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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 505 records · Page 28
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Measurement and Analysis of Beam Phase-Space Distributions for the Fermilab Muon Campus Accelerator Complex

The Muon g-2 experiment at Fermilab is tasked with measuring the muon’s anomalous magnetic moment with high precision. Since the experiment requires large amounts of muons, it is imperative to systematically study the behavior of the beam along the transport line. Unfortunately, the available diagnostics only provide beam information in X-Y space. For a complete evaluation, information of the phase-space is required. This paper demonstrates a technique to measure the beam phase-direction distribution by using a set of beam profiles. First, we establish the theoretical framework that describes the principle of the technique. Next, we apply the technique at four different locations along the accelerator delivery line. Finally, we compare our findings to predictions from tracking simulations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Calibration Trigger and Beam Monitoring for the Mu2e Experiment by Means of Decay-in-Orbit $\mu$

Over the last few decades, more evidence has come out to suggest that lepton flavor may not be conserved, making the study of charged lepton flavor violation all the more important. A promising way to observe this phenomenon is through muon conversion to electron (in the case without neutrinos produced) on Al, as will occur in the Mu2e experiment, which will run over the course of three years, beginning in 2023. A major part of the apparatus is the aluminum muon stopping target, which a beam of muons hits before releasing the products of muon interactions into the tracker and calorimeter. A muon stopped in the stopping target can undergo three different processes: nuclear capture, decay in orbit and electron conversion, the last of which makes up the E=105 MeV signal we are aiming to observe. Many muons, however, are scattered into a proton absorber around this target. Muons scattered in this way eventually get stopped in the absorber and then undergo decay-in-orbit , with ele ctron products that peak in their momentum distribution at about 50 MeV/c, giving a reference peak that can be used to calibrate the tracker momentum response. A track trigger was then developed to select events with these tracks. The muon beam used in the Mu2e experiment, however, due to the magnetic field on the beam line, is tilted slightly downward, such that more particles interact with the lower part of the tracker. For calibration purposes it is preferable to have a homogeneous distribution of electrons in the tracker volume, requiring a pre-scale factor that is dependent upon the azimuthal angle of the trajectory of closest approach of the helix to the solenoidal axis (“phi”). The factor in question was then found by running Monte Carlo simulations of the electrons produced in the muon decay in the proton absorber, overlaid with background particles. In addition to being used as means to calibrate momentum distribution, these electron tracks can be used to monitor the muon beam profile for changes over time.Here, these processes are explained in greater detail, and the result of the expected trigger performance is presented.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

The Tianlai Cylinder Pathfinder Array: System Functions and Basic Performance Analysis

The Tianlai Cylinder Pathfinder is a radio interferometer array designed to test techniques for 21 cm intensity mapping in the post-reionization Universe, with the ultimate aim of mapping the large scale structure of the Universe and measuring cosmological parameters such as the dark energy equation of state. Each of its three parallel cylinder reflectors are oriented in the north-south direction, and the array has a large field of view. As the Earth rotates, the northern sky is observed by drift scanning. The array is located in Hongliuxia, a radio quiet site in Xinjiang, and saw its first light in September 2016. In this first paper on the data analysis of the Tianlai cylinder array, we describe the system functions of the array, the commissioning observations during 2016- 2018, and present its basic performance characteristics. We show examples of the interferometric visibility data, then using the observational data, we derive the actual beam profile in the east-west direction, the bandpass response, and calibrate the complex gains for the array elements either with a strong astronomical point source, or with an artificial calibrator source. Based on the preliminary analysis of the data, we derive the system temperature and sensitivity of the array.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-T-610: Phosphor-Based Fiber Optic Probes for Proton Beam Characterization

Purpose: To investigate feasibility of using fiber optics probes with rare-earth-based phosphor tips for proton beam radiation dosimetry. We designed and fabricated a fiber probe with submillimeter resolution (<0.5 mm3) based on TbF3 phosphors and evaluated its performance for measurement of proton beam including profiles and range. Methods: The fiber optic probe with TbF3 phosphor tip, embedded in tissue-mimicking phantoms was irradiated with double scattering proton beam with energy of 180 MeV. Luminescence spectroscopy was performed by a CCD-coupled spectrograph to analyze the emission spectra of the fiber tip. In order to measure the spatial beam profile and percentage depth dose, we used singular value decomposition method to spectrally separate the phosphors ionoluminescence signal from the background Cerenkov radiation signal. Results: The spectra of the TbF3 fiber probe showed characteristic ionoluminescence emission peaks at 489, 542, 586, and 620 nm. By using singular value decomposition we found the contribution of the ionoluminescence signal to measure the percentage depth dose in phantoms and compared that with measurements performed with ion chamber. We observed quenching effect at the spread out Bragg peak region, manifested as under-responding of the signal, due to the high LET of the beam. However, the beam profiles were not dramatically affected by the quenching effect. Conclusion: We have evaluated the performance of a fiber optic probe with submillimeter resolution for proton beam dosimetry. We demonstrated feasibility of spectral separation of the Cerenkov radiation from the collected signal. Such fiber probes can be used for measurements of proton beams profile and range. The experimental apparatus and spectroscopy method developed in this work provide a robust platform for characterization of proton-irradiated nanophosphor particles for ultralow fluence photodynamic therapy or molecular imaging applications.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Field validation of an actuated convergent-beam acoustic Doppler profiler for high resolution flow mapping

Abstract Energetic river and tidal flow environments feature complex hydrodynamic conditions. Conventional acoustic Doppler profiling instrumentation typically requires assumptions of flow homogeneity over the spatial scales of the divergent beam separation. This removes the ability to measure spatio-temporal variability within the flow. However, velocity variability within these spatial scales is often important in the design of structures and devices exposed to such flow, informing dynamic and peak hydrodynamic load predictions. The research presented outlines the development and testing of a flow measurement instrument consisting of multiple spatially-separated single beam acoustic Doppler profilers converging on a remote focal point, the location of which can be programmatically adjusted through actuation. This increases the spatial resolution at which remote field measurements can be made in energetic flow environments. Field testing of the instrument was conducted in a tidal channel at Sequim Bay Inlet, WA, USA. Results are compared with independent reference measurements made by a co-located, motion-corrected acoustic Doppler velocimeter. This comparison, across tidal velocities of 0.4–0.7 m s −1 , showed a mean velocity error of 0.5%–13.2% across nine sample locations within a 3.00 m × 2.25 m plane. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first publication of flow velocity results from non-intrusive acoustic measurements at an off-axis, focal point location that features 3D positional control.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Bayesian inference of electron density and ion temperature profiles from neutral beam and halo Balmer- α emission at Wendelstein 7-X

By employing Bayesian inference techniques, the full electron density profile from the plasma core to the edge of Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) is inferred solely from neutral hydrogen beam and halo Balmer- α (H α ) emission data. The halo is a cloud of neutrals forming in the vicinity of the injected neutral beam due to multiple charge exchange reactions. W7-X is equipped with several neutral hydrogen beam heating sources and an H α spectroscopy system that views these sources from different angles and penetration depths in the plasma. As the beam and halo emission form complex spectra for each spatial point that are non-linearly dependent on the plasma density profile and other parameters, a complete model from the neutral beam injection and halo formation through to the spectroscopic measurements is required. The model is used here to infer electron density profiles for a range of common W7-X plasma scenarios. The inferred profiles show good agreement with profiles determined by the Thomson scattering and interferometry diagnostics across a broad range of absolute densities without any changes to the input or fitting parameters. The time evolution of the density profile in a discharge with continuous core density peaking is successfully reconstructed, demonstrating sufficient spatial resolution to infer strongly shaped profiles. Furthermore, it is shown as a proof of concept that the model is also able to infer the main ion temperature profile using the same data set.

forward modeling↗
DOE OSTI2015

Core-halo limit and internal dynamics of high intensity beams

The dynamics of high-intensity beams largely depends on their internal space charge forces. These forces are responsible of non-linear coupling, emittance growth, and halo generation. They contribute to shape the beam density profile. As a consequence, an analysis of this profile can be a precious indicator capable of revealing the internal dynamics of the beam. This paper recalls the precise core-halo limit determination proposed earlier, then studies its behavior through a wide range of beam profiles, and finally shows its relevance as an indicator of the limit separating the two space charge field regimes of the core and the halo.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Current profile redistribution driven by neutral beam injection in a reversed-field pinch

Neutral beam injection in reversed-field pinch (RFP) plasmas on the Madison Symmetric Torus [Dexter et al., Fusion Sci. Technol. 19, 131 (1991)] drives current redistribution with increased on-axis current density but negligible net current drive. Internal fluctuations correlated with tearing modes are observed on multiple diagnostics; the behavior of tearing mode correlated structures is consistent with flattening of the safety factor profile. The first application of a parametrized model for island flattening to temperature fluctuations in an RFP allows inferrence of rational surface locations for multiple tearing modes. The m = 1, n = 6 mode is observed to shift inward by 1.1 ± 0.6 cm with neutral beam injection. Tearing mode rational surface measurements provide a strong constraint for equilibrium reconstruction, with an estimated reduction of q{sub 0} by 5% and an increase in on-axis current density of 8% ± 5%. The inferred on-axis current drive is consistent with estimates of fast ion density using TRANSP [Goldston et al., J. Comput. Phys. 43, 61 (1981)].

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS2005

Characterization of an 8-cm Diameter Ion Source System

Results of tests characterizing an 8-cm diameter ion source are presented. The tests were conducted in three separate vacuum test facilities at the University of Alabama-Huntsville, Colorado State University, and L3 Communications' ETI division. Standard ion optics tests describing electron backstreaming and total-voltage-limited impingement current behavior as a function of beam current were used as guidelines for selecting operating conditions where more detailed ion beam measurements were performed. The ion beam was profiled using an in-vacuum actuating probe system to determine the total ion current density and the ion charge state distribution variation across the face of the ion source. Both current density and ExB probes were utilized. The ion current density data were used to obtain integrated beam current, beam flatness parameters, and general beam profile shapes. The ExB probe data were used to determine the ratio of doubly to singly charged ion current. The ion beam profile tests were performed at over six different operating points that spanned the expected operating range of the DAWN thrusters being developed at L3. The characterization tests described herein reveal that the 8-cm ion source is suitable for use in (a) validating plasma diagnostic equipment, (b) xenon ion sputtering and etching studies of spacecraft materials, (c) plasma physics research, and (d) the study of ion thruster optics at varying conditions.

Li, Zhongmin↗
DOE OSTI2015

Electron beam induced current profiling of the p-ZnO:N/n-GaN heterojunction

The high quality p-n structures studied consist of nitrogen doped ZnO:N films grown by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy on n-type GaN templates. The nitrogen concentration, determined by secondary ion mass spectroscopy, is about 1 × 10{sup 20} cm{sup −3}. Temperature dependent photoluminescence studies confirm the presence of acceptor centers with an energy level lying approximately 130 meV above the valence band. The maximum forward-to-reverse current ratio I{sub F}/I{sub R} in the obtained p-n diodes is about 10{sup 7} at ±5 V, which is 2–5 orders of magnitude higher than previously reported for this type of heterojunctions. Electron-beam-induced current measurements confirm the presence of a p–n junction, located at the p-ZnO/n-GaN interface. The calculated diffusion length and activation energy of minority carriers are presented. The heterostructures exhibit strong absorption in the UV range with a four orders of magnitude high bright-to-dark current ratio.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

System and method for grain refinement and general control of grain morphology in laser additive manufacturing

The present disclosure relates to a system for forming a material layer that may make use of an optical light source for generating an optical beam, and a beam shaping subsystem configured to shape the optical beam to generate a complex beam intensity profile. The complex shaped beam may be used to selectively melt at least portions of a bed of powder particles residing on a substrate during formation of the material layer, as the optical light source is moved. A computer may be used to control the optical light source. The complex beam intensity profile enables control over the microstructure of grains formed during melting of the powder particles as the material layer is formed.

Roehling, Tien↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-527: A Novel Dynamic Multileaf Collimator Leaf-Sequencing Algorithm in Radiation Therapy

Purpose: A novel leaf-sequencing algorithm is developed for generating arbitrary beam intensity profiles in discrete levels using dynamic multileaf collimator (MLC). The efficiency of this dynamic MLC leaf-sequencing method was evaluated using external beam treatment plans delivered by intensity modulated radiation therapy technique. Methods: To qualify and validate this algorithm, integral test for the beam segment of MLC generated by the CORVUS treatment planning system was performed with clinical intensity map experiments. The treatment plans were optimized and the fluence maps for all photon beams were determined. This algorithm started with the algebraic expression for the area under the beam profile. The coefficients in the expression can be transformed into the specifications for the leaf-setting sequence. The leaf optimization procedure was then applied and analyzed for clinical relevant intensity profiles in cancer treatment. Results: The macrophysical effect of this method can be described by volumetric plan evaluation tools such as dose-volume histograms (DVHs). The DVH results are in good agreement compared to those from the CORVUS treatment planning system. Conclusion: We developed a dynamic MLC method to examine the stability of leaf speed including effects of acceleration and deceleration of leaf motion in order to make sure the stability of leaf speed did not affect the intensity profile generated. It was found that the mechanical requirements were better satisfied using this method. The Project is sponsored by the Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars, State Education Ministry.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2011

Development of Multi-Beam Long Trace Profiler

In order to fulfill the angular resolution requirements and make the performance goals for future NASA missions feasible, it is crucial to develop instruments capable of fast and precise figure metrology of x-ray optical elements for further correction of the surface errors. The Long Trace Profilometer (LTP) is an instrument widely used for measuring the surface figure of grazing incidence X-ray mirrors. In the case of replicated optics designed for x-ray astronomy applications, such as mirrors and the corresponding mandrels have a cylindrical shape and their tangential profile is parabolic or hyperbolic. Modern LTPs have sub-microradian accuracy, but the measuring speed is very low, because the profilometer measures surface figure point by point using a single laser beam. The measurement rate can be significantly improved by replacing the single optical beam with multiple beams. The goal of this study is to demonstrate the viability of multi-beam metrology as a way of significantly improving the quality and affordability of replicated x-ray optics. The multi-beam LTP would allow one- and two-dimensional scanning with sub-microradian resolution and a measurement rate of about ten times faster compared to the current LTP. The design details of the instrument's optical layout and the status of optical tests will be presented.

Kilaru, Kiranmayee↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-I-27: Estimating KERMA Area Product for CT Localizer Images

Purpose: To estimate the free-in-air KERMA-Area Product (KAP) incident on patients due to CT localizer scans for common CT exams. Methods: In-plane beam intensity profiles were measured in localizer acquisition mode using OSLs for a 64 slice MDCT scanner (Lightspeed VCT, GE Medical Systems, Waukesha WI). The z-axis beam width was measured as a function of distance from isocenter. The beam profile and width were used to calculate a weighted average air KERMA per unit mAs as a function of intercepted x-axis beam width for objects symmetric about the localizer centerline.Patient areas were measured using manually drawn regions and divided by localizer length to determine average width. Data were collected for 50 head exams (lateral localizer only), 15 head/neck exams, 50 chest exams, and 50 abdomen/pelvis exams. Mean patient widths and acquisition techniques were used to calculate the weighted average free-in-air KERMA, which was multiplied by the patient area to estimate KAP. Results: Scan technique was 120 kV tube voltage, 10 mA current, and table speed of 10 cm/s. The mean ± standard deviation values of KAP were 120 ± 11.6, 469 ± 62.6, 518 ± 45, and 763 ± 93 mGycm{sup 2} for head, head/neck, chest, and abdomen/pelvis exams, respectively. For studies with AP and lateral localizers, the AP/lateral area ratio was 1.20, 1.33, and 1.24 for the head/neck, chest, and abdomen/pelvis exams, respectively. However, the AP/lateral KAP ratios were 1.12, 1.08, and 1.07, respectively. Conclusion: Calculation of KAP in CT localizers is complicated by the non-uniform intensity profile and z-axis beam width. KAP values are similar to those for simple radiographic exams such as a chest radiograph and represent a small fraction of the x-ray exposure at CT. However, as CT doses are reduced the localizer contribution will be a more significant fraction of the total exposure.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Influence of spin-orbit effects on structures and dielectric properties of neutral lead clusters

Combining molecular beam electric deflection experiments and global optimization techniques has proven to be a powerful tool for resolving equilibrium structures of neutral metal and semiconductor clusters. Herein, we present electric molecular beam deflection experiments on Pb{sub N} (N = 7–18) clusters. Promising structures are generated using the unbiased Birmingham Cluster Genetic Algorithm approach based on density functional theory. The structures are further relaxed within the framework of two-component density functional theory taking scalar relativistic and spin orbit effects into account. Quantum chemical results are used to model electric molecular beam deflection profiles based on molecular dynamics calculations. Comparison of measured and simulated beam profiles allows the assignment of equilibrium structures for the most cluster sizes in the examined range for the first time. Neutral lead clusters adopt mainly spherical geometries and resemble the structures of lead cluster cations apart from Pb{sub 10}. Their growth pattern deviates strongly from the one observed for tin and germanium clusters.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1976

Cusped magnetic field mercury ion thruster

The importance of a uniform current density profile in the exhaust beam of an electrostatic ion thruster is discussed in terms of thrust level and accelerator system lifetime. A residence time approach is used to explain the nonuniform beam current density profile of the divergent magnetic field thruster. Mathematical expressions are derived which relate the thruster discharge power loss, propellant utilization, and double to single ion density ratio to the geometry and plasma properties of the discharge chamber. These relationships are applied to a cylindrical discharge chamber model of the thruster. Experimental results are presented for a wide range of the discharge chamber length. The thruster designed for this investigation was operated with a cusped magnetic field as well as a divergent field geometry, and the cusped field geometry is shown to be superior from the standpoint of beam profile uniformity, performance, and double ion population.

Beattie, J. R.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Verification and application of resonance broadened quasi-linear (RBQ) model with multiple Alfvénic instabilities

The resonance broadened quasilinear (RBQ) model for the problem of relaxing the hot ion distribution function in constant-of-motion 3D space [Gorelenkov et al., Nucl. Fusion 58, 082016 (2018)] is presented with the self-consistent evolution of multiple Alfvén eigenmode amplitudes. The RBQ model represents the generalization of the earlier published model [Berk et al., Nucl. Fusion 35, 1661 (1995)] by carefully examining the wave particle interaction in the presence of realistic Alfvén eigenmode (AE) structures and pitch angle scattering with the help of the guiding center code ORBIT. One aspect of the generalization is that the RBQ model goes beyond the local perturbative-pendulumlike approximation for the wave particle dynamics near the resonance. An iterative procedure is introduced to account for eigenstructures varying within the resonances. It is found that a radially localized mode structure implies a saturation level 2–3 times smaller than that predicted by an earlier bump-on-tail quasilinear model that employed uniform mode structures. We apply the RBQ code to a DIII-D plasma with an elevated q-profile where the beam ion profiles exhibit stiff transport properties [Collins et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 095001 (2016)]. Finally, the properties of AE driven fast ion distribution relaxation are studied for validations of the applied RBQ model in DIII-D discharges. Initial results show that the model is robust, is numerically efficient, and can predict fast ion relaxation in present and future burning plasma experiments.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Analysis of the microbunching instability in a mid-energy electron linac

Microbunching instability usually exists in the linear accelerator (linac) of a free electron laser (FEL) facility. If it is not controlled effectively, the beam quality will be damaged seriously and the machine will not operate properly. In the electron linac of a soft X-ray FEL device, because the electron energy is not very high, the problem can become even more serious. As a typical example, the microbunching instability in the linac of the proposed Shanghai Soft X-ray Free Electron Laser facility (SXFEL) is investigated in detail by means of both analytical formulae and simulation tools. In the study, a new mechanism introducing random noise into the beam current profile as the beam passes through a chicane-type bunch compressor is proposed. The higher-order modes that appear in the simulations suggest that further improvement of the current theoretical model of the instability is needed.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗