arXiv subjects

Heather M. Hill

Publications and source records attributed to Heather M. Hill.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Implementing Pseudofractal Designs in Graphene-Based Quantum Hall Arrays using Minkowski-Bouligand Algorithms

This work introduces a pseudofractal analysis for optimizing high-resistance graphene-based quantized Hall array resistance standards (QHARS). The development of resistance standard device designs through star-mesh transformations is detailed, aimed at minimizing element count. Building on a recent mathematical framework, the approach presented herein refines QHARS device concepts by considering designs incorporating pseudofractals (which may be expressed as star-mesh transformations). To understand how future QHARS pseudofractal designs enable varying sizes of neighborhoods of available quantized resistance, Minkowski-Bouligand algorithms are used to analyze fractal dimensions of the device design topologies. Three distinct partial recursion cases are explored in addition to the original full recursion design, and expressions for their total element counts are derived. These partial recursions, assessed through their fractal dimensions, offer enhanced flexibility in achieving specific resistance values within a desired neighborhood compared to full recursion methods, albeit with an increased number of required elements. The formalisms presented are material-independent, making them broadly applicable to other quantum Hall systems and artifact standards.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2025

Influences of the Minkowski-Bouligand Dimension on Graphene-Based Quantum Hall Array Designs

This work elaborates on how one may develop high-resistance quantized Hall array resistance standards (QHARS) by using star-mesh transformations for element count minimization. Refinements are made on a recently developed mathematical framework optimizing QHARS device designs based on full, symmetric recursion by reconciling approximate device values with exact effective quantized resistances found by simulation and measurement. Furthermore, this work explores the concept of fractal dimension, clarifying the benefits of both full and partial recursions in QHARS devices. Three distinct partial recursion cases are visited for a near-1 Gigaohm QHARS device. These partial recursions, analyzed in the context of their fractal dimensions, offer increased flexibility in accessing desired resistance values within a specific neighborhood compared to full recursion methods, though at the cost of the number of required devices.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Constructing 100 MΩ and 1 GΩ Resistance Standards via Star-Mesh Transformations

A recent mathematical framework for optimizing resistor networks to achieve values in the MΩ through GΩ levels was employed for two specific cases. Objectives here include proof of concept and identification of possible apparatus limitations for future experiments involving graphene-based quantum Hall array resistance standards. Using fractal-like, or recursive, features of the framework allows one to calculate and implement network designs with substantially lower-valued resistors. The cases of 100 MΩ and 1 GΩ demonstrate that, theoretically, one would not need more than 100 quantum Hall elements to achieve these high resistances.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

Fractal-like star-mesh transformations using graphene quantum Hall arrays

A mathematical approach is adopted for optimizing the number of total device elements required for obtaining high effective quantized resistances in graphene-based quantum Hall array devices. This work explores an analytical extension to the use of star-mesh transformations such that fractal-like, or recursive, device designs can yield high enough resistances (like 1 EΩ, arguably the highest resistance with meaningful applicability) while still being feasible to build with modern fabrication techniques. Epitaxial graphene elements are tested, whose quantized Hall resistance at the nu=2 plateau (R_H = 12906.4 Ω) becomes the building block for larger effective, quantized resistances. It is demonstrated that, mathematically, one would not need more than 200 elements to achieve the highest pertinent resistances

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

Star-Mesh Quantized Hall Array Resistance Devices

Advances in the development of graphene-based technology have enabled improvements in DC resistance metrology. Devices made from epitaxially grown graphene have replaced the GaAs-based counterparts, leading to an easier and more accessible realization of the ohm. By optimizing the scale of the growth, it has become possible to fabricate quantized Hall array resistance standards (QHARS) with nominal values between 1 kΩ and 1.29 MΩ. One of these QHARS device designs accommodates a value of about 1.01 MΩ, which made it an ideal candidate to pursue a proof-of-concept that graphene-based QHARS devices are suitable for forming wye-delta resistance networks. In this work, the 1.01 MΩ array output nearly 20.6 MΩ due to the wye-delta transformation, which itself is a special case of star-mesh transformations. These mathematical equivalence principles allow one to extend the QHR to the 100 MΩ and 10 GΩ resistance levels with fewer array elements than would be necessary for a single array with many more elements in series. The 1.01 MΩ device shows promise that the wye-delta transformation can shorten the calibration chain, and, more importantly, provide a chain with a more direct line to the quantum SI.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

Quantum Entropic Effects in the Liquid Viscosities of Hydrogen, Deuterium, and Neon

The extremely low temperatures have limited the availability and accuracy of experimental thermophysical property measurements for cryogens, particularly transport properties. Traditional scaling techniques such as corresponding states theory have long been known to be inaccurate for fluids with strong quantum effects. To address this need, this paper investigates how quantum effects impact thermodynamics and momentum transfer (shear viscosity) in the fluid phases of hydrogen, deuterium, and neon. We utilize experimental viscosity measurements and reference empirical equations of state to show that conventional entropy scaling is inadequate for quantum-dominated systems. We then provide a simple empirical correction to entropy scaling based on the ratio of quantum to packing length scale that accounts for the deviations.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2023

Optical Signatures of Strain Differences in Epitaxial Graphene Nanoribbons

We demonstrate the preparation of both armchair and zigzag epitaxial graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) on 4H-SiC using a polymer-assisted, sublimation growth method. Historically, the preparation of GNRs depended on the quality, or smoothness, of the surface changes during growth. The physical phenomenon of terrace step formation introduces the risk of GNR deformation along sidewalls, but the risk is heavily mitigated by this polymer-assisted sublimation method. Two widths (100 nm and 50 nm) are examined electrically and optically for both armchair and zigzag GNRs. Our electrical results support the expected behaviors of the GNRs, while the optical signatures of variable strain reveal the subtle differences among all the GNR species measured.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2022

Fabrication of uniformly doped graphene quantum Hall arrays with multiple quantized resistance outputs

In this work, limiting factors for developing metrologically useful arrays from epitaxial graphene on SiC are lifted with a combination of centimeter-scale, high-quality material growth and the implementation of superconducting contacts. Standard devices for metrology have been restricted to having a single quantized value output based on the $ν$ = 2 Landau level. With the demonstrations herein of devices having multiple outputs of quantized values available simultaneously, these versatile devices can be used to disseminate the ohm globally. Such devices are designed to give access to quantized resistance values over the range of three orders of magnitude, starting as low as the standard value of approximately 12.9 k$Ω$ and reaching as high as 1.29 M$Ω$. Several experimental methods are used to assess the quality and versatility of the devices, including standard lock-in techniques and Raman spectroscopy.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Timescales for Nitric Acid Desorption in Epitaxial Graphene Devices

This work reports the dynamics of transient hole doping in epitaxial graphene devices by using nitric acid as an adsorbent. The timescales associated with corresponding desorption processes are extracted from the data. The understanding of reversible hole doping without gating is of crucial importance to those fabricating devices with a particular functionality. Measurements of the electrical and optical properties of several devices post-exposure were performed with transport temperatures between 300 K and 1.5 K. Ambient conditions are applied to non-transport measurements to replicate the most likely laboratory conditions for handling devices using this doping method. The relevant timescales from transport measurements are compared with results from Raman spectroscopy measurements.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Spectroscopic assessment of short-term nitric acid doping of epitaxial graphene

This work reports information on the transience of hole doping in epitaxial graphene devices when nitric acid is used as an adsorbent. Under vacuum conditions, desorption processes are monitored by electrical and spectroscopic means to extract the relevant timescales from the corresponding data. It is of vital importance to understand the reversible nature of hole doping because such device processing can be a suitable alternative to large-scale, metallic gating. Most measurements are performed post-exposure at room temperature, and, for some electrical transport measurements, at 1.5 K. Vacuum conditions are applied to many measurements to replicate the laboratory conditions under which devices using this doping method would be measured. The relevant timescales from transport measurements are compared with results from X-ray photoelecton spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements, with the latter performed at ambient conditions and accompanied by calculations of the spectra in the Reststrahlen band.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Large-scale five- and seven-junction epitaxial graphene devices

The utilization of multiple current terminals on millimeter-scale graphene p-n junction devices has enabled the measurement of many atypical, fractional multiples of the quantized Hall resistance at the i=2 plateau. These fractions take the form a/b R_H and can be determined both analytically and by simulations. These experiments validate the use of either the LTspice circuit simulator or the analytical framework recently presented in similar work. Furthermore, the production of several devices with large-scale junctions substantiates the approach of using simple ultraviolet lithography to obtain junctions of sufficient sharpness.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Algorithms for determining resistances in quantum Hall annuli with p-n junctions

Just a few of the promising applications of graphene Corbino pnJ devices include two-dimensional Dirac fermion microscopes, custom programmable quantized resistors, and mesoscopic valley filters. In some cases, device scalability is crucial, as seen in fields like resistance metrology, where graphene devices are required to accommodate currents of the order 100 μA to be compatible with existing infrastructure. However, fabrication of these devices still poses many difficulties. In this work, unusual quantized resistances are observed in epitaxial graphene Corbino p-n junction devices held at the i=2 plateau and agree with numerical simulations performed with the LTspice circuit simulator. The formulae describing experimental and simulated data are empirically derived for generalized placement of up to three current terminals and accurately reflects observed partial edge channel cancellation. These results support the use of ultraviolet lithography as a way to scale up graphene-based devices with suitably narrow junctions that could be applied in a variety of subfields

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Nonconventional Quantized Hall Resistances Obtained with $ν= 2$ Equilibration in Epitaxial Graphene $p-n$ Junctions

We have demonstrated the millimeter-scale fabrication of monolayer epitaxial graphene $p-n$ junction devices using simple ultraviolet photolithography, thereby significantly reducing device processing time compared to that of electron beam lithography typically used for obtaining sharp junctions. This work presents measurements yielding nonconventional, fractional multiples of the typical quantized Hall resistance at $ν=2$ ($R_H\approx 12906 Ω$) that take the form: $\frac{a}{b}R_H$. Here, $a$ and $b$ have been observed to take on values such 1, 2, 3, and 5 to form various coefficients of $R_H$. Additionally, we provide a framework for exploring future device configurations using the LTspice circuit simulator as a guide to understand the abundance of available fractions one may be able to measure. These results support the potential for drastically simplifying device processing time and may be used for many other two-dimensional materials.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Quantum Hall $p-n$ Junction Dartboards Using Graphene Annuli

The use of multiple current terminals on millimeter-scale graphene $p-n$ junction devices fabricated with Corbino geometries, or quantum Hall resistance dartboards, have enabled the measurement of several fractional multiples of the quantized Hall resistance at the $ν=2$ plateau ($R_H\approx 12906 Ω$). Experimentally obtained values agreed with corresponding numerical simulations performed with the LTspice circuit simulator. More complicated designs of the quantum Hall resistance dartboard were simulated to establish the potential parameter space within which these Corbino-type devices could output resistance. Most importantly, these measurements support simpler processes of ultraviolet lithography as a more efficient means of scaling up graphene-based device sizes while maintaining sufficiently narrow junctions.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Algorithm for constructing customized quantized resistances in graphene $p-n$ junctions

An algorithm is introduced for predicting quantized resistances in graphene p-n junction devices that utilize more than a single entry and exit point for electron flow. Depending on the configuration of an arbitrary number of terminals, electrical measurements yield fractional multiples of the typical quantized Hall resistance at the $ν=2$ plateau $R_H \approx 12906 Ω$ and take the form: $\frac{a}{b}R_H$. This theoretical formulation is independent of material, and applications to other material systems that exhibit quantum Hall behaviors are to be expected. Furthermore, this formulation is supported with experimental data from graphene-based devices with multiple source and drain terminals.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Review of Theoretical and Computational Methods for 2D Materials Exhibiting Charge Density Waves

Two-dimensional (2D) materials that exhibit charge density waves (CDWs) have generated many research endeavors in the hopes of employing their exotic properties for various quantum-based technologies. Early investigations surrounding CDWs were mostly focused on bulk materials. However, applications for quantum devices have since required devices to be constructed from few-layer material to fully utilize the material's properties. This field has greatly expanded over the decades, warranting a focus on the computational efforts surrounding CDWs in 2D materials. In this review, we will cover ground in the following relevant, theory-driven subtopics for TaS2 and TaSe2: summary of general computational techniques and methods, atomic structures, Raman modes, and effects of confinement and dimensionality. Through understanding how the computational methods have enabled incredible advancements in quantum materials, one may anticipate the ever-expanding directions available for continued pursuit as the field brings us through the 21st century.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2021

Analysis of Raman and Ellipsometric Responses of Nb$_{x}$W$_{1-x}$Se$_{2}$ alloys

The growth of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) alloys provides an opportunity to experimentally access information elucidating how optical properties change with gradual substitutions in the lattice compared with their pure compositions. In this work, we performed growths of alloyed crystals with stoichiometric compositions between pure forms of NbSe2 and WSe2, followed by an optical analysis of those alloys by utilizing Raman spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2021

Bonding characteristics of the interfacial buffer layer in epitaxial graphene via density functional theory

Monolayer epitaxial graphene is an appropriate candidate for a wide variety of electronic and optical applications. One advantage of growing graphene on the Si face of SiC is that it develops as a single crystal, as does the layer underneath, commonly referred to as the interfacial buffer layer. The properties of this supporting layer include a band gap, making it of interest to groups seeking to build devices with on-off capabilities. In this work, using density functional theory, we have calculated the bonding characteristics of the buffer layer to the SiC substrate beneath. These calculations were used to determine a periodic length between the covalent bonds acting as anchor points in this interface. Additionally, it is evident that the formation of these anchor points depends on the lattice mismatch between the graphene layer and SiC.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗