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Results for “charged particle optics”

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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Magnetic-field-induced Wigner crystallization of charged interlayer excitons in van der Waals heterostructures

Abstract Ever since its inception, coherent excited states of semiconductors have been the focus of semiconductor materials research to evolve into a vibrant field of low-dimensional solid-state physics. The field is gaining new momentum these days due to emerging transdimensional semiconductors such as van der Waals bound layers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) of controlled thickness. Here, we develop the theory of magnetic-field-induced Wigner crystallization for charged interlayer excitons (CIE) discovered recently in TMD heterobilayers. We derive the ratio of the potential interaction energy to the kinetic energy for the many-particle CIE system in the perpendicular magnetostatic field of an arbitrary strength and predict the crystallization effect in the strong field regime. We show that magnetic-field-induced Wigner crystallization and melting of CIEs can be observed in magneto-photoluminescence experiments with TMD bilayers of systematically varied electron-hole doping concentrations. Our results advance the capabilities of this new generation of transdimensional quantum materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Tomography of longitudinal phase space linearization for the generation of attosecond electron bunches

The generation of electron bunches on the attosecond timescale is important for a multitude of accelerator-based applications. Here, we report on a tomographic measurement of the (pre)linearized longitudinal phase space of a low charge 3 MeV electron bunch generated with the 1.6 cell Pegasus photoinjector for the generation of attosecond bunches. The nonlinear correlations in the longitudinal phase space induced by space charge at the photocathode, radiofrequency field curvature of the gun, and vacuum dispersion are compensated using a compact X-band linearizer. Then, the initial and compensated phase of the picosecond electron bunch is precisely reconstructed by neural network assisted tomographic reconstruction from momentum spectra at varying buncher linac phase. Finally, we combine the measured phase space shape with particle tracking simulations to show that electron bunches as short as 941 as develop downstream the beamline.

Beam control↗
NASA NTRS1992

The dynamics of low-beta plasma clouds as simulated by a three-dimensional, electromagnetic particle code

A 3D electromagnetic and relativistic particle simulation code is used to investigate the dynamics of low-beta plasma clouds moving perpendicular to an ambient magnetic field in vacuum and in a background plasma. The simulations show the formation of the space charge sheaths at the sides of the cloud with the associated polarization electric field which facilitate the cross-field propagation, as well as the sheaths at the front and rear end of the cloud caused by the larger ion Larmor radius, which allows ions to move ahead and lag behind the electrons as they gyrate. It is found that, in a background plasma, electron and ion sheaths expand along the magnetic field at the same rate, whereas in vacuum the electron sheath expands much faster than the ion sheath. Sheath clouds are accelerated up to relativistic energies, which indicates that artificial plasma clouds released in the ionosphere or magnetosphere may generate optical emissions as energetic sheath electrons scatter in the upper atmosphere.

Neubert, T.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Quantum system dynamics with a weakly nonlinear Josephson junction bath

Here, we investigate the influence of a weakly nonlinear Josephson bath consisting of a chain of Josephson junctions on the dynamics of a small quantum system (LC oscillator). Focusing on the regime where the charging energy is the largest energy scale, we perturbatively calculate the correlation function of the Josephson bath to the leading order in the Josephson energy divided by the charging energy while keeping the cosine potential exactly. When the variation of the charging energy along the chain ensures fast decay of the bath correlation function, the dynamics of the LC oscillator that is weakly and capacitively coupled to the Josephson bath can be solved through the Markovian master equation. We establish a duality relation for the Josephson bath between the regimes of large charging and Josephson energies, respectively. The results can be applied to cases where the charging energy either is nonuniformly engineered or disordered in the chain. Furthermore, we find that the Josephson bath may become non-Markovian when the temperature is increased beyond the zero-temperature limit in that the bath correlation function gets shifted by a constant and does not decay with time.

1-dimensional systems↗
DOE OSTI2023

Pines’ demon observed as a 3D acoustic plasmon in Sr2RuO4

Abstract The characteristic excitation of a metal is its plasmon, which is a quantized collective oscillation of its electron density. In 1956, David Pines predicted that a distinct type of plasmon, dubbed a ‘demon’, could exist in three-dimensional (3D) metals containing more than one species of charge carrier 1 . Consisting of out-of-phase movement of electrons in different bands, demons are acoustic, electrically neutral and do not couple to light, so have never been detected in an equilibrium, 3D metal. Nevertheless, demons are believed to be critical for diverse phenomena including phase transitions in mixed-valence semimetals 2 , optical properties of metal nanoparticles 3 , soundarons in Weyl semimetals 4 and high-temperature superconductivity in, for example, metal hydrides 3,5–7 . Here, we present evidence for a demon in Sr 2 RuO 4 from momentum-resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Formed of electrons in the β and γ bands, the demon is gapless with critical momentum q c = 0.08 reciprocal lattice units and room-temperature velocity v = (1.065 ± 0.12) × 10 5 m s −1 that undergoes a 31% renormalization upon cooling to 30 K because of coupling to the particle–hole continuum. The momentum dependence of the intensity of the demon confirms its neutral character. Our study confirms a 67-year old prediction and indicates that demons may be a pervasive feature of multiband metals.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
NASA NTRS1982

Findings on rings and inner satellites of Saturn of Pioneer 11

The introductory part of this paper gives a short account of the theory of absorption by planetary rings and satellites of energetic charged particles that are trapped in a planet's magnetic field and describes the observable consequences of such absorption processes. The previously published University of Iowa observations of absorption features during Pioneer 11's passage through Saturn's inner radiation belt on 1 September 1979 are critically reanalyzed and related to other evidence on rings and satellites inside 2.9 Saturn radii, especially that from the imaging system on Voyagers 1 and 2. It is found (a) that satellites 1979 S1, 1979 S2, and 1980 S3 are almost certainly identical; (b) that the evidence for 1979 S4 is weak to nonexistent; (c) that 1979 S5 and two other nearby absorption features and 1979 S6 and one other nearby absorption feature are probably caused by longitudinal and radial structure of Ring F and not by satellites; and (d) that absorption feature 1979 S3 at 169,200 + or - 600 km is identified with the optically observed Ring G.

Van Allen, J. A.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Characterizing particle-like charge-migration dynamics with high-order harmonic sideband spectroscopy

Here, we introduce high-order harmonic sideband spectroscopy and show that it can be a robust probe of charge migration (CM) in a halogenated carbon-chain molecule. We simulate both the CM and high-order harmonic generation (HHG) dynamics using ab initio time-dependent density-functional theory. We find that CM dynamics initiated along the molecular backbone induces sidebands in the HHG spectrum driven by a delayed laser pulse that is polarized perpendicular to the molecular axis. Monitoring the spectrum as either the HHG laser frequency or the relative delay is scanned allows for the extraction of detailed information about the time-domain characteristics of the CM process.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2020

Nano-ALSEP: Use of Nano-Sat Technology to Advance Lunar Exploration Science/Engineering

During the Apollo program, unique ALSEP (Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package) stations were deployed and left on the surface for long term data collection. Powered by a SNAP-27 electrical power source, the packages continued to transmit useful data until September 30, 1977 (the end of the Fiscal year and termination of the budget). The instruments were varied but included an active seismic experiment (ASE), charged particle experiments, magnetometer experiment, micro-meteoroide/bolide detection experiments. Only only one, the Laser Ranging Retro-Reflector (LRRR) was continued to be used to the present day due to the passive nature of the device. After a dearth of data during an absence of 50 years, is it possible to restart similar packages using the advances in nano-sat technologies? An innovation effort is proposed that would first look at a 2U nano-sat package evolving to an eventual radio-isotope powered system that could be either part of a lunar lander or as an independent package. In the first phase, the packages would only survive during the Lunar day. In a second phase, the later radio-isotope options would place the surface packages in a semi-dormant mode during the Lunar night cycle. Communication capability developed in the TechEdSat-n flight series (UHF, S, X and optical bands) would help to independently close the link and potentially explore IoT devices that were powered only in the sunlight. In addition, limited mobility in the form factor of a nano-rover might also greatly extend the utility of such packages while adding evolutionary capability - and finally continue where the Apollo program was forced to leave off.

M Murbach↗
DOE OSTI2024

Near-infrared noise in intense electron beams

Requirements for the noise in electron beams (NEB) have recently approached the Shot-noise level in some new applications. The density fluctuations of intense beams in the near-infrared (NIR) region are being measured at the Fermilab Accelerator Science and Technology (FAST) facility. The main goal of the experiment is to accurately compare the Shot-noise model with the observations of optical transition radiation (OTR) generated by the gamma=63 electron beam transiting an Al metal surface. In addition, evidence for longitudinal-space-charge-induced microbunching for the chicane-compressed beam was obtained with coherent enhancements up to 100 in the various bandwidth-filtered NIR OTR photodiode signals. With micropulse charges up to 1 nC, the beam parameters are close to those proposed for a stage in an Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) with coherent electron cooling (CEC). In this paper we present the current progress of the NEB project and compare the low electron energy measurements with ImpactX simulations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Near-Infrared Noise in Intense Electron Beams

Requirements for the noise in electron beams (NEB) have recently approached the Shot-noise level in some new applications. The density fluctuations of intense beams in the near-infrared (NIR) region are being measured at the Fermilab Accelerator Science and Technology (FAST) facility. The main goal of the experiment is to accurately compare the Shot-noise model with the observations of optical transition radiation (OTR) generated by a relativistic electron beam ($\gamma \approx 63$), transiting an Aluminium metal surface. In addition, some evidence for longitudinal space-charge-induced microbunching for the chicane-compressed beam was obtained with coherent enhancements up to 100 in the various bandwidth-filtered NIR OTR photodiode signals. With micropulse charges up to 1 nC, the beam parameters are close to those proposed for a stage in an Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) with coherent electron cooling (CEC). In this paper we present the current progress of the NEB project and compare the low electron energy measurements with ImpactX simulations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Secondary scintillation properties of multi-layer THGEMs operated in low-pressure CF 4 and Ar/5%Xe

We present a measurement of the secondary scintillation yield produced by two-layer Thick Gas Electron Multipliers (M-THGEMs) in pure Tetrafluoromethane (CF 4 ) gas and in Ar mixed with 5% Xe in low-pressures down to 20 Torr. The detector was irradiated with 5.49 MeV alpha particles from a low-rate 241-Am source. The secondary scintillation light generated during the gas avalanche process was read out by a Hamamatsu photomultiplier tube (model R8520-406), sensitive to a broad wavelength range (160–650 nm). The avalanche charge was collected on the bottom electrode of M-THGEM and correlated to the scintillation light on an event-by-event basis. We observed that, for both gas types, the value of the photon to electron production ratio (0.4 ph/el in CF 4 and 0.1 ph/el in Ar/5%Xe) increases with the thickness of the M-THGEM electrodes and varies significantly with the pressure, being higher at lower values. The decrease in electroluminescence yield at higher pressures is much more pronounced in the Ar/Xe mixture. In addition, because of a larger gas avalanche volume, the electroluminescence light yield is larger in thicker M-THGEM structures. Presented results are particularly useful for designing the next generation of Optical-readout Time Projection Chambers (O-TPCs) operated at low-pressure CF 4 ; applications include experimental nuclear physics with rare isotope beams, dark matter detection with directional sensitivity and observation of the Migdal effect in a low-pressure Optical TPC.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Light-field control of real and virtual charge carriers

We report light-driven electronic excitation is a cornerstone for energy and information transfer. In the interaction of intense and ultrafast light fields with solids, electrons may be excited irreversibly, or transiently during illumination only. As the transient electron population cannot be observed after the light pulse is gone, it is referred to as virtual, whereas the population that remains excited is called real. Virtual charge carriers have recently been associated with high-harmonic generation and transient absorption, but photocurrent generation may stem from real as well as virtual charge carriers. However, a link between the generation of the carrier types and their importance for observables of technological relevance is missing. Here we show that real and virtual charge carriers can be excited and disentangled in the optical generation of currents in a gold–graphene–gold heterostructure using few-cycle laser pulses. Depending on the waveform used for photoexcitation, real carriers receive net momentum and propagate to the gold electrodes, whereas virtual carriers generate a polarization response read out at the gold–graphene interfaces. On the basis of these insights, we further demonstrate a proof of concept of a logic gate for future lightwave electronics. Our results offer a direct means to monitor and excite real and virtual charge carriers. Individual control over each type of carrier will markedly increase the integrated-circuit design space and bring petahertz signal processing closer to reality.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Reexamining the relation between the binding energy of finite nuclei and the equation of state of infinite nuclear matter

The energy density is calculated in coordinate space for 12 C, 40 Ca, 48 Ca, and 208 Pb using a dispersive optical model constrained by all relevant data including the corresponding energy of the ground state. The energy density of 8 Be is also calculated using the Green’s function Monte-Carlo method employing the Argonne/Urbana two and three-body interactions. The nuclear interior minimally contributes to the total binding energy due to the 4πr 2 phase space factor. Thus, the volume contribution to the energy in the interior is not well constrained. The dispersive-optical-model energy densities are in good agreement with ab initio self-consistent Green’s function calculations of infinite nuclear matter restricted to treat only short-range and tensor correlations. These results call into question the degree to which the equation of state for nuclear matter is constrained by the empirical mass formula. In particular, the results in this work indicate that saturated nuclear matter does not require the canonical value of 16 MeV binding per particle but only about 13-14 MeV when the interior of 208 Pb is considered.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Microscopic calculation of fission product yields for odd-mass nuclei

Fission data are essential inputs to reaction networks involved in nucleosynthesis simulations and nuclear forensics. In such applications as well as in the description of multichance fission, the characteristics of fission for odd-mass nuclei are just as important as those for even-even nuclei. The fission theories that aim at explicitly describing fission dynamics are typically based on some variant of the nuclear mean-field theory. In such cases, the treatment of systems with an odd number of particles is markedly more involved, both formally and computationally. In this article, we use the blocking prescription of the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov theory with Skyrme energy functionals to compute the deformation properties of odd-mass uranium isotopes. We show that the resulting fission fragment distributions depend quite significantly on the spin of the odd neutron. By direct calculation of the spin distribution of the fissioning nucleus, we propose a methodology to rigorously predict the charge and mass distributions in odd-mass nuclei.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

SITCOMTN-148: LSST Camera Electro-Optical Test (Run 7) Results

This note collects results from the LSST Camera electro-optical testing prior to installation on the TMA. We describe the focal plane characterization, optimization, and the resulting default settings. Results from eo-pipe are shown for standard runs such as B-protocols, Dense and SuperDense PTCs, gain stability, OpSim runs of Darks, and Darks with variable delays. We also describe features such as e2v Persistence, ITL phosphorescence in coffee stains, remnant charge near Serial register following saturated images, vampire pixels, ITL dips, and other sensor features.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Dephasingless laser wakefield acceleration in the bubble regime

Abstract Laser wakefield accelerators (LWFAs) have electric fields that are orders of magnitude larger than those of conventional accelerators, promising an attractive, small-scale alternative for next-generation light sources and lepton colliders. The maximum energy gain in a single-stage LWFA is limited by dephasing, which occurs when the trapped particles outrun the accelerating phase of the wakefield. Here, we demonstrate that a single space–time structured laser pulse can be used for ionization injection and electron acceleration over many dephasing lengths in the bubble regime. Simulations of a dephasingless laser wakefield accelerator driven by a 6.2-J laser pulse show 25 pC of injected charge accelerated over 20 dephasing lengths (1.3 cm) to a maximum energy of 2.1 GeV. The space–time structured laser pulse features an ultrashort, programmable-trajectory focus. Accelerating the focus, reducing the focused spot-size variation, and mitigating unwanted self-focusing stabilize the electron acceleration, which improves beam quality and leads to projected energy gains of 125 GeV in a single, sub-meter stage driven by a 500-J pulse.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dynamics of McMillan mappings II. axially symmetric map

Here, in this article, we investigate the transverse dynamics of a single particle in a model integrable accelerator lattice, based on a McMillan axially-symmetric electron lens. Although the McMillan e-lens has been considered as a device potentially capable of mitigating collective space charge forces, some of its fundamental properties have not been described yet. The main goal of our work is to close this gap and understand the limitations and potentials of this device. It is worth mentioning that the McMillan axially symmetric map provides the first-order approximations of dynamics for a general linear lattice plus an arbitrary thin lens with motion separable in polar coordinates. Therefore, advancements in its understanding should give us a better picture of more generic and not necessarily integrable round beams. In the first part of the article, we classify all possible regimes with stable trajectories and find the canonical action-angle variables. This provides an evaluation of the dynamical aperture, Poincaré rotation numbers as functions of amplitudes, and thus determines the spread in nonlinear tunes. Also, we provide a parameterization of invariant curves, allowing for the immediate determination of the map image forward and backward in time. The second part investigates the particle dynamics as a function of system parameters. We show that there are three fundamentally different configurations of the accelerator optics causing different regimes of nonlinear oscillations. Each regime is considered in great detail, including the limiting cases of large and small amplitudes. In addition, we analyze the dynamics in Cartesian coordinates and provide a description of observable variables and corresponding spectra.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Laser-plasma ion beam booster based on hollow-channel magnetic vortex acceleration

Laser-driven ion acceleration provides ultrashort, high-charge, low-emittance beams, which are desirable for a wide range of high-impact applications. Yet after decades of research, a significant increase in maximum ion energy is still needed. This paper introduces a quality-preserving staging concept for ultraintense ion bunches that is seamlessly applicable from the nonrelativistic plasma source to the relativistic regime. Full three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations prove robustness and capture of a high-charge proton bunch, suitable for readily available and near-term laser facilities.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗