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DOE OSTI2024

Qualifying the Instrument Thimble 11 Test Position in the Advanced Test Reactor Critical

The Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) is a versatile nuclear research reactor located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in Eastern Idaho, United States of America. It is one of the most powerful and flexible research reactors in the world and is primarily used for materials testing, isotope production and basic nuclear science research. The ATR is a light-water-cooled, beryllium-moderated reactor with a nominal thermal power capacity of 250 MW utilizing specially designed fuel, arranged in a serpentine pattern to create 9 flux traps. The special design of ATR allows for the neutron flux within each of the flux traps providing flexibility for experiments, programs and allowing experiments with different dose requirements to be irradiated simultaneously. The Advance Test Reactor Critical (ATRC) is a full-scale replica of the ATR core but is housed in a pool instead of a pressure vessel. ATRC is usually operated at less than 600 watts [1]. There are 12 dry instrument thimbles located around the outside of the core tank where a variety of measurement equipment is housed to facilitate reactor operations. Currently Instrument Thimble 11 (IT-11) is not utilized in ATR or ATRC. A range of measurements is ongoing to qualify IT-11 as a test platform for nuclear instrumentation research, development and further experimentation.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2024

Initial Findings in Qualifying the Instrument Thimble 11 Position in the Advanced Test Reactor Critical

46 - INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AN↗

DOE OSTI2022

Cyber-Informed Engineering for Nuclear Reactor Digital Instrumentation and Control

As nuclear reactors transition from analog to digital technology, the benefits of enhanced operational capabilities and improved efficiencies are potentially offset by cyber risks. Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) is an approach that can be used by engineers and staff to characterize and reduce new cyber risks in digital instrumentation and control systems. CIE provides guidance that can be applied throughout the entire systems engineering lifecycle, from conceptual design to decommissioning. In addition to outlining the use of CIE in nuclear reactor applications, this chapter provides a brief primer on nuclear reactor instrumentation and control and the associated cyber risks in existing light water reactors as well as the digital technology that will likely be used in future reactor designs and applications.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2020

Software Framework for Federated Science Instruments

There is an unprecedented promise of enhanced capabilities for federations of leadership computing systems and experimental science facilities by leveraging software technologies for fast and efficient operations. These federations seek to unify different science instruments, both computing and experimental, to effectively support science users and operators to execute complex workflows. The FedScI project addresses the software challenges associated with the formation and operation of federated environments by leveraging recent advances in containerization of software and softwarization of hardware. We propose a software framework to streamline the federation usage by science users and it’s provisioning and operations by facility providers. A distinguishing element of our work is the support for improved interaction between experimental devices, such as beam-line instruments, and more traditional high-performance computing resources, including compute, network, storage systems. We present guiding principles for the software framework and highlight portions of a current prototype implementation. We describe our science use case involving neutron imaging beam-lines (SNAP/BL-3, Imaging/CG-1D) at the Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor facilities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Additionally, we detail plans for a more direct instrument interaction within a federated environment, which could enable more advanced workflows with feedback loops to shorten the time to science.

Naughton III, Thomas↗

DOE OSTI2022

Harmonizing solar induced fluorescence across spatial scales, instruments, and extraction methods using proximal and airborne remote sensing: A multi-scale study in a soybean field

Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) has been widely used to track vegetation photosynthesis at different scales ranging from in-situ measurements to satellite products. Airborne platforms sample SIF data at a spatial scale intermediate between in-situ and satellite, matching that of ground measurement (e.g. flux tower footprints and other field sampling), enabling us to explore causes of SIF variation and validate satellite-based SIF products. However, harmonizing SIF across sensors and platforms (correcting for systematic errors to yield a consistent, comparable SIF product) is challenging because SIF can be retrieved in different absorption windows, with different instruments and methods complicating the comparison between different observational levels (i.e., ground, airborne, satellites) and between sites equipped with different instruments with varying optical properties (spectral resolution and sampling intervals, spatial resolution). Additionally, the spatial and temporal variability of atmospheric properties can influence the retrieval of the weak SIF signal. Because of these complications, direct comparisons of airborne and ground SIF across scales are rarely attempted. Here, in this study, we combined airborne SIF data with simultaneous ‘ground truth’ data collected by stationary and mobile platforms in a soybean field in Nebraska, USA. In this effort, we tested several SIF extraction methods, including Fraunhofer Line Discrimination (FLD), improved Fraunhofer Line Discrimination (iFLD), Spectral Fitting Method (SFM), SpecFit, and a Singular Vector Decomposition (SVD) method. The SpecFit method was sensitive to the 715–740 nm water bands and removing the water bands in the fitting process yielded better agreement between the airborne and ground SIF spectra. Accurate estimation of the ground level downwelling irradiance obtained by ground measurements over a calibration target improved agreement between airborne and ground SIF retrievals at the O 2 A band, and allowed us to derive a SIF dataset with improved agreement across platforms and sampling scales. This experimental approach provided a method for generating comparable SIF signals across instruments, methods and platforms, which is critical to understanding the SIF-GPP relationship at different scales and to cross-validate the diversity of platforms used for satellite products calibration and validation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2023

Blowing Snow at McMurdo Station, Antarctica During the AWARE Field Campaign: Multi-Instrument Observations of Blowing Snow

In polar regions, blowing snow (BLSN) can play a substantial role in regional thermodynamics and radiation properties. The extent of the impact depends upon the depth of the BLSN layer, a property that is difficult to measure and not well understood. The West Antarctic Radiation Experiment (AWARE) Field Campaign saw the deployment of a large suite of observational instruments to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, allowing for in-depth investigation of BLSN. During the year of the campaign, BLSN occurred ~7.4% of the time. In this study, additional remote sensing observations are used to supplement an existing ceilometer-based BLSN characterization algorithm creating a multi-instrument (MI) depth estimation algorithm to yield layer depths with more certainty. Backscatter coefficient and linear depolarization ratios from the micropulse and high spectral resolution lidar (HSRL) are incorporated along with color ratio derived from HSRL backscatter and Ka-band radar reflectivity observations. This provided estimates of BLSN depth that were less impacted by noise/artifacts in any one set of observations. When applied to the data from AWARE, the MI algorithm yielded an average depth of 168.2 m with ~60% of plumes less than 200 m in depth. Events occurring with precipitation saw the most value in the additional instruments, with the suite of observations allowing for more separation of BLSN particles from fallstreaks.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2026

Operating advanced scientific instruments with AI agents that learn on the job

Advanced scientific user facilities, such as next generation X-ray light sources and self-driving laboratories, are revolutionizing scientific discovery by automating routine tasks and enabling rapid experimentation and characterizations. However, these facilities must continuously evolve to support new experimental workflows, adapt to diverse user projects, and meet growing demands for more intricate instruments and experiments. This continuous development introduces significant operational complexity, necessitating a focus on usability, reproducibility, and intuitive human-instrument interaction. In this work, we explore the integration of agentic AI, powered by Large Language Models (LLMs), as a transformative tool to achieve this goal. We present our approach to developing a human-in-the-loop pipeline for operating advanced instruments including an X-ray nanoprobe beamline and an autonomous robotic station dedicated to the design and characterization of materials. Specifically, we evaluate the potential of various LLMs as trainable scientific assistants for orchestrating complex, multi-task workflows, which also include multimodal data, optimizing their performance through optional human input and iterative learning. We demonstrate the ability of AI agents to bridge the gap between advanced automation and user-friendly operation, paving the way for more adaptable and intelligent scientific facilities.

Large Language Models↗

DOE OSTI2020

Planck 2018 Results - II. Low Frequency Instrument data processing

We present a final description of the data-processing pipeline for the Planck Low Frequency Instrument (LFI), implemented for the 2018 data release. Several improvements have been made with respect to the previous release, especially in the calibration process and in the correction of instrumental features such as the effects of nonlinearity in the response of the analogue-to-digital converters. We provide a brief pedagogical introduction to the complete pipeline, as well as a detailed description of the important changes implemented. Self-consistency of the pipeline is demonstrated using dedicated simulations and null tests. We present the final version of the LFI full sky maps at 30, 44, and 70 GHz, both in temperature and polarization, together with a refined estimate of the solar dipole and a final assessment of the main LFI instrumental parameters.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Post-irradiation examination of optical components for advanced fission reactor instrumentation

The use of optical instrumentation in advanced nuclear fission systems, such as molten salt reactors, liquid metal-cooled reactors, and high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, has the potential to enhance reactor safety and economic performance through in situ and online measurement of reactor conditions. Selection of suitable optical components, such as optical windows and fibers, is essential for operation of optical instrumentation in intense radioactive and thermal environments inherent to nuclear reactor systems. We present the development and performance of a self-contained and mobile post-irradiation examination system for rapid characterization of the optical properties of materials. The instrument combines linear absorption and nanosecond Z-scan modules in a compact, relocatable design. The system mobility allows for the evaluation of optical samples at the site of irradiation, minimizing the delay between extraction from the irradiation site and optical characterization. This provides nearly real-time information on the material performance under simultaneous irradiation and thermal annealing, simulating the relevant conditions for the use of those components in nuclear power systems.

Morgan, Bryan William (ORCID:0000000224668764)↗

DOE OSTI2022

An automated fast neutron computed tomography instrument with on-line focusing for non-destructive evaluation

A fast neutron tomography imaging instrument has been designed, built, and tested at The Ohio State University 500 kW Research Reactor on a fast neutron beamline with a peak neutron flux ≈5.4 × 107 n·cm−2·s−1 at 1.6 MeV median neutron energy. The instrument and beamline are also configurable for thermal neutron imaging. The imaging apparatus is composed of a lens coupled, water-cooled Electron Multiplying Charge Coupled Device camera, a front-surface mirror, and a high light yield plastic Polyvinyl toluene scintillator. The instrument sits on a mobile cart. A total of 5 motion-control stages are built into the system for XYZ and rotational degrees of freedom for sample positioning; the fifth stage fine tunes the focal distance between the camera and the scintillator to achieve on-line focusing. A Python code with a user-friendly graphical user interface controls the fully automated image acquisition, not requiring user interaction, yet facilitating tracking of the image acquisition. A complete fast neutron computed tomography dataset with 360 projections requires less than 3 h, with 30 s per projection. On-line focusing is accomplished with a commercial, off-the-shelf, dielectrically actuated liquid lens. Finally, tomographic reconstructions are visualized using the Livermore Tomography Tools software package. The effective pixel size (width and height) is ≈0.1058 mm, yielding a minimum voxel size of 0.1058 × 0.1058 × 0.1058 mm3, and produces a spatial resolution of 231 μm when calculated from knife-edge measurements.

Bisbee, M. G. (ORCID:0000000313466697)↗

DOE OSTI2024

Shock compression experiments using the DiPOLE 100-X laser on the high energy density instrument at the European x-ray free electron laser: Quantitative structural analysis of liquid Sn

X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) sources coupled to high-power laser systems offer an avenue to study the structural dynamics of materials at extreme pressures and temperatures. The recent commissioning of the DiPOLE 100-X laser on the high energy density (HED) instrument at the European XFEL represents the state-of-the-art in combining x-ray diffraction with laser compression, allowing for compressed materials to be probed in unprecedented detail. Here, we report quantitative structural measurements of molten Sn compressed to 85(5) GPa and ~3500 K. The capabilities of the HED instrument enable liquid density measurements with an uncertainty of ~1% at conditions which are extremely challenging to reach via static compression methods. We discuss best practices for conducting liquid diffraction dynamic compression experiments and the necessary intensity corrections which allow for accurate quantitative analysis. We also provide a polyimide ablation pressure vs input laser energy for the DiPOLE 100-X drive laser which will serve future users of the HED instrument.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2025

Mechanical design of a parallel flexure-based RADSI instrument for curved x-ray mirror metrology

Modern synchrotron x-ray beamlines demand reflective optics with higher surface profile accuracy to achieve diffraction-limited focusing. This necessitates advanced metrology instruments capable of delivering repeatable measurements in the nanometer to sub-nanometer range. Slope ranges exceeding 15 mrad (0.86°) and greater pose significant challenges for mirror metrology using conventional interferometric methods. Here, to address this, we present a new relative angle determinable stitching interferometry instrument featuring a parallel flexure-based mechanical design. This approach enhances vibration and thermal stability while maintaining a compact and lightweight system. Initial measurements of a cylindrical mirror with a 16 m radius of curvature and a slope range of 5 mrad demonstrate nanometer-level repeatability. Comprehensive system characterization suggests the potential for achieving sub-nanometer repeatability with further refinement to the instrument.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2023

Conceptual Polarization Setup at CENTAUR, the SANS/WANS Instrument at the Second Target Station of SNS

CENTAUR is a multifunctional general purpose small-angle and wide-angle neutron scattering instrument with diffraction and spectroscopic capability in the future Second Target Station at the Spallation Neutron Source of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. To fill a gap in neutron polarization capability, the instrument will be designed to provide polarization analysis. Here we present the conceptual polarization setup at CENTAUR, as well as the Spin Echo Modulated Small-Angle Neutron Scattering setup which will further expand the length scale covered by the instrument.

Qian, Shuo↗

DOE OSTI2023

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument: one-dimensional power spectrum from first Ly α forest samples with Fast Fourier Transform

ABSTRACT We present the one-dimensional Ly α forest power spectrum measurement using the first data provided by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). The data sample comprises 26 330 quasar spectra, at redshift z > 2.1, contained in the DESI Early Data Release and the first 2 months of the main survey. We employ a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) estimator and compare the resulting power spectrum to an alternative likelihood-based method in a companion paper. We investigate methodological and instrumental contaminants associated with the new DESI instrument, applying techniques similar to previous Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) measurements. We use synthetic data based on lognormal approximation to validate and correct our measurement. We compare our resulting power spectrum with previous SDSS and high-resolution measurements. With relatively small number statistics, we successfully perform the FFT measurement, which is already competitive in terms of the scale range. At the end of the DESI survey, we expect a five times larger Ly α forest sample than SDSS, providing an unprecedented precise one-dimensional power spectrum measurement.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2021

A Custom High-Throughput Optical Mapping Instrument for Accelerated Stress Testing of PV Module Materials

The performance and integrity of photovoltaic (PV) modules and materials may be assessed through optical characterizations. We have developed a custom optical mapping instrument (OMI) to improve measurement throughput time, facilitate automated measurements, allow for localized specimen examination, obtain spatial information relative to commercial benchtop spectrophotometer instruments, and provide automated data analysis. Both the key components and the methods used to improve the measurements are described. The measurement precision for the OMI is benchmarked for hemispherical transmittance relative to a previous round-robin study for commercial spectrophotometers. In addition to the unique instrument developed in this study, new insights have emerged from the examination of specimens from previous experiments, including: the depletion of the UV absorber is revealed for specimens beyond a certain size after artificial ultraviolet (UV) weathering; an optical degradation by internal haze formation is confirmed following Damp Heat (85 °C/85% relative humidity) testing; the better uniformity of the wear pattern for falling sand abrasion is used to select the DIN 52348 fixture over the ASTM D968 fixture; and the greater local (in the order of millimeters) heterogeneity of surface contamination in the soiling-prone location of Dubai relative to Kuwait. The results of the UV study have already been used to improve the standardized weathering of encapsulants. The example for Damp Heat testing is given to increase awareness of a degradation believed to be ubiquitously occurring in safety and design-type qualification testing of PV modules.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2023

Cyber Framework for Steering and Measurements Collection Over Instrument-Computing Ecosystems

We propose a framework to develop cyber solutions to support the remote steering of science instruments and measurements collection over instrument-computing ecosystems. It is based on provisioning separate data and control connections at the network level, and developing software modules consisting of Python wrappers for instrument commands and Pyro server-client codes that make them available across the ecosystem network. We demonstrate automated measurement transfers and remote steering operations in a microscopy use case for materials research over an ecosystem of Nion microscopes and computing platforms connected over site networks. The proposed framework is currently under further refinement and being adopted to science workflows with automated remote experiments steering for autonomous chemistry laboratories and smart energy grid simulations.

Al Najjar, Anees↗

DOE OSTI2025

Resolve instrument onboard the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission

We present an overview of the design and in-flight performance of the Resolve soft X-ray spectrometer on the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission that was successfully launched on September 7, 2023, on a JAXA H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center of Japan. The instrument has a 36-pixel array of microcalorimeters, 35 of which are at the focus of a high-throughput grazing-incidence X-ray mirror. The instrument has achieved its required operational base temperature of 0.05 K and a spectral resolution of 4.5 eV (FWHM) at 6 keV. The cooling chain was designed to provide a lifetime of at least 3 years in orbit and operate with and without liquid helium to provide redundancy and the longest operational lifetime for the instrument. Early indications are that the cryogen lifetime may reach 6 years with a cryogen-free mode thereafter. A series of onboard X-ray calibration sources produces energy scale calibration lines simultaneously while observing celestial sources. The overall design and in-flight performance of Resolve are described.

Astronomy and AstroPhysics↗

DOE OSTI2021

Low-Activity Waste Glass Standards Preparation and Characterization for Calibration of Analytical Instruments

A matrix of seven low-activity waste (LAW) glasses was fabricated and characterized to be used by the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) as analytical instrument calibration and matrix interference standards when measuring LAW glass compositions. The matrix of glasses was designed to represent the range of LAW glass compositions that will be generated by the WTP. Samples from each of the seven glasses were measured with electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), ion chromatography (IC), and bulk inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) to determine the variability and accuracy across batches and within individually poured glass bar samples. High relative percent differences and standard deviations were calculated for components with low concentrations due to instrument detection limits. IC and ICP-MS percent differences and standard deviations were higher at low component concentrations. Otherwise, variability in measured compositions from IC and ICP-MS was generally lower than measurements from EPMA, with the exclusion of Cl, F, Si, and B. Overall, the two methods proved comparable and complementary. From EPMA, IC, and ICP-MS data, volatile elements were underrepresented compared to batched compositions, which suggested loss of these elements during melting. EPMA data was statistically analyzed to evaluate homogeneity within single bars and whole compositions for each of the seven glasses. Most of the variability within glass compositions occurred at the bar-to-bar level; however, no clear systematic trends were observed. Based on these analyses, when using these glasses as reference material, it is recommended that the overall mean and variance of each composition be used for performing instrument calibrations and analytical corrections.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗