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At least 109 records · Page 6

Characteristics of a Direct Current-driven plasma jet operated in open air

A DC-driven plasma jet has been developed to generate a diffuse plasma plume by blowing argon into the ambient air. The plasma plume, showing a cup shape with a diameter of several centimeters at a higher voltage, is a pulsed discharge despite a DC voltage is applied. The pulse frequency is investigated as a function of the voltage under different gap widths and gas flow rates. Results show that plasma bullets propagate from the hollow needle to the plate electrode by spatially resolved measurement. A supposition about non-electroneutral trail of the streamer is proposed to interpret these experimental phenomena.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Monte-Carlo simulation of noise in hard X-ray Transmission Crystal Spectrometers: Identification of contributors to the background noise and shielding optimization

Transmission crystal spectrometers (TCS) are used on many laser facilities to record hard X-ray spectra. During experiments, signal recorded on imaging plates is often degraded by a background noise. Monte-Carlo simulations made with the code GEANT4 show that this background noise is mainly generated by diffusion of MeV electrons and very hard X-rays. An experiment, carried out at LULI2000, confirmed that the use of magnets in front of the diagnostic, that bent the electron trajectories, reduces significantly this background. The new spectrometer SPECTIX (Spectromètre PETAL à Cristal en TransmIssion X), built for the LMJ/PETAL facility, will include this optimized shielding.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Permanent hydrophilization of outer and inner surfaces of polytetrafluoroethylene tubes using ambient air plasma generated by surface dielectric barrier discharges

We present an atmospheric pressure ambient air plasma technique developed for technically simple treatment of inner and/or outer surfaces of plastic tubes and other hollow dielectric bodies. It is based on surface dielectric barrier discharge generating visually diffuse plasma layers along the treated dielectric surfaces using water-solution electrodes. The observed visual uniformity and measured plasma rotational and vibrational temperatures of 333 K and 2350 K indicate that the discharge can be readily applied to material surface treatment without significant thermal effect. This is exemplified by the obtained permanent surface hydrophilization of polytetrafluoroethylene tubes related to the replacement of a high fraction (more than 80%) of the surface fluorine determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A tentative explanation of the discharge mechanism based on high-speed camera observations and the discharge current and voltage of measurements is outlined.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Simultaneous specimen current and time-dependent cathodoluminescence measurements on gallium nitride

Time-dependent cathodoluminescence (CL) and specimen current (SC) are monitored to evaluate trapping behavior and evolution of charge storage. Examination of CL and SC suggests that the near band edge emission in GaN is reduced primarily by the activation of traps upon irradiation, and Gallium vacancies are prime candidates. At the steady state, measurement of the stored charge by empiric-analytical methods suggests that all available traps within the interaction volume have been filled, and that additional charge is being stored interstitially, necessarily beyond the interaction volume. Once established, the space charge region is responsible for the steady state CL emission and, prior to build up, it is responsible for the generation of diffusion currents. Since the non-recombination effects resulting from diffusion currents that develop early on are analogous to those leading to device failure upon aging, this study is fundamental toward a holistic insight into optical properties in GaN.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Improving accuracy of electrochemical capacitance and solvation energetics in first-principles calculations

Here, reliable first-principles calculations of electrochemical processes require accurate prediction of the interfacial capacitance, a challenge for current computationally efficient continuum solvation methodologies. We develop a model for the double layer of a metallic electrode that reproduces the features of the experimental capacitance of Ag(100) in a non-adsorbing, aqueous electrolyte, including a broad hump in the capacitance near the potential of zero charge and a dip in the capacitance under conditions of low ionic strength. Using this model, we identify the necessary characteristics of a solvation model suitable for first-principles electrochemistry of metal surfaces in non-adsorbing, aqueous electrolytes: dielectric and ionic nonlinearity, and a dielectric-only region at the interface. The dielectric nonlinearity, caused by the saturation of dipole rotational response in water, creates the capacitance hump, while ionic nonlinearity, caused by the compactness of the diffuse layer, generates the capacitance dip seen at low ionic strength. We show that none of the previously developed solvation models simultaneously meet all these criteria. We design the nonlinear electrochemical soft-sphere solvation model which both captures the capacitance features observed experimentally and serves as a general-purpose continuum solvation model.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Simultaneous numerical representation of soil microsite production and consumption of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide using probability distribution functions

Production and consumption of nitrous oxide (N 2 O), methane (CH 4 ), and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) are affected by complex interactions of temperature, moisture, and substrate supply, which are further complicated by spatial heterogeneity of the soil matrix. This microsite heterogeneity is often invoked to explain non-normal distributions of greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes, also known as hot spots and hot moments. To advance numerical simulation of these belowground processes, we expanded the Dual Arrhenius and Michaelis-Menten (DAMM) model, to apply it consistently for all three GHGs with respect to the biophysical processes of production, consumption, and diffusion within the soil, including the contrasting effects of oxygen (O 2 ) as substrate or inhibitor for each process. High-frequency chamber-based measurements of all three GHGs at the Howland Forest (ME, USA) were used to parameterize the model using a multiple constraint approach. The area under a soil chamber is partitioned according to a bivariate lognormal probability distribution function (PDF) of carbon (C) and water content across a range of microsites, which leads to a PDF of heterotrophic respiration and O 2 consumption among microsites. Linking microsite consumption of O 2 with a diffusion model generates a broad range of microsite concentrations of O 2 , which then determines the PDF of microsites that produce or consume CH 4 and N 2 O, such that a range of microsites occurs with both positive and negative signs for net CH 4 and N 2 O flux. Results demonstrate that it is numerically feasible for microsites of N 2 O reduction and CH 4 oxidation to co-occur under a single chamber, thus explaining occasional measurement of simultaneous uptake of both gases. Simultaneous simulation of all three GHGs in a parsimonious modeling framework is challenging, however it increases confidence that agreement between simulations and measurements is based on skillful numerical representation of processes across a heterogeneous environment.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Data-Driven Method for Groundwater-Level Mapping and Monitoring-Well Network Optimization at Hanford

This report summarizes the initial results and outcomes of a physics-informed, data-driven groundwater level (GWL) mapping capability for the Hanford Site. GWL mapping at Hanford is typically conducted annually and requires a significant amount of computational and expert resources, and it does not allow assessment of the informational value of specific monitoring wells. The proposed method produces spatially and temporally resolved fields consistent with sparse, irregularly sampled, and nonuniformly distributed well measurements. Implemented successfully, this capability will allow rapid mapping of groundwater levels and provide an opportunity to optimize monitoring activities (both location and sampling frequency) based on data information value evaluation. The approach integrates a diffusion-based generative model – trained on MODFLOW simulation data from the Plateau-to-River (P2R) model – with score-based data assimilation (SDA), allowing observation-conditioned mapping without retraining for each monitoring-network layout.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

The GeV Excess Shining Through: Background Systematics for the Inner Galaxy Analysis

Recently, a spatially extended excess of gamma rays collected by the Fermi-LAT from the inner region of the Milky Way has been detected by different groups and with increasingly sophisticated techniques. Yet, any final conclusion about the morphology and spectral properties of such an extended diffuse emission are subject to a number of potentially critical uncertainties, related to the high density of cosmic rays, gas, magnetic fields and abundance of point sources. We will present a thorough study of the systematic uncertainties related to the modelling of diffuse background and to the propagation of cosmic rays in the inner part of our Galaxy. We will test a large set of models for the Galactic diffuse emission, generated by varying the propagation parameters within extreme conditions. By using those models in the fit of Fermi-LAT data as Galactic foreground, we will show that the gamma-ray excess survives and we will quantify the uncertainties on the excess emission morphology and energy spectrum.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Modeling Lithium Diffusion in Battery Cathodes Considering Chemo-Mechanically Induced Damage

This talk will present a 3D, continuum-level damage model for simulating Lithium diffusion within generated Li_{x}Ni_{0.5}Mn_{0.3}Co_{0.2} (NMC 532) secondary cathode particles. The primary motivation of the particle-level model is to inform cathode-particle design and determine charging profiles that reduce cathode fracture. The model considers NMC 532 secondary particles containing an agglomeration of anisotropic, randomly oriented grains. The model predicts that secondary-particle fracture is primarily due to non-ideal grain interactions with slight dependence on high-rate charge demands. The model predicts that small secondary-particles with large grains develop significantly less damage than larger secondary particles with small grains. Finally, the model predicts most of the chemo-mechanical damage accumulates in the first high-rate cycles. This chemo-mechanical “damage saturation” effect indicates that initial secondary-particle fracture occurs within the first few cycles, while long-term cathode degradation is not solely chemo-mechanically induced.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

A new, coupled transport-diffusion method for radiative transfer calculations

We derive and present a new frequency- and angle-integrated low-order system of equations designed to enhance the accuracy of a coupled, high-order (transport) solution of the thermal radiative transfer equations. In particular, our new low-order system is designed to use intensity-weighted opacities and anisotropic diffusion coefficients generated by a solution of the Implicit Monte Carlo (IMC) equations in order to predict the spatial dependence of the material temperature and radiation energies in the ensuing time cycle. The predicted temperature solution can then be exploited to generate appropriately time-centered opacities, specific heats, and Planck emission spectra for the upcoming IMC solution. Additionally, the relatively inexpensive solution of the low-order system can be iteratively solved to recommend an adaptive time step size before the IMC solution is computed. A test implementation has been implemented using existing software available from the Jayenne and Capsaicin projects at Los Alamos National Laboratory. We present initial results from a new driver code that has integrated these stochastic and deterministic software packages. (authors)

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Development of Diffusion-type Hydrogen Meters for Steam Generator Leak Detection System of Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors

The goal of this project is to develop and demonstrate diffusion-type hydrogen meters (DTHMs) for hydrogen concentration in cover gas or in molten sodium. Prompt detection of steam-to-sodium leaks of a sodium-heated steam generator (SHSG) is one of the most important economic and safety issues to be addressed in designing and operating a sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR). A water-to-sodium leak causes a violent exothermic sodium-water reaction (SWR) resulting in local temperature rise (>1,200°C) and produces hydrogen gas and highly corrosive chemicals. The SWR often induces self-enlargement (self-wastage) of the leak and rapid propagation of wastage to adjacent tubes, leading to secondary or multiple tube failures. If it is unmitigated, the hydrogen gas formation could cause a pressure increase in the reactor and may cause a SHSG blowdown, and ultimately result in shutdown of the reactor. In addition, if their effects are unmitigated, the highly corrosive chemicals formed could lead to and accelerate the corrosion problems of the SHSG and sodium piping.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

SU-E-J-217: Multiparametric MR Imaging of Cranial Tumors On a Dedicated 1.0T MR Simulator Prior to Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Purpose: Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cranial lesions prior to stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) may improve treatment planning and provide potential prognostic value. The practicality and logistics of acquiring advanced multiparametric MRI sequences to measure vascular and cellular properties of cerebral tumors are explored on a 1.0 Tesla MR Simulator. Methods: MR simulation was performed immediately following routine CT simulation on a 1T MR Simulator. MR sequences used were in the order they were performed: T2-Weighted Turbo Spin Echo (T2W-TSE), T2 FLAIR, Diffusion-weighted (DWI, b = 0, 800 to generate an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map), 3D T1-Weighted Fast Field Echo (T1W-FFE), Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) and Post Gadolinium Contrast Enhanced 3D T1W-FFE images. T1 pre-contrast values was generated by acquiring six different flip angles. The arterial input function was derived from arterial pixels in the perfusion images selected manually. The extended Tofts model was used to generate the permeability maps. Routine MRI scans took about 30 minutes to complete; the additional scans added 12 minutes. Results: To date, seven patients with cerebral tumors have been imaged and tumor physiology characterized. For example, on a glioblastoma patient, the volume contoured on T1 Gd images, ADC map and the pharmacokinetic map (Ktrans) were 1.9, 1.4, and 1.5 cc respectively with strong spatial correlation. The mean ADC value of the entire volume was 1141 μm2/s while the value in the white matter was 811 μm2/s. The mean value of Ktrans was 0.02 min-1 in the tumor volume and 0.00 in the normal white matter. Conclusion: Our initial results suggest that multiparametric MRI sequences may provide a more quantitative evaluation of vascular and tumor properties. Implementing functional imaging during MR-SIM may be particularly beneficial in assessing tumor extent, differentiating radiation necrosis from tumor recurrence, and establishing reliable bio-markers for treatment response evaluation. The Department of Radiation Oncology at Henry Ford Health System has research agreement with Varian Medical System and Philips Health Care.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Generation of large-scale, barrier-free diffuse plasmas in air at atmospheric pressure using array wire electrodes and nanosecond high-voltage pulses

This paper introduces a method to generate large-scale diffuse plasmas by using a repetition nanosecond pulse generator and a parallel array wire-electrode configuration. We investigated barrier-free diffuse plasmas produced in the open air in parallel and cross-parallel array line-line electrode configurations. We found that, when the distance between the wire-electrode pair is small, the discharges were almost extinguished. Also, glow-like diffuse plasmas with little discharge weakening were obtained in an appropriate range of line-line distances and with a cathode-grounding cross-electrode configuration. As an example, we produced a large-scale, stable diffuse plasma with volumes as large as 18 × 15 × 15 cm{sup 3}, and this discharge region can be further expanded. Additionally, using optical and electrical measurements, we showed that the electron temperature was higher than the gas temperature, which was almost the same as room temperature. Also, an array of electrode configuration with more wire electrodes had helped to prevent the transition from diffuse discharge to arc discharge. Comparing the current waveforms of configurations with 1 cell and 9 cells, we found that adding cells significantly increased the conduction current and the electrical energy delivered in the electrode gaps.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Generative design of de novo proteins based on secondary-structure constraints using an attention-based diffusion model

We report two generative deep-learning models that predict amino acid sequences and 3D protein structures on the basis of secondary-structure design objectives via either the overall content or the per-residue structure. Both models are robust regarding imperfect inputs and offer de novo design capacity because they can discover new protein sequences not yet discovered from natural mechanisms or systems. The residue-level secondary-structure design model generally yields higher accuracy and more diverse sequences. These findings suggest unexplored opportunities for protein designs and functional outcomes within the vast amino acid sequences beyond known proteins. Our models, based on an attention-based diffusion model and trained on a dataset extracted from experimentally known 3D protein structures, offer numerous downstream applications in the conditional generative design of various biological or engineering systems. Future work could include additional conditioning and an exploration of other functional properties of the generated proteins for various properties beyond structural objectives.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Indistinguishability and correlations of photons generated by quantum emitters undergoing spectral diffusion

Photon-based quantum information processing is based on manipulating multi photon interference. We focus on the Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) dip in the photon coincidence rate which provides a direct measure of interference of indistinguishable photons linked to their Bose statistics. The effect has been first observed with entangled photons generated by parametric down conversion and then extended to independent emitters. Fluctuations caused by coupling between emitters and a bath can erode the interference which causes the dip. Here we show how the magnitude and shape of the HOM dip is affected by spectral diffusion induced by coupling to a brownian oscillator bath. Conditions for maintaining and controlling the interference are specified.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Spontaneous toroidal flow generation due to negative effective momentum diffusivity

Spontaneous structure formation, and in particular, zonal flows, is observed in a broad range of natural and engineered systems, often arising dynamically as the saturated state of a linear instability. Flows in tokamaks are known to self-organise on small scales, but large scale toroidal flows also arise even when externally applied torques are zero. This has previously been interpreted as the result of small externally imposed breaking of a symmetry. However, we show that for large enough field line pitch, a robust spontaneous symmetry breaking occurs, leading to the generation of strong toroidal flow structures; parameters are typical of Spherical Tokamak discharges with reversed shear profiles. The short wavelength dynamics are qualitatively similar to the growth of poloidal flow structures, and toroidal flow gradients nonlinearly saturate at levels where the shearing rate is comparable to linear growth rate. On long wavelengths, we measure Prandtl numbers of around zero for these systems, in conjunction with the formation of structured toroidal flows, and we show that this is consistent with a model of momentum transport where fluxes act to reinforce small flow gradients: the effective momentum diffusivity is negative. Toroidal flow structures are largely unaffected by collisional damping, so this may allow toroidal bulk flows of order the ion thermal velocity to be maintained with zero momentum input. This phenomenon also provides a mechanism for the generation of localised meso-scale structures like transport barriers.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

A case for radio galaxies as the sources of IceCube's astrophysical neutrino flux

We present an argument that radio galaxies (active galaxies with mis-aligned jets) are likely to be the primary sources of the high-energy astrophysical neutrinos observed by IceCube. In particular, if the gamma-ray emission observed from radio galaxies is generated through the interactions of cosmic-ray protons with gas, these interactions can also produce a population of neutrinos with a flux and spectral shape similar to that measured by IceCube. We present a simple physical model in which high-energy cosmic rays are confined within the volumes of radio galaxies, where they interact with gas to generate the observed diffuse fluxes of neutrinos and gamma rays. In addition to simultaneously accounting for the observations of Fermi and IceCube, radio galaxies in this model also represent an attractive class of sources for the highest energy cosmic rays.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Magnetic-field generation and its effect on ablative Rayleigh–Taylor instability in diffusive ablation fronts

The effects of self-generated magnetic fields on the ablative Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) instability are investigated in the linear regime. The main governing parameters are the Froude number (Fr), which stands for the ratio between ablative convection and acceleration of the target, and the Mach number at the ablation front (Ma), assumed to be small (isobaricity). During the development of the RT instability, magnetic fields are generated due to misalignment between pressure and density gradients (Biermann-battery effect). They accumulate at the section of the ablation front where the Nernst and the plasma velocities cancel each other. The magnetic field modifies the dynamics of the instability through the Righi–Leduc term, which acts as a heat source in the energy equation. It is found that the B fields affect perturbations with short wavelengths up to the most unstable wave in the spectrum. Here, the B field plays a destabilizing role for moderate Froude numbers and becomes stabilizing for large Froude numbers. For plastic ablators, the Fr threshold is found to be Fr = 5.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗