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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2017

Significant and Variable Linear Polarization During the Prompt Optical Flash of GRB 160625B

Measurement of polarized light provides a direct probe of magnetic fields in collimated outflows (jets) of relativistic plasma from accreting stellar-mass black holes at cosmological distances. These outflows power brief and intense flashes of prompt gamma-rays known as Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs), followed by longer-lived afterglow radiation detected across the electromagnetic spectrum. Rapid-response polarimetric observations of newly discovered GRBs have probed the initial afterglow phase. Linear polarization degrees as high as Π∼30% are detected minutes after the end of the prompt GRB emission, consistent with a stable, globally ordered magnetic field permeating the jet at large distances from the central source. In contrast, optical and gamma-ray observations during the prompt phase led to discordant and often controversial results, and no definitive conclusions on the origin of the prompt radiation or the configuration of the magnetic field could be derived. Here we report the detection of linear polarization of a prompt optical flash that accompanied the extremely energetic and long-lived prompt gamma-ray emission from GRB 160625B. Our measurements probe the structure of the magnetic field at an early stage of the GRB jet, closer to the central source, and show that the prompt GRB phase is produced via fast cooling synchrotron radiation in a large-scale magnetic field advected from the central black hole and distorted from dissipation processes within the jet.

High-energy astrophysics↗
NASA NTRS2000

Rare Earth Optical Temperature Sensor

A new optical temperature sensor suitable for high temperatures (greater than 1700 K) and harsh environments is introduced. The key component of the sensor is the rare earth material contained at the end of a sensor that is in contact with the sample being measured. The measured narrow wavelength band emission from the rare earth is used to deduce the sample temperature. A simplified relation between the temperature and measured radiation was verified experimentally. The upper temperature limit of the sensor is determined by material limits to be approximately 2000 C. The lower limit, determined by the minimum detectable radiation, is found to be approximately 700 K. At high temperatures 1 K resolution is predicted. Also, millisecond response times are calculated.

Chubb, Donald L.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Portal Monitoring Considerations for Treaty Verification Applications

Portal monitoring is one method in a suite of options for treaty verification and can assist in verification of treaty accountable items (TAIs). Portal monitor technology spans a wide range of sensors, including radiation detectors, break-beams, or weight sensors. For radiation-detecting portal monitors, they are able to confirm absence / presence of a radiological signature and to track TAI direction of motion. Portal monitoring uses measurements from strategically placed sensors (e.g., radiation detectors) to record the entry or egress of TAIs. The implementation of portal monitoring relies on three key elements: perimeter definition, portal locations, and sensor technology, and can be implemented in either time-bound or continuous operations depending on what is permitted by the Treaty.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
DOE OSTI2025

Sensor Placement Optimization Study for the Built Environment: Operational Use Cases

Systems of fixed-position radiation sensors can provide information that assists emergency responders following nuclear and radiological incidents. State, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) government agencies that implement systems of fixed-position sensors are faced with numerous decisions regarding sensor selection, quantity, and placement. To develop guidance on implementation of radiation detection systems, we simulated the release of radioactive material in an urban environment using a combination of three models: the Weather Research Forecasting (WRF), Quick Urban and Industrial Complex (QUIC), and Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) models. We then evaluated the performance of several hypothetical sensor systems. The small number of simulations we conducted are not sufficient to generate definitive design guidance for radiation sensor systems, but we did identify trends that would be of interest to emergency planners. For a scenario that releases 1000 curies of Cs-137, radiation detectors were needed at 500-meter intervals to have a high likelihood of event detection and to estimate source location and plume detection. We also noted that optimal detector altitude varied with distance to the source. We recommend additional research in this area be conducted to support developing sensor placement guidelines that expand on a range of locations, isotopes, activity levels, and different weather conditions. Original simulation strategies included a range of environments, additional radioisotopes (Am241 and AmBe), and a larger selection of sensor types. These types of expansions would support SLTT guidance on sensor system recommendations.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1956

The Appearance of a Boric Oxide Exhaust Cloud from a Turbojet Engine Operating on Trimethylborate Fuel

An investigation was conducted on the size and density of the boric oxide exhaust cloud from a J47-25 turbojet engine operating on trimethylborate fuel at sea-level static condition. Movies and still photographs were taken from the ground and from a helicopter. Objects could not be perceived through the main body of the cloud at distances up to 800 feet from the engine. Data are included on the amount of fallout from the cloud and the concentration of boric oxide in the cloud. A radiation detection device was set up to determine whether the glowing oxide particles would be more susceptible than hydrocarbon exhaust gases to this type of tracking device. The device showed an increase in radiation by a factor of 3 for trimethylborate over that for JP-4.

Lord, Albert M↗
DOE OSTI2024

Gravitational Wave Symphony from Oscillating Spectator Scalar Fields

We investigate a generic source of stochastic gravitational wave background due to the parametric resonance of oscillating scalar fields in the early Universe. By systematically analyzing benchmark models through lattice simulations and considering a wide range of parameters, we demonstrate that such a scenario can lead to detectable signals in gravitational wave detectors over a broad frequency range and potentially address the recent findings by pulsar timing array experiments. Furthermore, these models naturally yield ultralight dark matter candidates or dark radiation detectable by cosmic microwave background observatories. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Physics↗
NASA NTRS1978

Diffuse gamma radiation

Results are reported for an investigation of the intensity, energy spectrum, and spatial distribution of the diffuse gamma radiation detected by SAS 2 away from the galactic plane in the energy range above 35 MeV. The gamma-ray data are compared with relevant data obtained at other wavelengths, including 21-cm emission, radio continuum radiation, and the limited UV and radio information on local molecular hydrogen. It is found that there are two quite distinct components to the diffuse radiation, one of which shows a good correlation with the galactic matter distribution and continuum radiation, while the other has a much steeper energy spectrum and appears to be isotropic at least on a coarse scale. The galactic component is interpreted in terms of its implications for both local and more distant regions of the Galaxy. The apparently isotropic radiation is discussed partly with regard to the constraints placed on possible models by the steep energy spectrum, the observed intensity, and an upper limit on the anisotropy.

Fichtel, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Directional Spherical Cherenkov Detector

A proposed radiation-detecting apparatus would provide information on the kinetic energies, directions, and electric charges of highly energetic incident subatomic particles. The apparatus was originally intended for use in measuring properties of cosmic rays in outer space, but could also be adapted to terrestrial uses -- for example, radiation dosimetry aboard high-altitude aircraft and in proton radiation therapy for treatment of tumors.

Wrbanek, John D.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) as a radiation detector distinguishing neutrons and gammas

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) is a promising ultrawide bandgap semiconductor for radiation detection with the potential of integrating electronic and scintillation functions within a single crystal device. This study establishes the scintillation response of β-Ga2O3 gamma irradiation from yttrium-88 (88Y). Then, californium-252 (252Cf) is used as a spontaneous fission source of mixed neutron and gamma radiation field to measure scintillation signals. Pulse shape discrimination and constant fraction discrimination techniques were used to separate neutron and gamma interaction events. Further investigation indicates that the prompt temporal responses of β-Ga2O3 for gammas and neutrons may enable discrimination of the two by prompt pulse fitting methods, focused around the initial peak. For gamma irradiation, we observed a rise time (τr) of 2.1 ns, decay time (τd) of 9.5 ns, and a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 6.2 ns. For neutrons, it showed a τr of 2.3 ns, a τd of 12.1 ns, 9.4 ns FWHM, and reduced peak intensity. A diamond detector exhibited a more symmetrical τr and τd for both gamma and neutron signals and therefore is less effective at discriminating between the two by this method. This draws attention to β-Ga2O3’s ability to distinguish neutron and gamma particles. These findings showcase Ga2O3’s potential as a next-generation semiconductor for applications in nuclear safety and medical imaging, where precise discrimination between neutron and gamma interactions is essential.

Valdes, D. J. (ORCID:0000000304373720)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Image plate multi-scan response to fusion protons in the range of 1–14 MeV

Image plates (IPs) are a quickly recoverable and reusable radiation detector often used to measure proton and x-ray fluence in laser-driven experiments. Recently, IPs have been used in a proton radiography detector stack on the OMEGA laser, a diagnostic historically implemented with CR-39, or radiochromic film. The IPs used in this and other diagnostics detect charged particles, neutrons, and x-rays indiscriminately. IPs detect radiation using a photo-stimulated luminescence (PSL) material, often phosphor, in which electrons are excited to metastable states by ionizing radiation. Protons at MeV energies deposit energy deeper into the IP compared with x rays below ∼20 keV due to the Bragg peak present for protons. This property is exploited to discriminate between radiation types. Doses of mono-energetic protons between 1.7 and 14 MeV are applied to IPs using the MIT linear electrostatic ion accelerator. This paper presents the results from consecutive scans of IPs irradiated with different proton energies. The PSL ratios between subsequent scans are shown to depend on proton energy, with higher energy protons having lower PSL ratios for each scan. This finding is separate from the known energy dependence in the absolute sensitivity of IPs. The results can be compared to complimentary work on x rays, showing a difference between protons and x rays, forging a path to discriminate between proton and x-ray fluence in mixed radiation environments.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗
NASA NTRS1990

Marine stratocumulus cloud characteristics from multichannel satellite measurements

Understanding the effects of aerosols on the microphysical characteristics of marine stratocumulus clouds, and the resulting influence on cloud radiative properties, is a primary goal of FIRE. The potential for observing variations of cloud characteristics that might be related to variations of available aerosols is studied. Some results from theoretical estimates of cloud reflectance are presented. Also presented are the results of comparisons between aircraft measured microphysical characteristics and satellite detected radiative properties of marine stratocumulus clouds. These results are extracted from Mineart where the analysis procedures and a full discussion of the observations are presented. Only a brief description of the procedures and the composite results are presented.

Durkee, Philip A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Observational evidence of Z and L-O mode waves as the origin of auroral kilometric radiation from the Jikiken (EXOS-B) satellite

The present investigation has the objective to present new information on the polarization of the auroral kilometric radiation detected by the Jikiken (EXOS-B) satellite. On September 16, 1978, the satellite had been launched into an orbit with altitudes of the initial apogee and perigee of 30,050 km and 250 km, respectively, and an inclination of -31 deg. This orbit provides the conditions for suitable observations of the spectra of auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) in the proximity of the source regions. A study has been conducted of the discovered Z mode waves. These waves are found to be refracted to a nearly perpendicular direction of propagation with respect to the magnetic field vector within a very short distance of the source position. AKR spectra have been observed at positions where the ambient plasma defines a lower edge of the spectra by the cutoff effects of the waves propagating in the local plasma.

Oya, H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Optical effects module

The possible degradation of optical samples exposed to the effluent gases and particulate matter emanating from the payload of the space transportation system during orbital operations may be determined by measuring two optical parameters for five samples exposed to this environment, namely transmittance and diffuse reflectance. Any changes detected in these parameters as a function of time during the mission are then attributable to surface contamination or to increased material absorption. These basic functions are attained in the optical effects module by virtue of the following subsystems which are described: module enclosure; light source with collimator and modulator; sample wheel with holders and rotary drive; photomultipliers for radiation detection; processing and sequencing electronic circuitry; and power conditioning interfaces. The functions of these subsystems are reviewed and specified.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2020

Current Active Detectors for Dosimetry and Spectrometry on the International Space Station

We present a high-level overview of two of the most important radiation detection systems currently flying aboard the International Space Station(ISS), ISS-RAD and Timepix. ISS-RAD is a single, large unit that is capable of detecting both chargedand neutral high-energy particles. For most of its first three and a half years of operations onboard Station, ISS-RAD has been periodically moved to different modules, includingtheUSLab, Columbus, JEM, Node2, and Node3. In contrast, the much smaller Timepix-based detectors are deployed in several locations around the station. The first generation of these units were known as REMs, or Radiation Environment Monitors. A second generation has recently been deployed, known as REM-2 units. We will briefly describe the technologies used in these systems and their capabilities.

Cary Zeitlin↗
NASA NTRS1990

The influence of continental sources of aerosols on the marine stratocumulus during FIRE IFO-1

The effects of aerosols on the microphysical characteristics of marine stratocumulus clouds can have a significant impact on climate processes through modification of cloud radiative properties. The effect of aerosols on clouds and the impact on climate processes have recently been discussed by several authors (Twomey et al., 1984; Coakley et al., 1987; Charlson et al., 1987). Of particular concern is the potential for observing variations of cloud characteristics that might be related to variations of available aerosols. The results of comparisons between aircraft-measured microphysical characteristics and satellite-detected radiative properties of marine stratocumulus clouds are presented. These results are extracted from Mineart (1988) and Durkee and Mineart (1989) where the analysis procedures and a full discussion of the observations are presented. Due to the space available, only a brief description of the results is presented. The satellite data used here are from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) collected at the Scripps Satellite Oceanography Facility. The AVHRR channel 1 (0.63 microns), channel 2 (0.86 microns), channel 3 (3.7 microns), and channel 4 (11 microns) data were used in the analysis. Cloud microphysical data were obtained by instruments on the NCAR Electra during cloud-penetrating missions in support of the field operations from 29 June to 19 July 1988.

Durkee, Philip A.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Investigating Gadolinium-Lined Sodium-Iodide Neutron Detectors for Mobile Applications

For enhancing the effectiveness of nonproliferation efforts in neutron detection, most portable instruments rely on 6 Li scintillators, 10 B-based detectors, or gas-filled 3 He proportional counters. Additionally, gamma-ray detectors based on scintillators and semiconductors are often employed for search applications to find radioactive material in the field. These systems typically include dedicated detectors along with separate high voltage supplies and processing electronics for the gamma-ray and neutron detectors. Ideally, a portable radiation detection system should be lightweight, compact, and cost-effective. In the field, scintillators can serve a dual purpose: (1) detecting gamma-rays and (2) detecting neutrons. Gamma-ray detection with scintillators is based on the interaction of gamma-rays within the scintillating material, whereas neutron detection depends indirectly on neutron capture events. These capture events generate conversion electrons and gamma-rays, which can interact with the scintillator. For enhancing neutron capture, the scintillator can be surrounded by neutron absorber materials with a high neutron cross section. The resulting secondary electrons and gamma-rays from neutron interactions, depending on the absorber material used, can then be analyzed to detect the presence of neutron sources. Similarly, semiconductor-based detectors can be employed along with neutron absorbers as liners for neutron detection. 158 Gd has a significantly larger neutron cross section than 3 He, commonly used in gas-filled proportional counters, as shown in Figure 1. For thermal (0.025 eV) neutrons, the absorption cross section of 158 Gd is 10,000 times greater than that of 3 He (refer to Figure 1). This feature makes naturally occurring gadolinium, which consists of 24.8% 158 Gd, a promising neutron absorber material for use in combination with gamma-ray detectors–yielding a hybrid detector–for neutron detection.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
DOE OSTI2026

Chasing Gamma-Ray Signals from Binary Neutron Star Coalescences with the Cherenkov Telescope Array: Prospects and Observing Strategies

The detection of gravitational waves (GWs) from a binary neutron star (BNS) merger by Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo (GW170817), together with its electromagnetic counterpart, the short gamma-ray burst GRB 170817A, heralded the birth of multimessenger astronomy. The detection of TeV emission from GRBs motivates follow-up observations with the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO), which is ideal for detecting such signals due to its unprecedented sensitivity, rapid response, and wide-field survey capabilities. The aim of this work is to evaluate GeV–TeV GW follow-up strategies for CTAO using a multistep simulation pipeline and to estimate the expected rate of joint GW–GRB detections during observing run O5. Using a simulated sample of BNS systems with corresponding GW detections, gamma-ray emission is simulated through phenomenological prescriptions based on the observed population of short GRBs, including off-axis jet scenarios. CTAO observations are simulated to account for instrument response, sky tiling strategies, integration times, and varying observing conditions. Strategies with variable and constant integration times are investigated. We find that, via an optimized follow-up strategy, about 5% of simulated GW-associated short GRBs produce GeV–TeV radiation detectable by CTAO. Detectability is strongly influenced by the jet opening angle and viewing angle, suggesting that even rough estimates of the viewing angle in GW alerts could enhance targeting. This framework motivates future follow-ups of GW-detectable events, including neutron star–black hole mergers, and further supports the development of advanced strategies incorporating galaxy distributions and synergies with future detectors such as the Einstein Telescope.

Abe, S. [University of Tokyo] (ORCID:0000000172503↗