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At least 973 records · Page 54

A measurement of proton-carbon forward scattering in a proof-of-principle test of the EMPHATIC spectrometer

The next generation of long-baseline neutrino experiments will be capable of precision measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters, precision neutrino-nucleus scattering, and unprecedented sensitivity to physics beyond the Standard Model. Reduced uncertainties in neutrino fluxes are necessary to achieve high precision and sensitivity in these future precise neutrino measurements. New measurements of hadron-nucleus interaction cross sections are needed to reduce uncertainties of neutrino fluxes. We report measurements of the differential cross-section as a function of scattering angle for proton-carbon interactions with a single charged particle in the final state at beam momenta of 20, 30, and 120 GeV/c. These measurements are the result of a beam test for EMPHATIC, a hadron-scattering and hadron-production experiment. The total, elastic and inelastic cross-sections are also extracted from the data and compared to previous measurements. These results can be used in current and future long-baseline neutrino experiments, and demonstrate the feasibility of future measurements by an upgraded EMPHATIC spectrometer.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

An algebraic convolution formulation for multiple-scattering correction in small-angle neutron scattering

Multiple scattering in small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) redistributes spectral weight and distorts structural interpretation, particularly for thick or strongly scattering samples. We develop a finite-dimensional spectral desmearing framework that corrects multiple scattering without resorting to integral transforms or model-dependent extrapolation. The primary intensity is expanded in an orthonormal basis adapted to the isotropic transverse-momentum measure, under which convolution reduces to a recursive tensor contraction, allowing the Poisson-weighted multiple-scattering series to be evaluated directly in a finite-dimensional basis representation. This formulation yields a stable forward–inverse mapping between apparent and primary spectra. Numerical tests demonstrate convergence under repeated convolution and accurate recovery of the single-scattering intensity. Application to SANS measurements collected at multiple neutron facilities, including the Spallation Neutron Source, the High Flux Isotope Reactor, and the Institut Laue-Langevin, shows the quantitative reconstruction of the underlying primary spectrum across a wide range of transmission conditions, including strongly attenuating samples. Here, the method provides a stable, model-agnostic framework for multiple-scattering correction in SANS and enables consistent structural interpretation across instruments and scattering regimes.

Tung, Chi-Huan [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORN↗

Non-isometric codes for the black hole interior from fundamental and effective dynamics

We introduce a new holographic map for encoding black hole interiors by including both fundamental and effective dynamics. This holographic map is constructed by evolving a state in the effective, semiclassical gravity description of the interior backwards in time to pull the degrees of freedom outside the black hole, before evolving forwards in time in the fundamental description. We show this “backwards-forwards” map is equivalent to a post-selection map of the type introduced by Akers, Engelhardt, Harlow, Penington, and Vardhan, and in the case of trivial effective interactions reduces to their model, while providing a suitable generalization when those interactions are nontrivial. We show the map is equivariant with respect to time evolution, and independent of any interactions outside the black hole. This construction includes interactions with an infaller in a way that preserves the unitarity of black hole evolution exactly and does not allow for superpolynomial computational complexity.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

A new tubular ironless linear induction motor using non-interrupted winding method

The ironless linear induction motor device can be used for any application which requires a large motion span or rotation restrictedly by the ironless feature due to the strong magnetic field environment. One of the possible applications is ITER diagnostics shutters. The tokamak reactor systems have a severe radiation issue during the operation. The traditional Kapton-insulated wires have significantly lower radiation resistance than an expected large radiation dose at ITER Motion Stark Effect (MSE) shutter location. Furthermore, the traditional single-sided linear induction motor winds the wire to make the N-turn pitch coils independently and then connect them in series to make a one-phase winding. Therefore, it is a big challenge to make so many radiation-protection connectors in such a limited space as inside the vacuum vessel of fusion reactors. The approved mineral-insulated kinds of cables need a large bend radius for the end turns, so the traditional single-sided linear motor with two-layer three-phase windings need to be upgraded to the tubular linear motors. The new proposed tubular ironless linear induction motor can not only overcome the large bend radius issue with the mineral-insulated cables but also allow the motor coils wound continuously around the tubular-shaped stator, forward and backward N times to make a N-turn winding for each phase, in order to resolve the radiation protection issue with the winding connection. The 3D transient Maxwell electromagnetic model with a tubular three-phase linear induction motor has been analyzed. Furthermore, this paper will present the detailed design and winding method of ironless linear induction motor actuators, and results of the 3D transient numerical simulation of the actuator performance.

Ironless↗

Modeling multiple scattering transient of an ultrashort laser pulse by spherical particles

The multiple scattering of an ultrashort laser pulse by a turbid dispersive medium (namely a cloud of bubbles in water) is investigated by means of Monte Carlo simulations. The theory of Gouesbet and Gréhan (2000) is used to derive an energetic model of the scattering transient. It is shown that the spreading and extinction of the pulse can be decoupled from the transient of scattering, which allows to describe each phenomenon individually. The transient of scattering is modeled with the Lorenz-Mie Theory and thus is also valid for a relative refractive index lower than one, contrary to the Debye series expansion which does not converge close to the critical angle. This is made possible after the introduction of a new physical object, the Scattering Impulse Response Function (SIRF) which allows to detect the different modes of scattering transient, in time and direction. Here the present approach is more generic, as it enables to simulate clouds of air bubbles in water, which was not possible previously. Two different approaches are proposed within the Monte Carlo framework. The first is a pure Monte Carlo approach where the delay due to the scattering is randomly drawn at each event, while the second is based on the transport of the whole scattering signal. They are both embedded in the Monte Carlo code Scatter3D. Both models produce equivalent trends and are validated against published numerical results. They are then applied to the multiple scattering of ultra short pulse by a cloud of bubble in water in the forward direction. The pulse spread due to the propagation in water is computed for a wide range of traveled distances and pulse durations, and the optimal pulse duration is given to minimize the pulse spread at a given distance. The main result is that the scattered photons exit the turbid medium earlier than the ballistic photons and produce a double peak related to the refraction in the bubble. This demonstrates the possibility to develop new diagnostics to characterize dynamic bubbly flows.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Tokamak divertor plasma emulation with machine learning

Abstract Future tokamak devices that aim to create conditions relevant to power plant operations must consider strategies for mitigating damage to plasma facing components in the divertor. One of the goals of MAST-U tokamak operations is to inform these considerations by researching advanced divertor configurations that aid stable plasma detachment. Machine design, scenario planning and detachment control would all greatly benefit from tools that enable rapid calculation of scenario-relevant quantities given some input parameters. This paper presents a method for generating large, simulated scrape-off layer data sets, which was applied to generate a data set of steady-state Hermes-3 simulations of the MAST-U tokamak. A machine learning model was constructed using a Bayesian approach to hyperparameter optimisation to predict diagnosable output quantities given control-relevant input features. The resulting best-performing model, which is based on a feedforward neural network, achieves high accuracy when predicting electron temperature at the divertor target and carbon impurity radiation front position and runs in around 1 ms in inference mode. Techniques for interpreting the predictions made by the model were applied, and a high-resolution parameter scan of upstream conditions was performed to demonstrate the utility of rapidly generating accurate predictions using the emulator. This work represents a step forward in the design of machine learning-driven emulators of tokamak exhaust simulation codes in operational modes relevant to divertor detachment control and plasma scenario design.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Observation of the $γγ → ττ$ Process in $\mathrm{Pb + Pb}$ Collisions and Constraints on the $\tau$-Lepton Anomalous Magnetic Moment with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of τ-lepton pair production in ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions, Pb+Pb→Pb(γγ→ττ)Pb, and constraints on the τ-lepton anomalous magnetic moment, a τ . The dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.44 nb -1 of LHC Pb+Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ =5.02 TeV recorded by the ATLAS experiment in 2018. Selected events contain one muon from a τ-lepton decay, an electron or charged-particle track(s) from the other τ-lepton decay, little additional central-detector activity, and no forward neutrons. The γγ→ττ process is observed in Pb+Pb collisions with a significance exceeding 5 standard deviations, and a signal strength of μ ττ =1.03$^{+0.06}_{-0.05}$ assuming the Standard Model value for a τ . To measure a τ , a template fit to the muon transverse-momentum distribution from τ-lepton candidates is performed, using a dimuon (γγ→μμ) control sample to constrain systematic uncertainties. The observed 95% confidence-level interval for aτ is -0.057 < a τ < 0.024.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Signs of nonmonotonic finite-volume corrections to 𝑔 𝐴

We study finite-volume (FV) corrections to determinations of 𝑔 𝐴 via lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) using analytic results and numerical analysis. We observe that 𝑆⁢𝑈⁡(2) heavy Baryon chiral perturbation theory does not provide an unambiguous prediction for the sign of the FV correction, which is not surprising when one also considers large-𝑁 𝑐 constraints on the axial couplings. We further show that nonmonotonic FV corrections are naturally allowed when one considers either including explicit Δ-resonance degrees of freedom or one works to higher orders in the chiral expansion. We investigate the potential impact of these FV corrections with a precision study of 𝑔 𝐴 using models of FV corrections that are monotonic and nonmonotonic. Using lattice QCD data that is approximately at the 1% level of precision, we do not see significant evidence of nonmonotonic corrections. Looking forward to the next phase of lattice QCD calculations, we estimate that calculations that are between the 0.1% and 1% level of precision may be sensitive to these FV artifacts. Finally, we present an update of the CalLat prediction of 𝑔 𝐴 in the isospin limit with subpercent precision, 𝑔$^{QCD}_{𝐴}$ = 1.2674⁢(96).

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

A study of nuclear structure of light nuclei at the electron–ion collider

Understanding the substructure of atomic nuclei, particularly the clustering of nucleons inside them, is essential for comprehending nuclear dynamics. Various cluster configurations can emerge depending on excitation energy, the number and types of core clusters, and the presence of excess neutrons. Despite the prevalence of tightly bound cluster formations in low-lying states, understanding the correlation between clusters and their formation mechanisms remains incomplete. This exploring study investigates nuclear clustering at the electron–ion collider (EIC) using simulations based on the modified BeAGLE model. By simulating collisions involving e+ 9 Be, e+ 12 C, and e+ 16 O nuclei, we find that the average energy of particles and the system size ratios of particles at forward rapidity exhibit sensitivity to alpha clustering and its various configurations. These findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of nuclear clustering and its implications for future studies at the EIC.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

M4SF-20LL010301042: Updated Thermodynamic Database for Use in Generic Disposal System Assessment

This progress report (Level 4 Milestone Number M4SF-20LL010301042) summarizes research conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) within the Argillite Activity Number SF-20LL010301041. LLNL is leading efforts in the development of thermodynamic databases in support of the Spent Fuel and Waste Science Technology (SFWST) program. Thermodynamic models provide the basis for understanding the stability of solid phases and speciation of aqueous species and modeling the evolution of repository conditions. The LLNL effort is being performed in coordination with other US database development efforts. The effort includes a review of available thermochemical databases and a path forward for database integration. International coordination with the NEA-TDB is supported through crystalline international work package.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

SUPCRTNE Thermodynamic Database Engine

This progress report (Level 4 Milestone Number M4SF-21LL010301052) summarizes research conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) within the Argillite Activity Number SF-21LL01030105. LLNL is leading efforts in the development of thermodynamic databases in support of the Spent Fuel and Waste Science Technology (SFWST) program. Thermodynamic models provide the basis for understanding the stability of solid phases and speciation of aqueous species and modeling the evolution of repository conditions. The LLNL effort is being performed in coordination with other US database development efforts. The effort includes a review of available thermochemical databases and a path forward for database integration. International coordination with the NEA-TDB is supported through crystalline international work package.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Shallow EGS Regional Resource Potential and Map - Snake River Plain

SMU Geothermal Lab developed a methodology to estimate shallow (1 km to 4 km) Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) resource potential using an approach that utilizes recent geology and geophysical research along with new well data to improve the thermal conductivity model, mitigate impacts from groundwater flow in the thermal model, and examine radioactivity data variations. By incorporating the results of the most recent projects with the SMU shallow methodology, we developed a more accurate, updated resource estimate for the Snake River Plain (SRP). The resulting maps and resource estimates can be used by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the public to determine how best to move forward with future project development.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Analysis of the Amorphous and Interphase Influence of Comononomer Loading on Polymer Properties toward Forwarding Bioadvantaged Copolyamides

In this paper we present an approach for selectively modifying the properties of semicrystalline polymers by introducing “bioadvantaged” counits. With this approach, the unique functionality of biomass can be leveraged to tailor the properties of the amorphous phase of semicrystalline polymers with minimal impact on crystallinity and thermomechanical properties. As a model case, PA 6,6 copolyamides were produced using the bioadvantaged monomer trans-3-hexenedioic acid (t3HDA). The analogous structure of t3HDA to adipic acid, a PA 6,6 monomer, allows for seamless integration. Screening over the entire composition range identified the t3HDA loading (20 mol%) beyond which properties deviate appreciably from Nylon 6,6. Once identified, copolyamides of suitable compositions were upgraded to commercial quality and fully characterized to assess the influence of counit loading and polymer structure on thermal and mechanical properties. Samples were characterized using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectroscopy (HSQC), wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), tensile testing, flexural testing, and water absorption testing. t3HDA units were shown to hydrate during the harsh polycondensation to 3-hydroxyhexanedioic acid (3HHDA) and fully incorporate into the polymer backbone. Loading levels up to 20% were shown to have comparable thermal and mechanical properties in the dry state, yet moisture absorption—a known method for improving the toughness, yield strain, and elongation of polyamides—was enhanced by over 100% at 20% loading. This case study on bioadvantaged copolymers elucidates the governing structure-function principles that can be leveraged to forward value-added renewable polymers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Signal Extraction and Simulations for n -> p^0 y y and n -> p+p-e+e- Decays at the Jefferson Lab Eta Factory

The Jefferson Lab eta Factory (JEF) began acquiring data in early 2025. The experiment aims to give insight into the connection between Dark Matter physics models and the Standard Model by investigating rare decay processes of n and n' mesons. Several other physics motivations are also a key factor in the experiment, such as probing C and/or P violation and aspects of chiral perturbation theory. For these purposes, the forward calorimeter of the GlueX experiment in Jefferson Lab was upgraded so that it provides greater positional and energy resolution. Understanding physics-motivated cuts and background removal methods is of great importance to achieving JEF goals. Several methods have been implemented to obtain invariant mass plots for the “golden” channel of interest ¿ ¿ p0¿¿, while channels such as ¿ ¿ p+p-e+e- open a promising window into CP-violating physics. This thesis work shows a sig nificant background reduction in rare decay channels of interest, asymmetry factors comparable to recent experimental measurements, an evaluation on which analysis cuts to use after data acquisition and the likelihood of probing specific rare ¿ decays. Despite background rejection from obstructing decay channels, much remains to do to extract the p0¿¿ final-state. The asymmetry between the pion and lepton planes looks promising for p+p-e+e-; simulations show that the asymmetry is consistent with zero (no instrumental asymmetry), and the next step should include generators that model the physics of the asymmetry. This thesis work may help in the effort of probing CP-violating physics or solving the mysteries between “beyond-Standard Model” and our current understanding of physics.

Oresic, Stjepan [Univ. of Regina, SK (Canada)]↗

Light Scalars at FASER

FASER, the ForwArd Search ExpeRiment, is a currently operating experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) that can detect light long-lived particles produced in the forward region of the LHC interacting point. In this paper, we study the prospect of detecting light CP-even and CP-odd scalars at FASER and FASER 2. Considering a model-independent framework describing the most general interactions between a CP-even or CP-odd scalar and SM particles using the notation of coupling modifiers in the effective Lagrangian, we develop the general formalism for the scalar production and decay. We then analyze the FASER and FASER 2 reaches of light scalars in the large tan β region of the Type-I two Higgs double model as a case study, in which light scalars with relatively long lifetime could be accommodated. In the two benchmark scenarios we considered, the light (pseudo)scalar decay length varies in (10 –8 , 10 5 ) meters. Both FASER and FASER 2 can probe a large part of the parameter space in the large tan β region up to 10 7 , extending beyond the constraints of the other existing experiments.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Beam focusing and consequences for Doppler backscattering measurements

The phenomenon of focusing of microwave beams in a plasma near a turning-point caustic is discussed by exploiting the analytical solution to the Gaussian beam-tracing equations in the two-dimensional (2-D) linear-layer problem. The location of maximum beam focusing and the beam width at that location are studied in terms of the beam initial conditions. This focusing must be taken into account to interpret Doppler backscattering (DBS) measurements. We find that the filter function that characterises the scattering intensity contribution along the beam path through the plasma is inversely proportional to the beam width, predicting enhanced scattering from the beam focusing region. We show that the DBS signal enhancement for decreasing incident angles between the beam path and the density gradient is due to beam focusing and not due to forward scattering, as was originally proposed by (Gusakov et al., (Plasma Phys. Contr. Fusion, vol. 56, 2014, p. 0250092014, 2017); Plasma Phys. Rep. vol. 43(6), 2017, pp. 605–613). The analytic beam model is used to predict the measurement of the k y density-fluctuation wavenumber power spectrum via DBS, showing that, in an NSTX-inspired example, the spectral exponent of the turbulent, intermediate-to-high k y density-fluctuation spectrum might be quantitatively measurable via DBS, but not the spectral peak corresponding to the driving scale of the turbulent cascade.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Advances in actinide thin films: synthesis, properties, and future directions

Actinide-based compounds exhibit unique physics due to the presence of 5f electrons, and serve in many cases as important technological materials. Targeted thin film synthesis of actinide materials has been successful in generating high-purity specimens in which to study individual physical phenomena. These films have enabled the study of the unique electron configuration, strong mass renormalization, and nuclear decay in actinide metals and compounds. The growth of these films, as well as their thermophysical, magnetic, and topological properties, have been studied in a range of chemistries, albeit far fewer than most classes of thin film systems. This relative scarcity is the result of limited source material availability and safety constraints associated with the handling of radioactive materials. Here, we review recent work on the synthesis and characterization of actinide-based thin films in detail, describing both synthesis methods and modeling techniques for these materials. Further, we review reports on pyrometallurgical, solution-based, and vapor deposition methods. We highlight the current state-of-the-art in order to construct a path forward to higher quality actinide thin films and heterostructure devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Relativistic diffusion model for hadron production in p -Pb collisions at energies available at the CERN Large Hadron Collider

We investigate charged-hadron production in relativistic heavy-ion collisions of asymmetric systems within a nonequilibrium-statistical framework. Calculated centrality-dependent pseudorapidity distributions for p-Pb collisions at s NN = 5.02 and 8.16 TeV are compared with data from the Large Hadron Collider. Our approach combines a relativistic diffusion model with formulations based on quantum chromodynamics while utilizing numerical solutions of a Fokker-Planck equation to account for the shift and broadening of the fragmentation sources for particle-production with respect to the stopping (net-baryon) rapidity distributions. To represent the centrality dependence of charged-hadron production in asymmetric systems over a broad region of pseudorapidities, the consideration and precise modeling of the fragmentation sources, along with the central gluon-gluon source, is found to be essential. Specifically, this results in an inversion of the particle-production amplitude from backward to forward dominance when transitioning from central to peripheral collisions, in agreement with recent ATLAS and ALICE p-Pb data at s NN = 5.02 T e V . Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Schulz, Philipp (ORCID:0009000266642148)↗