Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Accelerator facilities”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 451 records · Page 25

Synthesis and characterization of electron beam irradiation-induced damage in polycrystalline metal thin films

High-energy physics research, industrial sterilizing, and material processing depend extensively on electron beam accelerators. Exit windows are crucial components of such electron accelerator systems, maintaining vacuum integrity inside the machine while providing mechanical strength, thermal stability, and radiation resistance at the beam-target interface. In this study, thin metallic films of Ni, Ti, Cr, and V were explored for use in electron beam exit windows, and their properties were compared with the properties of their bulk counterparts. Simulation results of metal foils predicted Ti to exhibit less beam power dissipation compared to Ni. However, Ni possesses superior mechanical and structural properties compared to Ti. The performance of these films under electron beam irradiation was examined by depositing thin layers of these films on silicon and metallic substrates using magnetron sputtering and exposing them to e-beam irradiation in a controlled setup. The deposited films were subjected to a dose of approximately 66 kGy at a beam energy of 10 MeV and characterized prior to and postexposure to the beam using field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), and nanoindentation. Particular emphasis was given to characteristics like the grain structure, surface morphology, dislocation density, and hardness. XRD patterns revealed irradiation-induced changes in peak intensities, while the crystallinity remained largely unchanged. Nanoindentation results showed that the pristine and irradiated Ti and Ni films were twice as hard when compared to bulk Ti and Ni samples, regardless of the substrate type used (Si or bulk Ti, or Ni). These results emphasize the superior mechanical properties of thin metal films compared to their bulk counterparts. In conclusion, this study advances the optimization of thin film materials for robust and efficient e-beam applications, ensuring improved durability and operational reliability.

AFM↗

A new active base of photomultiplier R4125 designed for the PbWO4 calorimeter

This paper presents the design, performance, and results of the radiation tests of an active base for Hamamatsu R4125 photomultiplier tube. The active base was designed at Jefferson Lab and comprises of a high voltage divider and an on-board amplifier. The photomultiplier with the active base is used to detect light from lead tungstate scintillating crystals of the forward electromagnetic calorimeter of the GlueX detector. The active base amplifier allows to operate the tube at lower high voltage and thus to limit the photomultiplier anode current to a few micro ampereres at the maximum counter rate of 1 MHz counter, while retaining the dynamic range of output signals. The performance of calorimeter modules instrumented with the active base was studied using detector prototypes positioned into the beam of photons. The key performance parameters such as the linearity, high-rate capability, and the energy resolution verified that the active base design meets the detector specifications

Somov, Alexander [Thomas Jefferson National Accele↗

A plan to revitalize the domestic superconducting radio-frequency industry

Superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities are essential building blocks of modern particle accelerators for scientific research, and they offer unique capabilities that could be transformative for commercial applications. Growth of the domestic SRF industry in North America has faced several challenges over the past decades, as most of the international demand for cavities was supplied by European vendors. This contribution provides a brief review of the domestic industrial vendor space, an outlook of the global demand for SRF cavities and an outline of the challenges leading to this supply chain deficiency. One of the main challenges towards establishing a robust domestic SRF industry has been the large uncertainty in the demand. Meanwhile, research and development activities to raise technical readiness of SRF accelerators for industrial use have continued and several potential markets are emerging that may offer a consistent and growing demand for SRF cavities. Finally, reasons and means of establishing and sustaining competitive domestic suppliers are described.

Accelerator Physics↗

Electron-Proton Scattering Event Generation using Structured Tokenization

Recent work such as Omnijet-$\alpha$ has demonstrated that effective tokenization combined with transformer-based architectures can produce effective foundation models for jet physics. While tokenization may help models capture generalizable event characteristics, it also introduces discretization errors that may compromise the precision required for downstream physics analyses. As the number and complexity of the particle features grow, these errors are likely to grow proportionally. In this study, we investigate new tokenization strategies to improve the application of generative transformer models to \textsc{Pythia8} simulations of electron-proton scattering at the Electron-Ion Collider. Specifically, we propose a feature-based structured tokenization approach that utilizes multiple tokens per particle, improving expressivity, while reducing the total number of unique tokens needed. We evaluate this method against grid-based binning, K-means clustering, and vector-quantized variational auto-encoders on the event simulations. Our results show that feature-based structured tokenization reduces discretization error, leading to more accurate generative modeling of particle-level events.

Goldenberg, Steven [Thomas Jefferson National Acce↗

Electron-Proton Scattering Event Generation using Structured Tokenization

Recent work such as Omnijet-$\alpha$ has demonstrated that effective tokenization combined with transformer-based architectures can produce effective foundation models for jet physics. While tokenization may help models capture generalizable event characteristics, it also introduces discretization errors that may compromise the precision required for downstream physics analyses. As the number and complexity of the particle features grow, these errors are likely to grow proportionally. In this study, we investigate new tokenization strategies to improve the application of generative transformer models to \textsc{Pythia8} simulations of electron-proton scattering at the Electron-Ion Collider. Specifically, we propose a feature-based structured tokenization approach that utilizes multiple tokens per particle, improving expressivity, while reducing the total number of unique tokens needed. We evaluate this method against grid-based binning, K-means clustering, and vector-quantized variational auto-encoders on the event simulations. Our results show that feature-based structured tokenization reduces discretization error, leading to more accurate generative modeling of particle-level events.

Goldenberg, Steven [Thomas Jefferson National Acce↗

Commissioning of the large-scale lead tungstate scintillating calorimeter

Here, we report on the installation and initial commissioning of a large-scale lead tungstate (PbWO4) scintillating crystal calorimeter developed for high-rate photon detection and precise energy measurement. The calorimeter comprises 1596 high-granularity, high-resolution scintillating crystals optimized for electromagnetic-shower detection over a wide energy range. Scintillation light from each crystal is read out by Hamamatsu R4125 photomultiplier tubes equipped with a custom voltage divider and front-end amplifier to ensure stable gain at high rates. All calorimeter modules were fabricated and characterized using a light-emitting diode–based optical test system prior to installation to verify uniformity and photodetector performance. After installation, the electromagnetic calorimeter was fully integrated into the experiment data acquisition and energy-based trigger systems. The optical response of the modules was equalized using the light-monitoring system, cosmic-ray muons, and photons from Compton-scattering events. Commissioning results demonstrate a reliably calibrated optical response and stable detector performance during the first run. These results validate the calorimeter design and commissioning methodology for large-scale scintillator-based photonic instrumentation.

Analog to digital converters↗

Nb 3 Sn coating of SRF cavity by cosputtering from a composite target

Here, we deposited an Nb 3 Sn film on the inner surface of a 2.6 GHz Nb superconducting radio frequency cavity by cosputtering using a composite of Nb and Sn tube targets in a DC cylindrical magnetron sputtering system, followed by the thermal annealing of the coated cavity. An aluminum mockup cavity, replicating a 2.6 GHz Nb SRF cavity geometry, was utilized to optimize deposition parameters, resulting in cosputtered Nb–Sn films with an Sn content of 32–42 at. % on the beam tubes and equator positions. Several annealing conditions were investigated to improve the surface homogeneity of the Nb 3 Sn film. The best cosputtered Nb–Sn film was achieved after annealing at 600 °C for 6 h, followed by annealing at 950 °C for 1 h. The best process was applied to a Nb cavity, which was RF tested in a cryogenic dewar. RF testing of the Nb 3 Sn-coated cavity demonstrated a superconducting transition temperature of 17.78 K. The Nb 3 Sn cavity underwent light Sn recoating, followed by additional RF testing, resulting in the enhancement of the RF performance, primarily due to the improved surface homogeneity of the Nb 3 Sn coating.

Nb3Sn film↗

Quench Analysis of EIC Central Detector (ePIC) Solenoid Magnet (MARCO)

The 2.0 T superconducting solenoid magnet (MARCO) being designed to be built for the EIC central detector (ePIC). Here, the magnet consists of three set of coil in a vacuum impregnated coil pack. Each coil pack consists of a total 554 turns winding wrapped with 6 layers of winding per coil. The coil case assembly is cooled by supercritical helium at 4.6 K. This manuscript presents quench analysis carried out on the magnet system along with the conductor stability. For the normal operation the magnet at 4.6 K and at normal operating current, the quench evaluation is carried out at 4.7 K for design assessment. The quench analysis carried out using commercial multi-physics FEA tool along an equivalent single coil quench model and the requirements for the magnet protection is also presented.

Ghoshal, Probir K. [Thomas Jefferson National Acce↗

Risk Assessment of EIC Central Detector (ePIC) Solenoid Magnet (MARCO)

As part of the BNL-JLab-CEA Electron Ion Collider (EIC) collaboration, the design of a 2 T, 2.8 m bore diameter, 3.8 m long conduction cooled superconducting detector magnet design is completed. Such magnet will be employed at the interaction region of ePIC for physics experiment. The magnet is a passive shielded solenoidal magnet system consisting of 3 coils wound with specially designed conductor using NbTi Rutherford type cable in copper stabilized channel. This paper describes the risk analysis as the part of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) that was carried out as a team to identify their various failure modes and risks associated with the magnets system. In conclusion, this FMEA is intended to become the content of the designed document as an integral part of the engineering assessment and the statement of work for the potential vendors towards design and built.

Ghoshal, Probir K. [Thomas Jefferson National Acce↗

Uncertainty based Online Ensemble on Non-Stationary Data for Fusion Science

Machine Learning (ML) is poised to play a pivotal role in the development and operation of next-generation fusion devices. Fusion data shows non-stationary behavior due to drifts in the data. The drifts can arise from both experimental evolution and machine wear-and-tear. ML models assume stationary distribution and fail to maintain performance when encountered with non-stationary data streams.Online learning can be used to continuously adapt the models with new data as it is acquired. However, traditional online learning can suffer from short-term performance degradation, as ground truth are not available before making the prediction. To address this challenge, we propose uncertainty aware ensemble approach for online learning. We use Deep Gaussian Process Approximation (DGPA) technique for calibrated uncertainty estimation and use the uncertainty values to guide a meta-algorithm that produces predictions based on ensemble of learners. Moreover, DGPA also provides uncertainty estimation along with the predictions for decision makers. This paper demonstrates that the proposed method outperforms traditional online learning approach, and a naive ensemble without uncertainty guidance by about 7% and 6%, respectively, on B-coil deflection prediction at DIII-D Fusion Facility.

Rajput, Kishansingh [Thomas Jefferson National Acc↗

Uncertainty based Online Ensemble on Non-Stationary Data for Fusion Science

Machine Learning (ML) is poised to play a pivotal role in the development and operation of next-generation fusion devices. Fusion data shows non-stationary behavior due to drifts in the data. The drifts can arise from both experimental evolution and machine wear-and-tear. ML models assume stationary distribution and fail to maintain performance when encountered with non-stationary data streams.Online learning can be used to continuously adapt the models with new data as it is acquired. However, traditional online learning can suffer from short-term performance degradation, as ground truth are not available before making the prediction. To address this challenge, we propose uncertainty aware ensemble approach for online learning. We use Deep Gaussian Process Approximation (DGPA) technique for calibrated uncertainty estimation and use the uncertainty values to guide a meta-algorithm that produces predictions based on ensemble of learners. Moreover, DGPA also provides uncertainty estimation along with the predictions for decision makers. This paper demonstrates that the proposed method outperforms traditional online learning approach, and a naive ensemble without uncertainty guidance by about 7% and 6%, respectively, on B-coil deflection prediction at DIII-D Fusion Facility.

Rajput, Kishansingh [Thomas Jefferson National Acc↗

Cryogenic Design and Thermal Analysis of EIC Central Detector (ePIC) Solenoid Magnet (MARCO)

The Electron Ion Collider (EIC) physics program utilizes a 2.0 T superconducting magnet at the heart of its ePIC detector system. This approximately 3.5 m long and 2.84 m diameter warm bore magnet has a 20 tons cold mass which is conduction-cooled using liquid helium at 4.5 K. A closed loop active thermosiphon system is chosen to facilitate the cooling and to maintain a minimum of 2 K temperature margin on the peak operating temperature (4.7 K) of the superconductor. Here, this paper presents the cryogenic design of the cooling system and the thermal analysis of the solenoid. A Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to quantify the performance of the two–phase closed thermosiphon system and predict the temperature gradient on the cold mass.

Gopinath, Sandesh [Thomas Jefferson National Accel↗

Testing the Common Platform LLRF with a 197 MHz NCRF Cavity

The Common Platform is the hardware that will support the new LLRF platform to be used for the Electron-Ion Collider. The Common Platform features a carrier board that is used to interface with a variety of daughter for different applications. This paper details the testing that was done using the Common Platform and an RF Digitizer Daugther Board. Firstly, the firmware and software development is discussed followed by a description of the controls algorithms used in the testing. Then, testing and verification of the platform with a 197 MHz NCRF cavity is discussed. The paper concludes with results from the testing and the path forward.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Plasma processing of SRF cavities at Jefferson Lab: Experiment results and simulation insight

Plasma processing of superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities has been an active research effort at Jefferson Lab (JLab) since 2019, aimed at enhancing cavity performance by removing hydrocarbon contaminants and reducing field emission. In this experiment, processing using argon-oxygen and helium-oxygen gas mixtures to find minimum ignition power at different cavity pressure was investigated. Ongoing simulations are contributing to a better understanding of the plasma surface interactions and the fundamental physics behind the process. These simulations, combined with experimental studies, guide the optimization of key parameters such as gas type, RF power, and pressure to ignite plasma using selected higher-order mode (HOM) frequencies. This paper presents experimental data from argon-oxygen and helium-oxygen gas mixture C75 and C100 cavity plasma ignition studies, as well as simulation results for the C100-type cavity based on the COMSOL model previously applied to the C75 cavity.

Accelerator Physics↗

Realizing the scientific program with polarized ion beams at the future BNL Electron Ion Collider

Polarized ion beams at the Electron Ion Collider (EIC) are essential to address some of the most important open questions at the twenty-first century frontiers of understanding of the fundamental structure of matter. Here, in this work, we summarize the science case and identify polarized 2 H, 3 He, 6 Li, and 7 Li ion beams as critical technology that will enable experiments which address the most important science. Furthermore, we discuss the required ion polarimetry and spin manipulation at the EIC. The current EIC accelerator design is presented. We identify a significant research and development effort across national and international laboratories and universities that is required over about a decade to realize the polarized ion beams and estimate (based on previous experience) that it will require about 20 full-time equivalent (FTE) over 10 years (or a total of about 200 FTE-years) of personnel, including graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and engineers. Attracting, educating, and training a new generation of physicists in experimental spin techniques will be essential for the successful realization. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are seen as having significant potential for both acceleration of research and development and amplification of discovery in the optimal realization of this unique quantum technology on a cutting-edge collider. The research and development effort is synergistic with research in atomic physics and fusion energy science.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Inverse problem in the large momentum effective theory framework

One proposal to compute parton distributions from first principles is the large momentum effective theory (LaMET), which requires the Fourier transform of matrix elements computed nonperturbatively. Lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) provides calculations of these matrix elements over a finite range of Fourier harmonics that are often noisy or unreliable in the largest computed harmonics. It has been suggested that enforcing an exponential decay of the missing harmonics helps alleviate this issue. Using nonperturbative data, we show that the uncertainty introduced by this inverse problem in a realistic setup remains significant without very restrictive assumptions, and that the importance of the exact asymptotic behavior is minimal for values of 𝑥 where the framework is currently applicable. We show that the crux of the inverse problem lies in harmonics of the order of 𝜆 = 𝑧⁢𝑃 𝑧 ∼ 5–15, where the signal in the lattice data is often barely existent in current studies, and the asymptotic behavior is not firmly established. We stress the need for more sophisticated techniques to account for this inverse problem, whether in the LaMET or related frameworks like the short-distance factorization. We also address a misconception that, with available lattice methods, the LaMET framework allows a “direct” computation of the 𝑥-dependence, whereas the alternative short-distance factorization only gives access to moments or fits of the 𝑥-dependence.

Dutrieux, Hervé [Aix-Marseille Université, Marseil↗

Decays of N ∗ and ∆ ∗ resonances into Nρ , ∆ π , and N $f$ 0 (500)

The decays of N ∗ and ∆ ∗ resonances into Nρ , ∆ π , and N $f$ 0 (500), and final states are investigated in a coupled-channel analysis of data from pion- and photoinduced reactions. Improvements in the fit quality are observed upon the inclusion of additional resonance contributions. Branching ratios for the intermediate isobars ∆(1232) π , Nρ , and N $f$ 0 (500) are reported.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗