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At least 433 records · Page 24

Nonperturbative running of the tensor operator for N f = 3 QCD from the chirally rotated Schrödinger functional

We study the renormalization group (RG) running of the nonsinglet tensor operator, for N f = 3 QCD with Wilson fermions in a mixed action setup, with standard Schrödinger functional (SF) boundary conditions for sea quarks and chirally rotated Schrödinger functional ( χ SF ) boundary conditions for valence quarks. Based on a recursive finite-size scaling technique we compute nonperturbatively the tensor step-scaling function for an energy range between a hadronic scale and an electroweak scale, above which perturbation theory may be safely applied. Our result is expressed as the RG-running factor T RGI / [ T ( μ had ) ] R , where the numerator is the scale independent (renormalization group invariant—RGI) tensor operator and the denominator is its renormalized counterpart at a hadronic scale μ had = 233 ( 8 ) MeV in a given scheme. We determine the step-scaling function in four distinct renormalization schemes. We also compute the renormalization parameters of these schemes at μ had which, combined with the RG-running factor, gives the scheme-independent quantity Z T RGI ( g 0 2 ) in four schemes and for a range of bare gauge couplings in which large volume hadronic matrix element simulations are performed by the CLS consortium in N f = 2 + 1 QCD. All four results are compatible and also agree with a recent determination based on a unitary setup for Wilson quarks with Schrödinger functional boundary conditions [arXiv:2309.04314]. This provides a strong universality test. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

Homomorphic data compression for real time photon correlation analysis

The construction of highly coherent X-ray sources, combined with next-generation detectors that are larger and faster, has enabled new research opportunities across the scientific landscape. Among the techniques that benefit most from these advancements is X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS), where faster acquisition unlocks the ability to study faster dynamics within samples. However, faster acquisition on larger detectors also introduces unprecedented challenges for online data processing and offline data storage. Such challenges are particularly prominent for XPCS, where real time analyses require simultaneous calculation of all the previously acquired data in the time series. We present a homomorphic compression scheme to effectively reduce the computational time and memory space required for XPCS analysis. Leveraging similarities in the mathematical expression between a matrix-based compression algorithm and the correlation calculation, our approach allows direct operation on the compressed data without their decompression. The offline compression scheme extends storage capacity by a factor of 40 while preserving key features in the lossy compressed data. Meanwhile, the online compression scheme reduces the computational time to below 1 ms, enabling real time calculation of the correlation functions at kHz framerate. Our demonstration of a homomorphic compression of scientific data provides an effective solution to the big data challenge at coherent light sources. Beyond the example shown in this work, the framework can be extended to facilitate real-time operations directly on a compressed data stream for other techniques.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Adaptive Stiffness Power Take-Off System for a Hydraulic Hose-Pump Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter

Two crucial challenges faced in the design of ocean wave energy converters (WECs) are maintaining high capacity factors and remaining robust in everchanging, harsh ocean environments. This study introduces a novel mechanism for achieving reactive WEC control with a soft hydraulic power take-off, thereby addressing both challenges. The device of interest involves a hydraulic pump, constructed from a fluidic flexible matrix composite (F2MC), which is cyclically stretched by driving waves and pressurizes working fluid through a turbine-generator. This class of fiber-reinforced stretch hoses is established for ocean use as robust moorings and shock absorbers. The dynamic properties of the F2MC pump depend on internal pressure, which can be controlled by a continuously variable transmission between the turbine and generator, allowing the system to be adapted for better performance over a wide range of wave conditions. This work presents a dynamic model for operation and adaptive behavior of this power take-off system, experimentally validates components of the model, and performs dynamic simulations of the system that show increases in power production and capacity factor compared to non-adaptive operation for a variety of driving wave conditions. This work develops the basis for future large-scale experimental testing and controller design of this system.

Wave energy conversion, fluidic flexible matrix co↗

QCD factorization with multihadron fragmentation functions

Important aspects of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) factorization theorems are the properties of the objects involved that can be identified as universal. One example is that the definitions of parton densities and fragmentation functions for different types of hadrons differ only in the identity of the nonperturbative states that form the matrix elements, but are otherwise the same. This leads to independence of perturbative calculations on nonperturbative details of external states. It also lends support to interpretations of correlation functions as encapsulations of intrinsic nonperturbative properties. These characteristics have usually been presumed to still hold true in fragmentation functions even when the observed nonperturbative state is a small-mass cluster of n hadrons rather than simply a single isolated hadron. However, the multidifferential aspect of cross sections that rely on these latter types of fragmentation functions complicates the treatment of kinematical approximations in factorization derivations. That has led to recent claims that the operator definitions for fragmentation functions need to be modified from the single hadron case with nonuniversal prefactors. With such concerns as our motivation, we retrace the steps for factorizing the unpolarized semi-inclusive e + e − annihilation cross section and confirm that they do apply without modification to the case of a small-mass multihadron observed in the final state. In particular, we verify that the standard operator definition from single hadron fragmentation, with its usual prefactor, remains equally valid for the small-mass n -hadron case with the same hard parts and evolution kernels, whereas the more recently proposed definitions with nonuniversal prefactors do not. Our results reaffirm the reliability of most past phenomenological applications of dihadron fragmentation functions. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Celestial amplitudes from UV to IR

Celestial amplitudes represent 4D scattering of particles in boost, rather than the usual energy-momentum, eigenstates and hence are sensitive to both UV and IR physics. We show that known UV and IR properties of quantum gravity translate into powerful constraints on the analytic structure of celestial amplitudes. For example the soft UV behavior of quantum gravity is shown to imply that the exact four-particle scattering amplitude is meromorphic in the complex boost weight plane with poles confined to even integers on the negative real axis. Would-be poles on the positive real axis from UV asymptotics are shown to be erased by a flat space analog of the AdS resolution of the bulk point singularity. The residues of the poles on the negative axis are identified with operator coefficients in the IR effective action. Far along the real positive axis, the scattering is argued to grow exponentially according to the black hole area law. Exclusive amplitudes are shown to simply factorize into conformally hard and conformally soft factors. The soft factor contains all IR divergences and is given by a celestial current algebra correlator of Goldstone bosons from spontaneously broken asymptotic symmetries. The hard factor describes the scattering of hard particles together with the boost-eigenstate clouds of soft photons or gravitons required by asymptotic symmetries. These provide an IR safe S-matrix for the scattering of hard particles.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Influence of extended interactions on spin dynamics in one-dimensional cuprates

Quasi-one-dimensional (1D) materials provide a unique platform for understanding the importance and influence of extended interactions on the physics of strongly correlated systems due to their relative structural simplicity and the existence of powerful theoretical tools well-adapted to one spatial dimension. Recently, this was highlighted by anomalous observations in the single-particle spectral function A(q, ω) of 1D cuprate chain compounds, measured by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), which were explained by the presence of a long-range attractive interaction. Such an extended interaction should leave its fingerprints on other observables, notably the dynamical spin structure factor S(q, ω), measured by neutron scattering or resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS). Starting from a simple Hubbard Hamiltonian in 1D and using time-dependent density matrix renormalization group (tDMRG) methods, we show that the presence of long-range attractive coupling, directly through an instantaneous Coulomb interaction V or retarded electron phonon (el-ph) coupling, can introduce significant spectral weight redistribution in S(q, ω) across a wide range of doping. Here, this underscores the significant impact that extended interactions can have on dynamical correlations among particles, and the importance of properly incorporating this influence in modeling. Our results demonstrate that S(q, ω) can provide a sensitive experimental constraint, which complements ARPES measurements, in identifying key interactions in 1D cuprates, beyond the standard Hubbard model.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Low-energy cross-section measurement of the B 10 ( α , n ) N 13 reaction and its impact on neutron production in first-generation stars

Nucleosynthesis in the first generation of massive stars offers a unique setting to explore the creation of the first heavier nuclei in an environment free of impurities from earlier stellar generations. In later generations of massive stars, hydrogen burning occurs predominantly through the CNO cycles, but without the carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen to catalyze the reaction sequence, first stars would have to rely on the inefficient pp chains for their energy production. Observations of second and third generation stars show pronounced abundances of carbon and oxygen isotopes, which suggests a rapid conversion of the primordial abundances to heavier elements. While the triple-alpha-process primarily facilitates this conversion, there are alternative reaction sequences, such as 2 H(α,γ) 6 Li(α,γ) 10 B(α,n) 13 N, that may play a significant role. To study such alternate reaction pathways for production of carbon and heavier nuclei, a number of new measurements are needed. In this work, new measurements are reported for the 10 B(α,n) 13 N reaction, extending the cross section down to 575 keV incident α-particle energy. The measurements were made using a state-of-the-art deuterated liquid scintillator and a spectrum unfolding technique. An R-matrix analysis was performed in order to facilitate a comparison of the underlying nuclear structure with the reaction measurements. An unexpected upturn is observed in the low-energy S factor that indicates the presence of a new low-energy resonance. Finally, a revised reaction rate is determined that takes into account the present data as well as other previous measurements from the literature that were previously neglected.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Spectral fluctuations in the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model

We present a detailed quantitative analysis of spectral correlations in the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model. We find that the deviations from universal Random Matrix Theory (RMT) behavior are due to a small number of long-wavelength fluctuations (of the order of the number of Majorana fermions N ) from one realization of the ensemble to the next one. These modes can be parameterized effectively in terms of Q-Hermite orthogonal polynomials, the main contribution being due to scale fluctuations for which we give a simple analytical estimate. Our numerical results for N = 32 show that only the lowest eight polynomials are needed to eliminate the nonuniversal part of the spectral fluctuations. The covariance matrix of the coefficients of this expansion can be obtained analytically from low-order double-trace moments. We evaluate the covariance matrix of the first six moments and find that it agrees with the numerics. We also analyze the spectral correlations in terms of a nonlinear σ-model, which is derived through a Fierz transformation, and evaluate the one and two-point spectral correlation functions to two-loop order. The wide correlator is given by the sum of the universal RMT result and corrections whose lowest-order term corresponds to scale fluctuations. However, the loop expansion of the σ-model results in an ill-behaved expansion of the resolvent, and it gives universal RMT fluctuations not only for q= 4 or higher even q-body interactions, but also for the q= 2 SYK model albeit with a much smaller Thouless energy while the correct result in this case should have been Poisson statistics. In our numerical studies we analyze the number variance and spectral form factor for N = 32 and q = 4. We show that the quadratic deviation of the number variance for large energies appears as a peak for small times in the spectral form factor. After eliminating the long-wavelength fluctuations, we find quantitative agreement with RMT up to an exponentially large number of level spacings for the number variance or exponentially short times in the case of the spectral form factor.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Nanoscale Interfacial Smoothing and Dissolution during Unconventional Reservoir Stimulation Implications for Hydrocarbon Mobilization and Transport

Hydraulic fracturing of low-permeability rocks significantly enhances hydrocarbon production from unconventional reservoirs. However, fluid transport through low-permeability rocks, and the influence of geochemical transformations on pore networks, are poorly constrained. Mineral reactivity during interactions with injected water may alter the physical nature of the rock, which may affect hydrocarbon mobility. To assess alteration to the rock, we previously conducted a hydrothermal experiment that reacted cubed rock samples (1 cm3) with synthetic hydraulic fracturing fluid to simulate physicochemical reactivity during hydraulic fracturing. We analyzed unreacted and reacted rocks by small-angle neutron scattering and high-pressure mercury intrusion to determine how nanoscale (~1-1400 nm) pore networks of unconventional reservoir rocks are influenced by reaction with hydraulic fracturing injectates. We show that fluid-rock interactions have a two-fold influence on hydrocarbon recovery, promoting both hydrocarbon mobilization and transport. Pore-matrix interfaces smooth via removal of clay mineral surface asperities, reducing available surface area for hydrocarbon adsorption by ca. 12-75%. Additionally, hydraulic fracturing fluid-induced dissolution creates new pores with diameters ranging in size from 800-1400 nm, increasing the permeability of the rocks by a factor of 5-10. These two consequences of mineral dissolution act in concert to release hydrocarbons from the host rock and facilitate transport through the rock during unconventional reservoir production.

Herz-Thyhsen, Ryan↗

Microstructural evolution in Cu-Nb processed via friction consolidation

Immiscible alloys, whether in well-mixed or layered forms, are of increasing interest based on their novel structural and functional properties, such as enhanced thermal stability against grain growth or radiation-induced defect trapping at the interfaces. To address the need for new approaches to tailor microstructures, the microstructural development of an immiscible Cu-Nb alloy processed via friction consolidation of elemental powders is investigated. Friction consolidation is a solid-phase processing technique that imparts severe plastic strain into a deforming volume resulting in elevated temperatures below the melting temperature of the alloy. Two distinct processing pathways were chosen to understand the effect of thermomechanical conditions on the final microstructure. The microstructure was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Path 1 exhibited larger strain, strain rate, and temperature as compared with path 2. In path 1, agglomerated Nb particles were present in the recrystallized ultrafine-grained Cu matrix, while in path 2 extremely fine and dispersed Nb particles were present in a highly deformed Cu matrix. In both pathways, supersaturation of Cu in Nb lattices was noted, but not vice-versa. The asymmetry in mixing is explained based on deformation-based, thermodynamic and kinetic factors. These findings provide a pathway for creation of novel tailored microstructures and improved properties in any number of binary immiscible alloy systems.

Cu-Nb alloys, Microstructural refinement, Friction↗

Evaluating alternative steam generation pathways in the food industry

Steam generation in the food sector requires substantial energy and cost expenditures, requiring nearly half of its energy intake. Here, we used life cycle assessment and life cycle cost assessment to investigate the cost and energy impacts of steam generating alternatives: NG, biomass and hydrogen boilers and grid-supplied and self-generated electric steam generation systems (electric boilers, renewable thermal energy storage and industrial heat pumps). The analysis starts with a set of average U.S. conditions, where biomass boilers are the most cost-competitive alternative to NG. In a series of scenarios beyond average conditions, the analysis shows energy procurement costs dominate the total life cycle cost for all technologies and, unfortunately, are highly variable geographically and temporally, significantly affecting the viability of the alternatives. Results show that site-energy consumption ranges from 0.3 MMBtu/klb for industrial heat pumps to 1.6 MMBtu/klb for biomass boilers, with heat pumps achieving up to 78% lower energy use compared to natural gas systems. For the steam costs, the results show a range between $\$$8 and $\$$50/klb for NG, with biomass following closely ($\$$11 – $\$$44/klb) and grey hydrogen and IHP next ($\$$13 – $\$$33/klb and $\$$6 - $\$$78/klb), with cost reductions if IHP's cooling is utilized. Factors like operating hours, the need for cooling, and the ability to negotiate utility rates complicate the decision, making site-specific analyses critical. Therefore, we present a decision-making matrix to help manufacturers identify which steam generating technology is the best business decision for their situation. Overall, these results highlight the importance of steam generation for the facility's organizational goals, as well as the criticality of conducting individual site analyses.

Biomass boilers↗

Effects of high-pressure hydrogen exposure on filler-elastomer adhesion

Elastomers are known to gain enhanced mechanical properties through compounding with nanosized filler particles such as silica or carbon black. Filler dispersion and filler-polymer interfacial strength are key contributing factors to this improvement. The interfacial strength is critical to part lifetime in pressurized gas sealing applications such as O-rings, where weak binding between the filler particle and polymer matrix can lead to internal void structures. With the aim to build a fundamental understanding of precursors to pressurized hydrogen-induced failure in elastomers, we use all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to study the impact of hydrogen oversaturation on filler-polymer interaction strength. We systematically study the interface between a commonly used elastomer, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) and silica by varying gas concentration, crosslink density, and surface chemistry. Our simulations predict that decompression leads to a localization of excess gas near the interface. In conclusion, we demonstrate that this localized gas can weaken interfacial adhesion and quantify the interaction using thermodynamic approaches.

EPDM↗

Coulomb excitation of the | T z | = 1 2 , A = 23 mirror pair

Background: Electric-quadrupole ( E 2 ) strengths relate to the underlying quadrupole deformation of a nucleus and present a challenge for many nuclear theories. Additionally, mirror nuclei in the vicinity of the line of N = Z represent a convenient laboratory for testing deficiencies in such models, making use of the isospin symmetry of the systems. Purpose: Uncertainties associated with literature E 2 strengths in Mg 23 are some of the largest in T z = | 1 2 | nuclei in the s d shell. The purpose of the present paper is to improve the precision with which these values are known, to enable better comparison with theoretical models. Methods: Coulomb-excitation measurements of Mg 23 and Na 23 were performed at the TRIUMF-ISAC facility using the TIGRESS spectrometer. They were used to determine the E 2 matrix elements of mixed E 2 / M 1 transitions. Results: Reduced E 2 transition strengths, B ( E 2 ) , were extracted for Mg 23 and Na 23 . Their precision was improved by factors of approximately 6 for both isotopes, while agreeing within uncertainties with previous measurements. Conclusions: A comparison was made with both shell-model and ab initio valence-space in-medium similarity renormalization group calculations. Valence-space in-medium similarity renormalization group calculations were found to underpredict the absolute E 2 strength, in agreement with previous studies.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Characterization of actinide abundances and isotopic compositions by HR-ICP-MS. Part 2: Results from actinide doping studies

Previously, we presented actinide isotopic and elemental data from fallout melt glass that was measured using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). Direct comparison between these measurements and ‘gold standard’ data obtained by multi-collector ICP-MS showed broad overlap, indicating that HR-ICP-MS is a potentially valuable technique for producing actinide elemental and isotopic data on a relatively rapid timescale. To test the usefulness of this technique further, we doped varying amounts of uranium certified reference materials (CRMs) into a rhyolitic rock standard to establish the effects of uranium concentration and isotopic composition on the accuracy of uranium isotopic analyses by HR-ICP-MS. This also enabled us to quantify peak tailing effects from 238 U on the measurement of 239 Pu and 237 Np, which in turn allows us to constrain correction factors based on measured 237 Np/ 238 U and 239 Pu/ 238 U ratios. A second doping study involved the addition of a mixed actinide standard into three samples with different matrix compositions (termed soil, city, and seawater) to assess whether sample chemistry affects the accuracy and precision of these analyses. Results suggest that this is not the case. Systematic offsets were not observed in elemental or isotopic data derived from the three matrix samples. Results indicate that useful actinide isotopic data can be obtained from whole rock solutions by HR-ICP-MS. Our findings also have implications for solid sampling techniques such as laser ablation ICP-MS, which do not require sample dissolution.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Impact of Source Geometry on Detector Response Matrix Efficiency: Simulations of the PFUNS-MUSiC Experiments

This work looks at two different bare highly enriched uranium (HEU) systems, configuration one from Measurements of Uranium Subcritical and Critical (MUSiC) and Prompt Fission Uranium Neutron Spectrum (PFUNS) to see the effect geometry has on detector efficiency and the response matrix. The distance from the multiplying source, the medium between the source and detector, and the geometry of the source all play a part in the efficiency of the detector. These factors are especially important when performing spectrum unfolding. Spectrum unfolding is a process used to reconstruct a true spectrum from measured detector response data. It involves interpreting a set of measured values, such as a light signal from a scintillator, to recover the original neutron energy spectrum. This leads to the question, how much will the efficiency of a detector change when you measure a point source compared to an extended source? The distance and solid angle from the source to the detector may be different. It may only be a minuscule change, but in the spectrum unfolding process it can have a considerable effect on the unfolded spectrum

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

AdS 3 gravity and random CFT

We compute the path integral of three-dimensional gravity with negative cosmological constant on spaces which are topologically a torus times an interval. These are Euclidean wormholes, which smoothly interpolate between two asymptotically Euclidean AdS 3 regions with torus boundary. From our results we obtain the spectral correlations between BTZ black hole microstates near threshold, as well as extract the spectral form factor at fixed momentum, which has linear growth in time with small fluctuations around it. The low-energy limit of these correlations is precisely that of a double-scaled random matrix ensemble with Virasoro symmetry. Our findings suggest that if pure three-dimensional gravity has a holographic dual, then the dual is an ensemble which generalizes random matrix theory.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Causes of Degradation of Organ Pipes with Very Low Lead Content

This study investigates the causes of degradation in organ pipes with low lead content. Using light This study investigates the causes of degradation in organ pipes with low lead content. Using light optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, and TEM/EDS, intermetallic Cu6Sn5, FeSn2, Sn4As3, and Pb particles were observed in the structure of SnPb alloys. Degradation of the low-Pb organ metal, which is primarily caused by the selective corrosion of lead occurring due to the effect of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Another factor leading to degradation is the structural transformation of tin occurring at low temperatures (tin pest). TEM/EDS allowed the unique observation of α-tin particles found in a β-tin matrix at room temperature. The presence of particles of α‑tin in historical organ pipes has not previously been reported, and it is the first presented observation of all.

alloy SnPb↗

Substrate effects on spin relaxation in two-dimensional Dirac materials with strong spin-orbit coupling

Understanding substrate effects on spin dynamics and relaxation is of key importance for spin-based information technologies. However, the key factors that determine such effects, in particular for materials with strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC), have not been well understood. Here we performed first-principles real-time density-matrix dynamics simulations with SOC and the electron phonon and electron-impurity scattering for spin lifetimes (τ s ) of supported/free-standing germanene, a prototypical strong SOC 2D Dirac material. We show that the effects of different substrates on τ s can surprisingly differ by two orders of magnitude. We find that substrate effects on τ s are closely related to substrate-induced modifications of the SOC-field anisotropy, which changes the spin flip scattering matrix elements. We propose a new electronic quantity, named spin-flip angle θ ↑↓ , to characterize spin relaxation through intervalley spin-flip scattering. We find that $τ^{-1}_s$ is approximately proportional to the averaged value of sin 2 (θ ↑↓ /2), which serves as a guiding parameter of controlling spin relaxation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗