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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

A pion-argon cross section measurement in the ProtoDUNE-SP experiment with cosmogenic muon

Neutrinos are tiny mysterious fundamental particles with small cross sections. Through neutrino physics, scientists across the world are trying to answer many intriguing questions about nature such as the dominance of matter over antimatter, CP violation in the lepton sector, number of supernovas in the early universe, etc. Detection of neutrinos requires massive particle detectors and intense neutrino beam owing to their small cross section. Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a next-generation neutrino experiment that is planned to start taking data beginning in 2026. DUNE will consist of 4 massive detectors, the first of which will be using single-phase liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) technology. The ProtoDUNE-SP experiment is a prototype of the DUNE built at the CERN neutrino platform and uses the same detector technology that will be used in DUNE first module. The ProtoDUNE-SP experiment collected months of test beam and cosmic ray data beginning in September 2018. It was built to provide a testbed for the installation of detector parts for DUNE, showing long-term stability of the detector, understanding detector response for different test beam particles (including protons, pions, electrons, kaons, muons), and measurement of hadron-argon cross sections. When a particle passes through LArTPC electron-ion pairs are produced. To reconstruct the position and energy of a particle passing through the medium knowledge of ionization electron drift velocity is essential. The electron drift velocity is distorted by an excess positive charge built up in the detector, known as space charge. This study discusses a novel technique for measuring the ionization electron drift velocity using cosmic-ray muons. The technique uses tracks that travel the entire drift distance of the TPC for drift velocity determination. Secondly, the study discusses a method for converting the charge deposited into energy. The method is carried out in two step s. In th e first step detector response for energetic cosmic ray muons crossing the entire the TPC is used to make the charge deposition uniform throughout the TPC, and in the second step stopping cosmic-ray muons are used for determining the energy scale. Finally, the study discusses a pion-argon cross section measurement based on reweighting of Monte Carlo simulations using J. Calcutt's Geant4Reweight framework. Neutrinos cannot be directly detected; they are identified based on the interaction products. Pions are a common interaction product in a neutrino interaction. For precise modeling of neutrino event generators, it is essential to understand the pion-argon interaction. Pion-argon cross section measurement serves as an important input for neutrino interaction models. The results of the pion-argon total reaction cross section using the Geant4 reweighting technique are found to be in good agreement with Geant4 predictions. The many studies carried out in the ProtoDUNE-SP experi ment wil l be useful for current and future neutrino experiments using LArTPC technology including ICARUS, MicroBooNE, DUNE

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Experimental Searches for Muon to Electron Conversion in a Nucleus: COMET, DeeMe, and Mu2e (A Contributed paper for Snowmass 21)

Searches for charged lepton flavor violation (CLFV) offer deep probes for a range of new physics scenarios, such as super-symmetric models, theories involving scalar leptoquarks or additional Higgs doublets, and models explaining the neutrino mass hierarchy and the matter-antimatter asymmetry of the universe via leptogenesis. The coherent, neutrinoless conversion of a muon to an electron in the field of a nucleus, $\mu^{-}+N\rightarrow e^{-} +N$, is one example of a muonic CLFV process which has sensitivity to this new physics. This paper details three experiments: COMET, DeeMe and Mu2e which will search for $\mu^{-}+N\rightarrow e^{-} +N$ in the coming decade. These experiments offer sensitivity up to an effective new physics mass scale of $\mathcal{O}(10^{4}$ TeV/c$^{2}$), going far beyond what can be achieved in direct, collider-based, searches. The theoretical motivation, designs and anticipated timelines for these three experiments are presented. These experiments are a crucial part of a global search for CLFV. Continued support for all planned experimental searches for muonic CLFV is strongly encouraged.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Fundamental Symmetries, Neutrons, and Neutrinos (FSNN): Whitepaper for the 2023 NSAC Long Range Plan

Through the exploration of fundamental symmetries, and by using nuclei, neutrons, and neutrinos, nuclear physics addresses some of the most profound questions in science. Why does the universe contain so much more matter than antimatter? Are neutrinos their own antiparticles and where do their masses come from? What objects make up the dark matter that is responsible for most of the universe’s mass? Does nature contain more forces than the four we know about? Our Standard Model of nature’s particles and forces is incomplete because it does not answer these questions; new physics, from beyond the Standard Model (BSM) is needed. With that physics not appearing at the high energy frontier, it has become imperative to realize the potential of the burgeoning program of precision nuclear-physics measurements.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

On the interaction between non-thermal plasmas and small metallic particles: plasmonic plasmas

The overall objective of this project is to advance the understanding of the interaction between low-pressure plasmas and nanoparticles uniformly dispersed within them. In particular we aim at (OBJECTIVE 1) providing a Langmuir probe measurement of the electron energy distribution function in a dusty plasma and (OBJECTIVE 2) investigating the influence that plasmonic nanoparticles have on the properties of non-thermal plasmas. This work is well aligned with the DOE-FES “General Plasma Science Experiment and Theory” program and with topics such as “dusty, non-neutral and antimatter plasmas” and “advanced plasma diagnostic”. The proposed project, while based on the PI’s expertise in the non-thermal plasma processing of nanoparticles, will allow the PI to deepen his knowledge in the area of basic plasma physics and diagnostics, and will support the development of his research program, in line with the scope of the Early Career program.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Physics of Neutrino Oscillations and Neutrino Cross Sections using the NOvA Experiment

NOvA is a long-baseline accelerator-based neutrino experiment based in the US. NOvA uses an intense neutrino beam produced at Fermilab’s accelerator complex to make physics measurements of neutrino oscillations, neutrino cross sections, and much more. For its physics goals, NOvA uses two functionally-identical detectors. The Near Detector (ND) is situated at Fermilab, 1 km from the neutrino target and the Far Detector (FD) is located at Ash River, MN, a distance of 810 km from the neutrino source. The ND receives a high statistics neutrino flux which gives a unique opportunity for high-precision neutrino cross-section measurements and is used as a control for the oscillation analyses. The FD is used to analyze the appearance and disappearance of the neutrinos arriving from the Fermilab. The purpose of the oscillation analysis is to understand the dominance of matter over antimatter in the universe, to resolve the ordering of neutrino masses, and to resolve the octant of the neutrino mixing angle theta23. In this talk, I will give an overview of the NOvA experiment. I will also talk about the status of the NOvA’s cross-section physics program and the latest results from the oscillation analyses. I will also talk about the future prospects of the experiment.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Calibration of the ProtoDUNE Horizontal-Drift position reconstruction using a laser system

Forthcoming in the next decade of neutrino physics advancements is the construction of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), a long baseline neutrino oscillation experiment which has the potential to answer fundamental questions such as why there is more matter than antimatter in the universe, and ultimately why we exist at all. A prototype of this experiment, ProtoDUNE, sits in a charged particle test beam at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and uses Liquid Argon time projection chambers to image interactions of these particles. ProtoDUNE Single-Phase (ProtoDUNESP) had positively charged hadrons as well as positrons in its initial 2018 beam data run. Because ProtoDUNE is a surface-based time projection chamber, it experiences a constant influx of cosmic rays. These cosmic rays ionize the liquid argon within the detector, resulting in an accumulation of slow moving positive ions towards the cathode. This local charge distribution results in electric field non uniformities, which can have a significant effect on the accuracy of the event reconstruction. This paper outlines a monte carlo simulation study which adapts methodology from the MicroBooNE experiment, another neutrino oscillation experiment, to derive electric field correction maps which can correct for distortions of the electric field within the detector. These correction maps accurately estimate the electric field throughout the detector volume and correct for uncertainties in reconstructed event data enabling for physics discoveries.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Measuring the Electric Dipole Moment of the Electron in a Two-Energy Spin-Transparent Storage Ring

We will present a new design of a two-energy storage ring for low energy (0.2 to 2 MeV) polarized electron bunches [1]. The new design is based on the transparent spin methodology that cancels the spin precession due to the magnetic dipole moment at any energy while allowing for spin precession induced by the fundamental physics of interest to accumulate. The buildup of the vertical component of beam polarization can be measured using standard Mott polarimetry that is optimal at low electron energy. These rings can be used to measure the permanent electric dipole moment of the electron, relevant to CP violation and matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe, and to search for dark energy and ultra-light dark matter.

Suleiman, R.↗
DOE OSTI2023

LBNF/DUNE Cryostats and Cryogenics Infrastructure for the DUNE Far Detector (Design Report)

DUNE is an international experiment dedicated to addressing some of the questions at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics, including the mystifying preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe. The dual-site experiment will employ an intense neutrino beam focused on both a near detector and a cryogenic far detector. The DUNE far detector implements liquid argon time-projection chamber (LArTPC) technology, and combines many tens-of-kilotons of fiducial mass with sub-centimeter spatial resolution to collect neutrino events and image them with high precision. Given its size, this detector will be implemented as a set of up to four modules, each of which will require its own cryostat that will contain approximately 17.5 metric kilotons of ultra-pure liquid argon (LAr). The cryogenics infrastructure to support the detector modules includes systems to receive, transfer, store, purify, and maintain the LAr. This design report describes the cryostats and the cryogenics infrastructure required for the first two detector modules; this infrastructure is designed to support expansion to up to four far detector modules.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2024

Lattice QCD for Neutrino Physics

Neutrinos are the most poorly understood particles in the Standard Model but may be key to understanding fundamental mysteries of the universe, including matter-antimatter asymmetry. Most experiments to improve our knowledge of neutrinos depend on neutrino interactions with hadronic matter and therefore rely on a solid theoretical understanding of these interactions. Lattice QCD offers a first-principles, model-independent method of analyzing hadronic systems and their responses to external currents, including the electroweak currents induced by neutrino interactions. In this talk, I will discuss my work on using lattice QCD to understand the hadronic systems needed for both neutrino oscillation and neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments and the impact of this work on neutrino physics.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fundamental Neutron Physics: Theory and Analysis

The goal of the proposed research is the study of the possible manifestations of new physics beyond the Standard model in fundamental neutron physics, with emphasis on fundamental symmetries and "exotic'' interactions. The main part of the research will be focused on theoretical support of the search for Time Reversal Invariance Violation (TRIV) in neutron nuclei scattering. The existence of our universe, and the prevalence of matter over antimatter, requires TRIV (the impossibility of going from the past to the future). However, the source of TRIV in the Standard model is not strong enough to explain why our universe exists. Thus, the observation of large TRIV effects will be a clear signal of new physics. The proposed research topics include calculations of Parity Violating (PV) and TRIV effects in neutron nuclei scattering on different targets, and the study of the possible manifestations of new physics in neutron-decays, neutron-antineutron oscillations, and in interactions of ultra-cold neutrons with nuclei. This research will provide theoretical support to the ongoing experimental programs related to the search for TRIV in neutron scattering at Los Alamos National Laboratory and J-PARC (Japan), and will contribute in the efforts in searching for new physics in fundamental neutron physics experiments at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and at other national and international neutron research centers.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Towards a Next Generation Search for Time-Reversal Violation Using Optically Addressable Nuclei in Cryogenic Solids (Final Technical Report, September 2018 - August 2023)

Certain rare pear-shaped nuclei have unmatched sensitivity to new kinds of forces between subatomic particles that are not the same when the arrow of time is reversed. Such forces are believed to be responsible for the near absence of antimatter in the observable Universe. These rare isotopes, some for the first time, will be produced in large numbers at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams currently under operating at Michigan State University providing an unprecedented opportunity to probe for new physics. In anticipation, we are using abundant isotopes to develop new techniques to manipulate nuclei embedded inside an optically transparent solid at cryogenic temperatures. Implantation into a solid, such as neon and argon, is potentially an effective way to both efficiently capture and repeatedly probe the small number of rare nuclei, such as radium and protactinium. An optically transparent host medium at cryogenic temperatures would allow for the laser manipulation of the nuclei in a thermally quiet and stable environment for a wide variety of guest species such as polar molecules. In such systems, the nuclei are exposed to extraordinarily large electric fields and magnetic field gradients, which significantly amplifies the measurability of certain time-reversal violating effects. The potential sensitivity of this new approach could be at least a few hundred times greater than the current leading experiment which uses stable mercury atoms. We report on the design considerations and preliminary performance of an instrument used to produce and implant molecules into a frozen argon solid.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

The Naturally Unnatural Standard Model: Symmetry Remnants at the Weak Scale

The project had significant impact on the success of the Snowmass 2021 Community study undertaken from 2020-2, focused on planning the future of High Energy Physics in the US for the period 2025-35. The PI served as a topical convener for the Energy Frontier, and the work undertaken resulted in the topical group report as well as the final Energy Frontier report. The PI further undertook significant work on electroweak baryogenesis and the possibility of CP violation in the Higgs sector, exploring the matter-antimatter asymmetry of the Universe. Further work was also accomplished in investigating possible new explanations for the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, measured at Fermilab, showing deviations from the Standard Model expectations.

2HDM↗
DOE OSTI2024

Us participation in the construction of the T2k superfgd detector as part of the T2k ND280 upgrade

The neutrino physics field as a whole has made astonishing advances during the last two decades. Before 1998, there was no neutrino oscillation, meaning no neutrino mass and mixing. Today, neutrino oscillation is firmly established and we have measured all three mixing parameters and two mass parameters. Furthermore, these findings pave the way to determine the mass ordering/hierarchy and to explore Charge-Parity (CP) violation in the lepton sector, which may hold a critical key to our understanding of the matter−antimatter asymmetry in the universe, one of the most profound mysteries in science. In fact, T2K, a long baseline neutrino oscillation experiment based in Japan, has recently released the results that show initial hint of CP violation making the prospects of DUNE, a next generation long baseline neutrino oscillation experiment based in the US, discovering CP violation in neutrinos very bright.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Particle Accelerator Spin-Transparent Storage Rings for Beyond State-of-the-Art Science

We will describe spin-transparent storage rings that exhibit spin-coherence times of several hours and store a large number of particles and their use in novel applications. For example, these rings can be used to directly measure the electric dipole moment of the electron, relevant to CP violation and matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe, and to search for dark energy and ultra-light dark matter*. These rings can also serve as a compelling platform for quantum computing. In this presentation, we will describe how spin-transparent rings can be used in conjunction with ion traps to enhance scalability and increase quantum coherence times of ion quantum computing.

Suleiman, R.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Investigating 1- and 2- Body Interference in Neutrino Interactions with ACHILLES

Understanding neutrino oscillations can help us answer some of the universe s most fundamental questions like: Why is there more matter than antimatter? Neutrino-nucleus cross-sections (probability of neutrino interactions with nuclei) are a leading uncertainty in the measurements of neutrino oscillations. To meaningfully determine scattering parameters, measurements must be supported by robust theoretical modeling, which can be provided via event generators. In this poster, we use ACHILLES to investigate the interference term between 1-body (1p1h) and 2- body (2p2h) processes where a neutrino interacts with one or two nucleon(s).

Serumaga, Peera [UC, San Diego]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Enabling Precision Neutrino Oscillation Studies with MINERvA

The next generation of neutrino experiments at accelerators aims to establish matter-antimatter asymmetry inneutrinoflavor oscillations. Precision oscillation measurements require inference of neutrino energies and flavor from the products of O(GeV) neutrino interactions on nuclei. I’ll discuss recent results from the MINERvAexperimentand how they help with this inference.

McFarland, Kevin [University of Rochester]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Laser Spectroscopy of Exotic Atoms and Molecules Containing Octupole-Deformed Nuclei

This project investigated the nuclear, atomic, and molecular structure of exotic atoms and molecules containing actinide isotopes. These short-lived radioactive systems are challenging to produce and study in the laboratory, yet they offer unique opportunities for fundamental science. These nuclei are predicted to exhibit pear-shaped (octupole) deformation, a rare collective nuclear behavior that dramatically enhances their sensitivity to fundamental physics phenomena such as time-reversal- and parity-violating effects. Such enhancements make them ideal probes for exploring open questions in our understanding of the universe such as the origin of the matter–antimatter asymmetry of the universe. To realize these measurements, the project led the development of a new laser spectroscopy experiment at MIT, and later commissioned at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University: the Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy Experiment (RISE). RISE combines the spectroscopic precision of collinear laser spectroscopy with the sensitivity of particle-detection techniques, enabling measurements of rare isotopes produced at rates as low as a few ions per second. The beamline was designed, built, and installed, and was successfully commissioned at FRIB during the grant period. RISE is now a permanent capability of the FRIB facility, and has produced several results on the study of rare atoms and molecules for nuclear structure and fundamental symmetries. In parallel with the FRIB program, the project contributed to the first precision laser-spectroscopy measurements of short-lived radioactive molecules. Working with international collaborators at CERN's ISOLDE facility, the team conducted pioneering experiments on radium monofluoride (RaF) and actinium monofluoride (AcF). The results from this work have been published in major journals of science, including Nature, Science, Nature Physics, Nature Communications, and Physical Review Letters. These findings have guided future experiments on the laser cooling of radioactive molecules, opening a new platform for precision tests of fundamental symmetries.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗