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At least 199 records · Page 11

XRIPL

XRIPL is a library of tools for processing x-ray radiographs and extracting contours of interest within the image using computer vision techniques. Features include spatial calibration, denoising, background and attenuation correction through pseudo-flatfielding, watershed segmentation, contour processing, and visualization. The details of the XRIPL analysis pipeline are published in the Proceedings of the 23rd Topical Conference on High-Temperature Plasma Diagnostics Proceedings (LA-UR-20-30133) [1]. [1] P. M. Kozlowski, Y. Kim, B. M. Haines, H. F. Robey, T. J. Murphy, H. M. Johns, and T. S. Perry. Use of Computer Vision for analysis of image data sets from high temperature plasma experiments. Review of Scientific Instruments 92, 033532 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0040285

Kozlowski, Pawel↗

AdversarialTensors

This library builds a framework for defending ML models against adversarial attacks. The library will be developed at various stages leading to publication and software release at each stage. We employ tensor decomposition strategies as preprocessing stages for the first stage to provide robustness against the prominent adversarial noise. In the second stage, we develop a latent noise generator capable of generating novel adversarial noise that threatens the existing state-of-the-art defense strategy. In the third stage, we develop a UNSUP-GAN model, where the generator is trained to denoise against latent noise and most adversarial noises. This generator can provide a robust adversarial attack against any unseen attack.

Bhattarai, Manish↗

Iterative multi-task learning and inference from seismic images

Seismic interpretation aims to extract quantitative and interpretable attributes from a seismic image produced using some migration method to inform characteristics of a subsurface reservoir or target of interest. Current paradigms for computing seismic attributes mostly rely on single-task algorithms. We develop an iterative, multi-task machine learning method to learn and infer multiple attributes from a seismic image. This method is composed of two stages: a multi-task inference stage and a multi-modal, multi-task refinement stage. The basic mechanism of this method is that we train a multi-task inference neural network (NN) to estimate a set of attributes, including a relative geological time (RGT), a denoised higher-resolution (DHR) seismic image, and multiple fault attributes (including probability, dip, and strike), from a low-resolution, noisy seismic image; then we input the inferred attributes to a multi-task refinement NN to enhance the raw inference results iteratively. The two multi-task NNs are trained separately based on synthetic seismic images and associated attributes generated by a geological modeling algorithm. The software we intend to release is a PyTorch implementation of this multi-task learning method for both 2D and 3D cases along with scripts to run the training/validation. The algorithm and software can be a useful tool for automatic seismic interpretation.

Gao, Kai↗

DOLCE: A Model-Based Probabilistic Diffusion Framework for Limited-Angle CT Reconstruction

Limited-Angle Computed Tomography (LACT) is a non-destructive evaluation technique used in a variety of applications ranging from security to medicine. The limited angle coverage in LACT is often a dominant source of severe artifacts in the reconstructed images, making it a challenging inverse problem. We present DOLCE, a new deep model-based framework for LACT that uses a conditional diffusion model as an image prior. Diffusion models are a recent class of deep generative models that are relatively easy to train due to their implementation as image denoisers. DOLCE can form high-quality images from severely under-sampled data by integrating data-consistency updates with the sampling updates of a diffusion model, which is conditioned on the transformed limited-angle data. We show through extensive experimentation on several challenging real LACT datasets that, the same pre-trained DOLCE model achieves the SOTA performance on drastically different types of images. Additionally, we show that, unlike standard LACT reconstruction methods, DOLCE naturally enables the quantification of the reconstruction uncertainty by generating multiple samples consistent with the measured data.

Kim, Hyojin↗

WaveDenoiser

We developed a robust deep learning model to effectively reduce background noise in the time domain from seismic waveforms. The deep learning model processes a 57-second three-component seismogram to predict and generate a denoised seismogram. The training was conducted using the benchmark STEAD dataset, which comprises globally distributed earthquake signals recorded at local distances ranging from 0 to 350 kilometers.

Chai, Chengping [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (OR↗

SpacerExtractor v0.9

The SpacerExtractor tool is meant to robustly identify and extract CRISPR spacers from metagenome short reads. Working from a database of known CRISPR repeats, SpacerExtractor quickly scans short reads for the corresponding repeat sequences, extract the potential spacer between two repeats, apply several quality control, denoising, and clustering steps, and provides a full non-redundant complement of spacers for each detected repeat. Because of the high variability observed at CRISPR loci, this read mining approach typically recovers a much larger diversity of spacers than can be found in assembled contigs. SpacerExtractor also includes commands to run CRISPR-Cas Typer on a new set of genomes or MAGs, and add newly predicted repeats to the repeat database.

Bushnell, Brian↗

WaveDP

We developed a robust deep learning model designed to effectively reduce background noise and measure signal arrival times from seismic waveforms. This model processes a 57-second, three-component seismogram to predict the probability of Primary (P) and Secondary (S) waves for each timestamp, while also generating a denoised seismogram. Training was conducted using the benchmark STEAD dataset, which includes globally distributed earthquake signals recorded at local distances ranging from 0 to 350 kilometers.

Chai, Chengping [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (OR↗

Physics-driven learning of Wasserstein GAN for density reconstruction in dynamic tomography

Object density reconstruction from projections containing scattered radiation and noise is of critical importance in many applications. Existing scatter correction and density reconstruction methods may not provide the high accuracy needed in many applications and can break down in the presence of unmodeled or anomalous scatter and other experimental artifacts. Incorporating machine-learning models could prove beneficial for accurate density reconstruction, particularly in dynamic imaging, where the time evolution of the density fields could be captured by partial differential equations or by learning from hydrodynamics simulations. In this work, we demonstrate the ability of learned deep neural networks to perform artifact removal in noisy density reconstructions, where the noise is imperfectly characterized. Here, we use a Wasserstein generative adversarial network (WGAN), where the generator serves as a denoiser that removes artifacts in densities obtained from traditional reconstruction algorithms. We train the networks from large density time-series datasets, with noise simulated according to parametric random distributions that may mimic noise in experiments. The WGAN is trained with noisy density frames as generator inputs, to match the generator outputs to the distribution of clean densities (time series) from simulations. A supervised loss is also included in the training, which leads to an improved density restoration performance. In addition, we employ physics-based constraints such as mass conservation during the network training and application to further enable highly accurate density reconstructions. Our preliminary numerical results show that the models trained in our frameworks can remove significant portions of unknown noise in density time-series data.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Quantitative gas-phase transmission electron microscopy: Where are we now and what comes next?

Abstract Based on historical developments and the current state of the art in gas-phase transmission electron microscopy (GP-TEM), we provide a perspective covering exciting new technologies and methodologies of relevance for chemical and surface sciences. Considering thermal and photochemical reaction environments, we emphasize the benefit of implementing gas cells, quantitative TEM approaches using sensitive detection for structured electron illumination (in space and time) and data denoising, optical excitation, and data mining using autonomous machine learning techniques. These emerging advances open new ways to accelerate discoveries in chemical and surface sciences. Graphical abstract

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Crystallographic variant mapping using precession electron diffraction data

In this work, we developed three methods to map crystallographic variants of samples at the nanoscale by analyzing precession electron diffraction data using a high-temperature shape memory alloy and a VO2 thin film on sapphire as the model systems. The three methods are (I) a user-selecting-reference pattern approach, (II) an algorithm-selecting-reference-pattern approach, and (III) a k-means approach. In the first two approaches, Euclidean distance, Cosine, and Structural Similarity (SSIM) algorithms were assessed for the diffraction pattern similarity quantification. We demonstrated that the Euclidean distance and SSIM methods outperform the Cosine algorithm. We further revealed that the random noise in the diffraction data can dramatically affect similarity quantification. Denoising processes could improve the crystallographic mapping quality. With the three methods mentioned above, we were able to map the crystallographic variants in different materials systems, thus enabling fast variant number quantification and clear variant distribution visualization. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are also discussed. We expect these methods to benefit researchers who work on martensitic materials, in which the variant information is critical to understand their properties and functionalities.

Crystallographic variant mapping↗

Performance Validation of Pulsed Thermal Imaging System for In-Service Applications

Additive manufacturing (AM) is an emerging method for cost-efficient fabrication of complex topology nuclear reactor parts from high-strength corrosion resistance alloys, such as stainless steel and Inconel. AM of metallic structures for nuclear energy applications is currently based on laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process, which has the capability of melting metallic powder and net shaping the structures with relatively high precision. Some of the challenges with using LPBF method for nuclear manufacturing include the possibility of introducing pores into metallic structures. Integrity of AM structures needs to be evaluated nondestructively because material flaws could lead to premature failures in high temperature nuclear reactor environment. Currently, there exist limited capabilities to evaluate actual AM structures non-destructively. Pulsed Thermography Imaging (PTI) provides a capability for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of subsurface defects in arbitrary size structures. The PTI method is based on recording material surface temperature transients with infrared (IR) camera following thermal pulse delivered on material surface with flash light. The PTI method has advantages for NDE of actual AM structures because the method involves one-sided non-contact measurements and fast processing of large sample areas captured in one image. Following initial qualification of an AM component for deployment in a nuclear reactor, a PTI system can also be used for in-service nondestructive evaluation (NDE) applications. In this report, we describe recent progress in enhancing PTI capabilities in detecting microscopic defects in metallic specimens. SS316 and IN718 specimens were developed with a pattern of subsurface calibrated flat bottom hole (FBH) defects with diameters from 500µm to 200µm. FBH’s were created with EDM (electron discharge machining) drill. PTI imaging data was processed Spatial Temporal Denoised Thermal Source Separation (STDTSS) unsupervised machine learning (ML) algorithm. We show that defects as small as 200µm in SS316 and IN718 can be detected with STDTSS algorithm. To the best of our knowledge, these are the smallest detected defects which are reported in literature.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Pulsed Thermal Tomography Nondestructive Examination of Additively Manufactured Reactor Materials and Components. Third Annual Progress Report

Additive manufacturing (AM) of high-strength corrosion resistance alloys for nuclear energy applications, such as stainless steel and Inconel, is currently based on laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process. Some of the challenges with using LPBF method for nuclear manufacturing include the possibility of introducing pores into metallic structures. Probability of crack initiation at the pore depends on size, shape, and orientation of the defect. Pulsed Infrared Thermography Imaging (PIT) provides a capability for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of sub-surface defects in arbitrary size structures. The PIT method is based on recording material surface temperature transients with infrared (IR) camera following thermal pulse delivered on material surface with flash light. The PIT method has advantages for NDE of actual AM structures because the method involves one-sided non-contact measurements and fast processing of large sample areas captured in one image. Following initial qualification of an AM component for deployment in a nuclear reactor, a PIT system can also be used for in-service nondestructive evaluation (NDE) applications. In this report, we describe recent progress in enhancing PIT capabilities in detecting microscopic subsurface defects in metals, and classifying shapes and orientation of pores in thermal images. For detection of microscopic defects in PIT imaging data, we have developed Spatial Temporal Denoised Thermal Source Separation (STDTSS) unsupervised machine learning (ML) image processing algorithm. We show that flat bottom hole (FBH) defects as small as 200µm in SS316 and IN718 specimens, can be detected with STDTSS algorithm. To the best of our knowledge, these are the smallest detected defects which are reported in literature. For classification of defects shapes, we have previously developed thermal tomography (TT) algorithm to obtain depth reconstructions of material defects from data cube of sequentially recorded surface temperatures. However, interpretation of TT images is non-trivial because of blurring with increasing depth. To address this challenge, we have developed a deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) to classify size and orientation subsurface defects in simulated TT images.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Computational Imaging for Intelligence in Highly Scattering Aerosols (Final Report)

Natural and man-made degraded visual environments pose major threats to national security. The random scattering and absorption of light by tiny particles suspended in the air reduces situational awareness and causes unacceptable down-time for critical systems and operations. To improve the situation, we have developed several approaches to interpret the information contained within scattered light to enhance sensing and imaging in scattering media. These approaches were tested at the Sandia National Laboratory Fog Chamber facility and with tabletop fog chambers. Computationally efficient light transport models were developed and leveraged for computational sensing. The models are based on a weak angular dependence approximation to the Boltzmann or radiative transfer equation that appears to be applicable in both the moderate and highly scattering regimes. After the new model was experimentally validated, statistical approaches for detection, localization, and imaging of objects hidden in fog were developed and demonstrated. A binary hypothesis test and the Neyman-Pearson lemma provided the highest theoretically possible probability of detection for a specified false alarm rate and signal-to-noise ratio. Maximum likelihood estimation allowed estimation of the fog optical properties as well as the position, size, and reflection coefficient of an object in fog. A computational dehazing approach was implemented to reduce the effects of scatter on images, making object features more readily discernible. We have developed, characterized, and deployed a new Tabletop Fog Chamber capable of repeatably generating multiple unique fog-analogues for optical testing in degraded visual environments. We characterized this chamber using both optical and microphysical techniques. In doing so we have explored the ability of droplet nucleation theory to describe the aerosols generated within the chamber, as well as Mie scattering theory to describe the attenuation of light by said aerosols, and correlated the aerosol microphysics to optical properties such as transmission and meteorological optical range (MOR). This chamber has proved highly valuable and has supported multiple efforts inclusive to and exclusive of this LDRD project to test optics in degraded visual environments. Circularly polarized light has been found to maintain its polarization state better than linearly polarized light when propagating through fog. This was demonstrated experimentally in both the visible and short-wave infrared (SWIR) by imaging targets made of different commercially available retroreflective films. It was found that active circularly polarized imaging can increase contrast and range compared to linearly polarized imaging. We have completed an initial investigation of the capability for machine learning methods to reduce the effects of light scattering when imaging through fog. Previously acquired experimental long-wave images were used to train an autoencoder denoising architecture. Overfitting was found to be a problem because of lack of variability in the object type in this data set. The lessons learned were used to collect a well labeled dataset with much more variability using the Tabletop Fog Chamber that will be available for future studies. We have developed several new sensing methods using speckle intensity correlations. First, the ability to image moving objects in fog was shown, establishing that our unique speckle imaging method can be implemented in dynamic scattering media. Second, the speckle decorrelation over time was found to be sensitive to fog composition, implying extensions to fog characterization. Third, the ability to distinguish macroscopically identical objects on a far-subwavelength scale was demonstrated, suggesting numerous applications ranging from nanoscale defect detection to security. Fourth, we have shown the capability to simultaneously image and localize hidden objects, allowing the speckle imaging method to be effective without prior object positional information. Finally, an interferometric effect was presented that illustrates a new approach for analyzing speckle intensity correlations that may lead to more effective ways to localize and image moving objects. All of these results represent significant developments that challenge the limits of the application of speckle imaging and open important application spaces. A theory was developed and simulations were performed to assess the potential transverse resolution benefit of relative motion in structured illumination for radar systems. Results for a simplified radar system model indicate that significant resolution benefits are possible using data from scanning a structured beam over the target, with the use of appropriate signal processing.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Low Energy LArTPC Signal Detection Using Anomaly Detection

Extracting low-energy signals from LArTPC detectors is useful, for example, for detecting supernova events or calibrating the energy scale with argon-39. However, it is difficult to efficiently extract the signals because of noise. We propose using a 1DCNN to select wire traces that have a signal. This efficiently suppresses the background while still being efficient for the signal. This is then followed by a 1D autoencoder to denoise the wire traces. At that point the signal waveform can be cleanly extracted. In order to make this processing efficient, we implement the two networks on an FPGA. In particular we use hls4ml to produce HLS from the Keras models for both the 1DCNN and the autoencoder. We deploy them on an AMD/Xilinx Alveo U55C using the Vitis software platform.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

STEM Imaging of Materials: Final Report for DE-FG02-08ER46547

This project supported research advancing the state of the art in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging and characterization of materials, especially electronic materials. The project began with studies of point defects in materials using high-resolution Z-contrast STEM, then evolved to including methods in four-dimensional (4D) STEM and machine learning. Highlights include: (1) the discovery of stable, p-type ZnO via Sb doping, (2) demonstration that the high performance of InGaN LEDs is not due to In composition fluctuations as previously proposed, (3) the demonstration of the first sub-pm precision high-resolution STEM images using non-rigid registration of a series of STEM images, (4) the extension of high-precision STEM to low dose imaging and spectrum imaging, (5) discovery of a synthesis method for twisted spiral growth of transition-metal dichalcogenide materials via chemical vapor deposition, and (6) development of machine-learning methods for analysis and denoising of enormous 4D STEM data sets.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Seismoacoustic Data Fusion for Ground Coupled Airwaves: a FACT Case Study for Calibration and Array Processing

This report covers an inquiry into seismoacoustic array processing using infrasound arrivals combined with resulting Ground Coupled Airwaves (GCA) that are present on collocated seismic sensors. In preparation, data calibration and denoising is completed for a seismoacoustic sensor array that was deployed at the Facility for Acceptance, Calibration, and Testing on Kirtland Airforce Base from August through September of 2021. The events of interest for this study are small, local explosive sources that lead to short duration, impulsive signals on the instruments. The goal is to determine if combining infrasound signals with the corresponding GCAs on collocated seismic sensors can be used to improve the results returned by automated signal detection and characterization (e.g., back azimuth estimates). Preparation for seismic and infrasound data involves removing the instrument response so that sensors have flat power spectra over the frequency range 0.1-10 Hz, where signal from events of interest may be detected. After instrument response removal, deployment conditions specific to this array require a retrospective noise analysis to determine station emplacement characteristics. Once all data is calibrated, a manual search is performed for possible GCA arrivals across the seismoacoustic network. These arrivals are then processed through beamforming and subsequent event identification, resulting in a catalogue of seismoacoustic GCA arrivals with corresponding back azimuth and trace velocity estimations.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

An Analysis of Published DAS Studies for Application to SPE Phase III

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) is an emerging technology capable of recording the acoustic wavefield at unprecedented spatial resolution. However, this new tool requires significant refinements before it becomes operational for explosion monitoring objectives. Recent studies have shown significant development of array processing with DAS data. In this report we explore three such array processing methods including DAS strain-rate data versus geophone measured ground motion, beamforming for event parameters, and machine learning based denoising. Prior to applying these algorithms to the Source Physics Experiment Phase II and Phase III data, we validate these methods through replication analysis.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗