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At least 253 records · Page 14

Response of a high-pressure 4 He scintillation detector to nuclear recoils up to 9 MeV

Helium-4-based scintillation detector technology is emerging as a strong alternative to pulse-shape discrimination-capable organic scintillators for fast neutron detection and spectroscopy, particularly in extreme gamma-ray environments. The 4 He detector is intrinsically insensitive to gamma radiation, as it has a relatively low cross-section for gamma-ray interactions, and the stopping power of electrons in the 4 He medium is low compared to that of 4 He recoil nuclei. Consequently, gamma rays can be discriminated by simple energy deposition thresholding instead of the more complex pulse shape analysis. The energy resolution of 4 He scintillation detectors has not yet been well-characterized over a broad range of energy depositions, which limits the ability to deconvolve the source spectra. In this work, an experiment was performed to characterize the response of an Arktis S670 4 He detector to nuclear recoils up to 9 MeV. The 4 He detector was positioned in the center of a semicircular array of organic scintillation detectors operated in coincidence. Deuterium–deuterium and deuterium–tritium neutron generators provided monoenergetic neutrons, yielding geometrically constrained nuclear recoils ranging from 0.0925 to 8.87 MeV. The detector response provides evidence for scintillation linearity beyond the previously reported energy range. Finally, the measured response was used to develop an energy resolution function applicable to this energy range for use in high-fidelity detector simulations needed by future applications.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Demonstration of new MeV-scale capabilities in large neutrino LArTPCs using ambient radiogenic and cosmogenic activity in MicroBooNE

Large neutrino liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) experiments can broaden their physics reach by reconstructing and interpreting MeV-scale energy depositions, or blips, present in their data. We demonstrate new calorimetric and particle discrimination capabilities at the MeV energy scale using reconstructed blips in data from the MicroBooNE LArTPC at Fermilab. We observe a concentration of low-energy (<3 MeV) blips around fiberglass mechanical support struts along the time projection chamber edges with energy spectrum features consistent with the Compton edge of 2.614 MeV 208 Tl decay 𝛾 rays. These features are used to verify proper calibration of electron energy scales in MicroBooNE’s data to few percent precision and to measure the specific activity of 208 Tl in the fiberglass composing these struts, (11.7 ± 0.2⁢(stat) ± 3.1⁢(syst)) Bq/kg. Cosmogenically produced blips above 3 MeV in reconstructed energy are used to showcase the ability of large LArTPCs to distinguish between low-energy proton and electron energy depositions. An enriched sample of low-energy protons selected using this new particle discrimination technique is found to be smaller in data than in dedicated corsika cosmic-ray simulations, suggesting either incorrect corsika modeling of incident cosmic fluxes or particle transport modeling issues in geant4.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Millicharged particles from the heavens: single- and multiple-scattering signatures

For nearly a century, studying cosmic-ray air showers has driven progress in our understanding of elementary particle physics. In this work, we revisit the production of millicharged particles in these atmospheric showers and provide new constraints for XENON1T and Super-Kamiokande and new sensitivity estimates of current and future detectors, such as JUNO. We discuss distinct search strategies, specifically studies of single-energy-deposition events, where one electron in the detector receives a relatively large energy transfer, as well as multiple-scattering events consisting of (at least) two relatively small energy depositions. We demonstrate that these atmospheric search strategies — especially the multiple-scattering signature — provide significant room for improvement beyond existing searches, in a way that is complementary to anthropogenic, beam-based searches for MeV-GeV millicharged particles. Finally, we also discuss the implementation of a Monte Carlo simulation for millicharged particle detection in large-volume neutrino detectors, such as IceCube.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Thermalization and annihilation of dark matter in neutron stars

The capture of dark matter, and its subsequent annihilation, can heat old, isolated neutron stars. In order for kinetic heating to be achieved, the captured dark matter must undergo sufficient scattering to deposit its kinetic energy in the star. We find that this energy deposit typically occurs quickly, for most of the relevant parameter space. In order for appreciable annihilation heating to also be achieved, the dark matter must reach a state of capture-annihilation equilibrium in the star. We show that this can be fulfilled for all types of dark matter - baryon interactions. This includes cases where the scattering or annihilation cross sections are momentum or velocity suppressed in the non-relativistic limit. Importantly, we find that capture-annihilation equilibrium, and hence maximal annihilation heating, can be achieved without complete thermalization of the captured dark matter. For scattering cross sections that saturate the capture rate, we find that capture-annihilation equilibrium is typically reached on a timescale of less than 1 year for vector interactions and 10 4 years for scalar interactions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Test beam characterization of sensor prototypes for the CMS Barrel MIP Timing Detector

The MIP Timing Detector will provide additional timing capabilities for detection of minimum ionizing particles (MIPs) at CMS during the High Luminosity LHC era, improving event reconstruction and pileup rejection. The central portion of the detector, the Barrel Timing Layer (BTL), will be instrumented with LYSO:Ce crystals and Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) providing a time resolution of about 30 ps at the beginning of operation, and degrading to 50-60 ps at the end of the detector lifetime as a result of radiation damage. In this work, we present the results obtained using a 120 GeV proton beam at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility to measure the time resolution of unirradiated sensors. A proof-of-concept of the sensor layout proposed for the barrel region of the MTD, consisting of elongated crystal bars with dimensions of about 3×3×57 mm3 and with double-ended SiPM readout, is demonstrated. This design provides a robust time measurement independent of the impact point of the MIP along the crystal bar. We tested LYSO:Ce bars of different thickness (2, 3, 4 mm) with a geometry close to the reference design and coupled to SiPMs manufactured by Hamamatsu and Fondazione Bruno Kessler. The various aspects influencing the timing performance such as the crystal thickness, properties of the SiPMs (e.g. photon detection efficiency), and impact angle of the MIP are studied. A time resolution of about 28 ps is measured for MIPs crossing a 3 mm thick crystal bar, corresponding to a most probable value (MPV) of energy deposition of 2.6 MeV, and of 22 ps for the 4.2 MeV MPV energy deposition expected in the BTL, matching the detector performance target for unirradiated devices.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Structural Damage and Recrystallization Response of Garnet Crystals to Intense Electronic Excitation

Here, the susceptibility to irradiation-induced damage, the fundamental mechanism of the relaxation kinetics, and the corresponding recrystallization effect related to the cation radius ratio are comprehensively investigated for Y 3 Al 5 O 12 and Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 garnet crystals under 645 MeV Xe 35+ irradiation with different fluences of 5 × 10 11 –3 × 10 12 ions cm –2 . Regarding different lattice distortion and swelling levels, the observed microstructure transformations to disordered and amorphous phases, and corresponding hillock dimensions, consistently confirm that Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 has a higher susceptibility to radiation damage than Y 3 Al 5 O 12 . Combined with iTS model calculations, although Y 3 Al 5 O 12 has higher atomic temperature and energy deposition than Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 under the same ion velocity and electronic energy loss, the relatively high thermal conductivity and specific heat coefficient of Y 3 Al 5 O 12 crystals enhance the conduction and dissipation of deposition energy, and Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 , with a higher cation-radius-ratio (r A /r B ), is more easily damaged to amorphous phase due to the less favorable kinetics of ordering and recovery of a melted track region to the crystalline phase. Additionally, the significant bandgap modification in spectral ranges of 5.88–6.75 eV for Y 3 Al 5 O 12 and 4.83–5.41 eV for Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 , and the enhancement of defect-assisted-related luminescence are achieved, providing a basis to design novel optoelectronic devices in microelectronics fields.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Neutron Tagging From Neutrino Interactions in DUNE-ND 2x2 Prototype

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment that aims to measure whether CP is violated in the leptonic sector (if violated, how much) and unambiguously determine the neutrino mass ordering. DUNE consists of near and far detectors that rely on liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) technology to observe neutrino interactions. The near detector (ND) will be placed in Fermilab, near the neutrino source, while the far detector (FD) will be deployed in Sanford Lab, 1.5 km deep underground, which is 1300 km away from the source. LArTPCs provide excellent particle identification and calorimetry; however, detecting neutrons is challenging, as they do not leave direct ionization signals in LArTPCs. Neutrons can carry away up to 25% of the neutrino energy, introducing a significant uncertainty in DUNE measurements. The DUNE near detector (ND) features a novel modular LArTPC with pixelated charge readout, which enhances event recons truction. The modular design enables precise correlation between ionization signals and light signals in a high-rate environment, improving the identification of delayed energy depositions from neutrons in neutrino interactions. We introduce a neutron tagging technique using the 2x2 Demonstrator, a small-scale prototype of the DUNE ND LArTPC. The analysis utilizes Monte Carlo simulations and deep-learning techniques to identify neutron-induced energy depositions and reconstruct low-energy activity.

Kufatty, Georgette [Florida State U.]↗

Additive manufacturing as a processing route for steel-aluminum bimetallic structures

Here we present results on the fabrication of steel-aluminum bi-metallic structures using directed energy deposition additive manufacturing. The challenges associated with the fabrication of a sharp transition from steel to aluminum are uncovered using ex-situ characterization techniques and thermo-mechanical modeling of the deposition process. It was found that the fabrication of a sharp steel-aluminum transition is challenging with extensive cracking observed at the interface. The cracking was attributed to the combined effect of residual stress development due to thermal expansion coefficient mismatch and the presence of ordered intermetallics with low ductility at the interface. Using a coupled thermodynamic and thermo-mechanical modeling approach, potential pathways to enable the fabrication of steel-aluminum bi-metallic structures using additive manufacturing are proposed. The results presented here can lay the foundation for future work on the fabrication of bi-metallic steel-aluminum structures using directed energy deposition.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A detailed study of pre-heating effects in electron beam melting powder bed fusion process

Metal-based additive manufacturing processes, such as powder bed fusion with electron beam (PBF-EB) process, also referred to as electron beam melting (EBM), can produce high-density parts with minimal residual stresses due to the uniform and coherent preheating of the powder bed. However, understanding and controlling the multiple stages of preheating is required to enable the production of high-quality, consistent parts of various materials. This work presents a large-scale, multi-layer, three-dimensional numerical analysis focused on studying the preheating stages for predicting thermal history during the PBF-EB process. The model follows a continuous multi-stage cyclic process, that incorporates all the main stages of the PBF-EB process for 316 L stainless steel. This includes the gradual deposition of a new powder layer, the first and second preheating levels of the powder bed, and the energy deposition during melting (excluding the actual melt-pool behavior simulation). The model employs an adaptive time-scaling approach that automatically adjusts the energy deposition for each solution time-increment. This allows for localized changes in time-resolution over an otherwise computationally expensive multi-layer procedure. The material property variations are also taken into account, with an emphasis on the subtle irreversible changes in powder effective thermal conductivity after the two requisite preheating stages of the powder bed. This effect is studied using simplified conductivity models from the literature for partially sintered powder, validated by a dedicated experiment and numerical simulation. The large-scale model is then used to estimate the actual temperatures during first and second preheating levels for 316 L steel, which is not yet fully supported commercially for PBF-EB. Model predictions are corroborated by experiments, using and analyzing IR images, taken at the completion of each layer by the machine’s built-in infrared camera. The current model also incorporates a qualitative assessment for the effects of conductivity change during pre-heating, as well as evaluates the applicability of the time-scaling approach.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Extended continuous cooling transformation diagram for 410 stainless steel encompassing δ → γ and γ → αʹ transformations determined by dilatometry

In this study, we use dilatometry to construct an extended Continuous Cooling Transformation (CCT) diagram for 410 stainless steel, capturing both δ → γ and γ → αʹ transformations specifically for directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing (AM) applications. To ensure that the findings are representative of AM specific microstructures and compositions, dilatometry coupons were extracted from a wire arc DED wall, thereby preserving the inherent microstructural and compositional variability within the material. The on-heating phase transformations, including A c1 , A c3 , and γ → δ, were found to be essentially location independent, despite the typical heterogeneity associated with AM. Conversely, increasing cooling rates were observed to shift the start and finish temperatures of both δ → γ and γ → αʹ transformations to lower values. The resulting extended CCT diagram offers a more complete depiction of phase transformation behavior in the system, enabling accurate microstructure evolution modeling and residual stress predictions specifically for directed energy deposition additive manufacturing applications.

Additive manufacturing↗

Low energy backgrounds and excess noise in a two-channel low-threshold calorimeter

Here, we describe observations of low energy excess (LEE) events, background events observed in all light dark matter direct detection calorimeters, and noise in a transition edge sensor based two-channel silicon athermal phonon detector with 375 meV baseline energy resolution. We measure two distinct LEE populations: “shared” multichannel events with a pulse shape consistent with substrate athermal phonon events and sub-eV events that couple nearly exclusively to a single channel with a significantly faster pulse shape. These “singles” are consistent with events occurring within the aluminum athermal phonon collection fins. Similarly, our measured detector noise is higher than the theoretical expectation. Measured noise can be split into an uncorrelated component, consistent with shot noise from small energy depositions within the athermal phonon sensor itself, and a correlated component, consistent with shot noise from energy depositions within the silicon substrate's phonon system.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Performance assessment of PHITS simulations for the inverse-kinematic p( 7 Li,n) 7 Be reaction based on fast-neutron measurements with a diamond detector

The inverse-kinematics p( 7 Li,n) 7 Be reaction produces forward-focused neutron emission, offering enhanced usable flux and reduced shielding requirements. Reliable simulation of such neutron fields is essential for the development of compact accelerator-based neutron sources. In this study, a PHITS-based simulation framework for the reaction was experimentally assessed using fast-neutron measurements. Forward-directed neutrons were measured with a diamond neutron detector and quantitatively compared with simulations with newly prepared IK-Frag cross-section file based on the proton-induced reaction data in ENDF/B-VIII.1, TENDL-2023, and JENDL-4.0/HE. Measurements and simulations were performed for incident 7 Li 3+ energies ranging from 15.0 to 25.0 MeV using a 50 μm-thick polypropylene target. For all conditions, the PHITS-based simulation framework reproduced the deposited energy spectra at the correct order of magnitude. The comparison of deposited energy spectra in the diamond detector showed high correlation coefficients across all investigated energies, indicating reasonable agreement in spectral shape between simulations and measurements. This work represents an initial step toward establishing a benchmark for PHITS simulations of the inverse kinematic reaction between an incident lithium-ion and a proton target.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

The DUNE Vertical Drift Photon Detection System

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a long-baseline neutrino experiment designed to mainly investigate oscillation parameters, supernova physics and proton decay. Its far detector will be composed of four liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) underground modules, in South Dakota-USA, which will detect a neutrino beam produced at Fermilab, 1300 km away, where a near detector will be in place. The second DUNE far detector module, Vertical Drift, will be a single phase LArTPC with electron drift along the vertical axis with two volumes of 13.5 m x 6.5 m x 60 m dimensions separated by a cathode plane. The charge collection will be performed by two anode planes placed at the top and bottom of the module, each composed by stacked layers of a perforated PCB technology with electrode strips. The photon detection system (PDS) will make use of large size X-Arapuca tiles distributed over three detection planes. One plane will consist of a horizontal arrangement of double sided tiles installed on the high voltage cathode plane and two vertical planes, each placed on the longest cryostat membrane walls. A light active coverage of 14.8% over the cathode and 7.4% over the laterals should allow improvements in the low energy physics range that can be probed in DUNE, especially regarding supernova neutrinos (~10 MeV). We present the initial characterization of the Vertical Drift PDS using a Monte Carlo simulation and preliminary studies on its reconstruction capabilities at the MeV scale. The information obtained with the PDS alone should allow determination of a neutrino interaction region with a precision of at least 65 cm for events with deposited energy above 5 MeV and the deposited energy can be reconstructed with precision better than 10%, both at the center of the volume.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

BISON Capability, Validation and Demonstration for Reactivity-Initiated Accidents

Reactivity Initiated Accidents (RIA) are design basis accidents that could have adverse impacts on the core coolability. In the unlikely event that sufficient reactivity is inserted into the reactor core by the ejected/dropped control rod, prompt energy deposition into the fuel can occur, which when sufficiently high can lead to fuel rod failure or, at large energy deposition levels, expulsion of UO2 fragments or molten UO2 material from the fuel rod. This results in a release of fission product and fuel into the coolant and has the potential to compromise core coolability and threatening the pressure boundary of the primary coolant system. The design basis RIA is one of the industry challenging problems that the CASL aimed to address; the CASL RIA Challenge Problem Charter [1] states, ?The Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Rod Ejection Accident (REA) and Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) Control Rod Drop Accident (CRDA) are postulated accidents with consequences that are important to nuclear safety (fuel rod integrity and core coolability). Currently each reload core design must be analyzed to meet regulatory acceptance criteria. The goal of CASLs ModSim capability for RIA is to model the event at a higher fidelity, with validation to existing tests, to better model the transient neutronics and the progression of the fuel and cladding thermal-mechanical behavior. These improved analytical capabilities can be used to better inform reload core design, limits on fuel assembly discharge burnup, restrictions on placement of fuel in the reactor, control rod insertion limits, operating margin, and performance sensitivities.? In support of that charter, BISON, the fuel performance code has been used to demonstrate the simulation of thermal-mechanical behavior of LWR fuels during a reactivity-initiated accident. The combination of mechanical, thermal, and thermal-hydraulic phenomena all present during an RIA makes a multi-physics code such as BISON a valuable tool for modeling these scenarios. This paper will highlight many of the activities associated with BISON relevant to reactivity-initiated accident capability development and validation efforts. These efforts have been performed under both CASL and the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) programs.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Finite element procedure for thermomechanical and structural integrity analysis of beam intercepting devices subjected to free electron laser

High-energy particles, including photons (x-ray, γ-ray, bremsstrahlung), electrons, and protons, possess the capability to penetrate materials and deposit energy within them. The degree of absorption depends on both the energy and type of particles, as well as the properties of the materials with which they interact. This energy deposition can manifest either at the material's surface or throughout its volume, potentially resulting in various failure modes. The primary aim of this paper is to establish a structured analysis methodology for evaluating the structural integrity of beam-intercepting devices when subjected to high-energy particles. Here, the paper also reviews some of the underlying physics, pertinent to the scope of the thermomechanical analysis, potential failure modes, and introduces verification and validation methodologies. Engineers and researchers can utilize the guidelines presented in this paper to effectively plan the development of beam intercepting devices, thereby ensuring their reliability and performance in the presence of high-energy particle exposure.

Finite element analysis↗

Strongly vs. weakly coupled in-medium showers: energy stopping in large-Nf QED

Abstract Inside a medium, showers originating from a very high-energy particle may develop via medium-induced splitting processes such as hard bremsstrahlung or pair production. During shower development, two consecutive splittings sometimes overlap quantum mechanically, so that they cannot be treated independently. Some of these effects can be absorbed into an effective value of a medium parameter known as$$ \hat{q} $$ q ̂ . Previous calculations (with certain simplifying assumptions) have found that, after adjusting the value of$$ \hat{q} $$ q ̂ , the leftover effect of overlapping splittings is quite small for purely gluonic large-N c showers but is very much larger for large-N f QED showers, at comparable values ofNα. Those works did not quite make for apples-to-apples comparisons: the gluon shower work investigated energy deposition from a gluon-initiated shower, whereas the QED work investigated charge-deposition from an electron-initiated shower. As a first step to tighten up the comparison, this paper investigates energy deposition in the QED case. Along the way, we develop a framework that should be useful in the future to explore whether the very small effect of overlapping splitting in purely gluonic showers is an artifact of having ignored quarks.

Physics↗

Model for photothermal ionization and molecular recombination during pulsed ablation of polyethylene

The surface erosion of polyethylene is studied under conditions characteristic of extremely high-rate heating expected in laser-driven and high energy density experiments. A coupled model for photoionization and volumetric photothermal degradation of polyethylene is developed that includes finite rate chemistry and molecular recombination of radicals. First, the model is used to explore the evolution of radicals and hydrocarbons during isochoric heating, for which it is found that polyethylene is not in chemical equilibrium for rates >108K/s. Then, the model is used to explore the cooperativity between photoionization and photothermal ionization during one-dimensional ablation from a pulsed heating source, accounting for coupled energy deposition, thermokinetics, thermochemistry, hydrodynamics, mechanics, and thermal conduction in the ALEGRA multi-physics code. The ablation depth per energy pulse is found to agree with an analytical model for instantaneous energy deposition and absent molecular recombination or photoionization. Otherwise, molecular recombination of radicals reduces the depth of ablation per pulse, owing to thermal stabilization on forming branched molecules. Radical formation through photoionization can be compensated for by recombination, but it accelerates ablation at high enough photoionization rates. Finally, the influence of molecular recombination on the ablation depth is found to decrease for long pulses, owing to decreased recombination reaction rates at lower vapor densities near the ablated surface. These and other findings highlight competition between the processes of scission, recombination, and photoionization during pulsed ablation of polyethylene.

Moore, N. W. (ORCID:0000000272259674)↗

Mitigation of ICRF—edge plasma interaction in Alcator C-Mod

The parasitic interaction between ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) waves and the edge plasma has long limited high-power ICRF utilization in magnetically confined fusion plasmas. In this paper, we report on the successful mitigation of this interaction by power tapering a four-strap field-aligned (FA) antenna in the Alcator C-Mod tokamak. With the antenna operated in dipole phasing ($0\pi0\pi$), the ratio of the power coupled by the central two straps ($P_\mathrm {cent}$) to the power coupled by the outer two straps was varied at fixed total coupled ICRF power ($P_\mathrm {tot}$). With $P_\mathrm {cent}$/$P_\mathrm {tot} \approx 0.8-0.9$, no enhancement of the plasma potential was measured despite 1 MW of coupled ICRF power. When the antenna is powered, energy deposition increases on its four corners and on neighboring limiter tiles magnetically connected to some of those corners. The energy deposited on the antenna and limiter is minimized together with near-field plasma potentials. Additionally, we show that deviation from $P_\mathrm {cent}$/$P_\mathrm {tot} \approx 0.8$ enhances wave-plasma interactions in places not magnetically connected to the antenna. These far-field effects are correlated with changes in the antenna spectrum. Hence, on C-Mod, near-field and far-field interactions were minimized for about the same range of $P_\mathrm {cent}$/$P_\mathrm {tot}$. Optimal power tapering was also found to improve ICRF heating efficiency and facilitate H-mode access. Finally, we show that the heat flux pattern on the toroidally aligned antennas reverses with the direction of the RF-induced E×B flow in front of the antenna, a correlation not observed for the FA antenna. We argue that the RF-induced E×B flow, which carries high-density plasma from the near-SOL, is aligned with the FA antenna and does not intercept its corners, where the plasma potential is large. This could explain the previously reported smaller impurity generation by the FA antenna (Wukitch et al 2013 Phys. Plasmas 20 056117).

Alcator C-Mod↗