“Partially unzipped carbon nanotubes as magnetic field sensors”. Costamagna S, Schulz A, Covaci L, Peeters F, Applied physics letters 100, 232104 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4726039
Abstract: The conductance through graphene nanoribbons (GNR) connected to a partially unzipped carbon nanotube (CNT) is studied in the presence of an external magnetic field applied parallel to the long axis of the tube by means of non-equilibrium Green's function technique. We consider CNTs that are partially unzipped to form armchair-GNR/zigzag-CNT/armchair-GNR or zigzag-GNR/armchair-CNT/zigzag-GNR junctions. We find that the inclusion of a longitudinal magnetic field affects the electronic states only in the CNT region, leading to the suppression of the conductance at low energies. We demonstrate that both types of junctions can be used as magnetic field sensors. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4726039]
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1063/1.4726039
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“PECVD growth of carbon nanotubes : from experiment to simulation”. Neyts EC, Journal of vacuum science and technology: B: micro-electronics processing and phenomena 30, 030803 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1116/1.3702806
Abstract: Nanostructured carbon materials show a tremendous variety in atomic structure, morphology, properties, and applications. As all properties are ultimately determined by the structure of the material, a thorough understanding of the growth mechanisms that give rise to the particular structure is critical. On many occasions, it has been shown that plasma enhanced growth can be strongly beneficial. This review will describe the authors current understanding of plasma enhanced growth of carbon nanotubes, the prototypical example of nanostructured carbon materials, as obtained from experiments, simulations, and modeling. Specific emphasis is put on where experiments and computational approaches correspond, and where they differ. Also, the current status on simulating PECVD growth of some other carbon nanomaterials is reviewed, including amorphous carbon, graphene, and metallofullerenes. Finally, computational challenges with respect to the simulation of PECVD growth are identified.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1116/1.3702806
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“Properties and thermal stability of solution processed ultrathin, high-k bismuth titanate (Bi2Ti2O7) films”. Hardy A, Van Elshocht S, De Dobbelaere C, Hadermann J, Pourtois G, De Gendt S, Afanas'ev VV, Van Bael MK, Materials research bulletin 47, 511 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.materresbull.2012.01.001
Abstract: Ultrathin bismuth titanate films (Bi2Ti2O7, 5-25 nm) are deposited onto SiO2/Si substrates by aqueous chemical solution deposition and their evolution during annealing is studied. The films crystallize into a preferentially oriented, pure pyrochlore phase between 500 and 700 degrees C, depending on the film thickness and the total thermal budget. Crystallization causes a strong increase of surface roughness compared to amorphous films. An increase of the interfacial layer thickness is observed after anneal at 600 degrees C, together with intermixing of bismuth with the substrate as shown by TEM-EDX. The band gap was determined to be similar to 3 eV from photoconductivity measurements and high dielectric constants between 30 and 130 were determined from capacitance voltage measurements, depending on the processing conditions. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.446
DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2012.01.001
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“Reaction mechanisms for atomic layer deposition of aluminum oxide on semiconductor substrates”. Delabie A, Sioncke S, Rip J, Van Elshocht S, Pourtois G, Mueller M, Beckhoff B, Pierloot K, Journal of vacuum science and technology: A: vacuum surfaces and films 30, 01a127 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1116/1.3664090
Abstract: In this work, we have studied the TMA/H(2)O (TMA Al(CH(3))(3)) atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al(2)O(3) on hydroxyl (OH) and thiol (SH) terminated semiconductor substrates. Total reflection x-ray fluorescence reveals a complex growth-per-cycle evolution during the early ALD reaction cycles. OH and SH terminated surfaces demonstrate growth inhibition from the second reaction cycle on. Theoretical calculations, based on density functional theory, are performed on cluster models to investigate the first TMA/H(2)O reaction cycle. Based on the theoretical results, we discuss possible mechanisms for the growth inhibition from the second reaction cycle on. In addition, our calculations show that AlCH(3) groups are hydrolyzed by a H(2)O molecule adsorbed on a neighboring Al atom, independent of the type of backbonds (Si-O, Ge-O, or Ge-S) of AlCH(3). The coordination of Al remains four-fold after the first TMA/H(2)O reaction cycle. (C) 2012 American Vacuum Society. [DOI: 10.1116/1.3664090]
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.374
Times cited: 41
DOI: 10.1116/1.3664090
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“The role of phase compatibility in martensite”. Salman OU, Finel A, Delville R, Schryvers D, Journal of applied physics
T2 –, 22nd International Symposium on Integrated Functionalities (ISIF), JUN 13-16, 2010, San Juan, PR 111, 103517 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4712629
Abstract: Shape memory alloys inherit their macroscopic properties from their mesoscale microstructure originated from the martensitic phase transformation. In a cubic to orthorhombic transition, a single variant of martensite can have a compatible (exact) interface with the austenite for some special lattice parameters in contrast to conventional austenite/twinned martensite interface with a transition layer. Experimentally, the phase compatibility results in a dramatic drop in thermal hysteresis and gives rise to very stable functional properties over cycling. Here, we investigate the microstructures observed in Ti50Ni50-xPdx alloys that undergo a cubic to orthorhombic martensitic transformation using a three-dimensional phase field approach. We will show that the simulation results are in very good agreement with transmission electron microscopy observations. However, the understanding of the drop in thermal hysteresis requires the coupling of phase transformation with plastic activity. We will discuss this point within the framework of thermoelasticity, which is a generic feature of the martensitic transformation. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4712629]
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1063/1.4712629
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“Site-specific mapping of transition metal oxygen coordination in complex oxides”. Turner S, Egoavil R, Batuk M, Abakumov AA, Hadermann J, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Applied physics letters 101, 241910 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4770512
Abstract: We demonstrate site-specific mapping of the oxygen coordination number for transition metals in complex oxides using atomically resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy in an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. Pb2Sr2Bi2Fe6O16 contains iron with a constant Fe3+ valency in both octahedral and tetragonal pyramidal coordination and is selected to demonstrate the principle of site-specific coordination mapping. Analysis of the site-specific Fe-L2,3 data reveals distinct variations in the fine structure that are attributed to Fe in a six-fold (octahedron) or five-fold (distorted tetragonal pyramid) oxygen coordination. Using these variations, atomic resolution coordination maps are generated that are in excellent agreement with simulations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.4770512
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“Snake states and Klein tunneling in a graphene Hall bar with a pn-junction”. Barbier M, Papp G, Peeters FM, Applied physics letters 100, 163121 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4704667
Abstract: The Hall (R-H) and bend (R-B) resistances of a graphene Hall bar structure containing a pn-junction are calculated when in the ballistic regime. The simulations are done using the billiard model. Introducing a pn-junction-dividing the Hall bar geometry in two regions-leads to two distinct regimes exhibiting very different physics: (1) both regions are of n-type and (2) one region is n-type and the other p-type. In regime (1), a “Hall plateau”-an enhancement of the resistance-appears for R-H. On the other hand, in regime (2), we found a negative R-H, which approaches zero for large B. The bend resistance is highly asymmetric in regime (2) and the resistance increases with increasing magnetic field B in one direction while it reduces to zero in the other direction. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4704667]
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1063/1.4704667
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“Space charge corrected electron emission from an aluminum surface under non-equilibrium conditions”. Wendelen W, Mueller BY, Autrique D, Rethfeld B, Bogaerts A, Journal of applied physics 111, 113110 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4729071
Abstract: A theoretical study has been conducted of ultrashort pulsed laser induced electron emission from an aluminum surface. Electron emission fluxes retrieved from the commonly employed Fowler-DuBridge theory were compared to fluxes based on a laser-induced non-equilibrium electron distribution. As a result, the two-and three-photon photoelectron emission parameters for the Fowler-DuBridge theory have been approximated. We observe that at regimes where photoemission is important, laser-induced electron emission evolves in a more smooth manner than predicted by the Fowler-DuBridge theory. The importance of the actual electron distribution decreases at higher laser fluences, whereas the contribution of thermionic emission increases. Furthermore, the influence of a space charge effect on electron emission was evaluated by a one dimensional particle-in-cell model. Depending on the fluences, the space charge reduces the electron emission by several orders of magnitude. The influence of the electron emission flux profiles on the effective electron emission was found to be negligible. However, a non-equilibrium electron velocity distribution increases the effective electron emission significantly. Our results show that it is essential to consider the non-equilibrium electron distribution as well as the space charge effect for the description of laser-induced photoemission. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4729071]
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 30
DOI: 10.1063/1.4729071
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“Spatially dependent sensitivity of superconducting meanders as single-photon detectors”. Berdiyorov GR, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Applied physics letters 100, 262603 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4731627
Abstract: The photo-response of a thin current-carrying superconducting stripe with a 90 degrees turn is studied within the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau theory. We show that the photon acting near the inner corner (where the current density is maximal due to the current crowding [J. R. Clem and K. K. Berggren, Phys. Rev. B 84, 174510 (2011)]) triggers the nucleation of superconducting vortices at currents much smaller than the expected critical one, but does not bring the system to a higher resistive state and thus remains undetected. The transition to the resistive state occurs only when the photon hits the stripe away from the corner due to there uniform current distribution across the sample, and dissipation is due to the nucleation of a kinematic vortex-antivortex pair near the photon incidence. We propose strategies to account for this problem in the measurements. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4731627]
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1063/1.4731627
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“Spin-dependent on-site electron correlations and localization in itinerant f erromagnets”. Gotter R, Fratesi G, Bartynski RA, da Pieve F, Offi F, Ruocco A, Ugenti S, Trioni MI, Brivio GP, Stefani G, Physical review letters 109, 126401 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.126401
Abstract: Spin selectivity in angle-resolved Auger photoelectron coincidence spectroscopy (AR-APECS) is used to probe electron correlation in ferromagnetic thin films. In particular, exploiting the AR-APECS capability to discriminate Auger electron emission events characterized by valence hole pairs created either in the high or in the low total spin state, a strong correlation effect in the Fe M2,3VV Auger line shape (measured in coincidence with the Fe 3p photoelectrons) of Fe/Cu(001) thin films is detected and ascribed to interactions within the majority spin subband. Such an assignment follows from a close comparison of the experimental AR-APECS line shapes with the predictions of a model based on spin polarized density functional theory and the Cini-Sawatzky approach.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.126401
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“Spin-orbit-mediated manipulation of heavy-hole spin qubits in gated semiconductor nanodevices”. Szumniak P, Bednarek S, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Physical review letters 109, 107201 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.107201
Abstract: A novel spintronic nanodevice is proposed that is able to manipulate the single heavy-hole spin state in a coherent manner. It can act as a single quantum logic gate. The heavy-hole spin transformations are realized by transporting the hole around closed loops defined by metal gates deposited on top of the nanodevice. The device exploits Dresselhaus spin-orbit interaction, which translates the spatial motion of the hole into a rotation of the spin. The proposed quantum gate operates on subnanosecond time scales and requires only the application of a weak static voltage which allows for addressing heavy-hole spin qubits individually. Our results are supported by quantum mechanical time-dependent calculations within the four-band Luttinger-Kohn model.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 41
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.107201
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“Tailoring CuO nanostructures for enhanced photocatalytic property”. Liu J, Jin J, Deng Z, Huang SZ, Hu ZY, Wang L, Wang C, Chen LH, Li Y, Van Tendeloo G, Su BL;, Journal of colloid and interface science 384, 1 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2012.06.044
Abstract: We report on one-pot synthesis of various morphologies of CuO nanostructures. PEG200 as a structure directing reagent under the synergism of alkalinity by hydrothermal method has been employed to tailor the morphology of CuO nanostructures. The CuO products have been characterized by XRD, SEM, and TEM. The morphologies of the CuO nanostructures can be tuned from 10 (nanoseeds, nanoribbons) to 2D (nanoleaves) and to 3D (shuttle-like, shrimp-like, and nanoflowers) by changing the volume of PEG200 and the alkalinity in the reaction system. At neutral and relatively low alkalinity (OH-/Cu2+ <= 3), the addition of PEG200 can strongly influence the morphologies of the CuO nanostructures. At high alkalinity (OH/Cu2+ >= 4), PEG200 has no influence on the morphology of the CuO nanostructure. The different morphologies of the CuO nanostructures have been used for the photodecomposition of the pollutant rhodamine B (RhB) in water. The photocatalytic activity has been correlated with the different nanostructures of CuO. The 10 CuO nanoribbons exhibit the best performance on the RhB photodecomposition because of the exposed high surface energy {-121} crystal plane. The photocatalytic results show that the high energy surface planes of the CuO nanostructures mostly affect the photocatalytic activity rather than the morphology of the CuO nanostructures. Our synthesis method also shows it is possible to control the morphologies of nanostructures in a simple way. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.233
Times cited: 105
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2012.06.044
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“Bi0.75Sr0.25FeO3-\delta : revealing order/disorder phenomena by combining diffraction techniques”. Pachoud E, Bréard Y, Martin C, Maignan A, Abakumov AM, Suard E, Smith RI, Suchomel MR, Solid state communications 152, 331 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssc.2011.12.023
Abstract: The local and long range structure of polycrystalline samples of Bi0.75Sr0.25FeO3-delta has been probed by neutron and synchrotron X-ray diffraction coupled with transmission electron microscopy. It is found that the long range structure on average can be described by the cubic space group Pm-3m (a(p) congruent to 3.951 angstrom). However, the refinements revealed large atomic displacements for the (Bi, Sr) cations and the oxygen atoms from their ideal positions. The electron microscopy study indicates the existence of local phenomena like local ordering of oxygen vacancies, which are segregated at the randomly spaced parallel (FeO2-delta) planes, or the existence of region of different symmetry, probably R3c. At room temperature, the compound exhibits G-type antiferromagnetism (T-N congruent to 650 K) with a magnetic moment of congruent to 3.7 mu(B). (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.554
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/j.ssc.2011.12.023
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“Three-dimensional fabrication and characterisation of core-shell nano-columns using electron beam patterning of Ge-doped SiO2”. Gontard LC, Jinschek JR, Ou H, Verbeeck J, Dunin-Borkowski RE, Applied physics letters 100, 263113 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4731765
Abstract: A focused electron beam in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) is used to create arrays of core-shell structures in a specimen of amorphous SiO2 doped with Ge. The same electron microscope is then used to measure the changes that occurred in the specimen in three dimensions using electron tomography. The results show that transformations in insulators that have been subjected to intense irradiation using charged particles can be studied directly in three dimensions. The fabricated structures include core-shell nano-columns, sputtered regions, voids, and clusters. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4731765]
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1063/1.4731765
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“Time-dependent investigation of charge injection in a quantum dot containing one electron”. de Sousa JS, Covaci L, Peeters FM, Farias GA, Journal of applied physics 112, 093705 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4759292
Abstract: The interaction of an injected electron towards a quantum dot (QD) containing a single confined electron is investigated using a flexible time-dependent quantum mechanics formalism, which allows both electrons to move and undergo quantum transitions. Different scenarios combining quantum dot dimensions, dielectric constant, injected wave packet energy, and width were explored, and our main results are: (i) due to the large characteristic transitions times between the confined state in the quantum dot and the delocalized state in the continuum, it is relatively difficult to ionize the occupied QD by Coulomb interaction solely and (ii) the charging state of the quantum dot can be sensed by direct injection of charges. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4759292]
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1063/1.4759292
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“Two-band superconductors : hidden criticality deep in the superconducting state”. Komendová, L, Chen Y, Shanenko AA, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Physical review letters 108, 207002 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.207002
Abstract: We show that two-band superconductors harbor hidden criticality deep in the superconducting state, stemming from the critical temperature of the weaker band taken as an independent system. For sufficiently small interband coupling gamma the coherence length of the weaker band exhibits a remarkable deviation from the conventional monotonic increase with temperature, namely, a pronounced peak close to the hidden critical point. The magnitude of the peak scales as proportional to gamma(-mu), with the Landau critical exponent mu = 1/3, the same as found for the mean-field critical behavior with respect to the source field in ferromagnets and ferroelectrics. Here reported hidden criticality of multiband superconductors can be experimentally observed by, e.g., imaging of the variations of the vortex core in a broader temperature range. Similar effects are expected for the superconducting multilayers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 75
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.207002
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“Unconventional vortex states in nanoscale superconductors due to shape-induced resonances in the inhomogeneous Cooper-pair condensate”. Zhang L-F, Covaci L, Milošević, MV, Berdiyorov GR, Peeters FM, Physical review letters 109, 107001 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.107001
Abstract: Vortex matter in mesoscopic superconductors is known to be strongly affected by the geometry of the sample. Here we show that in nanoscale superconductors with coherence length comparable to the Fermi wavelength the shape resonances of the order parameter results in an additional contribution to the quantum topological confinement-leading to unconventional vortex configurations. Our Bogoliubov-de Gennes calculations in a square geometry reveal a plethora of asymmetric, giant multivortex, and vortex-antivortex structures, stable over a wide range of parameters and which are very different from those predicted by the Ginzburg-Landau theory. These unconventional states are relevant for high-T-c nanograins, confined Bose-Einstein condensates, and graphene flakes with proximity-induced superconductivity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.107001
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“Strain mapping for the silicon-on-insulator generation of semiconductor devices by high-angle annular dark field scanning electron transmission microscopy”. Cooper D, Le Royer C, Béché, A, Rouvière J-L, Applied Physics Letters 100, 233121 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4723572
Abstract: The strain in pMOS p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor devicesgrown on silicon-on-insulator substrates has been measured by using the geometrical phase analysis of high angle annular dark field scanning electron microscopy. We show that by using the latest generations of electron microscopes, the strain can now be quantitatively measured with a large field of view, a spatial resolution as low as 1 nm with a sensitivity as good as 0.15%. This technique is extremely flexible, provides both structural and strain information, and can be applied to all types of nanoscale materials both quickly and easily.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
DOI: 10.1063/1.4723572
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“Strain mapping with nm-scale resolution for the silicon-on-insulator generation of semiconductor devices by advanced electron microscopy”. Cooper D, Denneulin T, Barnes J-P, Hartmann J-M, Hutin L, Le Royer C, Béché, A, Rouvière J-L, Applied Physics Letters 112, 124505 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4767925
Abstract: Strain engineering in the conduction channel is a cost effective method of boosting the performance in state-of-the-art semiconductor devices. However, given the small dimensions of these devices, it is difficult to quantitatively measure the strain with the required spatial resolution. Three different transmission electron microscopy techniques, high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, dark field electron holography, and nanobeam electron diffraction have been applied to measure the strain in simple bulk and SOI calibration specimens. These techniques are then applied to different gate length SiGe SOI pFET devices in order to measure the strain in the conduction channel. For these devices, improved spatial resolution is required, and strain maps with spatial resolutions as good as 1 nm have been achieved. Finally, we discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of using these three different techniques when used for strain measurement.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1063/1.4767925
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“Advanced TEM investigation of the plasticity mechanisms in nanocrystalline freestanding palladium films with nanoscale twins”. Wang B, Idrissi H, Galceran M, Colla MS, Turner S, Hui S, Raskin JP, Pardoen T, Godet S, Schryvers D, International journal of plasticity 37, 140 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijplas.2012.04.003
Abstract: Nanocrystalline palladium thin films deposited by electron-beam evaporation and deformed by on-chip tensile testing reveal a surprisingly large strain hardening capacity when considering the small similar to 25 nm grain size. The as-grown films contain several coherent single and multifold twin boundaries. The coherency of the twin boundaries considerably decreases with deformation due to dislocation/twin boundary interactions. These reactions are described based on a detailed analysis of the number and the type of dislocations located at the twin boundaries using high-resolution TEM, including aberration corrected microscopy. Sessile Frank dislocations were observed at the twin/matrix interfaces, explaining the loss of the TB coherency due to the Burgers vector pointing out of the twinning plane. Grain boundary mediated processes were excluded as a mechanism dominating the plastic deformation based on the investigation of the grain size distribution as well as the crystallographic texture using Automated Crystallographic Orientation Indexation TEM. Other factors influencing the plastic deformation such as impurities and the presence of a native passivation oxide layer at the surface of the films were investigated using analytical TEM. The twin boundaries observed in the present work partly explain the high strain hardening capacity by providing both increasing resistance to dislocation motion with deformation and a source for dislocation multiplication. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.702
Times cited: 44
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijplas.2012.04.003
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“The beneficial effect of CO2 in the low temperature synthesis of high quality carbon nanofibers and thin multiwalled carbon nanotubes from CH_{4} over Ni catalysts”. Corthals S, van Noyen J, Geboers J, Vosch T, Liang D, Ke X, Hofkens J, Van Tendeloo G, Jacobs P, Sels B, Carbon 50, 372 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2011.08.047
Abstract: A low temperature chemical vapor deposition method is described for converting CH4 into high-quality carbon nanofibers (CNFs) using a Ni catalyst supported on either spinel or perovskite oxides in the presence of CO2. The addition of CO2 has a significant influence on CNF purity and stability, while the CNF diameter distribution is significantly narrowed. Ultimately, the addition of CO2 changes the CNF structure from fishbone fibers to thin multiwalled carbon nanotubes. A new in situ cooling principle taking into account dry reforming chemistry and thermodynamics is introduced to account for the structural effects of CO2.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.337
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2011.08.047
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“Deformation-induced austenite grain rotation and transformation in TRIP-assisted steel”. Tirumalasetty GK, van Huis MA, Kwakernaak C, Sietsma J, Sloof WG, Zandbergen HW, Acta materialia 60, 1311 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2011.11.026
Abstract: Uniaxial straining experiments were performed on a rolled and annealed Si-alloyed TRIP (transformation-induced plasticity) steel sheet in order to assess the role of its microstructure on the mechanical stability of austenite grains with respect to martensitic transformation. The transformation behavior of individual metastable austenite grains was studied both at the surface and inside the bulk of the material using electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) by deforming the samples to different strain levels up to about 20%. A comparison of the XRD and EBSD results revealed that the retained austenite grains at the surface have a stronger tendency to transform than the austenite grains in the bulk of the material. The deformation-induced changes of individual austenite grains before and after straining were monitored with EBSD. Three different types of austenite grains can be distinguished that have different transformation behaviors: austenite grains at the grain boundaries between ferrite grains, twinned austenite grains, and embedded austenite grains that are completely surrounded by a single ferrite grain. It was found that twinned austenite grains and the austenite grains present at the grain boundaries between larger ferrite grains typically transform first, i.e. are less stable, in contrast to austenite grains that are completely embedded in a larger ferrite grain. In the latter case, straining leads to rotations of the harder austenite grain within the softer ferrite matrix before the austenite transforms into martensite. The analysis suggests that austenite grain rotation behavior is also a significant factor contributing to enhancement of the ductility. (C) 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
Times cited: 80
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2011.11.026
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“Direct evidence for the existence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with hexagonal cross-sections”. He Z, Ke X, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Carbon 50, 2524 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2012.01.075
Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a polygonal cross-section have been paid increasing attention since their three-dimensional structure is related to specific physical properties, which are found to be different in comparison to CNTs with a circular cross-section. Here, we report the existence of novel multi-walled CNTs yielding walls with a rounded-hexagonal configuration. This structure was directly confirmed for the first time by both cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography. The morphology of the Fe catalytic particle also exhibits hexagonal characteristics, and is proposed as the origin of the formation of the rounded-hexagonal walls of the CNT. This observation is of great importance with respect to the design of polygonal (such as pentagonal or hexagonal) cross-sectional CNTs. By controlling the morphology of the catalytic nanoparticles it will be possible to grow CNTs with desired electronic and mechanical properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.337
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2012.01.075
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“Electron microscopy study of Nb-rich nanoprecipitates in NiTiNb and their influence on the martensitic transformation”. Shi H, Pourbabak S, Van Humbeeck J, Schryvers D, Scripta materialia 67, 939 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2012.08.020
Abstract: Nb-rich nanoprecipitates in the matrix of an annealed commercial NiTiNb alloy are investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, including slice-and-view and chemical analysis. The precipitates have a diameter of around 100 nm, are faceted and have a cube-on-cube relation with the B2 matrix. In situ TEM cooling shows that the martensitic transformation is hampered by the presence of these precipitates. The latter could explain the increase in hysteresis when compared with the binary system.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.747
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2012.08.020
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“Experimental validation of edge strength model for glass with polished and cut edge finishing”. Vandebroek M, Belis J, Louter C, Van Tendeloo G, Engineering fracture mechanics 96, 480 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfracmech.2012.08.019
Abstract: In literature, the experimental validation of a glass edge strength model is lacking. Therefore, in this study, an edge strength model was established and validated. The short-term parameters of the edge strength model, i.e. the flaw geometry and depth, were determined by means of testing at a high stress rate. This was done for polished and cut edges. Next, the strength model, including subcritical crack growth, was established. Finally, the edge strength model was validated by the test results at a low stress rate. The assessed model was found to be slightly conservative, compared to the test results.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.151
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2012.08.019
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“High strength-ductility of thin nanocrystalline palladium films with nanoscale twins : on-chip testing and grain aggregate model”. Colla M-S, Wang B, Idrissi H, Schryvers D, Raskin J-P, Pardoen T, Acta materialia 60, 1795 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2011.11.054
Abstract: The mechanical behaviour of thin nanocrystalline palladium films with an ∼30 nm in plane grain size has been characterized on chip under uniaxial tension. The films exhibit a large strain hardening capacity and a significant increase in the strength with decreasing thickness. Transmission electron microscopy has revealed the presence of a moderate density of growth nanotwins interacting with dislocations. A semi-analytical grain aggregate model is proposed to investigate the impact of different contributions to the flow behaviour, involving the effect of twins, of grain size and of the presence of a thin surface layer. This model provides guidelines to optimizing the strength/ductility ratio of the films.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
Times cited: 38
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2011.11.054
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“Imaging from atomic structure to electronic structure”. Xu Q, Zandbergen HW, van Dyck D, Micron 43, 524 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micron.2011.10.024
Abstract: This paper discusses the possibility of retrieving the electron distribution (with highlighted valence electron distribution information) of materials from recorded HREM images. This process can be achieved by solving two inverse problems: reconstruction of the exit wave and reconstruction of the electron distribution from exit waves. The first inverse problem can be solved using a focal series reconstruction method. We show that the second inverse problem can be solved by combining a series of exit waves recorded at different thickness conditions. This process is designed based on an improved understanding of the dynamical scattering process. It also explains the fundamental difficulty of obtaining the valence electron distribution information and the basis of our solution.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 1.98
DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2011.10.024
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“Model-based electron microscopy : from images toward precise numbers for unknown structure parameters”. Van Aert S, van den Broek W, Goos P, van Dyck D, Micron 43, 509 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micron.2011.10.019
Abstract: Statistical parameter estimation theory is proposed as a method to quantify electron microscopy images. It aims at obtaining precise and accurate values for the unknown structure parameters including, for example, atomic column positions and types. In this theory, observations are purely considered as data planes, from which structure parameters have to be determined using a parametric model describing the images. The method enables us to measure positions of atomic columns with a precision of the order of a few picometers even though the resolution of the electron microscope is one or two orders of magnitude larger. Moreover, small differences in averaged atomic number, which cannot be distinguished visually, can be quantified using high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images. Finally, it is shown how to optimize the experimental design so as to attain the highest precision. As an example, the optimization of the probe size for nanoparticle radius measurements is considered. It is also shown how to quantitatively balance signal-to-noise ratio and resolution by adjusting the probe size.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 1.98
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2011.10.019
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“Modeling the impact of junction angles in tunnel field-effect transistors”. Kao K-H, Verhulst AS, Vandenberghe WG, Sorée B, Groeseneken G, De Meyer K, Solid state electronics 69, 31 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.sse.2011.10.032
Abstract: We develop an analytical model for a tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) with a tilted source junction angle. The tunnel current is derived by using circular tunnel paths along the electric field. The analytical model predicts that a smaller junction angle improves the TFET performance, which is supported by device simulations. An analysis is also made based on straight tunnel paths and tunnel paths corresponding to the trajectory of a classical particle. In all the aforementioned cases, the same conclusions are obtained. A TFET configuration with an encroaching polygon source junction is studied to analyze the junction angle dependence at the smallest junction angles. The improvement of the subthreshold swing (SS) with decreasing junction angle can be achieved by using thinner effective oxide thickness, smaller band gap material and longer encroaching length of the encroaching junction. A TFET with a smaller junction angle on the source side also has an innate immunity against the degradation of the fringing field from the gate electrode via a high-k spacer. A large junction angle on the drain side can suppress the unwanted ambipolar current of TFETs. (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.58
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1016/j.sse.2011.10.032
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“On the stress state dependence of the twinning rate and work hardening in twinning-induced plasticity steels”. Renard K, Idrissi H, Schryvers D, Jacques PJ, Scripta materialia 66, 966 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2012.01.063
Abstract: The influence of the stress state on the twinning rate and work hardening is studied in the case of an FeMnC TWIP steel strained in uniaxial tension, simple shear and rolling. The resulting stressstrain responses exhibit marked differences. The twinning rate, number of activated twinning systems in each grain, twin thickness and transmission of twins across grain boundaries are dependent on the imposed stress state during straining. Relationships between twin features and macroscopic work hardening rate are established.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.747
Times cited: 41
DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2012.01.063
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