Condensed Matter Physics Commons^™

High Temperature And Pressure Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy Study Of Metal Hydride Systems, Rasheed Adebisi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this dissertation is to characterize the elastic properties of palladium hydride near the tri-critical point as a classic example of metal hydride systems using the resonant ultrasound spectroscopy. A high temperature and high pressure resonant ultrasound spectroscopy system which include the RUS cell and the direct contact transducer set-up was designed and constructed. The temperature and pressure dependent of elastic moduli of palladium hydride and palladium crystals were obtained at five isotherms near the critical temperature, 293 °C and for pressure range of 250–500 psi. A strong softening of the shear modulus was observed at temperature and …

Metallic And Insulating Oxide Interfaces Controlled By Electronic Correlations, H. W. Jang, D. A. Felker, C. W. Bark, Y. Wang, Manish K. Niranjan, C. T. Nelson, Y. Zhang, D. Su, C. M. Folkman, S. H. Baek, S. Lee, K. Janicka, Y. Zhu, X. Q. Pan, D. D. Fong, Evgeny Y. Tsymbal, M. S. Rzchowski, Chang-Beom Eom

Evgeny Tsymbal Publications

The formation of two-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) at complex oxide interfaces is directly influenced by the oxide electronic properties. We investigated how local electron correlations control the 2DEG by inserting a single atomic layer of a rare-earth oxide (RO) [(R is lanthanum (La), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), samarium (Sm), or yttrium (Y)] into an epitaxial strontium titanate oxide (SrTiO₃) matrix using pulsed-laser deposition with atomic layer control. We find that structures with La, Pr, and Nd ions result in conducting 2DEGs at the inserted layer, whereas the structures with Sm or Y ions are insulating. Our local …

Transport Spin Polarization Of High-Curie Temperature Mnbi Films, Parashu Kharel, P. Thapa, Pavel V. Lukashev, Renat F. Sabirianov, Evgeny Y. Tsymbal, D. J. Sellmyer, Boris Nadgorny

Evgeny Tsymbal Publications

We report on the study of the structural, magnetic, and transport properties of highly textured MnBi films with the Curie temperature of 628 K. In addition to detailed measurements of resistivity and magnetization, we measure transport spin polarization of MnBi by Andreev reflection spectroscopy and perform fully relativistic band-structure calculations of MnBi. A spin polarization from 51% ± 1% to 63% ± 1% is observed, consistent with the calculations and with an observation of a large magnetoresistance in MnBi contacts. The band-structure calculations indicate that in spite of almost identical densities of states at the Fermi energy, the large disparity …

A Giant Tunneling Electroresistance Effect Driven By Electrically Controlled Spin Valve At A Complex Oxide Interface, John D. Burton, Evgeny Y. Tsymbal

Evgeny Tsymbal Publications

A giant tunneling electroresistance effect may be achieved in a ferroelectric tunnel junction by exploiting the magnetoelectric effect at the interface between the ferroelectric barrier and a magnetic La_1-xSr_xMnO₃ electrode. Using first-principles density-functional theory we demonstrate that a few magnetic monolayers of La_1-xSr_xMnO₃ near the interface act, in response to ferroelectric polarization reversal, as an atomic-scale spin valve by filtering spin-dependent current. This produces more than an order of magnitude change in conductance, and thus constitutes a giant resistive switching effect.

Resonant Photoemission Of Rare Earth Doped Gan Thin Films, S. R. Mchale, J. W. Mcclory, J. C. Petrosky, J. Wu, R. Palai, Yaroslav B. Losovyj, Peter A. Dowben

Peter Dowben Publications

The 4d → 4f Fano resonances for various rare earth doped GaN thin films (RE = Gd, Er, Yb) were investigated using synchrotron photoemission spectroscopy. The resonant photoemission Fano profiles show that the major Gd and Er rare earth 4f weight is at about 5–6 eV below the valence band maximum, similar to the 4f weights in the valence band of many other rare earth doped semiconductors. For Yb, there is very little resonant enhancement of the valence band of Yb doped GaN, consistent with a largely 4f¹⁴ occupancy.

Magnetism Of Cluster-Deposited Y–Co Nanoparticles, Balamuruga Balamurugan, Ralph Skomski, Xingzhong Li, V. R. Shah, George C. Hadjipanayis, Jeffrey E. Shield, David J. Sellmyer

Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience: Faculty Publications

Nanoparticles of YCo₂, YCo_3, and YCo₅ are produced by cluster-deposition and investigated both structurally and magnetically. The nanoparticles have sizes of less than 10 nm and are superparamagnetic at 300 K, irrespective of stoichiometry. As-produced nanoparticles exhibit disordered structures with magnetic properties differing from those of the bulk particles. The temperature-dependent magnetization curves of the nanoparticles reveal blocking temperatures from 110 to 250 K, depending on stoichiometry. The magnetic anisotropy constant K₁ of disordered YCo₅ nanoparticles of 7.8 nm in size is 3.5×10⁶ergs/cm³, higher than those of the disordered YCo …

Density Functional Theory Study On The Electronic Structure Of N- And P-Type Doped Srtio3 At Anodic Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Conditions, S. Suthirakun, Salai Cheettu Ammal, G. Xiao, Fanglin Chen, Hans-Conrad Zur Loye, Andreas Heyden

Faculty Publications

The electronic conductivity and thermodynamic stability of mixed n-type and p-type doped SrTiO3 have been investigated at anodic solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) conditions using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In particular, constrained ab initio thermodynamic calculations have been performed to evaluate the phase stability and reducibility of various Nb- and Ga-doped SrTiO3 at synthesized and anodic SOFC conditions. The density of states (DOS) of these materials was analyzed to study the effects of n- and p-doping on the electronic conductivity. In agreement with experimental observations, we find that the transformation from 20% Nb-doped Sr-deficient SrTiO3 to a non-Sr-deficient phase …

Unitary-Quantum-Lattice Algorithm For Two-Dimensional Quantum Turbulence, Bo Zhang, George Vahala, Linda L. Vahala, Min Soe

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Quantum vortex structures and energy cascades are examined for two-dimensional quantum turbulence (2D QT) at zero temperature. A special unitary evolution algorithm, the quantum lattice algorithm, is employed to simulate the Bose-Einstein condensate governed by the Gross-Pitaevskii (GP) equation. A parameter regime is uncovered in which, as in 3D QT, there is a short Poincare recurrence time. It is demonstrated that such short recurrence times are destroyed by stronger nonlinear interaction. The similar loss of Poincare recurrence is also seen in the 3D GP equation. Various initial conditions are considered in an attempt to discern if 2D QT exhibits inverse …

Pauli Spin Blockade And Lifetime-Enhanced Transport In A Si/Sige Double Quantum Dot, C. B. Simmons, Teck Seng Koh, Nakul Shaji, Madhu Thalakulam, L. J. Klein, Hua Qin, H. Luo, D. E. Savage, M. G. Lagally, A. J. Rimberg

Dartmouth Scholarship

We analyze electron-transport data through a Si/SiGe double quantum dot in terms of spin blockade and lifetime-enhanced transport (LET), which is transport through excited states that is enabled by long spin-relaxation times. We present a series of low-bias voltage measurements showing the sudden appearance of a strong tail of current that we argue is an unambiguous signature of LET appearing when the bias voltage becomes greater than the singlet-triplet splitting for the (2,0) electron state. We present eight independent data sets, four in the forward-bias (spin-blockade) regime and four in the reverse-bias (lifetime-enhanced transport) regime and show that all eight …

Chemical And Electronic Structure Of Surfaces And Interfaces In Compound Semiconductors, Sujitra Pookpanratana

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The interface formation between two different materials is important in applications for optoelectronic devices. Often, the success or performance of these devices is dependent on the formation of these heterojunctions. In this work, the surface and interfaces in such materials for optoelectronic devices are investigated by a suite of X-ray analytical techniques including X-ray photoelectron (XPS), X-ray excited Auger electron (XAES), and X-ray emission (XES) spectroscopies to provide novel insight.

For the group III-nitrides (e.g., AlxGa1-xN) used in many light emitting devices, a significant challenge exists to form an Ohmic contact. The electron affinities and band gaps of GaN and …

Measurement System For High Pressure Characterizations Of Materials, Matthew K. Jacobsen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Thermoelectric materials have long been investigated for possible use as power sources. This application was recently put to use in the Voyager space program, powering the deep space probes. Despite the usefulness of these materials, the use of pressure to investigate the material properties has only recently become interesting. As such, the work in this document was to developing a system for concurrently measuring the necessary properties. This system is capable of measuring the electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient in the pressure range from 0 - 10 GPa. The results for zinc, almandine garnet, and nickel are presented …

Dislocations And Vacancies In Two-Dimensional Mixed Crystals Of Spheres And Dimers, Sharon J. Gerbode, Desmond C. Ong, Chekesha M. Liddell, Itai Cohen

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

In colloidal crystals of spheres, dislocation motion is unrestricted. On the other hand, recent studies of relaxation in crystals of colloidal dimer particles have demonstrated that the dislocation dynamics in such crystals are reminiscent of glassy systems. The observed glassy dynamics arise as a result of dislocation cages formed by certain dimer orientations. In the current study, we use experiments and simulations to investigate the transition that arises when a pure sphere crystal is doped with an increasing concentration of dimers. Specifically, we focus on both dislocation caging and vacancy motion. Interestingly, we find that any nonzero fraction of dimers …

Comparison Of Flight And Ground Tests Of Environmental Degradation Of Misse-6 Suspecs Materials, Jr Dennison, John Prebola, Amberly Evans Jensen, Joshua L. Hodges

Conference Proceedings

The effects of prolonged exposure to the LEO space environment and charge-enhanced contamination on optical, thermal, and electron emission and transport properties of common spacecraft materials has been investigated by comparing pre- and post-flight characterization measurements. The State of Utah Space Environment & Contamination Study (SUSpECS) deployed in March 2008 on board the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE-6) payload, was exposed for ~18 months on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS), before retrieval in September 2009. A total of 165 samples were …

Systems For Assessing And Enhancing The Performance Of Scanning Electron Microscopes By Quantifying And Enforcing Symmetries And Periodicities In Two Dimensions, Peter Moeck

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Scanning probe microscope (SPM) images are enhanced by enforcing one or more symmetries that can be selected based on suitable Fourier coefficient amplitude or phase angle residuals, and/ or geometric Akaike information criteria, and/ or cross correlation techniques. Alternatively, this selection can be based on prior knowledge of specimen characteristics. In addition, a scanning microscope point spread function is obtained based on the evaluation of a calibration image by enforcing at least one symmetry and can be applied to other image acquisitions.

Glassy Dislocation Dynamics In 2d Colloidal Dimer Crystals, Sharon J. Gerbode, Ugmang Agarwal, Desmond C. Ong, Chekesha M. Liddell, Fernando Escobedo, Itai Cohen

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

Although glassy relaxation is typically associated with disorder, here we report on a new type of glassy dynamics relating to dislocations within 2D crystals of colloidal dimers. Previous studies have demonstrated that dislocation motion in dimer crystals is restricted by certain particle orientations. Here, we drag an optically trapped particle through such dimer crystals, creating dislocations. We find a two-stage relaxation response where initially dislocations glide until encountering particles that cage their motion. Subsequent relaxation occurs logarithmically slowly through a second process where dislocations hop between caged configurations. Finally, in simulations of sheared dimer crystals, the dislocation mean squared displacement …

Robust Isothermal Electric Control Of Exchange Bias At Room Temperature, Xi He, Yi Wang, Christian Binek, Peter A. Dowben

Christian Binek Publications

Voltage-controlled spin electronics is crucial for continued progress in information technology. It aims at reduced power consumption, increased integration density and enhanced functionality where non-volatile memory is combined with highspeed logical processing. Promising spintronic device concepts use the electric control of interface and surface magnetization. From the combination of magnetometry, spin-polarized photoemission spectroscopy, symmetry arguments and first-principles calculations, we show that the (0001) surface of magnetoelectric Cr2O3 has a roughness-insensitive, electrically switchable magnetization. Using a ferromagnetic Pd/Co multilayer deposited on the (0001) surface of a Cr2O3 single crystal, we achieve reversible, room-temperature isothermal switching of the exchange-bias field between positive …

Boron Carbide Based Solid State Neutron Detectors: The Effects Of Bias And Time Constant On Detection Efficiency, Nina Hong, John Mullins, Keith Foreman, Shireen Adenwalla

Shireen Adenwalla Papers

Neutron detection in thick boron carbide(BC)/n-type Si heterojunction diodes shows a threefold increase in efficiency with applied bias and longer time constants. The improved efficiencies resulting from long time constants have been conclusively linked to the much longer charge collection times in the BC layer. Neutron detection signals from both the p-type BC layer and the n-type Si side of the heterojunction diode are observed, with comparable efficiencies. Collectively, these provide strong evidence that the semiconducting BC layer plays an active role in neutron detection, both in neutron capture and in charge generation and collection.

Search For Dark Matter Annihilation In M5, Daniel Jackson

Physics

We analyzed the Messier 5 (M5) globular cluster for dark matter annihilation using data from VERITAS (Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System) to improve the flux upper limit previously done by Michael McCutecheon. We used updated software and lower energy thresholds. VERITAS consists of four ground-based gamma-ray telescopes located at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory in southern Arizona. Thirty-five 20 minute observations of M5 from VERITAS are used in our analysis. The observations were collected from February to March in 2009, for a total exposure time of 10.63 hours. Gamma-rays from dark matter annihilation were not found,
but better …

Morphological Study Of Surface Corrosion In Carbon Steel Using Fractal Methods., Abdul Mohaimen W Fagri

Student Works (2010-2019)

Corrosion can be defined as the disintegration of a material into its constituent atoms due to chemical reactions with its surroundings. There are various chemical and physical factors that affect the rate and mechanisms of corrosion processes. In this study, we focus on the corrosion of carbon steel in mineral water at room temperature. The morphologies of corroded surface are characterized using fractal analysis. The steel plates of 10cmx10cmx0.2cm are first polished using abrasive papers of different coarseness until smooth surfaces are obtained. The samples are placed in glass dish filled with mineral water and a simple imaging procedure using …

Experiments On De Vries Liquid Crystals: A Software Approach, Austin Havens

Physics

This paper describes two programs I developed to facilitate the study of liquid crystals. The first program is a graphical user interface to increase the accuracy of the birefringence measurements , which relates to their orientational order, by using a camera. The second program was designed to help study the effects of time varying fields on liquid crystals by matching data from a recorded video to oscilloscope data in order to attach data from image analysis to the voltage applied to the cell.