Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy imaging of surface plasmons at the nanometer scale

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Colliex, Christian; Kociak, Mathieu; Stéphan, Odile

2016-01-01

Since their first realization, electron microscopes have demonstrated their unique ability to map with highest spatial resolution (sub-atomic in most recent instruments) the position of atoms as a consequence of the strong scattering of the incident high energy electrons by the nuclei of the material under investigation. When interacting with the electron clouds either on atomic orbitals or delocalized over the specimen, the associated energy transfer, measured and analyzed as an energy loss (Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy) gives access to analytical properties (atom identification, electron states symmetry and localization). In the moderate energy-loss domain (corresponding to an optical spectral domain from the infrared (IR) to the rather far ultra violet (UV), EELS spectra exhibit characteristic collective excitations of the rather-free electron gas, known as plasmons. Boundary conditions, such as surfaces and/or interfaces between metallic and dielectric media, generate localized surface charge oscillations, surface plasmons (SP), which are associated with confined electric fields. This domain of research has been extraordinarily revived over the past few years as a consequence of the burst of interest for structures and devices guiding, enhancing and controlling light at the sub-wavelength scale. The present review focuses on the study of these surface plasmons with an electron microscopy-based approach which associates spectroscopy and mapping at the level of a single and well-defined nano-object, typically at the nanometer scale i.e. much improved with respect to standard, and even near-field, optical techniques. After calling to mind some early studies, we will briefly mention a few basic aspects of the required instrumentation and associated theoretical tools to interpret the very rich data sets recorded with the latest generation of (Scanning)TEM microscopes. The following paragraphs will review in more detail the results obtained on simple planar and

X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy characterization of intermetallics formed in Fe/Ti nanometer-scale multilayers during thermal annealing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu, Z.L.; Peng, T.X.; Cao, B.S.; Lei, M.K.

2009-01-01

Intermetallics formation in the Fe/Ti nanometer-scale multilayers magnetron-sputtering deposited on Si(100) substrate during thermal annealing at 623-873 K was investigated by using small and wide angle X-ray diffraction and cross-sectional high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The Fe/Ti nanometer-scale multilayers were constructed with bilayer thickness of 16.2 nm and the sublayer thickness ratio of 1:1. At the annealing temperature of 623 K, intermetallics FeTi were formed by nucleation at the triple joins of α-Fe(Ti)/α-Ti interface and α-Ti grain boundary with an orientational correlation of FeTi(110)//α-Ti(100) and FeTi[001]//α-Ti[001] to adjacent α-Ti grains. The lateral growth of intermetallics FeTi which is dependent on the diffusion path of Ti led to a coalescence into an intermetallic layer. With an increase in the annealing temperature, intermetallics Fe 2 Ti were formed between the intermetallics FeTi and the excess Fe due to the limitation of Fe and Ti atomic concentrations, resulting in the coexistence of intermetallics FeTi and Fe 2 Ti. It was found that the low energy interface as well as the dominant diffusion path constrained the nucleation and growth of intermetallics during interfacial reaction in the nanometer-scale metallic multilayers.

Nanometer-resolution electron microscopy through micrometers-thick water layers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jonge, Niels de, E-mail: niels.de.jonge@vanderbilt.edu [Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232-0615 (United States); Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Materials Science and Technology Division, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6064 (United States); Poirier-Demers, Nicolas; Demers, Hendrix [Universite de Sherbrooke, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1K 2R1 (Canada); Peckys, Diana B. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Materials Science and Technology Division, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6064 (United States); University of Tennessee, Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Knoxville, TN 37996-1605 (United States); Drouin, Dominique [Universite de Sherbrooke, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1K 2R1 (Canada)

2010-08-15

Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) was used to image gold nanoparticles on top of and below saline water layers of several micrometers thickness. The smallest gold nanoparticles studied had diameters of 1.4 nm and were visible for a liquid thickness of up to 3.3 {mu}m. The imaging of gold nanoparticles below several micrometers of liquid was limited by broadening of the electron probe caused by scattering of the electron beam in the liquid. The experimental data corresponded to analytical models of the resolution and of the electron probe broadening as function of the liquid thickness. The results were also compared with Monte Carlo simulations of the STEM imaging on modeled specimens of similar geometry and composition as used for the experiments. Applications of STEM imaging in liquid can be found in cell biology, e.g., to study tagged proteins in whole eukaryotic cells in liquid and in materials science to study the interaction of solid:liquid interfaces at the nanoscale.

THE HIGH-RESOLUTION EXTREME-ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRUM OF N{sub 2} BY ELECTRON IMPACT

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Heays, A. N. [Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9513, 2300 RA Leiden (Netherlands); Ajello, J. M.; Aguilar, A. [Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109 (United States); Lewis, B. R.; Gibson, S. T., E-mail: heays@strw.leidenuniv.nl [Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200 (Australia)

2014-04-01

We have analyzed high-resolution (FWHM = 0.2 Å) extreme-ultraviolet (EUV, 800-1350 Å) laboratory emission spectra of molecular nitrogen excited by an electron impact at 20 and 100 eV under (mostly) optically thin, single-scattering experimental conditions. A total of 491 emission features were observed from N{sub 2} electronic-vibrational transitions and atomic N I and N II multiplets and their emission cross sections were measured. Molecular emission was observed at vibrationally excited ground-state levels as high as v'' = 17, from the a {sup 1}Π {sub g} , b {sup 1}Π {sub u} , and b'{sup 1}Σ {sub u} {sup +} excited valence states and the Rydberg series c'{sub n} {sub +1} {sup 1}Σ {sub u} {sup +}, c{sub n} {sup 1}Π {sub u} , and o{sub n} {sup 1}Π {sub u} for n between 3 and 9. The frequently blended molecular emission bands were disentangled with the aid of a sophisticated and predictive quantum-mechanical model of excited states that includes the strong coupling between valence and Rydberg electronic states and the effects of predissociation. Improved model parameters describing electronic transition moments were obtained from the experiment and allowed for a reliable prediction of the vibrationally summed electronic emission cross section, including an extrapolation to unobserved emission bands and those that are optically thick in the experimental spectra. Vibrationally dependent electronic excitation functions were inferred from a comparison of emission features following 20 and 100 eV electron-impact collisional excitation. The electron-impact-induced fluorescence measurements are compared with Cassini Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph observations of emissions from Titan's upper atmosphere.

Spatial coherence of electron beams from field emitters and its effect on the resolution of imaged objects

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Latychevskaia, Tatiana, E-mail: tatiana@physik.uzh.ch

2017-04-15

Sub-nanometer and nanometer-sized tips provide high coherence electron sources. Conventionally, the effective source size is estimated from the extent of the experimental biprism interference pattern created on the detector by applying the van Cittert Zernike theorem. Previously reported experimental intensity distributions on the detector exhibit Gaussian distribution and our simulations show that this is an indication that such electron sources must be at least partially coherent. This, in turn means that strictly speaking the Van Cittert Zernike theorem cannot be applied, since it assumes an incoherent source. The approach of applying the van Cittert Zernike theorem is examined in more detail by performing simulations of interference patterns for the electron sources of different size and different coherence length, evaluating the effective source size from the extent of the simulated interference pattern and comparing the obtained result with the pre-defined value. The intensity distribution of the source is assumed to be Gaussian distributed, as it is observed in experiments. The visibility or the contrast in the simulated holograms is found to be always less than 1 which agrees well with previously reported experimental results and thus can be explained solely by the Gaussian intensity distribution of the source. The effective source size estimated from the extent of the interference pattern turns out to be of about 2–3 times larger than the pre-defined size, but it is approximately equal to the intrinsic resolution of the imaging system. A simple formula for estimating the intrinsic resolution, which could be useful when employing nano-tips in in-line Gabor holography or point-projection microscopy, is provided. - Highlights: • van Cittert Zernike theorem for nano- and sub-nano electron emitting tips is revised. • Simulations show that nano- and sub-nano electron emitting tips are at least partially coherent. • A simple formula for evaluating

Sub-Nanometer Channels Embedded in Two-Dimensional Materials

KAUST Repository

Han, Yimo

2017-07-31

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are among the most promising candidates for next-generation electronics due to their atomic thinness, allowing for flexible transparent electronics and ultimate length scaling1. Thus far, atomically-thin p-n junctions2-7, metal-semiconductor contacts8-10, and metal-insulator barriers11-13 have been demonstrated. While 2D materials achieve the thinnest possible devices, precise nanoscale control over the lateral dimensions are also necessary. Although external one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanotubes14 can be used to locally gate 2D materials, this adds a non-trivial third dimension, complicating device integration and flexibility. Here, we report the direct synthesis of sub-nanometer 1D MoS2 channels embedded within WSe2 monolayers, using a dislocation-catalyzed approach. The 1D channels have edges free of misfit dislocations and dangling bonds, forming a coherent interface with the embedding 2D matrix. Periodic dislocation arrays produce 2D superlattices of coherent MoS2 1D channels in WSe2. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have identified other combinations of 2D materials that could form 1D channels. Density function theory (DFT) calculation predicts these 1D channels display type II band alignment needed for carrier confinement and charge separation to access the ultimate length scales necessary for future electronic applications.

Imaging Action Potential in Single Mammalian Neurons by Tracking the Accompanying Sub-Nanometer Mechanical Motion.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Yunze; Liu, Xian-Wei; Wang, Hui; Yu, Hui; Guan, Yan; Wang, Shaopeng; Tao, Nongjian

2018-03-28

Action potentials in neurons have been studied traditionally by intracellular electrophysiological recordings and more recently by the fluorescence detection methods. Here we describe a label-free optical imaging method that can measure mechanical motion in single cells with a sub-nanometer detection limit. Using the method, we have observed sub-nanometer mechanical motion accompanying the action potential in single mammalian neurons by averaging the repeated action potential spikes. The shape and width of the transient displacement are similar to those of the electrically recorded action potential, but the amplitude varies from neuron to neuron, and from one region of a neuron to another, ranging from 0.2-0.4 nm. The work indicates that action potentials may be studied noninvasively in single mammalian neurons by label-free imaging of the accompanying sub-nanometer mechanical motion.

Computational evaluation of sub-nanometer cluster activity of singly exposed copper atom with various coordinative environment in catalytic CO{sub 2} transformation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shanmugam, Ramasamy [Department of Chemistry, Thiagarajar College, Madurai, Tamilnadu 625 009 (India); National Center for Catalysis Research, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamilnadu 600 036 (India); Thamaraichelvan, Arunachalam [Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Tamilnadu 603 103 (India); Ganesan, Tharumeya Kuppusamy [Department of Chemistry, The American College, Madurai, Tamilnadu 625 002 (India); Viswanathan, Balasubramanian, E-mail: bvnathan@iitm.ac.in [National Center for Catalysis Research, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamilnadu 600 036 (India)

2017-02-28

Highlights: • On interaction with adsorbate CO{sub 2,} the adsorbent changes its configuration around the metal. • Electron transfer is faster in low coordinative environment of Cu. • CO formation is more favorable on Cu sites with even coordination number. • Cu at coordination number two has a over potential of −0.35 V. - Abstract: Metal cluster, at sub-nanometer level has a unique property in the activation of small molecules, in contrast to that of bulk surface. In the present work, singly exposed active site of copper metal cluster at sub-nanometer level was designed to arrive at the energy minimised configurations, binding energy, electrostatic potential map, frontier molecular orbitals and partial density of states. The ab initio molecular dynamics was carried out to probe the catalytic nature of the cluster. Further, the stability of the metal cluster and its catalytic activity in the electrochemical reduction of CO{sub 2} to CO were evaluated by means of computational hydrogen electrode via calculation of the free energy profile using DFT/B3LYP level of theory in vacuum. The activity of the cluster is ascertained from the fact that the copper atom, present in a two coordinative environment, performs a more selective conversion of CO{sub 2} to CO at an applied potential of −0.35 V which is comparatively lower than that of higher coordinative sites. The present study helps to design any sub-nano level metal catalyst for electrochemical reduction of CO{sub 2} to various value added chemicals.

Room temperature magnetism of few-nanometers-thick Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}(111) films on Pt(111) and Ru(0001) studied in ambient conditions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lewandowski, M., E-mail: lewandowski@amu.edu.pl [NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61-614 Poznań (Poland); Institute of Molecular Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Smoluchowskiego 17, 60-179 Poznań (Poland); Miłosz, Z.; Michalak, N.; Ranecki, R. [Institute of Molecular Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Smoluchowskiego 17, 60-179 Poznań (Poland); Sveklo, I.; Kurant, Z.; Maziewski, A. [Faculty of Physics, University of Białystok, Lipowa 41, 15-424 Białystok (Poland); Mielcarek, S. [Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61-614 Poznań (Poland); Luciński, T. [Institute of Molecular Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Smoluchowskiego 17, 60-179 Poznań (Poland); Jurga, S. [NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61-614 Poznań (Poland)

2015-09-30

Few-nanometers-thick Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}(111) films were epitaxially grown on Pt(111) and Ru(0001) single crystal supports by sequential iron deposition and oxidation in an ultra-high vacuum chamber. The growth of well-ordered magnetite films was confirmed by low energy electron diffraction. The films were covered with a protective Au layer and subjected to magnetic and structural studies in ambient conditions. Magnetic hysteresis loops, recorded using magneto-optical Kerr effect apparatus, confirmed magnetic ordering in both films at room temperature. The Kerr measurements indicated in-plane orientation of magnetization, which was supported by the lack of magnetic contrast in magnetic force microscopy images. Atomic force microscopy revealed significant differences in morphology of the films, tentatively attributed to different lattice mismatch with Pt(111) and Ru(0001) single crystal supports. - Highlights: • Few-nanometers-thick Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}(111) films were grown on Pt(111) and Ru(0001). • Magnetic properties were studied using MOKE and AFM/MFM in ambient conditions. • The films exhibited in-plane magnetic ordering at room temperature. • Differences in magnetic properties were tentatively assigned to structural differences.

Generating Sub-nanometer Displacement Using Reduction Mechanism Consisting of Torsional Leaf Spring Hinges

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fukuda Makoto

2014-02-01

Full Text Available Recent demand on the measurement resolution of precise positioning comes up to tens of picometers. Some distinguished researches have been performed to measure the displacement in picometer order, however, few of them can verify the measurement performance as available tools in industry. This is not only because the picometer displacement is not yet required for industrial use, but also due to the lack of standard tools to verify such precise displacement. We proposed a displacement reduction mechanism for generating precise displacement using torsional leaf spring hinges (TLSHs that consist of four leaf springs arranged radially. It has been demonstrated that a prototype of the reduction mechanism was able to provide one-nanometer displacement with 1/1000 reduction rate by a piezoelectric actuator. In order to clarify the potential of the reduction mechanism, a displacement reduction table that can be mounted on AFM stage was newly developed using TLSHs. This paper describes the design of the reduction mechanism and the sub-nanometer displacement performance of the table obtained from its dynamic and static characteristics measured by displacement sensors and from the AFM images

Elastic recoil atomic spectroscopy of light elements with sub-nanometer depth resolution; Elastische Rueckstossatomspektrometrie leichter Elemente mit Subnanometer-Tiefenaufloesung

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kosmata, Marcel

2011-06-30

heavy ion irradiation. It is shown that the used energies occur both electronic sputtering and electronically induced interface mixing. Electronic sputtering is minimised by using optimised beam parameters. For most samples the effect is below the detection limit for a fluence sufficient for the analysis. However, the influence of interface mixing is so strong that it has to be included in the analysis of the layers of the depth profiles. It is concluded from these studies that at the Rossendorf 5 MV tandem accelerator chlorine ions with an energy of 20 MeV deliver the best results. In some cases, such as the analysis of boron, the energy must be reduced to 6.5 MeV in order to retain the electronic sputtering below the detection limit. The fourth focus is the study of the influence of specific sample properties, such as surface roughness, on the shape of a measured energy spectra and respectively on the analysed depth profile. It is shown that knowledge of the roughness of a sample at the surface and at the interfaces for the analysis is needed. In addition, the contribution parameters limiting the depth resolution are calculated and compared with the conventional ion beam analysis. Finally, a comparison is made between the highresolution ion beam analysis and complementary methods published by other research groups. The fifth and last focus is the analysis of light elements in ultra thin layers. All models presented in this thesis to reduce the influence of beam damage are taken into account. The dynamic non-equilibrium charge state is also included for the quantification of elements. Depth profiling of multilayer systems is demonstrated for systems consisting of SiO{sub 2}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}O{sub x}-SiO{sub 2} on silicon, boron implantation profiles for ultra shallow junctions and ultra thin oxide layers, such as used as high-k materials.

High-resolution electron microscopy of advanced materials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mitchell, T.E.; Kung, H.H.; Sickafus, K.E.; Gray, G.T. III; Field, R.D.; Smith, J.F. [Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States). Materials Science and Technology Div.

1997-11-01

This final report chronicles a three-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The High-Resolution Electron Microscopy Facility has doubled in size and tripled in quality since the beginning of the three-year period. The facility now includes a field-emission scanning electron microscope, a 100 kV field-emission scanning transmission electron microscope (FE-STEM), a 300 kV field-emission high-resolution transmission electron microscope (FE-HRTEM), and a 300 kV analytical transmission electron microscope. A new orientation imaging microscope is being installed. X-ray energy dispersive spectrometers for chemical analysis are available on all four microscopes; parallel electron energy loss spectrometers are operational on the FE-STEM and FE-HRTEM. These systems enable evaluation of local atomic bonding, as well as chemical composition in nanometer-scale regions. The FE-HRTEM has a point-to-point resolution of 1.6 {angstrom}, but the resolution can be pushed to its information limit of 1 {angstrom} by computer reconstruction of a focal series of images. HRTEM has been used to image the atomic structure of defects such as dislocations, grain boundaries, and interfaces in a variety of materials from superconductors and ferroelectrics to structural ceramics and intermetallics.

Imaging Lithium Atoms at Sub-Angstrom Resolution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

O' Keefe, Michael A.; Shao-Horn, Yang

2005-01-03

John Cowley and his group at ASU were pioneers in the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for high-resolution imaging. Three decades ago they achieved images showing the crystal unit cell content at better than 4A resolution. Over the years, this achievement has inspired improvements in resolution that have enabled researchers to pinpoint the positions of heavy atom columns within the cell. More recently, this ability has been extended to light atoms as resolution has improved. Sub-Angstrom resolution has enabled researchers to image the columns of light atoms (carbon, oxygen and nitrogen) that are present in many complex structures. By using sub-Angstrom focal-series reconstruction of the specimen exit surface wave to image columns of cobalt, oxygen, and lithium atoms in a transition metal oxide structure commonly used as positive electrodes in lithium rechargeable batteries, we show that the range of detectable light atoms extends to lithium. HRTEM at sub-Angstrom resolution will provide the essential role of experimental verification for the emergent nanotech revolution. Our results foreshadow those to be expected from next-generation TEMs with CS-corrected lenses and monochromated electron beams.

Ultrashort and coherent single-electron pulses for diffraction at ultimate resolutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kirchner, Friedrich Oscar

2013-01-01

Ultrafast electron diffraction is a powerful tool for studying structural dynamics with femtosecond temporal and sub-aangstroem spatial resolutions. It benefits from the high scattering cross-sections of electrons compared X-rays and allows the examination of thin samples, surfaces and gases. One of the main challenges in ultrafast electron diffraction is the generation of electron pulses with a short duration and a large transverse coherence. The former limits the temporal resolution of the experiment while the latter determines the maximum size of the scattering structures that can be studied. In this work, we strive to push the limits of electron diffraction towards higher temporal and spatial resolutions. The decisive step in our approach is to eliminate all detrimental effects caused by Coulomb repulsion between the electrons by reducing the number of electrons per pulse to one. In this situation, the electrons' longitudinal and transverse velocity distributions are determined solely by the photoemission process. By reducing the electron source size on the photocathode, we make use of the small transverse velocity spread to produce electron pulses with a transverse coherence length of 20 nm, which is about an order of magnitude larger than the reported values for comparable experiments. The energy distribution of an ensemble of single-electron pulses from a photoemission source is directly linked to the mismatch between the photon energy and the cathode's work function. This excess energy can be reduced by using a photon energy close to the material's work function. Using a tunable source of ultraviolet pulses, we demonstrate the reduction of the velocity spread of the electrons, resulting in a shorter duration of the electron pulses. The reduced electron pulse durations achieved by a tunable excitation or by other approaches require new characterization techniques for electron pulses. We developed a novel method for the characterization of electron pulses at

Sub-nanometre resolution imaging of polymer-fullerene photovoltaic blends using energy-filtered scanning electron microscopy.

Science.gov (United States)

Masters, Robert C; Pearson, Andrew J; Glen, Tom S; Sasam, Fabian-Cyril; Li, Letian; Dapor, Maurizio; Donald, Athene M; Lidzey, David G; Rodenburg, Cornelia

2015-04-24

The resolution capability of the scanning electron microscope has increased immensely in recent years, and is now within the sub-nanometre range, at least for inorganic materials. An equivalent advance has not yet been achieved for imaging the morphologies of nanostructured organic materials, such as organic photovoltaic blends. Here we show that energy-selective secondary electron detection can be used to obtain high-contrast, material-specific images of an organic photovoltaic blend. We also find that we can differentiate mixed phases from pure material phases in our data. The lateral resolution demonstrated is twice that previously reported from secondary electron imaging. Our results suggest that our energy-filtered scanning electron microscopy approach will be able to make major inroads into the understanding of complex, nano-structured organic materials.

Sub-nanometre resolution imaging of polymer–fullerene photovoltaic blends using energy-filtered scanning electron microscopy

Science.gov (United States)

Masters, Robert C.; Pearson, Andrew J.; Glen, Tom S.; Sasam, Fabian-Cyril; Li, Letian; Dapor, Maurizio; Donald, Athene M.; Lidzey, David G.; Rodenburg, Cornelia

2015-01-01

The resolution capability of the scanning electron microscope has increased immensely in recent years, and is now within the sub-nanometre range, at least for inorganic materials. An equivalent advance has not yet been achieved for imaging the morphologies of nanostructured organic materials, such as organic photovoltaic blends. Here we show that energy-selective secondary electron detection can be used to obtain high-contrast, material-specific images of an organic photovoltaic blend. We also find that we can differentiate mixed phases from pure material phases in our data. The lateral resolution demonstrated is twice that previously reported from secondary electron imaging. Our results suggest that our energy-filtered scanning electron microscopy approach will be able to make major inroads into the understanding of complex, nano-structured organic materials. PMID:25906738

Seeing atoms with aberration-corrected sub-Angstroem electron microscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

O' Keefe, Michael A. [Materials Science Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, National Center for Electron Microscopy, 2R0200, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720-8197 (United States)], E-mail: sub-Angstrom@comcast.net

2008-02-15

High-resolution electron microscopy is able to provide atomic-level characterization of many materials in low-index orientations. To achieve the same level of characterization in more complex orientations requires that instrumental resolution be improved to values corresponding to the sub-Angstroem separations of atom positions projected into these orientations. Sub-Angstroem resolution in the high-resolution transmission electron microscope has been achieved in the last few years by software aberration correction, electron holography, and hardware aberration correction; the so-called 'one-Angstroem barrier' has been left behind. Aberration correction of the objective lens currently allows atomic-resolution imaging at the sub-0.8 A level and is advancing towards resolutions in the deep sub-Angstroem range (near 0.5 A). At current resolution levels, images with sub-Rayleigh resolution require calibration in order to pinpoint atom positions correctly. As resolution levels approach the 'sizes' of atoms, the atoms themselves will produce a limit to resolution, no matter how much the instrumental resolution is improved. By arranging imaging conditions suitably, each atom peak in the image can be narrower, so atoms are imaged smaller and may be resolved at finer separations.

Structural changes of Bi sub 1. 8 Sr sub 2 (Ca sub 1 minus x Y sub x )Cu sub 2. 2 O sub z ceramics with yttrium content studied by electron diffraction and high-resolution electron microscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Onozuka, T.; Iwabuchi, Y.; Fukase, T. (Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai 980, Japan (JP)); Sato, H. (School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 (USA)); Mitchell, T.E. (Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 (USA))

1991-06-01

The mode of the incommensurate modulation in the {ital b} direction of the Bi{sub 1.8}Sr{sub 2}(Ca{sub 1{minus}{ital x}}Y{sub {ital x}})Cu{sub 2.2}O{sub {ital z}} (0.05{lt}{ital x}{lt}0.75) system is investigated by means of electron diffraction and high-resolution lattice imaging. The change of period of the long-period structure with {ital x} is found to be basically due to the mixing ratio of domains of two modulation periods with {ital b}=4.5{ital b}{sub 0} and 5{ital b}{sub 0} or 4.5{ital b}{sub 0} and 4{ital b}{sub 0}, thus creating periods of {ital b}=4.75{ital b}{sub 0--}4.0{ital b}{sub 0}. The fundamental orthorhombic lattice has dimensions of {ital a}{congruent}{ital b}{congruent}{ital b}{sub 0} (0.54 nm) and {ital c}{congruent}{ital c}{sub 0} (3.1 nm). The change of the mixing mode from one to the other mentioned above occurs just in the yttrium concentration range, 0.45{lt}{ital x}{lt}0.65, which also corresponds to the superconductor (metallic)-to-semiconductor transition boundary. The mixing modes of the domains are directly recorded as a contrast modulation with half periods, 4.5{ital b}{sub 0}/2 and 5{ital b}{sub 0}/2 or 4.5{ital b}{sub 0}/2 and 4{ital b}{sub 0}/2 in high-resolution lattice images. These images are reproduced well by a multislice computer-simulation technique.

Hierarchical domain structure of lead-free piezoelectric (Na{sub 1/2} Bi{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3}-(K{sub 1/2} Bi{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3} single crystals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Luo, Chengtao, E-mail: lchentao@vt.edu; Wang, Yaojin; Ge, Wenwei; Li, Jiefang; Viehland, Dwight [Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 (United States); Delaire, Olivier [Materials Science and Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831 (United States); Li, Xiaobin; Luo, Haosu [Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 215 Chengbei Road, Jiading, Shanghai 201800 (China)

2016-05-07

We report a unique hierarchical domain structure in single crystals of (Na{sub 1/2}Bi{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3}-xat. %(K{sub 1/2}Bi{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3} for x = 5 and 8 by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A high density of polar nano-domains with a lamellar morphology was found, which were self-assembled into a quadrant-like configuration, which then assembled into conventional ferroelectric macro-domains. Studies by high resolution TEM revealed that the polar lamellar regions contained a coexistence of in-phase and anti-phase oxygen octahedral tilt regions of a few nanometers in size. Domain frustration over multiple length scales may play an important role in the stabilization of the hierarchy, and in reducing the piezoelectric response of this Pb-free piezoelectric solid solution.

Mapping the layer count of few-layer hexagonal boron nitride at high lateral spatial resolutions

Science.gov (United States)

Mohsin, Ali; Cross, Nicholas G.; Liu, Lei; Watanabe, Kenji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Duscher, Gerd; Gu, Gong

2018-01-01

Layer count control and uniformity of two dimensional (2D) layered materials are critical to the investigation of their properties and to their electronic device applications, but methods to map 2D material layer count at nanometer-level lateral spatial resolutions have been lacking. Here, we demonstrate a method based on two complementary techniques widely available in transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) to map the layer count of multilayer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) films. The mass-thickness contrast in high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) imaging in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) mode allows for thickness determination in atomically clean regions with high spatial resolution (sub-nanometer), but is limited by surface contamination. To complement, another technique based on the boron K ionization edge in the electron energy loss spectroscopy spectrum (EELS) of h-BN is developed to quantify the layer count so that surface contamination does not cause an overestimate, albeit at a lower spatial resolution (nanometers). The two techniques agree remarkably well in atomically clean regions with discrepancies within  ±1 layer. For the first time, the layer count uniformity on the scale of nanometers is quantified for a 2D material. The methodology is applicable to layer count mapping of other 2D layered materials, paving the way toward the synthesis of multilayer 2D materials with homogeneous layer count.

[Electronic and structural properties of individual nanometer-size supported metallic clusters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reifenberger, R.

1993-01-01

This report summarizes the work performed under contract DOE-FCO2-84ER45162. During the past ten years, our study of electron emission from laser-illuminated field emission tips has taken on a broader scope by addressing problems of direct interest to those concerned with the unique physical and chemical properties of nanometer-size clusters. The work performed has demonstrated that much needed data can be obtained on individual nanometer-size clusters supported on a wide-variety of different substrates. The work was performed in collaboration with R.P. Andres in the School of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University. The Multiple Expansion Cluster Source developed by Andres and his students was essential for producing the nanometer-size clusters studied. The following report features a discussion of these results. This report provides a motivation for studying the properties of nanometer-size clusters and summarizes the results obtained

High-resolution electron microscopy of detonation nanodiamond

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Iakoubovskii, K; Mitsuishi, K; Furuya, K

2008-01-01

The structure of individual nanodiamond grains produced by the detonation of carbon-based explosives has been studied with a high-vacuum aberration-corrected electron microscope. Many grains show a well-resolved cubic diamond lattice with negligible contamination, thereby demonstrating that the non-diamond shell, universally observed on nanodiamond particles, could be intrinsic to the preparation process rather than to the nanosized diamond itself. The strength of the adhesion between the nanodiamond grains, and the possibility of their patterning with sub-nanometer precision, are also demonstrated

High-resolution electron microscopy of detonation nanodiamond

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Iakoubovskii, K; Mitsuishi, K [Quantum Dot Research Center, National Institute for Materials Science, 3-13 Sakura, Tsukuba 305-0005 (Japan); Furuya, K [High Voltage Microscopy Station, National Institute for Materials Science, 3-13 Sakura, Tsukuba 305-0005 (Japan)], E-mail: Iakoubovskii.Konstantin@nims.go.jp

2008-04-16

The structure of individual nanodiamond grains produced by the detonation of carbon-based explosives has been studied with a high-vacuum aberration-corrected electron microscope. Many grains show a well-resolved cubic diamond lattice with negligible contamination, thereby demonstrating that the non-diamond shell, universally observed on nanodiamond particles, could be intrinsic to the preparation process rather than to the nanosized diamond itself. The strength of the adhesion between the nanodiamond grains, and the possibility of their patterning with sub-nanometer precision, are also demonstrated.

HRTEM imaging of atoms at sub-Angstroem resolution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

O'Keefe, Michael A.; Allard, Lawrence F.; Blom, Douglas A.

2005-01-01

John Cowley and his group at Arizona State University pioneered the use of transmission electron microscopy for high-resolution imaging. Images were achieved three decades ago showing the crystal unit cell content at better than 4 A resolution. This achievement enabled researchers to pinpoint the positions of heavy atom columns within the unit cell. Lighter atoms appear as resolution is improved to sub-Angstroem levels. Currently, advanced microscopes can image the columns of the light atoms (carbon, oxygen, nitrogen) that are present in many complex structures, and even the lithium atoms present in some battery materials. Sub-Angstroem imaging, initially achieved by focal-series reconstruction of the specimen exit surface wave, will become commonplace for next-generation electron microscopes with C s -corrected lenses and monochromated electron beams. Resolution can be quantified in terms of peak separation and inter-peak minimum, but the limits imposed on the attainable resolution by the properties of the microscope specimen need to be considered. At extreme resolution the 'size' of atoms can mean that they will not be resolved even when spaced farther apart than the resolution of the microscope. (author)

HRTEM Imaging of Atoms at Sub-Angstrom Resolution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

O' Keefe, Michael A.; Allard, Lawrence F.; Blom, Douglas A.

2005-04-06

John Cowley and his group at Arizona State University pioneered the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for high-resolution imaging. Images were achieved three decades ago showing the crystal unit cell content at better than 4 Angstrom resolution. This achievement enabled researchers to pinpoint the positions of heavy atom columns within the unit cell. Lighter atoms appear as resolution is improved to sub-Angstrom levels. Currently, advanced microscopes can image the columns of the light atoms (carbon, oxygen, nitrogen) that are present in many complex structures, and even the lithium atoms present in some battery materials. Sub-Angstrom imaging, initially achieved by focal-series reconstruction of the specimen exit surface wave, will become common place for next-generation electron microscopes with CS-corrected lenses and monochromated electron beams. Resolution can be quantified in terms of peak separation and inter-peak minimum, but the limits imposed on the attainable resolution by the properties of the micro-scope specimen need to be considered. At extreme resolution the ''size'' of atoms can mean that they will not be resolved even when spaced farther apart than the resolution of the microscope.

Human enamel structure studied by high resolution electron microscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wen, S.L.

1989-01-01

Human enamel structural features are characterized by high resolution electron microscopy. The human enamel consists of polycrystals with a structure similar to Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2. This article describes the structural features of human enamel crystal at atomic and nanometer level. Besides the structural description, a great number of high resolution images are included. Research into the carious process in human enamel is very important for human beings. This article firstly describes the initiation of caries in enamel crystal at atomic and unit-cell level and secondly describes the further steps of caries with structural and chemical demineralization. The demineralization in fact, is the origin of caries in human enamel. The remineralization of carious areas in human enamel has drawn more and more attention as its potential application is realized. This process has been revealed by high resolution electron microscopy in detail in this article. On the other hand, the radiation effects on the structure of human enamel are also characterized by high resolution electron microscopy. In order to reveal this phenomenon clearly, a great number of electron micrographs have been shown, and a physical mechanism is proposed. 26 references

Elastic recoil atomic spectroscopy of light elements with sub-nanometer depth resolution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kosmata, Marcel

2011-01-01

In this thesis the QQDS magnetic spectrometer that is used for high resolution ion beam analysis (IBA) of light elements at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf is presented for the first time. In addition all parameters are investigated that influence the analysis. Methods and models are presented with which the effects can be minimised or calculated. There are five focal points of this thesis. The first point is the construction and commissioning of the QQDS magnetic spectrometer, the corresponding scattering chamber with all the peripherals and the detector, which is specially developed for high resolution elastic recoil detection. Both the reconstructed spectrometer and the detector were adapted to the specific experimental conditions needed for high-resolution Ion beam analysis of light elements and tested for routine practice. The detector consists of two components. At the back end of the detector a Bragg ionization chamber is mounted, which is used for the particle identification. At the front end, directly behind the entrance window a proportional counter is mounted. This proportional counter includes a highresistance anode. Thus, the position of the particles is determined in the detector. The following two points concern fundamental studies of ion-solid interaction. By using a magnetic spectrometer the charge state distribution of the particles scattered from the sample after a binary collision is both possible and necessary for the analysis. For this reason the charge states are measured and compared with existing models. In addition, a model is developed that takes into account the charge state dependent energy loss. It is shown that without the application of this model the depth profiles do not correspond with the quantitative measurements by conventional IBA methods and with the thickness obtained by transmission electron microscopy. The second fundamental ion-solid interaction is the damage and the modification of the sample that occurs during

A scanning tunneling microscope with a scanning range from hundreds of micrometers down to nanometer resolution.

Science.gov (United States)

Kalkan, Fatih; Zaum, Christopher; Morgenstern, Karina

2012-10-01

A beetle type stage and a flexure scanning stage are combined to form a two stages scanning tunneling microscope (STM). It operates at room temperature in ultrahigh vacuum and is capable of scanning areas up to 300 μm × 450 μm down to resolution on the nanometer scale. This multi-scale STM has been designed and constructed in order to investigate prestructured metallic or semiconducting micro- and nano-structures in real space from atomic-sized structures up to the large-scale environment. The principle of the instrument is demonstrated on two different systems. Gallium nitride based micropillars demonstrate scan areas up to hundreds of micrometers; a Au(111) surface demonstrates nanometer resolution.

Electron transport in nanometer GaAs structure under radiation exposure

CERN Document Server

Demarina, N V

2002-01-01

One investigates into effect of neutron and proton irradiation on electron transport in nanometer GaAs structures. Mathematical model takes account of radiation defects via introduction of additional mechanisms od scattering of carriers at point defects and disordered regions. To investigate experimentally into volt-ampere and volt-farad characteristics one used a structure based on a field-effect transistor with the Schottky gate and a built-in channel. Calculation results of electron mobility, drift rate of electrons, time of energy relaxation and electron pulse are compared with the experimental data

Towards sub-0.5 A electron beams

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Krivanek, O.L.; Nellist, P.D.; Dellby, N.; Murfitt, M.F.; Szilagyi, Z

2003-09-15

In the 4 years since the previous meeting in the SALSA series, aberration correction has progressed from a promising concept to a powerful research tool. We summarize the factors that have enabled 100-120 kV scanning transmission electron microscopes to achieve sub-A resolution, and to increase the current available in an atom-sized probe by a factor of 10 and more. Once C{sub s} is corrected, fifth-order spherical aberration (C{sub 5}) and chromatic aberration (C{sub c}) pose new limits on resolution. We describe a quadrupole/octupole corrector of a new design, which will correct all fifth-order aberrations while introducing less than 0.2 mm of additional C{sub c}. Coupled to an optimized STEM column, the new corrector promises to lead to routine sub-A electron probes at 100 kV, and to sub-0.5 A probes at higher operating voltages.

Attofarad resolution capacitance-voltage measurement of nanometer scale field effect transistors utilizing ambient noise

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gokirmak, Ali; Inaltekin, Hazer; Tiwari, Sandip

2009-01-01

A high resolution capacitance-voltage (C-V) characterization technique, enabling direct measurement of electronic properties at the nanoscale in devices such as nanowire field effect transistors (FETs) through the use of random fluctuations, is described. The minimum noise level required for achieving sub-aF (10 -18 F) resolution, the leveraging of stochastic resonance, and the effect of higher levels of noise are illustrated through simulations. The non-linear ΔC gate-source/drain -V gate response of FETs is utilized to determine the inversion layer capacitance (C inv ) and carrier mobility. The technique is demonstrated by extracting the carrier concentration and effective electron mobility in a nanoscale Si FET with C inv = 60 aF.

Crossed Ga2O3/SnO2 multiwire architecture: a local structure study with nanometer resolution.

Science.gov (United States)

Martínez-Criado, Gema; Segura-Ruiz, Jaime; Chu, Manh-Hung; Tucoulou, Remi; López, Iñaki; Nogales, Emilio; Mendez, Bianchi; Piqueras, Javier

2014-10-08

Crossed nanowire structures are the basis for high-density integration of a variety of nanodevices. Owing to the critical role of nanowires intersections in creating hybrid architectures, it has become a challenge to investigate the local structure in crossing points in metal oxide nanowires. Thus, if intentionally grown crossed nanowires are well-patterned, an ideal model to study the junction is formed. By combining electron and synchrotron beam nanoprobes, we show here experimental evidence of the role of impurities in the coupling formation, structural modifications, and atomic site configuration based on crossed Ga2O3/SnO2 nanowires. Our experiment opens new avenues for further local structure studies with both nanometer resolution and elemental sensitivity.

Synthesis of polycrystalline Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanowires with excellent ammonium perchlorate catalytic decomposition property

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhou, Hai [State Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion, Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Taiyuan 030001 (China); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049 (China); Lv, Baoliang, E-mail: lbl604@sxicc.ac.cn [State Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion, Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Taiyuan 030001 (China); Wu, Dong; Xu, Yao [State Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion, Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Taiyuan 030001 (China)

2014-12-15

Graphical abstract: Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanowires with excellent ammonium perchlorate catalytic decomposition property were synthesized via a methanamide-assisted hydrolysis and subsequent dissolution–recrystallization process in the presence of methanamide. - Abstract: Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanowires, with the length of tens of micrometers and the width of several hundred nanometers, were produced by a hydrothermal treatment and a post-anneal process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) result showed that the Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanowires belong to cubic crystal system. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis indicated that the Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanowires, composed by single crystalline nanoparticles, were of polycrystalline nature. On the basis of time-dependent experiments, methanamide-assisted hydrolysis and subsequent dissolution–recrystallization process were used to explain the precursors' formation process of the polycrystalline Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanowires. The TGA experiments showed that the as-obtained Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanowires can catalyze the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) effectively.

Composition quantification of electron-transparent samples by backscattered electron imaging in scanning electron microscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Müller, E., E-mail: erich.mueller@kit.edu; Gerthsen, D.

2017-02-15

The contrast of backscattered electron (BSE) images in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depends on material parameters which can be exploited for composition quantification if some information on the material system is available. As an example, the In-concentration in thin In{sub x}Ga{sub 1−x}As layers embedded in a GaAs matrix is analyzed in this work. The spatial resolution of the technique is improved by using thin electron-transparent specimens instead of bulk samples. Although the BSEs are detected in a comparably small angular range by an annular semiconductor detector, the image intensity can be evaluated to determine the composition and local thickness of the specimen. The measured intensities are calibrated within one single image to eliminate the influence of the detection and amplification system. Quantification is performed by comparison of experimental and calculated data. Instead of using time-consuming Monte-Carlo simulations, an analytical model is applied for BSE-intensity calculations which considers single electron scattering and electron diffusion. - Highlights: • Sample thickness and composition are quantified by backscattered electron imaging. • A thin sample is used to achieve spatial resolution of few nanometers. • Calculations are carried out with a time-saving electron diffusion model. • Small differences in atomic number and density detected at low electron energies.

Atomic-resolution studies of In{sub 2}O{sub 3}-ZnO compounds on aberration-corrected electron microscopes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yu, Wentao

2009-10-23

In this work, the characteristic inversion domain microstructures of In{sub 2}O{sub 3}(ZnO){sub m} (m=30) compounds were investigated by TEM methods. At bright-atom contrast condition, atomically resolved HR-TEM images of In{sub 2}O{sub 3}(ZnO){sub 30} were successfully acquired in [1 anti 100] zone axis of ZnO, with projected metal columns of {proportional_to}1.6 A well resolved. From contrast maxima in the TEM images, local lattice distortions at the pyramidal inversion domain boundaries were observed for the first time. Lattice displacements and the strain field in two-dimensions were visualized and measured using the 'DALI' algorithm. Atomically resolved single shot and focal series images of In{sub 2}O{sub 3}(ZnO){sub 30} were achieved in both zone axes of ZnO, [1 anti 100] and [2 anti 1 anti 10], respectively. The electron waves at the exit-plane were successfully reconstructed using the software package 'TrueImage'. Finally, a three dimensional atomic structure model for the pyramidal IDB was proposed, with an In distribution of 10%, 20%, 40%, 20% and 10% of In contents over 5 atom columns along basal planes, respectively. Through a detailed structural study of In{sub 2}O{sub 3}(ZnO){sub m} compounds by using phase-contrast and Z-contrast imaging at atomic resolution, In{sup 3+} atoms are determined with trigonal bi-pyramidal co-ordination and are distributed at the pyramidal IDBs. (orig.)

Prospects for realizing a sub-A sub-eV resolution EFTEM

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rose, H.

1999-01-01

The arrangement of a sub-Angstrom and sub-eV resolution energy filtering transmission electron microscope (EFTEM) is outlined. This ideal future analytical microscope is a combination of a scanning transmission (STEM) and a corrected fixed-beam transmission electron microscope (TEM) and operates at voltages between 150 and 300 kV. The ultra resolution EFTEM will consist of a field emission gun followed by a monochromator yielding an energy width below 0.2 eV. The condenser system provides Koehler illumination for the TEM mode and a spot size of about 0.2 nm for the STEM mode. The spherically corrected aplanatic objective lens consists of a coma-free round lens and an integrated hexapole corrector. The formation of the energy loss spectrum is performed by the ultradispersive aberration-free MANDOLINE filter. The filtered intermediate image or the energy loss spectrum, respectively, are imaged onto a Charged-Coupled Device (CCD) array with variable magnification by means of a distortion-free projector system consisting of several quadrupoles and octupoles. For obtaining sub-Angstrom resolution the parasitic mechanical and electromagnetic instabilities must be reduced to such an extent that the information limit is pushed below 0.06 nm. All requirements can be met at the present state of technology. (Copyright (c) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam. All rights reserved.)

NaI(Tl) electron energy resolution

CERN Document Server

Mengesha, W

2002-01-01

NaI(Tl) electron energy resolution eta sub e was measured using the Modified Compton Coincidence Technique (MCCT). The MCCT allowed detection of nearly monoenergetic internal electrons resulting from the scattering of incident 662 keV gamma rays within a primary NaI(Tl) detector. Scattered gamma rays were detected using a secondary HPGe detector in a coincidence mode. Measurements were carried out for electron energies ranging from 16 to 438 keV, by varying the scattering angle. Measured HPGe coincidence spectra were deconvolved to determine the scattered energy spectra from the NaI(Tl) detector. Subsequently, the NaI(Tl) electron energy spectra were determined by subtracting the energy of scattered spectra from the incident source energy (662 keV). Using chi-squared minimization, iterative deconvolution of the internal electron energy spectra from the measured NaI(Tl) spectra was then used to determine eta sub e at the electron energy of interest. eta sub e values determined using this technique represent va...

Sub-Angstrom Atomic-Resolution Imaging of Heavy Atoms to Light Atoms

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

O' Keefe, Michael A.; Shao-Horn, Yang

2003-05-23

Three decades ago John Cowley and his group at ASU achieved high-resolution electron microscope images showing the crystal unit cell contents at better than 4Angstrom resolution. Over the years, this achievement has inspired improvements in resolution that have enabled researchers to pinpoint the positions of heavy atom columns within the cell. More recently, this ability has been extended to light atoms as resolution has improved. Sub-Angstrom resolution has enabled researchers to image the columns of light atoms (carbon, oxygen and nitrogen) that are present in many complex structures. By using sub-Angstrom focal-series reconstruction of the specimen exit surface wave to image columns of cobalt, oxygen, and lithium atoms in a transition metal oxide structure commonly used as positive electrodes in lithium rechargeable batteries, we show that the range of detectable light atoms extends to lithium. HRTEM at sub-Angstrom resolution will provide the essential role of experimental verification for the emergent nanotech revolution. Our results foreshadow those to be expected from next-generation TEMs with Cs-corrected lenses and monochromated electron beams.

Electron beam excitation assisted optical microscope with ultra-high resolution.

Science.gov (United States)

Inami, Wataru; Nakajima, Kentaro; Miyakawa, Atsuo; Kawata, Yoshimasa

2010-06-07

We propose electron beam excitation assisted optical microscope, and demonstrated its resolution higher than 50 nm. In the microscope, a light source in a few nanometers size is excited by focused electron beam in a luminescent film. The microscope makes it possible to observe dynamic behavior of living biological specimens in various surroundings, such as air or liquids. Scan speed of the nanometric light source is faster than that in conventional near-field scanning optical microscopes. The microscope enables to observe optical constants such as absorption, refractive index, polarization, and their dynamic behavior on a nanometric scale. The microscope opens new microscopy applications in nano-technology and nano-science.

[Electronic and structural properties of individual nanometer-size supported metallic clusters]. Final performance report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Reifenberger, R.

1993-09-01

This report summarizes the work performed under contract DOE-FCO2-84ER45162. During the past ten years, our study of electron emission from laser-illuminated field emission tips has taken on a broader scope by addressing problems of direct interest to those concerned with the unique physical and chemical properties of nanometer-size clusters. The work performed has demonstrated that much needed data can be obtained on individual nanometer-size clusters supported on a wide-variety of different substrates. The work was performed in collaboration with R.P. Andres in the School of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University. The Multiple Expansion Cluster Source developed by Andres and his students was essential for producing the nanometer-size clusters studied. The following report features a discussion of these results. This report provides a motivation for studying the properties of nanometer-size clusters and summarizes the results obtained.

Nanometer scale thermometry in a living cell

Science.gov (United States)

Kucsko, G.; Maurer, P. C.; Yao, N. Y.; Kubo, M.; Noh, H. J.; Lo, P. K.; Park, H.; Lukin, M. D.

2014-01-01

Sensitive probing of temperature variations on nanometer scales represents an outstanding challenge in many areas of modern science and technology1. In particular, a thermometer capable of sub-degree temperature resolution over a large range of temperatures as well as integration within a living system could provide a powerful new tool for many areas of biological, physical and chemical research; possibilities range from the temperature-induced control of gene expression2–5 and tumor metabolism6 to the cell-selective treatment of disease7,8 and the study of heat dissipation in integrated circuits1. By combining local light-induced heat sources with sensitive nanoscale thermometry, it may also be possible to engineer biological processes at the sub-cellular level2–5. Here, we demonstrate a new approach to nanoscale thermometry that utilizes coherent manipulation of the electronic spin associated with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond. We show the ability to detect temperature variations down to 1.8 mK (sensitivity of 9mK/Hz) in an ultra-pure bulk diamond sample. Using NV centers in diamond nanocrystals (nanodiamonds, NDs), we directly measure the local thermal environment at length scales down to 200 nm. Finally, by introducing both nanodiamonds and gold nanoparticles into a single human embryonic fibroblast, we demonstrate temperature-gradient control and mapping at the sub-cellular level, enabling unique potential applications in life sciences. PMID:23903748

Advances in cryo-electron tomography for biology and medicine.

Science.gov (United States)

Koning, Roman I; Koster, Abraham J; Sharp, Thomas H

2018-05-01

Cryo-electron tomography (CET) utilizes a combination of specimen cryo-fixation and multi-angle electron microscopy imaging to produce three-dimensional (3D) volume reconstructions of native-state macromolecular and subcellular biological structures with nanometer-scale resolution. In recent years, cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) has experienced a dramatic increase in the attainable resolution of 3D reconstructions, resulting from technical improvements of electron microscopes, improved detector sensitivity, the implementation of phase plates, automated data acquisition schemes, and improved image reconstruction software and hardware. These developments also greatly increased the usability and applicability of CET as a diagnostic and research tool, which is now enabling structural biologists to determine the structure of proteins in their native cellular environment to sub-nanometer resolution. These recent technical developments have stimulated us to update on our previous review (Koning, R.I., Koster, A.J., 2009. Cryo-electron tomography in biology and medicine. Ann Anat 191, 427-445) in which we described the fundamentals of CET. In this follow-up, we extend this basic description in order to explain the aforementioned recent advances, and describe related 3D techniques that can be applied to the anatomy of biological systems that are relevant for medicine. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Radiation-Hardened Electronics for Advanced Communications Systems

Science.gov (United States)

Whitaker, Sterling

2015-01-01

Novel approach enables high-speed special-purpose processors Advanced reconfigurable and reprogrammable communication systems will require sub-130-nanometer electronics. Legacy single event upset (SEU) radiation-tolerant circuits are ineffective at speeds greater than 125 megahertz. In Phase I of this project, ICs, LLC, demonstrated new base-level logic circuits that provide SEU immunity for sub-130-nanometer high-speed circuits. In Phase II, the company developed an innovative self-restoring logic (SRL) circuit and a system approach that provides high-speed, SEU-tolerant solutions that are effective for sub-130-nanometer electronics scalable to at least 22-nanometer processes. The SRL system can be used in the design of NASA's next-generation special-purpose processors, especially reconfigurable communication processors.

Nanometer-scale displacement measurement with high resolution using dual cavity Fabry-Pérot interferometer for biomimetic robots.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Jin-Hyuk; Kim, Dae-Hyun

2014-10-01

A sensor of a biomimetic robot has to measure very small environmental changes such as, nanometer scale strains or displacements. Fiber optic sensor can be also one of candidates for the biomimetic sensor because the sensor is like thread and the shape of the sensor is similar to muscle fiber. A fiber optic interferometer, which is an optical-based sensor, can measure displacement precisely, so such device has been widely studied for the measurement of displacement on a nanometer-scale. Especially, a Quadrature Phase-Shifted Fiber Fabry-Pérot interferometer (QPS-FFPI) uses phase-information for this measurement, allowing it to provide a precision result with high resolution. In theory, the QPS-FFPI generates two sinusoidal signals of which the phase difference should be 90 degrees for the exact measurement of the displacement. In order to guarantee the condition of the phase difference, the relative adjustment of the cavities of the optical fibers is required. However, with such precise adjustment it is very hard to fix the proper difference of the two cavities for quadrature-phase-shifting. In this paper, a dual-cavity FFPI is newly proposed to measure the displacement on a nanometer-scale with a specific type of signal processing. In the signal processing, a novel phase-compensation algorithm is applied to force the phase difference to be exactly 90 degrees without any physical adjustment. As a result, the paper shows that the phase-compensated dual-cavity FFPI can effectively measure nanometer-scale displacement with high resolution under dynamic conditions.

Novel carbon nanosheets as support for ultrahigh-resolution structural analysis of nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nottbohm, Christoph T.; Beyer, Andre; Sologubenko, Alla S.; Ennen, Inga; Huetten, Andreas; Roesner, Harald; Eck, Wolfgang; Mayer, Joachim; Goelzhaeuser, Armin

2008-01-01

The resolution in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has reached values as low as 0.08 nm. However, these values are not accessible for very small objects in the size range of a few nanometers or lower, as they have to be placed on some support, which contributes to the overall electron-scattering signal, thereby blurring the contrast. Here, we report on the use of nanosheets made from cross-linked aromatic self-assembled monolayers as TEM sample supports. When transferred onto a copper grid, a single 1.6-nm-thick nanosheet can cover the grid and is free standing within the micron-sized openings. Despite its thinness, the sheet is stable under the impact of the electron beam. Micrographs taken from nanoclusters onto these nanosheets show highly increased contrast in comparison to the images taken from amorphous carbon supports. In scanning transmission electron microscopy with nanosheet support, a size analysis of sub-nanometer Au clusters was performed and single Au atoms were resolved

BiI<sub>3sub> Crystals for High Energy Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nino, Juan C. [Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States); Baciak, James [Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States); Johns, Paul [Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States); Sulekar, Soumitra [Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States); Totten, James [Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States); Nimmagadda, Jyothir [Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States)

2017-04-12

BiI<sub>3sub> had been investigated for its unique properties as a layered compound semiconductor for many decades. However, despite the exceptional atomic, physical, and electronic properties of this material, good resolution gamma ray spectra had never been reported for BiI<sub>3sub>. The shortcomings that previously prevented BiI<sub>3sub> from reaching success as a gamma ray sensor were, through this project, identified and suppressed to unlock the performance of this promising compound. Included in this work were studies on a number of methods which have, for the first time, enabled BiI<sub>3sub> to exhibit spectral performance rivaling many other candidate semiconductors for room temperature gamma ray sensors. New approaches to crystal growth were explored that allow BiI<sub>3sub> spectrometers to be fabricated with up to 2.2% spectral resolution at 662 keV. Fundamental studies on trap states, dopant incorporation, and polarization were performed to enhance performance of this compound. Additionally, advanced detection techniques were applied to display the capabilities of high quality BiI<sub>3sub> spectrometers. Overall, through this work, BiI<sub>3sub> has been revealed as a potentially transformative material for nuclear security and radiation detection sciences.

Nanoscale probing of bandgap states on oxide particles using electron energy-loss spectroscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Qianlang [School for the Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, 85287 AZ (United States); March, Katia [Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Bâtiment 510, Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay Cedex (France); Crozier, Peter A., E-mail: CROZIER@asu.edu [School for the Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, 85287 AZ (United States)

2017-07-15

Surface and near-surface electronic states were probed with nanometer spatial resolution in MgO and TiO{sub 2} anatase nanoparticles using ultra-high energy resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) coupled to a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). This combination allows the surface electronic structure determined with spectroscopy to be correlated with nanoparticle size, morphology, facet etc. By acquiring the spectra in aloof beam mode, radiation damage to the surface can be significantly reduced while maintaining the nanometer spatial resolution. MgO and TiO{sub 2} showed very different bandgap features associated with the surface/sub-surface layer of the nanoparticles. Spectral simulations based on dielectric theory and density of states models showed that a plateau feature found in the pre-bandgap region in the spectra from (100) surfaces of 60 nm MgO nanocubes is consistent with a thin hydroxide surface layer. The spectroscopy shows that this hydroxide species gives rise to a broad filled surface state at 1.1 eV above the MgO valence band. At the surfaces of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles, pronounced peaks were observed in the bandgap region, which could not be well fitted to defect states. In this case, the high refractive index and large particle size may make Cherenkov or guided light modes the likely causes of the peaks. - Highlights: • Bandgap states detected with aloof beam monochromated EELS on oxide nanoparticle surfaces. • Dielectric theory applied to simulate the spectra and interpret surface structure. • Density of states models also be employed to understand the surface electronic structure. • In MgO, one states associate with water species was found close to the valence band edge. • In anatase, two mid-gap states associated with point defects were found.

Ultrafast terahertz scanning tunneling microscopy with atomic resolution

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jelic, Vedran; Iwaszczuk, Krzysztof; Nguyen, Peter H.

2016-01-01

We demonstrate that ultrafast terahertz scanning tunneling microscopy (THz-STM) can probe single atoms on a silicon surface with simultaneous sub-nanometer and sub-picosecond spatio-temporal resolution. THz-STM is established as a new technique for exploring high-field non-equilibrium tunneling...

Mechanical design of ultraprecision weak-link stages for nanometer-scale x-ray imaging

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shu, D [APS Engineering Support Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439 (United States); Maser, J, E-mail: shu@aps.anl.go [Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439 (United States)

2009-09-01

A nanopositioning diagnostic setup has been built to support the Argonne Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) nanoprobe instrument commissioning process at the APS. Its laser Doppler interferometer system provides subnanometer positioning diagnostic resolution with large dynamic range. A set of original APS designed ultraprecision PZT-driven weak-link stages with high-stiffness motor-driven stages has been tested with this diagnostic setup. In this paper we present a preliminary test result of the ultraprecision weak-link stage system developed for the CNM hard x-ray nanoprobe instrument at APS sector 26. A test result for a novel laminar weak-link mechanism with sub-centimeter travel range and sub-nanometer positioning resolution is also introduced in this paper as a future work.

Nanoparticle dispersion effect of laser-surface melting in ZrB{sub 2p}/6061Al composites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zeng, Yida; Chao, Yuhjin; Luo, Zhen, E-mail: lz-tju@163.com [Tianjin University, School of Material Science and Engineering (China); Huang, Yongxian [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Harbin Institute of Technology (China)

2017-04-15

Zirconium diboride (ZrB{sub 2p}, 15 vol%)/6061 aluminum (Al) composites were fabricated via in situ reaction. The existence, morphologies, and dispersion degree of the in situ ZrB{sub 2} particles with size from tens to hundreds of nanometers were studied by X-ray diffractometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. As the particle-settlement effect becomes dominant during the composite fabrication process, ZrB{sub 2} nanoparticles agglomerate to a certain extent in some areas of the as-cast composites. A laser-surface melting (LSM) strategy was applied to disperse agglomerated ZrB{sub 2} nanoparticles in as-cast composites, and the ZrB{sub 2} nanoparticle dispersion is affected visibly by LSM. After LSM, nanoparticles tend to distribute along the grain boundary. Particle clusters were dispersed in an explosive orientation and the particle diffusion distance varied in terms of its radius and melt-viscosity vicinity. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed the existence of a subgrain structure near the ZrB{sub 2}–Al interface after LSM. This may increase the yield strength when a dislocation tangle forms.

A Novel Low Energy Electron Microscope for DNA Sequencing and Surface Analysis

Science.gov (United States)

Mankos, M.; Shadman, K.; Persson, H.H.J.; N’Diaye, A.T.; Schmid, A.K.; Davis, R.W.

2014-01-01

Monochromatic, aberration-corrected, dual-beam low energy electron microscopy (MAD-LEEM) is a novel technique that is directed towards imaging nanostructures and surfaces with sub-nanometer resolution. The technique combines a monochromator, a mirror aberration corrector, an energy filter, and dual beam illumination in a single instrument. The monochromator reduces the energy spread of the illuminating electron beam, which significantly improves spectroscopic and spatial resolution. Simulation results predict that the novel aberration corrector design will eliminate the second rank chromatic and third and fifth order spherical aberrations, thereby improving the resolution into the sub-nanometer regime at landing energies as low as one hundred electron-Volts. The energy filter produces a beam that can extract detailed information about the chemical composition and local electronic states of non-periodic objects such as nanoparticles, interfaces, defects, and macromolecules. The dual flood illumination eliminates charging effects that are generated when a conventional LEEM is used to image insulating specimens. A potential application for MAD-LEEM is in DNA sequencing, which requires high resolution to distinguish the individual bases and high speed to reduce the cost. The MAD-LEEM approach images the DNA with low electron impact energies, which provides nucleobase contrast mechanisms without organometallic labels. Furthermore, the micron-size field of view when combined with imaging on the fly provides long read lengths, thereby reducing the demand on assembling the sequence. Experimental results from bulk specimens with immobilized single-base oligonucleotides demonstrate that base specific contrast is available with reflected, photo-emitted, and Auger electrons. Image contrast simulations of model rectangular features mimicking the individual nucleotides in a DNA strand have been developed to translate measurements of contrast on bulk DNA to the detectability of

A novel low energy electron microscope for DNA sequencing and surface analysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Mankos, M; Shadman, K; Persson, H H J; N'Diaye, A T; Schmid, A K; Davis, R W

2014-10-01

Monochromatic, aberration-corrected, dual-beam low energy electron microscopy (MAD-LEEM) is a novel technique that is directed towards imaging nanostructures and surfaces with sub-nanometer resolution. The technique combines a monochromator, a mirror aberration corrector, an energy filter, and dual beam illumination in a single instrument. The monochromator reduces the energy spread of the illuminating electron beam, which significantly improves spectroscopic and spatial resolution. Simulation results predict that the novel aberration corrector design will eliminate the second rank chromatic and third and fifth order spherical aberrations, thereby improving the resolution into the sub-nanometer regime at landing energies as low as one hundred electron-Volts. The energy filter produces a beam that can extract detailed information about the chemical composition and local electronic states of non-periodic objects such as nanoparticles, interfaces, defects, and macromolecules. The dual flood illumination eliminates charging effects that are generated when a conventional LEEM is used to image insulating specimens. A potential application for MAD-LEEM is in DNA sequencing, which requires high resolution to distinguish the individual bases and high speed to reduce the cost. The MAD-LEEM approach images the DNA with low electron impact energies, which provides nucleobase contrast mechanisms without organometallic labels. Furthermore, the micron-size field of view when combined with imaging on the fly provides long read lengths, thereby reducing the demand on assembling the sequence. Experimental results from bulk specimens with immobilized single-base oligonucleotides demonstrate that base specific contrast is available with reflected, photo-emitted, and Auger electrons. Image contrast simulations of model rectangular features mimicking the individual nucleotides in a DNA strand have been developed to translate measurements of contrast on bulk DNA to the detectability of

Development of nanometer resolution C-Band radio frequency beam position monitors in the Final Focus Test Beam

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Slaton, T.; Mazaheri, G. [Stanford Univ., CA (US). Stanford Linear Accelerator Center; Shintake, T. [National Lab. for High Energy Physics, Tsukuba, Ibaraki (Japan)

1998-08-01

Using a 47 GeV electron beam, the Final Focus Test Beam (FFTB) produces vertical spot sizes around 70 nm. These small beam sizes introduce an excellent opportunity to develop and test high resolution Radio Frequency Beam Position Monitors (RF-BPMs). These BPMs are designed to measure pulse to pulse beam motion (jitter) at a theoretical resolution of approximately 1 nm. The beam induces a TM{sub 110} mode with an amplitude linearly proportional to its charge and displacement from the BPM's (cylindrical cavity) axis. The C-band (5,712 MHz) TM{sub 110} signal is processed and converted into beam position for use by the Stanford Linear Collider (SLC) control system. Presented are the experimental procedures, acquisition, and analysis of data demonstrating resolution of jitter near 25 nm. With the design of future e{sup +}e{sup -} linear colliders requiring spot sizes close to 3 nm, understanding and developing RF-BPMs will be essential in resolving and controlling jitter.

Influence of microstructure on electromechanical properties of nano-crystalline La-Pb(Ni{sub 1/3}Sb{sub 2/3})-PbZrTiO{sub 3} ferroelectric ceramics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kumar, H.H.; Lonkar, C.M. [Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune (India); Balasubramanian, K. [Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (Deemed University), Pune (India)

2017-10-15

A ferroelectric ceramic composition, Pb{sub 0.98}La{sub 0.02}(Ni{sub 1/3}Sb{sub 2/3}){sub 0.05}[(Zr{sub 0.52}Ti{sub 0.48}){sub 0.995}] {sub 0.95}O{sub 3}, has been synthesized by columbite precursor method followed by mechanical activation for 10 h (MA-10) using high-energy ball mill. Formation of desired perovskite phase during activation was confirmed from analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns, while powder particle size, in nano-meter range, was revealed from high-resolution transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM) investigations. Samples were sintered between 1170 and 1320 C, and were investigated for microstructure and its influence on electromechanical properties. Increment in grain size with sintering temperature was noticed. 1220 C sintering temperature posed denser and uniform microstructure amongst all the temperatures and also showed composition close to morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) of PZT with optimum tetragonality which resulted in better electromechanical properties, suggesting the suitability of this composition for power harvesting applications. Phase transition studies revealed normal ferroelectric behaviour with transition temperature of 286 C. (orig.)

Optimization of Monochromated TEM for Ultimate Resolution Imaging and Ultrahigh Resolution Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy

KAUST Repository

Lopatin, Sergei; Cheng, Bin; Liu, Wei-Ting; Tsai, Meng-Lin; He, Jr-Hau; Chuvilin, Andrey

2017-01-01

The performance of a monochromated transmission electron microscope with Wien type monochromator is optimized to achieve an extremely narrow energy spread of electron beam and an ultrahigh energy resolution with spectroscopy. The energy spread in the beam is improved by almost an order of magnitude as compared to specified values. The optimization involves both the monochromator and the electron energy loss detection system. We demonstrate boosted capability of optimized systems with respect to ultra-low loss EELS and sub-angstrom resolution imaging (in a combination with spherical aberration correction).

Optimization of Monochromated TEM for Ultimate Resolution Imaging and Ultrahigh Resolution Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy

KAUST Repository

Lopatin, Sergei

2017-09-01

The performance of a monochromated transmission electron microscope with Wien type monochromator is optimized to achieve an extremely narrow energy spread of electron beam and an ultrahigh energy resolution with spectroscopy. The energy spread in the beam is improved by almost an order of magnitude as compared to specified values. The optimization involves both the monochromator and the electron energy loss detection system. We demonstrate boosted capability of optimized systems with respect to ultra-low loss EELS and sub-angstrom resolution imaging (in a combination with spherical aberration correction).

Virtual rough samples to test 3D nanometer-scale scanning electron microscopy stereo photogrammetry.

Science.gov (United States)

Villarrubia, J S; Tondare, V N; Vladár, A E

2016-01-01

The combination of scanning electron microscopy for high spatial resolution, images from multiple angles to provide 3D information, and commercially available stereo photogrammetry software for 3D reconstruction offers promise for nanometer-scale dimensional metrology in 3D. A method is described to test 3D photogrammetry software by the use of virtual samples-mathematical samples from which simulated images are made for use as inputs to the software under test. The virtual sample is constructed by wrapping a rough skin with any desired power spectral density around a smooth near-trapezoidal line with rounded top corners. Reconstruction is performed with images simulated from different angular viewpoints. The software's reconstructed 3D model is then compared to the known geometry of the virtual sample. Three commercial photogrammetry software packages were tested. Two of them produced results for line height and width that were within close to 1 nm of the correct values. All of the packages exhibited some difficulty in reconstructing details of the surface roughness.

Nanometer-scale temperature measurements of phase change memory and carbon nanomaterials

Science.gov (United States)

Grosse, Kyle Lane

This work investigates nanometer-scale thermometry and thermal transport in new electronic devices to mitigate future electronic energy consumption. Nanometer-scale thermal transport is integral to electronic energy consumption and limits current electronic performance. New electronic devices are required to improve future electronic performance and energy consumption, but heat generation is not well understood in these new technologies. Thermal transport deviates significantly at the nanometer-scale from macroscopic systems as low dimensional materials, grain structure, interfaces, and thermoelectric effects can dominate electronic performance. This work develops and implements an atomic force microscopy (AFM) based nanometer-scale thermometry technique, known as scanning Joule expansion microscopy (SJEM), to measure nanometer-scale heat generation in new graphene and phase change memory (PCM) devices, which have potential to improve performance and energy consumption of future electronics. Nanometer-scale thermometry of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown graphene measured the heat generation at graphene wrinkles and grain boundaries (GBs). Graphene is an atomically-thin, two dimensional (2D) carbon material with promising applications in new electronic devices. Comparing measurements and predictions of CVD graphene heating predicted the resistivity, voltage drop, and temperature rise across the one dimensional (1D) GB defects. This work measured the nanometer-scale temperature rise of thin film Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) based PCM due to Joule, thermoelectric, interface, and grain structure effects. PCM has potential to reduce energy consumption and improve performance of future electronic memory. A new nanometer-scale thermometry technique is developed for independent and direct observation of Joule and thermoelectric effects at the nanometer-scale, and the technique is demonstrated by SJEM measurements of GST devices. Uniform heating and GST properties are observed for

Refinement procedure for the image alignment in high-resolution electron tomography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Houben, L.; Bar Sadan, M.

2011-01-01

High-resolution electron tomography from a tilt series of transmission electron microscopy images requires an accurate image alignment procedure in order to maximise the resolution of the tomogram. This is the case in particular for ultra-high resolution where even very small misalignments between individual images can dramatically reduce the fidelity of the resultant reconstruction. A tomographic-reconstruction based and marker-free method is proposed, which uses an iterative optimisation of the tomogram resolution. The method utilises a search algorithm that maximises the contrast in tomogram sub-volumes. Unlike conventional cross-correlation analysis it provides the required correlation over a large tilt angle separation and guarantees a consistent alignment of images for the full range of object tilt angles. An assessment based on experimental reconstructions shows that the marker-free procedure is competitive to the reference of marker-based procedures at lower resolution and yields sub-pixel accuracy even for simulated high-resolution data. -- Highlights: → Alignment procedure for electron tomography based on iterative tomogram contrast optimisation. → Marker-free, independent of object, little user interaction. → Accuracy competitive with fiducial marker methods and suited for high-resolution tomography.

Advanced Characterization: 3D chemistry and structure at sub-nm resolution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kotula, Paul Gabriel [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States); Rye, Michael J. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

2014-10-01

This work has started the process of extending nanometer-scale comprehensive microanalysis to the 3rd dimension by combining full x-ray spectral imaging with previously developed computed tomography techniques whereby we acquire a series of spectral images for a large number of projections of the same specimen in the transmission electron microscope and then analyze the composite computed tomographic spectral image data prior to application of existing tomographic reconstruction software. We have demonstrated a needle-shaped specimen geometry (shape/size and preparation method) by focused ion beam preparation and acquisition and analysis of a complete tomographic spectral image on a test material consisting of fine-grained Ni with sub-10 nm alumina particles.

Transmission electron microscopical study of teenage crown dentin on the nanometer scale

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Panfilov, Peter, E-mail: peter.panfilov@urfu.ru [Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg (Russian Federation); Kabanova, Anna [Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg (Russian Federation); Guo, Jinming; Zhang, Zaoli [Erich Schmid Institute for Materials Science, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Leoben (Austria)

2017-02-01

Statement of significance: This is the first transmission electron microscopic study of teenage crown dentin on the nanometer scale. Samples for TEM were prepared by mechanical thinning and chemical polishing that allowed obtaining the electron transparent foils. It was firstly shown that human dentin possesses the layered morphology: the layers are oriented normally to the main axis of a tooth and have the thickness of ~ 50 nm. HA inorganic phase of teenage crown dentin is in the amorphous state. The cellular structure, which was formed from collagen fibers (diameter is ~ 5 nm), are observed near DEJ region in teenage dentin, whereas bioorganic phase of teenage crown dentin near the pulp camera does not contain the collagen fibers. Cracks in dentin thin foils have sharp tips, but big angles of opening (~ 30{sup °}) with plastic zone ahead crack tip. It means that young crown human dentin exhibits ductile or viscous-elastic fracture behavior on the nanometer scale. - Highlights: • Dentin has layered morphology. • Mineral component of dentin is in amorphous state. • Collagen fibers form cellular structure in dentin. • Cracks in dentin behave by elastic-plastic manner.

Transmission electron microscopical study of teenage crown dentin on the nanometer scale

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Panfilov, Peter; Kabanova, Anna; Guo, Jinming; Zhang, Zaoli

2017-01-01

Statement of significance: This is the first transmission electron microscopic study of teenage crown dentin on the nanometer scale. Samples for TEM were prepared by mechanical thinning and chemical polishing that allowed obtaining the electron transparent foils. It was firstly shown that human dentin possesses the layered morphology: the layers are oriented normally to the main axis of a tooth and have the thickness of ~ 50 nm. HA inorganic phase of teenage crown dentin is in the amorphous state. The cellular structure, which was formed from collagen fibers (diameter is ~ 5 nm), are observed near DEJ region in teenage dentin, whereas bioorganic phase of teenage crown dentin near the pulp camera does not contain the collagen fibers. Cracks in dentin thin foils have sharp tips, but big angles of opening (~ 30 ° ) with plastic zone ahead crack tip. It means that young crown human dentin exhibits ductile or viscous-elastic fracture behavior on the nanometer scale. - Highlights: • Dentin has layered morphology. • Mineral component of dentin is in amorphous state. • Collagen fibers form cellular structure in dentin. • Cracks in dentin behave by elastic-plastic manner.

Electron beam and mechanical lithographies as enabling factors for organic-based device fabrication

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Visconti, P.; Pisignano, D.; Della Torre, A.; Persano, L.; Maruccio, G.; Biasco, A.; Cingolani, R.; Rinaldi, R.

2005-01-01

Organic-based photonics and molecular electronics are attracting an increasing interest in modern science. The realization of high-resolution master structures by electron beam lithography (EBL) and their transfer to different organic functional materials by mechanical lithographies allow to fully exploit the wide flexibility of molecular systems for opto- and nanoelectronic devices. Planar nanojunctions, consisting of two metallic electrodes separated by an insulating medium, permit to test the molecular conduction properties. Since the typical size of a biomolecule is of the order of a few nanometer, hybrid molecular electronic (HME) devices need metallic electrodes separated by a nanometer-scale channel. Conversely, photonic applications often require 100 nm to 1 μm features on large areas. In this work, we report on the fabrication of both large-area periodic master structures with resolution down to 200 nm, and planar metallic electrodes with sub-10 nm separation obtained by EBL followed by metal electroplating deposition. The fabricated 3-terminal bio-nanodevices show a transistor-like behaviour with a maximum voltage gain of 0.76. Moreover, we developed a number of mechanical patterning methods, including soft hot embossing, rapid prototyping, sub-micrometer fluidics, high- and room-temperature nanoimprinting, to fabricate planar nanostructures on both biomolecular and organic materials. These allowed us a high-fidelity pattern transfer up to 100-nm scale resolution, without reducing the emission yields of light-emitting organics, thus opening the way to the one-step realization of organic-based confined optoelectronic devices

Nanometer Characterization/Manipulation Facility

Data.gov (United States)

Federal Laboratory Consortium — FUNCTION: Characterizes the nanometer scale of biological, chemical, physical, electronic, and mechanical properties of surfaces and thin films using scanning probe...

Refinement procedure for the image alignment in high-resolution electron tomography.

Science.gov (United States)

Houben, L; Bar Sadan, M

2011-01-01

High-resolution electron tomography from a tilt series of transmission electron microscopy images requires an accurate image alignment procedure in order to maximise the resolution of the tomogram. This is the case in particular for ultra-high resolution where even very small misalignments between individual images can dramatically reduce the fidelity of the resultant reconstruction. A tomographic-reconstruction based and marker-free method is proposed, which uses an iterative optimisation of the tomogram resolution. The method utilises a search algorithm that maximises the contrast in tomogram sub-volumes. Unlike conventional cross-correlation analysis it provides the required correlation over a large tilt angle separation and guarantees a consistent alignment of images for the full range of object tilt angles. An assessment based on experimental reconstructions shows that the marker-free procedure is competitive to the reference of marker-based procedures at lower resolution and yields sub-pixel accuracy even for simulated high-resolution data. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Controlling a three dimensional electron slab of graded Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1−x}N

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Adhikari, R., E-mail: rajdeep.adhikari@jku.at; Capuzzo, G.; Bonanni, A., E-mail: alberta.bonanni@jku.at [Institut für Halbleiter-und-Festkörperphysik, Johannes Kepler University, Altenbergerstr. 69, A-4040 Linz (Austria); Li, Tian [Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Lotników 32/46, PL-02 668 Warszawa (Poland)

2016-01-11

Polarization induced degenerate n-type doping with electron concentrations up to ∼10{sup 20 }cm{sup −3} is achieved in graded Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1−x}N layers (x: 0% → 37%) grown on unintentionally doped and on n-doped GaN:Si buffer/reservoir layers by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy. High resolution x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and electron dispersive x-ray spectroscopy confirm the gradient in the composition of the Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1−x}N layers, while Hall effect studies reveal the formation of a three dimensional electron slab, whose conductivity can be adjusted through the GaN(:Si) buffer/reservoir.

Nanopore Measurements of Filamentous Viruses Reveal a Sub-nanometer-Scale Stagnant Fluid Layer.

Science.gov (United States)

McMullen, Angus J; Tang, Jay X; Stein, Derek

2017-11-28

We report measurements and analyses of nanopore translocations by fd and M13, two related strains of filamentous virus that are identical except for their charge densities. The standard continuum theory of electrokinetics greatly overestimates the translocation speed and the conductance associated with counterions for both viruses. Furthermore, fd and M13 behave differently from one another, even translocating in opposite directions under certain conditions. This cannot be explained by Manning-condensed counterions or a number of other proposed models. Instead, we argue that these anomalous findings are consequences of the breakdown of the validity of continuum hydrodynamics at the scale of a few molecular layers. Next to a polyelectrolyte, there exists an extra-viscous, sub-nanometer-thin boundary layer that has a giant influence on the transport characteristics. We show that a stagnant boundary layer captures the essential hydrodynamics and extends the validity of the electrokinetic theory beyond the continuum limit. A stagnant layer with a thickness of about half a nanometer consistently improves predictions of the ionic current change induced by virus translocations and of the translocation velocity for both fd and M13 over a wide range of nanopore dimensions and salt concentrations.

Quantitative measurement of mean inner potential and specimen thickness from high-resolution off-axis electron holograms of ultra-thin layered WSe{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Winkler, Florian, E-mail: f.winkler@fz-juelich.de [Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C), Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich (Germany); Peter Grünberg Institute 5 (PGI-5), Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich (Germany); Tavabi, Amir H. [Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C), Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich (Germany); Peter Grünberg Institute 5 (PGI-5), Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich (Germany); Barthel, Juri [Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C), Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich (Germany); Gemeinschaftslabor für Elektronenmikroskopie (GFE), RWTH Aachen University, D-52074 Aachen (Germany); Duchamp, Martial [Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C), Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich (Germany); Peter Grünberg Institute 5 (PGI-5), Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich (Germany); Yucelen, Emrah [FEI Company, Achtseweg Noord 5, Eindhoven 5600 KA (Netherlands); Borghardt, Sven; Kardynal, Beata E. [Peter Grünberg Institute 9 (PGI-9), Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich (Germany); and others

2017-07-15

The phase and amplitude of the electron wavefunction that has passed through ultra-thin flakes of WSe{sub 2} is measured from high-resolution off-axis electron holograms. Both the experimental measurements and corresponding computer simulations are used to show that, as a result of dynamical diffraction, the spatially averaged phase does not increase linearly with specimen thickness close to an [001] zone axis orientation even when the specimen has a thickness of only a few layers. It is then not possible to infer the local specimen thickness of the WSe{sub 2} from either the phase or the amplitude alone. Instead, we show that the combined analysis of phase and amplitude from experimental measurements and simulations allows an accurate determination of the local specimen thickness. The relationship between phase and projected potential is shown to be approximately linear for extremely thin specimens that are tilted by several degrees in certain directions from the [001] zone axis. A knowledge of the specimen thickness then allows the electrostatic potential to be determined from the measured phase. By using this combined approach, we determine a value for the mean inner potential of WSe{sub 2} of 18.9±0.8 V, which is 12% lower than the value calculated from neutral atom scattering factors. - Highlights: • Quantitative analysis of high resolution electron holograms of WSe{sub 2}. • Local specimen thickness determination and estimation of tilt angle. • Mean inner potential evaluation of WSe2 avoiding dynamical diffraction.

Nanometer scale materials - characterization and fabrication

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Murday, J.S.; Colton, R.J.; Rath, B.B.

1993-01-01

Materials and solid state scientists have made excellent progress in understanding material behavior in length scales from microns to meters. Below a micron, the lack of analytical prowess has been a deterrent. At the atomic scale, chemistry and atomic/molecular physics have also contributed significant understanding of matter. The maturity of these three communities, materials, solid state physics, atomic/molecular physics/chemistry, coupled with the development of analytical capability for nanometer-sized structures, promises to broaden our grasp of materials behavior into the last realm of unexplored size scales-nanometer. The motivation for this effort is driven both by the expectation of novel properties as well as by the potential solution to long standing technological issues. Critical scale lengths for many material properties fall in the nanometer range, examples include superconductor coherence lengths, electron inelastic mean free paths, electron wavelengths in solids, critical lengths for dislocation generation. Structures of nanometer size will undoubtedly show behavior unexpected from experience at the larger and smaller scales. Many technological problems such as adhesion, friction, corrosion, elasticity and fracture are believed to depend critically on nanometer scale phenomena. The millennia-old efforts to improve materials behavior have undoubtedly been slowed by our inability to 'observe' in this size range. (orig.)

A general approach to homogeneous sub-nanometer metallic particle/graphene composites by S-coordinator

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Senhao; Wang, Wei; Gu, Shangzhi; Zhang, Guoxin; Song, Ningning

2018-05-01

In this study, sulphur-modified reduced graphene oxide (S-rGO) was employed as substrate to investigate the growth mechanism of metal and metallic nanoparticles (NPs). It is observed that the monodispersed Au, SnO2, FeO(OH) and Co3S4 NPs in sub-nanometer (sub-nm) with narrow size distribution were successfully anchored on S-rGO, respectively. The results indicate that the S contained radicals, viz. the Cdbnd S and Csbnd Ssbnd C functional groups play an important role in determining the homogeneous distribution of NPs on S-rGO by providing active sites for the NPs anchoring and nucleation. In additional, as anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the as-synthesized sub-nm sized Co3S4/S-rGO and SnO2/S-rGO composites show excellent Li storage performance. It could be stabilized at ca. 600 mAh/g after formation cycle with the coulombic efficiency of 98%. It is expected that the strategy of growing sub-nm sized metallic component onto graphene by applying sulphur functionalities could be utilized as a general method to prepare monodispersed graphene-based NPs with other metals, especially with transition metals in sub-nm sizes.

On the optical stability of high-resolution transmission electron microscopes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barthel, J.; Thust, A.

2013-01-01

In the recent two decades the technique of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy experienced an unprecedented progress through the introduction of hardware aberration correctors and by the improvement of the achievable resolution to the sub-Ångström level. The important aspect that aberration correction at a given resolution requires also a well defined amount of optical stability has received little attention so far. Therefore we investigate the qualification of a variety of high-resolution electron microscopes to maintain an aberration corrected optical state in terms of an optical lifetime. We develop a comprehensive statistical framework for the estimation of the optical lifetime and find remarkably low values between tens of seconds and a couple of minutes. Probability curves are introduced, which inform the operator about the chance to work still in the fully aberration corrected state. - Highlights: • We investigate the temporal stability of optical aberrations in HRTEM. • We develop a statistical framework for the estimation of optical lifetimes. • We introduce plots showing the success probability for aberration-free work. • Optical lifetimes in sub-Ångström electron microscopy are surprisingly low. • The success of aberration correction depends strongly on the optical stability

Resolving three-dimensional shape of sub-50 nm wide lines with nanometer-scale sensitivity using conventional optical microscopes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Attota, Ravikiran; Dixson, Ronald G.

2014-01-01

We experimentally demonstrate that the three-dimensional (3-D) shape variations of nanometer-scale objects can be resolved and measured with sub-nanometer scale sensitivity using conventional optical microscopes by analyzing 4-D optical data using the through-focus scanning optical microscopy (TSOM) method. These initial results show that TSOM-determined cross-sectional (3-D) shape differences of 30 nm–40 nm wide lines agree well with critical-dimension atomic force microscope measurements. The TSOM method showed a linewidth uncertainty of 1.22 nm (k = 2). Complex optical simulations are not needed for analysis using the TSOM method, making the process simple, economical, fast, and ideally suited for high volume nanomanufacturing process monitoring.

Nanoscale probing of bandgap states on oxide particles using electron energy-loss spectroscopy.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Qianlang; March, Katia; Crozier, Peter A

2017-07-01

Surface and near-surface electronic states were probed with nanometer spatial resolution in MgO and TiO 2 anatase nanoparticles using ultra-high energy resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) coupled to a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). This combination allows the surface electronic structure determined with spectroscopy to be correlated with nanoparticle size, morphology, facet etc. By acquiring the spectra in aloof beam mode, radiation damage to the surface can be significantly reduced while maintaining the nanometer spatial resolution. MgO and TiO 2 showed very different bandgap features associated with the surface/sub-surface layer of the nanoparticles. Spectral simulations based on dielectric theory and density of states models showed that a plateau feature found in the pre-bandgap region in the spectra from (100) surfaces of 60nm MgO nanocubes is consistent with a thin hydroxide surface layer. The spectroscopy shows that this hydroxide species gives rise to a broad filled surface state at 1.1eV above the MgO valence band. At the surfaces of TiO 2 nanoparticles, pronounced peaks were observed in the bandgap region, which could not be well fitted to defect states. In this case, the high refractive index and large particle size may make Cherenkov or guided light modes the likely causes of the peaks. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-resolution three-dimensional mapping of semiconductor dopant potentials

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Twitchett, AC; Yates, TJV; Newcomb, SB

2007-01-01

Semiconductor device structures are becoming increasingly three-dimensional at the nanometer scale. A key issue that must be addressed to enable future device development is the three-dimensional mapping of dopant distributions, ideally under "working conditions". Here we demonstrate how a combin......Semiconductor device structures are becoming increasingly three-dimensional at the nanometer scale. A key issue that must be addressed to enable future device development is the three-dimensional mapping of dopant distributions, ideally under "working conditions". Here we demonstrate how...... a combination of electron holography and electron tomography can be used to determine quantitatively the three-dimensional electrostatic potential in an electrically biased semiconductor device with nanometer spatial resolution....

High mass-resolution electron-ion-ion coincidence measurements on core-excited organic molecules

CERN Document Server

Tokushima, T; Senba, Y; Yoshida, H; Hiraya, A

2001-01-01

Total electron-ion-ion coincidence measurements on core excited organic molecules have been carried out with high mass resolution by using multimode (reflectron/linear) time-of-flight mass analyzer. From the ion correlation spectra of core excited CH sub 3 OH and CD sub 3 OH, the reaction pathway to form H sub 3 sup + (D sub 3 sup +) is identified as the elimination of three H (D) atoms from the methyl group, not as the inter-group (-CH sub 3 and -OH) interactions. In a PEPIPICO spectrum of acetylacetone (CH sub 3 COCH sub 2 COCH sub 3) measured by using a reflectron TOF, correlations between ions up to mass number 70 with one-mass resolution was recorded.

Effects of dynamic diffraction conditions on magnetic parameter determination in a double perovskite Sr{sub 2}FeMoO{sub 6} using electron energy-loss magnetic chiral dichroism

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Z.C. [National Center for Electron Microscopy in Beijing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials (MOE), The State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Zhong, X.Y., E-mail: xyzhong@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn [National Center for Electron Microscopy in Beijing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials (MOE), The State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Jin, L. [Peter Grünberg Institute and Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich (Germany); Chen, X.F. [National Center for Electron Microscopy in Beijing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials (MOE), The State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Moritomo, Y. [Graduate School of Pure & Applied Science and Faculty of Pure & Applied Science, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-7571 (Japan); Mayer, J. [Peter Grünberg Institute and Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich (Germany); Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen (Germany)

2017-05-15

Electron energy-loss magnetic chiral dichroism (EMCD) spectroscopy, which is similar to the well-established X-ray magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy (XMCD), can determine the quantitative magnetic parameters of materials with high spatial resolution. One of the major obstacles in quantitative analysis using the EMCD technique is the relatively poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), compared to XMCD. Here, in the example of a double perovskite Sr{sub 2}FeMoO{sub 6}, we predicted the optimal dynamical diffraction conditions such as sample thickness, crystallographic orientation and detection aperture position by theoretical simulations. By using the optimized conditions, we showed that the SNR of experimental EMCD spectra can be significantly improved and the error of quantitative magnetic parameter determined by EMCD technique can be remarkably lowered. Our results demonstrate that, with enhanced SNR, the EMCD technique can be a unique tool to understand the structure-property relationship of magnetic materials particularly in the high-density magnetic recording and spintronic devices by quantitatively determining magnetic structure and properties at the nanometer scale. - Highlights: • We demonstrate how to choose the optimal experimental conditions by using dynamical diffraction calculations in Sr{sub 2}FeMoO{sub 6}. • With optimized diffraction conditions, the signal-to-noise ratio of experimental EMCD spectra has been significantly improved. • We have determined orbital to spin magnetic moment ratio of Sr{sub 2}FeMoO{sub 6} quantitatively. • We have discussed the effects of dynamical diffraction conditions on the error bar of quantitative magnetic parameters.

Structure and orbital ordering of ultrathin LaVO{sub 3} probed by atomic resolution electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lindfors-Vrejoiu, Ionela; Engelmayer, Johannes; Loosdrecht, Paul H.M. van [II. Physikalisches Institut, Koeln Univ. (Germany); Jin, Lei; Jia, Chun-Lin [Peter Gruenberg Institut (PGI-5) and Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C), Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH (Germany); Himcinschi, Cameliu [Institut fuer Theoretische Physik, TU Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany); Hensling, Felix; Waser, Rainer; Dittmann, Regina [Peter Gruenberg Institut (PGI-7), Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH (Germany)

2017-03-15

Orbital ordering has been less investigated in epitaxial thin films, due to the difficulty to evidence directly the occurrence of this phenomenon in thin film samples. Atomic resolution electron microscopy enabled us to observe the structural details of the ultrathin LaVO{sub 3} films. The transition to orbital ordering of epitaxial layers as thin as ∼4 nm was probed by temperature-dependent Raman scattering spectroscopy of multilayer samples. From the occurrence and temperature dependence of the 700 cm{sup -1} Raman active mode it can be inferred that the structural phase transition associated with orbital ordering takes place in ultrathin LaVO{sub 3} films at about 130 K. (copyright 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Neutron radiography with sub-15 {mu}m resolution through event centroiding

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tremsin, Anton S., E-mail: ast@ssl.berkeley.edu [Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720 (United States); McPhate, Jason B.; Vallerga, John V.; Siegmund, Oswald H.W. [Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720 (United States); Bruce Feller, W. [NOVA Scientific, Inc. 10 Picker Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566 (United States); Lehmann, Eberhard; Kaestner, Anders; Boillat, Pierre; Panzner, Tobias; Filges, Uwe [Spallation Neutron Source Division, Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232 Villigen (Switzerland)

2012-10-01

Conversion of thermal and cold neutrons into a strong {approx}1 ns electron pulse with an absolute neutron detection efficiency as high as 50-70% makes detectors with {sup 10}B-doped Microchannel Plates (MCPs) very attractive for neutron radiography and microtomography applications. The subsequent signal amplification preserves the location of the event within the MCP pore (typically 6-10 {mu}m in diameter), providing the possibility to perform neutron counting with high spatial resolution. Different event centroiding techniques of the charge landing on a patterned anode enable accurate reconstruction of the neutron position, provided the charge footprints do not overlap within the time required for event processing. The new fast 2 Multiplication-Sign 2 Timepix readout with >1.2 kHz frame rates provides the unique possibility to detect neutrons with sub-15 {mu}m resolution at several MHz/cm{sup 2} counting rates. The results of high resolution neutron radiography experiments presented in this paper, demonstrate the sub-15 {mu}m resolution capability of our detection system. The high degree of collimation and cold spectrum of ICON and BOA beamlines combined with the high spatial resolution and detection efficiency of MCP-Timepix detectors are crucial for high contrast neutron radiography and microtomography with high spatial resolution. The next generation of Timepix electronics with sparsified readout should enable counting rates in excess of 10{sup 7} n/cm{sup 2}/s taking full advantage of high beam intensity of present brightest neutron imaging facilities.

Scanning tunneling spectroscopy on vortex cores in high-T{sub c} superconductors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hoogenboom, B.W.; Maggio-Aprile, I.; Fischer, Oe. [Geneva Univ. (Switzerland). Dept. de Physique de la Matiere Condensee; Renner, C. [NEC Research Inst., Princeton, NJ (United States)

2002-07-01

Scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) with its unique capacity for tunneling spectroscopy with sub-nanometer spatial resolution, has opened new ways to look at the flux lines and their distribution in superconductors. In contrast to all other imaging techniques, which are sensitive to the local magnetic field, STM relies on local changes in the density of states near the Fermi level to generate a real space image of the vortex distribution. It is thus sensitive to the vortex cores, which in high temperature superconductors have a size approaching the interatomic distances. The small size of the vortex cores and the anisotropic character of the high temperature superconductors allow pinning to play a large role in determining the vortex core positions. Vortex hopping between different pinning sites, again down to a sub-nanometer scale, has been studied by STM imaging as a function of time. These studies give microscopic indications for quantum tunneling of vortices. Moreover, STM provides new insights into the detailed electronic vortex core structure, revealing localized quasiparticles. (orig.)

Electron microscopy analyses and electrical properties of the layered Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} phase

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Taoufyq, A. [Institut Matériaux Microélectronique et Nanosciences de Provence, IM2NP, UMR CNRS 7334, Université du Sud Toulon-Var, BP 20132, 83957, La Garde Cedex (France); Laboratoire Matériaux et Environnement LME, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Zohr, BP 8106, Cité Dakhla, Agadir, Maroc (Morocco); Département d‘Études des Réacteurs, Laboratoire Dosimétrie Capteurs Instrumentation, CEA Cadarache (France); Société CESIGMA—Signals and Systems, 1576 Chemin de La Planquette, F 83 130 LA GARDE (France); Ait Ahsaine, H. [Laboratoire Matériaux et Environnement LME, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Zohr, BP 8106, Cité Dakhla, Agadir, Maroc (Morocco); Patout, L. [Institut Matériaux Microélectronique et Nanosciences de Provence, IM2NP, UMR CNRS 7334, Université du Sud Toulon-Var, BP 20132, 83957, La Garde Cedex (France); Benlhachemi, A.; Ezahri, M. [Laboratoire Matériaux et Environnement LME, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Zohr, BP 8106, Cité Dakhla, Agadir, Maroc (Morocco); and others

2013-07-15

The bismuth tungstate Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} was synthesized using a classical coprecipitation method followed by a calcination process at different temperatures. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) analyses. The Rietveld analysis and electron diffraction clearly confirmed the Pca2{sub 1} non centrosymmetric space group previously proposed for this phase. The layers Bi{sub 2}O{sub 2}{sup 2+} and WO{sub 4}{sup 2−} have been directly evidenced from the HRTEM images. The electrical properties of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} compacted pellets systems were determined from electrical impedance spectrometry (EIS) and direct current (DC) analyses, under air and argon, between 350 and 700 °C. The direct current analyses showed that the conduction observed from EIS analyses was mainly ionic in this temperature range, with a small electronic contribution. Electrical change above the transition temperature of 660 °C is observed under air and argon atmospheres. The strong conductivity increase observed under argon is interpreted in terms of formation of additional oxygen vacancies coupled with electron conduction. - Graphical abstract: High resolution transmission electron microscopy: inverse fast Fourier transform giving the layered structure of the Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} phase, with a representation of the cell dimensions (b and c vectors). The Bi{sub 2}O{sub 2}{sup 2+} and WO{sub 4}{sup 2−} sandwiches are visible in the IFFT image. - Highlights: • Using transmission electron microscopy, we visualize the layered structure of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}. • Electrical analyses under argon gas show some increase in conductivity. • The phase transition at 660 °C is evidenced from electrical modification.

Evidence of emerging Griffiths singularity in La{sub 0.5} Sr{sub 0.5} MnO{sub 3} nanocrystalline probed by magnetization and electron paramagnetic resonance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Xiyuan [Department of Applied Physics, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016 (China); Fan, Jiyu, E-mail: jiyufan@nuaa.edu.cn [Department of Applied Physics, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016 (China); Xu, Lisa [Department of Applied Physics, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016 (China); Tong, Wei [High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031 (China); Hu, Dazhi [Department of Applied Physics, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016 (China); He, Xun [College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 (China); Zhang, Lei; Pi, Li; Zhang, Yuheng [High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031 (China)

2016-06-01

We present an investigation of Griffiths singularity in La{sub 0.5} Sr{sub 0.5} MnO{sub 3} nanocrystalline by means of magnetic susceptibility and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). An unusual platform was found in paramagnetic region. Based on the analysis of EPR spectrum and magnetization variation across the whole temperature range of phase transition, we confirm it is due to the presence of Griffiths singularity rather than a superparamagnetic state in the nanocrystalline system. Such a singularity phase is constituted with some correlated ferromagnetic clusters which embed in paramagnetic matrix. Although they form ferromagnetic spin correlation, the system do not yield any spontaneous magnetization. According to core–shell model, the emergence of Griffiths singularity can be considered due to the presence of local ferromagnetic fluctuations originated from surface spin disorder as the sample size is confined to nanoscale. - Highlights: • Griffiths singularity rather than superparamagnetism occurs in La{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticals. • The sample’s size reduced to nanoscale results in the short-range ferromagnetic interaction. • The core-shell model is used to understand the formation of Griffiths phase in nanometer La{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}MnO{sub 3}.

Computational evaluation of sub-nanometer cluster activity of singly exposed copper atom with various coordinative environment in catalytic CO2 transformation

Science.gov (United States)

Shanmugam, Ramasamy; Thamaraichelvan, Arunachalam; Ganesan, Tharumeya Kuppusamy; Viswanathan, Balasubramanian

2017-02-01

Metal cluster, at sub-nanometer level has a unique property in the activation of small molecules, in contrast to that of bulk surface. In the present work, singly exposed active site of copper metal cluster at sub-nanometer level was designed to arrive at the energy minimised configurations, binding energy, electrostatic potential map, frontier molecular orbitals and partial density of states. The ab initio molecular dynamics was carried out to probe the catalytic nature of the cluster. Further, the stability of the metal cluster and its catalytic activity in the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO were evaluated by means of computational hydrogen electrode via calculation of the free energy profile using DFT/B3LYP level of theory in vacuum. The activity of the cluster is ascertained from the fact that the copper atom, present in a two coordinative environment, performs a more selective conversion of CO2 to CO at an applied potential of -0.35 V which is comparatively lower than that of higher coordinative sites. The present study helps to design any sub-nano level metal catalyst for electrochemical reduction of CO2 to various value added chemicals.

Nanometer-sized emissions from municipal waste incinerators: A qualitative risk assessment

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Johnson, David R., E-mail: david.r.johnson@ghd.com

2016-12-15

Municipal waste incinerators (MWI) are beneficial alternatives to landfills for waste management. A recent constituent of concern in emissions from these facilities is incidental nanometer-sized particles (INP{sub MWI}), i.e., particles smaller than 1 micrometer in size that may deposit in the deepest parts of the lungs, cross into the bloodstream, and affect different regions of the body. With limited data, the public may fear INP{sub MWI} due to uncertainty, which may affect public acceptance, regulatory permitting, and the increased lowering of air quality standards. Despite limited data, a qualitative risk assessment paradigm can be applied to determine the relative risk due to INP{sub MWI} emissions. This review compiles existing data on nanometer-sized particle generation by MWIs, emissions control technologies used at MWIs, emission releases into the atmosphere, human population exposure, and adverse health effects of nanometer-sized particles to generate a qualitative risk assessment and identify data gaps. The qualitative risk assessment conservatively concludes that INP{sub MWI} pose a low to moderate risk to individuals, primarily due to the lack of relevant toxicological data on INP{sub MWI} mixtures in ambient particulate matter.

Mechanism and Prediction of Gas Permeation through Sub-Nanometer Graphene Pores: Comparison of Theory and Simulation.

Science.gov (United States)

Yuan, Zhe; Govind Rajan, Ananth; Misra, Rahul Prasanna; Drahushuk, Lee W; Agrawal, Kumar Varoon; Strano, Michael S; Blankschtein, Daniel

2017-08-22

Due to its atomic thickness, porous graphene with sub-nanometer pore sizes constitutes a promising candidate for gas separation membranes that exhibit ultrahigh permeances. While graphene pores can greatly facilitate gas mixture separation, there is currently no validated analytical framework with which one can predict gas permeation through a given graphene pore. In this work, we simulate the permeation of adsorptive gases, such as CO 2 and CH 4 , through sub-nanometer graphene pores using molecular dynamics simulations. We show that gas permeation can typically be decoupled into two steps: (1) adsorption of gas molecules to the pore mouth and (2) translocation of gas molecules from the pore mouth on one side of the graphene membrane to the pore mouth on the other side. We find that the translocation rate coefficient can be expressed using an Arrhenius-type equation, where the energy barrier and the pre-exponential factor can be theoretically predicted using the transition state theory for classical barrier crossing events. We propose a relation between the pre-exponential factor and the entropy penalty of a gas molecule crossing the pore. Furthermore, on the basis of the theory, we propose an efficient algorithm to calculate CO 2 and CH 4 permeances per pore for sub-nanometer graphene pores of any shape. For the CO 2 /CH 4 mixture, the graphene nanopores exhibit a trade-off between the CO 2 permeance and the CO 2 /CH 4 separation factor. This upper bound on a Robeson plot of selectivity versus permeance for a given pore density is predicted and described by the theory. Pores with CO 2 /CH 4 separation factors higher than 10 2 have CO 2 permeances per pore lower than 10 -22 mol s -1 Pa -1 , and pores with separation factors of ∼10 have CO 2 permeances per pore between 10 -22 and 10 -21 mol s -1 Pa -1 . Finally, we show that a pore density of 10 14 m -2 is required for a porous graphene membrane to exceed the permeance-selectivity upper bound of polymeric

Electron beam-induced structural transformations of MoO{sub 3} and MoO{sub 3-x} crystalline nanostructures

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Diaz-Droguett, D. E., E-mail: dodiaz@fis.puc.cl [Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Departamento de Fisica, Facultad de Fisica (Chile); Zuniga, A. [Universidad de Chile, Departamento de Ingenieria Mecanica, Facultad de Ciencias Fisicas y Matematicas (Chile); Solorzano, G. [PUC-RIO, Departamento de Ciencia dos Materiais e Metalurgia, DCMM (Brazil); Fuenzalida, V. M. [Universidad de Chile, Departamento de Fisica, Facultad de Ciencias Fisicas y Matematicas (Chile)

2012-01-15

Electron beam-induced damage and structural changes in MoO{sub 3} and MoO{sub 3-x} single crystalline nanostructures were revealed by in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination (at 200 kV) after few minutes of concentrating the electron beam onto small areas (diameters between 25 and 200 nm) of the samples. The damage was evaluated recording TEM images, while the structural changes were revealed acquiring selected area electron diffraction patterns and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images after different irradiation times. The as-received nanostructures of orthorhombic MoO{sub 3} were transformed to a Magneli's phase of the oxide ({gamma}-Mo{sub 4}O{sub 11}) after {approx}10 min of electron beam irradiation. The oxygen loss from the oxide promoted structural changes. HRTEM observations showed that, in the first stage of the reduction, oxygen vacancies generated by the electron beam are accommodated by forming crystallographic shear planes. At a later stage of the reduction process, a polycrystalline structure was developed with highly oxygen-deficient grains. The structural changes can be attributed to the local heating of the irradiated zone combined with radiolysis.

Coherent 3D nanostructure of γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}: Simulation of whole X-ray powder diffraction pattern

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pakharukova, V.P., E-mail: verapakh@catalysis.ru [Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS, Pr. Lavrentieva 5, 630090 Novosibirsk (Russian Federation); Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Street 2, 630090 Novosibirsk (Russian Federation); Research and Educational Center for Energy Efficient Catalysis, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090 (Russian Federation); Yatsenko, D.A. [Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS, Pr. Lavrentieva 5, 630090 Novosibirsk (Russian Federation); Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Street 2, 630090 Novosibirsk (Russian Federation); Gerasimov, E. Yu.; Shalygin, A.S.; Martyanov, O.N.; Tsybulya, S.V. [Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS, Pr. Lavrentieva 5, 630090 Novosibirsk (Russian Federation); Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Street 2, 630090 Novosibirsk (Russian Federation); Research and Educational Center for Energy Efficient Catalysis, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090 (Russian Federation)

2017-02-15

The structure and nanostructure features of nanocrystalline γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} obtained by dehydration of boehmite with anisotropic platelet-shaped particles were investigated. The original models of 3D coherent nanostructure of γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} were constructed. The models of nanostructured γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles were first confirmed by a direct simulation of powder X–Ray diffraction (XRD) patterns using the Debye Scattering Equation (DSE) with assistance of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) study. The average crystal structure of γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} was shown to be tetragonally distorted. The experimental results revealed that thin γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} platelets were heterogeneous on a nanometer scale and nanometer-sized building blocks were separated by partially coherent interfaces. The XRD simulation results showed that a specific packing of the primary crystalline blocks in the nanostructured γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles with formation of planar defects on (001), (100), and (101) planes nicely accounted for pronounced diffuse scattering, anisotropic peak broadening and peak shifts in the experimental XRD pattern. The identified planar defects in cation sublattice seem to be described as filling cation non-spinel sites in existing crystallographic models of γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} structure. The overall findings provided an insight into the complex nanostructure, which is intrinsic to the metastable γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} oxide. - Highlights: • Thin plate-like crystallites of γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} were obtained. • Models of 3D coherent nanostructure of γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} were constructed. • Models were verified by simulating XRD patterns using the Debye Scattering Equation. • Specific broadening of XRD peaks was explained in terms of planar defects. • Primary crystalline blocks in γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} are separated by partially coherent interfaces.

Sparsity-Based Super Resolution for SEM Images.

Science.gov (United States)

Tsiper, Shahar; Dicker, Or; Kaizerman, Idan; Zohar, Zeev; Segev, Mordechai; Eldar, Yonina C

2017-09-13

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is an electron microscope that produces an image of a sample by scanning it with a focused beam of electrons. The electrons interact with the atoms in the sample, which emit secondary electrons that contain information about the surface topography and composition. The sample is scanned by the electron beam point by point, until an image of the surface is formed. Since its invention in 1942, the capabilities of SEMs have become paramount in the discovery and understanding of the nanometer world, and today it is extensively used for both research and in industry. In principle, SEMs can achieve resolution better than one nanometer. However, for many applications, working at subnanometer resolution implies an exceedingly large number of scanning points. For exactly this reason, the SEM diagnostics of microelectronic chips is performed either at high resolution (HR) over a small area or at low resolution (LR) while capturing a larger portion of the chip. Here, we employ sparse coding and dictionary learning to algorithmically enhance low-resolution SEM images of microelectronic chips-up to the level of the HR images acquired by slow SEM scans, while considerably reducing the noise. Our methodology consists of two steps: an offline stage of learning a joint dictionary from a sequence of LR and HR images of the same region in the chip, followed by a fast-online super-resolution step where the resolution of a new LR image is enhanced. We provide several examples with typical chips used in the microelectronics industry, as well as a statistical study on arbitrary images with characteristic structural features. Conceptually, our method works well when the images have similar characteristics, as microelectronics chips do. This work demonstrates that employing sparsity concepts can greatly improve the performance of SEM, thereby considerably increasing the scanning throughput without compromising on analysis quality and resolution.

Sub-nanometer emittance monitor for high brightness synchrotron radiation source

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nakajima, K.

1991-01-01

Method of measuring a very small beam emittance in electron storage rings is presented. The monitor can sense an intrinsic emittance of beam particles by detecting the angular distribution of Compton scatterings of laser photons on beam electrons. It is possible to achieve measurement resolution smaller than 10 -9 m-rad without difficulty. (author)

Atomic imaging using secondary electrons in a scanning transmission electron microscope: experimental observations and possible mechanisms.

Science.gov (United States)

Inada, H; Su, D; Egerton, R F; Konno, M; Wu, L; Ciston, J; Wall, J; Zhu, Y

2011-06-01

We report detailed investigation of high-resolution imaging using secondary electrons (SE) with a sub-nanometer probe in an aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope, Hitachi HD2700C. This instrument also allows us to acquire the corresponding annular dark-field (ADF) images both simultaneously and separately. We demonstrate that atomic SE imaging is achievable for a wide range of elements, from uranium to carbon. Using the ADF images as a reference, we studied the SE image intensity and contrast as functions of applied bias, atomic number, crystal tilt, and thickness to shed light on the origin of the unexpected ultrahigh resolution in SE imaging. We have also demonstrated that the SE signal is sensitive to the terminating species at a crystal surface. A possible mechanism for atomic-scale SE imaging is proposed. The ability to image both the surface and bulk of a sample at atomic-scale is unprecedented, and can have important applications in the field of electron microscopy and materials characterization. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Limiting factors in single particle cryo electron tomography

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mikhail Kudryashev

2012-07-01

Full Text Available Modern methods of cryo electron microscopy and tomography allow visualization of protein nanomachines in their native state at the nanometer scale. Image processing methods including sub-volume averaging applied to repeating macromolecular elements within tomograms allow exploring their structures within the native context of the cell, avoiding the need for protein isolation and purification. Today, many different data acquisition protocols and software solutions are available to researchers to determine average structures of macromolecular complexes and potentially to classify structural intermediates. Here, we list the density maps reported in the literature, and analyze each structure for the chosen instrumental settings, sample conditions, main processing steps, and obtained resolution. We present conclusions that identify factors currently limiting the resolution gained by this approach.

Amorphous-like interfacial layer between a high-T{sub c} superconducting Tl-1223 film and a Ag substrate examined by high-voltage high-resolution transmission electron microscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Bongjun; Kim, Hyuntak [Electronics and Tele-Communications Research Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Nagai, Takuro; Matsui, Yoshio [National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki (Japan); Horiuchi, Shigeo; Jeong, Daeyeong [Electrotechnology Research Institute, Changwon (Korea, Republic of); Deinhofer, Christian; Gritzner, Gerhard [Johannes Kepler University, Linz (Austria); Kim, Youngmin; Kim, Younjoong [Electron Microscopy Team, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2006-05-15

The thin amorphous-like layer, formed at the interface between a high-T{sub c} superconducting (Tl{sub 0.5}, Pb{sub 0.5})(Sr{sub 0.8}, Ba{sub 0.2})Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub y} (Tl-1223) film and a Ag substrate during heating at 910 .deg. C, has been examined by using high-voltage high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The interfacial layer is less than 10 nm in thickness. It contacts the (001) plane of Tl-1223 and the (113) or (133) planes of Ag in most cases. Its composition is similar to that of Tl-1223, except for the inclusion of a substantial amount of Ag. Its formation proceeds by diffusion of Ag into Tl-1223, during which a structure change first occurs at the layer of CuO{sub 2} + Ca planes. The Tl(Pb)O + the Sr(Ba)O layers are then destroyed to cause the total structure to become amorphous-like. Furthermore, we have found that it is formed under an irradiation of highly energetic electrons.

Study of nanometer-level precise phase-shift system used in electronic speckle shearography and phase-shift pattern interferometry

Science.gov (United States)

Jing, Chao; Liu, Zhongling; Zhou, Ge; Zhang, Yimo

2011-11-01

The nanometer-level precise phase-shift system is designed to realize the phase-shift interferometry in electronic speckle shearography pattern interferometry. The PZT is used as driving component of phase-shift system and translation component of flexure hinge is developed to realize micro displacement of non-friction and non-clearance. Closed-loop control system is designed for high-precision micro displacement, in which embedded digital control system is developed for completing control algorithm and capacitive sensor is used as feedback part for measuring micro displacement in real time. Dynamic model and control model of the nanometer-level precise phase-shift system is analyzed, and high-precision micro displacement is realized with digital PID control algorithm on this basis. It is proved with experiments that the location precision of the precise phase-shift system to step signal of displacement is less than 2nm and the location precision to continuous signal of displacement is less than 5nm, which is satisfied with the request of the electronic speckle shearography and phase-shift pattern interferometry. The stripe images of four-step phase-shift interferometry and the final phase distributed image correlated with distortion of objects are listed in this paper to prove the validity of nanometer-level precise phase-shift system.

Transmission electron microscopy studies on nanometer-sized ω phase produced in Gum Metal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yano, Takaaki; Murakami, Yasukazu; Shindo, Daisuke; Hayasaka, Yuichiro; Kuramoto, Shigeru

2010-01-01

The morphology, numerical density and average spacing of the ω phase formed in Gum Metal, a Ti-based alloy showing unique mechanical properties, were studied by transmission electron microscopy. Based on dark-field image observations and precise thickness measurements using a thin-foil specimen, the average spacing of the nanometer-sized ω phase was determined to be 6 nm. This spacing appeared to be sufficiently small for trapping dislocations. The results are discussed in conjunction with the dislocation-free deformation mechanism proposed for Gum Metal.

Visualizing Surface Plasmons with Photons, Photoelectrons, and Electrons

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

El-Khoury, Patrick Z.; Abellan Baeza, Patricia; Gong, Yu; Hage, F. S.; Cottom, J.; Joly, Alan G.; Brydson, R.; Ramasse, Q. M.; Hess, Wayne P.

2016-06-21

Both photons and electrons may be used to excite surface plasmon polaritons, the collective charge density fluctuations at the surface of metal nanostructures. By virtue of their nanoscopic and dissipative nature, a detailed characterization of surface plasmon (SP) eigenmodes in real space-time ultimately requires joint sub-nanometer spatial and sub-femtosecond temporal resolution. The latter realization has driven significant developments in the past few years, aimed at interrogating both localized and propagating SP modes over the relevant length and time scales. In this mini-review, we briefly highlight different techniques we employ to visualize the enhanced electric fields associated with SPs. Specifically, we discuss recent hyperspectral optical microscopy, tip-enhanced Raman nano-spectroscopy, nonlinear photoemission electron microscopy, as well as correlated scanning transmission electron microscopy-electron energy loss spectroscopy measurements targeting prototypical plasmonic nanostructures and constructs. Through selected practical examples, we examine the information content in multidimensional images recorded by taking advantage of each of the aforementioned techniques. In effect, we illustrate how SPs can be visualized at the ultimate limits of space and time.

ELECTRON BUNCH CHARACTERIZATION WITH SUBPICOSECOND RESOLUTION USING ELECTRO-OPTIC TECHNIQUE

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

SEMERTZIDIS, Y.K.; CASTILLO, V.; LARSEN, R.; LAZARUS, D.M.; NIKAS, D.; OZBEN, C.; SRINIVASAN-RAO, T.; STILLMAN, A.; TSANG, T.; KOWALSKI, L.

2001-01-01

In the past decade, the bunch lengths of electrons in accelerators have decreased dramatically and are in the range off a few millimeters. Measurement of the length as well as the longitudinal profile of these short bunches have been a topic of research in a number of institutions. One of the techniques uses the electric field induced by the passage of electrons in the vicinity of a birefringent crystal to change its optical characteristics. Well-established electro-optic techniques can then be used to measure the temporal characteristics of the electron bunch. The inherent fast response of the crystal facilitates the measurement to femtosecond time resolution. However, the resolution in experiments so far has been limited to 70 ps, by the bandwidth of the detection equipment. Use of a streak camera can improve this resolution to a few picoseconds. In this paper we present a novel, non-invasive, single-shot approach to improve the resolution to tens of femtoseconds so that sub mm bunch length can be measured

Temporal resolution criterion for correctly simulating relativistic electron motion in a high-intensity laser field

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Arefiev, Alexey V. [Institute for Fusion Studies, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712 (United States); Cochran, Ginevra E.; Schumacher, Douglass W. [Physics Department, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210 (United States); Robinson, Alexander P. L. [Central Laser Facility, STFC Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0QX (United Kingdom); Chen, Guangye [Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 (United States)

2015-01-15

Particle-in-cell codes are now standard tools for studying ultra-intense laser-plasma interactions. Motivated by direct laser acceleration of electrons in sub-critical plasmas, we examine temporal resolution requirements that must be satisfied to accurately calculate electron dynamics in strong laser fields. Using the motion of a single electron in a perfect plane electromagnetic wave as a test problem, we show surprising deterioration of the numerical accuracy with increasing wave amplitude a{sub 0} for a given time-step. We go on to show analytically that the time-step must be significantly less than λ/ca{sub 0} to achieve good accuracy. We thus propose adaptive electron sub-cycling as an efficient remedy.

Glass ceramic ZERODUR enabling nanometer precision

Science.gov (United States)

Jedamzik, Ralf; Kunisch, Clemens; Nieder, Johannes; Westerhoff, Thomas

2014-03-01

The IC Lithography roadmap foresees manufacturing of devices with critical dimension of digit nanometer asking for nanometer positioning accuracy requiring sub nanometer position measurement accuracy. The glass ceramic ZERODUR® is a well-established material in critical components of microlithography wafer stepper and offered with an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), the tightest tolerance available on market. SCHOTT is continuously improving manufacturing processes and it's method to measure and characterize the CTE behavior of ZERODUR® to full fill the ever tighter CTE specification for wafer stepper components. In this paper we present the ZERODUR® Lithography Roadmap on the CTE metrology and tolerance. Additionally, simulation calculations based on a physical model are presented predicting the long term CTE behavior of ZERODUR® components to optimize dimensional stability of precision positioning devices. CTE data of several low thermal expansion materials are compared regarding their temperature dependence between - 50°C and + 100°C. ZERODUR® TAILORED 22°C is full filling the tight CTE tolerance of +/- 10 ppb / K within the broadest temperature interval compared to all other materials of this investigation. The data presented in this paper explicitly demonstrates the capability of ZERODUR® to enable the nanometer precision required for future generation of lithography equipment and processes.

Nanometer-scale, quantitative composition mappings of InGaN layers from a combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pantzas, K; Voss, P L; Ougazzaden, A; Patriarche, G; Largeau, L; Mauguin, O; Troadec, D; Gautier, S; Moudakir, T; Suresh, S

2012-01-01

Using elastic scattering theory we show that a small set of energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) measurements is sufficient to experimentally evaluate the scattering function of electrons in high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission microscopy (HAADF-STEM). We then demonstrate how to use this function to transform qualitative HAADF-STEM images of InGaN layers into precise, quantitative chemical maps of the indium composition. The maps obtained in this way combine the resolution of HAADF-STEM and the chemical precision of EDX. We illustrate the potential of such chemical maps by using them to investigate nanometer-scale fluctuations in the indium composition and their impact on the growth of epitaxial InGaN layers. (paper)

Scanning SQUID susceptometers with sub-micron spatial resolution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kirtley, John R., E-mail: jkirtley@stanford.edu; Rosenberg, Aaron J.; Palmstrom, Johanna C.; Holland, Connor M.; Moler, Kathryn A. [Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-4045 (United States); Paulius, Lisa [Department of Physics, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008-5252 (United States); Spanton, Eric M. [Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-4045 (United States); Schiessl, Daniel [Attocube Systems AG, Königinstraße 11A, 80539 Munich (Germany); Jermain, Colin L.; Gibbons, Jonathan [Department of Physics, Cornell University, Cornell, Ithaca, New York 14853 (United States); Fung, Y.-K.K.; Gibson, Gerald W. [IBM Research Division, T. J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598 (United States); Huber, Martin E. [Department of Physics, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado 80217-3364 (United States); Ralph, Daniel C. [Department of Physics, Cornell University, Cornell, Ithaca, New York 14853 (United States); Kavli Institute at Cornell, Ithaca, New York 14853 (United States); Ketchen, Mark B. [OcteVue, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035 (United States)

2016-09-15

Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) microscopy has excellent magnetic field sensitivity, but suffers from modest spatial resolution when compared with other scanning probes. This spatial resolution is determined by both the size of the field sensitive area and the spacing between this area and the sample surface. In this paper we describe scanning SQUID susceptometers that achieve sub-micron spatial resolution while retaining a white noise floor flux sensitivity of ≈2μΦ{sub 0}/Hz{sup 1/2}. This high spatial resolution is accomplished by deep sub-micron feature sizes, well shielded pickup loops fabricated using a planarized process, and a deep etch step that minimizes the spacing between the sample surface and the SQUID pickup loop. We describe the design, modeling, fabrication, and testing of these sensors. Although sub-micron spatial resolution has been achieved previously in scanning SQUID sensors, our sensors not only achieve high spatial resolution but also have integrated modulation coils for flux feedback, integrated field coils for susceptibility measurements, and batch processing. They are therefore a generally applicable tool for imaging sample magnetization, currents, and susceptibilities with higher spatial resolution than previous susceptometers.

High pressure synthesis of amorphous TiO{sub 2} nanotubes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Quanjun; Liu, Ran; Wang, Tianyi; Xu, Ke; Dong, Qing; Liu, Bo; Liu, Bingbing, E-mail: liubb@jlu.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China); Liu, Jing [Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049 (China)

2015-09-15

Amorphous TiO{sub 2} nanotubes with diameters of 8-10 nm and length of several nanometers were synthesized by high pressure treatment of anatase TiO{sub 2} nanotubes. The structural phase transitions of anatase TiO{sub 2} nanotubes were investigated by using in-situ high-pressure synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. The starting anatase structure is stable up to ∼20GPa, and transforms into a high-density amorphous (HDA) form at higher pressure. Pressure-modified high- to low-density transition was observed in the amorphous form upon decompression. The pressure-induced amorphization and polyamorphism are in good agreement with the previous results in ultrafine TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles and nanoribbons. The relationship between the LDA form and α-PbO{sub 2} phase was revealed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) study. In addition, the bulk modulus (B{sub 0} = 158 GPa) of the anatase TiO{sub 2} nanotubes is smaller than those of the corresponding bulks and nanoparticles (180-240 GPa). We suggest that the unique open-ended nanotube morphology and nanosize play important roles in the high pressure phase transition of TiO{sub 2} nanotubes.

A novel low energy electron microscope for DNA sequencing and surface analysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mankos, M., E-mail: marian@electronoptica.com [Electron Optica Inc., 1000 Elwell Court #110, Palo Alto, CA 94303 (United States); Shadman, K. [Electron Optica Inc., 1000 Elwell Court #110, Palo Alto, CA 94303 (United States); Persson, H.H.J. [Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, 855 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304 (United States); N’Diaye, A.T. [Electron Optica Inc., 1000 Elwell Court #110, Palo Alto, CA 94303 (United States); NCEM, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720 (United States); Schmid, A.K. [NCEM, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720 (United States); Davis, R.W. [Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, 855 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304 (United States)

2014-10-15

Monochromatic, aberration-corrected, dual-beam low energy electron microscopy (MAD-LEEM) is a novel technique that is directed towards imaging nanostructures and surfaces with sub-nanometer resolution. The technique combines a monochromator, a mirror aberration corrector, an energy filter, and dual beam illumination in a single instrument. The monochromator reduces the energy spread of the illuminating electron beam, which significantly improves spectroscopic and spatial resolution. Simulation results predict that the novel aberration corrector design will eliminate the second rank chromatic and third and fifth order spherical aberrations, thereby improving the resolution into the sub-nanometer regime at landing energies as low as one hundred electron-Volts. The energy filter produces a beam that can extract detailed information about the chemical composition and local electronic states of non-periodic objects such as nanoparticles, interfaces, defects, and macromolecules. The dual flood illumination eliminates charging effects that are generated when a conventional LEEM is used to image insulating specimens. A potential application for MAD-LEEM is in DNA sequencing, which requires high resolution to distinguish the individual bases and high speed to reduce the cost. The MAD-LEEM approach images the DNA with low electron impact energies, which provides nucleobase contrast mechanisms without organometallic labels. Furthermore, the micron-size field of view when combined with imaging on the fly provides long read lengths, thereby reducing the demand on assembling the sequence. Experimental results from bulk specimens with immobilized single-base oligonucleotides demonstrate that base specific contrast is available with reflected, photo-emitted, and Auger electrons. Image contrast simulations of model rectangular features mimicking the individual nucleotides in a DNA strand have been developed to translate measurements of contrast on bulk DNA to the detectability of

Complex temperature evolution of the electronic structure of CaFe{sub 2}As{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Adhikary, Ganesh; Biswas, Deepnarayan; Sahadev, Nishaina; Bindu, R.; Kumar, Neeraj; Dhar, S. K.; Thamizhavel, A.; Maiti, Kalobaran, E-mail: kbmaiti@tifr.res.in [Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400 005 (India)

2014-03-28

Employing high resolution photoemission spectroscopy, we investigate the temperature evolution of the electronic structure of CaFe{sub 2}As{sub 2}, which is a parent compound of high temperature superconductors—CaFe{sub 2}As{sub 2} exhibits superconductivity under pressure as well as doping of charge carriers. Photoemission results of CaFe{sub 2}As{sub 2} in this study reveal a gradual shift of an energy band, α away from the chemical potential with decreasing temperature in addition to the spin density wave (SDW) transition induced Fermi surface reconstruction across SDW transition temperature. The corresponding hole pocket eventually disappears at lower temperatures, while the hole Fermi surface of the β band possessing finite p orbital character survives till the lowest temperature studied. These results, thus, reveal signature of complex charge redistribution among various energy bands as a function of temperature.

A compact, all-optical, THz wave generator based on self-modulation in a slab photonic crystal waveguide with a single sub-nanometer graphene layer.

Science.gov (United States)

Asadi, R; Ouyang, Z; Mohammd, M M

2015-07-14

We design a compact, all-optical THz wave generator based on self-modulation in a 1-D slab photonic crystal (PhC) waveguide with a single sub-nanometer graphene layer by using enhanced nonlinearity of graphene. It has been shown that at the bandgap edge of higher bands of a 1-D slab PhC, through only one sub-nanometer graphene layer we can obtain a compact, high modulation factor (about 0.98 percent), self-intensity modulator at a high frequency (about 0.6 THz) and low threshold intensity (about 15 MW per square centimeter), and further a compact, all-optical THz wave generator by integrating the self-modulator with a THz photodiode or photonic mixer. Such a THz source is expected to have a relatively high efficiency compared with conventional sources based on optical methods. The proposed THz source can find wide applications in THz science and technology, e.g., in THz imaging, THz sensors and detectors, THz communication systems, and THz optical integrated logic circuits.

Electron microscopy of Mg/TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst morphology for deep desulfurization of diesel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yin, Yee Cia, E-mail: gabrielle.ciayin@gmail.com [Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 31750 Tronoh, Perak (Malaysia); Kait, Chong Fai, E-mail: chongfaikait@petronas.com.my; Fatimah, Hayyiratul, E-mail: hayyiratulfatimah@yahoo.com; Wilfred, Cecilia, E-mail: cecili@petronas.com.my [Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 31750 Tronoh, Perak (Malaysia)

2015-07-22

A series of Mg/TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts were prepared and characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The average particle sizes of the photocatalysts were ranging from 25.7 to 35.8 nm. Incorporation of Mg on TiO{sub 2} did not lead to any surface lattice distortion to TiO{sub 2}. HRTEM data indicated the presence of MgO and Mg(OH){sub 2} mixture at low Mg loading while at higher Mg loading, the presence of lamellar Mg-oxyhydroxide intermediates and Mg(OH){sub 2}.

Interface structure and electronic properties of SrTiO{sub 3} and YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{delta}} crystals and thin films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thiess, S.

2007-07-01

Two new extensions of the X-ray standing wave (XSW) technique, made possible by the intense highly collimated X-ray beams from undulators at the ESRF, are described in this thesis. First, the XSW method was applied in a structural study to solve the nucleation mechanism of the high temperature superconductor YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{delta}} on the (001) surface of SrTiO{sub 3}. Second, the valence electronic structures of SrTiO{sub 3} and YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{delta}} were investigated. Finally, recent developments in the field of photoelectron spectroscopy in the hard X-ray region are described. The X-ray standing wave method is used in combination with fluorescence, Auger or photoelectron spectroscopy and lends very high spatial resolution power to these analytical techniques. Previously, the XSW method has been used for structure determination of surfaces and interfaces. The currently available X-ray intensities permit extensions to the XSW technique. Two recently established applications, described in this thesis, are XSW real space imaging and XSW valence electronic structure analysis. XSW real space imaging was employed to analyse the atomic structure of 0.5 and 1.0 layers of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{delta}} deposited on SrTiO{sub 3}(001). Three-dimensional images of the atomic distributions were reconstructed for each of the elements from experimentally determined Fourier components of the atomic distribution functions. The images confirmed the formation of a perovskite precursor phase prior to the formation of the YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{delta}} phase during the growth of the first monolayer of the film. XSW valence electronic structure analysis applied to SrTiO{sub 3} identified the valence band contributions arising from the strontium, titanium, and oxygen sites of the crystal lattice. Relations between the site-specific valence electronic structure and the lattice structure were established. The experimental results agree very well with

Imaging nanoscale spatial modulation of a relativistic electron beam with a MeV ultrafast electron microscope

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Chao; Jiang, Tao; Liu, Shengguang; Wang, Rui; Zhao, Lingrong; Zhu, Pengfei; Liu, Yaqi; Xu, Jun; Yu, Dapeng; Wan, Weishi; Zhu, Yimei; Xiang, Dao; Zhang, Jie

2018-03-01

An accelerator-based MeV ultrafast electron microscope (MUEM) has been proposed as a promising tool to the study structural dynamics at the nanometer spatial scale and the picosecond temporal scale. Here, we report experimental tests of a prototype MUEM where high quality images with nanoscale fine structures were recorded with a pulsed ˜3 MeV picosecond electron beam. The temporal and spatial resolutions of the MUEM operating in the single-shot mode are about 4 ps (FWHM) and 100 nm (FWHM), corresponding to a temporal-spatial resolution of 4 × 10-19 s m, about 2 orders of magnitude higher than that achieved with state-of-the-art single-shot keV UEM. Using this instrument, we offer the demonstration of visualizing the nanoscale periodic spatial modulation of an electron beam, which may be converted into longitudinal density modulation through emittance exchange to enable production of high-power coherent radiation at short wavelengths. Our results mark a great step towards single-shot nanometer-resolution MUEMs and compact intense x-ray sources that may have widespread applications in many areas of science.

High spatial resolution upgrade of the electron cyclotron emission radiometer for the DIII-D tokamak

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Truong, D. D., E-mail: dtruong@wisc.edu [Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706 (United States); Austin, M. E. [Institute for Fusion Studies, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, 78712 (United States)

2014-11-15

The 40-channel DIII-D electron cyclotron emission (ECE) radiometer provides measurements of T{sub e}(r,t) at the tokamak midplane from optically thick, second harmonic X-mode emission over a frequency range of 83–130 GHz. The frequency spacing of the radiometer's channels results in a spatial resolution of ∼1–3 cm, depending on local magnetic field and electron temperature. A new high resolution subsystem has been added to the DIII-D ECE radiometer to make sub-centimeter (0.6–0.8 cm) resolution T{sub e} measurements. The high resolution subsystem branches off from the regular channels’ IF bands and consists of a microwave switch to toggle between IF bands, a switched filter bank for frequency selectivity, an adjustable local oscillator and mixer for further frequency down-conversion, and a set of eight microwave filters in the 2–4 GHz range. Higher spatial resolution is achieved through the use of a narrower (200 MHz) filter bandwidth and closer spacing between the filters’ center frequencies (250 MHz). This configuration allows for full coverage of the 83–130 GHz frequency range in 2 GHz bands. Depending on the local magnetic field, this translates into a “zoomed-in” analysis of a ∼2–4 cm radial region. Expected uses of these channels include mapping the spatial dependence of Alfven eigenmodes, geodesic acoustic modes, and externally applied magnetic perturbations. Initial T{sub e} measurements, which demonstrate that the desired resolution is achieved, are presented.

Characterization of the Structural Modulations in n-type Bi{sub 2} (Te{sub 0}.95Se{sub 0}.05){sub 3} Thermoelectric Compound

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yoon, Sung Ho; Lee, Kap Ho [Chungnam National University, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Hong, Soon Jik [Kongju National University, Cheonan (Korea, Republic of)

2015-02-15

An n-type Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} thermoelectric compound was analyzed by using a high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and was further analyzed by using an image processing unit. A sinusoidal strain contrast of the structural modulations appeared in a multi-beam image and the fringes showed a wavelength of 12 nm with a wave vector parallel to the {101‾ 10} planes. A numerous dislocations were found to glide on to the (0001) plane with a Burgers vector of 1/3<21‾1‾0>-type on the strain field. In order for the elastic strain energy to be relieved, the resultant 1/3<21‾ 1‾0>-type dislocation was thought to be dissociated into two partial dislocations gliding on the {1‾015} planes. The variation in stacking periodicity of the 5-layers lamellar structure with respect to the basal plane of Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} was also observed locally. However, this stacking variation is not responsible for the formation of structural modulations. The displacement of the sinusoidal strain field on the structural modulations seems to be generated by dislocation, with presence of dipoles that are about a few nanometers apart. It is understandable that phonons should be scattered throughout the strain field of the structural modulation. Hence, the lattice thermal conductivity is expected to be decreased due to the phonon scattering on sinusoidal strain field of the structural modulations.

Pseudopotential-based electron quantum transport: Theoretical formulation and application to nanometer-scale silicon nanowire transistors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fang, Jingtian, E-mail: jingtian.fang@utdallas.edu; Vandenberghe, William G.; Fu, Bo; Fischetti, Massimo V. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080 (United States)

2016-01-21

We present a formalism to treat quantum electronic transport at the nanometer scale based on empirical pseudopotentials. This formalism offers explicit atomistic wavefunctions and an accurate band structure, enabling a detailed study of the characteristics of devices with a nanometer-scale channel and body. Assuming externally applied potentials that change slowly along the electron-transport direction, we invoke the envelope-wavefunction approximation to apply the open boundary conditions and to develop the transport equations. We construct the full-band open boundary conditions (self-energies of device contacts) from the complex band structure of the contacts. We solve the transport equations and present the expressions required to calculate the device characteristics, such as device current and charge density. We apply this formalism to study ballistic transport in a gate-all-around (GAA) silicon nanowire field-effect transistor with a body-size of 0.39 nm, a gate length of 6.52 nm, and an effective oxide thickness of 0.43 nm. Simulation results show that this device exhibits a subthreshold slope (SS) of ∼66 mV/decade and a drain-induced barrier-lowering of ∼2.5 mV/V. Our theoretical calculations predict that low-dimensionality channels in a 3D GAA architecture are able to meet the performance requirements of future devices in terms of SS swing and electrostatic control.

Surface enhanced Raman scattering of gold nanoparticles supported on copper foil with graphene as a nanometer gap

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xiang, Quan; Zhu, Xupeng; Chen, Yiqin; Duan, Huigao

2016-01-01

Gaps with single-nanometer dimensions (<10 nm) between metallic nanostructures enable giant local field enhancements for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Monolayer graphene is an ideal candidate to obtain a sub-nanometer gap between plasmonic nanostructures. In this work, we demonstrate a simple method to achieve a sub-nanometer gap by dewetting a gold film supported on monolayer graphene grown on copper foil. The Cu foil can serve as a low-loss plasmonically active metallic film that supports the imaginary charge oscillations, while the graphene can not only create a stable sub-nanometer gap for massive plasmonic field enhancements but also serve as a chemical enhancer. We obtained higher SERS enhancements in this graphene-gapped configuration compared to those in Au nanoparticles on Cu film or on graphene–SiO 2 –Si. Also, the Raman signals measured maintained their fine features and intensities over a long time period, indicating the stability of this Au–graphene–Cu hybrid configuration as an SERS substrate. (paper)

Scanning SQUID susceptometers with sub-micron spatial resolution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kirtley, John R.; Rosenberg, Aaron J.; Palmstrom, Johanna C.; Holland, Connor M.; Moler, Kathryn A.; Paulius, Lisa; Spanton, Eric M.; Schiessl, Daniel; Jermain, Colin L.; Gibbons, Jonathan; Fung, Y.-K.K.; Gibson, Gerald W.; Huber, Martin E.; Ralph, Daniel C.; Ketchen, Mark B.

2016-01-01

Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) microscopy has excellent magnetic field sensitivity, but suffers from modest spatial resolution when compared with other scanning probes. This spatial resolution is determined by both the size of the field sensitive area and the spacing between this area and the sample surface. In this paper we describe scanning SQUID susceptometers that achieve sub-micron spatial resolution while retaining a white noise floor flux sensitivity of ≈2μΦ_0/Hz"1"/"2. This high spatial resolution is accomplished by deep sub-micron feature sizes, well shielded pickup loops fabricated using a planarized process, and a deep etch step that minimizes the spacing between the sample surface and the SQUID pickup loop. We describe the design, modeling, fabrication, and testing of these sensors. Although sub-micron spatial resolution has been achieved previously in scanning SQUID sensors, our sensors not only achieve high spatial resolution but also have integrated modulation coils for flux feedback, integrated field coils for susceptibility measurements, and batch processing. They are therefore a generally applicable tool for imaging sample magnetization, currents, and susceptibilities with higher spatial resolution than previous susceptometers.

Three-Dimensional Orientation Mapping in the Transmission Electron Microscope

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Liu, Haihua; Schmidt, Søren; Poulsen, Henning Friis

2011-01-01

resolution of 200 nanometers (nm). We describe here a nondestructive technique that enables 3D orientation mapping in the transmission electron microscope of mono- and multiphase nanocrystalline materials with a spatial resolution reaching 1 nm. We demonstrate the technique by an experimental study...

Facile fabrication of core–shell ZnO/Bi{sub 0.5}Sb{sub 1.5}Te{sub 3} nanorods: Enhanced photoluminescence through electron charge

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shen, Shengfei; Gao, Hongli [School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191 (China); Deng, Yuan, E-mail: dengyuan@buaa.edu.cn [School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191 (China); Wang, Yao [School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191 (China); Qu, Shengchun, E-mail: qsc@semi.ac.cn [Key Laboratory of Semiconductor Materials Science, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083 (China)

2016-01-15

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • The Bi{sub 0.5}Sb{sub 1.5}Te{sub 3}/ZnO core–shells prepared by combining a facile hydrothermal growth and magnetron sputtering approach. • The light absorption and photoluminescence emission of the ZnO and the Bi{sub 0.5}Sb{sub 1.5}Te{sub 3}/ZnO core–shells are investigated. • The core–shell structure reveals a simultaneous novelty enhancement of the photoluminescence emission in the UV and visible range. • The mechanism for the PL simultaneous enhancement is described. - Abstract: Surface decoration techniques are emerging as promising strategy to improve the optical properties of the ZnO based materials. The core–shell ZnO/Bi{sub 0.5}Sb{sub 1.5}Te{sub 3} nanorods were grown on a FTO substrate through a facile hydrothermal and magnetron sputtering combined approach. The microstructure of the core–shell nanorod arrays were investigated by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), a field emission Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HTEM). The optical properties of the core–shell nanorod arrays were investigated through the diffuse reflectance absorption spectra and photoluminescence emission. The visible light absorption and especially the photoluminescence emission of the ZnO nanorods are enhanced markedly with the Bi{sub 0.5}Sb{sub 1.5}Te{sub 3} grains coating the ZnO nanorods through the electron charge.

Sub-30 nm patterning of molecular resists based on crosslinking through tip based oxidation

Science.gov (United States)

Lorenzoni, Matteo; Wagner, Daniel; Neuber, Christian; Schmidt, Hans-Werner; Perez-Murano, Francesc

2018-06-01

Oxidation Scanning Probe Lithography (o-SPL) is an established method employed for device patterning at the nanometer scale. It represents a feasible and inexpensive alternative to standard lithographic techniques such as electron beam lithography (EBL) and nanoimprint lithography (NIL). In this work we applied non-contact o-SPL to an engineered class of molecular resists in order to obtain crosslinking by electrochemical driven oxidation. By patterning and developing various resist formulas we were able to obtain a reliable negative tone resist behavior based on local oxidation. Under optimal conditions, directly written patterns can routinely reach sub-30 nm lateral resolution, while the final developed features result wider, approaching 50 nm width.

Structural investigations of interfaces in Fe{sub 90}Sc{sub 10} nanoglasses using high-energy x-ray diffraction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ghafari, M.; Gleiter, H.; Feng, T. [Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Nanotechnology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (Germany); Kohara, S. [Research and Utilization Division, Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute/SPring-8, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198 (Japan); Hahn, H.; Witte, R. [Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Nanotechnology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (Germany); KIT-TUD Joint Research Laboratory Nanomaterials, Technische Universitaet Darmstadt, Petersenstr. 32, 64287 Darmstadt (Germany); Kamali, S. [Department of Chemistry, University of California, One Shields Ave., Davis, California 95616 (United States)

2012-03-26

High-resolution diffraction experiments of Fe{sub 90}Sc{sub 10} nanoglasses and rapidly quenched metallic glasses as reference materials have been performed using high-energy x-rays with a wavelength of 0.21 Angst from a synchrotron radiation source. Nanoglasses are amorphous alloys with a significant fraction of interfaces on the nanometer scale. The short- and intermediate-range orders of a nanoglass are different from the well known amorphous materials produced by rapid quenching from the melt. These structural modifications have significant influence on the physical properties. In this paper, the short- and intermediate-range orders of the nanoglass Fe{sub 90}Sc{sub 10} and the reference metallic glass Fe{sub 90}Sc{sub 10} alloy prepared by rapid quenching are discussed.

Thin films of La{sub 0,78}Sr{sub 0,22}MnO{sub 3} by the spin coating method; Filmes finos de La{sub 0,78}Sr{sub 0,22}MnO{sub 3} pelo metodo spin coating

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Macedo, Daniel Araujo de; Cela, Beatriz; Silva, Brena Kelly Oliveira da; Souza, Graziele Lopes de; Paskocimas, Carlos Alberto; Nascimento, Rubens Maribondo do [Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN (Brazil). Nucleo de Tecnologia. Lab. de Ceramica]. E-mail: damaced@gmail.com

2008-07-01

22% Strontium-doped lanthanum manganite (La{sub 0,78}Sr{sub 0,22}MnO{sub 3} - LSM 22) thin films were prepared using microscope slide cover glass as a substrate. The polymeric resin was obtained by Pechini method and deposited by spin coating technical. The films were made using 1500, 2000 and 2500 rpm speeds and sintered at 500 deg C for 2 hours. X-ray diffraction measures confirmed the presence of LSM 22 at the substrates surface. The morphologic characterization was performed by scanning electronic microscopy in Philips/XL-30 equipment. The deposition method made possible the obtaining of films with good adherence and thickness varying between 322 and 900 nanometers. (author)

C60 and U ion irradiation of Gd<sub>2sub>Ti_xZr>2-xsub>O>7sub> pyrochlore

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Jiaming; Toulemonde, Marcel; Lang, Maik; Costantini, Jean Marc; Della-Negra, Serge; Ewing, Rodney C.

2015-08-01

Gd<sub>2sub>Ti_xZr>2-xsub>O>7sub> (x = 0 to 2) pyrochlore was irradiated by 30 MeV C<sub>60sub> clusters, which provide an extremely high ionizing energy density. Here, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed a complex ion-track structure in Gd<sub>2sub>Ti>2sub>O>7sub> and Gd<sub>2sub>TiZrO>7sub>, consisting of an amorphous core and a shell of a disordered, defect-fluorite structure.

Bimetallic Ag-Pt Sub-nanometer Supported Clusters as Highly Efficient and Robust Oxidation Catalysts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Negreiros, Fabio R. [CNR-ICCOM & IPCF, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pisa Italy; Halder, Avik [Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont IL USA; Yin, Chunrong [Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont IL USA; Singh, Akansha [Harish-Chandra Research Institute, HBNI, Chhatnag Road Jhunsi Allahabad 211019 India; Barcaro, Giovanni [CNR-ICCOM & IPCF, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pisa Italy; Sementa, Luca [CNR-ICCOM & IPCF, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pisa Italy; Tyo, Eric C. [Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont IL USA; Pellin, Michael J. [Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont IL USA; Bartling, Stephan [Institut für Physik, Universität Rostock, Rostock Germany; Meiwes-Broer, Karl-Heinz [Institut für Physik, Universität Rostock, Rostock Germany; Seifert, Sönke [X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont IL USA; Sen, Prasenjit [Harish-Chandra Research Institute, HBNI, Chhatnag Road Jhunsi Allahabad 211019 India; Nigam, Sandeep [Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay Mumbai- 400 085 India; Majumder, Chiranjib [Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay Mumbai- 400 085 India; Fukui, Nobuyuki [East Tokyo Laboratory, Genesis Research Institute, Inc., Ichikawa Chiba 272-0001 Japan; Yasumatsu, Hisato [Cluster Research Laboratory, Toyota Technological Institute: in, East Tokyo Laboratory, Genesis Research Institute, Inc. Ichikawa, Chiba 272-0001 Japan; Vajda, Stefan [Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont IL USA; Nanoscience and Technology Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont IL USA; Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago IL USA; Fortunelli, Alessandro [CNR-ICCOM & IPCF, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pisa Italy; Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA USA

2017-12-29

A combined experimental and theoretical investigation of Ag-Pt sub-nanometer clusters as heterogeneous catalysts in the CO -> CO2 reaction (COox) is presented. Ag9Pt2 and Ag9Pt3 clusters are size-selected in the gas phase, deposited on an ultrathin amorphous alumina support, and tested as catalysts experimentally under realistic conditions and by first-principles simulations at realistic coverage. Insitu GISAXS/TPRx demonstrates that the clusters do not sinter or deactivate even after prolonged exposure to reactants at high temperature, and present comparable, extremely high COox catalytic efficiency. Such high activity and stability are ascribed to a synergic role of Ag and Pt in ultranano-aggregates, in which Pt anchors the clusters to the support and binds and activates two CO molecules, while Ag binds and activates O-2, and Ag/Pt surface proximity disfavors poisoning by CO or oxidized species.

Electron beam induced Hg desorption and the electronic structure of the Hg depleted surface of Hg1/sub -//sub x/Cd/sub x/Te

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shih, C.K.; Friedman, D.J.; Bertness, K.A.; Lindau, I.; Spicer, W.E.; Wilson, J.A.

1986-01-01

Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), and angle-resolved ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) were used to study the electron beam induced Hg desorption from a cleaved (110)Hg/sub 1-//sub x/Cd/sub x/Te surface and the electronic structure of the Hg depleted surface. Solid state recrystallized Hg/sub 1-//sub x/Cd/sub x/Te single crystals were used. It was found that the electron beam heating dominated the electron beam induced Hg desorption on Hg/sub 1-//sub x/Cd/sub x/Te. At the electron beam energy used, the electron beam heating extended several thousand angstroms deep. However, the Hg depletion saturated after a few monolayers were depleted of Hg atoms. At the initial stage of Hg loss (only 3%), the surface band bends upward (more p type). The ARPES spectrum showed the loss of some E vs k dispersion after 22% Hg atoms were removed from the surface region, and no dispersion was observed after 43% Hg atoms were removed. These results have important implications on the electronic structure of the surfaces and interfaces of which the stoichiometry is altered

Heteroepitaxial growth of Fe{sub 2}Al{sub 5} inhibition layer in hot-dip galvanizing of an interstitial-free steel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Kuang-Kuo [Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan (China); Chang, Liuwen, E-mail: lwchang@mail.nsysu.edu.t [Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan (China); Gan, Dershin; Wang, Hung-Ping [Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan (China)

2010-02-01

This work presents characterization results on inhibition layers formed on a TiNb-stabilized interstitial-free steel after short time galvanizing. The Fe-Al and steel interface was free from oxide, so that the Fe-Al intermetallic compound could directly nucleate on ferrite grains. Electron diffraction performed in a transmission electron microscope showed that only Fe{sub 2}Al{sub 5} was formed and it had a well-defined orientation relationship of [110]{sub Fe(sub/2)Al(sub/5)}// [111]{sub Fe}, (001){sub Fe(sub/2)Al(sub/5)}//(011){sub Fe} and (110){sub Fe(sub/2)Al(sub/5)}//(211){sub Fe} with Fe substrate. The structure of the interfaces between Fe{sub 2}Al{sub 5} and Fe is discussed. The epitaxially nucleated Fe{sub 2}Al{sub 5} grains on Fe substrate had very small grain size, 20 nm or less, and several variants were intimately mixed. The grains grew rapidly to hundreds of nanometers toward the Zn side.

Self-assembled metallic nanoparticle template — a new approach of surface nanostructuring at nanometer scale

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Taleb

2017-09-01

Full Text Available In the present work, the formation of silver and copper nanostructures on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG modified with self-assembled gold nanoparticles (Au NPs is demonstrated. Surface patterning with nanometer resolution was achieved. Different methods such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FEGSEM, energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS were used to illustrate a selective deposition of silver and copper on Au NPs. The mechanism of silver and copper ions reduction on Au NP with n-dodecanethiol coating is discussed.

Improved methods for high resolution electron microscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Taylor, J.R.

1987-04-01

Existing methods of making support films for high resolution transmission electron microscopy are investigated and novel methods are developed. Existing methods of fabricating fenestrated, metal reinforced specimen supports (microgrids) are evaluated for their potential to reduce beam induced movement of monolamellar crystals of C/sub 44/H/sub 90/ paraffin supported on thin carbon films. Improved methods of producing hydrophobic carbon films by vacuum evaporation, and improved methods of depositing well ordered monolamellar paraffin crystals on carbon films are developed. A novel technique for vacuum evaporation of metals is described which is used to reinforce microgrids. A technique is also developed to bond thin carbon films to microgrids with a polymer bonding agent. Unique biochemical methods are described to accomplish site specific covalent modification of membrane proteins. Protocols are given which covalently convert the carboxy terminus of papain cleaved bacteriorhodopsin to a free thiol. 53 refs., 19 figs., 1 tab.

Applications and limitations of electron correlation microscopy to study relaxation dynamics in supercooled liquids

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Pei; He, Li [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 (United States); Besser, Matthew F. [Materials Science and Engineering, Ames Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 (United States); Liu, Ze; Schroers, Jan [Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511 (United States); Kramer, Matthew J. [Materials Science and Engineering, Ames Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 (United States); Voyles, Paul M., E-mail: paul.voyles@wisc.edu [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 (United States)

2017-07-15

Electron correlation microscopy (ECM) is a way to measure structural relaxation times, τ, of liquids with nanometer-scale spatial resolution using coherent electron scattering equivalent of photon correlation spectroscopy. We have applied ECM with a 3.5 nm diameter probe to Pt{sub 57.5}Cu{sub 14.7}Ni{sub 5.3}P{sub 22.5} amorphous nanorods and Pd{sub 40}Ni{sub 40}P{sub 20} bulk metallic glass (BMG) heated inside the STEM into the supercooled liquid region. These data demonstrate that the ECM technique is limited by the characteristics of the time series, which must be at least 40τ to obtain a well-converged correlation function g{sub 2}(t), and the time per frame, which must be less than 0.1τ to obtain sufficient sampling. A high-speed direct electron camera enables fast acquisition and affords reliable g{sub 2}(t) data even with low signal per frame. - Highlights: • Electron Correlation Microscopy (ECM) technique was applied to measure structural relaxation times of supercooled liquids in metallic glass. • In Pt{sub 57.5}Cu{sub 14.7}Ni{sub 5.3}P{sub 22.5} nanowire, τ and β decreases over the measured supercooled liquid regime. • In Pd{sub 40}Ni{sub 40}P{sub 20} bulk alloy, τ decreases from T{sub g}+28 °C to T{sub g}+48 °C, then increases as the temperature approaches T{sub x}. • ECM experiment requires a length of time series at least 40 times the characteristic relaxation time and a time per diffraction pattern at most 0.1 times the relaxation time.

Direct atomic fabrication and dopant positioning in Si using electron beams with active real-time image-based feedback

Science.gov (United States)

Jesse, Stephen; Hudak, Bethany M.; Zarkadoula, Eva; Song, Jiaming; Maksov, Artem; Fuentes-Cabrera, Miguel; Ganesh, Panchapakesan; Kravchenko, Ivan; Snijders, Panchapakesan C.; Lupini, Andrew R.; Borisevich, Albina Y.; Kalinin, Sergei V.

2018-06-01

Semiconductor fabrication is a mainstay of modern civilization, enabling the myriad applications and technologies that underpin everyday life. However, while sub-10 nanometer devices are already entering the mainstream, the end of the Moore’s law roadmap still lacks tools capable of bulk semiconductor fabrication on sub-nanometer and atomic levels, with probe-based manipulation being explored as the only known pathway. Here we demonstrate that the atomic-sized focused beam of a scanning transmission electron microscope can be used to manipulate semiconductors such as Si on the atomic level, inducing growth of crystalline Si from the amorphous phase, reentrant amorphization, milling, and dopant front motion. These phenomena are visualized in real-time with atomic resolution. We further implement active feedback control based on real-time image analytics to automatically control the e-beam motion, enabling shape control and providing a pathway for atom-by-atom correction of fabricated structures in the near future. These observations open a new epoch for atom-by-atom manufacturing in bulk, the long-held dream of nanotechnology.

Direct atomic fabrication and dopant positioning in Si using electron beams with active real-time image-based feedback.

Science.gov (United States)

Jesse, Stephen; Hudak, Bethany M; Zarkadoula, Eva; Song, Jiaming; Maksov, Artem; Fuentes-Cabrera, Miguel; Ganesh, Panchapakesan; Kravchenko, Ivan; Snijders, Panchapakesan C; Lupini, Andrew R; Borisevich, Albina Y; Kalinin, Sergei V

2018-06-22

Semiconductor fabrication is a mainstay of modern civilization, enabling the myriad applications and technologies that underpin everyday life. However, while sub-10 nanometer devices are already entering the mainstream, the end of the Moore's law roadmap still lacks tools capable of bulk semiconductor fabrication on sub-nanometer and atomic levels, with probe-based manipulation being explored as the only known pathway. Here we demonstrate that the atomic-sized focused beam of a scanning transmission electron microscope can be used to manipulate semiconductors such as Si on the atomic level, inducing growth of crystalline Si from the amorphous phase, reentrant amorphization, milling, and dopant front motion. These phenomena are visualized in real-time with atomic resolution. We further implement active feedback control based on real-time image analytics to automatically control the e-beam motion, enabling shape control and providing a pathway for atom-by-atom correction of fabricated structures in the near future. These observations open a new epoch for atom-by-atom manufacturing in bulk, the long-held dream of nanotechnology.

High-resolution electron microscopy

CERN Document Server

Spence, John C H

2013-01-01

This new fourth edition of the standard text on atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) retains previous material on the fundamentals of electron optics and aberration correction, linear imaging theory (including wave aberrations to fifth order) with partial coherence, and multiple-scattering theory. Also preserved are updated earlier sections on practical methods, with detailed step-by-step accounts of the procedures needed to obtain the highest quality images of atoms and molecules using a modern TEM or STEM electron microscope. Applications sections have been updated - these include the semiconductor industry, superconductor research, solid state chemistry and nanoscience, and metallurgy, mineralogy, condensed matter physics, materials science and material on cryo-electron microscopy for structural biology. New or expanded sections have been added on electron holography, aberration correction, field-emission guns, imaging filters, super-resolution methods, Ptychography, Ronchigrams, tomogr...

Non-equilibrium Green function method: theory and application in simulation of nanometer electronic devices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Do, Van-Nam

2014-01-01

We review fundamental aspects of the non-equilibrium Green function method in the simulation of nanometer electronic devices. The method is implemented into our recently developed computer package OPEDEVS to investigate transport properties of electrons in nano-scale devices and low-dimensional materials. Concretely, we present the definition of the four real-time Green functions, the retarded, advanced, lesser and greater functions. Basic relations among these functions and their equations of motion are also presented in detail as the basis for the performance of analytical and numerical calculations. In particular, we review in detail two recursive algorithms, which are implemented in OPEDEVS to solve the Green functions defined in finite-size opened systems and in the surface layer of semi-infinite homogeneous ones. Operation of the package is then illustrated through the simulation of the transport characteristics of a typical semiconductor device structure, the resonant tunneling diodes. (review)

Synthesis, structure, and luminescence properties of In{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}O{sub 7}/SnO{sub 2} core-shell nanowires

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Park, Sunghoon; An, Soyeon; Jin, Changhyun; Lee, Chongmu [Inha University, Incheon (Korea, Republic of)

2012-09-15

In{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}O{sub 7}/SnO{sub 2} core-shell nanowires were synthesized by using a two-step process: thermal evaporation of a mixture of In and Ge powders and atomic layer deposition of SnO{sub 2}. The core-shell nanowires were characterized using by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The In{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}O{sub 7} cores in these core-shell nanowires varied from 50 to 100 nanometers in diameter and up to a few hundreds of micrometers in length, and the SnO{sub 2} shell layer thickness ranged from 5 to 15 nm. Photoluminescence measurements showed that the In{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanowires had a weak broad violet emission band centered at approximately 405 nm. In contrast, the In{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}O{sub 7}/SnO{sub 2} core-shell nanowires had a taller blue-violet emission peak at approximately 440 nm. The optimum shell layer thickness of the In{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}O{sub 7}/SnO{sub 2} core-shell nanowires for the highest PL intensity was found to be 15 nm. Our results also showed that the intensity of the blue-violet emission was increased further by thermal annealing in an Ar atmosphere. The origins of the change on and the enhancement of the luminescence of the In{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanowires by SnO{sub 2} coating and annealing are discussed.

Low-temperature electron microscopy and electron diffraction study of La/sub 1. 84/Sr/sub 0. 16/CuO/sub 4/

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Onozuka, Takashi; Omori, Mamoru; Hirabayashi, Makoto; Syono, Yasuhiko

1987-10-01

A high-T/sub c/ superconducting compound, La/sub 1.84/Sr/sub 0.16/CuO/sub 4/, has been investigated by electron microscopy and electron diffraction in the range from 10 K to ambient temperature. The tetragonal K/sub 2/NiF/sub 4/-type structure undergoes an orthorhombic distortion below about 130 K. In the low-temperature phase, extra diffraction spots and twin lamellae are observed reversibly on cooling and heating in situ. Based on the observed results, a plausible structure model with orthorhombic distortion is proposed

First Beam Test of Nanometer Spot Size Monitor Using Laser Interferometry

CERN Document Server

Walz, D

2003-01-01

The nanometer spot size monitor based on the laser interferometry (Laser-Compton Spot Size Monitor) has been tested in FFTB beam line at SLAC. A low emittance beam of 46 GeV electrons, provided by the two-mile linear accelerator, was focused into nanometer spot in the FFTB line, and its transverse dimensions were precisely measured by the spot size monitor.

First Beam Test of Nanometer Spot Size Monitor Using Laser Interferometry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Walz, Dieter R

2003-01-01

The nanometer spot size monitor based on the laser interferometry (Laser-Compton Spot Size Monitor) has been tested in FFTB beam line at SLAC. A low emittance beam of 46 GeV electrons, provided by the two-mile linear accelerator, was focused into nanometer spot in the FFTB line, and its transverse dimensions were precisely measured by the spot size monitor

Sub-atomic resolution X-ray crystallography and neutron crystallography: promise, challenges and potential.

Science.gov (United States)

Blakeley, Matthew P; Hasnain, Samar S; Antonyuk, Svetlana V

2015-07-01

The International Year of Crystallography saw the number of macromolecular structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank cross the 100000 mark, with more than 90000 of these provided by X-ray crystallography. The number of X-ray structures determined to sub-atomic resolution (i.e. ≤1 Å) has passed 600 and this is likely to continue to grow rapidly with diffraction-limited synchrotron radiation sources such as MAX-IV (Sweden) and Sirius (Brazil) under construction. A dozen X-ray structures have been deposited to ultra-high resolution (i.e. ≤0.7 Å), for which precise electron density can be exploited to obtain charge density and provide information on the bonding character of catalytic or electron transfer sites. Although the development of neutron macromolecular crystallography over the years has been far less pronounced, and its application much less widespread, the availability of new and improved instrumentation, combined with dedicated deuteration facilities, are beginning to transform the field. Of the 83 macromolecular structures deposited with neutron diffraction data, more than half (49/83, 59%) were released since 2010. Sub-mm(3) crystals are now regularly being used for data collection, structures have been determined to atomic resolution for a few small proteins, and much larger unit-cell systems (cell edges >100 Å) are being successfully studied. While some details relating to H-atom positions are tractable with X-ray crystallography at sub-atomic resolution, the mobility of certain H atoms precludes them from being located. In addition, highly polarized H atoms and protons (H(+)) remain invisible with X-rays. Moreover, the majority of X-ray structures are determined from cryo-cooled crystals at 100 K, and, although radiation damage can be strongly controlled, especially since the advent of shutterless fast detectors, and by using limited doses and crystal translation at micro-focus beams, radiation damage can still take place. Neutron

Sub-atomic resolution X-ray crystallography and neutron crystallography: promise, challenges and potential

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Matthew P. Blakeley

2015-07-01

Full Text Available The International Year of Crystallography saw the number of macromolecular structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank cross the 100000 mark, with more than 90000 of these provided by X-ray crystallography. The number of X-ray structures determined to sub-atomic resolution (i.e. ≤1 Å has passed 600 and this is likely to continue to grow rapidly with diffraction-limited synchrotron radiation sources such as MAX-IV (Sweden and Sirius (Brazil under construction. A dozen X-ray structures have been deposited to ultra-high resolution (i.e. ≤0.7 Å, for which precise electron density can be exploited to obtain charge density and provide information on the bonding character of catalytic or electron transfer sites. Although the development of neutron macromolecular crystallography over the years has been far less pronounced, and its application much less widespread, the availability of new and improved instrumentation, combined with dedicated deuteration facilities, are beginning to transform the field. Of the 83 macromolecular structures deposited with neutron diffraction data, more than half (49/83, 59% were released since 2010. Sub-mm3 crystals are now regularly being used for data collection, structures have been determined to atomic resolution for a few small proteins, and much larger unit-cell systems (cell edges >100 Å are being successfully studied. While some details relating to H-atom positions are tractable with X-ray crystallography at sub-atomic resolution, the mobility of certain H atoms precludes them from being located. In addition, highly polarized H atoms and protons (H+ remain invisible with X-rays. Moreover, the majority of X-ray structures are determined from cryo-cooled crystals at 100 K, and, although radiation damage can be strongly controlled, especially since the advent of shutterless fast detectors, and by using limited doses and crystal translation at micro-focus beams, radiation damage can still take place

Role of nano-precipitation on the microstructure and shape memory characteristics of a new Ni{sub 50.3}Ti{sub 34.7}Zr{sub 15} shape memory alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Evirgen, A. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A& M University, College Station, TX 77843 (United States); Karaman, I., E-mail: ikaraman@tamu.edu [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A& M University, College Station, TX 77843 (United States); Pons, J.; Santamarta, R. [Departament de Fisica, Universitat de les Illes Balears, E07122 Palma de Mallorca (Spain); Noebe, R.D. [Materials and Structures Division, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH 44135 (United States)

2016-02-08

The microstructure and shape memory characteristics of the Ni{sub 50.3}Ti{sub 34.7}Zr{sub 15} shape memory alloy were investigated as a function of aging heat treatments that result in nanometer to submicron size precipitates. Microstructure–property relationships were developed by characterizing samples using transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and load-biased thermal cycling experiments. The precipitate size was found to strongly influence the martensitic transformation–precipitate interactions and ultimately the shape memory characteristics of the alloy. Aging treatments resulting in relatively fine precipitates, which are not an obstacle to twin boundaries and easily bypassed by martensite variants, exhibited higher transformation strain, lower transformation thermal hysteresis, and better thermal and dimensional stability compared to samples with relatively large precipitates. When precipitate dimensions approached several hundred nanometers in size they acted as obstacles to martensite growth, limiting martensite variant and twin size resulting in reduced functional and structural properties. Aging heat treatments were also shown to result in a wide range of transformation temperatures, increasing them above 100 °C in some cases, and affected the stress dependence of the transformation hysteresis and the stress versus transformation temperature relationships for the Ni{sub 50.3}Ti{sub 34.7}Zr{sub 15} alloy.

Benchmarking NaI(Tl) Electron Energy Resolution Measurements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mengesha, Wondwosen; Valentine, J D.

2002-01-01

A technique for validating electron energy resolution results measured using the modified Compton coincidence technique (MCCT) has been developed. This technique relies on comparing measured gamma-ray energy resolution with calculated values that were determined using the measured electron energy resolution results. These gamma-ray energy resolution calculations were based on Monte Carlo photon transport simulations, the measured NaI(Tl) electron response, a simplified cascade sequence, and the measured electron energy resolution results. To demonstrate this technique, MCCT-measured NaI(Tl) electron energy resolution results were used along with measured gamma-ray energy resolution results from the same NaI(Tl) crystal. Agreement to within 5% was observed for all energies considered between the calculated and measured gamma-ray energy resolution results for the NaI(Tl) crystal characterized. The calculated gamma-ray energy resolution results were also compared with previously published gamma-ray energy resolution measurements with good agreement (<10%). In addition to describing the validation technique that was developed in this study and the results, a brief review of the electron energy resolution measurements made using the MCCT is provided. Based on the results of this study, it is believed that the MCCT-measured electron energy resolution results are reliable. Thus, the MCCT and this validation technique can be used in the future to characterize the electron energy resolution of other scintillators and to determine NaI(Tl) intrinsic energy resolution

Electron microscopy at atomic resolution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gronsky, R.

1983-11-01

The direct imaging of atomic structure in solids has become increasingly easier to accomplish with modern transmission electron microscopes, many of which have an information retrieval limit near 0.2 nm point resolution. Achieving better resolution, particularly with any useful range of specimen tilting, requires a major design effort. This presentation describes the new Atomic Resolution Microscope (ARM), recently put into operation at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. Capable of 0.18 nm or better interpretable resolution over a voltage range of 400 kV to 1000 kV with +- 40/sup 0/ biaxial specimen tilting, the ARM features a number of new electron-optical and microprocessor-control designs. These are highlighted, and its atomic resolution performance demonstrated for a selection of inorganic crystals.

Electron microscopy at atomic resolution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gronsky, R.

1983-11-01

The direct imaging of atomic structure in solids has become increasingly easier to accomplish with modern transmission electron microscopes, many of which have an information retrieval limit near 0.2 nm point resolution. Achieving better resolution, particularly with any useful range of specimen tilting, requires a major design effort. This presentation describes the new Atomic Resolution Microscope (ARM), recently put into operation at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. Capable of 0.18 nm or better interpretable resolution over a voltage range of 400 kV to 1000 kV with +- 40 0 biaxial specimen tilting, the ARM features a number of new electron-optical and microprocessor-control designs. These are highlighted, and its atomic resolution performance demonstrated for a selection of inorganic crystals

Neuroanatomy from Mesoscopic to Nanoscopic Scales: An Improved Method for the Observation of Semithin Sections by High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Science.gov (United States)

Rodríguez, José-Rodrigo; Turégano-López, Marta; DeFelipe, Javier; Merchán-Pérez, Angel

2018-01-01

Semithin sections are commonly used to examine large areas of tissue with an optical microscope, in order to locate and trim the regions that will later be studied with the electron microscope. Ideally, the observation of semithin sections would be from mesoscopic to nanoscopic scales directly, instead of using light microscopy and then electron microscopy (EM). Here we propose a method that makes it possible to obtain high-resolution scanning EM images of large areas of the brain in the millimeter to nanometer range. Since our method is compatible with light microscopy, it is also feasible to generate hybrid light and electron microscopic maps. Additionally, the same tissue blocks that have been used to obtain semithin sections can later be used, if necessary, for transmission EM, or for focused ion beam milling and scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM).

Electron holography for the study of nanomagnetic materials

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Thomas, John Meurig; Simpson, Edward T.; Kasama, Takeshi

2008-01-01

provide important quantitative information, with nanometer-scale spatial resolution, pertaining to such materials’ magnetic properties. In this Account, with the aid of representative examples embracing solid-state chemistry, geochemistry, and bio-inorganic phenomena, we illustrate how off-axis electron...

Breaking the Crowther limit: Combining depth-sectioning and tilt tomography for high-resolution, wide-field 3D reconstructions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hovden, Robert, E-mail: rmh244@cornell.edu [School of Applied and Engineering Physics and Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 (United States); Ercius, Peter [National Center for Electron Microscopy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720 (United States); Jiang, Yi [Department of Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 (United States); Wang, Deli; Yu, Yingchao; Abruña, Héctor D. [Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 (United States); Elser, Veit [Department of Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 (United States); Muller, David A. [School of Applied and Engineering Physics and Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 (United States)

2014-05-01

To date, high-resolution (<1 nm) imaging of extended objects in three-dimensions (3D) has not been possible. A restriction known as the Crowther criterion forces a tradeoff between object size and resolution for 3D reconstructions by tomography. Further, the sub-Angstrom resolution of aberration-corrected electron microscopes is accompanied by a greatly diminished depth of field, causing regions of larger specimens (>6 nm) to appear blurred or missing. Here we demonstrate a three-dimensional imaging method that overcomes both these limits by combining through-focal depth sectioning and traditional tilt-series tomography to reconstruct extended objects, with high-resolution, in all three dimensions. The large convergence angle in aberration corrected instruments now becomes a benefit and not a hindrance to higher quality reconstructions. A through-focal reconstruction over a 390 nm 3D carbon support containing over 100 dealloyed and nanoporous PtCu catalyst particles revealed with sub-nanometer detail the extensive and connected interior pore structure that is created by the dealloying instability. - Highlights: • Develop tomography technique for high-resolution and large field of view. • We combine depth sectioning with traditional tilt tomography. • Through-focal tomography reduces tilts and improves resolution. • Through-focal tomography overcomes the fundamental Crowther limit. • Aberration-corrected becomes a benefit and not a hindrance for tomography.

Pulse radiolysis with (sub) nanosecond time resolution using a 3 MV electron accelerator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Luthjens, L.H.

1986-01-01

In this thesis the development of equipment for pulse radiolysis is described and the application of the technique to time-resolved measurements of the fluorescence emission of excited states formed after irradiation of some alkanes is dealt with. A review is given of the development of the pulsed 3MV Van de Graaf electron accelerator for the generation of subnanosecond electron beam pulses and of the development of the equipment for optical detection as accomplished by the author. The initial stage of a further development for shorter pulses and higher time resolution is briefly discussed. A collection of papers on the development of apparatus and a collection of papers dealing with the results obtained from measurements of the fluorescence of excited states, formed by the recombination of electrons and ions in irradiated alkanes such as cyclohexane and the decalines, are included. (Auth.)

Electrodeposition of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} layer from solution of Fe{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3} with addition ethylene glycol

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dahlan, Dahyunir, E-mail: dahyunir@yahoo.com; Asrar, Allan [Department of Physics, Andalas University, Limau Manih Padang 25163, West Sumatera (Indonesia)

2016-03-11

The electrodeposition of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} layer from the solution Fe{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3} with the addition of ethylene glycol on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) substrate has been performed. The electrodeposition was carried out using a voltage of 5 volts for 120 seconds, with and without the addition of 2% wt ethylene glycol. Significant effects of temperature on the resulting the samples is observed when they are heated at 400 °C. Structural characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that all samples produce a layer of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} with particle size less than 50 nanometers. The addition of ethylene glycol and the heating of the sample causes a shrinkage in particle size. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization shows that Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} layer resulting from the process of electrodeposition of Fe{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3} without ethylene glycol, independent of whether the sample is heated or not, is uneven and buildup. Layer produced by the addition of ethylene glycol without heating produces spherical particles. On contrary, when the layer is heated the spherical particles transform to irregularly-shaped particles with smaller size.

First-principles insights on electron transport in V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanostructures

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Srivastava, Anurag [Advanced Materials Research Group, Computational Nanoscience and Technology Laboratory, Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474015 (India); Chandiramouli, R., E-mail: rcmoulii@gmail.com [School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Shanmugha Arts Science Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613 401 (India)

2015-11-15

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Band structure and electron transport in V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanostructure are investigated using density functional theory. • V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanostructure exhibits semiconducting behavior. • The electron density is observed to be more in oxygen sites than in vanadium sites. • The electron transport in V{sub 2}O{sub 5} molecular device can be tuned with the applied bias voltage. - Abstract: The present report is on the electron transport properties of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanostructures, investigated using density functional theory. As the band structure of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} exhibits semiconducting nature, the V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanostructures are designed as molecular device and the transport properties are studied. The density of electrons is found to be more in the oxygen sites than in vanadium sites. The device density of states shows that the density of electrons in the energy intervals depends on the applied bias voltage. The transmission spectrum gives the insight on the transport property of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} molecular device. The bias voltage drives the electrons across V{sub 2}O{sub 5} scattering region, where the transmission along V{sub 2}O{sub 5} molecular device mainly depends on the bias voltage. The findings of the present work give insights to fine-tune the transport property of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} molecular device upon varying the bias voltage.

Sol–gel method to prepare graphene/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} aerogel and its catalytic application for the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lan, Yuanfei; Li, Xiaoyu; Li, Guoping; Luo, Yunjun, E-mail: yjluo@bit.edu.cn [Beijing Institute of Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering (China)

2015-10-15

Graphene/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} (Gr/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) aerogel was synthesized by a simple sol–gel method and supercritical carbon dioxide drying technique. In this study, the morphology and structure were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and nitrogen sorption tests. The catalytic performance of the as-synthesized Gr/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} aerogel on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) was investigated by thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimeter. The experimental results showed that Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} with particle sizes in the nanometer range was anchored on the Gr sheets and Gr/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} aerogel exhibits promising catalytic effects for the thermal decomposition of AP. The decomposition temperature of AP was obviously decreased and the total heat release increased as well.

Electronic structure and vibrational properties of KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Atuchin, V.V. [Laboratory of Optical Materials and Structures, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation); Adichtchev, S.V. [Laboratory of Condensed Matter Spectroscopy, Institute of Automation and Electrometry, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation); Bazarov, B.G.; Bazarova, Zh.G. [Laboratory of Oxide Systems, Baikal Institute of Nature Management, SB RAS, Ulan-Ude 47, 670047 (Russian Federation); Gavrilova, T.A. [Laboratory of Nanodiagnostics and Nanolithography, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090 (Russian Federation); Grossman, V.G. [Laboratory of Oxide Systems, Baikal Institute of Nature Management, SB RAS, Ulan-Ude 47, 670047 (Russian Federation); Kesler, V.G. [Laboratory of Physical Principles for Integrated Microelectronics, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, Novosibirsk, 630090 (Russian Federation); Meng, G.S. [Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2711, Beijing 100190 (China); Key Laboratory of Quantum Information, University of Science and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230026 (China); Lin, Z.S., E-mail: zslin@mail.ipc.ac.cn [Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2711, Beijing 100190 (China); Surovtsev, N.V. [Laboratory of Condensed Matter Spectroscopy, Institute of Automation and Electrometry, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation)

2013-03-15

Graphical abstract: With the KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} powder formed by solid state synthesis (left), Raman spectrum (right upper) and XPS valence electronic states (right lower) were measured, agreed with the first-principles results. Highlights: ► KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} powder was obtained by solid state synthesis. ► Vibrational properties of KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} were determined by unpolarized Raman spectrum. ► Electronic structures of KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} were measured by XPS. ► Experimental electronic structure is consistent with the first-principles result. ► KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} has a noticeable refractive indices increase and small NLO effects decrease compared to K{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}. - Abstract: The physical properties of KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} have been considered in comparison with those of K{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Rb{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}. The vibrational parameters of KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} have been measured by Raman spectroscopy as very similar to those of K{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}. The electronic structures of KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} have been evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio computations using CASTEP package. A noticeable refractive indices increase and small decrease of nonlinear optical properties have been found in KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} in reference to optical parameters of K{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}.

High resolution analysis of three bands of the electronic transition A{sup 2}Σ{sup +}-X{sup 2}Π of N{sub 2}O{sup +} radical: 100-000, 000-001, and 001-001

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lessa, L. L.; Cândido, S. D. de; Fellows, C. E., E-mail: fellows@if.uff.br [Departamento de Física, Instituto de Ciências Exatas – ICEx, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus do Aterrado, Volta Redonda, RJ 27213-415 (Brazil)

2014-06-07

In this article three vibrational bands of the electronic transition A{sup 2}Σ{sup +}-X{sup 2}Π of the N{sub 2}O{sup +} radical (100-000, 000-001, and 001-001) are analysed through high resolution Fourier transform spectroscopy. The N{sub 2}O{sup +} radical was produced by Penning ionization of N{sub 2}O by colliding with metastable atoms of He(2{sup 3}S) in a reaction chamber. The spectra was recorded in a spectral range of 24 500–30 000 cm{sup −1} and obtained from 200 coadded interferograms recorded at an apodized resolution of 0.08 cm{sup −1}. Through a recursive way, the wavenumbers of the correspondent rotational transitions were reduced into molecular constants, improving the values previously reported. New values for the first vibrational energies ν{sub 1}{sup ′}, ν{sub 3}{sup ″}, and ν{sub 3}{sup ′} are also obtained and compared with previous values reported in the literature.

Optical circular deflector with attosecond resolution for ultrashort electron beam

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zhen Zhang

2017-05-01

Full Text Available A novel method using high-power laser as a circular deflector is proposed for the measurement of femtosecond (fs and sub-fs electron beam. In the scheme, the electron beam interacts with a laser pulse operating in a radially polarized doughnut mode (TEM_{01^{*}} in a helical undulator, generating angular kicks along the beam in two directions at the same time. The phase difference between the two angular kicks makes the beam form a ring after a propagation section with appropriate phase advance, which can reveal the current profile of the electron beam. Detailed theoretical analysis of the method and numerical results with reasonable parameters are both presented. It is shown that the temporal resolution can reach up to ∼100 attosecond, which is a significant improvement for the diagnostics of ultrashort electron beam.

Nanometer-scale features in dolomite from Pennsylvanian rocks, Paradox Basin, Utah

Science.gov (United States)

Gournay, Jonas P.; Kirkland, Brenda L.; Folk, Robert L.; Lynch, F. Leo

1999-07-01

Scanning electron microscopy reveals an association between early dolomite in the Pennsylvanian Desert Creek (Paradox Fm.) and small (approximately 0.1 μm) nanometer-scale textures, termed `nannobacteria'. Three diagenetically distinct dolomites are present: early dolomite, limpid dolomite, and baroque dolomite. In this study, only the early dolomite contained nanometer-scale features. These textures occur as discrete balls and rods, clumps of balls, and chains of balls. Precipitation experiments demonstrate that these textures may be the result of precipitation in an organic-rich micro-environment. The presence of these nanometer-scale textures in Pennsylvanian rocks suggests that these early dolomites precipitated in organic-rich, bacterial environments.

Size effect in X-ray and electron diffraction patterns from hydroxyapatite particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Suvorova, E.I.; Buffat, P.-A.

2001-01-01

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron microdiffraction, and X-ray diffraction were used to study hydroxyapatite specimens with particle sizes from a few nanometers to several hundreds of nanometers. Diffuse scattering (without clear reflections in transmission diffraction patterns) or strongly broadened peaks in X-ray diffraction patterns are characteristic for agglomerated hydroxyapatite nanocrystals. However, HRTEM and microdiffraction showed that this cannot be considered as an indication of the amorphous state of the matter but rather as the demonstration of size effect and the morphological and structural features of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals

Chandra ACIS Sub-pixel Resolution

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Dong-Woo; Anderson, C. S.; Mossman, A. E.; Allen, G. E.; Fabbiano, G.; Glotfelty, K. J.; Karovska, M.; Kashyap, V. L.; McDowell, J. C.

2011-05-01

We investigate how to achieve the best possible ACIS spatial resolution by binning in ACIS sub-pixel and applying an event repositioning algorithm after removing pixel-randomization from the pipeline data. We quantitatively assess the improvement in spatial resolution by (1) measuring point source sizes and (2) detecting faint point sources. The size of a bright (but no pile-up), on-axis point source can be reduced by about 20-30%. With the improve resolution, we detect 20% more faint sources when embedded on the extended, diffuse emission in a crowded field. We further discuss the false source rate of about 10% among the newly detected sources, using a few ultra-deep observations. We also find that the new algorithm does not introduce a grid structure by an aliasing effect for dithered observations and does not worsen the positional accuracy

Phase evolution and its effect on magnetic properties of Nd sub 6 sub 0 Al sub 1 sub 0 Fe sub 2 sub 0 Co sub 1 sub 0 bulk metallic glass

CERN Document Server

Lei Xia; Pan, M X; Zhao, D Q; Wang, W H; Dong, Y D

2003-01-01

The thermal stability of nanocrystalline clusters, the phase evolution, and their effects on magnetic properties were studied for as-cast Nd sub 6 sub 0 Al sub 1 sub 0 Fe sub 2 sub 0 Co sub 1 sub 0 alloy using differential scanning calorimetry curves, x-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transition electron microscopy. Thermomagnetic curves and hysteresis loops of the bulk metallic glass were measured during the annealing process. The high thermostability of the hard magnetic properties of the samples observed is attributed to the stability of the nanocrystalline clusters upon annealing, while the slight enhancement in the magnetization is due to the precipitation of some Nd-rich metastable phases. The mechanism of thermostability of the nanocrystalline clusters and the formation of the metastable phases are discussed.

Elastic properties of sub-stoichiometric nitrogen ion implanted silicon

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sarmanova, M.F., E-mail: marina.sarmanova@iom-leipzig.de [Leibniz Institute of Surface Modification, D-04318 Leipzig (Germany); Karl, H. [University Augsburg, Institute of Physics, D-86135 Augsburg (Germany); Mändl, S.; Hirsch, D. [Leibniz Institute of Surface Modification, D-04318 Leipzig (Germany); Mayr, S.G.; Rauschenbach, B. [Leibniz Institute of Surface Modification, D-04318 Leipzig (Germany); University Leipzig, Institute for Experimental Physics II, D-04103 Leipzig (Germany)

2015-04-15

Elastic properties of sub-stoichiometric nitrogen implanted silicon were measured with nanometer-resolution using contact resonance atomic force microscopy (CR-AFM) as function of ion fluence and post-annealing conditions. The determined range of indentation moduli was between 100 and 180 GPa depending on the annealing duration and nitrogen content. The high indentation moduli can be explained by formation of Si–N bonds, as verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

A monochromatic, aberration-corrected, dual-beam low energy electron microscope.

Science.gov (United States)

Mankos, Marian; Shadman, Khashayar

2013-07-01

The monochromatic, aberration-corrected, dual-beam low energy electron microscope (MAD-LEEM) is a novel instrument aimed at imaging of nanostructures and surfaces at sub-nanometer resolution that includes a monochromator, aberration corrector and dual beam illumination. The monochromator reduces the energy spread of the illuminating electron beam, which significantly improves spectroscopic and spatial resolution. The aberration corrector utilizes an electron mirror with negative aberrations that can be used to compensate the aberrations of the LEEM objective lens for a range of electron energies. Dual flood illumination eliminates charging generated when a conventional LEEM is used to image insulating specimens. MAD-LEEM is designed for the purpose of imaging biological and insulating specimens, which are difficult to image with conventional LEEM, Low-Voltage SEM, and TEM instruments. The MAD-LEEM instrument can also be used as a general purpose LEEM with significantly improved resolution. The low impact energy of the electrons is critical for avoiding beam damage, as high energy electrons with keV kinetic energies used in SEMs and TEMs cause irreversible change to many specimens, in particular biological materials. A potential application for MAD-LEEM is in DNA sequencing, which demands imaging techniques that enable DNA sequencing at high resolution and speed, and at low cost. The key advantages of the MAD-LEEM approach for this application are the low electron impact energies, the long read lengths, and the absence of heavy-atom DNA labeling. Image contrast simulations of the detectability of individual nucleotides in a DNA strand have been developed in order to refine the optics blur and DNA base contrast requirements for this application. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Design and implementation of an optimal laser pulse front tilting scheme for ultrafast electron diffraction in reflection geometry with high temporal resolution

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Francesco Pennacchio

2017-07-01

Full Text Available Ultrafast electron diffraction is a powerful technique to investigate out-of-equilibrium atomic dynamics in solids with high temporal resolution. When diffraction is performed in reflection geometry, the main limitation is the mismatch in group velocity between the overlapping pump light and the electron probe pulses, which affects the overall temporal resolution of the experiment. A solution already available in the literature involved pulse front tilt of the pump beam at the sample, providing a sub-picosecond time resolution. However, in the reported optical scheme, the tilted pulse is characterized by a temporal chirp of about 1 ps at 1 mm away from the centre of the beam, which limits the investigation of surface dynamics in large crystals. In this paper, we propose an optimal tilting scheme designed for a radio-frequency-compressed ultrafast electron diffraction setup working in reflection geometry with 30 keV electron pulses containing up to 105 electrons/pulse. To characterize our scheme, we performed optical cross-correlation measurements, obtaining an average temporal width of the tilted pulse lower than 250 fs. The calibration of the electron-laser temporal overlap was obtained by monitoring the spatial profile of the electron beam when interacting with the plasma optically induced at the apex of a copper needle (plasma lensing effect. Finally, we report the first time-resolved results obtained on graphite, where the electron-phonon coupling dynamics is observed, showing an overall temporal resolution in the sub-500 fs regime. The successful implementation of this configuration opens the way to directly probe structural dynamics of low-dimensional systems in the sub-picosecond regime, with pulsed electrons.

Differential optical shadow sensor for sub-nanometer displacement measurement and its application to drag-free satellites.

Science.gov (United States)

Zoellner, Andreas; Tan, Si; Saraf, Shailendhar; Alfauwaz, Abdul; DeBra, Dan; Buchman, Sasha; Lipa, John A

2017-10-16

We present a method for 3D sub-nanometer displacement measurement using a set of differential optical shadow sensors. It is based on using pairs of collimated beams on opposite sides of an object that are partially blocked by it. Applied to a sphere, our 3-axis sensor module consists of 8 parallel beam-detector sets for redundancy. The sphere blocks half of each beam's power in the nominal centered position, and any displacement can be measured by the differential optical power changes amongst the pairs of detectors. We have experimentally demonstrated a displacement sensitivity of 0.87nm/Hz at 1 Hz and 0.39nm/Hz at 10 Hz. We describe the application of the module to the inertial sensor of a drag-free satellite, which can potentially be used for navigation, geodesy and fundamental science experiments as well as ground based applications.

Electron-microscopy studies of NaAlH{sub 4} with TiF{sub 3} additive: hydrogen-cycling effects

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Andrei, C.M.; Holmestad, R. [Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Physics, Trondheim (Norway); Walmsley, J.C. [SINTEF Materials and Chemistry, Trondheim (Norway); Brinks, H.W.; Hauback, B.C. [Institute for Energy Technology, P.O. Box 40, Kjeller (Norway); Srinivasan, S.S.; Jensen, C.M. [University of Hawaii, Department of Chemistry, Honolulu, HI (United States)

2005-02-01

NaAlH{sub 4} is a promising candidate material for hydrogen storage. Ti additives are effective in reducing the reaction temperatures and improving kinetics. In this work, the microstructure of NaAlH{sub 4} with 2% TiF{sub 3} has been studied in different conditions using a combination of transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, both with energy-dispersive spectroscopic X-ray analysis. The effect of the additive on particle and grain size was examined after the initial ball-milling process and after 15 cycles. The additive has an uneven distribution in the sample after ball milling. Selected-area diffraction and high-resolution imaging confirmed the presence of TiF{sub 3}. This phase accounts for most of the Ti in the material at this stage and showed limited mixing with the alanate. The grain size within particles for TiF{sub 3} is larger than for the alanate particles. Diffraction from the latter was dominated by metallic aluminium. After cycling, the TiF{sub 3} has decomposed and energy-dispersive spectroscopic X-ray analysis maps showed some combination of Ti with the alanate phase. There is no significant change in the measurable grain size of the Al-containing alanate particles between the ball-milled and the 15-cycled samples, but more cycles result in agglomeration of the material. (orig.)

Electronic band structure and charge density wave transition in quasi-2D KMo{sub 6}O{sub 17} purple bronze

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Valbuena, M A [Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, 28049 Madrid (Spain); Avila, J; Asensio, M C [Synchrotron SOLEIL, L' Orme des Merisiers, Saint-Aubin, B.P. 48, 91192 Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex (France); Vyalikh, D V; Laubschat, C; Molodtsov, S L [Institut fuer Festkoerperphysik, Technische Universitaet Dresden, D-01062 Dresden (Germany); Guyot, H [LEPES, CNRS, BP 166, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9 (France)], E-mail: mvbuena@icmm.csic.es

2008-03-15

High resolution angle-resolved photoemission of quasi-2D KMo{sub 6}O{sub 17} purple bronze has been performed in the range from room temperature to 130 K, slightly above the charge density wave (CDW) transition (T{sub c} = 110 K), and down to 35 K (well below T{sub c}). In this paper we report a detailed study of how electronic band structure is affected by this transition driven by the hidden nesting scenario. The expected spectroscopic fingerprints of the CDW phase transition have been found and discussed according to the hidden one dimension and the development of a quasi-commensurate CDW. The excellent agreement between theory and our experimental results makes of potassium purple bronze a reference system for studying this type of instabilities.

Multiple double cross-section transmission electron microscope sample preparation of specific sub-10 nm diameter Si nanowire devices.

Science.gov (United States)

Gignac, Lynne M; Mittal, Surbhi; Bangsaruntip, Sarunya; Cohen, Guy M; Sleight, Jeffrey W

2011-12-01

The ability to prepare multiple cross-section transmission electron microscope (XTEM) samples from one XTEM sample of specific sub-10 nm features was demonstrated. Sub-10 nm diameter Si nanowire (NW) devices were initially cross-sectioned using a dual-beam focused ion beam system in a direction running parallel to the device channel. From this XTEM sample, both low- and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM) images were obtained from six separate, specific site Si NW devices. The XTEM sample was then re-sectioned in four separate locations in a direction perpendicular to the device channel: 90° from the original XTEM sample direction. Three of the four XTEM samples were successfully sectioned in the gate region of the device. From these three samples, low- and high-resolution TEM images of the Si NW were taken and measurements of the NW diameters were obtained. This technique demonstrated the ability to obtain high-resolution TEM images in directions 90° from one another of multiple, specific sub-10 nm features that were spaced 1.1 μm apart.

Ultra-precise measurement of optical aberrations for sub-Aangstroem transmission electron microscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Barthel, J.

2008-06-15

Quantitative investigations of material structures on an atomic scale by means of highresolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) impose not only extreme demands on the mechanic and electromagnetic stability of the applied instruments but require also their precise electron-optical adjustment. Today a physical resolution well below one Aangstroem can be achieved with commercially available microscopes on a daily basis. However, the achieved resolution can often not be reliably exploited for the interpretation of the resulting microscopical data due to the presence of so-called higher-order lens aberrations. At the starting time of this work, a sufficiently accurate procedure to measure higher-order aberrations was urgently missing. Since aberration measurement is a mandatory prerequisite for any technique of aberration control enabling quantitative high-resolution microscopy, the goal of this work is to develop such a measurement procedure for the Sub-Aangstroem regime. The measurement procedures developed in the course of this work are based on the numerical evaluation of a series of images taken from an amorphous object under electron-beam illumination with varying tilt. New techniques have been developed for the evaluation of single images as well as for the optimised evaluation of the whole series. These procedures allow microscope users to perform quantitative HRTEM even at a resolution of 0.5 Aangstroem. The precision reached with the newly developed measurement procedures is unprecedented and surpasses existing solutions by at least one order of magnitude in any respect. All the concepts and procedures for aberration measurement developed in this work have been implemented in a software package which satisfies professional demands with respect to robustness, precision, speed and user-friendliness. The new automatic aberrationmeasurement procedures are suitable to establish HRTEM as a quantitative technique for material science investigations in the

Ultra-precise measurement of optical aberrations for sub-Aangstroem transmission electron microscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barthel, J.

2008-06-01

Quantitative investigations of material structures on an atomic scale by means of highresolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) impose not only extreme demands on the mechanic and electromagnetic stability of the applied instruments but require also their precise electron-optical adjustment. Today a physical resolution well below one Aangstroem can be achieved with commercially available microscopes on a daily basis. However, the achieved resolution can often not be reliably exploited for the interpretation of the resulting microscopical data due to the presence of so-called higher-order lens aberrations. At the starting time of this work, a sufficiently accurate procedure to measure higher-order aberrations was urgently missing. Since aberration measurement is a mandatory prerequisite for any technique of aberration control enabling quantitative high-resolution microscopy, the goal of this work is to develop such a measurement procedure for the Sub-Aangstroem regime. The measurement procedures developed in the course of this work are based on the numerical evaluation of a series of images taken from an amorphous object under electron-beam illumination with varying tilt. New techniques have been developed for the evaluation of single images as well as for the optimised evaluation of the whole series. These procedures allow microscope users to perform quantitative HRTEM even at a resolution of 0.5 Aangstroem. The precision reached with the newly developed measurement procedures is unprecedented and surpasses existing solutions by at least one order of magnitude in any respect. All the concepts and procedures for aberration measurement developed in this work have been implemented in a software package which satisfies professional demands with respect to robustness, precision, speed and user-friendliness. The new automatic aberrationmeasurement procedures are suitable to establish HRTEM as a quantitative technique for material science investigations in the

Bulk superconducting gap of V{sub 3}Si studied by low-energy ultrahigh-resolution photoemission spectroscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sato, T., E-mail: t-sato@arpes.phys.tohoku.ac.jp [Department of Physics, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578 (Japan); Souma, S. [WPI Research Center, Advanced Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); Nakayama, K. [Department of Physics, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578 (Japan); Sugawara, K. [WPI Research Center, Advanced Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); Toyota, N. [Department of Physics, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578 (Japan); Takahashi, T. [Department of Physics, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578 (Japan); WPI Research Center, Advanced Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan)

2016-04-15

Highlights: • We report ultrahigh-resolution photoemission spectroscopy of A15 compound V{sub 3}Si. • We found a sharp quasiparticle peak due to superconducting-gap opening. • The surface metallic component is negligibly small in the bulk-sensitive measurement. • We show that V{sub 3}Si is a single-gap s-wave superconductor. - Abstract: We have performed low-energy ultrahigh-resolution photoemission spectroscopy (PES) of A15 compound V{sub 3}Si with a xenon-plasma discharge lamp to elucidate the bulk superconducting gap. Below the superconducting transition temperature (T{sub c} = 15.9 K), we found a sharp quasiparticle peak at the Fermi level in the PES spectrum. The gap spectrum is well fitted by a single s-wave superconducting-gap function together with a dip structure at ∼30 meV suggestive of a strong electron-phonon coupling. The anomalous in-gap state previously observed in the PES measurement with high-energy photons is absent or negligibly small in the present bulk-sensitive measurement. The present PES result shows that V{sub 3}Si is a single-gap s-wave superconductor.

Corrosion behavior of nanostructured Ni-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} composite films: A study of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, J.M.; Cai, C.; Xue, M.Z.; Liu, Y.G. [School of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai (China); Yin, J.Y.; Zhang, Z. [Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou (China); Key Laboratory for Light Alloy Materials Technology, JiaXing (China); Li, J.F. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha (China); Yang, J.F. [State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi' an Jiaotong University (China)

2012-07-15

Ni-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanocomposite films with both the consecutive Ni crystallites and dispersed Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} particles in the nanometer range have been fabricated using DC electroplating technique, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion resistance of the Ni-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanocomposite film has been compared to that of pure Ni coating through polarization. Meanwhile, the corrosion process of Ni-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanocomposite film in neutral 3.5% NaCl solution has been investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show that the Ni-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanocomposite film is more resistant to corrosion than the pure Ni coating. The corrosion of Ni-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanocomposite film is controlled by electrochemical step, and the whole corrosion process is divided into two sequential stages. The main corrosion type of Ni-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanocomposite films in neutral 3.5% NaCl solution is pitting. (Copyright copyright 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Quantitative nanometer-scale mapping of dielectric tunability

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tselev, Alexander [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Klein, Andreas [Technische Univ. Darmstadt (Germany); Gassmann, Juergen [Technische Univ. Darmstadt (Germany); Jesse, Stephen [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Li, Qian [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Kalinin, Sergei V. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Wisinger, Nina Balke [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

2015-08-21

Two scanning probe microscopy techniques—near-field scanning microwave microscopy (SMM) and piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM)—are used to characterize and image tunability in a thin (Ba,Sr)TiO3 film with nanometer scale spatial resolution. While sMIM allows direct probing of tunability by measurement of the change in the dielectric constant, in PFM, tunability can be extracted via electrostrictive response. The near-field microwave imaging and PFM provide similar information about dielectric tunability with PFM capable to deliver quantitative information on tunability with a higher spatial resolution close to 15 nm. This is the first time that information about the dielectric tunability is available on such length scales.

Electron-electron bound states in Maxwell-Chern-Simons-Proca QED{sub 3}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Belich, H.; Helayel-Neto, J.A. [Grupo de Fisica Teorica Jose Leite Lopes, Petropolis, RJ (Brazil)]|[Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Fisicas (CBPF), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Coordenacao de Teoria de Campos e Particulas]. E-mail: belich@cbpf.br; helayel@gft.ucp.br; Del Cima, O.M. [Grupo de Fisica Teorica Jose Leite Lopes, Petropolis, RJ (Brazil)]. E-mail: delcima@gft.ucp.br; Ferreira, M.M. Jr. [Grupo de Fisica Teorica Jose Leite Lopes, Petropolis, RJ (Brazil)]|[Maranhao Univ., Sao Luis, MA (Brazil). Dept. de Fisica]. E-mail: manojr@cbpf.br

2002-10-01

We start from a parity-breaking MCS QED{sub 3} model with spontaneous breaking of the gauge symmetry as a framework for evaluation of the electron-electron interaction potential and for attainment of numerical values for the e{sup -}e{sup -} - bound state. Three expressions (V{sub eff{down_arrow}}{sub {down_arrow}}, V{sub eff{down_arrow}}{sub {up_arrow}}, V{sub eff{down_arrow}}{sub {down_arrow}}) are obtained according to the polarization state of the scattered electrons. In an energy scale compatible with condensed matter electronic excitations, these potentials become degenerated. The resulting potential is implemented in the Schroedinger equation and the variational method is applied to carry out the electronic binding energy. The resulting binding energies in the scale of 10-100 meV and a correlation length in the scale of 10 - 30 Angstrom are possible indications that the MCS-QED{sub 3} model adopted may be suitable to address an eventual case of e{sup -}e{sup -} pairing in the presence of parity-symmetry breakdown. The data analyzed here suggest an energy scale of 10-100 meV to fix the breaking of the U(1)-symmetry. (author)

Orientation-dependent imaging of electronically excited quantum dots

Science.gov (United States)

Nguyen, Duc; Goings, Joshua J.; Nguyen, Huy A.; Lyding, Joseph; Li, Xiaosong; Gruebele, Martin

2018-02-01

We previously demonstrated that we can image electronic excitations of quantum dots by single-molecule absorption scanning tunneling microscopy (SMA-STM). With this technique, a modulated laser beam periodically saturates an electronic transition of a single nanoparticle, and the resulting tunneling current modulation ΔI(x0, y0) maps out the SMA-STM image. In this paper, we first derive the basic theory to calculate ΔI(x0, y0) in the one-electron approximation. For near-resonant tunneling through an empty orbital "i" of the nanostructure, the SMA-STM signal is approximately proportional to the electron density |φi) (x0,y0)|nudge quantum dots on the surface and roll them, thus imaging excited state electronic structure of a single quantum dot at different orientations. We use density functional theory to model ODMs at various orientations, for qualitative comparison with the SMA-STM experiment. The model demonstrates that our experimentally observed signal monitors excited states, localized by defects near the surface of an individual quantum dot. The sub-nanometer super-resolution imaging technique demonstrated here could become useful for mapping out the three-dimensional structure of excited states localized by defects within nanomaterials.

Evolution of the electronic structure of C{sub 60}/La{sub 0.67}Sr{sub 0.33}MnO{sub 3} interface

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xie, Haipeng; Niu, Dongmei, E-mail: mayee@csu.edu.cn, E-mail: ygao@pas.rochester.edu; Lyu, Lu; Zhang, Hong; Zhang, Yuhe; Liu, Peng [Institute of Super-Microstructure and Ultrafast Process in Advanced Materials, School of Physics and Electronics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083 (China); Wang, Peng; Wu, Di [National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093 (China); Gao, Yongli, E-mail: mayee@csu.edu.cn, E-mail: ygao@pas.rochester.edu [Institute of Super-Microstructure and Ultrafast Process in Advanced Materials, School of Physics and Electronics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083 (China); Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627 (United States)

2016-01-04

The evolution of the electronic structure at the interface between fullerene (C{sub 60}) and La{sub 0.67}Sr{sub 0.33}MnO{sub 3} (LSMO) has been investigated with ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. There is a 0.61 eV barrier for the electrons to be injected from LSMO to C{sub 60}. The energy bands keep bending upward with increasing C{sub 60} thickness. A total energy bending of 0.72 eV is observed, changing the C{sub 60} film from n-type to p-type. The n-p transition is ascribed to the diffusion of oxygen from LSMO to C{sub 60} which subsequently strips electrons from C{sub 60}, making the latter p-type. Our results suggest a buffer layer be inserted between the LSMO and C{sub 60} to lower the interface electron barrier and prevent deterioration of the C{sub 60} film in related spintronic devices.

Electronic structure of Ti/sub 2/O/sub 3/, V/sub 2/O/sub 3/, and Cr/sub 2/O/sub 3/

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bondarenko, T N; Zhurakovskii, E A; Dzeganovskii, V P [AN Ukrainskoj SSR, Kiev. Inst. Problem Materialovedeniya

1975-11-01

Electronic structure of oxides Ti/sub 2/O/sub 3/, V/sub 2/O/sub 3/, Cr/sub 2/O/sub 3/ was elucidated by means of X-ray and ESCA methods and the results were compared with the data obtained by other methods and with the available models of electronic structures. Energy diagram of V/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and common energy scale of X-ray spectra of Ti and Cr in Ti/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and Cr/sub 2/O/sub 3/ are presented. X-ray spectra show that these oxides possess the states which are related genetically to the M4p-states i.e. the X-ray data complement essentially to the result of optical and electrophysical measurements. MO and M/sub 2/O/sub 3/ compounds in the region of Fermi level have overlapping emission and absorption spectra which is specific to the matters with the metallic type of bonding. Actually TiO, VO, Ti/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and V/sub 2/O/sub 3/ have metallic type of bonding. However such overlap was observed in Cr/sub 2/O/sub 3/ as well whose forbidden zone according to photoconductivity measurments is about 3 eV. Absence of energy gap between emission and absorption spectra in Cr/sub 2/O/sub 3/ may be explained by traces of impurities which convert dielectrics conductors - impurities act as agents caus:ng filling or generation of vacancies rather than independent allowing additives. On the other hand this may be due to the defects in Cr/sub 2/O/sub 3/ lattice which may cause appearance of excited states in forbidden zone. These investigations enable to draw energy diagram of V/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and to combine the spectra of M in Ti/sub 2/O/sub 3/ into common energy scheme. Analysis of the diagram and combined spectra revealed great similarity in the electronic structures of M/sub 2/O/sub 3/ oxides (M - Ti, V, Cr) .

Electron energy-loss spectrometry at the frontier of spatial and energy resolution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hofer, F.; Grogger, W.; Kothleitner, G.

2004-01-01

Full text: Electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) is now used routinely as a means of measuring chemical and structural properties of very small regions of a thin specimen. The power of this technique depends significantly on two parameters: its spatial resolution and the energy resolution available in the spectrum and in the energy-filtered TEM (EFTEM) image. The cold field emission source and the Schottky emitter have made an energy resolution below 1 eV possible and it is now feasible to obtain data with a spatial resolution close to atomic dimensions, given the right instrumentation and specimen. EFTEM allows to record elemental maps at sub-nanometre resolution, being mainly limited by chromatic and spherical aberration of the objective lens and by delocalization of inelastic scattering. Recently the possibility of correcting spherical and even chromatic aberrations of electron lenses has become a practical reality thus improving the point resolution of the TEM to below 0.1 nm. The other limiting factor for EFTEM resolution is delocalization. However, recent measurements show that resolution values in the range of 1 nm and below can be achieved, even for energy-losses of only a few eV. In terms of energy-resolution, EELS and EFTEM compare less favourably with other spectroscopies. For common TEMs, the overall energy-resolution is mainly determined by the energy width of the electron source, typically between 0.5 and 1.5 eV. For comparison, synchrotron x-ray sources and beam line spectrometers, provide a resolution well below 0.1 eV for absorption spectroscopy. During the early sixties, the energy spread of an electron beam could be reduced by incorporating an energy-filter into the illumination system, but the system lacked spatial resolution. Later developments combined high energy resolution in the range of 0.1 eV with improved spatial resolution. Recently, FEI introduced a new high resolution EELS system based

Inexpensive read-out for coincident electron spectroscopy with a transmission electron microscope at nanometer scale using micro channel plates and multistrip anodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hollander, R.W.; Bom, V.R.; Van Eijk, C.W.E.; Faber, J.S.; Hoevers, H.; Kruit, P.

1994-01-01

The elemental composition of a sample at nanometer scale is determined by measurement of the characteristic energy of Auger electrons, emitted in coincidence with incoming primary electrons from a microbeam in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). Single electrons are detected with position sensitive detectors, consisting of MicroChannel Plates (MCP) and MultiStrip Anodes (MSA), one for the energy of the Auger electrons (Auger-detector) and one for the energy loss of primary electrons (EELS-detector). The MSAs are sensed with LeCroy 2735DC preamplifiers. The fast readout is based on LeCroy's PCOS III system. On the detection of a coincidence (Event) energy data of Auger and EELS are combined with timing data to an Event word. Event words are stored in list mode in a VME memory module. Blocks of Event words are scanned by transputers in VME and two-dimensional energy histograms are filled using the timing information to obtain a maximal true/accidental ratio. The resulting histograms are stored on disk of a PC-386, which also controls data taking. The system is designed to handle 10 5 Events per second, 90% of which are accidental. In the histograms the ''true'' to ''accidental'' ratio will be 5. The dead time is 15%. ((orig.))

4D Electron Tomography

Science.gov (United States)

Kwon, Oh-Hoon; Zewail, Ahmed H.

2010-06-01

Electron tomography provides three-dimensional (3D) imaging of noncrystalline and crystalline equilibrium structures, as well as elemental volume composition, of materials and biological specimens, including those of viruses and cells. We report the development of 4D electron tomography by integrating the fourth dimension (time resolution) with the 3D spatial resolution obtained from a complete tilt series of 2D projections of an object. The different time frames of tomograms constitute a movie of the object in motion, thus enabling studies of nonequilibrium structures and transient processes. The method was demonstrated using carbon nanotubes of a bracelet-like ring structure for which 4D tomograms display different modes of motion, such as breathing and wiggling, with resonance frequencies up to 30 megahertz. Applications can now make use of the full space-time range with the nanometer-femtosecond resolution of ultrafast electron tomography.

Contributed review: Review of integrated correlative light and electron microscopy.

Science.gov (United States)

Timmermans, F J; Otto, C

2015-01-01

New developments in the field of microscopy enable to acquire increasing amounts of information from large sample areas and at an increased resolution. Depending on the nature of the technique, the information may reveal morphological, structural, chemical, and still other sample characteristics. In research fields, such as cell biology and materials science, there is an increasing demand to correlate these individual levels of information and in this way to obtain a better understanding of sample preparation and specific sample properties. To address this need, integrated systems were developed that combine nanometer resolution electron microscopes with optical microscopes, which produce chemically or label specific information through spectroscopy. The complementary information from electron microscopy and light microscopy presents an opportunity to investigate a broad range of sample properties in a correlated fashion. An important part of correlating the differences in information lies in bridging the different resolution and image contrast features. The trend to analyse samples using multiple correlated microscopes has resulted in a new research field. Current research is focused, for instance, on (a) the investigation of samples with nanometer scale distribution of inorganic and organic materials, (b) live cell analysis combined with electron microscopy, and (c) in situ spectroscopic and electron microscopy analysis of catalytic materials, but more areas will benefit from integrated correlative microscopy.

Contributed Review: Review of integrated correlative light and electron microscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Timmermans, F. J.; Otto, C.

2015-01-01

New developments in the field of microscopy enable to acquire increasing amounts of information from large sample areas and at an increased resolution. Depending on the nature of the technique, the information may reveal morphological, structural, chemical, and still other sample characteristics. In research fields, such as cell biology and materials science, there is an increasing demand to correlate these individual levels of information and in this way to obtain a better understanding of sample preparation and specific sample properties. To address this need, integrated systems were developed that combine nanometer resolution electron microscopes with optical microscopes, which produce chemically or label specific information through spectroscopy. The complementary information from electron microscopy and light microscopy presents an opportunity to investigate a broad range of sample properties in a correlated fashion. An important part of correlating the differences in information lies in bridging the different resolution and image contrast features. The trend to analyse samples using multiple correlated microscopes has resulted in a new research field. Current research is focused, for instance, on (a) the investigation of samples with nanometer scale distribution of inorganic and organic materials, (b) live cell analysis combined with electron microscopy, and (c) in situ spectroscopic and electron microscopy analysis of catalytic materials, but more areas will benefit from integrated correlative microscopy

New developments in transmission electron microscopy for nanotechnology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Z.L.

2003-01-01

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is one of the most powerful tools used for characterizing nanomaterials, and it is indispensable for nanotechnology. This paper reviews some of the most recent developments in electron microscopy techniques for characterizing nanomaterials. The review covers the following areas: in-situ microscopy for studying dynamic shape transformation of nanocrystals; in-situ nanoscale property measurements on the mechanical, electrical and field emission properties of nanotubes/nanowires; environmental microscopy for direct observation of surface reactions; aberration-free angstrom-resolution imaging of light elements (such as oxygen and lithium); high-angle annular-dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM); imaging of atom clusters with atomic resolution chemical information; electron holography of magnetic materials; and high-spatial resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) for nanoscale electronic and chemical analysis. It is demonstrated that the picometer-scale science provided by HRTEM is the foundation of nanometer-scale technology. (Abstract Copyright [2003], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

3D structure determination from electron-microscope images: Electron crystallography of staurolite. [HFe[sub 2]Al[sub 9]Si[sub 4]O[sub 24

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wenk, H.R.; Hu Meisheng (California Univ., Berkeley, CA (United States). Dept. of Geology and Geophysics); Downing, K.H. (Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA (United States). Donner Lab.); O' Keefe, M.A. (Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA (United States). National Center for Electron Microscopy)

1992-09-01

Resolution of better than 2 A has been obtained in many crystals by high-resolution electron microscopy. Although this resolution is sufficient to resolve interatomic spacings, structures are traditionally interpreted by comparing experimental images with contrast calculations. A drawback of this method is that images are 2D projections in which information is invariably obscured by overlap of atoms. 3D electron crystallography, developed by biophysicists to study proteins, has been used to investigate the crystal structure of staurolite. Amplitudes and phases of structure factors are obtained experimentally from high-resolution images (JEOL ARM 1000 at the National Center for Electron Microscopy at LBL), taken in different directions from thin regions where dynamic scattering is minimal. From images in five orientations (containing 59 independent reflections to a resolution of 1.38 A), a 3D electron potential map is constructed which resolves clearly all cations (Al, Si, Fe, including those with partial occupancy) and all O atoms. This method has great potential in crystal structure determinations of small domains in heterogeneous crystals which are inaccessible to X-ray analysis. It is estimated that 3D structure determinations should be possible on regions only about ten unit cells wide and should resolve not only atom positions but also site occupancies. The method is also applicable to space-group determination. (orig.).

High resolution x-ray lensless imaging by differential holographic encoding

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhu, D.; Guizar-Sicairos, M.; Wu, B.; Scherz, A.; Acremann, Y.; Tylisczcak, T.; Fischer, P.; Friedenberger, N.; Ollefs, K.; Farle, M.; Fienup, J. R.; Stohr, J.

2009-11-02

X-ray free electron lasers (X-FEL{sub s}) will soon offer femtosecond pulses of laterally coherent x-rays with sufficient intensity to record single-shot coherent scattering patterns for nanoscale imaging. Pulse trains created by splitand-delay techniques even open the door for cinematography on unprecedented nanometer length and femtosecond time scales. A key to real space ultrafast motion pictures is fast and reliable inversion of the recorded reciprocal space scattering patterns. Here we for the first time demonstrate in the x-ray regime the power of a novel technique for lensless high resolution imaging, previously suggested by Guizar-Sicairos and Fienup termed holography with extended reference by autocorrelation linear differential operation, HERALD0. We have achieved superior resolution over conventional x-ray Fourier transform holography (FTH) without sacrifices in SNR or significant increase in algorithmic complexity. By combining images obtained from individual sharp features on an extended reference, we further show that the resolution can be even extended beyond the reference fabrication limits. Direct comparison to iterative phase retrieval image reconstruction and images recorded with stateof- the-art zone plate microscopes is presented. Our results demonstrate the power of HERALDO as a favorable candidate for robust inversion of single-shot coherent scattering patterns.

Scalable Sub-micron Patterning of Organic Materials Toward High Density Soft Electronics.

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Jaekyun; Kim, Myung-Gil; Kim, Jaehyun; Jo, Sangho; Kang, Jingu; Jo, Jeong-Wan; Lee, Woobin; Hwang, Chahwan; Moon, Juhyuk; Yang, Lin; Kim, Yun-Hi; Noh, Yong-Young; Jaung, Jae Yun; Kim, Yong-Hoon; Park, Sung Kyu

2015-09-28

The success of silicon based high density integrated circuits ignited explosive expansion of microelectronics. Although the inorganic semiconductors have shown superior carrier mobilities for conventional high speed switching devices, the emergence of unconventional applications, such as flexible electronics, highly sensitive photosensors, large area sensor array, and tailored optoelectronics, brought intensive research on next generation electronic materials. The rationally designed multifunctional soft electronic materials, organic and carbon-based semiconductors, are demonstrated with low-cost solution process, exceptional mechanical stability, and on-demand optoelectronic properties. Unfortunately, the industrial implementation of the soft electronic materials has been hindered due to lack of scalable fine-patterning methods. In this report, we demonstrated facile general route for high throughput sub-micron patterning of soft materials, using spatially selective deep-ultraviolet irradiation. For organic and carbon-based materials, the highly energetic photons (e.g. deep-ultraviolet rays) enable direct photo-conversion from conducting/semiconducting to insulating state through molecular dissociation and disordering with spatial resolution down to a sub-μm-scale. The successful demonstration of organic semiconductor circuitry promise our result proliferate industrial adoption of soft materials for next generation electronics.

Preparation and Characterization of Some Nanometal Oxides Using Microwave Technique and Their Application to Cotton Fabrics

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. Gouda

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The objective of this paper is the synthesis of some nanometal oxides via microwave irradiation technique and their application to augment multifunctional properties of cotton fabric. Cotton fabrics containing nanometal oxides were prepared via a thiol-modification of cotton fabric samples and then dipped into the metal salt solutions precursors and transferred to the microwave oven. The surface morphology and quantitative analysis of the obtained modified cotton fabrics containing nanometal oxides were studied by scanning electron microscopy coupled with high energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX. The shape and distribution of nanometal oxide inside the fabric samples were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy of cross-section fabric samples. The iron oxide nanoparticles had a nanosphere with particle size diameter 15–20 nm, copper oxide nanoparticles had a nanosphere with particle size diameter 25–30 nm, and cobalt oxide nanoparticles had a nanotube-like shape with a length of 100–150 nanometer and a diameter of ~58 nanometer, whereas the manganese oxide nanoparticles had a linear structure forming nanorods with a diameter of 50–55 nanometer and a length of 70–80 nanometers. Antibacterial activity was evaluated quantitatively against gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, UV-protection activity was analyzed using UV-DRS spectroscopy, and flame retardation of prepared fabric samples was evaluated according to the limiting oxygen index (LOI. Results revealed that the prepared fabric sample containing nanometal oxide possesses improved antibacterial, LOI, and UV-absorbing efficiency. Moreover, the metal oxide nanoparticles did not leach out the fabrics by washing even after 30 laundering washing cycles.

Sub-nanometer periodic nonlinearity error in absolute distance interferometers

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Hongxing; Huang, Kaiqi; Hu, Pengcheng; Zhu, Pengfei; Tan, Jiubin; Fan, Zhigang

2015-05-01

Periodic nonlinearity which can result in error in nanometer scale has become a main problem limiting the absolute distance measurement accuracy. In order to eliminate this error, a new integrated interferometer with non-polarizing beam splitter is developed. This leads to disappearing of the frequency and/or polarization mixing. Furthermore, a strict requirement on the laser source polarization is highly reduced. By combining retro-reflector and angel prism, reference and measuring beams can be spatially separated, and therefore, their optical paths are not overlapped. So, the main cause of the periodic nonlinearity error, i.e., the frequency and/or polarization mixing and leakage of beam, is eliminated. Experimental results indicate that the periodic phase error is kept within 0.0018°.

Frontier of nanometer devices. Part 6. New devices with fully controlled electrons and photons. Nanometa debaisu kenkyu saizensen. 6. Denshi to koshi no kanzen seigyo wo mezashita jisedai debaisu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Arakawa, Y [The Univ. of Tokyo, Tokyo (Japan). Inst. of Industrial Science

1994-06-20

In the nanotechnology to realize an artificial structure of a magnitude of atomic size, new electron devices and photon devices are aimed by confining electron and controlling the behavior of the electron with transition of a quantum mechanical state including a tunneling effect. The degree of freedom of electron decreased when electron is confined in a very small area within semiconductor and is 1 in a quantum wire while it is 0 in a quantum box. Energy level of electron is completely dispersed. The condition required to realize the nanometer structure is examined and the formation techniques of semiconductor nanometer structure are studied. This paper describes research results by the authors aiming to realize quantum wire and quantum box structures. Ultrafine pattern of SiO2 is formed by electron beam drawing technique followed by crystal growth with a MOCVD method to form the quantum wire and quantum box structures successfully. Laser oscillation is successful at 77K with optical pumping using a quantum wire and vertical micro resonator. 5 refs., 7 figs.

Fabrication of TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} thin film electrodes for Li-ion micro-batteries by pulsed laser deposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Daramalla, V. [Materials Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bengalore 560012 (India); Penki, Tirupathi Rao; Munichandraiah, N. [Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengalore 560012 (India); Krupanidhi, S.B., E-mail: sbk@mrc.iisc.ernet.in [Materials Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bengalore 560012 (India)

2016-11-15

Graphical abstract: The TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} thin film electrodes as anode material in Li-ion rechargeable micro-batteries are successfully demonstrated. The pulsed laser deposited TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} thin film electrode delivers high discharge specific capacity of 143 μAh μm{sup −1} cm{sup −2} at 50 μA cm{sup −2} current density, with 92% coulombic efficiency. The thin films are very stable in crystal structure, with good fast reversible reaction at average Li-insertion voltage 1.65 V. - Highlights: • TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} thin films fabricated by pulsed laser deposition. • TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} as anode thin films demonstrated successfully. • High discharge specific capacity with 92% coulombic efficiency. • Excellent crystal stability and good reversible reaction. - Abstract: Pulsed laser deposited TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} thin films are demonstrated as anode materials in rechargeable Li-ion micro-batteries. The monoclinic and chemically pure TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} films in different morphologies were successfully deposited at 750 °C. The single phase formation was confirmed by grazing incident X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The oxygen partial pressure during the deposition significantly influenced the properties of TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} films. The TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} thin films exhibited excellent stability with fast kinetics reversible reaction. The TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} films showed initial discharge specific capacity of 176, 143 μAh μm{sup −1} cm{sup −2} at 30, 50 μA cm{sup −2} current densities respectively with 92% coulombic efficiency in a non-aqueous electrolyte consisting of Li{sup +} ions. The high discharge specific capacity of TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} thin films may be attributed to nanometer grain size with high roughness which offers high surface area for Li-diffusion during charge and discharge

Assessing electron beam sensitivity for SrTiO{sub 3} and La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} using electron energy loss spectroscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nord, Magnus, E-mail: magnunor@gmail.com [Department of Physics, NTNU, Trondheim (Norway); Vullum, Per Erik [Department of Physics, NTNU, Trondheim (Norway); Materials and Chemistry, SINTEF, Trondheim (Norway); Hallsteinsen, Ingrid; Tybell, Thomas [Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, NTNU, Trondheim (Norway); Holmestad, Randi [Department of Physics, NTNU, Trondheim (Norway)

2016-10-15

Thresholds for beam damage have been assessed for La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} and SrTiO{sub 3} as a function of electron probe current and exposure time at 80 and 200 kV acceleration voltage. The materials were exposed to an intense electron probe by aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with simultaneous acquisition of electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) data. Electron beam damage was identified by changes of the core loss fine structure after quantification by a refined and improved model based approach. At 200 kV acceleration voltage, damage in SrTiO{sub 3} was identified by changes both in the EEL fine structure and by contrast changes in the STEM images. However, the changes in the STEM image contrast as introduced by minor damage can be difficult to detect under several common experimental conditions. No damage was observed in SrTiO{sub 3} at 80 kV acceleration voltage, independent of probe current and exposure time. In La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3}, beam damage was observed at both 80 and 200 kV acceleration voltages. This damage was observed by large changes in the EEL fine structure, but not by any detectable changes in the STEM images. The typical method to validate if damage has been introduced during acquisitions is to compare STEM images prior to and after spectroscopy. Quantifications in this work show that this method possibly can result in misinterpretation of beam damage as changes of material properties. - Highlights: • We studied the effects of a TEM electron beam on a perovskite heterostructure. • Using an improved ELNES quantification method, subtle changes could be observed. • On LSMO changes were observed in the ELNES, but none in the STEM-HAADF. • For STO changes were observed in both ELNES and STEM-HAADF. • This shows beam damage can be misinterpreted as material properties.

Crossover from itinerant-electron to localized-electron behavior in Sr{sub 1-x}Ca{sub x}CrO{sub 3} perovskite solid solution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Long Youwen; Yang Liuxiang; Lv Yuxi; Liu Qingqing; Jin Changqing [Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190 (China); Zhou Jianshi; Goodenough, John B, E-mail: ywlong@iphy.ac.cn, E-mail: Jin@iphy.ac.cn [Texas Materials Institute, University of Texas, 1 University Station, C2200, Austin, TX 78712 (United States)

2011-09-07

Polycrystalline samples of the perovskite family Sr{sub 1-x}Ca{sub x}CrO{sub 3} have been prepared at high pressure and temperature in steps of 1/6 over the range 0{<=}x{<=}1. Rietveld analysis shows a series of structural phase transitions from cubic to tetragonal to orthorhombic with increasing x. The cubic samples have no long-range magnetic order; the other samples become antiferromagnetically ordered below a T{sub N} that increases with x. At ambient pressure, the electric transport properties of the cubic and tetragonal phases are semiconducting with a small (meV range) activation energy that increases with x; the orthorhombic phase exhibits variable-range hopping rather than the small-polaron behavior typically found for mixed-valent, localized-electron configurations. Above a pressure P = P{sub C}, a smooth insulator-metal transition is found at a T{sub IM} that decreases with increasing P for a fixed x; P{sub C} increases with x. These phenomena are rationalized qualitatively with a {pi}*-band model having a width W{sub {pi}} that approaches crossover from itinerant-electron to localized-electron behavior as W{sub {pi}} decreases with increasing x. The smaller size of the Ca{sup 2+} ion induces the structural changes and the greater acidity of the Ca{sup 2+} ion is primarily responsible for narrowing W{sub {pi}} as x increases. (paper)

Dehydration of the Uranyl Peroxide Studtite, [UO<sub>2sub>(η²-O<sub>2sub>)(H>2sub>O)>2sub>]·2H<sub>2sub>O, Affords a Drastic Change in the Electronic Structure: A Combined X-ray Spectroscopic and Theoretical Analysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vitova, Tonya [Institute for Nuclear Waste Disposal (INE), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, D-76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany; Pidchenko, Ivan [Institute for Nuclear Waste Disposal (INE), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, D-76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany; Biswas, Saptarshi [School; Beridze, George [Institute of Energy and Climate Research,; JARA High-Performance Computing, Schinkelstrasse 2, 52062 Aachen, Germany; Dunne, Peter W. [School; Schild, Dieter [Institute for Nuclear Waste Disposal (INE), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, D-76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany; Wang, Zheming [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, MSIN K8-96, P.O. Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352, United States; Kowalski, Piotr M. [Institute of Energy and Climate Research,; JARA High-Performance Computing, Schinkelstrasse 2, 52062 Aachen, Germany; Baker, Robert J. [School

2018-02-05

The dehydration of studtite, [UO<sub>2sub>(2-O<sub>2sub>)(H>2sub>O)2]·2H<sub>2sub>O, to metastudtite, [UO<sub>2sub>(2-O<sub>2sub>)(H>2sub>O)>2sub>], uranyl peroxide minerals that are major oxidative alteration phases of UO2 under conditions of geological storage, has been studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. XPS of the U 4f region shows small but significant differences between studtite and metastudtite, with the 4f binding energy of studtite the highest reported for a uranyl mineral studied by this technique. Further information on the changes in the electronic structure was elucidated using U M4-edge High Energy Resolution XANES (HR-XANES) spectroscopy, which directly probes f-orbital states. The transition from the 3d to the 5f* orbital is sensitive to variations of the U=Oaxial bond length and to changes in the bond covalency. We report evidences that the covalence in the uranyl fragment decreases upon dehydration. Photoluminescence spectroscopy at near liquid helium temperatures reveals significant spectral differences between the two materials, correlating with the X-ray spectroscopy results. A theoretical investigation has been conducted on the structures of both studtite and metastudtite and benchmarked to the HR-XANES spectra. These illustrate the sensitivity of the 3d to the 5f * transition towards U=Oaxial bond variation.

Preparation of planar CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3} thin films with controlled size using 1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone as solvent

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hao, Qiuyan; Chu, Yixia [Engineering Laboratory of Functional Optoelectronic Crystalline Materials of Hebei Province, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132 (China); Zheng, Xuerong [Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); Liu, Zhenya; Liang, Liming [Engineering Laboratory of Functional Optoelectronic Crystalline Materials of Hebei Province, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132 (China); Qi, Jiakun [State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083 (China); Zhang, Xin [Engineering Laboratory of Functional Optoelectronic Crystalline Materials of Hebei Province, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132 (China); Liu, Gang [School of Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132 (China); Liu, Hui, E-mail: liuhuihebut@163.com [Engineering Laboratory of Functional Optoelectronic Crystalline Materials of Hebei Province, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132 (China); Chen, Hongjian [Engineering Laboratory of Functional Optoelectronic Crystalline Materials of Hebei Province, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132 (China); Liu, Caichi, E-mail: ccliu@hebut.edu.cn [Engineering Laboratory of Functional Optoelectronic Crystalline Materials of Hebei Province, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132 (China)

2016-06-25

Recently, planar perovskite solar cells based on CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3} have attracted many researcher's interest due to their unique advantages such as simple cell architecture, easy fabrication and potential multijunction construction comparing to the initial mesoporous structure. However, the preparation of planar perovskite films with high quality is still in challenge. In this paper, we developed a vapor-assisted solution process using a novel and green solvent of 1-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP) instead of the traditional N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) to construct a high-quality perovskite CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3} thin film with pure phase, high compactness, small surface roughness and controlled size. The phase evolution and growth mechanism of the perovskite films are also discussed. Utilizing the NEP of low volatility and moderate boiling point as solvent, we dried the PbI{sub 2}-NEP precursor films at different temperature under vacuum and then obtained PbI{sub 2} thin films with different crystalline degree from amorphous to highly crystalline. The perovskite films with crystal size ranged from hundreds of nanometers to several micrometers can be prepared by reacting the PbI{sub 2} films of different crystalline degree with CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}I vapor. Moreover, planar-structured solar cells combining the perovskite film with TiO{sub 2} and spiro-OMeTAD as the electron and holes transporting layer achieves a power conversion efficiency of 10.2%. - Highlights: • A novel and green solvent of 1-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP) was used to construct high-quality perovskite CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3} thin film. • The CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3} grain with different sizes ranged from hundreds of nanometers to several micrometers can be obtained. • Planar-structured perovskite CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3} solar cells using NEP as solvent achieves a power conversion efficiency of 10.2%.

Hard x-ray monochromator with milli-electron volt bandwidth for high-resolution diffraction studies of diamond crystals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stoupin, Stanislav; Shvyd' ko, Yuri; Shu Deming; Khachatryan, Ruben; Xiao, Xianghui; DeCarlo, Francesco; Goetze, Kurt; Roberts, Timothy; Roehrig, Christian; Deriy, Alexey [Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Illinois 60439 (United States)

2012-02-15

We report on design and performance of a high-resolution x-ray monochromator with a spectral bandwidth of {Delta}E{sub X}{approx_equal} 1.5 meV, which operates at x-ray energies in the vicinity of the backscattering (Bragg) energy E{sub H} = 13.903 keV of the (008) reflection in diamond. The monochromator is utilized for high-energy-resolution diffraction characterization of diamond crystals as elements of advanced x-ray crystal optics for synchrotrons and x-ray free-electron lasers. The monochromator and the related controls are made portable such that they can be installed and operated at any appropriate synchrotron beamline equipped with a pre-monochromator.

Atomic resolution three-dimensional electron diffraction microscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miao Jianwei; Ohsuna, Tetsu; Terasaki, Osamu; Hodgson, Keith O.; O'Keefe, Michael A.

2002-01-01

We report the development of a novel form of diffraction-based 3D microscopy to overcome resolution barriers inherent in high-resolution electron microscopy and tomography. By combining coherent electron diffraction with the oversampling phasing method, we show that the 3D structure of a nanocrystal can be determined ab initio at a resolution of 1 Angstrom from 29 simulated noisy diffraction patterns. This new form of microscopy can be used to image the 3D structures of nanocrystals and noncrystalline samples, with resolution limited only by the quality of sample diffraction

Electronic structure and static dipole polarizability of C{sub 60}-C{sub 240}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zope, Rajendra R [Department of Physics, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79958 (United States)

2008-04-28

The electronic structure of C{sub 60}-C{sub 240} and its first-order response to a static electric field is studied by an all-electron density functional theory calculation using large polarized Gaussian basis sets. Our results show that the outer C{sub 240} shell almost completely shields the inner C{sub 60} as inferred from the practically identical values of dipole polarizability of the C{sub 60}-C{sub 240} onion (449 A{sup 3}) and that of the isolated C{sub 240} fullerene (441 A{sup 3}). The C{sub 60}-C{sub 240} is thus a near-perfect Faraday cage.

Electron spin resonance study of a La sub 0 sub . sub 7 Ca sub 0 sub . sub 3 MnO sub 3 single crystal

CERN Document Server

Joh, K W; Lee, C E; Hur, N H; Ri, H C

2003-01-01

Comprehensive measurements of electron spin resonance were carried out on a La sub 0 sub . sub 7 Ca sub 0 sub . sub 3 MnO sub 3 single crystal over a wide temperature range covering the ferromagnetic as well as the paramagnetic phases. Our analysis of the asymmetric lineshapes indicates that the phase segregation of good and poor conducting regions persists far above the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition temperature.

The influence of C{sub s}/C{sub c} correction in analytical imaging and spectroscopy in scanning and transmission electron microscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zaluzec, Nestor J., E-mail: zaluzec@microscopy.com

2015-04-15

Aberration correction in scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) owes much to the efforts of a small dedicated group of innovators. Leading that frontier has been Prof. Harald Rose. To date his leadership and dynamic personality has spearheaded our ability to leave behind many of the limitations imposed by spherical aberration (C{sub s}) in high resolution phase contrast imaging. Following shortly behind, has been the development of chromatic aberration correction (C{sub c}) which augments those accomplishments. In this paper we will review and summarize how the combination of C{sub s}/C{sub c} technology enhances our ability to conduct hyperspectral imaging and spectroscopy in today's and future computationally mediated experiments in both thin as well as realistic specimens in vacuo and during in-situ/environmental experiments.

Preparation of nano-sized {alpha}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} from oil shale ash

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An, Baichao; Wang, Wenying; Ji, Guijuan; Gan, Shucai; Gao, Guimei; Xu, Jijing; Li, Guanghuan [College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130026 (China)

2010-01-15

Oil shale ash (OSA), the residue of oil shale semi-coke roasting, was used as a raw material to synthesize nano-sized {alpha}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Ultrasonic oscillation pretreatment followed by azeotropic distillation was employed for reducing the particle size of {alpha}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The structural characterization at molecular and nanometer scales was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. The interaction between alumina and n-butanol was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results revealed that the crystalline phase of alumina nanoparticles was regular and the well dispersed alumina nanoparticles had a diameter of 50-80 nm. In addition, the significant factors including injection rate of carbon oxide (CO{sub 2}), ultrasonic oscillations, azeotropic distillation and surfactant were investigated with respect to their effects on the size of the alumina particles. (author)

Electronic properties of metal-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} interfaces

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nazarzadehmoafi, Maryam

2017-02-22

The behavior of the electronic properties of as-cleaved melt-grown In{sub 2}O{sub 3} (111) single crystals was studied upon noble metals, In and Sn deposition using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The stoichiometry, structural quality and crystal orientation, surface morphology, and the electron concentration were examined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Laue diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and Hall-effect measurement, respectively. The similarity of the measured-fundamental and surface-band gaps reveals the nearly flat behavior of the bands at the as-cleaved surface of the crystals. Ag and Au/In{sub 2}O{sub 3} interfaces show Schottky behavior, while an ohmic one was observed in Cu, In, and Sn/In{sub 2}O{sub 3} contacts. From agreement of the bulk and surface band gaps, rectifying contact formation as well as the occurrence of photovoltage effect at the pristine surface of the crystals, it can be deduced that SEAL is not an intrinsic property of the as-cleaved surface of the studied crystals. Moreover, for thick Au and Cu overlayer regime at room temperature, Shockley-like surface states were observed. Additionally, the initial stage of Cu and In growth on In{sub 2}O{sub 3} was accompanied by the formation of a two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) fading away for higher coverages which are not associated with the earlier-detected 2DEG at the surface of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} thin films. The application of the Schottky-Mott rule, using in situ-measured work functions of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} and the metals, showed a strong disagreement for all the interfaces except for Ag/In{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The experimental data also disagree with more advanced theories based on the electronegativity concept and metal-induced gap states models.

Atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy of electron beam–sensitive crystalline materials

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Daliang; Zhu, Yihan; Liu, Lingmei; Ying, Xiangrong; Hsiung, Chia-En; Sougrat, Rachid; Li, Kun; Han, Yu

2018-02-01

High-resolution imaging of electron beam–sensitive materials is one of the most difficult applications of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The challenges are manifold, including the acquisition of images with extremely low beam doses, the time-constrained search for crystal zone axes, the precise image alignment, and the accurate determination of the defocus value. We develop a suite of methods to fulfill these requirements and acquire atomic-resolution TEM images of several metal organic frameworks that are generally recognized as highly sensitive to electron beams. The high image resolution allows us to identify individual metal atomic columns, various types of surface termination, and benzene rings in the organic linkers. We also apply our methods to other electron beam–sensitive materials, including the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbBr3.

Atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy of electron beam–sensitive crystalline materials

KAUST Repository

Zhang, Daliang

2018-01-18

High-resolution imaging of electron beam-sensitive materials is one of the most difficult applications of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The challenges are manifold, including the acquisition of images with extremely low beam doses, the time-constrained search for crystal zone axes, the precise image alignment, and the accurate determination of the defocus value. We develop a suite of methods to fulfill these requirements and acquire atomic-resolution TEM images of several metal organic frameworks that are generally recognized as highly sensitive to electron beams. The high image resolution allows us to identify individual metal atomic columns, various types of surface termination, and benzene rings in the organic linkers. We also apply our methods to other electron beam–sensitive materials, including the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbBr3.

Electronic structures and Eu{sup 3+} photoluminescence behaviors in Y{sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} and La{sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang Zhiya, E-mail: zhangzhiya@lzu.edu.cn [Department of Materials Science, School of Physical Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 (China); Key Laboratory for Magnetism and Magnetic Materials of the Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 (China); Wang Yuhua [Department of Materials Science, School of Physical Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 (China); Key Laboratory for Magnetism and Magnetic Materials of the Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 (China); Zhang Feng [Department of Materials Science, School of Physical Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 (China); Cao Haining [Computational Science Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 136-791 (Korea, Republic of)

2011-04-14

Research highlights: > Host excitation near the band gap of Y{sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} and La{sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} is analyzed. > The calculated result well explains Eu{sup 3+} PL behaviors in Y{sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} and La{sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7}. > The electronic structure and Eu{sup 3+} VUV PL in La{sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} are first estimated. - Abstract: The electronic structures and linear optical properties of Y{sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} (YSO) and La{sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} (LSO) are calculated by LDA method based on the theory of DFT. Both YSO and LSO are direct-gap materials with the direct band gap of 5.89 and 6.06 eV, respectively. The calculated total and partial density of states indicate that in both YSO and LSO the valence band (VB) is mainly constructed from O 2p and the conduction band (CB) is mostly formed from Y 4d or La 5d. Both the calculated VB and CB of YSO exhibit relatively wider dispersion than that of LSO. In addition, the CB of YSO presents more electronic states. Meanwhile, the VB of LSO shows narrower energy distribution with higher electronic states density. The theoretical absorption of YSO shows larger bandwidth and higher intensity than that of LSO. The results are compared with the experimental host excitations and impurity photoluminescence in Eu{sup 3+}-doped YSO and LSO.

Microstructure evolution during the precipitation and growth of fully coherent DO{sub 22} superlattice in an Ni-Cr-W alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gao, Xiangyu [Stake Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi' an 710072 (China); Hu, Rui, E-mail: rhu@nwpu.edu.cn [Stake Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi' an 710072 (China); Li, Xiaolin [Stake Key Laboratory of Rolling and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819 (China); Luo, Gongliao [Stake Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi' an 710072 (China)

2016-08-15

The ordering transformation occurring in a model Ni-Cr-W superalloy during prolonged exposure to proper temperature has been investigated systematically. It is demonstrated that nanometer-sized precipitates with a DO{sub 22} structure can precipitate in the Ni-Cr-W alloy by means of simple aging treatment at 650–700 °C. The mechanism of transformation to DO{sub 22} superlattice has been determined to be continuous ordering based on the results of high resolution transmission electron microscopy investigation and variation trend in Vickers microhardness. Different variants of DO{sub 22} phase can coexist in the matrix with no signs of overaging as aging time increases, indicating it has a high thermal stability. The precipitates of DO{sub 22} superlattice has been found to be of ellipsoidal shape which results in the greatest reduction of strain energy. The interfaces between DO{sub 22} precipitates and matrix have been revealed to be coherent at the atomic scale, resulting in considerable coherency strain attributing to the lattice misfit between DO{sub 22} particle and matrix. Because of the high-density nanometer-sized DO{sub 22} phase, the microhardness of the alloy has been improved remarkably after aging treatment. - Graphical abstract: Different variants of the DO{sub 22} superlattice can coexist in the matrix, and the interface between precipitate and the matrix remain coherence at the atomic scale. The three dimensional form of the DO{sub 22} precipitates constructed from three mutually perpendicular projections is an ellipsoidal stick, and the directions of elongations are along the longest axis of the unit cell for DO{sub 22} phase. - Highlights: •The DO{sub 22} phase precipitated in the Ni-Cr-W alloy has a high thermal stability. •The morphology of DO{sub 22} superlattice has been determined to be ellipsoid. •The interface between DO{sub 22} phase and matrix are fully coherent at the atomic scale. •Different variants of DO{sub 22} phase occur

Temperature dependent optical dispersion and electronic transitions of highly a-axis oriented 0.8Pb(Zn{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}-0.2PbTiO{sub 3} films on SrTiO{sub 3} crystals: An ellipsometric evidence

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, C.Q.; Zhang, J.Z.; Xu, L.P.; Zhu, J.J.; Duan, Z.H.; Hu, Z.G., E-mail: zghu@ee.ecnu.edu.cn; Chu, J.H.

2016-03-31

The relaxor ferroelectric 0.8Pb(Zn{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}-0.2PbTiO{sub 3} (0.8PZN-0.2PT) films have been fabricated on (100) SrTiO{sub 3} substrates by the sol–gel method. The structure, optical properties and electronic transitions have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and ellipsometric spectra. The pure perovskite phase with highly a-axis (100)-preferential orientation as well as low screw dislocation are extracted based on high resolution XRD. Moreover, the red-shift trend of the electronic transitions at about 3.01 eV as a function of temperature follows the Bose-Einstein law induced by the electron–phonon interactions and lattice thermal expansion. Interestingly, the different optical behavior and structure variation can be observed at about 500 K, which reveal tetragonal to cubic structural transformations for the 0.8PZN-0.2PT films. It indicates that the potential application of ellipsometric spectra in judging the phase transitions and symmetries of ferroelectric material. - Highlights: • The highly a-axis oriented as well as low screw dislocated films were fabricated. • The temperature-dependent evolution of band gap was investigated. • The tetragonal to cubic structural transformations were observed at about 500 K. • The electronic transition mechanism was discussed mainly by first-principles calculations.

Photoelectron and Auger-electron spectra of Cl{sub 3}SiSi(CH{sub 3}){sub 3} obtained by using monochromatized synchrotron radiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nagaoka, Shin-ichi, E-mail: nagaoka@ehime-u.ac.jp [Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577 (Japan); Endo, Hikaru; Nagai, Kanae [Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577 (Japan); Takahashi, Osamu [Institute for Sustainable Sciences and Development, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8511 (Japan); Tamenori, Yusuke [Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute/SPring-8, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun 679-5198 (Japan); Suzuki, Isao H. [Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba 305-0801 (Japan); Advanced Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba 305-8568 (Japan)

2014-08-15

Highlights: • Various photo- and Auger-electron spectra of Cl{sub 3}SiSi(CH{sub 3}){sub 3} vapor were measured. • The measured spectra were interpreted with the aid of some calculations. • The spectra showed profiles close to those expected from SiCl{sub 4} and Si(CH{sub 3}){sub 4}. • These results were discussed in conjunction with site-specific fragmentation. - Abstract: A variety of photoelectron and Auger-electron spectra of 1,1,1-trimethyltrichlorodisilane vapor (Cl{sub 3}SiSi(CH{sub 3}){sub 3}) were measured by using monochromatized synchrotron radiation and a hemispherical electron energy analyzer. The measured spectra were interpreted with the aid of some calculations by means of the outer valence Green's function (OVGF) method or the density-functional-theory (DFT) method. Since Cl{sub 3}SiSi(CH{sub 3}){sub 3} consists of -SiCl{sub 3} and -Si(CH{sub 3}){sub 3} moieties, the experimental core-electron binding-energies were compared with those of tetrachlorosilane and tetramethylsilane (SiCl{sub 4} and Si(CH{sub 3}){sub 4}, respectively). This comparison showed that electronic properties of Cl{sub 3}SiSi(CH{sub 3}){sub 3} hold a close correlation with those of SiCl{sub 4} and Si(CH{sub 3}){sub 4}. Si:L{sub 23}VV, Cl:L{sub 23}VV and C:KVV Auger-electron spectra of Cl{sub 3}SiSi(CH{sub 3}){sub 3} also showed profiles close to those expected from the spectra of SiCl{sub 4} and Si(CH{sub 3}){sub 4}. The results obtained here were discussed in conjunction with electronic relaxation leading to site-specific fragmentation.

Dose-dependent high-resolution electron ptychography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

D'Alfonso, A. J.; Allen, L. J.; Sawada, H.; Kirkland, A. I.

2016-01-01

Recent reports of electron ptychography at atomic resolution have ushered in a new era of coherent diffractive imaging in the context of electron microscopy. We report and discuss electron ptychography under variable electron dose conditions, exploring the prospects of an approach which has considerable potential for imaging where low dose is needed

Closed-looped in situ nano processing on a culturing cell using an inverted electron beam lithography system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hoshino, Takayuki; Mabuchi, Kunihiko

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► An electron beam lithography (EBL) was used as an in situ nano processing for a living cell. ► A synchronized optics was containing an inverted EBL and an optical microscope. ► This system visualized real-time images of the EB-induced nano processing. ► We demonstrated the nano processing for a culturing cell with 200–300 nm resolution. ► Our system would be able to provide high resolution display of virtual environments. -- Abstract: The beam profile of an electron beam (EB) can be focused onto less than a nanometer spot and scanned over a wide field with extremely high speed sweeping. Thus, EB is employed for nano scale lithography in applied physics research studies and in fabrication of semiconductors. We applied a scanning EB as a control system for a living cell membrane which is representative of large scale complex systems containing nanometer size components. First, we designed the opposed co-axial dual optics containing inverted electron beam lithography (I-EBL) system and a fluorescent optical microscope. This system could provide in situ nano processing for a culturing living cell on a 100-nm-thick SiN nanomembrane, which was placed between the I-EBL and the fluorescent optical microscope. Then we demonstrated the EB-induced chemical direct nano processing for a culturing cell with hundreds of nanometer resolution and visualized real-time images of the scanning spot of the EB-induced luminescent emission and chemical processing using a high sensitive camera mounted on the optical microscope. We concluded that our closed-loop in situ nano processing would be able to provide a nanometer resolution display of virtual molecule environments to study functional changes of bio-molecule systems

High resolution spectroscopy of jet cooled phenyl radical: The ν{sub 1} and ν{sub 2} a{sub 1} symmetry C–H stretching modes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chang, Chih-Hsuan; Nesbitt, David J. [JILA, National Institute of Standards and Technology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309 (United States)

2016-07-28

A series of CH stretch modes in phenyl radical (C{sub 6}H{sub 5}) has been investigated via high resolution infrared spectroscopy at sub-Doppler resolution (∼60 MHz) in a supersonic discharge slit jet expansion. Two fundamental vibrations of a{sub 1} symmetry, ν{sub 1} and ν{sub 2}, are observed and rotationally analyzed for the first time, corresponding to in-phase and out-of-phase symmetric CH stretch excitation at the ortho/meta/para and ortho/para C atoms with respect to the radical center. The ν{sub 1} and ν{sub 2} band origins are determined to be 3073.968 50(8) cm{sup −1} and 3062.264 80(7) cm{sup −1}, respectively, which both agree within 5 cm{sup −1} with theoretical anharmonic scaling predictions based on density functional B3LYP/6-311g++(3df,3dp) calculations. Integrated band strengths for each of the CH stretch bands are analyzed, with the relative intensities agreeing remarkably well with theoretical predictions. Frequency comparison with previous low resolution Ar-matrix spectroscopy [A. V. Friderichsen et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 123, 1977 (2001)] reveals a nearly uniform Δν ≈ + 10-12 cm{sup −1} blue shift between gas phase and Ar matrix values for ν{sub 1} and ν{sub 2}. This differs substantially from the much smaller red shift (Δν ≈ − 1 cm{sup −1}) reported for the ν{sub 19} mode, and suggests a simple physical model in terms of vibrational mode symmetry and crowding due to the matrix environment. Finally, the infrared phenyl spectra are well described by a simple asymmetric rigid rotor Hamiltonian and show no evidence for spectral congestion due to intramolecular vibrational coupling, which bodes well for high resolution studies of other ring radicals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In summary, the combination of slit jet discharge methods with high resolution infrared lasers enables spectroscopic investigation of even highly reactive combustion and interstellar radical intermediates under gas phase, jet

Electronic Structure of TIBa(sub 2)CaCu(sub 2)O(sub 7-delta)

Science.gov (United States)

Vasquez, R. P.; Novikov, D. L.; Freeman, A. J.; Siegal, M. P.

1996-01-01

The core levels of TIBa(sub 2)CaCu(sub 2)O(sub 7-delta) epitaxial films have been measured with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The valence electronic structure has been determined using the full-potential linear muffin tin orbital band structure method and measured with XPS.

Study of vibrations and stabilization of linear collider final doublets at the sub-nanometer scale

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bolzon, B.

2007-11-01

CLIC is one of the current projects of high energy linear colliders. Vertical beam sizes of 0.7 nm at the time of the collision and fast ground motion of a few nanometers impose an active stabilization of the final doublets at a fifth of nanometer above 4 Hz. The majority of my work concerned vibrations and active stabilization study of cantilever and slim beams in order to be representative of the final doublets of CLIC. In a first part, measured performances of different types of vibration sensors associated to an appropriate instrumentation showed that accurate measurements of ground motion are possible from 0.1 Hz up to 2000 Hz on a quiet site. Also, electrochemical sensors answering a priori the specifications of CLIC can be incorporated in the active stabilization at a fifth of nanometer. In a second part, an experimental and numerical study of beam vibrations enabled to validate the efficiency of the numerical prediction incorporated then in the simulation of the active stabilization. Also, a study of the impact of ground motion and of acoustic noise on beam vibrations showed that an active stabilization is necessary at least up to 1000 Hz. In a third part, results on the active stabilization of a beam at its two first resonances are shown down to amplitudes of a tenth of nanometer above 4 Hz by using in parallel a commercial system performing passive and active stabilization of the clamping. The last part is related to a study of a support for the final doublets of a linear collider prototype in phase of finalization, the ATF2 prototype. This work showed that relative motion between this support and the ground is below imposed tolerances (6 nm above 0.1 Hz) with appropriate boundary conditions. (author)

Nanometer-scale lithography on microscopically clean graphene

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

van Dorp, W. F.; Zhang, X.; Feringa, B. L.

2011-01-01

Focused-electron-beam-induced deposition, or FEBID, enables the fabrication of patterns with sub-10 nm resolution. The initial stages of metal deposition by FEBID are still not fundamentally well understood. For these investigations, graphene, a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon atoms in a hexagonal...... lattice, is ideal as the substrate for FEBID writing. In this paper, we have used exfoliated few-layer graphene as a support to study the early growth phase of focused-electron-beam-induced deposition and to write patterns with dimensions between 0.6 and 5 nm. The results obtained here are compared...... to the deposition behavior on amorphous materials. Prior to the deposition experiment, the few-layer graphene was cleaned. Typically, it is observed in electron microscope images that areas of microscopically clean graphene are surrounded by areas with amorphous material. We present a method to remove the amorphous...

Electronic structure and photocatalytic activities of (Bi{sub 2−δ}Y{sub δ})Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} solid solution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fan, Wenjie; Hu, Jinli; Huang, Jing; Wu, Xin; Lin, Sen, E-mail: slin@fzu.edu.cn; Huang, Caijin; Qiu, Xiaoqing, E-mail: qiuxq@fzu.edu.cn

2015-12-01

Highlights: • (Bi{sub 2−δ}Y{sub δ})Sn2O7 solid solutions were synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method. • The contribution of Bi 6s orbitals to electronic structures can be continuously tuned. • The high photocatalytic activity should originate from the good band dispersions. - Abstract: A series of (Bi{sub 2−δ}Y{sub δ})Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} solid solutions were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method to investigate the correlation between the electronic structures and photocatalytic activity. All the (Bi{sub 2−δ}Y{sub δ})Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, infrared and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique. The effects of Bi 6s orbitals in (Bi{sub 2−δ}Y{sub δ})Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} solid solutions on the electronic structures and photogradation of colorless 2-naphthol solution were investigated experimentally and theoretically. It is found that the introduction of Y{sup 3+} induces the shrinkage of the lattice of (Bi{sub 2−δ}Y{sub δ})Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} solid solutions. Consequently, the contribution of Bi 6s orbitals to electronic structures of (Bi{sub 2−δ}Y{sub δ})Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} solid solutions can be continuously tuned by Y{sup 3+} substitution for Bi{sup 3+}. Density function theory calculations reveal that the Bi 6s and O 2p states dominate the top of valence band of Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7}, while the bottom of conduction band mainly consists of the states of Sn 5s, O 2p and Bi 6p. Once the Bi{sup 3+} ions are substituted by Y{sup 3+}, the intensity of Bi 6s states is weakening at the top of valence band while the bottom of conduction band retains the same feature observed for pure Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7}. Moreover, the band dispersions of valence band and conduction band become narrower after Y{sup 3+} introduction into the lattice of (Bi{sub 2−δ}Y{sub δ})Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} solid solutions. As a result, the

Microstructure-lattice thermal conductivity correlation in nanostructured PbTe{sub 0.7}S{sub 0.3} thermoelectric materials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

He, Jiaqing [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University Evanston, IL (United States); Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University Evanston, IL (United States); Girard, Steven N [Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University Evanston, IL (United States); Kanatzidis, Mercouri G [Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University Evanston, IL (United States); Materials Science Division Argonne, National Laboratory Argonne, IL (United States); Dravid, Vinayak P [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University Evanston, IL (United States)

2010-03-09

The reduction of thermal conductivity, and a comprehensive understanding of the microstructural constituents that cause this reduction, represent some of the important challenges for the further development of thermoelectric materials with improved figure of merit. Model PbTe-based thermoelectric materials that exhibit very low lattice thermal conductivity have been chosen for this microstructure-thermal conductivity correlation study. The nominal PbTe{sub 0.7}S{sub 0.3} composition spinodally decomposes into two phases: PbTe and PbS. Orderly misfit dislocations, incomplete relaxed strain, and structure-modulated contrast rather than composition-modulated contrast are observed at the boundaries between the two phases. Furthermore, the samples also contain regularly shaped nanometer-scale precipitates. The theoretical calculations of the lattice thermal conductivity of the PbTe{sub 0.7}S{sub 0.3} material, based on transmission electron microscopy observations, closely aligns with experimental measurements of the thermal conductivity of a very low value, {proportional_to}0.8 W m{sup -1} K{sup -1} at room temperature, approximately 35% and 30% of the value of the lattice thermal conductivity of either PbTe and PbS, respectively. It is shown that phase boundaries, interfacial dislocations, and nanometer-scale precipitates play an important role in enhancing phonon scattering and, therefore, in reducing the lattice thermal conductivity. (Abstract Copyright [2010], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Elemental mapping in achromatic atomic-resolution energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Forbes, B.D. [School of Physics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 (Australia); Houben, L. [Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons and Peter Gruenberg Institute, Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich (Germany); Mayer, J. [Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons and Peter Gruenberg Institute, Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich (Germany); Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, RWTH Aachen University, D-52074 Aachen (Germany); Dunin-Borkowski, R.E. [Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons and Peter Gruenberg Institute, Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich (Germany); Allen, L.J., E-mail: lja@unimelb.edu.au [School of Physics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 (Australia)

2014-12-15

We present atomic-resolution energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) images obtained with the chromatic-aberration-corrected FEI Titan PICO at the Ernst-Ruska Centre, Jülich, Germany. We find qualitative agreement between experiment and simulation for the background-subtracted EFTEM images of the Ti–L{sub 2,3} and O–K edges for a specimen of SrTiO{sub 3} oriented down the [110] zone axis. The simulations utilize the transition potential formulation for inelastic scattering, which permits a detailed investigation of contributions to the EFTEM image. We find that energy-filtered images of the Ti–L{sub 2,3} and O–K edges are lattice images and that the background-subtracted core-loss maps may not be directly interpretable as elemental maps. Simulations show that this is a result of preservation of elastic contrast, whereby the qualitative details of the image are determined primarily by elastic, coherent scattering. We show that this effect places a constraint on the range of specimen thicknesses which could theoretically yield directly useful elemental maps. In general, interpretation of EFTEM images is ideally accompanied by detailed simulations. - Highlights: • Achromatic atomic-resolution EFTEM images were obtained for STO 〈110〉. • Simulations were in qualitative agreement with Ti–L{sub 2,3} and O–K edge maps. • The experimental EFTEM maps are not directly interpretable as elemental maps. • Image intensities are strongly determined by preservation of elastic contrast. • Interpretation of EFTEM images is ideally accompanied by detailed simulations.

Atomic resolution imaging of YAlO{sub 3}: Ce in the chromatic and spherical aberration corrected PICO electron microscope

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jin, Lei [Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons, Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance (JARA), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich (Germany); Barthel, Juri [Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons, Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance (JARA), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich (Germany); Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen (Germany); Jia, Chun-Lin [Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons, Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance (JARA), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich (Germany); School of Electronic and Information Engineering and State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, Xi' an Jiaotong University, Xi' an 710049 (China); Urban, Knut W., E-mail: k.urban@fz-juelich.de [Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons, Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance (JARA), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, (Germany); School of Electronic and Information Engineering and State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, Xi' an Jiaotong University, Xi' an 710049 (China)

2017-05-15

Highlights: • First time resolution of 57 pm atom separations by HRTEM with 200 keV electrons. • Quantification of the image spread by absolute matching of experiment and simulation. • An information limit of 52 pm is deduced from the determined image spread. • Substantial deviations from the bulk structure are observed for the ultra-thin sample. - Abstract: The application of combined chromatic and spherical aberration correction in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy enables a significant improvement of the spatial resolution down to 50 pm. We demonstrate that such a resolution can be achieved in practice at 200 kV. Diffractograms of images of gold nanoparticles on amorphous carbon demonstrate corresponding information transfer. The Y atom pairs in [010] oriented yttrium orthoaluminate are successfully imaged together with the Al and the O atoms. Although the 57 pm pair separation is well demonstrated separations between 55 pm and 80 pm are measured. This observation is tentatively attributed to structural relaxations and surface reconstruction in the very thin samples used. Quantification of the resolution limiting effective image spread is achieved based on an absolute match between experimental and simulated image intensity distributions.

Synthesis, structure and electronic configuration of [Rh{sub 6}Te{sub 8}(PPh{sub 3}){sub 6}].4C{sub 6}H{sub 6}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thiele, Guenther; Balmer, Markus [Marburg Univ. (Germany). Fachbereich Chemie; Dehnen, Stefanie [Marburg Univ. (Germany). Fachbereich Chemie and Wissenschaftliches Zentrum fuer Materialwissenschaften

2016-08-01

[Rh{sub 6}Te{sub 8}(PPh{sub 3}){sub 6}].4C{sub 6}H{sub 6}, the first compound with a molecular Chevrel-type [Rh{sub 6}Te{sub 8}] cluster core has been synthesized and structurally characterized. By means of quantum chemical calculation, the close relationship of its electronic configuration to that of the lighter homologue has been demonstrated. The different crystal solvent content prevents an isostructural crystallization.

Light propagation and interaction observed with electrons

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Word, Robert C.; Fitzgerald, J.P.S.; Könenkamp, R., E-mail: rkoe@pdx.edu

2016-01-15

We discuss possibilities for a microscopic optical characterization of thin films and surfaces based on photoemission electron microscopy. We show that propagating light with wavelengths across the visible range can readily be visualized, and linear and non-linear materials properties can be evaluated non-invasively with nanometer spatial resolution. While femtosecond temporal resolution can be achieved in pump-probe-type experiments, the interferometric approach presented here has typical image frame times of ~200 fs. - Highlights: • Non-linear photoemission electron micrographs are analyzed. • Optical properties of transparent and metallic thin films are determined. • Light propagation, surface plasmon resonances and energy transfer are discussed.

Giant strain with low cycling degradation in Ta-doped [Bi{sub 1/2}(Na{sub 0.8}K{sub 0.2}){sub 1/2}]TiO{sub 3} lead-free ceramics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Xiaoming; Tan, Xiaoli, E-mail: xtan@iastate.edu [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011 (United States)

2016-07-21

Non-textured polycrystalline [Bi{sub 1/2}(Na{sub 0.8}K{sub 0.2}){sub 1/2}](Ti{sub 1−x}Ta{sub x})O{sub 3} ceramics are fabricated and their microstructures and electrical properties are characterized. Transmission electron microscopy reveals the coexistence of the rhombohedral R3c and tetragonal P4bm phases in the form of nanometer-sized domains in [Bi{sub 1/2}(Na{sub 0.8}K{sub 0.2}){sub 1/2}]TiO{sub 3} with low Ta concentration. When the composition is x = 0.015, the electrostrain is found to be highly asymmetric under bipolar fields of ±50 kV/cm. A very large value of 0.62% is observed in this ceramic, corresponding to a large-signal piezoelectric coefficient d{sub 33}* of 1240 pm/V (1120 pm/V under unipolar loading). These values are greater than most previously reported lead-free polycrystalline ceramics and can even be compared with some lead-free piezoelectric single crystals. Additionally, this ceramic displays low cycling degradation; its electrostrain remains above 0.55% even after undergoing 10 000 cycles of ±50 kV/cm bipolar fields at 2 Hz. Therefore, Ta-doped [Bi{sub 1/2}(Na{sub 0.8}K{sub 0.2}){sub 1/2}]TiO{sub 3} ceramics show great potential for large displacement devices.

Analysis of nano-meter structure in Ti implanted polymers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhou Gu; Wu Yuguang; Zhang Tonghe; Zhao Xinrong

2001-01-01

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is modified with Ti ion implantation to a dose of 1x10 17 to 2 x 10 17 cm -2 by using a metal vapor vacuum arc(MEVVA)source. Nano-meter structures in the implanted sample are observed by means of transmission electron microscope (TEM). The influence of ion dose on the structure is indicated. The results show that dense nano-meter phases are dispersed uniformly in the implanted layer. TEM cross section indicates that there is a three-layer structure in the implanted PET. It is found that a metallurgical surface is formed. Therefore the hardness, wear resistance and conductive properties of PET are improved after metal ion implantation. The mechanism of electrical conduction will be discussed

Epitaxial Fe{sub 3-x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 4} films from magnetite to ulvöspinel by pulsed laser deposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Droubay, T.C.; Pearce, C.I.; Ilton, E.S.; Engelhard, M.H.; Engelhard, M.H.; Heald, S.M.; Arenholz, E.; Rosso, K.M.

2011-07-21

Epitaxial films along the Fe{sub 3-x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 4} (titanomagnetite) compositional series from pure end-members magnetite (Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}) to ulvöspinel (Fe{sub 2}TiO{sub 4}) were successfully grown by pulsed laser deposition on MgO(100) substrates. Spectroscopic characterization including high resolution x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and synchrotron-based x-ray absorption and magnetic circular dichroism consistently shows that Ti(IV) substitutes for Fe(III) in the inverse spinel lattice with a proportional increase in lattice Fe(II) concentration. No evidence of Ti interstitials, spinodal decomposition, or secondary phases was found in the bulk of the grown films. At the uppermost few nanometers of the Ti-bearing film surfaces, evidence suggests that Fe(II) is susceptible to facile oxidation, and that an associated lower Fe/Ti ratio in this region is consistent with surface compositional incompleteness or alteration to a titanomaghemite-like composition and structure. The surface of these films nonetheless appear to remain highly ordered and commensurate with the underlying structure despite facile oxidation, a surface condition that is found to be reversible to some extent by heating in low oxygen environments.

Correlative Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy and Electron Microscopy

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Doory; Deerinck, Thomas J.; Sigal, Yaron M.; Babcock, Hazen P.; Ellisman, Mark H.; Zhuang, Xiaowei

2015-01-01

Correlative fluorescence light microscopy and electron microscopy allows the imaging of spatial distributions of specific biomolecules in the context of cellular ultrastructure. Recent development of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy allows the location of molecules to be determined with nanometer-scale spatial resolution. However, correlative super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy (EM) still remains challenging because the optimal specimen preparation and imaging conditions for super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and EM are often not compatible. Here, we have developed several experiment protocols for correlative stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) and EM methods, both for un-embedded samples by applying EM-specific sample preparations after STORM imaging and for embedded and sectioned samples by optimizing the fluorescence under EM fixation, staining and embedding conditions. We demonstrated these methods using a variety of cellular targets. PMID:25874453

Preservation of high resolution protein structure by cryo-electron microscopy of vitreous sections

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sader, Kasim; Studer, Daniel; Zuber, Benoit; Gnaegi, Helmut; Trinick, John

2009-01-01

We have quantitated the degree of structural preservation in cryo-sections of a vitrified biological specimen. Previous studies have used sections of periodic specimens to assess the resolution present, but preservation before sectioning was not assessed and so the damage due particularly to cutting was not clear. In this study large single crystals of lysozyme were vitrified and from these X-ray diffraction patterns extending to better than 2.1 A were obtained. The crystals were high pressure frozen in 30% dextran, and cryo-sectioned using a diamond knife. In the best case, preservation to a resolution of 7.9 A was shown by electron diffraction, the first observation of sub-nanometre structural preservation in a vitreous section.

Electronic structure of LaFe{sub 2}X{sub 2} (X = Si,Ge)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hase, I., E-mail: i.hase@aist.go.jp [Electronics and Photonics Research Institute, AIST, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568 (Japan); Yanagisawa, T. [Electronics and Photonics Research Institute, AIST, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568 (Japan)

2011-11-15

We have calculated the electronic structure of LaFe{sub 2}Si{sub 2} and LaFe{sub 2}Ge{sub 2} from first-principles. The obtained Fermi surfaces of LaFe{sub 2}Si{sub 2} and LaFe{sub 2}Ge{sub 2} resemble those of LaRu{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}, which well explains the result of the dHvA experiments of CeRu{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}. Their density of states curves show the common feature with CaFe{sub 2}As{sub 2}. D(E{sub F}) strongly depends on the distortion of the FeX{sub 4} tetrahedra and/or the height of the X atom, as also found in iron-pnictide system. Recently found iron-pnictide superconductor (Ba,K)Fe{sub 2}As{sub 2} and the heavy-fermion superconductor CeCu{sub 2}Si{sub 2} both have the same crystal structure. In this paper we have calculated the electronic structure of LaFe{sub 2}Si{sub 2} and LaFe{sub 2}Ge{sub 2} from first-principles. These compounds also have the same crystal structure and closely related to both of (Ba,K)Fe{sub 2}As{sub 2} and CeRu{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}. The obtained Fermi surfaces of LaFe{sub 2}Si{sub 2} and LaFe{sub 2}Ge{sub 2} resemble those of LaRu{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}, which are already found that they well explain the results of the dHvA experiments of CeRu{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}. Their density of states curves show the common feature with CaFe{sub 2}As{sub 2}. The density of states at the Fermi level strongly depends on the distortion of the FeX{sub 4} tetrahedra and/or the height of the X atom from the two-dimensional Fe plane, as also found in iron-pnictide system. The electronic specific heat coefficient is 11.8 mJ/mol K{sup 2} for LaFe{sub 2}Si{sub 2} and 12.5 mJ/mol K{sup 2} for LaFe{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}, which is about 1/3 and 1/2 of experimental results, respectively.

Magnetic and thermoelectric properties of electron doped Ca{sub 0.85}Pr{sub 0.15}MnO{sub 3}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hossain Khan, Momin [Department of Physics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal (India); Pal, Sudipta, E-mail: sudipta.pal@rediffmail.com [Department of Physics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal (India); Bose, Esa [Department of Engineering Physics, B. P. P. I. M.T, Kolkata 700052, West Bengal (India)

2015-10-01

We have investigated temperature-dependent magnetization (M), magnetic susceptibility (χ) and thermoelectric (S) properties of the electron-doped Ca{sub 0.85}Pr{sub 0.15}MnO{sub 3}. With decrease of temperature, paramagnetic (PM) to antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase transition occurs with a well-defined Néel temperature (T{sub N}=122 K). Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that the paramagnetic state involves modified Curie–Weiss paramagnetism. Field cooled and zero field cooled magnetization measurements indicate a signature of magnetic frustration. Ferromagnetic (FM) double-exchange interactions associated with doped e{sub g} electrons are favored over competing AFM interactions below T{sub irr}=112 K. Magnetization data also shows a second-order phase transition. The sign reversal in S(T) has been interpreted in terms of the change in the electronic structure relating to the orbital degrees of freedom of the doped e{sub g} electron. Low temperature (5–140 K) thermoelectric power, S (T) signifies the importance of electron–magnon scattering process. - Highlights: • Magnetic and thermoelectric properties have been investigated in Ca{sub 0.85}Pr{sub 0.15}MnO{sub 3}. • It shows a PM–AFM second order phase transition at T{sub N}=122 K. • PM state involves modified Curie–Weiss paramagnetism. • The electron–magnon scattering dominates temperature dependent thermoelectric power.

Fabrication of FeSi and Fe{sub 3}Si compounds by electron beam induced mixing of [Fe/Si]{sub 2} and [Fe{sub 3}/Si]{sub 2} multilayers grown by focused electron beam induced deposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Porrati, F.; Sachser, R.; Huth, M. [Physikalisches Institut, Goethe-Universität, Max-von-Laue-Str. 1, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany); Gazzadi, G. C. [S3 Center, Nanoscience Institute-CNR, Via Campi 213/a, 41125 Modena (Italy); Frabboni, S. [S3 Center, Nanoscience Institute-CNR, Via Campi 213/a, 41125 Modena (Italy); FIM Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 213/a, 41125 Modena (Italy)

2016-06-21

Fe-Si binary compounds have been fabricated by focused electron beam induced deposition by the alternating use of iron pentacarbonyl, Fe(CO){sub 5}, and neopentasilane, Si{sub 5}H{sub 12} as precursor gases. The fabrication procedure consisted in preparing multilayer structures which were treated by low-energy electron irradiation and annealing to induce atomic species intermixing. In this way, we are able to fabricate FeSi and Fe{sub 3}Si binary compounds from [Fe/Si]{sub 2} and [Fe{sub 3}/Si]{sub 2} multilayers, as shown by transmission electron microscopy investigations. This fabrication procedure is useful to obtain nanostructured binary alloys from precursors which compete for adsorption sites during growth and, therefore, cannot be used simultaneously.

Chemical inhomogeneity in In{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}N and ZnO. A HRTEM study on atomic scale clustering

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bartel, T.P.

2008-10-08

Nanostructuration as well as the nucleation and growth of nanoparticles pervades the development of modern materials and devices. Quantitative high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is currently being developed for a structural and chemical analysis at an atomic scale. It is used in this thesis to study the chemical inhomogeneity and clustering in In{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}N, InN and ZnO. A methodology for reliable quantitative HRTEM is rst de ned: it necessitates a damage free sample, the avoidance of electron beam damage and the control of microscope instabilities. With these conditions satis ed, the reliability of quantitative HRTEM is demonstrated by an accurate measurement of lattice relaxation in a thin TEM sample. Clustering in an alloy can then be distinguished from a random distribution of atoms. In In{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}N for instance, clustering is detected for concentrations x>0.1. The sensitivity is insufficient to determine whether clustering is present for lower concentrations. HRTEM allows to identify the amplitude and the spatial distribution of the decomposition which is attributed to a spinodal decomposition. In InN, nanometer scale metallic indium inclusions are detected. With decreasing size of the metallic clusters, the photoluminescence of the sample shifts towards the infrared. This indicates that the inclusions may be responsible for the infrared activity of InN. Finally, ZnO grown homoepitaxially on zinc-face and oxygen-face substrates is studied. The O-face epilayer is strained whereas the Zn-face epilayer is almost strain free and has a higher crystalline quality. Quantitative analysis of exit wave phases is in good agreement with simulations, but the signal to noise ratio needs to be improved for the detection of single point defects. (orig.)

Carbon and nitrogen co-doping self-assembled MoS{sub 2} multilayer films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Xiaoqin [State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050 (China); Xu, Jiao; Chai, Liqiang [State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000 (China); He, Tengfei [State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050 (China); Yu, Fucheng [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050 (China); Wang, Peng, E-mail: pengwang@licp.cas.cn [State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000 (China)

2017-06-01

Highlights: • Mo–S–C–N composite films were synthesized by using reactive magnetron sputtering. • A self-assembled multilayer structure with periodicity in the nanometer scale was formed in the composite film. • The hardness of Mo–S–C–N film deposited at optimized parameter reaches up to 9.76 GPa. • The wear rate of deposited Mo–S–C–N film both in vacuum and ambient atmosphere decreases dramatically. - Abstract: Mo–S–C–N composite films were prepared using reactive magnetron sputtering of graphite and MoS{sub 2} targets in argon and nitrogen atmospheres. The effects of carbon/nitrogen co-doping and carbon concentration on the composition, microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of deposited films have been investigated by various characterization techniques. The results show that the deposited films comprise MoS{sub 2} nanocrystalline and amorphous carbon, and the incorporating nitrogen forms Mo-N and C–N chemical bonds. Increasing carbon concentration leads to the increase of sp{sup 2} carbon fraction in the films. Furthermore, the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy reveals that a self-assembled multilayer structure with periodicity in the nanometer scale is formed in the Mo–S–C–N film. Benefiting from the composite and self-assembled multilayer structures, the hardness of Mo–S–C–N film deposited at optimized parameter reaches up to 9.76 GPa, and corresponding friction experiment indicates that this composite films display low friction coefficient and high wear resistance both in vacuum and ambient air conditions.

Synthesis, crystal and electronic structures and optical properties of (HIm)<sub>2sub> Hg<sub>3sub>Cl>8sub> and (HIm)HgI<sub>3sub> (HIm = imidazolium)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nhalil, Hariharan [Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (United States). Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Whiteside, Vincent R. [Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (United States). Homer L. Dodge Dept. of Physics & Astronomy; Sellers, Ian R. [Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (United States). Homer L. Dodge Dept. of Physics & Astronomy; Ming, Wenmei [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Materials Science & Technology Division; Du, Mao-Hua [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Materials Science & Technology Division; Saparov, Bayrammurad [Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (United States). Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry

2017-11-22

Here, we report synthesis, crystal and electronic structures, and optical properties of two new Hg-based zero-dimensional hybrid organic-inorganic halides (HIm)2Hg3Cl8 and (HIm)HgI3 (HIm = imidazolium). (HIm)<sub>2sub>Hg>3sub>Cl>8sub> crystallizes in the triclinic P-1 space group with a pseudo-layered structure made of organic imidazolium cation layers and anionic inorganic layers containing [Hg<sub>2sub>Cl>6sub>]^2- units and linear [HgCl<sub>2sub>]⁰ molecules. (HIm)HgI<sub>3sub> crystallizes in the monoclinic P2<sub>1sub>/c space group featuring anionic [HgI<sub>3sub>]- units that are surrounded by imidazolium cations. Based on density functional theory calculations, (HIm)<sub>2sub>Hg>3sub>Cl>8sub> has an indirect band gap, whereas (HIm)HgI<sub>3sub> has a direct band gap with the measured onsets of optical absorption at 3.43 and 2.63 eV, respectively. (HIm)<sub>2sub>Hg>3sub>Cl>8sub> and (HIm)HgI<sub>3sub> are broadband light emitters with broad photoluminescence peaks centered at 548 nm (2.26 eV) and 582 nm (2.13 eV), respectively. In conclusion, following the crystal and electronic structure considerations, the PL peaks are assigned to self-trapped excitons.

Phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging of light and heavy atoms at the limit of contrast and resolution.

Science.gov (United States)

Yücelen, Emrah; Lazić, Ivan; Bosch, Eric G T

2018-02-08

Using state of the art scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) it is nowadays possible to directly image single atomic columns at sub-Å resolution. In standard (high angle) annular dark field STEM ((HA)ADF-STEM), however, light elements are usually invisible when imaged together with heavier elements in one image. Here we demonstrate the capability of the recently introduced Integrated Differential Phase Contrast STEM (iDPC-STEM) technique to image both light and heavy atoms in a thin sample at sub-Å resolution. We use the technique to resolve both the Gallium and Nitrogen dumbbells in a GaN crystal in [[Formula: see text

Electronic structure and optical properties of ABP{sub 2}O{sub 7} double phosphates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hizhnyi, Yu. [Faculty of Physics, Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University, 2, Block 1, Acad. Hlushkova Ave., 03680 Kyiv (Ukraine)], E-mail: hizhnyi@univ.kiev.ua; Gomenyuk, O.; Nedilko, S.; Oliynyk, A.; Okhrimenko, B. [Faculty of Physics, Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University, 2, Block 1, Acad. Hlushkova Ave., 03680 Kyiv (Ukraine); Bojko, V. [National Agriculture University, 5 Geroiv Oborony Str., 03041 Kyiv (Ukraine)

2007-04-15

Luminescence and luminescence excitation under VUV radiation of ABP{sub 2}O{sub 7} (A=Na, K, Cs; B=Al, In) double phosphates are studied. Two emission bands peaking near 330 and 420 nm are common for investigated ABP{sub 2}O{sub 7} crystals. The band structure and partial densities of electronic states of perfect KAlP{sub 2}O{sub 7}, LiInP{sub 2}O{sub 7} and NaTiP{sub 2}O{sub 7} crystals are calculated by the full-potential linear-augmented-plane-wave (FLAPW) method. It is found that the structures of the conduction bands of ABP{sub 2}O{sub 7} crystals, which have different B cations, are appreciably different. Experimental results are compared with results of calculations of the electronic structure. Assumptions concerning the origin of luminescence in double phosphates are made.

Performance of CdZnTe strip detectors as sub-millimeter resolution imaging gamma radiation spectrometers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mayer, M.; Boykin, D.V.; Drake, A.

1996-01-01

We report γ-ray detection performance measurements and computer simulations of a sub-millimeter pitch CdZnTe strip detector. The detector is a prototype for γ-ray astronomy measurements in the range of 20-200 keV. The prototype is a 1.5 mm thick, 64 x 64 orthogonal stripe CdZnTe detector of 0.375 mm pitch in both dimensions, with approximately one square inch of sensitive area. Using discrete laboratory electronics to process signals from 8 x 8 stripe region of the prototype we measured good spectroscopic uniformity and sub-pitch (∼ 0.2 mm) spatial resolution in both x and y dimensions. We present below measurements of the spatial uniformity, relative timing and pulse height of the anode and cathode signals, and the photon detection efficiency. We also present a technique for determining the location of the event in the third dimension (depth). We simulated the photon interactions and signal generation in the strip detector and the test electronics and we compare these results with the data. The data indicate that cathode signal - as well as the anode signal - arises more strongly from the conduction electrons rather than the holes

Electronic structure and high thermoelectric properties of a new material Ba{sub 3}Cu{sub 20}Te{sub 13}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang, Gui, E-mail: kuiziyang@126.com [College of Physics and Electrical Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang, Henan, 455000 (China); Wu, Jinghe [Department of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Henan Institute of Education, Zhengzhou, 450046 (China); Zhang, Jing; Ma, Dongwei [College of Physics and Electrical Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang, Henan, 455000 (China)

2016-09-05

The electronic structure and high thermoelectric properties of Ba{sub 3}Cu{sub 20}Te{sub 13} are studied using first principles calculations and the semiclassical Boltzmann theory. The coexistence of ionic and covalent bonding in Ba{sub 3}Cu{sub 20}Te{sub 13} indicates that it is a Zintl phase compound. The calculated band structure shows that the compound is a semiconductor with an indirect band gap ∼0.45 eV, which is an appropriate band for the high thermoelectric performance. The transport calculations based on the electronic structure indicate that it exhibits relatively large Seebeck coefficients, high electrical conductivities, and high power factor. For Ba{sub 3}Cu{sub 20}Te{sub 13}, the n-type doping may achieve a higher thermoelectric performance than that of p-type doping. It is worth noting that the thermoelectric parameters of Ba{sub 3}Cu{sub 20}Te{sub 13} are comparable or larger than that of Ca{sub 5}Al{sub 2}Sb{sub 6}, a typical Zintl compound representative with high thermoelectric performance. - Highlights: • The electronic structure and thermoelectric(TE) properties are firstly studied. • The heavy and light bands near the Fermi level benefit TE properties. • The comparison indicates Ba{sub 3}Cu{sub 20}Te{sub 13} is a potential high TE material.

Toward single electron resolution phonon mediated ionization detectors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mirabolfathi, Nader, E-mail: mirabolfathi@physics.tamu.edu [Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas A& M University (United States); Harris, H. Rusty; Mahapatra, Rupak; Sundqvist, Kyle; Jastram, Andrew [Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas A& M University (United States); Serfass, Bruno; Faiez, Dana; Sadoulet, Bernard [Department of Physics, University of California at Berkeley (United States)

2017-05-21

Experiments seeking to detect rare event interactions such as dark matter or coherent elastic neutrino nucleus scattering are striving for large mass detectors with very low detection threshold. Using Neganov-Luke phonon amplification effect, the Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS) experiment is reaching unprecedented RMS resolutions of ∼14 eV{sub ee}. CDMSlite is currently the most sensitive experiment to WIMPs of mass ∼5 GeV/c{sup 2} but is limited in achieving higher phonon gains due to an early onset of leakage current into Ge crystals. The contact interface geometry is particularly weak for blocking hole injection from the metal, and thus a new design is demonstrated that allows high voltage bias via vacuum separated electrode. With an increased bias voltage and a×2 Luke phonon gain, world best RMS resolution of sigma ∼7 eV{sub ee} for 0.25 kg (d=75 mm, h=1 cm) Ge detectors was achieved. Since the leakage current is a function of the field and the phonon gain is a function of the applied voltage, appropriately robust interface blocking material combined with thicker substrate (25 mm) will reach a resolution of ∼2.8 eV{sub ee}. In order to achieve better resolution of ∼ eV, we are investigating a layer of insulator between the phonon readout surface and the semiconductor crystals.

Electronic structures of (Pb sub 2 Cu)Sr sub 2 Eu sub x Ce sub n sub - sub x Cu sub 2 O sub 2 sub n sub + sub 6 (n=2, 3): Effect of fluorite blocks between adjacent CuO sub 2 layers

CERN Document Server

Arai, M

2003-01-01

The electronic structures of (Pb sub 2 Cu)Sr sub 2 Eu sub x Ce sub n sub - sub x Cu sub 2 O sub 2 sub n sub + sub 6 (n = 2, 3) compounds which have fluorite blocks between two adjacent CuO sub 2 layers have been studied by using ab-initio method. It is found that the anisotropy is enhanced by inserting the fluorite blocks. The Fermi velocity perpendicular to the CuO sub 2 layers decreases as the thickness of fluorite blocks increases. The Eu substitution is found to affect both the atomic positions and electronic structures. The distance between apical oxygen and copper becomes shorter by the Eu substitution. The energy bands derived from oxygens in the fluorite blocks approach Fermi energy as the content of Eu substitution increases. (author)

Electronic structure of layered ferroelectric high-k titanate Pr{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Atuchin, V.V., E-mail: atuchin@thermo.isp.nsc.ru [Laboratory of Optical Materials and Structures, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation); Gavrilova, T.A. [Laboratory of Nanodiagnostics and Nanolithography, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation); Grivel, J.-C. [Materials Research Division, National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde (Denmark); Kesler, V.G. [Laboratory of Physical Bases of Integrated Microelectronics, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation); Troitskaia, I.B. [Laboratory of Optical Materials and Structures, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation)

2012-11-15

The spectroscopic parameters and electronic structure of binary titanate Pr{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} have been studied by IR-, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for the powder sample prepared by solid state synthesis. The spectral features of valence band and all constituent element core levels have been considered. The Auger parameters of titanium and oxygen in Pr{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} have been determined as {alpha}{sub Ti}=872.8 and {alpha}{sub O}=1042.3 eV. Variations of cation-anion bond ionicity have been discussed using binding energy differences {Delta}{sub Ti}=(BE O 1s-BE Ti 2p{sub 3/2})=71.6 eV and {Delta}{sub Pr}=BE(Pr 3d{sub 5/2})-BE(O 1s)=403.8 eV as key parameters in comparison with those of other titanium- and praseodymium-bearing oxides. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Solid state synthesis of polar titanate Pr{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Structural and spectroscopic properties and electronic structure determination. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ti-O and Pr-O bonding analysis using Ti 2p{sub 3/2}, Pr 3d{sub 5/2} and O 1s core levels.

Electronic structure of Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}CaCu{sub 2}O{sub 8} by DFT and QMC

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ghafari, Aliakbar; Janowitz, Christoph; Manzke, Recardo [Institute of Physics, Humboldt University of Berlin, Newtonstr. 15, D-12489 Berlin (Germany); Haghighi Mood, Kaveh [Dept. of Physics, Science and Research Branch (IAU), Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2012-07-01

The electronic structure of high-T{sub c} cuprates superconductors (HTCS) is among the most interesting issues of condensed matter physics since their discovery by Bednorz and Mueller. It has been proven that the antiferromagnetic ground state of the parent compound of the HTCS is not accessible by using local density approximation (LDA) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) as exchange-correlation energy functionals within density functional theory (DFT). Therefore, we calculated the electronic structure of Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}CaCu{sub 2}O{sub 8} by adding the Hubbard parameter to DFT(GGA+U) and quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods. The calculations have been performed by Wien2k and Casino codes for GGA+U and QMC, respectively.

High-resolution electron microscopy on incommensurate long-period superstructures of hexagonal-close-packed Cu-Sb alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Onozuka, T.; Kakehashi, S.; Takahashi, T.; Hirabayashi, M. (Tohoku Univ., Sendai (Japan). Inst. for Materials Research)

1989-06-01

Hexagonal incommensurate long-period superstructures of the Cu-Sb alloys containing 18-20 at.% Sb have been investigated by means of superstructure imaging using a high-resolution electron microscope. Honeycomb-type distributions of hexagonal domains consisting of the commensurate superstructure of type 7a{sub 0}-2H are observed. The incommensurabilities of superstructure can be interpreted well with a hexagonal model composed of the 7a{sub 0}-2H domains surrounded by domain walls which contain higher Sb content than the domain interior. The observed image contrast is reproduced well with multislice computer simulations based on the structure models proposed for the 7a{sub 0}-2H domain and the domain wall. (orig.).

A model based approach to reference-free straightness measurement at the Nanometer Comparator

Science.gov (United States)

Weichert, C.; Stavridis, M.; Walzel, M.; Elster, C.; Wiegmann, A.; Schulz, M.; Köning, R.; Flügge, J.; Tutsch, R.

2009-06-01

The Nanometer Comparator is the PTB reference length measuring machine for high precision calibrations of line scales and encoder systems. Up to now the Nanometer Comparator allows to measure the position of line structures in one dimension only. For high precision characterisations of masks, scales and incremental encoders, the measurement of the straightness of graduations is a requirement from emerging lithography techniques. Therefore the Nanometer Comparator will be equipped with an additional short range measurement system in the Y-direction, realized as a single path plane mirror interferometer and supposed to achieve sub-nm uncertainties. To compensate the topography of the Y-mirror, the Traceable Multi Sensor (TMS) method will be implemented to achieve a reference-free straightness measurement. Virtual experiments are used to estimate the lower accuracy limit and to determine the sensitive parameters. The virtual experiments contain the influence of the positioning devices, interferometer errors as well as non-perfect adjustment and fabrication of the machine geometry. The whole dynamic measurement process of the Nanometer Comparator including its influence on the TMS analysis, e.g. non-equally spaced measurement points, is simulated. We will present the results of these virtual experiments as well as the most relevant error sources for straightness measurement, incorporating the low uncertainties of the existing and planned measurement systems.

Controlled hydrothermal synthesis of BiO{sub x}Cl{sub y}/BiO{sub m}I{sub n} composites exhibiting visible-light photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jiang, Yu-Rou; Lin, Ho-Pan [Department of Science Application and Dissemination, National Taichung University of Education, Taichung 403, Taiwan, ROC (China); Chung, Wen-Hsin [Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan, ROC (China); Dai, Yong-Ming [Department of Science Application and Dissemination, National Taichung University of Education, Taichung 403, Taiwan, ROC (China); Lin, Wan-Yu [Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan, ROC (China); Chen, Chiing-Chang, E-mail: ccchen@ms3.ntcu.edu.tw [Department of Science Application and Dissemination, National Taichung University of Education, Taichung 403, Taiwan, ROC (China)

2015-02-11

Highlights: • This is the first report on a series of BiO{sub x}Cl{sub y}/BiO{sub m}I{sub n} heterojunctions. • The BiO{sub x}Cl{sub y}/BiO{sub m}I{sub n} composition was controlled by adjusting the growth parameters. • The BiO{sub x}Cl{sub y}/BiO{sub m}I{sub n} were indirect semiconductors with a 1.78–2.95-eV bandgap. • The new photocatalysts removed CV at a much faster rate than TiO{sub 2}. • Mechanisms were determined by separating the intermediates using HPLC-MS. - Abstract: A series of BiO{sub x}Cl{sub y}/BiO{sub m}I{sub n} composites were prepared using autoclave hydrothermal methods. The composition and morphologies of the BiO{sub x}Cl{sub y}/BiO{sub m}I{sub n} composites were controlled by adjusting the experimental conditions: the reaction pH value, temperature, and KCl/KI molar ratio. The products were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface areas, cathodoluminescence, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic efficiencies of composite powder suspensions were evaluated by monitoring the crystal violet (CV) concentrations. In addition, the quenching effects of various scavengers indicated that the reactive O{sub 2}·{sup −} played a major role, and OH· or h{sup +} played a minor role in CV degradation. The intermediates formed during the decomposition process were isolated, identified, and characterized using high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry to elucidate the CV decomposition mechanism.

A sub-cm micromachined electron microscope

Science.gov (United States)

Feinerman, A. D.; Crewe, D. A.; Perng, D. C.; Shoaf, S. E.; Crewe, A. V.

1993-01-01

A new approach for fabricating macroscopic (approximately 10x10x10 mm(exp 3)) structures with micron accuracy has been developed. This approach combines the precision of semiconductor processing and fiber optic technologies. A (100) silicon wafer is anisotropically etched to create four orthogonal v-grooves and an aperture on each 10x12 mm die. Precision 308 micron optical fibers are sandwiched between the die to align the v-grooves. The fiber is then anodically bonded to the die above and below it. This procedure is repeated to create thick structures and a stack of 5 or 6 die will be used to create a miniature scanning electron microscope (MSEM). Two die in the structure will have a segmented electrode to deflect the beam and correct for astigmatism. The entire structure is UHV compatible. The performance of an SEM improves as its length is reduced and a sub-cm 2 keV MSEM with a field emission source should have approximately 1 nm resolution. A low voltage high resolution MSEM would be useful for the examination of biological specimens and semiconductors with a minimum of damage. The first MSEM will be tested with existing 6 micron thermionic sources. In the future a micromachined field emission source will be used. The stacking technology presented in this paper can produce an array of MSEMs 1 to 30 mm in length with a 1 mm or larger period. A key question being addressed by this research is the optimum size for a low voltage MSEM which will be determined by the required spatial resolution, field of view, and working distance.

Freezing hot electrons. Electron transfer and solvation dynamics at D{sub 2}O and NH{sub 3}-metal interfaces

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Staehler, A.J.

2007-05-15

The present work investigates the electron transfer and solvation dynamics at the D{sub 2}O/Cu(111), D{sub 2}O/Ru(001), and NH{sub 3}/Cu(111) interfaces using femtosecond time-resolved two-photon photoelectron spectroscopy. Within this framework, the influence of the substrate, adsorbate structure and morphology, solvation site, coverage, temperature, and solvent on the electron dynamics are studied, yielding microscopic insight into the underlying fundamental processes. Transitions between different regimes of ET, substrate-dominated, barrier-determined, strong, and weak coupling are observed by systematic variation of the interfacial properties and development of empirical model descriptions. It is shown that the fundamental steps of the interfacial electron dynamics are similar for all investigated systems: Metal electrons are photoexcited to unoccupied metal states and transferred into the adlayer via the adsorbate's conduction band. The electrons localize at favorable sites and are stabilized by reorientations of the surrounding polar solvent molecules. Concurrently, they decay back two the metal substrate, as it offers a continuum of unoccupied states. However, the detailed characteristics vary for the different investigated interfaces: For amorphous ice-metal interfaces, the electron transfer is initially, right after photoinjection, dominated by the substrate's electronic surface band structure. With increasing solvation, a transient barrier evolves at the interface that increasingly screens the electrons from the substrate. Tunneling through this barrier becomes the rate-limiting step for ET. The competition of electron decay and solvation leads to lifetimes of the solvated electrons in the order of 100 fs. Furthermore, it is shown that the electrons bind in the bulk of the ice layers, but on the edges of adsorbed D{sub 2}O clusters and that the ice morphology strongly influences the electron dynamics. For the amorphous NH{sub 3}/Cu(111

Electronic conductivity in glasses of the TeO sub 2 -V sub 2 O sub 5 -MoO sub 3 system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lebrun, N.; Levy, M; Souquet, J.L. (URA D1213-E.N.S.E.E.G., Saint Martin d' Heres (France). Laboratoire d' Ionique et d' Electrochimie du Solide)

1990-08-01

Conductivity and redox potential on glasses of the TeO{sub 2}-V{sub 2}O{sub 5}-MoO{sub 3} system have been measured. For temperatures between 20 to 200 pC, the electronic conductivity proceed by an activated mechanism. Variations of the pre-exponential factor interpreted by the small polaron theory indicate that only the vanadium ions are involved in the conduction mechanism. Cyclic voltamperometry measurements performed on TeO{sub 2}V{sub 2}O{sub 4}-MoO{sub 3} glasses as working electrode show that at 1 V difference between the V{sup +V}/V{sup +IV} and Mo{sup +I}/Mo{sup +V} redox potentials exists in the glassy material. This correspondend to an energy gap which may be to large to allow the electron transition from vanadium to molybdenum ions. (author). 13 refs.; 4 figs.; 1 tab.

Preparation, structural characterization, and enhanced electrical conductivity of pyrochlore-type (Sm{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} ceramics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xia, X.L. [Institute for Advanced Ceramics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin (China); Institute of Oceanography Instruments, Shandong Academy of Science, Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Marine Monitoring Equipment, Qingdao (China); Liu, Z.G.; Ouyang, J.H. [Institute for Advanced Ceramics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin (China); Zheng, Y. [Institute of Oceanography Instruments, Shandong Academy of Science, Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Marine Monitoring Equipment, Qingdao (China)

2012-08-15

(Sm{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} (0 {<=} x {<=} 1.0) samples are prepared by solid state reaction method using Sm{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Eu{sub 2}O{sub 3}, and ZrO{sub 2} as starting materials. The phase composition and microstructure of (Sm{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} ceramics are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) coupled with selected area electron diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. XRD and TEM show that all the samples exhibit a single pyrochlore-type structure. HRTEM observation indicates that the whole grain interior of Sm{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} ceramic is a perfect crystal free of any dislocation. Raman spectroscopy reveals that the degree of structural disorder of (Sm{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} ceramics increases gradually with increasing Eu content. The electrical conductivity of (Sm{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} ceramics is investigated by impedance spectroscopy in the air and hydrogen atmospheres, respectively. The electrical conductivity of (Sm{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} ceramics increases with increasing Eu content at identical temperature levels. Both the activation energy E{sub g} and the pre-exponential factor {sigma}{sub 0g} for the grain conductivity gradually increase with increasing Eu content. As the ionic conductivity shows no obvious change in both air and hydrogen atmospheres, the conduction of (Sm{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} is purely ionic with negligible electronic conduction. (Copyright copyright 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Electron-optical design parameters for a high-resolution electron monochromator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tanaka, H.; Huebner, R.H.

1976-01-01

Detailed design parameters of a new, high-resolution electron monochromator are presented. The design utilizes a hemispherical filter as the energy-dispersing element and combines both cylindrical and aperture electrostatic lenses to accelerate, decelerate, transport, and focus the electron beam from the cathode to the interaction region

Electron acceleration by CO/sub 2/ laser

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fujita, H.; Kitagawa, Y.; Daido, H.

1986-01-01

Experiments on electron acceleration have been performed by LEKKO VIII CO/sub 2/ laser system. The laser light was focused by an off-axis parabolic mirror with the F-number of 1.5 and irradiated to thin foil and pipe targets in order to obtain uniform underdense plasmas. Energy spectrum of electrons was measured by an electron spectrometer in the range of 0.3-1.1 MeV. In the single frequency case, electrons up to 1 MeV were observed in the direction of the laser axis for the laser intensity above 1.6 x 10/sup 14/ W/cm/sup 2/ which was equal to the estimated threshold for forward Raman scattering. Amount of high energy electrons depended on the interaction length and the background hot electron temperature. More electrons could resonate with the plasma wave for the higher hot electron temperature. This was confirmed by particle simulation. In most experiments, the plasma density was estimated of about 0.1 n/sub c/. When the plasma density was reduced to 0.01 n/sub c/ using pre-pulse, high energy electrons were not observed because of the low background hot electron temperature and the higher instability threshold. In the two frequency case, energetic electron beam injection is planned for efficient coupling with fast plasma wave. Pipe target seems to be hopeful because 1) the laser light is confined by the plasma fiber and 2) the phase velocity of the plasma wave is controlled by the transverse mode

Theoretical study and simulation for a nanometer laser based on Gauss–Hermite source expansion

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gu, Xiaowei

2013-01-01

Recently there has been worldwide interest in constructing a new generation of continuously tunable nanometer lasers for a wide range of scientific applications, including femtosecond science, biological molecules, nanoscience research fields, etc. The high brightness electron beam required by a short wavelength self-amplified spontaneous emission FEL can be reached only with accurate control of the beam dynamics in the facility. Numerical simulation codes are basic tools for designing new nanometer laser devices. We have developed a MATLAB quasi-one-dimensional code based on a reduced model for the FEL. The model uses an envelope description of the transverse dynamics of the laser beam and full longitudinal particle motion. We have optimized the LCLS facility parameters, then given the characteristics of the nanometer laser. (letter)

Theoretical study and simulation for a nanometer laser based on Gauss-Hermite source expansion

Science.gov (United States)

Gu, Xiaowei

2013-07-01

Recently there has been worldwide interest in constructing a new generation of continuously tunable nanometer lasers for a wide range of scientific applications, including femtosecond science, biological molecules, nanoscience research fields, etc. The high brightness electron beam required by a short wavelength self-amplified spontaneous emission FEL can be reached only with accurate control of the beam dynamics in the facility. Numerical simulation codes are basic tools for designing new nanometer laser devices. We have developed a MATLAB quasi-one-dimensional code based on a reduced model for the FEL. The model uses an envelope description of the transverse dynamics of the laser beam and full longitudinal particle motion. We have optimized the LCLS facility parameters, then given the characteristics of the nanometer laser.

Contribution to the resolution of algebraic differential equations. Application to electronic circuits and nuclear reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Monsef, Youssef.

1977-05-01

This note deals with the resolution of large algebraic differential systems involved in the physical sciences, with special reference to electronics and nuclear physics. The theoretical aspect of the algorithms established and developed for this purpose is discussed in detail. A decomposition algorithm based on the graph theory is developed in detail and the regressive analysis of the error involved in the decomposition is carried out. The specific application of these algorithms on the analyses of non-linear electronic circuits and to the integration of algebraic differential equations simulating the general operation of nuclear reactors coupled to heat exchangers is discussed in detail. To conclude, it is shown that the development of efficient digital resolution techniques dealing with the elements in order is sub-optimal for large systems and calls for the revision of conventional formulation methods. Thus for a high-order physical system, the larger, the number of auxiliary unknowns introduced, the easier the formulation and resolution, owing to the elimination of any form of complex matricial calculation such as those given by the state variables method [fr

Mapping Thermal Expansion Coefficients in Freestanding 2D Materials at the Nanometer Scale

Science.gov (United States)

Hu, Xuan; Yasaei, Poya; Jokisaari, Jacob; Öǧüt, Serdar; Salehi-Khojin, Amin; Klie, Robert F.

2018-02-01

Two-dimensional materials, including graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides and their heterostructures, exhibit great potential for a variety of applications, such as transistors, spintronics, and photovoltaics. While the miniaturization offers remarkable improvements in electrical performance, heat dissipation and thermal mismatch can be a problem in designing electronic devices based on two-dimensional materials. Quantifying the thermal expansion coefficient of 2D materials requires temperature measurements at nanometer scale. Here, we introduce a novel nanometer-scale thermometry approach to measure temperature and quantify the thermal expansion coefficients in 2D materials based on scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy to determine the energy shift of the plasmon resonance peak of 2D materials as a function of sample temperature. By combining these measurements with first-principles modeling, the thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) of single-layer and freestanding graphene and bulk, as well as monolayer MoS2 , MoSe2 , WS2 , or WSe2 , are directly determined and mapped.

High-resolution electron collision spectroscopy with multicharged ions in merged beams

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lestinsky, M.

2007-04-18

The Heidelberg ion storage ring Tsr is currently the only ring equipped with two independent devices for the collinear merging of a cold electron beam with stored ions. This greatly improves the potential of electron-ion collision experiments, as the ion beam can be cooled with one electron beam, while the other one is used as a dedicated target for energy-resolved electron collision processes, such as recombination. The work describes the implementation of this system for rst electron collision spectroscopy experiments. A detection system has been realized including an ion detector and specroscopic beam-control software and instrumentation. Moreover, in order to improve the spectroscopic resolution systematical studies of intrinsic relaxation processes in the electron beam have been carried out. These include the dependence on the electron beam density, the magnetic guiding eld strength, and the acceleration geometry. The recombination measurements on low-lying resonances in lithiumlike Sc{sup 18+} yield a high-precision measurement of the 2s-2p{sub 3/2} transition energy in this system. Operation of the two-electron-beam setup at high collision energy ({approx}1000 eV) is established using resonances of hydrogenlike Mg{sup 11+}, while the unique possibility of modifying the beam-merging geometry con rms its importance for the electron-ion recombination rate at lowest relative energy, as demonstrated on F{sup 6+}. (orig.)

Growth of electron plasma waves above and below f/sub p/ in the electron foreshock

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cairns, I.H.; Fung, S.F.

1988-01-01

With increasing penetration into the electron foreshock the characteristics of the electrostatic waves driven by streaming electrons change continuously from the familiar intense waves near the electron plasma frequency f/sub p/ to weak bursts of broadband waves initially significantly above f/sub p/ and then well below f/sub p/. Growth well below f/sub p/ has been demonstrated theoretically for slow, cold electron beams, and the broadband waves below f/sub p/ in the foreshock have been interpreted in terms of the very cold or sharp ''cutoff'' feature of a cutoff distribution for small cutoff speeds. However, an approximate theoretical criterion indicates that the electron beams studied hitherto are unstable to reactive rather than kinetic growth, thereby favoring very narrow-band growth contrary to the observed broadband growth. In this paper we determine conditions for kinetic growth well above and below f/sub p/ for both cold and warm beams over a wide range of beam densities and speeds. We verify that kinetic growth below f/sub p/ is possible for cold, slow beams and for warm, dense beams (over wide range of beam velocities)

Nanometer-size surface modification produced by single, low energy, highly charged ions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stockli, M.P.

1994-01-01

Atomically flat surfaces of insulators have been bombarded with low energy, highly charged ions to search for nanometer-size surface modifications. It is expected that the high electron deficiency of highly charged ions will capture and/or remove many of the insulator's localized electrons when impacting on an insulating surface. The resulting local electron deficiency is expected to locally disintegrate the insulator through a open-quotes Coulomb explosionclose quotes forming nanometer-size craters. Xe ions with charge states between 10+ and 45+ and kinetic energies between 0 and 10 keV/q were obtained from the KSU-CRYEBIS, a CRYogenic Electron Beam Ion Source and directed onto various insulating materials. Mica was favored as target material as atomically flat surfaces can be obtained reliably through cleaving. However, the authors observations with an atomic force microscope have shown that mica tends to defoliate locally rather than disintegrate, most likely due to the small binding forces between adjacent layers. So far the authors measurements indicate that each ion produces one blister if the charge state is sufficiently high. The blistering does not seem to depend very much on the kinetic energy of the ions

Exploration on anion ordering, optical properties and electronic structure in K{sub 3}WO{sub 3}F{sub 3} elpasolite

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Atuchin, V.V. [Laboratory of Optical Materials and Structures, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090 (Russian Federation); Isaenko, L.I. [Laboratory of Crystal Growth, Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090 (Russian Federation); Kesler, V.G. [Laboratory of Physical Principles for Integrated Microelectronics, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, Novosibirsk 630090 (Russian Federation); Lin, Z.S., E-mail: zslin@mail.ipc.ac.cn [Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2711, Beijing 100190 (China); Molokeev, M.S. [Laboratory of Crystal Physics, Institute of Physics, SB RAS, Krasnoyarsk 660036 (Russian Federation); Yelisseyev, A.P.; Zhurkov, S.A. [Laboratory of Crystal Growth, Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090 (Russian Federation)

2012-03-15

Room-temperature modification of potassium oxyfluorotungstate, G2-K{sub 3}WO{sub 3}F{sub 3}, has been prepared by low-temperature chemical route and single crystal growth. Wide optical transparency range of 0.3-9.4 {mu}m and forbidden band gap E{sub g}=4.32 eV have been obtained for G2-K{sub 3}WO{sub 3}F{sub 3} crystal. Meanwhile, its electronic structure has been calculated with the first-principles calculations. The good agreement between the theorectical and experimental results have been achieved. Furthermore, G2-K{sub 3}WO{sub 3}F{sub 3} is predicted to possess the relatively large nonlinear optical coefficients. - Graphical abstract: Using the cm-size K{sub 3}WO{sub 3}F{sub 3} crystal (left upper), the transmission spectrum (right upper) and XPS valence electronic states (left lower) were measured, agreed with the ab initio results (right lower). Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The cm-size G2-K{sub 3}WO{sub 3}F{sub 3} single crystals are obtained. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Optical absorption edge and transmission range are defined for G2-K{sub 3}WO{sub 3}F{sub 3} crystal. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Crystal structures of all known K{sub 3}WO{sub 3}F{sub 3} polymorph modifications are determined. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Experimental electronic structure is consistent with the first-principles result. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer G2-K{sub 3}WO{sub 3}F{sub 3} is predicted as a crystal with large NLO coefficients.

Versatile electronic behavior of the Li{sub x}Mn{sub 3−x−y}Fe{sub y}O{sub 4} spinels

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Alonso-Domínguez, D. [Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid (Spain); CEI Moncloa, UCM-UPM, Madrid (Spain); Álvarez-Serrano, I., E-mail: ias@quim.ucm.es [Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid (Spain); López, M.L.; Veiga, M.L.; Pico, C. [Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid (Spain); Mompeán, F.; García-Hernández, M. [Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales, CSIC, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid (Spain); Cuello, G.J. [Institut Laue-Langevin, 6 rue Jules Horowitz, F-38042 Grenoble (France)

2013-11-15

Highlights: •The Li{sub x}Mn{sub 3−x−y}Fe{sub y}O{sub 4} spinels show a versatile electronic behavior. •Optimal compositional ranges for different application fields are proposed. •Frustrated ferromagnetic response is compositionally driven. •High ε′ values are obtained when B sites are occupied by both Mn and Fe cations. •High lithium contents are linked to the electrochemical behavior. -- Abstract: The detailed structural and electronic characterization of microcrystalline powders of new spinels Li{sub x}Mn{sub 3−x−y}Fe{sub y}O{sub 4} (0.4 ⩽ x ⩽ 1.33; 0 ⩽ y ⩽ 1.30), obtained by the “liquid mix” method, is reported. Compositional characterization was carried out by means of thermogravimetric analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy, and their structure was refined from neutron and X-ray diffraction showing a cubic symmetry between 5 and 550 K, Space Group Fd3{sup ¯}m. However, at temperatures above ca. 950 K, a reversible transformation, probably implying the formation of an ordered vacant phase, has been detected. The magnetic behavior, analyzed from neutron diffraction data and magnetization measurements, is interpreted considering an “incomplete” ferrimagnetic response, due to magnetic frustration in the B sites. Potential applications have been evaluated from the magnetocaloric, electrochemical and dielectric behavior in selected compositional ranges.

Imaging and Patterning on Nanometer Scale Using Coherent EUV Light

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wachulak, P.W.; Fiedorowicz, H.; Bartnik, A.; Marconi, M.C.; Menoni, C.S.; Rocca, J.J.

2010-01-01

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) covers wavelength range from about 5 nm to 50 nm. That is why EUV is especially applicable for imaging and patterning on nanometer scale length. In the paper periodic nanopatterning realized by interference lithography and high resolution holographic nanoimaging performed in a Gabor in-line scheme are presented. In the experiments a compact table top EUV laser was used. Preliminary studies on using a laser plasma EUV source for nanoimaging are presented as well. (author)

Phase transformations in the rapidly solidified Ti{sub 40}Zr{sub 20}Hf{sub 20}Pd{sub 20} alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, N. [Division of Engineering Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Yao Kefu [Division of Engineering Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China)], E-mail: kfyao@tsinghua.edu.cn; Louzguine-Luzgin, D.V. [Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-Ku, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); Qiu Shengbao [Division of Engineering Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Ranganathan, S. [Department of Metallurgy, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012 (India); Inoue, A. [Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-Ku, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan)

2007-10-15

We report that an approximant phase was initially obtained in amorphous Ti{sub 40}Zr{sub 20}Hf{sub 20}Pd{sub 20} alloy. In the initial stage of the devitrification process, the approximant phase transforms into an icosahedral (I) phase with a high thermal stability while the cF96 Zr{sub 2}Ni-type (space group Fd3-bar m with a=1.25nm and 96 atoms cell{sup -1}) particles precipitate from the amorphous matrix. Eventually the I phase grows to several hundred nanometers when annealed at about 1000K and then transforms into the Zr{sub 2}Ni-type phase with an endothermic reaction.

First-principles study of electronic properties of FeSe{sub 1-x}S{sub x} alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kumar, Sandeep, E-mail: sandeep@phy.iitb.ac.in; Singh, Prabhakar P. [Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, Mumbai-400076 (India)

2016-05-06

We have studied the electronic and superconducting properties of FeSe{sub 1-x}S{sub x} (x = 0.0, 0.04) alloys by first-principles calculations using the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker Atomic Sphere Approximation within the coherent potential approximation (KKR-ASA-CPA). The electronic structure calculations show the ground states of S-doped FeSe to be nonmagnetic. We present the results of our unpolarized calculations for these alloys in terms of density of states (DOS), band structures, Fermi surfaces and the superconducting transition temperature of FeSe and FeSe{sub 0.96}S{sub 0.04} alloys. We find that the substitution of S at Se site into FeSe exhibit the subtle changes in the electronic structure with respect to the parent FeSe. We have also estimated bare Sommerfeld constant (γ{sub b}), electron-phonon coupling constant (λ) and the superconducting transition temperature (T{sub c}) for these alloys, which were found to be in good agreement with experiments.

Electron stimulated desorption of positive and negative oxygen ions from YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} surfaces

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hoffman, A. [Technion-Israel Inst. of Tech., Haifa (Israel). Solid State Inst.; Moss, S.D.; Paterson, P.J.K. [Royal Melbourne Inst. of Tech., VIC (Australia); McCubbery, D. [La Trobe Univ., Bundoora, VIC (Australia); Petravic, M. [Australian National Univ., Canberra, ACT (Australia)

1996-12-31

The electron stimulated desorption (ESD) of positive and negative oxygen ion from superconducting YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} surfaces was studied. Based on ion desorption yield measurements as function of electron kinetic energy, primary excitations leading to positive and negative oxygen ion desorption are suggested. To the best of the authors` knowledge this is the first study on electron energy dependent ESD from YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} surfaces. The YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} samples were prepared from BaCO{sub 3}, Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} and CuO using standard high temperature sintering and annealing procedures. Slices 2 mm thick were cut and further annealed at 400 C in flowing oxygen for 24 hours prior to insertion into the ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) chamber for ESD. The near surface composition and chemical state of the annealed sample after exposure to air was examined by Auger and XPS analysis. These measurements suggest that the ESD experiments were performed on samples of similar near surface and bulk composition with some OH- chemisorbed groups and Cl surface contaminations and that negative and positive oxygen ion desorption may be initiated via a primary core level ionization. 10 refs., 3 figs.

Electron stimulated desorption of positive and negative oxygen ions from YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} surfaces

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hoffman, A [Technion-Israel Inst. of Tech., Haifa (Israel). Solid State Inst.; Moss, S D; Paterson, P J.K. [Royal Melbourne Inst. of Tech., VIC (Australia); McCubbery, D [La Trobe Univ., Bundoora, VIC (Australia); Petravic, M [Australian National Univ., Canberra, ACT (Australia)

1997-12-31

The electron stimulated desorption (ESD) of positive and negative oxygen ion from superconducting YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} surfaces was studied. Based on ion desorption yield measurements as function of electron kinetic energy, primary excitations leading to positive and negative oxygen ion desorption are suggested. To the best of the authors` knowledge this is the first study on electron energy dependent ESD from YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} surfaces. The YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} samples were prepared from BaCO{sub 3}, Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} and CuO using standard high temperature sintering and annealing procedures. Slices 2 mm thick were cut and further annealed at 400 C in flowing oxygen for 24 hours prior to insertion into the ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) chamber for ESD. The near surface composition and chemical state of the annealed sample after exposure to air was examined by Auger and XPS analysis. These measurements suggest that the ESD experiments were performed on samples of similar near surface and bulk composition with some OH- chemisorbed groups and Cl surface contaminations and that negative and positive oxygen ion desorption may be initiated via a primary core level ionization. 10 refs., 3 figs.

Electron and hole doping effects in Sr{sub 2}FeMoO{sub 6} double perovskites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sanchez, D. E-mail: diana.sanchez@icmm.csic.es; Alonso, J.A.; Garcia-Hernandez, M.; Martinez-Lope, M.J.; Casais, M.T.; Martinez, J.L.; Fernandez-Diaz, M.T

2004-05-01

Electron and hole doping effects in the ferromagnetic and structural properties of the double perovskite Sr{sub 2}FeMoO{sub 6} are studied along the series Sr{sub 2-x}La{sub x}FeMoO{sub 6} (0{<=}x{<=}1) and Sr{sub 2-x}FeMoO{sub 6} (0{<=}x{<=}0.4) from neutron powder diffraction and magnetization data. Sr-deficient samples (hole doped) show moderate changes in the structure and both T{sub c} and M{sub s} rapidly decrease with x. On the contrary, a change from tetragonal to monoclinic symmetry and a non monotonic behaviour in T{sub c} is found in the La-substituted series (electron doped)

Gaining Control over Radiolytic Synthesis of Uniform Sub-3-nanometer Palladium Nanoparticles: Use of Aromatic Liquids in the Electron Microscope.

Science.gov (United States)

Abellan, Patricia; Parent, Lucas R; Al Hasan, Naila; Park, Chiwoo; Arslan, Ilke; Karim, Ayman M; Evans, James E; Browning, Nigel D

2016-02-16

Synthesizing nanomaterials of uniform shape and size is of critical importance to access and manipulate the novel structure-property relationships arising at the nanoscale, such as catalytic activity. In this work, we synthesize Pd nanoparticles with well-controlled size in the sub-3 nm range using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in combination with an in situ liquid stage. We use an aromatic hydrocarbon (toluene) as a solvent that is very resistant to high-energy electron irradiation, which creates a net reducing environment without the need for additives to scavenge oxidizing radicals. The primary reducing species is molecular hydrogen, which is a widely used reductant in the synthesis of supported metal catalysts. We propose a mechanism of particle formation based on the effect of tri-n-octylphosphine (TOP) on size stabilization, relatively low production of radicals, and autocatalytic reduction of Pd(II) compounds. We combine in situ STEM results with insights from in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) from alcohol-based synthesis, having similar reduction potential, in a customized microfluidic device as well as ex situ bulk experiments. This has allowed us to develop a fundamental growth model for the synthesis of size-stabilized Pd nanoparticles and demonstrate the utility of correlating different in situ and ex situ characterization techniques to understand, and ultimately control, metal nanostructure synthesis.

Sensitive SERS detection at the single-particle level based on nanometer-separated mushroom-shaped plasmonic dimers

Science.gov (United States)

Xiang, Quan; Li, Zhiqin; Zheng, Mengjie; Liu, Qing; Chen, Yiqin; Yang, Lan; Jiang, Tian; Duan, Huigao

2018-03-01

Elevated metallic nanostructures with nanogaps (film deposition. By controlling the initial size of nanogaps in resist structures and the following deposited film thickness, metallic nanogaps could be tuned at the sub-10 nm scale with single-digit nanometer precision. Both experimental and simulated results revealed that gold dimer on mushroom-shaped pillars have the capability to achieve higher SERS enhancement factor comparing to those plasmonic dimers on cylindrical pillars or on a common SiO2/Si substrate, implying that the nanometer-gapped elevated dimer is an ideal platform to achieve the highest possible field enhancement for various plasmonic applications.

High resolution X-ray scattering techniques for studying the sliding CDWS distortions, in NbSe sub 3

CERN Document Server

Rideau, D; Currat, R; Requardt, H; Nad, F Y; Lorenzo, J E; Brazovskii, S; Detlefs, C; Grübel, G

2001-01-01

The phase gradient in a sliding-charge density wave (CDW), which is observable as a longitudinal shift, q propor to partial deriv phi/partial deriv x, of the CDW satellite peak position, is due to the conversion free-electrons CDW-condensate, at the current electrodes. Using high resolution X-ray scattering techniques and time-resolved techniques, we monitor, on thin NbSe sub 3 whiskers, the shift, q(x), and its relaxation, q(t), upon switching off the current.

Understanding deformation with high angular resolution electron backscatter diffraction (HR-EBSD)

Science.gov (United States)

Britton, T. B.; Hickey, J. L. R.

2018-01-01

High angular resolution electron backscatter diffraction (HR-EBSD) affords an increase in angular resolution, as compared to ‘conventional’ Hough transform based EBSD, of two orders of magnitude, enabling measurements of relative misorientations of 1 x 10-4 rads (~ 0.006°) and changes in (deviatoric) lattice strain with a precision of 1 x 10-4. This is achieved through direct comparison of two or more diffraction patterns using sophisticated cross-correlation based image analysis routines. Image shifts between zone axes in the two-correlated diffraction pattern are measured with sub-pixel precision and this realises the ability to measure changes in interplanar angles and lattice orientation with a high degree of sensitivity. These shifts are linked to strains and lattice rotations through simple geometry. In this manuscript, we outline the basis of the technique and two case studies that highlight its potential to tackle real materials science challenges, such as deformation patterning in polycrystalline alloys.

Electronic parameters and top surface chemical stability of RbPb{sub 2}Br{sub 5}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Atuchin, V.V., E-mail: atuchin@thermo.isp.nsc.ru [Laboratory of Optical Materials and Structures, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation); Isaenko, L.I. [Laboratory of Crystal Growth, Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation); Kesler, V.G. [Laboratory of Physical Principles for Integrated Microelectronics, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation); Pokrovsky, L.D. [Laboratory of Optical Materials and Structures, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation); Tarasova, A.Yu. [Laboratory of Crystal Growth, Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation)

2012-01-16

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Bridgman growth of RbPb{sub 2}Br{sub 5} crystal. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Electronic structure measurements with XPS. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Optical crystalline surface fabrication. - Abstract: The RbPb{sub 2}Br{sub 5} crystal has been grown by Bridgman method. The electronic structure of RbPb{sub 2}Br{sub 5} has been measured with XPS for a powder sample. High chemical stability of RbPb{sub 2}Br{sub 5} surface is verified by weak intensity of O 1s core level recorded by XPS and structural RHEED measurements. Chemical bonding effects have been observed by the comparative analysis of element core levels and crystal structure of RbPb{sub 2}Br{sub 5} and several rubidium- and lead-containing bromides using binding energy difference parameters {Delta}{sub Rb} = (BE Rb 3d - BE Br 3d) and {Delta}{sub Pb} = (BE Pb 4f{sub 7/2} - BE Br 3d).

Electronic and optical properties of ZrB{sub 12} and YB{sub 6}. Discussion on electron-phonon coupling

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Teyssier, J.; Kuzmenko, A.; Marel, D. van der; Lortz, R.; Junod, A. [Departement de Physique de la Matiere Condensee, Universite de Geneve, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 24, 1211 Geneve 4 (Switzerland); Filippov, V.; Shitsevalova, N. [Institute for Problems of Materials Science NANU, Kiev (Ukraine)

2006-09-15

We report the optical properties of high-quality single crystals of low temperature superconductors zirconiumdodecaboride ZrB{sub 12} (T{sub c}=5.95 K) and yttrium hexaboride YB{sub 6} (T{sub c}=7.15 K) in the range 6 meV-4.6 eV at room temperature. The experimental optical conductivity was extracted from the analysis of the reflectivity in the infrared range and ellipsometry measurement of the dielectric function in the visible range. The electronic band structure of these compounds was calculated by the self-consistent full-potential LMTO method and used to compute the interband part of the optical conductivity and the plasma frequency {omega}{sub p}. A good agreement was observed between the interband part of the experimental optical conductivities and the band structure calculations. Different methods combining optical spectroscopy, resistivity, specific heat measurements and results of band structure calculations are used to determine the electron-phonon coupling constant. (copyright 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

Electronic and magnetic properties of organic conductors (DMET) sub 2 MBr sub 4 (M=Fe, Ga)

CERN Document Server

Enomoto, K; Enoki, T; Yamaura, J I

2003-01-01

(DMET) sub 2 MBr sub 4 (M=Fe, Ga) are isostructural organic conductors whose crystal structure consists of an alternate stacking of quasi one-dimensional chain-based donor layers and anion square lattices. The resistivity, ESR, magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, and magnetoresistance of these salts were investigated in order to clarify the correlation between the electronic structure and the magnetism. The electronic structures of both salts are metallic down to T sub M sub I - 40 K, below which a Mott insulating state is stabilized, accompanied by an SDW transition at T sub S sub D sub W - 25 K. The FeBr sub 4 salt with Fe sup 3 sup + (S=5/2) localized spins undergoes an antiferromagnetic transition at T sub N = 3.7 K. In the FeBr sub 4 salt, the magnetization curves, which show field-direction-dependent anomalies in addition to a spin-flop transition, are demonstrated to have a participation of donor pi-electron spins in the magnetization processes. The field dependence of the magnetoresistances below ...

On the resolution of the electron microscopic radioautography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Uchida, Kazuko; Daimon, Tateo; Kawai, Kazuhiro

1981-01-01

The aim of electron microscopic radioautography is to reveal the exact localization of certain substances at the macromolecular level. In order to attain this object the establishment of a fine grain development method is indispensable. Some of latent images are formed at the contact surface between the polyhedral halide silver grain and the section surface, where the impact of #betta# particles come directly from the section involved, and since it is in contact with the section it remains in place even after development and gelatin removal. This latent image finally becomes a developed silver grain in the electron microscope radioautogram. Although the limit of resolution in electron microscopic radioautography is supposed to be the diameter of halide silver grains in emulsion, it may be improved by considering the fact that the contact area between the halide silver grain and the section surface is the minimum unit of resolution. The minimum resolution of electron microscopic radioautography was determined histologically to be about 100A. (author)

SU-C-206-01: Impact of Charge Sharing Effect On Sub-Pitch Resolution for CZT-Based Photon Counting CT Systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zheng, X; Cheng, Z; Deen, J; Peng, H [McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario (Canada); Xing, L [Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (United States)

2016-06-15

Purposes: Photon counting CT is a new imaging technology that can provide tissue composition information such as calcium/iodine content quantification. Cadmium zinc telluride CZT is considered a good candidate the photon counting CT due to its relatively high atomic number and band gap. One potential challenge is the degradation of both spatial and energy resolution as the fine electrode pitch is deployed (<50 µm). We investigated the extent of charge sharing effect as functions of gap width, bias voltage and depth-of-interaction (DOI). Methods: The initial electron cloud size and diffusion process were modeled analytically. The valid range of charge sharing effect refers to the range over which both signals of adjacent electrodes are above the triggering threshold (10% of the amplitude of 60keV X-ray photons). The intensity ratios of output in three regions (I1/I2/I3: left pixel, gap area and right pixel) were calculated. With Gaussian white noises modeled (a SNR of 5 based upon the preliminary experiments), the sub-pitch resolution as a function of the spatial position in-between two pixels was studied. Results: The valid range of charge sharing increases linearly with depth-of-interaction (DOI) but decreases with gap width and bias voltage. For a 1.5mm thickness CZT detector (pitch: 50µm, bias: 400 V), the range increase from ∼90µm up to ∼110µm. Such an increase can be attributed to a longer travel distance and the associated electron cloud broadening. The achievable sub-pitch resolution is in the range of ∼10–30µm. Conclusion: The preliminary results demonstrate that sub-pixel spatial resolution can be achieved using the ratio of amplitudes of two neighboring pixels. Such ratio may also be used to correct charge loss and help improve energy resolution of a CZT detector. The impact of characteristic X-rays hitting adjacent pixels (i.e., multiple interaction) on charge sharing is currently being investigated.

Study on the Heating Behavior of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}-Embedded Thermoplastic Polyurethane Adhesive Film via Induction heating

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bae, Duck Hwan; Shon, Min Young [Pukyong National University, Busan (Korea, Republic of); Oh, Sang Taek; Kim, Gu Ni [Korea Institute of Footwear and Leather Technology, Busan (Korea, Republic of)

2016-08-15

The heating behavior of thermoplastic polyurethane adhesive (TPU) embedded by nanometer or micrometer Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} particle is examined by induction heating. The effects of the size and the amount of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} particle, TPU film thickness, and input power of the induction heater were examined on heating behaviors of TPU. The quantity of heat generated in the TPU films increased with the amount of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} particles, film thickness, or input power. On the other hand, the quantity of heat generation of TPU is decreased with increasing Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} size. We confirmed that the mechanism of hysteresis led to heat loss in the nanometer and micrometer-sized Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} particles, and it was the key controller of the quantity of heat generated in the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} particle-embedded TPU films by induction heating.

Measurement of replication structures at the nanometer scale using super-resolution light microscopy.

Science.gov (United States)

Baddeley, D; Chagin, V O; Schermelleh, L; Martin, S; Pombo, A; Carlton, P M; Gahl, A; Domaing, P; Birk, U; Leonhardt, H; Cremer, C; Cardoso, M C

2010-01-01

DNA replication, similar to other cellular processes, occurs within dynamic macromolecular structures. Any comprehensive understanding ultimately requires quantitative data to establish and test models of genome duplication. We used two different super-resolution light microscopy techniques to directly measure and compare the size and numbers of replication foci in mammalian cells. This analysis showed that replication foci vary in size from 210 nm down to 40 nm. Remarkably, spatially modulated illumination (SMI) and 3D-structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) both showed an average size of 125 nm that was conserved throughout S-phase and independent of the labeling method, suggesting a basic unit of genome duplication. Interestingly, the improved optical 3D resolution identified 3- to 5-fold more distinct replication foci than previously reported. These results show that optical nanoscopy techniques enable accurate measurements of cellular structures at a level previously achieved only by electron microscopy and highlight the possibility of high-throughput, multispectral 3D analyses.

In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} heterostructured nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xing, Yonglei [Electronic Materials Research Laboratory, International Center for Dielectric Research, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, Shaanxi (China); Que, Wenxiu, E-mail: wxque@mail.xjtu.edu.cn [Electronic Materials Research Laboratory, International Center for Dielectric Research, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, Shaanxi (China); Yin, Xingtian; He, Zuoli; Liu, Xiaobin; Yang, Yawei; Shao, Jinyou [Electronic Materials Research Laboratory, International Center for Dielectric Research, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, Shaanxi (China); Kong, Ling Bing, E-mail: ELBKong@ntu.edu.sg [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798 (Singapore)

2016-11-30

Highlights: • Visible-light photocatalytic activities of the nanostructured In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} heterostructures were studied. • Effect of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} content on the photocatalytic activity of the In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} heterostructure was evaluated. • 0.1In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} heterostructure photocatalyst shows a superior photocatalytic activity. • Based on Mott-Schottky analysis and active species detection, a mechanism for the separation of photogenerated carriers is proposed. • The effective separation process of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs was testified by photocurrent test. - Abstract: In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} composite photocatalysts with various contents of cubic In{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles were fabricated by using impregnation method. A thriving modification of Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} by an introduction of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} was confirmed by using X-ray diffraction, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The samples composed of hybrids of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} exhibited a much higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light, as compared with pure In{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanoparticles. Optimized composition of the composite photocatalysts was 0.1In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7}, which shows a rate constant higher than those of pure In{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} by 4.06 and 3.21 times, respectively. Based on Mott-Schottky analysis and active species detection, the photoexcited electrons in the conduction band of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} and the holes in the valence band of Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} participated in reduction and oxidation reactions, respectively. Hence, ·OH, ·O{sub 2}{sup −} and h

Characterization of strained semiconductor structures using transmission electron microscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oezdoel, Vasfi Burak

2011-08-15

Today's state-of-the-art semiconductor electronic devices utilize the charge transport within very small volumes of the active device regions. The structural, chemical and optical material properties in these small dimensions can critically affect the performance of these devices. The present thesis is focused on the nanometer scale characterization of the strain state in semiconductor structures using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Although high-resolution TEM has shown to provide the required accuracy at the nanometer scale, optimization of imaging conditions is necessary for accurate strain measurements. An alternative HRTEM method based on strain mapping on complex-valued exit face wave functions is developed to reduce the artifacts arising from objective lens aberrations. However, a much larger field of view is crucial for mapping strain in the active regions of complex structures like latest generation metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). To overcome this, a complementary approach based on electron holography is proposed. The technique relies on the reconstruction of the phase shifts in the diffracted electron beams from a focal series of dark-field images using recently developed exit-face wave function reconstruction algorithm. Combining high spatial resolution, better than 1 nm, with a field of view of about 1 {mu}m in each dimension, simultaneous strain measurements on the array of MOSFETs are possible. Owing to the much lower electron doses used in holography experiments when compared to conventional quantitative methods, the proposed approach allows to map compositional distribution in electron beam sensitive materials such as InGaN heterostructures without alteration of the original morphology and chemical composition. Moreover, dark-field holography experiments can be performed on thicker specimens than the ones required for high-resolution TEM, which in turn reduces the thin foil relaxation. (orig.)

Elucidating structural order and disorder phenomena in mullite-type Al{sub 4}B{sub 2}O{sub 9} by automated electron diffraction tomography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhao, Haishuang; Krysiak, Yaşar [Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Jakob-Welder-Weg 11, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55128 Mainz (Germany); Hoffmann, Kristin [Crystallography, Department of Geosciences, Klagenfurter Str. 2, GEO, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen (Germany); Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Crystallography, Leobener Str. NW2, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen (Germany); Barton, Bastian [Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Jakob-Welder-Weg 11, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55128 Mainz (Germany); Molina-Luna, Leopoldo [Department of Materials and Geoscience, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Petersenstr. 23, 64287 Darmstadt (Germany); Neder, Reinhard B. [Department of Physics, Lehrstuhl für Kristallographie und Strukturphysik, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr.3, 91058 Erlangen (Germany); Kleebe, Hans-Joachim [Department of Materials and Geoscience, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Petersenstr. 23, 64287 Darmstadt (Germany); Gesing, Thorsten M. [Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Crystallography, Leobener Str. NW2, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen (Germany); MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes, Bibliothekstr.1, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen (Germany); Schneider, Hartmut [Crystallography, Department of Geosciences, Klagenfurter Str. 2, GEO, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen (Germany); Fischer, Reinhard X. [Crystallography, Department of Geosciences, Klagenfurter Str. 2, GEO, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen (Germany); MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes, Bibliothekstr.1, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen (Germany); and others

2017-05-15

The crystal structure and disorder phenomena of Al{sub 4}B{sub 2}O{sub 9}, an aluminum borate from the mullite-type family, were studied using automated diffraction tomography (ADT), a recently established method for collection and analysis of electron diffraction data. Al{sub 4}B{sub 2}O{sub 9}, prepared by sol-gel approach, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m. The ab initio structure determination based on three-dimensional electron diffraction data from single ordered crystals reveals that edge-connected AlO{sub 6} octahedra expanding along the b axis constitute the backbone. The ordered structure (A) was confirmed by TEM and HAADF-STEM images. Furthermore, disordered crystals with diffuse scattering along the b axis are observed. Analysis of the modulation pattern implies a mean superstructure (AAB) with a threefold b axis, where B corresponds to an A layer shifted by ½a and ½c. Diffraction patterns simulated for the AAB sequence including additional stacking disorder are in good agreement with experimental electron diffraction patterns. - Graphical abstract: Crystal structure and disorder phenomena of B-rich Al{sub 4}B{sub 2}O{sub 9} studied by automated electron diffraction tomography (ADT) and described by diffraction simulation using DISCUS. - Highlights: • Ab-initio structure solution by electron diffraction from single nanocrystals. • Detected modulation corresponding mainly to three-fold superstructure. • Diffuse diffraction streaks caused by stacking faults in disordered crystals. • Observed streaks explained by simulated electron diffraction patterns.

Synthesis and characterization of Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} doped UO{sub 2} nanoparticles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Soldati, A.L., E-mail: asoldati@cab.cnea.gov.ar [Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB) – Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo 9500, CP: 8400 Bariloche (Argentina); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. De los Pioneros 2300, CP: 8400 Bariloche (Argentina); Gana Watkins, I. [Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB) – Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo 9500, CP: 8400 Bariloche (Argentina); Fernández Zuvich, A. [Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB) – Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo 9500, CP: 8400 Bariloche (Argentina); Instituto Balseiro, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Av. Bustillo 9500, CP: 8400 Bariloche (Argentina); Napolitano, F.; Troiani, H. [Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB) – Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo 9500, CP: 8400 Bariloche (Argentina); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. De los Pioneros 2300, CP: 8400 Bariloche (Argentina); and others

2016-10-15

UO{sub 2} nanoparticles doped with 4, 8, 10 and 15 wt% Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}were synthesized by a reverse strike method. Crystal structure and chemical homogeneity were evaluated using a combination of X-ray diffraction and microscopy tools. An exhaustive study of the composition and its homogeneity at the micro and at the nanometer level was carried out in this nuclear fuel material. Field Emission Gun Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy images revealed the presence of micrometer scale agglomerates of nanoparticles, with rounded morphology and an average crystallite size of 100 nm. Rietveld refinements of high-statistic X-ray Diffraction data determined the crystal structure and composition. Furthermore, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy using a 2 nm{sup 2} spot on the sample surface determined a Gd concentration variation around the average of ±5% in different spots of a single crystallite and of ±10% between different crystallites. However, when measuring large amounts of nanoparticles the concentration averages, producing a homogeneous composition distribution at the micrometer scale. - Highlights: • Synthesis of 4, 8, 10 and 15wt% Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} doped UO{sub 2} nanoparticles. • Crystallite sizes around 100 nm and rounded morphology. • 90% Gd distribution homogeneity between particles for the less concentrated sample. • High Statistic X-ray Rietveld analysis determined an U{sub 1−x}Gd{sub x}O{sub 2−δ} fcc structure. • Phases with similar crystal structure and symmetry, but different lattice parameter.

Assessing the concept of structure sensitivity or insensitivity for sub-nanometer catalyst materials

Science.gov (United States)

Crampton, Andrew S.; Rötzer, Marian D.; Ridge, Claron J.; Yoon, Bokwon; Schweinberger, Florian F.; Landman, Uzi; Heiz, Ueli

2016-10-01

The nature of the nano-catalyzed hydrogenation of ethylene, yielding benchmark information pertaining to the concept of structure sensitivity/insensitivity and its applicability at the bottom of the catalyst particle size-range, is explored with experiments on size-selected Ptn (n = 7-40) clusters soft-landed on MgO, in conjunction with first-principles simulations. As in the case of larger particles both the direct ethylene hydrogenation channel and the parallel hydrogenation-dehydrogenation ethylidyne-producing route must be considered, with the fundamental uncovering that at the reaction exhibits characteristics consistent with structure sensitivity, in contrast to the structure insensitivity found for larger particles. In this size-regime, the chemical properties can be modulated and tuned by a single atom, reflected by the onset of low temperature hydrogenation at T > 150 K catalyzed by Ptn (n ≥ 10) clusters, with maximum room temperature reactivity observed for Pt13 using a pulsed molecular beam technique. Structure insensitive behavior, inherent for specific cluster sizes at ambient temperatures, can be induced in the more active sizes, e.g. Pt13, by a temperature increase, up to 400 K, which opens dehydrogenation channels leading to ethylidyne formation. This reaction channel was, however found to be attenuated on Pt20, as catalyst activity remained elevated after the 400 K step. Pt30 displayed behavior which can be understood from extrapolating bulk properties to this size range; in particular the calculated d-band center. In the non-scalable sub-nanometer size regime, however, precise control of particle size may be used for atom-by-atom tuning and manipulation of catalyzed hydrogenation activity and selectivity.

High spatial resolution upgrade of the electron cyclotron emission radiometer for the DIII-D tokamak.

Science.gov (United States)

Truong, D D; Austin, M E

2014-11-01

The 40-channel DIII-D electron cyclotron emission (ECE) radiometer provides measurements of Te(r,t) at the tokamak midplane from optically thick, second harmonic X-mode emission over a frequency range of 83-130 GHz. The frequency spacing of the radiometer's channels results in a spatial resolution of ∼1-3 cm, depending on local magnetic field and electron temperature. A new high resolution subsystem has been added to the DIII-D ECE radiometer to make sub-centimeter (0.6-0.8 cm) resolution Te measurements. The high resolution subsystem branches off from the regular channels' IF bands and consists of a microwave switch to toggle between IF bands, a switched filter bank for frequency selectivity, an adjustable local oscillator and mixer for further frequency down-conversion, and a set of eight microwave filters in the 2-4 GHz range. Higher spatial resolution is achieved through the use of a narrower (200 MHz) filter bandwidth and closer spacing between the filters' center frequencies (250 MHz). This configuration allows for full coverage of the 83-130 GHz frequency range in 2 GHz bands. Depending on the local magnetic field, this translates into a "zoomed-in" analysis of a ∼2-4 cm radial region. Expected uses of these channels include mapping the spatial dependence of Alfven eigenmodes, geodesic acoustic modes, and externally applied magnetic perturbations. Initial Te measurements, which demonstrate that the desired resolution is achieved, are presented.

A systematic neutron reflectometry study on hydrogen absorption in thin Mg{sub 1-x}Al{sub x} alloy films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fritzsche, H.; Poirier, E., E-mail: helmut.fritzsche@nrc.gc.ca [National Research Council Canada, Canadian Neutron Beam Centre, Chalk River, ON (Canada); Haagsma, J.; Ophus, C.; Luber, E.; Harrower, C.; Mitlin, D. [Univ. of Alberta, and National Research Council Canada, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Edmonton, AB (Canada)

2010-10-15

In this article, we show how neutron reflectometry (NR) can provide deep insight into the absorption and desorption properties of commercially promising hydrogen storage materials. NR benefits from the large negative scattering length of hydrogen atoms, which changes the reflectivity curve substantially, so that NR can determine not only the total amount of stored hydrogen but also the hydrogen distribution along the film normal, with nanometer resolution. To use NR, the samples must have smooth surfaces, and the film thickness should range between 10 and 200 nm. We performed a systematic study on thin Mg{sub 1-x}Al{sub x} alloy films (x = 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.67) capped with a Pd catalyst layer. Our NR experiments showed that Mg{sub 0.7}Al{sub 0.3} is the optimum alloy composition with the highest amount of stored hydrogen and the lowest desorption temperature. All the thin films expand by about 20% because of hydrogen absorption, and the hydrogen is stored only in the MgAl layer with no hydrogen content in the Pd layer. (author)

Electronic structure and exchange interactions in GdB{sub 4}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Baranovskiy, A., E-mail: andriy.baranovskiy@gmail.com; Grechnev, A.

2015-02-01

The electronic structure of the antiferromagnetic Shastry–Sutherland compound GdB{sub 4} has been analyzed with density functional theory and the all-electron full-potential linearized augmented-plane wave (FP-LAPW) code. Different magnetic configurations, including the realistic dimer one, have been considered. The exchange interactions were found to be J{sub 1}/k{sub B}=−12K and J{sub 2}/k{sub B}=−2–0.8K, where, J{sub 1} and J{sub 2} are the diagonal exchange interaction and the exchange interaction along the edges of a square, respectively. - Highlights: • Electronic structure of AFM Shastry–Sutherland compound GB{sub 4} is calculated. • The mechanism of exchange parameters evaluation within Heisenberg model is proposed. • Calculated exchange parameters are found to be in agreement with experimental data. • Higher-order exchange interactions are important for dimer structure stabilizing.

Effect of thermal annealing on electron spin relaxation of beryllium-doped In{sub 0.8}Ga{sub 0.2}As{sub 0.45}P{sub 0.55} bulk

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wu, Hao; Harasawa, Ryo; Yasue, Yuya; Aritake, Takanori; Jiang, Canyu; Tackeuchi, Atsushi, E-mail: atacke@waseda.jp [Department of Applied Physics, Waseda University, Shinjuku, Tokyo 169-8555 (Japan); Ji, Lian; Lu, Shulong [Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dushu Lake Higher Education Town, Ruoshui Road 398, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou (China)

2016-08-15

The effect of thermal annealing on the electron spin relaxation of beryllium-doped In{sub 0.8}Ga{sub 0.2}As{sub 0.45}P{sub 0.55} bulk was investigated by time-resolved spin-dependent pump and probe reflection measurement with a high time resolution of 200 fs. Three similar InGaAsP samples were examined one of which was annealed at 800 °C for 1 s, one was annealed at 700 °C for 1 s and the other was not annealed after crystal growth by molecular beam epitaxy. Although the carrier lifetimes of the 700 °C-annealed sample and the unannealed sample were similar, that of the 800 °C-annealed sample was extended to 11.6 (10.4) ns at 10 (300) K, which was more than two (four) times those of the other samples. However, interestingly the spin relaxation time of the 800 °C-annealed sample was found to be similar to those of the other two samples. Particularly at room temperature, the spin relaxation times are 143 ps, 147 ps, and 111 ps for the 800 °C-annealed sample, 700 °C-annealed sample, and the unannealed sample, respectively.

High-resolution spectroscopy of jet-cooled CH{sub 5}{sup +}: Progress

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Savage, C.; Dong, F.; Nesbitt, D. J. [JILA, University of Colorado and National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0440 (United States)

2015-01-22

Protonated methane (CH{sub 5}{sup +}) is thought to be a highly abundant molecular ion in interstellar medium, as well as a potentially bright μwave- mm wave emitter that could serve as a tracer for methane. This paper describes progress and first successful efforts to obtain a high resolution, supersonically cooled spectrum of CH{sub 5}{sup +} in the 2900-3100 cm{sup −1} region, formed in a slit supersonic discharge at low jet temperatures and with sub-Doppler resolution. Short term precision in frequency measurement (< 5 MHz on an hour time scale) is obtained from a thermally controlled optical transfer cavity servoloop locked onto a frequency stabilized HeNe laser. Long term precision (< 20 MHz day-to-day) due to pressure, temperature and humidity dependent index of refraction effects in the optical transfer cavity is also present and discussed.

Electron microscopy characterization of mechanically alloyed and hot consolidates Cu-Cr<sub>3sub>C>2sub> particles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

López, M.

2005-08-01

Full Text Available Mechanically alloyed copper-ceramic composites have been obtained with the purpose of studying their use as copper-based material for electrical equipment. For high-temperature applications, dispersion-strengthened copper alloys are attractive due to their excellent combination of thermal and electrical conductivity, mechanical strength retention and microstructural stability. In this work, powder mixtures of pure copper with 2 vol % Cr<sub>3sub>C>2sub>, milled during 4, 6, 10, 12 and 15 h in a high-energy planetary balls mill under argon atmosphere, were consolidated by hot isostatic pressing, applying a pressure of 100 MPa at 1073 K for two hours, to obtain materials with a fine microstructure. The Cu-Cr<sub>3sub>C>2sub> alloys were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM, electron microprobe (EPMA and transmission electron microscopy (TEM. Mechanical properties and electrical conductivity were also studied. The average tensile strength and electrical conductivity were found to be 500 MPa and 50 % IACS, respectively. The Cr<sub>3sub>C>2sub> ceramics show good stability during hot consolidation. Contributing to a further strengthening of the alloy during the hot consolidation, uniformly-distributed Fe-carbide particles of nanometric size precipitated in the copper matrix. Fe-Cr oxycarbides formed in the interphase between Cr<sub>3sub>C>2sub> particles and the copper matrix cause the low ductility of Cu-Cr<sub>3sub>C>2sub> alloys. Said particles are attributed to impurities/contamination generated from the milling process.

Se obtuvieron aleaciones compuestas de Cu-Cr<sub>3sub>C>2sub>, aleadas mecánicamente, para estudiar futuras aplicaciones en componentes eléctricos. A altas temperaturas, las aleaciones de base cobre reforzadas por dispersión, son atractivas por su excelente conductividad térmica y eléctrica, propiedades mecánicas y estabilidad microstructural. En este estudio

Measurement of Sub-Picosecond Electron Bunches via Electro-Optic Sampling of Coherent Transition Radiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maxwell, Timothy John [Northern Illinois U.

2012-01-01

Future collider applications as well as present high-gradient laser plasma wakefield accelerators and free-electron lasers operating with picosecond bunch durations place a higher demand on the time resolution of bunch distribution diagnostics. This demand has led to significant advancements in the field of electro-optic sampling over the past ten years. These methods allow the probing of diagnostic light such as coherent transition radiation or the bunch wakefields with sub-picosecond time resolution. We present results on the single-shot electro-optic spectral decoding of coherent transition radiation from bunches generated at the Fermilab A0 photoinjector laboratory. A longitudinal double-pulse modulation of the electron beam is also realized by transverse beam masking followed by a transverse-to-longitudinal phase-space exchange beamline. Live profile tuning is demonstrated by upstream beam focusing in conjunction with downstream monitoring of single-shot electro-optic spectral decoding of the coherent transition radiation.

Electronic environments in Ni{sub 3}Pb{sub 2}S{sub 2} (shandite) and its initial oxidation in air

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Skinner, William M.; Qian, Gujie [Ian Wark Research Institute, ARC Special Research Centre for Particle and Material Interfaces, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095 (Australia); Buckley, Alan N., E-mail: a.buckley@unsw.edu.au [School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 (Australia)

2013-10-15

Polycrystalline Ni{sub 3}Pb{sub 2}S{sub 2} (shandite) was synthesised as a non-porous ingot to enable representative surfaces prepared by fracture under UHV to be characterised by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) before and after exposure to air. For an unoxidised surface, the S 2p{sub 3/2} binding energy was found to be significantly lower than those reported previously for shandite itself and other sulfides having shandite structure, and consistent with the physical and chemical properties of the shandites. The core electron binding energies for the three constituent elements were in agreement with the formal oxidation state representation Ni{sup 0}{sub 3}Pb{sup II}{sub 2}S{sup −II}{sub 2}, analogous to that deduced previously for Ni{sub 3}Sn{sub 2}S{sub 2}. Shandite surfaces were found to oxidise rapidly when initially exposed to air under ambient conditions, and concomitant with the formation of the Ni–O and Pb–O species, to restructure to NiS- and PbS-like surface phases having S core electron binding energies no higher than those for shandite. - Graphical abstract: Shandite ingot fracture surface in sample holder. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Shandite synthesised as ingot so that fracture surfaces were representative of bulk. • Surfaces prepared by fracture in vacuum characterised by XPS. • S 2p{sub 3/2} binding energy in range expected and lower than reported previously. • Ni, Pb and S core electron binding energies consistent with Ni{sup 0}{sub 3}Pb{sup II}{sub 2}S{sup −II}{sub 2}.

Development of the Atomic-Resolution Environmental Transmission Electron Microscope

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Gai, Pratibha L.; Boyes, Edward D.; Yoshida, Kenta

2016-01-01

The development of the novel atomic-resolution environmental transmission electron microscope (atomic-resolution ETEM) for directly probing dynamic gas–solid reactions in situ at the atomic level under controlled reaction conditions consisting of gas environment and elevated temperatures is descr......The development of the novel atomic-resolution environmental transmission electron microscope (atomic-resolution ETEM) for directly probing dynamic gas–solid reactions in situ at the atomic level under controlled reaction conditions consisting of gas environment and elevated temperatures...... is used to study steels, graphene, nanowires, etc. In this chapter, the experimental setup of the microscope column and its peripherals are described....

Molecular dynamics-based refinement and validation for sub-5 Å cryo-electron microscopy maps.

Science.gov (United States)

Singharoy, Abhishek; Teo, Ivan; McGreevy, Ryan; Stone, John E; Zhao, Jianhua; Schulten, Klaus

2016-07-07

Two structure determination methods, based on the molecular dynamics flexible fitting (MDFF) paradigm, are presented that resolve sub-5 Å cryo-electron microscopy (EM) maps with either single structures or ensembles of such structures. The methods, denoted cascade MDFF and resolution exchange MDFF, sequentially re-refine a search model against a series of maps of progressively higher resolutions, which ends with the original experimental resolution. Application of sequential re-refinement enables MDFF to achieve a radius of convergence of ~25 Å demonstrated with the accurate modeling of β-galactosidase and TRPV1 proteins at 3.2 Å and 3.4 Å resolution, respectively. The MDFF refinements uniquely offer map-model validation and B-factor determination criteria based on the inherent dynamics of the macromolecules studied, captured by means of local root mean square fluctuations. The MDFF tools described are available to researchers through an easy-to-use and cost-effective cloud computing resource on Amazon Web Services.

Structural and electrical properties of c-axis epitaxial and polycrystalline Sr sub 3 Bi sub 4 Ti sub 6 O sub 2 sub 1 thin films

CERN Document Server

Zhang, S T; Sun, H P; Pan Xiao Qing; Tan, W S; Liu, Z G; Ming, N B

2003-01-01

c-axis epitaxial and polycrystalline Sr sub 3 Bi sub 4 Ti sub 6 O sub 2 sub 1 (SBTi) thin films were fabricated on (001)SrTiO sub 3 (STO) single-crystal substrates and Pt/Ti sub 2 /SiO sub 2 /Si substrates respectively, by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Structures of the films were systematically characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), including theta-2 theta-scans, rocking curve scans and phi-scans, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The epitaxial orientation relation of the SBTi films on STO is established by selected-area electron diffraction and XRD phi-scans to be (001)SBTi || (001)STO, [11-bar 0]SBTi || [010]STO. Cross-sectional high-resolution TEM studies on the epitaxial SBTi film revealed that SBTi is a single-phase material. A special kind of irrational atomic shift along the [001] direction was observed and is discussed in detail. By using an evanescent microwave probe (EMP), the room-temperature dielectric constant of the epitaxial SBTi film was measured to be 21...

Submicron Resolution Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

KAUST Repository

Alarousu, Erkki; Jabbour, Ghassan

2013-01-01

Apparatuses and systems for submicron resolution spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) are disclosed. The system may use white light sources having wavelengths within 400-1000 nanometers, and achieve resolution below 1 .mu

Optoelectronic circuits in nanometer CMOS technology

CERN Document Server

Atef, Mohamed

2016-01-01

This book describes the newest implementations of integrated photodiodes fabricated in nanometer standard CMOS technologies. It also includes the required fundamentals, the state-of-the-art, and the design of high-performance laser drivers, transimpedance amplifiers, equalizers, and limiting amplifiers fabricated in nanometer CMOS technologies. This book shows the newest results for the performance of integrated optical receivers, laser drivers, modulator drivers and optical sensors in nanometer standard CMOS technologies. Nanometer CMOS technologies rapidly advanced, enabling the implementation of integrated optical receivers for high data rates of several Giga-bits per second and of high-pixel count optical imagers and sensors. In particular, low cost silicon CMOS optoelectronic integrated circuits became very attractive because they can be extensively applied to short-distance optical communications, such as local area network, chip-to-chip and board-to-board interconnects as well as to imaging and medical...

Transformation from Ag@Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} to Ag@Ag{sub 2}SO{sub 4} hybrid at room temperature: preparation and its visible light photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wei, Ting; Gao, Shanmin, E-mail: gaosm@ustc.edu; Wang, Qingyao; Xu, Hui [Ludong University, College of Chemistry and Materials Science (China); Wang, Zeyan; Huang, Baibiao, E-mail: bbhuang@sdu.edu.cn; Dai, Ying [Shandong University, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials (China)

2017-02-15

In the present study, Ag/Ag{sub 2}SO{sub 4} hybrid photocatalysts were obtained via a facile redox–precipitation reaction approach by using Ag@Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} nanocomposite as the precursor and KMnO{sub 4} as the oxidant. Multiple techniques, such as X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), photocurrent and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were applied to investigate the structures, morphologies, optical, and electronic properties of as-prepared samples. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by photodegradation of organic rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. It was found that pure Ag{sub 2}SO{sub 4} can partially transform into metallic Ag during the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, but the Ag/Ag{sub 2}SO{sub 4} hybrids can maintain its structure stability and show enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity because of the surface plasma resonance effect of the metallic Ag.

Electron transfer from electronic excited states to sub-vacuum electron traps in amorphous ice

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vichnevetski, E.; Bass, A.D.; Sanche, L.

2000-01-01

We investigate the electron stimulated yield of electronically excited argon atoms (Ar * ) from monolayer quantities of Ar deposited onto thin films of amorphous ice. Two peaks of narrow width ( - electron-exciton complex into exciton states, by the transfer of an electron into a sub-vacuum electron state within the ice film. However, the 10.7 eV feature is shifted to lower energy since electron attachment to Ar occurs within small pores of amorphous ice. In this case, the excess electron is transferred into an electron trap below the conduction band of the ice layer

Synchronization of sub-picosecond electron and laser pulses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rosenzweig, J.B.; Le Sage, G.P.

1999-01-01

Sub-picosecond laser-electron synchronization is required to take full advantage of the experimental possibilities arising from the marriage of modern high intensity lasers and high brightness electron beams in the same laboratory. Two particular scenarios stand out in this regard, injection of ultra-short electron pulses in short wavelength laser-driven plasma accelerators, and Compton scattering of laser photons from short electron pulses. Both of these applications demand synchronization, which is sub-picosecond, with tens of femtosecond synchronization implied for next generation experiments. The design of a microwave timing modulator system is now being investigated in more detail. (AIP) copyright 1999 American Institute of Physics

Electronic and elastic properties of new semiconducting oP{sub 12}-type RuB{sub 2} and OsB{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hao Xianfeng; Xu Yuanhui; Gao Faming, E-mail: xfhao1980@yahoo.com.cn [Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004 (China)

2011-03-30

Using first-principles total energy calculations we investigate the structural, elastic and electronic properties of new hypothetical oP{sub 12}-type phase RuB{sub 2} and OsB{sub 2}. The calculations indicate that the oP{sub 12}-type phase RuB{sub 2} and OsB{sub 2} are thermodynamically and mechanically stable. Remarkably, the new phases RuB{sub 2} and OsB{sub 2} are predicted to be semiconductors, and the appearance of band gaps is ascribed to the enhanced B-B covalent hybridization. Compared to metallic oP{sub 6}-type RuB{sub 2} and OsB{sub 2} phases, the new phases possess similar mechanical properties and hardness. The combination of the probability of tunable electronic properties, strong stiffness and high hardness make RuB{sub 2} and OsB{sub 2} attractive and interesting for advanced applications.

High energy resolution and first time-dependent positron annihilation induced Auger electron spectroscopty

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mayer, Jakob

2010-04-03

It was the aim of this thesis to improve the existing positron annihilation induced Auger spectrometer at the highly intense positron source NEPOMUC (NEutron induced POsitron source MUniCh) in several ways: Firstly, the measurement time for a single spectrum should be reduced from typically 12 h to roughly 1 h or even less. Secondly, the energy resolution, which amounted to {delta}E/E{approx}10%, should be increased by at least one order of magnitude in order to make high resolution positron annihilation induced Auger spectroscopy (PAES)-measurements of Auger transitions possible and thus deliver more information about the nature of the Auger process. In order to achieve these objectives, the PAES spectrometer was equipped with a new electron energy analyzer. For its ideal operation all other components of the Auger analysis chamber had to be adapted. Particularly the sample manipulation and the positron beam guidance had to be renewed. Simulations with SIMION {sup registered} ensured the optimal positron lens parameters. After the adjustment of the new analyzer and its components, first measurements illustrated the improved performance of the PAES setup: Firstly, the measurement time for short overview measurements was reduced from 3 h to 420 s. The measurement time for more detailed Auger spectra was shortened from 12 h to 80 min. Secondly, even with the reduced measurement time, the signal to noise ratio was also enhanced by one order of magnitude. Finally, the energy resolution was improved to {delta}E/E < 1. The exceptional surface sensitivity and elemental selectivity of PAES was demonstrated in measurements of Pd and Fe, both coated with Cu layers of varying thickness. PAES showed that with 0.96 monolayer of Cu on Fe, more than 55% of the detected Auger electrons stem from Cu. In the case of the Cu coated Pd sample 0.96 monolayer of Cu resulted in a Cu Auger fraction of more than 30% with PAES and less than 5% with electron induced Auger spectroscopy

Probing dynamics and pinning of single vortices in superconductors at nanometer scales

Science.gov (United States)

Embon, L.; Anahory, Y.; Suhov, A.; Halbertal, D.; Cuppens, J.; Yakovenko, A.; Uri, A.; Myasoedov, Y.; Rappaport, M. L.; Huber, M. E.; Gurevich, A.; Zeldov, E.

2015-01-01

The dynamics of quantized magnetic vortices and their pinning by materials defects determine electromagnetic properties of superconductors, particularly their ability to carry non-dissipative currents. Despite recent advances in the understanding of the complex physics of vortex matter, the behavior of vortices driven by current through a multi-scale potential of the actual materials defects is still not well understood, mostly due to the scarcity of appropriate experimental tools capable of tracing vortex trajectories on nanometer scales. Using a novel scanning superconducting quantum interference microscope we report here an investigation of controlled dynamics of vortices in lead films with sub-Angstrom spatial resolution and unprecedented sensitivity. We measured, for the first time, the fundamental dependence of the elementary pinning force of multiple defects on the vortex displacement, revealing a far more complex behavior than has previously been recognized, including striking spring softening and broken-spring depinning, as well as spontaneous hysteretic switching between cellular vortex trajectories. Our results indicate the importance of thermal fluctuations even at 4.2 K and of the vital role of ripples in the pinning potential, giving new insights into the mechanisms of magnetic relaxation and electromagnetic response of superconductors.

Defect structures in YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ produced by electron irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kirk, M.A.; Baker, M.C.; Liu, J.Z.; Lam, D.J.; Weber, H.W.

1988-01-01

Defect structures in YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ produced by electron irradiation at 300 K were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Threshold energies for the production of visible defects were determined to be 152 keV and 131 keV (+- 7 keV) in directions near the a and b (b>a) axes (both perpendicular to c, the long axis in the orthorhombic structure), respectively. During above threshold irradiations in an electron flux of 3x10/sup 18/ cm/sup -2/ s/sup -1/, extended defects were observed to form and grow to sizes of 10-50 nm over 1000 s in material thickness 20-200 nm. Such low electron threshold energies suggest oxygen atom displacements with recoil energies near 20 eV. The observation of movement of twin boundaries during irradiation just above threshold suggests movement of the basal plane oxygen atoms by direct displacement or defect migration processes. Crystals irradiated above threshold were observed after about 24 hours to have transformed to a structure heavily faulted on planes perpendicular to the c axis

Electron radiation damages to dicalcium (Ca{sub 2}SiO{sub 4}) and tricalcium (Ca{sub 3}SiO{sub 5}) orthosilicates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Noirfontaine, Marie-Noëlle de; Dunstetter, Frédéric [Laboratoire des Solides Irradiés, UMR CNRS 7642, Ecole Polytechnique, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91128 Palaiseau Cedex (France); Courtial, Mireille [Laboratoire des Solides Irradiés, UMR CNRS 7642, Ecole Polytechnique, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91128 Palaiseau Cedex (France); Université d’Artois, 1230 Rue de l’Université, CS 20819, F-62408 Béthune (France); Signes-Frehel, Marcel [Laboratoire des Solides Irradiés, UMR CNRS 7642, Ecole Polytechnique, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91128 Palaiseau Cedex (France); Wang, Guillaume [Laboratoire Matériaux et Phénomènes Quantiques, UMR CNRS 7162, Université Paris Diderot, F-75205 Paris Cedex 13 (France); Gorse - Pomonti, Dominique [Laboratoire des Solides Irradiés, UMR CNRS 7642, Ecole Polytechnique, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91128 Palaiseau Cedex (France)

2016-05-01

Electron radiation damages to dicalcium silicate (Ca{sub 2}SiO{sub 4}) and tricalcium silicate (Ca{sub 3}SiO{sub 5}) are reported for the first time in this paper. With increasing flux, between 2.7 × 10{sup 17} and 2.2 × 10{sup 22} e{sup −} cm{sup −2} s{sup −1}, decomposition into nanodomains of crystalline CaO plus an amorphous silica rich phase is first observed for both silicates, then amorphization at higher flux always for both silicates, and finally hole drilling but only for Ca{sub 3}SiO{sub 5}. These structural modifications are accompanied by a net reduction of Ca content under the electron beam depending on the silicate species. These radiation effects occur for values of flux and dose larger than in previously studied orthosilicates (like olivines), and much larger than in all tectosilicates.

Direct Observation of Individual Charges and Their Dynamics on Graphene by Low-Energy Electron Holography.

Science.gov (United States)

Latychevskaia, Tatiana; Wicki, Flavio; Longchamp, Jean-Nicolas; Escher, Conrad; Fink, Hans-Werner

2016-09-14

Visualizing individual charges confined to molecules and observing their dynamics with high spatial resolution is a challenge for advancing various fields in science, ranging from mesoscopic physics to electron transfer events in biological molecules. We show here that the high sensitivity of low-energy electrons to local electric fields can be employed to directly visualize individual charged adsorbates and to study their behavior in a quantitative way. This makes electron holography a unique probing tool for directly visualizing charge distributions with a sensitivity of a fraction of an elementary charge. Moreover, spatial resolution in the nanometer range and fast data acquisition inherent to lens-less low-energy electron holography allows for direct visual inspection of charge transfer processes.

Resolving the three-dimensional microstructure of polymer electrolyte fuel cell electrodes using nanometer-scale X-ray computed tomography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Epting, William K.; Gelb, Jeff; Litster, Shawn

2012-02-08

The electrodes of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) are composite porous layers consisting of carbon and platinum nanoparticles and a polymer electrolyte binder. The proper composition and arrangement of these materials for fast reactant transport and high electrochemical activity is crucial to achieving high performance, long lifetimes, and low costs. Here, the microstructure of a PEFC electrode using nanometer-scale X-ray computed tomography (nano-CT) with a resolution of 50 nm is investigated. The nano-CT instrument obtains this resolution for the low-atomic-number catalyst support and binder using a combination of a Fresnel zone plate objective and Zernike phase contrast imaging. High-resolution, non-destructive imaging of the three-dimensional (3D) microstructures provides important new information on the size and form of the catalyst particle agglomerates and pore spaces. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) is applied to evaluate the limits of the resolution and to verify the 3D reconstructions. The computational reconstructions and size distributions obtained with nano-CT can be used for evaluating electrode preparation, performing pore-scale simulations, and extracting effective morphological parameters for large-scale computational models. (Copyright copyright 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Fluorescent gel particles in the nanometer range for detection of metabolites in living cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Almdal, K.; Sun, H.; Poulsen, A.K.

2006-01-01

micelles in oil microemulsions. Typical sizes of the particles are tens of nanometers. Characterization methods for such particles based on size exclusion chromatography, photon correlation spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy have been developed. The stability...

A transmission electron microscopy study of radiation damages to β-dicalcium (Ca{sub 2}SiO{sub 4}) and M3-tricalcium (Ca{sub 3}SiO{sub 5}) orthosilicates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Noirfontaine, Marie-Noëlle de; Dunstetter, Frédéric [Laboratoire des Solides Irradiés, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS UMR 7642, CEA-DSM-IRAMIS, Université Paris Saclay, F-91128 Palaiseau Cedex (France); Courtial, Mireille [Laboratoire des Solides Irradiés, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS UMR 7642, CEA-DSM-IRAMIS, Université Paris Saclay, F-91128 Palaiseau Cedex (France); Université d' Artois, 1230 Rue de l' Université, CS 20819, F-62408 Béthune (France); Signes-Frehel, Marcel [Laboratoire des Solides Irradiés, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS UMR 7642, CEA-DSM-IRAMIS, Université Paris Saclay, F-91128 Palaiseau Cedex (France); Wang, Guillaume [Laboratoire Matériaux et Phénomènes Quantiques, CNRS UMR 7162, Université Paris Diderot, F-75205 Paris Cedex 13 (France); Gorse-Pomonti, Dominique, E-mail: dominique.gorse-pomonti@polytechnique.edu [Laboratoire des Solides Irradiés, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS UMR 7642, CEA-DSM-IRAMIS, Université Paris Saclay, F-91128 Palaiseau Cedex (France)

2016-01-15

In this paper, we present results of a first study of electron radiation damages to β-dicalcium silicate (Ca{sub 2}SiO{sub 4}:C{sub 2}S) and M3-tricalcium silicate (Ca{sub 3}SiO{sub 5}:C{sub 3}S) in a Transmission Electron Microscope. Electron irradiation is used here as a means to bring to light a difference of reactivity under the electron beam between these two complex ceramic oxides, keeping in mind that C{sub 3}S reacts faster with water than C{sub 2}S and that this property remains unexplained, owing to the complex structural characteristics of these ceramics which have not yet been fully elucidated. The following results were obtained by coupling TEM imaging and EDS analysis: i) Rapid decomposition of both silicate particles into CaO nano-crystals separated by (presumably SiO{sub 2}-rich) amorphous areas at low flux for both silicates; ii) once reached a threshold electron flux, formation of an amorphous crater in both silicates, fully calcium-depleted in C{sub 3}S but never in C{sub 2}S; iii) significant post-mortem structural evolution of the craters that at least partially recrystallize in C{sub 2}S, to be compared to the quasi frozen damaged area in C{sub 3}S; iv) hole drilling at high flux but only in C{sub 3}S once reached a threshold flux, ϕ{sub th} ∼ 7.9 × 10{sup 21} e{sup −} cm{sup −2} s{sup −1}, of the same order of magnitude than previously estimated in a number of ceramic materials, whereas C{sub 2}S still amorphizes under the electron beam for a flux as high as 2.2 × 10{sup 22} e{sup −} cm{sup −2} s{sup −1}. The radiation damages and their post–mortem evolution differ largely between C{sub 2}S and C{sub 3}S. We attempted to relate the obtained results, and especially the evolution of the Ca content in the damaged areas under the electron beam to the available structural characteristics of these two orthosilicates. - Highlights: • TEM study of electron damages in β-dicalcium (C{sub 2}S), M3-tricalcium silicates

Electronic structure of layered ferroelectric high-k titanate La{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Atuchin, V V [Laboratory of Optical Materials and Structures, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation); Gavrilova, T A [Laboratory of Electron Microscopy and Submicron Structures, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation); Grivel, J-C [Materials Research Department, National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde (Denmark); Kesler, V G, E-mail: atuchin@thermo.isp.nsc.r [Laboratory of Physical Bases of Integrated Microelectronics, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 (Russian Federation)

2009-02-07

The electronic structure of binary titanate La{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} has been studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Spectral features of valence band and all constituent element core levels have been considered. The Auger parameters of titanium and oxygen in La{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} are determined as alpha{sub Ti} = 872.4 and alpha{sub O} = 1042.3 eV. Chemical bonding effects have been discussed with binding energy (BE) differences DELTA{sub Ti} = (BE O 1s - BE Ti 2p{sub 3/2}) = 71.6 eV and DELTA{sub La} = (BE La 3d{sub 5/2} - BE O 1s) = 304.7 eV as key parameters in comparison with those in several titanium- and lanthanum-bearing oxides.

Modelling high-resolution electron microscopy based on core-loss spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Allen, L.J.; Findlay, S.D.; Oxley, M.P.; Witte, C.; Zaluzec, N.J.

2006-01-01

There are a number of factors affecting the formation of images based on core-loss spectroscopy in high-resolution electron microscopy. We demonstrate unambiguously the need to use a full nonlocal description of the effective core-loss interaction for experimental results obtained from high angular resolution electron channelling electron spectroscopy. The implications of this model are investigated for atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. Simulations are used to demonstrate that core-loss spectroscopy images formed using fine probes proposed for future microscopes can result in images that do not correspond visually with the structure that has led to their formation. In this context, we also examine the effect of varying detector geometries. The importance of the contribution to core-loss spectroscopy images by dechannelled or diffusely scattered electrons is reiterated here

Fragment ion and electron emission from C sub 6 sub 0 by fast heavy ion impact

CERN Document Server

Mizuno, T; Itoh, A; Tsuchida, H; Nakai, Y

2003-01-01

Correlation between electron emission and fragmentation of C sub 6 sub 0 was studied using 847keV Si sup + ions. Mass distribution of fragment ions, number distribution of secondary electrons, and final charge distribution of outgoing projectiles were successfully measured by means of a triple coincidence time-of-flight method. Strong correlation was observed for electron emission and fragmentation.

Characterization of nanometer-scale porosity in reservoir carbonate rock by focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy.

Science.gov (United States)

Bera, Bijoyendra; Gunda, Naga Siva Kumar; Mitra, Sushanta K; Vick, Douglas

2012-02-01

Sedimentary carbonate rocks are one of the principal porous structures in natural reservoirs of hydrocarbons such as crude oil and natural gas. Efficient hydrocarbon recovery requires an understanding of the carbonate pore structure, but the nature of sedimentary carbonate rock formation and the toughness of the material make proper analysis difficult. In this study, a novel preparation method was used on a dolomitic carbonate sample, and selected regions were then serially sectioned and imaged by focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy. The resulting series of images were used to construct detailed three-dimensional representations of the microscopic pore spaces and analyze them quantitatively. We show for the first time the presence of nanometer-scale pores (50-300 nm) inside the solid dolomite matrix. We also show the degree of connectivity of these pores with micron-scale pores (2-5 μm) that were observed to further link with bulk pores outside the matrix.

Precision controlled atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy using spiral scan pathways

Science.gov (United States)

Sang, Xiahan; Lupini, Andrew R.; Ding, Jilai; Kalinin, Sergei V.; Jesse, Stephen; Unocic, Raymond R.

2017-03-01

Atomic-resolution imaging in an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) can enable direct correlation between atomic structure and materials functionality. The fast and precise control of the STEM probe is, however, challenging because the true beam location deviates from the assigned location depending on the properties of the deflectors. To reduce these deviations, i.e. image distortions, we use spiral scanning paths, allowing precise control of a sub-Å sized electron probe within an aberration-corrected STEM. Although spiral scanning avoids the sudden changes in the beam location (fly-back distortion) present in conventional raster scans, it is not distortion-free. “Archimedean” spirals, with a constant angular frequency within each scan, are used to determine the characteristic response at different frequencies. We then show that such characteristic functions can be used to correct image distortions present in more complicated constant linear velocity spirals, where the frequency varies within each scan. Through the combined application of constant linear velocity scanning and beam path corrections, spiral scan images are shown to exhibit less scan distortion than conventional raster scan images. The methodology presented here will be useful for in situ STEM imaging at higher temporal resolution and for imaging beam sensitive materials.

Dynamic investigation of electron trapping and charge decay in electron-irradiated Al sub 2 O sub 3 in a scanning electron microscope: Methodology and mechanisms

CERN Document Server

Fakhfakh, S; Belhaj, M; Fakhfakh, Z; Kallel, A; Rau, E I

2002-01-01

The charging and discharging of polycrystalline Al sub 2 O sub 3 submitted to electron-irradiation in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) are investigated by means of the displacement current method. To circumvent experimental shortcomings inherent to the use of the basic sample holder, a redesign of the latter is proposed and tests are carried out to verify its operation. The effects of the primary beam accelerating voltage on charging, flashover and discharging phenomena during and after electron-irradiation are studied. The experimental results are then analyzed. In particular, the divergence between the experimental data and those predicted by the total electron emission yield approach (TEEYA) is discussed. A partial discharge was observed immediately after the end of the electron-irradiation exposure. The experimental data suggests, that the discharge is due to the evacuation to the ground, along the insulator surface, of released electrons from shallow traps at (or in the close vicinity of) the insulat...

The Nature of the Distinctive Microscopic Features in R<sub>5sub>(Si_xGe>1-xsub>)>4sub> Magnetic Refrigeration Materials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ugurlu, Ozan [Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States)

2006-01-01

Magnetic refrigeration is a promising technology that offers a potential for high energy efficiency. The giant magnetocaloric effect of the R<sub>5sub>(Si<sub>x>, Ge<sub>1-xsub>)>4sub> alloys (where R=rare-earth and O ≤ x ≤ 1), which was discovered in 1997, make them perfect candidates for magnetic refrigeration applications. In this study the microstructures of Gd<sub>5sub>(Six>, Ge<sub>1-xsub>)>4sub> alloys have been characterized using electron microscopy techniques, with the focus being on distinctive linear features first examined in 1999. These linear features have been observed in R<sub>5sub>(Six>, Ge<sub>1-xsub>)>4sub> alloys prepared from different rare-earths (Gd, Tb, Dy and Er) with different crystal structures (Gd<sub>5sub>Si>4sub>-type orthorhombic, monoclinic and Gd<sub>5sub>Ge>4sub>-type orthorhombic). Systematic scanning electron microscope studies revealed that these linear features are actually thin-plates, which grow along specific directions in the matrix material. The crystal structure of the thin-plates has been determined as hexagonal with lattice parameters a=b=8.53 Å and c=6.40 Å using selected area diffraction (SAD). Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis, carried out in both scanning and transmission electron microscopes, showed that the features have a composition approximating to R<sub>5sub>Six,Ge>1-xsub>)>3sub>.phase. Orientation relationship between the matrix and the thin-plates has been calculated as [- 1010](1-211)<sub>p>//[010](10-2)<sub>m>. The growth direction of the thin plates are calculated as (22 0 19) and (-22 0 19) by applying the Ag approach of Zhang and Purdy to the SAD patterns of this system. High Resolution TEM images of the Gd_{5sub>Ge>4sub> were used to study the crystallographic relationship. A terrace-ledge structure was observed at the interface and a 7° rotation of the reciprocal lattices}

Synthesis RMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} (R = Gd and Sm) nano- and microstructures by a simple hydrothermal method

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhu Gangqiang, E-mail: zgq2006@snnu.edu.cn [School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi' an 710062 (China); Liu Peng [School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi' an 710062 (China); Hojamberdiev, Mirabbos [Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Nano-materials and Technology, Xi' an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi' an 710055 (China); Ge Bao [School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi' an 710062 (China); Liu Yun; Miao Hongyan; Tan Guoqiang [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi' an 710021 (China)

2009-12-15

Single-phase RMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} (R = Gd and Sm) nano- and microstructures have been successfully synthesized via a simple hydrothermal process at 250 deg. C for 24 h using NaOH as mineralizer. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selective area electron diffraction patterns (SAED) were used to characterize the as-synthesized GdMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} and SmMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} samples. The effect of NaOH concentration and the molar ratio of Mn{sup 2+}/Mn{sup 7+} on the morphology and size of the final products was studied, and a possible formation mechanism of RMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} (R = Gd and Sm) nanoplates and nanorods under hydrothermal conditions was proposed.

Dark field electron holography for strain measurement

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Beche, A., E-mail: armand.beche@fei.com [CEA-Grenoble, INAC/SP2M/LEMMA, F-38054 Grenoble (France); Rouviere, J.L. [CEA-Grenoble, INAC/SP2M/LEMMA, F-38054 Grenoble (France); Barnes, J.P.; Cooper, D. [CEA-LETI, Minatec Campus, F-38054 Grenoble (France)

2011-02-15

Dark field electron holography is a new TEM-based technique for measuring strain with nanometer scale resolution. Here we present the procedure to align a transmission electron microscope and obtain dark field holograms as well as the theoretical background necessary to reconstruct strain maps from holograms. A series of experimental parameters such as biprism voltage, sample thickness, exposure time, tilt angle and choice of diffracted beam are then investigated on a silicon-germanium layer epitaxially embedded in a silicon matrix in order to obtain optimal dark field holograms over a large field of view with good spatial resolution and strain sensitivity. -- Research Highlights: {yields} Step by step explanation of the dark field electron holography technique. {yields} Presentation of the theoretical equations to obtain quantitative strain map. {yields} Description of experimental parameters influencing dark field holography results. {yields} Quantitative strain measurement on a SiGe layer embedded in a silicon matrix.

Ultrathin mesoporous NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanosheets supported on Ni foam as advanced electrodes for supercapacitors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yuan, Changzhou [Anhui Key Laboratory of Metal Materials and Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, 243002 (China); School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive (Singapore); Li, Jiaoyang; Hou, Linrui [Anhui Key Laboratory of Metal Materials and Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, 243002 (China); Zhang, Xiaogang; Shen, Laifa [College of Material Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016 (China); Lou, Xiong Wen [School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive (Singapore)

2012-11-07

A facile two-step method is developed for large-scale growth of ultrathin mesoporous nickel cobaltite (NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4}) nanosheets on conductive nickel foam with robust adhesion as a high-performance electrode for electrochemical capacitors. The synthesis involves the co-electrodeposition of a bimetallic (Ni, Co) hydroxide precursor on a Ni foam support and subsequent thermal transformation to spinel mesoporous NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4}. The as-prepared ultrathin NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanosheets with the thickness of a few nanometers possess many interparticle mesopores with a size range from 2 to 5 nm. The nickel foam supported ultrathin mesoporous NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanosheets promise fast electron and ion transport, large electroactive surface area, and excellent structural stability. As a result, superior pseudocapacitive performance is achieved with an ultrahigh specific capacitance of 1450 F g{sup -1}, even at a very high current density of 20 A g{sup -1}, and excellent cycling performance at high rates, suggesting its promising application as an efficient electrode for electrochemical capacitors. (Copyright copyright 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Electromagnetic fields of Nanometer electromagnetic waves and X-ray. New frontiers of electromagnetic wave engineering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2009-01-01

The investigating committee aimed at research on electromagnetic fields in functional devices and X-ray fibers for efficient coherent X-ray generation and their material science, high-precision manufacturing, X-ray microscope, application to medical and information communication technologies, such as interaction between material and nanometer electromagnetic waves of radiated light and X-ray, interaction between microwaves and particle beams, theory and design of high-frequency waveguides for resonator and accelerator, from January 2003 to December 2005. In this report, we describe our research results, in particular, on the topics of synchrotron radiation and Cherenkov radiation, Kyushu synchrotron light source and its technology, nanometer electromagnetic fields in optical region, process of interaction between evanescent waves and near-field light, orthogonal relation of electromagnetic fields including evanescent waves in dispersive dielectrics, optical amplification using electron beam, nanometer electromagnetic fields in focusing waveguide lens device with curved facets, electromagnetic fields in nanometer photonic crystal waveguide consisting of atoms, X-ray scattering and absorption I bio-material for image diagnosis. (author)

Millisecond resolution electron fluxes from the Cluster satellites: Calibrated EDI ambient electron data

Science.gov (United States)

Förster, Matthias; Rashev, Mikhail; Haaland, Stein

2017-04-01

The Electron Drift Instrument (EDI) onboard Cluster can measure 500 eV and 1 keV electron fluxes with high time resolution during passive operation phases in its Ambient Electron (AE) mode. Data from this mode is available in the Cluster Science Archive since October 2004 with a cadence of 16 Hz in the normal mode or 128 Hz for burst mode telemetry intervals. The fluxes are recorded at pitch angles of 0, 90, and 180 degrees. This paper describes the calibration and validation of these measurements. The high resolution AE data allow precise temporal and spatial diagnostics of magnetospheric boundaries and will be used for case studies and statistical studies of low energy electron fluxes in the near-Earth space. We show examples of applications.

High-Resolution Electron-Impact Study of the Far-Ultraviolet Emission Spectrum of Molecular Hydrogen

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Xian-Ming; Ahmed, Syed M.; Multari, Rosalie A.; James, Geoffrey K.; Ajello, Joseph M.

1995-01-01

The emission spectrum of molecular hydrogen produced by electron-impact excitation at 100 eV has been measured in the wavelength range 1140-1690 A. High-resolution, optically thin spectra (delta(lambda) = 0.136 A) of the far-ultraviolet (FUV) Lyman and Werner band systems have been obtained with a newly constructed 3 m spectrometer. Synthetic spectral intensities based on the transition probabilities calculated by Abgrall et al. are in very good agreement with experimentally observed intensities. Previous modeling that utilized Allison & Daigarno band transition probabilities with Hoenl-London factors breaks down when the transition moment has significant J dependence or when ro-vibrational coupling is significant. Ro-vibrational perturbation between upsilon = 14 of the B(sup 1)Sigma(sup +, sub u) state and upsilon = 3 of the C(sup 1)Pi(sub u) state and the rotational dependence of the transition moment in the bands of the Lyman system are examined. Complete high-resolution experimental reference FUV spectra, together with the model synthetic spectra based on the Abgrall transition probabilities, are presented. An improved calibration standard is obtained, and an accurate calibration of the 3 m spectrometer has been achieved.

Comparison in the electronic structure of YBa{sub 2}Fe{sub 3}O{sub 8} insulator with YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} and SmFeAsO{sub 0.8}F{sub 0.2} superconductors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Y.; Guan, X.Y. [Key Laboratory of Magnetic Suspension Technology and Maglev Vehicle, Ministry of Education, Superconductivity R and D Center, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031 (China); Cheng, C.H. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052 NSW (Australia); Pan, M. [Key Laboratory of Magnetic Suspension Technology and Maglev Vehicle, Ministry of Education, Superconductivity R and D Center, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031 (China); Zhang, H. [Department of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871 (China); Zhao, Y., E-mail: yzhao@home.swjtu.edu.cn [Key Laboratory of Magnetic Suspension Technology and Maglev Vehicle, Ministry of Education, Superconductivity R and D Center, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052 NSW (Australia)

2013-10-15

Highlights: • The electronic structure of YBa{sub 2}Fe{sub 3}O{sub 8}, YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} and SmFeAsO{sub 0.8}F{sub 0.2} were investigated by XPS. • The core-level and valence-band structures of these systems are different. • The density of states at Fermi level is related to the superconductivity. -- Abstract: The electronic structure and chemical states of relevant elements of YBa{sub 2}Fe{sub 3}O{sub 8} are investigated using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), compared with those of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} and SmFeAsO{sub 0.8}F{sub 0.2} superconductors. The typical differences and similarities in core-level and valence-band structures of these systems have been detected, strongly suggesting that the superconductivity have the finite density of states around Fermi level. Several features of O1s, Y3d, Ba3d, and Fe2p core lines in XPS spectra are also carefully compared and analyzed.

Tl{sub 10}Hg{sub 3}Cl{sub 16}: Single crystal growth, electronic structure and piezoelectric properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Khyzhun, O.Y., E-mail: khyzhun@ipms.kiev.ua [Frantsevych Institute for Problems of Materials Science, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 3 Krzhyzhanivsky Street, 03142 Kyiv (Ukraine); Piasecki, M. [Institute of Physics, J.Dlugosz University Częstochowa, Armii Krajowej 13/15, Częstochowa PL-42-217 (Poland); Kityk, I.V. [Electrical Engineering Department, Częstochowa University Technology, Armii Krajowej 17, PL-42-200 Częstochowa (Poland); Luzhnyi, I. [Frantsevych Institute for Problems of Materials Science, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 3 Krzhyzhanivsky Street, 03142 Kyiv (Ukraine); Fedorchuk, A.O. [Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Lviv National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies, 50 Pekarska Street, 79010 Lviv (Ukraine); Fochuk, P.M. [Yuriy Fed’kovych Chernivtsi National University, 2 Kotziubynskoho Street, 58012 Chernivtsi (Ukraine); Levkovets, S.I. [Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Lesya Ukrainka Eastern European National University, 13 Voli Avenue, 43025 Lutsk (Ukraine); Karpets, M.V. [Frantsevych Institute for Problems of Materials Science, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 3 Krzhyzhanivsky Street, 03142 Kyiv (Ukraine); Parasyuk, O.V. [Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Lesya Ukrainka Eastern European National University, 13 Voli Avenue, 43025 Lutsk (Ukraine)

2016-10-15

Single crystal of the ternary halide Tl{sub 10}Hg{sub 3}Cl{sub 16} was grown using Bridgman-Stockbarger method. For the Tl{sub 10}Hg{sub 3}Cl{sub 16} crystal, we have measured X-ray photoelectron spectra for both pristine and Ar{sup +} ion-bombarded surfaces and additionally investigated photoinduced piezoelectricity. Our data indicate that the Tl{sub 10}Hg{sub 3}Cl{sub 16} single crystal surface is very sensitive with respect to Ar{sup +} ion-bombardment. In particular, Ar{sup +} ion-bombardment with energy of 3.0 keV over 5 min at an ion current density of 14 μA/cm{sup 2} causes significant changes of the elemental stoichiometry of the Tl{sub 10}Hg{sub 3}Cl{sub 16} surface resulting in an abrupt decrease of the mercury content in the top surface layers of the studied single crystal. As a result of the treatment, the mercury content becomes nil in the top surface layers. In addition, the present XPS measurements allow for concluding about very low hygroscopicity of the Tl{sub 10}Hg{sub 3}Cl{sub 16} single crystal surface. The property is extremely important for the crystal handling in optoelectronic or nano-electronic devices working at ambient conditions. The photoinduced piezoelectricity has been explored for Tl{sub 10}Hg{sub 3}Cl{sub 16} depending on nitrogen (λ=371 nm) laser power density and temperature. - Graphical abstract: As-grown single crystal boule of Tl{sub 10}Hg{sub 3}Cl{sub 16}; dependence of the effective piezoelecric coefficient d{sub 33} versus the photoinducing nitrogen laser power density, I, at different temperatures, T; and packing of the polyhedra of halide atoms around Hg atoms in the Tl{sub 10}Hg{sub 3}Cl{sub 16} structure. - Highlights: • High-quality Tl{sub 10}Hg{sub 3}Cl{sub 16} single crystal has been grown by Bridgman-Stockbarger method. • Electronic structure of Tl{sub 10}Hg{sub 3}Cl{sub 16} is studied by the XPS method. • Tl{sub 10}Hg{sub 3}Cl{sub 16} single crystal surface is sensitive with respect to Ar{sup +} ion

Martian Electron Temperatures in the Sub Solar Region.

Science.gov (United States)

Fowler, C. M.; Peterson, W. K.; Andersson, L.; Thiemann, E.; Mayyasi, M.; Yelle, R. V.; Benna, M.; Espley, J. R.

2017-12-01

Observations from Viking, and MAVEN have shown that the observed ionospheric electron temperatures are systematically higher than those predicted by many models. Because electron temperature is a balance between heating, cooling, and heat transport, we systematically compare the magnitude of electron heating from photoelectrons, electron cooling and heat transport, as a function of altitude within 30 degrees of the sub solar point. MAVEN observations of electron temperature and density, EUV irradiance, neutral and ion composition are used to evaluate terms in the heat equation following the framework of Matta et al. (Icarus, 2014, doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2013.09.006). Our analysis is restricted to inbound orbits where the magnetic field is within 30 degrees of horizontal. MAVEN sampled the sub solar region in May 2015 and again in May 2017, in near northern spring equinoctial conditions. Solar activity was higher and the spacecraft sampled altitudes down to 120 km in 2015, compared to 160 km in 2017. We find that between 160 and 200 km the Maven electron temperatures are in thermal equilibrium, in the sub solar region, on field lines inclined less than 30 degrees to the horizontal. Above 200km the data suggest that heating from other sources, such as wave heating are significant. Below 160 km some of the discrepancy comes from measurement limitations. This is because the MAVEN instrument cannot resolve the lowest electron temperatures, and because some cooling rates scale as the difference between the electron and neutral temperatures.

Electronic structure of ZrS{sub x}Se{sub 2-x} by density functional theory

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ghafari, Ailakbar; Moustafa, Mohamed; Janowitz, Christoph; Dwelk, Helmut; Manzke, Recardo [Institut fuer Physik, Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Newtonstr. 15, D-12489 Berlin (Germany); Bouchani, Arash [Physics Department, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah Branch (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2011-07-01

The electronic properties of the ZrS{sub x}Se{sub 2-x} (x varies between zero and two) semiconductors have been calculated by density functional theory (using the Wien2K code) employing the full potential Hamiltonian within the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) method. The results obtained for the end members of the series, i.e. ZrS{sub 2} and ZrSe{sub 2} reveal that the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum are located at {gamma} and between {gamma} and K respectively which is in agreement with our photoemission experimental data. Trends in the electronic structure for the whole substitution series are discussed.

Local mechanical spectroscopy with nanometer-scale lateral resolution

Science.gov (United States)

Oulevey, F.; Gremaud, G.; Sémoroz, A.; Kulik, A. J.; Burnham, N. A.; Dupas, E.; Gourdon, D.

1998-05-01

A new technique has been developed to probe the viscoelastic and anelastic properties of submicron phases of inhomogeneous materials. The measurement gives information related to the internal friction and to the variations of the dynamic modulus of nanometer-sized volumes. It is then the nanoscale equivalent to mechanical spectroscopy, a well-known macroscopic technique for materials studies, also sometimes called dynamic mechanical (thermal) analysis. The technique is based on a scanning force microscope, using the principle of scanning local-acceleration microscopy (SLAM), and allows the sample temperature to be changed. It is called variable-temperature SLAM, abbreviated T-SLAM. According to a recent proposition to systematize names of scanning probe microscope based methods, this technique should be included in the family of "mechanothermal analysis with scanning microscopy." It is suited for studying defect dynamics in nanomaterials and composites by locating the dissipative mechanisms in submicron phases. The primary and secondary relaxations, as well as the viscoplasticity, were observed in bulk PVC. The wide range of phenomena demonstrate the versatility of the technique. A still unexplained increase of the stiffness with increasing temperature was observed just below the glass transition. All of these observations, although their interpretation in terms of physical events is still tentative, are in agreement with global studies. This technique also permits one to image the variations of the local elasticity or of the local damping at a fixed temperature. This enables the study of, for instance, the homogeneity of phase transitions in multiphased materials, or of the interface morphologies and properties. As an illustration, the homogeneity of the glass transition temperature of PVC in a 50/50 wt % PVC/PB polymer blend has been demonstrated. Due to the small size of the probed volume, T-SLAM gives information on the mechanical properties of the near

Fabrication of thin TEM sample of ionic liquid for high-resolution ELNES measurements

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Miyata, Tomohiro, E-mail: tomo-m@iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp; Mizoguchi, Teruyasu, E-mail: teru@iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp

2017-07-15

Investigation of the local structure, ionic and molecular behavior, and chemical reactions at high spatial resolutions in liquids has become increasingly important. Improvements in these areas help to develop efficient batteries and improve organic syntheses. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning-TEM (STEM) have excellent spatial resolution, and the electron energy-loss near edge structure (ELNES) measured by the accompanied electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) is effective to analyze the liquid local structure owing to reflecting the electronic density of states. In this study, we fabricate a liquid-layer-only sample with thickness of single to tens nanometers using an ionic liquid. Because the liquid film has a thickness much less than the inelastic mean free path (IMFP) of the electron beam, the fine structure of the C-K edge electron energy loss near edge structure (ELNES) can be measured with sufficient resolution to allow meaningful analysis. The ELNES spectrum from the thin liquid film has been interpreted using first principles ELNES calculations. - Highlights: • A fabrication method of thin liquid film samples for STEM-EELS observations is proposed. • The thickness of the fabricated thin liquid film is about 10 nm. • An ELNES is measured from the thin liquid with a high energy resolution. • The peaks of the ELNES are interpreted using first principles calculations.

Electron dose dependence of signal-to-noise ratio, atom contrast and resolution in transmission electron microscope images

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Z.; Rose, H.; Lehtinen, O.; Biskupek, J.; Kaiser, U.

2014-01-01

In order to achieve the highest resolution in aberration-corrected (AC) high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images, high electron doses are required which only a few samples can withstand. In this paper we perform dose-dependent AC-HRTEM image calculations, and study the dependence of the signal-to-noise ratio, atom contrast and resolution on electron dose and sampling. We introduce dose-dependent contrast, which can be used to evaluate the visibility of objects under different dose conditions. Based on our calculations, we determine optimum samplings for high and low electron dose imaging conditions. - Highlights: • The definition of dose-dependent atom contrast is introduced. • The dependence of the signal-to-noise ratio, atom contrast and specimen resolution on electron dose and sampling is explored. • The optimum sampling can be determined according to different dose conditions

Transmission electron microscopy and image simulation study of CuAu domains in CuInS{sub 2} epitaxial layers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Barcones, B.; Romano-Rodriguez, A.; Arbiol, J.; Alvarez-Garcia, J.; Perez-Rodriguez, A.; Morante, J.R.; Scheer, R

2003-05-01

In this work the occurrence of two polytypic structures, chalcopyrite (CH) and cationic fcc CuAu-ordering (CA), in epitaxial CuInS{sub 2} samples on Si (1 1 1) oriented substrates has been studied. Samples with different Cu-to-In ratios and grown at 500 and 575 deg. C, respectively, have been analysed. Cross-section Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) samples have been prepared and studied in two directions normal to the growth direction [2 2 1]{sub CH}, namely, [1-1 0]{sub CH}, which is parallel to [1 0 0]{sub CA}, and [1 1-1]{sub CH} that is parallel to [0 1-1]{sub CA}. Electron diffraction and high resolution TEM images corroborate the existence of both polytypes and give the orientation relationship between them, namely, [1-1 0]{sub CH} parallel [1 0 0]{sub CA} and (1 1 2){sub CH} parallel (0 1 1){sub CA}. Cu-rich samples have good crystalline quality with large grains and sharp interfaces between both polytypes, the most important being between the (1 1 2){sub CH} and (0 1 1){sub CA} planes. On the contrary, the crystalline quality of Cu-poor samples is minor, no clear interfaces can be observed, and a high density of twins in the (0 1-1){sub CA} planes can be observed. The results on the crystalline quality are in agreement with previous results on polycrystalline CuInS{sub 2} films.

Tailoring crystallinity and configuration of silica nanotubes by electron irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Taguchi, Tomitsugu, E-mail: taguchi.tomitsugu@jaea.go.jp; Yamaguchi, Kenji

2015-05-01

Highlights: •Single-crystal SiO{sub 2} nanotubes were successfully synthesized for the first time. •The single-crystal SiO{sub 2} was α-crystobalite. •Desired area of single-crystal nanotube can be changed to amorphous by electron irradiation. •The configuration of nanotube can be controlled using the focused electron irradiation technique. -- Abstract: SiO{sub 2} nanotubes show potential in applications such as nanoscale electronic and optical devices, bioseparation, biocatalysis, and nanomedicine. As-grown SiO{sub 2} nanotubes in the previous studies always have an amorphous wall, and here we demonstrate the successful synthesis of single-crystal nanotubes for the first time by the heat treatment of SiC nanotubes at 1300 °C for 10 h under low-vacuum conditions. According to TEM observations, the single-crystal SiO{sub 2} was α-cristobalite. We also demonstrate that single-crystal SiO{sub 2} nanotubes can be transformed into amorphous SiO{sub 2} nanotubes by electron beam irradiation. Moreover, we synthesized a crystalline/amorphous SiO{sub 2} composite nanotube, in which crystalline and amorphous SiO{sub 2} coexisted in different localized regions. In addition, for biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems, controlling the configuration of the open end, the diameter, and capsulation of SiO{sub 2} nanotubes is crucial. We can also obturate, capsulate, and cut a SiO{sub 2} nanotube, as well as modify the inner diameter of the nanotube at a specific, nanometer-sized region using the focused electron beam irradiation technique.

Subfemtosecond electron dynamics of H{sub 2} in strong fields or the quest for the molecular clock

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Staudte, A.

2005-07-01

In this work we have studied experimentally and theoretically hydrogen and deuterium molecules in strong laser fields. We wanted to demonstrate that control of dynamical processes on the time scale below a single laser cycle (2.7 fs) can be achieved even without using attosecond pulses just by employing the advanced experimental technique COLTRIMS. In order to do this, we have pursued two goals: 1. To examine, whether laser steered electron wavepackets can be used for laser induced electron diffraction (LIED) on molecules. 2. To demonstrate, that the double ionization of H{sub 2} can be followed with sub laser cycle temporal resolution (the molecular clock). Laser induced electron diffraction needs linearly polarized light since its mechanism relies on rescattering of the ionized electron in the molecular potential. With rescattering occurring within a few hundred attoseconds, LIED is really a process of attosecond physics. In principle, two extreme scattering geometries are possible for a homonuclear diatomic molecule like H{sub 2}: the perpendicular geometry, which corresponds to the classical double slit experiment where the electron microbunch is steered transversely to the molecular axis, and the tangential geometry with the electron moving parallel to the molecular axis. Experimental restrictions prevented us to investigate the perpendicular geometry. The molecular clock, on the other hand, employs circularly polarized light to map the absolute phase of the laser electric field onto the spatial direction of the electron momentum. Thereby, a full laser cycle is mapped onto 360 in momentum space. Thus, different electron ejection angles in the laboratory frame correspond to different ejection times. Together with the correlated kinetic energy release of the Coulomb exploding molecules an unambiguous clock running from 0-8 fs with a few 100 as resolution can be envisioned. In direct relation to this experiment, we studied the influence of the long range

Electronic structure calculations and optical properties of a new organic-inorganic luminescent perovskite: (C{sub 9}H{sub 19}NH{sub 3}){sub 2}PbI{sub 2}Br{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Abid, H., E-mail: haithamlpa@yahoo.fr [Laboratoire de Physique Appliquee, Faculte des sciences, Universite de Sfax (Tunisia); Institut Neel, CNRS-Universite J. Fourier, BP 166, 38042 Grenoble (France); Samet, A.; Dammak, T. [Laboratoire de Physique Appliquee, Faculte des sciences, Universite de Sfax (Tunisia); Mlayah, A. [Centre d' Elaboration de Materiaux et d' Etudes Structurales (CEMES), CNRS-Universite de Toulouse, 29 rue Jeanne Marvig, 31055 Toulouse (France); Hlil, E.K. [Institut Neel, CNRS-Universite J. Fourier, BP 166, 38042 Grenoble (France); Abid, Y. [Laboratoire de Physique Appliquee, Faculte des sciences, Universite de Sfax (Tunisia)

2011-08-15

(C{sub 9}H{sub 19}NH{sub 3}){sub 2}PbI{sub 2}Br{sub 2} compound is a new crystal belonging to the large hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites compounds family. Optical properties are investigated by optical absorption UV-visible and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. Bands to band absorption peak at 2.44 eV as well as an extremely strong yellow-green photoluminescence emission at 2.17 eV is observed at room temperature. First principle calculations based on the DFT and FLAPW methods combined with LDA approximation are performed as well. Density of state close to the gap is presented and discussed in terms of optical absorption and photoluminescence experimental results. The perfect agreement between experimental data and electronic structure calculations is highlighted. - Highlights: > (C{sub 9}H{sub 19}NH{sub 3}){sub 2}PbI{sub 2}Br{sub 2} compound is a new crystal with strong yellow-green PL emission at 2.17 eV. > Calculations based on DFT and FLAPW method combined with LDA approximation are performed. > Gap, optical transitions and exciton presence were predicted from density of states. > Agreement between experimental data and electronic structure calculations.

Effect of 6 MeV electrons on luminescence properties of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Tb{sup 3+} nanophosphors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sunitha, D.V., E-mail: sunithaprasad8@gmail.com [School of Physics, Reva University, Yelahanka, Bangalore 560064 (India); Nagabhushana, H. [Prof. C.N.R. Rao Centre for Advanced Materials Research, Tumkur University, Tumkur 572103 (India); Hareesh, K., E-mail: appi.2907@gmail.com [Department of Physics, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007 (India); Bhoraskar, V.N. [Department of Physics, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007 (India); Dhole, S.D., E-mail: sanjay@physics.unipune.ac.in [Department of Physics, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007 (India)

2016-09-15

Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Tb{sup 3+} nanophosphors were synthesized by solution combustion technique and irradiated with 6 MeV energetic electrons in the fluence range 2–10×10{sup 13} e{sup −}cm{sup −2}. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns confirm cubic phase of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The crystallite size was estimated using Scherrer method and was found to be in the order of ~39 nm. SEM micrographs revealed the formation of non-uniform spherical shaped particles for higher electron fluence. Photoluminescence spectra (PL) of pristine and Tb{sup 3+} doped Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} were recorded in the fluence range 2–10×10{sup 13} e{sup −}cm{sup −2}. PL intensity was found to increase up to 4×10{sup 13} e{sup −}cm{sup −2} and thereafter it decreases with further increase in electron fluence. This may be attributed to lattice disorder produced by dense electronic excitation under electron irradiation. The characteristic emission peaks of Tb{sup 3+} were observed at ~ 484–490 nm ({sup 5}D{sub 4}→{sup 7}F{sub 6}), 548 nm ({sup 5}D{sub 4}→{sup 7}F{sub 5}) and 587 nm ({sup 5}D{sub 4}→{sup 7}F{sub 4}) at excited wavelength 397 nm. Two TL glow peaks were recorded in both pristine and electron irradiated samples indicate that two types of traps were created. The color co-ordinate values (x, y) were located in the green region of the CIE diagram suggests that electron irradiated Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Tb{sup 3+} phosphor could be used in white LEDs.

Interaction of multicharged ions with molecules (CO{sub 2}, C{sub 60}) by coincident electron spectroscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Moretto-Capelle, P.; Bordenave-Montesquieu, D.; Bordenave-Montesquieu, A. [Universite Paul Sabatier, Toulouse (France). Lab. CAR-IRSAMC

2001-07-01

First results for the investigation of electron capture processes in collisions between multicharged ions and molecule targets using electron spectroscopy in coincidence with charged fragments, are presented. It is shown that a much more detailed investigation of the capture reaction can be achieved using molecular instead of heavy atomic targets provided that an analysis of the target dissociation is made. The collisional systems {sup 18}O{sup 8+}+Ar, CO{sub 2} and C{sub 60} have been studied at 80 keV. Non coincident electron spectra as well as first results of double or triple coincidence experiments are discussed. Kinetic energy distributions of the C{sub n}{sup +} fragments (n=1 to 8) produced in multiple capture processes from C{sub 60} target are given. A detailed investigation of the double capture process with CO{sub 2} molecule allows the measurement of kinetic energy release distributions (KERD) which characterize the dissociation of CO{sub 2}{sup 2+} molecular ions; our results are found to be very similar to those measured in double photoionisation experiments. (orig.)

Low energy electron attachment to cyanamide (NH{sub 2}CN)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tanzer, Katrin; Denifl, Stephan, E-mail: Andrzej.Pelc@poczta.umcs.lublin.pl, E-mail: Stephan.Denifl@uibk.ac.at [Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Leopold Franzens Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck (Austria); Pelc, Andrzej, E-mail: Andrzej.Pelc@poczta.umcs.lublin.pl, E-mail: Stephan.Denifl@uibk.ac.at [Mass Spectrometry Department, Institute of Physics, Marie Curie-Sklodowska University, Pl. M. C.-Sklodowskiej 1, 20-031 Lublin (Poland); Huber, Stefan E. [Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Leopold Franzens Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck (Austria); Lehrstuhl für Theoretische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85747 Garching (Germany); Czupyt, Z. [Ion Microprobe Facility Micro-area Analysis Laboratory, Polish Geological Institute–National Research Institute, Rakowiecka 4, 00-975 Warszawa (Poland)

2015-01-21

Cyanamide (NH{sub 2}CN) is a molecule relevant for interstellar chemistry and the chemical evolution of life. In the present investigation, dissociative electron attachment to NH{sub 2}CN has been studied in a crossed electron–molecular beams experiment in the electron energy range from about 0 eV to 14 eV. The following anionic species were detected: NHCN{sup −}, NCN{sup −}, CN{sup −}, NH{sub 2}{sup −}, NH{sup −}, and CH{sub 2}{sup −}. The anion formation proceeds within two broad electron energy regions, one between about 0.5 and 4.5 eV and a second between 4.5 and 12 eV. A discussion of possible reaction channels for all measured negative ions is provided. The experimental results are compared with calculations of the thermochemical thresholds of the anions observed. For the dehydrogenated parent anion, we explain the deviation between the experimental appearance energy of the anion with the calculated corresponding reaction threshold by electron attachment to the isomeric form of NH{sub 2}CN—carbodiimide.

Synthesis, structure, and electronic structure calculation of a new centrosymmetric borate Pb{sub 2}O[BO{sub 2}(OH)] based on anion-centered OPb{sub 4} tetrahedra

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sun, Feng [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi 830054 (China); Wang, Li, E-mail: wangliresearch@163.com [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi 830054 (China); Stoumpos, Constantinos C. [Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208 (United States)

2016-08-15

The synthesis, structure, and characterization of a new centrosymmetric borate Pb{sub 2}O[BO{sub 2}(OH)] based on anion-centered OPb{sub 4} tetrahedra are reported. Pb{sub 2}O[BO{sub 2}(OH)] crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2/m with a=12.725(7) Å, b=5.698(3) Å, c=7.344(4) Å, β=116.277(6)°. The electronic band structure and density of states of Pb{sub 2}O[BO{sub 2}(OH)] have been calculated via the density functional theory (DFT). Electron density difference calculation indicates that lone-pair electrons of Pb{sup 2+} cation should be stereoactive. - Graphical abstract: An indirect gap compound of Pb{sub 2}O[BO{sub 2}(OH)] with 2D inorganic layers motif based on OPb{sub 4} tetrahedra has been synthesized and full characterized by crystallographic, IR, TG, UV–vis-NIR Diffuse Reflectance, and theoretical calculations. Display Omitted - Highlights: • A centrosymmetric borate Pb{sub 2}O[BO{sub 2}(OH)] was synthesized and characterized. • The crystalstructure, electronic band and density states was analyzed. • The lone-pair electrons of Pb{sup 2+} were proved to be stereoactive.

Development of a high-resolution cavity-beam position monitor

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yoichi Inoue

2008-06-01

Full Text Available We have developed a high-resolution cavity-beam position monitor (BPM to be used at the focal point of the ATF2, which is a test beam line that is now being built to demonstrate stable orbit control at ∼nanometer resolution. The design of the cavity structure was optimized for the Accelerator Test Facility (ATF beam in various ways. For example, the cavity has a rectangular shape in order to isolate two dipole modes in orthogonal directions, and a relatively thin gap that is less sensitive to trajectory inclination. A two stage homodyne mixer with highly sensitive electronics and phase-sensitive detection was also developed. Two BPM blocks, each containing two cavity BPMs, were installed in the existing ATF beam line using a rigid support frame. After testing the basic characteristics, we measured the resolution using three BPMs. The system demonstrated 8.7 nm position resolution over a dynamic range of 5  μm.

Development of a high-resolution cavity-beam position monitor

Science.gov (United States)

Inoue, Yoichi; Hayano, Hitoshi; Honda, Yosuke; Takatomi, Toshikazu; Tauchi, Toshiaki; Urakawa, Junji; Komamiya, Sachio; Nakamura, Tomoya; Sanuki, Tomoyuki; Kim, Eun-San; Shin, Seung-Hwan; Vogel, Vladimir

2008-06-01