Microwave Field Research Articles

The Optimization of Microwave Field Characteristics for ODMR Measurement of Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Diamond

A typical solid-state quantum sensor can be developed based on negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV−) centers in diamond. The electron spin state of NV− can be controlled and read at room temperature. Through optical detection magnetic resonance (ODMR) technology, temperature measurement can be achieved at the nanoscale. The key to ODMR technology is to apply microwave resonance to manipulate the electron spin state of the NV−. Therefore, the microwave field characteristics formed near the NV− have a crucial impact on the sensitivity of ODMR measurement. This article mainly focuses on the temperature situation in cellular applications and simulates the influence of structural parameters of double open loop resonant (DOLR) microwave antennas and broadband large-area (BLA) microwave antennas on the microwave field’s resonance frequency, quality factor Q, magnetic field strength, uniformity, etc. The parameters are optimized to have sufficient bandwidth, high signal-to-noise ratio, low power loss, and high magnetic field strength in the temperature range of 36 °C to 42.5 °C. Finally, the ODMR spectra are used for effect comparison, and the signal-to-noise ratio and Q values of the ODMR spectra are compared when using different antennas. We have provided an optimization method for the design of microwave antennas and it is concluded that the DOLR microwave antenna is more suitable for living cell temperature measurement in the future.

Theory of electron spin resonance in scanning tunneling microscopy

Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has enabled probing the electronic structure of single magnetic atoms and molecules on surfaces with unprecedented energy resolution, as well as demonstrating coherent manipulation of single spins. Despite this remarkable success, the field could still be greatly advanced by a more quantitative understanding of the ESR-STM physical mechanisms. Here, we present a theory of ESR-STM that quantitatively models not only the ESR signal itself, but also the full background tunneling current, from which the ESR signal is derived. Our theory is based on a combination of Green's function techniques to describe the electron tunneling and a quantum master equation for the dynamics of the spin system along with microwave radiation interacting with both the tunneling current and the magnetic system. We show that this theory is able to quantitatively reproduce the experimental results for a spin-1/2 system (TiH molecules on MgO) across many orders of magnitude in tunneling current, providing access to the relaxation and decoherence rates that govern the spin dynamics due to intrinsic mechanisms and to the applied bias voltage. More importantly, our work establishes that (i) sizable ESR signals, which are a measure of microwave-induced changes in the junction magnetoresistance, require surprisingly high tip spin polarizations, and (ii) the coupling of the magnetization dynamics to the microwave field gives rise to the asymmetric ESR spectra often observed in this spectroscopy. Additionally, our theory provides very specific predictions for the dependence of the relaxation and decoherence times on the bias voltage and the tip-sample distance. Finally, with the help of electromagnetic simulations, we find that the transitions in our ESR-STM experiments, in which the tunnel junction is irradiated by a nearby microwave antenna, can be driven by the ac magnetic field at the junction. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Multi-Level Switching of Spin-Torque Ferromagnetic Resonance in 2D Magnetite.

2D magnetic materials hold substantial promise in information storage and neuromorphic device applications. However, achieving a 2D material with high Curie temperature (TC), environmental stability, and multi-level magnetic states remains a challenge. This is particularly relevant for spintronic devices, which require multi-level resistance states to enhance memory density and fulfil low power consumption and multi-functionality. Here, the synthesis of 2D non-layered triangular and hexagonal magnetite (Fe3O4) nanosheets are proposed with high TC and environmental stability, and demonstrate that the ultrathin triangular nanosheets show broad antiphase boundaries (bAPBs) and sharp antiphase boundaries (sAPBs), which induce multiple spin precession modes and multi-level resistance. Conversely, the hexagonal nanosheets display slip bands with sAPBs associated with pinning effects, resulting in magnetic-field-driven spin texture reversal reminiscent of "0" and "1" switching signals. In support of the micromagnetic simulation, direct explanation is offer to the variation in multi-level resistance under a microwave field, which is ascribed to the multi-spin texture magnetization structure and the randomly distributed APBs within the material. These novel 2D magnetite nanosheets with unique spin textures and spin dynamics provide an exciting platform for constructing real multi-level storage devices catering to emerging information storage and neuromorphic computing requirements.

Investigation of diffraction grating in three-level gain medium

This research investigates the modulation of diffraction intensity distributions in both one- and two-dimensional scenarios within a three-level atomic system. The study employs a partially coherent light beam as the probe field, engaging with the atomic medium. Additionally, a control field capable of generating a standing wave is introduced. Analysis reveals that various parameters, including spatial coherence, beam width, and mode index of the partially coherent light, exert influence on the diffraction intensity distribution. The presence of a microwave field in the three-level atom is also considered, impacting the diffraction intensity distribution. Remarkably, the study observes that altering parameters such as microwave field strength and beam width of the partially coherent light results in the maximum energy of the probe field being transferred to higher orders, concurrently minimizing the central intensity. This distinctive method allows for the manipulation of diffraction intensity distribution through external control parameters. The proposed theoretical framework for creating a diffraction grating presents a novel avenue for experiment.

Structural properties and low-temperature NH3-SCR activity of CeO2-MnOx mixed oxides catalyst in the microwave field

The NH3-SCR technology, based on CeO2-MnOx catalysts, is of great significance for NOx removal at low temperatures. Microwave irradiation, as an effective heating approach, can enhance the low-temperature NH3-SCR activity of catalysts. Herein, the structure-activity relationship of CeO2-MnOx oxides catalysts was explored under microwave irradiation. The MnOx catalyst and Ce-Mn(1:1) mixed oxide catalyst exhibited good low-temperature de-NOx performance in the microwave field. With the increase of microwave irradiation intensity and time, the structure and phase composition of MnOx material underwent significant changes. CeO2 played a key role in maintaining the structural stability of the Ce-Mn(1:1) catalyst. In addition, microwave irradiation affected the redox properties and acidity of the catalyst, regulating the catalytic performance. Suitable microwave operation conditions were conducive to increasing the number of acidic sites and enhancing the redox properties, which improved the low-temperature catalytic activity of the catalyst.

Comparative analysis of installations for heat treatment of non-food pulp raw materials by the influence of electrophysical factors

Relevance. The objectives of the work are to develop radio-hermetic installations and substantiate the effective design of the working chamber, which provides a comprehensive effect of electrophysical factors on non-food pulp raw materials to preserve feed value at reduced operating costs. Scientific tasks: 1) to develop installations with different designs of resonators; 2) to conduct a comparative analysis of the working chambers according to the main parameters; 3) to evaluate the technical and economic indicators of an effective installation in relation to the basic version.Methods. The effect of electrophysical factors on raw materials is realized in resonators with magnetrons and frequency generators of pulse-modeled high-frequency oscillations of 110 kHz, where a bactericidal flux lamp serves as a high-potential electrode.Results. Several continuous-flow radiohermetic installations with ultrahigh-frequency (microwave) power supply to non-standard resonators have been developed, inside which a complex effect of a high-intensity electric field, a bactericidal flow of UV rays and ozone is realized to reduce bacterial contamination of the product and neutralize odor during heat treatment of raw materials, the dimensions of which are consistent with the depth of penetration of the wave. Features of conical and biconic resonators − provide radio leakage in continuous operation by cutting off the tip at the level of the critical section, depending on the angle of inclination of the cone generator, and allow you to keep the standing wave inside the resonator. The combination of magnetron and cylindrical resonators increases the efficiency of the interaction of the electron flux with the microwave field, and an increase in the inductive volume, which is a “reservoir” of energy, increases the intrinsic quality of the resonator. A quasi-toroidal resonator, presented as a conical resonator in a toroidal resonator, having small overall dimensions and metal consumption, provides a traveling wave in the annular space, and a standing wave in the conical space. The high electric field strength in the capacitor part of the resonator and the corona discharge in the torus contribute to the disinfection of raw materials.

Towards microwave volumetric additive manufacturing: Generation of a computational multi-physics model for localized curing

Visible light-based volumetric additive manufacturing (VAM) technology has recently enabled rapid 3D printing of optically transparent resins in a single step. There is now strong interest in extending the design space of VAM to include opaque, scattering and composite materials. Microwave energy can penetrate more deeply than visible light into a broader family of materials. For microwaves to be useful for VAM, however it is necessary to have a fundamental understanding of material dielectric properties, microwave field propagation and localization. Here we present a multi-physics microwave beam formed-thermal diffusion model that addresses these needs. The model demonstrates its ability to optimize power delivery and curing time to obtain better thermal control. We validate the model with a proof-of-concept single-antenna experimental system operating at 10 GHz that is able to cure a wide variety of materials, including both optically translucent and opaque epoxy resins loaded with conductive additives with a minimum curing spot of 5 mm. While available microwave hardware operating at 40 Watt power cures the resins in 2.5 min, the model estimates the ability to cure in as less as 6 s at 1 Kilowatt power levels. This computational model and experiments lay the foundation for a future multi-waveguide microwave-based VAM system.

Sources of the active substances in microwave catalytic redox processes induced by iron-based carbon materials: The key role of B doping

Organic and heavy metal water pollutants is an urgent environmental problem to be solved. Herein, a B-doped iron-based carbon material (FC-B) was synthesized and used in a microwave field for the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and the reduction of Cr(VI). Under a low power of microwave irradiation (240 W), FC-B rapidly degraded SMX (99.8 %, 12 min) and reduced Cr(VI) (100.0 %, 14 min) without adding any oxidizing and reducing agents. SEM, XRD, XPS, and FTIR verified the successful synthesis of FC-B. And the “temperature visualization test” verified the existence of “hot spots”. The presence of O2− in the MW/FC-B system but not in the MW/FC system was verified by quenching experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments and nitro blue tetrazolium chloride (NBT) quantitative experiments, and then the conversion of microwave-generated electrons (e−) to O2− was elaborated using N2 blowing experiments, temperature-programmed desorption of O2 (O2-TPD), density functional theory (DFT) calculations and electrochemical tests. Subsequently, cycling experiments showed that FC-B has good reusability. Finally, the practical application of the MW/FC-B system was verified with antibiotic-containing farm wastewater. This study not only proposed a new technology for water pollution treatment, but also provided a pioneering explanation of the production of oxidizing substances in microwave-induced catalytic reactions.

The study of core and particle model of Fushun oil shale based on microwave field

As an unconventional oil and gas resource, oil shale can alleviate the shortage of oil and gas resources. As a new heating process for oil shale retorting and in-situ mining, microwave can effectively exploit and utilize oil shale. In this paper, the Fushun oil shale and particle model under microwave field are studied by means of experiment and numerical simulation. Based on the measurement of the basic physical properties of oil shale, the effects of microwave power and absorbent (semi-coke and graphite) on the pyrolysis of oil shale were investigated. The experimental results show that the heating rate is the fastest when the maximum microwave power is 700 W without adding absorbent or adding the same absorbent. At the same power, the effect of graphite is slightly better than that of semi-coke. In the aspect of numerical simulation, COMSOL simulation software is used to simulate the oil shale core and particles based on the three-dimensional electromagnetic thermal model. The experimental conclusion is verified. At the same time, it is found in the simulation results that microwave heating has better temperature distribution gradient and electric field distribution. Furthermore, the microwave port is extended to the underground for the simulation of microwave in-situ mining. It is found that the reservoir temperature reaches 450 °C after 1000 days of reservoir heating.

Photon–phonon entanglement and spin squeezing via dynamically strain-mediated Kerr nonlinearity in dressed nitrogen–vacancy centers

We propose a scheme to generate photon–phonon entanglement and spin squeezing in a hybrid system which is composed of the nitrogen–vacancy (NV) centers, nanomechanical resonator (NMR), and optical cavity. The triplet ground states of the NV centers which have been embedded in the middle of the clamped–clamped NMR are dressed by two strong microwave fields. Kerr nonlinearity is established by an applied microwave field and the vibrational modes of NMR coupling to the dressed-state transitions. The quantum correlations of the applied microwave field, vibrational mode, and NV centers are realized based on the parametric down-conversion-like and beam-splitter-like interactions in the hybrid system, which generate the photon–phonon entanglement and spin squeezing. In this nonlinear processes, the dynamically mediated strain of NMR, as a nonlinear switch, plays the central role in the establishment of such quantum correlations. Our scheme can be applied to quantum nondemolition measurement, quantum sensing, and quantum metrology.

In situ SR-CT experiment of Al–SiC microwave rapid sintering: Formation and regulation of rapid densification

SiC reinforced Al (SiC/Al) composites have outstanding advantages in different fields including aerospace. However, the current mechanical and chemical properties of Al–SiC composites are still not up to expectations because of the problems such as wettability, interface reaction, sintering time and SiC size and distribution. Microwave rapid sintering has a promising prospect for the preparation of high performance Al–SiC, however, the lack of process observation leads to the unclear relationship of energy, microstructure and material properties. Therefore microwave rapid sintering of Al–SiC has not been fully explored and applied. In the present paper, the whole process of Al–SiC microstructure evolution was observed accurately by in situ SR-CT experiment during microwave rapid sintering process. Based on the joint analysis of energy-structure-performance, it was found that the spherical SiC located at the neck of Al particles in the microwave field effectively increased the diffusion rate of Al–SiC samples, which inhibited the growth of grains and the densification process was basically completed in a short time. It was revealed that a region with high electric field strength and uniform distribution formed due to SiC with different structural characteristics, thus achieved the rapid densification of the Al–SiC in microwave sintering. The formation and regulation mechanism of rapid densification of Al–SiC during microwave rapid sintering were researched by the relationship between energy-structure and performance, which would provid more understanding for the preparation of high-performance Al–SiC based on microwave rapid sintering technology, and provide the possibility for the preparation of more functional materials.

Environmental pollution detection from susceptibility and conductivity measurement under microwave field: pollution detection under microwave field

Environmental pollution detection from susceptibility and conductivity measurement under microwave field: pollution detection under microwave field

Entanglement between two charge qubits taking account the Kerr media

Background. The need to implement controlled coupling between qubits, which are the logical elements of quantum devices such as quantum computers and quantum networks, requires, along with the use of traditional methods, the development of new, more effective ways to organize the interaction of qubits with the microwave fields of resonators used to generate and control the entanglement of qubits. As one of these methods, a method based on the influence of frequency-regulated radio frequency signals on a superconducting Josephson qubit connected by a large Josephson junction to a free qubit has been proposed.
 Aim. The influence of the Kerr medium of the resonator, in which one of the two qubits is placed, on their entanglement induced by the coherent or thermal frequency-regulated radio frequency field of the resonator is considered.
 Methods. To analyze the dynamics of the system under consideration, the solution of the quantum Liouville equation for the full density matrix is studied. An exact solution o this equation is found in the case of initial separable and entangled states of qubits. The exact solution of the evolution equation is used to calculate the criterion of qubit-qubit entanglement – cconcurrence. Numerical modeling of the concurrence was carried out for various states of qubits, coherent and thermal fields of the resonator, as well as various values of the intensity of the resonator field and the Kerr nonlinearity parameter.
 Results. It is shown that for separable initial states of qubits, the inclusion of Kerr nonlinearity reduces the maximum degree of entanglement of qubits. For an entangled initial state of qubits, the possibility of creating long-lived entangled states in the presence of Kerr nonlinearity is shown.
 Conclusion. The type of initial states of qubits and the range of values of the intensities of the resonator fields and the Kerr nonlinearity parameters have been established, for which the most effective control and operation of the evolution of qubits, as well as the degree of their entanglement, in the physical system under consideration, is possible.

Exciting High‐Frequency Short‐Wavelength Spin Waves using High Harmonics of a Magnonic Cavity Mode

AbstractSpin waves (SWs) are promising objects for signal processing and future quantum technologies due to their high microwave frequencies with corresponding nanoscale wavelengths. However, the nano‐wavelength SWs generated so far are limited to low frequencies. In the paper, using micromagnetic simulations, it is shown that a microwave‐pumped SW mode confined to the cavity of a thin film magnonic crystal (MC) can be used to generate waves at tens of GHz and wavelengths well below 50 nm. These multi‐frequency harmonics of the fundamental cavity mode are generated when the amplitude of the pumping microwave field exceeds a threshold, and their intensities then scale linearly with the field intensity. The frequency of the cavity mode is equal to the ferromagnetic resonance frequency of the planar ferromagnetic film, which overlaps with the magnonic bandgap, providing an efficient mechanism for confinement and magnetic field tunability. The effect reaches saturation when the microstrip feed line covers the entire cavity, making the system feasible for realization.

Preparation of Antimony Metal by Carbothermal Reduction of Antimony Oxide Powder in a Microwave Field: Mechanism and Process

Preparation of Antimony Metal by Carbothermal Reduction of Antimony Oxide Powder in a Microwave Field: Mechanism and Process

Strongly interacting Rydberg atoms in synthetic dimensions with a magnetic flux

Synthetic dimensions, wherein dynamics occurs in a set of internal states, have found great success in recent years in exploring topological effects in cold atoms and photonics. However, the phenomena thus far explored have largely been restricted to the non-interacting or weakly interacting regimes. Here, we extend the synthetic dimensions playbook to strongly interacting systems of Rydberg atoms prepared in optical tweezer arrays. We use precise control over driving microwave fields to introduce a tunable U(1) flux in a four-site lattice of coupled Rydberg levels. We find highly coherent dynamics, in good agreement with theory. Single atoms show oscillatory dynamics controllable by the gauge field. Small arrays of interacting atoms exhibit behavior suggestive of the emergence of ergodic and arrested dynamics in the regimes of intermediate and strong interactions, respectively. These demonstrations pave the way for future explorations of strongly interacting dynamics and many-body phases in Rydberg synthetic lattices.

ИЗЛУЧАТЕЛИ ДЛЯ СВЕРХВЫСОКОЧАСТОТНЫХ КОНВЕКТИВНЫХ УСТАНОВОК. РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЯ

The studies were carried out to simulate the distribution of the electromagnetic field to assess the efficiency of three types of emitters according to the following parameters: standing wave coefficient, which makes it possible to compare the consistency of emitters; radiation efficiency, showing the amount of energy transferred to the grain layer; microwave field radiation pattern, which allows one to evaluate the uniformity of the field distribution in the grain layer. For evaluation and comparison, three types of waveguides were considered: horn, rectangular with slot emitters; semicircular with slot emitters. The distribution of the electromagnetic field was modeled using the CST Microwave Studio program. The use of horn waveguides in ultra-high-frequency convective installations makes it possible to produce fairly simple devices for grain processing. The standing wave coefficient for the operating frequency in this case is 1.3, with a radiation efficiency of 78 dB. However, they do not ensure uniform distribution of the ultrahigh frequency field at the exit from the waveguide, which affects the efficiency of grain processing. The use of rectangular waveguides 55 mm × 110 mm with slot emitters ensures more uniform radiation of the electromagnetic field across the entire spectrum of wave types. The standing wave ratio is 1.0 and the radiation efficiency is 94.43 dB. However, their use requires additional design developments to ensure the supply of coolant to the processing zone. Semicircular waveguides with slot emitters provide a standing wave ratio of 1.0 over the entire frequency range from 2 to 3 GHz. Radiation efficiency is 94.28 dB. The uniformity of the electromagnetic field distribution along a semicircular waveguide is better than along a rectangular one.

СВЧ ЭЛЕКТРОТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ УСТАНОВКА ДЛЯ МИКРОВОЛНОВОЙ ОБРАБОТКИ ПИЛОМАТЕРИАЛОВ И ПОЛИКАПРОАМИДНЫХ НИТЕЙ

Research was carried out to determine the optimal modes for the simultaneous processing of lumber and polycaproamide threads in a hybrid microwave electrotechnological installation. The work was carried out on an installation with a hybrid-type chamber with adjustment of the microwave power level of the magnetrons and the duration of exposure. Two possible designs of a hybrid installation for processing lumber and polycaproamide threads are presented, differing in that in one the lumber was processed inside the chamber, and the polycaproamide threads were pulled through waveguides using bobbins and an electric motor installed outside the chamber, and in the second, both materials were processed inside the installation chamber. The object of research is lumber and polycaproamide threads. Lumber was loaded into the working chamber in the form of a stack, which rotated along its axis, and a structure was examined in which polycaproamide threads were pulled through a waveguide extending from a source of microwave energy outside the chamber. The time of exposure to microwave radiation on lumber and half-caproamide threads was measured using electronic stopwatches; temperature and humidity were measured using a Testo 905T2 thermometer, a Testo 830T1 pyrometer, and a Testo 606-1 digital hygrometer. The use of a hybrid microwave electrotechnological installation reduced the processing time of lumber due to rotation in the microwave field to 15 hours, while ensuring the required quality of the dried material (final moisture content - 7.1%, reduction in chipping and impact bending strength within 5%). The relative breaking elongation of polycaproamide threads increased by 48.2%, and the breaking load – by 27.6%. Thanks to the simultaneous processing of lumber and polycaproamide threads, it is possible to reduce metal consumption and increase the energy efficiency of the installation.

Squeezing and entangling two microwave modes of electro-optomechanical systems with two driving lasers

We propose an effective scheme to generate the squeezed vacuum states of two microwave fields, bipartite and genuine tripartite entanglement in a compound four-mode electro-optomechanical system with two driving lasers of different amplitudes. We find that two microwave fields can be squeezed simultaneously when the effective coupling constants between mechanical oscillator and two microwave fields are chosen appropriately. In particular, the squeezing of one microwave mode can be larger than 3 dB even at high temperature. We also find that bipartite and genuine tripartite entanglement can be generated in this system which are robust against thermal fluctuations. Our scheme may have potential applications in quantum information processing and quantum metrology.

Phase and detuning control of the unidirectional reflection amplification based on the broken spatial symmetry.

In order to achieve the tunable unidirectional reflection amplification in a uniform atomic medium that is of vital importance to design high-quality nonreciprocal photonic devices, we propose a coherent closed three-level Δ-type atomic system by applying a microwave field, and a strong coupling field of linear variation along the x direction to control a probe field. In our scheme, the linearly increased coupling field destroys the spatial symmetry of probe susceptibility and effectively suppresses the reflection of one side; the microwave field constructs closed loop transitions to amplify the probe field and causes phase changes. The numerical simulation indicates that the unidirectional reflection amplification is sensitive to the relative phase ϕ and the coupling detuning Δc. Our results will open a new route toward harnessing optical non-reciprocity, which can provide more convenience and possibilities in the experimental realization.