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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

X-ray imaging of Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities using Fresnel zone plate at the National Ignition Facility

Being able to provide high-resolution x-ray radiography is crucial in order to study hydrodynamic instabilities in the high-energy density regime at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Current capabilities limit us to about 20 μm resolution using pinholes, but recent studies have demonstrated the high-resolution capability of the Fresnel zone plate optics at the NIF, measuring 2.3 μm resolution. Using a zinc Heα line at 9 keV as a backlighter, we obtained a radiograph of Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities with a measured resolution of under 3 μm. Two images were taken with a time integrated detector and were time gated by a laser pulse duration of 600 ps, and a third image was taken with a framing camera with a 100 ps time gate on the same shot and on the same line of sight. The limiting factors on image quality for these two cases are the motion blur and the signal to noise ratio, respectively. We also suggest solutions to increase the image quality.

Do, A. (ORCID:0000000174372147)↗
DOE OSTI2022

Gas scintillation mitigation in gas Cherenkov detectors for inertial confinement fusion (invited)

Gas Cherenkov detectors provide a time resolved measurement of the fusion burn in inertial confinement fusion experiments. The fusion rate delivers critical benchmark figures, such as burn width and bang time. Recent detector improvements pushed temporal resolution to 10 ps to make burn width measurements on igniting targets possible. First high temporal resolution measurements using CO 2 gas fills had a background signal with a long decay length (tail), which was caused by gas scintillation. This gas scintillation limits the ability of the detector to resolve short burn width and high frequency features in the fusion rate measurements. A thorough investigation of the cause of the tail and mitigation options for gas scintillation is presented here. As a near-term resolution, neon gas is being used to extract fusion burn histories. Paths forward for the next generation of gas Cherenkov detectors are identified including the usage of oxygen as a Cherenkov medium.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Design and performance of a 35-ton liquid argon time projection chamber as a prototype for future very large detectors

Liquid argon time projection chamber technology is an attractive choice for large neutrino detectors, as it provides a high-resolution active target and it is expected to be scalable to very large masses. Consequently, it has been chosen as the technology for the first module of the DUNE far detector. However, the fiducial mass required for “far detectors” of the next generation of neutrino oscillation experiments far exceeds what has been demonstrated so far. Scaling to this larger mass, as well as the requirement for underground construction places a number of additional constraints on the design. A prototype 35-ton cryostat was built at Fermi National Acccelerator Laboratory to test the functionality of the components foreseen to be used in a very large far detector. The Phase I run, completed in early 2014, demonstrated that liquid argon could be maintained at sufficient purity in a membrane cryostat. A time projection chamber was installed for the Phase II run, which collected data in February and March of 2016. The Phase II run was a test of the modular anode plane assemblies with wrapped wires, cold readout electronics, and integrated photon detection systems. While the details of the design do not match exactly those chosen for the DUNE far detector, the 35-ton TPC prototype is a demonstration of the functionality of the basic components. Measurements are performed using the Phase II data to extract signal and noise characteristics and to align the detector components. A measurement of the electron lifetime is presented, and a novel technique for measuring a track's position based on pulse properties is described.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ultra-fast single-crystal CVD diamonds in the particle time-of-flight (PTOF) detector for low yield burn-history measurements on the NIF (invited)

The Particle Time of Flight (PTOF) diagnostic is a chemical vapor deposition diamond-based detector and is the only diagnostic for measuring nuclear bang times of low yield (<1013) shots on the National Ignition Facility. Recently, a comprehensive study of detector impulse responses revealed certain detectors with very fast and consistent impulse responses with a rise time of <50 ps, enabling low yield burn history measurements. At the current standoff of 50 cm, this measurement is possible with fast 14 MeV neutrons from deuterium–tritium (DT) fusion plasmas. PTOF-inferred DT burn width numbers compare well with widths inferred from the gamma reaction history diagnostic on mid-yield (1013–1015) shots, where both systems are capable of making this measurement. These new capabilities could be extended to 2.5 MeV deuterium–deuterium neutrons from D plasmas and to even lower yield by reducing the detector standoff distance to 10 cm; a design for this is also presented.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Design and performance of the Fermilab Constant Fraction Discriminator ASIC

Here, we present the design and performance characterization results of the novel Fermilab Constant Fraction Discriminator ASIC (FCFD) developed to readout low gain avalanche detector (LGAD) signals by directly using a constant fraction discriminator (CFD) to measure signal arrival time. Silicon detectors with time resolutions less than 30ps will play a critical role in future collider experiments, and LGADs have been demonstrated to provide the required time resolution and radiation tolerance for many such applications. The FCFD has a specially designed discriminator that is robust against amplitude variations of the signal from the LGAD that normally requires an additional correction step when using a traditional leading edge discriminator. The application of the CFD directly in the ASIC promises to be more reliable and reduces the complication of evolving time-walk corrections throughout the operational lifetime of the detector system. We will present a summary of the measured performance of the FCFD for input signals generated by internal charge injection, LGAD signals from an infrared laser, and LGAD signals from minimum-ionizing particles. The mean time response for LGAD signals with charge ranging between 5 and 26 fC has been measured to vary no more than 10ps, orders of magnitude more stable than an uncorrected leading edge discriminator based measurement, and effectively removes the need for any additional time-walk correction. The measured contribution to the time resolution from the FCFD ASIC is found to be 10ps for signals with charge above 20fC.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1993

Detector response in time-of-flight mass spectrometry at high pulse repetition frequencies

Dead time effects in chevron configured dual microchannel plates (MCPs) are investigated. Response times are determined experimentally for one chevron-configured dual MCP-type detector and two discrete dynode-type electron multipliers with 16 and 23 resistively divided stages. All of these detectors are found to be suitable for time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS), yielding 3-6-ns (FWHM) response times triggered on a single ion pulse. It is concluded that, unless there are viable solutions to overcome dead time disadvantages for continuous dynode detectors, suitable discrete dynode detectors for TOF MS appear to have a significant advantage for high repetition rate operation.

Gulcicek, Erol E.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fast timing with µRWELL-PICOSEC detector technology

The µWELL-PICOSEC detector, which is based on Resistive Micro-Well (µRWELL) technology, is a novel concept for fast timing gaseous detectors that can provide timing resolution in the tens of picosecond range, making it ideal candidate for time-of-flight (TOF) technology for particle identification (PID) in particle physics experiments as well as for future medical instrumentation. The µRWELL-PICOSEC concept is based on a Cerenkov radiator that produces Cerenkov photons from high energetic charged particles, a photocathode layer that converts the Cerenkov photons into primary electrons, a µRWELL amplification layer that multiply the electrons through amplification in a CF4-based gas mixture and a pad-segmentation anode readout coupled with fast timing electronics to provide fast signal. Beam tests were carried out at the CERN SPS H4 beamline in summer 2023 and 2024. Preliminary results show timing performance of the order of 23 ps achievable with µRWELL-PICOSEC prototype. and position scan of the 100-pads of a multi-channel prototype was also performed to study time response uniformity of large area detector. In this talk, after a brief overview of the PICOSEC technology, we will present recent results with different single channel µRWELL-PICOSEC prototype designs and also the position scan results of the 100-pads large prototype to study timing response uniformity for large area µRWELL-PICOSEC detector. Finally, we will discuss the ongoing R&D effort to further improve the timing resolution and allow good position capabilities through charge sharing for large area.

Gnanvo, Kondo↗
DOE OSTI2021

White Rabbit Time Synchronization for Radiation Detector Readout Electronics

As radiation detector arrays in nuclear physics applications become larger and physically more separated, the time synchronization and trigger distribution between many channels of detector readout electronics become more challenging. Clocks and triggers are traditionally distributed through dedicated cabling, but newer methods such as the IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol and White Rabbit allow clock synchronization through the exchange of timing messages over Ethernet. Consequently, we report here the use of White Rabbit in a new detector readout module, the Pixie-Net XL. Herein, the White Rabbit core, data capture from multiple digitizing channels, and subsequent pulse processing for pulse height and constant fraction timing are implemented in a Kintex 7 FPGA. The detector data records include White Rabbit time stamps and are transmitted to storage through the White Rabbit core's gigabit Ethernet data path or a slower diagnostic/control link using an embedded Zynq processor. The performance is characterized by time-of-flight style measurements and by time correlation of high energy background events from cosmic showers in detectors separated by longer distances. Software for the Zynq processor can implement "software triggering", for example to limit recording of data to events where a minimum number of channels from multiple modules detect radiation at the same time.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

µRWELL-PICOSEC: The Development of Fast Timing Resistive Micro-WELL Detector Technology.

We present the development of a new concept of fast timing gaseous detector, the ?RWELL-PICOSEC detector based on Resistive Micro-Well (?RWELL) technology to provide timing resolution in the tens of picosecond range for application as time-of-flight (TOF) technology in the particle physics and medical instrumentation fields. The ?RWELL-PICOSEC technology combined a Cerenkov radiator for the generation of Cerenkov photons from high energy charged particles, a photocathode for the conversion of the produced photons into primary electrons and the ?RWELL foil for the multiplication of the electron to produce large signal on pad segmentation readout. The proof of concept of ?RWELL-PICOSEC is demonstrated with a small single-channel prototype and preliminary timing performance of 90 ps has been measured. Optimization study the amplification structure of ?RWELL-PICOSEC for the improvement of timing resolution is discussed and results on timing performance studies in beam at CERN are presented. The development of large area (100 mm × 100 mm) ?RWELL-PICOSEC and associated multichannel fast readout electronics and data acquisition system are also reported

Weisenberger, Andrew↗
DOE OSTI2022

Constraining time-dependent ion temperature measurements in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosions with an intermediate distance neutron time-of-flight (nToF) detector

A concept for using an intermediate distance (0.3–3.0 m) neutron time-of-flight (nToF) to provide a constraint on the measurement of the time-dependence of ion temperature in inertial confinement fusion implosions is presented. Simulated nToF signals at different distances are generated and, with a priori knowledge of the burn-averaged quantities and burn history, analyzed to determine requirements for a future detector. Results indicate a signal-to-noise ratio >50 and time resolution <20 ps to constrain the ion temperature gradient to ∼±25% (0.5 keV/100 ps).

Moore, A. S. (ORCID:0000000221258882)↗
NASA NTRS1976

Infrared detector Dewars - Increased LN2 hold time and vacuum jacket life spans

IR detector Dewars commonly suffer from shorter than desired LN2 hold times and insulation jacket vacuum corruption over relatively short time periods. In an attempt to solve this problem for a 9144 detector Dewar, small 1 liter/s appendage ion pumps were selected for continuous pumping of the vacuum jackets. This procedure extended LN2 hold times from 20 to 60 h and virtually eliminated vacuum jacket corruption. Thus the detector systems are usable continuously over periods of 6 months or more.

Jennings, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Comparison of Signals from Gravitational Wave Detectors with Instantaneous Time-Frequency Maps

Gravitational wave astronomy relies on the use of multiple detectors, so that coincident detections may distinguish real signals from instrumental artifacts, and also so that relative timing of signals can provide the sky position of sources. We show that the comparison of instantaneous time-frequency and time-amplitude maps provided by the Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT) can be used effectively for relative signal timing of common signals, to discriminate between the case of identical coincident signals and random noise coincidences and to provide a classification of signals based on their time-frequency trajectories. The comparison is done with a X(sup 2) goodness-of~fit method which includes contributions from both the instantaneous amplitude and frequency components of the HHT to match two signals in the time domain. This approach naturally allows the analysis of waveforms with strong frequency modulation.

Stroeer, A.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Numerical Investigation of Fluid Flow and Space Charge in Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) Detectors

Overview This project focused on developing a high-fidelity numerical framework to simulate the multiphysics environment within Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) detectors. The primary objective was to characterize the complex interplay between ion transport, background fluid dynamics, and electric field distortions—a critical factor for the calibration and sensitivity of next-generation High Energy Physics experiments, such as DUNE. Technical Achievements The research successfully yielded a hybrid numerical space-charge solver utilizing a Cell-Centered Finite Volume Method (FVM) for ion transport coupled with a Finite Element Method (FEM) for electric potential. Key accomplishments include: • Verification & Validation: The 3-D solver was rigorously verified against 1-D analytical solutions, demonstrating high numerical accuracy in predicting space-charge-induced field deviations. • Field Distortion Analysis: 3D simulations revealed that space charge effects introduce significant non-uniformities in the electric field. Critically, the research identified that background LAr flow velocities, when comparable to ion drift velocities, markedly exacerbate these distortions. • Technology Transfer: The resulting source code and comprehensive user manuals were successfully transferred to collaborators at Fermilab, providing a portable computational tool for the broader scientific community. Challenges and Future Directions While the space-charge solver achieved all performance metrics, the integrated fluid dynamics modeling encountered convergence challenges stemming from the extreme 200-fold disparity in length scales between the detector's 37 mm inlet pipes and the 8-meter global domain. To address this, the project has identified a clear technical pivot toward Hierarchical Geometric Adaptive Mesh Refinement (HG-AMR). By implementing an h-type refinement strategy with hanging nodes, future iterations of this solver will be capable of resolving localized high-gradient inlet flows without the prohibitive computational costs of regular grids. This advancement, combined with data-driven uncertainty quantification based on MicroBooNE-style calibration, will enable the precise modeling of detector responses in large-scale cryogenic environments where direct measurement remains difficult. Impact The computational tools developed under this award provide a foundation for enhancing the energy resolution and spatial reconstruction of noble liquid detectors. By bridging the gap between theoretical fluid dynamics and experimental field calibration, this work supports the DOE’s mission to advance the frontiers of neutrino physics and dark matter detection.

42 ENGINEERING↗