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At least 775 records · Page 43
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Effect of growth dynamics on the structural, photophysical and pseudocapacitance properties of famatinite copper antimony sulphide colloidal nanostructures (including nanosheets)

Facile phase selective synthesis of copper antimony sulphide (CAS) nanostructures is important because of their tunable photoconductive and electrochemical properties. In this study, off-stoichiometric famatinite phase CAS (fCAS) quasi-spherical and quasi-hexagonal colloidal nanostructures (including nanosheets) of sizes, 2.4–18.0 nm were grown under variable conditions of temperature (60–200 °C), time and oleylamine capping ligand concentration using copper(II) acetylacetonate and antimony(III) diethyldithiocarbamate precursors. Data from powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and high-resolution scanning/transmission electron microscopy confirm the tetragonal structure of the famatinite phase. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy data suggest a correlation of particle size, morphology and composition of the off-stoichiometric fCAS nanostructures with growth temperature and time, and oleylamine concentration. The off-stoichiometric Cu 3-a Sb 1+b S 4±c (a, b, c – mole fractions) nanostructures being severely copper-deficient and antimony-rich, exhibit shallow-lying acceptor copper vacancy states, deep-lying donor states of antimony interstitials, sulphur vacancies and antimony-copper antisites and shallow-lying acceptor surface trapping states. Further, these electronic states are likely implicated in tunable UV-visible absorption and bandgaps between 2.3 and 2.8 eV, and broad visible-NIR photoluminescence with fast recombination of radiative lifetimes between 0.2 and 6.2 ns, confirmed from absorption, steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopies. Additionally, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirm that electrodes of the fCAS nanostructures display slightly variable pseudocapacitance of charge-storage primarily via possible sodium ion intercalation with a high specific capacitance of ~84 F g -1 obtained at a scan rate of 5 mV s -1 . Overall, these results show the influence of composition, in particular point defects, phase quality and morphology on the optical and pseudocapacitance properties of fCAS nanostructures, suitable as solar absorbers or electrodes for energy storage devices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1992

Evolution of the Quadrantid meteor stream

According to previous orbital calculations, the last close approach of the Quadrantid stream with Jupiter occurred 3200 years ago at which time the parent comet of the stream may have been captured into its present short-period orbit. If this is the case the stream may only be a few thousand years old. We have modeled the evolution of the stream to determine if such a short time scale is consistent with the observed features of the Quadrantid/ delta- Aquarid/Arietid/Ursid complex. A detailed modeling of a stream consisting of 500 test particles released 4000 yr ago and which included the effects of the gravitational perturbations of 6 planets as well as the likely spread in the initial orbital elements resulting from the ejection of the grains from the comet was carried out. Our calculations indicate that an intense shower should be seen a few days before the Quadrantid shower, and that, 4000 yr is too short a period for the branch corresponding to the D-Arietid branch to appear. We have considered the quasi-constants of motion 1/a and J, the Tisserand quantity, and find that the Ursids and the D-Arietids are unlikely to be members of the complex, and that, the complex is probably be less than 4000 yr old.

Jones, James↗
NASA NTRS1994

Low and middle altitude cusp particle signatures for general magnetopause reconnection rate variations. 1: Theory

We present predictions of the signatures of magnetosheath particle precipitation (in the regions classified as open low-latitude boundary layer, cusp, mantle and polar cap) for periods when the interplanetary magnetic field has a southward component. These are made using the 'pulsating cusp' model of the effects of time-varying magnetic reconnection at the dayside magnetopause. Predictions are made for both low-altitude satellites in the topside ionosphere and for midaltitude spacecraft in the magnetosphere. Low-altitude cusp signatures, which show a continuous ion dispersion signature, reveal 'quasi-steady reconnection' (one limit of the pulsating cusp model), which persists for a period of at least 10 min. We estimate that 'quasi-steady' in this context corresponds to fluctuations in the reconnection rate of a factor of 2 or less. The other limit of the pulsating cusp model explains the instantaneous jumps in the precipitating ion spectrum that have been observed at low altitudes. Such jumps are produced by isolated pulses of reconnection: that is, they are separated by intervals when the reconnection rate is zero. These also generate convecting patches on the magnetopause in which the field lines thread the boundary via a rotational discontinuity separated by more extensive regions of tangential discontinuity. Predictions of the corresponding ion precipitation signatures seen by midaltitude spacecraft are presented. We resolve the apparent contradiction between estimates of the width of the injection region from midaltitude data and the concept of continuous entry of solar wind plasma along open field lines. In addition, we reevaluate the use of pitch angle-energy dispersion to estimate the injection distance.

Lockwood, M.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Dose Calibration of the ISS-RAD Fast Neutron Detector

The ISS-RAD instrument has been fabricated by Southwest Research Institute and delivered to NASA for flight to the ISS in late 2015 or early 2016. ISS-RAD is essentially two instruments that share a common interface to ISS. The two instruments are the Charged Particle Detector (CPD), which is very similar to the MSL-RAD detector on Mars, and the Fast Neutron Detector (FND), which is a boron-loaded plastic scintillator with readout optimized for the 0.5 to 10 MeV energy range. As the FND is completely new, it has been necessary to develop methodology to allow it to be used to measure the neutron dose and dose equivalent. This talk will focus on the methods developed and their implementation using calibration data obtained in quasi-monoenergetic (QMN) neutron fields at the PTB facility in Braunschweig, Germany. The QMN data allow us to determine an approximate response function, from which we estimate dose and dose equivalent contributions per detected neutron as a function of the pulse height. We refer to these as the "pSv per count" curves for dose equivalent and the "pGy per count" curves for dose. The FND is required to provide a dose equivalent measurement with an accuracy of 10% of the known value in a calibrated AmBe field. Four variants of the analysis method were developed, corresponding to two different approximations of the pSv per count curve, and two different implementations, one for real-time analysis onboard ISS and one for ground analysis. We will show that the preferred method, when applied in either real-time or ground analysis, yields good accuracy for the AmBe field. We find that the real-time algorithm is more susceptible to chance-coincidence background than is the algorithm used in ground analysis, so that the best estimates will come from the latter.

Zeitlin, C.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Generation of Kappa Distributions in Solar Wind at 1 au

We examine the generation of kappa distributions in the solar wind plasma near 1 au. Several mechanisms are mentioned in the literature, each characterized by a specific relationship between the solar wind plasma features, the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), and the kappa index-the parameter that governs the kappa distributions. This relationship serves as a signature condition that helps the identification of the mechanism in the plasma. In general, a mechanism that generates kappa distributions involves a single or a series of stochastic or physical processes that induces local correlations among particles. We identify three fundamental solar wind plasma conditions that can generate kappa distributions, noted as (i) Debye shielding, (ii) frozen IMF, and (iii) temperature fluctuations, each one prevailing in different scales of solar wind plasma and magnetic field properties. Moreover, our findings show that the kappa distributions, and thus, their generating mechanisms, vary significantly with solar wind features: (i) the kappa index has different dependence on the solar wind speed for slow and fast modes, i.e., slow wind is characterized by a quasi-constant kappa index, K (is) approx. 4.3 +/- 0.7, while fast wind exhibits kappa indices that increase with bulk speed; (ii) the dispersion of magnetosonic waves is more effective for lower kappa indices (i.e., further from thermal equilibrium); and (iii) the kappa and polytropic indices are positively correlated, as it was anticipated by the theory.

Livadiotis, G.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Electron distributions in quasi-perpendicular shocks: Simulations

One of the outstanding problems of collisionless shock physics is the microphysical description of electron thermalization and associated wave processes. Observations at the Earth's bow shock have shown various features in the electron velocity distribution such as a loss-cone, temperature anisotropies, and beams before a thermalized, flat-topped distribution is reached downstream. It is generally believed that in addition to the macroscopic fields, which determine the overall mapping of the distribution function, electromagnetic whistler waves and lower hybrid waves are responsible for the pitch-angle scattering and thermalization of the electrons. However, a genuine physical explanation requires analysis of the evolution of the electron distribution in the self-consistent wave fields. Particle simulations are ideally suited to do this, and include processes in which both electrons and ions are involved, such as cross-field streaming instabilities. We show results from l-D and 2-D simulations using an implicit code, which allows time steps large compared to the inverse electron plasma frequency. It is shown that in order to capture the correct propagation characteristics of the waves, a large mass ratio between the protons and electrons is generally necessary. Detailed diagnostics of the waves as well as the evolution of the electron velocity distribution will be presented and will be discussed in the frame work of satellite observations.

Pantellini, F.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Properties of a large-scale interplanetary loop structure as deduced from low-energy proton anisotropy and magnetic field measurements

Correlated particle and magnetic field measurements by the ISEE 3 spacecraft are presented for the loop structure behind the interplanetary traveling shock event of Nov. 12, 1978. Following the passage of the turbulent shock region, strong bidirectional streaming of low-energy protons is observed for approximately 6 hours, corresponding to a loop thickness of about 0.07 AU. This region is also characterized by a low relative variance of the magnetic field, a depressed proton intensity, and a reduction in the magnetic power spectral density. Using quasi-linear theory applied to a slab model, a value of 3 AU is derived for the mean free path during the passage of the closed loop. It is inferred from this observation that the proton regime associated with the loop structure is experiencing scatter-free transport and that either the length of the loop is approximately 3 AU between the sun and the earth or else the protons are being reflected at both ends of a smaller loop.

Tranquille, C.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electronic states dressed by an out-of-plane supermodulation in the quasi-two-dimensional kagome superconductor CsV 3 Sb 5

CsV 3 Sb 5 has attracted much recent attention as the first quasi-two-dimensional (2D) kagome superconductor. While the kagome layers are 2D in nature, increasing evidence has pointed to the importance of out-of-plane correlation in this material. However, it remains unclear whether such correlation can change the fundamental electronic structure of the quasi-2D system. Here, we reveal this missing piece of information, using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, complemented by scanning tunneling microscope measurements. The three-dimensional electronic structures in the high-temperature state are revealed, which agree well with density-functional theory calculations. Electron energy bands are observed in the low-temperature state that exhibit additional periodicities along the out-of-plane momentum. Furthermore, these results reveal a direct response to the out-of-plane electronic supermodulation in the single-particle spectral function of CsV 3 Sb 5 , thus establishing an electronic platform to examine emergent phenomena beyond 2D limit in kagome superconductors.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1983

Waves observed upstream of interplanetary shocks

The properties of the waves that are present upstream of interplanetary, collisionless, quasi-parallel shocks are described. Two types of such waves have been detected, a higher frequency whistler mode wave and a lower frequency fast mode MHD wave. Both are typically circular or elliptically polarized right-hand waves which propagate along the ambient magnetic field with a 15 deg angle cone. The high frequency waves have sufficient group velocities to outrun the shock, and may be generated by cyclotron resonance with 100 eV to 1 keV shock electrons. The lower frequency waves must be generated locally by particles upstream of the shock, probably by 1-10 keV ions flowing away from the shock. Distinct changes in the spectra of upstream waves as a function of distance from the shock have been noted.

Tsurutani, B. T.↗
NASA NTRS1990

A survey of upwelling ion event characteristics

Quasi-static electric field data collected by the DE-1 spacecraft were used to study ionospheric ion upwelling events observed in the vicinity of the dayside cleft. Bulk plasma parameters such as ion-species density and field-aligned bulk velocity and flux were derived at points within several upwelling ion events for the H(+), He(+), O(+), and O(2+), and the ion-species bulk parameters near the source altitude were compared. It was found that O(+) ions comprise about 90 percent of the upwelling particle density, followed by H(+) at less than 10 percent; He(+) and O(2+) contribute about 1 percent each. The upwelling O(+) flux is also dominant, followed by upward H(+) flux, which is relatively more significant than the fractional H(+) density, due to its high upward flow velocity.

Pollock, C. J.↗
DOE OSTI2023

A subdivision-stabilized B-spline mixed material point method

Subjected to external loadings, polymeric materials, e.g., biological tissues, hydrogels, and elastomers, may undergo extreme, nearly incompressible, (self-)contact deformations. For numerical modeling employing mesh-based techniques such as the finite element method (FEM), these deformations pose significant challenges due to large distortions in the deformed geometry, accuracy issues stemming from volumetric locking effects, and increased computational cost from complex contact searches. As an alternative to mesh-based methods, the material point method (MPM), a continuum-based particle technique, is gaining attention for its ability to handle extreme distortions and capture no-slip contact without added cost. For nearly incompressible material behaviors, while mixed formulations can address locking effects by treating displacements and pressure as independent fields, they can suffer from numerical instabilities close to the incompressibility limit due to the violation of the inf-sup condition, leading to inaccurate nodal pressure solutions. Here we propose an efficient and stable mixed B-spline material point method with highest achievable regularity for quasi-compressible polymeric materials. Using the two-scale relation of B-splines, we introduce a subdivision-stabilization for the two-field mixed MPM and obtain numerically stable, oscillation-free nodal solutions with equal-order interpolations with optimal regularity. Building on the Eulerian-Lagrangian nature of MPM, a previously-converged solution framework is adopted to mitigate issues related to cell-crossing and numerical fracture artifact present in standard MPM. We assess the stability and accuracy of the developed mixed MPM at large deformations for soft materials through the benchmark Cook’s membrane problem. Additionally, we test the robustness of the proposed MPM by modeling several examples, including the compression and indentation of a circular block into a quasi-compressible substrate and the twisting deformation of a rectangular block. The findings demonstrate the MPM’s capabilities for modeling practical soft material applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

The role of cellular structure, non-equilibrium eutectic phases and precipitates on quasi-static strengthening mechanisms of as-built AlSi10Mg parts 3D printed via laser powder bed fusion

The quasi-static loading strengthening mechanism in the as-built state of an AlSi10Mg alloy 3D-printed via Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) was thoroughly identified and quantified using state-of-the-art electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction techniques. The yield strength was comprehensively modelled through an in-depth characterization and quantification of the microstructural features as well as their effective volumes for strengthening. In particular, the non-equilibrium eutectic network was characterized with a two-fold structure: cell boundary particles as well as intracellular lamellar/fibrous networks, each consisting of discrete phases exhibiting a thru-thickness compositional gradient, a semi-coherent interface with the matrix and an abundance of crystal defects such as nano-sized sub-grains, microstrains and stacking faults. Further, these altogether made the eutectic phase the most potent contributor to the yield strength accounting for ~30–40% of the estimated value (i.e., cell boundary and eutectic network strengthening combined). Precipitates strengthening was identified as the second most potent mechanism via a shearing process only. Moreover, the presented methodology was able to capture the effect of LPBF processing variables on the individual strengthening contributions, e.g., the effect of a lower laser scanning speed on increasing the cell size as well as the mean precipitate size, which are shown to exhibit opposing impacts on strengthening.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Meson Spectroscopy at CLAS and CLAS12: an overview of selected results

Hadron spectroscopy is a valuable tool to experimentally investigate the low-energy, non-perturbative QCD regime, corresponding to the dominant manifestation of the strong force in Nature, in terms of hadrons that constitute the bulk of the visible mass of the Universe. In particular, the measurement of the mesons spectrum, searching for exotic states not compatible with the Quark Model, would provide access to the gluonic degrees of freedom that bind particles together. A broad program to study meson spectroscopy in the light quark sector started at Jefferson Laboratory during the previous 6-GeV period. The CLAS experiment in Hall B used a Bremmstrahlung tagged photon beam impinging on a proton target to provide the first measurement of many photoproduction reactions. Currently, in the 12-GeV era, the MesonEx experiment continues this physics effort, exploiting the larger beam energy and intensity. MesonEx employs low-Q2 electron scattering as a technique to produce an intense and highly energetic quasi-real photon beam. In the experiment, the low-angle scattered electron is measured in a dedicated detector, the Forward Tagger, in coincidence with final state hadrons measured in the CLAS12 spectrometer. In this talk, after discussing some selected results from the CLAS program, I'll present the ongoing MesonEx experiment, showing some preliminary results.

Celentano, Andrea↗
DOE OSTI2021

Techno-Economic Analysis of a Concentrating Solar Power Plant Using Redox-Active Metal Oxides as Heat Transfer Fluid and Storage Media

We present results for a one-dimensional quasi-steady-state thermodynamic model developed for a 111.7 MW e concentrating solar power (CSP) system using a redox-active metal oxide as the heat storage media and heat transfer agent integrated with a combined cycle air Brayton power block. In the energy charging and discharging processes, the metal oxide CaAl 0.2 Mn 0.8 O 2.9-δ (CAM28) undergoes a reversible, high temperature redox cycle including an endothermic oxygen-releasing reaction and exothermic oxygen-incorporation reaction. Concentrated solar radiation heats the redox-active oxide particles under partial vacuum to drive the reduction extent deeper for increased energy density at a fixed temperature, thereby increasing storage capacity while limiting the required on sun temperature. Direct counter-current contact of the reduced particles with compressed air from the Brayton compressor releases stored chemical and sensible energy, heating the air to 1,200°C at the turbine inlet while cooling and reoxidizing the particles. The cool oxidized particles recirculate through the solar receiver subsystem for another cycle of heating and reduction (oxygen release). We applied the techno-economic model to 1) size components, 2) examine intraday operation with varying solar insolation, 3) estimate annual performance characteristics over a simulated year, 4) estimate the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), and 5) perform sensitivity analyses to evaluate factors that affect performance and cost. Simulations use hourly solar radiation data from Barstow, California to assess the performance of a 111.7 MW e system with solar multiples (SMs) varying from 1.2 to 2.4 and storage capacities of 6–14 h. The baseline system with 6 h storage and SM of 1.8 has a capacity factor of 54.2%, an increase from 32.3% capacity factor with no storage, and an average annual energy efficiency of 20.6%. Calculations show a system with an output of 710 GWh e net electricity per year, 12 h storage, and SM of 2.4 to have an installed cost of $329 million, and an LCOE of 5.98 ¢/kWh e . This value meets the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot 2020 target of 6.0 ¢/kWh e ( U. S Department of Energy, 2012 ), but falls just shy of the 5.0 ¢/kWh e 2030 CSP target for dispatchable electricity ( U. S Department of Energy, 2017 ). The cost and performance results are minimally sensitive to most design parameters. However, a one-point change in the weighted annual cost of capital from 8 to 7% (better understood as a 12.5% change) translates directly to an 11% decrease (0.66 ¢/kWhe) in the LCOE.

Gorman, Brandon T.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Interplanetary propagation of flare-associated energetic particles

The basic propagation process of flare-associated energetic particles in interplanetary space is studied on the basis of a model which combines a Gaussian coronal injection profile and interplanetary particle densities found by a theory of focused diffusion. The model is used to describe 30 electron and proton events which originate from the western hemisphere of the sun. A comparison of calculated and observed density profiles shows that the scattering mean free path is 0.1-0.3 AU for 4-80 MeV protons. The value is two or three times smaller for 0.5-1.1 and 3-12 MeV electrons. Thus the scattering mean free path is only slightly rigidity-dependent, contrary to that predicted by the quasi-linear theory of pitch-angle scattering. The rms width is found to be less than an hour for most proton and electron events. This width, which decreases with velocity, is not rigidity-dependent.

Ma Sung, L. S.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Low-frequency fluctuations in the magnetosheath near the magnetopause

There are four low-frequency modes which may propagate in a high-beta nearly bi-Maxwellian plasma. These are the magnetosonic, Alfven, ion acoustic, and mirror modes. This manuscript defines a procedure based on linear Vlasov theory for the unique identification of these modes by use of transport ratios, dimensionless ratios of the fluctuating field and plasma quantities. A single parameter, the mode deviation is calculated using the plasma and magnetic field data gathered by the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers/Ion Release Module (AMPTE/IRM) spacecraft to identify the modes observed in the terrestial magnetosheath near the magnetopause. As well as determining the mode which best describes the observed fluctuations, it gives us a measure of whether or not the resulting identification is unique. Using 17 time periods temporally close to a magnetopause crossing, and confining our study to the frequency range from 0.01 to 0.04 Hz, we find that the only clearly identified mode in this frequency range is the mirror mode. Most commonly, the quasi-perpendicular mirror mode (with wave vector k roughly perpendicular to the background magnetic field B(sub zero) is observed. In two events the quasi-parallel mirror mode k parallel B(sub zero) was identified.

Denton, Richard E.↗
NASA NTRS2016

First NuSTAR Observations of the BL Lac-Type Blazar PKS 2155-304: Constraints on the Jet Content and Distribution of Radiating Particles

We report the first hard X-ray observations with NuSTAR of the BL Lac-type blazar PKS2155-304, augmented with soft X-ray data from XMM-Newton and gamma-ray data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope, obtained in 2013April when the source was in a very low flux state. A joint NuSTAR and XMM spectrum, covering the energy range 0.5-60 keV, is best described by a model consisting of a log-parabola component with curvature Beta = -0.3(+0.2 -0.1) and a (local) photon index 3.04 +/- 0.15 at photon energy of 2 keV, and a hard power-law tail with photon index 2.2 +/- 0.4. The hard X-ray tail can be smoothly joined to the quasi-simultaneous gamma-ray spectrum by a synchrotron self-Compton component produced by an electron distribution with index p 2.2. Assuming that the power-law electron distribution extends down to gamma (sub min) = 1 and that there is one proton per electron, an unrealistically high total jet power of Lp approximately 10 (exp 47) erg s(sub -1) is inferred. This can be reduced by two orders of magnitude either by considering a significant presence of electron-positron pairs with lepton-to-proton ratio n(sub e+e-/n(sub p) approx. 30, or by introducing an additional, low-energy break in the electron energy distribution at the electron Lorentz factor gamma br1 approx. 100. In either case, the jet composition is expected to be strongly matter-dominated

gamma ray↗
DOE OSTI2020

Open quantum systems and Schwinger-Keldysh holograms

We initiate the study of open quantum field theories using holographic methods. Specifically, we consider a quantum field theory (the system) coupled to a holographic field theory at finite temperature (the environment). We investigate the effects of integrating out the holographic environment with an aim of obtaining an effective dynamics for the resulting open quantum field theory. The influence functionals which enter this open effective action are determined by the real-time (Schwinger-Keldysh) correlation functions of the holographic thermal environment. To evaluate the latter, we exploit recent developments, wherein the semiclassical gravitational Schwinger-Keldysh saddle geometries were identified as complexified black hole spacetimes. We compute real-time correlation functions using holographic methods in these geometries, and argue that they lead to a sensible open effective quantum dynamics for the system in question, a question that hitherto had been left unanswered. In addition to shedding light on open quantum systems coupled to strongly correlated thermal environments, our results also provide a principled computation of Schwinger-Keldysh observables in gravity and holography. In particular, these influence functionals we compute capture both the dissipative physics of black hole quasi- normal modes, as well as that of the fluctuations encoded in outgoing Hawking quanta, and interactions between them. We obtain results for these observables at leading order in a low frequency and momentum expansion in general dimensions, in addition to determining explicit results for two dimensional holographic CFT environments.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗