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At least 937 records · Page 52
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

Cosmic growth signatures of modified gravitational strength

Cosmic growth of large scale structure probes the entire history of cosmic expansion and gravitational coupling. To get a clear picture of the effects of modification of gravity we consider a deviation in the coupling strength (effective Newton's constant) at different redshifts, with different durations and amplitudes. We derive, analytically and numerically, the impact on the growth rate and growth amplitude. Galaxy redshift surveys can measure a product of these through redshift space distortions and we connect the modified gravity to the observable in a way that may provide a useful parametrization of the ability of future surveys to test gravity. In particular, modifications during the matter dominated era can be treated by a single parameter, the ''area'' of the modification, to an accuracy of ∼0.3% in the observables. We project constraints on both early and late time gravity for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument and discuss what is needed for tightening tests of gravity to better than 5% uncertainty.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Extreme radiation emission regime for electron beams in strong focusing ion channels and undulators

A fundamental comparison between a magnetic undulator and an ion channel, or betatron, radiation from relativistic electrons is presented. While conventional theories nominally range from the undulator (𝐾 <1) to the wiggler (𝐾 >1) regime, they are only applicable for sufficiently large Lorentz factors (𝛾 0 ≫𝐾). They therefore do not account for high 𝐾/𝛾 0 cases, for which we show that particle trajectories and radiation characteristics strongly deviate from the linear predictions in both magnetic undulators and ion channels. This problem arises from the fundamental differences between a magnetostatically and electrostatically induced oscillation. A reformulation of both the ion channel betatron wavelength and amplitude, as well as the same parameters in a magnetic undulator, permits us to compare cases with equivalent oscillation period and amplitude in the two different scenarios. The notable differences in spectral features of the two radiation mechanisms can then be addressed via numerical simulations of single particle as well as full beam dynamics. Additionally, we identify and quantify a novel transverse orbit precession effect in ion channels for particles with initial angular momentum relative to the device axis. This effect, which is significant in cases of strong transverse kinetic energy oscillations, alters both the radiation divergence and the beam emittance. In this paper, we present this new theoretical framework and compare its results with numerical simulation applied to realizable experimental tests of such radiation sources.

Frazzitta, Andrea [University of Rome “La Sapienza↗
DOE OSTI2024

Quantum electrodynamics mediated by a photon with continuous spin

In recent work with Zhou, we studied classical interactions of matter with a “continuous spin” field, whose excitations have zero mass but nonzero spin Casimir (spin scale) ρ . We reported evidence that such theories are a calculable infrared deformation of familiar massless theories including electromagnetism. Building on the aforementioned work, this paper presents rules for computing scattering amplitudes involving charged scalar matter and continuous spin photons with nonzero spin scale. As a concrete example, we compute the pair annihilation and Compton scattering amplitudes in this theory and comment on their physical properties, including unitarity and scaling behavior at small and large ρ . Like the classical physics and soft factors studied in prior work, these amplitudes exhibit “helicity correspondence,” recovering familiar amplitudes at energy scales ≫ ρ , but with calculable deviations that could be experimentally tested. These results bolster the conjecture that continuous spin particles with a very small ρ could mediate long-range forces in nature (e.g., the photon could be a continuous spin particle), and extend the range of physical effects that could be used to test this hypothesis. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Knowledge-based prediction of plan quality metrics in intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery

Purpose: The objective of this work was to develop a comprehensive knowledge-based methodology for predicting achievable dose–volume histograms (DVHs) and highly precise DVH-based quality metrics (QMs) in stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy (SRS/SRT) plans. Accurate QM estimation can identify suboptimal treatment plans and provide target optimization objectives to standardize and improve treatment planning. Methods: Correlating observed dose as it relates to the geometric relationship of organs-at-risk (OARs) to planning target volumes (PTVs) yields mathematical models to predict achievable DVHs. In SRS, DVH-based QMs such as brain V{sub 10Gy} (volume receiving 10 Gy or more), gradient measure (GM), and conformity index (CI) are used to evaluate plan quality. This study encompasses 223 linear accelerator-based SRS/SRT treatment plans (SRS plans) using volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), representing 95% of the institution’s VMAT radiosurgery load from the past four and a half years. Unfiltered models that use all available plans for the model training were built for each category with a stratification scheme based on target and OAR characteristics determined emergently through initial modeling process. Model predictive accuracy is measured by the mean and standard deviation of the difference between clinical and predicted QMs, δQM = QM{sub clin} − QM{sub pred}, and a coefficient of determination, R{sup 2}. For categories with a large number of plans, refined models are constructed by automatic elimination of suspected suboptimal plans from the training set. Using the refined model as a presumed achievable standard, potentially suboptimal plans are identified. Predictions of QM improvement are validated via standardized replanning of 20 suspected suboptimal plans based on dosimetric predictions. The significance of the QM improvement is evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: The most accurate predictions are obtained when plans are stratified based on proximity to OARs and their PTV volume sizes. Volumes are categorized into small (V{sub PTV} < 2 cm{sup 3}), medium (2 cm{sup 3} < V{sub PTV} < 25 cm{sup 3}), and large (25 cm{sup 3} < V{sub PTV}). The unfiltered models demonstrate the ability to predict GMs to ∼1 mm and fractional brain V{sub 10Gy} to ∼25% for plans with large V{sub PTV} and critical OAR involvements. Increased accuracy and precision of QM predictions are obtained when high quality plans are selected for the model training. For the small and medium V{sub PTV} plans without critical OAR involvement, predictive ability was evaluated using the refined model. For training plans, the model predicted GM to an accuracy of 0.2 ± 0.3 mm and fractional brain V{sub 10Gy} to 0.04 ± 0.12, suggesting highly accurate predictive ability. For excluded plans, the average δGM was 1.1 mm and fractional brain V{sub 10Gy} was 0.20. These δQM are significantly greater than those of the model training plans (p < 0.001). For CI, predictions are close to clinical values and no significant difference was observed between the training and excluded plans (p = 0.19). Twenty outliers with δGM > 1.35 mm were identified as potentially suboptimal, and replanning these cases using predicted target objectives demonstrates significant improvements on QMs: on average, 1.1 mm reduction in GM (p < 0.001) and 23% reduction in brain V{sub 10Gy} (p < 0.001). After replanning, the difference of δGM distribution between the 20 replans and the refined model training plans was marginal. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the ability to predict SRS QMs precisely and to identify suboptimal plans. Furthermore, the knowledge-based DVH predictions were directly used as target optimization objectives and allowed a standardized planning process that bettered the clinically approved plans. Full clinical application of this methodology can improve consistency of SRS plan quality in a wide range of PTV volume and proximity to OARs and facilitate automated treatment planning for this critical treatment site.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-471: Simulated External Beam Delivery Errors Detection with a Large Area Ion Chamber Transmission Detector

Purpose: The Integral Quality Monitor (IQM), developed by iRT Systems GmbH (Koblenz, Germany) is a large-area, linac-mounted ion chamber used to monitor photon fluence during patient treatment. Our previous work evaluated the change of the ion chamber’s response to deviations from static 1×1 cm2 and 10×10 cm2 photon beams and other characteristics integral to use in external beam detection. The aim of this work is to simulate two external beam radiation delivery errors, quantify the detection of simulated errors and evaluate the reduction in patient harm resulting from detection. Methods: Two well documented radiation oncology delivery errors were selected for simulation. The first error was recreated by modifying a wedged whole breast treatment, removing the physical wedge and calculating the planned dose with Pinnacle TPS (Philips Radiation Oncology Systems, Fitchburg, WI). The second error was recreated by modifying a static-gantry IMRT pharyngeal tonsil plan to be delivered in 3 unmodulated fractions. A radiation oncologist evaluated the dose for simulated errors and predicted morbidity and mortality commiserate with the original reported toxicity, indicating that reported errors were approximately simulated. The ion chamber signal of unmodified treatments was compared to the simulated error signal and evaluated in Pinnacle TPS again with radiation oncologist prediction of simulated patient harm. Results: Previous work established that transmission detector system measurements are stable within 0.5% standard deviation (SD). Errors causing signal change greater than 20 SD (10%) were considered detected. The whole breast and pharyngeal tonsil IMRT simulated error increased signal by 215% and 969%, respectively, indicating error detection after the first fraction and IMRT segment, respectively. Conclusion: The transmission detector system demonstrated utility in detecting clinically significant errors and reducing patient toxicity/harm in simulated external beam delivery. Future work will evaluate detection of other smaller magnitude delivery errors.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1977

Photon scattering cross sections of H2 and He measured with synchrotron radiation

Total (elastic + inelastic) differential photon scattering cross sections have been measured for H2 gas and He, using an X-ray beam. Absolute measured cross sections agree with theory within the probable errors. Relative cross sections (normalized to theory at large S) agree to better than one percent with theoretical values calculated from wave functions that include the effect of electron-electron Coulomb correlation, but the data deviate significantly from theoretical independent-particle (e.g., Hartree-Fock) results. The ratios of measured absolute He cross sections to those of H2, at any given S, also agree to better than one percent with theoretical He-to-H2 cross-section ratios computed from correlated wave functions. It appears that photon scattering constitutes a very promising tool for probing electron correlation in light atoms and molecules.

Ice, G. E.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Effects of random phase changes on the formation of synthetic aperture radar imagery

The effects of Gaussian random fluctuation and linear change of the echo phase on the response of the azimuth matched processor of a synthetic aperture radar (airborne or spaceborne for ocean-surface sensing) is analyzed numerically. It is found that the random fluctuation would not alter appreciably the processor response if its standard deviation is less than pi, while its normalized correlation time is larger than 1. If these two bounding conditions are not satisfied, then the sidelobe level becomes relatively large and overshadows the central peak. In the case of linear displacement it is found that the main effect is the spatial displacement of the point scatterer in the image plane.

Elachi, C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Long-latency evoked potentials to irrelevant, deviant stimuli

Occasional shifts of loudness in a repetitive train of clicks elicited a late-positive wave (P3a) in nonattending subjects which peaked at a mean latency of 258 msec and had a frontocentral scalp distribution; P3a was typically preceded by an 'N2' component at 196 msec. The P3a wave was distinguishable from the longer-latency (378 msec) parietocentrally distributed 'P3b' wave that was evoked by the same stimulus in an actively attending subject, thus confirming the findings of Squires et al. (1975). Infrequently presented single sounds did not produce large or consistent N2-P3a components; the critical condition for the generation of an N2-P3a wave seemed to be that the infrequent sounds represent a deviation (intensity increment or decrement) from a repetitive background. Furthermore, increasing the repetition rate of the background clicks drastically reduced N1-P2 amplitude but had little effect on the amplitude of N2-P3a. This suggests that N2-P3a is not simply a delayed N1-P2 'vertex potential', but rather reflects the operation of a 'mismatch' detector, which registers deviations from an ongoing auditory background.

Snyder, E.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Ellipsoidal geometry in asteroid thermal models - The standard radiometric model

The major consequences of ellipsoidal geometry in an othewise standard radiometric model for asteroids are explored. It is shown that for small deviations from spherical shape a spherical model of the same projected area gives a reasonable aproximation to the thermal flux from an ellipsoidal body. It is suggested that large departures from spherical shape require that some correction be made for geometry. Systematic differences in the radii of asteroids derived radiometrically at 10 and 20 microns may result partly from nonspherical geometry. It is also suggested that extrapolations of the rotational variation of thermal flux from a nonspherical body based solely on the change in cross-sectional area are in error.

Brown, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Processing and Properties of SiC/MoSi2-SiC Composites Fabricated by Melt Infiltration

Hi-Nicalon SiC fiber reinforced MoSi2-SiC matrix composites (SiC/MoSi2-SiC) have been fabricated by the melt infiltration approach. The composite consists of approximately 60 vol%, 2-D woven BN/SiC coated Hi-Nicalon SiC fibers and approximately 40 vol% MoSi2-SiC matrix. The room temperature tensile properties and thermal conductivity of the SiC/MoSi2-SiC composites were measured and compared with those of the melt infiltrated SiC/SiC composites. The influence oi fiber architecture on tensile properties was also evaluated. Results indicate that the primary modulus, stress corresponding to deviation from linearity, and transverse thermal conductivity values for the SiC/MoSi2-SiC composites are significantly lower than those for the SiC/SiC composites. Microcracking of the matrix due to the large difference in thermal expansion between MoSi2 and SiC appears to be the reason for the lower matrix dominated properties of SiC/MoSi2-SiC composites.

Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.↗
NASA NTRS2003

A Comparison of Latent Heat Fluxes over Global Oceans for Four Flux Products

To improve our understanding of global energy and water cycle variability, and to improve model simulations of climate variations, it is vital to have accurate latent heat fluxes (LHF) over global oceans. Monthly LHF, 10-m wind speed (U10m), 10-m specific humidity (Q10h), and sea-air humidity difference (Qs-Q10m) of GSSTF2 (version 2 Goddard Satellite-based Surface Turbulent Fluxes) over global Oceans during 1992-93 are compared with those of HOAPS (Hamburg Ocean Atmosphere Parameters and Fluxes from Satellite Data), NCEP (NCEP/NCAR reanalysis). The mean differences, standard deviations of differences, and temporal correlation of these monthly variables over global Oceans during 1992-93 between GSSTF2 and each of the three datasets are analyzed. The large-scale patterns of the 2yr-mean fields for these variables are similar among these four datasets, but significant quantitative differences are found. The temporal correlation is higher in the northern extratropics than in the south for all variables, with the contrast being especially large for da Silva as a result of more missing ship data in the south. The da Silva has extremely low temporal correlation and large differences with GSSTF2 for all variables in the southern extratropics, indicating that da Silva hardly produces a realistic variability in these variables. The NCEP has extremely low temporal correlation (0.27) and large spatial variations of differences with GSSTF2 for Qs-Q10m in the tropics, which causes the low correlation for LHF. Over the tropics, the HOAPS LHF is significantly smaller than GSSTF2 by approx. 31% (37 W/sq m), whereas the other two datasets are comparable to GSSTF2. This is because the HOAPS has systematically smaller LHF than GSSTF2 in space, while the other two datasets have very large spatial variations of large positive and negative LHF differences with GSSTF2 to cancel and to produce smaller regional-mean differences. Our analyses suggest that the GSSTF2 latent heat flux, surface air humidity, and winds are likely to be more realistic than the other three flux datasets examined, although those of GSSTF2 are still subject to regional biases.

Chou, Shu-Hsien↗
DOE OSTI2020

Method and apparatus for evaluating superconducting tunnel junction detector noise versus bias voltage

A technique for characterizing the noise behavior of a superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) detector as a function of its applied bias voltage Vb by stepping the STJ's bias voltage across a predetermined range and, at each applied bias, making multiple measurements of the detector's current, calculating their mean and their standard deviation from their mean, and using this standard deviation as a measure of the STJ detector's noise at that applied bias. Because the method is readily executed under computer control, it is particularly useful when large numbers of STJ detectors require biasing, as in STJ detector arrays In a preferred implementation, the STJ is measured under computer control by attaching it to a digital spectrometer comprising a digital x-ray processor (DXP) coupled to a preamplifier that can set the STJ's bias voltage Vb using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) controlled by the DXP.

Warburton, William K.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Anderson Acceleration for Distributed Training of Deep Learning Models

Anderson acceleration (AA) is an extrapolation technique that has recently gained interest in the deep learning (DL) community to speed-up the sequential training of DL models. However, when performed at large scale, the DL training is exposed to a higher risk of getting trapped into steep local minima of the training loss function, and standard AA does not provide sufficient acceleration to escape from these steep local minima. This results in poor generalizability and makes AA ineffective. To restore AA’s advantage to speed-up the training of DL models on large scale computing platforms, we combine AA with an adaptive moving average procedure that boosts the training to escape from steep local minima. By monitoring the relative standard deviation between consecutive iterations, we also introduce a criterion to automatically assess whether the moving average is needed. We applied the method to the following DL instantiations for image classification: (i) ResNet50 trained on the open-source CIFAR100 dataset and (ii) ResNet50 trained on the open-source ImageNet1k dataset. Numerical results obtained using up to 1,536 NVIDIA V100 GPUs on the OLCF supercomputer Summit showed the stabilizing effect of the moving average on AA for all the problems above.

Lupo Pasini, Massimiliano↗
NASA NTRS1986

Viscous nongeostrophic baroclinic instability

Calculations have been performed of the (linear) stability of a baroclinic flow to three-dimensional perturbations. Both the simple Eady basic state and the rotating Hadley cell of Antar and Fowlis are considered. The independent influences of the Richardson (Ri), thermal Rossby (baroclinicity), Ekman, and Prandtl numbers are examined, as well as the influences of the angle of orientation of the horizontal wave vector and the wavelength. It is shown that if the wavelength is allowed to vary freely, disturbances of the Eady type are preferred (i.e., have greatest growth rate) unless Ri and Ekman numbers are small enough and the thermal Rossby number is large enough. In the latter case, disturbances whose angles of orientation are almost symmetric and whose wavelengths are mesoscale are preferred. If, on the other hand, the wavelength is fixed at a mesoscale size, only the symmetric and almost symmetric modes have growth. By allowing the wave vector orientation to deviate from purely symmetric, it is noted that the region of instability (i.e., critical Ri) is increased, the extent of which is greater for longer wavelength. For Prandtl number = 1, permitting the angle to be nonsymmetric demonstrates the existence of two maxima in growth rate at opposite angles of orientation and with very different energetics. For Prandtl number far enough from one and for large enough dissipation, only one of these two modes has positive growth rates. Growing oscillatory modes were found for some cases.

Miller, T. L.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Search for Leptoquarks Coupled to Third-Generation Quarks in Proton-Proton Collisions at s = 13 TeV

Three of the most significant measured deviations from standard model predictions, the enhanced decay rate for B $\to$ D$^{(*)}\tau\nu$, hints of lepton universality violation in B $\to$ K$^{(*)}\ell\ell$ decays, and the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, can be explained by the existence of leptoquarks (LQs) with large couplings to third-generation quarks and masses at the TeV scale. The existence of these states can be probed at the LHC in high energy proton-proton collisions. A novel search is presented for pair production of LQs coupled to a top quark and a muon using data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb$^{-1}$, recorded by the CMS experiment. No deviation from the standard model prediction has been observed and scalar LQs decaying exclusively into t$\mu$ are excluded up to masses of 1420 GeV. The results of this search are combined with those from previous searches for LQ decays into t$\tau$ and b$\nu$, which excluded scalar LQs below masses of 900 and 1080 GeV. Vector LQs are excluded up to masses of 1190 GeV for all possible combinations of branching fractions to t$\mu$, t$\tau$ and b$\nu$. With this analysis, all relevant couplings of LQs with an electric charge of -1/3 to third-generation quarks are probed for the first time.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Development and Test of a 1,000 Level 3C Fiber Optic Borehole Seismic Receiver Array Applied to Carbon Sequestration

To address the critical site characterization and monitoring needs for CCS programs, US Department of Energy (DOE) awarded Paulsson, Inc. in 2010 a contract to design, build and test a fiber optic based ultra-large bandwidth clamped borehole seismic vector array capable of deploying up to one thousand 3C sensor pods suitable for deployment into high temperature and high pressure boreholes. Paulsson, Inc. has completed a design or a unique borehole seismic system consisting of a novel drill pipe based deployment system that includes a hydraulic clamping mechanism for the sensor pods, a new sensor pod design and most important – a unique fiber optic seismic vector sensor with technical specifications and capabilities that far exceed the state of the art seismic sensor technologies. These novel technologies were all applied to the new borehole seismic system. In combination these technologies will allow for the deployment of up to 1,000 3C sensor pods in vertical, deviated or horizontal wells. Laboratory tests of the fiber optic seismic vector sensors developed during this project have shown that the new borehole seismic sensor technology is capable of generating outstanding high vector fidelity data with extremely large bandwidth: 0.01 – 6,000 Hz. Field tests have shown that the system can record events at magnitudes much smaller than M-2.3 at frequencies up to 2,000 Hz. The sensors have also proved to be about 100 times more sensitive than the regular coil geophones that are used in borehole seismic systems today. The fiber optic seismic sensors have furthermore been qualified to operate at temperatures over 300°C (572°F). The fibers used for the seismic sensors in the system are used to record Distributed Temperature Sensor (DTS) data allowing additional value added data to be recorded simultaneously with the seismic vector sensor data.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
NASA NTRS2015

Implicit Large-Eddy Simulations of Zero-Pressure Gradient, Turbulent Boundary Layer

A set of direct simulations of zero-pressure gradient, turbulent boundary layer flows are conducted using various span widths (62-630 wall units), to document their influence on the generated turbulence. The FDL3DI code that solves compressible Navier-Stokes equations using high-order compact-difference scheme and filter, with the standard recycling/rescaling method of turbulence generation, is used. Results are analyzed at two different Re values (500 and 1,400), and compared with spectral DNS data. They show that a minimum span width is required for the mere initiation of numerical turbulence. Narrower domains ((is) less than 100 w.u.) result in relaminarization. Wider spans ((is) greater than 600 w.u.) are required for the turbulent statistics to match reference DNS. The upper-wall boundary condition for this setup spawns marginal deviations in the mean velocity and Reynolds stress profiles, particularly in the buffer region.

Turblent boundary layer↗
DOE OSTI2019

Deviations from Vegard's law and evolution of the electrocatalytic activity and stability of Pt-based nanoalloys inside fuel cells by in operando X-ray spectroscopy and total scattering

Catalysts for energy related applications, in particular metallic nanoalloys, readily undergo atomic-level changes during electrochemical reactions. The origin, dynamics and implications of the changes for the catalysts’ activity inside fuel cells though are not well understood. This is largely because they are studied on model nanoalloy structures under controlled laboratory conditions. Here we use combined synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy and total scattering to study the dynamic behaviour of nanoalloys of Pt with 3d-transition metals as they function at the cathode of an operating proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Results show that the composition and atomic structure of the nanoalloys change profoundly, from the initial state to the active form and further along the cell operation. The electrocatalytic activity of the nanoalloys also changes. The rate and magnitude of the changes may be rationalized when the limits of traditional relationships used to connect the composition and structure of nanoalloys with their electrocatalytic activity and stability, such as Vegard's law, are recognized. In particular, deviations from the law inherent for Pt-3d metal nanoalloys can well explain their behaviour under operating conditions. Moreover, it appears that factors behind the remarkable electrocatalytic activity of Pt-3d metal nanoalloys, such as the large surface to unit volume ratio and “size misfit” of the constituent Pt and 3d-transition metal atoms, also contribute to their instability inside fuel cells. The new insight into the atomic-level evolution of nanoalloy electrocatalysts during their lifetime is likely to inspire new efforts to stabilize transient structure states beneficial to their activity and stability under operating conditions, if not synthesize them directly.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗