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DOE OSTI2026

Exploring the Energy Frontier through Precision Tests and Fast Tracking with the CMS Detector (Final Technical Report)

This Early Career Award supported a research program using the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC to probe physics beyond the Standard Model in the top quark and Higgs boson sectors, alongside detector and trigger developments for the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) upgrade. The program (i) searched for charged lepton flavor violation (LFV) in the top quark sector with the full CMS Run-2 data set, placing the world’s strongest limits to date on the $t → eµq\ (q = u/c)$ branching fraction; (ii) developed preliminary analysis methods toward a boosted $t\bar{t}H(b\bar{b})$ measurement of the top quark Yukawa coupling and its CP properties; (iii) made leading contributions to the hardware-based Level-1 (L1) track finding system for the upgraded CMS detector for HL-LHC; and (iv) developed novel L1 trigger algorithms, notably a displaced vertex trigger enabling new searches for exotic long-lived particles.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2026

CMS Outer Tracker Module QA

The High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider is a planned upgrade to the LHC that will allow it to take up to 7 times as much data. Upgrades to all detector systems, including the Outer Tracker, are necessary to allow them to handle the increased radiation and pileup. Fermilab has been tasked with assembling modules for the Outer Tracker system. This presentation discusses the QA tests performed on these modules and the integration procedure required to ensure all modules work in sync. The QA tests include sensor IV curves, MaPSA testing, visual inspection, skeleton testing, and module testing. There are additional tests that can only be performed on integrated modules that are working in sync, and developing an understanding of the timing and latency of the modules is necessary to perform this synchronization.

Hobbeheydar, Samuel [Fermilab; Carnegie Mellon U. ↗

DOE OSTI2026

Investigation and Diagnosis of Faulty Data Channels in CMS Outer Tracker Module Testing

The High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) is currently undergoing upgrades to improve its luminosity. In parallel, this requires an upgrade to the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS)’s Outer Tracker, consisting of Pixel-Strip (PS) and Strip-Strip (2S) modules that can accurately track the path of charged particles originating from the collisions. It follows that such complex modules call for extensive testing, requiring a sophisticated Data Acquisition (DAQ) system that can perform specific tests to assess their performance. In addition, errors caused by the hardware of a given testing station, and its associated data channel, need to be accurately identified to guarantee proper testing of modules. We have developed a software extension to the Phase-II Outer Tracker Analyzer of Test Outputs (POTATO), which is a specialized software designed to analyze and grade all of the module tests through a centralized database. This extension categorizes and analyzes module test results by its station and data channel. Its analysis can be used to identify trends in grading that indicate issues in these channels’ grading process rather than in the individual modules. This poster shows our methodology and results for identifying faulty data channels. Using this extension, we can quickly diagnose and address problems in our DAQ system, ensuring proper evaluation corrections for each module.

Chen, Angus [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2026

CMS Outer Tracker Module QA

Hobbeheydar, Samuel [Fermilab; Carnegie Mellon U. ↗

DOE OSTI2026

Investigation and Diagnosis of Faulty Data Channels in CMS Outer Tracker Module Testing

Chen, Angus [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2026

Mechanics and Cooling of the CMS Phase-II Tracker Barrel

The CMS upgrade for the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) era will allow for an incredibly high rate of data collection, to be used in the next generation of precision measurements and searches for beyond the standard model physics. A key element of this upgrade is the full replacement of the silicon strip tracker to enable level-1 triggering on track level primitives, produced by pixel-strip (PS) and strip-strip (2S) modules, tiled together to form the new detector. Mechanically supporting and cooling these modules is not trivial, as material budget in the tracker volume is highly constrained, and as the modules accrue radiation damage they risk becoming entirely non-functional if the silicon sensors are not sufficiently cooled. To address this, each region of the tracker has a bespoke solution for housing and cooling their modules, mostly depending on carbon-fiber and carbon-foam structures, with dual phase CO2 cooling. For the most central part of the tracker, the Flat Barrel with PS modules (Flat TBPS) covers the pseudorapidity range out to $|\eta|=0.4$, and the mechanical structures are manufactured, assembled, and tested entirely by Fermilab and UC Davis. This presentation will describe the intense design and testing requirements for these components, and how they will ensure strong performance of the tracker through the HL-LHC era.

Cosby, Christopher [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2026

Least-cost Optimal Distribution Grid Expansion (LODGE): Utility Pilots

The Least-cost Optimal Distribution Grid Expansion (LODGE) model provides the optimal portfolio of distribution system upgrades—e.g., voltage regulators, feeder reconductoring, transformer upgrades and non-wires alternatives (NWA), such as strategic siting of storage and distributed generation—to interconnect distributed energy resources (DERs) and enable load growth. It can be used to assess grid infrastructure costs and explore policy and regulatory solutions for distribution planning and DER valuation.In 2025, Berkeley Lab conducted three pilot analyses to validate LODGE results with empirical utility data before the model’s first release in 2026. The pilots, done with utilities in Washington, Colorado, and New Mexico, provide examples that illustrate how the model works, what it can do, and the value of the analysis.

Heleno, Miguel↗

DOE OSTI2020

Versatile Link+ Transceiver Production Readiness

The Versatile Link + project is about to enter its production phase, ready for the Phase 2 HL-LHC detector upgrades. We present the status of the front-end part of the Versatile Link$^+$ project: the Versatile Link$^+$ Transceiver, which provides a low-mass, radiation tolerant, optical transmit- and receive module for tight integration in the upgrading HL-LHC detectors. We describe the development and thorough testing carried out with the transceiver prototypes and their sub-components and the design decisions that have led to the final production-ready prototype. The planned production schedule is also presented.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2025

μRWELL detector developments at Jefferson Lab for high luminosity experiments

One of the future plans at Jefferson Lab is running electron scattering experiments with large acceptance detectors at luminosities > 10^37 cm^−2 s^−1. These experiments allow the measurements of the Double Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering (DDVCS) reaction, an important physics process in the formalism of Generalized Parton Distributions, which has never been measured because of its small cross-section. The luminosity upgrade of CLAS12 or the SOLID detector makes Jefferson Lab a unique place to measure DDVCS. One of the important components of these high luminosity detectors is a tracking system that can withstand high rates of ≈ 1MHz/cm2. The recently developed Micro-Resistive Well (𝜇RWELL) detector technology is a promising option for such a tracking detector by combining good position resolutions, low material budget with simple mechanical construction, and low production costs. In this proceeding, we will discuss recent developments and studies with 𝜇RWELL detectors at Jefferson Lab for future upgrades of the CLAS12 detector to study the DDVCS reaction.

Hauenstein, Florian↗

DOE OSTI2025

Status of the PrimEx $\eta$ experiment at Jefferson Lab

The GlueX detector in the experimental Hall D at Jefferson Lab offers a unique opportunity to perform a measurement of the decay width of eta mesons through the Primakoff effect. The experiment complements the physics program at Jefferson Lab on measuring the decay width of light pseudoscalar mesons via the Primakoff process. The goal of the experiment is to measure differential cross sections of eta mesons at forward angles using a beam of tagged photons incident on a liquid 4He target, which will be used for the extraction of the decay width. This measurement is vital for understanding fundamental properties like the ratios of the light quark masses and the eta - eta' mixing angle, and will provide an important test of chiral symmetry breaking in QCD. Our experimental results will help reduce uncertainties on partial widths of all other eta decays. The experiment collected data during three physics runs between 2019 and 2022. We will give an overview of the PrimEx eta experiment and the current status of our data analyses. We will also discuss the feasibility of conducting future Primakoff measurements in light of the recent upgrade of the GlueX forward calorimeter and the potential accelerator energy upgrade to 22 GeV.

Somov, Alexander↗

DOE OSTI2021

Electrostatic Design and Characterization of a 200 keV Photogun and Wien Spin Rotator

High-energy nuclear physics experiments at the Jefferson Lab Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) require high spin-polarization electron beams produced from strained super-lattice GaAs photocathodes activated to negative electron affinity in a high voltage photogun operating at 130 kV dc. A pair of Wien filter spin rotators in the injector provides precise control of the electron beam polarization at the end station target. An upgrade of the CEBAF injector to better support the upcoming Moller experiment requires increasing the electron beam energy to 200 keV, resulting in better transmission through injector apertures and improved photocathode lifetime. In addition, the energy increase is expected to reduce unwanted helicity correlated intensity and position systematics. These requirements led to the design of a shielding electrode described in this work, which minimizes the electric field at the triple-point junction and linearizes the potential along the insulator, thus reducing the risk of field emission induced insulator arcing. The Wien spin rotator design was modified for increasing the electric field from 1.6 to 2.7 MV/m and the magnetic field from 9.1 to 13 mT. The upgrades required detailed modeling in Solidworks, electrostatic simulations using CST, beam dynamics using GPT, device implementation, and in situ high voltage characterization of the world?s first 200 keV polarized photoelectron gun and compatible Wien filter spin rotator.

Palacios-Serrano, Gabriel↗

DOE OSTI2020

Neutronics analyses for the conceptual design of the SNS Second Target Station

The Spallation Neutron Source, in operation at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory since 2006, was designed to allow the addition of a second target station and an upgrade of the accelerator proton power. Both upgrades are now underway. Here we describe the evolution of the design of the target of the second target station with the emphasis on the effects of the proton beam footprint on the energy deposition in the target, stresses induced by the pulsed operation, and the importance of the residual heat. The moderator configurations and their optimization are discussed. With the utilization of pure parahydrogen moderators, small neutron beam cross-sections, and the specific optimization, neutron beams of the second target station will achieve exceptionally high peak brightness and time-averaged brightness.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Paired electrocatalysis in 5-hydroxymethylfurfural valorization

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has aroused considerable interest over the past years as an important biomass-derived platform molecule, yielding various value-added products. The conventional HMF conversion requires noble metal catalysts and harsh operating conditions. On the other hand, the electrocatalytic conversion of HMF has been considered as an environmentally benign alternative. However, its practical application is limited by low overall energy efficiency and incomplete conversion. Paired electrolysis and highly efficient electrocatalysts are two viable strategies to address these limitations. Herein, an overview of coupled electrocatalytic HMF hydrogenation or hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with HMF oxidation as well as the associated electrocatalysts are reviewed and discussed. In this mini-review, a brief introduction of electrocatalytic HMF upgrading is given, followed by the recent advances and challenges of paired electrolysis with an emphasis on the integration HMF electrohydrogenation with HMF electrooxidation. Finally, a perspective for a future sustainable biomass upgrading community based on electrocatalysis is proposed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2021

Techno-Economic Optimization of CSP Plants with Free-Falling Particle Receivers

Particle receivers are one of the candidates for the next generation of CSP plants, whose goal is to reduce the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) to 0.05 $/kWh. This paper presents a techno-economic analysis to study if a CSP system with free-falling particle receiver can achieve this goal. The plant analyzed integrates two ground-based bins to store the excess energy and a supercritical CO2 cycle to generate electricity. The model used for the analysis presents several upgrades to previous particle systems models in order to increase its fidelity, accuracy, and representativeness of an actual system. The main upgrades are the addition of off-design conditions during the annual simulations in all the components and an improved receiver model validated against CFD simulations. The size of the main components is optimized to obtain the system configuration with minimum LCOE. The results show that particle CSP systems can reduce the LCOE to 0.056 $/kWh if the configuration is composed of 1.61 × 106 m2 of heliostats, a 250 m high tower with a 537 m2 falling particle curtain, and 16 h thermal energy storage.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2022

A Geomechanical Model for Gas Hydrate Bearing Sediments Incorporating High Dilatancy, Temperature, and Rate Effects

The geomechanical behavior of methane hydrate bearing sediments (MHBS) is influenced by many factors, including temperature, fluid pressure, hydrate saturation, stress level, and strain rate. The paper presents a visco-elastoplastic constitutive model for MHBS based on an elastoplastic model that incorporates the effect of hydrate saturation, stress history, and hydrate morphology on hydrate sediment response. The upgraded model is able to account for additional critical features of MHBS behavior, such as, high-dilatancy, temperature, and rate effects. The main components and the mathematical formulation of the new constitutive model are described in detail. The upgraded model is validated using published triaxial tests involving MHBS. The model agrees overly well with the experimental observations and is able to capture the main features associated with the behavior of MHBS.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2023

Architecture for Co-Simulation of Transportation and Distribution Systems with Electric Vehicle Charging at Scale in the San Francisco Bay Area

This work describes the Grid-Enhanced, Mobility-Integrated Network Infrastructures for Extreme Fast Charging (GEMINI) architecture for the co-simulation of distribution and transportation systems to evaluate EV charging impacts on electric distribution systems of a large metropolitan area and the surrounding rural regions with high fidelity. The current co-simulation is applied to Oakland and Alameda, California, and in future work will be extended to the full San Francisco Bay Area. It uses the HELICS co-simulation framework to enable parallel instances of vetted grid and transportation software programs to interact at every model timestep, allowing high-fidelity simulations at a large scale. This enables not only the impacts of electrified transportation systems across a larger interconnected collection of distribution feeders to be evaluated, but also the feedbacks between the two systems, such as through control systems, to be captured and compared. The findings are that with moderate passenger EV adoption rates, inverter controls combined with some distribution system hardware upgrades can maintain grid voltages within ANSI C.84 range A limits of 0.95 to 1.05 p.u. without smart charging. However, EV charging control may be required for higher levels of charging or to reduce grid upgrades, and this will be explored in future work.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2021

Towards a New μ→eγ Search with the MEG II Experiment: From Design to Commissioning

The MEG experiment represents the state of the art in the search for the Charged Lepton Flavour Violating μ + →e + γ decay. With its first phase of operations at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), MEG set the most stringent upper limit on the BR (μ + →e + γ) ≤ 4.2×10 –13 at 90% confidence level, imposing one of the tightest constraints on models predicting LFV-enhancements through new physics beyond the Standard Model. An upgrade of the MEG experiment, MEG II, was designed and it is presently in the commissioning phase, aiming at a sensitivity level of 6×10 –14 . The MEG II experiment relies on a series of upgrades, which include an improvement of the photon detector resolutions, brand new detectors on the positron side with better acceptance, efficiency and performances and new and optimized trigger and DAQ electronics to exploit a muon beam intensity twice as high as that of MEG (7×10 7 μ + /s). This paper presents a complete overview of the MEG II experimental apparatus and the current status of the detector commissioning in view of the physics data taking in the upcoming three years.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Responses of a Modular Floating Wind TLP of MarsVAWT Supporting a 10 MW Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Offshore floating wind foundations supporting a large wind turbine require a large yard facility or significant facility upgrades for their fabrication. To overcome the cost increase associated with facility upgrades, an innovative lightweight modular floating foundation is developed. The foundation comprises multiple modules to enable their assembly on water, offering many benefits and expanding fabrication options for a reduction in the overall cost of the platform. In this paper, the foundation modules and their assembly are briefly described, and an analysis of the platform’s dynamic responses is presented. The modular foundation includes a modular and lightweight tension leg platform (TLP) called “MarsVAWT” which supports a Darrieus 10 MW vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). The platform is moored with highly pretensioned wire rope tendons. The responses of the platform are analyzed in the time domain in a semi-coupled manner under the turbine operating and parked conditions for an offshore site in the US Northeast. The tower base shear forces and bending moments increase considerably with the combination of wind and waves, compared to those with wind only. The tendon tensions on the weatherside in the operating condition at high wind speeds are comparable to the values of the 50-year extreme (parked). The tendon tension increases are highly correlated to the platform pitch, as well as the horizontal and vertical velocities and vertical acceleration at the tendon porch. The modular platform performances and tendon designs are confirmed to comply with industry standards and practices.

Boo, Sung Youn↗