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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 721 records · Page 40
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Large- N c constraints for elastic dark-matter–light-nucleus scattering in pionless effective field theory

Recent proposals for the use of light nuclei as dark-matter direct detection targets necessitate a strong theoretical understanding of the nuclear physics involved. We perform relevant calculations for dark-matter–light-nucleus scattering in a combined pionless effective field theory and large-N c expansion, where N c is the number of quark colors. Here, we include a general set of one-nucleon currents that have been used in other effective theories, as well as novel two-nucleon contact currents. First, we obtain constraints for the relative sizes of the dark-matter couplings to the one- and two-nucleon currents through the large-N c expansion. Then, we use these constraints to make predictions for the relative sizes of spin-dependent and spin-independent cross sections for dark-matter scattering off of a nucleon, a deuteron, a triton, and helium-3.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Energy Independence of the Collins Asymmetry in 𝑝 ↑⁢ 𝑝 Collisions

The STAR experiment reports new, high-precision measurements of the transverse single-spin asymmetries for 𝜋 ± within jets, namely the Collins asymmetries, from transversely polarized 𝑝 ↑⁢ 𝑝 collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 510 GeV. The energy-scaled distribution of jet transverse momentum, 𝑥 T = 2⁢𝑝 T, jet /$\sqrt{s}$, shows a remarkable consistency for Collins asymmetries of 𝜋 ± in jets between $\sqrt{s}$ = 200 GeV and 510 GeV. This indicates that the Collins asymmetries are nearly energy independent, with, at most, a very weak scale dependence in 𝑝 ↑ ⁢𝑝 collisions. These results extend to high-momentum scales (𝑄 2 ≤ 3400 GeV 2 ) and enable unique tests of evolution and universality in the transverse-momentum-dependent formalism, thus providing important constraints for the Collins fragmentation functions.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Nuclear DFT analysis of electromagnetic moments in odd near doubly magic nuclei

We use the nuclear density functional theory to determine nuclear electric quadrupole and magnetic dipole moments in all one-particle and one-hole neighbours of eight doubly magic nuclei. We align angular momenta along the intrinsic axial-symmetry axis with broken time-reversal symmetry, which allows us to explore fully the self-consistent charge, spin, and current polarisation. Spectroscopic moments are determined for symmetry-restored wave functions and compared with available experimental data. We find that the obtained polarisations do not call for using quadrupole- or dipole-moment operators with effective charges or effective g-factors.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Consideration of memory of spin and parity in the fissioning compound nucleus by applying the Hauser-Feshbach fission fragment decay model to photonuclear reactions

Prompt and β-delayed fission observables, such as the average number of prompt and delayed neutrons, the independent and cumulative fission product yields, and the prompt γ-ray energy spectra for the photonuclear reactions on 235,238 U and 239 Pu, are calculated with the Hauser-Feshbach fission fragment decay (HF 3 ⁢D) model and compared with available experimental data. Further, in the analysis of neutron-induced fission reactions to the case of photo-induced fission, an excellent reproduction of the delayed neutron yields supports a traditional assumption that the photo fission might be similar to the neutron-induced fission at the same excitation energies regardless of the spin and parity of the fissioning systems.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Observation of New Charmonium or Charmoniumlike States in B + → D * ± D ∓ K + Decays

A study of resonant structures in B + → D * + D − K + and B + → D * − D + K + decays is performed, using proton-proton collision data at center-of-mass energies of s = 7 , 8, and 13 TeV recorded by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb − 1 . A simultaneous amplitude fit is performed to the two channels with contributions from resonances decaying to D * − D + and D * + D − states linked by C parity. This procedure allows the C parities of resonances in the D * ± D ∓ mass spectra to be determined. Four charmonium or charmoniumlike states are observed decaying into D * ± D ∓ : η c ( 3945 ) , h c ( 4000 ) , χ c 1 ( 4010 ) , and h c ( 4300 ) , with quantum numbers J P C equal to 0 − + , 1 + − , 1 + + , and 1 + − , respectively. At least three of these states have not been observed previously. In addition, the existence of the T c ¯ s ¯ 0 * ( 2870 ) 0 and T c ¯ s ¯ 1 * ( 2900 ) 0 resonances in the D − K + mass spectrum, already observed in the B + → D + D − K + decay, is confirmed in a different production channel. © 2024 CERN, for the LHCb Collaboration 2024 CERN

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Machine Learning for Neutron Resonance Evaluations [Slides]

The performance of nuclear reactors and other nuclear systems depends on a precise understanding of the neutron interaction cross sections for materials used in these systems. These cross sections exhibit a resonance structure whose shape is determined in part by the angular momentum quantum numbers of the resonances. The correct assignment of the quantum numbers of neutron resonances is therefore of paramount importance. In this presentation, we describe the application of machine learning to automate the quantum number assignments. Scikit-learn classifiers were trained on simulated resonance data whose statistical properties were chosen to mimic real data. We explored the use of several physics (and random matrix theory)-motivated features for training the classifiers, including the nearest neighbor spacing distribution, cumulative level distribution, and channel width distributions. Initial results demonstrated that we can determine resonance spin groups somewhat reliably. We are now investigating the application of our approach to 52 Cr resonance data.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Assessment of the errors of high-fidelity two-qubit gates in silicon quantum dots

Achieving high-fidelity entangling operations between qubits consistently is essential for the performance of multi-qubit systems. Solid-state platforms are particularly exposed to errors arising from materials-induced variability between qubits, which leads to performance inconsistencies. Here we study the errors in a spin qubit processor, tying them to their physical origins. We use this knowledge to demonstrate consistent and repeatable operation with above 99% fidelity of two-qubit gates in the technologically important silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor quantum dot platform. Analysis of the physical errors and fidelities in multiple devices over extended periods allows us to ensure that we capture the variation and the most common error types. Physical error sources include the slow nuclear and electrical noise on single qubits and contextual noise that depends on the applied control sequence. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of qubit design, feedback systems and robust gate design to inform the design of future scalable, high-fidelity control strategies. Our results highlight both the capabilities and challenges for the scaling-up of silicon spin-based qubits into full-scale quantum processors.

Quantum dots↗
DOE OSTI2020

Functionalized Polymer Thin Films for Plutonium Capture and Isotopic Screening from Aqueous Sources

The rapid screening of plutonium from aqueous sources remains a critical challenge for nuclear nonproliferation efforts. The determination of trace-level Pu isotopes in water requires offsite sample preparation and analysis; therefore, new methods that combine plutonium purification, concentration, and isotopic screening in a fieldable detection system will provide an invaluable tool for nuclear safeguards. This contribution describes the development and characterization of thin polymer-ligand films for the isolation and concentration of waterborne Pu for direct spectroscopic analyses. Submicron thin films were prepared through spin coating onto Si wafers and consisted of combinations of polystyrene (PS) with dibenzoylmethane, thenoyltrifluoroacetone, and di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP). Pu uptake studies from solutions at pH from 2.3 to 6.3 indicated that only films containing HDEHP exhibited significant recovery of Pu. High alpha spectroscopy peak energy resolutions were achieved for PS-HDEHP films over a range of film thicknesses from 30 to 250 nm. Furthermore, a separate study was performed to evaluate uptake from a primarily Pu(V) solution where it was observed that doubling the HDEHP loading in the film increased uptake of Pu by an order of magnitude. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed that HDEHP was highly concentrated within the first few nanometers of the film at the higher loading. XPS analysis also revealed that, in the presence of water, HDEHP was stripped from the surface layer of the film at circumneutral pH. While significant losses of ligand were seen in all samples, higher loadings of HDEHP resulted in measurable amounts of ligand retained after a 12-h soak in water. Findings of this study are being used to guide the development of thin-film composite membrane-based detection methods for the rapid, fieldable analysis of Pu in water.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Problem with gradual absorption in MSD/MSC calculations

Replacing classical exciton model with the better founded Multistep Direct (MSD) and Multistep Compound (MSC) mechanisms has been impeded by incapability of the latter models to describe central part of the neutron emission spectra at incident neutron energies of about 14 MeV and above. We have ascribed this deficiency to the decrease of absorption to the MSC mechanism resulting from the concept of gradual absorption. We were able to obtain very good reproduction of experimentally measured neutron spectra using MSD/MSC calculations when this option was turned off. Such treatment is, however, at odds with the fundamental distinction between MSD and MSC mechanisms that should proceed through the chain of open (P-space) and closed (Q-space) configurations respectively. By blocking gradual absorption we allow the first stage of MSC to be fully populated from the incident channel that at higher incident energies is impossible. We discuss various attempts of addressing the problem that, so far, remains open. In addition, we present an evidence for much tighter spin distribution of particle-hole states than normally assumed.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Filtering states with total spin on a quantum computer

Starting from a general wave-function described on a set of spins or qubits, we propose several quantum algorithms to extract the components of this state on eigenstates of total spin S 2 and its z component S z . The method plays the role of total spin projection and gives access to the amplitudes of the initial state on a total spin basis. Here, the different algorithms have various degrees of sophistication depending on the requested tasks. They can either solely project onto the subspace with good total spin or completely uplift the degeneracy in this subspace. In the former case, when the projection on the total spin j is made, we show that the number of operations for the projection can be reduced from a quadratic to a linear dependence in j. After each measurement, the state collapses to one of the spin eigenstates that could be used for postprocessing. For this reason, we call the method total quantum spin filtering.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Development of Operando Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Capabilities for Solid-State Battery Research

Mechanistic information regarding solid-solid interfaces in solid-state batteries remains elusive as its observation requires a non-destructive operando technique. Such a technique does not currently exist. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is uniquely suited to address this challenge as it is sensitive to chemistry, structure, and dynamics and can measure buried interfaces. However solid-state NMR requires high speed spinning of the sample at the ‘magic angle’ (MAS) to obtain adequate resolution. The metallic current collectors in a battery are detrimental to spinning in magnetic fields as they generate eddy currents which prevent spinning and dampen the NMR signal. Furthermore, the spinning nature of the MAS NMR experiment requires a wireless means of charging for operando capabilities. These challenges were addressed in this research and operando MAS NMR enabled by optical wireless charging was demonstrated. By limiting the size of the metallic components, we were able to spin a sample holder with electrical leads and a solid-state battery up to a few kilohertz, fast enough for high-resolution NMR. We achieved wireless charging by attaching a photovoltaic cell to the head of the NMR rotor and used a laser to transmit power to the photovoltaic cell. Demonstration of the optical wireless charging was performed by polarizing a liquid electrolyte during an operando MAS NMR measurement. This novel capability is a transformative technique for investigating the mechanistic electrochemical processes in solid-state samples.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Synthesis of nanodiamonds encapsulated by zeolitic imidazole framework-8 for quantum sensing applications

Nitrogen vacancy (NV)-containing nanodiamonds are widely used in quantum sensing applications due to their high sensitivity to magnetic fields, relatively low cost, and ability to be initialized, manipulated, and read out at room temperature. Quantum sensing techniques such as optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) and spin relaxometry have exploited the sensitivity of the NV nanodiamonds to magnetic fields to detect a range of analytes, such as pH, metal ions, and biomolecules. However, diversifying the sensing targets accessible by NV diamond quantum sensors typically requires careful engineering of the diamond surface chemistry with stimuli-responsive functional groups. Here, a simple protocol for coating NV nanodiamonds with the zeolitic imidazole framework 8 (ZIF-8), a widely used metal-organic framework, is presented. ZIF-8 is a highly porous material that has been used as a selective sensor for gasses, metal ions, and other analytes. The material is well-characterized by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and luminescence spectroscopy. Encapsulation of NV nanodiamonds with a porous scaffold such as ZIF-8 provides a promising method for improving the selectivity for the quantum sensing of various analytes. Importantly, the ZIF-8 coating does not impact the luminescence properties of the NV diamond, which is a key readout in ODMR and spin relaxometry sensing approaches. Indeed, the ODMR spectra with and without the ZIF-8 shell is nearly identical. Moreover, the ZIF-8 coating increases the longitudinal spin relaxation time of the NV nanodiamond by a factor of 4 relative to aggregated diamond, a desirable outcome for spin relaxation-based quantum sensing. Metal-organic framework composites with nanodiamonds thus are an exciting strategy for enhancing NV nanodiamond performance in applications such as quantum sensing and quantum-enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

nitrogen vacancy nanodiamond↗
DOE OSTI2022

The Transverse Structure of the Deuteron with Drell-Yan

We propose to measure neutron and deuteron transversity TMDs. The quark transversity distributions of the nucleon are decoupled from the deuteron gluon transversity in the $Q^2$ evolution due to the chiral-odd property in the transversely-polarized target. The gluon transversity TMD only exists for targets of spin greater or equal to 1 and does not mix with quark distributions at leading twist, thereby providing a particularly clean probe of gluonic degrees of freedom. This experiment would be the first of its kind and would probe the gluonic structure of the deuteron, investigating exotic glue contributions in the nucleus not associated with individual nucleons. This experiment can be performed with the SpinQuest polarized target recently assembled for experiment E1039 and the spectrometer already in place in NM4. This new experimental setup would require very minimal modification to the target system and no modification to the detector package. An additional RF-circuit and target coil are necessary to RF-modulate across the domain of the Larmor frequency to manipulate the solid-state target spin population densities. Dedicated beam-time with this novel target system is required to achieve our physics goals.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Microscopic investigation of the 8 Li(n,γ)Li 9 reaction

Background: The 8 Li (n, γ) 9 Li reaction plays an important role in several astrophysics scenarios. It cannot be measured directly and indirect experiments have so far provided only cross section limits. Theoretical predictions differ by an order of magnitude. Purpose: In this work we study the properties of 9 Li bound states and low-lying resonances and calculate the 8 Li(n, γ) 9 Li cross section within the no-core shell model with continuum (NCSMC) with chiral nucleon-nucleon and three-nucleon interactions as input. Methods: Here, the NCSMC is an ab initio method applicable to light nuclei that provides a unified description of bound and scattering states well suited to calculate low-energy nuclear scattering and reactions. For the capture cross section calculation, we adjust calculated thresholds to experimental values. Results: Our calculations reproduce the experimentally known bound states as well as the lowest 5/2 – resonance of 9 Li. We predict a 3/2 – spin-parity assignment for the resonance observed at 5.38 MeV. In addition to the very narrow 7/2 – resonance corresponding presumably to the experimental 6.43 MeV state, we find several other broad low-lying resonances. Conclusions: Our calculated 8 Li(n, γ) 9 Li cross section is within the limits derived from the 1998 National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory Coulomb-dissociation experiment. However, it is higher than cross sections obtained in recent phenomenological studies. It is dominated by a direct E1 capture to the ground state with a resonant contribution at ≈ 0.2 MeV due to E2/M1 radiation enhanced by the 5/2 – resonance.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

The electron affinity of the uranium atom

The results of a combined experimental and computational study of the uranium atom are presented with the aim of determining its electron affinity. Experimentally, the electron affinity of uranium was measured via negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy of the uranium atomic anion, U – . Computationally, the electron affinities of both thorium and uranium were calculated by conducting relativistic coupled-cluster and multi-reference configuration interaction calculations. The experimentally determined value of the electron affinity of the uranium atom was determined to be 0.309 ± 0.025 eV. The computationally predicted electron affinity of uranium based on composite coupled cluster calculations and full four-component spin–orbit coupling was found to be 0.232 eV. Predominately due to a better convergence of the coupled cluster sequence for Th and Th – , the final calculated electron affinity of Th, 0.565 eV, was in much better agreement with the accurate experimental value of 0.608 eV. In both scenarios, the ground state of the anion corresponds to electron attachment to the 6d orbital.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2023

Microscopic calculation of fission product yields for odd-mass nuclei

Fission data are essential inputs to reaction networks involved in nucleosynthesis simulations and nuclear forensics. In such applications as well as in the description of multichance fission, the characteristics of fission for odd-mass nuclei are just as important as those for even-even nuclei. The fission theories that aim at explicitly describing fission dynamics are typically based on some variant of the nuclear mean-field theory. In such cases, the treatment of systems with an odd number of particles is markedly more involved, both formally and computationally. In this article, we use the blocking prescription of the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov theory with Skyrme energy functionals to compute the deformation properties of odd-mass uranium isotopes. We show that the resulting fission fragment distributions depend quite significantly on the spin of the odd neutron. By direct calculation of the spin distribution of the fissioning nucleus, we propose a methodology to rigorously predict the charge and mass distributions in odd-mass nuclei.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗