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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Measurement of the muon neutrino charged-current mesonless cross section in the NOvA near detector

NOvA is a long-baseline accelerator neutrino experiment at Fermilab. Its physics goals include precision neutrino oscillation measurements, neutrino interaction cross-section measurements and beyond Standard Model explorations. We present a measurement of muon neutrino charged-current cross section with zero mesons in the final state at the NOvA near detector. This measurement is performed as a function of the kinematics of the final state muon. Our chosen interaction channel is especially sensitive to quasielastic and meson exchange current interactions and it provides handles for constraining the cross section systematic uncertainties in oscillation analyses in present and future experiments. For particle identification, we use a convolutional neural network (CNN) trained on individual particles simulated in the NOvA Near detector. This allows us to select the desired signal while reducing the potential bias from neutrino interaction modeling. We study strategies for constraining the remaining charged-pion background via Michel electron information in a template fitting approach. The main experimental result is a two-dimensional differential cross section as a function of final-state muon kinetic energy and polar angle. The parameters of this measurement, including binning and unfolding, were optimized to reduce the expected systematic uncertainty in the total cross section. The final result shows good agreement with the main GENIE-based simulation framework that was independently fine-tuned in NOvA. We finally propose improvements and subsequent steps that build on this analysis and further dissect the final states of neutrino interactions. This work has been supported by US DOE grant DE-SC0015684.

Sánchez Falero, Sebastián Jesús [Iowa State U.]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development of Advanced, Radiation Resistant, Optical-based Detector Technology for Future Experiments.

The primary objective of this project has been to advance the design of high-performance electromagnetic (EM) calorimeters for future particle physics experiments, to identify and measure the timing, position and energy of electrons, positrons and gamma rays, particularly in high-luminosity environments with intense radiation and pileup conditions. To meet such challenges, the proposed research has focused on the development of ultra-compact, radiation-hard calorimeter modules, to provide excellent timing, spatial, and energy resolution. The work aligns with the DOE’s Basic Research Needs (BRN) for High Energy Physics (HEP) Instrumentation and the research team contributes actively to the Coordinating Panel on Advanced Detectors (CPAD) RDC9 calorimetry collaboration in the USA and the European Committee on Future Accelerators (ECFA) DRD-CALO calorimetry collaboration at CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics located in Geneva, Switzerland. The research builds on the RADiCAL (radiation-hard, ultra-compact) modular sampling calorimeter approach, developed by the research team, which employs dense and very bright optical materials such as LYSO:Ce scintillator plates that are interleaved with very dense tungsten plates to minimize detector size while optimizing performance. The modules are comparable in size to a human index finger, dimensionally 14 mm x 14 mm in cross section and 135 mm in length. And despite the small size, the structure is capable of providing excellent timing and energy resolution. This is facilitated through the use of specialized quartz capillaries filled with wavelength-shifting filaments, positioned at various depths along the length of a module, to collect and guide light signals to silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) which detect and convert the optical signals to electronic signals for analysis. The primary goals of this project have been: (1) Achieve a timing resolution to σ t ≤ 30 ps for high-energy electrons and photons, important for their association with specific events produced in colliding-beam experiments and for the detection of decays-in-flight of long-lived particles. The project has achieved this goal in beam tests of a single RADiCAL module at CERN, during which a timing resolution of σ t = 27 ps was measured for electrons of energy E = 150 GeV. Based upon a mathematical fit to the data measured over a broad energy range from low energy to high energy, a resolution of σ t ≤ 18 ps has been estimated for electrons of very high (TeV) energy. From these measurements and with further expected technical improvements, the timing resolution should reach σ t ≤ 10 ps, important for searches for discovery physics in upcoming and future experiments. (2) Achieve an energy resolution of σ E / E ≤ 10% / $\sqrt{E}$. The project has yet to achieve this goal, but is close to it, having measured a value of σ E / E ≤ 15.9% / $\sqrt{E}$ using a modular array. Ultimately, the resolution goal is expected to be reached by adjustments to material thicknesses within the modules, which will improve the sampling fraction to measure more precisely the shower energy for lower energy particles. The versatility of the modular RADiCAL approach enables the testing of advanced materials, photosensors and electronics, developed in collaboration with CPAD RDC and ECFA DRD-CALO groups. The structure can distinguish electrons, positrons and gamma rays from hadrons and muons and beam-induced backgrounds, making it a valuable tool in a variety of detector environments, including future circular colliders (FCC-ee, FCC-hh) proposed for the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN), the muon-collider proposed for Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), and searches for new physics in beam-dump, fixed target and forward-physics experiments. And, while designed with particle physics applications in mind, the technologies developed in this project have the potential for application more broadly in particle and nuclear physics, materials science, and medical physics, underscoring the far-reaching potential of this line of instrumentation research and development.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

First Differential Measurement of the Single 𝜋 + Production Cross Section in Neutrino Neutral-Current Scattering

Since its first observation in the 1970s, neutrino-induced neutral-current single positive pion production (NC⁢1⁢𝜋 + ) has remained an elusive and poorly understood interaction channel. This process is a significant background in neutrino oscillation experiments and studying it further is critical for the physics program of next-generation accelerator-based neutrino oscillation experiments. In this Letter, we present the first double-differential cross-section measurement of NC⁢1⁢𝜋 + interactions using data from the ND280 detector of the T2K experiment collected in 𝜈-beam mode. The measured flux-averaged integrated cross section is 𝜎 = (6.07 ± 1.22) × 10 −41 cm 2 /nucleon. We compare the results on a hydrocarbon target to the predictions of several neutrino interaction generators and final-state-interaction models. While model predictions agree with the differential results, the data show a weak preference for a cross-section normalization approximately 30% higher than predicted by most models studied in this Letter.

Neutrino detection↗
DOE OSTI2022

Effects of physical, chemical, and biological ageing on the mineralization of pine wood biochar by a Streptomyces isolate

If biochar is to be used for carbon (C) management, we must understand how weathering or ageing affects biochar C mineralization. Here, we incubated aged and unaged eastern white pine wood biochar produced at 350 and 550°C with a Streptomyces isolate, a putative biochar-decomposing microbe. Ageing was accelerated via three different processes, namely, (a) physical ageing–subjecting biochar to alternating freeze-thaw and wet-dry cycles, (b) chemical ageing–treating biochar with concentrated hydrogen peroxide and (c) biological ageing–incubating biochar in the presence of nutrients and microorganisms. Elemental composition and surface chemistry (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy) of biochar samples were compared before and after ageing. Biochar C mineralization between ageing treatments was significantly different in the case of 350°C biochar ( p value = 0.03). Among the 350°C biochars, physical ageing resulted in the greatest increase (by 103%) in biochar C mineralization ( p value = 0.05). However, in the case of 550°C biochar, ageing did not result in a significant change in biochar C mineralization ( p value = 0.40). Biochar C mineralization was positively correlated with an increase in O/C ratio post-ageing ( r s = 0.86, p value = 0.01). In the case of 350°C biochar, surface oxidation during ageing enhanced biochar degradation by the isolate. For 550°C biochar, however, ageing did not significantly increase biochar C mineralization, likely due to high condensed aromatic C content and lower surface oxidation during ageing. The results from our study suggest that low temperature aged biochar is more susceptible to biological degradation by soil microbes. These findings have implications for the use of biochar for long term C storage in soils.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Terawatt attosecond x-ray source driven by a plasma accelerator

Plasma accelerators can generate ultra-high-brightness electron beams that open the door to light sources with a smaller physical footprint and properties un-achievable with conventional accelerator technology. In this paper, we show that electron beams from Plasma WakeField Accelerators can generate few-cycle coherent tunable soft x-ray pulses with TW peak power and a duration of tens of attoseconds, an order of magnitude more powerful, shorter, and with better stability than state-of-the-art X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs). Such a light source would significantly enhance the ability to experimentally investigate electron dynamics on ultrafast timescales, having a broad-ranging impact across multiple scientific fields. Rather than starting from noise as in typical XFELs, the x-ray emission in this approach is driven by coherent radiation from a pre-bunched, high peak current electron beam of attosecond duration. This relaxes the restrictive tolerances that have hindered progress toward utilizing plasma accelerators as coherent x-ray drivers thus far, presenting a new paradigm for advanced accelerator light source applications.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

A Generic High Bandwidth Data Acquisition Card for Physics Experiments

In high energy physics and nuclear physics experiments particularly the ones based on particle accelerator, the data rate from the detector is usually in the order of Terabytes per second. This high throughput data from detector front-end electronics need to be transmitted to the back-end computing farm for high level event selection and building. A Data Acquisition (DAQ) system with features of high-density, scalable, easily upgradeable is crucial to simplify the readout architecture of whole experiment. This paper will introduce the design of a generic high bandwidth PCIe card which can be used as the important input output card in a scalable DAQ system. It can factorize front-end electronics from data handling, and reduce amount of custom hardware in favor of scalable detectorindependent commercial hardware and software. Besides the 48 channels of bidirectional high speed fiber optical links with frontends, it also supports to synchronize with the experiment timing system, and to fanout the clock and trigger information with a fixed latency to the front-end electronics.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

C$^3$: A "Cool" Route to the Higgs Boson and Beyond

We present a proposal for a cold copper distributed coupling accelerator that can provide a rapid route to precision Higgs physics with a compact 8 km footprint. This proposal is based on recent advances that increase the efficiency and operating gradient of a normal conducting accelerator. This technology also provides an e + e - collider path to physics at multi-TeV energies. In this article, we describe our vision for this technology and the near-term R&D program needed to pursue it.

Caterina, Vernieri↗
DOE OSTI2024

Electromagnetic and two-photon transition form factors of the pseudoscalar mesons: An algebraic model computation

We compute electromagnetic and two-photon transition form factors of ground-state pseudoscalar mesons: π , K , η c , η b . To this end, we employ an algebraic model based upon the coupled formalism of Schwinger-Dyson and Bethe-Salpeter equations. Within this approach, the dressed quark propagator and the relevant Bethe-Salpeter amplitude encode the internal structure of the corresponding meson. Electromagnetic properties of the meson are probed via the quark-photon interaction. The algebraic model employed by us unifies the treatment of all ground-state pseudoscalar mesons. Its parameters are carefully fitted performing a global analysis of existing experimental data including the knowledge of the charge radii of the mesons studied. We then compute and predict electromagnetic and two-photon transition form factors for a wide range of probing photon momentum-squared which is of direct relevance to the experimental observations carried out thus far or planned at different hadron physics facilities such as the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab) and the forthcoming Electron-Ion Collider. We also present comparisons with other theoretical models and approaches and lattice quantum chromodynamics. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Higuera-Angulo, I. M. (ORCID:0000000256008875)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Hybridization of Excited Interlayer Excitons with Intralayer Excitons in Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide Heterostructures: Interplay of Orbital and Structural Symmetry

Hybridization between interlayer exciton (ILX) and intralayer excitons offers a powerful route to engineer light–matter interactions in transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) heterostructures, yet the underlying mechanism and selection rules remain elusive. Here we probe exciton hybridization in MoTe2/MoSe2 heterobilayers under a tunable out-of-plane electric field and observe distinct avoided crossings in the electric-field dependent reflection spectra. We associate them with coupling between excited ILX states, including the 2p and 2s Rydberg states, and MoTe2 intralayer exciton. Supported by ab initio GW plus Bethe-Salpeter equation (GW-BSE) calculations, we identify the hybridizing states and establish optical selection rules based on the effective angular momentum of the exciton states. These findings highlight the role of excitonic binding in the observed hybridization, rather than that of simple band-mixing models, and provide a new pathway for brightening high-energy dark states.

Yao, Helen [Department of Materials Science and En↗
DOE OSTI2023

Linearization of an Electron Beam’s Longitudinal Phase Space Using a Hollow-Channel Plasma

The removal of undesired beam nonlinear energy chirp (time-energy correlation) or linearization of the beam longitudinal phase space (LPS) is crucial for high-brightness linac-based scientific applications, such as x-ray free-electron lasers. In this paper, we propose that a low-density hollow channel plasma can be used as a near-ideal passive linearizer to significantly linearize the beam LPS and, at the same time, preserve the beam emittance. Physically, the passage of the beam through the hollow plasma channel excites a strong quasicosinoidal longitudinal wakefield that acts to mitigate the beam nonlinear energy chirp by superimposing a reverse chirp on the beam. The theoretical analyses and large-scale three-dimensional start-to-end simulations confirm that the beam longitudinal phase space can be almost completely linearized without noticeable beam emittance growth. In conclusion, application of such a near-ideal linearizer may significantly improve the performance of numerous accelerator-based applications.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Detector Simulation Challenges for Future Accelerator Experiments

Detector simulation is a key component for studies on prospective future high-energy colliders, the design, optimization, testing and operation of particle physics experiments, and the analysis of the data collected to perform physics measurements. This review starts from the current state of the art technology applied to detector simulation in high-energy physics and elaborates on the evolution of software tools developed to address the challenges posed by future accelerator programs beyond the HL-LHC era, into the 2030–2050 period. New accelerator, detector, and computing technologies set the stage for an exercise in how detector simulation will serve the needs of the high-energy physics programs of the mid 21st century, and its potential impact on other research domains.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Interpreting accelerated tests on perovskite modules using photooxidation of MAPbI 3 as an example

Solar panels (modules) based on metal halide perovskites are following a fast track to commercialization. Unlike more established solar cell materials, there are not yet decades-long field observations to increase consumer confidence. The "physics and chemistry of failure" approach is used in other industries and estimates product degradation based on laboratory accelerated tests integrated with an understanding of degradation mechanisms. This work uses that approach to quantify the relationship between accelerated tests and projected product behavior for metal halide perovskite modules. Degradation involving photooxidation of methylammonium lead iodide is used to illustrate the method. Acceleration factors in common accelerated tests are found to be low. Conclusions emphasize that the accelerated tests on photovoltaics should not be interpreted as equivalent across module types or as a green light for commercialization unless supported by the appropriate field data or physics and chemistry of failure analysis.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Prospects for physics at FCC-hh

This submission reviews and updates the extensive work done over the years to explore and quantify thephysics potential of FCC-hh, the hadron collider component of the integrated Future Circular Colliderfacility. The document introduces the context of these studies, as it has developed over the years, andoffers an update of key targets of FCC-hh such as the precision Higgs studies and the discovery reach atthe highest mass scales. New analyses added or improved with respect to the CDR, are introduced. Ageneral assessment is also given of the impact of the new energy/luminosity baseline for the accelerator,and of alternative configurations, on the physics results.

Mangano, Michelangelo [European Organization for N↗
DOE OSTI2022

The Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test Facility Capability eXpansion (DCX) Strategy

The Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) facility is a vital and important part of the Nation’s nuclear security enterprise. The Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/ NNSA) Stockpile Stewardship Management Plan (SSMP) identifies DARHT as a weapons mission critical facility along with the need to modernize DARHT to support weapons modernization efforts. With more than two decades of operations, DARHT has a storied history. Conceived in the 1970s, constructed in the 1990s, and operational since 2000, DARHT has advanced from open-air hydrodynamic experiments (hydros) to foam-confined hydros, to vessel-confined hydros, and in 2022, the 75 th hydro was successfully completed. Radiography has advanced from a single-axis, single-pulse system to a dual-axis, multi-pulse capability to variable fields of view (VFV) on both accelerators. The culmination of these experiences, accomplishments, and advancements has brought us to a very important question: What do the next two decades at DARHT look like? The world is not the same place it was in the 1990s when construction at DARHT was in progress. Evolving threats, an expanding mission, and technology changes necessitate adaptation. The 2018 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) states that the nuclear weapons infrastructure has suffered the effects of age and underfunding with no margin for further delay in recapitalizing the physical infrastructure. To adapt, the aging facility, accelerators, vessels, and detector systems require improvements to ensure DARHT remains the Nation’s hydrodynamic data foundation for stockpile certification, safety, surety, and global security threats.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
DOE OSTI2024

The Design of B1APF Dipole for the EIC

Brookhaven National Laboratory has been chosen to host the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). Part of this is to install an additional electron ring to the existing RHIC tunnel. The electron hadron Interaction Region (IR) will host nine superconducting magnets on the forward side and six superconducting magnets on the rear side of the Interaction Point (IP). B1APF dipole is the last magnet of the near IR in the outgoing hadron direction. Further, the magnet has a physical aperture of 370 mm diameter and is 1.5 m long. This large aspect ratio makes this magnet particularly challenging. It is a collared magnet and uses a NbTi Rutherford cable with 15.1 mm X 1.9 mm. It is expected to operate at a maximum current of 13400 A at 2 K. The required integrated dipole field is 4.05 Tm. This paper discusses the current design status of the B1ApF dipole and presents the electromagnetic analysis and thermal quench propagation analysis.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Machine learning at the Spallation Neutron Source accelerator and target

We describe the ongoing efforts to apply Machine Learning techniques to improve the performance of our accelerator and target. Specially, we are looking to minimize halo beam losses in the absence of a proper physics model, automatically detect and log anomalies in the target support systems such as cooling, and detect and prevent errant beam pulses in the linac. We also describe the infrastructure we use to acquire and stream data to the GPU cluster for training, our code development cycle, and edge computing for model inference. To minimize halo beam losses, we use a Reinforcement Learning technique tested on a virtual accelerator. The target anomaly detection is trained on archived data using incomplete physics models and is made part of the existing target reporting system. The errant beam prevention analyzes beam current and beam phase waveforms as well as accelerator configuration data to predict errant pulses. We also develop continual learning to adapt to changes in the accelerator.

Accelerator Physics↗
DOE OSTI2021

Science Validation for Dark Energy Research with Optical Imaging Surveys

The Universe has been expanding at an accelerating rate over the past several billion years, as though an unknown form of dark energy permeates all of space. The ultimate scientific goal of the proposed research is to distinguish between different physical mechanisms that could account for this observed accelerated expansion, for example, the zero-point energy of the vacuum, a dynamical form of energy that varies in time and/or space, or a modification to our theory of gravity. Wide- field optical imaging surveys of the night sky can test these competing models by measuring both the cosmic expansion history and the growth of large-scale structure. To this end, the Dark Energy Survey (DES) has cataloged several hundred million galaxies and thousands of supernovae. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), will enlarge the census to billions of galaxies and hundreds of thousands of supernovae. A critical question for these dark energy experiments is whether systematic uncertainties can continue to be controlled at a level to keep pace with the statistical precision offered by such enormous datasets. The immediate research objectives of this project were (1) to prepare and validate input datasets that are the foundation of cosmological analyses with DES, and (2) to prepare for value-added characterization of Rubin Observatory commissioning data to inform early operations and accelerate the realization of dark energy science from LSST data products. For DES, we assembled and curated cosmology-ready data releases that include value-added components such as enhanced photometric and astrometric calibrations, alternative source extraction algorithms, maps of the survey coverage and survey conditions, object classifications, object quality selections, galaxy shapes, and photometric redshifts. We used the galaxy clustering technique to validate the photometric redshift distributions of various galaxy samples to be used as lenses in combined studies of galaxy clustering and weak gravitational lensing. The galaxy clustering redshift analysis was enhanced by use of a larger sample of reference galaxies from the eBOSS spectroscopic survey that extends to higher redshifts. For LSST, we prepared for science validation studies of commissioning data aimed at dark energy science capability that extend beyond the normative system-level tests to be done by the Rubin Observatory Construction Project. We identified a set of proposed survey strategies and candidate target fields that could be observed during the commissioning period to enhance science validation activities related to studies of dark energy.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗