arXiv subjects

A. Munoz

Publications and source records attributed to A. Munoz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Performance of the Particle-Identification Silicon-Telescope Array Coupled with the VAMOS++ Magnetic Spectrometer

The Particle-Identification Silicon-Telescope Array (PISTA) is a new detection system designed for high-resolution studies of the fission process induced by multi-nucleon transfer in inverse kinematics. It is specifically optimized for experiments with the VAMOS++ magnetic spectrometer at GANIL (Grand Acc\'el\'erateur National d'Ions Lourds). The array comprises eight trapezoidal $\Delta$E-E silicon telescopes arranged in a corolla configuration. Each telescope integrates two single-sided stripped silicon detectors, enabling target-like recoil identification, energy loss measurements, and trajectory reconstruction. Positioned in close proximity to the target, PISTA's compact geometry achieves high-efficiency tracking of target-like recoils produced in multi-nucleon transfer reactions at Coulomb barrier energies. The spatial segmentation of the array allows precise determination of the mass and charge of the target-like nucleus, and excitation energy of fissioning systems. This work presents the particle identification and excitation energy reconstruction performances for the interactions of $^{238}$U beam with $^{12}$C target. An excitation energy resolution of 800 keV (FWHM) was determined together with mass resolution of 1.1% (FWHM). The combination of PISTA and VAMOS++ magnetic spectrometer enables unprecedented investigations of the fission process as a function of the excitation energy of the fissioning nucleus, particularly for exotic systems produced in transfer-induced reactions.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2025

Characterizing Material Effects On Direct ToF Signal Response In Optical Tactile Systems

Optical tactile sensing holds transformative potential for robotics, particularly in collaborative environments where touch perception enhances safety, adaptability, and cognitive interaction. However, traditional tactile technologies based on total internal reflection (TIR) and frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) - such as those used in touchscreen systems - face significant limitations. These include reliance on multiple infrared light sources and cameras, as well as poor adaptability to the complex, curved geometries often found in robotic systems. To address these challenges, we recently introduced OptoSkin, an advanced optical tactile sensor based on direct Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology, enabling touch and pressure detection. In this study, we investigate how specific material properties, particularly light scattering, influence the sensitivity of contact point detection under direct ToF sensing. Four materials with distinct scattering coefficients were selected to assess their impact on signal quality across different contact scenarios involving various target surfaces.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

SANS evidence for the dispersion of nanoparticles in W-1Y$_2$O$_3$ and W-1La$_2$O$_3$ processed by hot isostatic pressing

The development of dispersion of nanoparticles in the W-1%Y$_2$O$_3$ and W-1%La$_2$O$_3$ (wt%) alloys processed by hot isostatic pressing has been investigated using small angle neutron scattering. The mode values of these centers are found at 10 and 40 nm in W-1%Y$_2$O$_3$, and 15 and 80 nm in W-1%La$_2$O$_3$. The scanning electron microscopy analyses showed the presence of small second phase particles. The contribution of the pore space to the scattering curves has been analyzed using the results obtained for pure W processed following the same procedure used for the alloys, and the porosity measurements of the samples.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Near-threshold dipole strength in {^{10}}Be with isoscalar character

Isoscalar dipole transitions are a distinctive fingerprint of cluster structures. A {1^-} resonance at 7.27(10) MeV, located just below the {\alpha}-emission threshold, has been observed in the deuteron inelastic scattering reactions off 10Be. The deformation lengths of the excited states in 10Be below 9 MeV have been inferred from the differential cross sections using coupled channel calculations. This observed {1^-} resonance has isoscalar characteristics and exhausts approximately 5{\%}-15{\%} of the isoscalar dipole energy-weighted sum rule, providing evidence for pronounced {\alpha} cluster structure in 10Be. The Gamow coupled channel approach supports this interpretation and suggests the near-threshold effect might be playing an important role in this excitation energy domain. The {\alpha}+{\alpha}+n+n four-body calculation reproduces the observed enhanced dipole strength, implying that the four-body cluster structure is essential to describe the {1^-} states in 10Be.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2024

Structural and vibrational study of Zn(IO3)2 combining high-pressure experiments and density-functional theory

We report a characterization of the high-pressure behavior of zinc-iodate, Zn(IO3)2. By the combination of x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and first-principles calculations we have found evidence of two subtle isosymmetric structural phase transitions. We present arguments relating these transitions to a non-linear behavior of phonons and changes induced by pressure on the coordination sphere of the iodine atoms. This fact is explained as a consequence of the formation of metavalent bonding at high-pressure which is favored by the lone-electron pairs of iodine. In addition, the pressure dependence of unit-cell parameters, volume, and bond is reported. An equation of state to describe the pressure dependence of the volume is presented, indicating that Zn(IO3)2 is the most compressible iodate among those studied up to now. Finally, phonon frequencies are reported together with their symmetry assignment and pressure dependence.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2022

Probing the quadrupole transition strength of 15C via deuteron inelastic scattering

Deuteron elastic scattering from 15C and inelastic scattering reactions to the first excited state of 15C were studied using a radioactive beam of 15C in inverse kinematics. The scattered deuterons were measured using HELIOS. The elastic scattering differential cross sections were analyzed using the optical model. A matter deformation length δd = 1.04(11) fm has been extracted from the differential cross sections of inelastic scattering to the first excited state. The ratio of neutron and proton matrix elements Mn/Mp = 3.6(4) has been determined from this quadrupole transition. Neutron effective charges and core-polarization parameters of 15C were determined and discussed. Results from ab-initio no-core configuration interaction calculations were also compared with the experimental observations. This result supports a moderate core decoupling effect of the valence neutron in 15C similarly to its isotone 17O, in line with the interpretation of other neutron-rich carbon isotopes.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2019

High-Pressure Monoclinic-Monoclinic Transition in Fergusonite-type HoNbO4

In this paper we perform a high-pressure study of fergusonite-type HoNbO4. Powder x-ray diffraction experiments and ab initio density-functional theory simulations provide evidence of a phase transition at 18.9(1.1) GPa from the monoclinic fergusonite-type structure (space group I2/a) to another monoclinic polymorph described by space group P21/c. The phase transition is reversible and the high-pressure structural behavior is different than the one previously observed in related niobates. The high-pressure phase remains stable up to 29 GPa. The observed transition involves a change in the Nb coordination number from 4 to 6, and it is driven by mechanical instabilities. We have determined the pressure dependence of unit-cell parameters of both phases and calculated their room-temperature equation of state. For the fergusonite-phase we have also obtained the isothermal compressibility tensor. In addition to the high-pressure studies, we report ambient-pressure Raman and infrared spectroscopy measurements. We have been able to identify all the active modes of fergusonite-type HoNbO4, which have been assigned based upon density-functional theory calculations. These simulations also provide the elastic constants of the different structures and the pressure dependence of the Raman and infrared modes of the two phases of HoNbO4.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2017

Monazite-type SrCrO4 under compression

We report a high-pressure study of monoclinic monazite-type SrCrO4 up to 26 GPa. Therein we combined x-ray diffraction, Raman and optical-absorption measurements with ab initio calculations, to find a pressure-induced structural phase transition of SrCrO4 near 8-9 GPa. Evidence of a second phase transition was observed at 10-13 GPa. The crystal structures of the high-pressure phases were assigned to the tetragonal scheelite-type and monoclinic AgMnO4-type structures. Both transitions produce drastic changes in the electronic band gap and phonon spectrum of SrCrO4. We determined the pressure evolution of the band gap for the low-pressure and high-pressure phases as well as the frequencies and pressure dependences of the Raman-active modes. In all three phases most Raman modes harden under compression; however the presence of low-frequency modes which gradually soften is also detected. In monazite-type SrCrO4, the band gap blue-shifts under compression, but the transition to the scheelite phase causes an abrupt decrease of the band gap in SrCrO4. Calculations showed good agreement with experiments and were used to better understand the experimental results. From x-ray diffraction studies and calculations we determined the pressure dependence of the unit-cell parameters of the different phases and their ambient-temperature equations of state. The results are compared with the high-pressure behavior of other monazites, in particular PbCrO4. A comparison of the high-pressure behavior of the electronic properties of SrCrO4 (SrWO4) and PbCrO4 (PbWO4) will also be made. Finally, the possible occurrence of a third structural phase transition is discussed.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2017

The high-pressure behavior of CaMoO4

We report a high-pressure study of tetragonal scheelite-type CaMoO4 up to 29 GPa. In order to characterize its high-pressure behavior, we have combined Raman and optical-absorption measurements with density-functional theory calculations. We have found evidence of a pressure-induced phase transition near 15 GPa. Experiments and calculations agree in assigning the high-pressure phase to a monoclinic fergusonite-type structure. The reported results are consistent with previous powder x-ray-diffraction experiments, but are in contradiction with the conclusions obtained from earlier Raman measurements, which support the existence of more than one phase transition in the pressure range covered by our studies. The observed scheelite-fergusonite transition induces significant changes in the electronic band gap and phonon spectrum of CaMoO4. We have determined the pressure evolution of the band gap for the low- and high-pressure phases as well as the frequencies and pressure dependences of the Raman-active and infrared-active modes. In addition, based upon calculations of the phonon dispersion of the scheelite phase, carried out at a pressure higher than the transition pressure, we propose a possible mechanism for the reported phase transition. Furthermore, from the calculations we determined the pressure dependence of the unit-cell parameters and atomic positions of the different phases and their room-temperature equations of state. These results are compared with previous experiments showing a very good agreement. Finally, information on bond compressibility is reported and correlated with the macroscopic compressibility of CaMoO4. The reported results are of interest for the many technological applications of this oxide.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Pressure-induced phase transition and bandgap collapse in the wide-bandgap semiconductor InTaO4

A pressure-induced phase transition, associated with an increase of the coordination number of In and Ta, is detected beyond 13 GPa in InTaO4 by combining synchrotron x-ray diffraction and Raman measurements in a diamond anvil cell with ab-initio calculations. High-pressure optical-absorption measurements were also carried out. The high-pressure phase has a monoclinic structure which shares the same space group with the low-pressure phase (P2/c). The structure of the high-pressure phase can be considered as a slight distortion of an orthorhombic structure described by space group Pcna. The phase transition occurs together with a unit-cell volume collapse and an electronic bandgap collapse observed by experiments and calculations. Additionally, a band crossing is found to occur in the low-pressure phase near 7 GPa. The pressure dependence of all the Raman-active modes is reported for both phases as well as the pressure dependence of unit-cell parameters and the equations of state. Calculations also provide information on IR-active phonons and bond distances. These findings provide insights into the effects of pressure on the physical properties of InTaO4.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Phase stability of lanthanum orthovanadate at high-pressure

When monoclinic monazite-type LaVO4 (space group P21/n) is squeezed up to 12 GPa at room temperature, a phase transition to another monoclinic phase has been found. The structure of the high-pressure phase of LaVO4 is indexed with the same space group (P21/n), but with a larger unit-cell in which the number of atoms is doubled. The transition leads to an 8% increase in the density of LaVO4. The occurrence of such a transition has been determined by x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and ab initio calculations. The combination of the three techniques allows us to also characterize accurately the pressure evolution of unit-cell parameters and the Raman (and IR)-active phonons of the low- and high-pressure phase. In particular, room-temperature equations of state have been determined. The changes driven by pressure in the crystal structure induce sharp modifications in the color of LaVO4 crystals, suggesting that behind the monoclinic-to-monoclinic transition there are important changes of the electronic properties of LaVO4.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Exploring the high-pressure behavior of the three known polymorphs of BiPO4: Discovery of a new polymorph

We have studied the structural behavior of bismuth phosphate under compression. We performed x-ray powder diffraction measurements up to 31.5 GPa and ab initio calculations. Experiments were carried out on different polymorphs; trigonal (phase I) and monoclinic (phases II and III). Phases I and III, at low pressure (0.2-0.8 GPa), transform into phase II, which has a monazite-type structure. At room temperature, this polymorph is stable up to 31.5 GPa. Calculations support these findings and predict the occurrence of an additional transition from the monoclinic monazite-type to a tetragonal scheelite-type structure (phase IV). This transition was experimentally found after the simultaneous application of pressure (28 GPa) and temperature (1500 K), suggesting that at room temperature the transition might by hindered by kinetic barriers. Calculations also predict an additional phase transition at 52 GPa, which exceeds the maximum pressure achieved in the experiments. This transition is from phase IV to an orthorhombic barite-type structure (phase V). We also studied the axial and bulk compressibility of BiPO4. Room-temperature pressure-volume equations of state are reported. BiPO4 was found to be more compressible than isomorphic rare-earth phosphates. The discovered phase IV was determined to be the less compressible polymorph of BiPO4. On the other hand, the theoretically predicted phase V has a bulk modulus comparable with that of monazite-type BiPO4. Finally, the isothermal compressibility tensor for the monazite-type structure is reported at 2.4 GPa showing that the direction of maximum compressibility is in the (010) plane at approximately 15 (21) degrees to the a axis for the case of our experimental (theoretical) study.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2014

High-pressure structural behaviour of HoVO4: Combined XRD experiments and ab initio calculations

We report a high-pressure experimental and theoretical investigation of the structural properties of zircon-type HoVO4. Angle-dispersive x-ray diffraction measurements were carried out under quasi-hydrostatic and partial non-hydrostatic conditions up to 28 and 23.7 GPa, respectively. In the first case, an irreversible phase transition is found at 8.2 GPa. In the second case, the onset of the transition is detected at 4.5 GPa, a second (reversible) transition is found at 20.4 GPa, and a partial decomposition of HoVO4 was observed. The structures of the different phases have been assigned and their equations of state (EOS) determined. Experimental results have also been compared to theoretical calculations which fully agree with quasi-hydrostatic experiments. Theory also suggests the possibility of another phase transition at 32 GPa; i.e. beyond the pressure limit covered by present experiments. Furthermore, calculations show that deviatoric stresses could trigger the transition found at 20.4 GPa under non-hydrostatic conditions. The reliability of the present experimental and theoretical results is supported by the consistency between the values yielded for transition pressures and EOS parameters by the two methods.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2014

Tuning the band gap of PbCrO4 through high-pressure: Evidence of wide-to-narrow semiconductor transitions

The electronic transport properties and optical properties of lead(II) chromate (PbCrO4) have been studied at high pressure by means of resistivity, Hall-effect, and optical-absorption measurements. Band-structure first-principle calculations have been also performed. We found that the low-pressure phase is a direct band-gap semiconductor (Eg = 2.3 eV) that shows a high resistivity. At 3.5 GPa, associated to a structural phase transition, a band-gap collapse takes place, becoming Eg = 1.8 eV. At the same pressure the resistivity suddenly decreases due to an increase of the carrier concentration. In the HP phase, PbCrO4 behaves as an n-type semiconductor, with a donor level probably associated to the formation of oxygen vacancies. At 15 GPa a second phase transition occurs to a phase with Eg = 1.2 eV. In this phase, the resistivity increases as pressure does probably due to the self-compensation of donor levels and the augmentation of the scattering of electrons with ionized impurities. In the three phases the band gap red shifts under compression. At 20 GPa, Eg reaches a value of 0.8 eV, behaving PbCrO4 as a narrow-gap semiconductor.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2012

The electronic structure of zircon-type orthovanadates: Effects of high-pressure and cation substitution

The electronic structure of four ternary-metal oxides containing isolated vanadate ions is studied. Zircon-type YVO4, YbVO4, LuVO4, and NdVO4 are investigated by high-pressure optical-absorption measurements up to 20 GPa. First-principles calculations based on density-functional theory were also performed to analyze the electronic band structure as a function of pressure. The electronic structure near the Fermi level originates largely from molecular orbitals of the vanadate ion, but cation substitution influence these electronic states. The studied ortovanadates, with the exception of NdVO4, undergo a zircon-scheelite structural phase transition that causes a collapse of the band-gap energy. The pressure coefficient dEg/dP show positive values for the zircon phase and negative values for the scheelite phase. NdVO4 undergoes a zircon-monazite-scheelite structural sequence with two associated band-gap collapses.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2012

Experimental and theoretical study of structural properties and phase transitions in YAsO4 and YCrO4

We have performed experimental and theoretical studies of the structural stability of YAsO4 and YCrO4 at high pressures. X-ray diffraction experiments together with ab initio total-energy and lattice-dynamics calculations have allowed us to completely characterize a pressure-induced structural phase transition from the zircon to the scheelite structure in both compounds. Furthermore, total-energy calculations have been performed to check the relative stabilities of different candidate structures at different pressures and allow us to propose for YAsO4 the zircon \rightarrow scheelite \rightarrow SrUO4-type sequence of structures. In this sequence, sixfold arsenic coordination is attained for the SrUO4-type structure above 32 GPa. The whole sequence of transitions is discussed in comparison with YVO4, YPO4, YNbO4, YMoO4, and YTaO4. Also a comparative discussion of lattice-dynamics properties is presented. The band-gap for YAsO4 and YCrO4 and band structure for YAsO4 are also reported. Finally, the room-temperature equation of state of different compounds is also obtained.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2011

A combined high-pressure experimental and theoretical study of the electronic band-structure of scheelite-type AWO4 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb) compounds

The optical-absorption edge of single crystals of CaWO4, SrWO4, BaWO4, and PbWO4 has been measured under high pressure up to ~20 GPa at room temperature. From the measurements we have obtained the evolution of the band-gap energy with pressure. We found a low-pressure range (up to 7-10 GPa) where alkaline-earth tungstates present a very small Eg pressure dependence (-2.1 < dEg/dP < 8.9 meV/GPa). In contrast, in the same pressure range, PbWO4 has a pressure coefficient of -62 meV/GPa. The high-pressure range is characterized in the four compounds by an abrupt decrease of Eg followed by changes in dEg/dP. The band-gap collapse is larger than 1.2 eV in BaWO4. We also calculated the electronic-band structures and their pressure evolution. Calculations allow us to interpret experiments considering the different electronic configuration of divalent metals. Changes in the pressure evolution of Eg are correlated with the occurrence of pressure-induced phase transitions. The band structures for the low- and high-pressure phases are also reported. No metallization of any of the compounds is detected in experiments nor is predicted by calculations.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2011

High-pressure Raman spectroscopy and lattice-dynamics calculations on scintillating MgWO4: A comparison with isomorphic compounds

Raman scattering measurements and lattice-dynamics calculations have been performed on magnesium tungstate under high pressure up to 41 GPa. Experiments have been carried out under a selection of different pressure-media. The influence of non-hydrostaticity on the structural properties of MgWO4 and isomorphic compounds is examined. Under quasi-hydrostatic conditions a phase transition has been found at 26 GPa in MgWO4. The high-pressure phase has been tentatively assigned to a triclinic structure similar to that of CuWO4. We also report and discuss the Raman symmetries, frequencies, and pressure coefficients in the low- and high-pressure phases. In addition, the Raman frequencies for different wolframites are compared and the variation of the mode frequency with the reduced mass across the family is investigated. Finally, the accuracy of theoretical calculations is systematically discussed for MgWO4, MnWO4, FeWO4, CoWO4, NiWO4, ZnWO4, and CdWO4.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗