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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 595 records · Page 33

Derivatives of the Pochhammer and reciprocal Pochhammer symbols and their use in epsilon-expansions of Appell and Kampé de Fériet functions

Useful expressions of the derivatives, to any order, of Pochhammer and reciprocal Pochhammer symbols with respect to their arguments are presented. They are building blocks of a procedure, recently suggested, for obtaining the ε-expansion of functions of the hypergeometric class related to Feynman integrals. The procedure is applied to some examples of such kind of functions taken from the literature.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Subtractive procedure for calculating the anomalous electron magnetic moment in QED and its application for numerical calculation at the three-loop level

A new subtractive procedure for canceling ultraviolet and infrared divergences in the Feynman integrals described here is developed for calculating QED corrections to the electron anomalous magnetic moment. The procedure formulated in the form of a forest expression with linear operators applied to Feynman amplitudes of UV-diverging subgraphs makes it possible to represent the contribution of each Feynman graph containing only electron and photon propagators in the form of a converging integral with respect to Feynman parameters. The application of the developed method for numerical calculation of two- and threeloop contributions is described.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Feynman rules for Coulomb gauge QCD

The Coulomb gauge in nonabelian gauge theories is attractive in principle, but beset with technical difficulties in perturbation theory. In addition to ordinary Feynman integrals, there are, at 2-loop order, Christ-Lee (CL) terms, derived either by correctly ordering the operators in the Hamiltonian, or by resolving ambiguous Feynman integrals. Renormalization theory depends on the sub-graph structure of ordinary Feynman graphs. The CL terms do not have a sub-graph structure. We show how to carry out renormalization in the presence of CL terms, by re-expressing these as 'pseudo-Feynman' integrals. We also explain how energy divergences cancel. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer In Coulomb gauge QCD, we re-express Christ-Lee terms in the Hamiltonian as pseudo-Feynman integrals. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer This gives a subgraph structure, and allows the ordinary renormalization process. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It also leads to cancellation of energy-divergences.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

The signed permutation group on Feynman graphs

The Feynman rules assign to every graph an integral which can be written as a function of a scaling parameter L. Assuming L for the process under consideration is very small, so that contributions to the renormalization group are small, we can expand the integral and only consider the lowest orders in the scaling. The aim of this article is to determine specific combinations of graphs in a scalar quantum field theory that lead to a remarkable simplification of the first non-trivial term in the perturbation series. It will be seen that the result is independent of the renormalization scheme and the scattering angles. To achieve that goal we will utilize the parametric representation of scalar Feynman integrals as well as the Hopf algebraic structure of the Feynman graphs under consideration. Moreover, we will present a formula which reduces the effort of determining the first-order term in the perturbation series for the specific combination of graphs to a minimum.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Towards a feasible implementation of quantum neural networks using quantum dots

We propose an implementation of quantum neural networks using an array of quantum dots with dipole-dipole interactions. We demonstrate that this implementation is both feasible and versatile by studying it within the framework of GaAs based quantum dot qubits coupled to a reservoir of acoustic phonons. Using numerically exact Feynman integral calculations, we have found that the quantum coherence in our neural networks survive for over a hundred ps even at liquid nitrogen temperatures (77 K), which is three orders of magnitude higher than current implementations, which are based on SQUID-based systems operating at temperatures in the mK range.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Vacuum deposition of χ(2) nonlinear organic single crystal films on silicon

Integrating second order nonlinear (χ(2)) optical materials on chip is an ongoing challenge for Si photonics. Noncentrosymmetric molecular crystals have the potential to deliver high χ(2) nonlinearity with good thermal stability, but so far have been limited to growth from solution or the melt, which are both difficult to control and scale up in manufacturing. Here, we show that large (>100 μm) single crystal domains of the nonlinear molecule 2-[3-(4-hydroxystyryl)-5,5-dimethylcyclohex-2-enylidene] malononitrile (OH1) can be grown monolithically on either glass or Si via vacuum evaporation, followed by a short thermal annealing step. The crystallites are tens of nanometer thick and exhibit strong second harmonic generation with their primary χ(2) tensor component lying predominantly in plane. Remarkably, we find that a single domain can grow uninterrupted through nearby channels etched on a Si wafer, which may provide a path to integrate OH1 on Si or Si3N4 waveguides for a broad range of χ(2)-based photonic integrated circuit functionality.

Physics↗

Self-Assembled TiN-Metal Nanocomposites Integrated on Flexible Mica Substrates towards Flexible Devices

The integration of nanocomposite thin films with combined multifunctionalities on flexible substrates is desired for flexible device design and applications. For example, combined plasmonic and magnetic properties could lead to unique optical switchable magnetic devices and sensors. In this work, a multiphase TiN-Au-Ni nanocomposite system with core–shell-like Au-Ni nanopillars embedded in a TiN matrix has been demonstrated on flexible mica substrates. The three-phase nanocomposite film has been compared with its single metal nanocomposite counterparts, i.e., TiN-Au and TiN-Ni. Magnetic measurement results suggest that both TiN-Au-Ni/mica and TiN-Ni/mica present room-temperature ferromagnetic property. Tunable plasmonic property has been achieved by varying the metallic component of the nanocomposite films. The cyclic bending test was performed to verify the property reliability of the flexible nanocomposite thin films upon bending. This work opens a new path for integrating complex nitride-based nanocomposite designs on mica towards multifunctional flexible nanodevice applications.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Analytic and algorithmic aspects of generalized harmonic sums and polylogarithms

In recent three-loop calculations of massive Feynman integrals within Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) and, e.g., in recent combinatorial problems the so-called generalized harmonic sums (in short S-sums) arise. They are characterized by rational (or real) numerator weights also different from ±1. In this article we explore the algorithmic and analytic properties of these sums systematically. We work out the Mellin and inverse Mellin transform which connects the sums under consideration with the associated Poincaré iterated integrals, also called generalized harmonic polylogarithms. In this regard, we obtain explicit analytic continuations by means of asymptotic expansions of the S-sums which started to occur frequently in current QCD calculations. In addition, we derive algebraic and structural relations, like differentiation with respect to the external summation index and different multi-argument relations, for the compactification of S-sum expressions. Finally, we calculate algebraic relations for infinite S-sums, or equivalently for generalized harmonic polylogarithms evaluated at special values. The corresponding algorithms and relations are encoded in the computer algebra package HarmonicSums.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

A Simplified Multi-Path Event Tree for the Integral, Inherently-Safe Light Water Reactor (I{sup 2}S-LWR)

The Integral, Inherently-Safe Light Water Reactor (I{sup 2}S-LWR) concept aims to raise the bar for nuclear power plant safety while maintaining the economic advantages of large, gigawatt-scale plants.1 To obtain this goal, the project safety team seeks to eliminate initiating events where possible, maximize passivity of safety systems, and optimize a balance of redundancy, diversity, and simplicity of safety systems.2 Achievement of these objectives, particularly the last set, requires detailed, quantitative risk information from the earliest stages of development. Therefore, despite limited design information, we have constructed a preliminary probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) for I{sup 2}S-LWR. Safety implementation for I{sup 2}S-LWR, then, requires an iterative process involving system design, thermal-hydraulic (T/H) and neutronic deterministic analyses, and risk-informing PRA studies. Due to this parallelism, it is vital those team members without PRA expertise quickly and correctly understand preliminary PRA results. To this end, we have developed a method to condense the entire PRA into a single, multi-path event tree (MPET). (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Probabilistic Look-ahead Contingency Analysis Integration with Commercial Tool and Practical Data

This paper presents an initial effort of integrating a smart sampling-based probabilistic look-ahead contingency analysis algorithm with General Electric (GE) Grid Solutions’ commercial energy management system (EMS) tool as a proof-of-concept for a seamless research tool integration using real world large-scale grid data. With the increasing impact of random forces such as variable generation and load, their stochastic behaviors cannot be ignored. However, the current practices are still dominated by deterministic tools. They are becoming increasingly inadequate for the future grid. The developed look-ahead contingency analysis algorithm incorporates forecast errors of variable energy and load to address the challenges brought by the increasing uncertainty of power system. The algorithm can reveal the potential violations caused by the variance of variable energy and load that are not normally detected by traditional deterministic approaches. To test its performance under practical environments ( real data with real commercial tool), significant efforts have been made to prepare test cases, modify GE EMS tool, and adapt an extreme value distribution algorithm to analyze the GE EMS’s violation-only outputs. The test results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed algorithm as new transformer violations that were not previously detected have been identified. This performance provides better situational awareness to engineers for their decision-making process under uncertainty. Moreover, with the discussion of computational performance and future work, this paper has shown a clear path for integrating the probabilistic algorithm with commercial tools to make us better equipped for the changing power system.

Modeling and simulation of power systems, constrai↗

Variational control forces for enhanced sampling of nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations

We introduce a variational algorithm to estimate the likelihood of a rare event within a nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation through the evaluation of an optimal control force. Optimization of a control force within a chosen basis is made possible by explicit forms for the gradients of a cost function in terms of the susceptibility of driven trajectories to changes in variational parameters. We consider probabilities of time-integrated dynamical observables as characterized by their large deviation functions and find that in many cases, the variational estimate is quantitatively accurate. Additionally, we provide expressions to exactly correct the variational estimate that can be evaluated directly. We benchmark this algorithm against the numerically exact solution of a model of a driven particle in a periodic potential, where the control force can be represented with a complete basis. Additionally, we then demonstrate the utility of the algorithm in a model of repulsive particles on a line, which undergo a dynamical phase transition, resulting in singular changes to the form of the optimal control force. In both systems, we find fast convergence and are able to evaluate large deviation functions with significant increases in statistical efficiency over alternative Monte Carlo approaches.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The Epstein–Glaser causal approach to the light-front QED{sub 4}. I: Free theory

In this work we present the study of light-front field theories in the realm of the axiomatic theory. It is known that when one uses the light-cone gauge pathological poles (k{sup +}){sup −n} arises, demanding a prescription to be employed in order to tame these ill-defined poles and to have the correct Feynman integrals due to the lack of Wick rotation in such theories. In order to shed a new light on this long standing problem we present here a discussion based on the use of rigorous mathematical machinery of the distributional theory combined with physical concepts, such as causality, to show how to deal with these singular propagators in a general fashion without making use of any prescription. The first step of our development will consist in showing how the analytic representation for propagators arises by requiring general physical properties within the framework of Wightman’s formalism. From that we shall determine the equal-time (anti)commutation relations in the light-front form for the scalar and fermionic fields, as well as for the dynamical components of the electromagnetic field. In conclusion, we introduce the Epstein–Glaser causal method in order to have a mathematical rigorous description of the free propagators of the theory, allowing us to discuss a general treatment for propagators of the type (k{sup +}){sup −n}. Afterwards, we show that at given conditions our results reproduce known prescriptions in the literature. - Highlights: • We develop the analytic representation for propagators in Wightman’s framework. • We make use of the analytic representation to obtain equal-time (anti)commutation relations in the light-front. • We derive the free Feynman propagators for the light-front quantum electrodynamics in the Epstein–Glaser approach. • We determine a general expression for the propagator associated to the light-cone poles (k{sup +}){sup −n} in the causal approach.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

A primer on resurgent transseries and their asymptotics

The computation of observables in general interacting theories, be them quantum mechanical, field, gauge or string theories, is a non-trivial problem which in many cases can only be addressed by resorting to perturbative methods. In most physically interesting problems these perturbative expansions result in asymptotic series with zero radius of convergence. These asymptotic series then require the use of resurgence and transseries in order for the associated observables to become nonperturbatively well-defined. Resurgence encodes the complete large-order asymptotic behaviour of the coefficients from a perturbative expansion, generically in terms of (multi) instanton sectors and for each problem in terms of its Stokes constants. Some observables arise from linear problems, and have a finite number of instanton sectors and associated Stokes constants; some other observables arise from nonlinear problems, and have an infinite number of instanton sectors and Stokes constants. By means of two very explicit examples, and with emphasis on a pedagogical style of presentation, here this work aims at serving as a primer on the aforementioned resurgent, large-order asymptotics of general perturbative expansions. This includes discussions of transseries, Stokes phenomena, generalized steepest-descent methods, Borel transforms, nonlinear resonance, and alien calculus. Furthermore, resurgent properties of transseries – usually described mathematically via alien calculus – are recast in equivalent physical languages: either a “statistical mechanical” language, as motions in chains and lattices; or a “conformal field theoretical” language, with underlying Virasoro-like algebraic structures.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Elucidating the Role of InGaAs and InAlAs Buffers on Carrier Dynamics of Tensile-Strained Ge Double Heterostructures

Extensive research efforts of strained germanium (Ge) are currently underway due to its unique properties, namely, (i) possibility of band gap and strain engineering to achieve a direct band gap, thus exhibiting superior radiative properties, and (ii) higher electron and hole mobilities than Si for upcoming technology nodes. Realizing lasing structures is vital to leveraging the benefits of tensile-strained Ge (ε-Ge). Here, we use a combination of different analytical tools to elucidate the effect of the underlying InGaAs/InAlAs and InGaAs overlaying heterostructures on the material quality and strain state of ε-Ge grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Using X-ray analysis, we show the constancy of tensile strain in sub-50 nm ε-Ge in a quantum-well (QW) heterostructure. Further, effective carrier lifetime using photoconductive decay as a function of buffer type exhibited a high (low) defect-limited carrier lifetime of ~68 ns (~13 ns) in 0.61% (0.66%) ε-Ge grown on an InGaAs (InAlAs) buffer. These results correspond well with the measured surface roughness of 1.289 nm (6.303 nm), consistent with the surface effect of the ε-Ge/III–V heterointerface. Furthermore, a reasonably high effective lifetime of ~78 ns is demonstrated in a QW of ~30 nm 1.6% ε-Ge, a moderate reduction from ~99 ns in uncapped ε-Ge, alluding to the surface effect of the overlying heterointerface. Thus, the above results highlight the prime quality of ε-Ge that can be achieved via III–V heteroepitaxy and paves a path for integrated Ge photonics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ring-Polymer Molecular Dynamics Rate Coefficient Calculations for Insertion Reactions: X + H 2 → HX + H (X = N, O)

The thermal rate constants of two prototypical insertion-type reactions, namely, N/O + H 2 → NH/OH + H, are investigated with ring polymer molecular dynamics (RPMD) on full-dimensional potential energy surfaces using recently developed RPMDrate code. It is shown that the unique ability of the RPMD approach among the existing theoretical methods to capture the quantum effects, e.g., tunneling and zero-point energy, as well as recrossing dynamics quantum mechanically with ring-polymer trajectories leads to excellent agreement with rigorous quantum dynamics calculations. Lastly, the present result is encouraging for future applications of the RPMD method and the RPMDrate code to complex-forming chemical reactions involving polyatomic reactants.

insertion reaction↗

A three-dimensional self-assembled SnS 2 -nano-dots@graphene hybrid aerogel as an efficient polysulfide reservoir for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries

Reliable sulfur cathodes hold the key to realizing high-performance lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, yet the electrochemical inefficiency and instability arising from the poor conductivity of sulfur and lithium sulfide together with polysulfide diffusion present challenges. We present here a new three-dimensional graphene aerogel embedded with in situ grown SnS 2 nano-dots (SnS 2 -ND@G) as an efficient sulfur host. First, benefiting from a highly conductive, hierarchically porous, and mechanically self-supported architecture, the SnS 2 -ND@G aerogel enables the cathode to hold high sulfur content (75 wt%) and loading (up to 10 mg cm –2 ). Both values exceed most of the reported metal-compound-related cathode work (<60 wt% sulfur content and <3 mg cm –2 sulfur loading) in the literature. Second, this work takes advantage of a facile one-pot self-assembly fabrication, effectively guaranteeing a homogeneous deposition of SnS 2 nano-dots in the graphene aerogel with a small amount of SnS 2 (16 wt%). It greatly overcomes the shortcomings of physical incorporation methods to make metal-compound/carbon substrates reported in previous studies. More importantly, by rationally combining the physical entrapment from graphene and chemical adsorptivity from SnS 2 nano-dots towards polysulfides, the SnS 2 -ND@G aerogel demonstrates remarkably improved polysulfide-trapping capability and electrochemical stability. As a result, a high peak capacity of 1234 mA h g –1 , a high reversible capacity of 1016 mA h g –1 after 300 cycles, exceptional rate capability (C/10 – 3C rates), and impressive areal capacity (up to 11 mA h cm –2 ) are achieved. Furthermore, this work provides a viable path to integrate a conductive graphene network and nano-sized SnS 2 as a promising cathode substrate for developing advanced Li–S batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗