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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 OSTI2021

Flavor-dependent radiative corrections in coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering

We calculate coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering cross sections on spin-0 nuclei (e.g. 40 Ar and 28 Si) at energies below 100 MeV within the Standard Model and account for all effects of permille size. We provide a complete error budget including uncertainties at nuclear, nucleon, hadronic, and quark levels separately as well as perturbative error. Our calculation starts from the four-fermion effective field theory to explicitly separate heavy-particle mediated corrections (which are absorbed by Wilson coefficients) from light-particle contributions. Electrons and muons running in loops introduce a non- trivial dependence on the momentum transfer due to their relatively light masses. These same loops, and those mediated by tau leptons, break the flavor universality because of mass-dependent electromagnetic radiative corrections. Nuclear physics uncertainties significantly cancel in flavor asymmetries resulting in subpercent relative errors. We find that for low neutrino energies, the cross section can be predicted with a relative precision that is competitive with neutrino-electron scattering. We highlight potentially useful applications of such a precise cross section prediction ranging from precision tests of the Standard Model, to searches for new physics and to the monitoring of nuclear reactors.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Essay: Quantum Sensing with Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Platforms for Fundamental Physics

Atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics has been at the forefront of the development of quantum science while laying the foundation for modern technology. With the growing capabilities of quantum control of many atoms for engineered many-body states and quantum entanglement, a key question emerges: what critical impact will the second quantum revolution with ubiquitous applications of entanglement bring to bear on fundamental physics? In this Essay, we argue that a compelling long-term vision for fundamental physics and novel applications is to harness the rapid development of quantum information science to define and advance the frontiers of measurement physics, with strong potential for fundamental discoveries. As quantum technologies, such as fault-tolerant quantum computing and entangled quantum sensor networks, become much more advanced than today’s realization, we wonder what doors of basic science can these tools unlock. We anticipate that some of the most intriguing and challenging problems, such as quantum aspects of gravity, fundamental symmetries, or new physics beyond the minimal standard model, will be tackled at the emerging quantum measurement frontier. . Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Low-energy muon and muonium beam source at Fermilab

We describe a high-efficiency source of muonium that can be transported as a beam in vacuum provides opportunities for fundamental muon and precision physics measurements such as sensitive searches for symmetry violation. Although PSI is currently the world leader, the intense 800-MeV PIP-II linac beam at Fermilab could provide world-class low-energy muon and muonium beams, with unparalleled intensity, driving the next generation of precision muon-based physics experiments at the intensity frontier. However, it is critical to initiate the prerequisite R&D now to prepare for the PIP-II era. A low-energy secondary muon line recently installed in an operating facility (the MeV Test Area, which utilizes the intense 400-MeV Fermilab Linac beam) could support the required R&D, and potentially compete for new physics in the immediate term, if approved. This beamline was developed for μ– and will need to be re-optimized for surface μ+ production and transport, making it also suitable for muon spin rotation physics––a unique research and industrial application for which no U.S. facility exists, and whose facilities are oversubscribed worldwide.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Status of the Fermilab Muon g - 2 Experiment

The muon anomalous magnetic moment, aµ = ( g - 2 )/2, is a low-energy observable which can be both measured and computed with very high precision, making it an excellent test of the Standard Model (SM) and a sensitive probe of new physics. Recent efforts improved the precision of both the theoretical prediction and the experimental measurement. On the theory side, the Muon g - 2 Theory Initiative, an international team of more than 130 physicists, reached in 2020 a consensus on the SM prediction for aµ. On the experimental side, the E989 Muon g - 2 Collaboration at Fermilab (FNAL) published in April 2021 a new measurement of aµ from the Run-1 dataset (2018) with 0.46 ppm precision, corroborating the previous Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) measurement and increasing the discrepancy with the SM value to 4.2 standard deviations. In this paper, I will discuss the experimental setup and report on the current status of the experiment.

Girotti, Paolo↗
DOE OSTI2025

Large Neutrino "Collider"

We propose using current and future large-volume neutrino telescopes as ``Large Neutrino Colliders" (L$ν$Cs) to explore TeV-scale physics beyond the Standard Model. Cosmic neutrinos with energies above 100 PeV colliding with nucleons in the detector reach center-of-mass energies beyond the 14 TeV limit of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Using recently predicted and measured high-energy and ultra-high-energy neutrino fluxes from IceCube and KM3NeT, we estimate mass-scale sensitivities for representative new physics scenarios at 1--30 km$^3$ L$ν$Cs. Our results demonstrate that L$ν$Cs provide a novel avenue to probe multi-TeV particles with sensitivities comparable to, or even surpassing, those of the LHC.

Bai, Yang [Wisconsin U., Madison; Argonne]↗
DOE OSTI2021

Elastic positron–proton scattering at low Q$^2$

Systematic differences in the the proton's charge radius, as determined by ordinary atoms and muonic atoms, have caused a resurgence of interest in elastic lepton scattering measurements. The proton's charge radius, defined as the slope of the charge form factor at Q$^2$=0, does not depend on the probe. Any difference in the apparent size of the proton, when determined from ordinary versus muonic hydrogen, could point to new physics or need for the higher order corrections. While recent measurements seem to now be in agreement, there is to date no high precision elastic scattering data with both electrons and positrons. A high precision proton radius measurement could be performed in Hall B at Jefferson Lab with a positron beam and the calorimeter based setup of the PRad experiment. This measurement could also be extended to deuterons where a similar discrepancy has been observed between the muonic and electronic determination of deuteron charge radius. A new, high precision measurement with positrons, when viewed alongside electron scattering measurements and the forthcoming MUSE muon scattering measurement, could help provide new insights into the origins of the proton radius puzzle, and also provide new experimental constraints on radiative correction calculations.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nuclear-level effective theory of 𝜇 → 𝑒 conversion: Inelastic process

Mu2e and COMET will search for electrons produced via the neutrinoless conversion of stopped muons bound in 1s atomic orbits of 27 Al, improving existing limits on charged lepton flavor violation (CLFV) by roughly four orders of magnitude. Conventionally, 𝜇 → 𝑒 conversion experiments are optimized to detect electrons originating from transitions where the nucleus remains in the ground state, thereby maximizing the energy of the outgoing electron. Clearly, detection of a positive signal in forthcoming experiments would stimulate additional work—including subsequent conversion experiments using complementary nuclear targets—to further constrain the new physics responsible for CLFV. Here we argue that additional information can be extracted without the need for additional experiments, by considering inelastic conversion in 27 Al. Transitions to low-lying nuclear excited states can modify the near-endpoint spectrum of conversion electrons, with the ratio of the elastic and inelastic responses being sensitive to the underlying CLFV operator. We extend the nuclear effective theory of 𝜇 → 𝑒 conversion to the inelastic case, which adds five new response functions to the six that arise for the elastic process. We evaluate these nuclear response functions in 27 Al and calculate the resulting conversion-electron signal, taking into account the resolution anticipated in Mu2e/COMET. We find that 27 Al is an excellent target choice from the perspective of the new information that can be obtained from inelastic 𝜇 → 𝑒 conversion.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Heavy neutrino searches through double-bang events at Super-Kamiokande, DUNE, and Hyper-Kamiokande

A variety of new physics scenarios allows for neutrinos to up-scatter into a heavy neutral lepton state. For a range of couplings and neutrino energies, the heavy neutrino may travel some distance before decaying to visible final states. When both the up-scattering and decay occur within the detector volume, these “double bang” events produce distinctive phenomenology with very low background. In this work, we first consider the current sensitivity at Super-Kamiokande via the atmospheric neutrino flux, and find current data may already provide new constraints. We then examine projected future sensitivity at DUNE and Hyper-Kamiokande, including both atmospheric and beam flux contributions to double-bang signals.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Overview of SoLID

SoLID spectrometer was proposed to fully exploit the potential of JLab 12 GeV energy upgrade. It is a large acceptance detector which can handle very high luminosity. An overview of the rich physics program will be given, which includes number of planned measurements: a multi-dimensional mapping of semi-inclusive DIS asymmetries for tomography of the nucleon in momentum space in the high-x region and precision determination of the tensor charge; a measurement of parity-violating DIS to provide a precision test of the Standard Model, reaching a sensitivity to new physics at 10-20 TeV level; a precision measurement of J/psi photo- and electro-production cross sections in the threshold region to probe the strong color fields in the nucleon and to study the origin of the proton mass. The current status and the plan of the project will be discussed.

Chen, Jian-Ping↗
NASA NTRS1991

Late-time cosmological phase transitions

It is shown that the potential galaxy formation and large scale structure problems of objects existing at high redshifts (Z approx. greater than 5), structures existing on scales of 100 M pc as well as velocity flows on such scales, and minimal microwave anisotropies ((Delta)T/T) (approx. less than 10(exp -5)) can be solved if the seeds needed to generate structure form in a vacuum phase transition after decoupling. It is argued that the basic physics of such a phase transition is no more exotic than that utilized in the more traditional GUT scale phase transitions, and that, just as in the GUT case, significant random Gaussian fluctuations and/or topological defects can form. Scale lengths of approx. 100 M pc for large scale structure as well as approx. 1 M pc for galaxy formation occur naturally. Possible support for new physics that might be associated with such a late-time transition comes from the preliminary results of the SAGE solar neutrino experiment, implying neutrino flavor mixing with values similar to those required for a late-time transition. It is also noted that a see-saw model for the neutrino masses might also imply a tau neutrino mass that is an ideal hot dark matter candidate. However, in general either hot or cold dark matter can be consistent with a late-time transition.

Schramm, David N.↗
DOE OSTI2023

SHAPER: can you hear the shape of a jet?

The identification of interesting substructures within jets is an important tool for searching for new physics and probing the Standard Model at colliders. Many of these substructure tools have previously been shown to take the form of optimal transport problems, in particular the Energy Mover’s Distance (EMD). In this work, we show that the EMD is in fact the natural structure for comparing collider events, which accounts for its recent success in understanding event and jet substructure. We then present a Shape Hunting Algorithm using Parameterized Energy Reconstruction (SHAPER), which is a general framework for defining and computing shape-based observables. SHAPER generalizes N-jettiness from point clusters to any extended, parametrizable shape. This is accomplished by efficiently minimizing the EMD between events and parameterized manifolds of energy flows representing idealized shapes, implemented using the dual-potential Sinkhorn approximation of the Wasserstein metric. We show how the geometric language of observables as manifolds can be used to define novel observables with built-in infrared-and-collinear safety. We demonstrate the efficacy of the SHAPER framework by performing empirical jet substructure studies using several examples of new shape-based observables.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Lightshow: a Python package for generating computational x-ray absorption spectroscopy input files

First-principles computational spectroscopy is a critical tool for interpreting experiment, per- forming structure refinement, and developing new physical understanding. Systematically setting up input files for different simulation codes and a diverse class of materials is a challeng- ing task with a very high barrier-to-entry, given the complexities and nuances of each individual simulation package. This task is non-trivial even for experts in the electronic structure field and nearly formidable for non-expert researchers. Lightshow solves this problem by providing a uniform abstraction for writing computational x-ray spectroscopy input files for multiple popular codes, including FEFF, VASP, OCEAN, exciting and XSpectra. Its extendable framework will also allow the community to easily add new functions and to incorporate new simulation codes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Lattice QCD and the Computational Frontier

The search for new physics requires a joint experimental and theoretical effort. Lattice QCD is already an essential tool for obtaining precise model-free theoretical predictions of the hadronic processes underlying many key experimental searches, such as those involving heavy flavor physics, the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, nucleon-neutrino scattering, and rare, second-order electroweak processes. As experimental measurements become more precise over the next decade, lattice QCD will play an increasing role in providing the needed matching theoretical precision. Achieving the needed precision requires simulations with lattices with substantially increased resolution. As we push to finer lattice spacing we encounter an array of new challenges. They include algorithmic and software-engineering challenges, challenges in computer technology and design, and challenges in maintaining the necessary human resources. In this white paper we describe those challenges and discuss ways they are being dealt with. Overcoming them is key to supporting the community effort required to deliver the needed theoretical support for experiments in the coming decade.

Boyle, Peter↗
DOE OSTI2022

Towards precise and accurate calculations of neutrinoless double-beta decay

We present the results of a National Science Foundation Project Scoping Workshop, the purpose of which was to assess the current status of calculations for the nuclear matrix elements governing neutrinoless double-beta decay and determine if more work on them is required. After reviewing important recent progress in the application of effective field theory, lattice quantum chromodynamics, and ab initio nuclear-structure theory to double-beta decay, we discuss the state of the art in nuclear-physics uncertainty quantification and then construct a roadmap for work in all these areas to fully complement the increasingly sensitive experiments in operation and under development. The roadmap includes specific projects in theoretical and computational physics as well as the use of Bayesian methods to quantify both intra- and inter-model uncertainties. Here, the goal of this ambitious program is a set of accurate and precise matrix elements, in all nuclei of interest to experimentalists, delivered together with carefully assessed uncertainties. Such calculations will allow crisp conclusions from the observation or non-observation of neutrinoless double-beta decay, no matter what new physics is at play.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Electron kinetics in a positive column of AC discharges in a dynamic regime

Abstract We have performed hybrid kinetic-fluid simulations of a positive column in alternating current (AC) argon discharges over a range of driving frequencies f and gas pressure p for the conditions when the spatial nonlocality of the electron energy distribution function (EEDF) is substantial. Our simulations confirmed that the most efficient conditions of plasma maintenance are observed in the dynamic regime when time modulations of mean electron energy (temperature) are substantial. The minimal values of the root mean square electric field and the electron temperature have been observed at f/p values of about 3 kHz Torr −1 in a tube of radius R = 1 cm. The ionization rate and plasma density reached maximal values under these conditions. The numerical solution of a kinetic equation allowed accounting for the kinetic effects associated with spatial and temporal nonlocality of the EEDF. Using the kinetic energy of electrons as an independent variable, we solved an anisotropic tensor diffusion equation in phase space. We clarified the role of different flux components during electron diffusion in phase space over surfaces of constant total energy. We have shown that the kinetic theory uncovers a more exciting and rich physics than the classical ambipolar diffusion (Schottky) model. Non-monotonic radial distributions of excitation rates, metastable densities, and plasma density have been observed in our simulations at pR > 6 Torr cm. The predicted off-axis plasma density peak in the dynamic regime has never been observed in experiments so far. We hope our results stimulate further experimental studies of the AC positive column. The kinetic analysis could help uncover new physics even for such a well-known plasma object as a positive column in noble gases.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2022

Search for quantum gravity using astrophysical neutrino flavour with IceCube

Along their long propagation from production to detection, neutrinos undergo flavour conversions that convert their types or flavours. High-energy astrophysical neutrinos propagate unperturbed over a billion light years in vacuum and are sensitive to small effects caused by new physics. Effects of quantum gravity are expected to appear at the Planck energy scale. Such a high-energy universe would have existed only immediately after the Big Bang and is inaccessible by human technologies. On the other hand, quantum gravity effects may exist in our low-energy vacuum, but are suppressed by inverse powers of the Planck energy. Measuring the coupling of particles to such small effects is difficult via kinematic observables, but could be observable through flavour conversions. Furthermore, we report a search with the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, using astrophysical neutrino flavours to search for new space–time structure. We did not find any evidence of anomalous flavour conversion in the IceCube astrophysical neutrino flavour data. We apply the most stringent limits of any known technologies, down to 10 –42 GeV –2 with Bayes factor greater than 10 on the dimension-six operators that parameterize the space–time defects. We thus unambiguously reach the parameter space of quantum-gravity-motivated physics.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Electron correlation and relativistic effects in the excited states of radium monofluoride

Highly accurate and precise electronic structure calculations of heavy radioactive atoms and their molecules are important for several research areas, including chemical, nuclear, and particle physics. Ab initio quantum chemistry can elucidate structural details in these systems that emerge from the interplay of relativistic and electron correlation effects, but the large number of electrons complicates the calculations, and the scarcity of experiments prevents insightful theory-experiment comparisons. Here we report the spectroscopy of the 14 lowest excited electronic states in the radioactive molecule radium monofluoride (RaF), which is proposed as a sensitive probe for searches of new physics. The observed excitation energies are compared with state-of-the-art relativistic Fock-space coupled cluster calculations, which achieve an agreement of ≥99.64% (within ~12 meV) with experiment for all states. Guided by theory, a firm assignment of the angular momentum and term symbol is made for 10 states and a tentative assignment for 4 states. The role of high-order electron correlation and quantum electrodynamics effects in the excitation energies is studied and found to be important for all states.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Small radius inclusive jet production at the LHC through NNLO+NNLL

The study of hadronic jets and their substructure at hadronic colliders is crucial for improving our understanding of QCD, and searching for new physics. As such, there has been a significant effort to improve their theoretical description. In the small radius limit, inclusive jet production exhibits a universal factorization, enabling the resummation of logarithms which greatly stabilizes theoretical predictions. In this paper, we show how to combine a recently introduced framework for small-R resummation with the Stripper subtraction formalism for fragmentation, enabling next-to-next-to-leading order calculations of small-R inclusive jet production for a wide variety of processes at the LHC. We extract the two-loop constants for the jet functions, enabling for the first time next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic resummation matched to next-to-next-to-leading order perturbative calculation. We compare with CMS data for small-R jet production, and find that our results greatly improve the accuracy of the predictions at small-R, and stabilize the perturbative convergence and error estimates at larger R. Our approach is applicable to a wide class of jet substructure observables exhibiting similar factorization theorems, opening the door to an NNLO jet substructure program at the LHC.

Effective Field Theories↗