Nanosecond X-ray diffraction of shock-compressed superionic water ice.

Since Bridgman's discovery of five solid water (HO) ice phases in 1912, studies on the extraordinary polymorphism of HO have documented more than seventeen crystalline and several amorphous ice structures, as well as rich metastability and kinetic effects. This unique behaviour is due in part to the geometrical frustration of the weak intermolecular hydrogen bonds and the sizeable quantum motion of the light hydrogen ions (protons). Particularly intriguing is the prediction that HO becomes superionic-with liquid-like protons diffusing through the solid lattice of oxygen-when subjected to extreme pressures exceeding 100 gigapascals and high temperatures above 2,000 kelvin.

Thermally ruggedized ITO transparent electrode films for high power optoelectronics.

We present two strategies to minimize laser damage in transparent conductive films. The first consists of improving heat dissipation by selection of substrates with high thermal diffusivity or by addition of capping layer heatsinks. The second is reduction of bulk energy absorption by lowering free carrier density and increasing mobility, while maintaining film conductance with thicker films.