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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 OSTI2022

Methods and apparatus for comprehensive characterization of performance attributes and damage thresholds of ultrafast laser optics

It is presently well understood that the operational performance limits of optics are determined by three fundamental attributes: the initiation of laser-induced damage, the growth of damage sites, and the transient (nondamaging) modification of optical parameters. The comprehensive characterization of the performance limitations of ultrafast optics requires consideration of all three fundamental attributes. Here, the vast majority of literature to date, however, has focused primarily on damage-initiation and testing systems that are largely focused on determining the damage-initiation threshold under single- and multipulse excitation. In this work, we discuss a testing apparatus that was designed to offer the capability to adequately characterize all three of these performance attributes under femtosecond, near-infrared laser irradiation. Key aspects of methodology are discussed, including high-dynamic-range energy control, variable beam size, wavelength tunability, B-integral management, and functional performance characterization to explore the true operational limits of the components. Example results for a metal-dielectric mirror demonstrate the test station’s operation.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Longitudinal shaping of plasma waveguides using diffractive axicons for laser wakefield acceleration

New techniques for the optical generation of plasma waveguides—optical fibers for ultra-intense light pulses—have become vital to the advancement of multi-GeV laser wakefield acceleration. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication and characterization of a transmissive 8-level logarithmic diffractive axicon (LDA) for the generation of meter-scale plasma waveguides. These LDAs enable the formation of a Bessel-like beam with controllable start and end locations of the focal line and near-constant intensity on axis. We present measurements of the Bessel-like focal profile produced by the LDA and of the leading end of the plasma column generated by it. One important feature is the formation of a funnel-mouthed plasma channel entrance that can act as waveguide coupler. We also compare the diffraction efficiency of our 8-level LDA to 4-level and binary versions, with measurements comparing well to theory.

Tripathi, N.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Microbunching Gain Evaluation of Bunch Stretcher Designs

The planned Electron Ion Collider (EIC) has an Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) which provides Strong Hadron Cooling (SHC) in order to control the beam quality of the hadrons. This requires that the electron beam delivered to the cooling section be minimally perturbed by the preceding bunch stretcher necessary in the 100 GeV configuration. This paper evaluates different stretcher designs for the SHC ERL, based on current design requirements.

Deitrick, Kirsten↗
DOE OSTI2021

Plasma Photonics: Manipulating Light Using Plasmas (Full Technical Final Report)

In this LDRD, we made significant advances on multiple fronts on the investigation and design of plasma-based optical structures to manipulate light at extreme intensities. We have unveiled new fundamental properties of laser-plasma interaction that were leveraged to introduce transformative applications. We first investigated new ways to generate high-amplitude plasma-based optical structures, based on the auto-resonance mechanism in order to produce refractive structures in plasmas. New insights into the interaction of such plasma structures with light waves allowed us to propose new methods for polarization manipulation and control for high-intensity lasers in the nonlinear regime, i.e. allowing the manipulation of an intense laser via its interaction with a less intense “control” laser beam in plasmas. Another application that we demonstrated experimentally is the capability to manipulate the velocity of light waves in plasmas by tailoring its refractive index; we reported the first demonstration of “slow light” and supra-luminal light propagation in plasmas. We also developed a new technological concept that would allow the probing of the type of plasma structures investigated in such applications, using high-bandwidth laser probing [Ludwig Phys. Plasmas 2019]. Finally, first steps were taken towards the demonstration of a plasma-based amplifier and compressor for the National Ignition Facility, in order to achieve powers equal of greater than those delivered by the Advanced Radiographic Capability (ARC). This technique uses a plasma-based grating acting like a compressor and amplifier, which could potentially compress and amplify an 88 ps, 56 J beam from the National Ignition Facility to <10 ps and hundreds of J.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Dynamic Aperture of the PIP-II Accumulator Ring (PAR)

The Proton Improvement Plan-II (PIP-II) will include a superconducting linear accelerator which will accelerate H- ions to 800MeV, at an intensity never seen before. A proposed PIP-II Accumulator Ring (PAR) can reduce the injection losses to the booster, enhance the ramp up of the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) and support experiments in Dark Sector Physics. When the beam is circulating in PAR at its full intensity, it will then be transferred to the Booster via single turn injection. Strong PAR focusing results in larger phase advances, shorter focal lengths and higher machine tunes, which creates robust beam envelope control. Particles will be able to survive modest excursions from the elliptical phase-space trajectories of linear optics, and any loss of particles would be due to reduced dynamic aperture. The values for tunes and chromaticities are flexible and will continue to evolve as the lattice matures. Since there will be non-linear terms impacting the particles’ trajectories, tracking will include realistic magnetic field errors and installation alignment errors to determine the dynamic aperture as a function of the machine tunes. This will allow us to determine the optimum operating point in phase-space.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Accelerator Physics at NSLS-II: Research Accomplishments in 2024

NSLS-II accelerator physicists advanced the operational performance and scientific capabilities of NSLS-II, providing regular lattice characterization and correction, injec tion optimization, vertical emittance control, and beam dynamics reports with corre lation analysis. We further developed advanced lattice characterization techniques and studies on impedance, beam-induced heating, and higher-harmonic RF cavity effects to support NSLS-II and its high-brightness upgrade. The assessment of free-electron laser options for the NSLS-II upgrade has been completed. We carried out comprehensive studies focused on complex bend magnets and novel efficient injection schemes for next-generation low-emittance synchrotrons. We contributed to the Electron-Ion Collider project, including Electron Storage Ring lattice design, beam diagnostics, and injector studies. The physicists participated in international collaborations, including the development of Python-based Middle Layer software, and participated in key accel erator physics workshops and scientific meetings. The main research accomplishments achieved in 2024 are summarized in this report.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Neutron generation using pyroelectric crystals

According to one embodiment, a method for producing a directed neutron beam includes producing a voltage of negative polarity of at least −100 keV on a surface of a deuterated or tritiated target in response to a temperature change of a pyroelectric crystal of less than about 40° C., the pyroelectric crystal having the deuterated or tritiated target coupled thereto, pulsing a deuterium ion source to produce a deuterium ion beam, accelerating the deuterium ion beam to the deuterated or tritiated target to produce a neutron beam, and directing the ion beam onto the deuterated or tritiated target to make neutrons using at least one of a voltage of the pyroelectric crystal, and a high gradient insulator (HGI) surrounding the pyroelectric crystal. The directionality of the neutron beam is controlled by changing the accelerating voltage of the system. Other methods are presented as well.

Tang, Vincent↗
DOE OSTI2023

Microbunching Gain Evaluation of Bunch Stretcher Designs

The planned Electron Ion Collider (EIC) has an Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) which provides Strong Hadron Cooling (SHC) in order to control the beam quality of the hadrons. This requires that the electron beam delivered to the cooling section be minimally perturbed by the preceding bunch stretcher necessary in the 100 GeV configuration. This paper evaluates different stretcher designs for the SHC ERL, based on current design requirements.

Deitrick, Kirsten↗
DOE OSTI2026

Monochromation of pulsed electron beams with terahertz radiation at a planar mirror

Exquisite control of electron beam energy is required for many electron spectroscopy and imaging applications. For both continuous and pulsed beams, the beam energy spread is fundamentally limited by the electron source, and is typically a sizable fraction of an electron-volt. In this paper, we present a means to reduce electron beam energy spread after emission to the level of a few 10s of meV rms using femtosecond photoemission and an interaction with laser-derived single- to few-cycle terahertz (THz) radiation. We show analytically and in particle tracking simulations that this interaction can remove energy spread stored in both the transverse and longitudinal degrees of freedom. We analytically formulate the limit of energy spread that this technique can achieve, and map the non-ideal affects arising at high frequencies. The interaction is mediated by the beam's passage through a mirror which is reflective to terahertz radiation but allows transmission of the majority of the electron beam (e.g. a wire mesh). This method then only requires beam current losses of a few tens of percent, far smaller than what is achieved in prism and slit-based electron monochromators.

Accelerator Physics (physics.acc-ph)↗
DOE OSTI2021

SNS Credited Beam Power Limit System Preliminary Design

The Controls Group at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is designing a programmable signal processor based credited safety control that calculates pulsed beam power based on beam kinetic energy and charge. The system must reliably shut off the beam if the average power exceeds 2.145 MW averaged over 60 seconds. This paper discusses architecture and design choices needed to develop the system under the auspices of a programmable radiation-safety credit control.

Deibele, Craig↗
DOE OSTI2023

High frequency beam oscillation keyhole dynamics in laser melting revealed by in-situ x-ray imaging

The metal additive manufacturing industry is actively developing instruments and strategies to enable higher productivity, optimal build quality, and controllable as-built microstructure. A beam controlling technique, laser oscillation has shown potential in all these aspects in laser welding; however, few attempts have been made to understand the underlying physics of the oscillating keyholes/melt pools which are the prerequisites for these strategies to become a useful tool for laser-based additive manufacturing processes. Here, to address this gap, we utilized a synchrotron-based X-ray operando technique to image the dynamic keyhole oscillation in Ti-6Al-4V using a miniature powder bed fusion setup. We found good agreement between the experimental observations and simulations performed with a validated Lattice Boltzmann multiphysics model. The study revealed the continuous and periodic fluctuations in the characteristic keyhole parameters that are unique to the oscillating laser beam processing and responsible for the chevron pattern formation at solidification. In particular, despite the intrinsic longer-range fluctuation, the oscillating technique displayed potential for reducing keyhole instability, mitigating porosity formation, and altering surface topology. These insights on the oscillating keyhole dynamics can be useful for the future development and application of this technique.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Spin Transparency Method for High Precision Experiments with Polarized Beams

The spin transparency method is a technique for efficient and flexible control of the beam polarizationin a synchrotron. It can be implemented in a figure-8 collider, a racetrack with two identical Siberiansnakes, as well as in a conventional ring at an energy corresponding to an integer spin resonance.Weak-field magnetic insertions called Spin Navigators provide polarization stabilization and manip-ulation including spin flipping. By compensating the spin effects of imperfections, a real synchrotroncan be turned into an effectively ideal ring from the spin dynamics point of view thus enabling funda-mental ultra-high precision experiments such as search for Electric Dipole Moment and Dark Matter.We discuss the possibility of applying the spin transparency mode at ultra-high energies

Filatov, Yury N.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Machine Learning Pattern Recognition Algorithm With Applications to Coherent Laser Combination

Herein we analyze a new kind of machine learning algorithm designed to feedback stabilize coherently combined lasers. This algorithm learns differential, rather than absolute, values of action in phase space, in order to facilitate learning on initially unstable systems. Experiments have shown that this approach can control small-scale spatial beam combination with high stability. In this paper we analyze the algorithm's performance and limitations in depth, showing that it can continuously learn during operation in order to track changes. Using simulation, we extend the application to temporal combination, and show that it scales to more complex instances by combining 81 beams.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Proton beam quality enhancement by spectral phase control of a PW-class laser system

We report on experimental investigations of proton acceleration from solid foils irradiated with PW-class laser-pulses, where highest proton cut-off energies were achieved for temporal pulse parameters that varied significantly from those of an ideally Fourier transform limited (FTL) pulse. Controlled spectral phase modulation of the driver laser by means of an acousto-optic programmable dispersive filter enabled us to manipulate the temporal shape of the last picoseconds around the main pulse and to study the effect on proton acceleration from thin foil targets. The results show that applying positive third order dispersion values to short pulses is favourable for proton acceleration and can lead to maximum energies of 70 MeV in target normal direction at 18 J laser energy for thin plastic foils, significantly enhancing the maximum energy compared to ideally compressed FTL pulses. The paper further proves the robustness and applicability of this enhancement effect for the use of different target materials and thicknesses as well as laser energy and temporal intensity contrast settings. We demonstrate that application relevant proton beam quality was reliably achieved over many months of operation with appropriate control of spectral phase and temporal contrast conditions using a state-of-the-art high-repetition rate PW laser system.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

A dual dynamic shutter system for accelerating ion irradiation sample throughput via lateral gas implantation gradients

Ion irradiation for material performance testing is limited due to its serial nature, which allows for only one value of the implantation (appm) versus dose (dpa) parameter space to be explored for each ion and experiment at a time. While ion irradiation can accelerate the process by up to three orders of magnitude compared to neutron irradiation experiments, the sample throughput for ion irradiation remains relatively low. To address these limitations, a novel capability has been developed at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL), enabling for the creation of single- and two-dimensional lateral ion implantation gradients using recently installed motorized-controlled ion-beam shutters. This advancement can generate a wide scope of the two-dimensional (H+, He2+) implantation parameter space within a single sample. Integration of this new capability now allows for dual- and triple-ion beam experiments to be performed with full user control over not only the ion implantation depth, but also laterally across the sample by imposing ion implantation concentration gradients, thus providing researchers with a high-throughput means for material testing under various irradiation conditions. Furthermore, recent improvements in MIBL's microbeam ion-beam analysis (IBA) target station now allow for probing these concentration gradients in irradiated alloys with exceptional spatial resolution, down to 10 µm. These two approaches promise to significantly improve ion irradiation capabilities and increase the sample throughput by several orders of magnitude. The application of the shutter technique plus the subsequent microbeam characterization of the imposed implantation gradients are showcased by two proof-of-principle ion-irradiated experiments, one performed on single-crystal Si and the other on the fusion-candidate alloy F82H-IEA. These advancements mark a substantial leap in ion-beam technology, offering researchers a robust, high-throughput method to efficiently investigate candidate alloys with high technological readiness for both advanced fission and fusion reactor applications, in a time- and cost-effective manner.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Spatio-temporally shaped deep UV laser source for ultrabright photocathodes using novel upconversion techniques (Final Report)

The goal of this project was to take a VUV laser system designed by Kapteyn-Murnane Labs (KMLabs)—the Hyperion VUV, and increase its functionality, efficiency, and applicability by further probing the fundamental physics taking place in the system and optimizing the system performance. More specifically, DOE accelerator applications—particularly for XFELs that require low-emittance electron beams, require precisely controlled ultrashort pulses in the deep-UV at 250-260 nm to drive the photocathode electron source. This is conventionally done using an ultrafast infrared laser, with subsequent stages of nonlinear upconversion in solid-state nonlinear-optical crystal media (principally BBO, which is commonly used for UV upconversion). However, maintaining high spatial mode beam quality, as well as precisely controlled temporal profile, has proven a persistent challenge. As a possible alternative to this approach, KMLabs has demonstrated a system that generates vacuum ultraviolet light (VUV) by upconverting pulses from an infrared ultrafast laser in a gas-filled hollow waveguide, driving a process of highly cascaded harmonic generation (HCHG). Because HCHG upconversion is done in a gas, rather than a solid, at high intensity in a guided-wave geometry, it retains an excellent beam spatial profile as well as a large spectral bandwidth that allows for control over the temperal structure of the pulse. A challenge, however, is in energy scaling of this HCHG technique to the ~1-20 μJ pulses required for photocathode applications. To-date, the pulse energies used in published HCHG work are sub-10-nJ. This project proposed to explore ways to generate higher-energy pulses using HCHG, as well as to investigate spectral and temporal shaping of the deep UV pulses by pulse shaping the infrared laser used to seed the process. Although we showed that our approach works for generating light at 259 nm, the total pulse energy achieved seems limited to approximately the same value as past work. However, the techniques we investigated may well have benefits for extending this source to much shorter wavelength output.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Atomic-scale e-beam sculptor

A system and method (referred to as the system) fabricates controllable atomic assemblies in two and three dimensions. The systems identify by a non-invasive imager, a local atomic structure, distribution of vacancies, and dopant atoms and modify, by a microscopic modifier, the local atomic structure, via electron beam irradiation. The systems store, by a knowledge base, cause-and-effect relationships based on a non-invasive imaging and electron scans. The systems detect, by detectors, changes in the local atomic structure induced by the electron irradiation; and fabricate, a modified atomic structure by a beam control software and feedback.

Kalinin, Sergei V.↗