Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “backgrounds”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 739 records · Page 41
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Dynamical dark energy in light of the DESI DR2 baryonic acoustic oscillations measurements

Understanding whether cosmic acceleration arises from a cosmological constant or a dynamical component is a central goal of cosmology, and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) enables stringent tests with high-precision distance measurements. Here we analyse measurements of baryon acoustic oscillations in DESI Data Release 1 and Data Release 2 and consider type Ia supernovae and a distance prior for the cosmic microwave background. With the larger statistical power and wider redshift coverage of Data Release 2, the preference for dynamical dark energy does not diminish relative to Data Release 1. Using both a shape-function reconstruction and non-parametric approaches with a Horndeski-motivated correlation prior, we find that the equation of state for dark energy w(z) varies with redshift. Baryon acoustic oscillation data alone yield modest constraints, but in combination with independent supernova compilations and the prior for the cosmic microwave background, they strengthen the evidence for dynamics. A Bayesian comparison of models shows moderate support for departures from Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) when several degrees of freedom in w(z) are allowed, corresponding to ~3σ tension with ΛCDM (and higher for some datasets). Despite methodological differences, our results are consistent with companion DESI papers, underscoring the complementarity of the approaches. Possible systematics remain under study; forthcoming DESI, Euclid and next-generation cosmic microwave background data will provide decisive tests.

cosmology↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dynamical dark energy in light of the DESI DR2 baryonic acoustic oscillations measurements

Understanding whether cosmic acceleration arises from a cosmological constant or a dynamical component is a central goal of cosmology, and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) enables stringent tests with high-precision distance measurements. Here we analyse measurements of baryon acoustic oscillations in DESI Data Release 1 and Data Release 2 and consider type Ia supernovae and a distance prior for the cosmic microwave background. With the larger statistical power and wider redshift coverage of Data Release 2, the preference for dynamical dark energy does not diminish relative to Data Release 1. Using both a shape-function reconstruction and non-parametric approaches with a Horndeski-motivated correlation prior, we find that the equation of state for dark energy w(z) varies with redshift. Baryon acoustic oscillation data alone yield modest constraints, but in combination with independent supernova compilations and the prior for the cosmic microwave background, they strengthen the evidence for dynamics. A Bayesian comparison of models shows moderate support for departures from Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) when several degrees of freedom in w(z) are allowed, corresponding to ~3σ tension with ΛCDM (and higher for some datasets). Despite methodological differences, our results are consistent with companion DESI papers, underscoring the complementarity of the approaches. Possible systematics remain under study; forthcoming DESI, Euclid and next-generation cosmic microwave background data will provide decisive tests.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Planck intermediate results

In this work, we describe an extension of the most recent version of the Planck Catalogue of Compact Sources (PCCS2), produced using a new multi-band Bayesian Extraction and Estimation Package (BeeP). BeeP assumes that the compact sources present in PCCS2 at 857 GHz have a dust-like spectral energy distribution (SED), which leads to emission at both lower and higher frequencies, and adjusts the parameters of the source and its SED to fit the emission observed in Planck’s three highest frequency channels at 353, 545, and 857 GHz, as well as the IRIS map at 3000 GHz. In order to reduce confusion regarding diffuse cirrus emission, BeeP’s data model includes a description of the background emission surrounding each source, and it adjusts the confidence in the source parameter extraction based on the statistical properties of the spatial distribution of the background emission. BeeP produces the following three new sets of parameters for each source: (a) fits to a modified blackbody (MBB) thermal emission model of the source; (b) SED-independent source flux densities at each frequency considered; and (c) fits to an MBB model of the background in which the source is embedded. BeeP also calculates, for each source, a reliability parameter, which takes into account confusion due to the surrounding cirrus. This parameter can be used to extract sub-samples of high-frequency sources with statistically well-understood properties. We define a high-reliability subset (BeeP/base), containing 26 083 sources (54.1% of the total PCCS2 catalogue), the majority of which have no information on reliability in the PCCS2. We describe the characteristics of this specific high-quality subset of PCCS2 and its validation against other data sets, specifically for: the sub-sample of PCCS2 located in low-cirrus areas; the Planck Catalogue of Galactic Cold Clumps; the Herschel GAMA15-field catalogue; and the temperature- and spectral-index-reconstructed dust maps obtained with Planck’s Generalized Needlet Internal Linear Combination method. The results of the BeeP extension of PCCS2, which are made publicly available via the Planck Legacy Archive, will enable the study of the thermal properties of well-defined samples of compact Galactic and extragalactic dusty sources.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Chiral algebra, localization, modularity, surface defects, and all that

We study the 2D vertex operator algebra (VOA) construction in 4D N = 2 superconformal field theories on S 3 × S 1 , focusing on both old puzzles and new observations. The VOA lives on a two-torus T 2 ⊂ S 3 × S 1 , it is 1 2 Z -graded, and this torus is equipped with the natural choice of spin structure (1,0) for the Z + 1 2 -graded operators, corresponding to the NS sector vacuum character. By analyzing the possible refinements of the Schur index that preserves the VOA, we find that it admits discrete deformations, which allows access to the remaining spin structures (1,1), (0,1), and (0,0), of which the latter two involve the inclusion of a particular surface defect. For Lagrangian theories, we perform the detailed analysis: we describe the natural supersymmetric background, perform localization, and derive the gauged symplectic boson action on a torus in any spin structure. In the absence of flavor fugacities, the 2D and 4D path integrals precisely match, including the Casimir factors. We further analyze the 2D theory: we identify its integration cycle and the two-point functions and interpret flavor holonomies as screening charges in the VOA. Next, we make some observations about modularity; the T-transformation acts on our four partition functions and lifts to a large diffeomorphism on S 3 × S 1 . More interestingly, we generalize the four partition functions on the torus to an infinite family labeled by both the spin structure and the integration cycle inside the complexified maximal torus of the gauge group. Members of this family transform into one another under the full modular group, and we confirm the recent observation that the S-transform of the Schur index in Lagrangian theories exhibits logarithmic behavior. Finally, we comment on how locally our background reproduces the Ω-background.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Two-color, intracavity pump–probe, cavity ringdown spectroscopy

Here, we report a proof-of-principle demonstration of intracavity pump–probe, cavity ringdown (CRD) detection in a three-mirror, traveling-wave cavity. With cavity-enhanced pump power and probe absorption path length, the technique is a generally applicable, high-sensitivity, high-selectivity detection method. In our experiments, the pump radiation is switched off during every other probe ringdown, which allows uncorrelated measurements of analyte and background cavity decay rates. The net, two-color signal from the difference between the pump-on and pump-off decay rates is immune to empty-CRD drifts and spectral overlaps from non-target molecular transitions. The immunity to the ringdown drifts allows longer signal-averaging and, thus, higher detection sensitivity. The ability to compensate for the background absorption enhances the detection selectivity in spectrally congested regions. Our technique is well-suited for trace-detection in the mid-IR region, where pump–probe schemes based on strong rovibrational transitions can be applied. In this work, two-color CRD detection is implemented on a ladder-type, three-level system based on the N 2 O, ν 3 = 1 ← 0, P(19) (pump) and ν 3 = 2 ← 1, R(18) (probe), rovibrational transitions. By frequency-locking two-quantum cascade lasers to the p-polarization (pump, Finesse = 5280) and s-polarization (probe, Finesse = 67 700) cavity modes, we achieve high intracavity pump power (36 W) and high probe ringdown rates (>2 kHz). The observed two-color spectra are simulated by a density-matrix, three-level system model that is solved under the constraints of the cavity resonance conditions. In addition to its background compensation capability, experimental flexibility in the selection of pump–probe schemes and signal insensitivity to intracavity laser power are further features that enhance the utility of our technique for mid-IR trace-detection.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hybrid particle-in-cell simulations of electromagnetic coupling and waves from streaming burst debris

Various systems can be modeled as a point-like explosion of ionized debris into a magnetized, collisionless background plasma-including astrophysical examples, active experiments in space, and laser-driven laboratory experiments. Debris streaming from the explosion parallel to the magnetic field may drive multiple resonant and non-resonant ion-ion beam instabilities, some of which can efficiently couple the debris energy to the background and may even support the formation of shocks. We present a large-scale hybrid (kinetic ions + fluid electrons) particle-in-cell simulation, extending hundreds of ion inertial lengths from a 3D explosion, that resolves these instabilities. We show that the character of these instabilities differs notably from the 1D equivalent by the presence of unique transverse structure. Additional 2D simulations explore how the debris beam length, width, density, and speed affect debris-background coupling, with implications for the generation of quasi-parallel shocks.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Stochastic exciton-scattering theory of optical line shapes: Renormalized many-body contributions

Spectral line shapes provide a window into the local environment coupled to a quantum transition in the condensed phase. In this paper, we build upon a stochastic model to account for non-stationary background processes produced by broad-band pulsed laser stimulation, as distinguished from those for stationary phonon bath. In particular, we consider the contribution of pair-fluctuations arising from the full bosonic many-body Hamiltonian within a mean-field approximation, treating the coupling to the system as a stochastic noise term. Herein, using the Itô transformation, we consider two limiting cases for our model, which lead to a connection between the observed spectral fluctuations and the spectral density of the environment. In the first case, we consider a Brownian environment and show that this produces spectral dynamics that relax to form dressed excitonic states and recover an Anderson–Kubo-like form for the spectral correlations. In the second case, we assume that the spectrum is Anderson–Kubo like and invert to determine the corresponding background. Using the Jensen inequality, we obtain an upper limit for the spectral density for the background. The results presented here provide the technical tools for applying the stochastic model to a broad range of problems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Contrast optimization of Fresnel zone plate imaging

Fresnel zone plates (FZPs) are circular diffractive elements that operate as a lens for x-rays. They have gained interest in the field of laser-plasma physics due to their ability to achieve higher spatial resolution than pinholes. Their design and implementation are complicated by the fact that a significant amount of the x-rays passing through the FZP will not diffract (zeroth order) and present a background to the measurement. This background can be large and inhomogeneous depending on the geometric setup of the experiment. Furthermore, we present calculations of the diffracted (first order) and un-diffracted (zeroth order) flux profiles, which makes it possible to optimize the contrast between the first order imaging rays and the zeroth order background. Calculations for the implementation of a central block in the FZP, designed to block the zeroth from the entire field of view, are also presented.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

X-ray continuum spectroscopy of inertial confinement fusion implosions at the National Ignition Facility

A methodology for measuring x-ray continuum spectra of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosions is described. The method relies on the use of ConSpec, a high-throughput spectrometer using a highly annealed pyrolytic graphite crystal , which measures the spectra in the ≃20–30 keV range. Due to its conical shape, the crystal is sagittally focusing a Bragg-reflected x-ray spectrum into a line, which enhances the recorded x-ray emission signal above the high neutron-induced background accompanying ICF implosions at the National Ignition Facility. To improve the overall measurement accuracy, the sensitivity of the spectrometer measured in an off-line x-ray laboratory setting was revised. The error analysis was expanded to include the accuracy of the off-line measurements, the effect of the neutron-induced background, as well as the influence of possible errors in alignment of the instrument to the ICF target. Here we demonstrate how the improved methodology is applied in the analysis of ConSpec data with examples of a relatively low-neutron-yield implosion using a tritium–hydrogen–deuterium mix as a fuel and a high-yield deuterium–tritium (DT) implosion producing high level of the background. In both cases, the shape of the measured spectrum agrees with the exponentially decaying spectral shape of bremsstrahlung emission to within ±10%. In the case of the high-yield DT experiment, non-monotonic deviations slightly exceeding the measurement uncertainties are observed and discussed.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Structured light approaches in laser-based plasma diagnostics

There is a growing demand for plasma diagnostics suitable for industrial plasma reactors employed in semiconductor nanofabrication, especially relevant to microelectronics and quantum information systems. Such reactors typically have limited optical access and pose considerable diagnostic challenges, including intense background emission, significant thermal loads, and contamination of optical viewports. In this study, we outline research into structured light techniques (laser beams with tailored spatial, temporal, or phase characteristics) that effectively overcome these issues using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) as an example. The focus of presented diagnostics is on ion kinetics analysis within an industrial plasma source, although this approach is broadly applicable to other plasma systems and diagnostic contexts. We present a confocal LIF implementation using an axicon-generated Bessel annular beam, achieving spatial resolutions of approximately 5 mm at a focal distance of 300 mm, with potential improvements to about 1 mm. This approach matches conventional orthogonal LIF performance but requires only one optical port. Wavelength-modulation LIF employs nonlinear laser wavelength tuning to measure spectral line derivatives, suppressing background emission and enhancing details of spectral line shape. Additionally, we present new results on applying vortex beams (laser beams carrying orbital angular momentum, OAM) for LIF measurements in an industrial plasma device. These measurements enable simultaneous axial and tangential velocity determination using a single laser beam and have been tested with xenon ion transition. Initial quantification of results was performed. Together, these structured-light approaches provide robust, background-resilient, multi-dimensional diagnostics for complex plasma environments.

Romadanov, Ivan [Princeton Plasma Physics Laborato↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electron cyclotron drift instability and anomalous transport: two-fluid moment theory and modeling

In the presence of a strong electric field perpendicular to the magnetic field, the electron cross-field (E × B) flow relative to the unmagnetized ions can cause the so-called electron cyclotron drift instability (ECDI) due to resonances of the ion acoustic mode and the electron cyclotron harmonics. This occurs in, for example, collisionless shock ramps in space, and in E × B discharge devices such as Hall thrusters. A prominent feature of ECDI is its capability to induce an electron flow parallel to the background >E field at a speed greatly exceeding predictions by classical collision theory. Such anomalous transport is important due to its role in particle thermalization at space shocks, and in causing plasma flows towards the walls of E × B devices, leading to unfavorable erosion and performance degradation, etc. The development of ECDI and anomalous transport is often considered requiring a fully kinetic treatment. In this work, however, we demonstrate that a reduced variant of this instability, and more importantly, the associated anomalous transport, can be treated self-consistently in a collisionless two-fluid framework without any adjustable collision parameter. By treating both electron and ion species on an equal footing, the free energy due to the inter-species velocity shear allows the growth of an anomalous electron flow parallel to the background E field. We will first present linear analyses of the instability in the two-fluid five- and ten-moment models, and compare them against the fully-kinetic theory. At low temperatures, the two-fluid models predict the fastest-growing mode in good agreement with the kinetic result. Also, by including more (> = 10) moments, secondary (and possibly higher) unstable branches can be recovered. The dependence of the instability on ion-to-electron mass ratio, plasma temperature, and background B field strength is also thoroughly explored. We then carry out direct numerical simulations of the cross-field setup using the five-moment model. The development of the instability, as well as the anomalous transport, is confirmed and in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. The force balance properties are also studied using the five-moment simulation data. Here this work casts new insights into the nature of ECDI and the associated anomalous transport and demonstrates the potential of the two-fluid moment model in efficient modeling of E × B plasmas.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Cosmological probes of Dark Radiation from Neutrino Mixing

Abstract Models of stepped dark radiation have recently been found to have an important impact on the anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background, aiding in easing the Hubble tension. In this work, we study models with a sector of dark radiation with a step in its abundance, which thermalizes after big bang nucleosynthesis by mixing with the standard model neutrinos. For this, we extend an earlier work which has focused on the background evolution only until the dark sector thermalizes by deriving the full background and perturbation equations of the model and implementing them in an Einstein-Boltzmann solving code. We expound on the behavior of this model, discussing the wide range of parameters that result in interesting and viable cosmologies that dynamically generate dark radiation during a range of epochs. We find that for the strongly self-coupled regime, there is no large cosmological impact for a tight prior on the mass, whereas larger mass ranges allow a smooth interpolation between a behavior close to the ΛCDM cosmological standard model and close to an additional component of strongly self-interacting dark radiation. In the weakly self-coupled regime we find that we can accommodate a parameter space relevant for the neutrino anomalies as well as one relevant to easing the Hubble tension.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗
DOE OSTI2020

Probe Chiral Magnetic Effect with Signed Balance Function

In this paper a pair of observables are proposed as alternative ways, by examining the fluctuation of net momentum-ordering of charged pairs, to study the charge separation induced by the Chiral Magnetic Effect (CME) in relativistic heavy ion collisions. They are, the out-of-plane to in-plane ratio of fluctuation of the difference between signed balance functions measured in pair’s rest frame, and the ratio of it to similar measurement made in the laboratory frame. In this work, both observables have been studied with simulations including flow-related backgrounds, and for the first time, backgrounds that are related to resonance's global spin alignment. The two observables have similar positive responses to signal, and opposite, limited responses to identifiable backgrounds arising from resonance flow and spin alignment. Both observables have also been tested with two realistic models, namely, a multi-phase transport (AMPT) model and the anomalous-viscous fluid dynamics (AVFD) model. These two observables, when cross examined, will provide useful insights in the study of CME-induced charge separation.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

The role of B T -dependent flows on W accumulation at the edge of the confined plasma

Abstract Near-separatrix impurity accumulation between the crown and the outer midplane of tokamaks is a common feature in results from codes such as SOLPS-ITER and DIVIMP; however, experimental evidence of accumulation has only recently been obtained and is reported here. The codes find that the poloidal distribution of impurity ions in the scrape-off layer (SOL) depends primarily on toroidal field ( B T )-dependent parallel flow patterns of the background plasma and the parallel ion temperature gradient (∇ ‖ T ion ) force. Experimentally, Mach probes used in L-mode plasmas with favorable (for H-mode access) B T measure fast ( M ∼ 0.3–0.5) inner-target-directed (ITD) background plasma flows at the crown of single-null discharges. This study reports a set of DIVIMP simulations for two similar H-mode discharges from the DIII-D W metal rings campaign differing primarily in B T -direction to assess the effect that fast ITD flows have on the distribution of W ions in the SOL. It is found that for imposed ITD flows of M = 0.3, W ions that otherwise accumulate due to the ∇ ‖ T ion -force are largely flushed out. It is also found that doubling the radial diffusion coefficient from 0.3 to 0.6 m 2 s −1 prevents accumulation due to rapid cross-field transport into the far-SOL, where background plasma flows drain W ions to the divertors. Far-SOL W distributions from DIVIMP are then used to specify input to the impurity transport code 3DLIM, which is used to interpretively model collector probe (CP) deposition patterns measured in the ‘wall-SOL’. It is demonstrated that the deposition patterns are consistent with the DIVIMP predictions of near-SOL accumulation for the unfavorable- B T direction, and little/no accumulation for the favorable- B T direction. The wall-SOL CPs have thus provided the first experimental evidence, albeit indirect, of near-SOL W accumulation—finding it occurs for the unfavorable- B T direction only. For the favorable- B T direction, fast flows can largely prevent accumulation from occurring.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Detector and Physics Performance at a Muon Collider

A muon collider represents the ideal machine to reach very high center-of-mass energies and luminosities by colliding elementary particles. This is the result of the low level of beamstrahlung and synchrotron radiation compared to linear or circular electron-positron colliders. In contrast with other lepton machines, the design of a detector for a multi-TeV muon collider requires detailed knowledge of the interaction region due to the significant backgrounds created by muon beam decays in the collider ring. The physics reach can be properly evaluated only when the detector performance in such an environment is determined. In this work, the backgrounds generated by muon beams of 750 GeV are characterized and the performance of the tracking system and the calorimeter detector is illustrated. Solutions to minimize the effect of the beam-induced backgrounds are discussed and applied to obtain track and jet reconstruction performance. The μ + μ – → $Hν\bar{ν} → b\bar{b} ν\bar{ν}$ process is fully simulated and reconstructed to demonstrate that physics measurements are possible in this harsh environment. The measurement precision for the Higgs boson coupling to $b\bar{b}$ is evaluated for $\sqrt{s}$=1.5, 3, and 10 TeV and compared to other proposed machines.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Investigation of ASIC-based signal readout electronics for LEGEND-1000

LEGEND, the Large Enriched Germanium Experiment for Neutrinoless ββ Decay, is a ton-scale experimental program to search for neutrinoless double beta (0νββ) decay in the isotope 76 Ge with an unprecedented sensitivity. Building on the success of the low-background 76 Ge-based GERDA and Majorana Demonstrator experiments, the LEGEND collaboration is targeting a signal discovery sensitivity beyond 10 28 yr on the decay half-life with approximately 10 t∙yr of exposure. Signal readout electronics in close proximity to the detectors plays a major role in maximizing the experiment's discovery sensitivity by reducing electronic noise and improving pulse shape analysis capabilities for the rejection of backgrounds. However, the proximity also poses unique challenges for the radiopurity of the electronics. Application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technology allows the implementation of the entire charge sensitive amplifier (CSA) into a single low-mass chip while improving the electronic noise and reducing the power consumption. In this work, we investigated the properties and electronic performance of a commercially available ASIC CSA, the XGLab CUBE preamplifier, together with a p-type point contact high-purity germanium detector. We show that low noise levels and excellent energy resolutions can be obtained with this readout. Moreover, we demonstrate the viability of pulse shape discrimination techniques for reducing background events.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Pulse shape discrimination in CUPID-Mo using principal component analysis

CUPID-Mo is a cryogenic detector array designed to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay ($0\nu\beta\beta$) of $^{100}$Mo. It uses 20 scintillating $^{100}$Mo-enriched Li$_2$MoO$_4$ bolometers instrumented with Ge light detectors to perform active suppression of $\alpha$ backgrounds, drastically reducing the expected background in the $0\nu\beta\beta$ signal region. As a result, pileup events and small detector instabilities that mimic normal signals become non-negligible potential backgrounds. These types of events can in principle be eliminated based on their signal shapes, which are different from those of regular bolometric pulses. We show that a purely data-driven principal component analysis based approach is able to filter out these anomalous events, without the aid of detector response simulations.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗