effect is achieved and maintained with a custom-designed temperature control system. Images are captured at monotonically increasing load levels throughout the test duration using an 18 megapixel Canon EOS Rebel T2i digital camera with a modified Schneider Kreutznach telecentric lens and a combination of blue light illumination and narrow band-pass filter system. Images are processed using an open-source Matlab-based digital image correlation (DIC) code. Validation of source code is performed using Mathematica generated images with specified known displacement fields in order to gain confidence in accurate software tracking capabilities. Room temperature results are compared with extensometer readings. Ultra-high temperature strain measurements for graphite are obtained at low load levels, demonstrating the potential for non-contacting digital image correlation techniques to accurately determine full-field strain measurements at ultra-high temperature. Recommendations are given to improve the experimental set-up to achieve displacement field measurements accurate to 1/10 pixel and strain field accuracy of less than 2%.

Enhancing thermal reliability of fiber-optic sensors for bio-inspired applications at ultra-high temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Donghoon; Kim, Heon-Young; Kim, Dae-Hyun

2014-07-01

The rapid growth of bio-(inspired) sensors has led to an improvement in modern healthcare and human-robot systems in recent years. Higher levels of reliability and better flexibility, essential features of these sensors, are very much required in many application fields (e.g. applications at ultra-high temperatures). Fiber-optic sensors, and fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors in particular, are being widely studied as suitable sensors for improved structural health monitoring (SHM) due to their many merits. To enhance the thermal reliability of FBG sensors, thermal sensitivity, generally expressed as αf + ξf and considered a constant, should be investigated more precisely. For this purpose, the governing equation of FBG sensors is modified using differential derivatives between the wavelength shift and the temperature change in this study. Through a thermal test ranging from RT to 900 °C, the thermal sensitivity of FBG sensors is successfully examined and this guarantees thermal reliability of FBG sensors at ultra-high temperatures. In detail, αf + ξf has a non-linear dependence on temperature and varies from 6.0 × 10-6 °C-1 (20 °C) to 10.6 × 10-6 °C-1 (650 °C). Also, FBGs should be carefully used for applications at ultra-high temperatures due to signal disappearance near 900 °C.

Atomistic simulations of ultra-short pulse laser ablation of aluminum: validity of the Lambert-Beer law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eisfeld, Eugen; Roth, Johannes

2018-05-01

Based on hybrid molecular dynamics/two-temperature simulations, we study the validity of the application of Lambert-Beer's law, which is conveniently used in various modeling approaches of ultra-short pulse laser ablation of metals. The method is compared to a more rigorous treatment, which involves solving the Helmholtz wave equation for different pulse durations ranging from 100 fs to 5 ps and a wavelength of 800 nm. Our simulations show a growing agreement with increasing pulse durations, and we provide appropriate optical parameters for all investigated pulse durations.

Analysis of trace halocarbon contaminants in ultra high purity helium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fewell, Larry L.

1994-01-01

This study describes the analysis of ultra high purity helium. Purification studies were conducted and containment removal was effected by the utilization of solid adsorbent purge-trap systems at cryogenic temperatures. Volatile organic compounds in ultra high purity helium were adsorbed on a solid adsorbent-cryogenic trap, and thermally desorbed trace halocarbon and other contaminants were analyzed by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Current Modulation of a Heterojunction Structure by an Ultra-Thin Graphene Base Electrode.

PubMed

Alvarado Chavarin, Carlos; Strobel, Carsten; Kitzmann, Julia; Di Bartolomeo, Antonio; Lukosius, Mindaugas; Albert, Matthias; Bartha, Johann Wolfgang; Wenger, Christian

2018-02-27

Graphene has been proposed as the current controlling element of vertical transport in heterojunction transistors, as it could potentially achieve high operation frequencies due to its metallic character and 2D nature. Simulations of graphene acting as a thermionic barrier between the transport of two semiconductor layers have shown cut-off frequencies larger than 1 THz. Furthermore, the use of n-doped amorphous silicon, (n)-a-Si:H, as the semiconductor for this approach could enable flexible electronics with high cutoff frequencies. In this work, we fabricated a vertical structure on a rigid substrate where graphene is embedded between two differently doped (n)-a-Si:H layers deposited by very high frequency (140 MHz) plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The operation of this heterojunction structure is investigated by the two diode-like interfaces by means of temperature dependent current-voltage characterization, followed by the electrical characterization in a three-terminal configuration. We demonstrate that the vertical current between the (n)-a-Si:H layers is successfully controlled by the ultra-thin graphene base voltage. While current saturation is yet to be achieved, a transconductance of ~230 μ S was obtained, demonstrating a moderate modulation of the collector-emitter current by the ultra-thin graphene base voltage. These results show promising progress towards the application of graphene base heterojunction transistors.

Ultra-broadband near-field antenna for terahertz plasmonic applications

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

Polischuk, O. V., E-mail: polischuk.sfire@mail.ru; Popov, V. V., E-mail: popov-slava@yahoo.co.uk; Knap, W.

A new type of ultra-broadband near-field antenna for terahertz frequencies is proposed. This antenna is a short-period planar metal array. It is theoretically shown that irradiation of the short-period array antenna by a plane homogeneous terahertz waves excite a highly inhomogeneous near electric field near the metal array. In this case, the amplitude of the excited inhomogeneous near electric field is almost independent of frequency in the entire terahertz frequency range. The excitation of plasma oscillations in a two-dimensional electron system using the antenna under study is numerically simulated in the resonant and non-resonant plasmonic response modes. This type ofmore » antenna can be used for developing ultra-broadband plasmonic detectors of terahertz radiation.« less

Mechanism and modulation of terahertz generation from a semimetal - graphite

PubMed Central

Ye, Tong; Meng, Sheng; Zhang, Jin; E, Yiwen; Yang, Yuping; Liu, Wuming; Yin, Yan; Wang, Li

2016-01-01

Semi-metals might offer a stronger interaction and a better confinement for terahertz wave than semiconductors, while preserve tunability. Particularly, graphene-based materials are envisioned as terahertz modulators, filters and ultra-broadband sources. However, the understanding of terahertz generation from those materials is still not clear, thus limits us recognizing the potential and improving device performances. Graphite, the mother material of graphene and a typical bulk semi-metal, is a good system to study semi-metals and graphene-based materials. Here we experimentally modulate and maximize the terahertz signal from graphite surface, thus reveal the mechanism - surface field driving photon induced carriers into transient current to radiate terahertz wave. We also discuss the differences between graphite and semiconductors; particularly graphite shows very weak temperature dependency from room temperature to 80 °C. Above knowledge will help us understand terahertz generations, achieve maximum output and electric modulation, in semi-metal or graphene based devices. PMID:26972818

Mechanism and modulation of terahertz generation from a semimetal--graphite.

PubMed

Ye, Tong; Meng, Sheng; Zhang, Jin; E, Yiwen; Yang, Yuping; Liu, Wuming; Yin, Yan; Wang, Li

2016-03-14

Semi-metals might offer a stronger interaction and a better confinement for terahertz wave than semiconductors, while preserve tunability. Particularly, graphene-based materials are envisioned as terahertz modulators, filters and ultra-broadband sources. However, the understanding of terahertz generation from those materials is still not clear, thus limits us recognizing the potential and improving device performances. Graphite, the mother material of graphene and a typical bulk semi-metal, is a good system to study semi-metals and graphene-based materials. Here we experimentally modulate and maximize the terahertz signal from graphite surface, thus reveal the mechanism--surface field driving photon induced carriers into transient current to radiate terahertz wave. We also discuss the differences between graphite and semiconductors; particularly graphite shows very weak temperature dependency from room temperature to 80 °C. Above knowledge will help us understand terahertz generations, achieve maximum output and electric modulation, in semi-metal or graphene based devices.

Numerical investigation of multi-beam laser heterodyne measurement with ultra-precision for linear expansion coefficient of metal based on oscillating mirror modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yan-Chao; Wang, Chun-Hui; Qu, Yang; Gao, Long; Cong, Hai-Fang; Yang, Yan-Ling; Gao, Jie; Wang, Ao-You

2011-01-01

This paper proposes a novel method of multi-beam laser heterodyne measurement for metal linear expansion coefficient. Based on the Doppler effect and heterodyne technology, the information is loaded of length variation to the frequency difference of the multi-beam laser heterodyne signal by the frequency modulation of the oscillating mirror, this method can obtain many values of length variation caused by temperature variation after the multi-beam laser heterodyne signal demodulation simultaneously. Processing these values by weighted-average, it can obtain length variation accurately, and eventually obtain the value of linear expansion coefficient of metal by the calculation. This novel method is used to simulate measurement for linear expansion coefficient of metal rod under different temperatures by MATLAB, the obtained result shows that the relative measurement error of this method is just 0.4%.

High-efficiency, broad-band and wide-angle optical absorption in ultra-thin organic photovoltaic devices.

PubMed

Wang, Wenyan; Hao, Yuying; Cui, Yanxia; Tian, Ximin; Zhang, Ye; Wang, Hua; Shi, Fang; Wei, Bin; Huang, Wei

2014-03-10

Metal nanogratings as one of the promising architectures for effective light trapping in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have been actively studied over the past decade. Here we designed a novel metal nanowall grating with ultra-small period and ultra-high aspect-ratio as the back electrode of the OPV device. Such grating results in the strong hot spot effect in-between the neighboring nanowalls and the localized surface plasmon effect at the corners of nanowalls. These combined effects make the integrated absorption efficiency of light over the wavelength range from 400 to 650 nm in the active layer for the proposed structure, with respect to the equivalent planar structure, increases by 102% at TM polarization and by 36.5% at the TM/TE hybrid polarization, respectively. Moreover, it is noted that the hot spot effect in the proposed structure is more effective for ultra-thin active layers, which is very favorable for the exciton dissociation and charge collection. Therefore such a nanowall grating is expected to improve the overall performance of OPV devices.

Ceramic Integration Technologies for Aerospace and Energy Systems: Technical Challenges and Opportunities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Mrityunjay

2007-01-01

Ceramic integration technology has been recognized as an enabling technology for the implementation of advanced ceramic systems in a number of high-temperature applications in aerospace, power generation, nuclear, chemical, and electronic industries. Various ceramic integration technologies (joining, brazing, attachments, repair, etc.) play a role in fabrication and manufacturing of large and complex shaped parts of various functionalities. However, the development of robust and reliable integrated systems with optimum performance requires the understanding of many thermochemical and thermomechanical factors, particularly for high temperature applications. In this presentation, various challenges and opportunities in design, fabrication, and testing of integrated similar (ceramic-ceramic) and dissimilar (ceramic-metal) material systems will be discussed. Experimental results for bonding and integration of SiC based LDI fuel injector, high conductivity C/C composite based heat rejection system, solid oxide fuel cells system, ultra high temperature ceramics for leading edges, and ceramic composites for thermostructural applications will be presented. Potential opportunities and need for the development of innovative design philosophies, approaches, and integrated system testing under simulated application conditions will also be discussed.

Resolving the structure and properties of τ1-Cr-Ni-Al for high temperature protective applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simonson, J. W.; Nicasio, J. E.; Ilyas, H.; Pabla, J.; Horvat, K.; Misuraca, J. C.

Increasing the temperature of the steam in turbine power plants enhances thermal efficiency while reducing CO2 emissions. Exposed steel components, however, must be coated to withstand the harsh environments present in next-generation advanced ultra-supercritical plants. Proposed coating materials must exhibit low density, high hardness, high toughness, excellent oxidation resistance, and low thermal conductivity. With an eye towards satisfying this diverse array of requirements, we report the properties of the so-called τ1 phase of Cr-Ni-Al. We resolve the previously controversial composition and crystal structure of this material. The complex structure is composed of distorted icosahedra and octahedra of Al, with nearest-neighbor transition metal-Al bond lengths as short as 2.4 Å, far shorter than typical distances in Ni-Al and Cr-Al binaries. Accordingly, Vickers hardness is 6 . 88 +/- 0 . 13 GPa, as hard as extra-high-hardness armor plating at only 45% the density. We discuss these properties in light of the result of transport and oxidation resistance measurements. The apparent dependencies of these properties on crystal structure suggests new criteria for materials research. Acknowledgment is made to the Donors of the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund, for support of this research under contract 56764-UNI10.

Evaluating nanoscale ultra-thin metal films by means of lateral photovoltaic effect in metal-semiconductor structure.

PubMed

Zheng, Diyuan; Yu, Chongqi; Zhang, Qian; Wang, Hui

2017-12-15

Nanoscale metal-semiconductor (MS) structure materials occupy an important position in semiconductor and microelectronic field due to their abundant physical phenomena and effects. The thickness of metal films is a critical factor in determining characteristics of MS devices. How to detect or evaluate the metal thickness is always a key issue for realizing high performance MS devices. In this work, we propose a direct surface detection by use of the lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) in MS structure, which can not only measure nanoscale thickness, but also detect the fluctuation of metal films. This method is based on the fact that the output of lateral photovoltaic voltage (LPV) is closely linked with the metal thickness at the laser spot. We believe this laser-based contact-free detection is a useful supplement to the traditional methods, such as AFM, SEM, TEM or step profiler. This is because these traditional methods are always incapable of directly detecting ultra-thin metal films in MS structure materials.

Evaluating nanoscale ultra-thin metal films by means of lateral photovoltaic effect in metal-semiconductor structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Diyuan; Yu, Chongqi; Zhang, Qian; Wang, Hui

2017-12-01

Nanoscale metal-semiconductor (MS) structure materials occupy an important position in semiconductor and microelectronic field due to their abundant physical phenomena and effects. The thickness of metal films is a critical factor in determining characteristics of MS devices. How to detect or evaluate the metal thickness is always a key issue for realizing high performance MS devices. In this work, we propose a direct surface detection by use of the lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) in MS structure, which can not only measure nanoscale thickness, but also detect the fluctuation of metal films. This method is based on the fact that the output of lateral photovoltaic voltage (LPV) is closely linked with the metal thickness at the laser spot. We believe this laser-based contact-free detection is a useful supplement to the traditional methods, such as AFM, SEM, TEM or step profiler. This is because these traditional methods are always incapable of directly detecting ultra-thin metal films in MS structure materials.

Design of Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics for Improved Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-28

e.g., grain boundary chemistry or change in impurity concentrations) or physical (e.g., residual stress) effects. 600 co 500 a. oi400 c CD i...SA037 Effects of oxygen content on the properties of supcr-high-teiiiperature resistant Si-AI- C fibers D.f. Zhao (National University of Defense...of Technology, China) 15:05 S A034 Oxyacetylene ablation behavior of carbon fibers reinforced carbon matrix and ultra-high temperature

Linking microstructural evolution and macro-scale friction behavior in metals [Predicting the friction behavior of metals using a microstructural evolution model

DOE PAGES

Argibay, N.; Chandross, M.; Cheng, S.; ...

2016-11-21

A correlation is established between the macro-scale friction regimes of metals and a transition between two dominant atomistic mechanisms of deformation. Metals tend to exhibit bi-stable friction behavior—low and converging or high and diverging. These general trends in behavior are shown to be largely explained using a simplified model based on grain size evolution, as a function of contact stress and temperature, and are demonstrated for self-mated pure copper and gold sliding contacts. Specifically, the low-friction regime (where µ < 0.5) is linked to the formation of ultra-nanocrystalline surface films (10–20 nm), driving toward shear accommodation by grain boundary sliding.more » Above a critical combination of stress and temperature—demonstrated to be a material property—shear accommodation transitions to dislocation dominated plasticity and high friction, with µ > 0.5. We utilize a combination of experimental and computational methods to develop and validate the proposed structure–property relationship. As a result, this quantitative framework provides a shift from phenomenological to mechanistic and predictive fundamental understanding of friction for crystalline materials, including engineering alloys.« less

Flexible high power-per-weight perovskite solar cells with chromium oxide-metal contacts for improved stability in air.

PubMed

Kaltenbrunner, Martin; Adam, Getachew; Głowacki, Eric Daniel; Drack, Michael; Schwödiauer, Reinhard; Leonat, Lucia; Apaydin, Dogukan Hazar; Groiss, Heiko; Scharber, Markus Clark; White, Matthew Schuette; Sariciftci, Niyazi Serdar; Bauer, Siegfried

2015-10-01

Photovoltaic technology requires light-absorbing materials that are highly efficient, lightweight, low cost and stable during operation. Organolead halide perovskites constitute a highly promising class of materials, but suffer limited stability under ambient conditions without heavy and costly encapsulation. Here, we report ultrathin (3 μm), highly flexible perovskite solar cells with stabilized 12% efficiency and a power-per-weight as high as 23 W g(-1). To facilitate air-stable operation, we introduce a chromium oxide-chromium interlayer that effectively protects the metal top contacts from reactions with the perovskite. The use of a transparent polymer electrode treated with dimethylsulphoxide as the bottom layer allows the deposition-from solution at low temperature-of pinhole-free perovskite films at high yield on arbitrary substrates, including thin plastic foils. These ultra-lightweight solar cells are successfully used to power aviation models. Potential future applications include unmanned aerial vehicles-from airplanes to quadcopters and weather balloons-for environmental and industrial monitoring, rescue and emergency response, and tactical security applications.

Flexible high power-per-weight perovskite solar cells with chromium oxide-metal contacts for improved stability in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaltenbrunner, Martin; Adam, Getachew; Głowacki, Eric Daniel; Drack, Michael; Schwödiauer, Reinhard; Leonat, Lucia; Apaydin, Dogukan Hazar; Groiss, Heiko; Scharber, Markus Clark; White, Matthew Schuette; Sariciftci, Niyazi Serdar; Bauer, Siegfried

2015-10-01

Photovoltaic technology requires light-absorbing materials that are highly efficient, lightweight, low cost and stable during operation. Organolead halide perovskites constitute a highly promising class of materials, but suffer limited stability under ambient conditions without heavy and costly encapsulation. Here, we report ultrathin (3 μm), highly flexible perovskite solar cells with stabilized 12% efficiency and a power-per-weight as high as 23 W g-1. To facilitate air-stable operation, we introduce a chromium oxide-chromium interlayer that effectively protects the metal top contacts from reactions with the perovskite. The use of a transparent polymer electrode treated with dimethylsulphoxide as the bottom layer allows the deposition--from solution at low temperature--of pinhole-free perovskite films at high yield on arbitrary substrates, including thin plastic foils. These ultra-lightweight solar cells are successfully used to power aviation models. Potential future applications include unmanned aerial vehicles--from airplanes to quadcopters and weather balloons--for environmental and industrial monitoring, rescue and emergency response, and tactical security applications.

A Bottom-Up Engineered Broadband Optical Nanoabsorber for Radiometry and Energy Harnessing Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaul, Anupama B.; Coles, James B.; Megerian, Krikor G.; Eastwood, Michael; Green, Robert O.; Bandaru, Prabhakar R.

2013-01-01

Optical absorbers based on vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), synthesized using electric-field assisted growth, are described here that show an ultra-low reflectance, 100X lower compared to Au-black from wavelength lamba approximately 350 nm - 2.5 micron. A bi-metallic Co/Ti layer was shown to catalyze a high site density of MWCNTs on metallic substrates and the optical properties of the absorbers were engineered by controlling the bottom-up synthesis conditions using dc plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Reflectance measurements on the MWCNT absorbers after heating them in air to 400deg showed negligible changes in reflectance which was still low, approximately 0.022 % at lamba approximately 2 micron. In contrast, the percolated structure of the reference Au-black samples collapsed completely after heating, causing the optical response to degrade at temperatures as low as 200deg. The high optical absorption efficiency of the MWCNT absorbers, synthesized on metallic substrates, over a broad spectral range, coupled with their thermal ruggedness, suggests they have promise in solar energy harnessing applications, as well as thermal detectors for radiometry.

High-Entropy Metal Diborides: A New Class of High-Entropy Materials and a New Type of Ultrahigh Temperature Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gild, Joshua; Zhang, Yuanyao; Harrington, Tyler; Jiang, Sicong; Hu, Tao; Quinn, Matthew C.; Mellor, William M.; Zhou, Naixie; Vecchio, Kenneth; Luo, Jian

2016-11-01

Seven equimolar, five-component, metal diborides were fabricated via high-energy ball milling and spark plasma sintering. Six of them, including (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)B2, (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Mo0.2Ti0.2)B2, (Hf0.2Zr0.2Mo0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)B2, (Hf0.2Mo0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)B2, (Mo0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)B2, and (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Cr0.2Ti0.2)B2, possess virtually one solid-solution boride phase of the hexagonal AlB2 structure. Revised Hume-Rothery size-difference factors are used to rationalize the formation of high-entropy solid solutions in these metal diborides. Greater than 92% of the theoretical densities have been generally achieved with largely uniform compositions from nanoscale to microscale. Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC STEM), with high-angle annular dark-field and annular bright-field (HAADF and ABF) imaging and nanoscale compositional mapping, has been conducted to confirm the formation of 2-D high-entropy metal layers, separated by rigid 2-D boron nets, without any detectable layered segregation along the c-axis. These materials represent a new type of ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) as well as a new class of high-entropy materials, which not only exemplify the first high-entropy non-oxide ceramics (borides) fabricated but also possess a unique non-cubic (hexagonal) and layered (quasi-2D) high-entropy crystal structure that markedly differs from all those reported in prior studies. Initial property assessments show that both the hardness and the oxidation resistance of these high-entropy metal diborides are generally higher/better than the average performances of five individual metal diborides made by identical fabrication processing.

Ultra-small rhenium nanoparticles immobilized on DNA scaffolds: An excellent material for surface enhanced Raman scattering and catalysis studies.

PubMed

Anantharaj, S; Sakthikumar, K; Elangovan, Ayyapan; Ravi, G; Karthik, T; Kundu, Subrata

2016-12-01

Highly Sensitive and ultra-small Rhenium (Re) metal nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully stabilized in water by the staging and fencing action of the versatile biomolecule DNA that resulted in two distinct aggregated chain-like morphologies with average grain sizes of 1.1±0.1nm and 0.7±0.1nm for the very first time within a minute of reaction time. Re NPs are formed by the borohydride reduction of ammonium perrhenate (NH4ReO4) in the presence of DNA at room temperature (RT) under stirring. The morphologies were controlled by carefully monitoring the molar ratio of NH4ReO4 and DNA. The synthesized material was employed in two potential applications: as a substrate for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) studies and as a catalyst for the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds. SERS study was carried out by taking methylene blue (MB) as the probe and the highest SERS enhancement factor (EF) of 2.07×10(7) was found for the aggregated chain-like having average grain size of 0.7±0.1nm. Catalytic reduction of 4-nitro phenol (4-NP), 2-nitro phenol (2-NP) and 4-nitroaniline (4-NA) with a rate constant value of 6×10(-2)min(-1), 33.83×10(-2)min(-1) and 37.4×10(-2)min(-1) have testified the excellent catalytic performance of our Re NPs immobilized on DNA. The overall study have revealed the capability of DNA in stabilizing the highly reactive Re metal at nanoscale and made them applicable in practice. The present route can also be extended to prepare one dimensional (1-D), self-assembled NPs of other reactive metals, mixed metals or even metal oxides for specific applications in water based solutions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Status Report on Irradiation Capsules Containing Welded FeCrAl Specimens for Radiation Tolerance Evaluation

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

Field, Kevin G.; Howard, Richard H.

2016-02-26

This status report provides the background and current status of a series of irradiation capsules, or “rabbits”, that were designed and built to test the contributions of microstructure, composition, damage dose, and irradiation temperature on the radiation tolerance of candidate FeCrAl alloys being developed to have enhanced weldability and radiation tolerance. These rabbits will also test the validity of using an ultra-miniature tensile specimen to assess the mechanical properties of irradiated FeCrAl base metal and weldments. All rabbits are to be irradiated in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to damage doses up tomore » ≥15 dpa at temperatures between 200-550°C.« less

Super-strong materials for temperatures exceeding 2000 °C.

PubMed

Silvestroni, Laura; Kleebe, Hans-Joachim; Fahrenholtz, William G; Watts, Jeremy

2017-01-19

Ceramics based on group IV-V transition metal borides and carbides possess melting points above 3000 °C, are ablation resistant and are, therefore, candidates for the design of components of next generation space vehicles, rocket nozzle inserts, and nose cones or leading edges for hypersonic aerospace vehicles. As such, they will have to bear high thermo-mechanical loads, which makes strength at high temperature of great importance. While testing of these materials above 2000 °C is necessary to prove their capabilities at anticipated operating temperatures, literature reports are quite limited. Reported strength values for zirconium diboride (ZrB 2 ) ceramics can exceed 1 GPa at room temperature, but these values rapidly decrease, with all previously reported strengths being less than 340 MPa at 1500 °C or above. Here, we show how the strength of ZrB 2 ceramics can be increased to more than 800 MPa at temperatures in the range of 1500-2100 °C. These exceptional strengths are due to a core-shell microstructure, which leads to in-situ toughening and sub-grain refinement at elevated temperatures. Our findings promise to open a new avenue to designing materials that are super-strong at ultra-high temperatures.

Super-strong materials for temperatures exceeding 2000 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silvestroni, Laura; Kleebe, Hans-Joachim; Fahrenholtz, William G.; Watts, Jeremy

2017-01-01

Ceramics based on group IV-V transition metal borides and carbides possess melting points above 3000 °C, are ablation resistant and are, therefore, candidates for the design of components of next generation space vehicles, rocket nozzle inserts, and nose cones or leading edges for hypersonic aerospace vehicles. As such, they will have to bear high thermo-mechanical loads, which makes strength at high temperature of great importance. While testing of these materials above 2000 °C is necessary to prove their capabilities at anticipated operating temperatures, literature reports are quite limited. Reported strength values for zirconium diboride (ZrB2) ceramics can exceed 1 GPa at room temperature, but these values rapidly decrease, with all previously reported strengths being less than 340 MPa at 1500 °C or above. Here, we show how the strength of ZrB2 ceramics can be increased to more than 800 MPa at temperatures in the range of 1500-2100 °C. These exceptional strengths are due to a core-shell microstructure, which leads to in-situ toughening and sub-grain refinement at elevated temperatures. Our findings promise to open a new avenue to designing materials that are super-strong at ultra-high temperatures.

Super-strong materials for temperatures exceeding 2000 °C

PubMed Central

Silvestroni, Laura; Kleebe, Hans-Joachim; Fahrenholtz, William G.; Watts, Jeremy

2017-01-01

Ceramics based on group IV-V transition metal borides and carbides possess melting points above 3000 °C, are ablation resistant and are, therefore, candidates for the design of components of next generation space vehicles, rocket nozzle inserts, and nose cones or leading edges for hypersonic aerospace vehicles. As such, they will have to bear high thermo-mechanical loads, which makes strength at high temperature of great importance. While testing of these materials above 2000 °C is necessary to prove their capabilities at anticipated operating temperatures, literature reports are quite limited. Reported strength values for zirconium diboride (ZrB2) ceramics can exceed 1 GPa at room temperature, but these values rapidly decrease, with all previously reported strengths being less than 340 MPa at 1500 °C or above. Here, we show how the strength of ZrB2 ceramics can be increased to more than 800 MPa at temperatures in the range of 1500–2100 °C. These exceptional strengths are due to a core-shell microstructure, which leads to in-situ toughening and sub-grain refinement at elevated temperatures. Our findings promise to open a new avenue to designing materials that are super-strong at ultra-high temperatures. PMID:28102327

NETL- High-Pressure Combustion Research Facility

ScienceCinema

None

2018-02-14

NETL's High-Pressure Combustion Facility is a unique resource within the National Laboratories system. It provides the test capabilities needed to evaluate new combustion concepts for high-pressure, high-temperature hydrogen and natural gas turbines. These concepts will be critical for the next generation of ultra clean, ultra efficient power systems.

A Dry-Etch Process for Low Temperature Superconducting Transition Edge Sensors for Far Infrared Bolometer Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, Christine A.; Chervenak, James A.; Hsieh, Wen-Ting; McClanahan, Richard A.; Miller, Timothy M.; Mitchell, Robert; Moseley, S. Harvey; Staguhn, Johannes; Stevenson, Thomas R.

2003-01-01

The next generation of ultra-low power bolometer arrays, with applications in far infrared imaging, spectroscopy and polarimetry, utilizes a superconducting bilayer as the sensing element to enable SQUID multiplexed readout. Superconducting transition edge sensors (TES s) are being produced with dual metal systems of superconductinghormal bilayers. The transition temperature (Tc) is tuned by altering the relative thickness of the superconductor with respect to the normal layer. We are currently investigating MoAu and MoCu bilayers. We have developed a dry-etching process for MoAu TES s with integrated molybdenum leads, and are working on adapting the process to MoCu. Dry etching has the advantage over wet etching in the MoAu system in that one can achieve a high degree of selectivity, greater than 10, using argon ME, or argon ion milling, for patterning gold on molybdenum. Molybdenum leads are subsequently patterned using fluorine plasma.. The dry-etch technique results in a smooth, featureless TES with sharp sidewalls, no undercutting of the Mo beneath the normal metal, and Mo leads with high critical current. The effects of individual processing parameters on the characteristics of the transition will be reported.

Fabrication of ultra-high aspect ratio (>160:1) silicon nanostructures by using Au metal assisted chemical etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hailiang; Ye, Tianchun; Shi, Lina; Xie, Changqing

2017-12-01

We present a facile and effective approach for fabricating high aspect ratio, dense and vertical silicon nanopillar arrays, using a combination of metal etching following electron-beam lithography and Au metal assisted chemical etching (MacEtch). Ti/Au nanostructures used as catalysts in MacEtch are formed by single layer resist-based electron-beam exposure followed by ion beam etching. The effects of MacEtch process parameters, including half period, etching time, the concentrations of H2O2 and HF, etching temperature and drying method are systematically investigated. Especially, we demonstrate an enhancement of etching quality by employing cold MacEtch process, and an enhancement in preventing the collapse of high aspect ratio nanostructures by employing low surface tension rinse liquid and natural evaporation in the drying stage. Using an optimized MacEtch process, vertical silicon nanopillar arrays with a period of 250 nm and aspect ratio up to 160:1 are realized. Our results should be instructive for exploring the achievable aspect ratio limit in silicon nanostructures and may find potential applications in photovoltaic devices, thermoelectric devices and x-ray diffractive optics.

Efficient Dual-Site Carbon Monoxide Electro-Catalysts via Interfacial Nano-Engineering.

PubMed

Liu, Zhen; Huang, Zhongyuan; Cheng, Feifei; Guo, Zhanhu; Wang, Guangdi; Chen, Xu; Wang, Zhe

2016-09-21

Durable, highly efficient, and economic sound electrocatalysts for CO electrooxidation (COE) are the emerging key for wide variety of energy solutions, especially fuel cells and rechargeable metal-air batteries. Herein, we report the novel system of nickel-aluminum double layered hydroxide (NiAl-LDH) nanoplates on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) network. The formulation of such complexes system was to be induced through the assistance of gold nanoparticles in order to form dual-metal active sites so as to create a extended Au/NiO two phase zone. Bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (NTf2) anion of ionic liquid electrolyte was selected to enhance the CO/O2 adsorption and to facilitate electro-catalyzed oxidation of Ni (OH)2 to NiOOH by increasing the electrophilicity of catalytic interface. The resulting neutral catalytic system exhibited ultra-high electrocatalytic activity and stability for CO electrooxidation than commercial and other reported precious metal catalysts. The turnover frequency (TOF) of the LDH-Au/CNTs COE catalyst was much higher than the previous reported other similar electrocatalysts, even close to the activity of solid-gas chemical catalysts at high temperature. Moreover, in the long-term durability testing, the negligible variation of current density remains exsisting after 1000 electrochemistry cycles.

Efficient Dual-Site Carbon Monoxide Electro-Catalysts via Interfacial Nano-Engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhen; Huang, Zhongyuan; Cheng, Feifei; Guo, Zhanhu; Wang, Guangdi; Chen, Xu; Wang, Zhe

2016-09-01

Durable, highly efficient, and economic sound electrocatalysts for CO electrooxidation (COE) are the emerging key for wide variety of energy solutions, especially fuel cells and rechargeable metal-air batteries. Herein, we report the novel system of nickel-aluminum double layered hydroxide (NiAl-LDH) nanoplates on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) network. The formulation of such complexes system was to be induced through the assistance of gold nanoparticles in order to form dual-metal active sites so as to create a extended Au/NiO two phase zone. Bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (NTf2) anion of ionic liquid electrolyte was selected to enhance the CO/O2 adsorption and to facilitate electro-catalyzed oxidation of Ni (OH)2 to NiOOH by increasing the electrophilicity of catalytic interface. The resulting neutral catalytic system exhibited ultra-high electrocatalytic activity and stability for CO electrooxidation than commercial and other reported precious metal catalysts. The turnover frequency (TOF) of the LDH-Au/CNTs COE catalyst was much higher than the previous reported other similar electrocatalysts, even close to the activity of solid-gas chemical catalysts at high temperature. Moreover, in the long-term durability testing, the negligible variation of current density remains exsisting after 1000 electrochemistry cycles.

One-step large scale gas phase synthesis of Mn2 + doped ZnS nanoparticles in reducing flames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Athanassiou, E. K.; Grass, R. N.; Stark, W. J.

2010-05-01

Metal sulfide nanoparticles have attracted considerable interest because of their unique semiconducting and electronic properties. In order to prepare these fascinating materials at an industrial scale, however, solvent-free, dry processes would be most advantageous. In the present work, we demonstrate how traditional oxide nanoparticle synthesis in flames can be extended to sulfides if we apply a careful control on flame gas composition and sulfur content. The ultra-fast (<1 ms) gas phase kinetics at elevated temperatures allow direct sulfidization of metals in flames (\\mathrm {MO}_{x} \\Rightarrow \\mathrm {MS}_{x} ). As a representative example, we prepared air-stable Mn2 + doped zinc sulfide nanoparticles. Post-sintering of the initially polycrystalline nanopowder resulted in a material of high crystallinity and improved photoluminescence. An analysis of the thermodynamics, gas composition, and kinetics in these reducing flames indicates that the here-presented extension of flame synthesis provides access to a broad range of metal sulfide nanoparticles and offers an alternative to non-oxide phosphor preparation.

Surface electronic structure of SmB6(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohtsubo, Yoshiyuki; Hagiwara, Kenta; Wang, Chengwei; Yukawa, Ryu; Horiba, Koji; Kumigashira, Hiroshi; Hirano, Wataru; Iga, Fumitoshi; Kimura, Shin-ichi

2018-05-01

Samarium hexaboride (SmB6) is the most extensively studied candidate of topological Kondo insulators. To clarify the topological origin of metallic surface states observed on the SmB6(001) surfaces, we studied the surface electronic structure of SmB6 on the other surface orientation, SmB6(111). Although the SmB6(111) surface cannot be obtained by cleaving, we successfully obtained the well-defined clean surface by high-temperature annealing of the mechanically polished single crystal of SmB6(111) in an ultra-high vacuum. The valence band spectra obtained by photoelectron spectroscopy with the bulk and surface-sensitive incident photon energies imply that the surface is covered with B6 cluster without Sm atoms.

Synthesis and properties of ultra-long InP nanowires on glass.

PubMed

Dhaka, Veer; Pale, Ville; Khayrudinov, Vladislav; Kakko, Joona-Pekko; Haggren, Tuomas; Jiang, Hua; Kauppinen, Esko; Lipsanen, Harri

2016-12-16

We report on the synthesis of Au-catalyzed InP nanowires (NWs) on low-cost glass substrates. Ultra-dense and ultra-long (up to ∼250 μm) InP NWs, with an exceptionally high growth rate of ∼25 μm min -1 , were grown directly on glass using metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). Structural properties of InP NWs grown on glass were similar to the ones grown typically on Si substrates showing many structural twin faults but the NWs on glass always exhibited a stronger photoluminescence (PL) intensity at room temperature. The PL measurements of NWs grown on glass reveal two additional prominent impurity related emission peaks at low temperature (10 K). In particular, the strongest unusual emission peak with an activation energy of 23.8 ± 2 meV was observed at 928 nm. Different possibilities including the role of native defects (phosphorus and/or indium vacancies) are discussed but most likely the origin of this PL peak is related to the impurity incorporation from the glass substrate. Furthermore, despite the presence of suspected impurities, the NWs on glass show outstanding light absorption in a wide spectral range (60%-95% for λ = 300-1600 nm). The optical properties and the NW growth mechanism on glass is discussed qualitatively. We attribute the exceptionally high growth rate mostly to the atmospheric pressure growth conditions of our MOVPE reactor and stronger PL intensity on glass due to the impurity doping. Overall, the III-V NWs grown on glass are similar to the ones grown on semiconductor substrates but offer additional advantages such as low-cost and light transparency.

Ultra-high-vacuum electrical feedthrough

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gavaler, J. R.; Janocko, M. A.

1976-01-01

Device for cathodic sputtering utilizes cathode dark-space region adjacent to high negative-potential surfaces. Feedthrough is made of metal and glass, is helium leaktight, and is bakeable; it can be incorporated into any vacuum apparatus.

A robust molecular probe for Ångstrom-scale analytics in liquids

PubMed Central

Nirmalraj, Peter; Thompson, Damien; Dimitrakopoulos, Christos; Gotsmann, Bernd; Dumcenco, Dumitru; Kis, Andras; Riel, Heike

2016-01-01

Traditionally, nanomaterial profiling using a single-molecule-terminated scanning probe is performed at the vacuum–solid interface often at a few Kelvin, but is not a notion immediately associated with liquid–solid interface at room temperature. Here, using a scanning tunnelling probe functionalized with a single C60 molecule stabilized in a high-density liquid, we resolve low-dimensional surface defects, atomic interfaces and capture Ångstrom-level bond-length variations in single-layer graphene and MoS2. Atom-by-atom controllable imaging contrast is demonstrated at room temperature and the electronic structure of the C60–metal probe complex within the encompassing liquid molecules is clarified using density functional theory. Our findings demonstrates that operating a robust single-molecular probe is not restricted to ultra-high vacuum and cryogenic settings. Hence the scope of high-precision analytics can be extended towards resolving sub-molecular features of organic elements and gauging ambient compatibility of emerging layered materials with atomic-scale sensitivity under experimentally less stringent conditions. PMID:27516157

High temperature-ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for the metabonomic analysis of Zucker rat urine.

PubMed

Gika, Helen G; Theodoridis, Georgios; Extance, Jon; Edge, Anthony M; Wilson, Ian D

2008-08-15

The applicability and potential of using elevated temperatures and sub 2-microm porous particles in chromatography for metabonomics/metabolomics was investigated using, for the first time, solvent temperatures higher than the boiling point of water (up to 180 degrees C) and thermal gradients to reduce the use of organic solvents. Ultra performance liquid chromatography, combined with mass spectrometry, was investigated for the global metabolite profiling of the plasma and urine of normal and Zucker (fa/fa) obese rats (a well established disease animal model). "Isobaric" high temperature chromatography, where the temperature and flow rate follow a gradient program, was developed and evaluated against a conventional organic solvent gradient. LC-MS data were first examined by established chromatographic criteria in order to evaluate the chromatographic performance and next were treated by special peak picking algorithms to allow the application of multivariate statistics. These studies showed that, for urine (but not plasma), chromatography at elevated temperatures provided better results than conventional reversed-phase LC with higher peak capacity and better peak asymmetry. From a systems biology point of view, better group clustering and separation was obtained with a larger number of variables of high importance when using high temperature-ultra performance liquid chromatography (HT-UPLC) compared to conventional solvent gradients.

Analysis of International Space Station Materials on MISSE-3 and MISSE-4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finckenor, Miria M.; Golden, Johnny L.; O'Rourke, Mary Jane

2008-01-01

For high-temperature applications (> 2,000 C) such as solid rocket motors, hypersonic aircraft, nuclear electric/thermal propulsion for spacecraft, and more efficient jet engines, creep becomes one of the most important design factors to be considered. Conventional creep-testing methods, where the specimen and test apparatus are in contact with each other, are limited to temperatures 1,700 deg. C. Development of alloys for higher-temperature applications is limited by the availability of testing methods at temperatures above 2000 C. Development of alloys for applications requiring a long service life at temperatures as low as 1500 C, such as the next generation of jet turbine superalloys, is limited by the difficulty of accelerated testing at temperatures above 1700 0c. For these reasons, a new, non-contact creep-measurement technique is needed for higher temperature applications. A new non-contact method for creep measurements of ultra-high-temperature metals and ceramics has been developed and validated. Using the electrostatic levitation (ESL) facility at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, a spherical sample is rotated quickly enough to cause creep deformation due to centrifugal acceleration. Very accurate measurement of the deformed shape through digital image analysis allows the stress exponent n to be determined very precisely from a single test, rather than from numerous conventional tests. Validation tests on single-crystal niobium spheres showed excellent agreement with conventional tests at 1985 C; however the non-contact method provides much greater precision while using only about 40 milligrams of material. This method is being applied to materials including metals and ceramics for noneroding throats in solid rockets and next-generation superalloys for turbine engines. Recent advances in the method and the current state of these new measurements will be presented.

Enhancement of absorption and color contrast in ultra-thin highly absorbing optical coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kats, Mikhail A.; Byrnes, Steven J.; Blanchard, Romain; Kolle, Mathias; Genevet, Patrice; Aizenberg, Joanna; Capasso, Federico

2013-09-01

Recently a new class of optical interference coatings was introduced which comprises ultra-thin, highly absorbing dielectric layers on metal substrates. We show that these lossy coatings can be augmented by an additional transparent subwavelength layer. We fabricated a sample comprising a gold substrate, an ultra-thin film of germanium with a thickness gradient, and several alumina films. The experimental reflectivity spectra showed that the additional alumina layer increases the color range that can be obtained, in agreement with calculations. More generally, this transparent layer can be used to enhance optical absorption, protect against erosion, or as a transparent electrode for optoelectronic devices.

Materials for Advanced Ultra-supercritical (A-USC) Steam Turbines – A-USC Component Demonstration

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

Purgert, Robert; Phillips, Jeffrey; Hendrix, Howard

The work by the United States Department of Energy (U.S. DOE)/Ohio Coal Development Office (OCDO) advanced ultra-supercritical (A-USC) Steam Boiler and Turbine Materials Consortia from 2001 through September 2015 was primarily focused on lab scale and pilot scale materials testing. This testing included air- or steam-cooled “loops” that were inserted into existing utility boilers to gain exposure of these materials to realistic conditions of high temperature and corrosion due to the constituents in the coal. Successful research and development resulted in metallic alloy materials and fabrication processes suited for power generation applications with metal temperatures up to approximately 1472°F (800°C).more » These materials or alloys have shown, in extensive laboratory tests and shop fabrication studies, to have excellent applicability for high-efficiency low CO 2 transformational power generation technologies previously mentioned. However, as valuable as these material loops have been for obtaining information, their scale is significantly below that required to minimize the risk associated with a power company building a multi-billion dollar A-USC power plant. To decrease the identified risk barriers to full-scale implementation of these advanced materials, the U.S. DOE/OCDO A-USC Steam Boiler and Turbine Materials Consortia identified the key areas of the technology that need to be tested at a larger scale. Based upon the recommendations and outcome of a Consortia-sponsored workshop with the U.S.’s leading utilities, a Component Test (ComTest) Program for A-USC was proposed. The A-USC ComTest program would define materials performance requirements, plan for overall advanced system integration, design critical component tests, fabricate components for testing from advanced materials, and carry out the tests. The AUSC Component Test was premised on the program occurring at multiple facilities, with the operating temperatures, pressure and/or size of these components determining the optimum test location. The first step of the ComTest, the steam turbine test, was determined best suited for a site in Youngstown, Ohio. Efforts were also undertaken to identify and evaluate other potential sites for high pressure testing.« less

Gas/vapour separation using ultra-microporous metal-organic frameworks: insights into the structure/separation relationship.

PubMed

Adil, Karim; Belmabkhout, Youssef; Pillai, Renjith S; Cadiau, Amandine; Bhatt, Prashant M; Assen, Ayalew H; Maurin, Guillaume; Eddaoudi, Mohamed

2017-06-06

The separation of related molecules with similar physical/chemical properties is of prime industrial importance and practically entails a substantial energy penalty, typically necessitating the operation of energy-demanding low temperature fractional distillation techniques. Certainly research efforts, in academia and industry alike, are ongoing with the main aim to develop advanced functional porous materials to be adopted as adsorbents for the effective and energy-efficient separation of various important commodities. Of special interest is the subclass of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with pore aperture sizes below 5-7 Å, namely ultra-microporous MOFs, which in contrast to conventional zeolites and activated carbons show great prospects for addressing key challenges in separations pertaining to energy and environmental sustainability, specifically materials for carbon capture and separation of olefin/paraffin, acetylene/ethylene, linear/branched alkanes, xenon/krypton, etc. In this tutorial review we discuss the latest developments in ultra-microporous MOF adsorbents and their use as separating agents via thermodynamics and/or kinetics and molecular sieving. Appreciably, we provide insights into the distinct microscopic mechanisms governing the resultant separation performances, and suggest a plausible correlation between the inherent structural features/topology of MOFs and the associated gas/vapour separation performance.

The Influence of Sintering Method on Kaolin-Based Geopolymer Ceramics with Addition of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene as Binder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romisuhani, A.; AlBakri, M. M.; Kamarudin, H.; Andrei, S. V.

2017-11-01

The influence of sintering method on kaolin-based geopolymer ceramics with addition of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene as binder were studied. Geopolymer were formed at room temperature from kaolin and sodium silicate in a highly alkaline medium, followed by curing and drying at 80 °C. 12 M of sodium hydroxide solution were mixed with sodium silicate at a ratio of 0.24 to form alkaline activator. Powder metallurgy technique were used in order to produce kaolin geopolymer ceramics with addition of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. The samples were heated at temperature of 1200 °C with two different sintering method which are conventional method and two-step sintering method. The strength and density were tested.

Development of Ultra-Low Power Metal Oxide Sensors and Arrays for Embedded Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lutz, Brent; Wind, Rikard; Kostelecky, Clayton; Routkevitch, Dmitri; Deininger, Debra

2011-09-01

Metal oxide semiconductor sensors are widely used as individual sensors and in arrays, and a variety of designs for low power microhotplates have been demonstrated.1 Synkera Technologies has developed an embeddable chemical microsensor platform, based on a unique ceramic MEMS technology, for practical implementation in cell phones and other mobile electronic devices. Key features of this microsensor platform are (1) small size, (2) ultra-low power consumption, (3) high chemical sensitivity, (4) accurate response to a wide-range of threats, and (5) low cost. The sensor platform is enabled by a combination of advances in ceramic micromachining, and precision deposition of sensing films inside the high aspect ratio pores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO).

Fracture Mechanisms of Zirconium Diboride Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics under Pulse Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skripnyak, Vladimir V.; Bragov, Anatolii M.; Skripnyak, Vladimir A.; Lomunov, Andrei K.; Skripnyak, Evgeniya G.; Vaganova, Irina K.

2015-06-01

Mechanisms of failure in ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTC) based on zirconium diboride under pulse loading were studied experimentally by the method of SHPB and theoretically using the multiscale simulation method. The obtained experimental and numerical data are evidence of the quasi-brittle fracture character of nanostructured zirconium diboride ceramics under compression and tension at high strain rates and the room temperatures. Damage of nanostructured porous zirconium diboride -based UHTC can be formed under stress pulse amplitude below the Hugoniot elastic limit. Fracture of nanostructured ultra-high temperature ceramics under pulse and shock-wave loadings is provided by fast processes of intercrystalline brittle fracture and relatively slow processes of quasi-brittle failure via growth and coalescence of microcracks. A decrease of the shear strength can be caused by nano-voids clusters in vicinity of triple junctions between ceramic matrix grains and ultrafine-grained ceramics. This research was supported by grants from ``The Tomsk State University Academic D.I. Mendeleev Fund Program'' and also N. I. Lobachevski State University of Nizhny Novgorod (Grant of post graduate mobility).

Long range surface plasmon resonance with ultra-high penetration depth for self-referenced sensing and ultra-low detection limit using diverging beam approach

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

Isaacs, Sivan, E-mail: sivan.isaacs@gmail.com; Abdulhalim, Ibrahim; NEW CREATE Programme, School of Materials Science and Engineering, 1 CREATE Way, Research Wing, #02-06/08, Singapore 138602

2015-05-11

Using an insulator-metal-insulator structure with dielectric having refractive index (RI) larger than the analyte, long range surface plasmon (SP) resonance exhibiting ultra-high penetration depth is demonstrated for sensing applications of large bioentities at wavelengths in the visible range. Based on the diverging beam approach in Kretschmann-Raether configuration, one of the SP resonances is shown to shift in response to changes in the analyte RI while the other is fixed; thus, it can be used as a built in reference. The combination of the high sensitivity, high penetration depth and self-reference using the diverging beam approach in which a dark linemore » is detected of the high sensitivity, high penetration depth, self-reference, and the diverging beam approach in which a dark line is detected using large number of camera pixels with a smart algorithm for sub-pixel resolution, a sensor with ultra-low detection limit is demonstrated suitable for large bioentities.« less

COMPLETE ELEMENT ABUNDANCES OF NINE STARS IN THE r -PROCESS GALAXY RETICULUM II

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

Ji, Alexander P.; Frebel, Anna; Chiti, Anirudh

We present chemical abundances derived from high-resolution Magellan /Magellan Inamori Kyocera Echelle spectra of the nine brightest known red giant members of the ultra-faint dwarf galaxy Reticulum II (Ret II). These stars span the full metallicity range of Ret II (−3.5 < [Fe/H] < −2). Seven of the nine stars have extremely high levels of r -process material ([Eu/Fe] ∼ 1.7), in contrast to the extremely low neutron-capture element abundances found in every other ultra-faint dwarf galaxy studied to date. The other two stars are the most metal-poor stars in the system ([Fe/H] < −3), and they have neutron-capture elementmore » abundance limits similar to those in other ultra-faint dwarf galaxies. We confirm that the relative abundances of Sr, Y, and Zr in these stars are similar to those found in r -process halo stars, but they are ∼0.5 dex lower than the solar r -process pattern. If the universal r -process pattern extends to those elements, the stars in Ret II display the least contaminated known r -process pattern. The abundances of lighter elements up to the iron peak are otherwise similar to abundances of stars in the halo and in other ultra-faint dwarf galaxies. However, the scatter in abundance ratios is large enough to suggest that inhomogeneous metal mixing is required to explain the chemical evolution of this galaxy. The presence of low amounts of neutron-capture elements in other ultra-faint dwarf galaxies may imply the existence of additional r -process sites besides the source of r -process elements in Ret II. Galaxies like Ret II may be the original birth sites of r -process enhanced stars now found in the halo.« less

Carbon-containing compounds on fusion-related surfaces: Thermal and ion-induced formation and erosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linsmeier, Christian

2004-12-01

The deposition of carbon on metals is the unavoidable consequence of the application of different wall materials in present and future fusion experiments like ITER. Presently used and prospected materials besides carbon (CFC materials in high heat load areas) are tungsten and beryllium. The simultaneous application of different materials leads to the formation of surface compounds due to the erosion, transport and re-deposition of material during plasma operations. The formation and erosion processes are governed by widely varying surface temperatures and kinetic energies as well as the spectrum of impinging particles from the plasma. The knowledge of the dependence on these parameters is crucial for the understanding and prediction of the compound formation on wall materials. The formation of surface layers is of great importance, since they not only determine erosion rates, but also influence the ability of the first wall for hydrogen isotope inventory accumulation and release. Surface compound formation, diffusion and erosion phenomena are studied under well-controlled ultra-high vacuum conditions using in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ion beam analysis techniques available at a 3 MV tandem accelerator. XPS provides chemical information and allows distinguishing elemental and carbidic phases with high surface sensitivity. Accelerator-based spectroscopies provide quantitative compositional analysis and sensitivity for deuterium in the surface layers. Using these techniques, the formation of carbidic layers on metals is studied from room temperature up to 1700 K. The formation of an interfacial carbide of several monolayers thickness is not only observed for metals with exothermic carbide formation enthalpies, but also in the cases of Ni and Fe which form endothermic carbides. Additional carbon deposited at 300 K remains elemental. Depending on the substrate, carbon diffusion into the bulk starts at elevated temperatures together with additional carbide formation. Depending on the bond nature in the carbide (metallic in the transition metal carbides, ionic e.g. in Be2C), the surface carbide layer is dissolved upon further increased temperatures or remains stable. Carbide formation can also be initiated by ion bombardment, both of chemically inert noble gas ions or C+ or CO+ ions. In the latter case, a deposition-erosion equilibrium develops which leads to a ternary surface layer of constant thickness. A chemical erosion channel is also discussed for the enhanced erosion of thin carbon films on metals by deuterium ions.

Device characteristics of antenna-coupled metal-insulator-metal diodes (rectenna) using Al2O3, TiO2, and Cr2O3 as insulator layer for energy harvesting applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inac, Mesut; Shafique, Atia; Ozcan, Meric; Gurbuz, Yasar

2015-09-01

Antenna-coupled metal-insulator-metal devices are most potent candidate for future energy harvesting devices. The reason for that they are ultra-high speed devices that can rectify the electromagnetic radiation at high frequencies. In addition to their speed, they are also small devices that can have more number of devices in unit area. In this work, it is aimed design and develop a device which can harvest and detect IR radiation.

Transport properties of ultra-thin VO2 films on (001) TiO2 grown by reactive molecular-beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paik, Hanjong; Moyer, Jarrett A.; Spila, Timothy; Tashman, Joshua W.; Mundy, Julia A.; Freeman, Eugene; Shukla, Nikhil; Lapano, Jason M.; Engel-Herbert, Roman; Zander, Willi; Schubert, Jürgen; Muller, David A.; Datta, Suman; Schiffer, Peter; Schlom, Darrell G.

2015-10-01

We report the growth of (001)-oriented VO2 films as thin as 1.5 nm with abrupt and reproducible metal-insulator transitions (MIT) without a capping layer. Limitations to the growth of thinner films with sharp MITs are discussed, including the Volmer-Weber type growth mode due to the high energy of the (001) VO2 surface. Another key limitation is interdiffusion with the (001) TiO2 substrate, which we quantify using low angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with electron energy loss spectroscopy. We find that controlling island coalescence on the (001) surface and minimization of cation interdiffusion by using a low growth temperature followed by a brief anneal at higher temperature are crucial for realizing ultrathin VO2 films with abrupt MIT behavior.

Effects of Dissociation/Recombination on the Day–Night Temperature Contrasts of Ultra-hot Jupiters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komacek, Thaddeus D.; Tan, Xianyu

2018-05-01

Secondary eclipse observations of ultra-hot Jupiters have found evidence that hydrogen is dissociated on their daysides. Additionally, full-phase light curve observations of ultra-hot Jupiters show a smaller day-night emitted flux contrast than that expected from previous theory. Recently, it was proposed by Bell & Cowan (2018) that the heat intake to dissociate hydrogen and heat release due to recombination of dissociated hydrogen can affect the atmospheric circulation of ultra-hot Jupiters. In this work, we add cooling/heating due to dissociation/recombination into the analytic theory of Komacek & Showman (2016) and Zhang & Showman (2017) for the dayside-nightside temperature contrasts of hot Jupiters. We find that at high values of incident stellar flux, the day-night temperature contrast of ultra-hot Jupiters may decrease with increasing incident stellar flux due to dissociation/recombination, the opposite of that expected without including the effects of dissociation/recombination. We propose that a combination of a greater number of full-phase light curve observations of ultra-hot Jupiters and future General Circulation Models that include the effects of dissociation/recombination could determine in detail how the atmospheric circulation of ultra-hot Jupiters differs from that of cooler planets.

Two-dimensional tantalum disulfide: controlling structure and properties via synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Rui; Grisafe, Benjamin; Krishna Ghosh, Ram; Holoviak, Stephen; Wang, Baoming; Wang, Ke; Briggs, Natalie; Haque, Aman; Datta, Suman; Robinson, Joshua

2018-04-01

Tantalum disulfide (TaS2) is a transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) that exhibits phase transition induced electronic property modulation at low temperature. However, the appropriate phase must be grown to enable the semiconductor/metal transition that is of interest for next generation electronic applications. In this work, we demonstrate direct and controllable synthesis of ultra-thin 1T-TaS2 and 2H-TaS2 on a variety of substrates (sapphire, SiO2/Si, and graphene) via powder vapor deposition. The synthesis process leads to single crystal domains ranging from 20 to 200 nm thick and 1-10 µm on a side. The TaS2 phase (1T or 2H) is controlled by synthesis temperature, which subsequently is shown to control the electronic properties. Furthermore, this work constitutes the first demonstration of a metal-insulator phase transition in directly synthesized 1T-TaS2 films and domains by electronic means.

Assessment of the State of the Art of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Sylvia; Gasch, Matt; Stackpoole, Mairead

2009-01-01

Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) are a family of materials that includes the borides, carbides and nitrides of hafnium-, zirconium- and titanium-based systems. UHTCs are famous for possessing some of the highest melting points of known materials. In addition, they are very hard, have good wear resistance, mechanical strength, and relatively high thermal conductivities (compared to other ceramic materials). Because of these attributes, UHTCs are ideal for thermal protection systems, especially those that require chemical and structural stability at extremely high operating temperatures. UHTCs have the potential to revolutionize the aerospace industry by enabling the development of sharp hypersonic vehicles or atmospheric entry probes capable of the most extreme entry conditions.

Long-term stability of Cu surface nanotips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jansson, V.; Baibuz, E.; Djurabekova, F.

2016-07-01

Sharp nanoscale tips on the metal surfaces of electrodes enhance locally applied electric fields. Strongly enhanced electric fields trigger electron field emission and atom evaporation from the apexes of nanotips. Together, these processes may explain electric discharges in the form of small local arcs observed near metal surfaces in the presence of electric fields, even in ultra-high vacuum conditions. In the present work, we investigate the stability of nanoscale tips by means of computer simulations of surface diffusion processes on copper, the main material used in high-voltage electronics. We study the stability and lifetime of thin copper (Cu) surface nanotips at different temperatures in terms of diffusion processes. For this purpose we have developed a surface kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) model where the jump processes are described by tabulated precalculated energy barriers. We show that tall surface features with high aspect ratios can be fairly stable at room temperature. However, the stability was found to depend strongly on the temperature: 13 nm nanotips with the major axes in the < 110> crystallographic directions were found to flatten down to half of the original height in less than 100 ns at temperatures close to the melting point, whereas no significant change in the height of these nanotips was observed after 10 {{μ }}{{s}} at room temperature. Moreover, the nanotips built up along the < 110> crystallographic directions were found to be significantly more stable than those oriented in the < 100> or < 111> crystallographic directions. The proposed KMC model has been found to be well-suited for simulating atomic surface processes and was validated against molecular dynamics simulation results via the comparison of the flattening times obtained by both methods. We also note that the KMC simulations were two orders of magnitude computationally faster than the corresponding molecular dynamics calculations.

Ultra-urban baseflow and stormflow concentrations and fluxes in a watershed undergoing restoration (WS263)

Treesearch

Kenneth T. Belt; William P. Stack; Richard V. Pouyat; Kimberly Burgess; Peter M. Groffman; William M. Frost; Sujay S. Kaushal; Guy Hager

2014-01-01

We discuss the results of sampling baseflow and stormwater runoff in Watershed 263, an ultra-urban catchment in west Baltimore City that is undergoing restoration aimed at both improving water quality as well as the quality of life in its neighborhoods. We focus on urban hydrology and describe the high baseflow and stormwater nutrient, metal, bacterial and other...

The fate of meteoric metals in ice particles: Effects of sublimation and energetic particle bombardment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mangan, T. P.; Frankland, V. L.; Murray, B. J.; Plane, J. M. C.

2017-08-01

The uptake and potential reactivity of metal atoms on water ice can be an important process in planetary atmospheres and on icy bodies in the interplanetary and interstellar medium. For instance, metal atom uptake affects the gas-phase chemistry of the Earth's mesosphere, and has been proposed to influence the agglomeration of matter into planets in protoplanetary disks. In this study the fate of Mg and K atoms incorporated into water-ice films, prepared under ultra-high vacuum conditions at temperatures of 110-140 K, was investigated. Temperature-programmed desorption experiments reveal that Mg- and K-containing species do not co-desorb when the ice sublimates, demonstrating that uptake on ice particles causes irreversible removal of the metals from the gas phase. This implies that uptake on ice particles in terrestrial polar mesospheric clouds accelerates the formation of large meteoric smoke particles (≥1 nm radius above 80 km) following sublimation of the ice. Energetic sputtering of metal-dosed ice layers by 500 eV Ar+ and Kr+ ions shows that whereas K reacts on (or within) the ice surface to form KOH, adsorbed Mg atoms are chemically inert. These experimental results are consistent with electronic structure calculations of the metals bound to an ice surface, where theoretical adsorption energies on ice are calculated to be -68 kJ mol-1 for K, -91 kJ mol-1 for Mg, and -306 kJ mol-1 for Fe. K can also insert into a surface H2O to produce KOH and a dangling H atom, in a reaction that is slightly exothermic.

Electrostatic Levitation Technique for Investigations of Physical Properties of Liquid States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okada, Junpei; Ishikawa, Takehiko; Paradis, Paul-Francois; Yoda, Shinichi

Electrostatic levitator (ESL) levitates a charged sample in a high vacuum using computer con-trolled electrostatic fields [1]. It can levitate materials such as metals, semiconductors, and some insulators. Sample temperature can be varied over a wide range, and samples can be deeply undercooled. We have been engaged in the research and development of the electro-static levitation technique with the aim of performing levitation dissolution experiments in the International Space Station (ISS). Our device for the electrostatic levitation dissolution test has been developed for experiments on the ISS. To this end, the system is designed to be compact and portable so that it can be launched by rocket and used for experiments in the limited space on the ISS. Accordingly, the device can be installed not just on the ISS or our research laboratory, but also in various external sites. We devised a plan to install the electrostatic levitation system in a site other than the ISS to study atomic structure and electron structure of ultra-high-temperature liquids. We mounted our system on third generation synchrotron radiation facility "SPring-8" in Japan, to investigate the atomic and electron structures of high-temperature liquids. The SPring-8 is an experimental facility that allows use of the most powerful X-rays in the world. We conducted a variety of experiments on ultra-high-temperature liquids using SPring-8. The X-ray is ideal for exploring atomic structure and electron structure. Since the X-ray is an electromagnetic wave, it interacts with electrons. In addition, most electrons gather around the atomic nucleus. By close analysis of the scattered x-rays, we can determine its atomic structure and electron structure in detail. In this talk, we introduce an x-ray Compton scattering and x-ray Raman scattering measurements on liquid aluminum and silicon. [1] W. -K. Rhim, et al, Rev. Sci. Instrum. (1985) 56 307.

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

Saha, D., E-mail: sahaphys@gmail.com, E-mail: pmisra@rrcat.gov.in; Misra, P., E-mail: sahaphys@gmail.com, E-mail: pmisra@rrcat.gov.in; Joshi, M. P.

In the present study, atomic layer deposition has been used to grow a series of Ti incorporated ZnO thin films by vertically stacking different numbers (n = 1–7) of ZnO/TiO{sub x} layers on (0001) sapphire substrates. The effects of defect states mediated chemisorption of O{sub 2} and/OH groups on the electrical properties of these films have been investigated by illuminating the samples under UV light inside a high vacuum optical cryostat. The ultra-thin film having one stacked layer (n = 1) did not show any change in its electrical resistance upon UV light exposure. On the contrary, marginal drop in the electrical resistivity wasmore » measured for the samples with n ≥ 3. Most surprisingly, the sample with n = 2 (thickness ∼ 12 nm) showed an insulator to metal transition upon UV light exposure. The temperature dependent electrical resistivity measurement on the as grown film (n = 2) showed insulating behaviour, i.e., diverging resistivity on extrapolation to T→ 0 K. However, upon UV light exposure, it transformed to a metallic state, i.e., finite resistivity at T → 0 K. Such an insulator-metal transition plausibly arises due to the de-trapping of conduction electrons from the surface defect sites which resulted in an upward shift of the Fermi level above the mobility edge. The low-temperature electron transport properties on the insulating film (n = 2) were investigated by a combined study of zero field electrical resistivity ρ(T) and magnetoresistance (MR) measurements. The observed negative MR was found to be in good agreement with the magnetic field induced suppression of quantum interference between forward-going paths of tunnelling electrons. Both ρ(T) and MR measurements provided strong evidence for the Efros-Shklovskii type variable range hopping conduction in the low-temperature (≤40 K) regime. Such studies on electron transport in ultra-thin n-type doped ZnO films are crucial to achieve optimum functionality with long term reliability of ZnO based transparent conducting oxides.« less

Liquid metals as ultra-stretchable, soft, and shape reconfigurable conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eaker, Collin B.; Dickey, Michael D.

2015-05-01

Conventional, rigid materials remain the key building blocks of most modern electronic devices, but they are limited in their ability to conform to curvilinear surfaces. It is possible to make electronic components that are flexible and in some cases stretchable by utilizing thin films, engineered geometries, or inherently soft and stretchable materials that maintain their function during deformation. Here, we describe the properties and applications of a micromoldable liquid metal that can form conductive components that are ultra-stretchable, soft, and shape-reconfigurable. This liquid metal is a gallium-based alloy with low viscosity and high conductivity. The metal develops spontaneously a thin, passivating oxide layer on the surface that allows the metal to be molded into non-spherical shapes, including films and wires, and patterned by direct-write techniques or microfluidic injection. Furthermore, unlike mercury, the liquid metal has low toxicity and negligible vapor pressure. This paper discusses the mechanical and electrical properties of the metal in the context of electronics, and discusses how the properties of the oxide layer have been exploited for new patterning techniques that enable soft, stretchable and reconfigurable devices.

Comparative study of energy of particles ejected from coulomb explosion of rare gas and metallic clusters irradiated by intense femtosecond laser field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boucerredj, N.; Beggas, K.

2016-10-01

We present our study of high intensity femtosecond laser field interaction with large cluster of Kr and Na (contained 2.103 to 2.107 atoms). When laser intensity is above a critical value, it blows off all of electrons from the cluster and forms a non neutral ion cloud. The irradiation of these clusters by the intense laser field leads to highly excitation energy which can be the source of energetic electrons, electronic emission, highly charge, energetic ions and fragmentation process. During the Coulomb explosion of the resulting highly ionized, high temperature nanoplasma, ions acquire again their energy. It is shown that ultra fast ions are produced. The goal of our study is to investigate in detail a comparative study of the expansion and explosion then the ion energy of metallic and rare gas clusters irradiated by an intense femtosecond laser field. We have found that ions have a kinetic energy up to 105 eV and the Coulomb pressure is little than the hydrodynamic pressure. The Coulomb explosion of a cluster may provide a new high energy ion source.

Ultra-low Temperature Curable Conductive Silver Adhesive with different Resin Matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Xingli; Wang, Likun; Liao, Qingwei; Yan, Chao; Li, Xing; Qin, Lei

2018-03-01

The ultra-low temperature curable conductive silver adhesive with curing temperature less than 100 °C needed urgently for the surface conductive treatment of piezoelectric composite material due to the low thermal resistance of composite material and low adhesion strength of adhesive. An ultra-low temperature curable conductive adhesive with high adhesion strength was obtained for the applications of piezoelectric composite material. The microstructure, conductive properties and adhesive properties with different resin matrix were investigated. The conductive adhesive with AG-80 as the resin matrix has the shorter curing time (20min), lower curing temperature (90°C) and higher adhesion strength (7.6MPa). The resistivity of AG-80 sample has the lower value (2.13 × 10-4Ω·cm) than the 618 sample (4.44 × 10-4Ω·cm).

Follow up observationes of extremely metal-poor stars identified from SDSS and LAMOST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguado, David; Allende Prieto, Carlos; González Hernández, Jonay I.; Rebolo, Rafael

2017-06-01

The most metal-poor stars in the Milky Way witnessed the early phases of formation of the Galaxy, and have chemical compositions close to the pristine mixture from Big Bang nucleosynthesis, polluted by one or very few supernovae. Here we present a program to search for and characterize new ultra metal-poor stars in the Galactic halo. These stars are extremely rare; despite significant efforts, only a handful of stars have been identified with a metallicity [Fe/H]< -5. We select candidates from SDSS and LAMOST. Dozens of them have already been observed with the ISIS spectrograph on the 4.2 m William Herschel Telescope. The most interesting objects have been confirmed with OSIRIS on the 10.4m-GTC and HRS on the 9.2 m HET. Our analysis is highly automated, and based on the FERRE code. We report the discovery of a new carbon-rich ultra metal-poor (CRUMP) dwarf star at [Fe/H]~ -5.8 with an extreme carbon over-abundance [C/Fe]~ +5.0.

Ultra-narrow band perfect absorbers based on Fano resonance in MIM metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ming; Fang, Jiawen; Zhang, Fei; Chen, Junyan; Yu, Honglin

2017-12-01

Metallic nanostructures have attracted numerous attentions in the past decades due to their attractive plasmonic properties. Resonant plasmonic perfect absorbers have promising applications in a wide range of technologies including photothermal therapy, thermophotovoltaics, heat-assisted magnetic recording and biosensing. However, it remains to be a great challenge to achieve ultra-narrow band in near-infrared band with plasmonic materials due to the large optical losses in metals. In this letter, we introduced Fano resonance in MIM metamaterials composed of an asymmetry double elliptic cylinders (ADEC), which can achieve ultra-narrow band perfect absorbers. In theoretical calculations, we observed an ultranarrow band resonant absorption peak with the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 8 nm and absorption amplitude exceeding 99% at 930 nm. Moreover, we demonstrate that the absorption increases with the increase of asymmetry and the absorption resonant wavelength can be tuned by changing the size and arrangement of the unit cell. The asymmetry metallic nanostructure also exhibit a higher refractive sensitivity as large as 503 nm/RIU with high figure of merit of 63, which is promising for high sensitive sensors. Results of this work are desirable for various potential applications in micro-technological structures such as biological sensors, narrowband emission, photodetectors and solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) cells.

Ultra-broadband unidirectional launching of surface plasmon polaritons by a double-slit structure beyond the diffraction limit.

PubMed

Chen, Jianjun; Sun, Chengwei; Li, Hongyun; Gong, Qihuang

2014-11-21

Surface-plasmon-polariton (SPP) launchers, which can couple the free space light to the SPPs on the metal surface, are among the key elements for the plasmonic devices and nano-photonic systems. Downscaling the SPP launchers below the diffraction limit and directly delivering the SPPs to the desired subwavelength plasmonic waveguides are of importance for high-integration plasmonic circuits. By designing a submicron double-slit structure with different slit widths, an ultra-broadband (>330 nm) unidirectional SPP launcher is realized theoretically and experimentally based on the different phase delays of SPPs propagating along the metal surface and the near-field interfering effect. More importantly, the broadband and unidirectional properties of the SPP launcher are still maintained when the slit length is reduced to a subwavelength scale. This can make the launcher occupy only a very small area of <λ(2)/10 on the metal surface. Such a robust unidirectional SPP launcher beyond the diffraction limit can be directly coupled to a subwavelength plasmonic waveguide efficiently, leading to an ultra-tight SPP source, especially as a subwavelength localized guided SPP source.

Aerospace Ceramic Materials: Thermal, Environmental Barrier Coatings and SiC/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites for Turbine Engine Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Dongming

2018-01-01

Ceramic materials play increasingly important roles in aerospace applications because ceramics have unique properties, including high temperature capability, high stiffness and strengths, excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance. Ceramic materials also generally have lower densities as compared to metallic materials, making them excellent candidates for light-weight hot-section components of aircraft turbine engines, rocket exhaust nozzles, and thermal protection systems for space vehicles when they are being used for high-temperature and ultra-high temperature ceramics applications. Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), including non-oxide and oxide CMCs, are also recently being incorporated in gas turbine engines for high pressure and high temperature section components and exhaust nozzles. However, the complexity and variability of aerospace ceramic processing methods, compositions and microstructures, the relatively low fracture toughness of the ceramic materials, still remain the challenging factors for ceramic component design, validation, life prediction, and thus broader applications. This ceramic material section paper presents an overview of aerospace ceramic materials and their characteristics. A particular emphasis has been placed on high technology level (TRL) enabling ceramic systems, that is, turbine engine thermal and environmental barrier coating systems and non-oxide type SiC/SiC CMCs. The current status and future trend of thermal and environmental barrier coatings and SiC/SiC CMC development and applications are described.

Fabrication of W-Cu alloy via combustion synthesis infiltration under an ultra-gravity field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Yuepeng; Li, Qian; Li, Jiangtao; He, Gang; Chen, Yixiang; Kim, Hyoung Seop

2014-11-01

Tungsten copper alloy with a tungsten concentrate of 70 vol% was prepared by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis in an ultra-gravity field. The phase structures and components of the W-Cu alloy fabricated via this approach were the same as those via traditional sintering methods. The temperature and stress distributions during this process were simulated using a new scheme of the finite element method. The results indicated that nonequilibrium crystallization conditions can be created for combustion synthesis infiltration in an ultra-gravity field by the rapid infiltration of the liquid copper product into the tungsten compact at high temperature and low viscosity. The cooling rate can be above 100,000 K/s and high stresses in tungsten ( 5 GPa) and copper ( 2.6 GPa) were developed, which passivates the tungsten particle surface, resulting in easy sintering and densifying the W-Cu alloy. The reliability of the simulation was verified through temperature measurement and investigation of the microstructure. The W-Cu composite-formation mechanism was also analyzed and discussed with the simulation results.

Cold Background, Flight Motion Simulator Mounted, Infrared Scene Projectors Developed for use in AMRDEC Hardware-in-the-Loop

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-01-01

cooled below –40ºC with the ultra low temperature chiller operating at –50ºC. At these low temperatures, elastomer compounds (i.e. nylon hose and o...projector hardware. Consideration of steel braided Teflon hose or even a thin wall flexible steel hose will be made for future operation of the YUGO...Cajon VCR vacuum port on the bottom of the array using a metal gasket. This change eliminated one elastomer seal that was most likely to fail at low

Designer Diamonds: Applications in Iron-based Superconductors and Lanthanides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vohra, Yogesh

2013-06-01

This talk will focus on the recent progress in the fabrication of designer diamond anvils as well as scientific applications of these diamonds in static high pressure research. The two critical parameters that have emerged in the microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition of designer diamond anvils are (1) the precise [100] alignment of the starting diamond substrate and (2) balancing the competing roles of parts per million levels of nitrogen and oxygen in the diamond growth plasma. The control of these parameters results in the fabrication of high quality designer diamonds with culet size in excess of 300 microns in diameter. The three different applications of designer diamond anvils will be discussed (1) simultaneous electrical resistance and crystal structure measurements using a synchrotron source on Iron-based superconductors with data on both electron and hole doped BaFe2As2 materials and other novel superconducting materials (2) high-pressure high-temperature melting studies on metals using eight-probe Ohmic heating designer diamonds and (3) high pressure low temperature studies on magnetic behavior of 4f-lanthanide metals using four-probe electrical resistance measurements and complementary neutron diffraction studies on a spallation neutron source. Future opportunities in boron-doped conducting designer diamond anvils as well as fabrication of two-stage designer diamonds for ultra high pressure experiments will also be presented. This work was supported by the Department of Energy (DOE) - National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) under Grant No. DE-FG52-10NA29660.

Ultra clean burner for an AMTEC system suitable for hybrid electric vehicles

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

Mital, R.; Sievers, R.K.; Hunt, T.K.

1997-12-31

High power Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC) systems have the potential to make the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) program a success by meeting the challenging standards put forth by the EPA for the automobile industry. The premise of the whole concept of using AMTEC cells, as discussed by Hunt et al. (1995), for power generation in HEV`s is based on the utilization of a high efficiency external combustion system. The key requirement being a burner which will produce extremely low quantities of carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen, emit minimal amounts of hydrocarbon, will have high radiative andmore » convective efficiencies and at least a 4:1 turndown ratio. This work presents one such burner which has the potential to meet all of these demands and more. After investigation of a number of burners, including, metal fiber, ported metal, ceramic fiber and ported ceramic, it is believed that cellular ceramic burners will be the best candidates for integration with AMTEC cells for a high power system suitable for hybrid electric vehicles. A detailed study which includes the operating range, radiation efficiency, total heat transfer efficiency, spectral intensity, exit gas temperature and pollutant emission indices measurement has been carried out on circular and square shaped burners. Total heat transfer efficiencies as high as 65--70% have been measured using a water calorimeter. With efficient recuperation, a burner/recuperator efficiency of 80% at peak power and 90% at peak efficiency operating points are conceivable with this burner. Establishment of combustion within the porous matrix leads to low peak temperatures and hence lower NO{sub x}. The emission indices of CO and HC are also quite low. The stability range measurements show a 6:1 turndown ratio at an equivalence ratio of 0.9.« less

Instrument Packages for the Cold, Dark, High Radiation Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, P. E.; Millar, P. S.; Yeh, P. S.; Beamna, B.; Brigham, D.; Feng, S.

2011-01-01

We are developing a small cold temperature instrument package concept that integrates a cold temperature power system and radhard ultra low temperature ultra low power electronics components and power supplies now under development into a cold temperature surface operational version of a planetary surface instrument package. We are already in the process of developing a lower power lower tem-perature version for an instrument of mutual interest to SMD and ESMD to support the search for volatiles (the mass spectrometer VAPoR, Volatile Analysis by Pyrolysis of Regolith) both as a stand alone instrument and as part of an environmental monitoring package.

Retaining large and adjustable elastic strains of kilogram-scale Nb nanowires [Better Superconductor by Elastic Strain Engineering: Kilogram-scale Free-Standing Niobium Metal Composite with Large Retained Elastic Strains

DOE PAGES

Hao, Shijie; Cui, Lishan; Wang, Hua; ...

2016-02-10

Crystals held at ultrahigh elastic strains and stresses may exhibit exceptional physical and chemical properties. Individual metallic nanowires can sustain ultra-large elastic strains of 4-7%. However, retaining elastic strains of such magnitude in kilogram-scale nanowires is challenging. Here, we find that under active load, ~5.6% elastic strain can be achieved in Nb nanowires in a composite material. Moreover, large tensile (2.8%) and compressive (-2.4%) elastic strains can be retained in kilogram-scale Nb nanowires when the composite is unloaded to a free-standing condition. It is then demonstrated that the retained tensile elastic strains of Nb nanowires significantly increase their superconducting transitionmore » temperature and critical magnetic fields, corroborating ab initio calculations based on BCS theory. This free-standing nanocomposite design paradigm opens new avenues for retaining ultra-large elastic strains in great quantities of nanowires and elastic-strain-engineering at industrial scale.« less

Growth mechanism and optical properties of aligned hexagonal ZnO nanoprisms synthesized by noncatalytic thermal evaporation.

PubMed

Umar, Ahmad; Karunagaran, B; Kim, S H; Suh, E-K; Hahn, Y B

2008-05-19

Vertically aligned perfectly hexagonal-shaped ZnO nanoprisms have been grown on a Si(100) substrate via a noncatalytic thermal evaporation process by using metallic zinc powder in the presence of oxygen gas. The as-grown nanoprisms consist of ultra smooth Zn-terminated (0001) facets bounded with the {0110} surfaces. The as-synthesized products are single-crystalline with the wurtzite hexagonal phase and grown along the [0001] direction, as confirmed from the detailed structural investigations. The presence of a sharp and strong nonpolar optical phonon high-E2 mode at 437 cm(-1) in the Raman scattering spectrum further confirms good crystallinity and wurtzite hexagonal phase for the as-grown products. The as-grown nanoprisms exhibit a strong near-band-edge emission with a very weak deep-level emission in the room-temperature and low-temperature photoluminescence measurements, confirming good optical properties for the deposited products. Moreover, systematic time-dependent experiments were also performed to determine the growth process of the grown vertically aligned nanoprisms.

Ultra-Low-Power Smart Electronic Nose System Based on Three-Dimensional Tin Oxide Nanotube Arrays.

PubMed

Chen, Jiaqi; Chen, Zhuo; Boussaid, Farid; Zhang, Daquan; Pan, Xiaofang; Zhao, Huijuan; Bermak, Amine; Tsui, Chi-Ying; Wang, Xinran; Fan, Zhiyong

2018-06-04

In this work, we present a high-performance smart electronic nose (E-nose) system consisting of a multiplexed tin oxide (SnO 2 ) nanotube sensor array, read-out circuit, wireless data transmission unit, mobile phone receiver, and data processing application (App). Using the designed nanotube sensor device structure in conjunction with multiple electrode materials, high-sensitivity gas detection and discrimination have been achieved at room temperature, enabling a 1000 times reduction of the sensor's power consumption as compared to a conventional device using thin film SnO 2 . The experimental results demonstrate that the developed E-nose can identify indoor target gases using a simple vector-matching gas recognition algorithm. In addition, the fabricated E-nose has achieved state-of-the-art sensitivity for H 2 and benzene detection at room temperature with metal oxide sensors. Such a smart E-nose system can address the imperative needs for distributed environmental monitoring in smart homes, smart buildings, and smart cities.

Oxidation Study of an Ultra High Temperature Ceramic Coatings Based on HfSiCN

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sacksteder, Dagny; Waters, Deborah L.; Zhu, Dongming

2018-01-01

High temperature fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are important for aerospace applications because of their low density, high strength, and significantly higher-temperature capabilities compared to conventional metallic systems. The use of the SiCf/SiC and Cf/SiC CMCs allows the design of lighter-weight, more fuel efficient aircraft engines and also more advanced spacecraft airframe thermal protection systems. However, CMCs have to be protected with advanced environmental barrier coatings when they are incorporated into components for the harsh environments such as in aircraft engine or spacecraft applications. In this study, high temperature oxidation kinetics of an advanced HfSiCN coating on Cf/SiC CMC substrates were investigated at 1300 C, 1400 C, and 1500 C by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The coating oxidation reaction parabolic rate constant and activation energy were estimated from the experimental results. The oxidation reaction studies showed that the coatings formed the most stable, predominant HfSiO4-HfO2 scales at 1400 C. A peroxidation test at 1400 C then followed by subsequent oxidation tests at various temperatures also showed more adherent scales and slower scale growth because of reduced the initial transient oxidation stage and increased HfSiO4-HfO2 content in the scales formed on the HfSiCN coatings.

Broken symmetry and critical transport properties of random metals

PubMed Central

Phillips, J. C.

1997-01-01

Recent experimental data on the conductivity σ+(T), T → 0, on the metallic side of the metal–insulator transition in ideally random (neutron transmutation-doped) 70Ge:Ga have shown that σ+(0) ∝ (N − Nc)μ with μ = ½, confirming earlier ultra-low-temperature results for Si:P. This value is inconsistent with theoretical predictions based on diffusive classical scaling models, but it can be understood by a quantum-directed percolative filamentary amplitude model in which electronic basis states exist which have a well-defined momentum parallel but not normal to the applied electric field. The model, which is based on a new kind of broken symmetry, also explains the anomalous sign reversal of the derivative of the temperature dependence in the critical regime. PMID:11038579

Electrical and optical properties of carbon films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulkarni, Pranita

Carbon and carbon-based materials, including graphite, diamond, and other thin-film structures, are being intensively researched for a wide range of electronic applications. A variety of graphitic, nano-structured carbon materials can be synthesized that have current or potential applications as thin-film transistors, photovoltaics, and supercapacitors. Diamond has been pursued for many years for electronics that can be used in extreme conditions, such as high temperature, high power, high frequency, and radiation environments. In this research study, electronic properties of diamond and graphitic films with crystallite or grain sizes in the nanometer range were investigated. The nano-structured graphitic carbon films were grown using a previously developed method based on the pyrolysis of poly(acrylonitrile) and poly(n-butyl acrylate) block copolymers (PAN-b-PBA). An important characteristic of these films is that the morphology (and therefore other properties) can be controlled by the compositions and processing of the starting block copolymers. Spherical, cylindrical, lamellar, and branched morphologies have been fabricated. The crystallite sizes, optical absorption, and morphology of PAN-b-PBA (containing 17.8% PAN) pyrolyzed between 400 and 600°C were determined and were compared to those derived by pyrolysis of PAN homopolymers at the same temperatures. Hall-effect measurements on pyrolyzed PAN-b-PBA films with spherical, cylindrical, and branched morphologies and homopolymer PAN films pyrolyzed at the same temperatures revealed that both PAN-b-PBA with different morphologies and PAN homopolymer-derived films had n-type conductivity; differences in carrier concentration and mobility values were correlated with the morphological differences of the films. Optical absorption measurements in the ultra-violet through visible wavelength range were also conducted on these films; measurements of the pseudo band-gaps and absorption coefficients were correlated with the morphology and graphitic cluster sizes that were obtained from Raman scattering. To enable the development of future devices based on nanostructured carbon films, four metals (Zr, Ti, Cu, and Pt) with substantially different work functions and catalytic activity were deposited on pyrolyzed PAN-b-PBA films. All metals formed ohmic contacts to the films in the 'as-deposited' state with contact resistances of the order of 105 O. The ohmicity of all metals and the modulation of the pseudo-gap with graphitic cluster sizes were explained using the simple single-orbital tight-binding calculations for nanometer-sized graphitic clusters. Unlike most inorganic single-crystal semiconductors but commonly observed in organic or nanocrystalline materials, our modeling of resistivity-temperature measurements showed that variable-range-hopping (VRH) was the dominant current transport mechanism in the films up to room-temperature with a crossover from Mott-VRH to Efros-Skhlovskii-VRH at temperatures below 100 K. Specific contact resistivity values for all metal-copolymer (PAN-b-PBA)-derived films pyrolyzed at 600°C increased with increasing work function of the metal, suggesting that the films are n-type; this conclusion agrees with the n-type result obtained from the Hall-effect measurements. Nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films have a variety of potential applications, including optical windows, Schottky diodes, and electron emitting surfaces for field emission displays. In this study Zr, Ti, Cu and Pt on intrinsic and lightly sulfur-doped (n-type) NCD films were characterized electrically and photoelectrically. All metals showed linear (ohmic) current-voltage characteristics in the as-deposited state. The Schottky barrier heights (phiB) at the metal-film interface were investigated using x-ray and ultra-violet photoelectron spectroscopy. The undoped NCD films exhibited a negative electron affinity and a band gap of 5.0 +/- 0.4 eV. The phiB were calculated based on this band gap measurement and the consistent indication from Hall-effect measurements that the films are n-type. The phiB values increased with metal work function for both intrinsic and S-doped films. In general accordance with the barrier height trends, the specific contact resistivity values also increased with the metal work functions. Based on the collection of electrical and photoelectrical results, an electronic band-structure model for NCD films is proposed. The model describes the bulk of the material as n-type but with p-type, inverted surfaces corresponding with strong upward band bending.

Ultralow-power complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor inverters constructed on Schottky barrier modified nanowire metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors.

PubMed

Ma, R M; Peng, R M; Wen, X N; Dai, L; Liu, C; Sun, T; Xu, W J; Qin, G G

2010-10-01

We show that the threshold voltages of both n- and p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors (MOSFETs) can be lowered to close to zero by adding extra Schottky contacts on top of nanowires (NWs). Novel complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) inverters are constructed on these Schottky barrier modified n- and p-channel NW MOSFETs. Based on the high performances of the modified n- and p-channel MOSFETs, especially the low threshold voltages, the as-fabricated CMOS inverters have low operating voltage, high voltage gain, and ultra-low static power dissipation.

"Un-annealed and Annealed Pd Ultra-Thin Film on SiC Characterized by Scanning Probe Microscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy"

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lu, W. J.; Shi, D. T.; Elshot, K.; Bryant, E.; Lafate, K.; Chen, H.; Burger, A.; Collins, W. E.

1998-01-01

Pd/SiC has been used as a hydrogen and a hydrocarbon gas sensor operated at high temperature. UHV (Ultra High Vacuum)-Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) techniques were applied to study the relationship between the morphology and chemical compositions for Pd ultra-thin films on SiC (less than 30 angstroms) at different annealing temperatures. Pd ultra-thin film on 6H-SiC was prepared by the RF sputtering method. The morphology from UHV-STM and AFM shows that the Pd thin film was well deposited on SiC substrate, and the Pd was partially aggregated to round shaped participates at an annealing temperature of 300 C. At 400 C, the amount of surface participates decreases, and some strap shape participates appear. From XPS, Pd2Si was formed on the surface after annealing at 300 C, and all Pd reacted with SiC to form Pd2Si after annealing at 400 C. The intensity of the XPS Pd peak decreases enormously at 400 C. The Pd film diffused into SiC, and the Schottky barrier height has almost no changes. The work shows the Pd sicilides/SiC have the same electronic properties with Pd/SiC, and explains why the Pd/SiC sensor still responds to hydrogen at high operating temperatures.

Measuring thermal conductivity of thin films and coatings with the ultra-fast transient hot-strip technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belkerk, B. E.; Soussou, M. A.; Carette, M.; Djouadi, M. A.; Scudeller, Y.

2012-07-01

This paper reports the ultra-fast transient hot-strip (THS) technique for determining the thermal conductivity of thin films and coatings of materials on substrates. The film thicknesses can vary between 10 nm and more than 10 µm. Precise measurement of thermal conductivity was performed with an experimental device generating ultra-short electrical pulses, and subsequent temperature increases were electrically measured on nanosecond and microsecond time scales. The electrical pulses were applied within metallized micro-strips patterned on the sample films and the temperature increases were analysed within time periods selected in the window [100 ns-10 µs]. The thermal conductivity of the films was extracted from the time-dependent thermal impedance of the samples derived from a three-dimensional heat diffusion model. The technique is described and its performance demonstrated on different materials covering a large thermal conductivity range. Experiments were carried out on bulk Si and thin films of amorphous SiO2 and crystallized aluminum nitride (AlN). The present approach can assess film thermal resistances as low as 10-8 K m2 W-1 with a precision of about 10%. This has never been attained before with the THS technique.

Ultra thin metallic coatings to control near field radiative heat transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esquivel-Sirvent, R.

2016-09-01

We present a theoretical calculation of the changes in the near field radiative heat transfer between two surfaces due to the presence of ultra thin metallic coatings on semiconductors. Depending on the substrates, the radiative heat transfer is modulated by the thickness of the ultra thin film. In particular we consider gold thin films with thicknesses varying from 4 to 20 nm. The ultra-thin film has an insulator-conductor transition close to a critical thickness of dc = 6.4 nm and there is an increase in the near field spectral heat transfer just before the percolation transition. Depending on the substrates (Si or SiC) and the thickness of the metallic coatings we show how the near field heat transfer can be increased or decreased as a function of the metallic coating thickness. The calculations are based on available experimental data for the optical properties of ultrathin coatings.

Lattice Thermal Conductivity of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTC) ZrB2 and HfB2 from Atomistic Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawson, JOhn W.; Daw, Murray S.; Bauschlicher, Charles W.

2011-01-01

Ultra high temperature ceramics (UHTC) including ZrB2 and HfB2 are candidate materials for applications in extreme environments because of their high melting point, good mechanical properties and reasonable oxidation resistance. Unlike many ceramics, these materials have high thermal conductivity which can be advantageous, for example, to reduce thermal shock. Recently, we developed Tersoff style interatomic potentials for both ZrB2 and HfB2 appropriate for atomistic simulations. As an application, Green-Kubo molecular dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate the lattice thermal conductivity for single crystals of ZrB2 and HfB2. The atomic mass difference in these binary compounds leads to oscillations in the time correlation function of the heat current. Results at room temperature and at elevated temperatures will be reported.

Sink property of metallic glass free surfaces

DOE PAGES

Shao, Lin; Fu, Engang; Price, Lloyd; ...

2015-03-16

When heated to a temperature close to glass transition temperature, metallic glasses (MGs) begin to crystallize. Under deformation or particle irradiation, crystallization occurs at even lower temperatures. Hence, phase instability represents an application limit for MGs. Here, we report that MG membranes of a few nanometers thickness exhibit properties different from their bulk MG counterparts. The study uses in situ transmission electron microscopy with concurrent heavy ion irradiation and annealing to observe crystallization behaviors of MGs. For relatively thick membranes, ion irradiations introduce excessive free volumes and thus induce nanocrystal formation at a temperature linearly decreasing with increasing ion fluences.more » For ultra-thin membranes, however, the critical temperature to initiate crystallization is about 100 K higher than the bulk glass transition temperature. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that this effect is due to the sink property of the surfaces which can effectively remove excessive free volumes. These findings suggest that nanostructured MGs having a higher surface to volume ratio are expected to have higher crystallization resistance, which could pave new paths for materials applications in harsh environments requiring higher stabilities.« less

A sextuple-band ultra-thin metamaterial absorber with perfect absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Dingwang; Liu, Peiguo; Dong, Yanfei; Zhou, Dongming; Zhou, Qihui

2017-08-01

This paper presents the design, simulation and measurement of a sextuple-band ultra-thin metamaterial absorber (MA). The unit cell of this proposed structure is composed of triangular spiral-shaped complementary structures imprinted on the dielectric substrate backed by a metal ground. The measured results are in good agreement with simulations with high absorptivities of more than 90% at all six absorption frequencies. In addition, this proposed absorber has good performances of ultra-thin, polarization insensitivity and a wide-angle oblique incidence, which can easily be used in many potential applications such as detection, imaging and sensing.

Control of grown-in defects and oxygen precipitates in silicon wafers with DZ-IG structure by ultrahigh-temperature rapid thermal oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maeda, Susumu; Sudo, Haruo; Okamura, Hideyuki; Nakamura, Kozo; Sueoka, Koji; Izunome, Koji

2018-04-01

A new control technique for achieving compatibility between crystal quality and gettering ability for heavy metal impurities was demonstrated for a nitrogen-doped Czochralski silicon wafer with a diameter of 300 mm via ultra-high temperature rapid thermal oxidation (UHT-RTO) processing. We have found that the DZ-IG structure with surface denuded zone and the wafer bulk with dense oxygen precipitates were formed by the control of vacancies in UHT-RTO process at temperature exceeding 1300 °C. It was also confirmed that most of the void defects were annihilated from the sub-surface of the wafer due to the interstitial Si atoms that were generated at the SiO2/Si interface. These results indicated that vacancies corresponded to dominant species, despite numerous interstitial silicon injections. We have explained these prominent features by the degree of super-saturation for the interstitial silicon due to oxidation and the precise thermal properties of the vacancy and interstitial silicon.

Self-assembled Co-BaZrO 3 nanocomposite thin films with ultra-fine vertically aligned Co nanopillars

DOE PAGES

Huang, Jijie; Li, Leigang; Lu, Ping; ...

2017-05-11

A simple one-step pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method has been applied to grow self-assembled metal-oxide nanocomposite thin films. The as-deposited Co-BaZrO 3 films show high epitaxial quality with ultra-fine vertically aligned Co nanopillars (diameter <5 nm) embeded in BZO matrix. The diameter of the nanopillars can be further tuned by varying the deposition frequency. The metal and oxide phases grow separately without inter-diffusion or mixing. Taking advantage of this unique structure, a high saturation magnetization of ~1375 emu/cm 3 in the Co- BaZrO 3 nanocomposites has been achieved and further confirmed by Lorentz microscopy imaging in TEM. Furthermore, the coercivitymore » values of this nanocomposite thin films range from 600 Oe (20 Hz) to 1020 Oe (2 Hz), which makes the nanocomposite an ideal candidate for high-density perpendicular recording media.« less

Numerical simulation studies of nano-scale surface plasmon components: waveguides, splitters, and filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Xian-Shi; Huang, Xu-Guang

2008-12-01

In this paper, we theoretically and numerically demonstrate a two-dimensional Metal-Dielectric-Metal (MDM) waveguide based on finite-difference time-domain simulation of the propagation characteristics of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). For practical applications, we propose a plasmonic Y-branch waveguide based on MDM structure for high integration. The simulation results show that the Y-branch waveguide proposed here makes optical splitter with large branching angle (~180 degree) come true. We also introduce a finite array of periodic tooth structure on one surface of the MDM waveguide which is in a similar way as FBGs or Bragg reflectors, potentially as filters for WDM applications. Our results show that the novel structure not only can realize filtering function of wavelength with a high transmittance over 92%, but also with an ultra-compact size in the length of a few hundred nanometers, in comparison with other grating-like SPPs filters. The MDM waveguide splitters and filters could be utilized to achieve ultra-compact photonic filtering devices for high integration in SPPs-based flat metallic surfaces.

An eco-friendly approach for heavy metal adsorbent regeneration using CO2-responsive molecular octopus.

PubMed

Bai, Yu; Liang, Yen Nan; Hu, Xiao

2017-10-01

Perennial problems of adsorption in wastewater treatment include adsorbent recycling, generation of waste sludge and secondary pollution because harmful concentrated acids, bases or strong chelators are often used for adsorbent regeneration and adsorbate recovery. We report, for the first time, an eco-friendly regeneration concept demonstrated with a CO 2 -responsive octopus-like polymeric adsorbent. Various heavy metals can be scavenged at very high Q e by such adsorbent through coordination. Most importantly, the rapid and complete regeneration of the adsorbent and recovery of the heavy metal ions can be readily achieved by CO 2 bubbling within a few minutes under mild conditions, i.e., room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The adsorbent can then be restored to its adsorptive state and reused upon removal of CO 2 by simply bubbling another gas. This eco-friendly, effective, ultra-fast and repeatable CO 2 -triggered regeneration process using CO 2 -responsive adsorbent with versatile structure, morphology or form can be incorporated into a sustainable closed-loop wastewater treatment process to solve the perennial problems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Impurities on the Freezing Point of Zinc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Jianping; Rudtsch, Steffen; Niu, Yalu; Zhang, Lin; Wang, Wei; Den, Xiaolong

2017-03-01

The knowledge of the liquidus slope of impurities in fixed-point metal defined by the International Temperature Scale of 1990 is important for the estimation of uncertainties and correction of fixed point with the sum of individual estimates method. Great attentions are paid to the effect of ultra-trace impurities on the freezing point of zinc in the National Institute of Metrology. In the present work, the liquidus slopes of Ga-Zn, Ge-Zn were measured with the slim fixed-point cell developed through the doping experiments, and the temperature characteristics of the phase diagram of Fe-Zn were furthermore investigated. A quasi-adiabatic Zn fixed-point cell was developed with the thermometer well surrounded by the crucible with the pure metal, and the temperature uniformity of less than 20 mK in the region where the metal is located was obtained. The previous doping experiment of Pb-Zn with slim fixed-point cell was checked with quasi-adiabatic Zn fixed-point cell, and the result supports the previous liquidus slope measured with the traditional fixed-point realization.

Colour-crafted phosphor-free white light emitters via in-situ nanostructure engineering.

PubMed

Min, Daehong; Park, Donghwy; Lee, Kyuseung; Nam, Okhyun

2017-03-08

Colour-temperature (T c ) is a crucial specification of white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) used in a variety of smart-lighting applications. Commonly, T c is controlled by distributing various phosphors on top of the blue or ultra violet LED chip in conventional phosphor-conversion WLEDs (PC-WLEDs). Unfortunately, the high cost of phosphors, additional packaging processes required, and phosphor degradation by internal thermal damage must be resolved to obtain higher-quality PC-WLEDs. Here, we suggest a practical in-situ nanostructure engineering strategy for fabricating T c -controlled phosphor-free white light-emitting diodes (PF-WLEDs) using metal-organic chemical vapour deposition. The dimension controls of in-situ nanofacets on gallium nitride nanostructures, and the growth temperature of quantum wells on these materials, were key factors for T c control. Warm, true, and cold white emissions were successfully demonstrated in this study without any external processing.

Colour-crafted phosphor-free white light emitters via in-situ nanostructure engineering

PubMed Central

Min, Daehong; Park, Donghwy; Lee, Kyuseung; Nam, Okhyun

2017-01-01

Colour-temperature (Tc) is a crucial specification of white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) used in a variety of smart-lighting applications. Commonly, Tc is controlled by distributing various phosphors on top of the blue or ultra violet LED chip in conventional phosphor-conversion WLEDs (PC-WLEDs). Unfortunately, the high cost of phosphors, additional packaging processes required, and phosphor degradation by internal thermal damage must be resolved to obtain higher-quality PC-WLEDs. Here, we suggest a practical in-situ nanostructure engineering strategy for fabricating Tc-controlled phosphor-free white light-emitting diodes (PF-WLEDs) using metal-organic chemical vapour deposition. The dimension controls of in-situ nanofacets on gallium nitride nanostructures, and the growth temperature of quantum wells on these materials, were key factors for Tc control. Warm, true, and cold white emissions were successfully demonstrated in this study without any external processing. PMID:28272455

Transport properties of ultra-thin VO{sub 2} films on (001) TiO{sub 2} grown by reactive molecular-beam epitaxy

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

Paik, Hanjong; Tashman, Joshua W.; Moyer, Jarrett A.

2015-10-19

We report the growth of (001)-oriented VO{sub 2} films as thin as 1.5 nm with abrupt and reproducible metal-insulator transitions (MIT) without a capping layer. Limitations to the growth of thinner films with sharp MITs are discussed, including the Volmer-Weber type growth mode due to the high energy of the (001) VO{sub 2} surface. Another key limitation is interdiffusion with the (001) TiO{sub 2} substrate, which we quantify using low angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with electron energy loss spectroscopy. We find that controlling island coalescence on the (001) surface and minimization of cation interdiffusion bymore » using a low growth temperature followed by a brief anneal at higher temperature are crucial for realizing ultrathin VO{sub 2} films with abrupt MIT behavior.« less

A uniform doping ultra-thin SOI LDMOS with accumulation-mode extended gate and back-side etching technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan-Hui, Zhang; Jie, Wei; Chao, Yin; Qiao, Tan; Jian-Ping, Liu; Peng-Cheng, Li; Xiao-Rong, Luo

2016-02-01

A uniform doping ultra-thin silicon-on-insulator (SOI) lateral-double-diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (LDMOS) with low specific on-resistance (Ron,sp) and high breakdown voltage (BV) is proposed and its mechanism is investigated. The proposed LDMOS features an accumulation-mode extended gate (AG) and back-side etching (BE). The extended gate consists of a P- region and two diodes in series. In the on-state with VGD > 0, an electron accumulation layer is formed along the drift region surface under the AG. It provides an ultra-low resistance current path along the whole drift region surface and thus the novel device obtains a low temperature distribution. The Ron,sp is nearly independent of the doping concentration of the drift region. In the off-state, the AG not only modulates the surface electric field distribution and improves the BV, but also brings in a charge compensation effect to further reduce the Ron,sp. Moreover, the BE avoids vertical premature breakdown to obtain high BV and allows a uniform doping in the drift region, which avoids the variable lateral doping (VLD) and the “hot-spot” caused by the VLD. Compared with the VLD SOI LDMOS, the proposed device simultaneously reduces the Ron,sp by 70.2% and increases the BV from 776 V to 818 V. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61176069 and 61376079).

Radio astronomy ultra-low-noise amplifier for operation at 91 cm wavelength in high RFI environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korolev, A. M.; Zakharenko, V. V.; Ulyanov, O. M.

2016-02-01

An ultra-low-noise input amplifier intended for a use in a radio telescope operating at 91 cm wavelength is presented. The amplifier noise temperatures are 12.8 ± 1.5 and 10.0 ± 1.5 K at ambient temperatures of 293 and 263 K respectively. The amplifier does not require cryogenic cooling. It can be quickly put in operation thus shortening losses in the telescope observation time. High linearity of the amplifier (output power at 1 dB gain compression P1dB ≥ 22 dBm, output third order intercept point OIP3 ≥ 37 dBm) enables the telescope operation in highly urbanized and industrialized regions. To obtain low noise characteristics along with high linearity, high-electron-mobility field-effect transistors were used in parallel in the circuit developed. The transistors used in the amplifier are cost-effective and commercially available. The circuit solution is recommended for similar devices working in ultra-high frequency band.

Pico-Kelvin thermometry and temperature stabilization using a resonant optical cavity.

PubMed

Tan, Si; Wang, Suwen; Saraf, Shailendhar; Lipa, John A

2017-02-20

Ultra-high sensitivity temperature sensing and stable thermal control are crucial for many science experiments testing fundamental theories to high precision. Here we report the first pico-kevin scale thermometer operating at room temperature with an exceptionally low theoretical noise figure of ~70pK/Hz at 1 Hz and a high dynamic range of ~500 K. We have experimentally demonstrated a temperature sensitivity of <3.8nK/Hz at 1 Hz near room temperature, which is an order of magnitude improvement over the state of the art. We have also demonstrated an ultra-high stability thermal control system using this thermometer, achieving 3.7 nK stability at 1 s and ∼ 120 pK at 10⁴ s, which is 10-100 times more stable than the state of the art. With some upgrades to this proof-of-principle device, we can expect it to be used for very high resolution tests of special relativity and in critical point phenomena.

Ultra precision machining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Debra, Daniel B.; Hesselink, Lambertus; Binford, Thomas

1990-05-01

There are a number of fields that require or can use to advantage very high precision in machining. For example, further development of high energy lasers and x ray astronomy depend critically on the manufacture of light weight reflecting metal optical components. To fabricate these optical components with machine tools they will be made of metal with mirror quality surface finish. By mirror quality surface finish, it is meant that the dimensions tolerances on the order of 0.02 microns and surface roughness of 0.07. These accuracy targets fall in the category of ultra precision machining. They cannot be achieved by a simple extension of conventional machining processes and techniques. They require single crystal diamond tools, special attention to vibration isolation, special isolation of machine metrology, and on line correction of imperfection in the motion of the machine carriages on their way.

Preparation of metastable CoFeNi alloys with ultra-high magnetic saturation (Bs = 2.4-2.59 T) by reverse pulse electrodeposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabakovic, Ibro; Venkatasamy, Venkatram

2018-04-01

The results of reverse pulse electrodeposition of CoFeNi films with ultra-high magnetic saturation, i.e. Bs values between 2.4 and 2.59 T, are presented in this work. Based on valence-bond theory (Hund's rule) it was assumed that the electronic configuration of MOH obtained by one electron reduction of electroactive intermediate (MOH+ads + e → MOHads) or oxidation of metal (M - e + HOH → MOH + H+) would result with larger number of spins per atom for each of transition metals in MOH-precipitated in CoFeNi deposit- with one more spin than their respective neutral metal in the order: Fe > Co > Ni. The experimental results showed that the increase of Bs value above Slater-Pauling curve was not observed for CoFe alloys, thus FeOH and CoOH compounds were not present in deposit. However, the increase of the Bs values above the Slater-Pauling curve (Bs = 2.4-2.59 T) was observed, for CoFeNi films obtained by reverse pulse electrodeposition. Therefore, NiOH as a stable compound is probably formed in a one-electron oxidation step during anodic pulse oxidation reaction precipitated presumably at the grain boundaries, giving rise to the ultra-high magnetic saturation of CoFeNi films. The effects of experimental conditions on elemental composition, magnetic properties, crystal structure, and thermal stability of CoFeNi films were studied.

An electronic nose for reliable measurement and correct classification of beverages.

PubMed

Mamat, Mazlina; Samad, Salina Abdul; Hannan, Mahammad A

2011-01-01

This paper reports the design of an electronic nose (E-nose) prototype for reliable measurement and correct classification of beverages. The prototype was developed and fabricated in the laboratory using commercially available metal oxide gas sensors and a temperature sensor. The repeatability, reproducibility and discriminative ability of the developed E-nose prototype were tested on odors emanating from different beverages such as blackcurrant juice, mango juice and orange juice, respectively. Repeated measurements of three beverages showed very high correlation (r > 0.97) between the same beverages to verify the repeatability. The prototype also produced highly correlated patterns (r > 0.97) in the measurement of beverages using different sensor batches to verify its reproducibility. The E-nose prototype also possessed good discriminative ability whereby it was able to produce different patterns for different beverages, different milk heat treatments (ultra high temperature, pasteurization) and fresh and spoiled milks. The discriminative ability of the E-nose was evaluated using Principal Component Analysis and a Multi Layer Perception Neural Network, with both methods showing good classification results.

An Electronic Nose for Reliable Measurement and Correct Classification of Beverages

PubMed Central

Mamat, Mazlina; Samad, Salina Abdul; Hannan, Mahammad A.

2011-01-01

This paper reports the design of an electronic nose (E-nose) prototype for reliable measurement and correct classification of beverages. The prototype was developed and fabricated in the laboratory using commercially available metal oxide gas sensors and a temperature sensor. The repeatability, reproducibility and discriminative ability of the developed E-nose prototype were tested on odors emanating from different beverages such as blackcurrant juice, mango juice and orange juice, respectively. Repeated measurements of three beverages showed very high correlation (r > 0.97) between the same beverages to verify the repeatability. The prototype also produced highly correlated patterns (r > 0.97) in the measurement of beverages using different sensor batches to verify its reproducibility. The E-nose prototype also possessed good discriminative ability whereby it was able to produce different patterns for different beverages, different milk heat treatments (ultra high temperature, pasteurization) and fresh and spoiled milks. The discriminative ability of the E-nose was evaluated using Principal Component Analysis and a Multi Layer Perception Neural Network, with both methods showing good classification results. PMID:22163964

SQUID sensor application for small metallic particle detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Saburo; Hatsukade, Yoshimi; Ohtani, Takeyoshi; Suzuki, Shuichi

2009-04-01

High-Tc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) is an ultra-sensitive magnetic sensor. Since the performance of the SQUID is improved and stabilized, now it is ready for application. One strong candidate for application is a detection system of magnetic foreign matters in industrial products or beverages. There is a possibility that ultra-small metallic foreign matter has been accidentally mixed with industrial products such as lithium ion batteries. If this happens, the manufacturer of the product suffers a great loss recalling products. The outer dimension of metallic particles less than 100 μm cannot be detected by an X-ray imaging, which is commonly used for the inspection. Ionization of the material is also a big issue for beverages in the case of the X-ray imaging. Therefore a highly sensitive and safety detection system for small foreign matters is required. We developed detection systems based on high-Tc SQUID with a high-performance magnetic shield. We could successfully measure small iron particles of 100 μm on a belt conveyer and stainless steel balls of 300 μm in water. These detection levels were hard to be achieved by a conventional X-ray detection or other methods.

Design of ultra-compact composite plasmonic Mach-Zehnder interferometer for chemical vapor sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Souvik; Rahman, B. M. A.

2018-02-01

Following the Industrial advancements in the last few decades, highly flammable chemicals, such as ethanol (CH3CH2OH) and methanol (CH3OH) are widely being used in daily life. Ethanol have some degrees of carcinogenic effects in human whereas acute and chronic exposer of methanol results blurred vision and nausea. Therefore, accurate and efficient sensing of these two vapors in industrial environment are of high priorities. We have designed a novel, ultra-compact chemical vapor sensor based on composite plasmonic horizontal slot waveguide (CPHSW) where a low-index porous-ZnO (P-ZnO) layer is sandwiched in between top silver metal and lower silicon layers. Different P-ZnO templates, such as nano-spheres, nano-sheets and nanoplates could be used for high-selectivity of ethanol and methanol at different temperatures. The Lorentz-Lorenz model is used to determine the variation of P-ZnO refractive index (RI) with porosity and equivalent RI of P-ZnO layer for capillary condensation of different percentage of absorbed vapor. An in-house, new divergence modified finite element method is used to calculate effective index and attenuation sensitivity. Plasmonic modal analyses of dominant quasi-TM mode shows a high 42% power confinement in the slot. Next, an ultra-compact MZI incorporating a few micrometres long CPHSW is designed and analysed as a transducer device for accurate detection of effective index change. The device performance has been studied for different percentage of ethanol into P-ZnO with different porosity and a maximum phase sensitivity of >0.35 a.u. is achieved for both the chemical vapors at a mid-IR operating wavelength of 1550 nm.

Tailoring microstructure of Mg–Zn–Y alloys with quasicrystal and related phases for high mechanical strength

PubMed Central

Singh, Alok

2014-01-01

The occurrence of a stable icosahedral (i-) phase, which is quasicrystalline with an icosahedral (fivefold) symmetry, on the equilibrium phase diagram of Mg–Zn–RE (RE = Y, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho or Er) alloys opened up an interesting possibility of developing a new series of magnesium alloys for structural applications. Alloys based on the i-phase have been studied for the past 14 years. Ultra-high strengths combined with good ductility have been shown. Here we show two strategies for tailoring microstructures for very high strengths in Mg–Zn–Y alloys. One of them involves strengthening by a fine distribution of rod-like precipitates, where the matrix grain size is not critical. The alloy is solutionized at a high temperature of 480 °C to dissolve a large part of the i-phase, followed by a high temperature extrusion (∼430 °C) and a low temperature ageing to reprecipitate phases with fine size distribution. At first, phase transformations involved in this procedure are described. The closeness of the structure of the precipitates to the i-phase is brought out. By this procedure, tensile yield strengths of over 370 MPa are obtained in grain sizes of 20 μm. In another strategy, the alloys are chill cast and then extruded at low temperatures of about 250 °C. Ultra-fine grains are produced by enhanced recrystallization due to presence of the i-phase. At the same time nano-sized precipitates are precipitated dynamically during extrusion from the supersaturated matrix. Ultra-high tensile strengths of up to 400 MPa are obtained in combination with ductility of 12 to 16%. Analysis of the microstructure shows that strengthening by the i-phase occurs by enhanced recrystallization during extrusion. It produces ultra-fine grain sizes to give very high strengths, and moderate texture for good ductility. Fine distribution of the i-phase and precipitates contribute to strengthening and provide microstructre stability. Ultra-high strength over a very wide range of grain sizes is thus demonstrated, by utilizing different strengthening effects. PMID:27877701

Suppression of dendritic lithium growth in lithium metal-based batteries.

PubMed

Li, Linlin; Li, Siyuan; Lu, Yingying

2018-06-19

Lithium metal-based batteries offer promising prospects as alternatives to today's lithium-ion batteries, due to their ultra-high energy density. Unfortunately, the application of lithium metal is full of challenges and has puzzled researchers for more than 40 years. In this feature article, we describe the history of the development of lithium metal batteries and their existing key challenges, which include non-uniform electrodeposition, volume expansion, high reactivity of the lithium metal/unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and the shuttling of active cathode materials. Then, we focus on the growth mechanisms of uneven lithium electrodeposition and extend the discussion to the approaches to inhibit lithium dendrites. Finally, we discuss future directions that are expected to drive progress in the development of lithium metal batteries.

Ultra-low magnetic damping in metallic and half-metallic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaw, Justin

The phenomenology of magnetic damping is of critical importance to devices which seek to exploit the electronic spin degree of freedom since damping strongly affects the energy required and speed at which a device can operate. However, theory has struggled to quantitatively predict the damping, even in common ferromagnetic materials. This presents a challenge for a broad range of applications in magnonics, spintronics and spin-orbitronics that depend on the ability to precisely control the damping of a material. I will discuss our recent work to precisely measure the intrinsic damping in several metallic and half-metallic material systems and compare experiment with several theoretical models. This investigation uncovered a metallic material composed of Co and Fe that exhibit ultra-low values of damping that approach values found in thin film YIG. Such ultra-low damping is unexpected in a metal since magnon-electron scattering dominates the damping in conductors. However, this system possesses a distinctive feature in the bandstructure that minimizes the density of states at the Fermi energy n(EF). These findings provide the theoretical framework by which such ultra-low damping can be achieved in metallic ferromagnets and may enable a new class of experiments where ultra-low damping can be combined with a charge current. Half-metallic Heusler compounds by definition have a bandgap in one of the spin channels at the Fermi energy. This feature can also lead to exceptionally low values of the damping parameter. Our results show a strong correlation of the damping with the order parameter in Co2MnGe. Finally, I will provide an overview of the recent advances in achieving low damping in thin film Heusler compounds.

Synaptic organic transistors with a vacuum-deposited charge-trapping nanosheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Chang-Hyun; Sung, Sujin; Yoon, Myung-Han

2016-09-01

Organic neuromorphic devices hold great promise for unconventional signal processing and efficient human-machine interfaces. Herein, we propose novel synaptic organic transistors devised to overcome the traditional trade-off between channel conductance and memory performance. A vacuum-processed, nanoscale metallic interlayer provides an ultra-flat surface for a high-mobility molecular film as well as a desirable degree of charge trapping, allowing for low-temperature fabrication of uniform device arrays on plastic. The device architecture is implemented by widely available electronic materials in combination with conventional deposition methods. Therefore, our results are expected to generate broader interests in incorporation of organic electronics into large-area neuromorphic systems, with potential in gate-addressable complex logic circuits and transparent multifunctional interfaces receiving direct optical and cellular stimulation.

Vulcanism, mercury-sensitized photo-reactions and abiogenetic synthesis - A theoretical treatment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siegel, S. M.; Siegel, B. Z.

1976-01-01

Attention is called to the photodynamic and thermodynamic properties of Periodic Group IIb elements, most notably Hg, as they relate to ultra-violet sensitization in organic chemical reactions. The energy levels of 6 1P1 and 6 3P1 resonance states and the high vapor pressure (greater than 0.001 mm) of the metal at temperatures as low as 293 K bring Hg with the range of bond dissociation energies in most organic molecules and many inorganics. These capabilities considered together with recent evidence for Hg emission as a regular part of volcanic and geothermal processes provide the basis for a proposal that Hg-sensitized ultraviolet photo-reactions may have played a significant part in abiogenetic organic synthesis on the primative earth.

Flexible superconducting Nb transmission lines on thin film polyimide for quantum computing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuckerman, David B.; Hamilton, Michael C.; Reilly, David J.; Bai, Rujun; Hernandez, George A.; Hornibrook, John M.; Sellers, John A.; Ellis, Charles D.

2016-08-01

We describe progress and initial results achieved towards the goal of developing integrated multi-conductor arrays of shielded controlled-impedance flexible superconducting transmission lines with ultra-miniature cross sections and wide bandwidths (dc to >10 GHz) over meter-scale lengths. Intended primarily for use in future scaled-up quantum computing systems, such flexible thin-film niobium/polyimide ribbon cables could provide a physically compact and ultra-low thermal conductance alternative to the rapidly increasing number of discrete coaxial cables that are currently used by quantum computing experimentalists to transmit signals between the several low-temperature stages (from ˜4 K down to ˜20 mK) of a dilution refrigerator. We have concluded that these structures are technically feasible to fabricate, and so far they have exhibited acceptable thermo-mechanical reliability. S-parameter results are presented for individual 2-metal layer Nb microstrip structures having 50 Ω characteristic impedance; lengths ranging from 50 to 550 mm were successfully fabricated. Solderable pads at the end terminations allowed testing using conventional rf connectors. Weakly coupled open-circuit microstrip resonators provided a sensitive measure of the overall transmission line loss as a function of frequency, temperature, and power. Two common microelectronic-grade polyimide dielectrics, one conventional and the other photo-definable (PI-2611 and HD-4100, respectively) were compared. Our most striking result, not previously reported to our knowledge, was that the dielectric loss tangents of both polyimides, over frequencies from 1 to 20 GHz, are remarkably low at deep cryogenic temperatures, typically 100× smaller than corresponding room temperature values. This enables fairly long-distance (meter-scale) transmission of microwave signals without excessive attenuation, and also permits usefully high rf power levels to be transmitted without creating excessive dielectric heating. We observed loss tangents as low as 2.2 × 10-5 at 20 mK, although losses increased somewhat at very low rf power levels, similar to the well-known behavior of amorphous inorganic dielectrics such as SiO2. Our fabrication techniques could be extended to more complex structures such as multiconductor cables, embedded microstrip, 3-metal layer stripline or rectangular coax, and integrated attenuators and thermalization structures.

HIGH-RESOLUTION SPECTROSCOPY OF EXTREMELY METAL-POOR STARS IN THE LEAST EVOLVED GALAXIES: LEO IV

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

Simon, Joshua D.; McWilliam, Andrew; Thompson, Ian B.

2010-06-10

We present high-resolution Magellan/MIKE spectroscopy of the brightest star in the ultra-faint dwarf galaxy Leo IV. We measure an iron abundance of [Fe/H] = -3.2, adding to the rapidly growing sample of extremely metal-poor (EMP) stars being identified in Milky Way satellite galaxies. The star is enhanced in the {alpha} elements Mg, Ca, and Ti by {approx}0.3 dex, very similar to the typical Milky Way halo abundance pattern. All of the light and iron-peak elements follow the trends established by EMP halo stars, but the neutron-capture elements Ba and Sr are significantly underabundant. These results are quite similar to thosemore » found for stars in the ultra-faint dwarfs Ursa Major II, Coma Berenices, Booetes I, and Hercules, suggesting that the chemical evolution of the lowest-luminosity galaxies may be universal. The abundance pattern we observe is consistent with predictions for nucleosynthesis from a Population III supernova explosion. The extremely low metallicity of this star also supports the idea that a significant fraction ({approx}>10%) of the stars in the faintest dwarfs have metallicities below [Fe/H] = -3.0.« less

Ultra-broadband and efficient surface plasmon polariton launching through metallic nanoslits of subwavelength period.

PubMed

Li, Guangyuan; Zhang, Jiasen

2014-08-01

Ultra-broadband, efficient and unidirectional surface plasmon polariton (SPP) launching is of great concern in plasmonic devices and circuits. To address this challenge, a novel method adopting deep-subwavelength slits of subwavelength period (λSPP/4 ~ λSPP/3) in a thick metal film and under backside illumination is proposed. A new band pattern featuring broadband and wide angular characteristics, which is due to the coupling of the zeroth-order SPP resonance at the superstrate-metal interface and the first-order SPP resonance at the metal-substrate interface, is observed for the first time in the dispersion diagram. Unidirectional SPP launching efficiency of ~50%, ultra-broad bandwidth of up to 780 nm, covering the entire optical fiber communication bands, and relatively wide angular range of 7° are achieved. This remarkable efficient, ultra-broadband and wide angular performance is demonstrated by carefully designed experiments in the near infrared regime, showing good agreement with numerical results.

The First Finding of Sapphirine in Granulites of the Angara-Kan Block: Evidence of Ultra-High-Temperature Metamorphism in the SW Siberian Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukhorukov, V. P.; Gladkochub, D. P.; Turkina, O. M.

2018-04-01

This work reports the first discovery of sapphirine-bearing mineral parageneses in granulites of the Angara-Kan block, information on the mineral assemblage of rocks, and the mineral composition. Based on mineral geothermometers utilizing alumina content in orthopyroxene, reconstruction of the composition of ternary feldspar, and the titanium content in zircon, it was revealed that the peak temperatures of metamorphism reached 1100°C, after which the rocks underwent cooling under sub-isobaric conditions. It is assumed that the pulse of ultra-high-temperature metamorphism correlates with processes of extension and intraplate magmatism during the age interval of 1.78-1.75 Ga.

Chip Scale Ultra-Stable Clocks: Miniaturized Phonon Trap Timing Units for PNT of CubeSats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rais-Zadeh, Mina; Altunc, Serhat; Hunter, Roger C.; Petro, Andrew

2016-01-01

The Chip Scale Ultra-Stable Clocks (CSUSC) project aims to provide a superior alternative to current solutions for low size, weight, and power timing devices. Currently available quartz-based clocks have problems adjusting to the high temperature and extreme acceleration found in space applications, especially when scaled down to match small spacecraft size, weight, and power requirements. The CSUSC project aims to utilize dual-mode resonators on an ovenized platform to achieve the exceptional temperature stability required for these systems. The dual-mode architecture utilizes a temperature sensitive and temperature stable mode simultaneously driven on the same device volume to eliminate ovenization error while maintaining extremely high performance. Using this technology it is possible to achieve parts-per-billion (ppb) levels of temperature stability with multiple orders of magnitude smaller size, weight, and power.

Sol-Gel Derived Hafnia Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feldman, Jay D.; Stackpoole, Mairead; Blum, Yigal; Sacks, Michael; Ellerby, Don; Johnson, Sylvia M.; Venkatapathy, Ethiras (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Sol-gel derived hafnia coatings are being developed to provide an oxidation protection layer on ultra-high temperature ceramics for potential use in turbine engines (ultra-efficient engine technology being developed by NASA). Coatings using hafnia sol hafnia filler particles will be discussed along with sol synthesis and characterization.

Metallic conductance at the interface of tri-color titanate superlattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kareev, M.; Cao, Yanwei; Liu, Xiaoran; Middey, S.; Meyers, D.; Chakhalian, J.

2013-12-01

Ultra-thin tri-color (tri-layer) titanate superlattices ([3 u.c. LaTiO3/2 u.c. SrTiO3/3 u.c. YTiO3], u.c. = unit cells) were grown in a layer-by-layer way on single crystal TbScO3 (110) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. High sample quality and electronic structure were characterized by the combination of in-situ photoelectron and ex-situ structure and surface morphology probes. Temperature-dependent sheet resistance indicates the presence of metallic interfaces in both [3 u.c. LaTiO3/2 u.c. SrTiO3] bi-layers and all the tri-color structures, whereas a [3 u.c. YTiO3/2 u.c. SrTiO3] bi-layer shows insulating behavior. Considering that in the bulk YTiO3 is ferromagnetic below 30 K, the tri-color titanate superlattices provide an opportunity to induce tunable spin-polarization into the two-dimensional electron gas with Mott carriers.

Ultra-high temperature isothermal furnace liners (IFLS) for copper freeze point cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dussinger, P. M.; Tavener, J. P.

2013-09-01

Primary Laboratories use large fixed-point cells in deep calibration furnaces utilizing heat pipes to achieve temperature uniformity. This combination of furnace, heat pipe, and cell gives the smallest of uncertainties. The heat pipe, also known as an isothermal furnace liner (IFL), has typically been manufactured with Alloy 600/601 as the envelope material since the introduction of high temperature IFLs over 40 years ago. Alloy 600/601 is a widely available high temperature material, which is compatible with Cesium, Potassium, and Sodium and has adequate oxidation resistance and reasonable high temperature strength. Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) Alloy 600/Sodium IFLs are rated to 1100°C for approximately 1000 hours of operation (based on creep strength). Laboratories interested in performing calibrations and studies around the copper freezing point (1084.62°C) were frustrated by the 1000 hours at 1100°C limitation and the fact that expensive freeze-point cells were getting stuck and/or crushed inside the IFL. Because of this growing frustration/need, ACT developed an Ultra High Temperature IFL to take advantage of the exceptional high temperature strength properties of Haynes 230.

Effect of SiC Content on the Ablation and Oxidation Behavior of ZrB2-Based Ultra High Temperature Ceramic Composites

PubMed Central

Hu, Ping; Gui, Kaixuan; Yang, Yang; Dong, Shun; Zhang, Xinghong

2013-01-01

The ablation and oxidation of ZrB2-based ultra high temperature ceramic (UHTC) composites containing 10%, 15% and 30% v/v SiC were tested under different heat fluxes in a high frequency plasma wind tunnel. Performance was significantly affected by the surface temperature, which was strongly dependent on the composition. Composites containing 10% SiC showed the highest surface temperature (>2300 °C) and underwent a marked degradation under both conditions. In contrast, composites with 30% SiC exhibited the lowest surface temperature (<2000 °C) and demonstrated excellent ablation resistance. The surface temperature of UHTCs in aerothermal testing was closely associated with the dynamic evolution of the surface and bulk oxide properties, especially for the change in chemical composition on the exposed surface, which was strongly dependent on the material composition and testing parameters (i.e., heat flux, enthalpy, pressure and test time), and in turn affected its oxidation performance. PMID:28809239

Effect of SiC Content on the Ablation and Oxidation Behavior of ZrB₂-Based Ultra High Temperature Ceramic Composites.

PubMed

Hu, Ping; Gui, Kaixuan; Yang, Yang; Dong, Shun; Zhang, Xinghong

2013-04-29

The ablation and oxidation of ZrB₂-based ultra high temperature ceramic (UHTC) composites containing 10%, 15% and 30% v/v SiC were tested under different heat fluxes in a high frequency plasma wind tunnel. Performance was significantly affected by the surface temperature, which was strongly dependent on the composition. Composites containing 10% SiC showed the highest surface temperature (>2300 °C) and underwent a marked degradation under both conditions. In contrast, composites with 30% SiC exhibited the lowest surface temperature (<2000 °C) and demonstrated excellent ablation resistance. The surface temperature of UHTCs in aerothermal testing was closely associated with the dynamic evolution of the surface and bulk oxide properties, especially for the change in chemical composition on the exposed surface, which was strongly dependent on the material composition and testing parameters ( i.e. , heat flux, enthalpy, pressure and test time), and in turn affected its oxidation performance.

Ultra-Lightweight Hybrid Thin-Film Solar Cells: A Survey of Enabling Technologies for Space Power Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hepp, Aloysius F.; McNatt, Jeremiah S.; Bailey, Sheila G.; Dickman, John E.; Raffaelle, Ryne P.; Landi, Brian J.; Anctil, Annick; DiLeo, Roberta; Jin, Michael H.-C.; Lee, Chung-Young;

Castable Amorphous Metal Mirrors and Mirror Assemblies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hofmann, Douglas C.; Davis, Gregory L.; Agnes, Gregory S.; Shapiro, Andrew A.

2013-01-01

A revolutionary way to produce a mirror and mirror assembly is to cast the entire part at once from a metal alloy that combines all of the desired features into the final part: optical smoothness, curvature, flexures, tabs, isogrids, low CTE, and toughness. In this work, it has been demonstrated that castable mirrors are possible using bulk metallic glasses (BMGs, also called amorphous metals) and BMG matrix composites (BMGMCs). These novel alloys have all of the desired mechanical and thermal properties to fabricate an entire mirror assembly without machining, bonding, brazing, welding, or epoxy. BMGs are multi-component metal alloys that have been cooled in such a manner as to avoid crystallization leading to an amorphous (non-crystalline) microstructure. This lack of crystal structure and the fact that these alloys are glasses, leads to a wide assortment of mechanical and thermal properties that are unlike those observed in crystalline metals. Among these are high yield strength, carbide-like hardness, low melting temperatures (making them castable like aluminum), a thermoplastic processing region (for improving smoothness), low stiffness, high strength-to-weight ratios, relatively low CTE, density similar to titanium alloys, high elasticity and ultra-smooth cast parts (as low as 0.2-nm surface roughness has been demonstrated in cast BMGs). BMGMCs are composite alloys that consist of a BMG matrix with crystalline dendrites embedded throughout. BMGMCs are used to overcome the typically brittle failure observed in monolithic BMGs by adding a soft phase that arrests the formation of cracks in the BMG matrix. In some cases, BMGMCs offer superior castability, toughness, and fatigue resistance, if not as good a surface finish as BMGs. This work has demonstrated that BMGs and BMGMCs can be cast into prototype mirrors and mirror assemblies without difficulty.

Self-generated Local Heating Induced Nanojoining for Room Temperature Pressureless Flexible Electronic Packaging

PubMed Central

Peng, Peng; Hu, Anming; Gerlich, Adrian P.; Liu, Yangai; Zhou, Y. Norman

2015-01-01

Metallic bonding at an interface is determined by the application of heat and/or pressure. The means by which these are applied are the most critical for joining nanoscale structures. The present study considers the feasibility of room-temperature pressureless joining of copper wires using water-based silver nanowire paste. A novel mechanism of self-generated local heating within the silver nanowire paste and copper substrate system promotes the joining of silver-to-silver and silver-to-copper without any external energy input. The localized heat energy was delivered in-situ to the interfaces to promote atomic diffusion and metallic bond formation with the bulk component temperature stays near room-temperature. This local heating effect has been detected experimentally and confirmed by calculation. The joints formed at room-temperature without pressure achieve a tensile strength of 5.7 MPa and exhibit ultra-low resistivity in the range of 101.3 nOhm·m. The good conductivity of the joint is attributed to the removal of organic compounds in the paste and metallic bonding of silver-to-copper and silver-to-silver. The water-based silver nanowire paste filler material is successfully applied to various flexible substrates for room temperature bonding. The use of chemically generated local heating may become a potential method for energy in-situ delivery at micro/nanoscale. PMID:25788019

Efficient Dual-Site Carbon Monoxide Electro-Catalysts via Interfacial Nano-Engineering

PubMed Central

Liu, Zhen; Huang, Zhongyuan; Cheng, Feifei; Guo, Zhanhu; Wang, Guangdi; Chen, Xu; Wang, Zhe

2016-01-01

Durable, highly efficient, and economic sound electrocatalysts for CO electrooxidation (COE) are the emerging key for wide variety of energy solutions, especially fuel cells and rechargeable metal−air batteries. Herein, we report the novel system of nickel−aluminum double layered hydroxide (NiAl-LDH) nanoplates on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) network. The formulation of such complexes system was to be induced through the assistance of gold nanoparticles in order to form dual-metal active sites so as to create a extended Au/NiO two phase zone. Bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (NTf2) anion of ionic liquid electrolyte was selected to enhance the CO/O2 adsorption and to facilitate electro-catalyzed oxidation of Ni (OH)2 to NiOOH by increasing the electrophilicity of catalytic interface. The resulting neutral catalytic system exhibited ultra-high electrocatalytic activity and stability for CO electrooxidation than commercial and other reported precious metal catalysts. The turnover frequency (TOF) of the LDH-Au/CNTs COE catalyst was much higher than the previous reported other similar electrocatalysts, even close to the activity of solid-gas chemical catalysts at high temperature. Moreover, in the long-term durability testing, the negligible variation of current density remains exsisting after 1000 electrochemistry cycles. PMID:27650532

Ultra-fast all-optical plasmonic switching in near infra-red spectrum using a Kerr nonlinear ring resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurmohammadi, Tofiq; Abbasian, Karim; Yadipour, Reza

2018-03-01

In this paper, an all-optical plasmonic switch based on metal-insulator-metal (MIM) nanoplasmonic waveguide with a Kerr nonlinear ring resonator is introduced and studied. Two-dimensional simulations utilizing the finite-difference time-domain algorithm are used to demonstrate an apparent optical bistability and significant switching mechanisms (in enabled-low condition: T(ON/OFF) =21.9 and in enabled-high condition: T(ON/OFF) =24.9) of the signal light arisen by altering the pump-light intensity. The proposed all-optical switching demonstrates femtosecond-scale feedback time (90 fs) and then ultra-fast switching can be achieved. The offered all-optical switch may recognize potential significant applications in integrated optical circuits.

Ultra-short pulse laser micro patterning with highest throughput by utilization of a novel multi-beam processing head

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Homburg, Oliver; Jarczynski, Manfred; Mitra, Thomas; Brüning, Stephan

2017-02-01

In the last decade much improvement has been achieved for ultra-short pulse lasers with high repetition rates. This laser technology has vastly matured so that it entered a manifold of industrial applications recently compared to mainly scientific use in the past. Compared to ns-pulse ablation ultra-short pulses in the ps- or even fs regime lead to still colder ablation and further reduced heat-affected zones. This is crucial for micro patterning when structure sizes are getting smaller and requirements are getting stronger at the same time. An additional advantage of ultra-fast processing is its applicability to a large variety of materials, e.g. metals and several high bandgap materials like glass and ceramics. One challenge for ultra-fast micro machining is throughput. The operational capacity of these processes can be maximized by increasing the scan rate or the number of beams - parallel processing. This contribution focuses on process parallelism of ultra-short pulsed lasers with high repetition rate and individually addressable acousto-optical beam modulation. The core of the multi-beam generation is a smooth diffractive beam splitter component with high uniform spots and negligible loss, and a prismatic array compressor to match beam size and pitch. The optical design and the practical realization of an 8 beam processing head in combination with a high average power single mode ultra-short pulsed laser source are presented as well as the currently on-going and promising laboratory research and micro machining results. Finally, an outlook of scaling the processing head to several tens of beams is given.

Single molecule junction conductance and binding geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamenetska, Maria

This Thesis addresses the fundamental problem of controlling transport through a metal-organic interface by studying electronic and mechanical properties of single organic molecule-metal junctions. Using a Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) we image, probe energy-level alignment and perform STM-based break junction (BJ) measurements on molecules bound to a gold surface. Using Scanning Tunneling Microscope-based break-junction (STM-BJ) techniques, we explore the effect of binding geometry on single-molecule conductance by varying the structure of the molecules, metal-molecule binding chemistry and by applying sub-nanometer manipulation control to the junction. These experiments are performed both in ambient conditions and in ultra high vacuum (UHV) at cryogenic temperatures. First, using STM imaging and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) measurements we explore binding configurations and electronic properties of an amine-terminated benzene derivative on gold. We find that details of metal-molecule binding affect energy-level alignment at the interface. Next, using the STM-BJ technique, we form and rupture metal-molecule-metal junctions ˜104 times to obtain conductance-vs-extension curves and extract most likely conductance values for each molecule. With these measurements, we demonstrated that the control of junction conductance is possible through a choice of metal-molecule binding chemistry and sub-nanometer positioning. First, we show that molecules terminated with amines, sulfides and phosphines bind selectively on gold and therefore demonstrate constant conductance levels even as the junction is elongated and the metal-molecule attachment point is modified. Such well-defined conductance is also obtained with paracyclophane molecules which bind to gold directly through the pi system. Next, we are able to create metal-molecule-metal junctions with more than one reproducible conductance signatures that can be accessed by changing junction geometry. In the case of pyridine-linked molecules, conductance can be reliably switched between two distinct conductance states using sub-nanometer mechanical manipulation. Using a methyl sulfide linker attached to an oligoene backbone, we are able to create a 3-nm-long molecular potentiometer, whose resistance can be tuned exponentially with Angstom-scale modulations in metal-molecule configuration. These experiments points to a new paradigm for attaining reproducible electrical characteristics of metal-organic devices which involves controlling linker-metal chemistry rather than fabricating identically structured metal-molecule interfaces. By choosing a linker group which is either insensitive to or responds reproducibly to changes in metal-molecule configuration, one can design single molecule devices with functionality more complex than a simple resistor. These ambient temperature experiments were combined with UHV conductance measurements performed in a commercial STM on amine-terminated benzene derivatives which conduct through a non-resonant tunneling mechanism, at temperatures varying from 5 to 300 Kelvin. Our results indicate that while amine-gold binding remains selective irrespective of environment, conductance is not temperature independent, in contrast to what is expected for a tunneling mechanism. Furthermore, using temperature-dependent measurements in ambient conditions we find that HOMO-conducting amines and LUMO-conducting pyridines show opposite dependence of conductance on temperature. These results indicate that energy-level alignment between the molecule and the electrodes changes as a result of varying electrode structure at different temperatures. We find that temperature can serve as a knob with which to tune transport properties of single molecule-metal junctions.

Novel electrochemical nickel metallization in silicon impedance engineering for mixed-signal system-on-chip crosstalk isolation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xi

One of the major challenges for single chip radio frequency integrated circuits (RFIC's) built on Si is the RE crosstalk through the Si substrate. Noise from switching transient in digital circuits can be transmitted through Si substrate and degrades the performance of analog circuit elements. A highly conductive moat or Faraday cage type structure of through-the-wafer thickness in the Si substrate was demonstrated to be effective in shielding electromagnetic interference thereby reducing RE cross-talk in high performance mixed signal integrated circuits. Such a structure incorporated into the p- Si substrate was realized by electroless Ni metallization over selected regions with ultra-high-aspect-ratio macropores that was etched electrochemically in p- Si substrates. The metallization process was conducted by immersing the macroporous Si sample in an alkaline aqueous solution containing Ni2+ without a reducing agent. It was found that working at slightly elevated temperature, Ni 2+ was rapidly reduced and deposited in the macropores. During the wet chemical process, conformal metallization on the pore wall was achieved. The entire porous Si skeleton was gradually replaced by Ni along the extended duration of immersion. In a p-/p+ epi Si substrate used for high performance digital CMOS, the suppression of crosstalk by the arrayed metallic Ni via structure fabricated from the front p side was significant that the crosstalk went down to the noise floor of the conventional measurement instruments. The process and mechanism of forming such a Ni structure over the original Si were studied. Theoretical computation relevant to the process was carried out to show a good consistency with the experiments.

Ultra-Low Density Organic-Inorganic Composite Materials Possessing Thermally Insulating and Acoustic Damping Properties

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-05-07

Officer. Dr. Kenneth Wynne d. Brief Description of Project- We are investigating the design and synthesis of strong, ultra-low density xerogel and aerogel ...materials of this type would have applications in a broad range of areas including lightweight engine components, high temperature coatings, aircraft wings...we plan to investigate the formation of ultra-low density composites using supercritical universal drying (SCUD) techniques. SiO2 aerogel materials

O-Ring sealing arrangements for ultra-high vacuum systems

DOEpatents

Kim, Chang-Kyo; Flaherty, Robert

1981-01-01

An all metal reusable O-ring sealing arrangement for sealing two concentric tubes in an ultra-high vacuum system. An O-ring of a heat recoverable alloy such as Nitinol is concentrically positioned between protruding sealing rings of the concentric tubes. The O-ring is installed between the tubes while in a stressed martensitic state and is made to undergo a thermally induced transformation to an austenitic state. During the transformation the O-ring expands outwardly and contracts inwardly toward a previously sized austenitic configuration, thereby sealing against the protruding sealing rings of the concentric tubes.

Utilization of Field Enhancement in Plasmonic Waveguides for Subwavelength Light-Guiding, Polarization Handling, Heating, and Optical Sensing.

PubMed

Dai, Daoxin; Wu, Hao; Zhang, Wei

2015-10-09

Plasmonic nanostructures have attracted intensive attention for many applications in recent years because of the field enhancement at the metal/dielectric interface. First, this strong field enhancement makes it possible to break the diffraction limit and enable subwavelength optical waveguiding, which is desired for nanophotonic integrated circuits with ultra-high integration density. Second, the field enhancement in plasmonic nanostructures occurs only for the polarization mode whose electric field is perpendicular to the metal/dielectric interface, and thus the strong birefringence is beneficial for realizing ultra-small polarization-sensitive/selective devices, including polarization beam splitters, and polarizers. Third, plasmonic nanostructures provide an excellent platform of merging electronics and photonics for some applications, e.g., thermal tuning, photo-thermal detection, etc. Finally, the field enhancement at the metal/dielectric interface helps a lot to realize optical sensors with high sensitivity when introducing plasmonic nanostrutures. In this paper, we give a review for recent progresses on the utilization of field enhancement in plasmonic nanostructures for these applications, e.g., waveguiding, polarization handling, heating, as well as optical sensing.

Utilization of Field Enhancement in Plasmonic Waveguides for Subwavelength Light-Guiding, Polarization Handling, Heating, and Optical Sensing

PubMed Central

Dai, Daoxin; Wu, Hao; Zhang, Wei

2015-01-01

Plasmonic nanostructures have attracted intensive attention for many applications in recent years because of the field enhancement at the metal/dielectric interface. First, this strong field enhancement makes it possible to break the diffraction limit and enable subwavelength optical waveguiding, which is desired for nanophotonic integrated circuits with ultra-high integration density. Second, the field enhancement in plasmonic nanostructures occurs only for the polarization mode whose electric field is perpendicular to the metal/dielectric interface, and thus the strong birefringence is beneficial for realizing ultra-small polarization-sensitive/selective devices, including polarization beam splitters, and polarizers. Third, plasmonic nanostructures provide an excellent platform of merging electronics and photonics for some applications, e.g., thermal tuning, photo-thermal detection, etc. Finally, the field enhancement at the metal/dielectric interface helps a lot to realize optical sensors with high sensitivity when introducing plasmonic nanostrutures. In this paper, we give a review for recent progresses on the utilization of field enhancement in plasmonic nanostructures for these applications, e.g., waveguiding, polarization handling, heating, as well as optical sensing. PMID:28793600

Synthesis, integration, and characterization of metal oxide films as alternative gate dielectric materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, You-Sheng

ZrO2 and HfO2 were investigated in this study to replace SiO2 as the potential gate dielectric materials in metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors. ZrO2 and HfO2 films were deposited on p-type Si (100) wafers by an atomic layer chemical vapor deposition (ALCVD) process using zirconium (IV) t-butoxide and hafnium (IV) t-butoxide as the metal precursors, respectively. Oxygen was used alternatively with these metal alkoxide precursors into the reactor with purging and evacuation in between. The as-deposited ZrO2 and HfO2 films were stoichiometric and uniform based on X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and ellipsometry measurements. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the deposited films were amorphous, however, the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed an interfacial layer formation on the silicon substrate. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and medium energy ion scattering analysis showed significant intermixing between metal oxides and Si, indicating the formation of metal silicates, which were confirmed by their chemical etching resistance in HF solutions. The thermal stability of ZrO2 and HfO2 thin films on silicon was examined by monitoring their decomposition temperatures in ultra-high vacuum, using in-situ synchrotron radiation ultra-violet photoemission spectroscopy. The as-deposited ZrO2 and HfO2 thin films were thermally stable up to 880°C and 950°C in vacuum, respectively. The highest achieveable dielectric constants of as-deposited ZrO 2 and HfO2 were 21 and 24, respectively, which were slightly lower than the reported dielectric constants of bulk ZrO2 and HfO 2. These slight reductions in dielectric constants were attributed to the formation of the interfacial metal silicate layers. Very small hysteresis and interface state density were observed for both metal oxide films. Their leakage currents were a few orders of magnitude lower than that of SiO 2 at the same equivalent oxide thickness. NMOSFETs were also fabricated with the as-deposited metal oxide films, and reasonable ID-V D and IG-VG results were obtained. The electron mobilities were high from devices built using a plasma etching process to pattern the metal oxide films. However, they can be degraded if an HF wet etching process was used due to the large contact resistences. Upon oxygen annealing, the formation of SiOx at the interface improved the thermal stability of the as-deposited metal oxide films, however, lower overall dielectric constant and higher leakage current were observed. Upon ammonia annealing, the formation of SiOxNy improved not only the thermal stability but also reduced the leakage current. However, the overall dielectric constant of the film was still reduced due to the formation of the additional interfacial layer.

Transport studies in polymer electrolyte fuel cell with porous metallic flow field at ultra high current density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srouji, Abdul-Kader

Achieving cost reduction for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC) requires a simultaneous effort in increasing power density while reducing precious metal loading. In PEFCs, the cathode performance is often limiting due to both the slow oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and mass transport limitation caused by limited oxygen diffusion and liquid water flooding at high current density. This study is motivated by the achievement of ultra-high current density through the elimination of the channel/land (C/L) paradigm in PEFC flow field design. An open metallic element (OME) flow field capable of operating at unprecedented ultra-high current density (3 A/cm2) introduces new advantages and limitations for PEFC operation. The first part of this study compares the OME with a conventional C/L flow field, through performance and electrochemical diagnostic tools such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results indicate the uniqueness of the OME's mass transport improvement. No sign of operation limitation due to flooding is noted. The second part specifically examines water management at high current density using the OME flow field. A unique experimental setup is developed to measure steady-state and transient net water drag across the membrane, in order to characterize the fundamental aspects of water transport at high current density with the OME. Instead of flooding, the new limitation is identified to be anode side dry-out of the membrane, caused by electroosmotic drag. The OME improves water removal from the cathode, which immediately improves oxygen transport and performance. However, the low water content in the cathode reduces back diffusion of water to the membrane, and electroosmotic drag dominates at high current density, leading to dry-out. The third part employs the OME flow field as a tool that avoids C/L effects endemic to a typical flow field, in order to study oxygen transport resistance at the catalyst layer of a PEFC. In open literature, a resistance of unknown origin, was shown to directly or indirectly scale with Pt loading. A lack of understanding of the mechanism responsible for such resistance is noted, and several possible theories have been proposed. This lack of fundamental understanding of the origins of this resistance adds complexity to computational models which are designed to capture performance behavior with ultra-low loading electrodes. By employing the OME flow field as a tool to study this phenomena, the origins of the transport resistance appearing at ultra-low Platinum (Pt) loading is proposed to be an increase in oxygen dilution resistance through water film.

A review of high magnetic moment thin films for microscale and nanotechnology applications

DOE PAGES

Scheunert, Gunther; Heinonen, O.; Hardeman, R.; ...

2016-02-17

Here, the creation of large magnetic fields is a necessary component in many technologies, ranging from magnetic resonance imaging, electric motors and generators, and magnetic hard disk drives in information storage. This is typically done by inserting a ferromagnetic pole piece with a large magnetisation density M S in a solenoid. In addition to large M S, it is usually required or desired that the ferromagnet is magnetically soft and has a Curie temperature well above the operating temperature of the device. A variety of ferromagnetic materials are currently in use, ranging from FeCo alloys in, for example, hard diskmore » drives, to rare earth metals operating at cryogenic temperatures in superconducting solenoids. These latter can exceed the limit on M S for transition metal alloys given by the Slater-Pauling curve. This article reviews different materials and concepts in use or proposed for technological applications that require a large M S, with an emphasis on nanoscale material systems, such as thin and ultra-thin films. Attention is also paid to other requirements or properties, such as the Curie temperature and magnetic softness. In a final summary, we evaluate the actual applicability of the discussed materials for use as pole tips in electromagnets, in particular, in nanoscale magnetic hard disk drive read-write heads; the technological advancement of the latter has been a very strong driving force in the development of the field of nanomagnetism.« less

Improved growth of GaN layers on ultra thin silicon nitride/Si (1 1 1) by RF-MBE

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

Kumar, Mahesh; Roul, Basanta; Central Research Laboratory, Bharat Electronics, Bangalore 560013

High-quality GaN epilayers were grown on Si (1 1 1) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy using a new growth process sequence which involved a substrate nitridation at low temperatures, annealing at high temperatures, followed by nitridation at high temperatures, deposition of a low-temperature buffer layer, and a high-temperature overgrowth. The material quality of the GaN films was also investigated as a function of nitridation time and temperature. Crystallinity and surface roughness of GaN was found to improve when the Si substrate was treated under the new growth process sequence. Micro-Raman and photoluminescence (PL) measurement results indicate that the GaN filmmore » grown by the new process sequence has less tensile stress and optically good. The surface and interface structures of an ultra thin silicon nitride film grown on the Si surface are investigated by core-level photoelectron spectroscopy and it clearly indicates that the quality of silicon nitride notably affects the properties of GaN growth.« less

Manufacturing and Characterization of Ultra Pure Ferrous Alloys Final Report CRADA No. TC02069.0

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

Lesuer, D.; McGreevy, T. E.

This CRADA was a.collaborative effort between the Lawrence Livermore National Security LLC (formerly University of California)/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL),and Caterpillar Inc. (CaterpiHar), to further advance levitation casting techniques (developed at the Central Research Institute for Material (CRIM) in St. Petersburg, Russia) for use in manufacturing high purity metal alloys. This DOE Global Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention Program (IPP) project was to develop and demonstrate the levitation casting technology for producing ultra-pure alloys.

Planarized thick copper gate polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors for ultra-large AMOLED displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yun, Seung Jae; Lee, Yong Woo; Son, Se Wan; Byun, Chang Woo; Reddy, A. Mallikarjuna; Joo, Seung Ki

2012-08-01

A planarized thick copper (Cu) gate low temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) thin film transistors (TFTs) is fabricated for ultra-large active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays. We introduce a damascene and chemical mechanical polishing process to embed a planarized Cu gate of 500 nm thickness into a trench and Si3N4/SiO2 multilayer gate insulator, to prevent the Cu gate from diffusing into the silicon (Si) layer at 550°C, and metal-induced lateral crystallization (MILC) technology to crystallize the amorphous Si layer. A poly-Si TFT with planarized thick Cu gate exhibits a field effect mobility of 5 cm2/Vs and a threshold voltage of -9 V, and a subthreshold swing (S) of 1.4 V/dec.

Performance Investigation on an Ultra-compact Interstage Turbine Burner with Trapped-vortex Slot Inlet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hongtao; Luo, Guangqi; Guan, Lei; Zeng, Jianchen

2017-10-01

Ultra-Compact Combustor (UCC), which is one of mainstream design concepts of Interstage Turbine Burner (ITB), has the advantages of compact structure and high combustion efficiency. A design concept of an UCC with trapped-vortex slot inlet was proposed and numerical simulation of the stability, emissions, internal flow velocity and temperature distribution was carried out. The results indicated that the UCC with trapped-vortex slot inlet could enhance the mixing of combustion mixture and the mainstream airflow, improve the combustion efficiency, outlet temperature and the uniformity of outlet temperature field.

Welding Metallurgy of Nickel-Based Superalloys for Power Plant Construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tung, David C.

Increasing the steam temperature and pressure in coal-fired power plants is a perpetual goal driven by the pursuit of increasing thermal cycle efficiency and reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The next target steam operating conditions, which are 760°C (1400°F) and 35 MPa (5000 psi) are known as Advanced Ultra Supercritical (AUSC), and can reduce CO2 emissions up to 13% but this cannot be achieved with traditional power plant construction materials. The use of precipitation-strengthened Nickel-based alloys (superalloys) is required for components which will experience the highest operating temperatures. The leading candidate superalloys for power plant construction are alloys 740H, 282, and 617. Superalloys have excellent elevated temperature properties due to careful microstructural design which is achieved through very specific heat treatments, often requiring solution annealing or homogenization at temperatures of 1100 °C or higher. A series of postweld heat treatments was investigated and it was found that homogenization steps before aging had no noticeable effect on weld metal microhardness, however; there were clear improvements in weld metal homogeneity. The full abstract can be viewed in the document itself.

Silicon Carbide Diodes Characterization at High Temperature and Comparison With Silicon Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lebron-Velilla, Ramon C.; Schwarze, Gene E.; Gardner, Brent G.; Adams, Jerry D., Jr.

2004-01-01

Commercially available silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky diodes from different manufacturers rated at 200, 300, 600, and 1200 V, were electrically tested and characterized as a function of temperature up to 300 C. Electrical tests included both steady state and dynamic tests. Steady state tests produced forward and reverse I-V characteristic curves. Transient tests evaluated the switching performance of the diodes in either a hard-switched DC to DC buck converter or a half-bridge boost converter. For evaluation and comparison purposes, the same tests were performed with current state-of-the-art ultra fast silicon (Si) pn-junction diodes of similar ratings and also a Si Schottky diode. The comparisons made were forward voltage drop at rated current, reverse current at rated voltage, and turn-off peak reverse recovery current and reverse recovery time. In addition, efficiency measurements were taken for the buck DC to DC converter using both the SiC Schottky diodes and the Si pn-junction diodes at different temperatures and frequencies. The test results showed that at high temperature, the forward voltage drop for SiC Schottky diodes is higher than the forward drop of the ultra fast Si pn-junction diodes. As the temperature increased, the forward voltage drop of the SiC Schottky increased while for the ultra fast Si pn-junction diodes, the forward voltage drop decreased as temperature increased. For the elevated temperature steady state reverse voltage tests, the SiC Schottky diodes showed low leakage current at their rated voltage. Likewise, for the transient tests, the SiC Schottky diodes displayed low reverse recovery currents over the range of temperatures tested. Conversely, the Si pn-junction diodes showed increasing peak reverse current values and reverse recovery times with increasing temperature. Efficiency measurements in the DC to DC buck converter showed the advantage of the SiC Schottky diodes over the ultra fast Si pn-junction diodes, especially at the higher temperatures and higher frequencies.

Perfect narrow band absorber for sensing applications.

PubMed

Luo, Shiwen; Zhao, Jun; Zuo, Duluo; Wang, Xinbing

2016-05-02

We design and numerically investigate a perfect narrow band absorber based on a metal-metal-dielectric-metal structure which consists of periodic metallic nanoribbon arrays. The absorber presents an ultra narrow absorption band of 1.11 nm with a nearly perfect absorption of over 99.9% in the infrared region. For oblique incidence, the absorber shows an absorption more than 95% for a wide range of incident angles from 0 to 50°. Structure parameters to the influence of the performance are investigated. The structure shows high sensing performance with a high sensitivity of 1170 nm/RIU and a large figure of merit of 1054. The proposed structure has great potential as a biosensor.

UV-enhanced CO sensing using Ga 2O 3-based nanorod arrays at elevated temperature

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

Lin, Hui-Jan; Gao, Haiyong; Gao, Pu-Xian

Monitoring and control of gaseous combustion process are critically important in advanced energy systems such as power plants, gas turbines, and automotive engines. However, very limited gas sensing solutions are available in the market for such application due to the inherent high temperature of combustion gaseous atmosphere. In this study, we fabricated and demonstrated high-performance metal oxide based nanorod array sensors assisted with ultra-violet (UV) illumination for in situ and real-time high-temperature gas detection. Without UV-illumination, it was found surface decoration of either 5 nm LSFO or 1 nm Pt nanoparticles can enhance the sensitivity over CO at 500 °Cmore » by an order of magnitude. Under the 254 nm UV illumination, CO gas-sensing performance of Ga 2O 3-based nanorod array sensors was further enhanced with the sensitivity boosted by 125 %, and the response time reduced by 30 % for La 0.8Sr 0.2FeO 3(LSFO)-decorated sample. The UV-enhanced detecting of CO might be due to the increased population of photo-induced electron-hole pairs. While for LSFO-decorated nanorod array sensor under UV illumination, the enhancement is through a combination of sensitizing effect and photocurrent effect.« less

UV-enhanced CO sensing using Ga 2O 3-based nanorod arrays at elevated temperature

DOE PAGES

Lin, Hui-Jan; Gao, Haiyong; Gao, Pu-Xian

2017-01-23

Monitoring and control of gaseous combustion process are critically important in advanced energy systems such as power plants, gas turbines, and automotive engines. However, very limited gas sensing solutions are available in the market for such application due to the inherent high temperature of combustion gaseous atmosphere. In this study, we fabricated and demonstrated high-performance metal oxide based nanorod array sensors assisted with ultra-violet (UV) illumination for in situ and real-time high-temperature gas detection. Without UV-illumination, it was found surface decoration of either 5 nm LSFO or 1 nm Pt nanoparticles can enhance the sensitivity over CO at 500 °Cmore » by an order of magnitude. Under the 254 nm UV illumination, CO gas-sensing performance of Ga 2O 3-based nanorod array sensors was further enhanced with the sensitivity boosted by 125 %, and the response time reduced by 30 % for La 0.8Sr 0.2FeO 3(LSFO)-decorated sample. The UV-enhanced detecting of CO might be due to the increased population of photo-induced electron-hole pairs. While for LSFO-decorated nanorod array sensor under UV illumination, the enhancement is through a combination of sensitizing effect and photocurrent effect.« less

UV-enhanced CO sensing using Ga2O3-based nanorod arrays at elevated temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Hui-Jan; Gao, Haiyong; Gao, Pu-Xian

2017-01-01

Monitoring and control of the gaseous combustion process are critically important in advanced energy systems such as power plants, gas turbines, and automotive engines. However, very limited gas sensing solutions are available in the market for such applications due to the inherent high temperature of the combustion gaseous atmosphere. In this study, we fabricated and demonstrated high-performance metal oxide based nanorod array sensors assisted with ultra-violet (UV) illumination for in situ and real-time high-temperature gas detection. Without UV-illumination, it was found that surface decoration of either 5 nm LSFO or 1 nm Pt nanoparticles can enhance the sensitivity over CO at 500 °C by an order of magnitude. Under the 254 nm UV illumination, the CO gas-sensing performance of Ga2O3-based nanorod array sensors was further enhanced with the sensitivity boosted by 125% and the response time reduced by 30% for the La0.8Sr0.2FeO3(LSFO)-decorated sample. The UV-enhanced detection of CO might be due to the increased population of photo-induced electron-hole pairs, whereas for LSFO-decorated nanorod array sensor under UV illumination, the enhancement is through a combination of the sensitizing effect and photocurrent effect.

Superconductive radiofrequency window assembly

DOEpatents

Phillips, Harry Lawrence; Elliott, Thomas S.

1998-01-01

The present invention is a superconducting radiofrequency window assembly for use in an electron beam accelerator. The srf window assembly (20) has a superconducting metal-ceramic design. The srf window assembly (20) comprises a superconducting frame (30), a ceramic plate (40) having a superconducting metallized area, and a superconducting eyelet (50) for sealing plate (40) into frame (30). The plate (40) is brazed to eyelet (50) which is then electron beam welded to frame (30). A method for providing a ceramic object mounted in a metal member to withstand cryogenic temperatures is also provided. The method involves a new metallization process for coating a selected area of a ceramic object with a thin film of a superconducting material. Finally, a method for assembling an electron beam accelerator cavity utilizing the srf window assembly is provided. The procedure is carried out within an ultra clean room to minimize exposure to particulates which adversely affect the performance of the cavity within the electron beam accelerator.

Superconductive radiofrequency window assembly

DOEpatents

Phillips, H.L.; Elliott, T.S.

1998-05-19

The present invention is a superconducting radiofrequency window assembly for use in an electron beam accelerator. The SRF window assembly has a superconducting metal-ceramic design. The SRF window assembly comprises a superconducting frame, a ceramic plate having a superconducting metallized area, and a superconducting eyelet for sealing plate into frame. The plate is brazed to eyelet which is then electron beam welded to frame. A method for providing a ceramic object mounted in a metal member to withstand cryogenic temperatures is also provided. The method involves a new metallization process for coating a selected area of a ceramic object with a thin film of a superconducting material. Finally, a method for assembling an electron beam accelerator cavity utilizing the SRF window assembly is provided. The procedure is carried out within an ultra clean room to minimize exposure to particulates which adversely affect the performance of the cavity within the electron beam accelerator. 11 figs.

Superconducting radiofrequency window assembly

DOEpatents

Phillips, Harry L.; Elliott, Thomas S.

1997-01-01

The present invention is a superconducting radiofrequency window assembly for use in an electron beam accelerator. The srf window assembly (20) has a superconducting metal-ceramic design. The srf window assembly (20) comprises a superconducting frame (30), a ceramic plate (40) having a superconducting metallized area, and a superconducting eyelet (50) for sealing plate (40) into frame (30). The plate (40) is brazed to eyelet (50) which is then electron beam welded to frame (30). A method for providing a ceramic object mounted in a metal member to withstand cryogenic temperatures is also provided. The method involves a new metallization process for coating a selected area of a ceramic object with a thin film of a superconducting material. Finally, a method for assembling an electron beam accelerator cavity utilizing the srf window assembly is provided. The procedure is carried out within an ultra clean room to minimize exposure to particulates which adversely affect the performance of the cavity within the electron beam accelerator.

Superconducting radiofrequency window assembly

DOEpatents

Phillips, H.L.; Elliott, T.S.

1997-03-11

The present invention is a superconducting radiofrequency window assembly for use in an electron beam accelerator. The srf window assembly has a superconducting metal-ceramic design. The srf window assembly comprises a superconducting frame, a ceramic plate having a superconducting metallized area, and a superconducting eyelet for sealing plate into frame. The plate is brazed to eyelet which is then electron beam welded to frame. A method for providing a ceramic object mounted in a metal member to withstand cryogenic temperatures is also provided. The method involves a new metallization process for coating a selected area of a ceramic object with a thin film of a superconducting material. Finally, a method for assembling an electron beam accelerator cavity utilizing the srf window assembly is provided. The procedure is carried out within an ultra clean room to minimize exposure to particulates which adversely affect the performance of the cavity within the electron beam accelerator. 11 figs.

Microstructural, mechanical and tribological investigation of 30CrMnSiNi2A ultra-high strength steel under various tempering temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arslan Hafeez, Muhammad; Farooq, Ameeq

2018-01-01

The aim of the research was to investigate the variation in microstructural, mechanical and tribological characteristics of 30CrMnSiNi2A ultra-high strength steel as a function of tempering temperatures. Steel was quenched at 880 °C and tempered at five different tempering temperatures ranging from 250 °C to 650 °C. Optical microscopy and pin on disc tribometer was used to evaluate the microstructural and wear properties. Results show that characteristics of 30CrMnSiNi2A are highly sensitive to tempering temperatures. Lathe and plate shaped martensite obtained by quenching transform first into ε-carbide, second cementite, third coarsened and spheroidized cementite and finally into recovered ferrite and austenite. Hardness, tensile and yield strengths decreased while elongation increased with tempering temperatures. On the other hand, wear rate first markedly decreased and then increased. Optimum amalgamation of characteristics was achieved at 350 °C.

How Do Earth-Sized, Short-Period Planets Form?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohler, Susanna

2017-08-01

Matching theory to observation often requires creative detective work. In a new study, scientists have used a clever test to reveal clues about the birth of speedy, Earth-sized planets.Former Hot Jupiters?Artists impression of a hot Jupiter with an evaporating atmosphere. [NASA/Ames/JPL-Caltech]Among the many different types of exoplanets weve observed, one unusual category is that of ultra-short-period planets. These roughly Earth-sized planets speed around their host stars at incredible rates, with periods of less than a day.How do planets in this odd category form? One popular theory is that they were previously hot Jupiters, especially massive gas giants orbiting very close to their host stars. The close orbit caused the planets atmospheres to be stripped away, leaving behind only their dense cores.In a new study, a team of astronomers led by Joshua Winn (Princeton University) has found a clever way to test this theory.Planetary radius vs. orbital period for the authors three statistical samples (colored markers) and the broader sample of stars in the California Kepler Survey. [Winn et al. 2017]Testing MetallicitiesStars hosting hot Jupiters have an interesting quirk: they typically have metallicities that are significantly higher than an average planet-hosting star. It is speculated that this is because planets are born from the same materials as their host stars, and hot Jupiters require the presence of more metals to be able to form.Regardless of the cause of this trend, if ultra-short-period planets are in fact the solid cores of former hot Jupiters, then the two categories of planets should have hosts with the same metallicity distributions. The ultra-short-period-planet hosts should therefore also be weighted to higher metallicities than average planet-hosting stars.To test this, the authors make spectroscopic measurements and gather data for a sample of stellar hosts split into three categories:64 ultra-short-period planets (orbital period shorter than a day)23 hot Jupiters (larger than 4 times Earths radius and orbital period shorter than 10 days)243 small hot planets (smaller than 4 times Earths radius and orbital period between 1 and 10 days)They then compare the metallicity distributions of these three groups.Back to the Drawing BoardMetallicity distributions of the three statistical samples. The hot-Jupiter hosts (orange) have different distribution than the others; it is weighted more toward higher metallicities. [Winn et al. 2017]Winn and collaborators find that hosts of ultra-short-period planets do not have the same metallicity distribution as hot-Jupiter hosts; the metallicities of hot-Jupiter hosts are significantly higher. The metallicity distributions for hosts of ultra-short-period planets and hosts of small hot planets were statistically indistinguishable, however.These results strongly suggest that the majority of ultra-short-period planets are not the cores of former hot Jupiters. Alternative options include the possibility that they are the cores of smaller planets, such as sub-Neptunes, or that they are the short-period extension of the distribution of close-in, small rocky planets that formed by core accretion.This narrowing of the options for the formation of ultra-short-period planets is certainly intriguing. We can hope to further explore possibilities in the future after the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellites (TESS) comes online next year; TESS is expected to discover many more ultra-short-period planets that are too faint for Kepler to detect.CitationJoshua N. Winn et al 2017 AJ 154 60. doi:10.3847/1538-3881/aa7b7c

A novel technique to control high temperature materials degradation in fossil plants

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

Gonzalez-Rodriguez, J.G.; Porcayo-Calderon, J.; Martinez-Villafane, A.

1995-11-01

High temperature corrosion of superheater (SH) and, specially, reheater (RH) is strongly dependent on metal temperature. In this work, a way to continuously monitor the metal temperature of SH or RH, elements developed by the Instituto de Investigaciones Electricas (IIE) is described and the effects of operating parameters on metal temperature are evaluated. Also, the effects the steam-generator design and metal temperature on the corrosion rates have been investigated. In some steam generators, corrosion rates were reduced from 0.7 to 0.2 mm/y by changing the tube material and reducing the metal temperature. Also, the effect of metal temperature on themore » residual life of a 347H tube in a 158MW steam generator is evaluated. It is concluded that metal temperature is the most important parameter in controlling the high-temperature materials behavior in boiler environments.« less

Load Transmission Through Artificial Hip Joints due to Stress Wave Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanabe, Y.; Uchiyama, T.; Yamaoka, H.; Ohashi, H.

Since wear of the polyethylene (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene or UHMWPE) acetabular cup is considered to be the main cause of loosening of the artificial hip joint, the cross-linked UHMWPE with high durability to wear has been developed. This paper deals with impact load transmission through the complex of an artificial hip joint consisting of a UHMWPE acetabular cup (or liner), a metallic femoral head and stem. Impact compressive tests on the complex were performed using the split-Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus. To investigate the effects of material (conventional or cross-linked UHMWPE), size and setting angle of the liner, and test temperature on force transmission, the impact load transmission ratio (ILTR) was experimentally determined. The ILTR decreased with an increase of the setting angle independent of material and size of the liner, and test temperature. The ILTR values at 37°C were larger than those at 24 °C and 60°C. The ILTR also appeared to be affected by the type of material as well as size of the liner.

Solidus and liquidus profiles of chondritic mantle: Implication for melting of the Earth across its history

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrault, Denis; Bolfan-Casanova, Nathalie; Nigro, Giacomo Lo; Bouhifd, Mohamed A.; Garbarino, Gaston; Mezouar, Mohamed

2011-04-01

We investigated the melting properties of a synthetic chondritic primitive mantle up to core-mantle boundary (CMB) pressures, using laser-heated diamond anvil cell. Melting criteria are essentially based on the use of X-rays provided by synchrotron radiation. We report a solidus melting curve lower than previously determined using optical methods. The liquidus curve is found between 300 and 600 K higher than the solidus over the entire lower mantle. At CMB pressures (135 GPa), the chondritic mantle solidus and liquidus reach 4150 (± 150) K and 4725 (± 150) K, respectively. We discuss that the lower mantle is unlikely to melt in the D″-layer, except if the highest estimate of the temperature profile at the base of the mantle, which is associated with a very hot core, is confirmed. Therefore, recent suggestions of partial melting in the lowermost mantle based on seismic observations of ultra-low velocity zones indicate either (1) a outer core exceeding 4150 K at the CMB or (2) the presence of chemical heterogeneities with high concentration of fusible elements. Our observations of a high liquidus temperature as well as a large gap between solidus and liquidus temperatures have important implications for the properties of the magma ocean during accretion. Not only complete melting of the lower mantle would require excessively high temperatures, but also, below liquidus temperatures partial melting should take place over a much larger depth interval than previously thought. In addition, magma adiabats suggest very high surface temperatures in case of a magma ocean that would extend to more than 40 GPa, as suggested by siderophile metal-silicate partitioning data. Such high surface temperature regime, where thermal blanketing is inefficient, points out to a transient character of the magma ocean, with a very fast cooling rate.

Process for ultra smooth diamond coating on metals and uses thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vohra, Yogesh K. (Inventor); Catledge, Shane A. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

The present invention provides a new process to deposit well adhered ultra smooth diamond films on metals by adding nitrogen gas to the methane/hydrogen plasma created by a microwave discharge. Such diamond coating process is useful in tribological/wear resistant applications in bio-implants, machine tools, and magnetic recording industry.

Method and article of manufacture corresponding to a composite comprised of ultra nonacrystalline diamond, metal, and other nanocarbons useful for thermoelectric and other applications

DOEpatents

Gruen, Dieter M.

2010-05-18

One provides (101) disperse ultra-nanocrystalline diamond powder material that comprises a plurality of substantially ordered crystallites that are each sized no larger than about 10 nanometers. One then reacts (102) these crystallites with a metallic component. The resultant nanowire is then able to exhibit a desired increase with respect to its ability to conduct electricity while also substantially preserving the thermal conductivity behavior of the disperse ultra-nanocrystalline diamond powder material. The reaction process can comprise combining (201) the crystallites with one or more metal salts in an aqueous solution and then heating (203) that aqueous solution to remove the water. This heating can occur in a reducing atmosphere (comprising, for example, hydrogen and/or methane) to also reduce the salt to metal.

Ultra High Temperature Ceramics' Processing Routes and Microstructures Compared

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gusman, Michael; Stackpoole, Mairead; Johnson, Sylvia; Gasch, Matt; Lau, Kai-Hung; Sanjurjo, Angel

2009-01-01

Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs), such as HfB2 and ZrB2 composites containing SiC, are known to have good thermal shock resistance and high thermal conductivity at elevated temperatures. These UHTCs have been proposed for a number of structural applications in hypersonic vehicles, nozzles, and sharp leading edges. NASA Ames is working on controlling UHTC properties (especially, mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and oxidation resistance) through processing, composition, and microstructure. In addition to using traditional methods of combining additives to boride powders, we are preparing UHTCs using coat ing powders to produce both borides and additives. These coatings and additions to the powders are used to manipulate and control grain-boundary composition and second- and third-phase variations within the UHTCs. Controlling the composition of high temperature oxidation by-products is also an important consideration. The powders are consolidated by hot-pressing or field-assisted sintering (FAS). Comparisons of microstructures and hardness data will be presented.

An efficient, movable single-particle detector for use in cryogenic ultra-high vacuum environments.

PubMed

Spruck, Kaija; Becker, Arno; Fellenberger, Florian; Grieser, Manfred; von Hahn, Robert; Klinkhamer, Vincent; Novotný, Oldřich; Schippers, Stefan; Vogel, Stephen; Wolf, Andreas; Krantz, Claude

2015-02-01

A compact, highly efficient single-particle counting detector for ions of keV/u kinetic energy, movable by a long-stroke mechanical translation stage, has been developed at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik (Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, MPIK). Both, detector and translation mechanics, can operate at ambient temperatures down to ∼10 K and consist fully of ultra-high vacuum compatible, high-temperature bakeable, and non-magnetic materials. The set-up is designed to meet the technical demands of MPIK's Cryogenic Storage Ring. We present a series of functional tests that demonstrate full suitability for this application and characterise the set-up with regard to its particle detection efficiency.

Development and Testing of an UltraBattery-Equipped Honda Civic Hybrid

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

Sally; Tyler Gray; Pattie Hovorka

2012-08-01

The UltraBattery Retrofit Project DP1.8 and Carbon Enriched Project C3, performed by ECOtality North America (ECOtality) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Advanced Lead Acid Battery Consortium (ALABC), are established to demonstrate the suitability of advanced lead battery technology in hybrid electrical vehicles (HEVs). A profile, termed the “Simulated Honda Civic HEV Profile” (SHCHEVP) has been developed in Project DP1.8 in order to provide reproducible laboratory evaluations of different battery types under real-world HEV conditions. The cycle is based on the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule and Highway Fuel Economy Test cycles and simulates operation of amore » battery pack in a Honda Civic HEV. One pass through the SHCHEVP takes 2,140 seconds and simulates 17.7 miles of driving. A complete nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack was removed from a Honda Civic HEV and operated under SHCHEVP to validate the profile. The voltage behavior and energy balance of the battery during this operation was virtually the same as that displayed by the battery when in the Honda Civic operating on the dynamometer under the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule and Highway Fuel Economy Test cycles, thus confirming the efficacy of the simulated profile. An important objective of the project has been to benchmark the performance of the UltraBatteries manufactured by both Furukawa Battery Co., Ltd., Japan (Furakawa) and East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc. (East Penn). Accordingly, UltraBattery packs from both Furakawa and East Penn have been characterized under a range of conditions. Resistance measurements and capacity tests at various rates show that both battery types are very similar in performance. Both technologies, as well as a standard lead-acid module (included for baseline data), were evaluated under a simple HEV screening test. Both Furakawa and East Penn UltraBattery packs operated for over 32,000 HEV cycles, with minimal loss in performance; whereas the standard lead-acid unit experienced significant degradation after only 6,273 cycles. The high-carbon, ALABC battery manufactured in Project C3 also was tested under the advanced HEV schedule. Its performance was significantly better than the standard lead-acid unit, but was still inferior compared with the UltraBattery. The batteries supplied by Exide as part of the C3 Project performed well under the HEV screening test, especially at high temperatures. The results suggest that higher operating temperatures may improve the performance of lead-acid-based technologies operated under HEV conditions—it is recommended that life studies be conducted on these technologies under such conditions.« less

High- and low-temperature-stable thermite composition for producing high-pressure, high-velocity gases

DOEpatents

Halcomb, Danny L.; Mohler, Jonathan H.

1990-10-16

A high- and low-temperature-stable thermite composition for producing high-pressure and high-velocity gases comprises an oxidizable metal, an oxidizing reagent, and a high-temperature-stable gas-producing additive selected from the group consisting of metal carbides and metal nitrides.

Thermally Tunable Ultra-wideband Metamaterial Absorbers based on Three-dimensional Water-substrate construction.

PubMed

Shen, Yang; Zhang, Jieqiu; Pang, Yongqiang; Zheng, Lin; Wang, Jiafu; Ma, Hua; Qu, Shaobo

2018-03-13

Distilled water has frequency dispersive characteristic and high value of imaginary part in permittivity, which can be seen as a good candidate of broadband metamaterial absorbers(MAs) in microwave. Here, an interesting idea based on the combination of water-substrate and metallic metamaterial in the three-dimensional construction is proposed, which can achieve outstanding broadband absorption. As a proof, the distilled water is filled into the dielectric reservoir as ultra-thin water-substrate, and then the water-substrates are arranged on the metal backplane periodically as three-dimensional water-substrate array(TWA). Simulation shows that the TWA achieves broadband absorption with the efficiency more than 90% from 8.3 to 21.0 GHz. Then, the trigonal metallic fishbone structure is introduced here between the water-substrate and the dielectric reservoir periodically as three-dimensional water-substrate metamaterial absorber(TWMA). The proposed TWMA could achieve ultra-broadband absorption from 2.6 to 16.8 GHz, which has increase by 64.8% in relative absorption bandwidth. Meanwhile, due to the participation of distilled water, the thermally tunable property also deserves to be discussed here. In view of the outstanding performance, it is worth to expect a wide range of applications to emerge inspired from the proposed construction.

NREL Solar Research Gains Two R&D 100 Awards | News | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Awards July 17, 2008 An ultra-light, highly efficient solar cell and use of ink-jet printing to cells are manufactured in layers by using ink-jet and ultrasonic technology to precisely apply metal

21 CFR 888.3390 - Hip joint femoral (hemi-hip) metal/polymer cemented or uncemented prosthesis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... includes prostheses that have a femoral component made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and a snap-fit acetabular component made of an alloy, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and ultra-high...

21 CFR 888.3390 - Hip joint femoral (hemi-hip) metal/polymer cemented or uncemented prosthesis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... includes prostheses that have a femoral component made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and a snap-fit acetabular component made of an alloy, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and ultra-high...

21 CFR 888.3390 - Hip joint femoral (hemi-hip) metal/polymer cemented or uncemented prosthesis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... includes prostheses that have a femoral component made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and a snap-fit acetabular component made of an alloy, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and ultra-high...

Ultra-broadband Tunable Resonant Light Trapping in a Two-dimensional Randomly Microstructured Plasmonic-photonic Absorber

PubMed Central

Liu, Zhengqi; Liu, Long; Lu, Haiyang; Zhan, Peng; Du, Wei; Wan, Mingjie; Wang, Zhenlin

2017-01-01

Recently, techniques involving random patterns have made it possible to control the light trapping of microstructures over broad spectral and angular ranges, which provides a powerful approach for photon management in energy efficiency technologies. Here, we demonstrate a simple method to create a wideband near-unity light absorber by introducing a dense and random pattern of metal-capped monodispersed dielectric microspheres onto an opaque metal film; the absorber works due to the excitation of multiple optical and plasmonic resonant modes. To further expand the absorption bandwidth, two different-sized metal-capped dielectric microspheres were integrated into a densely packed monolayer on a metal back-reflector. This proposed ultra-broadband plasmonic-photonic super absorber demonstrates desirable optical trapping in dielectric region and slight dispersion over a large incident angle range. Without any effort to strictly control the spatial arrangement of the resonant elements, our absorber, which is based on a simple self-assembly process, has the critical merits of high reproducibility and scalability and represents a viable strategy for efficient energy technologies. PMID:28256599

A Spectroscopic Catalog of Nearby, High Proper Motion M subdwarfs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hejazi, Neda; Lepine, Sebastien; Homeier, Derek

2018-01-01

We present a catalog of 350 metal-poor M subdwarfs, most of them likely from the local Galactic halo population, assembled from medium-resolution observations made at the MDM observatory. All objects are high proper motion stars, with 257 of them having proper motions > 0.4"/yr. We have identified the brightest prototypes for each bin of a grid of 14 spectral subtypes (M0, M0.5, M1, … M6.5) and 9 metallicity bins that go from the moderately metal-poor subdwarfs (sdM), to the more metal-poor extreme subdwarfs (esdM), to the most metal-poor ultra subdwarfs (usdM), each of which is subdivided into three finer metallicity subclasses. The spectral classification by subtype and metallicity class has been determined by a template-fit method, and confirmed by synthetic-model fitting using the BT-Settl spectral grid. We provide the list of the brightest prototypes for each subtype/subclass, as a guide for future high-resolution surveys of low-mass, metal-poor stars.

Fracture strength of the particulate-reinforced ultra-high temperature ceramics based on a temperature dependent fracture toughness model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ruzhuan; Li, Weiguo; Ji, Baohua; Fang, Daining

2017-10-01

The particulate-reinforced ultra-high temperature ceramics (pUHTCs) have been particularly developed for fabricating the leading edge and nose cap of hypersonic vehicles. They have drawn intensive attention of scientific community for their superior fracture strength at high temperatures. However, there is no proper model for predicting the fracture strength of the ceramic composites and its dependency on temperature. In order to account for the effect of temperature on the fracture strength, we proposed a concept called energy storage capacity, by which we derived a new model for depicting the temperature dependent fracture toughness of the composites. This model gives a quantitative relationship between the fracture toughness and temperature. Based on this temperature dependent fracture toughness model and Griffith criterion, we developed a new fracture strength model for predicting the temperature dependent fracture strength of pUHTCs at different temperatures. The model takes into account the effects of temperature, flaw size and residual stress without any fitting parameters. The predictions of the fracture strength of pUHTCs in argon or air agreed well with the experimental measurements. Additionally, our model offers a mechanism of monitoring the strength of materials at different temperatures by testing the change of flaw size. This study provides a quantitative tool for design, evaluation and monitoring of the fracture properties of pUHTCs at high temperatures.

21 CFR 888.3358 - Hip joint metal/polymer/metal semi-constrained porous-coated uncemented prosthesis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... substrates, beads of the same alloy, and in the case of Ti-6Al-4V substrates, fibers of commercially pure titanium or Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The porous coating has a volume porosity between 30 and 70 percent, an average... titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy and an acetabular component composed of an ultra-high...

21 CFR 888.3358 - Hip joint metal/polymer/metal semi-constrained porous-coated uncemented prosthesis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... substrates, beads of the same alloy, and in the case of Ti-6Al-4V substrates, fibers of commercially pure titanium or Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The porous coating has a volume porosity between 30 and 70 percent, an average... titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy and an acetabular component composed of an ultra-high...

21 CFR 888.3358 - Hip joint metal/polymer/metal semi-constrained porous-coated uncemented prosthesis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... substrates, beads of the same alloy, and in the case of Ti-6Al-4V substrates, fibers of commercially pure titanium or Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The porous coating has a volume porosity between 30 and 70 percent, an average... titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy and an acetabular component composed of an ultra-high...

21 CFR 888.3358 - Hip joint metal/polymer/metal semi-constrained porous-coated uncemented prosthesis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... substrates, beads of the same alloy, and in the case of Ti-6Al-4V substrates, fibers of commercially pure titanium or Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The porous coating has a volume porosity between 30 and 70 percent, an average... titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy and an acetabular component composed of an ultra-high...

Synaptic organic transistors with a vacuum-deposited charge-trapping nanosheet

PubMed Central

Kim, Chang-Hyun; Sung, Sujin; Yoon, Myung-Han

2016-01-01

Organic neuromorphic devices hold great promise for unconventional signal processing and efficient human-machine interfaces. Herein, we propose novel synaptic organic transistors devised to overcome the traditional trade-off between channel conductance and memory performance. A vacuum-processed, nanoscale metallic interlayer provides an ultra-flat surface for a high-mobility molecular film as well as a desirable degree of charge trapping, allowing for low-temperature fabrication of uniform device arrays on plastic. The device architecture is implemented by widely available electronic materials in combination with conventional deposition methods. Therefore, our results are expected to generate broader interests in incorporation of organic electronics into large-area neuromorphic systems, with potential in gate-addressable complex logic circuits and transparent multifunctional interfaces receiving direct optical and cellular stimulation. PMID:27645425

Atomic layer deposition (ALD): A versatile technique for plasmonics and nanobiotechnology.

PubMed

Im, Hyungsoon; Wittenberg, Nathan J; Lindquist, Nathan C; Oh, Sang-Hyun

2012-02-28

While atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been used for many years as an industrial manufacturing method for microprocessors and displays, this versatile technique is finding increased use in the emerging fields of plasmonics and nanobiotechnology. In particular, ALD coatings can modify metallic surfaces to tune their optical and plasmonic properties, to protect them against unwanted oxidation and contamination, or to create biocompatible surfaces. Furthermore, ALD is unique among thin-film deposition techniques in its ability to meet the processing demands for engineering nanoplasmonic devices, offering conformal deposition of dense and ultra-thin films on high-aspect-ratio nanostructures at temperatures below 100 °C. In this review, we present key features of ALD and describe how it could benefit future applications in plasmonics, nanosciences, and biotechnology.

Multilayer ultra-high-temperature ceramic coatings

DOEpatents

Loehman, Ronald E [Albuquerque, NM; Corral, Erica L [Tucson, AZ

2012-03-20

A coated carbon-carbon composite material with multiple ceramic layers to provide oxidation protection from ultra-high-temperatures, where if the carbon-carbon composite material is uninhibited with B.sub.4C particles, then the first layer on the composite material is selected from ZrB.sub.2 and HfB.sub.2, onto which is coated a layer of SiC coated and if the carbon-carbon composite material is inhibited with B.sub.4C particles, then protection can be achieved with a layer of SiC and a layer of either ZrB.sub.2 and HfB.sub.2 in any order.

HIGH-RESOLUTION SPECTROSCOPY OF EXTREMELY METAL-POOR STARS IN THE LEAST EVOLVED GALAXIES: BOÖTES II

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

Ji, Alexander P.; Frebel, Anna; Simon, Joshua D.

2016-01-20

We present high-resolution Magellan/MIKE spectra of the four brightest confirmed red giant stars in the ultra-faint dwarf galaxy Boötes II (Boo II). These stars all inhabit the metal-poor tail of the Boo II metallicity distribution function. The chemical abundance pattern of all detectable elements in these stars is consistent with that of the Galactic halo. However, all four stars have undetectable amounts of neutron-capture elements Sr and Ba, with upper limits comparable to the lowest ever detected in the halo or in other dwarf galaxies. One star exhibits significant radial velocity variations over time, suggesting it to be in a binary system. Itsmore » variable velocity has likely increased past determinations of the Boo II velocity dispersion. Our four stars span a limited metallicity range, but their enhanced α-abundances and low neutron-capture abundances are consistent with the interpretation that Boo II has been enriched by very few generations of stars. The chemical abundance pattern in Boo II confirms the emerging trend that the faintest dwarf galaxies have neutron-capture abundances distinct from the halo, suggesting the dominant source of neutron-capture elements in halo stars may be different than in ultra-faint dwarfs.« less

PLD deposition of tungsten carbide contact for diamond photodiodes. Influence of process conditions on electronic and chemical aspects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cappelli, E.; Bellucci, A.; Orlando, S.; Trucchi, D. M.; Mezzi, A.; Valentini, V.

2013-08-01

Tungsten carbide, WC, contacts behave as very reliable Schottky contacts for opto-electronic diamond devices. Diamond is characterized by superior properties in high-power, high frequency and high-temperature applications, provided that thermally stable electrode contacts will be realized. Ohmic contacts can be easily achieved by using carbide-forming metals, while is difficult to get stable Schottky contacts at elevated temperatures, due to the interface reaction and/or inter-diffusion between metals and diamond. Novel type of contacts, made of tungsten carbide, WC, seem to be the best solution, for their excellent thermal stability, high melting point, oxidation and radiation resistance and good electrical conductivity. Our research was aimed at using pulsed laser deposition for WC thin film deposition, optimizing experimental parameters, to obtain a final device characterized by excellent electronic properties, as a detector for radiation in deep UV or as X-ray dosimeter. We deposited our films by laser ablation from a target of pure WC, using different reaction conditions (i.e., substrate heating, vacuum or reactive atmosphere (CH4/Ar), RF plasma activated), to optimize both the stoichiometry of the film and its structure. Trying to obtain a material with the best electronic response, we used also two sources of laser radiation for target ablation, i.e., nano-second pulsed excimer laser ArF, and ultra-short fs Ti:Sapphire laser. The structure and chemical aspects have been evaluated by Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), while the dosimeter photodiode response has been tested by the I-V measurements, under soft X-ray irradiation.

High-contrast and fast electrochromic switching enabled by plasmonics

PubMed Central

Xu, Ting; Walter, Erich C.; Agrawal, Amit; Bohn, Christopher; Velmurugan, Jeyavel; Zhu, Wenqi; Lezec, Henri J.; Talin, A. Alec

2016-01-01

With vibrant colours and simple, room-temperature processing methods, electrochromic polymers have attracted attention as active materials for flexible, low-power-consuming devices. However, slow switching speeds in devices realized to date, as well as the complexity of having to combine several distinct polymers to achieve a full-colour gamut, have limited electrochromic materials to niche applications. Here we achieve fast, high-contrast electrochromic switching by significantly enhancing the interaction of light—propagating as deep-subwavelength-confined surface plasmon polaritons through arrays of metallic nanoslits, with an electrochromic polymer—present as an ultra-thin coating on the slit sidewalls. The switchable configuration retains the short temporal charge-diffusion characteristics of thin electrochromic films, while maintaining the high optical contrast associated with thicker electrochromic coatings. We further demonstrate that by controlling the pitch of the nanoslit arrays, it is possible to achieve a full-colour response with high contrast and fast switching speeds, while relying on just one electrochromic polymer. PMID:26814453

High-contrast and fast electrochromic switching enabled by plasmonics

DOE PAGES

Xu, Ting; Walter, Erich C.; Agrawal, Amit; ...

2016-01-27

With vibrant colours and simple, room-temperature processing methods, electrochromic polymers have attracted attention as active materials for flexible, low-power-consuming devices. However, slow switching speeds in devices realized to date, as well as the complexity of having to combine several distinct polymers to achieve a full-colour gamut, have limited electrochromic materials to niche applications. Here we achieve fast, high-contrast electrochromic switching by significantly enhancing the interaction of light—propagating as deep-subwavelength-confined surface plasmon polaritons through arrays of metallic nanoslits, with an electrochromic polymer—present as an ultra-thin coating on the slit sidewalls. The switchable configuration retains the short temporal charge-diffusion characteristics of thinmore » electrochromic films, while maintaining the high optical contrast associated with thicker electrochromic coatings. In conclusion, we further demonstrate that by controlling the pitch of the nanoslit arrays, it is possible to achieve a full-colour response with high contrast and fast switching speeds, while relying on just one electrochromic polymer.« less

The CHPM2030 H2020 Project: Combined Heat, Power and Metal extraction from ultra-deep ore bodies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miklovicz, Tamas; Bodo, Balazs; Cseko, Adrienn; Hartai, Eva; Madarasz, Tamas

2017-04-01

The CHPM2030 project consortium is working on a novel technology solution that can provide both geothermal energy and minerals, in a single interlinked process. The CHPM technology involves an integrated approach to cross fertilize between two yet separated research areas: unconventional geothermal energy and mineral extraction. This places the project's research agenda onto the frontiers of geothermal resources development, mineral extraction and electro-metallurgy with the objectives of converting ultra-deep metallic mineral formations into an "orebody-enhanced geothermal system". In the envisioned facility, an EGS is established on a 3-4 km deep ore mineralisation. Metal content from the ore body is mobilised using mild leaching and/or nanoparticles, then metals are recovered by high-temperature, high-pressure geothermal fluid electrolysis and gas-diffusion electroprecipitation and electrocrystallisation. Salinity gradient power from pre-treated geothermal fluids will also be used. In the project, all these will be carried out at laboratory scale (technology readiness level of 4-5), providing data for the conceptual framework, process optimisation and simulations. Integrated sustainability assessment will also be carried out on the economic feasibility, social impact, policy considerations, environmental impact and ethics concerns. During the last stage of the research agenda, the work will focus on mapping converging technological areas, setting a background for pilot implementation and developing research roadmaps for 2030 and 2050. Pilot study areas include South West England, the Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal, the Banatitic Magmatic and Metallogenic Belt in Romania, and three mining districts in Sweden. The project started in January 2016 and lasts for 42 months. In the first phase, the metallogenesis of Europe was investigated and the potential ore formations have been identified. The rock-mechanical characteristics of orebodies have also been examined from an EGS perspective and the conceptual framework for an orebody-EGS has been formulated. Metal extraction from geothermal resources provides added value to the system, which has the potential to increase financial feasibility of geothermal development. This approach can contribute to a Europe-wide growth in industrial applications of geothermal resources in the future. The project also thrives to connect thousands of scientists, engineers, and decision-makers by establishing co-operative links to already running on critical raw materials, geothermal energy and other technology-driven projects.

Ultra-High Performance, High-Temperature Superconducting Wires via Cost-effective, Scalable, Co-evaporation Process

PubMed Central

Kim, Ho-Sup; Oh, Sang-Soo; Ha, Hong-Soo; Youm, Dojun; Moon, Seung-Hyun; Kim, Jung Ho; Dou, Shi Xue; Heo, Yoon-Uk; Wee, Sung-Hun; Goyal, Amit

2014-01-01

Long-length, high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wires capable of carrying high critical current, Ic, are required for a wide range of applications. Here, we report extremely high performance HTS wires based on 5 μm thick SmBa2Cu3O7 − δ (SmBCO) single layer films on textured metallic templates. SmBCO layer wires over 20 meters long were deposited by a cost-effective, scalable co-evaporation process using a batch-type drum in a dual chamber. All deposition parameters influencing the composition, phase, and texture of the films were optimized via a unique combinatorial method that is broadly applicable for co-evaporation of other promising complex materials containing several cations. Thick SmBCO layers deposited under optimized conditions exhibit excellent cube-on-cube epitaxy. Such excellent structural epitaxy over the entire thickness results in exceptionally high Ic performance, with average Ic over 1,000 A/cm-width for the entire 22 meter long wire and maximum Ic over 1,500 A/cm-width for a short 12 cm long tape. The Ic values reported in this work are the highest values ever reported from any lengths of cuprate-based HTS wire or conductor. PMID:24752189

Superalloy Foams for Aeroshell Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gayda, John; Padula, Santo, II

2001-01-01

Current thermal protection systems for reentry from space, such as that employed on the space shuttle, rely on ceramic tiles with ultra-low conductivity. These materials provide excellent thermal protection but are extremely fragile, easily degraded by environmental attack, and carry no structural loads. Future thermal protection systems being proposed in NASAs MITAS Program will attempt to combine thermal protection with improved durability and structural capability without significant increases in vehicle weight. This may be accomplished by combining several materials in a layered structure to obtain the desired function for aeroshell applications. One class of materials being considered for inclusion in this concept are high temperature metal foam. The objective of this paper was to fabricate low density, superalloy foams and conduct limited testing to evaluate their thermal and structural capabilities. Superalloys were chosen for evaluation as they possesses good strength and excellent environmental endurance over a wide range of temperatures. Utilizing superalloys as low density foams, with porosity contents greater than 90%, minimizes weight and thermal conductivity.

[Particle disease. Is tribology a topic in revision surgery?].

PubMed

Elke, R

2001-05-01

To improve the longevity of endoprostheses, the main goal is to reduce wear. Polyethylene together with metal or ceramic is currently the most frequently used combination. Their clinical success is well documented in the literature. Many attempts to improve polyethylene in the past have failed. Materials successful in the laboratory have failed in clinical use. The most recent competitors of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are the highly cross-linked polyethylenes (HCLPE) and the hard-on-hard couplings such as metal-on-metal or ceramic-on-ceramic. Advantages and downsides regarding particle generation and higher standards of precision in positioning the components are discussed.

Robust Light Filters Support Powerful Imaging Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2009-01-01

Infrared (IR) light filters developed by Lake Shore Cryotronics Inc. of Westerville, Ohio -- using SBIR funding from NASA s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Langley Research Center -- employ porous silicon and metal mesh technology to provide optical filtration even at the ultra-low temperatures required by many IR sensors. With applications in the astronomy community, Lake Shore s SBIR-developed filters are also promising tools for use in terahertz imaging, the next wave of technology for applications like medical imaging, the study of fragile artworks, and airport security.

A very luminous magnetar-powered supernova associated with an ultra-long γ-ray burst.

PubMed

Greiner, Jochen; Mazzali, Paolo A; Kann, D Alexander; Krühler, Thomas; Pian, Elena; Prentice, Simon; Olivares E, Felipe; Rossi, Andrea; Klose, Sylvio; Taubenberger, Stefan; Knust, Fabian; Afonso, Paulo M J; Ashall, Chris; Bolmer, Jan; Delvaux, Corentin; Diehl, Roland; Elliott, Jonathan; Filgas, Robert; Fynbo, Johan P U; Graham, John F; Guelbenzu, Ana Nicuesa; Kobayashi, Shiho; Leloudas, Giorgos; Savaglio, Sandra; Schady, Patricia; Schmidl, Sebastian; Schweyer, Tassilo; Sudilovsky, Vladimir; Tanga, Mohit; Updike, Adria C; van Eerten, Hendrik; Varela, Karla

2015-07-09

A new class of ultra-long-duration (more than 10,000 seconds) γ-ray bursts has recently been suggested. They may originate in the explosion of stars with much larger radii than those producing normal long-duration γ-ray bursts or in the tidal disruption of a star. No clear supernova has yet been associated with an ultra-long-duration γ-ray burst. Here we report that a supernova (SN 2011kl) was associated with the ultra-long-duration γ-ray burst GRB 111209A, at a redshift z of 0.677. This supernova is more than three times more luminous than type Ic supernovae associated with long-duration γ-ray bursts, and its spectrum is distinctly different. The slope of the continuum resembles those of super-luminous supernovae, but extends further down into the rest-frame ultraviolet implying a low metal content. The light curve evolves much more rapidly than those of super-luminous supernovae. This combination of high luminosity and low metal-line opacity cannot be reconciled with typical type Ic supernovae, but can be reproduced by a model where extra energy is injected by a strongly magnetized neutron star (a magnetar), which has also been proposed as the explanation for super-luminous supernovae.

Analytical, Numerical, and Experimental Investigation on a Non-Contact Method for the Measurements of Creep Properties of Ultra-High-Temperature Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Jonghyun; Hyers, Robert W.; Rogers, Jan R.; Rathz, Thomas J.; Choo, Hahn; Liaw, Peter

2006-01-01

Responsive access to space requires re-use of components such as rocket nozzles that operate at extremely high temperatures. For such applications, new ultra-hightemperature materials that can operate over 2,000 C are required. At the temperatures higher than the fifty percent of the melting temperature, the characterization of creep properties is indispensable. Since conventional methods for the measurement of creep is limited below 1,700 C, a new technique that can be applied at higher temperatures is strongly demanded. This research develops a non-contact method for the measurement of creep at the temperatures over 2,300 C. Using the electrostatic levitator in NASA MSFC, a spherical sample was rotated to cause creep deformation by centrifugal acceleration. The deforming sample was captured with a digital camera and analyzed to measure creep deformation. Numerical and analytical analyses have also been conducted to compare the experimental results. Analytical, numerical, and experimental results showed a good agreement with one another.

Overview of CMC Development Activities in NASA's Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology (UEET) Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brewer, Dave

2001-01-01

The primary objective of the UEET (Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology) Program is to address two of the most critical propulsion issues: performance/efficiency and reduced emissions. High performance, low emissions engine systems will lead to significant improvement in local air quality, minimum impact on ozone depletion and level to an overall reduction in aviation contribution to global warming. The Materials and Structures for High Performance project will develop and demonstrate advanced high temperature materials to enable high-performance, high efficiency, and environmentally compatible propulsion systems.

Gas-Enhanced Ultra-High Shear Mixing: A Concept and Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czerwinski, Frank; Birsan, Gabriel

2017-04-01

The processes of mixing, homogenizing, and deagglomeration are of paramount importance in many industries for modifying properties of liquids or liquid-based dispersions at room temperature and treatment of molten or semi-molten alloys at high temperatures, prior to their solidification. To implement treatments, a variety of technologies based on mechanical, electromagnetic, and ultrasonic principles are used commercially or tested at the laboratory scale. In a large number of techniques, especially those tailored toward metallurgical applications, the vital role is played by cavitation, generation of gas bubbles, and their interaction with the melt. This paper describes a novel concept exploring an integration of gas injection into the shear zone with ultra-high shear mixing. As revealed via experiments with a prototype of the cylindrical rotor-stator apparatus and transparent media, gases injected radially through the high-speed rotor generate highly refined bubbles of high concentration directly in the shear zone of the mixer. It is believed that an interaction of large volume of fine gas bubbles with the liquid, superimposed on ultra-high shear, will enhance mixing capabilities and cause superior refining and homogenizing of the liquids or solid-liquid slurries, thus allowing their effective property modification.

High Vacuum Creep Facility in the Materials Processing Laboratory

NASA Image and Video Library

1973-01-21

Technicians at work in the Materials Processing Laboratory’s Creep Facility at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center. The technicians supported the engineers’ studies of refractory materials, metals, and advanced superalloys. The Materials Processing Laboratory contained laboratories and test areas equipped to prepare and develop these metals and materials. The ultra-high vacuum lab, seen in this photograph, contained creep and tensile test equipment. Creep testing is used to study a material’s ability to withstand long durations under constant pressure and temperatures. The equipment measured the strain over a long period of time. Tensile test equipment subjects the test material to strain until the material fails. The two tests were used to determine the strength and durability of different materials. The Materials Processing Laboratory also housed arc and electron beam melting furnaces, a hydraulic vertical extrusion press, compaction and forging equipment, and rolling mills and swagers. There were cryogenic and gas storage facilities and mechanical and oil diffusion vacuum pumps. The facility contained both instrumental and analytical chemistry laboratories for work on radioactive or toxic materials and the only shop to machine toxic materials in the Midwest.

Hydrogen Production and Delivery | Hydrogen and Fuel Cells | Hydrogen and

Science.gov Websites

degrees Celsius. Ultra-high temperatures are required for thermochemical reaction cycles to produce for the environmentally benign production of hydrogen. Very high reaction rates at these elevated temperatures give rise to very fast reaction rates, which significantly enhance production rates and more than

Military Standard: Sanitary Standards for Cheese (and Related Cheese Products) Plants

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-16

5.10.1.13 Fillers ------------------------------ 13 5.10.1.14 Grinders or shredders ----------------- 13 5.10.1.15 High temperature short time ( HTST ... HTST ) and ultra-high temperature (UHT). Wnen pasteurization is intended or required, the HTST or UHT system shall be equipped with an approved timing

Influence of hydrogen on the structure and stability of ultra-thin ZnO on metal substrates

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

Bieniek, Bjoern; Hofmann, Oliver T.; Institut für Festkörperphysik, TU Graz, 8010 Graz

2015-03-30

We investigate the atomic and electronic structure of ultra-thin ZnO films (1 to 4 layers) on the (111) surfaces of Ag, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ni, and Rh by means of density-functional theory. The ZnO monolayer is found to adopt an α-BN structure on the metal substrates with coincidence structures in good agreement with experiment. Thicker ZnO layers change into a wurtzite structure. The films exhibit a strong corrugation, which can be smoothed by hydrogen (H) adsorption. An H over-layer with 50% coverage is formed at chemical potentials that range from low to ultra-high vacuum H{sub 2} pressures. For the Agmore » substrate, both α-BN and wurtzite ZnO films are accessible in this pressure range, while for Cu, Pd, Pt, Rh, and Ni wurtzite films are favored. The surface structure and the density of states of these H passivated ZnO thin films agree well with those of the bulk ZnO(0001{sup ¯})-2×1-H surface.« less

Polarity compensation in ultra-thin films of complex oxides: The case of a perovskite nickelate

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

Middey, S.; Rivero, P.; Meyers, D.

2014-10-29

In this study, we address the fundamental issue of growth of perovskite ultra-thin films under the condition of a strong polar mismatch at the heterointerface exemplified by the growth of a correlated metal LaNiO 3 on the band insulator SrTiO 3 along the pseudo cubic [111] direction. While in general the metallic LaNiO 3 film can effectively screen this polarity mismatch, we establish that in the ultra-thin limit, films are insulating in nature and require additional chemical and structural reconstruction to compensate for such mismatch. A combination of in-situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction recorded during the growth, X-ray diffraction, andmore » synchrotron based resonant X-ray spectroscopy reveal the formation of a chemical phase La 2Ni 2O 5 (Ni 2+) for a few unit-cell thick films. First-principles layer-resolved calculations of the potential energy across the nominal LaNiO 3/SrTiO 3 interface confirm that the oxygen vacancies can efficiently reduce the electric field at the interface.« less

Epitaxial heterojunctions of oxide semiconductors and metals on high temperature superconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vasquez, Richard P. (Inventor); Hunt, Brian D. (Inventor); Foote, Marc C. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

Epitaxial heterojunctions formed between high temperature superconductors and metallic or semiconducting oxide barrier layers are provided. Metallic perovskites such as LaTiO3, CaVO3, and SrVO3 are grown on electron-type high temperature superconductors such as Nd(1.85)Ce(0.15)CuO(4-x). Alternatively, transition metal bronzes of the form A(x)MO(3) are epitaxially grown on electron-type high temperature superconductors. Also, semiconducting oxides of perovskite-related crystal structures such as WO3 are grown on either hole-type or electron-type high temperature superconductors.

Nanophase hydroxyapatite coatings for dental and orthopedic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Michiko

In order to improve dental and orthopedic implant performance, the objective of this study was to synthesize nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) powders to coat metals (specifically, titanium and tantalum). Precipitated HA powders were either sintered in order to produce UltraCaP HA (or microcrystalline size HA) or were treated hydrothermally to produce nanocrystalline HA. Some of the UltraCaP and nanocrystalline HA powders were doped with yttrium (Y) since previous in vitro studies demonstrated that Y-doped HA in bulk improved osteoblast (or bone-forming cell) function over undoped HA. The nanocrystalline HA powders were also mixed with nanophase titania powders because previous studies demonstrated that titania/HA composite coatings increased coating adhesive strength and HA nucleation. These powders were then deposited onto titanium by a novel room-temperature process, called IonTiteT(TM). The results demonstrated that the chemical properties and crystallite size of the original HA powders were maintained in the coatings. More importantly, in vitro studies showed increased osteoblast (bone-forming cell) adhesion on the single phase nanocrystalline HA and nano-titania/HA coatings compared to traditionally used plasma-sprayed HA coatings and uncoated metals. Results further demonstrated greater amounts of calcium deposition by osteoblasts cultured on nanocrystalline HA coatings compared to UltraCaP coatings and conventionally used plasma-sprayed HA coatings. To elucidate mechanisms that influenced osteoblast functions on the HA coatings, the amount of proteins (fibronectin and vitronectin) onto the HA powders and the adsorbed fibronectin conformation were investigated. Exposure of cell integrin binding domains (in fibronectin III10 segments) was greater in fibronectin adsorbed onto 1.2 mole% Y-doped UltraCaP HA coatings compared to nanocrystalline HA coatings tested. However, 1.2 mole% Y-doped UltraCaP HA coatings did not increase mineralization by osteoblasts compared to the nanocrystalline HA coatings. These results suggested that the availability of integrin binding domains in fibronectin did not correlate to enhanced mineralization by osteoblasts on nanocrystalline HA coatings. Lastly, undoped nanocrystalline HA coatings were studied using a well-established rat calvaria in vivo. Histological analysis showed that nanocrystalline HA coated on tantalum scaffolds increased bone and fibrous tissue infiltration into the scaffolds while uncoated and UltraCaP HA coated scaffolds did not after as early as 6 weeks. In summary, these results encourage further studies on nanocrystalline IonTiteTM HA coatings on various metals for orthopedic and dental applications.

Ionic liquid gating on atomic layer deposition passivated GaN: Ultra-high electron density induced high drain current and low contact resistance

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

Zhou, Hong; Du, Yuchen; Ye, Peide D., E-mail: yep@purdue.edu

2016-05-16

Herein, we report on achieving ultra-high electron density (exceeding 10{sup 14 }cm{sup −2}) in a GaN bulk material device by ionic liquid gating, through the application of atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} to passivate the GaN surface. Output characteristics demonstrate a maximum drain current of 1.47 A/mm, the highest reported among all bulk GaN field-effect transistors, with an on/off ratio of 10{sup 5} at room temperature. An ultra-high electron density exceeding 10{sup 14 }cm{sup −2} accumulated at the surface is confirmed via Hall-effect measurement and transfer length measurement. In addition to the ultra-high electron density, we also observe a reductionmore » of the contact resistance due to the narrowing of the Schottky barrier width on the contacts. Taking advantage of the ALD surface passivation and ionic liquid gating technique, this work provides a route to study the field-effect and carrier transport properties of conventional semiconductors in unprecedented ultra-high charge density regions.« less

Evaluation of Ultra High Pressure (UHP) Firefighting in a Room-and-Contents Fire

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-15

Burn Room and Hangar Temperature Prior to Ignition ............................................... 18 Figure 12. Effect of Temperature on Normalized...Figure 20. Maximum Average Temperature and Heat Flux ......................................................... 22 Figure 21. Effect of Maximum Average...Aspirated Ceiling Temperature .................................... 23 Figure 22. Effect of Maximum Average Floor Heat Flux on Extinguishment Quantity

Effects of fuel-injector design on ultra-lean combustion performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, D. N.

1981-01-01

Emissions data were obtained for six fuel injector configurations tested with ultra lean combustion. Fuel injectors included three multiple source designs and three configurations using a single air assist injector. Only the multiple source fuel injectors provided acceptable emissions. Values of 16g CO/kg fuel, 1.9g HC/kg fuel, and 19.g NO2/kg fuel were obtained for the combustion temperature range of 1450 to 1700 K for both a high blockage 19 source injector and a low blockage 41 source injector. It was shown that high fuel injector pressure drop may not be required to achieve low emissions performance at high inlet air temperature when the fuel is well dispersed in the airstream.

Management of light absorption in extraordinary optical transmission based ultra-thin-film tandem solar cells

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

Mashooq, Kishwar; Talukder, Muhammad Anisuzzaman, E-mail: anis@eee.buet.ac.bd

2016-05-21

Although ultra-thin-film solar cells can be attractive in reducing the cost, they suffer from low absorption as the thickness of the active layer is usually much smaller than the wavelength of incident light. Different nano-photonic techniques, including plasmonic structures, are being explored to increase the light absorption in ultra-thin-film solar cells. More than one layer of active materials with different energy bandgaps can be used in tandem to increase the light absorption as well. However, due to different amount of light absorption in different active layers, photo-generated currents in different active layers will not be the same. The current mismatchmore » between the tandem layers makes them ineffective in increasing the efficiency. In this work, we investigate the light absorption properties of tandem solar cells with two ultra-thin active layers working as two subcells and a metal layer with periodically perforated holes in-between the two subcells. While the metal layer helps to overcome the current mismatch, the periodic holes increase the absorption of incident light by helping extraordinary optical transmission of the incident light from the top to the bottom subcell, and by coupling the incident light to plasmonic and photonic modes within ultra-thin active layers. We extensively study the effects of the geometry of holes in the intermediate metal layer on the light absorption properties of tandem solar cells with ultra-thin active layers. We also study how different metals in the intermediate layer affect the light absorption; how the geometry of holes in the intermediate layer affects the absorption when the active layer materials are changed; and how the intermediate metal layer affects the collection of photo-generated electron-hole pairs at the terminals. We find that in a solar cell with 6,6-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester top subcell and copper indium gallium selenide bottom subcell, if the periodic holes in the metal layer are square or polygon, total absorption remains approximately the same. However, the total absorption suffers significantly if the holes are triangle. The transmission spectra of incident light into the bottom subcell, and hence the absorption, change significantly for square and circle holes if the active materials change to cadmium selenide (CdSe) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) in the top and bottom subcells, respectively. Although the intermediate metal layer may induce electron-hole pair recombination due to surface defects, the short-circuit current density of an ultra-thin plasmonic solar cell with an intermediate metal layer with two-dimensional hole array is >9% of that of a structure without the intermediate metal layer.« less

A graphene-based Fabry-Pérot spectrometer in mid-infrared region

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiaosai; Chen, Chen; Pan, Liang; Wang, Jicheng

2016-01-01

Mid-infrared spectroscopy is of great importance in many areas and its integration with thin-film technology can economically enrich the functionalities of many existing devices. In this paper we propose a graphene-based ultra-compact spectrometer (several micrometers in size) that is compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processing. The proposed structure uses a monolayer graphene as a mid-infrared surface waveguide, whose optical response is spatially modulated using electric fields to form a Fabry-Pérot cavity. By varying the voltage acting on the cavity, we can control the transmitted wavelength of the spectrometer at room temperature. This design has potential applications in the graphene-silicon-based optoelectronic devices as it offers new possibilities for developing new ultra-compact spectrometers and low-cost hyperspectral imaging sensors in mid-infrared region. PMID:27573080

Intrinsic superconducting transport properties of ultra-thin Fe1+ y Te0.6Se0.4 microbridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, HanCong; Lv, YangYang; Lu, DaChuan; Yang, ZhiBao; Zhou, XianJing; Hao, LuYao; Xing, XiangZhuo; Zou, Wei; Li, Jun; Shi, ZhiXiang; Xu, WeiWei; Wang, HuaBing; Wu, PeiHeng

2017-11-01

We investigated the superconducting properties of Fe1+ y Te0.6Se0.4 single-crystalline microbridges with a width of 4 μm and thicknesses ranging from 20.8 to 136.2 nm. The temperature-dependent in-plane resistance of the bridges exhibited a type of metal-insulator transition in the normal state. The critical current density ( J c) of the microbridge with a thickness of 136.2 nm was 82.3 kA/cm2 at 3K and reached 105 kA/cm2 after extrapolation to T = 0 K. The current versus voltage characteristics of the microbridges showed a Josephson-like behavior with an obvious hysteresis. These results demonstrate the potential application of ultra-thin Fe-based microbridges in superconducting electronic devices such as bolometric detectors.

Inactivation of Bacillus spores inoculated in milk by Ultra High Pressure Homogenization.

PubMed

Amador Espejo, Genaro Gustavo; Hernández-Herrero, M M; Juan, B; Trujillo, A J

2014-12-01

Ultra High-Pressure Homogenization treatments at 300 MPa with inlet temperatures (Ti) of 55, 65, 75 and 85 °C were applied to commercial Ultra High Temperature treated whole milk inoculated with Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus sporothermodurans, Bacillus coagulans, Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus subtilis spores in order to evaluate the inactivation level achieved. Ultra High-Pressure Homogenization conditions at 300 MPa with Ti = 75 and 85 °C were capable of a spore inactivation of ∼5 log CFU/mL. Furthermore, under these processing conditions, commercial sterility (evaluated as the complete inactivation of the inoculated spores) was obtained in milk, with the exception of G. stearothermophilus and B. subtilis treated at 300 MPa with Ti = 75 °C. The results showed that G. stearothermophilus and B. subtilis have higher resistance to the Ultra High-Pressure Homogenization treatments applied than the other microorganisms inoculated and that a treatment performed at 300 MPa with Ti = 85 °C was necessary to completely inactivate these microorganisms at the spore level inoculated (∼1 × 10(6) CFU/mL). Besides, a change in the resistance of B. licheniformis, B. sporothermodurans, G. stearothermophilus and B. subtilis spores was observed as the inactivation obtained increased remarkably in treatments performed with Ti between 65 and 75 °C. This study provides important evidence of the suitability of UHPH technology for the inactivation of spores in high numbers, leading to the possibility of obtaining commercially sterile milk. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A diamond-based scanning probe spin sensor operating at low temperature in ultra-high vacuum

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

Schaefer-Nolte, E.; Wrachtrup, J.; 3rd Institute of Physics and Research Center SCoPE, University Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart

2014-01-15

We present the design and performance of an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) low temperature scanning probe microscope employing the nitrogen-vacancy color center in diamond as an ultrasensitive magnetic field sensor. Using this center as an atomic-size scanning probe has enabled imaging of nanoscale magnetic fields and single spins under ambient conditions. In this article we describe an experimental setup to operate this sensor in a cryogenic UHV environment. This will extend the applicability to a variety of molecular systems due to the enhanced target spin lifetimes at low temperature and the controlled sample preparation under UHV conditions. The instrument combines amore » tuning-fork based atomic force microscope (AFM) with a high numeric aperture confocal microscope and the facilities for application of radio-frequency (RF) fields for spin manipulation. We verify a sample temperature of <50 K even for strong laser and RF excitation and demonstrate magnetic resonance imaging with a magnetic AFM tip.« less

Effect of ultra high pressure homogenization treatment on the bioactive compounds of soya milk.

PubMed

Toro-Funes, N; Bosch-Fusté, J; Veciana-Nogués, M T; Vidal-Carou, M C

2014-01-01

Ultra high pressure homogenization (UHPH) is a useful novel technology to obtain safe and high-quality liquid foods. The effect of UHPH at 200 and 300 MPa in combination with different inlet temperatures (Tin) (55, 65 and 75 °C) on the bioactive compounds of soya milk was studied. Total phytosterols increased with the higher combination of pressure and temperature. The main phytosterol was β-sitosterol, followed by stigmasterol and campesterol. Total tocopherols in UHPH-treated soya milks decreased as the temperature and pressure increased. UHPH treatment also affected the different chemical forms of tocopherols. No biogenic amines were detected in any of the analyzed soya milks. Meanwhile, the polyamines SPD and SPM were found in all soya milks, being stable to the UHPH treatment. Total isoflavones increased with the higher combination of pressure and temperature. No differences in the isoflavone profile were found, with β-glucoside conjugates being the predominant form. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultra-broadband and efficient surface plasmon polariton launching through metallic nanoslits of subwavelength period

PubMed Central

Li, Guangyuan; Zhang, Jiasen

2014-01-01

Ultra-broadband, efficient and unidirectional surface plasmon polariton (SPP) launching is of great concern in plasmonic devices and circuits. To address this challenge, a novel method adopting deep-subwavelength slits of subwavelength period (λSPP/4 ~ λSPP/3) in a thick metal film and under backside illumination is proposed. A new band pattern featuring broadband and wide angular characteristics, which is due to the coupling of the zeroth-order SPP resonance at the superstrate–metal interface and the first-order SPP resonance at the metal–substrate interface, is observed for the first time in the dispersion diagram. Unidirectional SPP launching efficiency of ~50%, ultra-broad bandwidth of up to 780 nm, covering the entire optical fiber communication bands, and relatively wide angular range of 7° are achieved. This remarkable efficient, ultra-broadband and wide angular performance is demonstrated by carefully designed experiments in the near infrared regime, showing good agreement with numerical results. PMID:25081812

Advanced intermediate temperature sodium-nickel chloride batteries with ultra-high energy density

DOE PAGES

Li, Guosheng; Lu, Xiaochuan; Kim, Jin Yong; ...

2016-02-11

Here we demonstrate for the first time that planar Na-NiCl 2 batteries can be operated at an intermediate temperature of 190°C with ultra-high energy density. A specific energy density of 350 Wh/kg, which is 3 times higher than that of conventional tubular Na-NiCl 2 batteries operated at 280°C, was obtained for planar Na-NiCl 2 batteries operated at 190°C over a long-term cell test (1000 cycles). The high energy density and superior cycle stability are attributed to the slower particle growth of the cathode materials (NaCl and Ni) at 190°C. The results reported in this work demonstrate that planar Na-NiCl 2more » batteries operated at an intermediate temperature could greatly benefit this traditional energy storage technology by improving battery energy density, cycle life and reducing material costs.« less

Fabrication and characterization of NiO based metal-insulator-metal diode using Langmuir-Blodgett method for high frequency rectification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azad, Ibrahim; Ram, Manoj K.; Goswami, D. Yogi; Stefanakos, Elias

2018-04-01

Thin film metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diodes have attracted significant attention for use in infrared energy harvesting and detection applications. As demonstrated over the past decades, MIM or metal-insulator-insulator-metal (MIIM) diodes can operate at the THz frequencies range by quantum tunneling of electrons. The aim of this work is to synthesize required ultra-thin insulating layers and fabricate MIM diodes using the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique. The nickel stearate (NiSt) LB precursor film was deposited on glass, silicon (Si), ITO glass and gold coated silicon substrates. The photodesorption (UV exposure) and the thermodesorption (annealing at 100 °C and 350 °C) methods were used to remove organic components from the NiSt LB film and to achieve a uniform homogenous nickel oxide (NiO) film. These ultrathin NiO films were characterized by EDS, AFM, FTIR and cyclic voltammetry methods, respectively. The MIM diode was fabricated by depositing nickel (Ni) on the NiO film, all on a gold (Au) plated silicon (Si) substrate. The current (I)-voltage (V) characteristics of the fabricated diode were studied to understand the conduction mechanism assumed to be tunneling of electron through the ultra-thin insulating layer. The sensitivity of the diode was measured to be as high as 35 V-1. The diode resistance was ˜100 ohms (at a bias voltage of 0.60 V), and the rectification ratio was about 22 (for a signal voltage of ±200 mV). At the bias point, the diode response demonstrated significant non-linearity and high asymmetry, which are very desirable characteristics for applications in infrared detection and harvesting.

All-Glass Fiber Amplifier Pumped by Ultra-High Brightness Pumps

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-15

coated triple-clad fibers, we are developing triple-clad Yb fiber with gold coating for improved thermal management. 2.1 Pump laser The two...amplifier results using gain fiber with metalized fiber coating . Keywords: Fiber laser , specialty fiber, pump laser , beam combining, fiber metal coating ... coating can exceed its long-term damage threshold. Such a concern obviously does not apply to a fiber with gold protective coating [14]. Thus in

Structure and magnetic properties of low-temperature phase Mn-Bi nanosheets with ultra-high coercivity and significant anisotropy

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

Liu, Rongming, E-mail: rmliu@iphy.ac.cn, E-mail: shenbg@iphy.ac.cn; Zhang, Ming; Niu, E

2014-05-07

The microstructure, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of low-temperature phase (LTP) Mn-Bi nanosheets, prepared by surfactant assistant high-energy ball milling (SA-HEBM) with oleylamine and oleic acid as the surfactant, were examined with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometer, respectively. Effect of ball-milling time on the coercivity of LTP Mn-Bi nanosheets was systematically investigated. Results show that the high energy ball milling time from tens of minutes to several hours results in the coercivity increase of Mn-Bi powders and peak values of 14.3 kOe around 10 h. LTP Mn-Bi nanosheets are characterized by an average thickness of tensmore » of nanometers, an average diameter of ∼1.5 μm, and possess a relatively large aspect ratio, an ultra-high room temperature coercivity of 22.3 kOe, a significant geometrical and magnetic anisotropy, and a strong (00l) crystal texture. Magnetization and demagnetization behaviors reveal that wall pinning is the dominant coercivity mechanism in these LTP Mn-Bi nanosheets. The ultrafine grain refinement introduced by the SA-HEBM process contribute to the ultra-high coercivity of LTP Mn-Bi nanosheets and a large number of defects put a powerful pinning effect on the magnetic domain movement, simultaneously. Further magnetic measurement at 437 K shows that a high coercivity of 17.8 kOe and a strong positive temperature coefficient of coercivity existed in the bonded permanent magnet made by LTP Mn-Bi nanosheets.« less

Nanoporous membrane device for ultra high heat flux thermal management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanks, Daniel F.; Lu, Zhengmao; Sircar, Jay; Salamon, Todd R.; Antao, Dion S.; Bagnall, Kevin R.; Barabadi, Banafsheh; Wang, Evelyn N.

2018-02-01

High power density electronics are severely limited by current thermal management solutions which are unable to dissipate the necessary heat flux while maintaining safe junction temperatures for reliable operation. We designed, fabricated, and experimentally characterized a microfluidic device for ultra-high heat flux dissipation using evaporation from a nanoporous silicon membrane. With 100 nm diameter pores, the membrane can generate high capillary pressure even with low surface tension fluids such as pentane and R245fa. The suspended ultra-thin membrane structure facilitates efficient liquid transport with minimal viscous pressure losses. We fabricated the membrane in silicon using interference lithography and reactive ion etching and then bonded it to a high permeability silicon microchannel array to create a biporous wick which achieves high capillary pressure with enhanced permeability. The back side consisted of a thin film platinum heater and resistive temperature sensors to emulate the heat dissipation in transistors and measure the temperature, respectively. We experimentally characterized the devices in pure vapor-ambient conditions in an environmental chamber. Accordingly, we demonstrated heat fluxes of 665 ± 74 W/cm2 using pentane over an area of 0.172 mm × 10 mm with a temperature rise of 28.5 ± 1.8 K from the heated substrate to ambient vapor. This heat flux, which is normalized by the evaporation area, is the highest reported to date in the pure evaporation regime, that is, without nucleate boiling. The experimental results are in good agreement with a high fidelity model which captures heat conduction in the suspended membrane structure as well as non-equilibrium and sub-continuum effects at the liquid-vapor interface. This work suggests that evaporative membrane-based approaches can be promising towards realizing an efficient, high flux thermal management strategy over large areas for high-performance electronics.

Low-Power, Chip-Scale, Carbon Dioxide Gas Sensors for Spacesuit Monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rani, Asha; Shi, Chen; Thomson, Brian; Debnath, Ratan; Wen, Boamei; Motayed, Abhishek; Chullen, Cinda

2018-01-01

N5 Sensors, Inc. through a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract award has been developing ultra-small, low-power carbon dioxide (CO2) gas sensors, suited for monitoring CO2 levels inside NASA spacesuits. Due to the unique environmental conditions within the spacesuits, such as high humidity, large temperature swings, and operating pressure swings, measurement of key gases relevant to astronaut's safety and health such as(CO2), is quite challenging. Conventional non-dispersive infrared absorption based CO2 sensors present challenges inside the spacesuits due to size, weight, and power constraints, along with the ability to sense CO2 in a high humidity environment. Unique chip-scale, nanoengineered chemiresistive gas-sensing architecture has been developed for this application, which can be operated in a typical space-suite environmental conditions. Unique design combining the selective adsorption properties of the nanophotocatalytic clusters of metal-oxides and metals, provides selective detection of CO2 in high relative humidity conditions. All electronic design provides a compact and low-power solution, which can be implemented for multipoint detection of CO2 inside the spacesuits. This paper will describe the sensor architecture, development of new photocatalytic material for better sensor response, and advanced structure for better sensitivity and shorter response times.

High Temperature Solid Lubricant Coating for High Temperature Wear Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DellaCorte, Christopher (Inventor); Edmonds, Brian J (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A self-lubricating, friction and wear reducing composite useful over a wide temperature range is described herein. The composite includes metal bonded chromium oxide dispersed in a metal binder having a substantial amount of nickel. The composite contains a fluoride of at least one Group I, Group II, or rare earth metal, and optionally a low temperature lubricant metal.

High temperature glass coatings for superalloys and refractory metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, J. W.; Grekila, R. B.; Hirayama, C.; Mattox, D. M.

1970-01-01

New glasses are used as protective coatings on metals and alloys susceptible to oxidation at high temperatures in oxidizing atmospheres. Glasses are stable and solid at temperatures up to 1000 deg C, adhere well to metal surfaces, and are usable for metals with broad range of expansion coefficients.

Sputtered (barium(x), strontium(1-x))titanate, BST, thin films on flexible copper foils for use as a non-linear dielectric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laughlin, Brian James

Ferroelectric thin film dielectrics have a non-linear DC bias dependent permittivity and can be used as the dielectric between metal electrodes to make tunable Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) capacitors. Varactors can be used to change the resonance frequency of a circuit allowing high speed frequency switching intra- and inter-band. 2-D geometric arrays of circuitry, where resonant frequency is independently controlled by tunable elements in each section of the array, allow electromagnetic radiation to be focused and the wave front spatial trajectory controlled. BST thin films varactors allow large DC fields to be applied with modest voltages providing large tunabilities. If ferroelectric thin film based devices are to complement or supplant semiconductor varactors as tunable elements then devices must be synthesized using a low cost processing techniques. The Film on Foil process methodology for depositing BST thin films on copper foil substrates was used to create BST/Cu specimens. Sputtering conditions were determined via BST deposition on platinized silicon. Sputtered BST thin films were synthesized on Cu foil substrates and densified using high T, controlled pO2 anneals. XRD showed the absence of Cu2O in as-deposited, post crystallization annealed, and post "re-ox" annealed state. Data showed a polycrystalline BST microstructure with a 55--80 nm grain size and no copper oxidation. HRTEM imaging qualitatively showed evidence of an abrupt BST/Cu interface free from oxide formation. Dielectric properties of Cu/BST/Pt MIM devices were measured as a function of DC bias, frequency, and temperature. A permittivity of 725 was observed with tunability >3:1 while zero bias tan delta of 0.02 saturating to tan delta < 0.003 at high DC bias. No significant frequency dispersion was observed over five decades of frequency. Temperature dependent measurements revealed a broad ferroelectric transition with a maximum at -32°C which sustains a large tunability over -150°C to 150°C. Sputtered BST thin films on copper foils show comparable dielectric properties to CVD deposited films on platinized silicon substrates proving sputtered BST/Cu specimens can reproduce excellent properties using a more cost-effective processing approach. A concept for reducing the temperature dependence was explored. Stacks of multiple compositions of BST thin films were considered as an extension of core-shell structures to a thin film format. Temperature profiles of BST/Cu films were modeled and mathematically combined in simulations of multi-composition film stacks. Simulations showed singular composition BST thin films could meet X7R specifications if a film has a 292 K < TC < 330 K. Simulations of series connected film stacks show only modest temperature profile broadening. Parallel connected dual composition film stacks showed a 75°C temperature range with essentially flat capacitance by simulating compositions that create a DeltaTC = 283°C. Maximum permittivity and temperature profile shape independent of film thickness or composition were assumed for simulations. BST/Cu thickness and compositions series were fabricated and dielectric properties characterized. These studies showed films could be grown from 300 nm and approaching 1 mum without changing the dielectric temperature response. In studying BST composition, an increasing TC shift was observed when increasing Ba mole fraction in BST thin films while tunability >3:1 was maintained. These results provide a route for creating temperature stable capacitors using a BST/Cu embodiment. An effort to reduce surface roughness of copper foil substrates adversely impacted BST film integrity by impairing adhesion. XPS analysis of high surface roughness commercially obtained Cu foils revealed a surface treatment of Zn-Cu-O that was not present on smooth Cu, thus an investigation of surface chemistry was conducted. Sessile drop experiments were performed to characterize Cu-BST adhesion and the effects of metallic Zn and ZnO in this system. The study revealed the work of adhesion of Cu-BST, WCu-BSTa ≈ 0.60 J m-2, an intermediate value relative to noble metals commonly used as electrodes and substrates for electroceramics. Examination of metallic Zn-BST adhesion revealed a dramatic decrease of WZn-BSTa ≈ 0.13 J m-2, while increasing the content of Zn in metallic (Cux,Zn1-x) alloys monotonically reduced WCux,Zn1-x -BSTa . Conversely, a Cu-ZnO interface showed a large work of adhesion, WCu-ZnOa = 2.0 J m-2. These results indicate that a ZnO interlayer between the substrate Cu and the BST thin film provides adequate adhesion for robust films on flexible copper foil substrates. Additionally, this study provided characterization of adhesion for Zn-Al2O3 and Zn-BST; data that does not exist in the open literature. A process has been developed for preparing ultra-smooth copper foils by evaporation and subsequent peel-off of copper metal layers from glass slides. These 15 mum thick substrates exhibited roughness values between 1 and 2 nm RMS and 9 nm RMS over 25 mum2 and 100 mum2 analysis areas, respectively. The deposition and crystallization of BST layers on these ultra-smooth foils is demonstrated. The fully processed dielectric layers exhibited field tunability >5:1, and could withstand fields >750 kV cm-1. High field loss tangents below 0.007 were observed, making these materials excellent candidates for microwave devices. Finally, a process of lamination and contact lithography was used to demonstrate patterning of micron-scale features suitable for microwave circuit element designs.

Study on Structural and Dielectric Properties of Ultra-Low-Fire Integratable Dielectric Film for High-Frequency and Microwave Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Sheng; Zhang, Jihua; Wu, Kaituo; Wang, Lei; Chen, Hongwei

2018-03-01

In this study, ultra-low-fire ceramic composites of Zn2Te3O8-30 wt.%TiTe3O8 (ZTT) were prepared by a solid-state reaction method. Densified at 600°C, the best microwave dielectric properties at 8.5 GHz were measured with the ɛ r , tan δ, Q × f, and τ f as 25.6, 1.5 × 10-4, 56191 GHz and 1.66 ppm/°C, respectively. Thin films of ultra-low-fire ZTT were prepared by a radio-frequency magnetron sputtering method. ZTT films which deposited on Au/NiCr/SiO2/Si (100) substrates at 200°C showed good adhesion. From ultra-low-fire ceramic to ultra-low-fire ZTT thin films, the latter maintained all the good high-frequency dielectric properties of the former: high dielectric constant ( ɛ r ˜ 25) and low dissipation factor (tan δ < 5×10-3), low leakage current density (˜ 10-9 A/cm2) and ultra low processing temperature. These excellent properties of the ultra-low-fire ZTT thin film make it possible to be integrated in MMIC and be applied in the research of GaN and GaAs MOSFET devices.

A single-ligand ultra-microporous MOF for precombustion CO2 capture and hydrogen purification.

PubMed

Nandi, Shyamapada; De Luna, Phil; Daff, Thomas D; Rother, Jens; Liu, Ming; Buchanan, William; Hawari, Ayman I; Woo, Tom K; Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan

2015-12-01

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) built from a single small ligand typically have high stability, are rigid, and have syntheses that are often simple and easily scalable. However, they are normally ultra-microporous and do not have large surface areas amenable to gas separation applications. We report an ultra-microporous (3.5 and 4.8 Å pores) Ni-(4-pyridylcarboxylate)2 with a cubic framework that exhibits exceptionally high CO2/H2 selectivities (285 for 20:80 and 230 for 40:60 mixtures at 10 bar, 40°C) and working capacities (3.95 mmol/g), making it suitable for hydrogen purification under typical precombustion CO2 capture conditions (1- to 10-bar pressure swing). It exhibits facile CO2 adsorption-desorption cycling and has CO2 self-diffusivities of ~3 × 10(-9) m(2)/s, which is two orders higher than that of zeolite 13X and comparable to other top-performing MOFs for this application. Simulations reveal a high density of binding sites that allow for favorable CO2-CO2 interactions and large cooperative binding energies. Ultra-micropores generated by a small ligand ensures hydrolytic, hydrostatic stabilities, shelf life, and stability toward humid gas streams.

Ultra-Smooth, Fully Solution-Processed Large-Area Transparent Conducting Electrodes for Organic Devices

PubMed Central

Jin, Won-Yong; Ginting, Riski Titian; Ko, Keum-Jin; Kang, Jae-Wook

2016-01-01

A novel approach for the fabrication of ultra-smooth and highly bendable substrates consisting of metal grid-conducting polymers that are fully embedded into transparent substrates (ME-TCEs) was successfully demonstrated. The fully printed ME-TCEs exhibited ultra-smooth surfaces (surface roughness ~1.0 nm), were highly transparent (~90% transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nm), highly conductive (sheet resistance ~4 Ω ◻−1), and relatively stable under ambient air (retaining ~96% initial resistance up to 30 days). The ME-TCE substrates were used to fabricate flexible organic solar cells and organic light-emitting diodes exhibiting devices efficiencies comparable to devices fabricated on ITO/glass substrates. Additionally, the flexibility of the organic devices did not degrade their performance even after being bent to a bending radius of ~1 mm. Our findings suggest that ME-TCEs are a promising alternative to indium tin oxide and show potential for application toward large-area optoelectronic devices via fully printing processes. PMID:27808221

Ultra-Smooth, Fully Solution-Processed Large-Area Transparent Conducting Electrodes for Organic Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Won-Yong; Ginting, Riski Titian; Ko, Keum-Jin; Kang, Jae-Wook

2016-11-01

A novel approach for the fabrication of ultra-smooth and highly bendable substrates consisting of metal grid-conducting polymers that are fully embedded into transparent substrates (ME-TCEs) was successfully demonstrated. The fully printed ME-TCEs exhibited ultra-smooth surfaces (surface roughness ~1.0 nm), were highly transparent (~90% transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nm), highly conductive (sheet resistance ~4 Ω ◻-1), and relatively stable under ambient air (retaining ~96% initial resistance up to 30 days). The ME-TCE substrates were used to fabricate flexible organic solar cells and organic light-emitting diodes exhibiting devices efficiencies comparable to devices fabricated on ITO/glass substrates. Additionally, the flexibility of the organic devices did not degrade their performance even after being bent to a bending radius of ~1 mm. Our findings suggest that ME-TCEs are a promising alternative to indium tin oxide and show potential for application toward large-area optoelectronic devices via fully printing processes.

Ultra-Smooth, Fully Solution-Processed Large-Area Transparent Conducting Electrodes for Organic Devices.

PubMed

Jin, Won-Yong; Ginting, Riski Titian; Ko, Keum-Jin; Kang, Jae-Wook

2016-11-03

A novel approach for the fabrication of ultra-smooth and highly bendable substrates consisting of metal grid-conducting polymers that are fully embedded into transparent substrates (ME-TCEs) was successfully demonstrated. The fully printed ME-TCEs exhibited ultra-smooth surfaces (surface roughness ~1.0 nm), were highly transparent (~90% transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nm), highly conductive (sheet resistance ~4 Ω ◻ -1 ), and relatively stable under ambient air (retaining ~96% initial resistance up to 30 days). The ME-TCE substrates were used to fabricate flexible organic solar cells and organic light-emitting diodes exhibiting devices efficiencies comparable to devices fabricated on ITO/glass substrates. Additionally, the flexibility of the organic devices did not degrade their performance even after being bent to a bending radius of ~1 mm. Our findings suggest that ME-TCEs are a promising alternative to indium tin oxide and show potential for application toward large-area optoelectronic devices via fully printing processes.

High temperature ceramic/metal joint structure

DOEpatents

Boyd, Gary L.

1991-01-01

A high temperature turbine engine includes a hybrid ceramic/metallic rotor member having ceramic/metal joint structure. The disclosed joint is able to endure higher temperatures than previously possible, and aids in controlling heat transfer in the rotor member.

Nonlinear modulation of the HI power spectrum on ultra-large scales. I

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

Umeh, Obinna; Maartens, Roy; Santos, Mario, E-mail: umeobinna@gmail.com, E-mail: roy.maartens@gmail.com, E-mail: mgrsantos@uwc.ac.za

2016-03-01

Intensity mapping of the neutral hydrogen brightness temperature promises to provide a three-dimensional view of the universe on very large scales. Nonlinear effects are typically thought to alter only the small-scale power, but we show how they may bias the extraction of cosmological information contained in the power spectrum on ultra-large scales. For linear perturbations to remain valid on large scales, we need to renormalize perturbations at higher order. In the case of intensity mapping, the second-order contribution to clustering from weak lensing dominates the nonlinear contribution at high redshift. Renormalization modifies the mean brightness temperature and therefore the evolutionmore » bias. It also introduces a term that mimics white noise. These effects may influence forecasting analysis on ultra-large scales.« less

Fabrication of Quench Condensed Thin Films Using an Integrated MEMS Fab on a Chip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lally, Richard; Reeves, Jeremy; Stark, Thomas; Barrett, Lawrence; Bishop, David

Atomic calligraphy is a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based dynamic stencil nanolithography technique. Integrating MEMS devices into a bonded stacked array of three die provides a unique platform for conducting quench condensed thin film mesoscopic experiments. The atomic calligraphy Fab on a Chip process incorporates metal film sources, electrostatic comb driven stencil plate, mass sensor, temperature sensor, and target surface into one multi-die assembly. Three separate die are created using the PolyMUMPs process and are flip-chip bonded together. A die containing joule heated sources must be prepared with metal for evaporation prior to assembly. A backside etch of the middle/central die exposes the moveable stencil plate allowing the flux to pass through the stencil from the source die to the target die. The chip assembly is mounted in a cryogenic system at ultra-high vacuum for depositing extremely thin films down to single layers of atoms across targeted electrodes. Experiments such as the effect of thin film alloys or added impurities on their superconductivity can be measured in situ with this process.

Performance and durability testing of parabolic trough receivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Dongqiang; Fu, Xuqiang; Zhao, Dongming; Yuan, Guofeng; Wang, Zhifeng; Guo, Minghuan

2017-06-01

The paper describes the key performance and durability testing facilities of the parabolic trough receiver developed by Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The indoor heat loss test can be applied at 4-7 different temperature levels within 200-550 on receivers. The optical efficiency test bench consists of 12 metal halide lamps as the solar simulator and a 5 m length half-elliptical cylinder reflector with flat end reflectors. 3 ultra-precision temperature sensors are used in receiver each end to get the temperature difference. The residual gas analysis test bench is applied to analyze and predict the vacuum lifetime of the receiver. It can test the variations of composition and partial pressure of residual gases with temperature and time in the receiver annulus space by a high sensitivity quadrupole mass spectrometer gas analyzer. A coating accelerated ageing test bench, which is also used to test the thermal cycle, has been developed. This test bench uses the absorber tube of the recevier as the resistance heater to heat up the whole receiver. The coating lifetime can be predicted by the Arrhenius parameters. For the cycling test, the compressed air is used to directly cool the inner surface of the absorber tube. The thermal cycling test is performed with temperature cycles from 150 °C to 450 °C for 160 cycles. The maximum thermal cycling frequency is 8 cycles per day. The mechanical fatigue test bench is used to test the bellows and the glass-to-metal seals durability at the same time. Both bellows are expanded and compressed to 6.5 mm in turn with 10,000 cycles. A new rotating test bench was also developed to test the thermal efficiency of the receiver.

Low temperature processing of ultra-pure cellulose fibers into nylon 6 and other thermoplastics

Treesearch

Rod Jacobson; Dan Caulfield; Karl Sears; John Underwood

2002-01-01

The objective of this research was to develop a stable process for compound ultra-pure cellulose fibers into polyamides. This has been a difficult procedure and has taken years of trial and error to understand the viscosity shear heating effects associated with compounding cellulose into high-melting point engineering thermoplastics. The evolution of the low...

Ultra-high Photoresponsivity in Suspended Metal-Semiconductor-Metal Mesoscopic Multilayer MoS2 Broadband Detector from UV-to-IR with Low Schottky Barrier Contacts.

PubMed

Saenz, Gustavo A; Karapetrov, Goran; Curtis, James; Kaul, Anupama B

2018-01-19

The design, fabrication, and characterization of ultra-high responsivity photodetectors based on mesoscopic multilayer MoS 2 is presented, which is a less explored system compared to direct band gap monolayer MoS 2 that has received increasing attention in recent years. The device architecture is comprised of a metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetector, where Mo was used as the contact metal to suspended MoS 2 membranes. The photoresponsivity [Formula: see text] was measured to be ~1.4 × 10 4  A/W, which is > 10 4 times higher compared to prior reports, while the detectivity D* was computed to be ~2.3 × 10 11 Jones at 300 K at an optical power P of ~14.5 pW and wavelength λ of ~700 nm. In addition, the dominant photocurrent mechanism was determined to be the photoconductive effect (PCE), while a contribution from the photogating effect was also noted from trap-states that yielded a wide spectral photoresponse from UV-to-IR (400 nm to 1100 nm) with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) ~10 4 . From time-resolved photocurrent measurements, a decay time τ d ~ 2.5 ms at 300 K was measured from the falling edge of the photogenerated waveform after irradiating the device with a stream of incoming ON/OFF white light pulses.

Smoothing metallic glasses without introducing crystallization by gas cluster ion beam

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

Shao, Lin; Chen, Di; Myers, Michael

2013-03-11

We show that 30 keV Ar cluster ion bombardment of Ni{sub 52.5}Nb{sub 10}Zr{sub 15}Ti{sub 15}Pt{sub 7.5} metallic glass (MG) can remove surface mountain-like features and reduce the root mean square surface roughness from 12 nm to 0.7 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals no crystallization after cluster ion irradiation. Molecular dynamics simulations show that, although damage cascades lead to local melting, the subsequent quenching rate is a few orders of magnitude higher than the critical cooling rate for MG formation, thus the melted zone retains its amorphous nature down to room temperature. These findings can be applied to obtain ultra-smooth MGsmore » without introducing crystallization.« less

Note: Ultra-high frequency ultra-low dc power consumption HEMT amplifier for quantum measurements in millikelvin temperature range.

PubMed

Korolev, A M; Shnyrkov, V I; Shulga, V M

2011-01-01

We have presented theory and experimentally demonstrated an efficient method for drastically reducing the power consumption of the rf/microwave amplifiers based on HEMT in unsaturated dc regime. Conceptual one-stage 10 dB-gain amplifier showed submicrowatt level of the power consumption (0.95 μW at frequency of 0.5 GHz) when cooled down to 300 mK. Proposed technique has a great potential to design the readout amplifiers for ultra-deep-cooled cryoelectronic quantum devices.

Strong-coupling of WSe2 in ultra-compact plasmonic nanocavities at room temperature.

PubMed

Kleemann, Marie-Elena; Chikkaraddy, Rohit; Alexeev, Evgeny M; Kos, Dean; Carnegie, Cloudy; Deacon, Will; de Pury, Alex Casalis; Große, Christoph; de Nijs, Bart; Mertens, Jan; Tartakovskii, Alexander I; Baumberg, Jeremy J

2017-11-03

Strong coupling of monolayer metal dichalcogenide semiconductors with light offers encouraging prospects for realistic exciton devices at room temperature. However, the nature of this coupling depends extremely sensitively on the optical confinement and the orientation of electronic dipoles and fields. Here, we show how plasmon strong coupling can be achieved in compact, robust, and easily assembled gold nano-gap resonators at room temperature. We prove that strong-coupling is impossible with monolayers due to the large exciton coherence size, but resolve clear anti-crossings for greater than 7 layer devices with Rabi splittings exceeding 135 meV. We show that such structures improve on prospects for nonlinear exciton functionalities by at least 10 4 , while retaining quantum efficiencies above 50%, and demonstrate evidence for superlinear light emission.

Design and performance of an ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscope operating at dilution refrigerator temperatures and high magnetic fields.

PubMed

Misra, S; Zhou, B B; Drozdov, I K; Seo, J; Urban, L; Gyenis, A; Kingsley, S C J; Jones, H; Yazdani, A

2013-10-01

We describe the construction and performance of a scanning tunneling microscope capable of taking maps of the tunneling density of states with sub-atomic spatial resolution at dilution refrigerator temperatures and high (14 T) magnetic fields. The fully ultra-high vacuum system features visual access to a two-sample microscope stage at the end of a bottom-loading dilution refrigerator, which facilitates the transfer of in situ prepared tips and samples. The two-sample stage enables location of the best area of the sample under study and extends the experiment lifetime. The successful thermal anchoring of the microscope, described in detail, is confirmed through a base temperature reading of 20 mK, along with a measured electron temperature of 250 mK. Atomically resolved images, along with complementary vibration measurements, are presented to confirm the effectiveness of the vibration isolation scheme in this instrument. Finally, we demonstrate that the microscope is capable of the same level of performance as typical machines with more modest refrigeration by measuring spectroscopic maps at base temperature both at zero field and in an applied magnetic field.

Towards a uniform and large-scale deposition of MoS2 nanosheets via sulfurization of ultra-thin Mo-based solid films.

PubMed

Vangelista, Silvia; Cinquanta, Eugenio; Martella, Christian; Alia, Mario; Longo, Massimo; Lamperti, Alessio; Mantovan, Roberto; Basset, Francesco Basso; Pezzoli, Fabio; Molle, Alessandro

2016-04-29

Large-scale integration of MoS2 in electronic devices requires the development of reliable and cost-effective deposition processes, leading to uniform MoS2 layers on a wafer scale. Here we report on the detailed study of the heterogeneous vapor-solid reaction between a pre-deposited molybdenum solid film and sulfur vapor, thus resulting in a controlled growth of MoS2 films onto SiO2/Si substrates with a tunable thickness and cm(2)-scale uniformity. Based on Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence, we show that the degree of crystallinity in the MoS2 layers is dictated by the deposition temperature and thickness. In particular, the MoS2 structural disorder observed at low temperature (<750 °C) and low thickness (two layers) evolves to a more ordered crystalline structure at high temperature (1000 °C) and high thickness (four layers). From an atomic force microscopy investigation prior to and after sulfurization, this parametrical dependence is associated with the inherent granularity of the MoS2 nanosheet that is inherited by the pristine morphology of the pre-deposited Mo film. This work paves the way to a closer control of the synthesis of wafer-scale and atomically thin MoS2, potentially extendable to other transition metal dichalcogenides and hence targeting massive and high-volume production for electronic device manufacturing.

Tungsten nanoparticles influence on radiation protection properties of polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gavrish, V. M.; Baranov, G. A.; Chayka, T. V.; Derbasova, N. M.; Lvov, A. V.; Matsuk, Y. M.

2016-02-01

In the presented article the results of the study of metal-polymer composites based on the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene GUR 4122 with the addition of superdispersed tungsten nanopowders with 5, 10, 20, 40, and 50 mass percent content levels are given, their thermophysical, radiation-shielding, and mechanical properties are shown, and the influence of content levels of tungsten superdispersed nanopowders on these properties is analyzed. The conducted studies have shown the increase in the listed properties depending on the content level of tungsten superdispersed and nanopowders in the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene GUR 4122. Owing to their properties, the obtained materials may be used in various fields, such as aviation, space technologies, mechanical engineering, etc.

Rapid Catalyst Screening by a Continuous-Flow Microreactor Interfaced with Ultra High Pressure Liquid Chromatography

PubMed Central

Fang, Hui; Xiao, Qing; Wu, Fanghui; Floreancig, Paul E.; Weber, Stephen G.

2010-01-01

A high-throughput screening system for homogeneous catalyst discovery has been developed by integrating a continuous-flow capillary-based microreactor with ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) for fast online analysis. Reactions are conducted in distinct and stable zones in a flow stream that allows for time and temperature regulation. UHPLC detection at high temperature allows high throughput online determination of substrate, product, and byproduct concentrations. We evaluated the efficacies of a series of soluble acid catalysts for an intramolecular Friedel-Crafts addition into an acyliminium ion intermediate within one day and with minimal material investment. The effects of catalyst loading, reaction time, and reaction temperature were also screened. This system exhibited high reproducibility for high-throughput catalyst screening and allowed several acid catalysts for the reaction to be identified. Major side products from the reactions were determined through off-line mass spectrometric detection. Er(OTf)3, the catalyst that showed optimal efficiency in the screening, was shown to be effective at promoting the cyclization reaction on a preparative scale. PMID:20666502

Innovative Growth and Defect Analysis of Group III - Nitrides for High Speed Electronics

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-29

nitrides have optical transitions from the infrared into the ultra violet and are used for light generation with a luminous flux of approximately 100...exist below the detection limit of X- Ray Diffraction (XRD). It has been shown, that metal clusters could cause resonance in the infrared and effect the...plasmonic (Mie) resonances and the specific interband absorption between the parallel bands in metallic indium [Har66]; the latter starts from 0.6

Plasmonically enhanced hot electron based photovoltaic device.

PubMed

Atar, Fatih B; Battal, Enes; Aygun, Levent E; Daglar, Bihter; Bayindir, Mehmet; Okyay, Ali K

2013-03-25

Hot electron photovoltaics is emerging as a candidate for low cost and ultra thin solar cells. Plasmonic means can be utilized to significantly boost device efficiency. We separately form the tunneling metal-insulator-metal (MIM) junction for electron collection and the plasmon exciting MIM structure on top of each other, which provides high flexibility in plasmonic design and tunneling MIM design separately. We demonstrate close to one order of magnitude enhancement in the short circuit current at the resonance wavelengths.

Cyclic Deformation of Ultra-Fine Grained Commercial Purity Aluminum Processed by Accumulative Roll-Bonding.

PubMed

Kwan, Charles C F; Wang, Zhirui

2013-08-13

Accumulative Roll-Bonding (ARB) is one of the more recently developed techniques capable of producing bulk ultra-fine grained (ufg) metals. There are still many aspects of the behavior of ufg metals that lacks an in-depth understanding, such as a generalized view of the factors that govern the cyclic deformation mechanism(s). This study aims to advance the understanding of the cyclic deformation behavior of ufg metals through the systematic investigation of ARB processed aluminum upon cyclic loading. It was found that the cyclic softening response often reported for ufg metals is largely influenced by the microstructure stability as the cyclic softening response is facilitated by grain coarsening which becomes inhibited with highly stable microstructure. On one hand, shear bands resembling braids of dislocations trespassing multiple grains have been observed to operate for the accommodation of the imposed cyclic strain in cases where grain coarsening is largely restricted. On the other hand, it was found that the microstructure stability can be overcome at higher applied cyclic plastic strain levels, leading to grain coarsening and thus a cyclic softening response. The findings in this study have further confirmed that the cyclic softening behavior found in many ufg metals, which may be detrimental in practical applications, can be inhibited by improvements in the microstructure stability.

Cyclic Deformation of Ultra-Fine Grained Commercial Purity Aluminum Processed by Accumulative Roll-Bonding

PubMed Central

Kwan, Charles C.F.; Wang, Zhirui

2013-01-01

Accumulative Roll-Bonding (ARB) is one of the more recently developed techniques capable of producing bulk ultra-fine grained (ufg) metals. There are still many aspects of the behavior of ufg metals that lacks an in-depth understanding, such as a generalized view of the factors that govern the cyclic deformation mechanism(s). This study aims to advance the understanding of the cyclic deformation behavior of ufg metals through the systematic investigation of ARB processed aluminum upon cyclic loading. It was found that the cyclic softening response often reported for ufg metals is largely influenced by the microstructure stability as the cyclic softening response is facilitated by grain coarsening which becomes inhibited with highly stable microstructure. On one hand, shear bands resembling braids of dislocations trespassing multiple grains have been observed to operate for the accommodation of the imposed cyclic strain in cases where grain coarsening is largely restricted. On the other hand, it was found that the microstructure stability can be overcome at higher applied cyclic plastic strain levels, leading to grain coarsening and thus a cyclic softening response. The findings in this study have further confirmed that the cyclic softening behavior found in many ufg metals, which may be detrimental in practical applications, can be inhibited by improvements in the microstructure stability. PMID:28811446

GaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor based non-volatile flash memory devices with InAs quantum dots as charge storage nodes

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

Islam, Sk Masiul, E-mail: masiulelt@gmail.com; Chowdhury, Sisir; Sarkar, Krishnendu

2015-06-24

Ultra-thin InP passivated GaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor based non-volatile flash memory devices were fabricated using InAs quantum dots (QDs) as charge storing elements by metal organic chemical vapor deposition technique to study the efficacy of the QDs as charge storage elements. The grown QDs were embedded between two high-k dielectric such as HfO{sub 2} and ZrO{sub 2}, which were used for tunneling and control oxide layers, respectively. The size and density of the QDs were found to be 5 nm and 1.8×10{sup 11} cm{sup −2}, respectively. The device with a structure Metal/ZrO{sub 2}/InAs QDs/HfO{sub 2}/GaAs/Metal shows maximum memory window equivalent to 6.87 V. Themore » device also exhibits low leakage current density of the order of 10{sup −6} A/cm{sup 2} and reasonably good charge retention characteristics. The low value of leakage current in the fabricated memory device is attributed to the Coulomb blockade effect influenced by quantum confinement as well as reduction of interface trap states by ultra-thin InP passivation on GaAs prior to HfO{sub 2} deposition.« less

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

Douglas, E. A.; Reza, S.; Sanchez, C.

Due to the ultra-wide bandgap of Al-rich AlGaN, up to 5.8 eV for the structures in this study, obtaining low resistance ohmic contacts is inherently difficult to achieve. A comparative study of three different fabrication schemes is presented for obtaining ohmic contacts to an Al-rich AlGaN channel. Schottky-like behavior was observed for several different planar metallization stacks (and anneal temperatures), in addition to a dry-etch recess metallization contact scheme on Al 0.85Ga 0.15N/Al 0.66Ga 0.34N. However, a dry etch recess followed by n +-GaN regrowth fabrication process is reported as a means to obtain lower contact resistivity ohmic contacts onmore » a Al 0.85Ga 0.15N/Al 0.66Ga 0.34N heterostructure. In conclusion, specific contact resistivity of 5×10 -3 Ω cm 2 was achieved after annealing Ti/Al/Ni/Au metallization.« less

A Model for Determining Strength for Embedded Elliptical Crack in Ultra-high-temperature Ceramics

PubMed Central

Wang, Ruzhuan; Li, Weiguo

2015-01-01

A fracture strength model applied at room temperature for embedded elliptical crack in brittle solid was obtained. With further research on the effects of various physical mechanisms on material strength, a thermo-damage strength model for ultra-high-temperature ceramics was applied to each temperature phase. Fracture strength of TiC and the changing trends with elliptical crack shape variations under different temperatures were studied. The study showed that under low temperature, the strength is sensitive to the crack shape variation; as the temperature increases, the sensitivities become smaller. The size of ellipse’s minor axes has great effect on the material strength when the ratio of ellipse’s minor and major axes is lower than 0.5, even under relatively high temperatures. The effect of the minor axes of added particle on material properties thus should be considered under this condition. As the crack area is set, the fracture strength decreases firstly and then increases with the increase of ratio of ellipse’s minor and major axes, and the turning point is 0.5. It suggests that for the added particles the ratio of ellipse’s minor and major axes should not be 0.5. All conclusions significantly coincided with the results obtained by using the finite element software ABAQUS. PMID:28793488

A Model for Determining Strength for Embedded Elliptical Crack in Ultra-high-temperature Ceramics.

PubMed

Wang, Ruzhuan; Li, Weiguo

2015-08-05

A fracture strength model applied at room temperature for embedded elliptical crack in brittle solid was obtained. With further research on the effects of various physical mechanisms on material strength, a thermo-damage strength model for ultra-high-temperature ceramics was applied to each temperature phase. Fracture strength of TiC and the changing trends with elliptical crack shape variations under different temperatures were studied. The study showed that under low temperature, the strength is sensitive to the crack shape variation; as the temperature increases, the sensitivities become smaller. The size of ellipse's minor axes has great effect on the material strength when the ratio of ellipse's minor and major axes is lower than 0.5, even under relatively high temperatures. The effect of the minor axes of added particle on material properties thus should be considered under this condition. As the crack area is set, the fracture strength decreases firstly and then increases with the increase of ratio of ellipse's minor and major axes, and the turning point is 0.5. It suggests that for the added particles the ratio of ellipse's minor and major axes should not be 0.5. All conclusions significantly coincided with the results obtained by using the finite element software ABAQUS.

Metal boot permits fabrication of hermetically sealed splices in metal sheathed instrumentation cables

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chambers, G.

1966-01-01

Metal boot splices hard sheathed instrumentation cables used with high temperature strain gages and thermocouples. Silver brazing the conductors together, hermetically seals the splice. This boot is a highly reliable sealed splice which is equally effective at cryogenic temperatures, high temperatures, nuclear environments, and combinations of the above.

Development of Ultra-Low Noise, High Performance III-V Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors (QWIPs) for Focal Plane Array Staring Image Sensor Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-11-01

Development of Ultra-Low Noise , High Performance III-V Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors ( QWIPs )I for Focal Plane Array Staring Image Sensor Systems...experimental studies of dark current, photocurrent, noise fig- ures optical absorption, spectral responsivity and detectivity for different types of QWIPs ...the Boltzmann constant, and T is the temperature. S The noise in the QWIPs is mainly due to the random fluctuations of thermally excited carriers. The

Graphene stabilized ultra-small CuNi nanocomposite with high activity and recyclability toward catalysing the reduction of aromatic nitro-compounds.

PubMed

Fang, Hao; Wen, Ming; Chen, Hanxing; Wu, Qingsheng; Li, Weiying

2016-01-07

Nowadays, it is of great significance and a challenge to design a noble-metal-free catalyst with high activity and a long lifetime for the reduction of aromatic nitro-compounds. Here, a 2D structured nanocomposite catalyst with graphene supported CuNi alloy nanoparticles (NPs) is prepared, and is promising for meeting the requirements of green chemistry. In this graphene/CuNi nanocomposite, the ultra-small CuNi nanoparticles (∼2 nm) are evenly anchored on graphene sheets, which is not only a breakthrough in the structures, but also brings about an outstanding performance in activity and stability. Combined with a precise optimization of the alloy ratios, the reaction rate constant of graphene/Cu61Ni39 reached a high level of 0.13685 s(-1), with a desirable selectivity as high as 99% for various aromatic nitro-compounds. What's more, the catalyst exhibited a unprecedented long lifetime because it could be recycled over 25 times without obvious performance decay or even a morphology change. This work showed the promise and great potential of noble-metal-free catalysts in green chemistry.

Ultra-fast all-optical plasmon induced transparency in a metal–insulator–metal waveguide containing two Kerr nonlinear ring resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurmohammadi, Tofiq; Abbasian, Karim; Yadipour, Reza

2018-05-01

In this work, an ultra-fast all-optical plasmon induced transparency based on a metal–insulator–metal nanoplasmonic waveguide with two Kerr nonlinear ring resonators is studied. Two-dimensional simulations utilizing the finite-difference time-domain method are used to show an obvious optical bistability and significant switching mechanisms of the signal light by varying the pump-light intensity. The proposed all-optical switching based on plasmon induced transparency demonstrates femtosecond-scale feedback time (90 fs), meaning ultra-fast switching can be achieved. The presented all-optical switch may have potential significant applications in integrated optical circuits.

Method for high temperature mercury capture from gas streams

DOEpatents

Granite, Evan J [Wexford, PA; Pennline, Henry W [Bethel Park, PA

2006-04-25

A process to facilitate mercury extraction from high temperature flue/fuel gas via the use of metal sorbents which capture mercury at ambient and high temperatures. The spent sorbents can be regenerated after exposure to mercury. The metal sorbents can be used as pure metals (or combinations of metals) or dispersed on an inert support to increase surface area per gram of metal sorbent. Iridium and ruthenium are effective for mercury removal from flue and smelter gases. Palladium and platinum are effective for mercury removal from fuel gas (syngas). An iridium-platinum alloy is suitable for metal capture in many industrial effluent gas streams including highly corrosive gas streams.

Suspended sub-50 nm vanadium dioxide membrane transistors: fabrication and ionic liquid gating studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sim, Jai S.; Zhou, You; Ramanathan, Shriram

2012-10-01

We demonstrate a robust lithographic patterning method to fabricate self-supported sub-50 nm VO2 membranes that undergo a phase transition. Utilizing such self-supported membranes, we directly observed a shift in the metal-insulator transition temperature arising from stress relaxation and consistent opening of the hysteresis. Electric double layer transistors were then fabricated with the membranes and compared to thin film devices. The ionic liquid allowed reversible modulation of channel resistance and distinguishing bulk processes from the surface effects. From the shift in the metal-insulator transition temperature, the carrier density doped through electrolyte gating is estimated to be 1 × 1020 cm-3. Hydrogen annealing studies showed little difference in resistivity between the film and the membrane indicating rapid diffusion of hydrogen in the vanadium oxide rutile lattice consistent with previous observations. The ability to fabricate electrically-wired, suspended VO2 ultra-thin membranes creates new opportunities to study mesoscopic size effects on phase transitions and may also be of interest in sensor devices.

Study of Volumetrically Heated Ultra-High Energy Density Plasmas

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

Rocca, Jorge J.

2016-10-27

Heating dense matter to millions of degrees is important for applications, but requires complex and expensive methods. The major goal of the project was to demonstrate using a compact laser the creation of a new ultra-high energy density plasma regime characterized by simultaneous extremely high temperature and high density, and to study it combining experimental measurements and advanced simulations. We have demonstrated that trapping of intense femtosecond laser pulses deep within ordered nanowire arrays can heat near solid density matter into a new ultra hot plasma regime. Extreme electron densities, and temperatures of several tens of million degrees were achievedmore » using laser pulses of only 0.5 J energy from a compact laser. Our x-ray spectra and simulations showed that extremely highly ionized plasma volumes several micrometers in depth are generated by irradiation of gold and Nickel nanowire arrays with femtosecond laser pulses of relativistic intensities. We obtained extraordinarily high degrees of ionization (e.g. we peeled 52 electrons from gold atoms, and up to 26 electrons from nickel atoms). In the process we generated Gigabar pressures only exceeded in the central hot spot of highly compressed thermonuclear fusion plasmas.. The plasma created after the dissolved wires expand, collide, and thermalize, is computed to have a thermal energy density of 0.3 GJ cm -3 and a pressure of 1-2 Gigabar. These are pressures only exceeded in highly compressed thermonuclear fusion plasmas. Scaling these results to higher laser intensities promises to create plasmas with temperatures and pressures exceeding those in the center of the sun.« less

Numerical investigations of transient heat transfer characteristics and vitrification tendencies in ultra-fast cell cooling processes.

PubMed

Jiao, Anjun; Han, Xu; Critser, John K; Ma, Hongbin

2006-06-01

During freezing, cells are often damaged directly or indirectly by ice formation. Vitrification is an alternative approach to cryopreservation that avoids ice formation. The common method to achieve vitrification is to use relatively high concentrations of cryoprotectant agents (CPA) in combination with a relatively slow cooling rate. However, high concentrations of CPAs have potentially damaging toxic and/or osmotic effects on cells. Therefore, establishing methods to achieve vitrification with lower concentrations of CPAs through ultra-fast cooling rates would be advantageous in these aspects. These ultra-fast cooling rates can be realized by a cooling system with an ultra-high heat transfer coefficient (h) between the sample and coolant. The oscillating motion heat pipe (OHP), a novel cooling device utilizing the pressure change to excite the oscillation motion of the liquid plugs and vapor bubbles, can significantly increase h and may fulfill this aim. The current investigation was designed to numerically study the effects of different values of h on the transient heat transfer characteristics and vitrification tendencies of the cell suspension during the cooling processes in an ultra-thin straw (100 microm in diameter). The transient temperature distribution, the cooling rate and the volume ratio (x) of the ice quantity to the maximum crystallizable ice of the suspension were calculated. From these numerical results, it is concluded that the ultra-high h (>10(4) W/m2 K) obtained by OHPs could facilitate vitrification by efficiently decreasing x as well as the time to pass through the dangerous temperature region where the maximum ice formation happens. For comparison, OHPs can decrease both of the parameters to less than 20% of those from the widely used open pulled straw methods. Therefore, the OHP method will be a promising approach to improving vitrification tendencies of CPA solutions and could also decrease the required concentration of CPAs for vitrification, both of which are of great importance for the successful cryopreservation of cells by vitrification.

Simultaneous thermal analysis and thermodilatometry of hybrid fiber reinforced UHPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scheinherrová, Lenka; Fořt, Jan; Pavlík, Zbyšek; Černý, Robert

2017-07-01

Development of concrete technology and the availability of variety of materials such as silica fume, mineral microfillers and high-range water-reducing admixtures make possible to produce Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) with compressive strength higher than 160 MPa. However, UHPC is prone to spall under high temperatures what limits its use for special applications only, such as offshore and marine structures, industrial floors, security barriers etc. The spalling is caused by the thermal stresses due to the temperature gradient during heating, and by the splitting force owing to the release of water vapour. Hybrid fibre reinforcement based on combination of steel and polymer fibres is generally accepted by concrete community as a functional solution preventing spalling. In this way, Ultra-High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) is produced possessing high mechanical strength, durability and resistance to water and salt ingress. Since UHPFRC find use in construction industry in tunnel linings, precast tunnel segments, and high-rise buildings, its behaviour during the high-temperature exposure and its residual parameters are of the particular importance. On this account, Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA) and Thermodilatometry Analysis (TDA) were done in the paper to identify the structural and chemical changes in UHPFRC during its high-temperature load. Based on the experimental results, several physical and chemical processes that studied material underwent at high-temperatures were recognized. The obtained data revealed changes in the composition of the studied material and allowed identification of critical temperatures for material damage.

Investigation on Two-Stage 300 HZ Pulse Tube Cryocooler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, H. K.; Yang, L. W.; Hong, G. T.; Luo, E. C.; Zhou, Y.

2010-04-01

In the past few years, ultra-high frequency pulse tube cryocoolers are becoming a research hotspot for their portability and compactness in aerospace and aviation applications. For preliminary research, a two-stage pulse tube cryocooler working at 300 Hz driven by a thermoacoustic engine is established to investigate the problems due to ultra high frequency, and several results have been derived in our early reports. In order to study the effect of thermal penetration depth, this paper presents the cooler adopting copper mesh as the regenerator, and comparison with stainless steel mesh is given. In addition, the influence of inertance tube on the lowest possible cooler temperature is also tested. Finally, we discuss the improvement for getting a lower temperature.

Low temperature growth of ultra-high mass density carbon nanotube forests on conductive supports

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

Sugime, Hisashi; Esconjauregui, Santiago; Yang, Junwei

2013-08-12

We grow ultra-high mass density carbon nanotube forests at 450 °C on Ti-coated Cu supports using Co-Mo co-catalyst. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows Mo strongly interacts with Ti and Co, suppressing both aggregation and lifting off of Co particles and, thus, promoting the root growth mechanism. The forests average a height of 0.38 μm and a mass density of 1.6 g cm{sup −3}. This mass density is the highest reported so far, even at higher temperatures or on insulators. The forests and Cu supports show ohmic conductivity (lowest resistance ∼22 kΩ), suggesting Co-Mo is useful for applications requiring forest growth onmore » conductors.« less

Superconductor-normal-superconductor with distributed Sharvin point contacts

DOEpatents

Holcomb, Matthew J.; Little, William A.

1994-01-01

A non-linear superconducting junction device comprising a layer of high transient temperature superconducting material which is superconducting at an operating temperature, a layer of metal in contact with the layer of high temperature superconducting material and which remains non-superconducting at the operating temperature, and a metal material which is superconducting at the operating temperature and which forms distributed Sharvin point contacts with the metal layer.

Surface Temperature Measurements from a Stator Vane Doublet in a Turbine Engine Afterburner Flame using Ultra-Bright Cr-Doped GdAlO3 Thermographic Phosphor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eldridge, Jeffrey I.; Jenkins, Thomas P.; Allison, Stephen W.; Wolfe, Douglas E.; Howard, Robert P.

2013-01-01

Luminescence-based surface temperature measurements from an ultra-bright Cr-doped GdAlO3 perovskite (GAP:Cr) coating were successfully conducted on an air-film-cooled stator vane doublet exposed to the afterburner flame of a J85 test engine at University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI). The objective of the testing at UTSI was to demonstrate that reliable thermal barrier coating (TBC) surface temperatures based on luminescence decay of a thermographic phosphor could be obtained from the surface of an actual engine component in an aggressive afterburner flame environment and to address the challenges of a highly radiant background and high velocity gases. A high-pressure turbine vane doublet from a Honeywell TECH7000 turbine engine was coated with a standard electron-beam physical vapor deposited (EB-PVD) 200-m-thick TBC composed of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) onto which a 25-m-thick GAP:Cr thermographic phosphor layer was deposited by EB-PVD. The ultra-bright broadband luminescence from the GAP:Cr thermographic phosphor is shown to offer the advantage of over an order-of-magnitude greater emission intensity compared to rare-earth-doped phosphors in the engine test environment. This higher emission intensity was shown to be very desirable for overcoming the necessarily restricted probe light collection solid angle and for achieving high signal-to-background levels. Luminescence-decay-based surface temperature measurements varied from 500 to over 1000C depending on engine operating conditions and level of air film cooling.

Non-contact Measurement of Creep in Ultra-High-Temperature Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-04

Task 1: Process UHTC materials at the relevant temperatures in Electrostatic Levitation for extended periods. 5 3.5 Task 2: Prepare the required high...Electrostatic Levitation ITI Industrial Tectonics, Inc. MSFC NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center NASA National Aeronautics and Space...was divided into certain research questions: Can high-precision UHTC spheres be processed in Electrostatic Levitation (ESL) at the relevant

New-type steel plate with ultra high crack-arrestability

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

Ishikawa, T.; Nomiyama, Y.; Hagiwara, Y.

1995-12-31

A new-type steel plate has been developed by controlling the microstructure of the surface layers. The surface layer consists of ultra fine grain ferrite microstructure, which provides excellent fracture toughness even at cryogenic temperature. When an unstable brittle crack propagates in the developed steel plate, shear-lips can be easily formed due to the surface layers with ultra fine grain microstructure. Since unstable running crack behavior is strongly affected by side-ligaments (shear-lips), which are associated with extensive plastic deformation, enhanced formation of the shear-lips can improve crack arrestability. This paper describes the developed steel plates of HT500MPa tensile strength class formore » shipbuilding use. Fracture mechanics investigations using large-scale fracture testings (including ultrawide duplex ESSO tests) clarified that the developed steel plates have ultra high crack-arrestability. It was also confirmed that the plates possess sufficient properties, including weldability and workability, for ship building use.« less

High Throughput Atomic Layer Deposition Processes: High Pressure Operations, New Reactor Designs, and Novel Metal Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mousa, MoatazBellah Mahmoud

Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) is a vapor phase nano-coating process that deposits very uniform and conformal thin film materials with sub-angstrom level thickness control on various substrates. These unique properties made ALD a platform technology for numerous products and applications. However, most of these applications are limited to the lab scale due to the low process throughput relative to the other deposition techniques, which hinders its industrial adoption. In addition to the low throughput, the process development for certain applications usually faces other obstacles, such as: a required new processing mode (e.g., batch vs continuous) or process conditions (e.g., low temperature), absence of an appropriate reactor design for a specific substrate and sometimes the lack of a suitable chemistry. This dissertation studies different aspects of ALD process development for prospect applications in the semiconductor, textiles, and battery industries, as well as novel organic-inorganic hybrid materials. The investigation of a high pressure, low temperature ALD process for metal oxides deposition using multiple process chemistry revealed the vital importance of the gas velocity over the substrate to achieve fast depositions at these challenging processing conditions. Also in this work, two unique high throughput ALD reactor designs are reported. The first is a continuous roll-to-roll ALD reactor for ultra-fast coatings on porous, flexible substrates with very high surface area. While the second reactor is an ALD delivery head that allows for in loco ALD coatings that can be executed under ambient conditions (even outdoors) on large surfaces while still maintaining very high deposition rates. As a proof of concept, part of a parked automobile window was coated using the ALD delivery head. Another process development shown herein is the improvement achieved in the selective synthesis of organic-inorganic materials using an ALD based process called sequential vapor infiltration. Finally, the development of a new ALD chemistry for novel metal deposition is discussed and was used to deposit thin films of tin metal for the first time in literature using an ALD process. The various challenges addressed in this work for the development of different ALD processes help move ALD closer to widespread use and industrial integration.

Molecular Beam Epitaxy Growth of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, Ruoyu

The exponential growth of Si-based technology has finally reached its limit, and a new generation of devices must be developed to continue scaling. A unique class of materials, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), have attracted great attention due to their remarkable optical and electronic properties at the atomic thickness scale. Over the past decade, enormous efforts have been put into TMD research for application in low-power devices. Among these studies, a high-quality TMD synthesis method is essential. Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) can enable high-quality TMD growth by combining high purity elemental sources and an ultra-high vacuum growth environment, together with the back-end-of-line compatible growth temperatures. Although many TMD candidates have been grown by MBE with promising microstructure, the limited grain size (< 200 nm) for the MBE-grown TMDs reported in the literature thus far is unsuitable for high-performance device applications. In this dissertation, the synthesis of TMDs by MBE and their implementation in device structures were investigated. van der Waals epitaxial growth of these TMDs (HfSe2, WTe2, WSe2, WTex Se2-x), due to the relaxed interactions at the interface, have been demonstrated on large lattice-mismatched substrates without strain and misfit dislocations. The fundamental nucleation and growth behavior of WSe2 was investigated through a detailed experimental design, combined with on-lattice, diffusion-based first principles kinetic modeling. Over one order of magnitude improvement in grain size was achieved through this study. Results from both experiment and simulation showed that reducing the growth rate, enabled by high growth temperature and low metal flux, is vital to nucleation density control. Meanwhile, providing a chalcogen-rich growth environment will promote larger grain lateral growth by suppressing vertical growth. Applying the knowledge learned from the nucleation study, we sucessfully integrated the MBE-grown WSe2 into Si complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) compatible field-effect transistors (FETs). Excellent transport properties, such as field effect hole mobilities (40 cm 2/V·s) with orders of magnitude improvement over the reported values of MBE-grown TMDs, are shown. These studies provide a comprehensive understanding of the MBE synthesis of TMDs and devices, indicating the great potential of integrating TMDs into CMOS process flows for the future electronics.

Lattice Thermal Conductivity of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTC) ZrB2 and HfB2 from Atomistic Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawson, John W.; Daw, Murray S.; Bauschlicher, Charles W.

2012-01-01

Ultra high temperature ceramics (UHTC) including ZrB2 and HfB2 have a number of properties that make them attractive for applications in extreme environments. One such property is their high thermal conductivity. Computational modeling of these materials will facilitate understanding of fundamental mechanisms, elucidate structure-property relationships, and ultimately accelerate the materials design cycle. Progress in computational modeling of UHTCs however has been limited in part due to the absence of suitable interatomic potentials. Recently, we developed Tersoff style parameterizations of such potentials for both ZrB2 and HfB2 appropriate for atomistic simulations. As an application, Green-Kubo molecular dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate the lattice thermal conductivity for single crystals of ZrB2 and HfB2. The atomic mass difference in these binary compounds leads to oscillations in the time correlation function of the heat current, in contrast to the more typical monotonic decay seen in monoatomic materials such as Silicon, for example. Results at room temperature and at elevated temperatures will be reported.

Ablation-resistant carbide Zr0.8Ti0.2C0.74B0.26 for oxidizing environments up to 3,000 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Yi; Wang, Dini; Xiong, Xiang; Zhang, Xun; Withers, Philip J.; Sun, Wei; Smith, Matthew; Bai, Mingwen; Xiao, Ping

2017-06-01

Ultra-high temperature ceramics are desirable for applications in the hypersonic vehicle, rockets, re-entry spacecraft and defence sectors, but few materials can currently satisfy the associated high temperature ablation requirements. Here we design and fabricate a carbide (Zr0.8Ti0.2C0.74B0.26) coating by reactive melt infiltration and pack cementation onto a C/C composite. It displays superior ablation resistance at temperatures from 2,000-3,000 °C, compared to existing ultra-high temperature ceramics (for example, a rate of material loss over 12 times better than conventional zirconium carbide at 2,500 °C). The carbide is a substitutional solid solution of Zr-Ti containing carbon vacancies that are randomly occupied by boron atoms. The sealing ability of the ceramic's oxides, slow oxygen diffusion and a dense and gradient distribution of ceramic result in much slower loss of protective oxide layers formed during ablation than other ceramic systems, leading to the superior ablation resistance.

Ablation-resistant carbide Zr0.8Ti0.2C0.74B0.26 for oxidizing environments up to 3,000 °C.

PubMed

Zeng, Yi; Wang, Dini; Xiong, Xiang; Zhang, Xun; Withers, Philip J; Sun, Wei; Smith, Matthew; Bai, Mingwen; Xiao, Ping

2017-06-14

Ultra-high temperature ceramics are desirable for applications in the hypersonic vehicle, rockets, re-entry spacecraft and defence sectors, but few materials can currently satisfy the associated high temperature ablation requirements. Here we design and fabricate a carbide (Zr 0.8 Ti 0.2 C 0.74 B 0.26 ) coating by reactive melt infiltration and pack cementation onto a C/C composite. It displays superior ablation resistance at temperatures from 2,000-3,000 °C, compared to existing ultra-high temperature ceramics (for example, a rate of material loss over 12 times better than conventional zirconium carbide at 2,500 °C). The carbide is a substitutional solid solution of Zr-Ti containing carbon vacancies that are randomly occupied by boron atoms. The sealing ability of the ceramic's oxides, slow oxygen diffusion and a dense and gradient distribution of ceramic result in much slower loss of protective oxide layers formed during ablation than other ceramic systems, leading to the superior ablation resistance.

Ablation-resistant carbide Zr0.8Ti0.2C0.74B0.26 for oxidizing environments up to 3,000 °C

PubMed Central

Zeng, Yi; Wang, Dini; Xiong, Xiang; Zhang, Xun; Withers, Philip J.; Sun, Wei; Smith, Matthew; Bai, Mingwen; Xiao, Ping

2017-01-01

Ultra-high temperature ceramics are desirable for applications in the hypersonic vehicle, rockets, re-entry spacecraft and defence sectors, but few materials can currently satisfy the associated high temperature ablation requirements. Here we design and fabricate a carbide (Zr0.8Ti0.2C0.74B0.26) coating by reactive melt infiltration and pack cementation onto a C/C composite. It displays superior ablation resistance at temperatures from 2,000–3,000 °C, compared to existing ultra-high temperature ceramics (for example, a rate of material loss over 12 times better than conventional zirconium carbide at 2,500 °C). The carbide is a substitutional solid solution of Zr–Ti containing carbon vacancies that are randomly occupied by boron atoms. The sealing ability of the ceramic’s oxides, slow oxygen diffusion and a dense and gradient distribution of ceramic result in much slower loss of protective oxide layers formed during ablation than other ceramic systems, leading to the superior ablation resistance. PMID:28613275

A new Ultra Precision Interferometer for absolute length measurements down to cryogenic temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schödel, R.; Walkov, A.; Zenker, M.; Bartl, G.; Meeß, R.; Hagedorn, D.; Gaiser, C.; Thummes, G.; Heltzel, S.

2012-09-01

A new Ultra Precision Interferometer (UPI) was built at Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. As its precursor, the precision interferometer, it was designed for highly precise absolute length measurements of prismatic bodies, e.g. gauge blocks, under well-defined temperature conditions and pressure, making use of phase stepping imaging interferometry. The UPI enables a number of enhanced features, e.g. it is designed for a much better lateral resolution and better temperature stability. In addition to the original concept, the UPI is equipped with an external measurement pathway (EMP) in which a prismatic body can be placed alternatively. The temperature of the EMP can be controlled in a much wider range compared to the temperature of the interferometer's main chamber. An appropriate cryostat system, a precision temperature measurement system and improved imaging interferometry were established to permit absolute length measurements down to cryogenic temperature, demonstrated for the first time ever. Results of such measurements are important for studying thermal expansion of materials from room temperature towards less than 10 K.

Disordered Nanohole Patterns in Metal-Insulator Multilayer for Ultra-broadband Light Absorption: Atomic Layer Deposition for Lithography Free Highly repeatable Large Scale Multilayer Growth.

PubMed

Ghobadi, Amir; Hajian, Hodjat; Dereshgi, Sina Abedini; Bozok, Berkay; Butun, Bayram; Ozbay, Ekmel

2017-11-08

In this paper, we demonstrate a facile, lithography free, and large scale compatible fabrication route to synthesize an ultra-broadband wide angle perfect absorber based on metal-insulator-metal-insulator (MIMI) stack design. We first conduct a simulation and theoretical modeling approach to study the impact of different geometries in overall stack absorption. Then, a Pt-Al 2 O 3 multilayer is fabricated using a single atomic layer deposition (ALD) step that offers high repeatability and simplicity in the fabrication step. In the best case, we get an absorption bandwidth (BW) of 600 nm covering a range of 400 nm-1000 nm. A substantial improvement in the absorption BW is attained by incorporating a plasmonic design into the middle Pt layer. Our characterization results demonstrate that the best configuration can have absorption over 0.9 covering a wavelength span of 400 nm-1490 nm with a BW that is 1.8 times broader compared to that of planar design. On the other side, the proposed structure retains its absorption high at angles as wide as 70°. The results presented here can serve as a beacon for future performance enhanced multilayer designs where a simple fabrication step can boost the overall device response without changing its overall thickness and fabrication simplicity.

Levitation Technology in International Space Station Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guinart-Ramirez, Y.; Cooley, V. M.; Love, J. E.

2016-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique multidisciplinary orbiting laboratory for science and technology research, enabling discoveries that benefit life on Earth and exploration of the universe. ISS facilities for containerless sample processing in Materials Science experiments include levitation devices with specimen positioning control while reducing containment vessel contamination. For example, ESA's EML (ElectroMagnetic Levitator), is used for melting and solidification of conductive metals, alloys, or semiconductors in ultra-high vacuum, or in high-purity gaseous atmospheres. Sample heating and positioning are accomplished through electromagnetic fields generated by a coil system. EML applications cover investigation of solidification and microstructural formation, evaluation of thermophysical properties of highly reactive metals (whose properties can be very sensitive to contamination), and examination of undercooled liquid metals to understand metastable phase convection and influence convection on structural changes. MSL utilization includes development of novel light-weight, high-performance materials. Another facility, JAXA's ELF (Electrostatic Levitation Furnace), is used to perform high temperature melting while avoiding chemical reactions with crucibles by levitating a sample through Coulomb force. ELF is capable of measuring density, surface tension, and viscosity of samples at high temperatures. One of the initial ELF investigations, Interfacial Energy-1, is aimed at clarification of interfacial phenomena between molten steels and oxide melts with industrial applications in control processes for liquid mixing. In addition to these Materials Science facilities, other ISS investigations that involve levitation employ it for biological research. For example, NASA's "Magnetic 3D Culturing and Bioprinting" investigation uses magnetic levitation for three-dimensional culturing and positioning of magnetized cells to generate spheroid assemblies for biomedical applications. Levitation is also used as a modeled microgravity ground analog in the NASA OsteoOmics ISS investigation, which tests whether magnetic levitation accurately simulates microgravity conditions by studying gravitational regulation of osteoblast and osteoclast genomics and metabolism. Elucidating the cellular mechanisms of bone loss in microgravity contributes to the understanding of bone loss in medical disorders on Earth, which may lead to development of preventive or therapeutic countermeasures. Thus, the ISS state-of-the-art laboratory offers various levitation capability platforms with applications for innovative research in Materials and Life Sciences disciplines, with benefits for humanity.

Nanocrystalline Iron-Ore-Based Catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis.

PubMed

Yong, Seok; Park, Ji Chan; Lee, Ho-Tae; Yang, Jung-Il; Hong, SungJun; Jung, Heon; Chun, Dong Hyun

2016-02-01

Nanocrystalline iron ore particles were fabricated by a wet-milling process using an Ultra Apex Mill, after which they were used as raw materials of iron-based catalysts for low-temperature Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) below 280 degrees C, which usually requires catalysts with a high surface area, a large pore volume, and a small crystallite size. The wet-milling process using the Ultra Apex Mill effectively destroyed the initial crystallite structure of the natural iron ores of several tens to hundreds of nanometers in size, resulting in the generation of nanocrystalline iron ore particles with a high surface area and a large pore volume. The iron-ore-based catalysts prepared from the nanocrystalline iron ore particles effectively catalyzed the low-temperature FTS, displaying a high CO conversion (about 90%) and good C5+ hydrocarbon productivity (about 0.22 g/g(cat)(-h)). This demonstrates the feasibility of using the iron-ore-based catalysts as inexpensive and disposable catalysts for the low-temperature FTS.

Ultra-Low-Cost Room Temperature SiC Thin Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Faur, Maria

1997-01-01

The research group at CSU has conducted theoretical and experimental research on 'Ultra-Low-Cost Room Temperature SiC Thin Films. The effectiveness of a ultra-low-cost room temperature thin film SiC growth technique on Silicon and Germanium substrates and structures with applications to space solar sells, ThermoPhotoVoltaic (TPV) cells and microelectronic and optoelectronic devices was investigated and the main result of this effort are summarized.

Tribo-mechanical properties of thin boron coatings deposited on polished cobalt alloy surfaces for orthopedic applications

PubMed Central

Klepper, C. C.; Williams, J. M.; Truhan, J.J.; Qu, J.; Riester, L.; Hazelton, R. C.; Moschella, J.J.; Blau, P.J.; Anderson, J.P.; Popoola, O.O.; Keitz, M.D.

2008-01-01

This paper presents experimental evidence that thin (<∼200 nm) boron coatings, deposited with a (vacuum) cathodic arc technique on pre-polished Co-Cr-Mo surfaces, could potentially extend the life of metal-on-polymer orthopedic devices using cast Co-Cr-Mo alloy for the metal component. The primary tribological test used a linear, reciprocating pin-on-disc arrangement, with pins made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The disks were cast Co-Cr-Mo samples that were metallographically polished and then coated with boron at a substrate bias of 500 V and at about 100 °C. The wear tests were carried out in a saline solution to simulate the biological environment. The improvements were manifested by the absence of a detectable wear track scar on the coated metal component, while significant polymer transfer film was detected on the uncoated (control) samples tested under the same conditions. The polymer transfer track was characterized with both profilometry and Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy. Mechanical characterization of the thin films included nano-indentation, as well as additional pin-on-disk tests with a steel ball to demonstrate adhesion, using ultra-high frequency acoustic microscopy to probe for any void occurrence at the coating-substrate interface. PMID:19340285

A three-dimensional architecture of vertically aligned multilayer graphene facilitates heat dissipation across joint solid surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Qizhen; Yao, Xuxia; Wang, Wei; Wong, C. P.

2012-02-01

Low operation temperature and efficient heat dissipation are important for device life and speed in current electronic and photonic technologies. Being ultra-high thermally conductive, graphene is a promising material candidate for heat dissipation improvement in devices. In the application, graphene is expected to be vertically stacked between contact solid surfaces in order to facilitate efficient heat dissipation and reduced interfacial thermal resistance across contact solid surfaces. However, as an ultra-thin membrane-like material, graphene is susceptible to Van der Waals forces and usually tends to be recumbent on substrates. Thereby, direct growth of vertically aligned free-standing graphene on solid substrates in large scale is difficult and rarely available in current studies, bringing significant barriers in graphene's application as thermal conductive media between joint solid surfaces. In this work, a three-dimensional vertically aligned multi-layer graphene architecture is constructed between contacted Silicon/Silicon surfaces with pure Indium as a metallic medium. Significantly higher equivalent thermal conductivity and lower contact thermal resistance of vertically aligned multilayer graphene are obtained, compared with those of their recumbent counterpart. This finding provides knowledge of vertically aligned graphene architectures, which may not only facilitate current demanding thermal management but also promote graphene's widespread applications such as electrodes for energy storage devices, polymeric anisotropic conductive adhesives, etc.

Design of a 1200-V ultra-thin partial SOI LDMOS with n-type buried layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiao, Ming; Wang, Yuru; Li, Yanfei; Zhang, Bo; Li, Zhaoji

2014-11-01

A novel 1200-V ultra-thin partial silicon-on-insulator (PSOI) lateral double-diffusion metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) with n-type buried (n-buried) layer (NBL PSOI LDMOS) is proposed in this paper. The new PSOI LDMOS features an n-buried layer underneath the n-type drift (n-drift) region close to the source side, providing a large conduction region for majority carriers and a silicon window to improve self-heating effect (SHE). A combination of uniform and linear variable doping (ULVD) profile is utilized in the n-drift region, which alleviates the inherent tradeoff between specific on-resistance (Ron,sp) and breakdown voltage (BV). With the n-drift region length of 80 μm, the NBL PSOI LDMOS obtains a high BV of 1243 V which is improved by around 105 V in comparison to the conventional SOI LDMOS with linear variable doping (LVD) profile for the n-drift region (LVD SOI LDMOS). Besides, the 1200-V NBL PSOI LDMOS has a lower maximum temperature (Tmax) of 333 K at a power (P) of 1 mW/μm which is reduced by around 61 K. Meanwhile, Ron,sp and Tmax of the NBL PSOI LDMOS are lower than those of the conventional LVD SOI LDMOS for a wide range of BV.

Robust adaptive control for a hybrid solid oxide fuel cell system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snyder, Steven

2011-12-01

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are electrochemical energy conversion devices. They offer a number of advantages beyond those of most other fuel cells due to their high operating temperature (800-1000°C), such as internal reforming, heat as a byproduct, and faster reaction kinetics without precious metal catalysts. Mitigating fuel starvation and improving load-following capabilities of SOFC systems are conflicting control objectives. However, this can be resolved by the hybridization of the system with an energy storage device, such as an ultra-capacitor. In this thesis, a steady-state property of the SOFC is combined with an input-shaping method in order to address the issue of fuel starvation. Simultaneously, an overall adaptive system control strategy is employed to manage the energy sharing between the elements as well as to maintain the state-of-charge of the energy storage device. The adaptive control method is robust to errors in the fuel cell's fuel supply system and guarantees that the fuel cell current and ultra-capacitor state-of-charge approach their target values and remain uniformly, ultimately bounded about these target values. Parameter saturation is employed to guarantee boundedness of the parameters. The controller is validated through hardware-in-the-loop experiments as well as computer simulations.

Improved Method Being Developed for Surface Enhancement of Metallic Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gabb, Timothy P.; Telesman, Jack; Kantzos, Peter T.

2001-01-01

Surface enhancement methods induce a layer of beneficial residual compressive stress to improve the impact (FOD) resistance and fatigue life of metallic materials. A traditional method of surface enhancement often used is shot peening, in which small steel spheres are repeatedly impinged on metallic surfaces. Shot peening is inexpensive and widely used, but the plastic deformation of 20 to 40 percent imparted by the impacts can be harmful. This plastic deformation can damage the microstructure, severely limiting the ductility and durability of the material near the surface. It has also been shown to promote accelerated relaxation of the beneficial compressive residual stresses at elevated temperatures. Low-plasticity burnishing (LPB) is being developed as an improved method for the surface enhancement of metallic materials. LPB is being investigated as a rapid, inexpensive surface enhancement method under NASA Small Business Innovation Research contracts NAS3-98034 and NAS3-99116, with supporting characterization work at NASA. Previously, roller burnishing had been employed to refine surface finish. This concept was adopted and then optimized as a means of producing a layer of compressive stress of high magnitude and depth, with minimal plastic deformation (ref. 1). A simplified diagram of the developed process is given in the following figure. A single pass of a smooth, free-rolling spherical ball under a normal force deforms the surface of the material in tension, creating a compressive layer of residual stress. The ball is supported in a fluid with sufficient pressure to lift the ball off the surface of the retaining spherical socket. The ball is only in mechanical contact with the surface of the material being burnished and is free to roll on the surface. This apparatus is designed to be mounted in the conventional lathes and vertical mills currently used to machine parts. The process has been successfully applied to nickel-base superalloys by a team from the NASA Glenn Research Center, Lambda Research, and METCUT Research, as supported by the NASA Small Business Innovation Research Phase I and II programs, the Ultra Safe program, and the Ultra- Efficient Engine Technology (UEET) Program.

Achieving ultra-high temperatures with a resistive emitter array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danielson, Tom; Franks, Greg; Holmes, Nicholas; LaVeigne, Joe; Matis, Greg; McHugh, Steve; Norton, Dennis; Vengel, Tony; Lannon, John; Goodwin, Scott

2016-05-01

The rapid development of very-large format infrared detector arrays has challenged the IR scene projector community to also develop larger-format infrared emitter arrays to support the testing of systems incorporating these detectors. In addition to larger formats, many scene projector users require much higher simulated temperatures than can be generated with current technology in order to fully evaluate the performance of their systems and associated processing algorithms. Under the Ultra High Temperature (UHT) development program, Santa Barbara Infrared Inc. (SBIR) is developing a new infrared scene projector architecture capable of producing both very large format (>1024 x 1024) resistive emitter arrays and improved emitter pixel technology capable of simulating very high apparent temperatures. During earlier phases of the program, SBIR demonstrated materials with MWIR apparent temperatures in excess of 1400 K. New emitter materials have subsequently been selected to produce pixels that achieve even higher apparent temperatures. Test results from pixels fabricated using the new material set will be presented and discussed. A 'scalable' Read In Integrated Circuit (RIIC) is also being developed under the same UHT program to drive the high temperature pixels. This RIIC will utilize through-silicon via (TSV) and Quilt Packaging (QP) technologies to allow seamless tiling of multiple chips to fabricate very large arrays, and thus overcome the yield limitations inherent in large-scale integrated circuits. Results of design verification testing of the completed RIIC will be presented and discussed.

Ultra-low temperature sintering of Cu@Ag core-shell nanoparticle paste by ultrasonic in air for high-temperature power device packaging.

PubMed

Ji, Hongjun; Zhou, Junbo; Liang, Meng; Lu, Huajun; Li, Mingyu

2018-03-01

Sintering of low-cost Cu nanoparticles (NPs) for interconnection of chips to substrate at low temperature and in atmosphere conditions is difficult because they are prone to oxidation, but dramatically required in semiconductor industry. In the present work, we successfully synthesized Cu@Ag NPs paste, and they were successfully applied for joining Cu/Cu@Ag NPs paste/Cu firstly in air by the ultrasonic-assisted sintering (UAS) at a temperature of as low as 160 °C. Their sintered microstructures featuring with dense and crystallized cells are completely different from the traditional thermo-compression sintering (TCS). The optimized shear strength of the joints reached to 54.27 MPa, exhibiting one order of magnitude higher than TCS at the same temperature (180 °C) under the UAS. This ultra-low sintering temperature and high performance of the sintered joints were ascribed to ultrasonic effects. The ultrasonic vibrations have distinct effects on the metallurgical reactions of the joints, resulting in the contact and growth of Cu core and the stripping and connection of Ag shell, which contributes to the high shear strength. Thus, the UAS of Cu@Ag NPs paste has a great potential to be applied for high-temperature power device packaging. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultra-sonic motor for the actuators of space optical communications terminal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Araki, T.; Kobayashi, Y.; Kawashima, N.; Maniwa, K.; Obara, S.; Zakoji, T.; Kubota, A.

2017-02-01

The main advantages of space optical communication technologies compared with RF communications are 1) Wide bandwidth that enables a much higher data rate and 2) Smaller antenna and hardware due to the ultra-short wavelength characteristics. The cost and weight of each spacecraft has been decreasing year by year. Space optical communication technologies, that are being established, have been required to reduce cost and weight recently. The general rotational actuators of spacecraft are magnetic motors. However, it is difficult to reduce it's weight and cost dramatically since magnetic motors include iron core and metal coil. In addition, we do not have the flexibility of magnetic motor's shape. JAXA is interested in optical data relay including LEO-GEO optical communication. In this application, space optical communication equipment must equip rotational actuators as a coarse pointing mechanism. Therefore, the authors have focused on ultra-sonic motors (USM) for the equipment of space optical communication so that we will achieve lower cost, lower weight and a more-flexible-shape of actuators than magnetic motors. In this presentation, the authors propose applications of USM as actuators of space optical communications. USM has been widely used in our life and industry. Usage in industry includes vacuum environments of the semiconductor manufacturing process. So, the authors estimated the usage of USM can be applied to actuators of spacecraft. At first, the authors discuss the advantages and disadvantages of USM compared to traditional magnetic motors. Then, driving performance of USM under vacuum, high and low-temperature conditions are shown. At last, results of life estimation test of USM are discussed.

A Modified Constitutive Model for Tensile Flow Behaviors of BR1500HS Ultra-High-Strength Steel at Medium and Low Temperature Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jun; Quan, Guo-Zheng; Pan, Jia; Wang, Xuan; Wu, Dong-Sen; Xia, Yu-Feng

2018-01-01

Constitutive model of materials is one of the most requisite mathematical model in the finite element analysis, which describes the relationships of flow behaviors with strain, strain rate and temperature. In order to construct such constitutive relationships of ultra-high-strength BR1500HS steel at medium and low temperature regions, the true stress-strain data over a wide temperature range of 293-873 K and strain rate range of 0.01-10 s-1 were collected from a series of isothermal uniaxial tensile tests. The experimental results show that stress-strain relationships are highly non-linear and susceptible to three parameters involving temperature, strain and strain rate. By considering the impacts of strain rate and temperature on strain hardening, a modified constitutive model based on Johnson-Cook model was proposed to characterize flow behaviors in medium and low temperature ranges. The predictability of the improved model was also evaluated by the relative error (W(%)), correlation coefficient (R) and average absolute relative error (AARE). The R-value and AARE-value for modified constitutive model at medium and low temperature regions are 0.9915 & 1.56 % and 0.9570 & 5.39 %, respectively, which indicates that the modified constitutive model can precisely estimate the flow behaviors for BR1500HS steel in the medium and low temperature regions.

High temperature composites. Status and future directions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Signorelli, R. A.

1982-01-01

A summary of research investigations of manufacturing methods, fabrication methods, and testing of high temperature composites for use in gas turbine engines is presented. Ceramic/ceramic, ceramic/metal, and metal/metal composites are considered. Directional solidification of superalloys and eutectic alloys, fiber reinforced metal and ceramic composites, ceramic fibers and whiskers, refractory coatings, metal fiber/metal composites, matrix metal selection, and the preparation of test specimens are discussed.

High purity silica reflecting heat shield development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Congdon, W.

1974-01-01

A reflecting heat shield composed of fused silica in which the scattering results from the refractive index mismatch between silica particles and the voids introduced during the fabrication process is developed. Major considerations and conclusions of the development are: the best material to use is Type A, which is capable of ultra-high-purity and which does not show the 0.243 micrometer absorption band; the reflection efficiency of fused silica is decreased at higher temperatures due to the bathochromic shift of the ultraviolet cut-off; for a given silica material, over the wavelength region and particle sizes tested, the monodisperse particle size configurations produce higher reflectances than continuous particle size configurations; and the smaller monodisperse particle size configurations give higher reflectance than the larger ones. A reflecting silica configuration that is an efficient reflector of shock layer radiation at high ablation temperatures is achieved by tailoring the matrix for optimum scattering and using an ultra-high-purity material.

Numerical simulation of temperature field, microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of HSS during hot stamping

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

Shi, Dongyong; Liu, Wenquan; Ying, Liang, E-mail: pinghu@dlut.edu.cn

The hot stamping of boron steels is widely used to produce ultra high strength automobile components without any spring back. The ultra high strength of final products is attributed to the fully martensitic microstructure that is obtained through the simultaneous forming and quenching of the hot blanks after austenization. In the present study, a mathematical model incorporating both heat transfer and the transformation of austenite is presented. A FORTRAN program based on finite element technique has been developed which permits the temperature distribution and microstructure evolution of high strength steel during hot stamping process. Two empirical diffusion-dependent transformation models undermore » isothermal conditions were employed respectively, and the prediction capability on mechanical properties of the models were compared with the hot stamping experiment of an automobile B-pillar part.« less

Fiber optical sensors for aircraft applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pechstedt, Ralf D.

2014-09-01

In this paper selected fiber optical point sensors that are of potential interest for deployment in aircraft are discussed. The operating principles together with recent measurement results are described. Examples include a high-temperature combined pressure and temperature sensor for engine health, hydraulics and landing gear monitoring, an ultra-high sensitive pressure sensor for oil, pneumatic and fluid aero systems applications and a combined acceleration and temperature sensor for condition monitoring of rotating components.

Room-temperature creation and spin-orbit torque-induced manipulation of skyrmions in thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Guoqiang; Upadhyaya, Pramey; Li, Xiang; Li, Wenyuan; Im, Se Kwon K.; Fan, Yabin; Wong, Kin L.; Tserkovnyak, Yaroslav; Amiri, Pedram Khalili; Wang, Kang L.

Magnetic skyrmions, which are topologically protected spin texture, are promising candidates for ultra-low energy and ultra-high density magnetic data storage and computing applications1, 2. To date, most experiments on skyrmions have been carried out at low temperatures. The choice of materials available is limited and there is a lack of electrical means to control of skyrmions. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a method for creating skyrmion bubbles phase in the ferromagnetic thin film at room temperature. We further demonstrate that the created skyrmion bubbles can be manipulated by electric current. This room-temperature creation and manipulation of skyrmion in thin film is of particular interest for applications, being suitable for room-temperature operation and compatible with existing semiconductor manufacturing tools. 1. Nagaosa, N., Tokura, Y. Nature Nanotechnology 8, 899-911 (2013). 2. Fert, A., et al., Nature Nanotechnology 8, 152-156 (2013).

A single-ligand ultra-microporous MOF for precombustion CO2 capture and hydrogen purification

PubMed Central

Nandi, Shyamapada; De Luna, Phil; Daff, Thomas D.; Rother, Jens; Liu, Ming; Buchanan, William; Hawari, Ayman I.; Woo, Tom K.; Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan

2015-01-01

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) built from a single small ligand typically have high stability, are rigid, and have syntheses that are often simple and easily scalable. However, they are normally ultra-microporous and do not have large surface areas amenable to gas separation applications. We report an ultra-microporous (3.5 and 4.8 Å pores) Ni-(4-pyridylcarboxylate)2 with a cubic framework that exhibits exceptionally high CO2/H2 selectivities (285 for 20:80 and 230 for 40:60 mixtures at 10 bar, 40°C) and working capacities (3.95 mmol/g), making it suitable for hydrogen purification under typical precombustion CO2 capture conditions (1- to 10-bar pressure swing). It exhibits facile CO2 adsorption-desorption cycling and has CO2 self-diffusivities of ~3 × 10−9 m2/s, which is two orders higher than that of zeolite 13X and comparable to other top-performing MOFs for this application. Simulations reveal a high density of binding sites that allow for favorable CO2-CO2 interactions and large cooperative binding energies. Ultra-micropores generated by a small ligand ensures hydrolytic, hydrostatic stabilities, shelf life, and stability toward humid gas streams. PMID:26824055

Oxidation of metals and alloys in controlled atmospheres using in situ transmission electron microscopy and Auger spectrography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, D. B.; Heinemann, K.; Douglass, D. L.

1976-01-01

Single-crystalline thin films of copper were oxidized at an isothermal temperature of 425 C and at an oxygen partial pressure of .005 Torr in situ in a high-resolution electron microscope. The specimens were prepared by epitaxial vapor deposition onto polished 100 and 110 faces of rocksalt and mounted in a hot stage inside an ultra-high-vacuum specimen chamber of the microscope. Large amounts of sulfur, carbon, and oxygen were detected by Auger electron spectroscopy on the surface of the as-received films and were removed in situ by ion-sputter etching immediately prior to the oxidation. The nucleation and growth characteristics of Cu2O on Cu were studied. Results show that neither stacking faults nor dislocations are associated with the Cu2O nucleation sites. The growth of Cu2O nuclei is linear with time. The experimental findings, including results from oxygen dissolution experiments and from repetitive oxidation-reduction-oxidation sequences, fit well into the framework of an oxidation process involving (a) the formation of a surface-charge layer, (b) oxygen saturation in the metal and (c) nucleation, followed by surface diffusion of oxygen and bulk diffusion of copper for lateral and vertical oxide growth, respectively.

Van der Waals MoS2/VO2 heterostructure junction with tunable rectifier behavior and efficient photoresponse.

PubMed

Oliva, Nicoló; Casu, Emanuele Andrea; Yan, Chen; Krammer, Anna; Rosca, Teodor; Magrez, Arnaud; Stolichnov, Igor; Schueler, Andreas; Martin, Olivier J F; Ionescu, Adrian Mihai

2017-10-27

Junctions between n-type semiconductors of different electron affinity show rectification if the junction is abrupt enough. With the advent of 2D materials, we are able to realize thin van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures based on a large diversity of materials. In parallel, strongly correlated functional oxides have emerged, having the ability to show reversible insulator-to-metal (IMT) phase transition by collapsing their electronic bandgap under a certain external stimulus. Here, we report for the first time the electronic and optoelectronic characterization of ultra-thin n-n heterojunctions fabricated using deterministic assembly of multilayer molybdenum disulphide (MoS 2 ) on a phase transition material, vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ). The vdW MoS 2 /VO 2 heterojunction combines the excellent blocking capability of an n-n junction with a high conductivity in on-state, and it can be turned into a Schottky rectifier at high applied voltage or at temperatures higher than 68 °C, exploiting the metal state of VO 2 . We report tunable diode-like current rectification with a good diode ideality factor of 1.75 and excellent conductance swing of 120 mV/dec. Finally, we demonstrate unique tunable photosensitivity and excellent junction photoresponse in the 500/650 nm wavelength range.

Characterization and Evaluation of Ti-Zr-V Non-evaporable Getter Films Used in Vacuum Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferreira, M. J.; Seraphim, R. M.; Ramirez, A. J.; Tabacniks, M. H.; Nascente, P. A. P.

Among several methods used to obtain ultra-high vacuum (UHV) for particles accelerators chambers, it stands out the internal coating with metallic films capable of absorbing gases, called NEG (non-evaporable getter). Usually these materials are constituted by elements of great chemical reactivity and solubility (such as Ti, Zr, and V), at room temperature for oxygen and other gases typically found in UHV, such as H2, CO, and CO2. Gold and ternary Ti-Zr-V films were produced by magnetron sputtering, and their composition, structure, morphology, and aging characteristics were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission gun sc anning electronmicroscopy (FEG-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The comparison between the produced films and commercial samples indicated that the desirable characteristics depend on the nanometric structure of the films and that this structure is sensitive to the heat treatments.

Power-law partition and entropy production of high-energy cosmic rays: Knee-ankle structure of the all-particle spectrum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomaschitz, Roman

2013-10-01

A statistical description of the all-particle cosmic-ray spectrum is given in the 10^{14}\\ \\text{eV} to 10^{20}\\ \\text{eV} interval. The high-energy cosmic-ray flux is modeled as an ultra-relativistic multi-component plasma, whose components constitute a mixture of nearly ideal but nonthermal gases of low density and high temperature. Each plasma component is described by an ultra-relativistic power-law density manifested as spectral peak in the wideband fit. The “knee” and “ankle” features of the high- and ultra-high-energy spectrum turn out to be the global and local extrema of the double-logarithmic E3-scaled flux representation in which the spectral fit is performed. The all-particle spectrum is covered by recent data sets from several air shower arrays, and can be modeled as three-component plasma in the indicated energy range extending over six decades. The temperature, specific number density, internal energy and entropy of each plasma component are extracted from the partial fluxes in the broadband fit. The grand partition function and the extensive entropy functional of a non-equilibrated gas mixture with power-law components are derived in phase space by ensemble averaging.

Fabrication of 4H-SiC n-channel IGBTs with ultra high blocking voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiaolei; Tao, Yonghong; Yang, Tongtong; Huang, Runhua; Song, Bai

2018-03-01

Owing to the conductivity modulation of silicon carbide (SiC) bipolar devices, n-channel insulated gate bipolar transistors (n-IGBTs) have a significant advantage over metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) in ultra high voltage (UHV) applications. In this paper, backside grinding and laser annealing process were carried out to fabricate 4H-SiC n-IGBTs. The thickness of a drift layer was 120 μm, which was designed for a blocking voltage of 13 kV. The n-IGBTs carried a collector current density of 24 A/cm2 at a power dissipation of 300 W/cm2 when the gate voltage was 20 V, with a differential specific on-resistance of 140 mΩ·cm2.

High Resolution X-Ray Micro-CT of Ultra-Thin Wall Space Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don J.; Rauser, R. W.; Bowman, Randy R.; Bonacuse, Peter; Martin, Richard E.; Locci, I. E.; Kelley, M.

2012-01-01

A high resolution micro-CT system has been assembled and is being used to provide optimal characterization for ultra-thin wall space components. The Glenn Research Center NDE Sciences Team, using this CT system, has assumed the role of inspection vendor for the Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC) project at NASA. This article will discuss many aspects of the development of the CT scanning for this type of component, including CT system overview; inspection requirements; process development, software utilized and developed to visualize, process, and analyze results; calibration sample development; results on actual samples; correlation with optical/SEM characterization; CT modeling; and development of automatic flaw recognition software. Keywords: Nondestructive Evaluation, NDE, Computed Tomography, Imaging, X-ray, Metallic Components, Thin Wall Inspection

Improvement of spin-exchange optical pumping of xenon-129 using in situ NMR measurement in ultra-low magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Shun; Kumagai, Hiroshi

2018-02-01

Hyperpolarized (HP) noble gas has attracted attention in NMR / MRI. In an ultra-low magnetic field, the effectiveness of signal enhancement by HP noble gas should be required because reduction of the signal intensity is serious. One method of generating HP noble gas is spin exchange optical pumping which uses selective excitation of electrons of alkali metal vapor and spin transfer to nuclear spin by collision to noble gas. Although SEOP does not require extreme cooling or strong magnetic field, generally it required large-scale equipment including high power light source to generate HP noble gas with high efficiency. In this study, we construct a simply generation system of HP xenon-129 by SEOP with an ultralow magnetic field (up to 1 mT) and small-scale light source (about 1W). In addition, we measure in situ NMR signal at the same time, and then examine efficient conditions for SEOP in ultra-low magnetic fields.

NANO-SCALE METAL OXIDE PARTICLES/CLUSTERS AS CHEMICAL REAGENTS: SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF ULTRA-HIGH SURFACE AREA MAGNESIUM OXIDE. (R825549C015)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

Experiments on Nucleation in Different Flow Regimes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bayuzick, R. J.; Hofmeister, W. H.; Morton, C. M.; Robinson, M. B.

1998-01-01

The vast majority of metallic engineering materials are solidified from the liquid phase. Understanding the solidification process is essential to control microstructure, which in turn, determines the properties of materials. The genesis of solidification is nucleation, where the first stable solid forms from the liquid phase. Nucleation kinetics determine the degree of undercooling and phase selection. As such, it is important to understand nucleation phenomena in order to control solidification or glass formation in metals and alloys. Early experiments in nucleation kinetics were accomplished by droplet dispersion methods. Dilitometry was used by Turnbull and others, and more recently differential thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry have been used for kinetic studies. These techniques have enjoyed success; however, there are difficulties with these experiments. Since materials are dispersed in a medium, the character of the emulsion/metal interface affects the nucleation behavior. Statistics are derived from the large number of particles observed in a single experiment, but dispersions have a finite size distribution which adds to the uncertainty of the kinetic determinations. Even though temperature can be controlled quite well before the onset of nucleation, the release of the latent heat of fusion during nucleation of particles complicates the assumption of isothermality during these experiments. Containerless processing has enabled another approach to the study of nucleation kinetics. With levitation techniques it is possible to undercool one sample to nucleation repeatedly in a controlled manner, such that the statistics of the nucleation process can be derived from multiple experiments on a single sample. The authors have fully developed the analysis of nucleation experiments on single samples following the suggestions of Skripov. The advantage of these experiments is that the samples are directly observable. The nucleation temperature can be measured by noncontact optical pyrometry, the mass of the sample is known, and post-processing analysis can be conducted on the sample. The disadvantages are that temperature measurement must have exceptionally high precision, and it is not possible to isolate specific heterogeneous sites as in droplet dispersions. Levitation processing of refractory materials in ultra high vacuum provides an avenue to conduct these kinetic studies on single samples. Two experimental methods have been identified where ultra high vacuum experiments are possible; electrostatic levitation in ground-based experiments and electromagnetic processing in low earth orbit on TEMPUS. Such experiments, reported here, were conducted on zirconium. Liquid zirconium is an excellent solvent and has a high solubility for contaminants contained in the bulk material as well as those contaminants found in the vacuum environment. Oxides, nitrides, and carbides do not exist in the melt, and do not form on the surface of molten zirconium, for the materials and vacuum levels used in this study. Ground-based experiments with electrostatic levitation have shown that the statistical nucleation kinetic experiments are viable and yield results which are consistent with classical nucleation theory. The advantage of low earth orbit experiments is the ability to vary the flow conditions in the liquid prior to nucleation. The put-pose of nucleation experiments in TEMPUS was to examine.

Development of ZnO:Ga as an Ultrafast Scintillator

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

Bourret-Courchesne, E.D.; Derenzo, S.E.; Weber, M.J.

We report on several methods for synthesizing the ultra-fast scintillator ZnO(Ga), and measurements of the resulting products. This material has characteristics that make it an excellent alpha detector for tagging the time and direction of individual neutrons produced by t-d and d-d neutron generators (associated particle imaging). The intensity and decay time are strongly dependent on the method used for dopant incorporation. We compare samples made by diffusion of Ga metal to samples made by solid state reaction between ZnO and Ga2O3 followed by reduction in hydrogen. The latter is much more successful and has a pure, strong near-band-edge fluorescencemore » and an ultra-fast decay time of the x-ray-excited luminescence. The luminescence increases dramatically as the temperature is reduced to 10K. We also present results of an alternate low-temperature synthesis that produces luminescent particles with a more uniform size distribution. We examine possible mechanisms for the bright near-band-edge scintillation and favor the explanation that it is due to the recombination of Ga3+ donor electrons with ionization holes trapped on H+ ion acceptors.« less

Low Temperature Graphene Growth and Its Applications in Electronic and Optical Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chugh, Sunny

Graphene, a two dimensional allotrope of carbon in a honeycomb lattice, has gathered wide attention due to its excellent electrical, thermal, optical and mechanical properties. It has extremely high electron/hole mobility, very high thermal conductivity and fascinating optical properties, and combined with its mechanical strength and elasticity, graphene is believed to find commercial applications in existing as well as novel technologies. One of the biggest reasons behind the rapid development in graphene research during the last decade is the fact that laboratory procedures to obtain high quality graphene are rather cheap and simple. However, any new material market is essentially driven by the progress in its large scale commercial production with minimal costs, with properties that are suited for different applications. And it is in this aspect that graphene is still required to make a huge progress before its commercial benefits can be derived. Laboratory graphene synthesis techniques such as mechanical exfoliation, liquid phase exfoliation and SiC graphene growth pose several challenges in terms of cost, reliability and scalability. To this end, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) growth of graphene has emerged as a widely used synthesis method that overcomes these problems. Unfortunately, conventional thermal CVD requires a high temperature of growth and a catalytic metal substrate, making the undesirable step of graphene transfer a necessity. Besides requiring a catalyst, the high temperature of growth also limits the range of growth substrates. In this work, I have successfully demonstrated low temperature ( 550 °C) growth of graphene directly on dielectric materials using a Plasma-Enhanced CVD (PECVD) process. The PECVD technique described here solves the issues faced by conventional CVD methods and provides a direct route for graphene synthesis on arbitrary materials at relatively low temperatures. Detailed growth studies, as described here, illustrate the difference between the PECVD and the CVD growth mechanisms. This work also provides the first experimental comparison of graphene growth rates on different substrates using PECVD. In the second part of my thesis, I have discussed some of the potential applications of PECVD graphene, including graphene as a diffusion barrier, ultra-dark graphene metamaterials, graphene-protected metal plasmonics and copper-graphene hybrids for RF transmission line applications. The experimental findings discussed here lay a solid platform for integration of graphene in damascene structures, low-loss plasmonic materials, flexible electronics and dark materials, among others.

Characterization of a high performance ultra-thin heat pipe cooling module for mobile hand held electronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahamed, Mohammad Shahed; Saito, Yuji; Mashiko, Koichi; Mochizuki, Masataka

2017-11-01

In recent years, heat pipes have been widely used in various hand held mobile electronic devices such as smart phones, tablet PCs, digital cameras. With the development of technology these devices have different user friendly features and applications; which require very high clock speeds of the processor. In general, a high clock speed generates a lot of heat, which needs to be spreaded or removed to eliminate the hot spot on the processor surface. However, it is a challenging task to achieve proper cooling of such electronic devices mentioned above because of their confined spaces and concentrated heat sources. Regarding this challenge, we introduced an ultra-thin heat pipe; this heat pipe consists of a special fiber wick structure named as "Center Fiber Wick" which can provide sufficient vapor space on the both sides of the wick structure. We also developed a cooling module that uses this kind of ultra-thin heat pipe to eliminate the hot spot issue. This cooling module consists of an ultra-thin heat pipe and a metal plate. By changing the width, the flattened thickness and the effective length of the ultra-thin heat pipe, several experiments have been conducted to characterize the thermal properties of the developed cooling module. In addition, other experiments were also conducted to determine the effects of changes in the number of heat pipes in a single module. Characterization and comparison of the module have also been conducted both experimentally and theoretically.

High-energy asymmetric supercapacitors based on free-standing hierarchical Co-Mo-S nanosheets with enhanced cycling stability.

PubMed

Balamurugan, Jayaraman; Li, Chao; Peera, Shaik Gouse; Kim, Nam Hoon; Lee, Joong Hee

2017-09-21

Layered transition metal sulfides (TMS) are emerging as advanced materials for energy storage and conversion applications. In this work, we report a facile and cost-effective anion exchange technique to fabricate a layered, multifaceted, free standing, ultra-thin ternary cobalt molybdenum sulfide nanosheet (Co-Mo-S NS) architecture grown on a 3D porous Ni foam substrate. The unique Co-Mo layered double hydroxides are first synthesized as precursors and consequently transformed into ultra-thin Co-Mo-S NS. When employed as an electrode for supercapacitors, the Co-Mo-S NS delivered an ultra-high specific capacitance of 2343 F g -1 at a current density of 1 mA cm -2 with tremendous rate capability and extraordinary cycling performance (96.6% capacitance retention after 20 000 cycles). Furthermore, assembled Co-Mo-S/nitrogen doped graphene nanosheets (NGNS) in an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device delivered an excellent energy density of 89.6 Wh kg -1 , an amazing power density of 20.07 kW kg -1 , and superior cycling performance (86.8% capacitance retention after 50 000 cycles). Such exceptional electrochemical performance of Co-Mo-S NS is ascribed to the good electrical contact with the 3D Ni foam, ultra-high contact area with the electrolyte, and enhanced architectural softening during the charging/discharging process. It is expected that the fabricated, unique, ultra-thin Co-Mo-S NS have great potential for future energy storage devices.

Design of ultra-broadband terahertz polymer waveguide emitters for telecom wavelengths using coupled mode theory.

PubMed

Vallejo, Felipe A; Hayden, L Michael

2013-03-11

We use coupled mode theory, adequately incorporating optical losses, to model ultra-broadband terahertz (THz) waveguide emitters (0.1-20 THz) based on difference frequency generation of femtosecond infrared (IR) optical pulses. We apply the model to a generic, symmetric, five-layer, metal/cladding/core waveguide structure using transfer matrix theory. We provide a design strategy for an efficient ultra-broadband THz emitter and apply it to polymer waveguides with a nonlinear core composed of a poled guest-host electro-optic polymer composite and pumped by a pulsed fiber laser system operating at 1567 nm. The predicted bandwidths are greater than 15 THz and we find a high conversion efficiency of 1.2 × 10(-4) W(-1) by balancing both the modal phase-matching and effective mode attenuation.

The tribology of metal-on-metal total hip replacements.

PubMed

Scholes, S C; Unsworth, A

2006-02-01

Total hip surgery is an effective way of alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by diseased or damaged joints. However, in the majority of cases, these joints have a finite life. The main reason for failure is osteolysis (bone resorption). It is well documented that an important cause of osteolysis, and therefore the subsequent loosening and failure of conventional metal- or ceramic-on-ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene joints, is the body's immunological response to the polyethylene wear particles. To avoid this, interest has been renewed in metal-on-metal joints. The intention of this paper is to review the studies that have taken place within different laboratories to determine the tribological performance of new-generation metal-on-metal total hip replacements. These types of joint offer a potential solution to enhance the longevity of prosthetic hip systems; however, problems may arise owing to the effects of metal ion release, which are, as yet, not fully understood.

The Chemical Evolution of the Bootes I Ultra-faint Dwarf Galaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frebel, Anna; Norris, John E.; Gilmore, Gerard; Wyse, Rosemary F. G.

2016-08-01

We present chemical abundance measurements of two metal-poor red giant stars in the ultra-faint dwarf galaxy Boötes I, based on Magellan/MIKE high-resolution spectra. For Boo-980, with {{[Fe/H]}}=-3.1, we present the first elemental abundance measurements, while Boo-127, with {{[Fe/H]}}=-2.0, shows abundances in good agreement with previous measurements. Light and iron-peak element abundance ratios in the two Boötes I stars, as well as those of most other Boötes I members, collected from the literature, closely resemble those of regular metal-poor halo stars. Neutron-capture element abundances Sr and Ba are systematically lower than the main halo trend and also show a significant abundance spread. Overall, this is similar to what has been found for other ultra-faint dwarf galaxies. We apply corrections to the carbon abundances (commensurate with stellar evolutionary status) of the entire sample and find 21% of stars to be carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars, compared to 13% without using the carbon correction. We reassess the metallicity distribution functions for the CEMP stars and non-CEMP stars, and confirm earlier claims that CEMP stars might belong to a different, earlier population. Applying a set of abundance criteria to test to what extent Boötes I could be a surviving first galaxy suggests that it is one of the earliest assembled systems that perhaps received gas from accretion from other clouds in the system, or from swallowing a first galaxy or building block type object. This resulted in the two stellar populations observable today. This paper includes data gathered with the 6.5 m Magellan Telescopes located at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile.

Electronically conductive ceramics for high temperature oxidizing environments

DOEpatents

Kucera, Gene H.; Smith, James L.; Sim, James W.

1986-01-01

A high temperature, ceramic composition having electronic conductivity as measured by resistivity below about 500 ohm-cm, chemical stability particularly with respect to cathode conditions in a molten carbonate fuel cell, and composed of an alkali metal, transition metal oxide containing a dopant metal in the crystalline structure to replace a portion of the alkali metal or transition metal.

Large Area Active Brazing of Multi-tile Ceramic-Metal Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-01

metallurgical bonds. The major disadvantage of using active brazing for metals and ceramics is the high processing temperature required that results in...steels) and form strong, metallurgical bonds. However, the high processing temperatures result in large strain (stress) build-up from the inherent...metals such as titanium alloys and stainless steels) and form strong, metallurgical bonds. However, the high processing temperatures result in large

Ultra-high cooling rate utilizing thin film evaporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Fengmin; Ma, Hongbin; Han, Xu; Chen, Hsiu-hung; Tian, Bohan

2012-09-01

This research introduces a cell cryopreservation method, which utilizes thin film evaporation and provides an ultra-high cooling rate. The microstructured surface forming the thin film evaporation was fabricated from copper microparticles with an average diameter of 50 μm. Experimental results showed that a cooling rate of approximately 5×104 °C/min was achieved in a temperature range from 10 °C to -187 °C. The current investigation will give birth to a cell cryopreservation method through vitrification with relatively low concentrations of cryoprotectants.

The ultra high resolution XUV spectroheliograph: An attached payload for the Space Station Freedom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, Arthur B. C., Jr.; Hoover, Richard B.; Barbee, Troy W., Jr.; Tandberg-Hanssen, Einar; Timothy, J. Gethyn; Lindblom, Joakim F.

1990-01-01

The principle goal of the ultra high resolution XUV spectroheliograph (UHRXS) is to improve the ability to identify and understand the fundamental physical processes that shape the structure and dynamics of the solar chromosphere and corona. The ability of the UHRXS imaging telescope and spectrographs to resolve fine scale structures over a broad wavelength (and hence temperature) range is critical to this mission. The scientific objectives and instrumental capabilities of the UHRXS investigation are reviewed before proceeding to a discussion of the expected performance of the UHRXS observatory.

Ultra-low power operation of self-heated, suspended carbon nanotube gas sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chikkadi, Kiran; Muoth, Matthias; Maiwald, Verena; Roman, Cosmin; Hierold, Christofer

2013-11-01

We present a suspended carbon nanotube gas sensor that senses NO2 at ambient temperature and recovers from gas exposure at an extremely low power of 2.9 μW by exploiting the self-heating effect for accelerated gas desorption. The recovery time of 10 min is two orders of magnitude faster than non-heated recovery at ambient temperature. This overcomes an important bottleneck for the practical application of carbon nanotube gas sensors. Furthermore, the method is easy to implement in sensor systems and requires no additional components, paving the way for ultra-low power, compact, and highly sensitive gas sensors.

Atmospheric parameters and magnesium and calcium NLTE abundances for a sample of 16 ultra metal-poor stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sitnova, Tatyana; Mashonkina, Lyudmila; Ezzeddine, Rana; Frebel, Anna

2018-06-01

The most metal-poor stars provide important observational clues to the astrophysical objects that enriched the primordial gas with heavy elements. Accurate atmospheric parameters is a prerequisite of determination of accurate abundances. We present atmospheric parameters and abundances of calcium and magnesium for a sample of 16 ultra-metal poor (UMP) stars. In spectra of UMP stars, iron is represented only by lines of Fe I, while calcium is represented with lines of Ca I and Ca II, which can be used for determination/checking of effective temperature and surface gravity. Accurate calculations of synthetic spectra of UMP stars require non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) treatment of line formation, since deviations from LTE grow with metallicity decreasing. The method of atmospheric parameter determination is based on NLTE analysis of lines of Ca I and Ca II, multi-band photometry, and isochrones. The method was tested in advance with the ultra metal-poor giant CD-38 245, where, in addition, trigonometric parallax measurements from Gaia DR1 and lines of Fe I and Fe II are available. Using photometric Teff = 4900 K and distance based log g = 2.0 for CD-38 245, we derived consistent within error bars NLTE abundances from Fe I and Fe II and Ca I and Ca II, while LTE leads to a discrepancy of 0.6 dex between Ca I and Ca II. We determined NLTE and LTE abundances of magnesium and calcium in 16 stars of the sample. For the majority of stars, as expected, [Ca/Mg] NLTE abundance ratios are close to 0, while LTE leads to systematically higher [Ca/Mg], by up to 0.3 dex, and larger spread of [Ca/Mg] for different stars. Three stars of our sample are strongly enhanced in magnesium, with [Mg/Ca] of 1.3 dex. It is worth noting that, for these three stars, we got very similar [Mg/Ca] of 1.30, 1.45, and 1.29, in contrast to the data from the literature, where, for the same stars, [Mg/Ca] vary from 0.7 to 1.4. Very similar [Mg/Ca] abundance ratios of these stars argue that their abundances originate from a similar nucleosynthetic event.

Processing development of 4 tantalum carbide-hafnium carbide and related carbides and borides for extreme environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaballa, Osama Gaballa Bahig

Carbides, nitrides, and borides ceramics are of interest for many applications because of their high melting temperatures and good mechanical properties. Wear-resistant coatings are among the most important applications for these materials. Materials with high wear resistance and high melting temperatures have the potential to produce coatings that resist degradation when subjected to high temperatures and high contact stresses. Among the carbides, Al4SiC4 is a low density (3.03 g/cm3), high melting temperature (>2000°C) compound, characterized by superior oxidation resistance, and high compressive strength. These desirable properties motivated this investigation to (1) obtain high-density Al4SiC4 at lower sintering temperatures by hot pressing, and (2) to enhance its mechanical properties by adding WC and TiC to the Al4SiC4. Also among the carbides, tantalum carbide and hafnium carbide have outstanding hardness; high melting points (3880°C and 3890°C respectively); good resistance to chemical attack, thermal shock, and oxidation; and excellent electronic conductivity. Tantalum hafnium carbide (Ta4HfC 5) is a 4-to-1 ratio of TaC to HfC with an extremely high melting point of 4215 K (3942°C), which is the highest melting point of all currently known compounds. Due to the properties of these carbides, they are considered candidates for extremely high-temperature applications such as rocket nozzles and scramjet components, where the operating temperatures can exceed 3000°C. Sintering bulk components comprised of these carbides is difficult, since sintering typically occurs above 50% of the melting point. Thus, Ta4 HfC5 is difficult to sinter in conventional furnaces or hot presses; furnaces designed for very high temperatures are expensive to purchase and operate. Our research attempted to sinter Ta4HfC5 in a hot press at relatively low temperature by reducing powder particle size and optimizing the powder-handling atmosphere, milling conditions, sintering temperature, and hot-pressing pressure. Also, WC additions to Ta4HfC5 were found to improve densification and increase microhardness. The ability to process these materials at relatively low temperature would save energy and reduce cost. Boron-based hard materials are used in numerous applications such as industrial machining, armor plating, and wear-resistant coatings. It was often thought that in addition to strong bonding, super-hard materials must also possess simple crystallographic unit cells with high symmetry and a minimum number of crystal defects (e.g., diamond and cubic boron nitride (cBN)). However, one ternary boride, AlMgB14, deviates from this paradigm; AlMgB 14 has a large, orthorhombic unit cell (oI64) with multiple icosahedral boron units. TiB2 has been shown to be an effective reinforcing phase in AlMgB 14, raising hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Thus, it was thought that adding other, similar phases (i.e., ZrB2 and HfB2) to AlMgB14 could lead to useful improvements in properties vis-à-vis pure AlMgB14. Group IV metal diborides (XB2, where X = Ti, Zr, or Hf) are hard, ultra-high temperature ceramics. These compounds have a primitive hexagonal crystal structure (hP3) with planes of graphite-like boride rings above and below planes of metal atoms. Unlike graphite, there is strong bonding between the planes, resulting in high hardness. For this study two-phase composites of 60 vol. % metal diborides with 40 vol. % AlMgB14 were produced and characterized.

High efficient light absorption and nanostructure-dependent birefringence of a metal-dielectric symmetrical layered structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jen, Yi-Jun; Jhang, Yi-Ciang; Liu, Wei-Chih

2017-08-01

A multilayer that comprises ultra-thin metal and dielectric films has been investigated and applied as a layered metamaterial. By arranging metal and dielectric films alternatively and symmetrically, the equivalent admittance and refractive index can be tailored separately. The tailored admittance and refractive index enable us to design optical filters with more flexibility. The admittance matching is achieved via the admittance tracing in the normalized admittance diagram. In this work, an ultra-thin light absorber is designed as a multilayer composed of one or several cells. Each cell is a seven-layered film stack here. The design concept is to have the extinction as large as possible under the condition of admittance matching. For a seven-layered symmetrical film stack arranged as Ta2O5 (45 nm)/ a-Si (17 nm)/ Cr (30 nm)/ Al (30 nm)/ Cr (30 nm)/ a-Si (17 nm)/ Ta2O5 (45 nm), its mean equivalent admittance and extinction coefficient over the visible regime is 1.4+0.2i and 2.15, respectively. The unit cell on a transparent BK7 glass substrate absorbs 99% of normally incident light energy for the incident medium is glass. On the other hand, a transmission-induced metal-dielectric film stack is investigated by using the admittance matching method. The equivalent anisotropic property of the metal-dielectric multilayer varied with wavelength and nanostructure are investigated here.

Analysis of uncertainties in turbine metal temperature predictions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stepka, F. S.

1980-01-01

An analysis was conducted to examine the extent to which various factors influence the accuracy of analytically predicting turbine blade metal temperatures and to determine the uncertainties in these predictions for several accuracies of the influence factors. The advanced turbofan engine gas conditions of 1700 K and 40 atmospheres were considered along with those of a highly instrumented high temperature turbine test rig and a low temperature turbine rig that simulated the engine conditions. The analysis showed that the uncertainty in analytically predicting local blade temperature was as much as 98 K, or 7.6 percent of the metal absolute temperature, with current knowledge of the influence factors. The expected reductions in uncertainties in the influence factors with additional knowledge and tests should reduce the uncertainty in predicting blade metal temperature to 28 K, or 2.1 percent of the metal absolute temperature.

Selective Dry Etch for Defining Ohmic Contacts for High Performance ZnO TFTs

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-27

scale, high-frequency ZnO thin - film transistors (TFTs) could be fabricated. Molybdenum, tantalum, titanium tungsten 10-90, and tungsten metallic contact... thin - film transistor layout utilized in the thesis research . . . . . 42 3.4 Process Flow Diagram for Optical and e-Beam Devices...TFT thin - film transistor TLM transmission line model UV ultra-violet xvii SELECTIVE DRY ETCH FOR DEFINING OHMIC CONTACTS FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE ZnO TFTs

Strain relaxation in nm-thick Cu and Cu-alloy films bonded to a rigid substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrmann, Ashley Ann Elizabeth

In the wide scope of modern technology, nm-thick metallic films are increasingly used as lubrication layers, optical coatings, plating seeds, diffusion barriers, adhesion layers, metal contacts, reaction catalyzers, etc. A prominent example is the use of nm-thick Cu films as electroplating seed layers in the manufacturing of integrated circuits (ICs). These high density circuits are linked by on-chip copper interconnects, which are manufactured by filling Cu into narrow trenches by electroplating. The Cu fill by electroplating requires a thin Cu seed deposited onto high-aspect-ratio trenches. In modern ICs, these trenches are approaching 10 nm or less in width, and the seed layers less than 1 nm in thickness. Since nm-thick Cu seed layers are prone to agglomeration or delamination, achieving uniform, stable and highly-conductive ultra-thin seeds has become a major manufacturing challenge. A fundamental understanding of the strain behavior and thermal stability of nm-thick metal films adhered to a rigid substrate is thus critically needed. In this study, we focus on understanding the deformation modes of nm-thick Cu and Cu-alloy films bonded to a rigid Si substrate and under compressive stress. The strengthening of Cu films through alloying is also studied. In-situ transport measurements are used to monitor the deformation of such films as they are heated from room temperature to 400 °C. Ex-situ AFM is then used to help characterize the mode of strain relaxation. The relaxation modes are known to be sensitive to the wetting and adhesive properties of the film-substrate interface. We use four different liners (Ta, Ru, Mo and Co), interposed between the film and substrate to provide a wide range of interfacial properties to study their effect on the film's thermal stability. Our measurements indicate that when the film/liner interfacial energy is low, grain growth is the dominant relaxation mechanism. As the interface energy increases, grain growth is suppressed, and the strain is relaxed through hillock/island formation instead. The kinetics-limiting parameters for these relaxation modes are identified and used to simulate their kinetics, and a deformation map is then constructed to delineate the conditions under which each mode would prevail. Such a deformation map would prove useful when one seeks to optimize the thermal stability or other mechanical properties in any ultra-thin film system.

Long range ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reynolds, Nathan D.

There is an ever-increasing demand for radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that are passive, long range, and mountable on multiple surfaces. Currently, RFID technology is utilized in numerous applications such as supply chain management, access control, and public transportation. With the combination of sensory systems in recent years, the applications of RFID technology have been extended beyond tracking and identifying. This extension includes applications such as environmental monitoring and healthcare applications. The available sensory systems usually operate in the medium or high frequency bands and have a low read range. However, the range limitations of these systems are being overcome by the development of RFID sensors focused on utilizing tags in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band. Generally, RFID tags have to be mounted to the object that is being identified. Often the objects requiring identification are metallic. The inherent properties of metallic objects have substantial effects on nearby electromagnetic radiation; therefore, the operation of the tag antenna is affected when mounted on a metallic surface. This outlines one of the most challenging problems for RFID systems today: the optimization of tag antenna performance in a complex environment. In this research, a novel UHF RFID tag antenna, which has a low profile, long range, and is mountable on metallic surfaces, is designed analytically and simulated using a 3-D electromagnetic simulator, ANSYS HFSS. A microstrip patch antenna is selected as the antenna structure, as patch antennas are low profile and suitable for mounting on metallic surfaces. Matching and theoretical models of the microstrip patch antenna are investigated. Once matching and theory of a microstrip patch antenna is thoroughly understood, a unique design technique using electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures is explored. This research shows that the utilization of an EBG structure in the patch antenna design yields an improvement in gain, or range, and in the ability to be mounted on multiple metallic surfaces.

High-irradiance reactor design with practical unfolded optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feuermann, Daniel; Gordon, Jeffrey M.

2008-08-01

In the design of high-temperature chemical reactors and furnaces, as well as high-radiance light projection applications, reconstituting the ultra-high radiance of short-arc discharge lamps at maximum radiative efficiency constitutes a significant challenge. The difficulty is exacerbated by the high numerical aperture necessary at both the source and the target. Separating the optic from both the light source and the target allows practical operation, control, monitoring, diagnostics and maintenance. We present near-field unfolded aplanatic optics as a feasible solution. The concept is illustrated with a design customized to a high-temperature chemical reactor for nano-material synthesis, driven by an ultra-bright xenon short-arc discharge lamp, with near-unity numerical aperture for both light input and light output. We report preliminary optical measurements for the first prototype, which constitutes a double-ellipsoid solution. We also propose compound unfolded aplanats that collect the full angular extent of lamp emission (in lieu of light recycling optics) and additionally permit nearly full-circumference irradiation of the reactor.

Mycotoxins, pesticides and toxic metals in commercial spices and herbs.

PubMed

Reinholds, Ingars; Pugajeva, Iveta; Bavrins, Konstantins; Kuckovska, Galina; Bartkevics, Vadims

2017-03-01

A total of 300 samples representing six condiments (black pepper, basil, oregano, nutmeg, paprika, and thyme) were analysed for 11 mycotoxins, 134 pesticides and 4 heavy metals by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Mycotoxins were detected in 4%, 10% and 30% of all nutmeg, basil and thyme samples, respectively. The residues of 24 pesticides were detected in 59% of the analysed condiments. The maximum residue levels of pesticides were exceeded in 10% of oregano and 46% of thyme samples. A risk assessment of heavy metals was performed, indicating daily intake levels far below the tolerable intake levels.

Impact of ultra-low Pt loadings on the performance of anode/cathode in a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Billy, E.; Maillard, F.; Morin, A.; Guetaz, L.; Emieux, F.; Thurier, C.; Doppelt, P.; Donet, S.; Mailley, S.

This study focuses on the elaboration of PEMFC electrodes containing ultra-low platinum (Pt) loadings by direct liquid injection metal organic chemical vapor deposition (DLI-MOCVD). DLI-MOCVD offers a large number of advantages for the elaboration of model PEMFC electrodes. First, by using different metal precursors or elaboration temperature, the size of the Pt nanoparticles and thus the intrinsic catalytic activity can easily be tailored in the nanometer range. In this work, Pt nanoparticles (1-5 nm) with remarkable low degree of agglomeration and uniform distribution were deposited onto the microporous side of a commercial gas-diffusion layer (GDL). Second, reduction of the Pt loading is made possible by varying the Pt deposition time and its influence of the cell performance can be extracted without variation of the thickness of the catalytic layer (in previous studies, a decrease of the catalyst utilization was observed when increasing the Pt loading, i.e. the thickness of the catalytic layer (CL)). The electrocatalytic activity of home-made Pt nanoparticles elaborated by DLI-MOCVD was measured in liquid electrolyte or in complete fuel cell operating on H 2/O 2 or H 2/air and compared vs. that of a commercially available electrode containing 500 μg Pt cm -2 (Pt Ref500). At the cathode, the performance of the electrodes containing 104-226 μg of Pt per cm 2 of electrode compares favorably with that of the Pt Ref500 in H 2/O 2 conditions. In H 2/air conditions, additional mass-transport losses are detected in the low-current density region but the high effectiveness of our electrodes improves the performance in the high-current density region. At the anode, the Pt loading can be reduced to 35 μg Pt cm -2 without any voltage loss in agreement with previous observations.

Ultra-Deep Drilling Cost Reduction; Design and Fabrication of an Ultra-Deep Drilling Simulator (UDS)

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

Lindstrom, Jason

2010-01-31

Ultra-deep drilling, below about 20,000 ft (6,096 m), is extremely expensive and limits the recovery of hydrocarbons at these depths. Unfortunately, rock breakage and cuttings removal under these conditions is not understood. To better understand and thus reduce cost at these conditions an ultra-deep single cutter drilling simulator (UDS) capable of drill cutter and mud tests to sustained pressure and temperature of 30,000 psi (207 MPa) and 482 °F (250 °C), respectively, was designed and manufactured at TerraTek, a Schlumberger company, in cooperation with the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory. UDS testing under ultra-deep drilling conditions offers anmore » economical alternative to high day rates and can prove or disprove the viability of a particular drilling technique or fluid to provide opportunity for future domestic energy needs.« less

Ultra-sensitive near-infrared fiber-optic gas sensors enhanced by metal-organic frameworks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chong, Xinyuan; Kim, Ki-Joong; Li, Erwen; Zhang, Yujing; Ohodnicki, Paul R.; Chang, Chih-Hung; Wang, Alan X.

2016-03-01

We demonstrate ultra-sensitive near-infrared (NIR) fiber-optic gas sensors enhanced by metalorganic framework (MOF) Cu-BTC (BTC=benzene-1,3,5- tricarboxylate), which is coated on a single-mode optical fiber. For the first time, we obtained high-resolution NIR spectroscopy of CO2 adsorbed in MOF without seeing any rotational side band. Real-time measurement showed different response time depending on the concentration of CO2, which is attributed to the complex adsorption and desorption mechanism of CO2 in Cu-BTC. The lowest detection limit of CO2 we achieved is 20 ppm with only 5-cm long Cu-BTC film.

Flow Field Dynamics in a High-g Ultra-Compact Combustor

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-01

6.1.3.1. Baseline Exit Temperatures .............................................................. 308 x 6.1.3.2. Exit Temperature Effects Due to...through improved thrust-specific fuel consumption ; however, implementation of an effective combustion scheme in the constrained space between turbine...their influence on the combustion process, and the resultant effect on exit temperature profiles and emissions (as detailed in the following section

High-flux plasma exposure of ultra-fine grain tungsten

DOE PAGES

Kolasinski, R. D.; Buchenauer, D. A.; Doerner, R. P.; ...

2016-05-12

Here we examine the response of an ultra-fine grained (UFG) tungsten material to high-flux deuterium plasma exposure. UFG tungsten has received considerable interest as a possible plasma-facing material in magnetic confinement fusion devices, in large part because of its improved resistance to neutron damage. However, optimization of the material in this manner may lead to trade-offs in other properties. Moreover, we address two aspects of the problem in this work: (a) how high-flux plasmas modify the structure of the exposed surface, and (b) how hydrogen isotopes become trapped within the material. The specific UFG tungsten considered here contains 100 nm-widthmore » Ti dispersoids (1 wt%) that limit the growth of the W grains to a median size of 960 nm. Metal impurities (Fe, Cr) as well as O were identified within the dispersoids; these species were absent from the W matrix. To simulate relevant particle bombardment conditions, we exposed specimens of the W-Ti material to low energy (100 eV), high-flux (> 10 22 m -2 s -1) deuterium plasmas in the PISCES-A facility at the University of California, San Diego. To explore different temperature-dependent trapping mechanisms, we considered a range of exposure temperatures between 200 °C and 500 °C. For comparison, we also exposed reference specimens of conventional powder metallurgy warm-rolled and ITER-grade tungsten at 300 °C. Post-mortem focused ion beam profiling and atomic force microscopy of the UFG tungsten revealed no evidence of near-surface bubbles containing high pressure D2 gas, a common surface degradation mechanism associated with plasma exposure. Thermal desorption spectrometry indicated moderately higher trapping of D in the material compared with the reference specimens, though still within the spread of values for different tungsten grades found in the literature database. Finally, for the criteria considered here, these results do not indicate any significant obstacles to the potential use of UFG tungsten as a plasma-facing material, although further experimental work is needed to assess material response to transient events and high plasma fluence.« less

NASA Tech Briefs, February 2011

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2011-01-01

Topics covered include: Multi-Segment Radius Measurement Using an Absolute Distance Meter Through a Null Assembly; Fiber-Optic Magnetic-Field-Strength Measurement System for Lightning Detection; Photocatalytic Active Radiation Measurements and Use; Computer Generated Hologram System for Wavefront Measurement System Calibration; Non-Contact Thermal Properties Measurement with Low-Power Laser and IR Camera System; SpaceCube 2.0: An Advanced Hybrid Onboard Data Processor; CMOS Imager Has Better Cross-Talk and Full-Well Performance; High-Performance Wireless Telemetry; Telemetry-Based Ranging; JWST Wavefront Control Toolbox; Java Image I/O for VICAR, PDS, and ISIS; X-Band Acquisition Aid Software; Antimicrobial-Coated Granules for Disinfecting Water; Range 7 Scanner Integration with PaR Robot Scanning System; Methods of Antimicrobial Coating of Diverse Materials; High-Operating-Temperature Barrier Infrared Detector with Tailorable Cutoff Wavelength; A Model of Reduced Kinetics for Alkane Oxidation Using Constituents and Species for N-Heptane; Thermally Conductive Tape Based on Carbon Nanotube Arrays; Two Catalysts for Selective Oxidation of Contaminant Gases; Nanoscale Metal Oxide Semiconductors for Gas Sensing; Lightweight, Ultra-High-Temperature, CMC-Lined Carbon/Carbon Structures; Sample Acquisition and Handling System from a Remote Platform; Improved Rare-Earth Emitter Hollow Cathode; High-Temperature Smart Structures for Engine Noise Reduction and Performance Enhancement; Cryogenic Scan Mechanism for Fourier Transform Spectrometer; Piezoelectric Rotary Tube Motor; Thermoelectric Energy Conversion Technology for High-Altitude Airships; Combustor Computations for CO2-Neutral Aviation; Use of Dynamic Distortion to Predict and Alleviate Loss of Control; Cycle Time Reduction in Trapped Mercury Ion Atomic Frequency Standards; and A (201)Hg+ Comagnetometer for (199)Hg+ Trapped Ion Space Atomic Clocks.

Creep Strength of Dissimilar Welded Joints Using High B-9Cr Steel for Advanced USC Boiler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabuchi, Masaaki; Hongo, Hiromichi; Abe, Fujio

2014-10-01

The commercialization of a 973 K (700 °C) class pulverized coal power system, advanced ultra-supercritical (A-USC) pressure power generation, is the target of an ongoing research project initiated in Japan in 2008. In the A-USC boiler, Ni or Ni-Fe base alloys are used for high-temperature parts at 923 K to 973 K (650 °C to 700 °C), and advanced high-Cr ferritic steels are planned to be used at temperatures lower than 923 K (650 °C). In the dissimilar welds between Ni base alloys and high-Cr ferritic steels, Type IV failure in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) is a concern. Thus, the high B-9Cr steel developed at the National Institute for Materials Science, which has improved creep strength in weldments, is a candidate material for the Japanese A-USC boiler. In the present study, creep tests were conducted on the dissimilar welded joints between Ni base alloys and high B-9Cr steels. Microstructures and creep damage in the dissimilar welded joints were investigated. In the HAZ of the high B-9Cr steels, fine-grained microstructures were not formed and the grain size of the base metal was retained. Consequently, the creep rupture life of the dissimilar welded joints using high B-9Cr steel was 5 to 10 times longer than that of the conventional 9Cr steel welded joints at 923 K (650 °C).

Electronically conductive ceramics for high temperature oxidizing environments

DOEpatents

Kucera, G.H.; Smith, J.L.; Sim, J.W.

1983-11-10

This invention pertains to a high temperature, ceramic composition having electronic conductivity as measured by resistivity below about 500 ohm-cm, chemical stability particularly with respect to cathode conditions in a molten carbonate fuel cell, and composed of an alkali metal, transition metal oxide containing a dopant metal in the crystalline structure to replace a portion of the alkali metal or transition metal.

Toward high-energy-density, high-efficiency, and moderate-temperature chip-scale thermophotovoltaics

PubMed Central

Chan, Walker R.; Bermel, Peter; Pilawa-Podgurski, Robert C. N.; Marton, Christopher H.; Jensen, Klavs F.; Senkevich, Jay J.; Joannopoulos, John D.; Soljačić, Marin; Celanovic, Ivan

2013-01-01

The challenging problem of ultra-high-energy-density, high-efficiency, and small-scale portable power generation is addressed here using a distinctive thermophotovoltaic energy conversion mechanism and chip-based system design, which we name the microthermophotovoltaic (μTPV) generator. The approach is predicted to be capable of up to 32% efficient heat-to-electricity conversion within a millimeter-scale form factor. Although considerable technological barriers need to be overcome to reach full performance, we have performed a robust experimental demonstration that validates the theoretical framework and the key system components. Even with a much-simplified μTPV system design with theoretical efficiency prediction of 2.7%, we experimentally demonstrate 2.5% efficiency. The μTPV experimental system that was built and tested comprises a silicon propane microcombustor, an integrated high-temperature photonic crystal selective thermal emitter, four 0.55-eV GaInAsSb thermophotovoltaic diodes, and an ultra-high-efficiency maximum power-point tracking power electronics converter. The system was demonstrated to operate up to 800 °C (silicon microcombustor temperature) with an input thermal power of 13.7 W, generating 344 mW of electric power over a 1-cm2 area. PMID:23440220

A wearable pressure sensor based on ultra-violet/ozone microstructured carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane arrays for electronic skins.

PubMed

Yu, Guohui; Hu, Jingdong; Tan, Jianping; Gao, Yang; Lu, Yongfeng; Xuan, Fuzhen

2018-03-16

Pressure sensors with high performance (e.g., a broad pressure sensing range, high sensitivities, rapid response/relaxation speeds, temperature-stable sensing), as well as a cost-effective and highly efficient fabrication method are highly desired for electronic skins. In this research, a high-performance pressure sensor based on microstructured carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane arrays was fabricated using an ultra-violet/ozone (UV/O 3 ) microengineering technique. The UV/O 3 microengineering technique is controllable, cost-effective, and highly efficient since it is conducted at room temperature in an ambient environment. The pressure sensor offers a broad pressure sensing range (7 Pa-50 kPa), a sensitivity of ∼ -0.101 ± 0.005 kPa -1 (<1 kPa), a fast response/relaxation speed of ∼10 ms, a small dependence on temperature variation, and a good cycling stability (>5000 cycles), which is attributed to the UV/O 3 engineered microstructures that amplify and transfer external applied forces and rapidly store/release the energy during the PDMS deformation. The sensors developed show the capability to detect external forces and monitor human health conditions, promising for the potential applications in electronic skin.

A wearable pressure sensor based on ultra-violet/ozone microstructured carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane arrays for electronic skins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Guohui; Hu, Jingdong; Tan, Jianping; Gao, Yang; Lu, Yongfeng; Xuan, Fuzhen

2018-03-01

Pressure sensors with high performance (e.g., a broad pressure sensing range, high sensitivities, rapid response/relaxation speeds, temperature-stable sensing), as well as a cost-effective and highly efficient fabrication method are highly desired for electronic skins. In this research, a high-performance pressure sensor based on microstructured carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane arrays was fabricated using an ultra-violet/ozone (UV/O3) microengineering technique. The UV/O3 microengineering technique is controllable, cost-effective, and highly efficient since it is conducted at room temperature in an ambient environment. The pressure sensor offers a broad pressure sensing range (7 Pa-50 kPa), a sensitivity of ˜ -0.101 ± 0.005 kPa-1 (<1 kPa), a fast response/relaxation speed of ˜10 ms, a small dependence on temperature variation, and a good cycling stability (>5000 cycles), which is attributed to the UV/O3 engineered microstructures that amplify and transfer external applied forces and rapidly store/release the energy during the PDMS deformation. The sensors developed show the capability to detect external forces and monitor human health conditions, promising for the potential applications in electronic skin.

Spin-on metal oxide materials with high etch selectivity and wet strippability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Huirong; Mullen, Salem; Wolfer, Elizabeth; McKenzie, Douglas; Rahman, Dalil; Cho, JoonYeon; Padmanaban, Munirathna; Petermann, Claire; Hong, SungEun; Her, YoungJun

2016-03-01

Metal oxide or metal nitride films are used as hard mask materials in semiconductor industry for patterning purposes due to their excellent etch resistances against the plasma etches. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques are usually used to deposit the metal containing materials on substrates or underlying films, which uses specialized equipment and can lead to high cost-of-ownership and low throughput. We have reported novel spin-on coatings that provide simple and cost effective method to generate metal oxide films possessing good etch selectivity and can be removed by chemical agents. In this paper, new spin-on Al oxide and Zr oxide hard mask formulations are reported. The new metal oxide formulations provide higher metal content compared to previously reported material of specific metal oxides under similar processing conditions. These metal oxide films demonstrate ultra-high etch selectivity and good pattern transfer capability. The cured films can be removed by various chemical agents such as developer, solvents or wet etchants/strippers commonly used in the fab environment. With high metal MHM material as an underlayer, the pattern transfer process is simplified by reducing the number of layers in the stack and the size of the nano structure is minimized by replacement of a thicker film ACL. Therefore, these novel AZ® spinon metal oxide hard mask materials can potentially be used to replace any CVD or ALD metal, metal oxide, metal nitride or spin-on silicon-containing hard mask films in 193 nm or EUV process.

Ultra-compliant liquid metal electrodes with in-plane self-healing capability for dielectric elastomer actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yang; Gao, Meng; Mei, Shengfu; Han, Yanting; Liu, Jing

2013-08-01

The method of directly printing liquid metal films as highly conductive and super compliant electrodes for dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) was proposed and experimentally demonstrated with working mechanisms interpreted. Such soft electrodes enable DE film to approach its maximum strain and stress at relatively low voltages. Further, its unique capability of achieving two-dimensional in-plane self-healing by merely actuating the DEA was disclosed, which would allow actuators more tolerant to fault and resilient to abusive environments. This high performance actuator has important value in a wide spectrum of situations ranging from artificial muscle, flexible electronics to smart clothing etc.

Probing the atomic structure of metallic nanoclusters with the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope.

PubMed

Schouteden, Koen; Lauwaet, Koen; Janssens, Ewald; Barcaro, Giovanni; Fortunelli, Alessandro; Van Haesendonck, Chris; Lievens, Peter

2014-02-21

Preformed Co clusters with an average diameter of 2.5 nm are produced in the gas phase and are deposited under controlled ultra-high vacuum conditions onto a thin insulating NaCl film on Au(111). Relying on a combined experimental and theoretical investigation, we demonstrate visualization of the three-dimensional atomic structure of the Co clusters by high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) using a Cl functionalized STM tip that can be obtained on the NaCl surface. More generally, use of a functionalized STM tip may allow for systematic atomic structure determination with STM of nanoparticles that are deposited on metal surfaces.

Set-up of a high-resolution 300 mK atomic force microscope in an ultra-high vacuum compatible (3)He/10 T cryostat.

PubMed

von Allwörden, H; Ruschmeier, K; Köhler, A; Eelbo, T; Schwarz, A; Wiesendanger, R

2016-07-01

The design of an atomic force microscope with an all-fiber interferometric detection scheme capable of atomic resolution at about 500 mK is presented. The microscope body is connected to a small pumped (3)He reservoir with a base temperature of about 300 mK. The bakeable insert with the cooling stage can be moved from its measurement position inside the bore of a superconducting 10 T magnet into an ultra-high vacuum chamber, where the tip and sample can be exchanged in situ. Moreover, single atoms or molecules can be evaporated onto a cold substrate located inside the microscope. Two side chambers are equipped with standard surface preparation and surface analysis tools. The performance of the microscope at low temperatures is demonstrated by resolving single Co atoms on Mn/W(110) and by showing atomic resolution on NaCl(001).

Graphene stabilized ultra-small CuNi nanocomposite with high activity and recyclability toward catalysing the reduction of aromatic nitro-compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Hao; Wen, Ming; Chen, Hanxing; Wu, Qingsheng; Li, Weiying

2015-12-01

Nowadays, it is of great significance and a challenge to design a noble-metal-free catalyst with high activity and a long lifetime for the reduction of aromatic nitro-compounds. Here, a 2D structured nanocomposite catalyst with graphene supported CuNi alloy nanoparticles (NPs) is prepared, and is promising for meeting the requirements of green chemistry. In this graphene/CuNi nanocomposite, the ultra-small CuNi nanoparticles (~2 nm) are evenly anchored on graphene sheets, which is not only a breakthrough in the structures, but also brings about an outstanding performance in activity and stability. Combined with a precise optimization of the alloy ratios, the reaction rate constant of graphene/Cu61Ni39 reached a high level of 0.13685 s-1, with a desirable selectivity as high as 99% for various aromatic nitro-compounds. What's more, the catalyst exhibited a unprecedented long lifetime because it could be recycled over 25 times without obvious performance decay or even a morphology change. This work showed the promise and great potential of noble-metal-free catalysts in green chemistry.Nowadays, it is of great significance and a challenge to design a noble-metal-free catalyst with high activity and a long lifetime for the reduction of aromatic nitro-compounds. Here, a 2D structured nanocomposite catalyst with graphene supported CuNi alloy nanoparticles (NPs) is prepared, and is promising for meeting the requirements of green chemistry. In this graphene/CuNi nanocomposite, the ultra-small CuNi nanoparticles (~2 nm) are evenly anchored on graphene sheets, which is not only a breakthrough in the structures, but also brings about an outstanding performance in activity and stability. Combined with a precise optimization of the alloy ratios, the reaction rate constant of graphene/Cu61Ni39 reached a high level of 0.13685 s-1, with a desirable selectivity as high as 99% for various aromatic nitro-compounds. What's more, the catalyst exhibited a unprecedented long lifetime because it could be recycled over 25 times without obvious performance decay or even a morphology change. This work showed the promise and great potential of noble-metal-free catalysts in green chemistry. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Detailed SEM and TEM images, XRD patterns, XPS, EDS, Raman spectra, gas chromatograms, TG analyses, UV-vis spectra, and reaction rate constant tables. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr05016b

Discovery of Superconductivity in Hard Hexagonal ε-NbN.

PubMed

Zou, Yongtao; Qi, Xintong; Zhang, Cheng; Ma, Shuailing; Zhang, Wei; Li, Ying; Chen, Ting; Wang, Xuebing; Chen, Zhiqiang; Welch, David; Zhu, Pinwen; Liu, Bingbing; Li, Qiang; Cui, Tian; Li, Baosheng

2016-02-29

Since the discovery of superconductivity in boron-doped diamond with a critical temperature (TC) near 4 K, great interest has been attracted in hard superconductors such as transition-metal nitrides and carbides. Here we report the new discovery of superconductivity in polycrystalline hexagonal ε-NbN synthesized at high pressure and high temperature. Direct magnetization and electrical resistivity measurements demonstrate that the superconductivity in bulk polycrystalline hexagonal ε-NbN is below ∼11.6 K, which is significantly higher than that for boron-doped diamond. The nature of superconductivity in hexagonal ε-NbN and the physical mechanism for the relatively lower TC have been addressed by the weaker bonding in the Nb-N network, the co-planarity of Nb-N layer as well as its relatively weaker electron-phonon coupling, as compared with the cubic δ-NbN counterpart. Moreover, the newly discovered ε-NbN superconductor remains stable at pressures up to ∼20 GPa and is significantly harder than cubic δ-NbN; it is as hard as sapphire, ultra-incompressible and has a high shear rigidity of 201 GPa to rival hard/superhard material γ-B (∼227 GPa). This exploration opens a new class of highly desirable materials combining the outstanding mechanical/elastic properties with superconductivity, which may be particularly attractive for its technological and engineering applications in extreme environments.

In Situ Synthesis of Porous Carbons by Using Room-Temperature, Atmospheric-Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma as High-Performance Adsorbents for Solid-Phase Microextraction.

PubMed

Lin, Yao; Wu, Li; Xu, Kailai; Tian, Yunfei; Hou, Xiandeng; Zheng, Chengbin

2015-09-21

A one-step, template-free method is described to synthesize porous carbons (PCs) in situ on a metal surface by using a room-temperature, atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma. This method not only features high efficiency, environmentally friendliness, and low cost and simple equipment, but also can conveniently realize large-area synthesis of PCs by only changing the design of the DBD reactor. The synthesized PCs have a regulated nestlike morphology, and thus, provide a high specific surface area and high pore volume, which result in excellent adsorption properties. Its applicability was demonstrated by using a PC-coated stainless-steel fiber as a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber to preconcentrate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) prior to analysis by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The results showed that the fiber exhibited excellent enrichment factors (4.1×10(4) to 3.1×10(5)) toward all tested PAHs. Thus, the PC-based SPME-GC-FID provides low limits of detection (2 to 20 ng L(-1)), good precision (<7.8%), and good recoveries (80-115%) for ultra-sensitive determination of PAHs in real water samples. In addition, the PC-coated fiber could be stable enough for more than 500 replicate extraction cycles. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Discovery of superconductivity in hard hexagonal ε-NbN

DOE PAGES

Zou, Yongtao; Li, Qiang; Qi, Xintong; ...

2016-02-29

Since the discovery of superconductivity in boron-doped diamond with a critical temperature (T C) near 4 K, great interest has been attracted in hard superconductors such as transition-metal nitrides and carbides. Here we report the new discovery of superconductivity in polycrystalline hexagonal ε-NbN synthesized at high pressure and high temperature. Direct magnetization and electrical resistivity measurements demonstrate that the superconductivity in bulk polycrystalline hexagonal ε-NbN is below ~11.6 K, which is significantly higher than that for boron-doped diamond. The nature of superconductivity in hexagonal ε-NbN and the physical mechanism for the relatively lower T C have been addressed by themore » weaker bonding in the Nb-N network, the co-planarity of Nb-N layer as well as its relatively weaker electron-phonon coupling, as compared with the cubic δ-NbN counterpart. Moreover, the newly discovered ε-NbN superconductor remains stable at pressures up to ~20 GPa and is significantly harder than cubic δ-NbN; it is as hard as sapphire, ultra-incompressible and has a high shear rigidity of 201 GPa to rival hard/superhard material γ-B (~227 GPa). Furthermore, this exploration opens a new class of highly desirable materials combining the outstanding mechanical/elastic properties with superconductivity, which may be particularly attractive for its technological and engineering applications in extreme environments.« less

Discovery of Superconductivity in Hard Hexagonal ε-NbN

PubMed Central

Zou, Yongtao; Qi, Xintong; Zhang, Cheng; Ma, Shuailing; Zhang, Wei; Li, Ying; Chen, Ting; Wang, Xuebing; Chen, Zhiqiang; Welch, David; Zhu, Pinwen; Liu, Bingbing; Li, Qiang; Cui, Tian; Li, Baosheng

2016-01-01

Since the discovery of superconductivity in boron-doped diamond with a critical temperature (TC) near 4 K, great interest has been attracted in hard superconductors such as transition-metal nitrides and carbides. Here we report the new discovery of superconductivity in polycrystalline hexagonal ε-NbN synthesized at high pressure and high temperature. Direct magnetization and electrical resistivity measurements demonstrate that the superconductivity in bulk polycrystalline hexagonal ε-NbN is below ∼11.6 K, which is significantly higher than that for boron-doped diamond. The nature of superconductivity in hexagonal ε-NbN and the physical mechanism for the relatively lower TC have been addressed by the weaker bonding in the Nb-N network, the co-planarity of Nb-N layer as well as its relatively weaker electron-phonon coupling, as compared with the cubic δ-NbN counterpart. Moreover, the newly discovered ε-NbN superconductor remains stable at pressures up to ∼20 GPa and is significantly harder than cubic δ-NbN; it is as hard as sapphire, ultra-incompressible and has a high shear rigidity of 201 GPa to rival hard/superhard material γ-B (∼227 GPa). This exploration opens a new class of highly desirable materials combining the outstanding mechanical/elastic properties with superconductivity, which may be particularly attractive for its technological and engineering applications in extreme environments. PMID:26923318

Ultra-sensitive wide dynamic range temperature sensor based on in-fiber Lyot interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikbakht, Hamed; Poorghdiri Isfahani, Mohamad Hosein; Latifi, Hamid

2017-04-01

An in-fiber Lyot interferometer for temperature measurement is presented. The sensor utilizes high temperature-dependence of the birefringence in Panda polarization maintaining fibers to achieve high resolution in temperature measurements. Temperature variation modulates the phase difference between the polarization modes propagating in different modes of the Panda fiber. The Lyot interferometer produces a spectrum which varies with the phase difference. Therefore, by monitoring this spectrum a high resolution of 0.003°C was achieved. A fiber Bragg grating is added to the setup to expand its dynamic range. This sensor does not need complicated fabrication process and can be implemented in many applications.

Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy as a Valuable Tool to Investigate the Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Wear Mechanisms and Debris in Hip Implants.

PubMed

Schappo, Henrique; Gindri, Izabelle M; Cubillos, Patrícia O; Maru, Marcia M; Salmoria, Gean V; Roesler, Carlos R M

2018-01-01

The use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) was investigated to understand the wear mechanisms from a metal-on-polyethylene bearing couple. Morphological features of femoral head acetabular liner, and isolated particles resulting from hip wear testing were evaluated. EDS was proposed to investigate the polymeric nature of the particles isolated from the wear testing. In this work, 28-mm conventional ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene acetabular liners paired with metallic heads were tested in a hip wear simulator over 2 million cycles. SEM-EDS was employed to investigate wear mechanisms on hip implant components and associated wear debris. SEM showed worn surfaces for both hip components, and a significant volume of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene wear particles resulting from hip wear testing. Particles were classified into 3 groups, which were then correlated to wear mechanisms. Group I had particles with smooth surfaces, group II consisted of particles with rough surfaces, and group III comprised aggregate-like particles. Group I EDS revealed that particles from groups I and II had a high C/O ratio raising a concern about the particle source. On the other hand, particles from group III had a low C/O ratio, supporting the hypothesis that they resulted from the wear of acetabular liner. Most of particles identified in group III were in the biologically active size range (0.3 to 20 μm). The use of optical and electron microscopy enabled the morphological characterization of worn surfaces and wear debris, while EDS was essential to elucidate the chemical composition of isolated debris. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Looking for Galaxies in All the Right Places: A Search for Stellar Populations in ALFALFA’s Ultra-compact High Velocity Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janesh, William; Rhode, Katherine L.; Salzer, John J.; Janowiecki, Steven; Adams, Elizabeth; Haynes, Martha P.; Giovanelli, Riccardo; Cannon, John M.

2018-01-01

Nearby gas-rich dwarf galaxies are excellent laboratories for investigating the baryonic feedback processes that govern star formation and galaxy evolution in galaxies at the extreme end of the mass function. Detecting and studying such objects may help resolve the well-known tension between cosmological model predictions for low-mass dark matter halos and observations. The ALFALFA neutral hydrogen (Hi) survey has detected a sample of isolated ultra-compact high-velocity Hi clouds (UCHVCs) with kinematic properties that make them likely members of the Local Volume, but that have no optical counterparts in existing optical surveys. This UCHVC sample possesses Hi properties (at 1 Mpc, Hi masses of ~105-106 M⊙, Hi diameters of ~2-3 kpc, and dynamical masses of ~107-108 M⊙) similar to other known ultra-faint dwarf galaxies like Leo T. Following the discovery of Leo P, an extremely metal-poor, gas-rich star-forming dwarf galaxy associated with an ALFALFA UCHVC, we have initiated a campaign to obtain deep optical imaging of 56 UCHVCs using the wide field-of-view, high-resolution ODI camera on the WIYN 3.5-m telescope. Here we present a brief overview of our campaign to search for resolved stellar populations associated with the UCHVCs in our optical images, and initial results from our survey.After creating a stellar catalog from the pipeline-reduced and stacked ODI g- and i-band images, we apply a color-magnitude filter tuned for old, metal-poor stellar populations to select red giant branch stars at distances between 250 kpc and 2 Mpc. The spatial distribution of the stars selected by the filter is then smoothed, and overdensities in the fields are identified. Of the 22 targets analyzed to date, seven have associated stellar populations detected at a high confidence (92% to 99.9% significance). The detected objects have a range of distances (from 350 kpc to 1.6 Mpc) and have optical properties similar to those of ultra-faint dwarf galaxies. These objects have extreme Hi-to-stellar mass ratios, and given their isolation, may represent a progenitor population to the ultra-faint dwarfs. They also help constrain the conditions needed for star formation in the lowest-mass galaxies.

High temperature turbine engine structure

DOEpatents

Boyd, Gary L.

1990-01-01

A high temperature turbine engine includes a hybrid ceramic/metallic rotor member having ceramic/metal joint structure. The disclosed joint is able to endure higher temperatures than previously possible, and aids in controlling heat transfer in the rotor member.

Metal-boride phase formation on tungsten carbide (WC-Co) during microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnston, Jamin M.; Catledge, Shane A.

2016-02-01

Strengthening of cemented tungsten carbide by boriding is used to improve the wear resistance and lifetime of carbide tools; however, many conventional boriding techniques render the bulk carbide too brittle for extreme conditions, such as hard rock drilling. This research explored the variation in metal-boride phase formation during the microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process at surface temperatures from 700 to 1100 °C. We showed several well-adhered metal-boride surface layers consisting of WCoB, CoB and/or W2CoB2 with average hardness from 23 to 27 GPa and average elastic modulus of 600-730 GPa. The metal-boride interlayer was shown to be an effective diffusion barrier against elemental cobalt; migration of elemental cobalt to the surface of the interlayer was significantly reduced. A combination of glancing angle X-ray diffraction, electron dispersive spectroscopy, nanoindentation and scratch testing was used to evaluate the surface composition and material properties. An evaluation of the material properties shows that plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposited borides formed at substrate temperatures of 800 °C, 850 °C, 900 °C and 1000 °C strengthen the material by increasing the hardness and elastic modulus of cemented tungsten carbide. Additionally, these boride surface layers may offer potential for adhesion of ultra-hard carbon coatings.

Surface chemistry of liquid metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mann, J. Adin, Jr.; Peebles, Henry; Peebles, Diamond; Rye, Robert; Yost, Fred

1993-01-01

The fundamental surface chemistry of the behavior of liquid metals spreading on a solid substrate is not at all well understood. Each of these questions involves knowing the details of the structure of interfaces and their dynamics. For example the structure of a monolayer of tin oxide on pure liquid tin is unknown. This is in contrast to the relatively large amount of data available on the structure of copper oxide monolayers on solid, pure copper. However, since liquid tin has a vapor pressure below 10(exp -10)torr for a reasonable temperature range above its melting point, it is possible to use the techniques of surface science to study the geometric, electronic and vibrational structures of these monolayers. In addition, certain techniques developed by surface chemists for the study of liquid systems can be applied to the ultra-high vacuum environment. In particular we have shown that light scattering spectroscopy can be used to study the surface tension tensor of these interfaces. The tin oxide layer in particular is very interesting in that the monolayer is rigid but admits of bending. Ellipsometric microscopy allows the visualization of monolayer thick films and show whether island formation occurs at various levels of dosing.

High-Tc superconducting microbolometer for terahertz applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulysse, C.; Gaugue, A.; Adam, A.; Kreisler, A. J.; Villégier, J.-C.; Thomassin, J.-L.

2002-05-01

Superconducting hot electron bolometer mixers are now a competitive alternative to Schottky diode mixers in the terahertz frequency range because of their ultra wideband (from millimeter waves to visible light), high conversion gain, and low intrinsic noise level. High Tc superconductor materials can be used to make hot electron bolometers and present some advantage in term of operating temperature and cooling. In this paper, we present first a model for the study of superconducting hot electron bolometers responsivity in direct detection mode, in order to establish a firm basis for the design of future THz mixers. Secondly, an original process to realize YBaCuO hot electron bolometer mixers will be described. Submicron YBaCuO superconducting structures are expitaxially sputter deposited on MgO substrates and patterned by using electron beam lithography in combination with optical lithography. Metal masks achieved by electron beam lithography are insuring a good bridge definition and protection during ion etching. Finally, detection experiments are being performed with a laser at 850 nm wavelength, in homodyne mode in order to prove the feasibility and potential performances of these devices.