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At least 379 records · Page 21

Vacuum commissioning and operation result after the KSTAR PFC upgrade

The first vacuum commissioning after the installation of new tungsten mono-block cassette divertor has been successfully conducted in KSTAR. The tungsten divertor has been installed in the lower divertor region to handle the high divertor heat loads up to 10 MW/m 2 . On the one hand, the plasma facing components except for the tungsten divertor in the KSTAR vacuum vessel still consists of graphite tiles. Thus, it was much more challenging to maintain high-quality vacuum condition mainly because of various possible impurity sources inside the vessel compared with previous experiment campaigns. In this paper, the detailed procedure for securing vacuum condition of the KSTAR tokamak after the installation of the new tungsten divertor is presented. The vacuum condition is also examined regarding the plasma start-up and the long-pulse high-performance quality.

KSTAR↗

Commissioning of the LaBr 3 (Ce) detector array at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory

The timing and energy resolution properties of LaBr 3 (Ce) scintillators are well suited for use in γγ fast-timing experiments. Here, using standard 60 Co, 88 Y, and 152 Eu sources, the 16-element array of 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch right-cylindrical LaBr 3 (Ce) detectors and the associated readout electronics at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory were commissioned by measuring the lifetimes of excited states and the angular correlations of γ rays emitted in cascade. Excited-state lifetimes in 152 Sm and 152 Gd were measured using the exponential slope of the decay and a method based on the centroids of time-difference spectra. Results for the lifetimes are consistent with the well-known literature values which cover a range from a few picoseconds to several nanoseconds. Finally, the γγ angular correlations for the 4 + → 2 + → 0 + cascade in 60 Ni and the 3 - → 2 + → 0 + cascade in 88 Sr were measured and shown to agree with GEANT4 simulations that take into account the expected angular correlations within the cascades as well as the geometry of the array.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

The large-area hybrid-optics CLAS12 RICH: Assembling, commissioning and first data-taking

Here, the first module of a Ring Imaging Cherenkov detector has been recently installed on the CLAS12 spectrometer at the Jefferson Lab (JLab) to provide the experiment with kaon identification in the momentum range between 3 and 8 GeV/c. The detector adopts a hybrid optics solution with aerogel radiator, light planar and spherical mirrors and highly-segmented photon detectors. We report here on the assembly and installation of the RICH and we show the first preliminary results obtained during the commissioning of the detector and the first physics data taking.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Commissioning of the BRIKEN detector for the measurement of very exotic β -delayed neutron emitters

A new detection system has been installed at the RIKEN Nishina Center (Japan) to investigate decay properties of very neutron-rich nuclei. The setup consists of three main parts: a moderated neutron counter, a detection system sensitive to the implantation and decay of radioactive ions, and -ray detectors. We describe here the setup, the commissioning experiment and some selected results demonstrating its performance for the measurement of half-lives and β-delayed neutron emission probabilities. Here, the methodology followed in the analysis of the data is described in detail. Particular emphasis is placed on the correction of the accidental neutron background.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Design and commissioning of an e-beam irradiation beamline at the Upgraded Injector Test Facility at Jefferson Lab

We report the Upgraded Injector Test Facility (UITF) at Jefferson Lab is a continuous-wave superconducting linear accelerator capable of providing an electron beam with energy up to 10 MeV. A beamline for electron-beam irradiation has been designed, installed and successfully commissioned at this facility, aimed at the degradation study of 1,4-dioxane and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater treatment. A solenoid with a peak axial magnetic field of up to 0.28 T and a set of raster coils were used to obtain a Gaussian beam profile with a transverse standard deviation of ~ 15.0 mm at the target location. Monte-Carlo simulations using FLUKA were carried out to calculate the total absorbed dose and the dose distribution in the sample volume inside the target cell. The simulations were benchmarked experimentally by dosimetry mapping using optichromic dosimeters. The results of the irradiation experiments showed a ~ 95% reduction of 1,4-dioxane in ultra-pure water for a dose of 1 kGy, demonstrating the potential of electron-beam irradiation towards addressing growing challenges in environmental remediation.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

The Beta-decay Paul Trap Mk IV: Design and commissioning

Here, the Beta-decay Paul Trap is an open-geometry, linear trap used to measure the decays of 8 Li and 8 B to search for a tensor contribution to the weak interaction. In the latest 8 Li measurement of Burkey et al. (2022), β scattering was the dominant experimental systematic uncertainty. The Beta-decay Paul Trap Mk IV reduces the prevalence of β scattering by a factor of 4 through a redesigned electrode geometry and the use of glassy carbon and graphite as electrode materials. The trap has been constructed and successfully commissioned with 8 Li in a new data campaign that collected 2.6 million triple coincidence events, an increase in statistics by 30% with 4 times less β scattering compared to the previous 8 Li data set.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Commissioning results of the BNL Alternating Gradient Synchrotron booster AC dipole

Here, an AC dipole has been installed in the AGS booster as part of polarized beam developments for the future Electron Ion Collider (EIC). This will allow preserving helion beam polarization through two intrinsic resonances during acceleration to an energy corresponding to |$Gγ$| = 10.5. AC dipoles can preserve polarization by forcing the beam to undergo large amplitude vertical betatron oscillations. These coherent oscillations cause all particles to sample the strong horizontal fields of quadrupoles, and result in a full spin flip. In preparation for the AC dipole being used for polarized helions, it was first commissioned with polarized protons. The proton extraction energy was raised to allow protons to cross $Gγ$ = 0 + $v_y$ = 4.8087. As an artifact of the experiment using polarized protons, the booster settings for bunch extraction interfered with the coherent oscillations and limited the maximum coherent amplitude. This interference will be well separated in the case of polarized helions. Polarized protons crossed the $Gγ$ = 0 + $v_y$ intrinsic resonance with a full spin flip through use of the AC dipole. Simulations of the resonance crossing using Zgoubi accurately predict the polarization relative to the coherent amplitude.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Commissioning a time-gated camera for fast neutron beamline spatial-energy characterization at LANSCE-WNR spallation source

An energy-resolved fast neutron beam imaging diagnostic has been successfully commissioned at the Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) spallation source within the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) facility. This diagnostic replaces the existing analog phosphor image plates, which integrate across all neutron energies, as well as other particles, with a near-real-time energy-sensitive imaging capability. The system uses a fast plastic scintillator coupled with an intensified CCD camera. Specifically, the Teledyne Pi-MAX4 camera is coupled with either a 4 mm thick Eljen (EJ) 204 or 228 plastic scintillator. These scintillators are most sensitive to the fast neutrons (0.8-800 MeV) directly from the spallation source rather than low energy background radiation. Experimentally, these plastic scintillators were shown to have sufficiently fast decay to differentiate the bright gamma flash from the spallation neutrons. The spatial resolution is dominated by neutron beam divergence, with minimal additional contributions from scatter and light divergence. The system successfully resolved changes in neutron beam characteristics caused by intentional proton steering variations. Additionally, simulations of scintillator light yield as a function of thickness conducted using PHITS (with Scinful-QMD package) found that increasing scintillator thickness from 4 mm to 6 or 8 mm could potentially increase brightness ~ 3x. This may be explored if there is a need to reduce image acquisition time from several minutes to under one minute.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Ground calibration and in-flight commissioning of the Gamma-Ray and Neutron Spectrometer (GRNS) for NASA’s Psyche mission

NASA's Psyche spacecraft is currently enroute to the asteroid 16 Psyche, where it will perform an orbital investigation focused on determining the nature of the asteroid. A key part of this investigation is measurements of elemental composition to determine if the asteroid is rich in iron-nickel metal. To that end, the Psyche spacecraft payload includes a Gamma-Ray and Neutron Spectrometer (GRNS). GRNS is composed of two subsystems; a Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) with a high-purity germanium γ-ray sensor surrounded by a borated plastic scintillator Anti-Coincidence Shield (ACS), and a Neutron Spectrometer (NS) with three 3 He-filled gas proportional counters that are sensitive to different neutron energy regimes. We describe results from the pre-launch calibration campaign, along with early in-flight results from post-launch instrument commissioning. The information detailed here is focused on providing future users of GRNS data with the information needed to properly interpret the observations from the instrument.

Peplowski, Patrick N. [Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltim↗

On-Line Commissioning of the HRIBF Resonant Ionization Laser Ion Source

A highly-selective resonant ionization laser ion source has been successfully commissioned at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, for the production of pure beams of short-lived nuclei for spectroscopic studies. The laser ion source provided beams of neutron-rich Ga isotopes to the Low-energy Radioactive Ion Beam Spectroscopy Station for beta decay measurements. The radioactive Ga isotopes were produced by 50-MeV proton induced fission of 238U and ionized by laser radiation using a two-step resonant ionization scheme. Isobarically pure 83Ga, 85Ga, and 86Ga beams were delivered to the experiment at approximate rates of 12000 ions/s, 100 ions/s, and 3 ions/s, respectively.

Liu, Yuan↗

Simulation studies for beam commissioning at FRIB Advanced Rare Isotope Separator

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) includes a powerful superconducting driver accelerator and an Advanced Rare Isotope Separator (ARIS). The ARIS collects and purifies the rare isotope fragments of interest for experiments in nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental symmetries, etc. ARIS consists of a vertical pre-separator and downstream horizontal separator section (C-Bend). Each section can provide a high-resolution separation alternatively. The resolution reduction due to the emittance induced by momentum compression can be avoided by isotope separation in different dispersive planes. Beam commissioning of ARIS for the first experiments was completed and demonstrated particle identification of fragments. The beam tuning in ARIS largely relies on numerical simulations since the limited space for diagnostics. Here, we report the result of the beam trajectory correction, transverse matching, and beam-based misalignment studies at ARIS.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Hydrokinetic tidal energy resource assessment following international electrotechnical commission guidelines

Marine renewable energy can be used as a viable energy source to alleviate the impact of the climate crisis and have a carbon-free electricity sector in the future. Especially the energetic tidal streams are an attractive source of clean energy due to the periodic occurrence of high tidal flows daily. However, before any deployment of tidal turbine farms, it is essential to perform a resource assessment depending on the scope and scale of the project. Here, the International Electrotechnical Commission has developed a technical standard for assessing the tidal stream resource "IEC 62600-201 TS" to aid in this effort: determine a particular site's feasibility and perform the project layout design. In this study, we implemented and validated a high-resolution three-dimensional numerical model and provided results following the IEC TS for a project layout design in a highly energetic tidal channel, Tacoma Narrows of Puget Sound, in the State of Washington, USA. Implementation of the guidelines has helped adequately identify the undisturbed theoretical and technical resources with less bias, where the latter included energy extraction from the flow field arranging a hypothetical tidal energy converter (TEC) array. Also, following the standard, we carefully assessed the changes to channel flow properties from TECs, such as the kinetic energy flux and annual energy production (AEP), to provide the detailed information required for a larger project layout design. Ultimately, this work has shown the important role of IEC TS in tidal stream resource assessment, which can simultaneously act as a benchmark for other studies worldwide.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Commissioning of a modulated pulse-power magnetron sputtering system for depositing niobium thin films

A modulated pulse-power magnetron sputtering system (MPPMS) was commissioned and used to deposit niobium on copper. MPPMS utilizes a modulated pulse train with high peak-to-average energy ratios, thereby increasing the energy density leading to the production of the energetic ions. The MPPMS modulator was designed and constructed based on large voltage/current IGBT modules, which can be externally modulated, produce bi-polar waveforms, and are readily available. A high voltage power supply provides moderate current to the IGBT module to create the precise pulse structure. The MPPMS system was used to deposit ~1 mm thick, niobium film on a copper substrate held at ~77 K to minimize Nb atom surface diffusion and maximize intrinsic film energy. Finally, the Nb film had an average grain size of ~8 nm.

42 ENGINEERING↗

CMS Tier-0 data processing during the detector commissioning in Run 3

The CMS Tier-0 system is responsible for the prompt processing and distribution of the data collected by the CMS Experiment. A number of upgrades were implemented during the long shutdown 2 of the Large Hadron Collider, which improved the performance and reliability of the system. In this report, these upgrades are discussed and a more detailed description of the Tier-0 system is given. The experience of the data taking during Run 3 detector commissioning as well as the performance of the system are highlighted.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Design and commissioning of a high magnetic field muon spin relaxation spectrometer at the ISIS pulsed neutron and muon source

The high magnetic field (HiFi) muon instrument at the ISIS pulsed neutron and muon source is a state-of-the-art spectrometer designed to provide applied magnetic fields up to 5 T for muon studies of condensed matter and molecular systems. The spectrometer is optimised for time-differential muon spin relaxation studies at a pulsed muon source. We describe the challenges involved in its design and construction, detailing, in particular, the magnet and detector performance. Commissioning experiments have been conducted and the results are presented to demonstrate the scientific capabilities of the new instrument.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Initial commissioning results with the NSCL Electron Beam Ion Trap

The ReA reaccelerator is being added to the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) fragmentation facility in order to provide exotic rare-isotope beams, not available at the Isotope Separation On-Line facilities, in the several-MeV/u energy range. The first stage of the NSCL reaccelerator complex, consisting of an EBIT charge breeder, a room-temperature radiofrequency quadrupole (RFQ) accelerator, and superconducting linear accelerator modules, has been completed and is being put into operation. Commissioning of the EBIT has started by extracting charge-bred residual gas ions, ions created from a Ne gas jet directed across the EBIT's electron beam and ions captured from an external test ion source. Charge-bred ions from the Ne gas jet have been extracted as a pulse and accelerated through the RFQ and the two cryomodules.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Commissioning of helium refrigeration system at JLab for 12 GeV upgrade

The new 4.5 K refrigerator system added to the Jefferson Lab (JLab) Central Helium Liquefier (CHL) for the 12 GeV upgrade will double its previous capacity. It includes a 4.5 K cold box system and compressor system with associated oil removal and gas management systems. At its maximum capacity condition, this new system supports an additional 238 g/s 30 K 1.16 bar cold compressor return flow, a 15 g/s 4.5 K liquefaction load and a 12.6 kW 35–55 K shield load. Five more design conditions, ranging from liquefaction to refrigeration and a stand-by/reduced load state, were specified for the sizing and selection of its components. The cold box system is comprised of a 300–60 K vertical cold box that incorporates a liquid nitrogen pre-cooler and a 60–4.5 K horizontal cold box housing seven turbines that are configured in four expansion stages including one Joule-Thompson expander. The helium compression system has five compressors to support three pressure levels in the cold box. This paper will briefly review the salient 4.5 K system design features and discuss the recent commissioning results.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Commissioning of helium compression system for the 12 GeV refrigerator

The compressor system used for the Jefferson Lab (JLab) 12 GeV upgrade, also known as the CHL-2 compressor system, incorporates many design changes to the typical compressor skid design to improve the efficiency, reliability and maintainability from previous systems. These include a considerably smaller bulk oil separator design that does not use coalescing elements/media, automated control of cooling oil injection based on the helium discharge temperature, a helium after-cooler design that is designed for and promotes coalescing of residual oil and a variable speed bearing oil pump to reduce oil bypass. The CHL-2 helium compression system has five compressors configured with four pressure levels that supports the three pressure levels in the cold box. This paper will briefly review several of these improvements and discuss some of the recent commissioning results.

42 ENGINEERING↗