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“Inelastic electron-vortex-beam scattering”. Van Boxem R, Partoens B, Verbeeck J, Physical review : A : atomic, molecular and optical physics 91, 032703 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.91.032703
Abstract: Recent theoretical and experimental developments in the field of electron-vortex-beam physics have raised questions about what exactly this novelty in the field of electron microscopy (and other fields, such as particle physics) really provides. An important part of the answer to these questions lies in scattering theory. The present investigation explores various aspects of inelastic quantum scattering theory for cylindrically symmetric beams with orbital angular momentum. The model system of Coulomb scattering on a hydrogen atom provides the setting to address various open questions: How is momentum transferred? Do vortex beams selectively excite atoms, and how can one employ vortex beams to detect magnetic transitions? The analytical approach presented here provides answers to these questions. OAM transfer is possible, but not through selective excitation; rather, by pre- and postselection one can filter out the relevant contributions to a specific signal.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.925
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.91.032703
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“New insights into the nanostructure of innovative thin film solar cells gained by positron annihilation spectroscopy”. Eijt SWH, Shi W, Mannheim A, Butterling M, Schut H, Egger W, Dickmann M, Hugenschmidt C, Shakeri B, Meulenberg RW, Callewaert V, Saniz R, Partoens B, Barbiellini B, Bansil A, Melskens J, Zeman M, Smets AHM, Kulbak M, Hodes G, Cahen D, Brück E, Journal of physics : conference series 791, 012021 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/791/1/012021
Abstract: Recent studies showed that positron annihilation methods can provide key insights into the nanostructure and electronic structure of thin film solar cells. In this study, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) is applied to investigate CdSe quantum dot (QD) light absorbing layers, providing evidence of positron trapping at the surfaces of the QDs. This enables one to monitor their surface composition and electronic structure. Further, 2D-Angular Correlation of Annihilation Radiation (2D-ACAR) is used to investigate the nanostructure of divacancies in photovoltaic-high-quality a-Si:H films. The collected momentum distributions were converted by Fourier transformation to the direct space representation of the electron-positron autocorrelation function. The evolution of the size of the divacancies as a function of hydrogen dilution during deposition of a-Si:H thin films was examined. Finally, we present a first positron Doppler Broadening of Annihilation Radiation (DBAR) study of the emerging class of highly efficient thin film solar cells based on perovskites.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/791/1/012021
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“Guidelines for passive control of traffic-related air pollution in street canyons : an overview for urban planning”. Voordeckers D, Lauriks T, Denys S, Billen P, Tytgat T, Van Acker M, Landscape And Urban Planning 207, 103980 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.LANDURBPLAN.2020.103980
Abstract: Recent studies indicate the necessity of addressing traffic-related air pollution in urban environments, as street canyons are known for their lack of natural ventilation and increased pollution levels. To address this issue, numerous studies have been conducted on different aspects (e.g. aspect ratio, orientation and height variation) and their impact on ventilation and pollution dispersion/dilution performance in street canyons. Despite the numerous studies, the information remains fragmented and the results and applications are fairly unknown in urban planning. Broad review studies on numerous street canyon aspects are also quite scarce. In this study, over 200 studies were collected and reviewed across various parameters and on different configuration levels (street canyon configuration / building configuration / in-canyon configuration). Hereby, the study aims to give a comprehensive overview and to formulate spatial guidelines to improve the application of the reviewed studies for the purpose of urban planning. In total, 19 general guidelines were formulated, and an implementation strategy for the purpose of urban planning was developed. Despite the usability of these guidelines for urban planning, a high number of limitations and variabilities were detected. The broad literature review also revealed knowledge gaps, indicating the potentials for further research.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Law; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB); Research Group for Urban Development; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Impact Factor: 4.563
DOI: 10.1016/J.LANDURBPLAN.2020.103980
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“Non-invasive and non-destructive examination of artistic pigments, paints, and paintings by means of X-Ray methods”. Janssens K, van der Snickt G, Vanmeert F, Legrand S, Nuyts G, Alfeld M, Monico L, Anaf W, de Nolf W, Vermeulen M, Verbeeck J, De Wael K, Topics in Current Chemistry 374, 81 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1007/S41061-016-0079-2
Abstract: Recent studies are concisely reviewed, in which X-ray beams of (sub)micrometre to millimetre dimensions have been used for non-destructive analysis and characterization of pigments, minute paint samples, and/or entire paintings from the seventeenth to the early twentieth century painters. The overview presented encompasses the use of laboratory and synchrotron radiation-based instrumentation and deals with the use of several variants of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) as a method of elemental analysis and imaging, as well as with the combined use of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Microscopic XRF is a variant of the method that is well suited to visualize the elemental distribution of key elements, mostly metals, present in paint multi-layers, on the length scale from 1 to 100 μm inside micro-samples taken from paintings. In the context of the characterization of artists pigments subjected to natural degradation, the use of methods limited to elemental analysis or imaging usually is not sufficient to elucidate the chemical transformations that have taken place. However, at synchrotron facilities, combinations of μ-XRF with related methods such as μ-XAS and μ-XRD have proven themselves to be very suitable for such studies. Their use is often combined with microscopic Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and/or Raman microscopy since these methods deliver complementary information of high molecular specificity at more or less the same length scale as the X-ray microprobe techniques. Since microscopic investigation of a relatively limited number of minute paint samples, taken from a given work of art, may not yield representative information about the entire artefact, several methods for macroscopic, non-invasive imaging have recently been developed. Those based on XRF scanning and full-field hyperspectral imaging appear very promising; some recent published results are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.033
Times cited: 50
DOI: 10.1007/S41061-016-0079-2
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“Proximity-induced pseudogap in mesoscopic superconductor/normal-metal bilayers”. Zha G-Q, Covaci L, Zhou S-P, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 82, 140502 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.82.140502
Abstract: Recent scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) measurements of the proximity effect in Au/La2−xSrxCuO4 and La1.55Sr0.45CuO4/La2−xSrxCuO4 bilayers showed a proximity-induced pseudogap [O. Yuli, I. Asulin, Y. Kalcheim, G. Koren, and O. Millo, Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 197003 (2009)]. We describe the proximity effect in mesoscopic superconductor/normal-metal bilayers by using the Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations for a tight-binding Hamiltonian with competing antiferromagnetic and d-wave superconductivity orders. The temperature-dependent local density of states is calculated as a function of the distance from the interface. Bound state due to both d-wave and spin-density wave gaps are formed in the normal metal for energies less than the respective gaps. If there is a mismatch between the Fermi velocities in the two layers we observe that these states will shift in energy when spin-density wave order is present, thus inducing a minigap at finite energy. We conclude that the STM measurement in the proximity structures is able to distinguish between the two scenarios proposed for the pseudogap (competing or precursor to superconductivity).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.82.140502
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“Atomically flat superconducting nanofilms: multiband properties and mean-field theory”. Shanenko AA, Aguiar JA, Vagov A, Croitoru MD, Milošević, MV, Superconductor science and technology 28, 054001 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-2048/28/5/054001
Abstract: Recent progress in materials synthesis enabled fabrication of superconducting atomically flat single-crystalline metallic nanofilms with thicknesses down to a few monolayers. Interest in such nano-thin systems is attracted by the dimensional 3D-2D crossover in their coherent properties which occurs with decreasing the film thickness. The first fundamental aspect of this crossover is dictated by the Mermin-Wagner-Hohenberg theorem and concerns frustration of the long-range order due to superconductive fluctuations and the possibility to track its impact with an unprecedented level of control. The second important aspect is related to the Fabri-Perot modes of the electronic motion strongly bound in the direction perpendicular to the nanofilm. The formation of such modes results in a pronounced multiband structure that changes with the nanofilm thickness and affects both the mean-field behavior and superconductive fluctuations. Though the subject is very rich in physics, it is scarcely investigated to date. The main obstacle is that there are no manageable models to study a complex magnetic response in this case. Full microscopic consideration is rather time consuming, if practicable at all, while the standard Ginzburg-Landau theory is not applicable. In the present work we review the main achievements in the subject to date, and construct and justify an efficient multiband mean-field formalism which allows for numerical and even analytical treatment of nano-thin superconductors in applied magnetic fields.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/28/5/054001
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“On-chip very low strain rate rheology of amorphous olivine films”. Coulombier M, Baral P, Orekhov A, Dohmen R, Raskin JP, Pardoen T, Cordier P, Idrissi H, Acta materialia 266, 119693 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2024.119693
Abstract: Recent observations made by the authors revealed the activation of stress induced amorphization and sliding at grain boundary in olivine [1], a mechanism which is expected to play a pivotal role in the viscosity drop at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary and the brittle -ductile transition in the lithospheric mantle. However, there is a lack of information in the literature regarding the intrinsic mechanical properties and the elementary deformation mechanisms of this material, especially at time scales relevant for geodynamics. In the present work, amorphous olivine films were obtained by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The mechanical response including the rate dependent behavior are investigated using a tension -on -chip (TOC) method developed at UCLouvain allowing to perform creep/relaxation tests on thin films at extremely low strain rates. In the present work, strain rate down to 10-12 s- 1 was reached which is unique. High strain rate sensitivity of 0.054 is observed together with the activation of relaxation at the very early stage of deformation. Furthermore, digital image correlation (DIC), used for the first time on films deformed by TOC, reveals local strain heterogeneities. The relationship between such heterogeneities, the high strain rate sensitivity and the effect of the electron beam in the scanning electron microscope is discussed and compared to the literature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.4
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2024.119693
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“Extended Ginzburg-Landau formalism for two-band superconductors”. Shanenko AA, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Physical review letters 106, 047005 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.047005
Abstract: Recent observation of unusual vortex patterns in MgB2 single crystals raised speculations about possible type-1.5 superconductivity in two-band materials, mixing the properties of both type-I and type-II superconductors. However, the strict application of the standard two-band Ginzburg-Landau (GL) theory results in simply proportional order parameters of the two bandsand does not support the type-1.5 behavior. Here we derive the extended GL formalism (accounting all terms of the next order over the small τ=1-T/Tc parameter) for a two-band clean s-wave superconductor and show that the two condensates generally have different spatial scales, with the difference disappearing only in the limit T→Tc. The extended version of the two-band GL formalism improves the validity of GL theory below Tc and suggests revisiting the earlier calculations based on the standard model.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 84
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.047005
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“Proximity effect and Josephson current in clean strong/weak/strong superconducting trilayers”. Covaci L, Marsiglio F, Physical Review B 73, 014503 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.73.014503
Abstract: Recent measurements of the Josephson critical current through LSCO/LCO/LSCO thin films showed an unusually large proximity effect. Using the Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations for a tight-binding Hamiltonian we describe the proximity effect in weak links between a superconductor with critical temperature T-c and one with critical temperature T-c('), where T-c > T-c('). The weak link (N-') is therefore a superconductor above its own critical temperature and the superconducting regions are considered to have either s-wave or d-wave symmetry. We note that the proximity effect is enhanced due to the presence of superconducting correlations in the weak link. The dc Josephson current is calculated, and we obtain a nonzero value for temperatures greater than T-c(') for sizes of the weak links that can be almost an order of magnitude greater than the conventional coherence length. Considering pockets of superconductivity in the N-' layer, we show that this can lead to an even larger effect on the Josephson critical current by effectively shortening the weak link.
Keywords: A1 Journal article
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.73.014503
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“Phosphate ion functionalization of perovskite surfaces for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction”. Yang C, Laberty-Robert C, Batuk D, Cibin G, Chadwick AV, Pimenta V, Yin W, Zhang L, Tarascon J-M, Grimaud A, The journal of physical chemistry letters 8, 3466 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCLETT.7B01504
Abstract: Recent findings revealed that surface oxygen can participate in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for the most active catalysts, which eventually triggers a new mechanism for which the deprotonation of surface intermediates limits the OER activity. We propose in this work a “dual strategy” in which tuning the electronic properties of the oxide, such as La1-xSrxCoO3-delta, can be dissociated from the use of surface functionalization with phosphate ion groups (P-i) that enhances the interfacial proton transfer. Results show that the P-i functionalized La0.5Sr0.5CoO3-delta gives rise to a significant enhancement of the OER activity when compared to La0.5Sr0.5Co3-delta and LaCoO3. We further demonstrate that the P-i surface functionalization selectivity enhances the activity when the OER kinetics is limited by the proton transfer. Finally, this work suggests that tuning the catalytic activity by such a “dual approach” may be a new and largely unexplored avenue for the design of novel high-performance catalysts.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.353
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCLETT.7B01504
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“Transmission electron microscopy study of phase compatibility in low hysteresis shape memory alloys”. Delville R, Kasinathan S, Zhang Z, van Humbeeck J, James RD, Schryvers D, Philosophical magazine 90, 177 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1080/14786430903074755
Abstract: Recent findings have linked low hysteresis in shape memory alloys with phase compatibility between austenite and martensite. To investigate the evolution of microstructure as phase compatibility increases and hysteresis is reduced, transmission electron microscopy was used to study the alloy system Ti50Ni50xPdx, where the composition is systemically tuned to approach perfect compatibility. Changes in morphology, twinning density and twinning modes are reported, along with special microstructures occurring when compatibility is achieved. In addition, the interface between austenite and a single variant of martensite was studied by high-resolution and conventional electron microscopy. The low energy configuration of the interface detailed in this article suggests that it plays an important role in the lowering of hysteresis compared to classical habit plane interfaces.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.505
Times cited: 70
DOI: 10.1080/14786430903074755
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“Nanoengineered nonuniform strain in graphene using nanopillars”. Neek-Amal M, Covaci L, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 86, 041405 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.86.041405
Abstract: Recent experiments showed that nonuniform strain can be produced by depositing graphene over pillars. We employed atomistic calculations to study the nonuniform strain and the induced pseudomagnetic field in graphene on top of nanopillars. By decreasing the distance between the nanopillars a complex distribution for the pseudomagnetic field can be generated. Furthermore, we performed tight-binding calculations of the local density of states (LDOS) by using the relaxed graphene configuration obtained from atomistic calculations. We find that the quasiparticle LDOS are strongly modified near the pillars, both at low energies showing sublattice polarization and at high energies showing shifts of the van Hove singularity. Our study shows that changing the specific pattern of the nanopillars allows us to create a desired shape of the pseudomagnetic field profile while the LDOS maps provide an input for experimental verification by scanning tunneling microscopy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 51
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.86.041405
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“Multifaceted impact of a surface step on superconductivity in atomically thin films”. Zhang L-F, Flammia L, Covaci L, Perali A, Milošević, MV, Physical review B 96, 104509 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.96.104509
Abstract: Recent experiments show that an atomic step on the surface of atomically thin metallic films can strongly affect electronic transport. Here we reveal multiple and versatile effects that such a surface step can have on superconductivity in ultrathin films. By solving the Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations self-consistently in this regime, where quantum confinement dominates the emergent physics, we show that the electronic structure is profoundly modified on the two sides of the step, as is the spatial distribution of the superconducting order parameter and its dependence on temperature and electronic gating. Furthermore, the surface step changes nontrivially the transport properties both in the proximity-induced superconducting pair correlations and the Josephson effect, depending on the step height. These results offer a new route to tailor superconducting circuits and design atomically thin heterojunctions made of one same material.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.96.104509
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“Capillary Condensation of Water in Graphene Nanocapillaries”. Faraji F, Neyts EC, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Nano Letters 24, 5625 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01088
Abstract: Recent experiments have revealed that the macroscopic Kelvin equation remains surprisingly accurate even for nanoscale capillaries. This phenomenon was so far explained by the oscillatory behavior of the solid−liquid interfacial free energy. We here demonstrate thermodynamic and capillarity inconsistencies with this explanation. After revising the Kelvin equation, we ascribe its validity at nanoscale confinement to the effect of disjoining pressure.
To substantiate our hypothesis, we employed molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate interfacial heat transfer and wetting properties. Our assessments unveil a breakdown in a previously established proportionality between the work of adhesion and the Kapitza conductance at capillary heights below 1.3 nm, where the dominance of the work of adhesion shifts primarily from energy to entropy. Alternatively, the peak density of the initial water layer can effectively probe the work of adhesion. Unlike under bulk conditions, high confinement renders the work of adhesion entropically unfavorable.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; CMT
Impact Factor: 10.8
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01088
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“Gate-controlled suppression of light-driven proton transport through graphene electrodes”. Huang S, Griffin E, Cai J, Xin B, Tong J, Fu Y, Kravets V, Peeters FM, Lozada-Hidalgo M, Nature communications 14, 6932 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41467-023-42617-4
Abstract: Recent experiments demonstrated that proton transport through graphene electrodes can be accelerated by over an order of magnitude with low intensity illumination. Here we show that this photo-effect can be suppressed for a tuneable fraction of the infra-red spectrum by applying a voltage bias. Using photocurrent measurements and Raman spectroscopy, we show that such fraction can be selected by tuning the Fermi energy of electrons in graphene with a bias, a phenomenon controlled by Pauli blocking of photo-excited electrons. These findings demonstrate a dependence between graphene's electronic and proton transport properties and provide fundamental insights into molecularly thin electrode-electrolyte interfaces and their interaction with light. Recent experiments have shown that proton transport through graphene electrodes can be promoted by light, but the understanding of this phenomenon remains unclear. Here, the authors report the electrical tunability of this photo-effect, showing a connection between graphene electronic and proton transport properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 16.6
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-023-42617-4
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“Photoaccelerated water dissociation across one-atom-thick electrodes”. Cai J, Griffin E, Guarochico-Moreira V, Barry D, Xin B, Huang S, Geim AK, Peeters FM, Lozada-Hidalgo M, Nano letters 22, 9566 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.2C03701
Abstract: Recent experiments demonstrated that interfacial water dissociation (H2O ⇆ H+ + OH-) could be accelerated exponentially by an electric field applied to graphene electrodes, a phenomenon related to the Wien effect. Here we report an order-of-magnitude acceleration of the interfacial water dissociation reaction under visible-light illumination. This process is accompanied by spatial separation of protons and hydroxide ions across one-atom-thick graphene and enhanced by strong interfacial electric fields. The found photoeffect is attributed to the combination of graphene's perfect selectivity with respect to protons, which prevents proton-hydroxide recombination, and to proton transport acceleration by the Wien effect, which occurs in synchrony with the water dissociation reaction. Our findings provide fundamental insights into ion dynamics near atomically thin proton-selective interfaces and suggest that strong interfacial fields can enhance and tune very fast ionic processes, which is of relevance for applications in photocatalysis and designing reconfigurable materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 10.8
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.2C03701
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“Electrical generation of terahertz blackbody radiation from graphene”. Dong HM, Xu W, Peeters FM, Optics express 26, 24621 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1364/OE.26.024621
Abstract: Recent experimental work on the application of graphene for novel illumination motivated us to present a theoretical study of the blackbody radiation emission from a freely suspended graphene driven by a dc electric field. Strong terahertz (THz) emission, with intensity up to mW/cm(2), can be generated with increasing electric field strength due to the heating of electrons in graphene. We show that the intensity of the THz emission generated electrically from graphene depends rather sensitively on the lattice temperature in relatively weak electric fields, whereas it is less sensitive to the lattice temperature in relative strong electric fields. Our study highlights the practical application of graphene as intense THz source where the radiation is generated electrically. (C) 2018 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.307
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1364/OE.26.024621
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“Structural and phononic characteristics of nitrogenated holey graphene”. Sahin H, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 92, 085421 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.92.085421
Abstract: Recent experimental studies showed that formation of a two-dimensional crystal structure of nitrogenated holey graphene (NHG) is possible. Similar to graphene, NHGs have an atomically thin and strong crystal structure. Using first-principles calculations, we investigate the structural, phononic, and thermal properties of monolayer NHG crystal. Our charge analysis reveals that the charged holey sites of NHG provide a reactive ground for further functionalization by adatoms or molecules. We also found that similar to graphene, the NHG structure has quite high-frequency phonon modes and the presence of nitrogen atoms leads to the emergence of additional vibrational modes. Our phonon analysis reveals the presence of three characteristic Raman-active modes of NHG. Furthermore, the analysis of constant-volume heat capacity showed that the NHG structure has a linear temperature dependence in the low-temperature region. The strong lattice structure and unique thermal properties of the NHG crystal structure are desirable in nanoscale device applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 49
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.92.085421
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“Signatures of subband excitons in few-layer black phosphorus”. Chaves A, Sousa GO, Khaliji K, da Costa DR, Farias GA, Low T, Physical Review B 103, 165428 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.103.165428
Abstract: Recent experimental measurements of light absorption in few-layer black phosphorus (BP) revealed a series of high and sharp peaks, interspersed by pairs of lower and broader features. Here, we propose a theoretical model for these excitonic states in few-layer BP within a continuum approach for the in-plane degrees of freedom and a tight-binding approximation that accounts for interlayer couplings. This yields excitonic transitions between different combinations of the subbands created by the coupled BP layers, which leads to a series of high and low oscillator strength excitonic states, consistent with the experimentally observed bright and dark exciton peaks, respectively. The main characteristics of such subband exciton states, as well as the possibility to control their energies and oscillator strengths via applied electric and magnetic fields, are discussed, towards a full understanding of the excitonic spectrum of few-layer BP and its tunability.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.103.165428
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“Influence of artificial pinning centers on structural and superconducting properties of thick YBCO films on ABAD-YSZ templates”. Pahlke P, Sieger M, Ottolinger R, Lao M, Eisterer M, Meledin A, Van Tendeloo G, Haenisch J, Holzapfel B, Schultz L, Nielsch K, Huehne R, Superconductor science and technology 31, 044007 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6668/AAAFBE
Abstract: Recent efforts in the development of YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) coated conductors are devoted to the increase of the critical current I-c in magnetic fields. This is typically realized by growing thicker YBCO layers as well as by the incorporation of artificial pinning centers. We studied the growth of doped YBCO layers with a thickness of up to 7 mu m using pulsed laser deposition with a growth rate of about 1.2 nm s(-1). Industrially fabricated ion-beam textured YSZ templates based on metal tapes were used as substrates for this study. The incorporation of BaHfO3 (BHO) or Ba2Y(Nb0.5Ta0.5)O-6 (BYNTO) secondary phase additions leads to a denser microstructure compared to undoped films. A purely c-axis-oriented YBCO growth is preserved up to a thickness of about 4 mu m, whereas misoriented texture components were observed in thicker films. The critical temperature is slightly reduced compared to undoped films and independent of film thickness. The critical current density J(c) of the BHO- and BYNTO-doped YBCO layers is lower at 77 K and self-field compared to pure YBCO layers; however, I-c increases up to a thickness of 5 mu m. A comparison between films with a thickness of 1.3 mu m revealed that the anisotropy of the critical current density J(c)(theta) strongly depends on the incorporated pinning centers. Whereas BHO nanorods lead to a strong B vertical bar vertical bar c-axis peak, the overall anisotropy is significantly reduced by the incorporation of BYNTO forming a mixture of short c-axis-oriented nanorods and small (a-b)-oriented platelets. As a result, the J(c) values of the doped films outperform the undoped samples at higher fields and lower temperatures for most magnetic field directions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6668/AAAFBE
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“TEM studies of processed Si device materials”. Vanhellemont J, Bender H, van Landuyt J, Conference series of the Institute of Physics 157, 393 (1997)
Abstract: Recent developments in the field of TEM characterisation of Si device materials are discussed and illustrated by a few case studies of material in different stages of various kinds of processing. Important challenges are the ever decreasing defect densities and device feature sizes. Defect delineation techniques using large area inspection tools yielding accurate coordinates of the defects to be studied have therefore become an essential part of the TEM analysis procedure. The possibility to transfer these defect coordinates without loss of accuracy to tools for local TEM specimen preparation is also a conditio sine qua non for a successful analysis. Insitu TEM remains important as dynamic processes can be observed and analysed under well defined experimental conditions. As case studies illustrating new developments, results are presented on defects in as-grown Ct silicon, on in-situ studies in processed silicon, on problem sites in advanced integrated circuit structures and on assessment of localised strain fields in the nm size scale.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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“Coincidence Detection of EELS and EDX Spectral Events in the Electron Microscope”. Jannis D, Müller-Caspary K, Béché, A, Verbeeck J, Applied Sciences-Basel 11, 9058 (2021). http://doi.org/10.3390/app11199058
Abstract: Recent advances in the development of electron and X-ray detectors have opened up the possibility to detect single events from which its time of arrival can be determined with nanosecond resolution. This allows observing time correlations between electrons and X-rays in the transmission electron microscope. In this work, a novel setup is described which measures individual events using a silicon drift detector and digital pulse processor for the X-rays and a Timepix3 detector for the electrons. This setup enables recording time correlation between both event streams while at the same time preserving the complete conventional electron energy loss (EELS) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) signal. We show that the added coincidence information improves the sensitivity for detecting trace elements in a matrix as compared to conventional EELS and EDX. Furthermore, the method allows the determination of the collection efficiencies without the use of a reference sample and can subtract the background signal for EELS and EDX without any prior knowledge of the background shape and without pre-edge fitting region. We discuss limitations in time resolution arising due to specificities of the silicon drift detector and discuss ways to further improve this aspect.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.679
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.3390/app11199058
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“Towards atomic resolution in sodium titanate nanotubes using near-edge X-ray-absorption fine-structure spectromicroscopy combined with multichannel multiple-scattering calculations”. Bittencourt C, Krüger P, Lagos MJ, Ke X, Van Tendeloo G, Ewels C, Umek P, Guttmann P, Beilstein journal of nanotechnology 3, 789 (2012). http://doi.org/10.3762/bjnano.3.88
Abstract: Recent advances in near-edge X-ray-absorption fine-structure spectroscopy coupled with transmission X-ray microscopy (NEXAFS-TXM) allow large-area mapping investigations of individual nano-objects with spectral resolution up to E/Delta E = 104 and spatial resolution approaching 10 nm. While the state-of-the-art spatial resolution of X-ray microscopy is limited by nanostructuring process constrains of the objective zone plate, we show here that it is possible to overcome this through close coupling with high-level theoretical modelling. Taking the example of isolated bundles of hydrothermally prepared sodium titanate nanotubes ((Na,H)TiNTs) we are able to unravel the complex nanoscale structure from the NEXAFS-TXM data using multichannel multiple-scattering calculations, to the extent of being able to associate specific spectral features in the O K-edge and Ti L-edge with oxygen atoms in distinct sites within the lattice. These can even be distinguished from the contribution of different hydroxyl groups to the electronic structure of the (Na,H)TiNTs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.127
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.3.88
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“Model based quantification of EELS spectra”. Verbeeck J, Van Aert S, Ultramicroscopy 101, 207 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2004.06.004
Abstract: Recent advances in model based quantification of electron energy loss spectra (EELS) are reported. The maximum likelihood method for the estimation of physical parameters describing an EELS spectrum, the validation of the model used in this estimation procedure, and the computation of the attainable precision, that is, the theoretical lower bound on the variance of these estimates, are discussed. Experimental examples on An and GaAs samples show the power of the maximum likelihood method and show that the theoretical prediction of the attainable precision can be closely approached even for spectra with overlapping edges where conventional EELS quantification fails. To provide end-users with a low threshold alternative to conventional quantification, a user friendly program was developed which is freely available under a GNU public license. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 147
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2004.06.004
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“Controlling magnetic flux motion by arrays of zigzag-arranged magnetic bars”. Kapra AV, Misko VR, Peeters FM, Superconductor science and technology 26, 025011 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-2048/26/2/025011
Abstract: Recent advances in manufacturing arrays of artificial pinning sites, i.e., antidots, blind holes and magnetic dots, allowed an effective control of magnetic flux in superconductors. An array of magnetic bars deposited on top of a superconducting film was shown to display different pinning regimes depending on the direction of the in-plane magnetization of the bars. Changing the sign of their magnetization results in changes in the induced magnetic pinning potentials. By numerically solving the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations in a superconducting film with periodic arrays of zigzag-arranged magnetic bars, we revealed various flux dynamics regimes. In particular, we demonstrate flux pinning and flux flow, depending on the direction of the magnetization of the magnetic bars. Remarkably, the revealed different flux-motion regimes are associated with different mechanisms of vortex-antivortex dynamics. For example, we found that for an 'antiparallel' configuration of magnetic bars this dynamics involves a repeating vortex-antivortex generation and annihilation. We show that the depinning transition and the onset of flux flow can be manipulated by the magnetization of the bars and the geometry of the array. This provides an effective control of the depinning critical current that can be useful for possible fluxonics applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/26/2/025011
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“Non-thermal plasma-induced immunogenic cell death in cancer”. Khalili M, Daniels L, Lin A, Krebs FC, Snook AE, Bekeschus S, Bownel WB, Miller V, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 52, 423001 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6463/AB31C1
Abstract: Recent advances in biomedical research in cancer immunotherapy have identified the use of an oxidative stress-based approach to treat cancers, which works by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) in cancer cells. Since the anti-cancer effects of non-thermal plasma (NTP) are largely attributed to the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that are delivered to and generated inside the target cancer cells, it is reasonable to postulate that NTP would be an effective modality for ICD induction. NTP treatment of tumors has been shown to destroy cancer cells rapidly and, under specific treatment regimens, this leads to systemic tumorspecific immunity. The translational benefit of NTP for treatment of cancer relies on its ability to enhance the interactions between NTP-exposed minor cells and local immune cells which initiates subsequent protective immune responses. This review discusses results from recent investigations of NTP application to induce ICD in cancer cells. With further optimization of clinical devices and treatment protocols, NTP can become an essential part of the therapeutic armament against cancer.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/AB31C1
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“Do you believe that atoms stay in place when you observe them in HREM?”.van Dyck D, Lobato I, Chen F-R, Kisielowski C, Micron 68, 158 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micron.2014.09.003
Abstract: Recent advancements in aberration-corrected electron microscopy allow for an evaluation of unexpectedly large atom displacements beyond a resolution limit of similar to 0.5 angstrom, which are found to be dose-rate dependent in high resolution images. In this paper we outline a consistent description of the electron scattering process, which explains these unexpected phenomena. Our approach links thermal diffuse scattering to electron beam-induced object excitation and relaxation processes, which strongly contribute to the image formation process. The effect can provide an explanation for the well-known contrast mismatch (“Stobbs factor”) between image calculations and experiments. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 1.98
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2014.09.003
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“Chemical fingerprints of cold physical plasmas &ndash, an experimental and computational study using cysteine as tracer compound”. Lackmann J-W, Wende K, Verlackt C, Golda J, Volzke J, Kogelheide F, Held J, Bekeschus S, Bogaerts A, Schulz-von der Gathen V, Stapelmann K, Scientific reports 8, 7736 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-25937-0
Abstract: Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species released by cold physical plasma are being proposed as effectors in various clinical conditions connected to inflammatory processes. As these plasmas can be tailored in a wide range, models to compare and control their biochemical footprint are desired to infer on the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed effects and to enable the discrimination between different plasma sources. Here, an improved model to trace short-lived reactive species is presented. Using FTIR, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and molecular dynamics computational simulation, covalent modifications of cysteine treated with different plasmas were deciphered and the respective product pattern used to generate a fingerprint of each plasma source. Such, our experimental model allows a fast and reliable grading of the chemical potential of plasmas used for medical purposes. Major reaction products were identified to be cysteine sulfonic acid, cystine, and cysteine fragments. Less abundant products, such as oxidized cystine derivatives or S-nitrosylated cysteines, were unique to different plasma sources or operating conditions. The data collected point at hydroxyl radicals, atomic O, and singlet oxygen as major contributing species that enable an impact on cellular thiol groups when applying cold plasma in vitro or in vivo.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25937-0
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“Inactivation of the endotoxic biomolecule lipid A by oxygen plasma species : a reactive molecular dynamics study”. Yusupov M, Neyts EC, Verlackt CC, Khalilov U, van Duin ACT, Bogaerts A, Plasma processes and polymers 12, 162 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.201400064
Abstract: Reactive molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the interaction of reactive oxygen species, such as OH, HO2 and H2O2, with the endotoxic biomolecule lipid A of the gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. It is found that the aforementioned plasma species can destroy the lipid A, which consequently results in reducing its toxic activity. All bond dissociation events are initiated by hydrogen-abstraction reactions. However, the mechanisms behind these dissociations are dependent on the impinging plasma species, i.e. a clear difference is observed in the mechanisms upon impact of HO2 radicals and H2O2 molecules on one hand and OH radicals on the other hand. Our simulation results are in good agreement with experimental observations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.846
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201400064
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“Exsolution of SrO during the Topochemical Conversion of LaSr3CoRuO8to the Oxyhydride LaSr3CoRuO4H4”. Jin L, Batuk M, Kirschner FKK, Lang F, Blundell SJ, Hadermann J, Hayward MA, Inorganic chemistry 58, 14863 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b02552
Abstract: Reaction of the n = 1 Ruddlesden-Popper oxide LaSr3CoRuO8 with CaH2 yields the oxyhydride phase LaSr3CoRuO4H4 via topochemical anion-exchange. Close inspection of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data in combination with HAADF-STEM images reveals that nanoparticles of SrO are exsolved from the system during the reaction, with the change in cation stoichiometry accommodated by the inclusion of n > 1 (Co/Ru)nOn+1H2n ‘perovskite’ layers into the Ruddlesden-Popper stacking sequence. This novel pseudo-topochemical process offers a new route for the formation of n > 1 Ruddlesden-Popper structured materials. Magnetization data are consistent with a LaSr3Co1+Ru2+O4H4 (Co1+, d8, S = 1; Ru2+, d6, S = 0) oxidation/spin state combination. Neutron diffraction and μ+SR data show no evidence for long-range magnetic order down to 2 K, suggesting the diamagnetic Ru2+ centers impede the Co-Co magnetic exchange interactions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b02552
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