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At least 1,045 records · Page 58

Status on the Recovery of Voyager Plasma Electron Observations at Jupiter

We give status report on the recovery of Voyager 1 and 2 plasma electron observations during their Jupiter flybys. The plan is to complete this analysis including new results never published before. The original summary data tapes and later datafiles were evidently permanently lost along with our past analysis results of the plasma electron observations except for that shown in previous publications. These summary data tapes included the plasma ion and electron raw datafiles, status words needed to convert data numbers to currents, SEDR data with trajectory and attitude information and magnetic field measurements. In addition to recovering the plasma electron plasma observations (electron intensities and fluid parameters of the thermal and suprathermal electron populations, respectively), the SEDR trajectory information during the out bound passes were lost but fortunately in the past the SEDR files were converted to Spice Kernals, so this unexpected problem was solved. In addition, we had to rewrite our read routines it looked like the previous read routines so the rest of the Fortran code could be used; the Fortran- code had to be modified to work with the latest compilers and computer platforms. We will report on the- status of our work- originally funded under the Planetary Data Archiving, Restoration, and Tools (PDART)program but now being funded by the Internal Scientist Funding Model (ISFM) Exosphere Ionosphere Magnetospheres Modeling (EIMM)program at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

E C Sittler Jr.↗

High precision fundamental physics experiments using compact spin-transparent storage rings of low energy polarized electron beams

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

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

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

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

Suleiman, R.↗

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

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

Suleiman, R.↗

Evolution of Archival Storage (from Tape to Memory)

Over the last three decades, there has been a significant evolution in storage technologies supporting archival of remote sensing data. This section provides a brief survey of how these technologies have evolved. Three main technologies are considered - tape, hard disk and solid state disk. Their historical evolution is traced, summarizing how reductions in cost have helped being able to store larger volumes of data on faster media. The cost per GB of media is only one of the considerations in determining the best approach to archival storage. Active archives generally require faster response to user requests for data than permanent archives. The archive costs have to consider facilities and other capital costs, operations costs, software licenses, utilities costs, etc. For meeting requirements in any organization, typically a mix of technologies is needed.

Magnetic Storage; Technology Evolution↗

Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)

An advanced concept in in-space transportation currently being studied is the Momentum-Exchange/Electrodynamic Reboost Tether System (MXER). The MXER system is a permanently orbiting platform designed to boost payloads from low earth orbit (LEO). Unlike conventional rockets that use propellants, MXER acts as a large momentum wheel, imparting a Av to a payload at the expense of its own orbital energy. After throwing a payload, the system reboosts itself using an electrodynamic tether to push against Earth s magnetic field and brings itself back up to an operational orbit to prepare for the next payload. The ability to reboost itself allows for continued reuse of the system without the expenditure of propellants. Considering the cost of lifting propellant from the ground to LEO to do the same Av boost at $10000 per pound, the system cuts the launch cost of the payload dramatically, and subsequently, the MXER system pays for itself after a small number of missions. As such, this technology is a valuable addition to NASA s mission for in-space transportation.

Westerhoff, John↗

An improved direct limit on the muon electric dipole moment

A limit on the permanent electric dipole moment (EDM) of the positive muon is presented based on data from the Fermilab Muon g-2 Experiment taken between 2019 and 2020. The tracking detectors measure the average vertical decay angle of positrons from muon decays, enabling a search for an interaction between a possible muon EDM $d_μ$ and the lab-frame magnetic field. The result, $d_μ= (-0.35 \pm 0.19_{\mathrm{stat}} \pm 0.34_{\mathrm{sys}}) \times10^{-19}~e\cdot$cm, is consistent with zero and sets a new direct limit on the muon EDM of $|d_μ|<1.10\times10^{-19}~e\cdot$cm at the 95 percent confidence level.

Aguillard, D. P. [Michigan U.] (ORCID:000000025556↗

HZE particle shielding using confined magnetic fields

The great rigidities characteristic of high energy heavy ion (HZE) particles are judged to preclude near term use of confined magnetic fields of reasonable dimensions and strengths for small spacecraft shielding on long duration manned missions. It is noted that a Mars mission-class shield, although effective against solar protons, would be useless for HZE particles unless the mass and size of the shield are increased by several orders of magnitude (to yield a shield comparable to those contemplated for permanent space stations).

Townsend, L. W.↗

Lunar Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (LSMES)

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) is an energy storage system that stores electrical energy in the form of a magnetic field by passing direct current through a superconducting coil. The conductor for carrying the current operates at cryogenic temperatures where it becomes a superconductor and thus has virtually no resistive losses as it produces the magnetic field. [1]. The energy can be stored in a persistent mode until required [2]. The main terrestrial challenge for SMES is the need for a cryo-cooling system and the cost associated with its deployment, operation and maintenance. For lunar and planetary exploration, this challenge is totally mitigated using the cold environment of the mission to sustain superconductivity temperatures. The permanently shadowed craters on the moon have regolith temperatures between 50-60K (3), which is the operating temperature for High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) wire. SMES provides several ad-vantages over traditional chemical batteries that: 1) incur much energy loss in extremely cold environments due to power needed for heaters, 2) are inefficient due to their inherent redox and side reactions, and 3) fail over time due to charge/discharge cycling changes in their chemical processes.

Evans, M. E.↗

Exploring the Nature of f-Element Soft Donor Interactions Using Electronically Tunable Azolate Ionic Liquids

This project was undertaken to advance the understanding of how f-elements interact with moderately soft donors, a heavily investigated yet open question which is of prime importance in spent nuclear fuel processing and fundamental inorganic chemistry. During the course of the project, based on exciting results, a stretch goal was developed to study the hydrolysis products of transuranic actinide metals, a somewhat understudied field even with its significance in nuclear fuel cycle and impacts in environmental chemistry. The stretch goal was to take our serendipitous discovery of an easy route to isolation of crystalline multinuclear ƒ-element hydrolysis products, and apply it to gaining a mechanistic understanding of Pu(III/IV) colloid formation. The simplicity of our techniques should lend themselves to the remote handling required for study of many transuranic elements. We developed several methodologies using azolium azolate chemistry to overcome ƒ-element hydrolysis problems that prohibit the isolation of ƒ-element soft donor complexes and to build a crystallographic library of ƒ-element N-donor complexes as a means to understand the fundamental differences between actinide and lanthanide interactions with moderately soft donor ligands. Our next major endeavor will be to transfer this chemistry from 4ƒ elements to transuranic elements, particularly in the study of hydrolysis of Pu(III/IV). While our work is fundamental in nature, applications of the knowledge we are generating should be felt in such diverse fields as catalysis, separations in general, nuclear waste remediation specifically, and many other applications in f-element magnetic and luminescent properties. The potential ramifications of the consistent and robust formation of hydrolysis controlled hexanuclear lanthanide structures are enormous, with future uses being catalyst formation, higher-nuclearity structure synthesis using our hexanuclear motif as a fundamental building block, Pu waste remediation, separations, and many other potential applications resulting from characteristic magnetic and luminescent properties of lanthanide polynuclear structures. Three synthetic methodologies (direct mixing with variable stoichiometries, use of volatile solvent, metathesis) were developed starting with 7 acidic and 6 basic azoles to obtain ionic liquids suitable for f-element coordination. Proton transfer by acidic/basic azole combination led to suitable low melting salts and two cocrystals. Acid/base reaction of azoles with soft-donor permanent cations of ([X 4444 ][OH] (where [X 4444 ] + = tetrabutylammonium [N 4444 ] + or tetrabutylphosphonium [P 4444 ] + ) with weakly acidic azoles including imidazole, 1,2,3-triazole, 1,2,4-triazole, 5-aminotetrazole, 4,5-dicyanoimidazole, and 2-amino-4,5-dicyanoimidazole) revealed several suitable low-melting salts. Metathesis reactions of Na(azolate) were conducted by first using weakly acidic azoles including 4,5-dicyanoimidazole, 2-amino-4,5-dicyanoimidazole, 5-aminotetrazole, and 1,2,4-triazole to form sodium or lithium salts using group(I) hydroxides in methanolic solutions. The best results were obtained by reacting the basic and acidic azoles directly in 1:1 or 3:1 ratios at elevated temperatures. Twenty-two azole mixtures were identified which are either low melting solids or room temperature liquids. Each of the low melting solids was confirmed to be a new solid phase, each of which is being further characterized. The liquids and solids are anticipated to be ILs, eutectics, or partially ionized systems, all of which will be suitable for the dissolution of f-element salts. Five new synthetic methodologies were developed to finding suitable crystallization conditions for f-element complexation with the goal of finding simple one pot reaction syntheses and crystallization strategies that could be used under the demanding conditions of transuranic chemistries. These synthetic methods yield many new crystalline phases which were studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Study report on laser storage and retrieval of image data

The theoretical foundation is presented for a system of real-time nonphotographic and nonmagnetic digital laser storage and retrieval of image data. The system utilizes diffraction-limited laser focusing upon thin metal films, melting elementary holes in the metal films in laser focus. The metal films are encapsulated in rotating flexible mylar discs which act as the permanent storage carries. Equal sized holes encompass two dimensional digital ensembles of information bits which are time-sequentially (bit by bit) stored and retrieved. The bits possess the smallest possible size, defined by the Rayleigh criterion of coherent physical optics. Space and time invariant reflective read-out of laser discs with a small laser, provides access to the stored digital information. By eliminating photographic and magnetic data processing, which characterize the previous state of the art, photographic grain, diffusion, and gamma-distortion do not exist. Similarly, magnetic domain structures, magnetic gaps, and magnetic read-out are absent with a digital laser disc system.

Becker, C. H.↗

Science Instrument Sensitivities to Radioisotope Power System Environment

Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) have been and will be enabling or significantly enhancing for many missions, including several concepts identified in the 2011 Planetary Science Decadal Survey. Some mission planners and science investigators might have concerns about possible impacts from RPS-induced conditions upon the scientific capabilities of their mission concepts. To alleviate these concerns, this paper looks at existing and potential future RPS designs, and examines their potential radiation, thermal, vibration, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and magnetic fields impacts on representative science instruments and science measurements. Radiation impacts from RPS on science instruments are of potential concern for instruments with optical detectors and instruments with high-voltage electronics. The two main areas of concern are noise effects on the instrument measurements, and long-term effects of instrument damage. While RPS by their nature will contribute to total radiation dose, their addition for most missions should be relatively small. For example, the gamma dose rate from one Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) would be an order of magnitude lower than the environmental dose rate at Mars, and would have a correspondingly lower contribution to instrument noise and to any permanent damage to payload sensors. Increasing the number of General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) modules used in an RPS would be expected to increase the generated radiation proportionally; however, the effect of more GPHS modules is mitigated from a strictly linear relationship by self-shielding effects. The radiation field of an RPS is anisotropic due to the deviation of the modules from a point-source-geometry. For particularly sensitive instruments the total radiation dose could be mitigated with separation or application of spot shielding. Though a new, higher-power RPS could generate more heat per unit than current designs, thermal impact to the flight system could be mitigated with shading and pointing if required by the mission. Alternatively, excess heat could prove beneficial in providing needed heat to spacecraft components and instruments in some thermal environments. Vibration for a new higher-power Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) would be expected to be similar to the recent Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) design. While vibration should be low, it must be considered and addressed during spacecraft and instrument design. EMI and magnetic fields for new RPS concepts are expected to be low as for the current RPS, but must be considered and addressed if the mission includes sensitive instruments such as magnetometers. The assessment conducted for this paper focused on orbiter instrument payloads for two representative mission concepts- a Titan Saturn System Mission (TSSM) and a Uranus Orbiter and Probe (UOP)-since both of these Decadal Survey concepts would include many diverse instruments on board. Quick-look design studies using notional new RPS concepts were carried out for these two mission concepts, and their specific instrument packages were analyzed for their interactions with new RPS designs. The original Decadal Survey TSSM and UOP concepts did not have complete instrument performance requirements so typical measurement requirements were used where needed. Then, the general RPS environments were evaluated for impacts to various types of instruments. This paper describes how the potential impacts of the RPS on science instruments and measurements were assessed, which impacts were addressed, proposed mitigation strategies against those impacts, and provides an overview of future work.

RPS↗

Astronomical interferometry on the Moon

Optical interferometric arrays are particularly attractive candidates for a manned lunar base. A permanent lunar can provide support for a variety of astronomical investigations. An optical interferometric array, perhaps of the general form of the VLA but designed for optical instead of radio wavelengths, would lead to a qualitative advance in the understanding of the universe. A wide variety of scientific problems could be addressed by such an instrument. The stellar analogs of the solar cycle, the behavior of sunspots on other stars, the magnetic field configurations of other stars, and the behavior of dynamic plasma phenomena such as flares and winds are examples of star related problems that ultimately would lead to both increased understanding of our Sun and fundamental knowledge of the manner in which stars form and evolve.

Burke, Bernard F.↗

A very high energy hadron collider on the Moon

Abstract The long-term prospect of building a hadron collider around the circumference of a great circle of the Moon is sketched. A circular collider on the Moon (CCM) of ∼11 000 km in circumference could reach a proton–proton center-of-mass collision energy of 14 PeV—a thousand times higher than the Large Hadron Collider at CERN—optimistically assuming a dipole magnetic field of 20 T. Several aspects of such a project are presented, including siting, construction, availability of necessary materials on the Moon, and powering, as well as a discussion of future studies and further information needed to determine the more concrete feasibility of each. Machine parameters and vacuum requirements are explored, and an injection scheme is delineated. Other unknowns are set down. Due to the strong interest from multiple organizations in establishing a permanent Moon presence, a CCM could be the (next-to-) next-to-next-generation discovery machine for high-energy particle physics and a natural successor to next-generation machines, such as the proposed future circular collider at CERN or a super proton–proton collider in China, and other future machines, such as a collider in the Sea, in the Gulf of Mexico. A CCM would serve as an important stepping stone toward a Planck-scale collider sited in our Solar System.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

The Solar Clock

The Sun is powered by a very stable source of fusion energy in its core that radiates that energy outward in a constant flow. Yet it has a cycle of magnetic dynamo activity whose strength and duration are variable. This variability, which affects the Earth's ‘space climate', points to temporal changes in the convective and diffusive transport of magnetic flux above the tachocline, where the flux is generated. The longest record we have of this variability is the time series of Sunspot Numbers (SSN). This record suggests that the interior of the Sun follows a clocklike magnetic flux production cycle with a length of close to 11.05 yr. The variations in sunspot cycle duration, as well as the sunspot number rise and fall times, their hemispheric asymmetries, and the maximum sunspot numbers of the individual cycles, are likely produced in the process of the magnetic flux transport. Helioseismology continues to shed more light on the convection zone variabilities, including the ‘torsional oscillations' that seem to have a special connection to the emerging strong magnetic fluxes that produce the sunspots. These new observations may eventually lead to an explanation for the surprisingly good correlation between the rate of sunspot appearance and the maximum sunspot number, and to a better understanding of the relationship between the solar dynamo and the sunspot number cycle. Better understanding of the polar regions awaits long-term monitoring with a polar solar mission. Better predictions of nearterm space weather could be obtained from a permanent L5 monitor.

C T Russell↗

The earth as a radio source: The non-thermal continuum

A weak nonthermal continuum, radiated by the earth from energetic electrons in the outer radiation zone, is studied. It is shown that the frequency spectrum of the continuum radiation consists of two components, a trapped component, which is permanently trapped within the magnetosphere at frequencies below the solar wind plasma frequency, and an escaping component which propagates freely away from the earth at frequencies above the solar wind plasma frequency. Direction finding measurements and measurements of the spatial distribution of intensity for both components indicated that the continuum radiation is generated (1) in a broad region which extends through the morning and early afternoon immediately beyond the plasmapause boundary, and (2) over a broad range of latitudes, including the magnetic equator. Possible mechanisms by which this radiation is generated, including gyro-synchrotron radiation from energetic electrons in the outer radiation zone, are discussed.

Gurnett, D. A.↗

A Model for Generation of Martian Surface Dust, Soil and Rock Coatings: Physical vs. Chemical Interactions, and Palagonitic Plus Hydrothermal Alteration

This model is one of many possible scenarios to explain the generation of the current surface material on Mars using chemical, magnetic and spectroscopic data from Mars and geologic analogs from terrestrial sites. One basic premise is that there are physical and chemical interactions of the atmospheric dust particles and that these two processes create distinctly different results. Physical processes distribute dust particles on rocks, forming physical rock coatings, and on the surface between rocks forming soil units; these are reversible processes. Chemical reactions of the dust/soil particles create alteration rinds on rock surfaces or duricrust surface units, both of which are relatively permanent materials. According to this model the mineral components of the dust/soil particles are derived from a combination of "typical" palagonitic weathering of volcanic ash and hydrothermally altered components, primarily from steam vents or fumeroles. Both of these altered materials are composed of tiny particles, about 1 micron or smaller, that are aggregates of silicates and iron oxide/oxyhydroxide/sulfate phases. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Bishop, J. L.↗

Isotropic intensity waves and features of their occurrence

Waves of daily average cosmic ray intensity, dependent on interplanetary magnetic fields (IMF) polarity, have been observed in 1982 (Jacklyn and Pomerantz, 1983) and again in 1983 and 1984. These waves at first appeared to be due to the North-South anisotropy. Further investigation revealed that the waves comprise two components, a large isotropic and a smaller anisotropic component. The anisotropic part is attributed to the North-South anisotropy and is in phase with the larger isotropic component in the Southern Hemisphere. Unlike the North-South anisotropy which is a permanent feature of cosmic ray modulation, the isotropic phenomenon appears to be episodic in character. When present, it is clearly dependent on IMF polarity but does not correlate well with IMF field strength. It is conjectured that the phenomenon might indicate some difference between the intensity regimes above and below the neutral sheet.

Duldig, M. L.↗