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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 1,207 records · Page 67
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Modeling and Proof-of-Concept of a Blackbody-Based Calibration Method in the InfraBREAD Detector

The Broadband Reflector Experiment for Axion Detection (BREAD) is an ongoing collaboration searching for the conversion of yet undiscovered axion-like dark matter particles to photons in the presence of a magnetic field. InfraBREAD, a pilot experiment realization of BREAD, uses a superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD), a high-efficiency and low-noise device, to specifically detect infrared-range photons produced by $\mathcal{O}$(eV) axion-like particles. The unique BREAD coaxial reflector setup allows for the focusing of converted signal photons to a 1mm $\times$ 1mm SNSPD. However, when the detector is cooled to cryogenic temperatures during operation, uneven thermal contraction of reflector components may lead to a small shift in the location of the focal spot. A novel calibration method using blackbody radiation is proposed to locate the true focal spot of the detector \textit{in situ}. Through ray tracing simulations done in FRED Optical Engineering Software, this method is demonstrated to locate the focus to within $\SI{50}{\micro\metre}$ in the axial dimension. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the blackbody photon source used in this calibration must be at a temperature of at least $\SI{15}{\kelvin}$ to $\SI{40}{\kelvin}$, depending on the sensitivity of the SNSPD.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Remote isotope detection and quantification using femtosecond filament-laser ablation molecular isotopic spectrometry

We demonstrate the detection and quantification of isotopes from solid samples remotely at a distance of 36 m. This was accomplished through the combination of femtosecond filaments and laser ablation molecular isotopic spectrometry (F 2 -LAMIS). Isotopically enriched graphite samples with varying 13 C concentration were used and the F 2 -LAMIS emission was measured remotely using a portable spectrometer system. A standardless quantification approach was used to determine the corresponding isotopic ratios. The use of F 2 -LAMIS for the detection and quantification of isotopes at atmospheric pressure without the use of calibration standards opens the possibility to implement this technology for remote sensing of isotopes in field applications

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Proposal to Develop Neutrino Diagnostics for Nuclear Weapons Tests

A nuclear weapon test would be a prolific source of neutrinos in a relatively short time window (<1 s). These neutrinos could be easily detected at distances of 10s of meters or more by detector technology that has been developed for studying neutrino interactions from nuclear reactors. Such a concept was already proposed at LANL in the 50’s but was finally reject for a more controlled experiment at a nuclear reactor – this latter method went on to win the 1995 Nobel prize in physics for the detection of the neutrino. However, times have changed and revisiting this concept could have new unappreciated applications.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2025

Broadband Fourier-Transform Optical Photothermal Infrared Spectroscopy and Imaging

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a powerful method for mapping chemical heterogeneity on the microscale. Synchrotron IR radiation uniquely provides a high brightness and broad bandwidth to further extend the capabilities of IR spectroscopic imaging. However, the diffraction-limited spatial resolution of IR spectroscopy is insufficient for studies requiring submicrometer spatial differentiation. Optical photothermal IR (O-PTIR) microscopy is a powerful, emerging method that overcomes the IR diffraction limit in IR hyperspectral imaging by employing a modulated IR beam and a visible probe laser beam to detect local temperature-induced modulation at the visible diffraction limit. In this work, we extend the spectral range of photothermal infrared measurements by incorporating a synchrotron IR source, demonstrating a combined synchrotron-based O-PTIR modality that enables high spatial resolution far-field chemical imaging spanning the entire mid-IR range. Both optical- and fluorescence-detected photothermal modalities were performed using a step-scan interferometer, demonstrating improved spectral range (541-4000 cm-1) when compared to optical photothermal microscopy with commercial laser sources (800-1800 cm-1 for this particular source) and improved spatial resolution, when compared to synchrotron microspectroscopy measurements. Following these initial validation studies, synchrotron Fourier-transform fluorescence-detected photothermal IR spectroscopy in combination with synchrotron microspectroscopy measurements was used to differentiate cells in mouse brain tissue sections, which requires submicron spatial resolutions beyond those accessible by IR spectroscopy alone.

Razumtcev, Aleksandr↗
DOE OSTI2022

First direct observations of gear-changing in a collider

In this work we perform the first demonstration of gear-changing in a real world collider. Gear-changing refers to a collision scheme where each ring of a collider stores a different harmonic number of bunches. These bunches are kept synchronized using different velocities. Such a system has been theorized, but has now been demonstrated using the Double ElectroStatic Ion Ring ExpEriment (DESIREE) in Stockholm Sweden. The experiment was able to demonstrate a gear-changing system, with both four on three bunches and five on four bunches. We determined a measurable parameter that shows a gear-changing system out to $37500$ turns of the slow beam (1 second). We were also able to detect a measurable longitudinal beam-beam interaction. We developed insights into how to control this type of system, opening up new possibilities, and showing that DESIREE can be used for gear-changing research.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

The 2175 Å bump features in FeLoBAL quasars: One indicator of MW-like dust in the nuclear region of quasars

To investigate the properties of dust in the nuclear region of quasars, we explored the extinction curves of the iron low-ionisation broad absorption line (FeLoBAL) quasar SDSS J163004.29+311957.6 and its two analogues. The parametrised extinction curves indicated the Milky Way-like 2175 Å bump features in underlying extinction, which are similar to those seen in the Local Group and in a subset of high-redshift star-forming galaxies. Compared to the bump features in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), the detections in this work are much closer to those in the Milky Way (MW). These bump features, as well as those in the high- and low-ionisation broad absorption line (BAL) quasars with 2175 Å bumps, are probably the counterpart of the 2175 Å bump features in the quasar environment. This type of dust grain is generally small, easily disrupted by high-energy photons, and has difficulty surviving in the radiation field of the active galactic nucleus. However, due to the presence of absorption-line outflows, the 2175 Å bump feature in quasars, which should be rare, is seen many times in BAL quasars. The shielding effect of outflow clouds allows the MW-like dust grains to be assembled or extends the survival period in the quasar nuclear region. The process and physical and chemical conditions deserve further observational study and investigation.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Design and commissioning of resistive foil bolometer diagnostics on the ST40 tokamak

Following successful campaigns on the compact high field spherical tokamak ST40, resistive gold foil bolometers have now been installed to measure the radiated power profile. Positioned on the midplane, two bolometer cameras offer perspectives of the horizontal and vertical planes, while the third camera, situated above the midplane, provides a vertical view of the top divertor plates, including the X-point and the strike points. Further, these cameras use a commercial off-the-shelf data acquisition platform with modules specifically designed for bolometers in a Wheatstone bridge configuration, providing both phase sensitive detection and in situ calibration. This paper presents an overview of the design and functionality of all three cameras and the commissioning of the horizontal plane camera. The commissioning of the horizontal camera shows data from a range of plasma pulses, presenting a positive correlation between the relative profiles measured from the bolometer camera and an absolute extreme ultraviolet diode camera viewing along similar lines of sight.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Multiphase outflows in post-starburst E+A galaxies - II. A direct connection between the neutral and ionized outflow phases

ABSTRACT Post-starburst E+A galaxies are systems that hosted a powerful starburst that was quenched abruptly. Simulations suggest that these systems provide the missing link between major merger ULIRGs and red and dead ellipticals, where AGN feedback is responsible for the expulsion or destruction of the molecular gas. However, many details remain unresolved and little is known about AGN-driven winds in this short-lived phase. We present spatially resolved IFU spectroscopy with MUSE/VLT of SDSS J124754.95-033738.6, a post-starburst E+A galaxy with a recent starburst that started 70 Myr ago and ended 30 Myr ago, with a peak SFR of $\sim 150\, \mathrm{M_{\odot }\,yr^{ -1}}$. We detect disturbed gas throughout the entire field of view, suggesting triggering by a minor merger. We detect fast-moving multiphased gas clouds, embedded in a double-cone face-on outflow, which are traced by ionized emission lines and neutral NaID emission and absorption lines. We find remarkable similarities between the kinematics, spatial extents, and line luminosities of the ionized and neutral gas phases, and propose a model in which they are part of the same outflowing clouds, which are exposed to both stellar and AGN radiation. Our photoionization model provides consistent ionized line ratios, NaID absorption optical depths and EWs, and dust reddening. Using the model, we estimate, for the first time, the neutral-to-ionized gas mass ratio (about 20), the sodium neutral fraction, and the size of the outflowing clouds. This is one of the best ever observed direct connections between the neutral and ionized outflow phases in AGN.

Baron, Dalya↗
DOE OSTI2022

Free spectator nucleons in ultracentral relativistic heavy-ion collisions as a probe of neutron skin

Besides the yield ratio of free spectator neutrons produced in ultracentral 96 Zr + 96 Zr to 96 Ru + 96 Ru collisions, we propose that the yield ratio N n /N p of free spectator neutrons to protons in a single collision system at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider or the CERN Large Hadron Collider can be a more sensitive probe of the neutron-skin thickness Δrnp and the slope parameter L of the symmetry energy. Here, the idea is demonstrated based on the proton and neutron density distributions of colliding nuclei obtained from Skyrme-Hartree-Fock-Bogolyubov calculations, and on a Glauber model that provides information of spectator matter. The final spectator particles are produced from direct emission, clusterization by a minimum spanning tree algorithm or a Wigner function approach, and deexcitation of heavy clusters by gemini. A larger Δr np associated with a larger L value increases the isospin asymmetry of spectator matter and thus leads to a larger N n /N p , especially in ultracentral collisions where the multiplicity of free nucleons are free from the uncertainties of cluster formation and deexcitation. We have further shown that the double ratio of N n /N p in isobaric collision systems or in collisions by isotopes helps to cancel the detecting efficiency for protons. Effects from nuclear deformation and electromagnetic excitation are studied, and they are found to be subdominant compared to the expected sensitivity to Δr np .

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Non-visual analysis of miniaturized melt wire arrays for in-pile measurement of peak irradiation temperature

As a part of the in-pile instrumentation program, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has established in-house capabilities to fabricate and test new advanced manufactured printed sensors for measurement of peak temperature inside the harsh environment of a nuclear test reactor. Although nuclear test reactors may use standard methods that can provide real-time temperature information, such as thermocouples, the need for feedthroughs for real-time measurements greatly increases the cost of the experiment. Some experiments also present the problem of limited space available for instrumentation. To address this need, INL is working to improve temperature detection options for such applications. The lab is developing advanced manufactured melt wire arrays to determine peak temperatures in experiments with limited space. Furthermore, capabilities to print multiple melt wires with different melting properties on a single miniaturized unit is being established. Recent results and knowledge from this ongoing work have made it possible to develop unique temperature sensors that can accomplish user specific temperature ranges inside the harsh environments experienced during radiation testing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Advanced Mixing Condensation Particle Counter (aMCPC) Instrument Handbook

The U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility’s aerosol counting, composition, extinction, and sizing system (ACCESS) includes a base module (9400), a filter sampler (9401), an advanced mixing condensation particle counter (aMCPC, 9403), a miniaturized optical practical counter (MOPC, 9405), and a single-channel tricolor absorption photometer (STAP, 9406). This handbook focuses on the aMCPC, which measures the ultra-fast total aerosol particle number concentration at 180 ms response rate with a detection diameter (D 50 = 7 nm).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Gamma ray analysis of the K2 containers

The K2 containers contain PuO2 with 238 Pu being the most abundant isotope of all plutonium isotopes. The purpose of this analysis is to determine the light element impurities in the PuO2. These light elements can interact with the alpha particles from plutonium decay to release gamma rays, protons, and neutrons through the reactions (α,α’), (α,p), and (α,n) respectively. The gamma rays released by the interactions can be measured and compared with the gamma rays released by the plutonium. The ratios of the gamma rays from the interactions and the plutonium gamma rays allow for the determination of the impurities in the items. The elements that can be detected are Lithium (Z=3), Beryllium (Z=4), Boron (Z=5), Fluorine (Z=9), Sodium (Z=11), Magnesium (Z=12), Aluminum (Z=13), Silicon (Z=14), Phosphorous (Z=15), Chlorine (Z=17), and Potassium (Z=19).

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Improving Fission Products at CARIBU: Near Field Detection (Q2/FY24 Quarterly Progress Report)

We continue to make progress in the analysis of 111 Ag decay data to determine gamma-ray intensities with the aim of improving these intensities to below 1% precision. The correctness of detection efficiencies is integral to obtaining accurate and precise results. While Geant4 provides us with efficiencies for detection of a coincidence event of a beta-particle with a 96, 245, or 342 gamma-ray, as outlined in Figure 1, it is important that we validate these results with the efficiencies obtained from the experimental decay data.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope: Systematic Transient Search of 3 Day Maps

We conduct a systematic search for transients in 3 yr of data (2017–2019) from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT). ACT covers 40% of the sky at three bands spanning from 77–277 GHz. Analysis of 3 day mean-subtracted sky maps, which were match filtered for point sources, yielded 29 transient detections. Eight of these transients are due to known asteroids, and three others were previously published. Four of these events occur in areas with poor noise models and thus we cannot be confident they are real transients. We are left with 14 new transient events occurring at 11 unique locations. All of these events are associated with either rotationally variable stars or cool stars. Ten events have flat or falling spectra indicating radiation from synchrotron emission. One event has a rising spectrum indicating a different engine for the flare.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Search for 10–1000 GeV Neutrinos from Gamma-Ray Bursts with IceCube

We present the results of a search for 10–1000 GeV neutrinos from 2268 gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) over 8 yr of IceCube-DeepCore data. This work probes burst physics below the photosphere where electromagnetic radiation cannot escape. Neutrinos of tens of giga electronvolts are predicted in sub-photospheric collision of free-streaming neutrons with bulk-jet protons. In a first analysis, we searched for the most significant neutrino-GRB coincidence using six overlapping time windows centered on the prompt phase of each GRB. In a second analysis, we conducted a search for a group of GRBs, each individually too weak to be detectable, but potentially significant when combined. No evidence of neutrino emission is found for either analysis. The most significant neutrino coincidence is for Fermi-GBM GRB bn 140807500, with a p-value of 0.097 corrected for all trials. The binomial test used to search for a group of GRBs had a p-value of 0.65 after all trial corrections. The binomial test found a group consisting only of GRB bn 140807500 and no additional GRBs. The neutrino limits of this work complement those obtained by IceCube at tera electronvolt to peta electronvolt energies. We compare our findings for the large set of GRBs as well as GRB 221009A to the sub-photospheric neutron-proton collision model and find that GRB 221009A provides the most constraining limit on baryon loading. For a jet Lorentz factor of 300 (800), the baryon loading on GRB 221009A is lower than 3.85 (2.13) at a 90% confidence level.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

In-Device Delay: Introduction to Obscurant Physcial Protection System

The Office of Radiological Security (ORS) In-Device Delay (IDD) program has undertaken a project to research and develop a novel protection system for industrial irradiators that contain high-activity Co-60 sources. Based on adversary testing conducted by ORS, it is was determined that to successfully accomplish the theft of the target material, the adversary will require visual contact of the sources and source rack located at the bottom of the pool. Therefore, if a means of obscuring or visually hiding the sources in the pool can be achieved (while adhering to facility operations, safety, and regulatory requirements), then illicit source theft will be significantly hindered. This project aims to develop a low-cost, non-propriety obscurant that, when an adversary action is detected, the obscurant will be deployed into the pool quickly, rendering visual observation of the source problematic; however, this obscurant will not otherwise disturb the sources, source rack, and filtration system. The obscurant will remain in the pool until removed by another process.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Verification of Spent Fuel Inside Dry Storage Casks by Fast/Epi-thermal Neutron Mapping: FY2020 Annual Report to NA241 (Annual Report)

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has embarked upon development of a novel methodology for verification of spent fuel inside dry storage casks. The issue of verification of the integrity of spent fuel inside dry storage has been one of the most challenging technical problems facing IAEA for many decades. The difficulty arises because of the massive amount of shielding between the inner spent fuel and the outer surface where measurements can be performed. Despite many efforts, detection of useful gamma rays or neutrons from the outer surface has so far proven unsuccessful.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗