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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

High power handling digitizer using photonics

Devices, methods for analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that perform high-dynamic range measurements based on optical techniques are disclosed. In one example aspect, an optical encoder includes a polarization rotator configured to receive a train of optical pulses, and an electro-optic (EO) modulator coupled to an output of the polarization rotator. The EO modulator is configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal and to produce a phase modulated signal in accordance with the RF signal. The optical encoder also includes a polarizing beam splitter coupled to the output of the EO modulator; and an optical hybrid configured to receive two optical signals from the polarizing beam splitter and to produce four optical outputs that are each phase shifted with respect to one another.

DeVore, Peter Thomas Setsuda↗
DOE OSTI2024

High power handling digitizer using photonics

Devices, methods for analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that perform high-dynamic range measurements based on optical techniques are disclosed. In one example aspect, an optical encoder includes a polarization rotator configured to receive a train of optical pulses, and an electro-optic (EO) modulator coupled to an output of the polarization rotator. The EO modulator is configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal and to produce a phase modulated signal in accordance with the RF signal. The optical encoder also includes a polarizing beam splitter coupled to the output of the EO modulator; and an optical hybrid configured to receive two optical signals from the polarizing beam splitter and to produce four optical outputs that are each phase shifted with respect to one another.

DeVore, Peter Thomas Setsuda↗
DOE OSTI2026

Universal monitored dynamics in multimode bosonic systems

We propose a route to study monitored many-body dynamics in multimode bosonic systems using circuit quantum electrodynamics. In this experimental setting, we construct several bosonic models comprising brickwork circuits built from beam-splitter gates, local parity measurements, and optional on-site Hubbard interactions, and diagnose their monitored dynamics via ancilla purification and a learnability-based probe. Under parity measurements, generic gate sets exhibit behavior that is largely consistent with a conventional measurement-induced phase transition, while a special class of beam-splitter circuits shows an apparent critical-like high-measurement regime in which purification times scale linearly with system size. We show that for realistic noise, gate, and measurement rates, these signatures are observable with near-term circuit QED hardware.

Patel, Shivam [Rutgers U., Piscataway]↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fault-Tolerant Operation of Bosonic Qubits with Discrete-Variable Ancillae

Fault-tolerant quantum computation with bosonic qubits often necessitates the use of noisy discrete-variable ancillae. In this work, we establish a comprehensive and practical fault-tolerance framework for such a hybrid system and synthesize it with fault-tolerant protocols by combining bosonic quantum error correction (QEC) and advanced quantum control techniques. We introduce essential building blocks of error-corrected gadgets by leveraging ancilla-assisted bosonic operations using a generalized variant of path-independent quantum control. Using these building blocks, we construct a universal set of error-corrected gadgets that tolerate a single-photon loss and an arbitrary ancilla fault for four-legged cat qubits. Notably, our construction requires only dispersive coupling between bosonic modes and ancillae, as well as beam-splitter coupling between bosonic modes, both of which have been experimentally demonstrated with strong strengths and high accuracy. Moreover, each error-corrected bosonic qubit is comprised of only a single bosonic mode and a three-level ancilla, featuring the hardware efficiency of bosonic QEC in the full fault-tolerant setting. We numerically demonstrate the feasibility of our schemes using current experimental parameters in the circuit-QED platform. Finally, we present a hardware-efficient architecture for fault-tolerant quantum computing by concatenating the four-legged cat qubits with an outer qubit code utilizing only beam-splitter couplings. Our estimates suggest that the overall noise threshold can be reached using existing hardware. These developed fault-tolerant schemes extend beyond their applicability to four-legged cat qubits and can be adapted for other rotation-symmetrical codes, offering a promising avenue toward scalable and robust quantum computation with bosonic qubits. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2027

Conceptual design of highly-constrained splitters for the FFA@CEBAF energy upgrade study

The Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Lab is investigating a significant energy upgrade utilizing Fixed-Field Alternating-gradient (FFA) recirculating arcs. This upgrade requires the design of complex horizontal beam splitters to manage up to six concurrent beam passes. This paper presents the conceptual design of these splitters, which are subject to severe physical constraints imposed by the existing accelerator tunnel and multifaceted beam dynamics requirements for matching into the permanent-magnet FFA arcs. The design methodology, centered on multi-pass simulations in the Bmad toolkit, is detailed from the initial geometric layout through the advanced optics matching. Key results include a robust geometric arrangement that fits within the spatial boundaries and the development of multiple, flexible optics matching solutions. Furthermore, the design integrates a viable scheme for extracting high-energy beams for the experimental halls, a critical operational requirement. This work establishes a comprehensive and viable conceptual design, forming a baseline for future engineering and performance optimization studies.

Bodenstein, R.M. [Thomas Jefferson National Accele↗
DOE OSTI2022

Two-dimensional second harmonic dispersion interferometer

An interferometer having a fundamental beam generator, a first second harmonic generator, a waveplate, a second second harmonic generator, a harmonic separator, and a polarizing beam splitter, mounted uniaxially, (i.e., the components are aligned along one optical axis), wherein the interferometer is adapted to change a diameter of a beam to match a diameter of a sample, and to change the diameter of the beam back to its original diameter.

Wessel, Frank Joseph↗
DOE OSTI2023

Colossal Optical Anisotropy from Atomic-Scale Modulations

Materials with large birefringence (Δn, where n is the refractive index) are sought after for polarization control (e.g., in wave plates, polarizing beam splitters, etc.), nonlinear optics, micromanipulation, and as a platform for unconventional light–matter coupling, such as hyperbolic phonon polaritons. Layered 2D materials can feature some of the largest optical anisotropy; however, their use in most optical systems is limited because their optical axis is out of the plane of the layers and the layers are weakly attached. This work demonstrates that a bulk crystal with subtle periodic modulations in its structure—Sr 9/8 TiS 3 —is transparent and positive-uniaxial, with extraordinary index n e = 4.5 and ordinary index n o = 2.4 in the mid- to far-infrared. The excess Sr, compared to stoichiometric SrTiS 3 , results in the formation of TiS 6 trigonal-prismatic units that break the chains of face-sharing TiS 6 octahedra in SrTiS 3 into periodic blocks of five TiS 6 octahedral units. The additional electrons introduced by the excess Sr form highly oriented electron clouds, which selectively boost the extraordinary index n e and result in record birefringence (Δn > 2.1 with low loss). The connection between subtle structural modulations and large changes in refractive index suggests new categories of anisotropic materials and also tunable optical materials with large refractive-index modulation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Heisenberg-limited Hamiltonian learning for interacting bosons

We develop a protocol for learning a class of interacting bosonic Hamiltonians from dynamics with Heisenberg-limited scaling. For Hamiltonians with an underlying bounded-degree graph structure, we can learn all parameters with root mean square error ϵ using ${\mathcal{O}}(1/\epsilon )$ total evolution time, which is independent of the system size, in a way that is robust against state-preparation and measurement error. In the protocol, we only use bosonic coherent states, beam splitters, phase shifters, and homodyne measurements, which are easy to implement on many experimental platforms. A key technique we develop is to apply random unitaries to enforce symmetry in the effective Hamiltonian, which may be of independent interest.

computer science↗
DOE OSTI2024

A new class of single-phase multiferroics: Bismuth-based layered supercell oxide thin films—Current progress and future perspectives

Multiferroic materials, where ferroelectric and magnetic orders coexist, have ignited substantial research interest due to the achievable manipulation of magnetic orders using external electric fields, a feature that has garnered serious interest for memory storage applications. Nonetheless, naturally occurring single-phase multiferroic materials are scarce, thus constraining options for practical use. Over the last decade, bismuth-based layered supercell (LSC) oxides have emerged as novel candidates for multiferroics, catalyzing extensive investigations in this domain. Additionally, these LSC systems are known for their anisotropic structures and optical properties, making them promising for application in optics such as polarizers, beam splitters, and modulators. This thorough review explores the development and current advancements in multiferroic bismuth-based LSC materials. It covers the diverse nature of LSCs, detailing their microstructure, properties, and the mechanics of self-assembly formation. It also highlights the remarkable multifunctional characteristics of LSC-based nanocomposites, with a particular focus on their applications in electronics and optics. Moreover, this review examines the significant potential of LSCs in practical applications, particularly through their integration onto silicon and flexible substrates via heteroepitaxy and film transfer techniques. Finally, it offers insights into potential future research avenues and the broader implications of these versatile LSC materials.

Materials Science↗
DOE OSTI2023

Label-free quantum super-resolution imaging using entangled multi-mode squeezed light

Abstract In this study, we explore the theoretical application of entangled multi-mode squeezed light for label-free optical super-resolution imaging. By generating massively entangled multi-mode squeezed light through an array of balanced beam splitters, using a single-mode squeezed light input, we create a multi-mode quantum light state with exceptional entanglement and noise suppression below the shot noise level. This significantly reduces imaging measurement errors compared to classical coherent state light imaging when the same number of photons are used on the imaging sample. We demonstrate how to optimize the imaging system’s parameters to achieve the Heisenberg imaging error limit, taking into account the number of entangled modes and photons used. We also examine the effects of optical losses in the imaging system, necessitating adjustments to the optimized parameters based on the degree of optical loss. In practical applications, this new quantum imaging approach reduces the number of photons needed to achieve the same image quality by two orders of magnitude compared to classical imaging methods that use non-entangled, non-squeezed coherent state light.

Soh, Daniel (ORCID:0000000325625675)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Conservation law for electromagnetic fields in a space-time-varying medium and its implications

We discuss the propagation of electromagnetic waves in a space-time modulated medium, for which neither energy nor momentum remains conserved. We have found a new conservation law when modulation moves at a constant speed v in a traveling-wave fashion. We use this law to study how light is scattered inside such a medium. We consider both the subluminal (v < c) andsuperluminal (v > c) cases and find that they differ considerably in terms of what remains conserved. We show that the total number of photons is conserved in the subluminal case. In contrast, it is the difference between the forward and backward moving photons that remains conserved in the superluminal case. We also study the reciprocity issue for a space-time modulated medium and found that reciprocity holds in all situations. Here, we develop a quantum formulation of our scattering problem and show that the subluminal case is similar to the action of a beam splitter. In the superluminal case, photon pairs can be generated from vacuum in a fashion analogous to the two-mode frequency down-conversion process.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Error-Detectable Bosonic Entangling Gates with a Noisy Ancilla

Bosonic quantum error correction has proven to be a successful approach for extending the coherence of quantum memories, but to execute deep quantum circuits, high-fidelity gates between encoded qubits are needed. To that end, we present a family of error-detectable two-qubit gates for a variety of bosonic encodings. From a new geometric framework based on a “Bloch sphere” of bosonic operators, we construct ZZ L ⁡(θ) and exponential-swap(θ) gates for the binomial, four-legged cat, dual-rail, and several other bosonic codes. The gate Hamiltonian is simple to engineer, requiring only a programmable beam splitter between two bosonic qubits and an ancilla dispersively coupled to one qubit. This Hamiltonian can be realized in circuit QED hardware with ancilla transmons and microwave cavities. The proposed theoretical framework was developed for circuit QED but is generalizable to any platform that can effectively generate this Hamiltonian. Crucially, one can also detect first-order errors in the ancilla and the bosonic qubits during the gates. We show that this allows one to reach error-detected gate fidelities at the 0.01% level with today’s hardware, limited only by second-order hardware errors.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

Experiments with Undulator Radiation, Emitted by a Single Electron

We study a single electron, circulating in the Fermilab IOTA storage ring and interacting with an undulator through single and multi-photon emissions. The focus of this research is on single-photon and two-photon undulator emissions. We begin by using one Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) detector to detect the undulator radiation photons and search for possible deviations from the expected Poissonian photon statistics. Then, we go on to use a two-photon interferometer consisting of two SPAD detectors separated by a beam splitter. This allows to test if there is any correlation in the detected photon pairs. In addition, the photocount arrival times can be used to track the longitudinal motion of a single electron and to compare it with simulations. This allowed us to determine several dynamical parameters of the storage ring such as the rf cavity phase jitter and the dependence of the synchrotron motion period on amplitude.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Quantum Random Walk Simulator Using Ultrafast Optical Switches

Quantum random walk processes have many intriguing applications in high energy physics including the simulation of parton shower evolution. We will present the design and initial results of a fiber loop time-bin quantum walk architecture using the hardware platform already in operation at the Fermilab Quantum Network in which the state of the photon is defined by its time-of-arrival. The fiber loop consists of an unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer implemented using an ultrafast electro-optical switch. The input switch controls the photon path within the interferometer, while the output switch will direct the photon back into the interferometer or to single photon detectors to measure the probability distribution of arrival times. Depending on which path the photon takes each pass through the loop, its wave function will interfere on these optical switches similar to quantum interference on a beam splitter. This work is an important step towards utilizing real-world advantages of quantum information protocols to solve problems in high energy physics.

Cameron, Andrew [Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2022

Tunable coherent light filter for optical sensing and imaging

Systems and methods are provided for filtering coherent infrared light from a thermal background for protection of infrared (IR) imaging arrays and detection systems. A Michelson interferometer is used for coherent light filtering. In an implementation, a system includes a fixed mirror, a beam splitter, and a moving mirror which can be controlled translationally, as well as tip/tilt. The Michelson interferometer may be used as an imaging system. For imaging applications, a system may comprise a tunable array of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) mirrors. A mid-wave IR interferometer with electronic feedback and MEMS mirror array is provided.

Wasserman, David↗
DOE OSTI2023

Systems, method and computer-accessible medium for providing balanced asymmetric interferometry for vibrationally isolated optical scanning probe(s)

An exemplary apparatus can provide radiation to a sample(s), which can include, for example, a radiation source arrangement configured to provide radiation, a beam splitter configured to split the radiation into (i) a first radiation, and (ii) a second radiation. An optical element can also be provided which, in operation, can, e.g., (a) receive the first radiation and the second radiation, (b) reflect the first radiation as a reference radiation, (c) provide the second radiation as illumination for the sample(s), (d) receive a resultant radiation from the sample(s) that can be based on the illumination from the second radiation, and (e) provide the reference radiation and the resultant radiation to be detected and used for interferometric imaging or spectroscopy.

McLeod, Alexander Swinton↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tomographic FLEET with a wedge array for multi-point three-component velocimetry

Femtosecond laser electronic excitation tagging (FLEET) velocimetry is an important diagnostic technique for seedless velocimetry measurements particularly in supersonic and hypersonic flows. Typical FLEET measurements feature a single laser line and camera system to achieve one-component velocimetry along a line, although some multiple-spot and multiple-component configurations have been demonstrated. In this work, tomographic imaging is used to track the three-dimensional location of many FLEET spots. A quadscope is used to combine four unique views onto a single high-speed image intensifier and camera. Tomographic reconstructions of the FLEET emission are analyzed for three-component velocimetry from multiple FLEET spots. Glass wedges are used to create many (nine) closely spaced FLEET spots with less than 10% transmission losses. These developments lead to a significant improvement in the dimensionality and spatial coverage of a FLEET instrument with some increases in experimental complexity and data processing. Multiple-point three-component FLEET velocimetry is demonstrated in an underexpanded jet.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2022

A multi-chord, two-color interferometer using Hilbert transform phase detection for measuring electron density in spheromak plasmas

A new, four-chord, CO 2 /He–Ne heterodyne interferometer has been designed and built for measuring line-averaged plasma density in the HIT-SI3 and subsequent HIT-SIU sustained spheromak devices. The two-color system successfully eliminates vibration-induced errors caused by mirrors that are secured to the vacuum chamber and is able to resolve electron densities ne in the full operating range of 10 18 –10 20 m –3 in both experiments with an integrated error of 4.7 × 10 17 m –2 . Here, data are presented from high toroidal current plasma discharges, showing the time evolution of electron densities n e and j Φ /n e along multiple chords.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗