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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 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Preparation of metrological states in dipolar-interacting spin systems

Abstract Spin systems are an attractive candidate for quantum-enhanced metrology. Here we develop a variational method to generate metrological states in small dipolar-interacting spin ensembles with limited qubit control. For both regular and disordered spatial spin configurations the generated states enable sensing beyond the standard quantum limit (SQL) and, for small spin numbers, approach the Heisenberg limit (HL). Depending on the circuit depth and the level of readout noise, the resulting states resemble Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states or Spin Squeezed States (SSS). Sensing beyond the SQL holds in the presence of finite spin polarization and a non-Markovian noise environment. The developed black-box optimization techniques for small spin numbers ( N ≤ 10) are directly applicable to diamond-based nanoscale field sensing, where the sensor size limits N and conventional squeezing approaches fail.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Demonstration of a 1820 channel multiplexer for transition-edge sensor bolometers

The scalability of most transition-edge sensor arrays is limited by the multiplexing technology, which combines their signals over a reduced number of wires and amplifiers. Here, in this Letter, we present and demonstrate a multiplexer design optimized for transition-edge sensor bolometers with 1820 sensors per readout unit, a factor of two more than the previous state-of-the-art. The design is optimized for cosmic microwave background imaging applications, and it builds on previous microwave superconducting quantum interference device multiplexers by doubling the available readout bandwidth to the full 4–8 GHz octave. Evaluating the key performance metrics of yield, sensitivity, and crosstalk through laboratory testing, we find an end-to-end operable detector yield of 78%, a typical nearest-neighbor crosstalk amplitude of ∼0.4%, and a median white noise level of 83 pA/$\sqrt{\textrm{Hz}}$ due to the multiplexer, corresponding to an estimated contribution of 4% to the total system noise for a ground-based cosmic microwave background telescope. Additionally, we identify a possible path toward reducing resonator loss for future designs with reduced noise. We expect these developments to alleviate the system complexity, cryogenic requirements, and cost of future large arrays of low temperature detectors.

cosmic microwave background↗
DOE OSTI2020

The Baryon Mapping Experiment (BMX), a 21cm intensity mapping pathfinder

The Baryon Mapping eXperiment (BMX) is an interferometric array designed as a pathfinder for a future post- reionization 21 cm intensity mapping survey. It consists of four 4-meter parabolic reflectors each having offset pyramidal horn feed, quad-ridge orthomode transducer, temperature-stabilized RF amplification and filtering, and pulsed noise injection diode. An undersampling readout scheme uses 8-bit digitizers running at 1.1 Gsamples/sec to provide access to signals from 1.1 - 1.55 GHz (third Nyquist zone), corresponding to HI emission from sources at redshift 0 < z < 0.3. An FX correlator is implemented in GPU and generates 28 GB/day of time-ordered visibility data. About 7,000 hours of data were collected from Jan. 2019 - May 2020, and we will present results on system performance including sensitivity, beam mapping studies, observations of bright celestial targets, and system electronics upgrades. BMX is a pathfinder for the proposed PUMA intensity mapping survey in the 2030s.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

An on-chip phased array for non-classical light

Abstract Quantum science and technology can offer fundamental enhancements in sensing, communications and computing. The expansion from wired to wireless links is an exciting prospect for quantum technologies. For classical technologies, the advent of phased arrays enabled directional and adaptive wireless links by manipulating electromagnetic waves over free space. Here we demonstrate a phased array system on a chip that can receive, image and manipulate non-classical light over free space. We use an integrated photonic-electronic system with more than 1000 functional components on-chip to detect squeezed light. By integrating an array of 32 sub-wavelength engineered metamaterial antennas, we demonstrate a direct free-space-to-chip interface for reconfigurable quantum links. On the same chip, we implement a large-scale array of quantum-limited coherent receivers that can resolve non-classical signals simultaneously across 32 channels. With coherent readout and manipulation of these signals, we demonstrate 32-pixel imaging and spatially configurable reception of squeezed light over free space. Our work advances wireless quantum technologies that could enable practical applications in quantum communications and sensing.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2020

Air-transfer production method for large-area picosecond photodetectors

We have designed and prototyped the process steps for the batch production of large-area micro-channel-plate photomultipliers (MCPPMT) using the “air-transfer” assembly process developed with single LAPPD TM modules. Results are presented addressing the challenges of designing a robust package that can transmit large numbers of electrical signals for pad or strip readout from inside the vacuum tube and of hermetically sealing the large-perimeter window–body interface. We have also synthesized a photocathode in a large-area low-aspect-ratio volume and have shown that the micro-channel plates recover their functionality after cathode synthesis. These steps inform a design for a multi-module batch facility employing dual nested low-vacuum and ultra-high-vacuum systems in a small-footprint. The facility design provides full access to multiple MCP-PMT modules prior to hermetic pinch-off for leak-checking and real-time photocathode optimization.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Noise limits for dc SQUID readout of high- Q resonators below 300 MHz

We present the limits on noise for the readout of cryogenic high-Q resonators using dc Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) below 300 MHz. This analysis uses realized first-stage SQUIDs (previously published), whose performance is well described by Tesche–Clarke (TC) theory, coupled directly to the resonators. We also present data from a prototype second-stage dc SQUID array designed to couple to this first-stage SQUID as a follow-on amplifier with high system bandwidth. This analysis is the first full consideration of dc SQUID noise performance referred to a high-Q resonator over this frequency range and is presented relative to the standard quantum limit. We include imprecision, backaction, and backaction–imprecision noise correlations from TC theory, the noise contributed by the second-stage SQUIDs, wiring, and preamplifiers, and optimizations for both on-resonance measurements and off-resonance scan sensitivity. This architecture has modern relevance due to the increased interest in axion searches and the requirements of the DMRadio-m 3 axion search, which uses dc SQUIDs in this frequency range.

Bosons↗
DOE OSTI2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Phe-tRNA synthetase: structural insights into tRNA recognition and aminoacylation

Abstract Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, responsible for ∼1.5 million fatalities in 2018, is the deadliest infectious disease. Global spread of multidrug resistant strains is a public health threat, requiring new treatments. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are plausible candidates as potential drug targets, because they play an essential role in translating the DNA code into protein sequence by attaching a specific amino acid to their cognate tRNAs. We report structures of M. tuberculosis Phe-tRNA synthetase complexed with an unmodified tRNAPhe transcript and either L-Phe or a nonhydrolyzable phenylalanine adenylate analog. High-resolution models reveal details of two modes of tRNA interaction with the enzyme: an initial recognition via indirect readout of anticodon stem-loop and aminoacylation ready state involving interactions of the 3′ end of tRNAPhe with the adenylate site. For the first time, we observe the protein gate controlling access to the active site and detailed geometry of the acyl donor and tRNA acceptor consistent with accepted mechanism. We biochemically validated the inhibitory potency of the adenylate analog and provide the most complete view of the Phe-tRNA synthetase/tRNAPhe system to date. The presented topography of amino adenylate-binding and editing sites at different stages of tRNA binding to the enzyme provide insights for the rational design of anti-tuberculosis drugs.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

ASIC Scoping Study Final Report

This report documents the results and findings of a one-year scoping study investigating multichannel readout application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for interfacing to, and processing data from, silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) arrays. We document ASIC desired and required specifications for four applications supporting national security mission areas: neutron radiography, associated particle imaging, and two versions of kinematic neutron imaging cameras. While each application has a few unique requirements that stress capability, there is generally good agreement among most. Two recently developed ASIC devices were evaluated in a system-like configuration by interfacing these to scintillator crystals exposed to gamma and neutron sources. The 64-channel ORNL device delivered functional capability while meeting most mission requirements for neutron radiography. The Nalu Scientific device, a 32-channel full waveform digitizer, did not demonstrate reliable neutron / gamma separation but it is unclear if this was an ASIC issue or problems with test setup or firmware. A literature survey of other commercial and academic ASICs was undertaken to with the conclusion that existing devices do not meet all requirements.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2026

TTDAQ: A Continuous Flow, Timing and Trigger DAQ System

Final Scientific/Technical Report for DOE Award DE-SC0019581, “TTDAQ: A Continuous Flow, Timing and Trigger DAQ System.” The report summarizes Telluric Labs’ Phase II STTR work developing silicon-photonic building blocks for a software-defined, continuous-flow, trigger-less data acquisition system for next-generation high-energy and nuclear-physics detectors. The project focused on radiation-hard photonic integrated circuits, remote optical illumination, dense wavelength-division multiplexing, and a differential microring-resonator transceiver architecture designed to improve high-speed optical link stability and bandwidth. The report describes project objectives, technical accomplishments, AIM Photonics tape-outs, bench characterization, radiation-hardness testing, deferred integration work, and potential applications beyond physics readout.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2023

A superconducting quantum simulator based on a photonic-bandgap metamaterial

Synthesizing many-body quantum systems with various ranges of interactions facilitates the study of quantum chaotic dynamics. Such extended interaction range can be enabled by using nonlocal degrees of freedom such as photonic modes in an otherwise locally connected structure. Here, we present a superconducting quantum simulator in which qubits are connected through an extensible photonic-bandgap metamaterial, thus realizing a one-dimensional Bose-Hubbard model with tunable hopping range and on-site interaction. Using individual site control and readout, we characterize the statistics of measurement outcomes from many-body quench dynamics, which enables in situ Hamiltonian learning. Further, the outcome statistics reveal the effect of increased hopping range, showing the predicted crossover from integrability to ergodicity. Our work enables the study of emergent randomness from chaotic many-body evolution and, more broadly, expands the accessible Hamiltonians for quantum simulation using superconducting circuits.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2023

Single-Spin Readout and Quantum Sensing Using Optomechanically Induced Transparency

Solid-state spin defects are promising quantum sensors for a large variety of sensing targets. Some of these defects couple appreciably to strain in the host material. We propose to use this strain coupling for mechanically mediated dispersive single-shot spin readout by an optomechanically induced transparency measurement. Surprisingly, the estimated measurement times for negatively charged silicon-vacancy defects in diamond are an order of magnitude shorter than those for single-shot optical fluorescence readout. Here, our scheme can also be used for general parameter-estimation metrology and offers a higher sensitivity than conventional schemes using continuous position detection.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2021

Gravity Probe Spin: Prospects for measuring general-relativistic precession of intrinsic spin using a ferromagnetic gyroscope

An experimental test at the intersection of quantum physics and general relativity is proposed: measurement of relativistic frame dragging and geodetic precession using intrinsic spin of electrons. Furthermore, the behavior of intrinsic spin in spacetime dragged and warped by a massive rotating body is an experimentally open question, hence the results of such a measurement could have important theoretical consequences. Such a measurement is possible by using mm-scale ferromagnetic gyroscopes in orbit around the Earth. Under conditions where the rotational angular momentum of a ferromagnet is sufficiently small, a ferromagnet’s angular momentum is dominated by atomic electron spins and is predicted to exhibit macroscopic gyroscopic behavior. If such a ferromagnetic gyroscope is sufficiently isolated from the environment, rapid averaging of quantum uncertainty via the spin-lattice interaction enables readout of the ferromagnetic gyroscope dynamics with sufficient sensitivity to measure both the Lense-Thirring (frame dragging) and de Sitter (geodetic precession) effects due to the Earth.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Search for Rare Processes: Mu2e and KOTO

The Standard Model (SM) of particle physics has been very successful in describing the fundamental forces, the properties of elementary particles, and predicting particles prior to their discovery, for example the top quark and the Higgs boson. Yet the SM does not explain all phenomena, and discoveries of physics processes beyond the SM will allow progress in our understanding of the fundamental nature of matter and forces. The search for rare processes is one of the paths to look for new physics. Two of these searches are for muon to electron conversion and the decay $\text{K}_\text{L}\rightarrow \pi^0 \nu \bar{\nu}$. Our main effort was in the Mu2e experiment under construction at Fermilab, which has the goal of searching for the neutrinoless conversion of a muon into an electron at a single event sensitivity of 2.87 x 10-17 and, in the process, provide evidence of physics processes beyond the Standard Model. We developed the firmware to be used in the Mu2e tracker readout, assisted in the construction and operation of the Mu2e Vertical Slice Test, and provided input to studies of cosmic event reconstructions in Mu2e using simulated data. Under this reward we also concluded our effort in two KOTO experiment in J-PARC, Japan and set a limit on the rate of the rare decay, $\text{K}_\text{L}\rightarrow \pi^0 \nu \bar{\nu}$ using the data collected in the 2016-2018 period. We also maintained and operated the DAQ system used for data collection thru 2021.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Investigation of Timing Properties for an Event Driven with Access and Reset Decoder Readout Architecture for a Pixel Array

The large number of data generating sources (data channels) on a single chip requires appropriate techniques to manage a readout from these channels. One of the main methods is sharing a medium of transmission, which requires arbitration to avoid collisions or deadlocks. Existing solutions face several problems such as a dead time, unintended prioritization or metastability. That is why we decided to create a new readout architecture named EDWARD i.e., Event Driven with Access and Reset Decoder. The EDWARD architecture gets rid of the earlier mentioned problems and mitigates the other ones. However, due to the use of logic circuits outside a standard cell library, which are hard to characterize, we were challenged to perform an additional transient analysis to validate the architecture. Here we show a methodology and the results of the simulations. Based on the results obtained we can confirm the functional correctness of the system and plan the optimization of operating conditions in order to achieve better performance. Our goal is to use the EDWARD architecture in the future radiation detectors to be built at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Detection of scintillation light in noble gases with wavelength-shifting optical fibers

Wavelength-shifting (WLS) techniques enable particle detectors based on noble gases, whose scintillation light is predominantly emitted in the vacuum-ultraviolet. We investigate WLS fibers coated with tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB) for scintillation light detection in gaseous xenon and argon at pressures up to 8.5 bar, motivated by future high-pressure xenon time-projection chambers of the NEXT program. Two detector configurations are studied: an elongated high-pressure vessel with four PTFE panels equipped with WLS fibers read by temperature-stabilized SiPMs, and a compact box-shaped detector operated at 1 bar Xe with WLS fibers read out by PMTs. Both operate with continuous gas purification. The detector response is characterized using cosmic muons and alpha particles from a $^{241}$Am source. With the SiPM setup, we measure a light collection efficiency (LCE) of ${1.18 \pm 0.01~\mathrm{(sta.)}~^{+0.07}_{-0.09}~\mathrm{(sys.)}~\%}$ for xenon and ${1.07 \pm 0.01~\mathrm{(sta.)}~^{+0.06}_{-0.08}~\mathrm{(sys.)}~\%}$ for argon. With PMT readout, we measure a LCE of ${0.45 \pm 0.01~\mathrm{(sta.)} \pm 0.05~\mathrm{(sys.)}~\%}$ in xenon, in agreement with the SiPM result once photon detection efficiency is accounted for. Average scintillation waveforms in xenon and argon are studied to assess the time structure of the emitted light. Cosmic-muon measurements yield a mean energy required to produce a scintillation photon $45\pm7~\mathrm{(sta.)}~^{+4}_{-5}~\mathrm{(sys.)}~\mathrm{eV}$ at 1.5 bar, in agreement with the literature. The results demonstrate that TPB-coated WLS fiber systems can reliably detect scintillation light in high-pressure gaseous noble detectors, with a LCE representing an upper limit for realistic large-scale TPCs, where additional photon losses from materials and fiber attenuation are expected.

Soleti, S. R. [Donostia Intl. Phys. Ctr., San Seba↗
DOE OSTI2025

Electron Sextets as Optically Addressable Molecular Qubits: Triplet Carbenes

There is a growing demand in quantum information science and sensing for electron spin purification and readout via a spin-optical interface. This technique, known as optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR), has been applied to diamond-NV centers and transition-metal complexes. Metal-free counterparts of these optically addressable spin qubits promise to be cheaper, more sustainable color centers with prolonged polarization lifetimes. However, progress has been hindered by the low ODMR signals of carbon-based π-diradicals, partly due to the lack of a ground singlet-to-triplet intersystem crossing (ISC). In this work, we propose exploring organic systems that are even more electron-deficient: electron sextets. Using triplet carbenes as an example, we illustrate how the ground singlet-triplet gap can be widened beyond thermal energy with the associated singlet-to-triplet ISC made available by vibronic effects. Through careful molecular engineering, this ISC can occur at a rate similar to and with an opposite spin selectivity from the excited-state ISC well-established in π-diradicals, unlocking a new ODMR pathway with potential signal gains. Persistent triplet carbenes are a renascent field, with multiple stable molecules being isolated in the past five years. To motivate further development of its emissive properties, we illustrate our design in three realistic carbene candidates that incorporate existing strategies for carbene stabilization. Furthermore, we believe that a new realm of quantum materials can be uncovered by expanding our scope toward stable electron sextets.

Carbene compounds↗
DOE OSTI2023

Strong parametric dispersive shifts in a statically decoupled two-qubit cavity QED system

Qubits in cavity quantum electrodynamic (QED) architectures are often operated in the dispersive regime, in which the operating frequency of the cavity depends on the energy state of the qubit, and vice versa. The ability to tune these dispersive shifts provides additional options for performing either quantum measurements or logical manipulations. Here we couple two transmon qubits to a lumped-element cavity through a shared superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). In this work, our design balances the mutual capacitive and inductive circuit components so that both qubits are statically decoupled from the cavity with low flux sensitivity, offering protection from decoherence processes. Parametric driving of the SQUID flux enables independent, dynamical tuning of each qubit’s interaction with the cavity. As a practical demonstration, we perform pulsed parametric dispersive readout of both qubits. The dispersive frequency shifts of the cavity mode follow the theoretically expected magnitude and sign. This parametric approach creates an extensible, tunable cavity QED framework with various future applications, such as entanglement and error correction via multi-qubit parity readout, state and entanglement stabilization, and parametric logical gates.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗