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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Genetic background influences the effect of thirdhand smoke exposure on anxiety and memory in Collaborative Cross mice

Growing evidence indicates that thirdhand smoke (THS) exposure induces many adverse health effects. However, it is unclear how THS exposure affects behavior and how host genetic background modulates phenotypic changes. Here we used the Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse population-based model to assess behavioral alterations immediately after THS exposure from 4 to 9 weeks of age. We first measured anxiety-like behavior in six strains using light/dark box combined with a custom multivariate mouse tracking system. We developed an anxiety risk scoring system based on anxiety-related traits and then evaluated the THS impact on them. THS exposure significantly decreased anxiety risk in CC019 ( P = 0.002) and CC051 ( P = 0.009), but increased anxiety risk in CC036 ( P < 0.001), while the other three strains did not show significant changes in anxiety-related traits. Such differences were driven by female mice for the six measures of anxiety-like behavior. Memory potential was measured in the same cohort of mice using the passive avoidance assay. Both THS-exposed male and female CC019 mice displayed significant memory loss compared to controls while no significant changes were found in the other five strains. This study provides strong evidence that THS exposure leads to strain-dependent changes in anxiety-like behavior and memory, suggesting that host genetic variations play a critical role in individual susceptibility to THS-induced effects.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Design of detectors at the electron ion collider with artificial intelligence

Abstract Artificial Intelligence (AI) for design is a relatively new but active area of research across many disciplines. Surprisingly when it comes to designing detectors with AI this is an area at its infancy. The electron ion collider is the ultimate machine to study the strong force. The EIC is a large-scale experiment with an integrated detector that extends for about ±35 meters to include the central, far-forward, and far-backward regions. The design of the central detector is made by multiple sub-detectors, each in principle characterized by a multidimensional design space and multiple design criteria also called objectives. Simulations with Geant4 are typically compute intensive, and the optimization of the detector design may include non-differentiable terms as well as noisy objectives. In this context, AI can offer state of the art solutions to solve complex combinatorial problems in an efficient way. In particular, one of the proto-collaborations, ECCE, has explored during the detector proposal the possibility of using multi-objective optimization to design the tracking system of the EIC detector. This document provides an overview of these techniques and recent progress made during the EIC detector proposal. Future high energy nuclear physics experiments can leverage AI-based strategies to design more efficient detectors by optimizing their performance driven by physics criteria and minimizing costs for their realization.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗
DOE OSTI2023

Specifications and pre-production of n + -in-p large-format strip sensors fabricated in 6-inch silicon wafers, ATLAS18, for the Inner Tracker of the ATLAS Detector for High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider

Abstract The ATLAS experiment is constructing new all-silicon inner tracking system for HL-LHC. The strip detectors cover the radial extent of 40 to 100 cm. A new approach is adopted to use p-type silicon material, making the readout in n + -strips, so-called n + -in-p sensors. This allows for enhanced radiation tolerance against an order of magnitude higher particle fluence compared to the LHC. To cope with varying hit rates and occupancies as a function of radial distance, there are two barrel sensor types, the short strips (SS) for the inner 2 and the long strips (LS) for the outer 2 barrel cylinders, respectively. The barrel sensors exhibit a square, 9.8 × 9.8 cm 2 , geometry, the largest possible sensor area from a 6-inch wafer. The strips are laid out in parallel with a strip pitch of 75.5 μm and 4 or 2 rows of strip segments. The strips are AC-coupled and biased via polysilicon resistors. The endcap sensors employ a “stereo-annulus” geometry exhibiting a skewed-trapezoid shapes with circular edges. They are designed in 6 unique shapes, R0 to R5, corresponding to progressively increasing radial extents and which allows them to fit within the petal geometry and the 6-inch wafer maximally. The strips are in fan-out geometry with an in-built rotation angle, with a mean pitch of approximately 75 μm and 4 or 2 rows of strip segments. The eight sensor types are labeled as ATLAS18xx where xx stands for SS, LS, and R0 to R5. According to the mechanical and electrical specifications, CAD files for wafer processing were laid out, following the successful designs of prototype barrel and endcap sensors, together with a number of optimizations. A pre-production was carried out prior to the full production of the wafers. The quality of the sensors is reviewed and judged excellent through the test results carried out by vendor. These sensors are used for establishing acceptance procedures and to evaluate their performance in the ATLAS collaboration, and subsequently for pre-production of strip modules and stave and petal structures.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗
DOE OSTI2025

Precise magnetic field mapping of the EMPHATIC Phase 1 magnet with COMSOL

A compact Halbach array magnet is used to measure the momentum of the secondary particles in EMPHATIC(Experiment to Measure the Production ofHadrons At a Test beam InChicagoland). Hall probe data was taken for the central cylindrical bore of the magnet and a field map was constructed. COMSOL Multiphysics® Software is used for modeling the magnet and constructing the corresponding magnetic field map. Here, we present a fitting approach where the hall probe data is used to determine a 1mm-spacing map of the entire volume of the magnet using COMSOL. The new map will allow for linear interpolation within the volume, and expand the map to outside the measurement volume, thus increasing the acceptance and precision of EMPHATIC's tracking system.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Towards high-efficiency particle detection using superconducting microwire arrays

Here, we present a detailed study of an 8-channel 1×1 mm 2 WSi superconducting microwire single photon detector (SMSPD) array exposed to 120 GeV hadron beam and 120 GeV muon beam at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron H6 beamline. Following up on our first detailed characterization of the efficiency and response of an SMSPD fabricated on a 3 nm WSi film, we report measurements of enhanced particle detection efficiency using a sensor fabricated from a thicker 4.7 nm-thick WSi film. We also report the first SMSPD detection efficiency measurement made for muons. Measurements are enabled by a silicon tracking telescope providing 10 μm in-situ spatial resolution. The results show a fill factor-normalized detection efficiency of 75% and a time resolution of about 130 ps across pixels. These findings represent a significant advancement toward developing high-efficiency SMSPD charged particle tracking systems with simultaneous precision timing, with potential applications in future accelerator-based experiments such as the FCC-ee and Muon Collider.

Cryogenic detectors↗
DOE OSTI2025

Direct Reactions and Spectroscopy with Hydrogen Targets at the RIBF

The implementation of MINOS, a liquid-hydrogen target and vertex-tracking system, at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory (RIBF) of the RIKEN Nishina Center has led to numerous nuclear physics discoveries. In experiments involving rare-isotope beams at intermediate energies, MINOS was integrated with the DALI2 + γ-ray spectrometer and other auxiliary devices. These were positioned in front of both the ZeroDegree Spectrometer and the SAMURAI magnetic spectrometers for the identification of ejectiles following quasi-free scattering direct reactions. Notable outcomes include the first spectroscopy of unstable doubly magic nucleus, investigations into multi-neutron decays, and the study of shell evolution along isotopic chains. These studies have significantly advanced our understanding of nuclear structure, as well as the mechanism of direct reactions with fast beams. Simultaneously, these direct reactions enabled raising new physics questions and paved the way for next-generation experimental setups to address them. Through the combination of particle- and γ-spectroscopy with a broad range of nuclear reactions, new frontiers will be established in our understanding of nuclear structure and reaction mechanisms. Here, we review the past ten years of studies on direct reactions and spectroscopy of exotic nuclei with liquid-hydrogen targets at the RIBF and define a vision for the future.

Bertulani, Carlos A [East Texas A & M Univ., Comme↗
DOE OSTI2026

In situ quantum verification of polarization-stabilized optical channels

The active stabilization of polarization channels is a task of growing importance as quantum networks move to deployed demonstrations over existing fiber infrastructure. However, the uniquely strict requirements for high-fidelity qubit transmission complicate the extent to which classical solutions may apply to future quantum networks, particularly in terms of recognizing noise sources present in low-flux, nonunitary channels. Here we introduce an in situ benchmarking approach that augments a classical polarization tracking system, limited to unitary correction, with simultaneously transmitted quantum light for ancilla-assisted process tomography of the full quantum map. Implemented in a quantum local-area network, our method uses the reconstructed map both to validate the classical compensation and to expose noise sources it fails to capture. A sliding measurement window that continuously updates the estimated quantum process further increases sensitivity to rapid channel fluctuations. Our results should unlock new opportunities for in situ channel characterization in quantum-classical coexistence networks.

Stevens, Matthew L [Arizona State University]↗
DOE OSTI2021

In-Operando Characterization of P-I-N Perovskite Solar Cell Under Reverse Bias

A solar module is often exposed to a variety of intensity and uniformity illumination conditions throughout a day. In the field, objects or dirt can block light from hitting the module creating a partial shading event. When a partial shading event occurs the module power point tracking system will typically push the shaded cells into reverse bias in order to avoid the current loss from the other series connected illuminated cells. When perovskite solar cells are operated in reverse bias, electrochemical reactions can occur, leading to both reversible and irreversible performance losses. Excess holes generated by reverse bias cause and push the oxidation reaction of halide ions from the lattice to neutral halogen interstitial. Small interstitial halogen atoms can diffuse across the device and potentially move from the perovskite layer and into the transport layers, shifting the fermi levels in the devices. In this investigation we utilize cross-sectional kelvin probe atomic force microscopy to map the band energetics of perovskite solar cells during reverse bias. We observe a 150 meV decrease in the work function of the C 60 . This leads to a decrease of 150 mV and 4 mA/cm 2 in V oc and in J sc respectively. Finally, we discuss methods to prevent this irreversible degradation after a perovskite device is held under reverse bias.

fullerene↗
DOE OSTI2025

Status and prospects for inertial fusion energy via lasers

Fusion energy is the ultimate clean and limitless energy source, but its development requires overcoming many scientific and technological challenges. For the first time in the 60-year long history of fusion research, ignition and target gain above unity (G>1) were demonstrated in the laboratory at the National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in 2022. Turning laser fusion into an energy source requires that the results from single shot experiments be replicated at much higher repetition rates of many shots per second to produce high average power at relatively low cost. Furthermore, this requires the development of new laser technologies, mass production of suitable targets, accurate injection and tracking systems and new materials for the reactor chamber components and final optics. Ultra broadband and deep UV light are laser advances that can dramatically improve the laser energy coupling to the target thereby reducing the laser energy and power requirements.

Fusion energy↗
DOE OSTI2020

The Amazonian Low-Level Jet and Its Connection to Convective Cloud Propagation and Evolution

In this work, we describe the existence of an Amazonian low-level jet (ALLJ) that can affect the propagation and life cycle of convective systems from the northeast coast of South America into central Amazonia. Horizontal winds from reanalysis were analyzed during March–April–May (MAM) of the two years (2014–15) of the GoAmazon2014/5 field campaign. Convective system tracking was performed using GOES-13 infrared imagery and classified into days with high and weak convective activity. The MAM average winds show a nocturnal enhancement of low-level winds starting near the coast in the early evening and reaching 1600 km inland by late morning. Mean 3-hourly wind speeds maximize at 9–10 m s -1 near 900 hPa, but individual days can have nighttime low-level winds exceeding 12 m s -1 . Based on objective low-level wind criteria, the ALLJ is present 10%–40% of the time over the Amazon during MAM depending on the location and time of day. The evolution of the ALLJ across the Amazon impacts the frequency of occurrence of cloud clusters and the intensity of the moisture flux. In addition, the ALLJ is associated with the enhancement of northeasterly flow in the midtroposphere during active convective days, when vertical momentum transport may be occurring in the organized cloud clusters. During the weakly active convective period, the ALLJ is weaker near the coast but stronger across the central Amazon and appears to be linked more directly with the South American low-level jet.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Drive-Leg Kinematics During the Windup and Pushoff Is Associated With Pitching Kinetics at Later Phases of the Pitch

Background: Inconsistent findings exist between drive-leg ground-reaction forces (GRFs) and pitching mechanics. Previous literature has largely reported drive-leg mechanics and GRFs at the start of the pushoff phase for their role in initiating force development. Little research has assessed drive-leg kinematics that includes a pitcher’s windup motion to determine its effects on subsequent phases in the pitching motion. Purpose/Hypothesis: The primary aim was to analyze the relationship between drive-leg knee valgus angle during the windup and subsequent pitching mechanics. We hypothesized that the drive-leg knee valgus angle during the early portion of the pitching motion would alter later phases’ pitching mechanics. A secondary aim was to assess GRFs to determine if the drive-leg knee valgus angle was associated with changes in force. We hypothesized that an increased drive-leg knee valgus angle would increase GRFs during the pitching motion. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 17 high school baseball pitchers (mean age, 16.1 ± 0.9 years; mean height, 180.0 ± 4.8 cm; mean weight, 75.5 ± 7.5 kg) volunteered for the study. Kinematic data and GRFs were collected using an electromagnetic tracking system and force plates. Pitchers threw maximal-effort fastballs from a mound at regulation distance. The drive-leg knee valgus angle was analyzed during the windup and pushoff phases of the pitch to determine its effects on other biomechanical variables throughout the pitching motion. Results: There was a significant relationship between drive-leg knee valgus angle during the windup ( Fchange 1,12) = 16.13; P = .002; R 2 = 0.695) and lateral GRF in the arm-cocking phase. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between drive-leg knee valgus angle during pushoff ( Fchange(2,11) = 10.21; P = .003; R 2 = 0.716) and lateral GRF in the arm-cocking phase and pitching-elbow valgus moment in the acceleration phase. Conclusion: Drive-leg knee valgus angle during the windup and pushoff had a significant relationship with drive-leg GRF and pitching-elbow valgus moment at later stages of the pitching cycle. Clinical Relevance: Assessments of drive-leg kinematics during the windup and pushoff may be useful in identifying inefficient movement patterns that can have an effect on the direction of a pitcher’s drive-leg force contribution, which can lead to increased forces on the throwing elbow.

Orthopedics↗
DOE OSTI2021

Crowdsourcing biocuration: The Community Assessment of Community Annotation with Ontologies (CACAO)

Experimental data about gene functions curated from the primary literature have enormous value for research scientists in understanding biology. Using the Gene Ontology (GO), manual curation by experts has provided an important resource for studying gene function, especially within model organisms. Unprecedented expansion of the scientific literature and validation of the predicted proteins have increased both data value and the challenges of keeping pace. Capturing literature-based functional annotations is limited by the ability of biocurators to handle the massive and rapidly growing scientific literature. Within the community-oriented wiki framework for GO annotation called the Gene Ontology Normal Usage Tracking System (GONUTS), we describe an approach to expand biocuration through crowdsourcing with undergraduates. This multiplies the number of high-quality annotations in international databases, enriches our coverage of the literature on normal gene function, and pushes the field in new directions. From an intercollegiate competition judged by experienced biocurators, Community Assessment of Community Annotation with Ontologies (CACAO), we have contributed nearly 5,000 literature-based annotations. Many of those annotations are to organisms not currently well-represented within GO. Over a 10-year history, our community contributors have spurred changes to the ontology not traditionally covered by professional biocurators. The CACAO principle of relying on community members to participate in and shape the future of biocuration in GO is a powerful and scalable model used to promote the scientific enterprise. It also provides undergraduate students with a unique and enriching introduction to critical reading of primary literature and acquisition of marketable skills.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

DOE EV Data Collection - Maintenance Data

Maintenance data includes information on maintenance performed on the electric vehicles, including preventive maintenance, service calls, and availability of the vehicles. The parameters collected, and their definitions, will vary due to the differences in maintenance tracking systems that exist between fleets. Parameter definitions are detailed in the data dictionary, and specific vehicle information is available in the vehicle attributes table. Vehicle ID can be used as a key between maintenance data and vehicle attribute tables. Data is being uploaded quarterly through 2023 and subject to change until the conclusion of the project.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2023

Field Campaign Guidelines

This document establishes a common set of guidelines for the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility for planning, executing, and closing out field campaigns. The steps that guide individual field campaigns are described in the Field Campaign Tracking System and are specifically tailored to meet the scope of each field campaign.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Guidance and Recommendations for Streamlining Reporting for Federal Energy and Water Efficiency Projects

Federal agencies are required to report on their progress in meeting various energy and water management requirements. These reporting requirements encompass energy and water projects at federal facilities, including projects that are alternatively financed, e.g., conducted through energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) or utility energy service contracts (UESCs). The purpose of this guidance is to provide recommendations to streamline federal agency reporting. The guidance recommends the use of eProject Builder (ePB), a project development and archiving tool for energy projects. ePB carries additional value in its simplification of federal agency reporting by dovetailing with the Federal Energy Management Program’s (FEMP’s) EISA 432 Compliance Tracking System (CTS).

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2020

NTS-SS-SNL-NMSITE-2017-0004 "Contamination Monitor Left in Service After Inadequate Calibration" Causes Not Fully Addressed (Causal Analysis Report)

On June 5th, 2020 Sandia National Laboratories signed and recommended for closure the evidence package for the Noncompliance Tracking System NTS—SS-SNL-NMSITE-2017-0004, Contamination Monitor Left in Service After Inadequate Calibration. On July 16th, 2020 the Sandia Field Office sent a follow-up question list to the Radiation Protection Instrumentation Program Lead to clarify some points while reviewing the evidence package. The follow-up questions readily identified deficiencies with all three calibrations of the iPCM12 systems. On July 30th, 2020 Radiation Protection hosted a meeting to better understand the exact nature of the concerns, determine if the iPCM12 machines were out of calibration and therefore would have to be taken out of service. One result of this meeting was to determine if SNL could withdraw the evidence package. SNL transmitted a letter on August 26th, 2020 recalling the evidence package and committed to performing a thorough causal analysis and invoke the required issues management processes to ensure that corrective actions are sustained.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Yield Calculations for Holmium-166M Production in the High Flux Isotope Reactor

This study is being completed in response to an assessment and commitment tracking system (ACTS) item that was opened during the production of 166m Ho. To satisfy the ACTS action item, cross section data of 166m Ho has been evaluated. Future 166m Ho production campaigns will employ the latest cross section data.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Performance of Pixel and Strip AC-LGAD Sensors with Different Design Parameter on a 120 GeV Proton Beam

We present the results of an extensive evaluation of strip and pixel AC-LGAD sensors tested with a 120 GeV proton beam, focusing on the influence of design parameters on the sensor temporal and spatial resolutions. Results show that reducing the thickness of pixel sensors significantly enhances their time resolution, with 20- μm-thick sensors achieving around 20 ps. Uniform performance is attainable with optimized sheet resistance, making these sensors ideal for future timing detectors. Conversely, 20-μm-thick strip sensors exhibit higher jitter than similar pixel sensors, negatively impacting time resolution, despite reduced Landau fluctuations with respect to the 50-μm-thick versions. Additionally, it is observed that a low resistivity in strip sensors limits signal size and time resolution, whereas higher resistivity improves performance. This study highlights the importance of tuning the n+ sheet resistance and suggests that further improvements should target specific applications like the Electron-Ion Collider or other future collider experiments. In addition, the detailed performance of four AC-LGADs sensor designs is reported as examples of possible candidates for specific detector applications. These advancements position AC-LGADs as promising candidates for future 4D tracking systems, pending the development of specialized readout electronics.

Lara, Carlos Pérez↗