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At least 811 records · Page 45

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DOE OSTI2023

Confinement time and ambipolar potential in a relativistic mirror-confined plasma

Advanced aneutronic fusion fuels such as proton-Boron 11 tend to require much higher temperatures than conventional fuels like deuterium–tritium. For electrons, the bulk plasma temperature can approach a substantial fraction of the rest mass. In a mirror confinement system, where the electrons are confined by an ambipolar potential of at least five electron temperatures, the tail electrons which can escape the potential are fully relativistic, which must be taken into account in calculating their confinement. In this paper, simple estimates are employed to extend the scaling of the confinement time into the relativistic regime. By asymptotically matching this scaling to known solutions in the non-relativistic limit, accurate forms for the confinement time (and thus, the ambipolar potential) are obtained. Furthermore, these forms are verified using finite-element-based Fokker–Planck simulations over a wide range of parameters. Comparing relativistic and nonrelativistic mirror-confined plasmas with the same ratio of confining potential |eΦ| to electron temperature T e and the same mirror ratio R, the net result is a decrease in the confinement time due to relativistic effects by a factor of S ≡ (1 + 15T e /8m e c 2 )/(1 + 2|eΦ|/m e c 2 )⁠.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Electron cyclotron emission detection of neoclassical tearing modes for control for ITER

Successful operation of ITER requires control of magnetic instabilities including neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs) that can degrade confinement and lead to disruption. Low latency detection by electron cyclotron emission (ECE) diagnostics has been demonstrated in a few current experiments. Using a synthetic diagnostic, we demonstrate low latency NTM detection for ITER with plasmas described by ITER IMAS database scenarios and with realistic limitations imposed on the instrumentation by these high temperature scenarios. 2/1 NTMs are detected 430 ms after magnetic island seeding and before island locking. The radiometer configuration was optimized using simulation, and the smallest detectable island size was explored. Island sizes of ∼3 cm are detectable at the 2/1 surface. The simulated signals incorporate recent physics models for island growth and rotation, which show early locking and continued island growth after locking and before disruption. This work determines limits for ITER ECE spatial resolution imposed by relativistic broadening of channels, which informs hardware design. Real-time detection is demonstrated in hardware that is required by ITER, including on an NI PXI-7853R FPGA system. Development of a synthetic diagnostic and details of the hardware will be discussed.

Cyclotron radiation↗

DOE OSTI2024

Frontier system-on-chip (SoC) technology for microwave diagnostics (invited)

The next generation of fusion reactors, exemplified by projects such as the Demonstration Power Plant following the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, faces the monumental challenge of proving the viability of generating electricity through thermonuclear fusion. This pursuit introduces heightened complexities in diagnostic methodologies, particularly in microwave-based diagnostics. The increased neutron fluence necessitates significant reductions in vessel penetrations and the elimination of internal diagnostics, posing substantial challenges. SoC technology offers a promising solution by enabling the miniaturization, modularization, integration, and enhancing the reliability of microwave systems. After seven years of research, our team successfully pioneered the V- and W-band system-on-chip approach, leading to the development of active transmitters and passive receiver modules applied in practical settings, notably within the DIII-D tokamak project. Arrays of these modules have supported microwave imaging diagnostics. New physics measurement results from the Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging system on DIII-D provide compelling evidence of improved diagnostics following the adoption of SoC technology. Furthermore, we achieved a breakthrough in developing an F-band SoC, advancing higher frequency capabilities for fusion devices. These achievements represent a significant leap forward in fusion diagnostic technology, marking substantial progress toward establishing reliable and efficient plasma diagnostics for future fusion reactors.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

Design of a correlation reflectometer radiometer diagnostic and measurements of the electron density–temperature cross-phase angle in the H-mode pedestal with small edge localized modes at ASDEX Upgrade

This work presents the hardware design and first results from a newly commissioned correlation reflectometer radiometer diagnostic that measures the cross-phase angle between electron density and temperature fluctuations in ASDEX Upgrade plasmas. This diagnostic employs cross correlations between signals measured by a tunable, continuous wave, perpendicular incidence, fluctuation reflectometer, and a 24-channel radiometer sharing the same line of sight. Novel measurements in the pedestal of a helium H-mode plasma with small edge localized modes show changes in the cross-phase angle between the electron density and temperature fluctuations from ∼90° to 120°, suggesting changes in the properties of the turbulence driving transport in the plasma edge.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

A physics-constrained deep learning treatment of runaway electron dynamics

An adjoint formulation leveraging a physics-informed neural network (PINN) is employed to advance the density moment of a runaway electron (RE) distribution forward in time. A distinguishing feature of this approach is that once the adjoint problem is solved, its solution can be used to project the RE density forward in time for an arbitrary initial momentum space distribution of REs. Furthermore, by employing a PINN, a parametric solution to the adjoint problem can be learned. Thus, once trained, this adjoint-deep learning framework is able to efficiently project the RE density forward in time across various plasma conditions while still including a fully kinetic description of RE dynamics. As an example application, the temporal evolution of the density of primary electrons is studied, with particular emphasis on evaluating the decay of a RE population when below threshold. Predictions from the adjoint-deep learning framework are found to be in good agreement with a traditional relativistic electron Fokker–Planck solver, for several distinct initial conditions, and across an array of physics parameters. Once trained, the PINN thus provides a means of generating RE density time histories with exceptionally low online execution time.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

An efficient surrogate model of secondary electron formation and evolution

This work extends the adjoint-deep learning framework for runaway electron (RE) evolution, developed by McDevitt et al. [Phys. Plasmas 32, 042503 (2025)], to account for large-angle collisions. By incorporating large-angle collisions, the framework allows the avalanche of REs to be captured, an essential component of RE dynamics. This extension is accomplished by using a Rosenbluth–Putvinski approximation to estimate the distribution of secondary electrons generated by large-angle collisions. By evolving both the primary and multiple generations of secondary electrons, the present formulation can capture both the detailed temporal evolution of a RE population beginning from an arbitrary initial momentum space distribution, along with providing approximations to the saturated growth and decay rates of the RE population. Predictions of the adjoint-deep learning framework are verified against a traditional RE solver, with good agreement present across a broad range of parameters.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2026

Complexity analysis of a CT injection experiment on BRB

In this work, we use Jensen–Shannon complexity and permutation entropy to analyze the magnetic field fluctuations of an astrophysically scaled plasma experiment. The experiment was intended to emulate an interplanetary coronal mass ejection event in the lab, recreating the major sections seen in satellite data. We also use a technique called “delay,” in which we use select elements, skipping one or more data points at a time, in our time series data to obtain Jensen–Shannon complexity as a function of frequency and investigate the frequency of maximized complexity. We then compare the delay frequencies to other frequencies in the plasma. We found that the frequencies for maximum complexity do not correspond to the frequencies investigated, implying that other physical mechanisms lead to an increase in complexity at these frequencies.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2021

Voltage and cathode emission mechanisms of a magnetized, constricted, orbiting plasma in helium 6.7–850 Pa

Abstract We present a semiquantitative description of several important properties of a magnetized cold-cathode plasma in helium over a wide pressure range 6.7–850 Pa. We focus on the ‘constricted orbiting’ mode where the plasma attaches to the cathode as a moving ‘dot’ and the voltage and rate of cathode erosion are both unusually low. We propose that the low plasma voltage and observed motion of the plasma adjacent to the cathode can be attributed to field emission as the source of electrons from the cathode, a process that is aided by the charging of an oxide film by ions. We find that the observed dependence of plasma voltage on pressure is consistent with the assumption that the axial electric field must increase in regions of strong crossed magnetic field to maintain current continuity.

Physics↗

DOE OSTI2022

Application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to extend EFIT equilibrium reconstruction

Recent progress in the application of machine learning (ML)/artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to improve the Equilibrium Fitting (EFIT) code equilibrium reconstruction for fusion data analysis applications is presented. A device-independent portable core equilibrium solver capable of computing or reconstructing equilibrium for different tokamaks has been created to facilitate adaptation of ML/AI algorithms. A large EFIT database comprising of DIII-D magnetic, motional Stark effect, and kinetic reconstruction data has been generated for developments of EFIT model-order-reduction (MOR) surrogate models to reconstruct approximate equilibrium solutions. Furthermore, a neural-network MOR surrogate model has been successfully trained and tested using the magnetically reconstructed datasets with encouraging results. Other progress includes developments of a Gaussian process Bayesian framework that can adapt its many hyperparameters to improve processing of experimental input data and a 3D perturbed equilibrium database from toroidal full magnetohydrodynamic linear response modeling using the Magnetohydrodynamic Resistive Spectrum - Feedback (MARS-F) code for developments of 3D-MOR surrogate models.

Gaussian process↗

DOE OSTI2025

Analytical and numerical studies of dark current in radiofrequency structures for short-pulse high-gradient acceleration

High-gradient acceleration is a key research area that could enable compact linear accelerators for future colliders, light sources, and other applications. In the pursuit of high-gradient operation, rf breakdown limits the attainable accelerating gradient in normal-conducting rf structures. Recent experiments at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator suggest a promising approach: using short rf pulses with durations of a few nanoseconds. Experimental studies show that these 𝒪⁡(1⁢ ⁢ns) rf pulses can mitigate breakdown limitations, resulting in higher gradients. For example, an electric field of nearly 400 MV/m was achieved in an 𝑋-band photoemission gun driven by 6-ns-long rf pulses, with rapid rf conditioning and low dark current observed. Despite these promising results, the short-pulse regime remains an underexplored parameter space, and rf breakdown physics under nanosecond-long pulses requires further investigation. In this paper, we present analytical and numerical simulations of dark current dynamics in accelerating cavities operating in the short-pulse regime. We study breakdown-associated processes spanning different time scales, including field emission, multipacting, and plasma formation, using simulations of the 𝑋-band photogun cavities. The results reveal the advantages of using short rf pulses to reduce dark current and mitigate rf breakdown, offering a path toward a new class of compact accelerators with enhanced performance and reduced susceptibility to breakdown.

Linear accelerators↗

DOE OSTI2025

High-Throughput In-Line Deposition of Silicon Oxide for Polycrystalline Silicon Passivating Contacts

Polycrystalline silicon passivating contacts rely on an ultrathin (1–2 nm) silicon oxide layer to minimize recombination at the wafer/oxide interface and regulate dopant diffusion. Traditionally formed by thermal or chemical oxidation, this oxide is herein replaced by silicon oxide deposited via aerosol impact-driven assembly (AIDA), enabling high wafer-per-hour throughput and precise thickness control. In this study, we show that AIDA coatings conformally cover planar or textured substrates and achieve a SiO x /poly-Si(n) structure with an implied open-circuit voltage (iV oc = 726 mV) and contact saturation current density (J 0 = 8.8 fA/cm 2 ). Furthermore, annealing AIDA SiO x films at elevated temperatures desorbs hydroxyl groups while the stoichiometry transitions toward SiO 2 , improving passivation quality. Together, these results highlight AIDA’s potential for scalable, high-throughput manufacturing of advanced passivating contacts, offering a cost-effective alternative to conventional low-pressure chemical vapor deposition and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition-based silicon and oxide processes.

TOPcon↗

DOE OSTI2024

Portable fiber optic sensor for rare earth elements and other critical metals using photoluminescence methods

Rare earth elements and other metals are vital to a range of technologies that are used in the energy and defense sectors. However, monopolistic market conditions have caused significant concern over the stability of the critical metal supply chain, and this has spurred extensive efforts in many nations to produce these metals domestically, both from conventional sources such as mining and well as from unconventional sources such as coal and its utilization byproducts. Slow and expensive characterization methods pose a significant barrier for both metals prospecting and process monitoring. A promising solution to this challenge is the development of highly sensitive luminescent sensors for metals, which can offer low costs, portability, and sensitivity. Anionic zinc adeninate metal-organic frameworks (BioMOFs) are known to distinguishing and detect part-per-billion levels of terbium, europium, samarium, and dysprosium in water by sensitizing the narrow, element-specific emission bands from these lanthanides. Here, a BioMOF material is immobilized onto a large diameter, solarization-resistant fiber optic tip integrated with a portable, low-cost spectrometer for rare earth element sensing. Immobilizing the sensing material on fiber instead of dispersing the sensing material in solution offers several advantages: it facilitates solvent removal, which enhances luminescent signal from the sensitized lanthanides, and it also allows the BioMOF to be recycled for multiple uses. The sensing system was deployed on a simulated process stream and exhibited qualitative agreement with inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry for terbium and europium detection, highlighting the potential for the sensing system to be deployed for real-world applications. By using different sensing materials, the same portable sensor may be deployed to detect other energy relevant metals such as cobalt, providing a cost-effective and sensitive platform for critical metal characterization.

Crawford, Scott↗

DOE OSTI2022

Ultra-high temperature carbide foams and methods of fabricating the same

Ultra-high temperature carbide (UHTC) foams and methods of fabricating and using the same are provided. The UHTC foams are produced in a three-step process, including UHTC slurry preparation, freeze-drying, and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The fabrication methods allow for the production of any kind of single- or multi-component UHTC foam, while also providing flexibility in the shape and size of the UHTC foams to produce near-net-shape components.

Agarwal, Arvind↗

DOE OSTI2023

Ultra-high temperature carbide foams and methods of fabricating the same

Agarwal, Arvind↗

DOE OSTI2024

Disruptive Silicon Anode Technology for Next-Generation Lithium-Ion Batteries

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has pioneered novel processing technology for silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) synthesized from plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) that will disrupt current lithium-ion battery technology. This revolutionary Si NP-based anode leverages a molecular coating applied to PECVD Si NPs that transforms them into homogeneous colloids suitable for conventional slurry formulation and electrode deposition resulting in delivered capacities of >2000 mAh/g (total electrode mass) at >90 wt% Si content anodes.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Experimental study on boron distribution and transport at plasma-facing components during impurity powder dropping in the Large Helical Device

Toward real-time wall conditioning, impurity powder dropping experiments with boron powder were performed in the 22nd experimental campaign of the Large Helical Device. To examine the deposition and desorption process of boron, we focus on boron hydride (BH) molecules which presumably populate near plasma-facing components. We performed spatially-resolved spectroscopic measurements of emission by boron ions and BH molecules. From the measurement, we found that BH and B + were concentrated on the divertor viewing chord, which suggest boron deposition in the divertor region. By comparing Hγ emissions with and without boron injection, neutral hydrogen shows uniform reduction in the SOL region, whereas less reduction of neutral hydrogen is confirmed in the divertor region. Although emissions from BH and B + increased linearly, emissions by B0 and B4 + became constant after the middle of the discharge. Continuous reduction of carbon density in the core plasma was confirmed even after B 0 and B 4 + became constant. The results may show reduction of hydrogen recycling and facilitation of impurity gettering by boron in the divertor region and thus effective real-time wall conditioning.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Non-Equilibrium Synthesis of Semiconductor Alloys for Energy Applications

This project explores the synthesis under equilibrium/non-equilibrium conditions of semiconductor alloys critical to SSL to impose top-down influence on the formation of atomic-scale microstructures. A plasma-enhanced MOCVD (PE-MOCVD) technique is employed, in which plasma generated within the low-pressure reactor environment introduces additional energy that is delivered to the gas-phase reactants and growth surface, allowing relatively low substrate temperatures to be maintained, rapidly switching the crystal-growth environment into a non-equilibrium state. The project coordinates on-going work at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that addresses order/disorder Al x In 1-x P (AlInP) confinement structures, which are predicted to surpass the power-conversion efficiency of current materials used for red/amber LEDs as components of so-called color-mixed LEDs, which integrate multiple LEDs in a single device for improved color rendering. Ordering, phase separation, and strain relaxation are central to this technology. During growth, each spontaneous process could be suppressed or enhanced on demand by application of plasma as an additional handle. This technique could have broader applications to other energy technologies, such as photovoltaics.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Layer-by-Layer Thinning of PdSe 2 Flakes via Plasma Induced Oxidation and Sublimation

Controlled O2/Ar plasma exposure and subsequent low temperature inert atmosphere annealing of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown PdSe2 flakes etch PdSe2 layer-by-layer in an atomic layer etching-like (ALE) process. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that exposure to a remote inductively coupled plasma (ICP) oxygen plasma oxidizes the top layer of the PdSe2 to form PdO2 and SeO2. After an in situ annealing, XPS shows no trace of PdO2 or SeO2, suggesting the byproducts are volatile at low temperature. Atomic force microscopy of PdSe2 exposed to various O2 + Ar plasmas (O2 = 25–100%) demonstrates a clear trend between the oxygen concentration and the number of layers etched per cycle. PdSe2 field effect transistors (FETs) were characterized at various stages of two ALE-like cycles, and the electrical properties are correlated to the oxidation and byproduct desorption and layer reduction.

Hoffmann, Anna↗