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At least 937 records · Page 52
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Resummation for lattice QCD calculation of generalized parton distributions at nonzero skewness

Large-momentum effective theory (LaMET) provides an approach to directly calculate the x-dependence of generalized parton distributions (GPDs) on a Euclidean lattice through power expansion and a perturbative matching. When a parton’s momentum becomes soft, the corresponding logarithms in the matching kernel become non-negligible at higher orders of perturbation theory, which requires a resummation. But the resummation for the off-forward matrix elements at nonzero skewness ξ is difficult due to their multi-scale nature. In this work, we demonstrate that these logarithms are important only in the threshold limit, and derive the threshold factorization formula for the quasi-GPDs in LaMET. We then propose an approach to resum all the large logarithms based on the threshold factorization, which is implemented on a GPD model. We demonstrate that the LaMET prediction is reliable for [−1 + x 0 , −ξ − x 0 ] ∪ [−ξ + x 0 , ξ − x 0 ] ∪ [ξ + x 0 , 1 − x 0 ], where x 0 is a cutoff depending on hard parton momenta. Through our numerical tests with the GPD model, we demonstrate that our method is self-consistent and that the inverse matching does not spread the nonperturbative effects or power corrections to the perturbatively calculable regions.

hadronic spectroscopy↗
DOE OSTI2023

Rapid assembly of SARS-CoV-2 genomes reveals attenuation of the Omicron BA.1 variant through NSP6

Although the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (BA.1) spread rapidly across the world and effectively evaded immune responses, its viral fitness in cell and animal models was reduced. The precise nature of this attenuation remains unknown as generating replication-competent viral genomes is challenging because of the length of the viral genome (~30 kb). Here, we present a plasmid-based viral genome assembly and rescue strategy (pGLUE) that constructs complete infectious viruses or noninfectious subgenomic replicons in a single ligation reaction with >80% efficiency. Fully sequenced replicons and infectious viral stocks can be generated in 1 and 3 weeks, respectively. By testing a series of naturally occurring viruses as well as Delta-Omicron chimeric replicons, we show that Omicron nonstructural protein 6 harbors critical attenuating mutations, which dampen viral RNA replication and reduce lipid droplet consumption. Thus, pGLUE overcomes remaining barriers to broadly study SARS-CoV-2 replication and reveals deficits in nonstructural protein function underlying Omicron attenuation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Universal scaling of weak localization in graphene due to bias-induced dispersion decoherence

The differential conductance of graphene is shown to exhibit a zero-bias anomaly at low temperatures, arising from a suppression of the quantum corrections due to weak localization and electron interactions. A simple rescaling of these data, free of any adjustable parameters, shows that this anomaly exhibits a universal, temperature- (T) independent form. According to this, the differential conductance is approximately constant at small voltages (V < kBT/e), while at larger voltages it increases logarithmically with the applied bias. For theoretical insight into the origins of this behaviour, which is inconsistent with electron heating, we formulate a model for weak-localization in the presence of nonequilibrium transport. According to this model, the applied voltage causes unavoidable dispersion decoherence, which arises as diffusing electron partial waves, with a spread of energies defined by the value of the applied voltage, gradually decohere with one another as they diffuse through the system. The decoherence yields a universal scaling of the conductance as a function of eV/kBT, with a logarithmic variation for eV/kBT > 1, variations in accordance with the results of experiment. Our theoretical description of nonequilibrium transport in the presence of this source of decoherence exhibits strong similarities with the results of experiment, including the aforementioned rescaling of the conductance and its logarithmic variation as a function of the applied voltage.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Electron bunch dynamics and emission in particle-in-cell simulations of relativistic laser–solid interactions: On density artifacts, collisions, and numerical dispersion

Sub-optical-cycle dynamics of dense electron bunches in relativistic-intensity laser–solid interactions lead to the emission of high-order harmonics and attosecond light pulses. The capacity of particle-in-cell simulations to accurately model these dynamics is essential for the prediction of emission properties because the attosecond pulse intensity depends on the electron density distribution at the time of emission and on the temporal distribution of individual electron Lorentz-factors in an emitting electron bunch. Here, we show that in one-dimensional collisionless simulations, the peak density of the emitting electron bunch increases with the increase in the spatial resolution of the simulation grid. When collisions are added to the model, the peak electron density becomes independent of the spatial resolution. Collisions are shown to increase the spread of the peaks of Lorentz-factors of emitting electrons in time, especially in the regimes far from optimum generation conditions, thus leading to lower intensities of attosecond pulses as compared to those obtained in collisionless simulations.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2021

Update on NNL TSL Evaluations and Validation [Slides]

12 new/revised TSL evaluations were contributed to ENDF/B-VIII.1. The thermal diffusion length $L$ is an integral property of a single material’s absorption and scattering cross sections (both differential and integral). No other neutron reactions or materials are involved. The MC21-calculated $L$ for water is consistent with the spread of experimental data and is sufficiently sensitive to different H-H 2 O TSL physics models to use the method as a TSL integral performance benchmark. Modern high-quality diffusion experiments at elevated $T$ would allow direct low-cost physics benchmarking of water TSLs when public elevated-$T$ critical benchmarks are limited. NNL is working with LLNL and RPI to develop experimental PNDA capability. An ICSBEP Fundamental Physics benchmark of the Nassar and Murphy PNDA experiment is being developed to provide an example of how to evaluate these type of benchmarks.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1974

An investigation of the facsimile camera response to object motion

A general analytical model of the facsimile camera response to object motion is derived as an initial step toward characterizing the resulting image degradation. This model expresses the spatial convolution of a time-varying object radiance distribution and camera point-spread function for each picture element in the image. Time variations and these two functions during each convolution account for blurring of small image detail, and variations between, as well as during, successive convolutions account for geometric image distortions. If the object moves beyond the angular extent of several picture elements while it is being imaged, then geometric distortion tends to dominate blurring as the primary cause of image degradation. The extent of distortion depends not only on object size and velocity but also on the direction of object motion, and is therefore difficult to classify in a general sense.

Huck, F. O.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Manufacture of fiber-epoxy test specimens: Including associated jigs and instrumentation

Experimental work on the manufacture and strength of graphite-epoxy composites is considered. The correct data and thus a true assessment of the strength properties based on a proper and scientifically modeled test specimen with engineered design, construction, and manufacture has led to claims of a very broad spread in optimized values. Such behavior is in the main due to inadequate control during manufacture of test specimen, improper curing, and uneven scatter in the fiber orientation. The graphite fibers are strong but brittle. Even with various epoxy matrices and volume fraction, the fracture toughness is still relatively low. Graphite-epoxy prepreg tape was investigated as a sandwich construction with intermittent interlaminar bonding between the laminates in order to produce high strength, high fracture toughness composites. The quality and control of manufacture of the multilaminate test specimen blanks was emphasized. The dimensions, orientation and cure must be meticulous in order to produce the desired mix.

Mathur, S. B.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Parallel Fin ORU Thermal Interface for space applications

The Parallel Fin Thermal Interface has been developed as an Orbital Replaceable Unit (ORU) interface. The interface transfers heat from an ORU baseplate to a Heat Acquisition Plate (HAP) through pairs of fins sandwiched between insert plates that press against the fins with uniform pressure. The insert plates are spread apart for ORU baseplate separation and replacement. Two prototype interfaces with different fin dimensions were built (Model 140 and 380). Interfacing surface samples were found to have roughnesses of 56 to 89 nm. Conductance values of 267 to 420 W/sq m C were obtained for the 140 model in vacuum with interface pressures of 131 to 262 kPa (19 to 38 psi). Vacuum conductances ranging from 176 to 267 W/sq m F were obtained for the 380 model at interface pressures of 97 to 152 kPa (14 and 22 psi). Correlations from several sources were found to agree with test data within 20 percent using thermal math models of the interfaces.

Stobb, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Analysis of IRAS solar system dust data

Data in the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) Zodiacal History File were analyzed to extract dust band locations and peak brightness measurements from approximately 1,000 individual IRAS scans. The study had three goals. One was to show that the prominent solar system dust bands are associated with Hirayama asteroid families and thus that collisions between asteroids account for a significant fraction of the particles in the zodiacal cloud. Recent work suggests that while the Hirayama families are a major source of the dust in the bands, there may also be contributions from two or three smaller, more recently recognized asteroid families. A second goal was to show that there is evidence in the IRAS dust data for the transport of particles from asteroid belt to the Earth by Poynting-Robertson light drag and thus account for the fact that asteroid particles are collected in the Earth's stratosphere. Results of the study will confirm the location of the dust bands within the inner asteroid belt, and show conclusively that the material seen by IRAS is now spread over a wide range of distances from the sun. The third goal was to construct a model of the background zodiacal cloud that satisfies the proper dynamical constraints. Figures are provided to show the scans processed to remove zodiacal background and Galactic signals, and the resulting polynomial fits to the 25 micron scan. The latter provided objective estimates of band widths, peak locations, and peak fluxes. Modelling and analysis of the resulting band data has been presented at several conferences and is the subject of a number of forthcoming papers.

Dermott, S. F.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Characterization of Activity at Loki from Galileo and Ground-based Observations

While Loki is the most active volcanic center on Io, major questions remain concerning the nature of that activity. Rathbun et al. showed that the activity was semi-periodic, and suggested it was due to a resurfacing wave which swept across a lava lake as the crust cooled and become unstable. However in 2001 new observations showed that an intermediate level, less periodic mode of activity had apparently begun. Galileo-NIMS observations of Loki clearly show that the highest temperatures are found near the edge of the patera, consistent with disruption of a lava lake at the margins. NIMS observations also show gradients in temperature across the patera which, when modeled in terms of lava cooling models, are generally consistent with ages expected for the resurfacing wave but may also be consistent with spreading flows. We present a further analysis of NIMS data from I24 and I32 which help define the nature of the temperature variations present in Loki patera, along with Galileo-SSI images from the G1-I32 flybys which show albedo changes apparently correlated with the "periodic" activity measured from ground-based observations.

Howell, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Methodology for Physics and Engineering of Reliable Products

Physics of failure approaches have gained wide spread acceptance within the electronic reliability community. These methodologies involve identifying root cause failure mechanisms, developing associated models, and utilizing these models to inprove time to market, lower development and build costs and higher reliability. The methodology outlined herein sets forth a process, based on integration of both physics and engineering principles, for achieving the same goals.

failure analysis electronics reliability PACT (pre↗
NASA NTRS2012

Limits on Achievable Dimensional and Photon Efficiencies with Intensity-Modulation and Photon-Counting Due to Non-Ideal Photon-Counter Behavior

An ideal intensity-modulated photon-counting channel can achieve unbounded photon information efficiencies (PIEs). However, a number of limitations of a physical system limit the practically achievable PIE. In this paper, we discuss several of these limitations and illustrate their impact on the channel. We show that, for the Poisson channel, noise does not strictly bound PIE, although there is an effective limit, as the dimensional information efficiency goes as e[overline] e PIE beyond a threshold PIE. Since the Holevo limit is bounded in the presence of noise, this illustrates that the Poisson approximation is invalid at large PIE for any number of noise modes. We show that a finite transmitter extinction ratio bounds the achievable PIE to a maximum that is logarithmic in the extinction ratio. We show how detector jitter limits the ability to mitigate noise in the PPM signaling framework. We illustrate a method to model detector blocking when the number of detectors is large, and illustrate mitigation of blocking with spatial spreading and altering. Finally, we illustrate the design of a high photon efficiency system using state-of-the-art photo-detectors and taking all these effects into account.

quantum limited communications↗
NASA NTRS2015

Observing System Simulations for Small Satellite Formations Estimating Bidirectional Reflectance

The bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) gives the reflectance of a target as a function of illumination geometry and viewing geometry, hence carries information about the anisotropy of the surface. BRDF is needed in remote sensing for the correction of view and illumination angle effects (for example in image standardization and mosaicing), for deriving albedo, for land cover classification, for cloud detection, for atmospheric correction, and other applications. However, current spaceborne instruments provide sparse angular sampling of BRDF and airborne instruments are limited in the spatial and temporal coverage. To fill the gaps in angular coverage within spatial, spectral and temporal requirements, we propose a new measurement technique: Use of small satellites in formation flight, each satellite with a VNIR (visible and near infrared) imaging spectrometer, to make multi-spectral, near-simultaneous measurements of every ground spot in the swath at multiple angles. This paper describes an observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) to evaluate the proposed concept and select the optimal formation architecture that minimizes BRDF uncertainties. The variables of the OSSE are identified; number of satellites, measurement spread in the view zenith and relative azimuth with respect to solar plane, solar zenith angle, BRDF models and wavelength of reflection. Analyzing the sensitivity of BRDF estimation errors to the variables allow simplification of the OSSE, to enable its use to rapidly evaluate formation architectures. A 6-satellite formation is shown to produce lower BRDF estimation errors, purely in terms of angular sampling as evaluated by the OSSE, than a single spacecraft with 9 forward-aft sensors. We demonstrate the ability to use OSSEs to design small satellite formations as complements to flagship mission data. The formations can fill angular sampling gaps and enable better BRDF products than currently possible.

small satellite↗
DOE OSTI2022

Optimising response to an introduction of African swine fever in wild pigs

African swine fever virus (ASFv) is a virulent pathogen that threatens domestic swine industries globally and persists in wild boar populations in some countries. Persistence in wild boar can challenge elimination and prevent disease-free status, making it necessary to address wild swine in proactive response plans. In the United States, invasive wild pigs are abundant and found across a wide range of ecological conditions that could drive different epidemiological dynamics among populations. Information on the size of the control areas required to rapidly eliminate the ASFv in wild pigs and how this area should change with management constraints and local ecology is needed to optimize response planning. We developed a spatially explicit disease transmission model contrasting wild pig movement and contact ecology in two ecosystems in Southeastern United States. We simulated ASFv spread and determined the optimal response area (reported as the radius of a circle) for eliminating ASFv rapidly over a range of detection times (when ASFv was detected relative to the true date of introduction), culling capacities (proportion of wild pigs in the culling zone removed weekly) and wild pig densities. Large radii for response areas (14 km) were needed under most conditions but could be shortened with early detection (≤ 8 weeks) and high culling capacities (≥ 15% weekly). Under most conditions, the ASFv was eliminated in less than 22 weeks using optimal control radii, although ecological conditions with high rates of wild pig movement required higher culling capacities (≥ 10% weekly) for elimination within 1 year. The results highlight the importance of adjusting response plans based on local ecology and show that wild pig movement is a better predictor of the optimal response area than the number of ASFv cases early in the outbreak trajectory. Furthermore, our framework provides a tool for determining optimal control plans in different areas, guiding expectations of response impacts, and planning resources needed for rapid elimination.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1999

Point Spread Function and Transmittance Analyses for Conical and Hexapod Secondary Mirror Support Towers for the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST)

Different secondary mirror support towers were modeled on the CODE V optical design/analysis program for the NGST Optical Telescope Assembly (OTA) B. The vertices of the NGST OTA B primary and secondary mirrors were separated by close to 9.0 m. One type of tower consisted of a hollow cone 6.0 m long, 2.00 m in diameter at the base, and 0.704 m in diameter at its top. The base of the cone was considered attached to the primary's reaction structure through a hole in the primary. Extending up parallel to the optical axis from the top of this cylinder were eight blades (pyramidal struts) 3.0 m long. A cross section of each these long blades was an isosceles triangle with a base of 0.010 m and a height of 0.100 m with the sharpest part of each triangle pointing inward. The eight struts occurred every 45 deg. The other type of tower was purely a hexapod arrangement and had no blades or cones. The hexapod consisted simply of six, very thin, circular struts, leaving in pairs at 12:00, 4:00, and 8:00 at the primary and traversing to the outer edge of the back of the secondary mount. At this mount, two struts arrived at each of 10:00, 2:00, and 6:00. The struts were attached to the primary mirror in a ring 3.5 m in diameter. They reached the back of the secondary mount, a circle 0.704 m in diameter. Transmittance analyses at two levels were performed on the secondary mirror support towers. Detailed transmittances were accomplished by the use of the CODE V optical design/analysis program and were compared to transmittance calculations that were almost back-of-the-envelope. Point spread function (PSF) calculations, including both diffraction and aberration effects, were performed on CODE V. As one goes out from the center of the blur (for a point source), the two types of support towers showed little difference between their PSF intensities until one reaches about the 3% level. Contours can be delineated on CODE V down to about 10 (exp -8) times the peak intensity, fine detailing the differences in the wings of the PSF. Between the first type of tower and the hexapod tower, below 3% of the peak intensity, the PSF contour maps well delineated significant differences in the outer portions of the PSFS. Such differences in the wings of the PSF significantly impact the resolution of brown dwarfs or extra solar planets from their star. The hexapod tower provided the best PSF.

Wilkerson, Gary W.↗
DOE OSTI2021

A pre-registered short-term forecasting study of COVID-19 in Germany and Poland during the second wave

Disease modelling has had considerable policy impact during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and it is increasingly acknowledged that combining multiple models can improve the reliability of outputs. Here we report insights from ten weeks of collaborative short-term forecasting of COVID-19 in Germany and Poland (12 October–19 December 2020). The study period covers the onset of the second wave in both countries, with tightening non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and subsequently a decay (Poland) or plateau and renewed increase (Germany) in reported cases. Thirteen independent teams provided probabilistic real-time forecasts of COVID-19 cases and deaths. These were reported for lead times of one to four weeks, with evaluation focused on one- and two-week horizons, which are less affected by changing NPIs. Heterogeneity between forecasts was considerable both in terms of point predictions and forecast spread. Ensemble forecasts showed good relative performance, in particular in terms of coverage, but did not clearly dominate single-model predictions. The study was preregistered and will be followed up in future phases of the pandemic.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Long-exposure NuSTAR constraints on decaying dark matter in the Galactic halo

Here, we present two complementary NuSTAR x-ray searches for keV-scale dark matter decaying to monoenergetic photons in the Milky Way halo. In the first, we utilize the known intensity pattern of unfocused stray light across the detector planes—the dominant source of photons from diffuse sources—to separate astrophysical emission from internal instrument backgrounds using ~7- Ms/detector deep blank-sky exposures. In the second, we present an updated parametric model of the full NuSTAR instrument background, allowing us to leverage the statistical power of an independent ~20-Ms/detector stacked exposures spread across the sky. Finding no evidence of anomalous x-ray lines using either method, we set limits on the active-sterile mixing angle sin 2 ⁡(2⁢θ) for sterile-neutrino masses 6–40 keV. The first key result is that we strongly disfavor a ~7-keV sterile neutrino decaying into a 3.5-keV photon. The second is that we derive leading limits on sterile neutrinos with masses ~15–18 keV and ~25–40 keV, reaching or extending below the big bang nucleosynthesis limit. In combination with previous results, the parameter space for the neutrino minimal standard model is now nearly closed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1996

Numerical Simulation of Mixing Enhancement in a Hot Supersonic Jet

Experimental observations show that the presence of small tabs on the edge of a hot, compressible jet exiting into a slower moving, colder ambient flow can increase the rate of spreading of the jet. This suggests that the rate of mixing of the jet and the ambient fluid is also increased. In order to elucidate the physical mechanism responsible for the increased spreading rate a set of calculations were carried out within the framework of the compressible three dimensional Navier-Stokes equations. A series of grid refinements were made to assess the accuracy of the results. The first simulated the flow without the tabs, obtaining reasonable agreement with experimental measurements of the velocity. We then simulated the flow, without tabs, over a range of values of the convective Mach number in order to determine the dependence of the mixing on this parameter. Simulations with modeled tabs were also carried out. In these calculations the effect of the tabs on the flow was modeled by pairs of counter rotating vortices. The results of these calculations indeed show that the presence of the tabs increase the spreading rate of the jet. The basic physical mechanism responsible for the enhanced spreading rate is discussed and qualitative comparisons with flow visualizations are made.

Grosch, C. E.↗