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At least 685 records · Page 38

Simultaneous on-chip generation of violet, blue, cyan, green, yellow, orange, and red light from an octave-spanning infrared frequency comb

An integrated, multi-spectral visible-light source could significantly benefit technologies such as displays, medical imaging, spectroscopy, visible-light communications, and astrophysics. However, despite recent advances in chip-scale visible lasers, simultaneously generating light of all colors in a single chip has been challenging. Existing solutions are either not suitable for full chip-scale integration, or are fundamentally difficult to scale. Here we demonstrate the simultaneous on-chip generation of infrared, red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and violet light. Leveraging the low loss, low dispersion, and high density of modes of an adiabatic multimode silicon nitride (SiN) microresonator, we use a single infrared pump of moderate power (~130 mW) to produce an octave-spanning infrared frequency comb that is then converted to different portions of the visible spectrum. We measure non-mode-locked combs and soliton steps corresponding to mode-locked states, making our comb generator suitable for applications that demand either low or high coherence. Since the required pump power is compatible with high-power lasers demonstrated in the same SiN platform, our multi-octave light generator can be fully integrated in a chip-scale form factor. We envision that such a light source will be a catalyst for the development and deployment of miniaturized multi-spectral technologies for quantum systems, medical imaging, displays, and spectroscopy.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Self-supervised physics-informed generative networks for phase retrieval from a single X-ray hologram

X-ray phase contrast imaging significantly improves the visualization of structures with weak or uniform absorption, broadening its applications across a wide range of scientific disciplines. Propagation-based phase contrast is particularly suitable for time- or dose-critical in vivo/in situ/operando (tomography) experiments because it requires only a single intensity measurement. However, the phase information of the wave field is lost during the measurement and must be recovered. Conventional algebraic and iterative methods often rely on specific approximations or boundary conditions that may not be met by many samples or experimental setups. In addition, they require manual tuning of reconstruction parameters by experts, making them less adaptable for complex or variable conditions. Here we present a self-learning approach for solving the inverse problem of phase retrieval in the near-field regime of Fresnel theory using a single intensity measurement (hologram). A physics-informed generative adversarial network is employed to reconstruct both the phase and absorbance of the unpropagated wave field in the sample plane from a single hologram. Unlike most state-of-the-art deep learning approaches for phase retrieval, our approach does not require paired, unpaired, or simulated training data. This significantly broadens the applicability of our approach, as acquiring or generating suitable training data remains a major challenge due to the wide variability in sample types and experimental configurations. The algorithm demonstrates robust and consistent performance across diverse imaging conditions and sample types, delivering quantitative, high-quality reconstructions for both simulated data and experimental datasets acquired at beamline P05 at PETRA III (DESY, Hamburg), operated by Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon. Furthermore, it enables the simultaneous retrieval of both phase and absorption information.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Scalable waveplate for ultraviolet applications using laser-imprinted birefringence in silica

A method for fabrication of large-aperture waveplate suitable for operation in the near-ultraviolet spectral region is demonstrated. The waveplate was fabricated using femtosecond direct laser writing of bulk fused silica. This method enables the precise control of the induced birefringence, which is introduced via the generation of nanopores with geometrical features that are controlled by the laser processing parameters. The resulting structures also introduce a small loss of transmission that is on the order of 4% at 351 nm. The laser-induced–damage threshold in the nanosecond regime was found to approach that of the native fused-silica substrate, which makes it a suitable candidate for polarization control in laser fusion research applications.

Shevtsov, S. I. [Univ. of Southampton (United King↗

Highly cascaded first-order sapphire optical fiber Bragg gratings fabricated by a femtosecond laser

This Letter reports an innovative technique for fabricating large-scale, highly cascaded first-order sapphire optical fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) using a femtosecond laser-assisted point-by-point inscription method. For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, this study successfully demonstrates a distributed array of 10 FBGs within highly multimode sapphire crystal fiber, made possible by employing a high-power laser technique to generate larger reflectors with a Gaussian intensity profile. These first-order FBGs offer advantages such as enhanced reflectivity, shorter fabrication time, and simplified spectral characteristics, making them easier to interpret compared with high-order FBGs. The FBGs’ resilience and effectiveness are analyzed by subjecting them to temperature tests, proving their capacity for accurate temperature monitoring up to 1500°C—a testament to their suitability for harsh environments. This novel approach broadens the scope for sensing and communication applications in sapphire fibers, particularly under challenging conditions. The novelty of our work lies in successfully overcoming the limitations of previous designs by integrating a cascade of 10 FBGs in sapphire fibers, thereby enhancing multiplexing capabilities, minimizing overlapping of FBG peaks, and ensuring reliable temperature monitoring in industries and applications with thermal gradients.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Sub-two-cycle gigawatt-peak-power LWIR OPA for ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopy of condensed state materials

The application of high-power, few-cycle, long-wave infrared (LWIR, 8–20 µm) pulses in strong-field physics is largely unexplored due to the lack of suitable sources. However, the generation of intense pulses with >6 µm wavelength range is becoming increasingly feasible with the recent advances in high-power ultrashort lasers in the middle-infrared range that can serve as a pump for optical parametric amplifiers (OPA). Here we experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of this approach by building an OPA pumped at 2.4 µm that generates 93 µJ pulses at 9.5 µm, 1 kHz repetition rate with sub-two-cycle pulse duration, 1.6 GW peak power, and excellent beam quality. The results open a wide range of applications in attosecond physics (especially for studies of condensed phase samples), remote sensing, and biophotonics.

Leshchenko, Vyacheslav (ORCID:0000000199708559)↗

An ecological niche model to predict the geographic distribution of Haemagogus janthinomys, Dyar, 1921 a yellow fever and Mayaro virus vector, in South America

Yellow fever virus (YFV) has a long history of impacting human health in South America. Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emerging arbovirus of public health concern in the Neotropics and its full impact is yet unknown. Both YFV and MAYV are primarily maintained via a sylvatic transmission cycle but can be opportunistically transmitted to humans by the bites of infected forest dwelling Haemagogus janthinomys Dyar, 1921. To better understand the potential risk of YFV and MAYV transmission to humans, a more detailed understanding of this vector species’ distribution is critical. This study compiled a comprehensive database of 177 unique Hg . janthinomys collection sites retrieved from the published literature, digitized museum specimens and publicly accessible mosquito surveillance data. Covariate analysis was performed to optimize a selection of environmental (topographic and bioclimatic) variables associated with predicting habitat suitability, and species distributions modelled across South America using a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) approach. Our results indicate that suitable habitat for Hg . janthinomys can be found across forested regions of South America including the Atlantic forests and interior Amazon.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Identification and selection of optimal reference genes for qPCR-based gene expression analysis in Fucus distichus under various abiotic stresses

Quantitative gene expression analysis is an important tool in the scientist’s belt. The identification of evenly expressed reference genes is necessary for accurate quantitative gene expression analysis, whether by traditional RT-PCR (reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction) or by qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time PCR; qPCR). In the Stramenopiles (the major line of eukaryotes that includes brown algae) there is a noted lack of known reference genes for such studies, largely due to the absence of available molecular tools. Here we present a set of nine reference genes (Elongation Factor 1 alpha (EF1A), Elongation Factor 2 alpha (EF2A), Elongation Factor 1 beta (EF1B), 14-3-3 Protein, Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme (UBCE2), Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase (GAPDH), Actin Related Protein Complex (ARP2/3), Ribosomal Protein (40s; S23), and Actin) for the brown alga Fucus distichus . These reference genes were tested on adult sporophytes across six abiotic stress conditions (desiccation, light and temperature modification, hormone addition, pollutant exposure, nutrient addition, and wounding). Suitability of these genes as reference genes was quantitatively evaluated across conditions using standard methods and the majority of the tested genes were evaluated favorably. However, we show that normalization genes should be chosen on a condition-by-condition basis. We provide a recommendation that at least two reference genes be used per experiment, a list of recommended pairs for the conditions tested here, and a procedure for identifying a suitable set for an experimenter’s unique design. With the recent expansion of interest in brown algal biology and accompanied molecular tools development, the variety of experimental conditions tested here makes this study a valuable resource for future work in basic biology and understanding stress responses in the brown algal lineage.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Evaluate data lake design for the accelerator control system

Increasing precision in automation for modern particle accelerators not only creates a requirement to gather data from all devices but also demands scalable and high-performance data infrastructure with the capability of handling vast incoming device data. A well architected data lake is suitable for such a system which integrates real-time data acquisition, transient data caching, and long-term storage. This paper evaluates data lake architecture for an Accelerator Control System (ACS), focusing on two critical components of a data lake, data cache and long-term storage.

Jaikar, Amol [Fermilab]↗

Development of combined function dipole-quadrupole PMQs magnets for NSLS-II upgrade

This paper focuses on the R&D performed for the development of permanent magnets-based dipoles-quadrupoles combined function magnets (PMQs) for the future NSLSII upgrade “complex bend” lattice (CB). This new lattice uses PMQs that provide both bending (dipole) and strong focusing (quadrupole) magnetic field on the electron beam. The permanent magnet (PM) technology is suitable for the high magnetic field strengths (0.5 T, 130 T/m) required for such combine function magnets. PM technology leads to a compact magnet design that is essential in realizing the complex bend lattice concept, as well as a passive magnet solution which does not require electrical power supply reducing power consumption by ~ 80% (from 1.7 MW to 0.3 MW for NSLS-II). Two PMQs magnets designs are under consideration: A hybrid design that use both PM and soft iron poles, and Halbach type that is a pure PM design. Both PMQs designs present challenges in achieving the specified magnetic field quality due to their higher sensitivity to errors (mechanical tolerances and PM properties). This paper presents cost-effective designs and prototypes results for hybrid and Halbach PMQs, addressing various technical challenges while meeting the field requirements of the complex bend lattice for the NSLS-II upgrade.

N'gotta, Patrick [Brookhaven]↗

BOPTest As a Platform for Building Controls and Grid-Interactive Buildings Workforce Training

Building automation and controls are becoming increasingly complex with the emergence of Grid Integrated Efficient Buildings (GEBs) as well as new highly efficient sequences of operation and data-driven control schemes. However, there remains a significant gap in hands-on training opportunities for building operators and technicians to gain practical experience with advanced control systems in a low-risk environment. This paper presents BOPTEST (Building Optimization Performance Test) as a suitable platform for workforce training in building controls and GEB technologies. BOPTEST provides a suite of standardized building simulation test cases with a REST API, real-time control interfaces through BACnet, semantic models connecting users to building data, and built-in calculation of control metrics and performance indicators. The platform enables trainees to interact with virtual buildings using industry-standard protocols while learning how to implement and innovate control strategies. The training platform is designed to offer a structured and interactive learning experience for building engineers, helping them effectively develop, learn, and retain skills in fault identification, troubleshooting, and correction. The workflow is divided into three main phases: 1) Setup, 2) Exercise, and 3) Review, each comprising specific activities performed by either the instructor or the student. Initial pilot training sessions have yielded positive feedback from instructors and participants and demonstrates that BOPTEST effectively fills an industry need for a low-risk training resource via simulation of real building control systems, allowing trainees to gain practical experience before working in the field. The platform's ability to provide immediate performance feedback while maintaining familiar industry interfaces makes it particularly suitable for workforce development programs. This work provides a replicable model for leveraging building simulation in control education and training.

Paul, Lazlo↗

Rapid Simulation of Unconventional Reservoirs by Multidomain Multiresolution Modeling Based on the Diffusive Time of Flight

Summary The fast marching method (FMM)-based rapid flow simulation has been shown to accelerate simulation efficiency by orders of magnitude by transforming 3D simulation to equivalent 1D simulation using the concept of the “diffusive time of flight” (DTOF). However, the 1D transformation does not directly apply to multiwell problems. In this paper, we propose a novel DTOF-based multidomain multiresolution discretization scheme to accelerate multiwell simulation of unconventional reservoirs. Our method formulates multiwell simulation problems based on the DTOF which displays the pressure front propagation in unconventional reservoirs. The DTOF contours are used to partition the reservoir into local and shared domains. A local domain is where the flow is dominated by a single well, and the shared domain is where the fluid flow is influenced by multiple wells. The DTOF contours expand independently in local domains and interfere in the shared domain. After the partitioning, each domain is discretized using a multiresolution scheme whereby the original 3D fine mesh is preserved near the wells to account for detailed physics including gravity, and the rest of the domain is discretized into 1D mesh based on the DTOF contours to alleviate the simulation workload. The power and efficacy of our approach are demonstrated using synthetic and field-scale simulation models with different degrees of geologic and well-completion complexity. The simulation results, number of active cells, and computation time for the proposed discretization scheme are compared with the original high-fidelity 3D model for each case. The results show that the proposed method is suitable for multiwell simulation problems in unconventional reservoirs and can accelerate flow simulations by orders of magnitude with minimal loss of accuracy. The novelty of this work is the creation of DTOF-derived multiresolution discretization with local and shared domains to simplify and accelerate the calculation of subsurface flow problems, especially in unconventional reservoirs. Our workflow can be easily interfaced with commercial simulators, making it suitable for large-scale field applications.

Engineering↗

Harnessing the power of ab initio calculations, distributed computing and machine learning to efficiently locate extreme molecules for use in carbon-based solar cells (Final Technical Report)

The use of high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) tools is a powerful tool to expedite the materials discovery of commercially relevant materials. In previous years, our group has developed a molecular discovery platform to generate libraries in order to obtain suitable candidates for different applications, starting from the Harvard Clean Energy Project. This platform is suitable to test in-silico on traditional supercomputing clusters and shared resources, for example, in the IBM World Community Grid. In this project, we used the molecular discovery platform to create and screen a library of candidates of organic photovoltaic (OPVs) molecules. Based on a set of candidates created with combinations of molecular moieties, we were able to filter, by conformation stability, the energy of electronic orbitals and approximated power conversion efficiencies (PCE). To improve the predictions of orbital energies calculated and the PCEs, we used Gaussian Process regression and two sets of molecules. These sets correspond to electronic structure calculations of a higher level of theory and experimental PCE values, respectively. Finally, we selected a subset of the best candidates (molecules with a PCE higher than 10%) to understand its absorbance properties with TD-DFT. This project has demonstrated the capabilities of our molecular discovery platform for HTVS. Finally, machine learning can help us to introduce more complex effects included in bulk conditions and computational intensive calculations on models.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Top Loading Helium Cryostat Integrated with High-Pressure Cell with Fast Remote Pressure Control (Final Report for SBIR Phase 1)

A large number of physical phenomena, such as superconductivity and quantum critical phenomena, often appear only at very low temperatures below 5 K. There is an immense interest to investigate these phenomena at high pressure as a means of tuning interatomic distances, and thus the interaction parameters controlling these phenomena, in a continuous and controlled fashion. The current P-T condition for neutron scattering experiments are limited to either relatively low pressures of about 2 GPa at temperatures below 5 K, or to relatively high temperatures at pressures or tens of GPa. The purpose of this research is to develop neutron sample environment instrumentation for reaching 10-20 GPa at 1-2K with rapid and reliable online pressure and temperature control (i.e. without having to interrupt the experiment). The ultimate goal of the project is to design an integrated fast-cooling low-temperature sample environment cryogenic system compatible with state of the art neutron diamond anvil cells suitable for single-crystal neutron scattering experiments for temperatures down to 2K and pressures of several tens of GPa. The integrated system will consist of top-loading Helium flow cryostat with in-situ sample alignment mechanisms, large-volume diamond anvil cells (DAC) made from novel superalloy Pascalloy and optimized for fast cooling and heating, and a compact remote pressure control mechanism for the DAC based on a novel concept of inflatable bellows integrated with a lever-arm based force amplifier. In Phase I, we have designed, manufactured, and tested prototypes of the novel compact force-amplified pneumatic pressure control mechanism for Neutron Diamond Anvil Cell (nDAC), which allows to use pneumatic bellows system for smooth remote pressure control in the nDAC inside a top-loading cryostat with bore size of 70 mm or larger. This allows significant minimum temperature decrease in remotely controlled nDAC from 5-10 K down to 2 K. We also studied mechanical properties of a novel non-magnetic superalloy Pascalloy with different heat-treatment conditions and preliminary results indicate that up to date this is probably the strongest and most suitable material for making more compact and lightweight cryogenic nDACs for neuron scattering experiments at extreme conditions, allowing much faster cooling and heating. Potential applications: The new developments will allow to create a wide range of compact Diamond Anvil Cells for neutron diffraction which can reach several tens of GPA pressure at 2-4 K while preserving accurate remote pressure control capabilities. The new concepts can be used for developing sample environment instrumentation outside the neutron scattering field. The new development have very strong potential for expanding experimental capabilities in materials sciences and have high commercialization potential. The proposed new cryogenic high-pressure system or any of its individual components will be in high demand not only in neutron scattering facilities, but also at synchrotron beamlines and other high-pressure research facilities around the world.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fluidization of Group A Glass Particles: Experiments and Preliminary Validation

This work is aimed at providing reliable high-quality data from fluidization experiments. Geldart Group A glass beads are used as bed material. The fluidizing medium is air at atmospheric pressure which enters the system at 40% relative humidity. The air inlet velocity is varied over a broad range from 2 U mf to 26 U mf , where the minimum fluidization velocity, U mf , is 0.608 cm/s. There is not a significant change in the mean values of differential pressure; however, there are noticeable trends in their standard deviation values. Preliminary validation studies are performed using the open-source software Multiphase Flow with Interphase eXchanges (MFiX) developed by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). The results from Eulerian-Eulerian (MFiX-TFM, two-fluid model) and Eulerian-Lagrangian (MFiX-PIC, particle-in-cell) formulations are compared. The work presented in this report highlights the applicability of MFiX-PIC for large-scale applications, and reveals that PIC simulation offers a suitable alternative to TFM simulation when effects due to multiple components or polydispersity are significant. PIC modeling provides a readily extendible framework for such systems. However, PIC models do rely on an empirical closure for inter-particle stress. Some solution discrepancies were evident in MFiX-PIC predictions which require further analysis. As such, the study underlines the need for a systematic approach to quantify the sources of numerical uncertainty within the PIC model. However, even with known empiricism, MFiX-PIC has demonstrated considerable potential in analyzing gas-solid systems. The results obtained are encouraging and warrant further investigation to improve the predictive capability of MFiX-PIC.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between National Energy Technology Laboratory and Birla Carbon U.S.A., Inc. [Abstract]

NETL researchers will be collaborating with Birla Carbon, U.S.A., Inc. (Birla Carbon) to leverage NETL's patented catalyst work on methane decomposition to commercialize an efficient and a cost-effective process for production of hydrogen and valuable carbon from natural gas. This catalytic methane decomposition is a promising technology, however, finding an appropriate catalyst to perform all the functions has been a challenge. NETL has developed a suitable catalyst for the process which has shown promising results. The heat required for this endothermic catalytic decomposition process is provided by combustion of a portion of the hydrogen. This process is cost effective, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly with minimal CO 2 mitigation costs. The objectives of the project include evaluation of the effect of feed gas composition on the performance, reduction of the catalyst production cost, and conduction of an in-depth large-scale cost analysis for a process suitable for applications at Birla Carbon.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Shrubland Restoration

The shrubland at Fermilab is an area home to many species such as songbirds, insect and a variety of plant life. While it has its inhabitants many native songbirds are decreasing in population and this may be because the area is not suitable for these birds anymore. The three specific birds impacted the most are the yellowbreasted chat, bells vireo, and the willow flycatcher. The area is currently not offering a suitable habitat for these native birds for many reasons.

Lopez, Ruben↗

Transient superconductivity at nano- and meso-scales

High-T c superconductivity is surpassed by few, if any, other unsolved problems in contemporary physics in terms of its richness, complexity, impact on other fields, and potential technological importance in energy applications. Recent discoveries reveal that the highest transition temperatures emerge under extraordinary experimental conditions such as the strong perturbation of a single atomic layer material by the underlying substrate, application of ~200 GPa pressure or ~MV/cm static electric fields, or irradiation by intense femtosecond optical fields. Research in superconductivity under extreme experimental conditions is challenging and requires the development of novel experimental methods and new theoretical tools suitable to tackle the problem. Our team has approached the challenges of transient superconductivity under intense optical fields by rethinking the types of experimental observables that are best suited to elucidate the physics of light-induced effects. This exercise has identified the need for: i) ultra-fast spatio-temporal probes enabling access to plasmonic properties and also nano-scale inhomogeneities that are ubiquitous in unconventional superconductors; ii) meso-scale structures and hybrid meta-surfaces imperative for strong enhancement of optical fields and iii) theoretical approaches suitable to explain and predict the response of superconductors under ultra-fast photo-excitation. Co-PIs have already made major advances with developing capabilities i)-iii). Therefore, our team is poised to make significant progress in transient superconductivity by exploring novel spatio-temporal effects that currently remain unattainable. Co-investigators will search for light-induced superconductivity in the high-T c cuprates to build upon spectacular recent results still lacking independent confirmations. Novel data acquisition methods combined with nano-plasmonic imaging will allow our team to test the hypothesis of photo-induced superconducting pairing. Spatio-temporal experiments will provide insights into the interplay between superconductivity and competing orders in the cuprates. Co-PIs will also investigate strong light-matter interaction and superconductivity in FeSe monolayers. Finally, we will study spatio-temporal electrodynamics of planar Josephson junctions. This latter direction will allow our team to thoroughly characterize one of the most fundamental examples of inhomogeneity in all of unconventional superconductivity. The proposed experiments in combination with theoretical analysis will provide information that is difficult to obtain using alternative methods. Basov and Averitt will carry out pump-probe spectroscopy and nano-imaging experiments. Averitt and Hone will design and fabricate state-of-the-art meta-surfaces. Theoretical and computational studies of ultrafast transient phenomena will be carried out by Millis and Fogler. Modeling of time-resolved nano-optical effects will be done by Fogler. The bulk of the requested budget will be used to support graduate students at Columbia & UCSD that will be co-supervised by co-PIs. The proposed program is transformative, since it will enable an entire suite of experiments previously either impossible or technically implausible. It will deliver critically important insights not only into mechanisms of unconventional superconductivity but also to many other correlated quantum materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Development and Advanced Process Simulation for Additive Manufacturing with Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastics (Final Technical Report)

DuPont, Local Motors, and the Composites Manufacturing and Simulation Center (CMSC) at Purdue worked together to advance process simulation capabilities for Additive Manufacturing (AM) and develop printable short fiber reinforced semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastics suitable for vehicle components. DuPont provided one candidate thermoplastic material, which was evaluated against the following three criteria: 1) Printability using extrusion additive manufacturing processes. 2) Suitability for vehicle applications based on mechanical coupon screening tests. 3) Predictive capability of process simulations. Indiana Manufacturing Institute provided modeling and simulation technology and access to Purdue’s lab scale AM printer. Local Motors provided mechanical property requirements and printed demonstration prototype components using their Thermwood Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) printer. To meet the performance and cost requirements of the automotive industry, high fiber content semi-crystalline engineering materials are required. Printing experience and property data for a 50% by weight short glass fiber reinforced material were gathered. Further, material properties required for simulating the printing process with the glass-fiber reinforced material were characterized. Knowledge was acquired with regards to the processability and performance of this thermoplastic material. Predictions of part deformation and crystallinity level were verified against experimental observations. Any significant results other than verification of simulation, e.g., novel material identified here would be impactful.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗