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At least 1,459 records · Page 81
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

The Mu2e Crystal and SiPM Calorimeter: Construction Status

The Mu2e experiment at Fermilab searches for the neutrino-less conversion of a negative muon into an electron, with a distinctive signature of a mono-energetic electron with an energy of 104.967 MeV. The calorimeter is made of two disks of pure CsI crystals, each read out by two custom large-area UV-extended silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). It plays a fundamental role in providing excellent particle identification capabilities and an online trigger filter while improving the track reconstruction, requiring better than 10% energy and 500 ps timing resolutions for 100 MeV electrons. In this article, we present the status of construction and the quality control (QC) performed on the produced crystals and photosensors, the development of the rad-hard electronics, and the most important results of the irradiation tests. Construction of the mechanics is also reported. Status and plans for the calorimeter assembly and its first commissioning are described.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS2003

Innovations in mission architectures for exploration beyond low Earth orbit

Through the application of advanced technologies and mission concepts, architectures for missions beyond Earth orbit have been dramatically simplified. These concepts enable a stepping stone approach to science driven; technology enabled human and robotic exploration. Numbers and masses of vehicles required are greatly reduced, yet the pursuit of a broader range of science objectives is enabled. The scope of human missions considered range from the assembly and maintenance of large aperture telescopes for emplacement at the Sun-Earth libration point L2, to human missions to asteroids, the moon and Mars. The vehicle designs are developed for proof of concept, to validate mission approaches and understand the value of new technologies. The stepping stone approach employs an incremental buildup of capabilities, which allows for future decision points on exploration objectives. It enables testing of technologies to achieve greater reliability and understanding of costs for the next steps in exploration. c2003 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

United States National Aeronautics and Space Admin↗
NASA NTRS2012

Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG), Space Science's Past, Present and Future Aboard the International Space Station (ISS)

The Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) is a double rack facility aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which accommodates science and technology investigations in a "workbench' type environment. The MSG has been operating on the ISS since July 2002 and is currently located in the US Laboratory Module. In fact, the MSG has been used for over 10,000 hours of scientific payload operations and plans to continue for the life of ISS. The facility has an enclosed working volume that is held at a negative pressure with respect to the crew living area. This allows the facility to provide two levels of containment for small parts, particulates, fluids, and gases. This containment approach protects the crew from possible hazardous operations that take place inside the MSG work volume and allows researchers a controlled pristine environment for their needs. Research investigations operating inside the MSG are provided a large 255 liter enclosed work space, 1000 watts of dc power via a versatile supply interface (120, 28, + 12, and 5 Vdc), 1000 watts of cooling capability, video and data recording and real time downlink, ground commanding capabilities, access to ISS Vacuum Exhaust and Vacuum Resource Systems, and gaseous nitrogen supply. These capabilities make the MSG one of the most utilized facilities on ISS. MSG investigations have involved research in cryogenic fluid management, fluid physics, spacecraft fire safety, materials science, combustion, and plant growth technologies. Modifications to the MSG facility are currently under way to expand the capabilities and provide for investigations involving Life Science and Biological research. In addition, the MSG video system is being replaced with a state-of-the-art, digital video system with high definition/high speed capabilities, and with near real-time downlink capabilities. This paper will provide an overview of the MSG facility, a synopsis of the research that has already been accomplished in the MSG, and an overview of the facility enhancements that will shortly be available for use by future investigators.

Spivey, Reggie↗
DOE OSTI2025

Developments in Processing Criteria for Iron Phosphate Waste Form Design for Treating Electrorefiner Salt Wastes

This report describes work done under a Nuclear Energy University Partnership (NEUP) project that included a collaborative effort between Pacific Northwest National laboratory, University of Nevada Reno, University to Utah, and Missouri University of Science and Technology. In this project, the main goals were the following: (1) to assess H3PO4 dechlorination parameters for halide removal from salt simulants, (2) to evaluate crucible compatibility with iron phosphate glass melts, and (3) to evaluate waste form properties within a ternary system of P2O5 (added as H3PO4), Fe2O3 and fission product simulants.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2025

X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography for Structural Analysis of All-Solid-State Battery at Pouch Cell Level

Characterizing the microstructure of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) during fabrication and operation is vital for their advancement, particularly as scaling to pouch cell levels introduces challenges in probing large-scale microstructural evolution. This work highlights the potential of synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography (sXCT) as a nondestructive, rapid (<30 min), and high-resolution technique for visualizing and quantifying key microstructural features, including overhang, porosity, contact loss, active surface area, and tortuosity, in all-solid-state pouch cells. The large field of view (up to millimeters) of sXCT enables detailed analysis at an industry-relevant scale, bridging the gap between laboratory research and commercial applications. Furthermore, integrating realistic sXCT-derived 3D models into multiphysics simulations could provide insights into chemo-mechanical degradation, particularly at the edges of the pouch cells, offering a pathway for designing robust, high-performance ASSBs. This perspective establishes sXCT as an indispensable tool for advancing both the understanding and the engineering of next-generation energy storage systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Development of X-ray Wavefront Sensing Techniques for Adaptive Optics Control at the Advanced Photon Source

The planning and construction of new and upgraded high-brightness X-ray synchrotron and free electron laser sources, such as the Advanced Photon Source upgrade project (APS-U), are driving numerous opportunities to advance X-ray science and technologies. At the same time, an increasing number of highly diverse beamline experiments demand wavefront-preserving adaptive X-ray optics with both high precision and flexibility. At the APS, significant effort has been devoted to developing next-generation adaptive and corrective optics combined with state-of-the-art at-wavelength wavefront sensing techniques and an intelligent feedback control system for the automation and self-alignment of beamline optical systems. This article reviews recent achievements in these areas at the APS. Further, these include the development of in-situ wavefront sensing, the application in active feedback control of ultra-precision deformable mirrors, and the exploration of non-invasive wavefront sensing techniques for adaptive optics and beamline diagnostics.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2019

Energy Saving by Insulating a Cooking Pot

Sandia National Laboratories is one of the most technologically advanced and resourceful national laboratories in the United States. Their mission is to use science and technology, innovative research, and global engagement to counter threats, reduce dangers, and respond to disasters. To achieve this mission, Sandia is divided into ten divisions that are overlooked by Dr. Stephen Younger, the Laboratories Director. Amongst the ten divisions, the internship will take place in Division 8000, which is Integrated Security Solutions. Inside this division, the internship will be a Structural and Thermal Analysis R&D. Apart from being strictly focused on security, the division performs research for small companies that do not count with the resources to perform it themselves. During the summer internship, one of these cases is being attended. A small company invented an insulating cover that is supposed to be placed over the top of a cooking pot lid. They claim that the insulating cover helps in the saving of energy. As an intern and researcher, the task is to determine how much energy is effectively saved by placing the insulating cover over the cooking pot. To achieve the goal, mathematical analyses, experiments and simulations will be done. Then, if appropriate, a better design will be made to increase the energy saved by the insulating cover. For the mathematical analysis, the thermal resistance method was used, resulting in energy saved at a rate of 14.2795 W. After the mathematical analysis was done, a test plan was developed and presented to the supervisor for approval. After some recommendations, the test plan will be modified accordingly.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

Depletion Benchmark of the AFIP-7 Experiment in the Advanced Test Reactor

Reactor physics depletion benchmarks for low-enriched uranium fuel are limited in number. In particular, there is very limited data for LEU benchmarks for U-10Mo (Uranium-10% Molybdenum) plate fuel developed for use in U.S. high-performance research reactors (USHPRR). USHPRR includes the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), Advanced Test Reactor Critical Facility (ATR-C), High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR), Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor (MITR), and National Bureau of Standards Reactor (NBSR) at the National Institute of Science and Technology. These reactors are fueled with high-enriched uranium dispersed fuel in a silicon/aluminum matrix. In support of conversion to a HALEU fuel, qualification of U-10Mo formed into a monolithic foil is being performed. Fuel qualification involves irradiated fueled specimens in the ATR. The irradiation tests provide an opportunity to benchmark depletion capabilities of reactor physics codes in support of the ATR operation, as well as develop benchmarks that can be used by other institutions to benchmark other reactor physics codes. This report documents the development of a benchmark model of the irradiation of the ATR Full -size plate In center flux trap Position 7 (AFIP-7) experiment.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS2001

Progress and Status of the 2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle Program

Safe, low-cost space transportation is the key enabler of the commercial development and civil exploration of space. Human space flight remains a hazardous endeavor in spite of advances in aerospace technology. NASA intends to reduce the resources devoted to routine space operations, thus enabling additional science research, technology development, and exploration activities. NASA developed the Integrated Space Transportation Plan (ISTP) to address the needs for space access. ISTP is a balanced and comprehensive plan that embodies strategies for achieving goals for earth-to-orbit and in-space transportation operations. ISTP calls for near-term safety related upgrades to the Space Shuttle, development of a Crew Return Vehicle, a new Space Launch Initiative (SLI), and development of an Aero-Space Base to provide foundation technology for future space systems. NASA formed the SLI to coordinate the development of the 2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) architecture, The SLI is implemented by the 2nd Generation RLV Program Office.

Dumbacher, Daniel L.↗
NASA NTRS2003

People, Places and Pixels: Remote Sensing in the Service of Society

What is the role of Earth remote sensing and other geospatial technologies in our society? Recent global events have brought into focus the role of geospatial science and technology such as remote sensing, GIS, GPS in assisting the professionals who are responsible for operations such as rescue and recovery of sites after a disaster or a terrorist act. This paper reviews the use of recent remote sensing products from satellites such as IKONOS in these efforts. Aerial and satellite imagery used in land mine detection has been evaluated and the results of this evaluation will be discussed. Synopsis of current and future ISS Earth Remote Sensing capabilities will be provided. The role of future missions in humanitarian use of remote sensing will be explored.

Lulla, Kamlesh↗
NASA NTRS2016

NASA's Suborbital Missions Teach Engineering and Technology: Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility

A 50 minute-workshop based on NASA publicly available information will be conducted at the International Technology and Engineering Educator Association annual conference. Attendees will include middle and high school teachers and university teacher educators. Engineering and technology are essential to NASA's suborbital missions including sounding rockets, scientific balloon and airborne science. The attendees will learn how to include NASA information on these missions in their teaching.

STEM: Science Technology Engineering and Mathemati↗
NASA NTRS2013

The Use of NASA GSFC Modular, Reconfigurable, Rapid (MR^2) Small Satellite for the Measurement of Greenhouse Gases

The Small Rocket/Spacecraft Technology (SMART) is an existing microsatellite prototype bus that provides the ability to accommodate focused science (and technology validation) missions without the need to spend large resources typical of high‐performing spacecraft. SMART represents the sum value of GSFC’s long tradition of developing systems that find efficient application in a series of missions, exemplified by two successful major programs: the Multi-mission Modular Spacecraft (MMS), and the Small Explorer Program (SMEX). SMART is based on an evolutionary architecture based drawn from these two experiences: the Modular, Reconfigurable, Rapid (MR2) architecture. This paper shows a SMART-derivative spacecraft (with re-sized structure) used to accommodate the Abundance of Methane via Interferometric Glint Observation (AMIGO) instrument. The principal objective of AMIGO is to map and quantify the abundance of the major greenhouse gases (particularly methane) and to identify and quantify their sources and sinks on a global basis. In addition, a Laser retro-reflector instrument of opportunity is included, to add to the constellation of spacecraft relevant to the definition and regular update of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF).

small satellite↗
DOE OSTI2020

Panel Session 69: Ensuring Strong Return on Investment for DOE EM Technology Development: Global Views

This panel focused on DOE and Non-US Technology Development Projects discussing how they approach tech development to maximize return on investment (ROI). Successful examples were discussed. After the individual panelist's presentations, the three panelists were joined by Kurt Gerdes in discussing the genesis of this panel and why it is important. Panelists with presentations: Ensuring a Strong Return on Investment for DOE EM Technology Development (Anthony Banford) DOE Technology Development Projects that Provided a Strong Return on Investment (ROI (Mark Lesinski) Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (Gerry Triani) Decommissioning Situation of Nuclear Power Plant in Japan (Teruyuki Hirai)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2021

Optimization of selenium in CdZnTeSe quaternary compound for radiation detector applications

X- and gamma-ray detectors are increasingly becoming essential tool for science and technology in various fields include homeland security, nonproliferation, nuclear security, medical imaging, astrophysics, and high energy physics. Cd 1-x Zn x Te 1-y Se y (CZTS) is emerging as a next-generation compound semiconductor for such applications. CZTS was found to possesses a very low concentration of Te inclusions and free from sub-grain boundary networks. Being a quaternary compound with varying alloy composition, optimization of the composition was performed to determine the minimum amount of selenium required to produce CZTS with reduced defects. The optimized composition was found to be x=0.10 and y=0.02, i.e., Cd 0.9 Zn0.1Te 0.98 Se 0.02 , for excellent material properties as a radiation detector. The resulting material was free from sub-grain boundary networks and with a highly reduced concentration of Te inclusions. The bulk dark resistivity obtained was in the range of 1-3x1010 ohm-cm with the highest achieved mobility-lifetime product of ~6.6x10-3 cm2/V for the optimized CZTS composition. Impurity analyses were performed by the Glow Discharge Mass Spectroscopy (GDMS) technique, and the results showed relatively high impurity concentrations compared to commercial detector-grade CdZnTe. Thus, CZTS has room for further improvement with additional purification of the starting materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

High-resolution virtual Frisch grid gamma-ray detectors based on as-grown CdZnTeSe with reduced defects

X- and gamma-ray detectors arequickly becoming essential tools for science and technology in various fields. These detectors offer broad applications such as homeland security, nonproliferation, nuclear security, medical imaging, astrophysics, and high energy physics. All these applications necessitate high-resolution detectors operable at room temperature and available at a reasonable cost. CdZnTe (CZT) is the material of choice for this purpose; however, the material still suffers from intrinsic defects such as highly decorated subgrain boundary networks and a high concentration of secondary phases. These defects not only hinder the charge transport but also create a spatial inhomogeneity in the charge transport properties, subsequently causing substantial degradation in detector response particularly for relatively thick (>1 cm) detectors. Some of the material deficiencies suffered by CZT have been addressed by adding selenium into the CZT matrix. Selenium was found to be very effective in producing material that is principally free from a subgrain boundary network with the occasional appearance of subgrain boundaries with reduced secondary phases decorating these boundaries. The resulting quaternary compound CdZnTeSe (CZTS) reflected excellent material quality mitigating some major deficiencies suffered by CZT. Virtual Frisch grid detectors were fabricated from the as-grown CZTS ingots, and they demonstrated high resolution spectroscopic grade. The excellent CZTS material contained very low defects and was found to potentially increase the yield of high-quality detectors as compared to CZT.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2024

Implementation of a laser–neutron pump–probe capability for inelastic neutron scattering

Knowledge about nonequilibrium dynamics in spin systems is of great importance to both fundamental science and technological applications. Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) is an indispensable tool to study spin excitations in complex magnetic materials. However, conventional INS spectrometers currently only perform steady-state measurements and probe averaged properties over many collision events between spin excitations in thermodynamic equilibrium, while the exact picture of re-equilibration of these excitations remains unknown. In this paper, we report on the design and implementation of a time-resolved laser–neutron pump–probe capability at hybrid spectrometer (beamline 14-B) at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This capability allows us to excite out-of-equilibrium magnons with a nanosecond pulsed laser source and probe the resulting dynamics using INS. Here, we discussed technical aspects to implement such a capability in a neutron beamline, including choices of suitable neutron instrumentation and material systems, laser excitation scheme, experimental configurations, and relevant firmware and software development to allow for time-synchronized pump–probe measurements. We demonstrated that the laser-induced nonequilibrium structure factor is able to be resolved by INS in a quantum magnet. In conclusion, the method developed in this work will provide SNS with advanced capabilities for performing out-of-equilibrium measurements, opening up an entirely new research direction to study out-of-equilibrium phenomena using neutrons.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ultrafast low-temperature metal–insulator interface phonon dynamics and heat transport in a Pt/Gd 3 Fe 5 O 12 heterostructure

Interfacial thermal and acoustic phenomena have an important role in quantum science and technology, including in spintronic and spincaloritronic materials and devices. Simultaneous measurements of the low-temperature thermal and acoustic properties of a metal/insulator heterostructure reveal distinct dynamics in the characteristic phonon frequency ranges of acoustic and thermal transport. The measurements probed a heterostructure consisting of a thin film of Pt on the ferrimagnetic insulator gadolinium iron garnet (Gd 3 Fe 5 O 12 , GdIG) grown epitaxially on a gadolinium gallium garnet substrate. Ultrafast structural dynamics within the Pt layer were tracked using time-resolved ultrafast x-ray diffraction and analyzed to probe interfacial acoustic and thermal properties. The rapid heating of the Pt layer by a 400 nm wavelength femtosecond-duration optical pulse produced transient structural changes that provided the stimulus for these measurements. Rapid heating produced a broadband acoustic pulse that was partially reflected by the Pt/GdIG interface. Temporal frequencies up to 740 GHz, corresponding to angular frequencies of several THz, were detected in a wavelet analysis of the acoustic oscillations of the strain in the Pt layer. The structural results were analyzed to determine (i) the acoustic damping coefficient and phonon mean free path in Pt at frequencies of hundreds of GHz and (ii) the Grüneisen anharmonicity parameter. The thermal conductance of the Pt/GdIG interface was tracked using the slower, tens-of-picosecond-scale, dynamics of the initial cooling of the heated Pt layer. Analysis using a model based on the Boltzmann transport equation shows that the phonon transmission is lower at the phonon frequencies relevant to thermal transport than for subterahertz regime acoustics.

Acoustic phenomena↗