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At least 1,441 records · Page 80

Displaced vertex and disappearing track signatures in type-III seesaw

We investigate a prospect of probing the type-III seesaw neutrino mass generation mechanism at various collider experiments by searching for a disappearing track and a displaced vertex signature originating from the decay of SU(2) L triplet fermion (Σ). Since Σ is primarily produced at colliders through the electroweak gauge interactions, its production rate is uniquely determined by its mass. We find that a Σ particle produces a disappearing track signature from the decay of its charged component, which can be searched at the HL-LHC. Furthermore, we show that if the lightest observed neutrino has a mass of around 10 –9 eV, the neutral component of Σ can be discovered at the proposed MATHUSLA detector. We also show that the charged component of Σ can be potentially be observed at FCC-he as a displaced vertex signature.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Monte Carlo simulation of proton track structure in biological matter

Here, understanding the radiation-induced effects at the cellular and subcellular levels remains crucial for predicting the evolution of irradiated biological matter. In this context, Monte Carlo track-structure simulations have rapidly emerged among the most suitable and powerful tools. However, most existing Monte Carlo track-structure codes rely heavily on the use of semi-empirical cross sections as well as water as a surrogate for biological matter. In the current work, we report on the up-to-date version of our homemade Monte Carlo code TILDA-V – devoted to the modeling of the slowing-down of 10 keV–100 MeV protons in both water and DNA – where the main collisional processes are described by means of an extensive set of ab initio differential and total cross sections.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗

Depth-First Atmospheric River lifecycle Tracking (DART) v1

This algorithm will identify the genesis and track the lifecycle of atmospheric rivers. It can be applied in different global atmospheric river detection algorithms. It is one of the earliest atmospheric river lifecycle tracking algorithms.

Zhou, Yang↗

Defining Uncertainties through Comparison of Atmospheric River Tracking Methods

A two-day workshop with participants from various U.S. federal agencies/programs, national and international universities, and U.S. national labs met to discuss progress with the Atmospheric River Tracking Method Intercomparison Project (ARTMIP). ARTMIP aims to quantify the uncertainty in AR climatology, precipitation, and related impacts that arise from a wide range of AR tracking methods developed by the community, and how these AR-related metrics may change in the future.

Shields, Christine A.↗

Comparison of three-dimensional particle tracking and sizing using plenoptic imaging and digital in-line holography

Digital in-line holography (DIH) and plenoptic photography are two techniques for single-shot, volumetric measurement of 3D particle fields. Here we present a comparison of the two methods by applying plenoptic imaging to experimental configurations that have been previously investigated with DIH. These experiments include the tracking of secondary droplets from the impact of a water drop on a thin film of water and tracking of pellets from a shotgun. Both plenoptic imaging and DIH successfully quantify the 3D nature of these particle fields. Furthermore, this includes measurement of the 3D particle position, individual particle sizes, and three-component velocity vectors. For the initial processing methods presented here, both techniques give out-of-plane positional accuracy of approximately 1–2 particle diameters. For a fixed image sensor, digital holography achieves higher effective in-plane spatial resolutions. However, collimated and coherent illumination makes holography susceptible to image distortion through index of refraction gradients, as demonstrated in the shotgun experiments. In contrast, plenoptic imaging allows for a simpler experimental configuration and, due to the use of diffuse, white-light illumination, plenoptic imaging is less susceptible to image distortion in the shotgun experiments.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Measurement of vertical betatron oscillations using the straw tracking detectors for the E989 muon g-2 experiment at Fermilab.

The measurement of the anomalous magnetic moment of electrons and muons has been an important test of the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics over many decades. This is because it can be measured experimentally and calculated theoretically to a high precision. In particular the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, a µ , is an ideal candidate for the search of new physics due to the combination of the muons large mass and relatively long lifetime. The current world’s most precise value of aµ was measured by the E821 experiment at the Brookhaven National laboratory (BNL). This achieved a precision of 540 ppb (463 ppb stat., 283 ppb syst.) and measured a ~ 3.5 σ deviation from the SM value [1]. This motivated a new experiment: the E989 muon g–2 experiment at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) to confirm or reject this discrepancy. This experiment aims to gather a data sample 21 times larger than the BNL experiment and improve the determination of the systematic uncertainties by a factor of three and thereby achieve a fourfold increase in precision to 140 ppb [2]. If the aµ value were to remain unchanged, this improvement in precision would establish evidence for Beyond SM (BSM) physics with a significance of more than 7 standard deviations. The Fermilab experiment has the same methodology as the BNL experiment and reuses the experiment’s storage ring magnet. New, improved experimental apparatus has been introduced to reduce the systematic uncertainty on the a µ measurement. One such improvement is the addition of two straw tracking stations. These measure the trajectory of the positrons emitted from the (positive) muon decays which allows a detailed study of the spatial and temporal motion of the beam and critical crosschecks of the calorimeter data. This thesis describes in detail the design, construction and testing of the tracking detectors which were built at the University of Liverpool. A detailed study of the vertical motion of the beam is also presented. This study provides an important correction that must be applied to the data before a µ can be determined.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Single and Multi-bunch End-to-end Tracking in the LHeC

The LHeC study aims at delivering an electron beam for collision with the LHC proton beam. The current baseline design consists of a multi-pass superconductive energy-recovery linac operating in a continuous wave mode. The high current beam (~100 mA) in the linacs excites long-range wake-fields between bunches of different turns, which induce instabilities and might cause beam losses. PLACET2, a novel version of the tracking code PLACET, capable to handle recirculation and time dependencies, has been employed to perform the first LHeC end-to-end tracking. The impact of long-range wake-fields, synchrotron radiation, and beam-beam effects has been assessed. The simulation results and recent improvements in the lattice design are presented and discussed in this paper.

Pellegrini, Dario↗

3D Tracking of a Single Electron in IOTA

High-resolution observations of single-particle dynamics have potential as a powerful tool in the diagnostics, tuning and design of storage rings. We are presenting the results of experiments with single electrons that were conducted at Fermilab’s IOTA ring to explore the feasibility of this approach. A set of sensitive, high-resolution digital cameras was used to detect the synchrotron radiation emitted by an electron, and the resulting images were used to reconstruct the time evolution of oscillation amplitudes in all three degrees of freedom. From the evolution of the oscillation amplitudes, we deduce transverse emittances, momentum spread, damping times, beam energy and estimated residual-gas density and composition. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the dynamics of a single particle in a storage ring has been tracked in all three dimensions. We discuss farther development of a single particle diagnostics that may allow reconstruction of its turn-by-turn coordinates over macroscopic periods of time facilitating ultra-precise lattice diagnostics and direct benchmarking of tracking codes.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

SINGLE BUNCH TRACKING ON THE TEN-PASS ER@CEBAF ENERGY RECOVERY BEAMLINE

The proposed ten-pass energy recovery linac (ERL) demonstration (five accelerating, five decelerating) at the CEBAF accelerator, ER@CEBAF, involves a multi-GeV en- ergy range of a continuous electron beam. New CEBAF transverse optics were designed for this ERL demonstration. This redesign incorporates additional components in Arc A, including a path length chicane and new quadrupoles to ensure proper dispersion localization. The new five energy recovery passes with a shared arc transport scheme chal- lenge the overall beamline optics design, including large beta functions in the CEBAF spreaders and recombiners. Here we discuss results of bunch tracking performed using the elegant tracking code for the full ER@CEBAF beamline

Neththikumara, I.↗

Complete 6D tracking of a single electron in the IOTA ring

We present the results of the first experiments on 6-dimensional phase-space tracking of a single electron in a storage ring, using a linear multi-anode photomultiplier tube for simultaneously measuring transverse coordinates and arrival times of synchrotron-radiation pulses. This technology makes it possible to fully reconstruct turn-by-turn positions and momentums in all three planes for a single particle. Complete experimental particle tracking enables the first direct measurements of dynamical properties, including invariants, amplitude and energy dependence of tunes with exceptional precision, and chaotic behavior.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Performance Analysis: Issues Tracking System Data through June 2012

This report presents the results from an analysis of issues and assessments in LLNL’s Issues Tracking System (ITS). The analysis is conducted to identify issues that may require additional management attention and noncompliances that may not have been previously identified that meet the threshold for reporting to the DOE Noncompliance Tracking System (NTS) or to the DOE Safeguards and Security Information Management System (SSIMS).

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Performance Analysis: Issues Tracking System Data through June 2013

This report presents the results from an analysis of issues and assessments in LLNL’s Issues Tracking System (ITS). The analysis is conducted to identify issues that may require additional management attention and noncompliances that may not have been previously identified that meet the threshold for reporting to the DOE Noncompliance Tracking System (NTS) or to the DOE Safeguards and Security Information Management System (SSIMS). This report includes ITS data within the DOE Office of Enforcement regulated subjects through June 2013. The analysis in this report primarily focuses on deficiencies identified in the last twelve months. The analysis of issues concluded that data for 17 of the 25 Office of Enforcement regulated safety/security subjects were within expected variation. The data for eight met a common test and were discussed further. Three of the eight safety subjects met an action limit and were analyzed to resolution. Analysis of data from one of the safety subjects where a common test was met identified a potential safety related significant or programmatic (systemic) noncompliance with the LLNL work planning and control process. Additional analysis is needed to make a final determination. Note: Since the analysis of WPC deficiencies (through June 2013) was completed, a noncompliance evaluation was also completed in November 2013 and included more recent WPC deficiencies. The analysis of ITS data through June 2013, and the results of the noncompliance evaluation completed in November 2013 led to LLNL filing a programmatic noncompliance report to the NTS in January 2014 titled, Programmatic noncompliance with topical areas within LLNL’s Work Planning and Control process.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Impact of rising greenhouse gases on mid-latitude storm tracks and associated hydroclimate variability and change

Project Summary This project aimed to advance physical understanding of how and why the mid-latitude jet streams and storm tracks shift in intensity and latitude in response to changes in radiative forcing with an especial focus on rising greenhouse gases. The motivation, and much of the work, stemmed from the importance that these mean and transient atmospheric circulation systems have for hydroclimate. In particular drying and expansion of the subtropical dry zones has been related to a poleward shift of the mid-latitude jets and storm tracks. The work involved integrated assessment of observation and model projections as well as targeted model simulations.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Tracking studies in eRHIC energy-recovery recirculator

Beam and polarization tracking studies in eRHIC energy recovery electron recirculator are presented, based on a very preliminary design of the FFAG lattice. These simulations provide examples of some of the beam and spin optics aspects of the linear FFAG lattice concept and its application in eRHIC, they provide code benchmarking for synchrotron radiation and spin diffusion in addition, and pave the way towards end-to-end 6-D(phasespace)+3D(spin) tracking simulations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Radiological source tracking in oil/gas, medical and other industries: requirements and specifications for passive RFID technology

Subsurface sensors that employ radioisotopes, such 241Am-Be and 137Cs, for reservoir characterization must be tracked for safety and security reasons. Other radiological sources are also widely used in medicine. The radiological source containers, in both applications, are small, mobile and used widely worldwide. The nuclear sources pose radiological dispersal device (RDD) security risks. Security concerns with the industrial use of radionuclide sources is in fact quite high as it is estimated that each year hundreds of sealed sources go missing, either lost or stolen. Risk mitigation efforts include enhanced regulations, source-use guidelines, research and development on electronic tracking of sources. This report summarizes the major elements of the requirements and operational concepts of nuclear sources with the goal of developing automated electronic tagging and locating systems.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Feasibility of Using Radar for Characterizing and Tracking Plumes

With the enhanced capabilities of NEXRAD radars has come an increased body of research focused on non-weather artifacts in the radar signal. Radar data has been collected and evaluated for a range of plume-generating events. Events such as wildfires, measuring and tracking ash from volcanic eruptions, and tracking plumes from events such as the SpaceX rocket explosion in 2016 have been investigated to determine the useful measurements available in radar data. For decision makers interested in radar use in nuclear forensics or during an emergency response, the usefulness of radar for attempting to provide some answers early in an event is clear. Currently emplaced operational radars provide high spatial and temporal resolution data within minutes of an event. This is not to say radar observations would replace current methods used by decision makers; however, supplementing decision making with radar data can only enhance and better inform the decision process. This report builds on two previous reports submitted in November 2016 and May 2017. This feasibility study demonstrates that radar can be used to improve decision making in the early phases of a plume-generating event by decreasing uncertainty as well as improving source-term inputs in F&T models. Radar coverage exists today in capabilities such as NOAA’s NEXRAD weather surveillance radars and Terminal Doppler Weather Radars. Improvement could be realized quickly by (1) improving awareness of existing radar products and incorporating them into decision making and modeling efforts, (2) evaluating and improving radar coverage around key urban areas and critical infrastructure, and (3) improving radar algorithms to optimize for non-meteorological events such as plumes.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

South Carolina Solar Development - Tracking the Effects of Act 236 (2014-2017)

Since 2014, the installed solar capacity in South Carolina (SC) has mushroomed from 5.5 megawatts to more than 354 megawatts today. Concurrently, the number of customer-sited, load-centered solar generation was expected to grow from less than 600 statewide to as many over 10,000 today. This growth was the direct result of a landmark state policy initiative, Act 236, passed by the SC General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor in June of 2014. Local policy makers in SC were ill-equipped to handle the onslaught of solar permitting and zoning requests expected by 2021. Similarly, the state’s building inspectors, first responders, and tax assessors know little about photovoltaic (PV) technology and best practices. Finally, SC’s workforce and workforce trainers were underprepared to benefit from the tremendous opportunity created by the passage of Act 236. Each of these deficits in knowledge of and preparedness for solar PV translated into higher “soft costs” of installed solar PV in SC. The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), together with almost a dozen electricity stakeholders in the Southeast, has studied the ability of Act 236 to serve as replicable model for solar PV cost reduction. In 2015, this study began with a focus on the effects of Act 236 to offer a unique perspective and understanding of the actual impact of rapidly integrating solar energy into the electric grid. This study would analyze the impact of starting at a solar PV penetration of 0.1% and increasing to over 2%, while expanding access, developing regional specific training and educational materials, and developing datasets to support expanding solar markets. Through targeted tracking and analysis, the team developed a baseline of the current market, identified the major obstacles in soft cost reduction, and cooperatively developed stakeholder-centric strategies. This work has enabled us to directly track and report on the growth and effects of recently enacted solar legislation on the industry. This report marks the final in a series of reports examining the effects of Act 236 on the solar economy in SC since 2014.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Negative Ion Drift Time Projection Chamber Development for High-Resolution Tracking

Gas Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) are used extensively in High Energy Physics. Modern micro-pattern gaseous detectors (MPGDs) have made it feasible to construct large-volume TPCs with high readout granularity, so that ionization can be imaged with spatial resolution of order 100 μm or better. A challenge with large TPCs is preserving the track geometry over large drift distances. The reduced diffusion offered by negative ion drift (NID) has long been considered a possible means to scaling up TPCs at reduced cost, but NID has up to now required toxic and often flammable multi-component gas mixtures. A number of recent breakthroughs in the field have, however, led to a resurgence of interest in NID gas TPCs: First, it was found that multiple charge carriers in NID can be utilized to measure the absolute position of primary ionization in the drift direction, yielding a powerful new handle on backgrounds, at zero additional cost. Second, work by one of the PIs has revealed SF6 gas to be a non-toxic, non-flammable, NID gas with suitable minority charge carriers present. Third, preliminary work by the PIs suggests that multiple MPGD technologies work well with SF6. This opens the door to a new generation of large, high-resolution, low-background, low-cost gas TPCs. In this work we will investigate MPGD charge multiplication and charge readout in NID TPCs with SF6 gas. The objectives are to quantify the improvement over electron drift TPCs, and to identify the optimal MPGD types, operational parameters, electronics, and vacuum technologies for future low-background experiments. We will measure low-level detector performance parameters such as gain, gain resolution, and spatial resolution, as well as the resulting higher-level performance parameters such nuclear recoil identification efficiency, gamma-ray background rejection, track angle resolution and recoil energy resolution. The proposed work also includes investigation of acrylic vacuum vessels and collaboration on dedicated charge readout chips, both required for next-generation NID MPGD TPCs. MGPD NID TPCs may prove transformative for applications which require both high readout granularity and large detector volumes, such as the reconstruction of nuclear recoils in the context of large-scale directional dark matter searches, measurements of coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering, and directional neutron detection. While the proposed work is focused on nuclear recoils, the lessons learned will be widely applicable to gas TPCs in HEP, and hence have broad impact.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗