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At least 1,045 records · Page 58

Discrete Superconvergence Analysis for Quantum Magnus Algorithms of Unbounded Hamiltonian Simulation

Motivated by various applications, unbounded Hamiltonian simulation has recently garnered great attention. Quantum Magnus algorithms, designed to achieve commutator scaling for time-dependent Hamiltonian simulation, have been found to be particularly efficient for such applications. When applied to unbounded Hamiltonian simulation in the interaction picture, they exhibit an unexpected superconvergence phenomenon. However, existing proofs are limited to the spatially continuous setting and do not extend to discrete spatial discretizations. Here, in this work, we provide the first superconvergence estimate in the fully discrete setting with a finite number of spatial discretization points N, and show that it holds with an error constant uniform in N. The proof is based on the two-parameter symbol class, which, to our knowledge, is applied for the first time in algorithm analysis. The key idea is to establish a semiclassical framework by identifying two parameters through the discretization number and the time step size rescaled by the operator norm, such that the semiclassical uniformity guarantees the uniformity of both. This approach may have broader applications in numerical analysis beyond the specific context of this work.

Borns-Weil, Yonah [University of California, Berke↗

Estimation of plasma properties using an extended Kalman filter with plasma global models

A physically-constrained extended Kalman filter (EKF) is applied to various zero-dimensional global models for the estimation of plasma properties using time-dependent experimental data such as the plasma density or ion flux. The capability of the EKF is demonstrated to estimate unknown system states simultaneously, such as reaction rate coefficients and the absorbed electron input power, which can be difficult, if not impossible, to measure experimentally. Global models accounting for pure argon reactions and argon-oxygen reactions are used in this work to demonstrate the ability of the filter to estimate dynamic and complex systems. Furthermore, the results obtained from the EKF plasma global model illustrate that model-data fusion techniques can be used to estimate plasma properties and processes for time-varying systems, such as pulsed discharges.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

A Tool Kit for Generating Simulated Radiation Measurements for Advanced Reactor Safeguards and Security

A tool kit was developed to simulate and analyze passive radiation measurements of molten salt reactor (MSR) operations to support development of nuclear safeguards approaches for this emerging reactor technology. A Transient Simulation Framework of Reconfigurable Modules (TRANSFORM) multiphysics simulation of an MSR produces time-dependent isotopic inventories at user-selected locations within the model. The tool kit implements the Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) application programming interface to inject the TRANSFORM isotopic inventories extracted/processed by a Python pipeline into GADRAS models of user-defined geometries. The TRANSFORM inventories are the source terms used to obtain synthetic measurements from GADRAS-defined detectors. The speed of TRANSFORM and GADRAS simulations enables surveying the large design space of MSRs (e.g., fuel type, fuel salt composition, number of loops) and the plethora of measurements (e.g., location, detector type, and collimation) within the reactor. This has enabled timely assessment of the various measurement locations and detectors to identify the most effective and efficient safeguards approach for a specific MSR design. Lastly, the tool kit also simulates extracted samples that can be aged to a desired dose, enabling stakeholders to optimize a measurement plan to use sample analysis as an element within a broader material accountancy plan.

Westphal, Greg↗

Emergence of Diverse Failure Patterns in Weathering‐Induced Landslides: Insights From Particle Finite Element Simulations

Weathering is a fundamental driver of landslide evolution over geological timescales. Despite its ubiquity and importance, quantifying how weathering drives the progressive destabilization of rock slopes remains challenging. In this work, we develop a unified computational framework based on the particle finite element method to investigate the evolution of weathering‐induced landslides, from long‐term weathering to short‐term slope failure and runout dynamics. The framework integrates key processes, including weathering front propagation, time‐dependent strength degradation, rupture surface development, and post‐failure runout dynamics. Through numerical simulation experiments, we elucidate how interactions among weathering characteristics (type, intensity, and rate law), bedrock strength, fracture distribution, and slope geometry govern the failure modes and kinematics of weathering‐induced landslides. Simulations show that matrix‐dominated weathering leads to shallow translational failures, whereas fracture‐dominated weathering produces deep‐seated rotational and compound landslides. Pre‐existing fractures and slope morphology also strongly influence the movement of destabilized landmasses, affecting the failure pattern (e.g., kinematic mode and rupture surface geometry) and post‐failure behavior (e.g., runout velocity). We further demonstrate that the failure time and volume of weathered slopes are governed by the competition between gravitational driving forces and cohesive resisting forces during progressive destabilization. These findings provide new insights into the fundamental mechanisms that drive the emergence of diverse failure patterns of weathering‐induced landslides with important implications for landslide hazard assessment.

Wang, Liang [Eidgenoessische Technische Hochschule↗

The seeds and homogeneous nucleation of photoinduced nonthermal melting in semiconductors due to self-amplified local dynamic instability

Laser-induced nonthermal melting in semiconductors has been studied over the past four decades, but the underlying mechanism is still under debate. Here, by using an advanced real-time time-dependent density functional theory simulation, we reveal that the photoexcitation-induced ultrafast nonthermal melting in silicon occurs via homogeneous nucleation with random seeds originating from a self-amplified local dynamic instability. Because of this local dynamic instability, any initial small random thermal displacements of atoms can be amplified by a charge transfer of photoexcited carriers, which, in turn, creates a local self-trapping center for the excited carriers and yields the random nucleation seeds. Because a sufficient amount of photoexcited hot carriers must be cooled down to band edges before participating in the self-amplification of local lattice distortions, the time needed for hot carrier cooling is the response for the longer melting time scales at shorter laser wavelengths. This finding provides fresh insights into photoinduced ultrafast nonthermal melting.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Optoelectronic properties of bent two-dimensional materials from first-principles methods combined with machine learning

A material’s interaction with light is highly relevant in the design of nanoelectronic devices such as photodiodes, solar cells, photocatalytic cells, phototransistors, and photodetectors. The interaction of a material with light can be altered by mechanical deformation. Fine tuning of the optical properties can be achieved by mechanical bending that alters the electronic structure. Optical properties strongly depend on band gaps, therefore any alteration in the band structure results in a changed optical response of the material. The impact of bending was explored in this project. The goal of this project was to assess the impact of mechanical bending of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides on their optoelectronic properties, using first-principles methods. These first-principles approximations are largely built upon many-body theory for the optical properties of magnetic and topological nanoribbons. GW-BSE is standard for optical absorption, but it is less practical for collective excitations as it was shown in model systems. Time-dependent density functional theory, however, has better promises for collective excitations in low-dimensional materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Formation of Aerosol Nanoparticles by Gas-Phase Hydrolysis Reaction of Uranium Hexafluoride

The aerosol physics of uranyl particle formation has been addressed in this research using advanced aerosol instrumentation and an aerosol dynamics model. Based on the research works, we conclude that the formation and growth of aerosol particles by gas-phase UF6 hydrolysis strongly depends on the availability of water molecules in our reactor conditions. The total number concentration of the UO 2 F 2 particulate material that could be produced in the hydrolysis reaction is also regulated primarily by the availability of water molecule concentration. The higher the water molecule concentration, the higher the number and the larger the size of UO 2 F 2 aerosol particles that could be produced in a reactor custom-built at ORNL. Although the aerosol reactor was enabling the study of particle formation kinetics, the instrumentation was still insufficient in characterizing the chemical composition of the produced particles as well as the time-dependent evolution of the particulate species. The temporal evolution could impact the eventual fate of the particles upon release to the environment (i.e., the physio-chemical transformation, transport, and removal). On uranyl particle formation kinetics, we found that the growth rates of aerosol particles appeared to approach a single number in the range of 0.05 ± 0.03 - 0.08 ± 0.04 nm/s, statistically, as the ω value becomes smaller than 1. The size of primary particles from the UF6 hydrolysis at water-deprived condition was estimated to be 3.6 ± 0.4 nm; the higher the availability of water molecules, the larger the primary particles. The ability to precisely control the availability of water molecules in the reaction could lead to the production of nearly monodispersed aerosol particles. In other words, the result suggests that one can precisely manipulate the size of UO 2 F 2 aerosol particles by controlling the water vapor availability and interaction of water molecules with U F6 in the reaction. This finding has significant implications in the engineering manufacturing of fuel powder materials and possibly to future development and deployment of an environmental sampling apparatus.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Geophysical Signatures of Crack Network Coalescence in Rocks at Multiple Length Scales

The main goal of the research project was to identify the geophysical signatures of fracture growth in natural rocks by utilizing novel geophysical techniques. The research objectives were to (a) investigate the potential for geophysical methods to determine when cracks initiate, the types and locations of propagated cracks, and the coalescence of networks of cracks in natural rocks at multiple scales, (b) determine how damage at the microscale evolved into damage at the macroscale and then link the microscopic and macroscopic observations, (c) quantify crack coalescence in rocks under realistic stress conditions using coupled mechanical-geophysical-optical visualization, and (d) identify the precursors in geophysical signals to crack coalescence. The following research thrusts were explored to achieve the research objectives: (1) uniaxial compression testing of rock specimens with and without a set of pre‐existing flaws and (2) triaxial compression testing of natural rock specimens. These thrusts allowed for exploring fracturing in rocks under realistic in situ environments and at multiple scales. This project provided educational opportunities for nine graduate and undergraduate students and resulted in 27 peer-reviewed publications. This first research thrust focused on investigating the micromechanics of fractures in rocks through uniaxial compression testing combined with advanced geophysical and imaging techniques, specifically acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, ultrasonic imaging, and 2-dimensional Digital Image Correlation (2D-DIC). By examining damage processes under time-independent and time-dependent loading conditions, insights into damage localization, crack initiation, and fracturing mechanisms were gained. It was observed that the AE signals and the strain-based measurements directly reflect the state of damage in the rock specimen and could be used to identify the cracking levels, such as the crack initiation (CI) and crack damage (CD), and the mode of deformation. A novel calibration apparatus was developed to enhance the accuracy of AE sensors, allowing for the estimation of key parameters such as magnitude, source dimension, stress drop, and radiated seismic energy associated with the fractures. The findings highlighted significant variations in the temporal evolution of AE source parameters during the primary, secondary, and tertiary stages of creep, identifying tensile cracking as the primary deformation mode. The second research thrust focused on enhancing the understanding of fracturing processes in natural rocks through triaxial compression testing, real-time AE monitoring, and ultrasonic monitoring. We investigated the impact of various factors such as fracture propagation regimes, injection parameters, rock types, and pre-existing conditions on the hydraulic fracture (HF) behavior using scaled true-triaxially loaded specimens of Barre granite and Lyons sandstone. Custom sensor housing facilitated concurrent active and passive monitoring to analyze hydro-mechanical responses and microseismicity associated with different HF scenarios. A coupled investigation of passive microseismicity and active signal attributes permitted a detailed comprehension of the various HF processes (aseismic deformation, fracture initiation and propagation, fluid permeation, and leak-off) and their dependence on the specific rock type. The findings of this research demonstrated the effectiveness of AE monitoring techniques in providing valuable insights into the impact of various factors on the behavior and dynamics of HF processes. The advancements in monitoring techniques, offering a more thorough and precise approach, represent a significant step towards optimizing HF practices and ensuring sustainable resource extraction.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Emergence of liquid following laser melting of gold thin films

X-ray structural science is undergoing a revolution driven by the emergence of X-ray Free-electron Laser (XFEL) facilities. The structures of crystalline solids can now be studied on the picosecond time scale relevant to phonons, atomic vibrations which travel at acoustic velocities. In the work presented here, X-ray diffuse scattering is employed to characterize the time dependence of the liquid phase emerging from femtosecond laser-induced melting of polycrystalline gold thin films using an XFEL. In a previous analysis of Bragg peak profiles, we showed the supersonic disappearance of the solid phase and presented a model of pumped hot electrons carrying energy from the gold surface to scatter at internal grain boundaries. This generates melt fronts propagating relatively slowly into the crystal grains. By conversion of diffuse scattering to a partial X-ray pair distribution function, we demonstrate that it has the characteristic shape obtained by Fourier transformation of the measured F ( Q ). The diffuse signal fraction increases with a characteristic rise-time of 13 ps, roughly independent of the incident pump fluence and consequent final liquid fraction. This suggests the role of further melt-front nucleation processes beyond grain boundaries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Analysis of picosecond coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectra for gas-phase diagnostics

We present a hybrid frequency- and time-domain solution, applicable to the case of picosecond coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), for gas-phase diagnostics. A solution has been derived based on both physical arguments and four-wave mixing equations for picosecond CARS, with pulse durations that are comparable to the dephasing time scale for gas-phase Raman coherence—a regime where commonly employed solutions for impulsive (femtosecond) or cw (nanosecond) pump/Stokes forcing are not strictly valid. We present the ps-CARS spectrum in the form of incoherent sums of CARS intensity spectra, calculated from the fundamental solution for impulsive pump/Stokes Raman preparation. The solution was examined for temperatures from 1000–3000 K, for four plausible experimental configurations, with laser pulse durations of 50–150 ps, and probe pulse delays from −20 to 240 ps. Approximations based on cw and impulsive pump/Stokes preparation to fit picosecond CARS spectra at atmospheric pressure were examined and the relative thermometric accuracy and computational cost of these approximations were quantified for the case of a zero nonresonant CARS contribution, and a nonresonant susceptibility equal to 10% of the Raman-resonant value at the N 2 bandhead. The nanosecond CARS approximation can result in large fitting errors when the probe pulse time delay is less than the probe pulse duration. Errors as large as 10–20% are observed in the fit temperatures for a zero picosecond probe pulse delay, when the nonresonant background is neglected, largely due to an inability of the time-independent cw model to capture transient frequency spread dephasing effects at the Q -branch bandhead. The inclusion of a nonresonant background results in 40–60% thermometry errors with a nanosecond model at a zero-probe delay. Time-dependent impulsive calculations used for femtosecond CARS better approximate the structure of the N 2 bandhead, reducing temperature fitting errors to 5–10% at a short probe pulse delay. The impulsive approximation results in errors up to 10% at intermediate probe pulse delays, where the coherence of the pump and probe pulses leads to multiple terms in the picosecond CARS solution. Both approximations improve as the probe pulse delay exceeds the probe duration. The nanosecond approximation results in a 2–3% error, while the impulsive model results in differences of less than 1% in some cases. Fits to experimental data obtained using short, ∼60ps pulses at a zero probe time delay and longer 100 ps pulses at a substantial 200 ps delay are presented with accuracies of 1–3% in the fit temperature.

Kearney, Sean P.↗

Novel insight into the kinetics of amide bond glycolysis for nylon-6 depolymerization

Chemical recycling of nylon-6 to short-chain oligomers and monomer ε-caprolactam via catalytic glycolysis is a potential solution for plastic waste remediation. Here, in this work, the kinetics of amide bond glycolysis (with ethylene glycol) in nylon-6 and the model compound N-phenethyl-3-phenylpropanamide (M1) were evaluated at 473 K in the presence of the cyclic amidine catalyst 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene. Rates of polymer glycolysis were determined by the time-dependent shift in molecular weight distribution, whereas rates of M1 glycolysis were determined using liquid chromatography. The similarity of the first-order rate constants for glycolysis of nylon-6 and M1 at 473 K with 0.03 M amidine catalyst (5 mol% relative to amide bonds), 1.22 × 10 −5 s −1 and 2.18 × 10 −5 s −1 , respectively, confirmed the suitability of M1 as a model compound for nylon-6 glycolysis. Similar rates of glycolysis in the presence of other cyclic amidine catalysts as well as sodium methoxide revealed little influence of base strength. Glycolysis rates were unexpectedly non-linear in catalyst loading and deactivation occurred with long reaction times, presumably by non-selective decomposition of products as detected by liquid chromatography.

Depolymerization rate and rate constant↗

Tuning the optical and magnetic properties of lanthanide single-ion magnets using nitro-functionalized trispyrazolylborate ligands

We report the synthesis, crystal structures, photophysical and magnetic properties of 11 novel lanthanide complexes with the asymmetrically functionalized trispyrazolylborate ligand 4-nitrotrispyrazolylborate, 4-NO 2 Tp–: [Ln(4-NO 2 Tp) 3 ] (Ln = La–Dy, except Pm). In-depth photophysical characterization of the ligands via luminescence, reflectance and absorption spectroscopic techniques, decay lifetimes, quantum yields supported by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and natural bond order (NBO) analysis reveal that n-NO 2 Tp– ligands are dominated by intra-ligand charge transfer (ILCT) transitions and that second-sphere interactions are critical to the stabilization of the T 1 state of n-NO 2 Tp– ligands and hence their ability to sensitize Ln 3+ emission. The luminescence properties of the complexes indicate that 4-NO 2 Tp– is a poor sensitizer of Ln 3+ emission, unlike 3-NO 2 Tp–. Moreover, [Nd(4-NO 2 Tp) 3 ] (crystallized as a hexane solvate) displays single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties, with longer relaxation times and larger barrier than the non-functionalized [NdTp 3 ], attributed to the addition of the NO 2 -group and subsequent rigidification of the molecular structure.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Analytically Derived Piezoelectric Ejecta Data Transformations, with Implications for Claims of Experimentally Observed Self-Similarity

Building upon a previously documented analytic formalism, we derive a set of data transformations that relate piezoelectrically inferred time-dependent ejecta masses, dynamical ejecta cloud densities, and "radiographic" ejecta cloud density distributions. These transformation rules are derived rigorously, with careful attention to the assumption of instant ejecta production which is inherent in the piezoelectric mass inference procedure. Some of these relationships have not appeared previously in the literature, including solutions for the unique ejecta velocity distribution and radiographic ejecta cloud density distribution consistent with the instant-production assumption for a given piezoelectrically inferred mass dataset. In deriving the latter, we prove that—again subject to the ubiquitous instant-creation assumption—measurements at a single sensor are sufficient to determine properties of the ejecta cloud everywhere at all times. Other data transformation relationships have appeared in the literature without a rigorous derivation, or have been stated in forms that obscure the key mathematical relationships. We apply these results to arguments for self-similar ejecta cloud evolution, thereby deriving mathematical expressions by which claims of self-similarity may be examined. We prove that one analysis used in the literature to claim experimental evidence of a short ejecta production timescale—and consequently of self-similar cloud evolution—in fact places no constraint the ejecta production interval and therefore does not support the associated conclusion. We also provide a potentially useful uniqueness proof.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Pulsed photoemission induced plasma breakdown

Abstract This article characterises the effects of cathode photoemission leading to electrical discharges in an argon gas. We perform breakdown experiments under pulsed laser illumination of a flat cathode and observe Townsend to glow discharge transitions. The breakdown process is recorded by high-speed imaging, and time-dependent voltage and current across the electrode gap are measured for different reduced electric fields and laser intensities. We employ a 0D transient discharge model to interpret the experimental measurements. The fitted values of transferred photoelectron charge are compared with calculations from a quantum model of photoemission. The breakdown voltage is found to be lower with photoemission than without. When the applied voltage is insufficient for ion-induced secondary electron emission to sustain the plasma, laser driven photoemission can still create a breakdown where a sheath (i.e. a region near the electrode surfaces consisting of positive ions and neutrals) is formed. This photoemission induced plasma persists and decays on a much longer time scale ( ∼ 10 s μ s) than the laser pulse length ( 30 ps). The effects of different applied voltages and laser energies on the breakdown voltage and current waveforms are investigated. The discharge model can accurately predict the measured breakdown voltage curves, despite the existence of discrepancy in quantitatively describing the transient discharge current and voltage waveforms.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Constraining the Galactic bar using the M92 stellar stream

Stellar streams are excellent probes of the gravitational potential in which they evolve. In the Milky Way (MW), globular cluster (GC) streams are routinely used to infer properties about time-dependent perturbations of the underlying potential. This implies that streams with Galactocentric radii small enough to be perturbed by the MW bar should offer constraints on it, such as its pattern speed, which currently has a wide range of values reported in the literature and is important when studying stellar kinematics. The GC M92 has a small pericentre and should be affected by the bar. It has a diffuse stellar stream, but confirming stream members has previously been hindered by a lack of spectroscopic data. In this paper, we use Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) observations together with photometric and astrometric data to obtain spectroscopic members of the M92 stream for the first time. We identify a clear spatial distribution and gradients in distance moduli, proper motions, and radial velocities that confirm the stream's existence. We compare the observed stream to mock streams generated in different barred potentials and estimate the MW bar's pattern speed $Ω= 29.1^{+0.7}_{-0.4}$ km s$^{-1}$ kpc$^{-1}$ and $\dot Ω= 0.7^{+3.5}_{-2.3}$ km s$^{-1}$ kpc$^{-1}$ Gyr$^{-1}$. This is the first time a stellar stream is used to probabilistically infer these bar properties, and it opens up an exciting realm of inner Galactic potential characterisation using stellar streams.

Byström, Amanda [Edinburgh U., Inst. Astron.] (ORC↗

Data-driven method to estimate contamination from light ion beam transmutation at colliders

Collisions of relativistic light ions, such as oxygen, neon, and magnesium, have been proposed as a way to examine the system-size dependence of dynamics typically associated with the quark-gluon plasma produced in collisions of heavier ions such as xenon, gold, or lead. Recent efforts at both the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have produced large datasets of proton-oxygen, oxygen-oxygen, and neon-neon collisions, catalyzing intense interest in experimental backgrounds associated with light-ion collisions. In particular, electromagnetic dissociation of light ions while they are circulating in a collider can result in beam contamination that is difficult to simulate precisely. Here we propose a data-driven method for evaluating the potential impact of beam contaminants on physics analyses. The method exploits the time dependence and smaller size of contaminant ion species to define control regions that can be used to quantify potential contamination effects. A simple model is used to illustrate the method and to study its robustness. Furthermore, this method can inform studies of recent LHC and RHIC data and could also be useful for future light-ion programs at the LHC and beyond.

Beam loss↗

Microscopic examination of rf-cavity-quality niobium films through local nonlinear microwave response

The performance of superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities is sometimes limited by local defects. To investigate the rf properties of these local defects, especially those that nucleate rf magnetic vortices, a near-field magnetic microwave microscope is employed. Local third-harmonic response ( P 3 f ) and its temperature dependence and rf power dependence are measured for one Nb / Cu film grown by direct current magnetron sputtering (DCMS) and six Nb / Cu films grown by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) with systematic variation of deposition conditions. Five out of the six HiPIMS Nb / Cu films show a strong third-harmonic response that is likely coming from rf vortex nucleation due to a low- T c surface defect with a transition temperature between 6.3 and 6.8 K, suggesting that this defect is a generic feature of air-exposed HiPIMS Nb / Cu films. A phenomenological model of surface-defect grain boundaries hosting a low- T c impurity phase is introduced and studied with time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) simulations of probe-sample interaction to better understand the measured third-harmonic response. The simulation results show that the third-harmonic response of rf vortex nucleation caused by surface defects exhibits the same general features as the data, including peaks in third-harmonic response with temperature, and their shift and broadening with higher microwave amplitude. We find that the parameters of the phenomenological model (the density of surface defects that nucleate rf vortices and the depth an rf vortex travels through these surface defects) vary systematically with film deposition conditions. From the point of view of these two properties, the Nb / Cu film that is most effective at reducing the nucleation of rf vortices associated with surface defects can be identified. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Wang, Chung-Yang (ORCID:0000000184299633)↗

A data-driven method to estimate contamination from light ion beam transmutation at colliders

Collisions of relativistic light ions such as oxygen, neon, and magnesium, have been proposed as a way to examine the system-size dependence of dynamics typically associated with the quark-gluon plasma produced in collisions of heavier ions such as xenon, gold, or lead. Recent efforts at both the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have produced large datasets of proton-oxygen, oxygen-oxygen, and neon-neon collisions, catalyzing intense interest in experimental backgrounds associated with light ion collisions. In particular, electromagnetic dissociation of light ions while they are circulating in a collider can result in beam contamination that is difficult to simulate precisely. Here we propose a data-driven method for evaluating the potential impact of beam contaminants on physics analyses. The method exploits the time-dependence and smaller size of contaminant ion species to define control regions that can be used to quantify potential contamination effects. A simple mode

Accelerator Physics (physics.acc-ph)↗