Plasma window performance and scaling for an accelerator-based neutron source.

A "plasma window" was developed for use with a SHINE accelerator-based neutron source. In this work, the design of the plasma window is presented along with results demonstrating successful operation in deuterium over a range of aperture diameters (5-12 mm), gas flow rates (3.5 to 12.

Self-assembled nanofibers from leucine derived amphiphiles as nanoreactors for growth of ZnO nanoparticles.

We report a new method for the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. A new leucine-based diamine amphiphile was synthesized and self-assembled, which in the presence of Zn(2+) ions assembled into nanofibers, that efficiently formed ZnO nanoparticles upon heating in the presence of Zn(CH(3)COO)(2). Further, these ZnO nanoparticles functioned as efficient photocatalysts.

Performance of local electrodes in the local electrode atom probe.

The use of a local electrode in atom probe tomography has enabled higher rates of data acquisition and increased field of view compared to other variants of three-dimensional atom probes, but specimen fracture can result in damage to the local electrode. Specimens and local electrodes were examined before and after analyses that resulted in specimen failure. Most specimens were found to be melted after failure and as a result, material was found deposited onto the surface of the local electrode.

First data from a commercial local electrode atom probe (LEAP).

The first dedicated local electrode atom probes (LEAP [a trademark of Imago Scientific Instruments Corporation]) have been built and tested as commercial prototypes. Several key performance parameters have been markedly improved relative to conventional three-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) designs. The Imago LEAP can operate at a sustained data collection rate of 1 million atoms/minute.

Advances in Atom Probe Specimen Fabrication from Planar Multilayer Thin Film Structures.

A sample preparation method has been developed whereby sharp needle-shaped specimens for atom probe analysis are fabricated from multilayer thin films deposited onto silicon substrates. The specimens are fabricated in an orientation such that atom probe composition profiles across the layer interfaces can be determined with atomic-layer spatial resolution, i.e.