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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Toward an event-level analysis of hadron structure using differential programming

Reconstructing the internal properties of hadrons in terms of fundamental quark and gluon de- grees of freedom is a central goal in nuclear and particle physics. This effort lies at the core of major experimental programs, such as the Jefferson Lab 12 GeV program and the upcoming Electron-Ion Collider. A primary challenge is the inherent inverse problem: converting large-scale observational data from collision events into the fundamental QCD-defined densities that characterize the micro- scopic structure of hadronic systems. Recent advances in AI and machine learning have opened new avenues for addressing this challenge using deep learning techniques. A particularly promising direction is the integration of complex theoretical calculations and experimental simulations into a unified framework capable of reconstructing these densities directly from event-level information. In this document, we introduce a key algorithm called LOITS, which enables differentiable program- ming within such a framework, facilitating the use of AI/ML techniques to solve the inverse problem of QCF reconstruction at the event level.

Braga, Kevin [College of William and Mary, William↗
DOE OSTI2023

Ultrafast radiographic imaging and tracking: An overview of instruments, methods, data, and applications

Ultrafast radiographic imaging and tracking (U-RadIT) use state-of-the-art ionizing particle and light sources to experimentally study sub-nanosecond transients or dynamic processes in physics, chemistry, biology, geology, materials science and other fields. These processes are fundamental to modern technologies and applications, such as nuclear fusion energy, advanced manufacturing, communication, and green transportation, which often involve one mole or more atoms and elementary particles, and thus are challenging to compute by using the first principles of quantum physics or other forward models. One of the central problems in U-RadIT is to optimize information yield through, e.g. high-luminosity X-ray and particle sources, efficient imaging and tracking detectors, novel methods to collect data, and large-bandwidth online and offline data processing, regulated by the underlying physics, statistics, and computing power. We review and highlight recent progress in: (a.) Detectors such as high-speed complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) cameras, hybrid pixelated array detectors integrated with Timepix4 and other application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and digital photon detectors; (b.) U-RadIT modalities such as dynamic phase contrast imaging, dynamic diffractive imaging, and four-dimensional (4D) particle tracking; (c.) U-RadIT data and algorithms such as neural networks and machine learning, and (d.) Applications in ultrafast dynamic material science using XFELs, synchrotrons and laser-driven sources. Hardware-centric approaches to U-RadIT optimization are constrained by detector material properties, low signal-to-noise ratio, high cost and long development cycles of critical hardware components such as ASICs. Interpretation of experimental data, including comparisons with forward models, is frequently hindered by sparse measurements, model and measurement uncertainties, and noise. Alternatively, U-RadIT make increasing use of data science and machine learning algorithms, including experimental implementations of compressed sensing. Machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches, refined by physics and materials information, may also contribute significantly to data interpretation, uncertainty quantification and U-RadIT optimization.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Exploring baryon resonances with transition generalized parton distributions: status and perspectives

QCD gives rise to a rich spectrum of excited baryon states. Understanding their internal structure is important for many areas of nuclear physics, such as nuclear forces, dense matter, and neutrino-nucleus interactions. Generalized parton distributions (GPDs) are an established tool for characterizing the QCD structure of the ground-state nucleon. They are used to create 3D tomographic images of the quark/gluon structure and quantify the mechanical properties such as the distribution of mass, angular momentum, and forces in the system. Transition GPDs extend these concepts to N → N* transitions and can be used to characterize the 3D structure and mechanical properties of baryon resonances. They can be probed in high-momentum-transfer exclusive electroproduction processes with resonance transitions e + N → e' + M + N*, such as deeply-virtual Compton scattering (M = γ) or meson production (M = π, K, etc.), and in related photon/hadron-induced processes. This White Paper describes a research program aiming to explore baryon resonance structure with transition GPDs. This includes the properties and interpretation of the transition GPDs, theoretical methods for structures and processes, first experimental results from JLab 12 GeV, future measurements with existing and planned facilities (JLab detector and energy upgrades, COMPASS/AMBER, EIC, EicC, J-PARC, LHC ultraperipheral collisions), and the theoretical and experimental developments needed to realize this program.

Experimental Nuclear Physics↗
DOE OSTI2025

Scintillating glass for precision calorimetry in nuclear physics

High-performance scintillator materials are needed for particle identification and measurements of energy and momentum of electromagnetic particles in modern nuclear physics experiments. As an example, the US Electron-Ion Collider, a unique collider with diverse physics topics, requires electromagnetic calorimetry enabling high-quality electron identification and detection in the momentum range of 0.3 to tens of GeV. The highest resolution in electromagnetic calorimeters can be provided by homogeneous materials, e.g., lead tungstate crystals. Inorganic glass scintillators have been investigated as an attractive and cost-effective alternative to crystals, that is also easier and faster to manufacture in mass production. In this paper, we discuss progress in the fabrication and characterization of recent scintillating glass samples on both test bench and beam tests. Further, the results are well-reproduced by simulation and are discussed in the context of the Electron-Ion Collider experimental requirements and bench-marked against lead tungstate crystals.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Polywell Revisited

The Polywell fusion concept, originally proposed by Robert W. Bussard in 1985, has been investigated for over four decades as a potential solution for achieving net fusion energy in a compact and economically viable reactor. It combines two distinct approaches: high-beta magnetic cusp confinement of electrons using polyhedral coil configurations and electrostatic ion confinement via a potential well formed by injected electron beams. While the hybrid nature of the Polywell system offers advantages in plasma stability and engineering simplicity, previous efforts have been limited by persistent challenges in achieving sufficient plasma confinement required to generate a net energy gain. Here, in this study, we examine previous works and identify limitations of several Polywell embodiments that have historically impeded progress. We present an updated Polywell physics model incorporating experimental findings and recent first-principles particle-in-cell simulations. This updated model outlines a credible path toward overcoming confinement losses and achieving net energy gain using deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuels. Our findings provide a renewed scientific basis for the continued development of the Polywell fusion concept as a practical and scalable approach to fusion energy.

Electrostatic potential well↗
DOE OSTI2021

Imaging electric field with electrically neutral particles

It used to think that is impossible to determine/measure electric field inside a physically isolated volume, especially inside an electrically shielded space, because a conventional electric-field sensor can only measure electric field at the location of the sensor, and when an electric-field source is screened by conductive materials, no leakage electric field can be detected. For first time, we experimentally demonstrated that electrically neutral particles, neutrons, can be used to measure/image electric field behind a physical barrier. This work enables a new measurement capability that can visualize electric-relevant properties inside a studied sample or detection target for scientific research and engineering applications.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Efficient approach to kinetic simulation in the inner magnetically insulated transmission line on Z

This project explores the idea of performing kinetic numerical simulations in the Z inner magnetically insulated transmission line (inner MITL) by reduced physics models such as a guiding center drift kinetic approximation for particles and electrostatic and magnetostatic approximation for the fields. The basic problem explored herein is the generation, formation, and evolution of vortices by electron space charge limited (SCL) emission. The results indicate that for relevant to Z values of peak current and pulse length, these approximations are excellent, while also providing tens to hundreds of times reduction in the computational load. The benefits could be enormous: Implementation of these reduced physics models in present particle-in-cell (PIC) codes could enable them to be routinely used for experimental design while still capturing essential non-thermal (kinetic) physics.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Incoherent diffractive dijet production and gluon Bose enhancement in the nuclear wave function

We investigate the effect of gluon Bose enhancement in the nuclear wave function on the dijet production in incoherent diffractive processes in DIS and ultraperipheral collisions. We demonstrate that Bose enhancement leads to an enhancement of diffractive dijet production cross section when the transverse momenta of the two jets are aligned at zero relative angle. This enhancement is maximal when the magnitude of the transverse momenta of the two jets are equal, and disappears rather quickly as a function of the ratio of the two momenta. We study both the dilute limit and fully nonlinear dense regime where the nuclear wave function is evolved with the leading order JIMWLK equation. In both cases we observe a visible effect, with it being enhanced by the evolution due to the dynamical generation of the color neutralization scale.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Detailed temperature diagnostic studies for Radishock and COAX experiments

Spectral diagnostics provide a powerful probe of high energy-density physics experiments. By shining an x-ray source on a target, absorption features can be used to determine accurate temperature profiles of that target material. Many studies produce a single temperature/density measurement by fitting these observed spectra. This paper demonstrates how, by leveraging detailed simulations, we can not only measure the average temperature and density, but the full density and temperature profiles. To do so, we must conduct a careful analysis of the uncertainties in the diagnostic measurement. Here we discuss the characteristics and associated uncertainties of the spectral diagnostic used in the COAX, Radishock and OuTi experiments, ultimately demonstrating how these detailed studies increase the potential of this powerful probe.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Newton, entanglement, and the graviton

Many experiments have recently been proposed to test whether nonrelativistic gravitational interactions can generate entanglement. In this paper, I consider the extent to which these experiments can test if the graviton exists. Assuming unitarity and Lorentz invariance of the S-matrix, I demonstrate that this "Newtonian entanglement" requires the existence of massless bosons, universally coupled to mass, in the Hilbert space of low-energy scattering states. These bosons could be the usual spin-2 gravitons, but in principle there are other possibilities like spin-0 scalar gravitons. I suggest a concept for a more refined experiment to rule these out. The special role of d=3+1 spacetime dimensions and the possibility that unitarity is violated by gravity are highlighted.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Input to the European strategy for particle physics: strong-field quantum electrodynamics

This document sets out the intention of the strong-field QED community to carry out, both experimentally and numerically, high-statistics parametric studies of quantum electrodynamics in the non-perturbative regime, at fields approaching and exceeding the critical or ‘Schwinger’ field of QED (F qed ≈ m 2 c 3 / eh ≈ 1.3 x 10 18 V/m) in the rest frame of a charged particle. In this regime, several exotic and fascinating phenomena are predicted to occur that have never been directly observed in the laboratory. These include Breit–Wheeler pair production, vacuum birefringence, and quantum radiation reaction. This experimental programme will also serve as a stepping stone towards studies of elusive phenomena such as elastic scattering of real photons and the conjectured perturbative breakdown of QED at extreme fields. State-of-the-art high-power laser facilities in Europe and beyond are starting to offer unique opportunities to study this uncharted regime at the intensity frontier, which is highly relevant also for the design of future multi-TeV lepton colliders. A transition from qualitative observational experiments to quantitative and high-statistics measurements can only be performed with large-scale collaborations and with systematic experimental programmes devoted to the optimisation of several aspects of these complex experiments, including detector developments, stability and tolerances studies, and laser technology.

Sarri, G. [Queen’s University Belfast (United King↗
DOE OSTI2021

Review of opportunities for new long-lived particle triggers in Run 3 of the Large Hadron Collider

Long-lived particles (LLPs) are highly motivated signals of physics Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) with great discovery potential and unique experimental challenges. The LLP search programme made great advances during Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), but many important regions of signal space remain unexplored. Dedicated triggers are crucial to improve the potential of LLP searches, and their development and expansion is necessary for the full exploitation of the new data. The public discussion of triggers has therefore been a relevant theme in the recent LLP literature, in the meetings of the LLP@LHC Community workshop and in the respective experiments. This paper documents the ideas collected during talks and discussions at these Workshops, benefiting as well from the ideas under development by the trigger community within the experimental collaborations. We summarise the theoretical motivations of various LLP scenarios leading to highly elusive signals, reviewing concrete ideas for triggers that could greatly extend the reach of the LHC experiments. We thus expect this document to encourage further thinking for both the phenomenological and experimental communities, as a stepping stone to further develop the LLP@LHC physics programme.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Physics-tailored machine learning reveals unexpected physics in dusty plasmas

Dusty plasma is a mixture of ions, electrons, and macroscopic charged particles that is commonly found in space and planetary environments. The particles interact through Coulomb forces mediated by the surrounding plasma, and as a result, the effective forces between particles can be nonconservative and nonreciprocal. Machine learning (ML) models are a promising route to learn these complex forces, yet their structure should match the underlying physical constraints to provide useful insight. Here, we demonstrate and experimentally validate an ML approach that incorporates physical intuition to infer force laws in a laboratory dusty plasma. Trained on 3D particle trajectories, the model accounts for inherent symmetries, nonidentical particles, and learns the effective nonreciprocal forces between particles with exquisite accuracy (R 2 > 0.99). We validate the model by inferring particle masses in two independent yet consistent ways. The model’s accuracy enables precise measurements of particle charge and screening length, identifying large deviations from common theoretical assumptions. Our ability to identify unknown physics from experimental data demonstrates how ML-powered approaches can guide new routes of scientific discovery in many-body systems. Furthermore, we anticipate our ML approach to be a starting point for inferring laws from dynamics in a wide range of many-body systems, from colloids to living organisms.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2024

FLUKA simulation validation to measure the beam energy of a cyclotron

FLUKA is a fully integrated particle physics MonteCarlo simulation package which has many applications in high energy experimental physics and engineering. When using a cyclotron for medical radionuclide production, it is important to know that the beam energy is suitable to cause the intended nuclear reaction and minimize unwanted impurities. Here, this work focuses on the comparison of FLUKA as a tool to measure the beam energy of a cyclotron with experimental results using the method of stacked copper foils interspaced by an aluminum degrader. We compared two methods to determine the activity ratio: determining the activity in each foil using the experimentally measured cross-sections from the National Nuclear Data Center (NNDC) cross-section data and calculating the activity in the two Cu foils using the FLUKA program. These results were compared to those reported by Gagnon et al., 2011. The FLUKA results gave energy measurements that were different than the true energy by a percentage in the range of 2.4% to 13%, suggesting that FLUKA is not recommended for pre-calculating the cyclotron beam energy using these low Z materials without experimental confirmation. It also confirms that the experimental cross-section data from the NNDC database is superior for this application giving energy values that ranged from 0.1% to 1.6% from the true energy.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2022

Photoelectron spectroscopy in molecular physical chemistry

Photoelectron spectroscopy has long been a powerful method in the toolbox of experimental physical chemistry and molecular physics. Recent improvements in coincidence methods, charged-particle imaging, and electron energy resolution have greatly expanded the variety of environments in which photoelectron spectroscopy can be applied, as well as the range of questions that can now be addressed. In this Perspectives Article, we focus on selected recent studies that highlight these advances and research areas. Furthermore, the topics include reactive intermediates and new thermochemical data, high-resolution comparisons of experiment and theory using methods based on pulsed-field ionisation (PFI), and the application of photoelectron spectroscopy as an analytical tool to monitor chemical reactions in complex environments, like model flames, catalytic or high-temperature reactors.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗