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At least 415 records · Page 23

Post-puff SOL broadening on MAST-U under high-recycling conditions: evidence consistent with cross-field transport changes

Transient broadening of the scrape-off layer (SOL) density profile can modify main-chamber first-wall particle fluxes and divertor loading, yet its control parameters remain debated between divertor-regime transitions, neutral dynamics and changes in cross-field transport. We investigate fueling-driven SOL density-profile evolution and post-fueling relaxation on MAST-Upgrade (MAST-U) in ohmic L-mode, using two otherwise similar double-null Conventional Divertor discharges (I p = 450 kA, B T = 0.33 T) with identical 50 ms low-field side gas puffs; the only intentional difference is the puff start time. Upstream Thomson scattering shows that both discharges develop a transient far-SOL density profile modification, expressed as an increased SOL-width metric λ n e and a far-SOL enhancement consistent with a shoulder-like signature. In the earlier-puff case, the SOL-width metric remains elevated after puff termination and the post-puff decay time scales are systematically longer across the analysed radii. Outer-target Langmuir probes indicate high-recycling conditions during the analysed window (few-eV T e with radially peaked j sat,∥ and q ∥ profiles, without signatures of deep detachment). The outer-divertor collisionality proxy Λ div is elevated in both cases and does not discriminate between the different post-puff persistence. The target-integrated ion flux proxy ∫ J sat dA evolves nearly identically in both discharges when aligned to the puff start. Taken together, these observations suggest that the late/post-puff upstream SOL evolution is not set by parallel exhaust to the outer targetalone and is more consistent with upstream cross-field redistribution, with a possible role for plasma–neutral coupling and fueling geometry.

MAST-U↗

Investigation of magnetic and electrical transport properties of YMB 4 (M = Cr, Fe, and Co) compounds

We have studied the structural, magnetic, and electrical transport properties of the YMB 4 series of compounds (M= Cr, Fe, and Co). These materials exhibit high stability and possess notable refractory and thermoelectric properties. Furthermore, recent theoretical predictions suggest that some of these compounds may display quantum magnetism and dimer formation among the magnetic ions. We have synthesized almost single phase YMB 4 compounds in the orthorhombic crystal structure (space group Pbam) using arc-melting and annealing. The Rietveld analysis of the room-temperature X-ray diffraction patterns reveals a clear change in the lattice parameter c, which correlates with the atomic radii of Cr, Fe, and Co. The temperature variation of resistivity measured between 2 K and 300 K reveals a metallic electron transport in all three YMB 4 compounds. However, no abrupt change in resistivity due to structural or magnetic phase transitions is observed. Additionally, a weak positive magnetoresistance of 1%–2% has been measured at 2.5 K, the contribution from the metallic impurity cannot be ruled out. The carrier concentration, on the order of 10 21 cm −3 , has been determined using conventional Hall measurements. The thermomagnetic curves recorded between 2 K and 350 K reveal the non-magnetic behavior of all these compounds. However, a small magnetic moment from paramagnetic/ferromagnetic impurity phases is detected at low temperatures. Above room temperature, no magnetic transition associated with the breaking of a dimer is observed.

borides↗

Velocity-dependent J-factors for annihilation radiation from cosmological simulations

Abstract We determine the dark matter pair-wise relative velocity distribution in a set of Milky Way-like halos in the Auriga and APOSTLE simulations. Focusing on the smooth halo component, the relative velocity distribution is well-described by a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution over nearly all radii in the halo. We explore the implications for velocity-dependent dark matter annihilation, focusing on four models which scale as different powers of the relative velocity: Sommerfeld, s-wave, p-wave, and d-wave models. We show that the J-factors scale as the moments of the relative velocity distribution, and that the halo-to-halo scatter is largest for d-wave, and smallest for Sommerfeld models. The J-factor is strongly correlated with the dark matter density in the halo, and is very weakly correlated with the velocity dispersion. This implies that if the dark matter density in the Milky Way can be robustly determined, one can accurately predict the dark matter annihilation signal, without the need to identify the dark matter velocity distribution in the Galaxy.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

Suppression of fast neutrino flavor conversions occurring at large distances in core-collapse supernovae

Neutrinos propagating in dense neutrino media such as core-collapse supernovae and neutron star merger remnants can experience the so-called fast flavor conversions on scales much shorter than those expected in vacuum. A very generic class of fast flavor instabilities is the ones which are produced by the backward scattering of neutrinos off the nuclei at relatively large distances from the supernova core. In this study we demonstrate that despite their ubiquity, such fast instabilities are unlikely to cause significant flavor conversions if the population of neutrinos in the backward direction is not large enough. Indeed, the scattering-induced instabilities can mostly impact the neutrinos traveling in the backward direction, which represent only a small fraction of neutrinos at large radii. We show that this can be explained by the shape of the unstable flavor eigenstates, which can be extremely peaked at the backward angles.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Neural network reconstruction of the dense matter equation of state from neutron star observables

The Equation of State (EoS) of strongly interacting cold and hot ultra-dense QCD matter remains a major challenge in the field of nuclear astrophysics. With the advancements in measurements of neutron star masses, radii, and tidal deformabilities, from electromagnetic and gravitational wave observations, neutron stars play an important role in constraining the ultra-dense QCD matter EoS. Here, in this work, we present a novel method that exploits deep learning techniques to reconstruct the neutron star EoS from mass-radius (M-R) observations. We employ neural networks (NNs) to represent the EoS in a model-independent way, within the range of ~1-7 times the nuclear saturation density. The unsupervised Automatic Differentiation (AD) framework is implemented to optimize the EoS, so as to yield through TOV equations, an M-R curve that best fits the observations. We demonstrate that this method works by rebuilding the EoS on mock data, i.e., mass-radius pairs derived from a randomly generated polytropic EoS. The reconstructed EoS fits the mock data with reasonable accuracy, using just 11 mock M-R pairs observations, close to the current number of actual observations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Confronting new NICER mass-radius measurements with phase transition in dense matter and twin compact stars

The (re)analysis of data on the X-ray emitting pulsars PSR J0030+0451 and J0740+6620, as well as new results on PSR J0437-4715 and J1231-1411, are confronted with the predictions of the equation of state (EoS) models allowing for strong first-order phase transition for the mass-radius (M-R) diagram. Here, we use models that are based on a covariant density functional (CDF) EoS for nucleonic matter at low densities and a quark matter EoS, parameterized by the speed of sound, at higher densities. To account for the variations in the ellipses for PSR J0030+0451 obtained from different analyses, we examined three scenarios to assess their consistency with our models, focusing particularly on the potential formation of twin stars. We found that in two scenarios, where the ellipses for PSR J0030+0451 and J0437-4715 with masses close to the canonical mass ∼ 1.4 M ⊙ are significantly separated, our models allow for the presence of twin stars as a natural explanation for potential differences in the radii of these stars.

X-ray binaries↗

Constraints on long-ranged interactions between dark matter and the Standard Model

Dark matter's existence is known thanks to its gravitational interaction with Standard Model particles, but it remains unknown whether this is the only force present between them. While many searches for such new interactions with dark matter focus on short-range, contact-like interactions, it is also possible that there exist weak, long-ranged forces between dark matter and the Standard Model. In this work, we present two types of constraints on such new interactions. First, we consider constraints arising from the fact that such a force would also induce long range interactions between Standard Model particles themselves, as well as between dark matter particles themselves. Combining the constraints on these individual forces generally sets the strongest constraints available on new Standard Model-dark matter interactions. Second, we consider the possibility of constraining new long-ranged interactions between dark matter and the Standard Model using the effects of dynamical friction in ultrafaint dwarf galaxies, especially Segue I. Such new interactions would accelerate the transfer of kinetic energy from stars to their surrounding dark matter, slowly reducing their orbits; the present-day stellar half-light radius of Segue I therefore allows us to exclude new forces which would have reduced stars' orbital radii below this scale by now.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Novel challenges in tracking self-interacting dark matter subhalos

Cosmological N-body simulations are among the primary tools for studying structure formation in the Universe. Analyses of these simulations critically depend on accurately identifying and tracking dark matter subhalos over time. In recent years, several new algorithms have been developed to improve the accuracy and consistency of subhalo tracking in cold dark matter (CDM) simulations. These algorithms should be revisited in the context of new physics beyond gravity, which can modify the evolution and final properties of subhalo populations. In this work, we apply the particle-tracking-based subhalo finder Symfind to velocity-dependent self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) simulations with large cross section amplitudes to assess the performance of particle-tracking methods beyond the CDM paradigm. We find that the core-particle-tracking technique, which is key to the success of these algorithms in CDM, does not always yield accurate results in SIDM. In particular, the interplay between dark matter self-interactions and tidal stripping can cause the diffusion of core particles to larger radii, leading particle-tracking-based algorithms to prematurely lose track of SIDM subhalos. For massive core-expansion subhalos and core-collapse subhalos that experience close or repeated pericentric passages, a significant fraction of core particles can be lost, and particle-tracking-based finders such as Symfind offer no clear advantage over traditional methods that rely on identifying phase-space overdensities. On the other hand, for subhalos with large pericentric distances or fewer, more distant passages, Symfind tends to outperform. These differences depend sensitively on the cross section amplitude and turnover velocity of the underlying SIDM model. We therefore recommend a hybrid approach that leverages the strengths of both techniques to produce complete and robust catalogs of core-expansion and core-collapse SIDM subhalos.

cosmological simulations↗

Spatially resolved properties of supernova host galaxies in SDSS-IV MaNGA

We crossmatch galaxies from Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory with the Open Supernova Catalog, obtaining a total of 132 SNe within MaNGA bundle. These 132 SNe can be classified into 67 Type Ia and 65 Type CC. We study the global and local properties of supernova host galaxies statistically. Type Ia SNe are distributed in both star-forming galaxies and quiescent galaxies, while Type CC SNe are all distributed along the star-forming main sequence. As the stellar mass increases, the Type Ia/CC number ratio increases. We find: (1) there is no obvious difference in the interaction possibilities and environments between Type Ia SN hosts and a control sample of galaxies with similar stellar mass and SFR distributions, except that Type Ia SNe tend to appear in galaxies which are more bulge-dominated than their controls. For Type CC SNe, there is no difference between their hosts and the control galaxies in galaxy morphology, interaction possibilities as well as environments; (2) compared to galaxy centers, the SN locations have smaller velocity dispersion, lower metallicity, and younger stellar population. This is a natural result of radius gradients for all these parameters. In conclusion, the SN location and its symmetrical position relative to the galaxy center, as well as regions with similar effective radii have very similar [Mg/Fe], gas-phase metallicity, gas velocity dispersion and stellar population age.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Beam modulation and bump-on-tail effects on Alfvén eigenmode stability in DIII-D

Beam modulation effects on Alfvén eigenmode stability have been investigated in a recent DIII-D experiment and show that variations in neutral beam modulation period can have an impact on the beam driven Alfvén eigenmode spectrum and resultant fast ion transport despite similar time-averaged input power. The experiment was carried out during the current ramp phase of L-mode discharges heated with sub-Alfvénic 50–80 kV deuterium neutral beams that drive a variety of Alfvén eigenmodes unstable. The modulation period of two interleaved beams with different tangency radii was varied from shot to shot in order to modify the relative time dependent mix of the beam pitch angle distribution as well as the persistence of a bump-on-tail feature near the injection energy (a feature confirmed by imaging neutral particle analyzer measurements). As the beam modulation period is varied from 7 ms to 30 ms on/off (typical full energy slowing down time of τ slow ≈ 50 ms at mid-radius), toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs) located in the outer periphery of the plasma become intermittent and coincident with the more tangential beam. Core mode activity changes from reversed shear Alfvén eigenmodes (RSAEs) to a mix of RSAE and beta-induced Alfvén eigenmodes. Discharges with 30 ms on/off period do not have a persistent bump-on-tail feature, have the lowest average mode amplitude and least fast ion transport. Furthermore, detailed analysis of an individual TAE using TRANSP kick modeling (Monte Carlo evolution of the distribution function with probabilistic 'kicks' by the AEs) and the resistive MHD code with kinetic fast ions, MEGA, find no strong role of energy gradient drive due to bump-on-tail features. Instead, the observed TAE modulation with interleaved beams is likely a pitch angle dependent result combined with slowing down of the tangential beam between pulses. For the conditions investigated, bump-on-tail contributions to TAE drive were found to be 5% or less of the total drive at any given time.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Diverted Negative Triangularity plasmas on DIII–D: The benefit of high confinement without the liability of an edge pedestal

Diverted discharges at negative triangularity on the DIII-D tokamak sustain normalized confinement and pressure levels typical of standard H-mode scenarios (H 98y,2 ≅1, β N ≅3) without developing an edge pressure pedestal, despite the auxiliary power far exceeding the L → H power threshold expected from conventional scaling laws. The power degradation of confinement is substantially weaker than the ITER-89P scaling, resulting in a confinement factor that improves with increasing auxiliary power. Furthermore, the absence of the edge pedestal is beneficial in several aspects, such as eliminating the need for active mitigation or suppression of edge localized modes, low impurity retention and a reconstructed scrape-off layer heat flux width at the mid-plane that exceeds the ITPA multi-machine scaling law by up to 50%. Together with technological advantages granted by placing the divertor at larger radii, plasmas at Negative Triangularity without an edge pedestal feature both core confinement and power handling characteristics that are potentially suitable for operation in future fusion reactors.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Linear simulation of magnetohydrodynamic plasma response to three-dimensional magnetic perturbations in high-β P plasmas

In this work, we report the numerical analyses of linear magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) plasma response to applied three-dimensional magnetic perturbations (MPs) in a joint DIII-D/EAST collaboration on high-β P (poloidal beta) plasmas, utilizing the extended-MHD code M3D-C1, with the purpose of realizing a better understanding of the existing experiment in which the n=3 MPs were applied to such high-β P plasmas attempting to control large amplitude type-I ELMs. Such high-β P plasmas obtained at the DIII-D tokamak feature an upper-biased double null configuration, a high edge safety factor q 95 ~6.4, and a stable internal transport barrier (ITB) leading to relatively high core pressures. Single-fluid simulations show that the plasma response to n=3 MPs, including both non-resonant/kinking and resonant components, is significantly weaker than that to n=1 or 2 MPs. To survey the impact of q 95 on plasma response to applied MPs, the SEGWAY (Self-consistent Equilibrium Generating Workflow for AnalYsis) module, developed in the OMFIT integrated modelling framework, is employed to generate a series of equilibria with a wide range of q 95 while other key parameters including the normalized beta, electron density at pedestal top, and plasma shape are kept fixed. Compared to the vacuum response, single-fluid M3D-C1 simulations predict a much more significant decrease of resonant plasma response to the applied n=3 MPs at the maximum penetration radii as q 95 increases. In contrast to single-fluid simulation results showing resonant penetration occurs only near the pedestal top where the E×B toroidal rotation frequency is zero, two-fluid simulations show two comparable resonant penetrations locating near the pedestal top and the ITB foot, where the perpendicular electron rotation frequency is zero. Such resonant field penetration near the ITB foot may be responsible for the observed formation of a staircase structure in both electron density and temperature profiles and thereby a considerable deterioration of global plasma performance when MPs are applied in high-β P plasmas. Motivated by this numerical work, we provide some ideas for the future research, with the purpose of realizing effective ELM control in such high-β P plasmas on the DIII-D and EAST devices.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Determination of the characteristic magnetic pre-sheath length at divertor surfaces using micro-engineered targets on DiMES at DIII-D

The magnetic pre-sheath (MPS) width, L MPS , is a critical parameter to define the sheath potential, which controls the ion trajectory of low-Z species (D, T, He, and C), as well as the prompt re-deposition of high-Z species. In this work, to determine L MPS , we fabricated micro-trenches (30×30×4 µm) via focused ion beam (FIB) milling on a silicon surface and exposed them to L-mode deuterium plasmas in DIII-D via the Divertor Material Evaluation System (DiMES) removable sample exposure probe. The areal distribution of impurity depositions, mainly consisting of carbon, was measured by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to reveal the deuterium ion shadowing effect on the trench floors. The carbon deposition profiles showed that the erosion was maximized for the azimuthal direction of φ = -40° (referenced to the toroidal magnetic field direction) as well as the polar angle of θ = 80°. A Monte Carlo equation-of-motion model, based on a collisionless MPS, was used to calculate the azimuthal and polar deuterium ion angle distributions (IADs) for a range of L MPS = k × ρ i , where ρ i is the ion gyro radius and k = 0.5-4. Then, gross erosion profiles were calculated by a Monte Carlo micro-patterning and roughness (MPR) code for ion sputtering using as input the calculated azimuthal and polar IADs for each value of k . Good agreement with the experimental C deposition profiles was obtained for the case k = 2.5-3.5. This result is consistent with a previous kinetic modeling prediction of k ~ 3, as well as previous analytical investigations that predicted the L MPS to be several ion gyro radii. A validation of theoretical sheath models supports its applicability to ITER and pilot plant divertors to successfully predict plasma-materials interactions.

Erosion↗

NSTX-U theory, modeling and analysis results

Here, the mission of the low aspect ratio spherical tokamak NSTX-U is to advance the physics basis and technical solutions required for optimizing the configuration of next-step steady-state tokamak fusion devices. NSTX-U will ultimately operate at up to 2 MA of plasma current and 1 T toroidal field on axis for 5 s, and has available up to 15 MW of neutral beam injection power at different tangency radii and 6 MW of high harmonic fast wave heating. With these capabilities NSTX-U will develop the physics understanding and control tools to ramp-up and sustain high performance fully non-inductive plasmas with large bootstrap fraction and enhanced confinement enabled via the low aspect ratio, high beta configuration. With its unique capabilities, NSTX-U research also supports ITER and other critical fusion development needs. Super-Alfvénic ions in beam-heated NSTX-U plasmas access energetic particle (EP) parameter space that is relevant for both α-heated conventional and low aspect ratio burning plasmas. NSTX-U can also generate very large target heat fluxes to test conventional and innovative plasma exhaust and plasma facing component solutions. This paper summarizes recent analysis, theory and modelling progress to advance the tokamak physics basis in the areas of macrostability and 3D fields, EP stability and fast ion transport, thermal transport and pedestal structure, boundary and plasma material interaction, RF heating, scenario optimization and real-time control.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Cross-field and parallel dynamics of SOL filaments in TCV

Using recently installed scrape-off layer diagnostics on the tokamak à configuration variable, we characterise the poloidal and parallel properties of turbulent filaments. We access both attached and detached divertor conditions across a wide range of core densities (f G ϵ [0.09, 0.66]) in diverted L-mode plasma configurations. With a gas puff imaging (GPI) diagnostic at the outer midplane we observed filaments with a monotonic increase in radial velocity (from 390 m s –1 to 800 m s –1 ) and cross-field radii (from 8.5 mm to 13.4 mm) with increasing core density. Interpreting the filament behaviour in the context of the two-region model, we find that they populate the ideal-interchange regime (C i ) in discharges at very low densities, and the resistive X (RX)-point regime for all other discharges. The scaling of filament velocity versus size shows good agreement with this interpretation. These results are discussed and compared with previous probe-based measurements for similar conditions, which mostly placed filaments in TCV in the resistive ballooning (RB) regime. In addition, for the first time in TCV, the parallel filament extension is studied by magnetically aligning the GPI measurements at the outboard midplane with a reciprocating probe in the divertor. In agreement with the filaments being in the ideal-interchange and the RX-point regimes, they are found to extend beyond the X-point into the outer divertor leg.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

X-point and divertor filament dynamics from gas puff imaging on TCV

Abstract A new gas puff imaging diagnostic has been installed on the TCV tokamak, providing two-dimensional insights into scrape-off-layer (SOL) turbulence dynamics above, at and below the magnetic X-point. A detailed study in L-mode, attached, lower single-null discharges shows that statistical properties have little poloidal variations, while vast differences are present in the 2D behaviour of intermittent filaments. Strongly elongated filaments, just above the X-point and in the divertor far-SOL, show a good consistency in shape and dynamics with field-line tracing from filaments at the outboard midplane, highlighting their connection. In the near-SOL of the outer divertor leg, short-lived, high frequency and more circular (diameter ∼15 sound Larmor radii) filaments are observed. These divertor-localised filaments appear born radially at the position of maximum density and display a radially outward motion with velocity ≈400 m s −1 that is comparable to radial velocities of upstream-connected filaments. Conversely, in these discharges ( B → × ∇ B pointing away from the divertor), these divertor filaments’ poloidal velocities differ strongly from those of upstream-connected filaments. The importance of divertor-localised filaments upon radial transport and profile broadening is explored using filament statistics and in situ kinetic profile measurements along the divertor leg. This suggests that these filaments contribute significantly to electron density profile broadening in the divertor.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

3D ion gyro-orbit heat load predictions for NSTX-U

Abstract High power tokamaks operate with divertor heat loads capable of destroying the plasma facing components (PFCs). High fidelity heat load predictions are necessary to ascertain the PFC state for design and during operation. Typical heat flux calculations are 2D, time invariant, and assume that power flows directly along the magnetic field lines (the optical approximation). These assumptions neglect the complex 3D geometries employed to protect the PFCs, the time varying nature of the plasma and PFC thermal state, and the helical trajectories of ions with finite Larmor radii (the gyro-orbit approximation). An integrated software framework, the heat flux engineering analysis toolkit (HEAT), was developed to generate time varying optical heat loads applied to real engineering computer aided design (CAD) (Looby et al 2022 Fusion Sci. Technol. 78 10–27). Recently, an ion-gyro orbit module has been added to HEAT. This module calculates the helical trajectories of ions as they gyrate about the magnetic field lines using kinetic theory macro-particles to accelerate the calculation. First, the new gyro-orbit module will be presented. Next, a comparison to existing research is performed. Finally, an analysis of the gyro-orbit heat loads for NSTX-U is presented for diverted discharges using the engineering CAD models utilized for PFC fabrication. Including these gyro-orbit effects can enhance the PFC performance by ‘smearing’ out the magnetic shadows associated with the castellated fish-scaled geometry. Simultaneously, the helical trajectories can degrade performance when they load narrow regions on edges and corners with high heat fluxes. Analysis of the trade-offs between these competing effects is included, and regions for further investigation are identified.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Experimental study of different silicon sensor options for the upgrade of the CMS Outer Tracker

During the high-luminosity phase of the LHC (HL-LHC), planned to start in 2027, the accelerator is expected to deliver an instantaneous peak luminosity of up to 7.5×10 34 cm –2 s –1 . A total integrated luminosity of 3000 or even 4000 fb –1 is foreseen to be delivered to the general purpose detectors ATLAS and CMS over a decade, thereby increasing the discovery potential of the LHC experiments significantly. The CMS detector will undergo a major upgrade for the HL-LHC,with entirely new tracking detectors consisting of an Outer Tracker and Inner Tracker. However, the new tracking system will be exposed to a significantly higher radiation than the current tracker, requiring new radiation-hard sensors. CMS initiated an extensive irradiation and measurement campaign starting in 2009 to systematically compare the properties of different silicon materials and design choices for the Outer Tracker sensors. Several test structures and sensors were designed and implemented on 18 different combinations of wafer materials, thicknesses, and production technologies. The devices were electrically characterized before and after irradiation with neutrons,and with protons of different energies, with fluences corresponding to those expected at different radii of the CMS Outer Tracker after 3000 fb –1 . The tests performed include studies with β sources, lasers, and beam scans. This paper compares the performance of different options for the HL-LHC silicon sensors with a focus on silicon bulk material and thickness.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗