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At least 73 records · Page 4

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DOE OSTI2020

Gain balanced nonlinear optical interferometer

A nonlinear fiber interferometer is disclosed suitable for fiber sensor and other applications. A first nonlinear fiber section amplifies probe and conjugate sidebands of a pump through four-wave mixing. A second section introduces a phase shift to be measured, for example from a sensor. A third nonlinear fiber section amplifies with phase-sensitive gain to increase signal-to-noise ratio. Based on phase-sensitive output power of probe and/or conjugate components, the phase shift can be measured. Superior performance can be obtained by balancing gain between the (first and third) nonlinear sections. Non-fiber, for example photonic integrated circuit, embodiments are disclosed. Differential sensing, alternative detection schemes, sensing applications, associated methods, and other variations are disclosed.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2022

Gain balanced nonlinear optical interferometer

Lukens, Joseph M.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Gain balanced nonlinear optical interferometer

Lukens, Joseph M.↗

DOE OSTI2023

A novel integrated time-resolved array avalanche photodiode detection system for nuclear resonant scattering measurements

Here, the nuclear resonant scattering (NRS) experiment requires photon-counting detectors with high time resolution, short dead time, large dynamic range, low noise, and large detection area. An 8-channel avalanche photodiode (APD) array detector system with high integrity, flexibility, and reliability has been developed to adapt to the demands of NRS experiments. The detector system mainly consists of four key parts: (i) an array-APD sensor, (ii) 8-channel integrated fast preamplifiers, (iii) the time-to-digital converter readout electronics, and (iv) a data acquisition system and EPICS support software. Remarkably, the system exhibits a time resolution of better than 500 ps and has a sufficiently low noise level, allowing for the lowest detection energy threshold of 4 keV. The performance of the new array-APD system as well as its real application in nuclear forward scattering (NFS) and nuclear resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (NRIXS) experiments was tested in two synchrotron facilities. With the new system, the NFS signal very close to the prompt electronic scattering signal can be extracted. Thanks to the customized EPICS-areaDetector-based control software, NRIXS spectra can be readily measured with time and energy information of the NRIXS signal stored in the raw data, which is promising for developing NRIXS data analysis in the time domain. The array-APD detector can be deployed for nuclear resonant scattering experiments at various synchrotron radiation facilities.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2021

Searching for Dark Matter with Superconducting Qubits

Dark matter is an enduring mystery in our quest to understand the fundamental constituents of our universe. Low mass bosons, such the axion or hidden photon, are compelling dark matter candidates. We leverage their potential interactions with electromagnetic fields, whereby the dark matter (of unknown mass) on rare occasion converts into a single photon, to devise a method of detecting these candidates. Current dark matter searches operating at microwave frequencies use a resonant cavity to coherently accumulate the field sourced by the dark matter and a near standard quantum limited (SQL) linear amplifier to read out the cavity signal. To further increase sensitivity to the dark matter signal and enable future searches, sub-SQL detection techniques are required.In this thesis, I report the development of a novel microwave photon counting technique and a new exclusion limit on hidden photon dark matter. We operate a superconducting qubit to make repeated quantum non-demolition measurements of cavity photons and apply a hidden Markov model analysis to reduce the noise to 15.7 dB below the quantum limit, with overall detector performance limited by a residual background of real photons. With the present device, we perform a hidden photon search and constrain the kinetic mixing angle to less than 1.68 x 10-15 in a band around 6.011 GHz (24.86 micro-eV) with an integration time of 8.33 s. This demonstrated noise reduction technique enables future dark matter searches to be sped up by a factor of 1300. By coupling a qubit to an arbitrary quantum sensor, more general sub-SQL metrology is possible with the techniques presented in this work.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Establishing the Quality Assurance programme for the strip sensor production of the ATLAS tracker upgrade including irradiation with neutrons, photons and protons to HL-LHC fluences

The successful pre-production delivery of strip sensors for the new Inner Tracker (ITk) for the upgraded ATLAS detector at the High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) at CERN was completed and based on their performance full production has commenced. The overall delivery period is anticipated to last 4 years to complete the approximately 22000 sensors required for the ITk. For Quality Assurance (QA), a number of test structures designed by the collaboration, along with a large area diode and miniature version of the main sensor, are produced in every wafer by the foundry Hamamatsu Photonics K.K (HPK). As well as Quality Control (QC) checks on every main sensor, samples of the QA pieces from each delivery batch are tested both before and after irradiation with results after exposure to neutrons, gammas or protons to fluences and doses corresponding to those anticipated after operation at the HL-LHC to roughly 1.5 times the ultimate integrated luminosity of 4000 fb -1 . In this paper the procedures are presented and the studies carried out to establish that the seven ITk QA Strip Sensor irradiation and test sites meet all the requirements to support this very extensive programme throughout the strip sensor production phase for the ITk project.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2020

High dynamic range CdTe mixed-mode pixel array detector (MM-PAD) for kilohertz imaging of hard x-rays

A hard x-ray, high-speed, high dynamic range scientific x-ray imager is described. The imager is based on the mixed-mode pixel array detector (MM-PAD) readout chip coupled to a 750 µm thick cadmium telluride (CdTe) sensor. The full imager is a 2 × 3 tiled array of MM-PAD sensor/readout chip hybrids. CdTe improves detection for high energy x-rays as compared to silicon sensors, enabling efficient x-ray imaging to extend to >100 keV. The detector is capable of 1 kHz imaging and in-pixel circuitry has been designed to allow for well depths of greater than 4 × 10 6 80 keV x-rays. Here, a charge integrating front-end allows for quantitative measurement of high flux x-ray images beyond the capabilities of photon counting detectors. Detector performance is summarized and experimental measurements are presented.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Mid-IR UAV-based sensing platform with deep learning to Identify and Quantify Gaseous Emission in Gas Flares

This report details the development and evaluation of a Mid-Infrared (Mid-IR) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based sensing platform integrated with deep learning algorithms for the identification and quantification of gaseous emissions in gas flares. The project, spearheaded by Omega Optics, Inc., aimed to address environmental monitoring challenges by leveraging advanced photonic technologies and autonomous UAV operations. The research focused on designing, optimizing, and fabricating photonic crystal waveguides and grating couplers to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of gas detection. A comprehensive drone-based system was developed, featuring a miniaturized sensor, GPS module, and microcontroller communication network for real-time gas concentration monitoring. The system's adaptive sampling algorithm, implemented using the Robot Operating System (ROS), enables autonomous detection and localization of gas emission sources. Preliminary results demonstrate the platform's capability to detect and monitor gas emissions with high precision, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. Future work will expand upon this foundation by introducing 3D wind model-based learning for dynamic environmental conditions and further enhancing the user interface and data processing algorithms to support broader environmental monitoring applications. Overall, this project represents a significant step forward in UAV-based environmental sensing technologies, offering robust solutions for detecting and mitigating the impacts of gaseous emissions on public health and safety.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2023

Characterization of the polysilicon resistor in silicon strip sensors for ATLAS inner tracker as a function of temperature, pre- and post-irradiation

The high luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider, foreseen for 2029, requires the replacement of the ATLAS Inner Detector with a new all-silicon Inner Tracker (ITk). The expected ultimate total integrated luminosity of 4000 fb –1 means that the strip part of the ITk detector will be exposed to the total particle fluences and ionizing doses reaching the values of 1.6 · 10 15 1 MeV n eq /cm 2 and 0.66 MGy, respectively, including a safety factor of 1.5. Radiation hard n + -in-p micro-strip sensors were developed by the ATLAS ITk strip collaboration and are produced by Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. The active area of each ITk strip sensor is delimited by the n-implant bias ring, which is connected to each individual n + implant strip by a polysilicon bias resistor. The total resistance of the polysilicon bias resistor should be within a specified range to keep all the strips at the same potential, prevent the signal discharge through the grounded bias ring and avoid the readout noise increase. While the polysilicon is a ubiquitous semiconductor material, the fluence and temperature dependence of its resistance is not easily predictable, especially for the tracking detector with the operational temperature significantly below the values typical for commercial microelectronics. Dependence of the resistance of polysilicon bias resistor on the temperature, as well as on the total delivered fluence and ionizing dose, was studied on the specially-designed test structures called ATLAS Testchips, both before and after their irradiation by protons, neutrons, and gammas to the maximal expected fluence and ionizing dose. The resistance has an atypical negative temperature dependence. It is different from silicon, which shows that the grain boundary has a significant contribution to the resistance. Finally, we discuss the contributions by parameterizing the activation energy of the polysilicon resistance as a function of the temperature for unirradiated and irradiated ATLAS Testchips.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2024

Characterizing electron-collecting CdTe for use in a 77 ns burst-rate imager

The Keck-PAD (pixel array detector) was developed at Cornell as a burst-rate imager capable of recording images from successive electron bunches (153 ns period) from the Advanced Photon Source (APS). Both Si and hole-collecting Schottky CdTe have been successfully bonded to this ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) and used with this frame rate. The facility upgrades at the APS will lower the bunch period to 77 ns, which will require modifications to the Keck-PAD electronics to image properly at this reduced period. In addition, operation at high X-ray energies will require a different sensor material having a shorter charge collection time. For the target energy of 40 keV for this project, simulations have shown that electron-collecting CdTe should allow >90% charge collection within 35 ns. This collection time will be sufficient to sample the signal from one frame and prepare for the next. 750 µm-thick electron-collecting Schottky CdTe has been obtained from Acrorad and bonded to two different charge-integrating ASICs developed at Cornell, the Keck-PAD and the CU-APS-PAD. Carrier mobility has been investigated using the detector response to single X-ray bunches at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source and to a pulsed optical laser. The tests indicate that the collection time will meet the requirements for 77 ns imaging.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2020

Excitation of Bloch Surface Waves in Zero-Admittance Multilayers for High-Sensitivity Sensor Applications

The growing need for classical as well as quantum optical sensing places increasingly stringent requirements upon the desired characteristics of the engendered fields. Specifically, achieving superior field enhancement plays a critical role in applications ranging from chem-bio sensing, Raman and infrared spectroscopies to ion trapping and qubit control in emerging quantum-information science. Due to their low optical losses and ability to exhibit resonant field enhancements, all dielectric multilayers are emerging as an optical material system not only useful to classical photonics and sensing but also of potential to be integrated with quantum materials and quantum sensing. The recently introduced concept of zero-admittance layers [1] within dielectric multilayer materials, enables the creation and control of resonant fields orders of magnitude larger than the exciting field. Here, invoking the zero-admittance concept, we design, fabricate, and characterize an all-dielectric nonabsorbing stack and demonstrate the engendered huge field enhancement. Describing the fields in terms of Bloch surface waves, we connect the surface field to the semiperiodicity in the dielectric domains of the stack. As a specific application of the resonant field, we propose and demonstrate refractive-index sensing for the detection of trace amounts of an analyte. The results include a quantification of the sensitivity of the device with respect to the profile of the exciting field. The experimental results are shown to be in good agreement with theoretical calculations.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2024

The SparkPix-S ASIC for the sparsified readout of 1 MHz frame-rate X-ray cameras at LCLS-II: pixel design and simulation results

Exploiting the “sparse” nature of the information in XPCS (X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy) and XSVS (Speckle Visibility Spectroscopy) experiments, we present the SparkPix-S, a 3-sides buttable Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) based on a sparsified readout strategy for large-format hybrid detectors. The SparkPix-S architecture, based on the successful ePix family, will be composed as follows: a front-end 2-D matrix of 384×352 square pixels with 50 µm pitch is arranged to match the dimensions of a PIN Si-sensor matrix; charge readout, signal shaping and amplitude discrimination is performed at pixel-level, by means of a low-power (<18 µW) analog processor, which, in case of an event, negotiates access to an analog bus placed every other column; on the chip periphery (balcony), the information on each bus is digitized by an array of successive approximation analog-to-digital converters (SAR-ADCs) running at 10 Msps; on the digital back-end the global logic will generate the output data stream using low-voltage differential signalling (LVDS). A first prototype of the SparkPix-S, with a reduced matrix size of 96×96 pixels, is currently under production on a 130 nm CMOS technology. Simulated performance results show an equivalent noise charge <60 el. r.m.s. at 1 MHz repetition rate, with a maximum input energy of 60 keV and capability to discriminate charge signals with equivalent energy as low as 900 eV.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2023

Fully Distributed Acoustic and Magnetic Field Monitoring Via a Single Fiber Line for Optimized Production of Unconventional Resource Plays

This is the final technical report for the Virginia Tech Center for Photonics Technology (VT-CPT) research project entitled “Fully Distributed Acoustic and Magnetic Field Monitoring Via a Single Fiber Line for Optimized Production of Unconventional Resource Plays”. In the the four-year effort, VT-CPT collaborated with the Departments of Mathmatics at VT and Sentek Instrument, LLC (Sentek) to develop a fiber-optic sensing system capable of real-time simultaneous distributed measurement of multiple subsurface, drilling, and production parameters. The ultra-sensitive fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing technology, picoDAS, developed by Sentek was integrated with a novel multi-material optical sensing fiber fabricated by CPT-VT to obtain distributed acoustic and magnetic field measurements with ultrahigh sensitivity and high spatial resolution. The sensing technology successfully developed and demonstrated under this research program is truly unique has application beyond subsurface imaging to include carbon storage and electrical grid monitoring, as well as healthcare and nuclear fusion. The project, sponsored by the Advanced Technology Program, began in 2019 and had the original goal of developing the next generation of harsh environment sensing systems. Exhaustive theoretical modeling was performed to optimize the multi-material optical fiber design. VT developed the processing techniques employed to successfully fabricate single mode fibers with metal cladding wires. Sensing fibers with nickel and Metglas cladding wires were fully characterized, inscribed with sensors, and fully integrated with the picoDAS system. Laboratory scale testing was performed to demonstrate performance upon exposure to lateral and transverse magnetic fields. Preliminary field trials were performed for prototype magnetic and acoustic sensing systems upon near surface deployment at VT. The distributed acoustic and magnetic field sensing system was advanced from a (Technology Readiness Level) TRL=2 to a TRL=5 via laboratory scale system validation in relevant environments. The truly one-of-its kind distributed magnetic and acoustic sensing system is expected to find immediate applications that require subsurface monitoring, to include carbon storage site monitoring, and has the potential to be a distributive technology in healthcare and electric grid markets. The technologies developed by Virginia Tech’s Center for Photonics Technology will support the mission of the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) to drive innovation and deliver solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future by ensuring affordable, abundant, and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security. Technical accomplishments during the program are summarized briefly here and described in detail in the remainder of the report.

02 PETROLEUM↗

DOE OSTI2024

Benchmarking of X‐Ray Fluorescence Microscopy with Ion Beam Implanted Samples Showing Detection Sensitivity of Hundreds of Atoms

Abstract Single impurities in insulators are now often used for quantum sensors and single photon sources, while nanoscale semiconductor doping features are being constructed for electrical contacts in quantum technology devices, implying that new methods for sensitive, non‐destructive imaging of single‐ or few‐atom structures are needed. X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) can provide nanoscale imaging with chemical specificity, and features comprising as few as 100 000 atoms have been detected without any need for specialized or destructive sample preparation. Presently, the ultimate limits of sensitivity of XRF are unknown – here, gallium dopants in silicon are investigated using a high brilliance, synchrotron source collimated to a small spot. It is demonstrated that with a single‐pixel integration time of 1 s, the sensitivity is sufficient to identify a single isolated feature of only 3000 Ga impurities (a mass of just 350 zg). With increased integration (25 s), 650 impurities can be detected. The results are quantified using a calibration sample consisting of precisely controlled numbers of implanted atoms in nanometer‐sized structures. The results show that such features can now be mapped quantitatively when calibration samples are used, and suggest that, in the near future, planned upgrades to XRF facilities might achieve single‐atom sensitivity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2026

Sub-Doppler Cooling of a Trapped Ion in a Phase-Stable Polarization Gradient

Trapped ions provide a highly controlled platform for quantum sensors, clocks, simulators, and computers, all of which depend on cooling ions close to their motional ground state. Existing methods like Doppler, resolved sideband, and dark resonance cooling balance trade-offs between the final temperature and cooling rate. A traveling polarization gradient has been shown to cool multiple modes quickly and in parallel, but utilizing a stable polarization gradient can achieve lower ion energies, while also allowing tailorable light-matter interactions in the sub-wavelength regime. In this Letter, we demonstrate cooling of a trapped ion below the Doppler limit using a phase-stable polarization gradient created using trap-integrated photonic devices. At an axial frequency of 2⁢𝜋×1.45 MHz we achieve ⟨𝑛⟩=1.56±0.07 in 150 μ⁢s and cooling rates of ∼0.3 quanta/μ⁢s. Here, we examine ion dynamics under different polarization gradient phases, detunings, and intensities, showing reasonable agreement between experimental results and a multilevel model. Cooling is fast and power efficient, with lower average motional Fock state occupation when compared to simulated operation under the corresponding running wave configuration. Our results demonstrate a well-controlled test bed for studying the dynamics of multilevel atomic systems in a phase-stable polarization gradient.

Atom & ion cooling↗

DOE OSTI2025

Ultra-high Bandwidth, Ultra-high Dynamic Range X-Ray Shock Characterization via Photonic Integrated Circuit

Nuclear weapon component assessment tests at the Z Machine rely on accurate X-ray yield measurements for model validation, design and analysis of component survivability, and source optimization. Yield measurement devices currently used do not provide the requisite certainty to enable accurate and efficient data analysis of test results, which leads to an increase in Z-shots required for evaluation, longer device development times, and higher operation costs. Additionally, current X-ray flux detectors lack high temporal resolution at the tails. Similarly, shock measurement techniques used for component assessment often lack the ability to spatially resolve wave behavior thereby limiting the ability to measure shock propagation dynamics needed to design the next generation of ND components. Here we present the development of a photonic micro-calorimeter and shock sensor consisting of meter-long waveguide spirals that are optomechanically coupled to X-ray absorbing layers to characterize yield and shock propagation at nanosecond timescales.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2021

Nanotesla Magnetometry with the Silicon Vacancy in Silicon Carbide

Silicon carbide is a promising host material for spin-defect-based quantum sensors owing to its commercial availability and established techniques for electrical and optical microfabricated device integration. The negatively charged silicon vacancy is one of the leading spin defects studied in silicon carbide owing to its near-telecom photoemission, high spin number, and nearly temperature-independent ground-state zero-field splitting. We report the realization of nanotesla shot-noise-limited ensemble magnetometry based on optically detected magnetic resonance with the silicon vacancy in 4H silicon carbide. By coarsely optimizing the anneal parameters and minimizing power broadening, we achieve a sensitivity of 50 nT/√Hz and a theoretical shot-noise-limited sensitivity of 3.5 nT/√Hz. This is accomplished without utilizing complex photonic engineering, control protocols, or applying excitation powers greater than a watt. This work demonstrates that the silicon vacancy in silicon carbide provides a low-cost and simple approach to quantum sensing of magnetic fields.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2020

A Chip-Scale Oscillation-Mode Optomechanical Inertial Sensor Near the Thermodynamical Limits

Modern navigation systems integrate the global positioning system (GPS) with an inertial navigation system (INS), which complement each other for correct attitude and velocity determination. Here, the core of the INS integrates accelerometers and gyroscopes used to measure forces and angular rate in the vehicular inertial reference frame. With the help of gyroscopes and by integrating the acceleration to compute velocity and distance, precision and compact accelerometers with sufficient accuracy can provide small–error location determination. Solid–state implementations, through coherent readout, can provide a platform for high performance acceleration detection. In contrast to prior accelerometers using piezoelectric or capacitive readout techniques, optical readout provides narrow–linewidth high–sensitivity laser detection along with low–noise resonant optomechanical transduction near the thermodynamical limits. Here an optomechanical inertial sensor with an 8.2 µg Hz –1/2 velocity random walk (VRW) at an acquisition rate of 100 Hz and 50.9 µg bias instability is demonstrated, suitable for applications, such as, inertial navigation, inclination sensing, platform stabilization, and/or wearable device motion detection. Driven into optomechanical sustained–oscillation, the slot photonic crystal cavity provides radio–frequency readout of the optically–driven transduction with an enhanced 625 µg Hz –1 sensitivity. Measuring the optomechanically–stiffened oscillation shift, instead of the optical transmission shift, provides a 220× VRW enhancement over pre–oscillation mode detection.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗