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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 361 records · Page 20

Measuring the electron Yukawa coupling via resonant s-channel Higgs production at FCC-ee

The Future Circular Collider (FCC-ee) offers the unique opportunity of studying the Higgs Yukawa coupling to the electron, \(y_\mathrm {e}\) , via resonant s -channel production, \(\mathrm {e^+e^-}\rightarrow \mathrm {H}\) , in a dedicated run at \(\sqrt{s} = m_\mathrm {H}\) . The signature for direct Higgs production is a small rise in the cross sections for particular final states, consistent with Higgs decays, over the expectations for their occurrence due to Standard Model (SM) background processes involving \(\mathrm {Z}^*\) , \(\gamma ^*\) , or t -channel exchanges alone. Performing such a measurement is remarkably challenging for four main reasons. First, the low value of the e \(^\pm \) mass leads to a tiny \(y_\mathrm {e}\) coupling and correspondingly small cross section: \(\sigma _\mathrm {ee\rightarrow H} \propto m_\mathrm {e}^2 = 0.57\) fb accounting for initial-state \(\gamma \) radiation. Second, the \(\mathrm {e^+e^-}\) beams must be monochromatized such that the spread of their centre-of-mass (c.m.) energy is commensurate with the narrow width of the SM Higgs boson, \(\varGamma _\mathrm {H} = 4.1\) MeV, while keeping large beam luminosities. Third, the Higgs mass must also be known beforehand with a few-MeV accuracy in order to operate the collider at the resonance peak, \(\sqrt{s} = m_\mathrm {H}\) . Last but not least, the cross sections of the background processes are many orders-of-magnitude larger than those of the Higgs decay signals. A preliminary generator-level study of 11 Higgs decay channels using a multivariate analysis, which exploits boosted decision trees to discriminate signal and background events, identifies two final states as the most promising ones in terms of statistical significance: \(\mathrm {H}\rightarrow gg\) and \(\mathrm {H}\rightarrow \mathrm {W}\mathrm {W}^*\!\rightarrow \ell \nu \) + 2 jets. For a benchmark monochromatization with 4.1-MeV c.m. energy spread (leading to \(\sigma _\mathrm {ee\rightarrow H} = 0.28\) fb) and 10 ab \(^{-1}\) of integrated luminosity, a \(1.3\sigma \) signal significance can be reached, corresponding to an upper limit on the e \(^\pm \) Yukawa coupling at 1.6 times the SM value: |y e | < 1.6|y e SM | at 95% confidence level, per FCC-ee interaction point per year. Directions for future improvements of the study are outlined.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Choosing Transport Events for Initiating Splitting and Rouletting

A study was performed to determine which transport events should be used to initiate a weight window lookup to achieve the best variance reduction performance. A weight window lookup potentially triggers particle splitting (in important regions of phase space) or rouletting (in unimportant regions), thereby optimizing computational effort. Potential initiating transport events include collisions (both pre- and post-collision), geometry surface crossings, traversing a mean-free path, and streaming across a weight window boundary. Permutations of these initiating events were tested on an urban model with background radiation sources and a spent fuel cask with a neutron dose mesh tally. Generally, all methods perform better with finer weight window meshes. Tracking on weight windows performs well for coarse weight window meshes, while a combination of splitting each mean-free path, geometric surface crossing, and before collisions performs well for fine weight window meshes.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Detecting Heavy Neutral SUSY Higgs Bosons Decaying to Sparticles at the High-Luminosity LHC

In supersymmetry (SUSY) models with low electroweak naturalness (natSUSY), which have been suggested to be the most likely version of SUSY to emerge from the string landscape, higgsinos are expected at the few hundred GeV scale, whilst electroweak gauginos inhabit the TeV scale. For TeV-scale heavy neutral SUSY Higgs bosons H and A, as currently required by LHC searches, the dominant decay modes of H,A are gaugino plus higgsino provided these decays are kinematically open. The light higgsinos decay to soft particles, so are largely invisible, whilst the gauginos decay to W, Z or h plus missing transverse energy (ET). Thus, we examine the viability of H,A→W+ET, Z+ET and h+ET signatures at the high luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) in light of large standard model (SM) backgrounds from (mainly) tt¯, VV and Vh production (where V=W,Z). We also examine whether these signal channels can be enhanced over backgrounds by requiring the presence of an additional soft lepton from the decays of the light higgsinos. We find significant regions in the vicinity of mA∼1–2 TeV of the mA vs. tanβ plane, which can be probed at the high luminosity LHC, using these dominant signatures by HL-LHC at 5σ and at the 95% confidence level (CL).

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Prospects for Charged Higgs Bosons in Natural SUSY Models at the High-Luminosity LHC

We continue our examination of prospects for the discovery of heavy Higgs bosons of natural SUSY (natSUSY) models at the high luminosity LHC (HL-LHC), this time focusing on charged Higgs bosons. In natSUSY, higgsinos are expected at the few hundred GeV scale whilst electroweak gauginos inhabit the TeV scale and the heavy Higgs bosons, H, A and H± could range up tens of TeV without jeopardizing naturalness. For TeV-scale heavy SUSY Higgs bosons H, A and H±, as currently required by LHC searches, SUSY decays into gaugino plus higgsino can dominate H± decays provided these decays are kinematically accessible. The visible decay products of higgsinos are soft making them largely invisible, whilst the gauginos decay to W, Z or h plus missing transverse energy (ET). Charged Higgs bosons are dominantly produced at LHC14 via the parton subprocess, gb→H±t. In this paper, we examine the viability of observing signatures from H±→τν, H±→tb and H±→W,Z,h+ET events produced in association with a top quark at the HL-LHC over large Standard Model (SM) backgrounds from (mainly) tt¯, tt¯V and tt¯h production (where V=W,Z). We find that the greatest reach is found via the SM H±(→τν)+t channel with a subdominant contribution from the H±(→tb)+t channel. Unlike for neutral Higgs searches, the SUSY decay modes appear to be unimportant for H± searches at the HL-LHC. We delineate regions of the mA vs. tanβ plane, mostly around mA∼ 1–2 TeV, where signals from charged Higgs bosons would serve to confirm signals of a heavy, neutral Higgs boson at the 5σ level or, alternatively, to exclude heavy Higgs bosons at the 95% confidence level at the high luminosity LHC.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Stellar contributions to the diffuse soft X-ray background

One of the results of the EINSTEIN/C.f.A. X-ray stellar survey was a determination of the contribution of the disk stellar population to the galactic component of the diffuse soft (0.28 - 1.0 keV) X-ray background. This analysis employed both binned and unbinned nonparametric statistical methods that have been developed by Avni, et al. (1980). These methods permitted the use of the information contained in both the 22 detections and 4 upper bounds on the luminosities of 26 dM stars in order to derive their luminosity function. Luminosity functions for earlier stellar types are not yet developed. For these earlier stellar types, the median luminosities as determined by Vaiana, et al., are used (1981), which underestimates their contribution to the background. We find that it is the M dwarfs that dominate the disk population stellar contribution to this background. To calculate the contribution of the stellar sources to the background, simple models both for the spatial distribution of the stars and for the properties of the intervening interstellar medium are used. A model is chosen in which all stellar classes have the same functional form for their spatial distribution: an exponentially decreasing distribution above the galactic equatorial plane, and a uniform distribution within the galactic plane for a region of several kiloparsecs centered on the Sun.

Bookbinder, J.↗

Utilization of SAGE aerosol profiles in the analysis of Mauna Loa stratospheric lidar data

A systematic approach to analyzing lidar data collected at NOAA's Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) was developed which relies on parameters derived from SAGE satellite extinction profile measurements to verify boundary conditions applied to analysis. The approach also provides a means of assessing the uncertainties associated with the various inputs, so that the accuracy of the analysis of the MLO lidar data is available. The stratosphere during the 1980 to 1981 period was only mildly perturbed and could be easily represented by the SAMII/SAGE background aerosol model. The MLO lidar observations collected during this period provided stratospheric optical depths with uncertainties ranging between 15% and 25%. Uncertainties in the aerosol optical model contribute errors of 3% to 4% in the computed optical depths. Most of the optical depth uncertainty is associated with the calibration assumption in which no marked improvement can be expected.

Fernald, F. G.↗

KL techniques for optimal processing of time sequential imagery

Time-sequential imagery is difficult to analyze because of its high dimensionality. This paper advances a new algorithm that screens input data in an intelligent way, discards data with negligible information, and uses the remaining images to represent the sequence in an optimal compact form. Data are presented to illustrate how this algorithm can be used to do novelty filtering, novelty detection, segmentation, background independent modeling, and classification.

Vermeulen, Pieter↗

Gamma ray monitoring of a AGN and galactic black hole candidates by the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory

The Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory's Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) has a powerful capability to provide nearly uninterrupted monitoring in the 25 keV-10 MeV range of both active galactic nuclei (AGN) and galactic black hole candidates (GBHC) such as Cygnus X-1, using the occultation of cosmic sources by the Earth. Since the Crab is detected by the BATSE Large Area Detectors with roughly 25(sigma) significance in the 15-125 keV range in a single rise or set, a variation by a factor of two of a source having one-tenth the strength of Cygnus X-1 should be detectable within a day. Methods of modeling the background are discussed which will increase the accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability of the results beyond those obtainable from a linear background fit with a single rise or set discontinuity.

Skelton, R. T.↗

Heterogeneous conversion of N2O5 to HNO3 on background stratospheric aerosols - Comparisons of model results with data

The effects of heterogeneous processing by a parameterized lower stratospheric sulfate aerosol layer on model calculations were examined using a 2D photochemical model. Model results were compared with zonally averaged LIMS data on HNO3 and NO2 and in situ measurements of NO, NO(y), and ClO, taken by the ER-2 aircraft. The results obtained are contradictory: some comparisons favor heterogeneous chemistry, and some do not. It is suggested that the assumptions made to parameterize the sulfate aerosol chemistry result in a rate of heterogeneous processing that is too vigorous.

Considine, David B.↗

Long-term variation of Saturn H2 emission

The goal of this research effort was to analyze the long-term IUE database of Saturn images for the possible presence of diffuse H2 emissions, using techniques originally developed for analysis of Jupiter images. The poor S/N ratio in many of the Saturn images proved to be a significant limitation to the possible detection of H2 emission. The creation of a satisfactory background atmosphere model was also limited by difficulties in reproducing the observed C2H2 band structure at long wavelengths. The results currently available suggest that diffuse H2 emission is present on Saturn on some occasions. However, the IUE data are not able to indicate whether H2 emission is present at all times with a magnitude proportional to solar activity, as was shown for Jupiter.

DeLand, Matthew T.↗

Integrated Logistics Support Analysis of the International Space Station Alpha, Background and Summary of Mathematical Modeling and Failure Density Distributions Pertaining to Maintenance Time Dependent Parameters

The process of predicting the values of maintenance time dependent variable parameters such as mean time between failures (MTBF) over time must be one that will not in turn introduce uncontrolled deviation in the results of the ILS analysis such as life cycle costs, spares calculation, etc. A minor deviation in the values of the maintenance time dependent variable parameters such as MTBF over time will have a significant impact on the logistics resources demands, International Space Station availability and maintenance support costs. There are two types of parameters in the logistics and maintenance world: a. Fixed; b. Variable Fixed parameters, such as cost per man hour, are relatively easy to predict and forecast. These parameters normally follow a linear path and they do not change randomly. However, the variable parameters subject to the study in this report such as MTBF do not follow a linear path and they normally fall within the distribution curves which are discussed in this publication. The very challenging task then becomes the utilization of statistical techniques to accurately forecast the future non-linear time dependent variable arisings and events with a high confidence level. This, in turn, shall translate in tremendous cost savings and improved availability all around.

Sepehry-Fard, F.↗

Stratospheric Impact of 1D-Variation Assimilation of TOVS/ATOVS Data

This paper will present an assessment of the impact to the stratospheric circulation of the DAO-GEOS2 (Data Assimilation Office -Goddard Earth Observing System) attributable to an improved 1D-Variational retrieval of heights. The assimilated heights are retrieved from both the TOVS (TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder) and the ATOVS (Advanced TOVS) sounders. Each sounder's sensitivity to temperature changes in the stratosphere will be addressed and its relationship to the model's background flow evaluated. Also detailed are the steps to ensure the quality of the data being assimilated. Finally the temporal and spatial scales, important to the stratospheric mean flow, will be evaluated in terms of the DAO-GEOS2 response to the assimilated heights.

Rokke, Laurie↗

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Special Session: Mars Climate Change

The session "Mars Climate Change" contained the following reports:Geological Evidence for Climate Change on Mars; A New Astronomical Solution for the Long Term Evolution of the Insolation Quantities of Mars; Interpreting Martian Paleoclimate with a Mars General Circulation Model; History and Progress of GCM Simulations on Recent Mars Climate Change; Northern and Southern Permafrost Regions on Mars with High Content of Water Ice: Similarities and Differences; Periods of Active Permafrost Layer Formation in the Recent Geological History of Mars; Microclimate Zones in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica: Implications for Landscape; Evolution and Climate Change on Mars; Geomorphic Evidence for Martian Ground Ice and Climate Change; Explaining the Mid-Latitude Ice Deposits with a General Circulation Model; Tharsis Montes Cold-based Glaciers: Observations and Constraints for Modeling and Preliminary Results; Ice Sheet Modeling: Terrestrial Background and Application to Arsia Mons Lobate Deposit, Mars; Enhanced Water-Equivalent Hydrogen on the Western Flanks of the Tharsis Montes and Olympus Mons: Remnant Subsurface Ice or Hydrate Minerals?; and New Age Mars.

Source record↗

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Special Session: Mars Climate Change

The session "Mars Climate Change" included the following topics:Geological Evidence for Climate Change on Mars; A New Astronomical Solution for the Long Term Evolution of the Insolation Quantities of Mars; Interpreting Martian Paleoclimate with a Mars General Circulation Model; History and Progress of GCM Simulations on Recent Mars Climate Change; Northern and Southern Permafrost Regions on Mars with High Content of Water Ice: Similarities and Differences; Periods of Active Permafrost Layer Formation in the Recent Geological History of Mars; Microclimate Zones in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica: Implications for Landscape Evolution and Climate Change on Mars; Geomorphic Evidence for Martian Ground Ice and Climate Change; Explaining the Mid-Latitude Ice Deposits with a General Circulation Model; Tharsis Montes Cold-based Glaciers: Observations and Constraints for Modeling and Preliminary Results; Ice Sheet Modeling: Terrestrial Background and Application to Arsia Mons Lobate Deposit, Mars; Enhanced Water-Equivalent Hydrogen on the Western Flanks of the Tharsis Montes and Olympus Mons: Remnant Subsurface Ice or Hydrate Minerals?; and New Age Mars.

Source record↗

Obscured AGN at High Redshift

This viewgraph presentation reviews the obscured sources of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) in the universe at high redshift. The cosmic X-ray background, unified models of AGN and clues to galaxy formation/evolution is the motivation for this study.

cosmic x-ray↗

Detect-and-Avoid Alerting Performance for High-Speed UAS and Non-Cooperative Aircraft

This paper presents a set of experiments designed to assess the viability of using a smaller Detect and Avoid (DAA) volume for large Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) when they are trying to remain well clear of non-cooperative visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft, in compliance with Federal regulations. The current DAA volume was defined for both cooperative and non-cooperative VFR traffic by the work of RTCA Special Committee 228 in 2017, in what is referred to in this paper as the Phase 1 standards. Subsequent work by the committee has been focused on enabling operations by smaller UAS that cannot carry the heavy radars required for the Phase 1 DAA Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS). The work discussed in this paper will explore whether a Phase 1 UAS using a Phase 1 radar can use the reduced non-cooperative DAA alerting volume being studied for smaller, slower Phase 2 UAS without significantly degrading system safety. The study uses UAS models and background traffic from previous Phase 1 and Phase 2 research to run an unmitigated simulation that will examine alerting performance using different DAA well clear definitions. The primary metrics are also tied to the alerting performance of the DAA system, and include average alerting times, probabilities of missed and late alerts, and the probability of a near mid-air collision given a loss of "well clear," as defined by the DAA system. Results are expected to help RTCA make the determination whether or not the DAA well clear definition for Phase 1 UAS can be reduced for non-cooperative VFR aircraft.

Cone, Andrew C.↗